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

25 years ago

A PLEA was made to youngsters to stay away from an old building, reported the East Lothian Courier on January 29, 1999.

A fire chief has made a plea to children not to play in the dangerous derelict maltings at Mill Wynd, Haddington, after his men were forced to search the rambling smoke-filled building in darkness after fears that youngsters could be trapped.

No one was found – but one fireman was injured during the search.

Now community police are to visit Haddington schools warning children of the dangers of playing in the former Simpson’s Maltings.

Fire broke out in the roof space there on Monday, sparking fears that children could be trapped.

Despite warning notices, the buildings have become a magnet for children since they were abandoned several years ago.

50 years ago

‘ALTERATION to bypass would be ‘detrimental’’ was a headline in the East Lothian Courier on February 1, 1974.

An alteration to the Tranent bypass, as suggested by the County planners, to avoid the site of the proposed Meadowmill Sports Complex would require curves which would be detrimental to the road, members of East Lothian Roads Committee have heard.

Now a special meeting is to be arranged to seek a compromise which will suit both the bypass and the proposed sports complex.

The East Lothian Planning Department had asked the Scottish Development Department about the possibility of moving the line of the bypass 50 metres to the south to avoid the sports complex site.

The Scottish Development Department have written back to say such a modification is possible but would mean a “less desirable horizontal alignment”.

Mr HW Rankine, the County Surveyor, explained to members at Monday’s Roads Committee meeting, that a “squiggle” would be needed to get the road past the site.

100 years ago

A COURT was shocked when it was revealed that a man who was being sued had been dead for four years, reported The Haddingtonshire Courier on February 1, 1924.

When a case was called in Haddington Small Debt Court, on Monday, a woman from the Tranent district came forward and Sheriff Jameson inquired if she were the wife of the man mentioned in the summons.

“His widow,” replied the woman.

“How long has he been dead?” asked his Lordship. “Four years,” the woman answered, “but I am willing to pay the debt.”

Sheriff Jameson – I cannot do anything in this. It is the wrong defender – a dead man.