From the Northern Times 25, 50 and 100 years ago
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
25 YEARS AGO
Crofters in Melness in Sutherland have been invited to consider whether they wish to take possession of the estate where they live and work their crofts. This exciting offer has been made by the current laird of Hope and Melness Estate, Mr Michael Foljambe, whose family has owned the 32,000 acre estate for 42 years. Mr Foljambe has no heir and this gesture is understood to be his way of securing the estate's long-term future. The crofting tenants would take over the running and management of the estate, and mineral and sporting rights would be included.
The 60 members of the Kyle of Sutherland Fishery Board expressed their disappointment at their recent annual general meeting that no positive developments had followed an offer of a £5000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the person responsible for poisoning with cyanide a pool on the River Carron. The incident saw the death of more than 1000 salmon waiting in the pool before negotiating falls to go upstream.
50 YEARS AGO
Two competing projects are being proposed for Dornoch. Norscot Hotels has unveiled plans to build a £100,000 pavilion closed to the beach which would house a ballroom and 500-seat concert hall, as well as a restaurant, snack bar, tea room and cocktail bar. The company said it would provide "evening entertainments of a Highland character". But Highlands and Islands Development Board has plans for a £200,000 golf complex project – dubbed 'a miniature Gleneagles' in the same area.
Dornoch Town Council has been told it must take a view on both proposals. Provost Harry Clune said: "This is a decision that will affect the future of Dornoch for all our lifetime and perhaps that of our children as well. If this goes by the board you will never get the same chance again."
A CUP, donated by Mr Marcus Kimball, MP., of Altnaharra, in memory of Mr Magnus Mackay, the well-known handler, who died so suddenly is to be competed for at the Strathnaver sheepdog trials next week.
100 YEARS AGO
The 21st of September was a red letter day in the history of the Free Church congregation of Stoer, for after a patient waiting of 20 years without a pastor, there was settled over them that day a young minister who is the unanimous choice of a people well known for their uncommon powers and readiness to distinguish real, sound gospel preaching.
The minister elected, the Rev. F. Matheson, late of Govan, arrived at Stoer at 12 o' clock noon, the hour appointed for the service. A congregation, which crowded the church to its utmost capacity had already assembled.
After the sermon, the Moderator put to Mr Matheson the questions usually addressed on such an occasion and he was solemnly inducted to the charge and received the right hand of fellowship of all the members of Presbytery present. Mr Matheson was cordially welcomed at the church door by the congregation The Presbytery and other friends were later entertained with great kindness at the house of Mr and Mrs Kerr, merchant.
Click here for more news
