Looking Back: Wick dog poisonings, Dounreay explosion and end of an era for coastal radio
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Dog poisoners in Wick
From the Groat of April 25, 1924
In the locality of East and West Banks, several fatal cases of dog poisoning had occurred over the previous week.
The first sign that something was amiss was when a terrier belonging to Alex Miller, contractor, showed symptoms of poisoning but was lucky enough to recover after receiving treatment.
Not so fortunate was a fine retriever called Peter, belonging to Mr JT Christie, which was found seriously ill and “expired almost immediately”.
“An analysis performed by Mr Christie disclosed pronounced traces of strychinine” while “other crimes of this nature resulted in the loss this week of valued animals”.
The Groat stated that “such serious offences are a reflection on the community and it is hoped that as the matter is receiving the careful attention of the Chief Constable the perpetrators will be speedily brought to justice”.
Elsewhere, “our well-known and esteemed Caithness friend, Firemaster Weir, Dundee,” had been granted the Meritorious Medal of the Professional Fire Brigade in recognition “of his gallant action in rescuing a lascar seaman from the burning hold of the Brocklebank liner Mongalore in Dundee Harbour”.
At the presentation, Convener Frain said the award was “not only an honour to the Firemaster personally but to the Brigade and to the city”.
Dounreay blast not serious
From the Groat of April 26, 1974
A blast at Dounreay was described as not serious and no radioactivity had been involved.
The “small fire and explosion” in a sodium rig had been heard by nearby residents who also reported having seen an “atomic” mushroom of smoke.
In the immediate aftermath of the incident, nearby farmers and crofters had been advised to wear heavy coats and masks when going outside, to take in any sheep or cattle, wash their cars and keep all their windows closed.
The UKAEA said the advice had been issued “as a precaution” while they ascertained the magnitude of the accident.
Elsewhere, Wick Academy FC were back in hot water following their failure to field a team against Black Rock Rovers for a league match in Evanton, Ross-shire. Only seven Wick players had turned out for action.
The Groat correspondent wrote that “this must surely result in another, and heavier, fine for the Wick Club” which had already been punished for not fulfilling an earlier commitment.
There was even the possibility for a warning about elimination from the 2nd XI league the next season.
“It is also a pity and demoralising for the majority who do appear for a game, but are not sufficient in numbers to field a team.
“It would be a great loss to Caithness if Academy couldn't continue in the North League.”
End signalled for Wick Radio
From the Groat of April 30, 1999
The last “roger and out” was being sounded at the long-established coastal radio station at Wick.
The end to the 90-year manned presence at the station was set to be signalled when the last remaining operator, Tony Fell, locked up after his final shift.
The low-key departure was the latest sign of the rapid demise of the one-time first link in the SOS service for trawlers, oil vessels and pleasure craft.
In its heyday, Wick Radio was recognised as the busiest of all the UK coastal stations with up to 30 staff working shifts to handle 400 calls a day.
It had become a victim of technology as mobile phones and satellite systems increasingly monopolised the world of communications.
Wick had followed its counterparts at Portpatrick, Land's End and Humber which had become automatic the previous month.
Up until the end of March 2000, calls to Wick would be relayed remotely to Stonehaven. Thereafter BT had announced it would pull the plug on its entire commercial maritime network.
Tony, of Moray Street, Wick, had worked at the station more or less continuously since 1973.
He said the closure had been inevitable. “I have seen the traffic coming through the station drop and drop. It's all down to the new technology coming in.”
