From our archives

5 years ago

In one of the boldest visions in a generation, plans have been hatched to physically cover the M8 as it careers through the edges of Glasgow city centre. In an effort to rehabilitate the area around Charing Cross, Sauchiehall Street and the Garnethill district, 80 projects have been recommended by the local authority. By far the most radical is a roof covering sections of the M8, over which a public park would be built, which would extend to the vicinity around the Mitchell Library and neighbouring streets.

10 years ago

Canadian authorities are investigating how a young Asian passenger managed to pass himself off as an elderly white man on an Air Canada flight in an incident described as an “unbelievable case of concealment”. The unnamed man was intercepted during a Hong Kong to Vancouver flight after emerging from a toilet without his Mission Impossible-style silicone disguise. Officials said they were alerted by the man’s hands, which looked too young compared to the rest of him. He is now being held in Vancouver .

25 years ago

The three former Beatles yesterday launched a searing attack on singer Michael Jackson, pictured, for “cheapening” their work. Jackson bought the rights to the Beatles music for £50m and has been allowed some songs to be used in television commercials.

George Harrison warned: “Unless we do something about it, every Beatles song is going to end up advertising bras and pork pies.” Paul Mccartney said Jackson had “”cheapened” the songs released.

50 years ago

Scientists claim to have evidence that Morag, the legendary monster in Loch Morar, Inverness-shire, may exist. This summer they conducted a six-week survey of the loch, which is more than 1000 ft. deep and one of the deepest freshwater lakes in Europe. Their report, to be published later this month, contains evidence of “the possible existence of a large unidentified species.” Mr Duncan Mcdonnell, a 35-year-old lorry driver, claimed that the creature rammed his boat when he was out fishing in August last year.

100 years ago

In Elgin Town Hall yesterday afternoon His Grace the Duke of Richmond and Gordon handed over to the Lord Provost Forsyth for custody of the Town Council two flags which belonged to the old Elginshire Local Militia which was embodied in 1906. He said that Morayshire had always been foremost in the raising of the troops. In looking at the colours the people of Moraysire would realise that the martial spirit of the county was as strong a hundred years ago as it was today.