From the Northern Times 25, 50 and 100 years ago
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25 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of June 12, 1998
A SUTHERLAND estate, which raised a storm of controversy two years ago when it tried to impose massive rent rises on its crofting tenants, is embroiled in another row over rental for croft buildings. Tressady Estate in Rogart, owned by French-born Count Yves de la Motte but with Lord Strathnaver listed as one of its three directors, has applied to the Scottish Land Court in a second attempt to raise rents and also to make one of its crofters pay rent on a house and steading.
Highland Council officials are to look at ways of reviving Sutherland's twinning link with Zetel in Germany. The two areas have been linked since 1981 but contact has dropped off over the last three years since local government reorganisation.
Rock samples from Laid quarry are to go on display as part of a geological collection at the British Natural History Museum in London. A geologist has said that some of the rocks were of great geological interest and would be sectioned to reveal the various strata within them.
50 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of June 8, 1973
Deafness could have caused the death of an elderly Rogart crofter, who was hit by a train near his home last Thursday. The dead man was Mr Alexander Sutherland (79), West Pittentrail, who was unmarried and lived with his three sisters. The accident happened while he was returning to his croft at about 7pm. He was struck by the northbound Wick passenger train at a bend just north of the village. Friends said that he would not have heard the engine or warning whistles as he crossed the line.
An association has been formed by parents to build a children's playground at Park Street, Golspie. It is expected to cost well over £1000 and a campaign to raise funds will be launched shortly. The man behind the idea is Councillor David Macrae, of Golspie.
The Countess of Sutherland is to open the Royal Dornoch Golf Club's new £80,000 clubhouse at a ceremony on Saturday, June 23. Afterwards there will be an exhibition match, Sutherland v. Inverness.
100 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of June 7, 1923
The tragic occurrence which took place last Wednesday in the grounds at Dalmore, near Alness, involving, as it did, the death of a man and woman well known in Helmsdale and district, caused consternation in the county. The grim intelligence that there had been a double tragedy by shooting could hardly be believed. The victims are William Lyon (28), parish clerk of Kildonan and Margaret Ann Matheson or Macdonald (38), daughter of Mr Matheson, plumber, Helmsdale.
The medical officer's reports on Dornoch Academy and Embo school were submitted to Sutherland Education Authority. In Dornoch Academy, of 108 pupils examined, 41 had defective teeth. In Embo school 51 were examined, four had defective teeth.
The Embo men who are at road making at Kildonan have great praise for Lady Radcliffe of Kildonan Lodge, who kindly presented them with fresh salmon. The gift was highly appreciated, as was also Lady Radcliffe's kindly disposition towards them.
