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

25 years ago

‘CREMATORIUM plan gets green light despite objections’ was the headline in the East Lothian Courier on May 8, 1998.

Controversial plans for a private crematorium at Alderston House, Haddington, and a garden of remembrance in the old walled garden have been given outline planning permission.

Objections were received from seven neighbours who complained the development would affect the setting of the mansion house – a listed building – and the amenity of their homes.

The site, they said, had always been designated for agricultural purposes and was in use as such.

The walled garden was part of a listed building and the parkland formed an area of great landscape value.

A countryside location was not the only place for such a business, the majority of crematoria being in urban locations such as Warriston, Monktonhall and Seafield, Edinburgh.

All the benefits, they complained, were to the applicant, Manor Homes, and none to the environment.

50 years ago

A ‘GANG battle’ between ‘rockers’ and ‘skinheads’ led to ‘vicious-looking weapons’ being found outside a Haddington landmark, told the East Lothian Courier on May 11, 1973.

Police found an assortment of vicious-looking weapons outside the Corn Exchange, Haddington, following a dance which erupted in a gang battle between ‘Rockers’ and ‘Skinheads,’ Haddington Sheriff Court heard on Thursday last.

The procurator Fiscal, Mr Peter Morrison, showed the court the weapons – two hammers, two knives, a steel comb, the neck of a broken bottle, a chain with a large padlock, a chain with bolts attached and a chain with a handle.

The weapons were found in and around the Corn Exchange on October 13 after an incident in which a youth was assaulted with a hammer and knife.

At the court, one 17-year-old from Haddington was sent to Borstal training and another sentenced to 30 days’ detention in a Young Offenders’ Institution.

100 years ago

A HORSE-DRAWN bus made its final appearance in Dunbar as it was replaced by a motorised service, reported The Haddingtonshire Courier on May 11, 1923.

This week has seen the disappearance of the horse-drawn bus from the St George Stables.

For a great many years, the bus has plied between the railway station and different parts of the town.

The substitution of a commodious and well-appointed motor bus, which will permit of much more expeditious transport of passengers, will be appreciated.