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Council leader finds 121-year-old local newspaper in old courthouse

A council leader has discovered a 121-year-old copy of a local newspaper in a former courthouse she is renovating.

Scottish Borders Council leader Shona Haslam and her husband Marc found the edition of the Peebles News from 1899.

The couple purchased the old Peebles Courthouse in 2017, but were “staggered” when they recently discovered the perfectly preserved paper in the building.

The half-penny copy is dated 25 February 1899 and features a notice from town clerk WM Buchan requesting householders not to put paper in their ash buckets daily, among other things.

Peebles News

Mrs Haslam, pictured with the paper, told the Border Telegraph: “It is a fantastic piece of local history and will definitely be finding a special place when the building is finally renovated.

“I know DIY is a favourite lockdown activity for many, and in the courthouse we have our fair share.

“While we were cleaning out, in one of the many boxes that we found when we moved in, I discovered this absolute gem of a Peebles News from 1899.”

An article detailing a public meeting of the Peebles March Riding also features in the edition.

She added: “What always amazes me is how many of the names are still recognisable as well-kent within the town.

“You only need to look at the names of the committee of the March Riders meeting to see so many familiar surnames.”