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The Nite Spot of the North The Pavilion, Strathpeffer, in the 60s and 70s
The Pavilion, Strathpeffer, was opened on the 12th August 1881 by Her Grace the Duchess of Sutherland. The splendid new Pavilion was erected for the recreation and amusement of visitors, at a cost of about £2500. This building became a necessity because of the growing popularity of the Spa, and the increasing numbers who annually found their way here. At the opening ceremony the following statement was made. ”Here in sunshine or in rain visitors may assemble, here healthful recreation and profitable social intercourse may be enjoyed and here the rich and the poor may meet together. Health and pleasure may be mutually enjoyed”. The Pavilion played host to many events in subsequent years: Lectures, religious services, film shows, concerts, grand balls, service as a military hospital, dances, wedding receptions and so on, all in themselves worthy of a separate study. However the period which remains most vivid in the minds and hearts of all those who passed through its doors are the events of the 60s and 70s, when it truly became the “Nite Spot of the North”
Strathpeffer underwent a revival when Mr Harry McGhee took over the Ben Wyvis Hotel in the late 1950s. He had spotted the potential of Strathpeffer as a holiday centre, with its beautiful surroundings, its fine climate and central location. The refurbished Pavilion was officially opened on the 1st April 1960 with bars, tearoom and the ballroom. However there was just as much activity taking place after the opening as before, with the Gardens still to be completed and the outside of the building still to be given a freshening up touch by the painters. New gates were built at the entrance to the Gardens with crazy golf and other amenities. In July 1960 Mr McGhee also acquired the Highland Hotel, which reopened on May 10th 1961 with a Hydro Board Conference.
Click below to go to a particular year 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 or the A-Z index of performers and their first appearance
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