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

25 years ago...

RONNIE Corbett in a wheelbarrow was the front page picture in the East Lothian Courier on May 28, 1999.

Comedian Ronnie Corbett, who helped champion the fight to save North Berwick’s outdoor pool, was back in North Berwick, this time to toast a mission of success by helping to lay the foundations of the £2.9 million Scottish Seabird Centre (SSC), currently being constructed opposite the derelict pool.

But when high winds made pouring concrete into the foundations impossible, the star turned the occasion into a rehearsal for a charity evening he hosted later that day.

He posed for photographs perched precariously on the edge of the sea wall in a wheelbarrow, while David Chrystall, works manager at Blue Circle, Dunbar, held on tight.

The funny man – best know for his double act television shows with Ronnie Barker – stepped forward to help the SSC reach its fundraising target after being approached by chairman of the local support group, Frank Thomas.

50 years ago...

TRANENT’S population to expand to 12,000 by 1991, the East Lothian Courier reported on May 31, 1974.

A massive new building development including two primary schools and almost 1,500 houses – 300 of them to meet the needs of Prestonpans people – is proposed for the south side of Tranent.

This would boost the town’s population – 7,450 at the 1971 census – to 12,000 by 1991.

On Monday, East Lothian planning committee approved a draft amendment to the County Development Plan which will be used as a consultative document.

The amendment has been prepared to ensure that adequate land is zoned for Tranent’s immediate and longer term needs for local authority and private housing developments.

And, say the planners: “It is particularly important that it is done at this stage because 135 acres option exists for private development over land required for public housing. It is also important that provision be made to control pace, timing and character of development.”

100 years ago...

THREE boys appeared in court to apologise for their actions after knocking down a wall in Ormiston, told The Haddingtonshire Courier on May 23, 1924.

Three boys, aged 15, 12 and 11, appeared before Baillie Hood at a Children’s Court on Saturday, charged with having wilfully knocked down the coping of a wall in Park Road, belonging to Mr Robert Small, contractor.

The Fiscal said about seven yards of the coping had been knocked down.

Statements were made by the parents.

Baillie Hood said that he realised the parents had not condoned or encouraged the boys in their action.

The boys promised they would not do the like again and were admonished.