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

25 years ago...

WATER bomb fears forced a change to gala plans in Tranent, told the East Lothian Courier on May 29, 1998.

Youngsters armed with water pistols have been urged to hold their fire at this year’s gala parade, on June 13, by anxious members of the organising committee.

Last year, many of the floats in the parade were deluged with water by mischievous youngsters – and even some adults – using water pistols and water balloons.

Now Mary Johnston, chairwoman of the gala committee, urged people to leave their aquatic weapons at home. “After last year’s incidents, two groups who have entered floats in the parade for years have decided to pull out.

“It’s a great blow because the parade is such a major event and we want as many people as possible to take part,” Mrs Johnston said.

She went on: “Some of the children in the gala court were very frightened last year and some of them even had their lovely clothes ruined because of people spraying water at the floats.”

50 years ago...

THE removal of “eyesore” wartime defences in Dunbar made headlines in the East Lothian Courier of June 1, 1973.

More than a thousand war-time defence blocks which have been an eyesore on the coastal stretch between Hedderwick Hill and Seafield, Dunbar, are in the process of being cleared.

The blocks, which weigh eight tons each, are being painstakingly smashed up by a giant tractormounted pneumatic drill.

The blocks, which measure about 7ft by 4ft, were sunk into the ground in rows more than 30 years ago to impede any landing of enemy tanks or machines which might have been made.

Like the millions of others around Britain’s shores they were, happily, unnecessary, but over the years they have become an eyesore.

Now East Lothian County Council is taking advantage of a government scheme to have those near Dunbar removed.

In all, 1,036 will be shifted at a cost of about £12,000.

and 100 years ago...

A MASSIVE wasps’ nest was the talk of Dunbar, reported The Haddingtonshire Courier on June 1, 1923.

A wasp’s nest, containing eleven tiers of comb, and with a circumference of 42 inches, has been presented to Dunbar Secondary School by a gentleman, who found it hanging from the roof of a stable loft in the town.