What was happening in Sutherland 25, 50 and 100 years ago
25 YEARS AGO
This autumn's Lairg North Country Cheviot lamb sale – the largest one-day sale of sheep in Europe – was distinguished by the presence of Scotland's new agricultural Minister, Lord Lindsay, who succeed that grand old timer Sir Hector Monro.
United Auctions reported they had 37,340 North Country Cheviot ewe and wedder lambs at Lairg sale with gross takings of £953,000. Lambs were in good fettle. Auctioneer David Leggat said: "We were very worried about the attendance of buyers but they have come forward as usual with quite a few new ones."
Surviving members of the nursing staff of the Dunrobin Catle 1939-45 wartime emergency hospital, which closed 50 years ago, are planning a reunion there on Wednesday, October 11. An invitation to lunch at the castle is also open to any former patients – including Golspie school janitor Donald Urquhart, who was sent home to recuperate after illness struck him down in the Forces during the war, and former Dornoch painter Alistair Macleod.
50 YEARS AGO
People in the Lochinver and Kinlochbervie districts of West Sutherland heard the Concorde's supersonic boom for the first time last Tuesday. Flying at 40,000 ft., Concorde flew sub-sonic to Cape Wrath and then turned to make a 30-minute return journey to Fairford, in Gloucester, with speeds approaching 1100 mph – almost twice the speed of sound
Assynt Estate worker Colin Fleming said: "There was quite a loud bang, and I saw a herd of deer immediately gather together, very excited. They were obviously upset for about 15 minutes afterwards."
The majority of Concorde's supersonic testing will continue to be carried out over the North Sea.
Pupils at Dornoch Academy, Brora High School and Farr Secondary School are to play their part in a 'follow the fleet' exercise to make them more aware of the career possibilities of the Merchant Navy. They will follow on maps the courses of 10 merchant ships, their routes and ports of calls. The schools have been sent special maps.
100 YEARS AGO
The same high sense of duty which prompted the inhabitants of Halladale to give of their best during the Great War, called them, on Thursday, 19th August, to witness the unveiling of a lasting tribute to the fallen heroes of the district. As befitted the commemoration of such supreme sacrifice, and to harmonise with the traditions and scenery of this Highland glen, the tribute took the form of a Celtic Cross.
The Pilgrim Preachers visited Brora on Tuesday, on their way north to John O'Groats. They made a halt at the Fountain and conducted an open air meeting. Their singing was exceptionally fine and the Welsh hymns rendered by the Pilgrim miners from Wales was favourably commented on.
Six of their number stayed in Brora and conducted services in the evening. The open air meeting at the Fountain was of a very simple and attractive nature. Thereafter they adjourned to the Drill Hall and held a meeting for both old and young. All denominations attended.
