From the Northern Times 25, 50 and 100 years ago
25 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of September 3, 1999
Villagers discovered how potent "people power" can be this week when they forced council officials into a humiliating climb down over the site for Golspie's new health centre. After a year of fierce debate over the issue, democracy won through at a public meeting in the village on Tuesday, attended by over 100 people. This followed an informal site inspection at the Fountain Road car park - the council's preferred location. This site would have meant the demolition and relocation of the existing public toilets. If planners agree, the centre will now be built where most residents want it to go - on the grassy area in front of the bus park, within the grounds of Golspie High School.
New owners have bought over the north-west Sutherland farming operation previously run by Montrose-based Joseph Johnston and Sons. The recently formed company Loch Duart Ltd took over the running of the operation, based at Badcall, Scourie, last Friday. The acquisition is viewed as giving long-term protection to around 30 jobs which are of vital importance to the fragile local economy.
50 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of September 6, 1974
A village plan for Ardgay has been prepared by Ross and Cromarty planning department and is to be the subject of discussion at a forthcoming public meeting. The estimated population of Ardgay last January was approximately 250 and the plan makes provision for an increase of 150-200 people over five years. Among the objectives are to improve facilities in the centre of the village, reserve land for public conveniences and accommodate demand for more shopping facilities should those be required.
Sutherland County Council are not satisfied with the new ambulance for the area - they want it replaced with a Range-Rover type of vehicle. And they also want a standby nurse to assist with cases requiring the ambulance service and full facilities for patients.
There should be splendid entertainment for horse lovers at the Review Park, Golspie, tomorrow, when there is to be a show and gymkhana in aid of the Police Dependents' Trust.
100 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of September 4, 1924
The celebrations in connection with the 700th anniversary of the founding of Dornoch Cathedral, which took place last Wednesday in the Royal And Ancient Burgh of Dornoch, included an inspiring and impressive service in the Cathedral. It was very large attended. But a fringe of the huge crowd which foregathered at Dornoch were able to gain admittance to the Cathedral. A feature of the service was the fervent way in which the praise was rendered by the assembled mass. It might be mentioned that the tablet set in the north wall of the church in memory of Bishop Gilbert, founder of the Cathedral, which was unveiled by Mrs Carnegie of Skibo Castle, is the work of Alexander Carrick, Edinburgh. On the tablet is a design of a bishop's mitre in the 13th century. The handsome sum of £350 was realised in connection with septcentenary celebrations of Dornoch Cathedral. The workers are to be congratulated on their great achievement.
An interesting feature of the Golspie Show was a horse-shoeing competition, which was carried out on the field. There was a representative entry of blacksmiths and the wielders of the hammer as they made the shoes and fitted them on to the horses hooves, were watched by a large number of people who evinced great interest in the competition. The premier prize was won by J. Bethune, Ardgay, who also won a special prize for the best made shoe.
