From the Northern Times 25, 50 and 100 years ago
25 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of February 11, 1990
Golspie photographer and amateur woodcarver David Sim has been lovingly producing a very special trophy over the past few months in memory of his great friend John Grant of Rogart. The Sutherland district committee of the Scottish Community Drama Association asked David to carve a trophy as a lasting tribute to John, who died in December 1998. John was “the face” of Sutherland drama over the past two or three decades, producing many memorable plays for Rogart Drama Club. The John Grant Trophy for innovation will be awarded annually on the final night of the Sutherland district SCDA finals.
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross MSP Jamie Stone has condemned the Boundaries Commission for its decision last year to move Reay and Edderton into Sutherland from Caithness and Ross-shire respectively. Mr Stone said there was “bitter local opposition” to the decision and he intends to battle on “until the two communities are returned to their rightful counties”.
A buyer has been found for the premises formerly occupied by the now defunct Golspie Motors, it was officially confirmed this week. Reports circulating in the village suggest the buyer may be a property developer from Lochcarron.
50 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of February 7, 1975
A small bronze pin, which was found in a Golspie garden last June, has been identified by the National Museum of Antiquities in Edinburgh as having been made by the Pictish inhabitants of the area in the 8th and 9th century around the time when the Norse Viking raids on the north and west of Scotland were just starting. The 1.5 inch pin is unique for no similar Dark-Age metal pin is known from the British isles.
Dornoch Town Council are considering a £20,000 scheme which would go far to improving the flow of Dornoch Burn and combat unnecessary growth of vegetation and possible pollution. At their meeting last week they had before them a report from the county surveyor proposing a concrete invert and the improvement of certain retaining walls, from the old railway station to the slaughterhouse. Provost Harry Clunie said the idea was to simplify the cleaning of the burn and keep it tidy.
The Silver Acorn, second highest honour in Scouting, was at Brora last Saturday night presented to Mr William Macgregor, former local assistant Scoutmaster and former district commissioner for East Sutherland, who retired in 1974.
100 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of February 12, 1925
A petition was submitted to Sutherland Road Board from residents in the districts of Kinlochbervie, asking the Road Board to erect a stone parapet at a dangerous part of the road at the foot of Glaic-Chaol Brae, near Kinlochbervie. Four serious accidents had taken place there. An 18 inch parapet would have prevented these accidents, so contend the petitioners. Members of the board agreed to remit the issue to the road surveyor for a report and estimate of the work required.
Miss E. Mackerchar, Edinburgh, secretary for Scotland for Missions to Lepers will address a meeting on the work of the Mission in the West End Hall. It is to be hoped there will be a large attendance of those interested and all are welcome.
A deputation from the county road workmen and contractors of Sutherland waited upon Major Wm. Roberts, late county road surveyor, at his residence, Culmaily, Golspie, to mark their appreciation of him as a master and a gentleman. Major Roberts, who has resigned from the post, was presented with three beautiful pieces of plate and a velum parchment.
