From the Northern Times 25, 50 and 100 years ago
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25 YEARS AGO
From the paper of October 30, 1998.
An intensive RAF training exercise which saw the Garvie Island bombing range, six miles off the North-West Sutherland coast, pounded by a series of live bombs, has sparked an uproar amongst local residents. Noise and vibration from the 1000lb shells was described as the worst ever experienced, causing radiators to rattle on walls and items to fall off shelves. Frustrated callers to a freephone number set up at the range's Faraid Head control centre say they were met by a constant engaged tone. Even local people, designated as "monitors" and vested with the authority to order bombing to stop, had trouble getting through. There have also been suggestions that the time has come for the Ministry of Defence to stump up compensation payments for the disturbances suffered.
A TEENAGER with strong North Coast connections has become the youngest winner of a Dutch motorbike title. Stuart Voskamp (15), whose mother Joyce hails from Bettyhill, only got a bike a mere 18 months ago.
50 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of October 26, 1973
For the fourth year in succession Forsinard railway station has been awarded a first class certificate in the British Rail gardens competition, the only station north of Inverness to be so honoured. The two railwaymen who run the station, the brothers Alistair and Tony Mackay, were both born in Forsinard. Tony, who lives in the station house on the northbound platform is the gardener. Forsinard Station is visited by a number of railway enthusiasts during the tourist season who go there to look at the superbly kept equipment in the station. Much of it was installed when the station was first built. And it is one of the few remaining stations in Scotland with its own post office run by railway staff, and as a consequence they receive a number of letters from collectors requesting the Forsinard postmark.
Bonar Bridge residents will decide in a secret ballot next Tuesday whether the new kiddies' playground being planned by the local play park association will open or close on Sundays.
100 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of October 25, 1923
An interesting personality in Miss Margaret Sutherland, West End, Golspie, familiarly known as "Cockle Maggie" has ceased to be. Her death took place on Tuesday morning. It was not an unexpected event as she had been in failing health for a considerable period, brought on through mature age, it being reckoned that her span of life was not much short of 90 years. Natives of the community have come and gone many times but always on their arrival home they were sure to meet Cockle Maggie with her creel on her back going her usual rounds. Her death has severed a link connecting the distant past with the present, has removed one who was familiarly known by all. The funeral takes place today.
From information received it appears that the surveyor and officers of Customs and Excise of Wick District raided a house at Armadale, Sutherland, on Wednesday last and captured, it is stated, a complete plant for the manufacture of spirits.
