RUMOURS spread quickly across Kirkcaldy on November 11, 1918 that an armistice marking the end of World War One had been signed.
Residents waited anxiously to find out if it was true. Would their loved ones be coming home? Was the long and bloody war finally over?
By 9 p.m. all was confirmed as news wires reached the Fife Free Press stating agreements had indeed been reached that day.
The headline in that week's Press read 'VICTORY!' as reporters told of enthusiastic celebrations which took over Kirkcaldy as communities united to mark the end of four years at war.
The next day at noon, the chimes of St Brycedale Church could be heard across the town, the Scottish Standard was hoisted from the Town House and enthusiastic groups of residents met outside, cheering in delight at the good news.
Children ran through the streets waving flags, singing triumphant songs as public works closed for the day and employees came out to join in the fun.
A party ensued throughout the evening as crowds gathered on the High Street, many revellers being soldiers, US servicemen and munitions workers. Brass bands and pipers provided musical entertainment until the small hours.
The Press article read: "The withdrawal of shades from windows provided such illumination of the thoroughfare as had not been enjoyed for many months."
In the same issue of the Press, alongside reports of the celebrations, pictures of Kirkcaldy soldiers confirmed dead in battle and details of their families in the town were printed - a weekly occurrence for the paper during the war years.
'BONFIRES, FIREWORKS AND FLOODLIGHTING. MUSIC, DANCING AND CHURCH BELLS: HOW KIRKCALDY CELEBRATED VICTORY' was the headline in the Press on August 18, 1945.
News of the end of World War Two came during the night when Prime Minister Clement Attlee announced fighting was over - many Fifers had not gone to bed in anticipation.
Kirkcaldy 'came alive', the report reads, as ship sirens were heard from the harbour, fireworks were released and crowds of revellers took to the streets in celebration.
The next day, parties were promptly arranged: women headed to get food while men and children began decorating the town with bunting.
Celebrations lasted the whole day with music from local bands, including Dysart Colliery, bonfires stretching from the harbour to Seafield and open air dancing.
Ballie John Collyer JP made a formal announcement to readers and soldiers in the Press: "May I, on behalf of the Town Council extend to you our congratulations on the declaration of peace and our grateful thanks for all you have done."