From the Northern Times 25, 50 and 100 years ago
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25 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of February 13, 1998
The cost of containing the recent oil spill into Little Loch Shin has become a bone of contention between Sutherland's transport services department and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). SEPA has agreed to pay a portion of the bill, which amounts to several thousand pounds, but is refusing to meet the total costs. However, local transport service officials say they are certain they are not financially responsible for the mopping-up operation. As yet the source of the oil has not been identified, although the spillage has been linked with the boarded-up garage premises of the former Sutherland Transport and Trading company.
Local planners have slapped a ban on the use of the fishing bothy built without permission in the hills above Bonar Bridge by Skibo Castle boss Peter de Savary. It was agreed this week that the hut, sited near to the area's public water supply at Loch a' Ghobair, should not be used until a new water treatment works is in place. A £1.5 million scheme is in the pipeline.
50 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of February 9, 1973
Senior boys at Helmsdale Secondary School are busily engaged clearing an old car track leading from the old bridge and going down to the riverside and on under the new bridge. They are also putting in a drain, and when the work is finished this will be another outstanding amenity provided by the school for the benefit of villagers and holidaymakers alike.
The police are keeping a lookout for motorists and motor cyclists making unauthorised use of the airstrip at Dornoch links – and the town council intend to prosecute offenders who are caught. The warning was given at a council meeting last Tuesday night by Provost Harry Clunie who said that, in spite of council notices, there were still motorists and cyclists "running up and down the airstrip" and causing damage to the surface.
It was suggested at a meeting of Sutherland County Council that work on the proposed open air pool at Embo harbour might be done under the army's Opmac scheme.
100 Years Ago
From the newspaper of February 8, 1923
A PETITION from householders and ratepayers resident at Skelpick, Bettyhill, was read to Sutherland Road Board, complaining about the dangerous condition of the road from Naver Bridge to Skelpick. The road surveyor stated in his report that the road was in a deplorable condition, and in wet weather it was a mere waterway. It was not in a fit condition to be taken over as a county road. As the road was not a county one and was not in a fit condition to be taken over, the road board could do nothing in the matter.
Provost Murray has handed £10 to Dornoch's town clerk for distribution among the deserving poor of the town.
The fishing is still very bad in Embo. The fishermen have started the plaice fishing, but complain of poor catches, blaming the trawlers for this state of affairs as they have fairly swept the bay clean of fish.
Repairs will be carried out at Stoer Police Station to an amount not exceeding £10.
