Whilst researching the history of his house in Dunnet, local historian Drew Gutteridge uncovers the fascinating story of a previous resident - Hugh Ross Alan, who was a salvage diver and decorated WWII hero.

In the early 1800s Britain was on the brink of war with Napoleon. The exchange of letters between a Caithness father and son reveals familiar tensions as young Donald Williamson starts out on his military career. His demands, emotions and ultimate end reflect the story of many young servicemen in subsequent wars.

Originally built as Public Reading Rooms in 1866, the imposing Traill Hall remains an icon of the Traill legacy in Castletown. The new owner reveals aspects of the history of the hall and some of the features revealed during its ongoing renovation and conversion into a family home.

The concept of learning through an apprenticeship has a very long history. Looking into some local examples from the past threw up some interesting facts....

A local war-time wedding photo from 1917 gives substance to the quote "A hero is an ordinary man doing extraordinary things in extraordinary times".

While checking her watch, Muriel ponders on the local history of the timepiece.

100 years ago Margaret Sinclair (known as Daisy) emigrated to Canada as a twelve year old. Homesick for Castletown she drew a map in pencil of the village. Now the map has returned to Caithness and provides a fascinating insight into life as Daisy saw it.

When Muriel is handed a letter, handwritten by a Caithness businessman in early 1806, the upsetting contents prompt her to find out more. Her investigations reveal that the social consequences arising from the north mail robbery of 1805 stretched far beyond mere financial loss.

Rope is a commodity that is perhaps taken for granted - it is readily commercially available with sizes and specifications suitable for a myriad of applications, such as securing loads, hauling fishing nets or towing vehicles. Murial takes us back to a time before the era of industrially manufactured rope, to when rope and string was made from whatever materials were available to hand locally, such as straw, rushes, grasses, and even daffodil leaves!

Muriel investigates the curious story of Wilhelmina Barbara Traill, the eldest daughter of Lady Janet Traill and, she reveals, the surrogate daughter of Mary Dehaney, fiance of the lamented Sir John Sinclair, the 11th Earl of Caithness.  The story starts with the donation of a heavy circular brass plaque to Castletown Heritage Society.....