Reflections from Ross-shire Journal's Old Files 100, 50 and 25 Years Ago
100 Years Ago
Friday, May 23, 1919
A JAMESTOWN crofter pleaded guilty in the Dingwall Sheriff Court on Tuesday to ill treating a mare by working her on the public road while she was suffering from ringbone. Accused pleaded that he did not think the animal was suffering, or he would not have taken it out. Mr Gair, V.S., explained that on soft ground the suffering would not be so great, and there was a doubt that accused did not know the mare was suffering so much. Sheriff the Hon. Huntly D. Gordon said he though an admonition would meet the case, but he wished it to be known that all cases of cruelty to animals would be severely dealt with. It was fortunate for the accused there was an element of doubt about that case. Cruelty to animals was to be put down as far as he the Sheriff could do it.
Two Inverness tinkers pleaded guilty in the Dingwall Sheriff Court on Tuesday to camping in a plantation at Muirton Burn, Knockbain, and to lighting a fire. Accused remarked that they had camped for 30 years in the same place and had never been questioned. It was very hard after their sons had been at the war. Fines of 7/6 each were imposed.
50 Years Ago
Friday, May 23, 1969
MR Alexander Fraser (Eck), 6 Millcraig Road, Dingwall, was presented with the Imperial Service Medal by Mr J. P. Bell, Personnel Controller, Tele-communications Headquarters, Scotland, at a ceremony at G.P.O.
Telephones, TEC, Inverness, last week. Eck has given 33 years' service to the G.P.O., and for the greater part of his career worked as a technician on overhead and underground construction in the Dingwall area. He served in the 2nd Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders from 1927 to 1934, and is a director of Ross County Football Club Limited.
Miss Christine Acton, Qnam, Kinnairdie Avenue, and Miss Marilyn Ferguson, Fairfield House, Dingwall, senior pupils of Dingwall Academy, are among a party of 92 Scottish teenagers at present on a three-week visit to the United States of America. They are taking part in the fourth US Study Exchange Tour organised by the Scottish National Committee of the English Speaking Union of the Commonwealth.
25 Years Ago
Friday, May 20, 1994
RESIDENTS living in the vicinity of the defunct aluminium smelter conveyor at Saltburn will be invited to a public meeting to hear how it will be demolished.
The pledge was made on Friday by smelter site manger Malcolm Dunley.
The smelter site, now the Cromarty Firth Industrial Park, is in the process of conversion by Alcan Aluminum Uk Ltd.
Eventually it is hoped to attract a range of industry, including heavy fabrication and engineering.
Ross County ended their league season in convincing style with a well merited 3-1 away win to Elgin. Alan Duff, Barry Wilson and Brian Grant scored County's goals.
So, County bid farewell to the Highland League, finishing a respectable third overall, in a season of many ups and downs. Manager Bobby Wilson is looking forward to the new season already, and rumours are widespread about transfer activity.
Good luck to Bobby and the lads, spend your money wisely!
