Ross-shire reflections - a dip into our old files from 100, 50 and 25 years ago
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100 Years Ago
Friday, May 21, 1920
H.M. repair ship Lucia arrived in the firth on Sunday accompanied by a few submarines. This is the first re-appearance of war ships of any sort since the armistice, and excepting the German battleship Baden, is the only seagoing war craft now to be seen.
Monday was recognised as Victoria Day in Dingwall and all places of business were closed for the day. The weather was dull and towards evening some rain fell. A great many people left the town, principally by rail. Inverness, Alness, Invergordon, Evanton and Tain were the most patronised places. Dingwall itself was very quiet until the trains came in the evening with the returning trippers.
The death took place at Hill Street, Dingwall, yesterday morning, of Mr James Robertson Gordon, for long head of the staff of Messrs C. and J. Urquhart, Ironmongers, Dingwall. Fifty-five years of age, deceased was the youngest son of the late Mr John Gordon, blacksmith and farrier, whose name and fame are still recalled although he passed away as long ago as October 5, 1892. Mr James Gordon entered the business of Mr D.G.Ross as a boy and remained throughout in the same business serving loyally and ably the various firms which succeeded each other.
50 Years Ago
Friday, May 22, 1970
AGAIN this year, Captain and Mrs Matheson invite the public to come at their leisure and see the Brahan azaleas and rhododendrons, long famedas one of the Summer sights in Mid Ross, which should be in full bloom in the middle of June. There is no charge for admission but a collecting box is placed at the entrance to the Delol, the proceeds from which go to the funds of the Royal National Lifeboat Institute.
If ever a game and result gave most satisfaction to Ross County fans this season, the County-Caley tussle on the Victoria Park on Friday
evening was it.
County won 1-0 but the score was not a true reflection on the run of play. The only goal of the game came shortly after the interval, when a ball from Lynas was pushed out by a defender and Don Maclennan, running in from the wing, whipped home a hard, low, left foot drive from about 12 yards out.
25 Years Ago
Friday, May 19, 1995
TWO men were rescued unhurt by Invergordon lifeboat seconds before they were ready to jump for their lives from a blazing oil rig crew boat.
The incident happened early on Saturday afternoon in the Cromarty Firth to the west of the Queen's Dock, Invergordon.
The lifeboat was returning to port after taking part in Nairn Harbourfest and spotted the boat on fire. The 25 foot craft was on its way to the rig Sovereign Explorer when fire broke out in the engine compartment. Immediately Cox David Lapp and the other five members of the lifeboat crew sprung into action.
The lifeboat manoeuvred alongside the stricken vessel and transferred the two crewmen aboard.
It's going to be a real knockout when Douglas Dow, director of the National Trust for Scotland opens this year's Balmacara County Day where one of the big attractions is It's a Knockout, organised by Kinlochshiel Shinty Club.
