FROM OUR ARCHIVES

5 YEARS AGO

Scotland’s dairy farmers yesterday vented anger over milk price cuts at a mass rally, amid warnings from farmers’ leaders the writing is on the wall for some of their livelihoods. More than 300 of the country’s

1100 milk producers took part in the meeting at Lanark market organised by National Farmers Union Scotland over the crisis facing the milk industry caused by cuts of up to two pence per litre imposed since April. It came amid warnings that, with further cuts looming from August 1, a typical farmer is on course to make an annual loss of at least £60,000.

10 YEARS AGO

Major roadworks got under way yesterday as the creation of a controversial new £600m tram network began. A firm of contractors moved in to start digging up the route of the new Edinburgh tram network, bringing the once popular mode of transport back to the capital. Starting at Leith Ocean Terminal, engineers will first move utility pipes and cables along the route so they will not be damaged when the trams are operational.

25 YEARS AGO

Suddenly, Celtic are happy again. Their favourite son, Paul McStay, pictured, has signed a new three-year contract and the season can be approached in much more positive mood. The atmosphere at Celtic Park yesterday, when the formal announcement of McStay’s decision to remain with the only club he has ever known, was a mix of elation and relief.

50 YEARS AGO

Cairo reported today that Saudi Arabia had lifted its restrictions on selling oil to Britain. The Saudi decision was the first major crack in the Pan-Arab boycott of Britain, the United States, and West Germany. Oil sales to those countries were suspended during the Middle East war on allegations that they had supported Israel in the fighting. Other Arab oil-producing countries still forbid petroleum exports to Britain, the US, and West Germany.

100 YEARS AGO

Questions about the defence of London against air attacks and the advisability or otherwise of giving warning of approaching raids were numerous in the House of Commons yesterday; and the Leader of the House intimated the Government proposed that day to hold a private sitting of the House, at which the Prime Minister would make a statement on the whole question.

150 YEARS AGO

On Monday forenoon, a young man, named Robert Sinclair, residing at 52 Weaver Street, Glasgow, was drowned while bathing in Craigward Quarry, near Barnhill. Deceased was employed as a clerk at the Sighthill station of the North British Railway, and had gone to the quarry to bathe. Sinclair swam half way across the quarry, when he suddenly called for help and sank.