Forestry Memories

Dornoch Nursery photographic record 1987 - 1989

Dornoch Nursery photographic record 1987 - 1989

Date Added: 03 September 2009 Contributor: Norman Davidson Year of Photo: 1987 Picture No: 520



(This image shows a map of Dornoch nursery) See the PDF for photographs of nursery and staff.

Donald Beaton arrived at Dornoch Forest District circa 1985 as District Forester in charge of Standing Sales (small programme then), Private Woodlands and Nursery. A keen photographer he produced a photographic record of the Dornoch Nursery over a two year period which coincided with the decision that the nursery should close circa 1990/91. Donald had worked in nurseries previously (Blackstand in the Blackisle) and took a keen interest in nursery operations.

John Innes was Head Forester in charge of the Nursery following the retirement of Tom Gault and the amalgamation of the northern forests into the Dornoch Forest District structure. John also had considerable nursery experience possibly some of it in Bareagle Nursery near Newton Stewart but this has to be verified.

The picture record has been divided into three PDF files and these can be accessed by opening the PDF buttons on the three Web Site photographs Nos 518, 519 and 520.

There are distant pictures of the staff and seasonal contractors that worked in the nursery during this period. In addition to John Innes they include – Mike Irwin , Alexina MacDonald, Isabel MacDonald, Seorus MacDonald, Wilma Ross, Alex Ross, W G Ross, Graham Ross, Jane Fraser, Ronald Matheson, Donnie Gibson, Gordon Gibson, George Murray, David Murray, James Macaulay, Wattie MacBeath, Finlay Everett, Nick Mitchell, Hugh MacLeod, David MacLean, Angus MacKay, D Mackay, John MacKay, Johnny Mackay, Richard Mackay, Sheila Mackay, Donald MacKenzie, David MacLean, Tony Martin, John Mowat, Willie Swanson, Billy MacLennan, Gary MacMillan, John Slorach.

Photographs courtesy of North Highland Forest District, Golspie where staff found and retained the albums during the clearing out of the old Dornoch office.

Download PDF (7.2MB)

Groups: Caithness and Sutherland, Forest Nurseries, Forestry Areas, Forestry in Action, Groups of people, Other Vehicles and Machines, Tools, equipment and clothing

2 Comments

I now live at Firthview Embo street. This was used by the under forester for the local area & I believe it was first occupied by Alex Forsyth & his family. I am keen to have any information regarding the forestry operations from original dates , from start to finish. Comment left on 11 January 2025 at 15:42 by Kenny Fraser
Thanks Kenny for your comments and information. On your question of the start of the Forestry Commission operations in your area the first mention is in the 1928 Annual report when a small area of around 125 acres was planted in forest named Dornoch. Land could have been acquired some time in late 1927. The first name of a forester that I can locate for that time in Ken Mackay. Comment left on 12 January 2025 at 08:19 by Norman Davidson
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