From the Northern Times 25, 50 and 100 years ago
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
25 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of April 17, 1998
If levels of phosphates continue to rise in Loch Shin, there will come a time when the whole character of the loch will change, bringing with it the risk of toxic algae blooms and subsequent danger to humans, dogs and fish. This warning was given by Colin Craig of the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, at a sub-group meeting of the Shin Catchment Management Forum in Lairg. He said fish farmers were not the only culprits, however. Forestry operations had also contributed with 12 tons of phosphates being deposited in 1989, and there was an unknown quantity being added through agriculture.
The final piece in the funding package for Lochinver Playgroup's new purpose-designed pre-school unit has fallen into place with a £19,000 grant from the Rural Challenge Fund. Work on the £50,000 project began last week and the new facility will open in the grounds of Lochinver Primary School in August. Funding also came from a variety of other sources including Highland Council.
50 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of April 13, 1973
A WEST German development company, Karbau A.G., have applied for planning permission in outline to build a holiday village and playground at Spinningdale, on the A9 trunk road, six miles east of Bonar Bridge. The application – it is understood an initial investment of £4 million is involved – will be considered by Sutherland Planning Committee on Monday.
Sutherland's recent first-ever "Learn to Swim Week," in the county pool at Golspie, was voted a great success with over 100 adults taking part – 65 juveniles and 44 adults. The average age of the children was between seven and nine.
The Scottish Development Department are to give Sutherland County Council a grant of just over £10,000 to widen and resurface one and a half miles of the road leading to the crofting township of Ardmore in the north-west. the county council have been fighting for this for many years, and last Monday, at Dornoch, the Department's help was confirmed at a roads meeting.
100 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of April 12, 1923
The people of Embo were delighted to see Sir Archibald Sinclair, M.P., in Embo last Friday fulfilling his promised visit. He apparently takes a great interest in the poor working man, and the people appreciated his kindly and courteous ways among them. Sir Archibald examined the harbour and made inquiries amongst the fishermen as to what would improve matters for them, and the question is now asked: – "Are the mists rolling away, and is there some likelihood of Embo getting a new harbour?" The fishermen feel that Sir Archibald will do the best he can for them.
A CONFERENCE was held in the Sutherland Arms Hotel, Lairg, on Friday between representatives of the public bodies of Sutherland and Post Office officials nominated by the Postmaster General for the purpose of discussing the postal, telegraph and telephone grievances of the county.
Farmers are well forward with their spring work thanks to fine weather.
