From the Northern Times 25, 50 and 100 years ago
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25 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of December 5, 1997
Eyebrows were raised in Lochinver this week over what some see as a snub to the ladies of the lifeboat guild. None of them were invited to this week's formal installation of Paul Shone, the new superintendent of the Fishermen's Mission in the west coast port. The criticism is being directed at John Mackenzie, chairman of the mission's advisory committee. This summer he clashed with the guild over holding its fundraising open day on a Sunday.
A GROUP is being formed to spearhead the conservation of two historically important ruins and the restoration of a parish church on the north-west coast. Historic Assynt's ultimate goal is to preserve Ardvreck Castle along with Calda House and restore the old parish church at Inchnadamph.
The RSPB has announced that its reserve at Forsinard in Sutherland is to be extended with the purchase of 403 hectares of land near Loch Talaheel. The land adjoins the existing reserve and consists of a mixture of peatland and young conifer plantation.
50 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of December 1, 1972
A FORD, not a bridge, is now planned for vehicular traffic crossing the river Oykel, at Tutim, Sutherland Roads Committee has been told. The estimated cost, with roadworks, is £25,000, but with army engineers doing the work that might be reduced to £12,500. The objective is to save the dying crofting community on the Ross-shire side of the water, to give them a direct link with Sutherland.
Planning officer Mr J. J. McMillan has made it clear that he is not very hopeful that the Countryside Commission would have the powers to give a grant towards the cost of making an outdoor swimming pool in the old harbour area at Helmsdale. The commission would like to consider the matter further.
A TELEGRAM from Buckingham Palace was received earlier this week by Col. A. G. Gilmour, Lord Lieutenant of Sutherland. It read: "The Queen and Prince Philip send you and the people of Sutherland their thanks for your good wishes on the occasion of their silver wedding."
100 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of November 30, 1922
The season for the Highland Gatherings is now in full swing in Glasgow, and Tuesday 12th December promises to be a red letter day in the annals of the Glasgow Sutherlanders. The prospect of having His Grace the Duke of Sutherland as chairman this year had given unbounded delight to all concerned and a bumper house is assured, so that a right Highland welcome awaits his Grace in the City Hall.
Speculation is still busy as to what form the local war memorial at Helmsdale is to take. A meeting of the committee was held last week, but so far it is impossible to elicit any information as to the decision, if any, come to. It is hope that the new parish council when elected, will infuse some energy into the committee.
A start has been made with the reconstruction of Golspie Main Street. All householders should see that the water "tobbies" attached to their property are raised before the metal is put on the street.
