WE TAKE a look at the stories making headlines in East Lothian 25, 50 and 100 years ago.
25 years ago
ARCHERFIELD may be the “Turnberry of the East” was a headline in the East Lothian Courier on May 21, 1999.
Plans for a hotel and golf course development – hailed as “the Turnberry of the East” – were put to the people of Dirleton at a packed public meeting in a farm barn, on Tuesday, by hotel tycoon Sir Rocco Forte.
Archerfield estate has been the subject of many unsuccessful development plans over the years.
The last proposal, which was put before the villagers in March by Edinburgh pub and nightclub owner Kevin Doyle and his company, Caledonian Heritable, met with opposition.
Yet, despite falling temperatures in the barn, a display of hands at the end of the meeting showed villagers had a certain warmth for Sir Rocco and RF Hotel’s proposals, which put the restoration of derelict Archerfield House at their forefront.
Accompanied by a team of five advisers, Sir Rocco arrived at Castlemains Farm to pitch his case for transforming Archerfield estate into a Mecca for golfers and the rich.
50 years ago
THE new East Lothian District Council had its first chairman, reported the East Lothian Courier on May 24, 1974.
Ex-Provost Tom White of Musselburgh has been elected the first chairman of the new East Lothian District Council, the inaugural meeting of which was held in Haddington on Wednesday.
The vice-chairman is Councillor Tom Wilson, Gladsmuir. Both are Labour representatives.
All 17 members of the new authority were present at the first meeting in the County Buildings.
Ex-Provost White’s appointment was moved by Councillor Wilson, who referred to his “tremendous record” of local authority work and experience.
Councillor J. Crozier, leader of the Conservative group, was also nominated for the chair by Councillor H. Naysmith but ex-Provost White was elected 9-5 by a show of hands.
He will hold office for three years.
100 years ago
THREE boys appeared in court to apologise for their actions after knocking down a wall in Ormiston, told The Haddingtonshire Courier on May 23, 1924.
Three boys, aged 15, 12 and 11, appeared before Baillie Hood at a Children’s Court on Saturday, charged with having wilfully knocked down the coping of a wall in Park Road, belonging to Mr Robert Small, contractor.
The Fiscal said about seven yards of the coping had been knocked down.
Statements were made by the parents.
Baillie Hood said that he realised the parents had not condoned or encouraged the boys in their action.
The boys promised they would not do the like again and were admonished.
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