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

25 years ago

A NEW school uniform had been adopted by many at Tranent’s Ross High School, reported the East Lothian Courier on September 17, 1999.

The introduction of a new uniform at Ross High School has been a great success, according to head-teacher Helen O’Rawe, who confessed to being disappointed that a small number of parents appeared not to be supporting the new dress code.

“The uniform has been introduced not only so that our pupils look smart, but to improve on school security.

“With the new uniform it is easy to tell at a glance who is a Ross High pupil and who should not be in the school.

“If children come to school not wearing uniform, that system breaks down,” she said.

“I really don’t understand why a few parents can’t find it in themselves to support the new uniform – they could be putting pupils and staff at risk.”

50 years ago

A “PLAGUE” of rabbits on local allotments was documented in the East Lothian Courier of September 20, 1974.

A plague of rabbits has caused widespread damage to plants and vegetables at allotments in Musselburgh.

Now wire netting is to be sunk into the ground in an effort to keep out the furry intruders.

The problem was highlighted at a meeting of the burgh’s Parks Committee in a letter from the Secretary of the Musselburgh Allotments Association.

The letter complained that many valuable hours spent by gardeners at the allotments, which are sited near the Lewisvale Park, were lost.

Pest control had not been successful in curbing the rabbit plague.

100 years ago

FOR the first time, Haddington residents were supplied with electricity, by Lothians Electric Power Company, reported The Haddingtonshire Courier on September 19, 1924.

The supply of electricity which has been made available by the Lothians Electric Power Company was switched on to consumers in the burgh for the first time on Saturday night.

The brilliance of the light created a very favourable impression, and was much admired.

During this week, rapid progress has been made completing unfinished installations.

AND a fire attracted the attention of many people in Cockenzie, reported The Haddingtonshire Courier on September 19, 2024.

Considerable interest and some alarm was caused by the appearance of fire on the heights at Seton.

A large number of villagers and visitors made for the scene of the conflagration, the signal cabin at Riggonhead, which was composed principally of wood. The fire was visible from the Coast Road.