From the Northern Times 25, 50 and 100 years ago

25 YEARS AGO

From the newspaper of July 31, 1998

Local residents are being urged to join a last-ditch fight to retain a multi-purpose NHS Trust for Caithness and Sutherland. The Caithness and Sutherland Health Care Branch of the public sector workers union, Unison, this week appealed to local folk to write to the Scottish Office in protest at Highland Health Board's preferred option of two trusts for the whole of the Highlands, both based in Inverness.

For the first time in over 100 years, Dornoch Highland Gathering is to have a female chieftain. Miss Margaret Thomson, Ospisdale, has agreed to accept the honour for this year's Games. Miss Thomson is the great-grand-daughter of Andrew Carnegie.

Another Sutherland sporting estate has joined four others recently advertised for sale with price tags in the million-pound range. It is the first time for well over half a century that the 10,825-acre Glencassley Estate has come on the market. The sale includes a nine-bedroomed Victorian Castle along with other properties.

50 YEARS AGO

From the newspaper of July 27, 1973

Suisgill Estate, Kildonan, the former home of the late Brigadier-General Sir George and Lady Paynter, has been sold to a 30-year-old London property executive for "well in excess" of the £1 million asking price. The 16,750-acre estate – one of the finest hunting, shooting and fishing estates in the Highlands – has been bought by Mr Edward Reeves, director of a property firm and a qualified lawyer.

A YOUNG English couple set sail from Scourie last Tuesday on the first stage of their transatlantic voyage to the West Indies. Crowds of villagers and holidaymakers lined the shore as Nick and Julie Grainger set off in their 21ft. yacht, Aegre, from Scourie pier at about 4.30pm. There was a good wind to help them on the first leg of their trip to Madeira, which they hope to reach in about 40 days. Nick (22) and Julie (20) formerly worked at Scourie Hotel.

Colonel Allan Gilmour, Invernauld, has been appointed a member of the new Highland Health Board.

100 YEARS AGO

From the newspaper of July 26, 1923

Rogart had a day of days on Wednesday when a large crowd from all over the north of Scotland assembled on a field at Davochbeg to witness the annual Highland games. There was keen competition in all the events.

As only one pupil is in attendance at Strathen side school, the authority decided to close it. It will be remembered the parents wanted a side school at Slettle, and as they did not get the school, they are sending their children to Skerray.

The pupils attending Strathnaver School had a most enjoyable outing at Carnachaidh. Mrs Gardner, Skelpick Lodge, who gave a handsome donation towards prizes for the children, sent her car to take them to the park at Carnachaidh. Tea and eatables were provided by Mrs Stewart, the Schoolhouse.

There was a large number of applications received for the post of teacher at Kirktomy School.

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