Reflections from the Ross-shire Journal – from the pages of our old files 100, 50 and 25 years ago
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Adjustable putter, Skye Bridge protests and a call to the Falklands
From the newspaper of October 27, 1995
Plans to produce the world’s first weight-adjustable putter in Alness were being backed by Ross and Cromarty Enterprise.
Pro Golf 2000 would create 15 new jobs with the “Scottie” putter.
Skye Bridge toll protesters hit the front page with a number of drivers refusing to pay and being reported to the police.
The protest followed an initial demonstration the previous week after the tolls were introduced.
The Royal Signals provided a satellite link at Alness Academy to allow former pupil Nicola Sweeney to have a quick chat from the Falkland Islands with her mum and dad, Rita and Danny.
Graduate Nicola had been deployed on a tour there with 2 Signal Regiment.
Battle to save the Kyle line, Queen's Own Highlanders in town and sea angling at Ullapool
From the newspaper of October 23, 1970
Dingwall Town Council decided to lobby its Inverness counterpart to protest the closure of the Kyle of Lochalsh line.
Provost Macleod said if the grant given to the London Underground was made available, the Kyle line could run another 30 years. There were multiple calls for improved efficiency on the railways.
The 1st Battalion Queen’s Own Highlanders (Seaforth and Camerons) were in Dingwall, offering would-be recruits a taster. The pipes and drums “sent many a thrill coursing through the blood of their audience”.
The International Sea Angling Championships at Ullapool was a success despite “boisterous weather”.
Two skate over 100lb were among the whoppers landed during the event.
Dingwall Academy's sinking feeling, a new arrival in Tarbat pulpit and Dingwall energy
From the newspaper of October 22, 1920
The science buildings at Dingwall Academy had sunk five inches below the original level of the foundations.
The building was not in immediate danger of collapse, but the management committee agreed to examine a report before deciding a course of action.
Tarbat was preparing to induct a new minister, Rev James Macmorland.
He had served with the 51st Division and was twice commended for gallantry on the Marne. He took the gold medal for Old Testament languages at Glasgow University.
Doubt was cast on an 1865 prediction by Gladstone that gas would replace coal in most workers’ homes. Working-class houses were still being built in Ross-shire without gas, the paper reported, pointing to the likely development of electricity.
