CHRISTMASES OF YESTERYEAR: Highland news stories of past festive seasons including the creation of MFR, plans to bridge the Dornoch Firth nearly 150 years before the dream was realised, and winter storms were among the tales hitting the headlines
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1845
THE MEIKLE FERRY: We understand that a project is now in embryo for throwing a bridge over the Meikle Ferry. Although on first thought the scheme may appear somewhat utopian, we are assured, on the very best authority, that it may be accomplished with ease and cheapness. Should this turn out to be the case, and we have no reason to doubt it, the northern counties will be incalculably benefited. We believe that the subject will be laid before the public in an authoritative form, the spot having already been surveyed by a gentleman of experience and skill, and well known in the north of Scotland.
1893
SNOWSTORM IN THE NORTH: The weather in the Highlands has assumed a decidedly wintry aspect. On Monday a considerable quantity of snow fell in Inverness and district, and yesterday there was a renewal of the storm. In the more exposed districts snow lies to a depth of several inches. On the Highland Railway system there has fortunately been no serious drifting, so that the through communication has been in no way interrupted by the storm. The officials, however, are fully prepared to meet any contingency which may arise out of the present heavy fall of snow. At an early hour this morning the reports received from various portions of the line were “snowing” and “fair and frosty”.
1938
ENTERTAINMENTS AT FORT-AUGUSTUS: The children of the village and district were very well catered for in the way of seasonable festivities between Christmas and New Year, when close on 200 youngsters participated in various functions. First of all, the local Girl Guides had a thoroughly enjoyable outing to Inverness, where they were entertained at lunch and tea in the Balmoral Restaurant, with a visit to the Empire Theatre Pantomime and a round of the shops.
The annual treat and Christmas tree, organised by the British Legion, was attended by almost 140 children. The Public Hall was the venue, and many parents and friends were also present. Following tea, games were played, after which balloons, crackers, and other carnival novelties were distributed.
The main centre of attraction was, of course, the Christmas tree, and presently Father Christmas, impersonated by Mr Thomas Macgruer, appeared, and handed each small guest a splendid gift.
1941
THE ARMY IN THE HIGHLANDS – SERVICE UNITS ON PARADE: The Army at home is not so much in the limelight as its brother services, the Navy and the RAF. Nonetheless it is doing a vital job and doing it well. The threat of invasion, from sea and air, must be countered, the German raider must be driven off by our AA defences, and our beaches guarded against possible sea-borne attack. In a recent parade at Inverness representatives of all arms of the service took part, mobile troops which can rush to engage the enemy wherever he may be found, the infantry, the AA gunners, doing an essential job often in lonely and uncomfortable places, rarely in the public eye, but always alert and uncomplaining, and the Royal Artillery itself, whose support enables the infantry to close with the enemy and destroy him.
All these passed in the parade and reminded us that here in this island, we have a fine Army, often a little envious of, but capable of as fine feats as its comrades overseas, who are clearing the Axis powers from Africa, or resisting so gallantly in the Far East.
1979
LOCAL RADIO FOR INVERNESS: Moray Firth Community Radio were yesterday awarded the franchise by the Independent Broadcasting Authority for an Inverness-based station – due to go into operation in the middle of 1981, employing 22 people and at an estimated cost of £275,000.
The aim is to provide 12 hours of broadcasting per day on a 50-50 basis of music and speech as against the normal 65-35 ratio.
A statement from I.B.A. revealed that, from six groups, they had decided for Inverness upon Moray Firth Community Radio and, for Aberdeen, North of Scotland Radio Ltd. The full composition of the companies would be announced as soon as the latter had completed their membership and had received the Authority’s approval, probably in early 1981, shortly before they began broadcasting.
