From the Northern Times 100, 50 and 25 years ago
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25 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of April 19, 1996
A LONG awaited improvement scheme on the north Sutherland coast road is now underway and local Highland Councillor Sandy Mackay says he will be pressing for further upgradings in the months ahead. Cllr Mackay, from Bettyhill, is delighted that work has begun on a four kilometre stretch of carriageway between Lednagullin and Beannie on the A836 Melvich to Bettyhill Road. The cost of the project is £1.8 million and follows two improvements in Melvich and one at Strathy Bridge.
Caithness and Sutherland MP Robert Maclennan this week called on the Scottish Office to take urgent action to avert the cash crisis facing the Highland and Islands Fire Brigade which could lead ot the closure of two Sutherland fire stations. The volunteer unit at Bonar Bridge – one of the busiest in the north – and the retained station at Dornoch have both been identified as possible casualties of the £750,000 worth of cuts being proposed in the budget of the Highland and Islands Fire Board.
50 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of April 16, 1971
The four miles of single-track road leading out of Sutherland County Council's harbour at Kinlochbervie and ending at Rhiconich are completely inadequate to cope with the daily fish lorry traffic. Now a bid is being made to get a special grant so that the road can be widened to 18 feet. But Sutherland Roads Committee were told at Dornoch last Tuesday that the cost of widening could be about £200,000 and that loan charges would be in the order of between £20,000 and £26,000 a year – there was no way of getting a special grant since this was not a principal road.
Golspie public reaction is being sought to a proposal to move the local war memorial from its present site skirting the trunk road at the junction of Ferry Road, at the west end of the village. The new site would be what at present is known as "The Plantation," just east of the masonic lodge building and adjacent to Church Street. The aim would be to build there a small garden of remembrance with seating for old folks.
100 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of April 14, 1921
o mark the close of the entertainment season, the Sutherland Football Club held a delightful concert and dance within the Drill Hall, Golspie, on Friday evening, there being in attendance a large and representative gathering – many being present from Brora, Dornoch and Rogart, even Lairg and Helmsdale did not fail to patronise the event. The remarkable success of the affair was mainly due to the popular mixture of wholesome fun, attractive singing and clever dancing, reflecting credit on all who took part. The public was quick to grasp the opportunity of witnessing a really fine performance
Mr John Grant, of Messrs Grant Bothers, bootmakers and saddlers, Golspie, who had a long spell of active service during the Great War, has just received intimation that he has been mentioned in despatches by Sir Douglas Haig for gallant and distinguished service on the field of battle on the Western Front. Mr Grant was in the 14th Heavy Battery, Royal Garrison Artillery.
