From the Northern Times 25, 50 and 100 years ago
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25 YEARS AGO
From the Northern Times of July 12, 1996
A SUTHERLAND salmon farm is in the front line of a new clash between the industry and the conservation lobby over the use of a chemical, normally applied to pigs and cattle, to rid salmon of sea lice. Ardvar Salmon Ltd of Drumbeg is one of the first companies to apply for permission from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) to use ivermectin in salmon feed. It says use of the chemical is possibly crucial to the future of the company and the 20 full-time jobs it provides in an economically fragile area. However, conservationists say more research must be done into the long term effects of the chemical.
Just under a year after thousands of fish were poisoned on the River Carron near Glencalvie, vandals this week smashed up a Kyle of Sutherland fishery board's patrol vehicle at Inveran. No arrests were ever made in connection with the cyanide attack, which was believed to be in revenge for more vigilant river watching by bailiffs. The van's headlights and windows were smashed and its tyres slashed.
50 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of July 9, 1971
Kenny Campbell, Invershin, Sutherland's colourful strongman, set out on Wednesday afternoon on the first stage of another of his fundraising feats for charity. Kenny's objective is the summit of Ben Nevis, and as if the 4400ft ascent on food is not enough, he is to push, pull, or even carry if necessary, a piano with him. The piano is sitting on a high tensile steel axle with auto cycle wheels and Kenny has fixed handles to the back of the instrument. He is determined to tap out Scotland the Brave when he reaches the summit. Red-bearded Kenny stands 6ft 1 in in his size 11 commando boots and mini kilt.
Sutherland Education Committee recently agreed to spend £20,000 on improvements to Kinbrace, Skerray and Embo primary schools. But at last week's county council meeting, Mr John Mackintosh, Dornoch, was not satisfied with comments by the director, Mr James McLellan, particularly regarding the plan to build new toilets at Embo school. He wanted an assurance that the work would go on.
100 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of July 7, 1921
His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales is to visit Dunrobin in the autumn. It will be remembered that in 1915 – during the war – the Prince of Wales paid a flying visit to Dunrobin, being received by the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland. During his short stay, the Prince found time to chat with the wounded soldiers then in residence at the castle, and also had a walk round the policies, expressing himself as delighted with the scenery.
Sutherland Education Authority has sanctioned minor repairs to a number of schools and schoolhouses. It was agreed to put in a water supply at Oldshore school. The Authority considered the janitor of Durine School was still under an obligation to keep the school dykes in a state of repair. The Authority adhered to their former decision not to undertake in the meantime the proposed improvements at Skibo school in connection with a water supply. Rev J Macleod, Dornoch, strongly advocated that the lavatories at least should be put right.
