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From the files of the Ross-shire Journal 100, 50 and 25 years ago; Torridon fatal accident probe call, Kinlochshiel Shinty Club dance and a crowd, a man and a gun


By Hector MacKenzie

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Fatal accident probe call after Wester Ross mountain tragedy

From the edition of January 19, 1986

MP Charles Kennedy was pushing for publication of a fatal accident inquiry into a mountain accident two years ago.

The father of Dr Katherine Herd, who was killed in the accident on the Torridon hills, voiced concern over the delay. The accident happened in January 1994 and the FAI was held in March 1995. It was conducted by Sheriff Principal Douglas Risk.

Mr Kennedy said the continuing delay was causing distress to the family who were “unable to try and draw three lines under this dreadful experience as long as this matter is outstanding”.

The wider concern was over any possible lessons the FAI might have two years on from the tragedy.

He said that with further delay, two full winters would have passed with risks which could, perhaps, have been avoided.

“It is for these reasons I am urging publication – sooner rather than later”, the MP was quoted as saying.

Kinlochshiel Shinty Club dance is a success

From the edition of January 22, 1971

The funds of Kinlochshiel Shinty Club gained £50 as the result of a highly successful dance in Dornie Hall on New Year’s Day.

Mr Ian Cameron, Glenshiel, was M.C. and music was by the corr Kenraeson Band.

Winners in a prize draw, organised by Mr Grant Michael, Balmacara, were drawn at the dance.

The draw realised£150.

n The December meeting of Poolewe WRI was held in the village hall.

Mr Ross, bank manager, Gairloch, gave a talk on decimal currency, which was much appreciated by all.

Mrs Macdonald proposed the vote of thanks to Mr Ross. A delightful tea was enjoyed. The hostesses were Mrs Stevens and Mrs Daniels. The competition was ‘Something to the value of 2/6”.

A Saturday sale of work held for funds meanwhile raised a total of £40.

A crowd, a man and a gun

From the edition of January 21, 1921

A Black Isle crofter was charged with firing a fun to the danger of the public, resulting in a child being injured.

In tendering a guilty plea on behalf of the accused, Dingwall solicitor T.S.H. Burns said he was more sinned against than sinning. The incident happened in the early hours of New Year’s morning when he was visited “by a band of hooligans, numbering almost 25 in all, who battered at his doors and windows, and created a great disturbance”.

The court heard the man, who was not named, loaded two cartridges into his gun, went outside and fired two shots in the air. This happened a second time when a crowd returned. A child was hit by a falling shot but not hurt badly.

Sheriff Huntly D. Gordon accepted there was provocation but imposed a £3 fine, noting a firearm had been used, with the alternative of 20 days’ imprisonment.

Related: Reflections from our files

A look back at times gone by in Ross-shire


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