From the Northern Times 25, 50 and 100 years ago
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25 YEARS AGO
Drilling for gold in the Strath of Kildonan – more than a century after the first "Klondykers" were driven off the land – could start again next year. Preliminary geophysical surveys both by air and on the ground by local man Dennis MacLeod's Caledonia Mining Corporation of Canada have confirmed "drill targets" in four distinct areas of the historic strath.
Mr MacLeod said from Toronto this week that he was hopeful that, following negotiations with local landowners, he might be able to start drilling in the spring of 1996. He said he was encouraged by the work undertaken in Kildonan.
Bettyhill has been chosen as the site of a proposed £240,000 north coast visitor centre, beating the second choice of Melvich. The project is to be promoted by Sutherland District Council, who inspected two possible sites on a tour of the north coast in June. Councillors looked at land next to the police station and adjacent to the Strathnaver Museum in Bettyhill and selected the latter at a meeting recently.
50 YEARS AGO
A slight heart attack might well have had very serious consequences for Mr William J. Macdonald, head shepherd at Gordonbush Estate, when he collapsed on the lonely Benarmine forest hills, between Rogart and Brora, last Sunday. Fortunately for him help was very quickly forthcoming. His friend, Mr Roderick Macdonald, gamekeeper at Benarmine for Sutherland Estates, was lucky to spot William through his telescope and alerted Sir John Whitmore, shooting tenant at Benarmine Lodge and his guests there,including Mr Alan Mann.
A private helicopter, used by Mr Mann was put into service and the sick man was flown the 20 miles to the Lawson memorial Hospital, Golspie.
Schoolgirls all over Scotland are now receiving a new vaccine produced to give protection against German measles, or rubella, as the disease is also known. The special feature of this new vaccine is that it gives a high degree of protection to the next generation as well.
100 YEARS AGO
A MEETING of the General Committee in connection with Golspie War Memorial was held in the YMCA Hall, Golspie, on Thursday evening. Mr Alexander Sinclair, treasurer, submitted his financial statement, showing the amount of money received to 31st August, 1920. The amount was £767. After some discussion it was agreed to make another appeal for money in the parish as it is hoped that £1000 will be raised, the sum originally aimed at. The committee want a lasting tribute in memory of the brave men of the parish who sacrificed their lives, and before a suitable memorial can be procured, £1000 must be raised.
The site agreed upon for the memorial was at the Cross Roads at the West End of Golspie at Mr Rhind's house. The grand surroundings there would harmonise the monument.
The Free Church Presbytery of Dornoch met in Helmsdale last Wednesday for the induction of Rev. Mr MacRuray to the pastoral charge of Helmsdale Free Church.
