FROM THE ARCHIVES

This week in 2003

A CUMBERNAULD couple were able to boast that an A-list Hollywood star was at their wedding. Carol and Colin McArthur from Carrickstone were having their photographs taken at Kelvingrove after tying the knot at Park Circus registry office when superstar Morgan Freeman was spied filming close by. The Shawshank Redemption star agreed to Carol’s request to pose for a photograph. Carol said: “He just couldn’t have been nicer. It’s something we’ll never forget.’’

This week in 1988

EMBATTLED Scottish Nationalist councillor Irene Hanlon carried out her promise to to try and tackle Abronhill’s vandalism problem on her own. Irene donned old overalls, picked up a brush and a bucket of water - then set about cleaning up the mess. She said: “Something has to be done but no-one wants to take the responsibility.’’ She then turned her guns on louts who were targeting Abronhill shopping centre. “They are mindless morons who are spoiling the environment for decent people,’’ she said.

This week in 1983

TERRIFIED elderly residents of Cumbernauld Village claimed that thugs were making them prisoners in their own home.District councillor Gordon Murray arranged an emergency meeting with Chief Inspector John Beaton to highlight concerns about tearaway behaviour. An application for a takeaway in Main Street - branded an ‘‘absolute midden’’ by residents, proved to be the last straw. Councillor Murray said: “The villagers are obviously being subjected to a great deal of annoyance.’’ This was thought to reach its peak at weekends when boozed-up yobs ran riot.

This week in 1973

AN EXTRAORDINARY row over flying the Lion Rampant over Cumbernauld’s new swimming pool caused shockwaves in Cumbernauld. The ancient standard of Scottish kings was the choice of 14 rebel councillors - despite a warning from town clerk and manager Robert Kyle that this was against the law. A spokesman for the Lyon court, the Goverment body of Scottish Heraldry said: “The offender is still liable to the death penalty although we hope it would never come to that. Capital punishment has been repealed for murder - but not for this offence!’’ Provost Gordon Murray said: “I’m prepared to take the risk.’’