100 years ago 50 years ago

It is fairly safe to say that the oldest working blacksmith in Scotland is to be found in the person of Mr John Gow. If spared until November, Mr Gow, of Brewlands Bridge, Glenisla, will have completed the 91st year of his age.

Although he gave up horseshoeing and heavy work several years ago, and doesn’t work the customary hours per day, his “smiddy” is always open to undertake such light work as offers.

In fact, the smith likes a “bit jobbie”, and can still turn out handiwork that would put to shame that of some younger men. He has occupied his present house and workshop for the period of 55 years.

Eleven-year-old Billy Finnigan watched as his pal jumped from one Dundee roof to another – and dared him to follow.

Billy, of Carnegie Square, crashed nearly 20 feet to concrete flooring as the asbestos roof caved in under him as he leapt from the roof of the derelict property at 19 Cotton Road. The other roof was only six feet below him, but it disintegrated under the boy’s feet.

Last night Billy was under observation in Dundee Royal Infirmary suffering from a broken right arm. The Mossgiel Primary pupil also complained of pains at the base of his skull and to his right elbow.

T25 years ago

wo young Dundee girls met the female pop group All Saints in Leeds at the weekend. Lisa, eight, and Joanne Cook, five, of Clattowoods Road, were flower girls at a family wedding at the Marriott Hotel, which was also hosting a number of groups performing at the V98 concert.

Their mother Susan met Shaznay Lewis and Natalie Appleton in the lift and then took Lisa and Joanne to see them in the hotel restaurant, before returning to the wedding reception. Later in the evening the family met Melanie Blatt, the pregnant member of the band, and wished her well with the baby.