From the archives

25 YEARS AGO

HE’S gone, just like that. There was no fuss, not a single tantrum, and more significantly, hardly any resistance.

John McEnroe’s great Wimbledon comeback, which had begun earlier this week full of healthy promise is over. It died a quiet death.

McEnroe’s quest to prove himself the sharpest blade in these parts was ground into the dust of a Centre Court which has been baked hard throughout several days of oppressive heat.

50 YEARS AGO

MANY thousands of trout have died as a result of pollution of the river Gryffe, in Renfrewshire.

The vice-president of Abercorn Angling Club said that the pollution was the worst they had encountered for about 15 years.

Members of the club had gathered about 4cwt. of dead trout from the banks of the river.

He said “The pollution is a black ooze which has burned and blinded the fish and made them run for clear water.

“I have found them with their heads in tin cans seeking a clean spot.”

100 YEARS AGO

WHEN the steam trawler Mercury called at St Kilda on Friday last, it was discovered that many inhabitants were stricken down with something resembling pneumonia, or a severe form of influenza, and the trawler steamed to Lochmaddy, where telegraph communication was obtained.

The light cruiser Active was despatched from Lamlash by the Admiralty, and after touching at St Kilda, proceeded to Oban on Sunday morning.