From the Northern Times 25, 50 and 100 years ago
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25 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of April 30, 1999
Delegates from across Europe and as far afield as the USA gathered on Wednesday evening at the Tongue Hotel for the start of the Duthcas Transnational Conference. This innovative event brought together community and agency representation from peripheral areas to share solutions to the difficulties of “life on the edge”.
A steering committee has been formed to try to revive a four-year-old proposal to construct an indoor sports centre alongside Brora Rangers’ football pitch at Dudgeon Park.
Various community groups in Brora are joining together this weekend in a bid to raise money to help the Kosovar refugees. A bring and buy sale is to be held.
Concern over the uncertain employment situation at Hunters of Brora has prompted the community council to invite the textile firm’s newly appointed chief executive to attend a future council meeting.
50 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of May 3, 1974
The white fish fleet at Lochinver is to be strengthened by the acquisition of five new steel-hulled boats varying in length from 76ft to 60ft and valued at more than £640,000. The first boat was due at Lochinver in three weeks, Mr George Mackay, managing director of the Lochinver Fish Selling Company, said. The last boat was due by the beginning of next year. They were being commissioned by his company and east coast owners. There are between 25 and 30 boats landing white fish and prawns at Lochinver at the moment.
In a bid to help solve staffing problems in their secondary schools, Sutherland Education Committee want to upgrade Brora High School, presently with a two-year secondary department, to four-year or “O” Level status. But, if that is to go into effect after the summer holidays, they need Scottish Education Department approval. Helmsdale is to remain a two-year school.
Sutherland County Council have announced that they have engaged consultants to carry out an exploratory study to examine the economic and operational feasibility of locating various types of development facilities at Loch Eriboll.
100 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of May 1, 1924
Passengers are complaining about the niggardly accommodation on the train, which runs between Dornoch and The Mound. Surely the L.M.S can spare more than one carriage? Embo Station looks very well since it was painted. There is a great deal of passenger traffic with little or no convenience. Passengers would like to see this fault rectified.
The Embo water scheme is progressing favourably, and the people are looking forward to a good supply of water. They don’t now fear a “dry” summer.
The young women and men who went abroad last year have written home glowing accounts to their parents of how well they are progressing in the land of their choice. The community rejoice that the young men and women are doing so well.
The Royal Dornoch Golf Club now possess a motor mower and roller combined. it goes through double the amount of work compared with was was done with the hand-roller, and the work done by it is superior to the old system.
