Looking Back – news from the John O'Groat Journal of yesteryear

Man living in 'insanitary' conditions

From the Groat of February 10, 1922

Caithness County Council had been called upon to take action in the case of an "aged man" in Latheron Parish who was living "under the most insanitary circumstances".

Councillors heard that the building in which the man lived was "dilapidated, snow and rain coming in on the bed and the whole place was in a state of indescribable filth".

The man had refused to accept aid or go to the County Home, so the Inspector of Poor in Latheron wanted the council to take action.

Some councillors suggested that the house be condemned so that the inspector could then deal with the man, but after consideration it was agreed to bring the matter before the Scottish Board of Health.

Meanwhile, in Thurso a suggestion to aid poor children was met with a negative response.

The school management committee had received a letter from the education authority suggesting that in order to clothe necessitous children "the committee might arrange a concert for raising funds for the purpose".

It was reported that "Ex-Bailie Anderson was indignant that such a suggestion should be made by a public body", while "other members concurred in thinking that the proposal was nothing short of an absurdity".

Gala week plans in jeopardy

From the Groat of February 11, 1972

The planning of Wick Gala Week should have been to the fore at the AGM of Wick Town Improvements Association, but a threat to the future of the association had become so serious "that there seemed little point in planning for an event which may not take place".

The poorly attended meeting heard with dismay that the three officers – chairman, secretary and treasurer – were standing down due to personal circumstances and no other candidates had offered themselves for election.

A personnel crisis had been averted the previous year when Donald Fraser agreed to take on the duties of secretary, but with all three standing down this time round the association had little choice but to defer elections until a special meeting later in the month.

The chairman said he had been most disappointed by the failure of younger people to "come forward and play their part".

Elsewhere, the Wick Society was moving forward with its scheme for a folk museum in the town. Preliminary investigations were in hand and the owners of a suitable property had been approached.

It was felt that "a museum adequately illustrating the history and life of the town is badly needed and would prove an attraction to visitors".

Pupils in tune with technology

From the Groat of February 14, 1997

Pupils at Thurso High School were benefitting from an innovative hi-tech system which looked set to revolutionise music teaching in schools.

The Midinet system also meant that youngsters in remote locations could be able to learn keyboards and other instruments via the internet.

The project had been devised by Stewart Watson, principal teacher of music at Thurso High, with John Bailey, chief engineer of Yamaha UK.

It allowed keyboards and their students to be linked electronically via a digital and audio network to their music teacher, and because each note on the keyboard contained a small light, the budding musicians could see as well as hear the teacher's demonstration.

Hailed as an "exciting development", the system was set to benefit schools without a music department as lessons could be preloaded.

Meanwhile, Lieurary Primary School looked doomed after the school board learned that its opt-out bid had failed.

The Secretary of State for Scotland, Michael Forsyth, had rejected the board's application to remove the 13-pupil school from local authority control.

The primary was faced with closure and parents were being offered the alternative of sending children to school in either Thurso or Reay.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.