From the Northern Times 25, 50 and 100 years ago
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25 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of March 19, 1999
The Ministry of Defence has announced it is to buy 5000 hectares of land at Balnakeil Estate, Durness, which includes the Cape Wrath bombing range. The purchase is seen by local Highland councillor Francis Keith as a fresh opportunity to press the MoD to set up a fund to compensate the community for the damage allegedly caused by their use of the range. The MoD has leased land at Balnakeil for more than 60 years and regards the bombing range there as a vital training facility for both the Royal Navy and the RAF.
The Bettyhill Hotel has gone on the market, priced at offers over £180,000. The 21-bedroom hotel occupies a prime site in the village with panoramic views of the beach and the Pentland Firth. The hotel is presently owned by well-known local couple Jim and Meg McLeod, who took it over three years ago.
Golspie schoolboy Daniel Hinder has been placed in the top 50 of a Blue Peter competition which attracted 10,000 entries.
50 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of March 22, 1974
There was now substantial agreement with the crofters about holiday caravan facilities at Achmelvich, Sutherland Planning committee were told at Dornoch last Monday. Individual crofters would have caravan sites on their own ground and would be grant-aided by the Countryside Commission. A comprehensive scheme, including landscaping, would cost a considerable sum of money, said Mr J. J. McMillan, the planning officer, and it was agreed to put this work out to consultants. Mr Donald McBain, county convener, said that the crofters had agreed unanimously to the conditions stipulated by the Commission. The caravans would be sited well off the machair, and wheeled transport would not be allowed to go on the beach. The crofters appreciated what was involved.
Sutherland Health Committee have held their last meeting. They will go out of existence when the new Highland Health Board takes over from April 1. Committee chairman Allan Gilmour paid tribute to all those involved in the existing committee.
100 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of March 20, 1924
The work in connection with the Septcentenary celebrations at Dornoch Cathedral is proceeding apace, and the committee are to be congratulated on what has been done inside the cathedral.The work already completed is the removing from the pillars and arches supporting the ancient tower the unsightly concrete and ochre wash which were put on at the restoration of 1835-37, and also exposing to view the original part of the wall of the choir.
A SLIGHT outbreak of fire occurred in the Sutherland Arms Hotel, Brora, on Saturday evening, when for some unknown reason, the curtains in the servants' quarters took fire. Fortunately the fire was soon discovered and extinguished. Praise is due to Mr William Landles for his prompt attention in helping to extinguish it.
A SPECIAL meeting was held in the Lairg Hotel on 14th inst., for the purpose of appointing a medical officer for the parish. Dr Mackie, Dumfries was appointed.
