From the Northern Times 25, 50 and 100 years ago
25 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of February 26, 1999
After years of uncertainty, Migdale Hospital, Bonar Bridge, is a step nearer closure this week following publication of the results of a Sutherland-wide review of health services for the elderly. The draft report recommends that the 34-bed hospital be closed and a replacement unit built at the Lawson Memorial Hospital, Golspie, at an estimated cost of £2.8 million.
Great regret has been expressed all over the north at the death in London on Tuesday of 79-year-old Sir Anthony Nutting of Auchentoul, Kinbrace, surely one of Scotland's most gracious and well-loved landlords. Mrs Rita Finlayson, on behalf of Helmsdale Community Council, said: "Sir Anthony was a lovely person and an all-round gentleman."
Beachview Lodge day care centre in Brora was officially opened last week by Councillor George Holden, Braelangwell, who holds the social work portfolio on Sutherland County Committee. Cllr Holden unveiled a commemorative plaque.
50 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of Febrary 28, 1974
Brora coal mine is to close down tomorrow. The 12-man labour force were given their notice last Friday. Mr E. E. Pritchard, who took over the mine only last October, after Highland Colliery Ltd., had gone into liquidation, said he had no option but to close down and blamed absenteeism as part of the reason as well as housing problems. "You can't go on indefinitely losing money", said Mr Pritchard who has other mining interests in Derbyshire.
A PROPOSAL to erect a massive multi-user oil complex at Loch Eriboll in north-west Sutherland is still on the cards, according to a reported statement by one of the principals behind the scheme. The proposal was deleted from Sutherland Planning Committee's list of applications for outline planning consent when they met at Dornoch last week. They took this decision after their planning officer, M J. J. McMillan said he had still no further information about the project. One of the three principals behind the project, Mr George Kinghorn, said: "Most certainly it is going ahead."
100 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of February 28, 1924.
When the fishing fleet was entering Brora harbour on Monday morning, one of the boats was nearly swamped. It seems that while the fishing boat, "Come On," was crossing the bar at the mouth of the harbour, a heavy sea struck her and nearly swamped her. If it had not been for the coolness and seamanship of the crew a serious accident might have occurred. The other boats, after they saw what the boat had to contend with, remained on the other side of the bar until the sea got calmer. It is a pity that nothing can be done for the safety of the hardy fishermen of Brora, who depend wholly upon the sea for their livelihood. what about petitioning Sir Archibald Sinclair, M.P., to apply for funds for the proposed jetty.
The fund for relieving distress in the Highlands has been augmented by a contribution of £50 from Sir Archibald Sinclair, M.P. for Caithness and Sutherland and £5 from Lady Sinclair. Such practical kindness on their part cannot but be appreciated by the people.
