25 years ago

“DRINK blamed for teenage mayhem” was the headline in the February 23, 1996 edition of the East Lothian Courier.

Drink has been blamed for a near riot by Tranent teenagers after a junior disco at the Loch Centre had to be stopped.

Now steps are to be taken to increase security and make sure youngsters on drink or drugs are kept out of discos.

The decision was taken after police reported that the majority of children involved in the February 9 disturbance had been drinking before they rampaged through the streets of Tranent, causing £2,000 worth of damage, when the disco was cancelled after fighting broke out.

Community PC John Penman was the first officer on the scene and told councillors at Tuesday’s community council meeting that he could smell drink from teenagers who were causing trouble.

In discussions with the centre, it was decided that the disco would be suspended until a decision was taken at a meeting between police, district council officials and staff.

50 years ago

A NEW industry was to come to Dunbar in the form of pottery, as reported in The Haddingtonshire Courier on February 26, 1971.

Another new industry will shortly be starting up in Dunbar.

Mr and Mrs P. Leonard are to open up their own Pottery Shop at Woodbush.

The couple, who have come to Dunbar from Glasgow, have acquired a small cottage at Halls Farm.

Mrs Leonard previously ran a pottery shop in Glasgow but she and her husband decided to work independently and have been granted a lease of the premises at Woodbush by the Planning Authority.

The couple hope to open the shop next month but at the moment are waiting on delivery of a kiln.

100 years ago

THE death of a collie dog led to an appearance in court, as reported in The Haddingtonshire Courier on February 25, 1921.

Sheriff Macleod has given judgement in the action raised by John Weir, shepherd, Crichness, Duns, against the Lothian Motors Company, Haddington, for £12, being the value of a collie dog run over by the defenders’ motor, on 30th September last, near Haddington railway station.

The pursuer alleged that the car was being driven at excessive speed, and was not under proper control when passing a flock of sheep which was at the time being tended by the dog. Defenders denied that the car was being driven at excessive speed, or that it was not under proper control, and alleged that the dog was squatting on the pavement, and suddenly started in front of the car.

Decerns for £12, with expenses and warrant.