AVOCH fishermen have been overwhelmed by catches of sprats in the Inverness Firth. So heavy are the shoals that nets were sunk and destroyed by the weight of fish.l Mr PD Robertson of Castlecraig, Nigg, has very thoughtfully made a New Year present of a splendid walnut piano to the committee in charge of Nigg Hall.
Messrs Reith and Anderson Ltd, Dingwall, have removed their business offices to the building erected in Tulloch Street by Mr D Matheson, architect.
A considerable herring fishing is proceeding at Stornoway, where 100 boats arrived on New Year's Day with an average seven crans per boat. Prices ranged from 25/- to 34/- per cran.
The Royal Ancient Order of Buffaloes (Invergordon Branch) gave a Christmas Treat to local children in the Drill Hall on Boxing Night. Mr Silk arranged a splendid programme of entertainment, which kept the children occupied until the arrival of Santa Claus (Mr D Macrae).
Winners of the Fortrose Union FC's Fancy Dress Ball were: Ladies: Most Original, Witch, Miss Mary Wilkins; Best Dressed, Page, Miss W Knight; Special, Spanish Lady, Miss J Mackenzie and Madame Pompador, Miss J Young. Gentlemen: Best Dressed, Rickshaw Boy, J Grant; Most Original Order of the Bath, Mr Easson; Special, Footballer, James Macfarlane.
Ladies' Night at Geanies Literary Society was in keeping with the Festive Season, and an enjoyable entertainment was provided by Miss G Gordon, Miss J Mackintosh, Miss L Munro, Mr DJ Ross, Mr D Urquhart, Mr D Munro, Mr Mackenzie, Miss Ross (teacher), Mr Don Munro, Mr James Munro and Mr D Mackenzie. Tea was served by Mrs Ross, Schoolhouse; Miss Ross, teacher, Inver; Miss Flora Ross, Lower Tarrel; Miss Ross, Tarrel Street; and Miss Mackenzie.
On Friday afternoon, the Rev Mr and Mrs Johnstone, Strathpeffer, entertained the Collectors, Choir, Bible Class and the children of the Sabbath School to tea in the Hall of the UF Church. Prizes were presented for Attendance at the Sabbath School to: Lottie Ross, Kinettas, for Perfect Attendance over the past six years; Dorothy Maclean, Kinettas, three years; Jenny Maclean, Kinettas, one year; Good Attendance: Tommy Abbott, Walter Duncan, John, Christine and Wynnie Maclennan, Achterneed.
In spite of a heavy snowstorm, Strathconon Recreation Hall was well-filled for the Christmas Treat.
Mr R Maclennan, Carnoch, presided and tea was served by the Ladies' Committee. Contributing to the Musical programme were: Miss Beaton, UF Manse; Miss Jessie Wood, Dalbreac; Miss Rhoda Mackenzie, Mr Maclennan, Master Willie Watson, Miss Palmer, Miss Peggy Maclennan, Master Duncan Maclennan and the Strathconon Jazz Band. Mr Donald Gordon was MC at the dance, the music for which was provided by Mrs Watson and Miss Palmer (piano), Miss Bessie Maciver and Mr Duncan Maciver (violins) and Messrs Hugh and Addison Watson (pipes).
The Nigg WRI Shortbread and Mince Pie Baking competition resulted: 1 Miss I Urquhart, Greenland; 2 Mrs Macdonald, Oakwood. The judges were Messrs Mackenzie, Denoon, Smith and Clark.
Tea was served by Mrs Munro, Mrs Johnstone, Mrs Melville and Mrs Mackintosh.
Contributing to a varied programme of music, song, story and recitation were: Mrs Melville, Mr D Macdonald, Mr Mackenzie, Miss Lily Mackenzie, Miss May Mackenzie and Mr Ross, Station House.
A Concert and Dance in support of funds for the Children's Party were held in Culbokie, with the Rev John Sellar presiding.
The "star" turn was Miss Annie Macrae, Fairburn, who has no equal as a raconteuse of Highland stories.
Other artistes were: Miss Miller, Fortrose, soprano; Miss Menzies and Mr D Mackenzie, Dingwall, duets; Mr J Barclay, Munlochy (bass); Mr J Morrison, Conon; Mr Alex Henderson and Mr DW Baxter, Dingwall, soloist and accompanist; and Mr John Ross, Dingwall, violin. Mr D Campbell, Balnabeen, proposed thanks. At the dance, music was provided by Mr DW Baxter and Mr J Ross, piano and violin respectively, and Mr James Mackenzie (pipes).
The Masters of Ceremony were Messrs J Cumming and James MacCulloch.
Friday, 4th January, 1924
OBITUARIES: At Wester Moy, Urray, Muir of Ord, Margaret Macrae, wife of the late James Macdonald. At Oversteps, Dornoch, Rose Adelaide Sullivan, wife of the late Rev John MacDougall, BD, former Minister of Kincardine. At The Craig, Invergordon, Catherine Jessie Simpson, wife of Roderick G MacGregor. At Corriemoillie, Garve, William Mackenzie, retired postman, husband of the late Williamina Mackenzie. Isabel Maclennan, MA, Broomview, Ullapool, daughter of the late Mr and Mrs Alexander Maclennan, Poolewe. John Macdonald Watson, aged 42 years, eldest son of the late Constable Robert Watson, Police Station, Dingwall, and of Mrs Watson, 23 Lewis Street, Stornoway. At Bank House, Ardgay, Mary Moffat, wife of the late Thomas Gowans, Ibrox, Glasgow, mother of Tom, Jim and Nancy. At Contin Mains, Strathpeffer, Margaret Munro, wife of the late John Duff Barclay.
When the Duke of Edinburgh visited the 1st Bn Queen's Own Highlanders (Seaforth and Camerons) in Berlin, he stopped to speak to twenty-six year old Corporal Murdo Macdonald of Strathpeffer, a Mortar Section commander who was giving instruction on the weapon. Dressed in the uniform of a Field Marshal, the Duke had lunch with the Battalion of which he is Colonel in Chief, and spent the afternoon with Officers and Men before flying on to visit units with which he is connected. Cpl Macdonald's father is Mr W Macdonald who resides at the Mid Lodge, Coul, Strathpeffer.
At a gathering of members of Ross and Cromarty County Council in the Seaforth Room of the National Hotel, Dingwall, ex-Provost AJ Mackenzie, Stornoway, a Councillor since 1928 and Vice-Convener for twenty-six years until his retirement in May, was honoured by his colleagues. The Convener, the Rev MJ Nicolson, Muir of Ord, presided and said the occasion was unique in the history of the County Council in that they should be able to honour a man, who had spent so many years and time in public work as the former Vice-Convener. It was a tremendous record and one of which Mr Mackenzie must be proud. Mr Nicolson assured Mr Mackenzie he was among friends for this gathering was an indication of the warm friendship and loyalty they had for him. Mr Mackenzie's successor as Vice-Convener, Provost Mrs Ann Urquhart, Stornoway, made the presentation, presenting him with a handsome silver cigarette box on which was inscribed: "County Council of Ross and Cromarty Presented to Alexander John Mackenzie, OBE, DSC, DL, JP, by present and former colleagues on the County Council in appreciation of twenty-six years' loyal service as Vice Convener".
Saturday's football match between Ross County and Brora Rangers was almost abandoned in the 70th minute, when the sky became very overcast and snow began to fall. However, after a "confab" with the respective team captains and officials, the referee decided the game should continue. Ross County were 2-1 winners, their marksmen being Don Macmillan and Hugh Thom.
Miss Mary MM Macpherson, Head Teacher, and pupils of Dornie School held a farewell party for Mrs Mackenzie, Assistant Teacher, who has been appointed Head Teacher at Killilan School.
A Ceilidh was held in Kinlochewe Hall in aid of the Children's Christmas Party Fund. Mr Mason was chairman and artistes included Dorothy Bell, Ann Fraser, Iona Robertson, Campbell Mackenzie, Edwin Cross, John Maclennan, Hector Mackenzie and Archie Maclellan. The Kinlochewe Band played the music for the dance.
Among those who passed-out at the Sovereign's Parade at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst was 2/Lt Iain E Dalzel-Job, son of Lt Commander and Mrs Patrick Dalzel-Job, Nead-an-Eoin, Plockton. Iain, who was educated at Gordonstoun School and entered Sandhurst in Autumn 1965, is a member of the Scots Guards.
Lady O'Connor, Kincurdie House, presented Chanonry Sailing Club's prizes for the season at the Clubhouse, Fortrose, to the following: Fraser Mackenzie Cup (Saturday Points Series for GP14s): Lady Ann, Ian Beveridge; Cruickshanks Challenge Cup (Saturday Points Series, Handicap Dinghies): Red Devil, R Carmichael. Malcolm Morrison Cup (Thursday Evening Series, handicap Dinghies): Lady Ann, Ian Beveridge.
Miss Shirley Christie, daughter of Mr and Mrs M Christie, 4 Carrieblair Crescent, Edderton, has obtained her Private Pilot's Licence. Shirley received her training at Marshall's School of Flying, Cambridge, during which she celebrated her 21st birthday. She is a former pupil of Edderton Primary School and Tain Royal Academy. She presently holds an appointment with Air Traffic Control at Bournemouth.
Miss Sybil M Lamont, daughter of the Rev Malcolm and Mrs Lamont, formerly of Ferintosh Free Church, is secretary with the Scottish Council of Physical Recreation in Edinburgh.
The Ross County Football Club Appeal Fund now stands at £611. Work is progressing on the new enclosure at Victoria Park. It should be completed early this year.
Office-bearers of Fingal Lodge of Freemasons No 318, Dingwall, are: RWM, JW Noble; WSW, Murray Harper; WJW, Peter S Bain; secretary, Kenric Lines; treasurer, ES Sutherland; almoner, GD Sutherland, PM; Chaplain, G Fraser; SD, D Mackay; JD, CA Matheson; D of C, J Harper, PM; architect, Huisdean Matheson; jeweller, Norman Cushnie; BB, AM Mackinnon; IG, G Hamilton; Stewards, T Mackenzie, D MacDougall and WA Mackay; tyler, M Macdonald.
Seven competitors took part in the Dingwall-Strathpeffer Walking Race from Station Square in Dingwall to the Square at Strathpeffer. Four men and three ladies were involved. The road was clear of snow, but slippery. In the lead from the start was Ian Campbell, Strathpeffer, the winner the previous year, who was moving very comfortably. Close behind came Iain Mackay, Strathfarrar, who was edging out Johnny Stirling and beat him in the final part of the race. Margaret Hossack was first girl home with Rhona Lamont, Kinkell, and Caroline Macdonald, Strathpeffer, sharing second place.
Friday, 5th January, 1968
OVER 7,400 public sector dwellings were sold to sitting tenants during the second quarter of 1989 - over 21 per cent more than in the corresponding quarter of 1988. Nearly 11,000 applications to buy were received, 40 per cent less than the same period in 1988. The number of houses completed was over 4,800, an increase of seven per cent in the same quarter of 1988. Construction has started on 5,800 dwellings,16 per cent more than in the corresponding period the previous year.
At a meeting in Dingwall Academy, the activities of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations Committee were wound up, but it has re-emerged as the Committee of the Dingwall Academy Former Pupils' Club. So successful had the celebrations been in September last that it was felt highly desirable to plan some continuity for the future. Committee members were elected as follows: President, Mr Alexander Glass (Rector); vice-president, Mr DD Macdonald; secretary, Miss M Mackenzie; members' secretary, Miss IF Cameron; treasurer, Mr K MacNab; committee: Miss M Cameron, Miss A Fraser, Miss E Fraser, Miss M Gray, Mrs J Reid, Miss M Thomson and Mrs F Ross. It was agreed that some form of extension to the Memorial commemorating former pupils, who had fallen in World War One be commissioned and the names of former pupils who had lost their lives in World War Two be added to the Memorial.
Since Christmas Academy pupils have made donations to charitable organisations as follows: £114.80 to Action for the Crippled Child; £109.50, Highland Hospice; £109.50 Help the Aged; £43.42 UNICEF; and £37.00 to the Lockerbie Disaster Fund. The monies have come from Christmas Socials, Carol Singing and a Charities Concert.
Dingwall football fans savoured a treat on the Dingwall Academy Playing fields even though conditions were atrocious. conditions. Six teams competed for the honour of their schools in a keenly contested competition. In the semi-final stages of the Under-13, Under-14 and Under-15 North of Scotland Cup competitions Dingwall Academy emerged triumphant in the Under-13 and Under-15 sections, but failed gallantly in the third on a matter of penalties. The standard of football was extremely high, all things considered, and showed that the coaching the youngsters were receiving from their teachers and showed the benefits of the weekend training sessions led by Bobby Wilson and Ross County players. There were skills aplenty on view, determination, ability and above all attempts at all times to play football. The Dingwall Under-13 and Under-15 teams qualified for their respective finals, which will be played later in the year. Results were: Under-15: Dingwall 5 (Paul Houston, Darren MacPhee, Gary Watt, Craig Cameron and Murray Maclean), Elgin HS 2; and Dingwall Academy Under- 14 4, Elgin 4 (after extra time, Dingwall won on penalties); and Dingwall Academy Under-13 3 (Neal Sinclair 2 and John Tuach), Speyside HS 2.
Overhead and underfoot conditions at Victoria Park, Dingwall, were less conducive to constructive football, when Ross County FC met Keith in a Highland League fixture, and as a result the crowd witnessed a less than inspiring goal-less draw.
Ross Sutherland Rugby Club's plans for 1990 were discussed at length at a business meeting, plans which it is hoped will put the Club to the fore in the areas of coaching, event organisation and, hopefully, success. With regard to sponsorship, agreements have been reached with two local businesses.
It only requires completion of the design modification to the famous black and red jerseys, and the final agreement from the national governing body the SRU.
Mrs Katherine Thompson, elder daughter of Mr and Mrs D Macdonald, Glacour, Blackwells Street, Dingwall, has graduated Bachelor of Art with Honours from Woolwich Polytechnic, and has taken up an appointment in the Treasury Solicitor's Office in London. Katherine is what is termed a Mature Student. She has brought up a family of two sons, Andrew (15) and David (13), before she enrolled in the Polytechnic and completed her course so successfully. She is a former pupil of Dingwall Academy.
Hard on the heels of Ross and Cromarty District Council's decision to increase the Community Charge for 1990/91 comes another decision to increase rents by an average of £1.80 a week, with a further differential increase of 50p per week for modernised houses.
A native of Kyle of Lochalsh, Farquhar MacGregor has been appointed Detective Inspector in charge of the CID in the three Northern Counties of the Northern Constabulary, based at Dingwall. He has been a Sergeant at Inverness HQ. Farquhar joined the Police in 1971 and spent five years in Golspie where he was closely involved with the Schools in Community Relations work. He gained CID experience when seconded to the Scottish Regional Crime Squad for more than two years before being posted to Orkney for five years.
Friday, 4th January, 1990
