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Reflections from Ross-shire: A dip into our old files from 100, 50 and 25 years ago


By Hector MacKenzie

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From the edition of November 24, 1995

Raider hits store in Invergordon

Police were hunting an armed, hooded raider who stole a “substantial sum” of money from Macintosh’s, a small shop in the South Lodge estate of Invergordon.

It happened on Sunday after 9pm.

A lone assistant was on duty at the time and was threatened with a weapon and left badly shocked, the paper reported. The masked raider then disappeared with the contents of the till and disappeared among the nearby houses.

Police warned that the raider could strike again. They were keeping quiet about how much money was taken and the weapon that was presented, though they confirmed it was not a firearm.

They said they were anxious to hear from anyone who might have information to share.

They said inquiries were continuing.

From the edition of November 20, 1970

Shinty derby day

A clash of two well-known shinty teams in Ross-shire in the MacGillivray Junior League was making headlines in the paper half-a- century ago.

In a match contested between Kinlochshiel and Caberfeidh, it was the home side who emerged with bragging rights after a 5-2 victory.

The match at Balmacara was all the sweeter for home fans in Lochalsh as it saw ’Shiel establish a two-point lead at the top.

Home scorers were Loades (2), Campbell, Mackay and Gunn.

The Cabers’ consolation counters came from D Macleod.

Dingwall Academy meanwhile, was also in sporting action – on the badminton courts.

In the Highland capital it was beaten 8-4 by Inverness Royal Academy and at Fortrose it was a bruising 7-0 defeat.

From the edition of November 26, 1920

Rockfall drama

A landslide of approximately 3000 tons of rock blocked the Strome Ferry bypass and the railway line “over a long period”, the paper reported a century ago, echoing an issue still relevant today.

Incessant rain over a long period was blamed for the fall. It had lubricated cracks causing the whole front face of an 80ft cliff to plunge, leaving clean rock behind.

In other news, congratulations were in order for Eliza Macrae, Wellington Villa, Achterneed, Strathpeffer who celebrated her 100th birthday at the County Hospital in Invergordon.

A party was given in her honour in Ward 1. Lady Stirling of Fairburn, presided.

She said Mrs Macrae came from a large family from Glenurquart and spent her early years working on a croft on wholesome diet to which her longevity might be ascribed.

More from our old files


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