Down Memory Lane

50 YEARS AGO

* A 660,000 scheme for road improvements between Abington and Telford Bridge in Lanark on the London, Carlisle and Glasgow trunk road was given the go ahead.

* Two dairy assistants were each fined 8 at Lanark Sheriff Court for assaulting two 16-year-olds after a dance in Biggar. The fiscal described it as a bad case of bullying.

* Lodge Wilsontown St John no236 held their annual social and dance in the Masonic Hall. A company of about 100 were welcomed by the RWM Bro D Blair to a programme of dancing, musical items and recitals.

* Hundreds of children swamped Lanark Cross in salute to the centuries old tradition of Whuppity Scoorie. Provost Millar Stoddart, watching the frolics on crutches, said he wouldn't have missed it.

* Fines totalling 32 were imposed and four shotguns confiscated on a poaching complaint against six men. They were found guilty in possession of 12 wild hares near Carnwath.

* Lanark Rugby Club made their bi-annual trip to Dublin flying there on a specially chartered plane. They faced a local Irish team winning 9-3 before going on to watch the international.

100 YEARS AGO

* A special meeting of the Lanark Town Council was held to elect a new burgh surveyor and sanitary inspector. In the end William L Weir and John McClemont were appointed.

* Mr David Inglis, the Governor of the local Poorhouse, died at the age of 57. Mr Inglis had been appointed Governor 23 years previously and his loss was said to be keenly felt.

* A concert was held on behalf of the Bloomgate Church Guild at the YMCA Institute. The audience completely filled the hall for an enjoyable programme showcased by the church choir.

* At Shawfield Colliery a miner from Law was injured while working near a coal cutting machine when a piece of coal fell and struck him breaking his left forearm in two places.

* A new cycle shop was opened in Market Place in Carluke. The Gazette reported that it was just in time, with the new season approaching.

* At the annual meeting of the Carluke Bible Society, chairman Hugh Martin expressed his pleasure at the large attendance.

* Law Volunteers came up against Cleland Rangers in the Lanarkshire League. In a hard fought game Cleland won by two goals to one.