WE TAKE a look at the stories making headlines in East Lothian 25, 50 and 100 years ago.
25 years ago...
PROPOSALS for a new town made the front page of the East Lothian Courier on August 21, 1998.
Plans for a massive scheme of 450 houses and a primary school could turn the tiny village of Gladsmuir into a new town if the green light is given.
Residents were stunned when they heard of the proposals, which would swell the current population of 75 to an estimated 2,000.
Villager David Reid, of North Woodside, said: “I would estimate that about 99 per cent of the people in Gladsmuir and the surrounding area are against the plan.
“It is going to ruin a peaceful village.
“Having just got rid of the A1 with the opening of the dual carriageway, Gladsmuir is back to being a nice peaceful village.
“This development would destroy that.”
Outline planning permission has been applied for by Falkirk-based Cala Homes, who say it would transform Gladsmuir and centre it around a village green, similar to Gifford.
50 years ago...
A KNICKER thief “maliciously tore underwear”, reported the East Lothian Courier of August 24, 1973.
A 29-year-old tractorman from Gifford who stole ladies’ underwear from clotheslines in Haddington was put on probation for one year at Haddington Sheriff Court.
The man pleaded guilty to 11 offences of stealing women’s underwear from gardens in Riverside Drive, Abbott’s View and Artillery Park, all Haddington, between May 26 and June 4.
He also admitted two offences of maliciously tearing underwear.
There were a series of thefts from clotheslines in the town and one or two articles of underwear were taken on each occasion.
Sheriff K.W.B. Middleton said to the man: “The social inquiry report said you had been to see a psychiatrist and he doesn’t think he can help you.”
He put the accused on probation and ordered him to pay £15 security for good behaviour.
100 years ago...
A FAMOUS author paid a visit to Haddington 100 years ago, reported the Haddingtonshire Courier on August 24, 1923.
Annie S. Swan, the famous Scottish novelist, and her husband Dr Burnett Smith were in Haddington on Tuesday.
They visited the Parish Church and other places of interest in the burgh and inspected the antiques in Carlyle Saloon.
AND a vehicle fire in Cockenzie was making headlines.
While road improvement operations were proceeding at Kay’s Crescent, the contents of the tar-boiling apparatus became ignited.
A dense column of smoke ascended into the air, and some of the burning tar spread over the road, causing no little commotion, and attracting many to the scene.
The configuration was speedily “doused” by Mr Geo. Buchanan, with the aid of a fire-extinguisher brought from the oilskin factory close at hand.
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