From the Northern Times 100, 50 and 25 years ago
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25 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of January 1, 1999
Neighbours have rallied round to help an elderly retired crofter who escaped with his life early on Sunday morning when his home at Clashnessie, near Lochinver, was destroyed by fire. Widower Mr Donald Kerr (75), the only occupant at Hill Cottage, was lighting his fire when, it is understood, part of a burning firelighter fell from the grate and set fire to his armchair. Furnishings in the room caught fire within seconds.
John Lochore (80), who helped set up Golspie's first community council, and was also on the inaugural Golspie Gala Week Committee, has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours list.
Forty years of service to the Nutting family of Achentoul Estate and the community in general, was recognised recently when Donnie Mackay was presented with the Royal Highland Agricultural Society long-service medal and certificate at a function in the Forsinard Hotel. Donnie was appointed farm manager in 1958.
50 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of January 4, 1974
A YOUNG man from Rogart was drowned early on New Year's Day when, in the darkness, he apparently stumbled into the River Brora, near Balnacoil, missing the suspension bridge which he meant to cross when he was proposing to first foot a friend living on the other side at Kilbraur. He was Mr George Ross Mackay (36), a bachelor, son of Mrs Andrew Mackay, a widow of 38 Banscol, and employed as a roadman with Sutherland county Council.
Kildonan, Loth and Clyne education district sub-committee were concerned about the bad behaviour of pupils on buses taking them to Golspie High School. That was what Mr James McLellan director, recently told Sutherland Education Committee at Golspie. It was suggested that instead of using double-decker buses, four single-deck buses should be used on the grounds that it was very difficult to control children on double-deckers. The problem was the cost. Four single-deck buses would cost about £10 each per day. Double-deckers cost £12 per day.
100 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of January 3, 1924
The S.S. Stormlight of Glasgow discharged a cargo of over 120 tons of coal at Scourie pier last week. The consignment was ordered by His Grace the Duke of Sutherland for the benefit of all crofters and cottars on the estate who were absolutely without fuel owing to the failure of peat supplies caused by the abnormal wet weather. The coal is given at about half cost price, the maximum quantity to each being two tons. Such generosity on the part of His Grace is much appreciated by the community. The ship arrived in ideal weather conditions.
Mr Alexander Littlejohn of Invercharron has sent five guineas each to the ministers of the Established, United Free, and Free Churches – 15 guineas in all – for distribution among needy parishioners. For nearly half a century the kindly laird has sent this gift without fail, and the recipients have always gratefully remembered and looked forward to the timely assistance. Mr Littlejohn has also innumerable unrecorded deeds of kindness to his name.
