THIS week’s look into the Telegraph archives takes us back thirteen years, when a Port Glasgow industrial estate was evacuated after a blaze ripped through a unit containing explosives.
A 400-metre exclusion zone was thrown around Ocean Safety’s premises at Devol Industrial Estate when it emerged that there was 10kg in distress flares inside.
Firefighters also took expert advice after asbestos was identified on the roof of the building.
Workers at other units were forced to abandon their shifts, with elderly people in daycare also having to leave the nearby Muirshiel Centre.
The building was empty when the fire broke out at around 9am, with three appliances from Port Glasgow and Greenock’s fire stations being mobilised.
In other news, two special Greenock ladies were celebrating their 100th birthdays in style.
Both Helen McGhee and Cathy Cowden marked their centenary on the same day, surrounded by friends and family.
Helen said singing, ‘great faith’ and ‘a love for life’ were her secrets to her longevity.
Cathy, a resident at John Galt House, put her own down to ‘humility and hard work’.
Elsewhere, Inverclyde’s sporting stars were recognised for their achievements at a glittering Sports Personality of the Year ceremony at Greenock Town Hall.
International hockey captain Gordon McIntyre was crowned winner in the senior sports category after a successful year in which he had been called up to the Scotland squad for the Commonwealth Games in Delhi.
Track star Sarah Glenny won the young sports personality prize, with veteran athlete Richard Hodelet triumphing in the lifetime achievement category.
Greenock Wanderers coaches Robert Adams and David McVey, talented swimmer Isaac Dunning and top netball coach Ann Clark were also among the winners on the night.
Meanwhile, a Greenock dancer said taking part in a major TV competition had been a dream come true - despite missing out on the top prize.
Lauren Hair, 16, featured in Sky 1’s Got To Dance and was one of just eight contenders selected for the last round.
The final was broadcast live to millions, with duo Chris and Wes taking the £250,000 prize.
After her performance, Lauren told host Davina McCall: “There is so much emotion — nerves and joy. I just love it so much. I am just so happy to have had this opportunity.”
Lauren was praised by judges Adam Garcia and Ashley Banjo, with the latter telling her she was ‘born to dance’.
In sport, Morton became the first team to take a point at Dens Park in over four months in a 1-1 draw.
Dundee had won 11 and drawn four of their previous 15 games before Morton’s visit.
They looked set to continue their home winning streak after Sean Higgins fired a low shot past Kevin Cuthbert in the 26th minute.
But Allan Jenkins popped up with a 76th minute leveller to secure an impressive away point.
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