From the Northern Times 25, 50 and 100 years ago
25 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of August 29, 1997
Five estates have helped bring extra fun into the lives of children in a remote Sutherland community. The estates at Altnaharra, Clebrig, Loyal, Strathmore and Syre have contributed towards the cost of a bright new play area in the grounds of Altnaharra Primary School. The play area is the first to be provided in the school and is proving a great hit with the youngsters.
Pupils returning to Kinlochbervie Primary School this session found themselves entering practically a new school. From the outside it looked much as it did when built in 1972 to replace the 19th century building at Inshegra, now a restaurant. But inside the building has been completely refurbished at a cost of about £260,000.
The Assynt Field Centre at Inchnadamph opened in June in a £425,000 development creating valuable new jobs and providing a year-round boost to tourism. Now the family behind the centre is embarking on a further £38,000 project to improve lecture and study facilities with a new residents' lounge.
50 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of August 25, 1972
North country Cheviot lambs were shown in excellent bloom at Lairg Auction Market last week when Macdonald, Fraser and Co., Ltd., had an offering of 10,000, the largest number for several years. There were 21,000 wedder lambs and 9000 ewe lambs. Wedder lamb prices were the highest ever at this centre and for low-ground lambs the average increase per head was £2.48, while hill-bred lots were up by £2.06 on last year.
Work on the completion of the new diversion road and bridge at Helmsdale is proceeding apace but local people are beginning to wonder what the traffic situation is going to be, particularly at the junction with Dunrobin Street. Sutherland County Council are fully aware of the hazard and no doubt every precaution will be taken to ensure safety.
Sutherland County Council are advertising for contractors who may be interested in tendering for major extension work at Lochinver pier.
100 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of August 24, 1822
The concert in aid of funds for the Clyne War Memorial Clock Fund, held in the Drill Hall, Brora, on Friday evening, will go down in history as one of the best ever held in Brora. The programme was large and varied and was chiefly taken part in by visitors. The hall was packed to overflowing, every available seat being occupied, many having to stand at the back and around the hall.
While out fishing off Brora harbour last week, a gentleman visitor had rather a unique experience. While plying his rod from a boat, he hooked a lythe, and just as he was about to land it in the boat, a huge porpoise appeared and not only made off with the lythe but took part of his line and the point of his fishing rod.
The Durness annual sports were held in the playing field of Durness Higher Grade School on Wednesday, August 17. The weather had been somewhat broken for days before but fortunately for all concerned, it cleared up in the forenoon.
