What was happening in Sutherland 25, 50 and 100 years ago
25 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of May 12, 1995
Texacloth Ltd, wool merchants from Southern Ireland. are to meet with Sutherland sheep producers in Lairg on Thursday to explore the possibility of exporting north fleeces for onward sale throughout the world, especially China. But they are likely to meet with resistance from supporters of the British Wool Marketing Board, which this week forecast an average price for Scottish wool of 120p per kilogram, the highest payment ever made in the Board’s 45-year history.
Former Brora school teacher and also Lochinver resident Andrew Bluefield is offering walking tours around his beloved north west Highlands – as well as walk holidays in Ireland, the USA National Parks, Nepal and New Zealand. Mr Bluefield runs North West Frontiers, which he established as a walking holiday venture in 1986. The business has expanded considerably since. As well as its original base in Ullapool, it now includes other centres such as the Hebridean islands of Skye and Harris. New holidays are added regularly.
50 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of May 8, 1970
Only if the terms were fair and reasonable would Britain enter the European Common Market, Mr George Thomson, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lacaster, said at Golspie last Saturday. But he was convinced that it was to Britain’s great benefit to be admitted. In the event, it would mean increasing our standard of living, and, most important of all, perhaps it would put Western Europe in a strong position when vital world decisions had to be made.
And Mr Thomson, who was accompanied by Mr Robert Maclennan, MP for Caithness and Sutherland, had comforting words for crofting agriculture and the hill farmer. Regional policies would not be abandoned and Mr Thomson emphasised that the Highland Development Board would certainly not disappear if Britain joined the Six. Such a fear was completely groundless.
The occasion was a coffee morning sponsored by the Caithness and Sutherland Constituency Labour Party in Golspie Community Centre. Mr Thomson is in charge of Britain’s negotiations on the Common Market.
100 YEARS AGO
From the newspaper of May 6, 1920
A PLEASANT little ceremony took place in Oldshore Public School when Miss Fraser, headmistress, was presented with a wallet of Treasury notes on the eve of her departure from the district, as a token of the esteem and goodwill of the parents and pupils. Rev. John Macaskill acted as chairman and in a very few words stated the purpose of the meeting. He then called upon Rev. Mr Adams, Scourie, to make the presentation. In handing the wallet to Miss Fraser, Mr Adams, in an entertaining little speech, wished her every success in her future career. Miss Fraser feelingly replied, and thanked all the people of the district for the kindness and cordiality shown to her during her stay amongst them.
The children of Clashmore school sprung a delightful surprise on their devoted teacher, Miss Mackenzie, by presenting her with a gold locket and chain. The scholars under her able teaching are acquiring a very high standard in their education and there is harmony in the school.
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