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What was happening in Sutherland 25, 50 and 100 years ago


By Ali Morrison

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The Northern Times was established in 1899.
The Northern Times was established in 1899.

25 YEARS AGO

Change of ownership of the Kinlochbervie Hotel was marked by a big celebration last Saturday with people dressed in their party-going finery to enjoy lively dance music, free food and drinks at reduced prices, served by smartly turned out staff.

Stewart MacHattie and wife Val have bought the Kinlochbervie Hotel and they thought this would be a good start to the new era and a way to introduce themselves to potential clients. Originally from Ayr, Stewart is a mechanical engineer in the oil business in Aberdeen, but does not see his lack of hotel know-how as a drawback because he will be relying on the experience of Alex Dawson who was bar manager for many years and is now hotel manager.

The first step towards legalised gambling in Sutherland was taken recently when a bookmaker's permit was granted by the district licensing board. Despite the objections of members of the local Free Church, an application for a permit was given to Mr William Ballantyne, Clynebank, Brora, a former wool mill executive.

50 YEARS AGO

A ROYAL Navy rating was fortunate to escape very serious injury when he fell over a cliff at Brora last Sunday evening. He was David Kelly Wilson (38) from Stirling and a rating serving on the fleet auxiliary tanker Tidepool, anchored offshore at the time. He fell over the cliff on the seaward side of the south end of the railway bridge at the mouth of the River Brora and landed 30ft below on a narrow ledge or rock. After being treated at the Lawson Memorial Hospital, Golspie, for cuts on his face and head and extensive bruising, Mr Wilson was discharged and rejoined the ship.

Miss Barbara Douglas Peffers, whose parents Mr and Mrs William Douglas Peffers live at Rossal House, Bettyhill, has received a diploma in sculpture from the Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, Dundee. Miss Douglas Peffers has distinguished herself during her college career, winning scholarships. The head of the sculpture department is the well-known Mr Scott Sutherland, a native of Wick.

100 YEARS AGO

Sutherland Education Authority was told that the estimate for the erection at Lairg schoolhouse of a wash-house and coal cellar was £212. The authority thought the cost excessive and remitted the matter to the plans committee to deal with. Mr J Murray, Balloan, said it must be a most elaborate erection if it was to cost £212. Mr Macaulay said it was an absurd price to pay for a wash-house.

On Friday of last week, Miss L Ross, daughter of Mr Andrew Ross, Dalmore, Rogart, was met by the staff and pupils of Fetternear Public School, Inverurie, and presented with a silver cake basket and a case containing a sliver cake fork, butter fork and jelly spoon, as parting gifts.

In making the presentation, Mr C. Macpherson, head-master, referred to the esteem in which Miss Ross was held by both teachers and pupils. Miss Ross suitable acknowledged. The young lady has been very popular in Fetternear and has departed with the community’s best wishes.

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