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25th January

Youth Club

A busy night at Durness last Friday when Tongue and Melness Youth Group visited. 13 kids were accompanied by Stuart Mingham and Gary Macleod. The first stop was a quick tour of the Youth Cafe in the village and then up to the village hall where the young people were made to feel very welcome. The the boys had a game of indoor football against Durness, and Gary was made to work very hard by 3 of the Durness girls on the Badminton court. Transport was provided by Iris and Donny Mackay from Durness.

Scottish Television

A renewed interest in Durness and the John Lennon connection has been made this week. The daily mail reported a story about the Beatles connection after the new North Highlands Scotland web site used the connection as its opening comments on the home page. Scottish Television followed the report and visited to film and record residents about the effect of the connection on tourism. As a child John spent summer holidays in Durness with his cousin Stan Parkes who still keeps in contact with people in the village. In 2001 as part of the creation of the village hall garden and the participation in the TV programme Beechgrove garden a small memorial was built to the famous Beatle. This attracts many fans and is seen as a testimonial to the family man who became an international superstar.

Obituary

Thomas Mackay Sutherland died suddenly and unexpectantly at home on the 29 November 2006. Tommy was born on the 16 May 1937 at Laid younger son of Angus and Rabenia.  His older brother Roddy lives in Tain. Tommy attended Laid school and moved on to Golspie to complete his education before joining the Royal and then merchant navy. He settled in Ullapool in 1963 where he worked as a quarryman for 30 years before taking early retirement. It was in Ullapool he met Betty Mackay and they were married in 1988.

He had returned from a short break in Fife and died peacefully at home. Tommy was buried at Balnakeil on the 2 December after a funeral service in Ullapool and his remains carried through his beloved Laid along the shores of Loch Eriboll where he visited as often as possible. His wife Betty, stepsons Raymond and Donald, four grandchildren thank all for their kindness expressed at this difficult time.

Lotus leaf

after shop renovations, the Lotus Leaf suppliers of all aspects of Health and well being including therapies, books, food and gifts Reopening this Saturday, The shop situated in the Durness Village square welcomes all to their relaunch at 12 noon on Saturday 27 January.

Open Mike Nights

Starting on Saturday the 3 February and regularly on the first Saturday in the month Smoo cave Hotel are offering budding performing artists an opportunity to be seen. From 7.30 anyone is welcome to come and give a performance at the open mike night. Further details can be obtained from Tim Bleasdale 07737165034. A raffle will be held in aid of the Combat Stress charity. Everyone is welcome to attend.

More Regarding John Lennon

A request was made from a Lancashire based company trading in Beatles and rock ‘n roll memorabilia.  They have been established since 1989 and have grown to become Europe’s leading specialist in Beatles and pop memorabilia acting as consultants to Sotheby’s and several other major auction houses. 

 Being familiar with John Lennon's connection with Durness they enquired if any members of the public in Durness had retained any mementos from this period?  If so, they would be grateful if you would consider allowing them to value any items of pop memorabilia which you may be in the village?  To carry out this exercise they only need to see a photocopy, scan or photo of the relevant items. This service is entirely free of charge and without any obligation.  They have developed an extensive knowledge of pop memorabilia over the last 17 years and would like to make their expertise available.  It may be useful to you for insurance purposes or it could help you gain more knowledge of the authenticity or value of an item in a collection. They may be interested in making you an offer for memorabilia. For more datisl individuals should contact Jason Cornthwaite TRACKS - PO Box 117, Chorley, Lancashire
ENGLAND, PR6 0UU jason@tracks.co.uk - www.tracks.co.uk