Reflections from Ross-shire: A dip into the Ross-shire Journal Old Files from 100, 50 and 25 years ago
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100 years Ago
Black Isle Show a success
From the edition February 25, 1921
The Black Isle Farmers’ Society Show held at Fortrose was favoured by fine weather and declared a great success.
The show of roots, grain and dairy produce was held in the Drill Hall. This show is always a good one for quality and Saturday’s exhibition was, if anything, above the average in both numbers of entries and quality. Some specially fine samples of barley and oats were shown.
The special prize for the best sample of grain was won by Sir Walter Ross of Cromarty with his Hamilton oats. The cup for the most points was won by Mr Middleton, Newton.
Turnips were a good show. Captain Morison, Navity, won the special for most points. Mr J.F. Mackenzie of Allangrange took most points for Swedes.
Miss Mann, Bog Farm; Mrs Mackenzie, Balloan; Miss Munro, Davidston and Miss Reid, Raddery Mains and Miss Macdonald, Weston excelled with their home-baking.
50 Years Ago
Alness plans are pondered
From the edition of February 26, 1971
At the meeting of Alness Community Association, members had the opportunity to inspect a model and plans for the proposed community centre.
Members of the East Ross working group were present and answered the many questions that were put to them. A sub-committee was formed to liaise with the County Council during the detailed planning and construction phase.
After hearing a report on youth work in Alness, it was decided to strengthen the ties between the community council and the youth leaders through a sub-committee.
The meeting heard with satisfaction of progress being made by the British Legion in Alness and too the rapid growth of the swimming club.
Mrs I. Jupp, who represents the club, asked for a public meeting to discuss the future of the Swimming pool Fund, currently held in trust by Alness community Association.
25 Years Ago
School ‘hit list’ concerns
From the edition of February 23, 1996
Ross and Cromarty Area Committee was to register its deep concern over the schools’ hit list procedure drawn up by Highland Council.
Councillors made clear they wanted earlier involvement in decisions being taken.
Sixteen schools in Ross-shire, all primaries, are below 60 per cent occupancy, the paper reported.
They included Strathconon and Kinlochewe – 21 per cent; Applecross – 38 per cent; Tore – 40 per cent; Achnasheen – 42 per cent; Contin – 45 per cent; Inver and Obsdale – 46 per cent; Shieldaig and Hilton – 48 per cent; Edderton – 50 per cent; South Lodge – 52 per cent; Coulhill – 53 per cent; Torridon and Poolewe – 57 per cent and Mulbuie – 59 per cent.
Councillor Isobel Rhind said she couldn’t just sit and pick a school looking at a “bland” bit of paper showing costs and pupils numbers without being able to get “a correct picture”.
Inside next week's Ross-shire Journal: From the Archives throws the spotlight on how school log books from days gone by provide a fantastic insight into the past, including a poignant extract from Wester Ross and a school group from Portmahomack.
