50 YEARS AGO
(from our files of 22 August 1958)
* Scottish labour and materials will be used for the building of the Forth Road bridge foundations, and work will begin immediately.

* An interesting impression of Russia was given in an interview by Mr R. Alexander, of Linlithgow who attended the recent World Conference of Architects in Moscow. He graduated at the Edinburgh College of Art in June and was one of the two chosen from Scotland to attend.

* A 35-year-old waiter had to jump for his life from the top storey of the Inchrya Grange Hotel, Polmont, on Monday, when he found himself trapped by smoke and flames which gutted the private apartments.

* Midway through the first half in the match at Prestonfield last Saturday, Linlithgow Rose netted two within one minute and as far as BonnyBridge Juniors were concerned, the game was over. The game ended 5-1.

* Bo'ness United suffered their first league defeat of the season at Armadale on Saturday when the Thistle triumphed over them at Newtown 2-0.

25 YEARS AGO
(from our files of 18 August 1983)
* Thousands of people baked in glorious sunshine for the Ferry Fair on Saturday, where Sylvia Paton was crowned Queen. Fair committee chairman said that it was one of the best fairs he could remember.

* More youngsters than ever are returning to school after the holidays as they cannot find a job. One headmaster said around 20 per cent more were going back rather than joining the dole queue.

* A new sergeant has joined the squad at Bo'ness Police Station. Sgt. James Huskie (34), from Grangemouth, moved to the station after three years at Tulliallan Police College where he taught law.

* The dance exercise craze sweeping across Britain is coming to Linlithgow. For people who enrol for the weekly aerobics sessions, it will be a totally unique experience. During the Edinburgh Festival, Lionel Blair will be performing daily routines.

* The Rose and Bo'ness United shared the honours on an action-packed derby day on Saturday. It became a tremendous finale with a goal from either side in injury time at Newtown Park. United's new striker Jim Sinnet earned his side a draw, three minutes into added time.