From the Northern Times 25, 50 and 100 years ago
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25 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of September 18, 1998
Agricultural minister Lord Sewell has given fresh hope to a mini hydro scheme, proposed by Assynt Crofters Trust but blocked by conservationists. The minister, on a trip to Caithness and Sutherland last week, pledged to put his influence behind securing the go-ahead for the controversial scheme.
The shock closure this week of Golspie's last remaining petrol station has been greeted with concern locally, amid fears that the east coast village is becoming a ghost town. The pumps at the forecourt of the Sutherland Arms garage, on the eastern outskirts of the town, finally shut down today.
Lairg Church of Scotland's new hall has been officially opened and dedicated by the Very Reverend Alexander MacDonald from Bathgate, last year's Moderator of the General Assembly, and General Secretary of the Board of Mission, a position he has held for 10 years. Rev Macdonald paid tribute to the effort involved in the hall project.
50 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of September 14, 1973
Workers on the Lochmore Estate in north-west Sutherland and at Morangie Farm, Tain, combined last Friday night, to pay tribute to their employer, Anne Duchess of Westminster, when they entertained her to a reception in Achfary Hall. The occasion was to present her with a gift, an inscribed silver whisky flask, to mark the Duchess's completing 20 years in charge of the estate since the death of her husband, the 2nd Duke of Westminster, in 1853. Making the presentation was 11-year-old Gwen Strachan, daughter of Mr and Mrs John Strachan, Farm House, Achfary. Seven-year-old Lachlan McPhail, son of Mr and Mrs Robin McPhail, Aultanrynie, presented the Duchess with a bouquet.
A DEPUTATION from Sutherland County Council is to discuss with the Scottish Development Department three projects – bridging the Dornoch Firth, a bridge to replace the free ferry service at Kylesku and the reconstruction of the four miles of narrow, dangerous road from Rhiconich to the thriving white fish port at Kinlochbervie.
100 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of September 13, 1923
To perpetuate the memory of the 39 gallant lads who gave up their lives for the freedom of our Empire in the World War, 1914-1918, the parish of Kildonan has liberally subscribed to a fund for the erection of a suitable memorial. The structure, which takes the form of a clock tower, is approximately 70ft in height, and is situated in the Castle Park, Helmsdale, overlooking the village and river. When completed it will be one of the best pieces of workmanship in the country. The committee, under whose care the work of erection is being prosecuted, are launching a supplementary appeal for £450, which figure is still required to complete the work so earnestly taken up and to make the clock an effective and constant reminder of what we owe to those men for their sacrifice.
The promoters of the Rogart bazaar are highly gratified with the great success which attended their efforts and they feel deeply indebted to those who so heartily helped them with work, contributions and purchases.
