THE ARCHIVES

100 years ago

Early this morning the troops holding our lines east of Villeret (south of Hargicourt) attacked and succeeded in entering the German trenches on a front of several hundred yards. A number of prisoners have been taken. We successfully raided the enemy’s trenches during the night in the neighbourhood of Gavrelle and east of Vermelles and secured a few prisoners. Hostile artillery was active during the night in the neighbourhood of Westhock. We captured 13 prisoners.

50 years ago

The Countess of Strathmore was found dead in bed at Glamis Castle yesterday morning. The sudden death of the countess, who was 44, shocked the entire household, although she had not been in the best of health lately. The Earl was deeply distressed throughout the day. The family doctor, Dr David Myles, of Forfar, rushed to the castle on being phoned. The countess has been seen rarely in the village in recent months, her last appearance being the Glamis School prize-giving.

25 years ago

A group of refugees fleeing from war-torn Sarajevo arrived in Fife after a gruelling 48-hour bus journey to safety. After fleeing the ravaged city, the 22 refugees made their way independently to the Hungarian border. Had it not been for the mercy mission organised by church-goers in the East Neuk, refugee Vera Cvoro said they would have no hope of getting out of the former Yugoslavia. Initially they will be staying with families in the area and arrived in Elie where they received a warm welcome.

One year ago

A row has erupted over plans to open a major baryte mine near one of Scotland’s most famous beauty spots. An oilfield services company wants to mine for minerals at Dunranlich, close to the Queen’s View near Pitlochry. The project has been described as globally important to the British oil and gas industry, but locals have raised concerns about the scheme’s impact on the peace and tranquillity of the Loch Tummel area, which is known around the world for its stunning scenery.