Before televisions became a fixture in our homes, the only way to see the news was in the cinema.
Newsreels were commonplace before movies and Path News was the best known name in the business.
It operated from 1910 right through until 1970 when televisions had become so popular and news broadcasts so advanced that there was no longer any need, or desire, for news bulletins in the cinema.
The films themselves remain an iconic part of British culture, despite production ceasing nearly 50 years ago.
From the clipped voices narrating each story to the scratchy quality of the film stock itself,
Now much of its vast archive, operated by British Path, has been posted online.
The clips are an invaluable treasure trove of British and world history, covering two world wars and dozens of other world-shaping events.
But they also are a priceless way to look back at life in the UK over the course of the 20th century and how much it has changed since.
Over the next three days we will be looking at some of the best clips filmed in Tayside and Fife.
From an invalided Winston Churchill arriving in Dundee to East Fife winning their second league cup during the Methil club’s post-war golden period, the films provide an invaluable snapshot of days gone by.
Today we have chosen newsreels that capture community life in Tayside and Fife over the decades.
From the massive crowds that greeted the Queen Mother in Dundee to pageants celebrating Robert the Bruce at Arbroath Abbey, the online clips show how much life has changed and, in some cases, how it has not.
Tomorrow we will look at those videos which capture our changing world – from the construction of the Tay Road Bridge to celebrations of long-gone industries which once employed thousands.
The Queen Mother visits Dundee:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=elJ5B9Ps0cc%3Frel%3D0%26showinfo%3D0
The Queen Mother always had a special relationship with Scotland thanks to spending her childhood at Glamis Castle.
In turn, Scots loved the Queen Mum and thousands of Dundonians turned out to welcome her to Dundee in 1954, when she was given the freedom of the city from Lord Provost William Hughes.
She also received the city freedom on behalf of the Black Watch at the same time. She was colonel-in-chief of the regiment at the time.
The freedom of the city allowed member of the Black Watch to enter Dundee with bayonets fixed and drums beating.
General Smuts at St Andrews:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=UcCGcQf3tbY%3Frel%3D0%26showinfo%3D0
The former Prime Minister of South Africa was installed as rector of St Andrews University in 1934.
One of the most prominent politicians in the Commonwealth, he was one of the key figures in the establishment of the RAF.
He was also a member of the British War Cabinets during the first and second world wars.
Remarkably, he is the only person to sign the peace treaties that ended both conflicts.
Arbroath Pageant:
https://youtube.com/watch?v=ajVOqnfj2tY%3Frel%3D0%26showinfo%3D0
This three-minute silent video shows the first ever Arbroath pageant, filmed in 1947.
It shows hundreds of people dressed up in costume, from monks and soldiers to King Robert the Bruce himself, to celebrate and re-enact the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath with the town’s Abbey.
Although Arbroath Abbey had not changed in the past 70 years, the clip provides a glimpse of post-war fashions and cars of the day.
Sadly, the last pageant took place in 2005.