WE TAKE a look at the stories making headlines in East Lothian 25, 50 and 100 years ago.

25 years ago

A FLAMINGO’S flight to freedom made headlines in the East Lothian Courier of June 6, 1997.

Birdwatchers who swarm to Aberlady for a chance to see some of Britain’s most interesting species know that the best play hard to get.

But last week there was no need to strain through binoculars to catch a glimpse of the Bay’s most stunning specimen.

For standing proud on the mud flats was a bright pink flamingo.

The flamingo, which arrived in Aberlady last Wednesday, could be seen standing knee deep in the water searching for food.

With its brilliant plumage, it was hard to miss.

Aberlady Bay warden Ian Thomson said: “It was a beautiful bird, but it stood out like a sore thumb.

“You couldn’t fail to see it.

“At one point, it was quite close to the road, so when the word got round and locals came to see, they had an excellent view.”

50 years ago

A ‘DONKEY Derby’ provided thrills in the June 9, 1972 edition of the East Lothian Courier.

The Donkey Derby which drew a large crowd to Neilson Park on Saturday night was fine festival fare and a worthy successor to former Crazy Nights and Up, Up and Away.

Apart from the races, which were sponsored by various firms and organisations in the town, a tote added interest to the evening’s entertainment. The stakes were small but it created the real race course atmosphere.

The first race set the scene. The donkeys lined up well enough for the start but after the signal to get off their marks had been given, some decided they had enough half-way round the course and would not budge another inch.

Throughout the evening the crowd was provided with plenty of laughs as young riders raced alongside their ponies bent on remounting them and others struggled to get their donkeys moving again.

The event was organised by the Haddington Round Table.

100 years ago

BAD tatties were at the heart of a dispute, reported The Haddingtonshire Courier of June 9, 1922.

A case of some importance to potato-growers is before the Sheriff, at Forfar, at present, and a long proof was led last week.

The action is at the Morham Mains, against Messrs G. and D. Maxwell; potato merchants, Forfar. The pursuer claims £6 per ton for 10 tons of “King Edward” potatoes, which he alleges he delivered to defenders’ order, at Haddington station, in good order.

The defenders received the potatoes and despatched them to London, where their agents reported they had been badly frosted, and had been sold at £5 per ton.