25 years ago

A £600,000 traffic plan was revealed in the East Lothian Courier on September 8, 2000.

Efforts to relieve Musselburgh’s chronic traffic problem moved a step closer with the completion of plans to create special bus lanes.

East Lothian Council intends to set up a public transport ‘spine’ through the town centre at a cost of over £600,000.

Main elements of the plan were outlined to members of the environment committee:

  • Improvements of bus stops to increase ease of travel;
  • Introduction of measures to assist buses through the town and reduce delays;
  • Reduction of congestion and improvement of air quality by introducing measures at selected locations to ease movement;
  • And greater safety for pedestrians by introducing safety measures at bus stops.

Musselburgh councillor Maureen Talac welcomed the plan.

“If we can win the money to carry out the plan then it will improve the air quality in the High Street,” she said.

50 years ago

A drunk driver was doubly unlucky as he failed to bribe policemen, reported the East Lothian Courier on September 12, 1975.

When two policemen arrested a man for driving carelessly and with an excess of alcohol in his blood, he offered them £25 each to drop the charges, Haddington Sheriff Court heard on Thursday last.

The 36-year-old coal merchant, of Prestonpans, admitted driving without due care and attention on March 15 on Rope Walk, Prestonpans, and failing to take the breath test.

100 years ago

Residents and holidaymakers having a seaside stroll encountered a ‘monster’, said The Haddingtonshire Courier of September 11, 1925.

The movements of a shark, which later got stranded on the beach at Woodbush, created some stir in the town last Thursday evening.

The monster was observed by Mr Robert Waite, and when first noticed was making a brave fight to get out into deep water again. It swam round the Old Pool, and on three successive occasions was driven upon the beach at exactly the same spot.

With a receding tide the shark was ultimately left high and dry on the strand. It was very much alive, and jumped and struggled about the beach, slashing its tail, while its eyes had an eerie, creepy look, as they shot from side to side.

It made a vicious snap at a boat-hook, but was ultimately dispatched.

The coast-guardsmen were duly appraised, and they, in conjunction with the Sanitary Inspector, took the preliminary steps with a view to the shark’s removal.

This was not rendered necessary, as on the following morning the fishermen began to cut up the fish for bait purposes.