Reflections from the Ross-shire Journal old files from 100, 50 and 25 years ago
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From the edition of November 17, 1995
Fishing tragedy unites Black Isle village of Avoch in grief
The Black Isle village of Avoch was in shock following the tragic death of fisherman Donald MacLeman (58).
He was reported missing from the prawn fishing boat Primrose, berthed in Gairloch harbour. His body was found after a three-hour search by police, coastguards and local fishermen.
The tragedy came almost a year after the death of Mr MacLeman’s brother John, a skipper lost from an Inverness-based trawler north-east of Lewis.
Avoch Fishermen’s Association secretary Willie Forsyth said it had been a shock for everyone.
He said Mr MacLeman had been a member of the association.
He said: “He had his own boat which was decommissioned earlier in the year. He broke it up himself. It’s a big shock hearing the news. Everybody will know about it.”
From the edition of November 13, 1970
Housing boom predicted as Easter Ross anticipates boom times
Plans were going ahead for the building a community complex at Alness, where most members of the incoming families for industrial development in Easter Ross are to be housed.
Already 215 of the houses being built in Alness to meet the housing needs are occupied and a further 71 ready for an expected increase in the number of families arriving to take up posts at the £3m British Aluminium smelter due to start production.
Around 600 homes were planned with plans drawn up for another 600 to meet the needs of another major industry coming in such as a petro-chemicals complex.
Grampian Chemicals had flagged plans to build a £100m petro-chemical complex at Invergordon, held up because of money-raising problems.
Plans for the community complex would come back before the county council.
From the edition of November 12, 1920
Country doctor hailed as he leaves Wester Ross community
A country doctor who would sometimes walk 30 miles in a day to reach his Wester Ross patients was given a warm send-off on his retirement.
Dr Macnaughton was presented with a wallet of Treasury notes in appreciation of his three-year connection with Applecross.
In spite of the difficulties working the parish, many remote townships being accessible only by bridle paths over high hills, the doctor had served all faithfully and well and would be fondly remembered for his unwearied efforts for the amelioration of sickness and pain during his time there.
Reference was made to Mr Macnaughton’s kindness and hospitality not only in the parish but far beyond its bounds.
He expressed regret at severing his connection in a parish his family had been made so welcome and would always retain a warm corner in their hearts for Applecross.
