Looking Back – news from the John O'Groat Journal of yesteryear
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Bigamy charge at court
From the Groat of March 10, 1922
A case at Wick Sheriff Court was described by a Groat reporter as "a strange mixture of sadness and comedy".
"The court was well filled with spectators, many of whom saw only the amusing aspect of the charge, and there were occasional laughs at the amusing replies of the accused, a woman whose mentality is not believed to be sound."
Christine Campbell or Malcolm or Gunn or Gemmell, known locally as "Teeny Glessan", had been charged with bigamously marrying James Gunn in 1900 while being at the time lawfully married to Aberdeen carter James Malcolm, who was still alive – and, also in 1910, bigamously marrying Thomas Gemmell, again while married to Mr Malcolm.
The accused told the court that in 1889 she had married Mr Malcolm who afterwards had gone to sea. "Some time later a rumour was abroad in Wick that his death by drowning had been intimated in the south papers. She believed this to be true."
Sheriff Trotter told the accused that she should have made enquiries and verified her husband's death "but under the circumstances, and having regard to the condition of her mind, he would place her under the First Offender's Act".
Town gala saved
From the Groat of March 10, 1972
Wick Gala Week was saved, at least for another year, after a volunteer came forward take on the role of secretary.
A public meeting had been held expressly to find new office-bearers as all the existing office-holders had intimated their intention to stand down from Wick Town Improvements Association.
The meeting was poorly attended and the future of the gala looked uncertain as there was "no rush of eager volunteers for office".
Chairman Donald Farmer said that if no-one came forward the decision would be made to cancel the 1972 programme.
However, retiring secretary Donald Fraser said that at the eleventh hour an offer of help had been made by Mr R D Maclennan, who was subsequently appointed to the post.
As a result of the "public-spirited offer to carry the burden of the secretaryship", the remaining office-bearers agreed to stay on for another year.
Elsewhere, Wick Harbour Trust learned that Highlands and Islands Development Board had changed its policy and was now more open to considering future applications by the trust for development of port facilities.
The board could see potential for fishing in the Wick area, the trust heard, and was also prepared to look more favourably on applications from fishermen for financial assistance.
Councillors oppose Wick scheme
From the Groat of March 14, 1997
A formal objection had been made by the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council to plans to develop a site on the outskirts of the town.
Morrison Developments Ltd of Inverness wanted to create a supermarket, accommodation for tourists, residential accommodation, a garage and a filling station along with parking space for 200 vehicles on a five-acre plot near the Town and County Hospital, opposite the cemetery.
Secretary Alistair Roy had lodged the objection on behalf of the community council as the closing date for representations had fallen between two meetings. He had phoned round members and "the general feeling was against the £2.5 million development".
Members considered that that town could not support a third supermarket and that such a plan would be to the detriment of the town centre. They also expressed concern about the impact on funerals.
However, one member suggested that a third supermarket would generate competition and a lowering of prices.
"If someone tells me that as a result of this development the people of Wick are going to get cheaper petrol, is it for us to say that they shouldn't have?" he said.
But his views were not shared by the other community councillors who considered that an investment in light industry would be more appropriate.
