From our archives

5 years ago

Black Friday is on its way to becoming the biggest online shopping day in UK history as shopping centres and stores avoided the mayhem of last year’s event. Online retailers reported record-breaking sales from the first few hours of the bonanza, making it likely that online retail sales in the UK will surpass £1 billion in one day.

However, there was relief from the scuffles of last year’s discount event which saw police called to some Scots stores.

10 years ago

Hundreds of skiers took to the slopes this weekend as centres enjoyed one of their earliest starts to the season. The cold snap was welcomed by skiers who headed for the hills for the start of the season, but harsh weather meant their joy was short-lived. At Cairngorm Mountain Resort, near Aviemore, about 1,500 people took to the slopes on Saturday. A spokeswoman said: “We’ve had a super day on Saturday. It’s an excellent start to the season as it’s still very early in the winter. “”

25 years ago

The only reindeer herd in Britain will be travelling to Northern Ireland for a festive procession if owners, the Reindeer Company, at Glenmore near Aviemore can cut through the red tape. Thirty reindeer were loaded on to three specially adapted lorries yesterday heading for the ferry across the Irish Sea to Dungannon, but before embarking they must get import licences and veterinary clearance. The company said: “We are still very hopeful of making the short ferry crossing with them”.