Pathé films bring back the area's past

The archive shows Rudyard Kipling as Rector of St Andrews University

Archive footage of events in Edinburgh and St Andrews dating back to before World War One has been put online by British Pathé.

The films show some of the biggest news stories of the last century.

British Pathé has relaunched its website and is keen for anyone to contact them if they recognise themselves or relatives.

The archive footage is free to watch.

Jack Cullen, from British Pathé, said that while some areas are well documented, information about the Highlands and south of Scotland is sparse.

"Many villages and smaller towns wouldn't have been written down in the canister notes by the cameramen at the time. 'Near the Scottish Borders' is all we have to go on - it's why we need people to get in touch," said Mr Cullen.

The collection was originally digitised for broadcasting licences with thousands of canisters stored in vaults at Pinewood Studios.

The films available to watch include Rudyard Kipling appointed Rector of St Andrews in 1923, the powder room in a ladies-only bank in Edinburgh, Dunfermline winning the Scottish Cup Final in 1968 and footage of the Edinburgh Festival in 1965.

British Pathé began making four minute silent newsreels London in 1902.

If you have information on the films, contact British Pathé by e-mail: [e-mail]