From the Northern Times 25, 50 and 100 years ago
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The future of Migdale Hospital in Bonar Bridge should become clearer next month. The 35-bed hospital has been the subject of persistent speculation, and a working party has now been set up to advise Caithness and Sutherland NHS Trust whether the present building has a future.
Moves are again being made to develop the prime central site in Brora housing the village's old woollen mill, recently vacated by textile firm Hunters of Brora. Highland building firm Tulloch Construction Group has submitted an application for outline planning consent to build on the site.
A Golspie man and his young son have been traumatised by a freak road accident at the weekend, when the wheel of a snowplough travelling in the opposite direction came off the vehicle and rolled into the bonnet of their car. Sinclair Fraser, 48 Tower Street, a welder at Nigg, and six-year-old Sean escaped injury but they remain deeply shocked. The family's Peugeot 406 was badly damaged.
50 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of December 7, 1973
The first concrete step towards the founding of what could ultimately be an attractive marina for Dornoch beach may be taken next Thursday night when the Town Council's works committee are to have talks with the local boat club. It is understood that the initial plan will be to provide a 24-hour protection for pleasure boats and that this will involve the construction of a breakwater and slipway.
Sutherland's public swimming pool at Golspie may be used for baptismal purposes by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, at Wick. The pool committee had a letter from Elder Joseph M. Lawson, who said the duration of the baptism ceremony would be approximately 15 minutes. The committee had noted that the nearest chapel of that church with baptismal facilities was in Aberdeen.
Golspie Girl guides recently planted seven ornamental trees in the new car park off Main Street. With the party was the new county commissioner Mrs W. R. Sutherland.
100 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of December 6, 1923
The results of an investigation into the living conditions of a family in attendance at one school were laid before Sutherland Education Authority. In a very small house (some called it a hovel), containing a kitchen, small room and closet, lived the parents and eight of a family. It was very damp. The fire was in the middle of the house. The family slept in one room because of there being little or no bed-clothes at the house. There was also a lack of under-clothing for the children – in fact all the under-clothing they possessed was on their backs. They had no clothes with which to make a change of garments.
It was reported that the conditions were now a little better since blankets, etc., had been provided, and one of the children had got sleeping accommodation in a neighbour's house.
After discussion it was agreed that medical officer Dr Bremner bring the case under the notice of the parish council concerned, and he was also asked to report to the public health committee in regard to the house.
