WE TAKE a look at the stories making headlines in East Lothian 25, 50 and 100 years ago.
25 years ago
A DREAM came true for a county youngster, reported the East Lothian Courier on April 20, 2001.
A talented Tranent girl had a dream come true this week when she won a place at the prestigious Scottish Youth Theatre’s summer school.
Laura McMillan, 12, of Myles Farm Cottage, beat off competition from hundreds of other youngsters to win the place at the two-week course in Stirling, after going through a tough round of auditions.
Laura’s mum, Maureen, 53, said: “She was absolutely delighted.
“Laura has been acting, singing and dancing since she was four years old and it is her ambition to be on the stage, so winning a place on the course has really made her day.”
Hard work is no new thing to Laura, who attends Kings Park Primary School, Dalkeith, as she has already auditioned for the Star for a Night television programme and a production of Les Miserables.
50 years ago
A DUO assumed missing were later found ‘having tea with the lighthouse keeper’, reported the East Lothian Courier on April 23, 1976.
Two Dunbar boating enthusiasts almost caused an air and sea search by Coastal Emergency Rescue Services, when they changed their plans on an Easter Monday holiday trip.
Later, the incident prompted the Coastguard Service to issue an appeal to enthusiasts to ‘use more sense when setting out on pleasure trips’.
The drama began when the 14-feet pleasure cruiser Lisa failed to return on time from a trip to the Bass Rock and North Berwick.
Her occupants, 20-year-old Bruce Petrie and friend William Calder, had told the Coastguard at Dunbar that they were only going to North Berwick.
But, when the boat failed to return and thick fog was engulfing the coast, it was discovered that the boat had not arrived at North Berwick.
As the officer on duty in the Coastguard lookout was about to raise the alarm, mounting an air and sea search for the missing pair, they were traced – to the lonely Isle of May – having tea with the lighthouse keeper.
100 years ago
A VOTE was taken to remove two German guns from the putting green at Dunbar, said The Haddingtonshire Courier on April 23, 1926.
On the ground that there was no sentiment attached to them, the Council approved of a recommendation by Bailie McLaren that two German guns, occupying a stance at the putting course, be removed.
Provost Sinton laughingly remarked that when these guns were painted green last season “that was the last straw”.
Mr Kirkwood, who seconded the proposal, offered to take them off the grounds. They had shifted them in France, and could do the same now. (Laughter.)
Provost Sinton explained that the guns were presented to the burgh by the Parish Council, but the Town Council never really wanted them, and now they would be scrapped.
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