THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

Although there is a spate of news from Russia, the general situation remains obscure, the greatest mystery being the fate of the Czar, who has not abdicated, as was reported, and whose whereabouts are unknown. Mr Bonar Low in the Commons said that the British Embassy in Petrograd stated that the Czar’s abdication and appointment of the Grand Duke Michael as Regent had not yet been carried into effect. From all accounts the revolution is a highly popular movement throughout Russia.

50 years ago

A Sheriff who pleaded guilty in his own court to driving while unfit though drink or drugs was given an absolute discharge after his solicitor said he had been undergoing treatment with barbiturate drugs. Sheriff Lionel Daiches QC appeared at Glasgow. Sheriff M.G. Gillies told him: “If your treatment is still continuing on the same basis, I think you would be well advised to refrain from driving.” Sherrif Daiches had held a driving licence for 30 years without a blemish.

25 years ago

Christine MacDonald of Ferryden, Montrose, has warned parents to beware of cursing keyrings. In a bargain shop in Dundee Mrs MacDonald spotted a display of brightly coloured toy keyrings which she thought would be ideal for her grand-daughters Lisa and Gemma Pirie. The keyrings had plastic fobs and buttons which could be pressed to produce noises such as a siren or musical notes. However, when she took them home and put in the batteries she was shocked to hear a series of swear words. One year ago A “toxic stew” of pollution is due to hit Fife today, according to Friends of the Earth Scotland. A warning to those with heart and lung problems has gone out as the organisation warned of “a dangerous air pollution episode” expected to descend on many parts of the central belt. The scenario is anticipated to unfold today and peak tomorrow, with some areas still affected on Saturday. However, the situation won’t reach the ‘red alert’ levels of smog experienced by the likes of Beijing.