A Son of the Rock

On BBC TV news yesterday – in Scotland certainly, and I think on UK-wide bulletins too – it was stated time and again that the Forth Road Bridge had been closed due to snow for the first time “in living memory.” For all I know other news providers said the same.

It was a significant event certainly, especially for all those inconvenienced by it, but since the bridge was opened in 1964 that would be the first time, then; first time ever, no qualification required. It was only 46 years ago after all, nowhere near three score and ten. There are loads of people older than me (and younger too no doubt) who can remember it opening.

It makes you wonder – again – about the accuracy of all the other comparisons we are provided with on these organs of supposed truth telling.

Maybe this isn’t really a linguistic annoyance; just one about those who don’t think about what they’re saying. Or writing, for those who composed the script.