Sayings and doings of 25 years ago...

A TRIUMPH for tree campaigners was front page news in the East Lothian Courier of June 7, 1996.

The protestors of Pressmennan are celebrating victory after East Lothian Council agreed to slap a tree preservation order on the ancient oaks they have fought to save and to probe the possibility of buying the woodland for the public.

In addition, the council are to consider protecting other special areas of woodland after hearing of Scottish Office plans to cut local authorities out of the protection consultation process.

Marina Findlay, who led the protest, could hardly contain her delight.

“It’s just brilliant, brilliant,” she said. “I can hardly believe that the council has decided to act independently. Their decision is a pleasant surprise.

“We had feared the worst. Now I feel I could kiss them – I love the council.”

A copy of the petition she helped organise containing 1,150 signatures was put to councillors before their meeting on Tuesday.

...and 50 years ago

A PATH between Ormiston and Elphinstone was compared to the Sahara Desert, reported The Haddingtonshire Courier on June 11, 1971.

The right-of-way between Ormiston and Elphinstone via Howden Bridge was likened to the Sahara Desert at Tuesday’s meeting of Tranent and District Council.

Ashes which the council has bought for the path had been expected to harden but had not and councillors claimed that when people walked on the path they became covered with dust.

Mr Alex Smith said: “It is like walking on snow,” and Mr Peter Fairgrieve of Elphinstone said that when the wind was blowing: “It’s like walking in the Sahara.”

Mr Richard Wilson, chairman, and Mr W. Anderson, vice-chairman, are to inspect the path and report back to the council.

...and 100 years ago

MINERS from Elphinstone were fined £5 after being caught using dynamite to catch fish, told The Haddingtonshire Courier on June 10, 1921.

At a Justice of Peace Court, held at Haddington on Monday, John King and John Hart, miners, residing at Strawberry Lane, Elphinstone, pleaded not guilty to a charge of having, on Monday, 9th May, about 7 p.m., in the river Tyne at a part near the march dyke between Tynemount and Westbyres, used dynamite, or other explosive, to catch and destroy fish.

The Justices retired, and, after a short interval, returned a verdict of proven, the accused being fined £5 each.

Time was allowed in which to pay.