From the Northern Times of 25, 50 and 100 years ago

25 YEARS AGO

From the newspaper of May 3, 1996

The closure of the procurator fiscal's office in Dornoch along with the loss of its full-time administrative staff would, it was paradoxically claimed this week, lead to a better service for Sutherland. Situated in Dornoch courthouse – recently extensively refurbished at a cost of £147,000 – the office closed its doors on Wednesday with all paperwork transferred to Tain, from where operations will now be run. The shut-down has prompted the retirement in a fortnight's time of administrative officer Margaret Murray after more than 18 years in post.

Local opposition to plans for a new £600,000 health centre with attached day centre for the elderly at Kinlochbervie could lead to a delay in the project going ahead. Six objections have been received to the application to build on croft land between the garage belonging to Kinlochbervie fish Selling Company and the existing doctor's surgery in the village. Objectors claim the centre will be situated too close to housing and also have concerns over the proposed parking area.

50 YEARS AGO

From the newspaper of April 30, 1971

It was very obvious that Lochinver was "sitting on a growth explosion," Mr J. B. Rodger, the clerk, told Sutherland County Council at Dornoch last Monday. He was referring to a letter from the Lochinver Fish Selling Company suggesting that the "time has now come" to consider a further extension to the pier there. To emphasise the need because of congestion, it was stated that over 70 boats had been using Culag Pier since last November, and during this time the company had collected for the quarter no less than £8500 in landing dues for Sutherland County Council.

Sutherland Education Committee agreed at Brora last week that so far as pupils in school hostels were concerned attendance at Sunday morning Church services should continue to be compulsory but that attendance at Bible classes should, in future sessions, be voluntary. It was also agreed that greater efforts should be made to provide suitable leisure-time for pupils who remained in the hostels on Sundays.

100 YEARS AGO

From the newspaper of April 28, 1921

Sutherland Education Authority has heard from the Department to the effect that at present they could not sanction a loan for the purchase of the Doll and Rhilochan schools. It was agreed to ask the proprietors to defer for six months the question of the sale of the above schools, as the Department who had not definitely refused to loan might sanction same, or as was suggested, the amount – £700 – might be raised by taxation. The authority did not desire to let such a good offer of purchasing cheap go abegging. Several other matters were dealt with.

There being no industrial inducement for them to remain in their native village, several of the young members of the Embo community have decided to emigrate to the land of the maple leaf to earn their livelihood. They will sail for Canada on the 10th of May. Among those leaving are Mr Alexander Mackay, goalkeeper of the Embo F. C.; Mr Alexander Fraser, Rockfield Villa; Miss Annie Ross, Tarbet View; and Miss Jessie Cumming, Station Road.

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