Looking Back – news from the John O'Groat Journal of yesteryear
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Improvements at Cross Warehouse
From the Groat of November 30, 1923
The "well-known and enterprising" firm of Messrs Fred Shearer Ltd had completed extensive alterations at its premises in High Street in Wick.
It was reported that a "fine new front has been added to the first floor, which greatly enhances the appearance of the premises and makes a decided improvement to the amenities of the High Street.
"The warehouse inside has been extended and improved and compares favourably with the city shop. Every modern convenience has been provided for the comfort of their customers and we can well imagine that shopping here is both a pleasure and a delight."
The report added that heating in the building was by a "system of hot-water pipes and radiators recently installed by Messrs Mackenzie & Moncur, heating engineers, Edinburgh".
Meanwhile, in Thurso, Messrs W&J Jack, proprietors of the Excelsior Drapery Warehouse, had "installed a powerful electric plant at their business premises. As a result of their enterprise the interior of the warehouse is now brilliantly illuminated in every department when business is being conducted in the evenings."
The electrical plant was the first of its kind to be installed in Thurso for business purposes.
Elsewhere in the town, a meeting had been convened "for the purpose of forming a committee to organise a grand bazaar to be held next year in aid of contemplated esplanade improvements".
Warning over raffle ticket sales
From the Groat of November 30, 1973
Wick provost William Mowat had issued a strong warning following concerns about irregularities in the way raffle tickets were being sold in the town.
Mr Mowat said organisations that broke the regulations governing raffles faced heavy fines and being refused permission to hold further fundraising activities.
Concern was expressed after Bailie A Henderson claimed raffle organisers were selling tickets door-to-door on Sundays and in some cases using youngsters under the age of 16 to sell them.
The meeting of Wick Town Council also heard that authorisation badges were not being worn by the sellers.
Provost Mowat stated: "The magistrates can take note of what has been said – and act accordingly. Let's hope that the organisers will see that the regulations are observed in future."
Elsewhere it was reported that Superintendent Alexander Gunn, who had been appointed Deputy Chief Constable of the Northern Constabulary following the amalgamation of the Caithness, Orkney and Shetland police forces in 1969, had been promoted to the rank of Chief Superintendent.
Mr Gunn, a native of Caithness whose late father had been a policeman in the county for over 30 years, had joined the then Caithness Constabulary in 1947 following nine years in the Royal Air Force.
Expansion plan for bus firm
From the Groat of December 4, 1998
A Caithness bus company was set to expand its operations and take on extra staff after being bought by a local businessman.
Dunnet's Coaches, a family firm established 100 years previously, had been purchased by John Sutherland, who had already bought three 24-seater buses, taking the fleet of vehicles to 17, and was in the process of recruiting five new drivers as he had secured two new contracts.
Mr Sutherland, whose other business interests included Caithness Stone Industries, the Waterfront nightclub and Wick Laundry, also planned to provide guided tours for visitors over the summer.
His takeover of Dunnet's meant that he had a total workforce of over 100.
However, Mr Sutherland stressed that the purchase of the firm would not sever the link with the Dunnet family as Mr Robert Dunnet was to continue as general manager, responsible for the day-to-day running of the company.
Elsewhere, local farming leaders were accused of being "ill-informed" over plans to upgrade Thurso town centre.
At a meeting of the area executive of the Scottish NFU, local members described the proposed £1m spend as "grossly excessive" and expressed doubt as to whether the project would bring the hoped-for economic spin-offs.
Deputy provost Councillor Falconer Waters hit back, saying that the farmers did not know the extent of the proposed works and their comments were ill-informed and uncalled for.
Related: Looking Back – news from the John O'Groat Journal of yesteryear
