From the Northern Times 25, 50 and 100 years ago
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25 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of April 18, 1997
A SENIOR member of the Assynt Crofters Trust this week launched a blistering attack on the conservation body Scottish Natural Heritage, accusing it of allowing a "wretched pair of birds" to block a mini-hydro scheme which would have brought long term benefits to the community. In a letter to the Northern Times, trust secretary John MacKenzie says the birds in question – a pair of black-throated divers – have failed to breed successfully since the early 1980s.
Local councillors this week refused to renew planning permission for Kiddies Wonderland, Sutherland's only wet-weather facility for children. The decision means the play centre, sited in a unit on Dornoch Industrial Estate, will be forced to close when its two-year planning consent runs out in November. The facility was granted temporary planning consent in 1995 but at the time there was concern that it went against the development plan for the area and would create heavier traffic. Planners said at a recent meeting the original concern over the play centre remained.
50 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of April 14, 1972
Sutherland County Council are sending a deputation to the south of England next month, for talks with an oil company who are interested in Loch Eriboll's deep water anchorage. Mr John Green, Sutherland's development officer, said it would be the deputation's aim to find out what was required at Eriboll if it was to play a part in off-shore oil production. The deputation would also emphasise just how serious they were about developing all the necessary facilities in the event of Loch Eriboll being used either as a pipeline terminal or as a supply base for off-shore drilling.
Mr Neil Morrison, a keeper for 50 years with the Westminster Estate, has retired and returned with his wife Catherine to his native Kinlochbervie. Last Friday night, in Achfary Hall, Mr and Mrs Morrison were honoured by the workers of the Reay Forest, and, handing over the gift, a refrigerator, was another 50 years' service man, retired head keeper John Scobie. Estate factor Mr Sinclair Mackintosh presided over the event.
100 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of April 13, 1922
A NUMBER of converts from Brora, accompanied by Rev. Mr Thomson, U.F. Church, and Mr Dowie, evangelist, Aberdeen, paid a visit to Golspie on Friday and held a service in the United Free Church. The meeting was very largely attended. On Sunday evening, at the YMCA Hall, Mr Dowie, evangelist, delivered a telling address, also to a large attendance.
A giant turbot weighing almost one hundred and twelve pounds was landed by a local fishing boat at Helmsdale harbour last Tuesday. The uncommon fish created a deal of interest as it lay on the quay and was visited by a number of naturalist.
Mr Grant Murray has made a start with the Clyne War Memorial. Workmen have been engaged in cutting down the trees and shrubs and preparing the site for building operations.
Experienced domestic servants are required for New Zealand. Free passage and £2 for expenses on joining steamer.
