From the archives

ALL CHANGE: The changing face of Cumbernauld as work progresses on the town centre east roundabout and the new Asda store

This week in 2003

CAPTAIN COURAGEOUS: Cumbernauld had its very own war hero in the shape of John Rose who was awarded the Military Cross. Second only to the Victoria Cross, the accolade was awarded to the Black Watch soldier who had led his seven men section in a daring assault on an enemy-held building in Iraq. His proud mum Ann Jardine of Kildrum said: “When I heard he had got the award, the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. It was something I couldn’t explain.’’ Modest John didn’t tell his mum, she found out from a combination of her daughter-in-law and the newspapers!

This week in 1988

MIRACULOUS ESCAPE: A freak gust of wind sparked a full emergency alert at Cumbernauld Airport. This toppled a tiny aeroplane onto its side moments after touching down. The two men on board the microlight, student Stuart Ballantyne (28) and instructor Colin Montgomery (36) were unhurt but police, fire and ambulances rushed onto the tarmac. It was the second close call for Mr Montgomery within months after being involved in a close encounter with a RAF jet.

This week in 1983

TWINS SAVED: Carbrain woman Cathie Miller risked her life to save her daughters when a blaze engulfed their Torbrex Road home. Little Sharyn and Sheryl (4) were pulled from their room by their frantic mother. The family lost most of their possessions in the blaze and sadly their little dog perished but the family counted their blessings at having cheated a worse fate.

This week in 1973

COMPLAINTS CONTINUE: The Tallow Fats factory in Grayshill was yet again accused of failing to deal with a widespread stench linked to its premises. Some locals claimed they had to give their own gardens a wide bearth in hot weather after being beset by foul smells from the plant. The matter was referred to the county council who wanted to assess the manner in which the plant was operated. It was thought that waste from animal carcasses was being discharged from underground and had caused a very unpleasant smelling blockage.