Canoe club building was handed to Thurso Town Council
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Thurso's Heritage by A Thirsa Loon
The 50th article in the series looks at more recent times. In January, the Pentland Canoe Club’s facilities were severely damaged at Thurso’s Esplanade. The Caithness Courier reported that demolishing the premises requires extensive funds estimated at around £30,000, though ownership is in question.
It was around 1947 when the Thurso Town Improvements committee looked at raising funds to replace the previous bathing facilities, which were wooden bathing coaches.
Donations for the coaches came from various sources, including the former Thurso Swimming Association, which donated £140.
The Town Council requested tenders for laying a concrete strip from the ramp halfway along the esplanade to the proposed coaches, measuring 9 feet in width. This allowed people with prams and the likes easier access.
The big day came in 1949 when Provost John Sinclair officially opened and accepted the gift of the building on behalf of Thurso Town Council.
Before the opening, Mr and Mrs H Macdonald and Miss F Dunnet judged the children’s sand-building competition. One judge said the standard of the building was much better than the previous year. It must have been a challenge deciding who was the best, as a few competitors were joint winners. Then again, perhaps they didn’t want anyone’s sandcastle being knocked over in a dispute.
I thought I would include some winners, as I’m sure they will be familiar. Under eight years of age – 1, Andrew Manson, 2 (equal) Billy Jones and William Sutherland, 3, Louis Gray. Eight to twelve years – 1 (equal) Angus Mackay and Dennis Watt, 2 (equal) R Mackay and H Meiklejohn, 3, Stewart Coghill.
During the ceremony, Mr Mackay, president of the Thurso Town Improvements, thanked the public for their unfailing support since they started the fund. He then called upon Mrs Begg, High Street, to hand the coaches over to Thurso Town Council. After handing the key to the Provost, she received a bouquet from Morag Mackay.
“It gives me great pleasure,” said Provost Sinclair, “to accept these coaches on behalf of the Town Council and people of Thurso. Since the formation of the Town Improvements Committee, the members have shown a great deal of enterprise and effort, and we appreciate the motive behind their work. We have a bay that is second to none, and in providing this added amenity, the committee has started on the right lines.”
After the Provost finished his speech, Mr Budge gave him a vote of thanks.
Following the speeches, a programme of events followed, beginning with a team of eight Girl Guides performing the country dance “Monymusk” at the foot of Beach Road. The Highland Fling was danced by Misses Sheana Tait, Christine Downie, Jeanette Coghill, Catherine Mackay, and later by Misses Christine Mackay, Mary Murray and Miss Docherty.
Christine Downie also performed an Irish Jig, the Misses Ness, Thurso East, the Sword Dance. Under the training of Miss Netta Ryrie, the Guides finished their programme with “Dumbarton Drums”.
A carnival dance with the Thurso Dance Orchestra followed in the Town Hall. The big event was when the public picked the Personality Queen for the upcoming street parade. Miss Alice Swanson, Rose Street, Thurso, came on top of the votes, followed by Miss Elsie Cameron and Miss Isabel Kennedy. They were second and third and acted throughout the year as her attendants.
- To get in touch, contact thursoheritage1@gmail.com
