Dingwall Work

Attribution: unknown (Greenhill street  in Dingwall looking North)

Dingwall sawmill

Follow the history of Dingwall sawmill and read about some of the memories of Duncan Munro.

Dingwall Work

Attribution: unknown

Dingwall and Highland Marts Ltd

Read about the history of the mart and look at some of the photographs of the development of the new mart.

05 Dingwall Work

Attribution: unknown

The Glass Scribe

Engraving of articles made of glass – usually for presentation purposes

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John Hood and Son, Monumental Sculptors

In May 2010 the Ross-shire Journal reported on the removal of a Dingwall landmark, a crane that had been built by Carrick and Ritchie, Edinburgh.

The 30ft one-tonne crane left its home in the yard of John Hood and Son after decades of service.

Peter Bain, father of Stewart, had bought the crane, from the railway station in Wick, in the early 1950s.

Most memorial stones at that time were large family stones, requiring a crane to move them. Modern stones can be moved by hand and so the crane had last been used in 1996. Shortly afterwards, a severe gale had broken the jib and the crane had remained unused.

The crane took up valuable space in the yard and so, when a businessman made an offer for it, the landmark was sold.

Roy Bremner, memorial stonemason, had found the crane easy to operate but now uses an A-frame gantry which can lift two tonnes and can be set up anywhere in the yard.

03 Dingwall Work

Attribution: unknown

Ferintosh Distillery

The ruins of the former successful distillery tower above what would have been workers’ houses. The ruins were converted to flats while the whisky store (on the opposite side of the road) became housing. The workers’ houses had spells of modernisation but remain unoccupied and in a dilapidated state.

05 Dingwall Work

Attribution: unknown

Drover Project

Until the late 19th century the only way of transporting animals to the great livestock trysts in the south was to walk them there – a job entrusted to men known as the Highland drovers. The drover stands as a powerful symbol of the values, traditions and spirit of the Highlands and Islands and the aim is to honour these qualities and interpret them for a new generation by establishing a visitor centre, exhibition, extensive archive and research library – high quality resources that will appeal to livestock breeders, animal enthusiasts and cultural historians as well as to the general public. Also central to the project is the commissioning of a major piece of commemorative sculpture depicting a Highland bull and drover – a stunning centrepiece the Society believes will provide inspiration and enjoyment for visitors and locals alike.

01 Drover Project

Attribution: unknown

drover sculpture

Ross and Cromarty Heritage Society is grateful to Alasdair Cameron for permission to reproduce his record of events leading up to the unveiling of the Drover Sculpture on 21 April 2011 by Lord Lieutenant Mrs Janet Bowen.

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Dingwall » Dingwall Work » Dingwall Drover Sculpture

Dingwall Drover Sculpture

Ross and Cromarty Heritage Society is grateful to Alasdair Cameron for permission to reproduce his record of events leading up to the unveiling of the Drover Sculpture on 21 April 2011 by Lord Lieutenant Mrs Janet Bowen.
02 Drover Sculpture

Drover Exhibition

Formal Opening by HRH The Princess Royal on 23 July 2008

All photographs courtesy of Alasdair Cameron, Wellhouse.

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Dingwall » Dingwall Social » Dingwall Gaelic Choir
Miss Ethel Bassin rehearsing the Choir
Miss Ethel Bassin rehearsing the Choir
Miss Ethel Bassin rehearsing the Choir in what appears to be St Clement’s Church Hall. Second left, front row, is Sybil Mackay (conductor 1946); second row,1st left is Isobel Cameron, 2nd left, is June Macleod (later Robertson), 3rd left is Cathie Mackenzie; back row, 4th left, possibly Ted Disbury, 5th left possibly Murdo Bethune.
Hugh A Fraser, MA
Hugh A Fraser, MA
There was a resurgence of interest in October 1908 when Dingwall Gaelic Choir met for the first time under the conductorship of Mr Hugh A Fraser, MA, the recently-appointed senior science master in Dingwall Academy. [photograph courtesy of Mrs Margaret Mackintosh]
Dingwall Gaelic Choir in 1934
Dingwall Gaelic Choir in 1934
This new Dingwall Gaelic Choir gave a concert in April 1934 and was described as “not a large one …. but some voices of excellent quality”.
Dingwall Gaelic Choir 1913
Dingwall Gaelic Choir 1913
Conductor Hugh A Fraser in Highland dress at rear left holding a baton. Could this be a replacement for the baton which broke in two when, in a fit of temper, he hurled it at the choir?
Dingwall Gaelic Choir 1930
Dingwall Gaelic Choir 1930
Dingwall Gaelic Choir on a previous outing to Ullapool in May 1930. [photograph courtesy of Dingwall Museum]
Donald Mackay, MA
Donald Mackay, MA
Early in 1904 the “singing class” held under the tutelage of Mr Donald Mackay, MA, headmaster of Maryburgh school, finished their winter session by holding a concert in the Caledonian Hotel, Dingwall.
Miss Sybil Mackay
Miss Sybil Mackay
Miss Sybil Mackay, teacher of music and daughter of Donald Mackay of 1904 fame.
Dingwall Gaelic Choir in Tulloch Castle 2014
Dingwall Gaelic Choir in Tulloch Castle 2014
Back Row, l-r: Will Campbell, Jim Howden, Steven Maciver, Jim Mackinnon, Ross Brindle, Tony Billington, Michael Paul, George Paul, Billy Mackenzie, Alex Mackay Second row, l-r: Fiona Fraser, Morven Mackenzie, Morven Macdonald, Kate Cameron, Ashleigh Bell, Ruth James, Noelle Murphy, ? ? Norma Christie, Anna Cathcart, Christine Matheson Anna Macnaughton Front row, l-r: Jean Mackay, Jan Wilson, Alison Matheson, Kerrie Finlay, Kirsteen Menzies, Hamish Menzies, Marlene Yule, Phemie Cameron, Mairi Rigby, Karen Cormack
Paisley Mod 2013
Paisley Mod 2013
Mo Chreach l-r: Steven Maciver, Ross Brindle, Kirsteen Menzies, Jean Mackay, Marlene Rapson Yule
Dundee 1974.
Dundee 1974.
Dundee Mod in 1974 was the baptism of Hamish Menzies as the newly-appointed conductor of DGC, in succession to Ewen Stewart, with Alistair Maclean as Gaelic tutor, and they brought the Margrat Duncan trophy back to Dingwall for the eleventh time.
It was a cold night at Achnagairn House!
It was a cold night at Achnagairn House!
During 2012 the Choir made a guest appearance with Glasgow Phoenix Choir in Strathpeffer Pavilion and ended the year by performing in BBC Alba’s live Hogmanay ceilidh from Achnagairn House.
Achnagairn House Hogmanay 2012
Achnagairn House Hogmanay 2012
During 2012 the Choir made a guest appearance with Glasgow Phoenix Choir in Strathpeffer Pavilion and ended the year by performing in BBC Alba’s live Hogmanay ceilidh from Achnagairn House.
Alison and fellow Gold Medal winner, Seumas Campbell.
Alison and fellow Gold Medal winner, Seumas Campbell.
As in Aberdeen in 1964, the Mod in Stirling in 1971 saw the Gold Medal being won by a choir member - this time Alison Rapson - but there was no glory for Dingwall Gaelic Choir in the Margret Duncan competition.
Stornoway Mod 2011. 40 not out!
Stornoway Mod 2011. 40 not out!
This year saw Alison (Rapson) Matheson’s 40th year as a member of Dingwall Gaelic Choir
On their return from Canada
On their return from Canada
In May 1993 the Choir left for Vancouver, sporting light grey jerseys with Ross District Council crest, donated by the latter, and music cases gifted by Ross and Cromarty Enterprise.
Cover of CD issued 2014
Cover of CD issued 2014
Hamish Menzies and his daughter Kirsteen
Hamish Menzies and his daughter Kirsteen
Hamish Menzies retired as conductor - “It (Dingwall Gaelic Choir) has been a part of my life for 40 years now, 34 of these as conductor, and it has been nothing short of an honour” - and is succeeded by Kirsteen.
Dingwall Academy Senior Gaelic Choir
Dingwall Academy Senior Gaelic Choir
And here is the Dingwall Academy Senior Gaelic Choir with their conductor, Connie Roxburgh, who is holding the trophy. Three of the school's teachers who accompanied the pupils to the 1972 Inverness Mod are in the front row, on Mrs Roxburgh's left, with Mrs Ellen Macleod being identified as the first of the three.
Aberdeen National Mod 1955
Aberdeen National Mod 1955
The choir’s first foray into National Mod events was in Aberdeen in 1955 when they won the Margrat Duncan trophy competing against eight choirs and with four marks ahead of their nearest rivals, Edinburgh.
HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother presentation of the trophy
HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother presentation of the trophy
The icing at the National Mod 1955 in Aberdeen on the cake was the presentation of the trophy by HM Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother with Princess Margaret accompanying her.
Dingwall Gaelic Choir in Dingwall Town Hall 1955
Dingwall Gaelic Choir in Dingwall Town Hall 1955
Back row, l-r: James Curr, Duncan Macrae, Alaisair Fraser, Jackie Fraser, Donald Macleod, Calum, Smith, Ian Grant, Alistair Maclean, George Montgomery, Ted Disbury Front row, l-r: Margaret Macritchie, June Robertson, Heather Maclean, Rita Ross, Mary Fraser, Cathie Mackenzie, Jean Maclean, Catriona Maclean, Catherine Lawson, Joan Lawrie, Susan Maclean
The Glasgow Mod 1988
The Glasgow Mod 1988
In the Glasgow Mod 1988 the Choir gained the Rev William Macdonald and J Norman MacConnochie trophies, with the ladies triumphant in the Esme Smythe competition once more and the Alex Macarthur prize for Gaelic.
Inside Dingwall Town Hall 1991
Inside Dingwall Town Hall 1991
The year 1991 was a highlight for Dingwall as the National Mod returned for the first time since 1931.
And outside Dingwall Town Hall, 1991
And outside Dingwall Town Hall, 1991
On the final Saturday, the instigation of Alison (Rapson) Matheson saw the first-ever performance of the massed choirs outside the Town Hall, this time conducted by Hamish Menzies.
Oban Mod 2003
Oban Mod 2003
The Choir returned from Oban Mod 2003 over-burdened with silverware! Trophies included the J Norman McConochie, Hector Russell dirk, Greenock Gaelic Choir cup, Colin G Sangster memorial baton, Oban Times silver salver, Esme Smythe trophy, Donald U Johnstone memorial Quaich, Mull and Iona shield, Glyndwr trophy and Glen Ballachulish trophy. [newspaper unknown]
The Perth Mod of 2004
The Perth Mod of 2004
Hamish Menzies the Dingwall Gaelic Choir conductor holding the Lovat & Tullibardine Shield [newspaper unknown]
Dingwall Gaelic Choir in 2013
Dingwall Gaelic Choir in 2013
Aberdeen Mod of 1964
Aberdeen Mod of 1964
Aberdeen Mod of 1964 brought victory to Kenny Ross who achieved his goal of the Gold Medal with 12 marks ahead of the runner-up.
The woman behind the man - Janet Menzies (second right)
The woman behind the man - Janet Menzies (second right)
Hamish Menzies retired as conductor in 2007
Dingwall Gaelic Choir with a selection of trophies
Dingwall Gaelic Choir with a selection of trophies
Dingwall Gaelic Choir
Dingwall Gaelic Choir
Dingwall Gaelic Choir with Ewen Stewart at Aviemore, 1969.
Dingwall Gaelic Choir with Ewen Stewart at Aviemore, 1969.
Second at Aviemore in 1969, although they won the John MacNicol trophy.
Miss Ethel Bassin rehearsing the Choir
Miss Ethel Bassin rehearsing the Choir
Miss Ethel Bassin rehearsing the Choir in what appears to be St Clement’s Church Hall. Second left, front row, is Sybil Mackay (conductor 1946); second row,1st left is Isobel Cameron, 2nd left, is June Macleod (later Robertson), 3rd left is Cathie Mackenzie; back row, 4th left, possibly Ted Disbury, 5th left possibly Murdo Bethune.
The Burns Supper in 2011
The Burns Supper in 2011
The Burns Supper in 2013
The Burns Supper in 2013
Activities during the year included the biennial Burns Supper, the annual concert with proceeds to Maggie’s Centre at Raigmore Hospital.
The Burns Supper in 2014
The Burns Supper in 2014
The Choir’s 60th anniversary celebrations began with a Burns Supper in the National Hotel in January 2014
Dundee Mod in 1974
Dundee Mod in 1974
Dundee Mod in 1974 was the baptism of Hamish Menzies as the newly-appointed conductor of Dingwall Gaelic Choir, in succession to Ewen Stewart, with Alistair Maclean as Gaelic tutor,
Dundee 1959
Dundee 1959
Success followed in the Margrat Duncan competition in 1959 (Dundee)
Ewen Stewart
Ewen Stewart
In a speech Ewen Stewart recalled eight happy years with the Choir, although he had taken over in 1964 supposedly for one year!
1977 Mod was held in Golspie
1977 Mod was held in Golspie
Hamish Menzies may have decided that his home county was an appropriate place for his first foray into the Lovat and Tullibardine competition and there was delight in his adopted county, Ross-shire, when the much-coveted trophy was won - and by a 7 points margin.
Dingwall Gaelic Choir in the Council Chamber, Dingwall
Dingwall Gaelic Choir in the Council Chamber, Dingwall
Highland Council’s reception for the Choir in 2012
Inverness Mod 1984
Inverness Mod 1984
At the Mod in Inverness in 1984 the Choir was back in form, winning the Lovat and Tullibardine trophy plus the Oban Times salver, Malcolm G McCallum baton and, once again, the Esme Smythe trophy. Success was honoured by a reception given by Ross and Cromarty District Council.
The Three Conductors Painting
The Three Conductors Painting
Painting entitled The Three Conductors (Hamish Menzies, Kirsteen Menzies and Marilyn J Smith) presented by The Phoenix Choir to Dingwall Gaelic Choir during the 60th anniversary concert in The Pavilion, Strathpeffer in 2014. [Photograph courtesy of Kirsteen and Jamie Maclennan]
Display of trophies in Dingwall Museum Window photo 1
Display of trophies in Dingwall Museum Window photo 1
This display, in Dingwall Museum windows in February 2017, shows the trophies won by Dingwall Gaelic Choir at the 2016 Mod and is indicative of the standard achieved by the choir not just in one year but over several decades. [Photos RCHS]
Display of trophies in Dingwall Museum Window photo 2
Display of trophies in Dingwall Museum Window photo 2
This display, in Dingwall Museum windows in February 2017, shows the trophies won by Dingwall Gaelic Choir at the 2016 Mod and is indicative of the standard achieved by the choir not just in one year but over several decades. [Photos RCHS]
Display of trophies in Dingwall Museum Window photo 3
Display of trophies in Dingwall Museum Window photo 3
This display, in Dingwall Museum windows in February 2017, shows the trophies won by Dingwall Gaelic Choir at the 2016 Mod and is indicative of the standard achieved by the choir not just in one year but over several decades. [Photos RCHS]
Carol Singing in local supermarket
Carol Singing in local supermarket
Ever practical, the Choir raised funds through bag-packing in a local supermarket and carol singing in the same.
Yet another charity supported by Dingwall Gaelic Choir
Yet another charity supported by Dingwall Gaelic Choir
2009 was the year of the biennial Burns Supper and the annual concert in May raised money for Multiple Sclerosis
Hamish still in action 2012
Hamish still in action 2012
Dunoon for the 2012 Mod and back to Dingwall with the Lovat and Tullibardine, Malcolm G McCallum baton, Weekly Scotsman Quaich, Donald J MacAskill trophy, Oban Times silver salver, J Norman MacCononchie trophy, and Donald Thomson Quaich once more for Gaelic tutor Uisdean Macrae.
Dunoon Mod 2012
Dunoon Mod 2012
Kirsteen with Uisdean Macrae, Gaelic Tutor, and that very important trophy.

Visit of HRH The Princess Royal - September 2011

In September 2011, HRH The Princess Royal paid a private visit to view the sculpture created by Lucy Poett following the establishment of the Drovers’ Exhibition opened by Princess Anne in 2008.

[Photographs courtesy of Ian Rhind and Alasdair Cameron]

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Dingwall » Dingwall Work » Dingwall Visit HRH the Princess Royal September 2011

Dingwall Visit HRH the Princess Royal September 2011

In September 2011, HRH The Princess Royal paid a private visit to view the sculpture created by Lucy Poett following the establishment of the Drovers' Exhibition opened by Princess Anne in 2008.
07 Princess Royal Visit

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