"It's a misconception," he says, "to think that firemen have to be physically strong. What matters most at the 'sharp end' in a crisis, is correct attitude of mind."
The fire chief told the Region's public protection committee that, for the moment, the brigade is about 40 'part-timers' short, and every effort is being made to make up the numbers.
A possible answer, he ventured, would be to take on members of the fairer sex, as some other brigades had already done.
Mr Bond commented that he understood that the one area where women were perhaps not as capable as men, was on the question of claustrophobia.
In his annual report, Mr Bond revealed that last year the number of incidents dealt with by the Grampian Brigade jumped by more than 11 per cent – breaking the 5,000 barrier for the first time.

* * *
YET another controversial Stonehaven development issue broke yesterday (Thursday), when the district council's planning committee were asked whether or not consent should be given to the setting up of a retail pharmacy outlet – directly across the road from the town's medical centre.
Objectors to the proposal included residents in the near or not-too-distant vicinity; Boots the chemists; and the local community council.
After a fairly short discussion, the committee agreed overwhelmingly to refuse the application.

50 YEARS AGO
Friday, May 30, 1958

More than 85 guests were present on Friday when Prince Georg of Denmark opened the Clatterin' Brig Restaurant last Friday afternoon.
Earlier in the day, Princess Margaret, en route in her cousin, Lord Elphinstone's car from Perth to Brighall, passed by the building to the surprise of those already gathered.
Introducing Prince Georg on Friday, Sir Colin N. Thornton-Kemsley, M.P., congratulated their hostess on her enterprise and paid tribute to the manner in which Prince Georg and Princess Anne carries out their duties.

100 YEARS AGO
Friday, May 28, 1908

THE half-yearly feeing market was held in the Market Square yesterday. Although the weather was very fine there was not a large attendance of farm servants. Feeing was stiff, servants holding off for higher rates.
First horsemen, with charge, were engaged at from £19 to £20; second horsemen, £17 to £18; third, £16 to £17; halflins, £10 to £12; and boys, £5 to £10.
There was a good many booths and shows on the ground.