From the Northern Times 25, 50 and 100 years ago

25 YEARS AGO

From the newspaper of September 19, 1997

The row over a fishing bothy in the hills above Bonar Bridge, erected by Skibo Castle boss Peter de Savary without planning permission, came to the boil at a public meeting in the village this week. Local residents wanted to know why the planning authority had not stepped in to stop construction of the unauthorised structure, and there was at least one demand to "take the damn thing down".

Sutherland councillor Alison Magee, Lairg, – whose petrol costs 75p a litre at her village pumps, one of the highest mark-ups in the country – is leading a Highlands and Islands delegation to protest to the Office of Fair Trading in London next week.

A NEW resource centre at Melness has got off to a flying start, according to its backers. Sixteen adults are taking part in a full-time Gaelic immersion course, being run by Thurso College, at the centre. Based in the former Melness school, the centre is part of a multi-agency project to stimulate more development through the medium of Gaelic.

50 YEARS AGO

From the newspaper of September 15, 1972

The county surveyor Mr Gordon Edmond is to report on what might be done to improve certain sections of the trunk road from the accident prevention viewpoint, particularly south of Spinningdale and north of Golspie village, where there have been seven people killed since the beginning of June. Widening, double white lines and 'No overtaking' signs were all given as possible solutions when Sutherland Roads Committee discussed the question at Dornoch last Monday.

Colonel Allan Gilmour, of Invernauld, Rosehall, has been appointed Lord Lieutenant of Sutherland in succession to Lord Migdale of Ospisdale, who has retired after holding the post for 10 years.

For the first time in their history, the Glasgow Sutherland Association are to hold a concert in the home county – at Lochinver, next Friday. The aim is to boost the funds of Assynt Old People's Welfare Committee. The event has roused a tremendous amount of interest in the parish of Assynt.

100 YEARS AGO

From the newspaper of September 14, 1922

While Mr John Murray, Doune, Muie, Rogart, was out shooting on his croft on Saturday morning, he unfortunately had a somewhat serious gun accident. It seems that while he was about to aim at an object, the barrel of the gun exploded and badly shattered his left hand. Medical attendance was immediately sent for to Golspie, and the Rogart people cannot but express their gratitude for the prompt way the Sutherland Motor Ambulance was dispatched, with Dr B. S. Simpson in attendance. The unfortunate man was conveyed to the Lawson Memorial Hospital, Golspie, where we understand he is progressing as favourably as can be expected.

The converts have reopened their seasons's campaign, and with the return of Mr Donald Sutherland from the Yarmouth fishings, an open air meeting was held in Helmsdale last Saturday night. The Fishermen's Hall was again packed on Sunday night when several speakers took part.

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