Ross-shire reflections from 100, 50 and 25 years ago
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100 Years Ago
Friday, March 12, 1920
MR Donald Fraser, late police constable and prison keeper at Dingwall, died at his residence, Trinity Buildings, Dingwall, on Wednesday, after
a prolonged illness. Deceased had suffered for ten years and for the last seven years had practically been confined to his bed.
A native of Alness, he was 60 years of age and joined the county police 34 years ago, retiring on pension at the beginning of 1915, after 29 years
service. As a constable he held the confidence and esteem not only of his immediate superiors but of the entire community..
He had a kindly
and obliging disposition and was altogether an excellent stamp of police constable. A singularly well-read man, and an intelligent conversationalist, he was also noted as an expert amateur horticulturist, exhibiting at the local shows and winning many handsome prizes. He is survived by his widow, one son and two daughters.
At the weekly meeting of the Avoch Mutual Improvement Society, Mr Fraser, Brae Moray, Fortrose, delivered a lecture on “The doings of our Navy during the Great War,” in the Rosehaugh hall. The lecture was very interesting and finely illustrated with lime light views, and at the close Mr Fraser was cordially thanked by Canon Spence Ross, also the president, the Rev. E. J. Brechin, B.D., who manipulated the lantern.
50 Years Ago
Friday, March 6, 1970
IN war and in peace, the old Ross-shire fishing village of Avoch has given much in men and service to the sea; a hardy breed of men who make
light of the dangers ever present in their calling. This week there is thanksgiving far beyond the boundaries of “Auch”, for the safe deliverance from the perils of the deep of the six-man crew of the Avoch fishing boat Monadhliath, who were picked up by another fishing vessel
in the gale-lashed Minch on Monday night after taking to their life raft when their vessel blew up.
The crew of the Monadhliath are – Skipper Alastair Jack, Holmwood, Henrietta Street, his cousin John Jack, engineer, Pierhead; Donald Patience, 55 Henrietta Street; Denis Hossack, 13 Dock Street; Sandy Jack, George Street (all Avoch); and Uisdean Maclean, Council Houses, Fortrose). Mr Hossack and Mr Maclean are the only single men of the six.
25 Years Ago
Friday, March 10, 1995
INVERGORDON Town Hall is about to experience a new lease of life as an Arts Centre.
Over the past few weeks alterations have been made to the auditorium to create a a more flexible performance space.
From April Nick Fearne, Arts Development Officer with Ross and Cromarty District Council Leisure Services will be based at the Arts Centre to provide a varied programme of music dance, drama, visual arts and literature events. In addition a programme of participatory events will be planned.
Plans by Highlands and Islands Enterprise to turn the empty Rhind's supermarket in Invergordon into a business centre and offices have been
approved.
There was no discussion when the application came up at Tuesday's meeting of Ross and Cromarty Divisional Planning Committee.
Divisional planning officer James Farquhar said in a report the supermarket was a building of some importance in the focus of
Invergordon.
