Looking Back – news from Caithness in the John O'Groat Journal of yesteryear
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Large majority for Sir Archibald
From the Groat of November 24, 1922
The scenes at the declaration of the poll in Wick for the election of the local MP were "unknown in our town before in connection with the return of a Parliamentary candidate".
Crowds had gathered in Bridge Street to hear Sheriff Trotter declare the constituency result from the balcony of the town hall, and "no sooner had the name of Sir Archibald Sinclair been uttered than cheer after cheer rang out, and the name of Sir R L Harmsworth was received with booing".
Sir Archibald had won by almost 2000 votes and "the declaration of the poll came as a heavy blow to the Harmsworth party. No doubt shrewdly anticipating defeat, Sir Leicester Harmsworth and Lady Harmsworth and friends.... left the town by motor car for the south on Thursday morning" and were not there for the result.
Read more news from Caithness in the John O'Groat Journal of yesteryear
Sir Archibald had intended to address his new constituents from the town hall but it quickly became clear that the accommodation was inadequate and an alternative meeting was hurriedly arranged in the Rifle Hall to allow more people to attend.
Half an hour before the start time, the place was packed with "a most enthusiastic audience". When the new MP and his wife arrived they received a great ovation, "the huge audience rising, waving hats and handkerchiefs, cheering and singing".
Cemetery lodge problem
From the Groat of November 24, 1972
The sexton's house at Wick cemetery "is an attractive lodge of impressive exterior", but local councillors were concerned about its interior which frequently required remedial measures, particularly to combat dampness.
The town council's administration committee was torn between spending more money to tackle the problems or building a new modern home for the sexton somewhere else on cemetery land.
Provost William G Mowat suggested that the council "visualise a new bungalow someday instead of continuing with the present house which could well be utilised for other purposes of cemetery work".
The councillors ruled out giving the sexton a council house nearby, with some considering that his work required him to be on site, and said that the house would still have to be maintained whether it was occupied or not.
Dean of Guild George Gunn pointed out that the problems with the house had been long-standing and "to lay out more money on it would be sheer waste – just throwing money down the drain".
However, when it came to a vote, councillors opted to carry out the remedial work.
Councillors also considered requests from householders in Grant Street, Macleay Street and Hill Avenue for better street lighting.
Peatland reserve to be expanded
From the Groat of November 28, 1997
Heritage Lottery funding was to be used to expand the RSPB's internationally important peatland nature reserve at Forsinard
The existing 7600-hectare reserve was being extended following the purchase of 403 hectares of adjoining land near Loch Talaheel.
The ground, which included a young conifer plantation, was being bought for £68,000, 90 per cent of which was coming from lottery funds.
It was intended to restore 143 acres of forest to peatland and the RSPB pledged to use local contractors for the work, as it had done on 12 other projects.
Since originally purchasing the Flow Country estate in 1995, the charity had carried out restoration and drainage work, laid out a dubh lochan trail and converted former railway station buildings into a peatland visitor centre.
It latest innovation was a CCTV link that provided live coverage of a hen harrier nest on the reserve.
Elsewhere, a steering group had been formed to develop plans for a new auditorium and arts centre in Caithness.
The decision followed a well-attended public meeting in Thurso College at which local MP Robert Maclennan spoke in favour of the proposal. A study by consultants had concluded that Thurso would be the most appropriate venue.
Earlier in the week, Highland Council had ordered a feasibility study into creating conference facilities in the Assembly Rooms in Wick.
