Walter the chemist's house
Recorded 2 years ago
About this recording
Michael talks about the history of his house in Harrow Hill, Wick.
The house was built in 1923 to the specifications of Walter Sutherland, local chemist (pharmacist) who had a shop and dispensary in Macarthur Street, Wick. He was a highly respected practitioner and the first point of contact for people in Pulteneytown when they were ill.
Michael’s great aunt Elsie was Walter Sutherland’s housekeeper and was bequeathed the house when he died.
During the Second World War, a room in the house was used as a temporary classroom for a small group of children who were decanted from their regular school. The house was also used as a temporary surgery, and Michael explains that there was a small dispensary within the house.
Michael took ownership of the house in 1984 and the property was completely renovated. He recalls finding a pair of wooden alpine skis in the attic. Apparently, Walter used them to ski to his chemist shop in snowy weather. Unfortunately, due to woodworm the skis had to be consigned to a skip.
When the floor coverings were replaced, copies of the John O’Groat Journal, dated 1932, were discovered underneath the linoleum. In many of the rooms, signatures of decorators were also found when the wallpaper was removed. Michael remembers the name John Sinclair, 1958.
Along with his father, Michael regularly visited Elsie on a Saturday to cut the grass. On one occasion they arrived to find Father Mario Conti, the local priest visiting. When Michael’s father excused himself to go and cut the grass, Father Conti replied, “You’re too late, I’ve already cut it.”
Michael points out, “Not many people can say they had their grass cut by the Bishop of Aberdeen.”
Michael also describes his great aunt as a kind, well spoken lady who was a fanatical Rangers supporter.
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