From the Northern Times 25, 50 and 100 years ago
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25 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of July 10, 1998
Brora's troubled new £200,000 heritage centre at Fascally Park finally opens its doors next Tuesday, a year behind schedule and amid fresh controversy. The Highland Council run centre is the subject of a complaint over alleged misuse of public money to the Accounts Commission for Scotland. Hamish Bruce, a veteran community councillor, claims Sutherland councillors and officials steamrollered the project through despite strong opposition from the community to the Fascally Park site, which was felt to be too remote.
A NEW chapter has begun for the Rogart Hotel which only months ago was facing an uncertain future after closing its doors. Last week the 181-year-old hotel's licence was transferred to new owner, publican Hector Miller, who has 30 years experience in the licensed trade.
The sand below the tide mark at Achmelvich beach was this week found to be covered by thousands of jellyfish of the common variety, colourless and transparent.
50 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of July 6, 1973
The First World War German field gun, which has been lying at the bottom of the river Brora for more than 30 years, has finally been raised. The gun was hauled from the river by winch after it had been secured by Glasgow skin diver Mr Colin McLeod, assisted by a friend, Mr Billy Macdonald, from Glasgow. A large crowd watched the old gun being winched to the surface by a breakdown van, operated by local garage owner Mr Ritchie Mackenzie. Among the onlookers were several people who had seen the gun dumped into the river by ex-servicemen shortly after the First World War.
Sutherland County Council were satisfied that the Highland Board and the directors of Brora's Highland colliery had done everything in their power to prevent the closure of the mine. This was stated by Mr D. W. Martin, depute county clerk, after five-hour talks in private between the council, who had called the meeting, the Highland Board and pit directors. Nothing could be done to change the present basic position.
100 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of July 5, 1923
Dr Bremner, medical officer, had reports forward (to Sutherland Education Authority) on a large number of schools which he had visited and medically examined the pupils. A very big percentage of the Oldshore pupils, on examination, were found to be in a bad plight through lack of adequate nourishment, the parents being in such a state of poverty that they could not afford to provide their children with substantial food. No fewer than 11 children there were suffering from anaemia or disability, brought on through lack of proper nourishment.
Pressed on the point, Dr Bremner said the children were really in a bad state and should be supplied with a substantial mid-day meal at least. As things were at present, it was a case of tea and bread continually and food like that would never make strong men and women of them. What they required was plenty of milk and porridge – substantial food not sloppy food.
On a vote being taken, the motion – to provide meals for the necessitous children attending Oldshore school was carried 8:3.
