From the Northern Times 25, 50 and 100 years ago
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25 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of September 27, 1996
Strathy postman Donald "Nonie" Mackay was a popular choice to open an important new stretch of North Coast road this week. Mr Mackay (77) cut the ribbon to mark the official opening of two and a half miles of modern double-lane carriageway between Lednagullin and Beannie on the A836 between Bettyhill and Melvich. Mr Mackay served the area as postie for 35 years and has also taken a strong interest in community affairs.
As controversial changes to services at Golspie's Lawson Memorial Hospital were given the official seal of approval this week, the future of another Sutherland hospital was once again in doubt. Meeting in Inverness on Tuesday, Highland Health Board rubberstamped its blueprint for the Lawson. At the same time the Board suggested that the 40-bed Migdale Hospital in Bonar Bridge, which caters for geriatric and psycho-geriatric patients, should close and its function be transferred to the Lawson, thus creating a single-site hospital for Sutherland.
50 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of September 24, 1971
The Scottish Development Department recently turned down a request for a 30mph speed limit at Scourie village – it was not justified, they said, because the accident rate was so low. At last week's roads committee meeting, the Rev. J. M. Macarthur said that they should tell the Department that it was the view of the local community, the police and the county council that such a speed limit was urgently needed in Scourie. He said: "Although we are unanimous, we have the Department, in Edinburgh telling us virtually that our own local knowledge is of no use really. If our request is not granted, we shall hold the Department responsible for any action that happens on this road." It was agreed to appeal to the Department.
Brora Majorettes, under the direction of Mr Hugh Coghill, took part in the last parade of the season of Dornoch Pipe Band at the Square, last Saturday. The 20 girls smartly dressed in red and white gave a polished performance. They already have bookings for next season.
100 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of September 22, 1921
During the year ended 31st May, 1921, the Sutherland motor ambulance ran 3507 miles, conveying 50 patients and making an average run per patient of 70 miles. Of the 50 cases, 47 were removed to hospital for special treatment, 80 per cent of these being surgical emergencies and the remainder medical cases. The ambulance has proved of great value to the county, and the fact that the subscriptions from the various districts have increased, shows that the importance of a motor ambulance has been fully realised. With very few exceptions, the patients have been carried free of charge.
The War Memorial Committee for the districts of Strathy and Armadale was very fortunate in obtaining the services of the gallant and distinguished soldier, General Lord Horne of Stirkoke, for the unveiling ceremony on Friday, 16th September. A large crowd from far afield assembled for the ceremony. The memorial occupies a conspicuous position on an eminence to the west of Strathy bridge.
