From the Northern Times 25, 50 and 100 years ago

25 YEARS AGO

From the newspaper of April 7, 2000

Assynt Community Council, furious at the secretive sale to a London company of the area’s tourist information centre, are to investigate the possibility of buying the property themselves. The suggestion of a community buy-out was made at last Thursday’s council meeting when members expressed anger at being kept in the dark about last year’s sale of the centre by previous owner Highlands and Islands Enterprise to Kemble Estates Ltd.

The first wedding reception in living memory at Sutherland’s Oykel Bridge Hotel took place last Saturday when angling enthusiast Steven Wood from Aberdeen, a regular visitor to the area for 33 years, insisted on tying the knot to Denise Mitchell from Essex within casting distance of his beloved river. The pair were married in Rosehall Church of Scotland.

A Brora resident launched a protest on Wednesday immediately after receiving his bill demanding a 42.3 per cent increase in his water and sewerage rates. Robert Innes of Johnstone Crescent has written to local MP Robert Maclennan and to the North of Scotland Water Authority (NoSWA) to express his disgust at the huge increase.

50 YEARS AGO

From the newspaper of April 11, 1975

Mr Ronald Charlton and his wife, Jeannette, from Bristol, are getting into their stride after recently launching their model-casting business at Bonar Bridge - they turn out “kits” of buses, locomotives, cars and lorries. Their factory, built by Sutherland County Council, is sited at the public car park behind the village, and Mr and Mrs Charlton are at present employing five married women from Bonar and Ardgay, and they are looking for more. The pattern maker is Mike Shepherd, from Guildford, Surrey.

Not for 55 years has a wedding taken place in Eriboll Church of Scotland - the parties concerned then were Mr and Mrs James Clarke, of Kempe - until last Friday. Then, in this lovely little church, which sits high above Loch Eriboll, on the foothills of Ben Hope, Miss Anne Ross of Fhoulin, Eriboll, was married to Mr John Mackenzie, of Balnakeil Craft Village, Durness.

The Nedd Marine Association has now been launched in West Sutherland. The association’s objectives are to preserve and improve the facilities on Loch Nedd for sailing, boating and fishing.

100 YEARS AGO

From the newspaper of April 16, 1925

Mr John Ross of 156 Hill Street, Glasgow, a native of Helmsdale, has sent to the hon. treasurer of the Helmsdale War Memorial Fund, a cheque for £10 from himself and Mrs Ross and a few friends in Glasgow, towards the cost of fitting chimes in the War Memorial Clock Tower at Helmsdale.

A very interesting event took place in Strathy Hall on Friday when Miss Jessie Manson, the popular assistant post mistress, was married to Mr Hugh Mackay, Dalnafree. The bride, who was beautifully gowned in peach satin, veil, and orange blossom was given away by Mr John Murray, Tongue Lodge. Miss Hughina Manson, the bride’s sister, acted as bridesmaid, and the best man was Mr William Sutherland, Blandy. A reception was held at the bride#s house, followed by a most enjoyable dance.

The local anglers are having some fine sport on the tidal waters of the Brora river. Large crowds congregate nightly on the road bridge and pass a pleasant evening watching the anglers. Some fine trout have been caught.

The opening ceremony in connection with the United Free Church at Shinness, was performed by Rev John Fraser, Dornoch on Sabbath last.

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