From the Northern Times 25, 50 and 100 years ago
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25 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of October 10, 1997
The long-awaited public inquiry into plans to site wind farms on the hills in the Helmsdale area finally opened in the village on Tuesday. Micon Turbines (UK) Ltd, already have planning permission to build a 20-turbine farm at West Garty. Also passed by the former Highland Regional Council was an application from Renewable Energy Systems Ltd for 17 turbines at Gartymore. Both applications were called in by the former Secretary of State, Michael Forsyth for his own decision.
Kinlochbervie Community Council came in for praise at a Transport and Isolation seminar organised by Help the Aged in Dunrobin Castle, Golspie, last week. The community council's pioneering subsidised taxi service was held up as a model that other west coast villages are considering introducing.
The Golspie Festival of Highland Dancing has marked its 25th anniversary. Twenty schools of dancing were represented at this year's Silver Jubilee festival.
50 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of October 6, 1972
Sutherland County Council's first "sheltered" housing scheme for old folk, at Lairg, is completed and almost ready for occupation. The scheme was made possible by a generous bequest by the late Mr Hector Mackay, of Sidney House, Lairg, as there had to be special facilities built into the four single apartments. There is also a warden's house and the site is at Lochside.
Sutherland Development Committee want the county council to make a determined bid to have the derelict buildings and other eyesores in the Shore Street area of Helmsdale removed. At Dornoch last Monday, they heard Mrs C. P. Rutherford saying that the view of the village from both sides of the new diversion bridge was "dreadful". Donald McBain said Helmsdale should have a development plan.
The East Sutherland branch of the Lord's Day Observance Society are launching a petition as a protest against Sutherland County Council's decision to allow Sunday opening of their swimming pool at Golspie.
100 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of October 5, 1922
A WAR memorial was unveiled at Melness, Sutherland, in the presence of a large gathering. The Rev. David Lundie, minister of the parish presided, and the unveiling was performed by ex-Provost Donald Mackay, Thurso. Melness is one of the most populous crofting districts in the north, and more than one quarter of its population were on service either with the sea or land forces during the war.
The memorial takes the form of a granite monument, erected in the local burying ground, which is situated close to the sea and overlooks the Kyle of Tongue.
Lairg War Memorial, erected on the hill leading up to Lairg Parish Church and commanding a splendid view of beautiful Loch Shin and surrounding district, was unveiled and dedicated on Saturday afternoon in the presence of a large gathering of relatives of the Fallen. Mr Edgar Horne MP., Lairg Lodges, unveiled the memorial, and during the ceremony the sun shone forth in all its glory on the large gathering.
