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

25 years ago...

PLANS for Port Seton’s former Pond Hall were making headlines in the East Lothian Courier on October 3, 1997.

Controversial proposals to build flats and public toilets on the site of Port Seton’s former Pond Hall prompted an emergency meeting of the town’s community council last week, as locals demanded to have their say in the development.

The site, in a prominent part of the town, was once home to a community centre, with a library and open air swimming pool.

When planning bosses decided to raze the building in 1995, locals were so anxious to save it they took the authority to court.

But their action failed, and the building was bulldozed shortly after. Now plans have been drawn up for a new development, and feelings about the site are once again running high.

Sheila Chambers, spokeswoman for the town’s community council, said: “The Pond Hall site is a very sensitive issue, and a lot of people have very strong views on what should and should not be built there.”

 

50 years ago...

SEVENTY-EIGHT Afghans were the talk of the town as they arrived in Haddington, reported the East Lothian Courier on October 6, 1972.

Seventy-eight Afghan hounds from all over Scotland and the North of England took part in a show at the Corn Exchange on Saturday.

It was organised by the Afghan Hound Club of Scotland. Nineteen classes were judged by Miss Christabel Holmes, of Candidacasa, Rosewell.

She awarded the best in show to a lovely bitch, Khanabad Blue Stocking of Azrakhan, owned by Mrs Anne McQueen, Aberdeen.

Reserve best in show and best dog was awarded to a handsome Domino Afghan, Blue Harlequin of Hazuki, owned and bred by Mrs H. Kinread of Ripon, Yorkshire.

Best puppy in show was won by a dog, Majid Khan of Zamarine, owned by Mrs Mazengarb of Stirlingshire.

 

100 years ago...

THE ‘Strathspey King’, one of Scotland’s most famous violinists, put on a memorable performance in Haddington, reported The Haddingtonshire Courier on October 6, 1922.

Mr J. Scott Skinner, the veteran Scottish violinist – he is 79 years of age – gave a concert in the Assembly Rooms on Tuesday evening.

The packed hall was evidence of the popularity of the “Strathspey King,” who in the selections which he played maintained his high reputation and thoroughly delighted the audience.

Mr Skinner, in a few words of thanks, expressed the hope that his mantle would fall upon Mr D. C. Murray, the gifted Haddington violinist.

Mr Skinner was assisted by a talented company