From the Northern Times 25, 50 and 100 years ago
25 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of August 15, 1995
The decision by Assynt Highland Games Committee to invite retired Buckie skipper Ian Smith to be chieftain for 1997 sets a welcome precedent as the first instance of someone not resident in the parish being accorded this honour. It underlines the many years that Ian spent operating his trawler "Ilene" always kept trim and smart, out of Lochinver harbour, with local crew members aboard.
The first Dunrobin Castle Highland Games – with Lord Strathnaver as chieftain – enjoyed such a success on Tuesday that organiser Murray Macleod hopes he can make it an annual event. One of the hottest days of the year resulted in a huge turn-out with a lot of foreign visitors.
Sutherland is set to lose one of its seven councillors under plans unveiled this week by the Local Government Boundary Commission for Scotland, which would also see the county area expanded to include Reay in Caithness and Edderton in Ross-Shire.
50 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of August 11, 1972
The new 300ft bridge over the river at Helmsdale, to carry the realigned A9 trunk road, is expected to be completed by the end of the month. The bridge is part of an improvement scheme to replace a hazardous section of roadway approaching Helmsdale from the south via a combination of extremely sharp bends and a 15ft wide, single-way bridge before passing through the village's narrow main street. The new works are valued at £442,000, of which £150,000 is represented by the river bridge.
Because there was a health hazard from touring caravans, Sutherland County Council have fenced off Stoer green. The Rev Donald Macdonald, the local member, told the council last week that the ground would be cleaned in course of time, and he suggested that the proposed public convenience should be sited on the green. He did not think the crofters would object.
Contractors could soon be asked to tender for a £250,000 contract to extend the white fish pier at Lochinver.
100 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of August 10, 1922
The concert in aid of the funds for the Clyne War Memorial clock has been fixed for Friday evening, 18th August. A first-class programme is being arranged of which full particulars will be given in the bills. As the committee have got a beautiful print sketch of the memorial taken from the architect's (Mr Hosie) plan, it is proposed to print it on post cards. It is hoped that all wishing post cards will place their orders for same early with any member of the concert committee. As no Clyne native should be without a copy, a large demand is anticipated. All the profits derived from the sale of the post cards will go towards the memorial fund.
The Rogart War Memorial will be unveiled on Saturday, 2nd September. It is expected the Duke of Sutherland will perform the unveiling ceremony.
There is a large number of visitors in Golspie at present, and Ben Bhraggie is coming in for a good share of patronage, parties being seen climbing the hill daily.
