From our archives

5 years ago

Parents have backed calls for the influence of school exams such as Highers to be reduced. The Scottish Parent Teacher Council said families were concerned that an over-reliance on qualifications led to schools “teaching to the test”. The comments came after independent educational consultant Keir Bloomer suggested that schools should reduce the importance of “seriously distorting” exams and consider abandoning Highers.

10 years ago

Paul Murray, the Rangers director trying to broker a new takeover deal for the club, held separate talks with owner Sir David Murray, pictured, and Lloyds Banking Group yesterday. Any imminent change of ownership at Ibrox has stalled after a consortium of Rangers directors and businessmen emerged as an alternative to venture capitalist Craig Whyte, who had been close to completing a £52.5m takeover plan earlier this week.

25 years ago

Only nine Scottish beaches from a total of 86 tested across the country have made the new Reader’s Digest Good Beach Guide. Eighteen have waters so contaminated with sewage and pollution that the Marine Conservation Society says they should not be used for bathing or any other water contact sport. The nine that make the guide are on the east coast, although the authors say this can probably be put down to coincidence.

50 years ago

Firemen fought for almost three hours yesterday to control a blaze that caused damage estimated at £100,000 to a Glasgow wholesale furniture warehouse. More than 450 staff and customers were evacuated from the warehouse, owned by Charles Rattray and Co, which extends from Candleriggs to Albion Street. Hundreds of workers from adjacent offices and warehouses were sent home. Several storage buildings were reduced to charred shells.

100 years ago

Some remarkable evidence was given at Glasgow Sheriff Court in a case which a man was charged with having assaulted a woman with whom he lodged. The woman stated that the accused did not drink, whereas, on the other hand, she was never sober. A chair with which it was alleged the woman had been assaulted was produced in court in several pieces; she said she had fallen over it when she was drunk. The accused was dismissed.