Taking time out before their league match in Main Street were the teams from the Carriers Quarters and the Crown Inn.

Left to right, top row: Benji, Henry Bell, Frank Robertson, Hollie.
Bottom row: Tommy Downs, Jimmy Gibson, John Robb, Rab McFarlane, John Angus, Alex Laird, Forbes Snedden.

Our thanks go to Henry Bell for submitting the image.

If you have an old picture that you think may be of interest to our readers, send it with details to: Linlithgowshire Journal and Gazette, 114 High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7AQ.

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50 years ago

Two men broke into the general store at Jamieson Avenue in Bo'ness and made off with more than 5000 cigarettes. Those in neighbouring houses heard the noise but only made it to their doors on time to see the crooks make their get-away.

The increase in school children lighting up has prompted residents of Linlithgow to label smoking as "injurious to health". A police officer stated that the government should create a law banning the habit.

Two men aged 30 and 21, who took and drove a motor van without the consent of the owner, appeared at Linlithgow Sheriff Court. They were fined £5 and banned from driving for 12 months.

The date of the Ferry Fair was unveiled as August 6 by South Queensferry Town Council at their monthly meeting on Monday night. The decision was reached by only one vote. Opponents argued that as the event is now a children's festival it should be held before the schools close.

Bo'ness United battled against Loanhead Mayflower on the field for a thrilling 90 minutes on Saturday – and came out on top 3-2.


25 years ago

Swimming lessons are about to be axed for hundreds of children in Queensferry and parents are furious at the decision by Lothian Regional Council, which is concerned about safety in swimming pools throughout the region.

Fire broke out at Linlithgow Academy on Monday evening, but night staff were praised for acting quickly. Although a portable cabin was completely destroyed, the school's £1 million extension, to open later this year, was hardly damaged.

Bo'ness is set for a £124,000 family resource centre. A council official revealed that the Scottish Development Depart-ment will probably give the much-needed grant aid to the centre which will have a new outdoor play area, a kitchen, meeting rooms and laundry/drying facilities.

The Co-op closed Philpstoun's only store this week. Joe Millar moved to the village's only shop in 1955, and five years later appointed his wife as a new assistant. But after 29 years of service, the couple are retiring and Scotmid no longer sees the shop as viable.

The Linlithgow gents' squash team were narrowly beaten by 12 points to 9 by Callendar in a Central Division 11 match.