Christmas in the Highlands in times gone by - stories making the headlines in The Inverness Courier in decades past
Christmas and the final days of the year are a time when many traditionally reflect upon the past few months.
But what about even further back in time? What were Christmases long since passed like for Highland residents? It may be surprising to some, but as well as some unexpected stories there are also many recurring themes that crop up in the reporting of Highland Christmases through the decades and centuries - including the eagerness to see if the festive season will be snowy.
And with news archives stretching back more than 200 years, these make for some fascinating reading.
We’re had a look back at some random years from the 19th and 20th centuries and are reproducing just a tiny fraction of the stories that made the paper in years gone by.
So what were some of the stories making the headlines? Well, snow drift chaos on the A9, an offshore drama involving a fishing boat sinking near the Kessock ferry, and Christmas treats for children in Muir of Ord were just some of the stories that hit the press.
1844
WEATHER - The frost continues very severe, and in this part of the country unaccompanied by snow, which would have the effect of preserving the wheat from injury. About Huntly, and to the eastward, there is a good sprinkling of the fleecy covering, and the summits and sides of the Ross-shire mountain are entirely, and apparently thickly covered.
CURLING - On Wednesday the curling club mustered in full force at Lochnashannis, and played a bonspiel with the enthusiasm of true bred curlers. A number of inhabitants availed themselves of a general holiday, by being present to witness the game.
ORKNEY - Stromness, Dec 21 - The "Thomas", of Sunderland, was wrecked on the Island of Hoy, a few weeks ago, and was sold by auction yesterday - the hull only brought £28, and the materials £150. The vessel was on her way from Ireland to Sunderland, in ballast. The crew were all saved - We have three Norwegian vessels in here, on their way home; it is a long time since we had so many foreign flag at once. The wind is now S.W., and fine clear weather.
1855
FISHING-BOAT UPSET - We regret to learn that on the afternoon of Friday last, an accident occurred to the crew of an Avoch fishing-boat, without, however, any loss of life. While bearing down towards Kessock Ferry, under a stiff breeze, an unexpected squall of wind suddenly upset their boat, and the poor fishermen were in a moment precipitated into the water. Earnest cries for assistance brought to their aid a fishing-boat sailing some distance a-head, which arrived just in time to save the cold and benumbed fishermen, who still clung to their boat, greatly impeded in all attempts to save themselves by the weight of their fishing-boots. In a state of great exhaustion they were ultimately landed at the Ferry, where they met with every attention. The same boat afterwards returned and brought to shore the one which had unfortunately been upset.
1934
Christmas passed off quietly in Inverness and the North. The weather was extraordinarily mild, and there was no sign of frost or snow suitable to the old fashioned "white" Christmas which most people wished. Christmas Day, in fact, might have been any day in early spring of late autumn so far as the weather was concerned.
"There were, however, many signs that the observance of Christmas is growing in popularity in the Highlands. The exchanges of gifts and Christmas cards was bigger than ever, judging by the volume of work at the Post Office at Inverness. The gift-giving habit, too, was reflected in busy shopping scenes.
"On Christmas Eve the last minute rush to purchase gifts was not so great, perhaps, as in some former years, but the reason for this was to be found in the fact that many prudent people had completed their Christmas shopping by the previous Saturday evening.
"Beautiful illuminations gave Inverness a Christmas appearance, which compensated for the lack of snow. The Town Hall was flood-lit, and the Forbes Fountain was gaily illuminated by coloured fairy-lamps, which, viewed from a distance, gave it the appearance of a giant Christmas tree.
"The Greig Street and Infirmary Bridges were both lit by fairy lamps, and the graceful outlines of both bridges could be seen reflected in the waters of the Ness.
MUIR OF ORD SCHOOL TREAT - Through the generosity of Mrs Mackenzie of Ord, the pupils of the Tarradale School were entertained to a Christmas treat in the Public Hall on Friday afternoon. Those present included Mrs Mackenzie of Ord, accompanied by Colonel Mackenzie of Ord, CMG, MVO, and Mrs and Miss Douglas-Hamilton. The programme commenced with a charming sketch from "A Christmas Carol", followed by songs and carols by the pupils. A delightful tea was then served, as which each pupil received a well-filled bag of cakes.
After tea, the Morrison Brothers gave an attractive entertainment and concluded their programme with a Punch and Judy show, which greatly amused the pupils. The headmaster, Mr A Fowler, thanked Mrs Mackenzie of Ord for this addition to the very many times she had so thoughtfully entertained the pupils at Christmas, and Colonel Mackenzie of Ord thanked the Morrison Brothers for their performance, and all those who had assisted with the tea,
1945
POST-WAR DEVELOPMENT - Although normal development in the use of domestic electrical appliances is still extremely restricted - supplies are only given on proof of serious and exceptional hardship - the Corporation Electricity Department had had a successful year, and has already made plans for post-war development. The most important pst-war undertaking will be the change over from direct current to alternating current. The new housing scheme at Dalneigh will be supplied with A.C. from the outset, but the change-over throughout the Burgh will be done gradually over a period of years. D.C. motors, appliances, wireless sets, etc., will require to be replaced by A.C. models, and the change-over to A.C. supply obviously cannot begin until the electrical and wireless industries return to their normal peace-time output.
1981
DRIFTING SNOW CUTS A9 - The on-off situation ont he A9 was finally settled as darkness fell yesterday when the severe drifting of snow forced the Northern Constabulary and the Roads and Transport Division of the Highland Regional Council to agree to chose the route until, hopefully sometime to-day (Tuesday). This was the difference in the problem as many motorists, advised that there had been no fresh snowfalls, were prepared to move - or did. They had forgotten that the rise in wind strength over Sunday and yesterday caused very heavy drifting. The A9 in the Drumochter areas and, to a lesser extent, the A89 from Dalwhinnie to Laggan, were badly affected. Tired road crews had hardly got a route open than it closed in again. Thanks to their hard work no people were stranded not vehicles left abandoned.
