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

 

25 years ago

‘CRAZY’ seagulls were proving a problem, reported the East Lothian Courier on August 16, 1996.

Surging flocks of screeching seagulls are swooping on Musselburgh residents, putting some in fear of their lives.

This week members of the town’s community council described scenes reminiscent of Hitchcock as they call on the local authority to curb the menace.

Residents from several areas, including Inveresk Road, Mansfield Road, Goosegreen and Market Street, have complained bitterly about the birds.

“Sometimes the noise from them is heinous,” said community council chairman George Montgomery, “and every time I wash my car their droppings come down.

“It goes on to your clothes and is very difficult to get off.

“They come to the river and people keep feeding them.

“You can’t blame children for wanting to do that, it’s only natural, but the population is increasing.”

Community councillor Bill Stewart said he had seen the problems for himself.

“People are almost in fear of their lives,” he said.

 

50 years ago

‘POSTIE to get Hearts’ trial’ was a headline in The Haddingtonshire Courier on August 20, 1971.

A Tranent footballer who emigrated to Canada four years ago will be returning to the area next month to have a trial with Hearts.

This week Mrs Janet Park of Tranent said that her cousin, Mr Walter Muir, would be flying home for the trial.

When Hearts were on a Canadian and American tour this year, rumour had it Hearts were interested in him.

“He has always been a fan of theirs,” said Mrs Park.

“Wee Walter,” as he is known to his fans, played for Tranent Amateurs.

He now plays as an amateur with Toronto Metros in the North American Football League.

When not playing, he is a postman.

 

100 years ago

A MAN had a lucky escape after an accident in Longniddry, reported The Haddingtonshire Courier on August 19, 1921.

Mr W. Reid, architect, Haddington, met with an alarming accident on Thursday evening.

When riding his motor cycle on the road at Longniddry from the railway station to the sea, the handlebars of his machine snapped, the front wheel collapsed, and he was thrown violently forward.

Fortunately, he escaped with no further injuries than a few bruises.

The first to render assistance was Mr Reid’s partner, Mr M’Leod, who chanced to be walking down from the station at the time, and who hurried back when he heard the crash.