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Nucleus: The Nuclear and Caithness Archives

Viewfirth House

By September 1958, membership of the DSSC had reached 1100 out of a staff complement of 1600. At this early stage membership favoured those Dounreay employees who lived in Thurso rather than those who lived at a distance in Wick, Lybster, Dunbeath or Bettyhill…Recognising that the fullest possible integration with the people of the town was a necessity, the Dounreay club was the only one in the UKAEA which catered for non-employees: another location-specific concession to place which highlights the significance of Dounreay’s social impact.’

Linda Ross, ‘Nuclear fission and social fusion’: the impact of the Dounreay Experimental Research Establishment on Caithness, 1953-1966, PhD thesis, pp. 259-260

Black and white photograph of a large two-storey stone house with steep gabled roofs and decorative bargeboards. The building has multiple chimneys and tall windows, with a central doorway. A gravel driveway leads up to the house, and steps are visible on the grassy slope in the foreground. Additional houses can be seen in the background under a sky with large, billowing clouds.
Exterior of Viewfirth House, 1958. Ref: 0071-0037 AA003068. ©NDA

Viewfirth House was chosen as the site for the Dounreay Sports and Social Club. Although lacking the accommodation of Ormlie Lodge, it was equally focused on  sport and recreation. The house was purchased and renovated before opening in 1958. One of the main draws was the large hall that could be used for dances, performances and large meetings. The floor plan below shows the layout including the hall.

Black and white architectural floor plan showing multiple layouts of a large building. The plan includes a location map, ground floor plan, first floor plan, and smaller inset plans for roof space and store areas. Rooms are labeled with names such as kitchen, manager’s office, lounge bar, cocktail bar, and various storage areas. Staircases, corridors, and structural details are clearly marked throughout the design.
Viewfirth House floorplan, undated. Ref: 005. ©NDA

Brian Hart’s oral history interview with James Gunn (Ref: P778/8) discusses the dances in Thurso. He discusses how the single sex school system that many workers had gone through in England had an adverse effect on their sociability, especially with women. Brian reminds us of the fascinating social experimentation that was taking place in a formerly quiet, remote town in the far north.

Brian Hart discussing social life in Thurso, recorded 17th Feb 2015

The photographic collections pertaining to the Viewfirth and it’s history over many decades are extensive and below we will explore the Viewfirth dances, children’s parties, folk festivals and sports days.

We’ll also highlight more oral history recordings and textual sources that add voice and colour to these amazing photographs.

The 1950s

Black and white photograph showing two women seated in formal attire on chairs, with a young man kneeling on the floor adjusting a shoe on the foot of one of the women. A suitcase and folded garment are placed nearby, and a row of empty upholstered chairs lines the wall in the background.

Viewfirth Dance, 1958. Ref: 0138 00046 AA004770. ©NDA

Black and white photograph of a group of people indoors, appearing to participate in a lively activity or game. Several individuals in the foreground are holding or waving sheets of paper, while others stand in the background observing or holding similar items. The setting includes a wooden floor and plain walls with curtains, suggesting a hall or event space.

Viewfirth Dance,1958. Ref: 0138 00045 AA004192. ©NDA

Black and white photograph of a dance hall with a polished wooden floor. Several people in formal attire are standing and talking, while others are dancing in the background. One person is kneeling on the floor near the center of the image, and a group of individuals can be seen gathered near a doorway at the back of the room. The setting includes plain walls with curtains and a raised platform area.

Viewfirth Dance, 1958. Ref: 0138 00044 AA004191. ©NDA

Black and white photograph of a lively dance scene in a hall with a wooden floor and plain walls. Several people are visible, with one person swinging another by the arms, causing the skirt to flare outward. Others stand nearby or dance in the background. The setting appears to be a social event, with individuals dressed in formal or semi-formal attire.

Viewfirth Dance, 1958. Ref: 0138 00043 AA004769. ©NDA

Black and white photograph of a large group of people gathered in a hall for a social event. The crowd is dressed in formal and semi-formal attire, with men wearing suits and ties and women in mid-length dresses. They are standing closely together on a polished wooden floor, facing the camera. The background shows plain walls with several windows along the top and a sign reading ‘EXIT’ above a doorway.

Viewfirth Dance, 1959. Ref: SOCIAL CLUB DANCE 1st Jan 1959. ©NDA

Black and white photograph of a festive buffet scene at a Christmas party. A long table is covered with a white cloth and set with numerous plates of food, including pastries, bread rolls, and other dishes, along with small condiment bottles and wrapped butter portions. Several people wearing party hats and formal attire are gathered around the table, reaching for food. The background shows wooden panel walls decorated with garlands and streamers under a sloped ceiling.

Viewfirth Christmas Party, 1958. Ref: Dounreay Adult Christmas Party 1958. ©NDA

Black and white photograph of a bar scene during a festive event. Several people in suits and ties are gathered at the bar counter, which is lined with glasses and bottles of beer. Additional bottles are stored on shelves beneath the counter. The background is decorated with balloons, garlands, and hanging ornaments, and some individuals are wearing party hats.

Men at the bar waiting to be served at the Viewfirth Christmas Party, 1958. Ref: Dounreay Christmas Party 1958 Men at the Bar. ©NDA

Black and white photograph of a group of people seated around small circular tables in a dimly lit room with stone walls. The tables hold several glasses and drinks, and the individuals are dressed in formal or semi-formal attire. The setting appears to be a social gathering or dance event, with simple wooden chairs and minimal decoration visible.

Viewfirth Dance, 1958. Ref: 0138 00009 AA004186. ©NDA

The 1960s

1963 saw the Bill Pearse Showband play the Viewfirth, described as ‘the North’s most luxurious ballroom’. An advertisement from the John O’Groat Journal is shown below.

Black and white newspaper advertisement announcing a dance at Viewfirth Ballroom, Thurso, on Friday, 12th July 1963. The text highlights Scotland’s No. 1 band, Billy Pearse and the sensational Original Diamonds Showband, and mentions a C.S.C.A. ‘Personality Girl Contest’ with finals in London. Additional details include bus times, admission prices (Ladies 5/-, Gents 6/-), and a note of thanks to Northern Dance Promotions.
Bill Pearse Showband at the Viewfirth advertised in the John O'Groat Journal, 12th July 1963. Ref: P953

Also within our collections are copies of the Haggis Magazine, a staff newsletter published by Dounreay Sports and Social Club and Ormlie Lodge Club. We hold copies from 1961-1965. The below digitisation from the Spring 1962 edition advertises the newly opened restaurant and cocktail bar, giving a sample menu as well.

It also mentions the new extension, or ‘the Barn’, available for special parties of up to 50 people, and a great space to host the table tennis club. We also learn that the new extension has a single entrance, separate from the rest of the club, which should deter ‘gatecrashing’ of parties, previously very difficult to control.

Black and white magazine page titled ‘Dounreay Sports and Social Club – Restaurant and Cocktail Bar.’ The text describes the opening of a new bar and lounge, a sample menu including soup, mixed grill, fresh fruit, biscuits and cheese, and coffee, and details about booking for parties and events. It also mentions a new extension providing extra space and improved facilities. On the right side, two small photographs show interior views of the bar and dining area with tables, chairs, and decorations.
Haggis Magazine, Spring 1962. Ref: P778/1/2

The Spring 1964 edition mentions a ban on dancing barefoot and in certain areas.

Black and white printed notice titled ‘Viewfirth Club – Fridays and Saturdays.’ The text explains that dancing in the wooden-floored area of Viewfirth is prohibited to prevent further damage. It mentions that a trial period allowing barefoot dancing has ended due to issues such as insufficient toenail care, which proved unsatisfactory. Notices of the prohibition are being nailed to the floor.
Haggis Magazine, Spring 1964. Ref: P778/1/6

The 1970s

The 1970s saw a huge turnout for Sydney Devine who played the Viewfirth on the 3rd of April 1974. The Caithness Courier ran a piece describing him as ‘the most popular entertainer ever to visit Thurso’.

Black and white newspaper clipping titled ‘Devine intervention at the Viewfirth.’ The article discusses the popularity of entertainer Sydney Devine, describing his recent performance at Viewfirth where he drew a large crowd and was compared to Elvis Presley. It mentions his success with country and western music, his albums dominating record shops, and his versatility as a performer. The text also notes his tours, special parties, and future plans. On the right side of the article is a photograph of Sydney Devine holding a guitar, wearing a collared shirt under a V-neck sweater.
Sydney Devine at the Viewfirth, Caithness Courier 3rd April 1974 (Ref: P953)

The vibrant social life of the Viewfirth bar also continued into the 70s. These photographs are from 1978.

Black and white photograph of a bar interior with a long counter and padded front panel. Several people are seated on tall stools along the bar, while others stand nearby. The back wall displays rows of bottles and optics for spirits, along with shelves holding glasses and small decorative items. A clock and framed pictures are visible above the counter. The overall setting suggests a casual social atmosphere.
Viewfirth bar, 1978. Ref: K7030/95. ©NDA

Viewfirth children's parties

The Haggis Magazine from March 1961, reproduced below, reveals that children’s Christmas parties that year ‘reached mammoth proportions’ with six parties catering for 1140 children.

Open magazine showing two pages of printed text. The left page is titled ‘Club News’ and contains several paragraphs discussing Christmas parties for children, plans for club extensions, and other updates.
Haggis Magazine, March 1961. Ref: P778/1/1
Black and white photograph of a festive scene at a children’s Christmas party. A person dressed as Santa Claus in a long robe with white trim and a hood is entering through a doorway, holding up one arm in greeting. Behind Santa, a large sleigh prop is partially visible. In the foreground, a group of children in party clothes are gathered, looking toward Santa and appearing engaged with the arrival. The setting includes heavy curtains framing the doorway and a wooden floor.

Santa arriving at Viewfirth Children's Party, 1958. Ref: Children’s Christmas Party 1958 Santa Arriving. ©NDA

Black and white photograph of a children’s Christmas party in a hall. A person dressed as Santa Claus is seated near a decorated Christmas tree, surrounded by children holding wrapped presents. The room has festive decorations, including garlands on the walls and a microphone stand near a wooden cabinet. Rows of chairs are arranged along the side of the room.

Viewfirth Children's Party, 1958. Ref: Children’s Christmas Party 1958 Santa with Children. ©NDA

A festive gathering where a person dressed as Santa Claus distributes wrapped gifts from large cardboard boxes to a group of children. The children are standing in lines, some holding presents, while adults observe in the background. The setting appears to be an indoor hall with a wooden floor, and the scene suggests a mid-20th-century Christmas party.

Viewfirth Children's Party, 1958. Ref: Children’s Christmas Party 1958. ©NDA

Large group of children seated at long tables in a hall, enjoying a festive meal. The tables are covered with tablecloths and set with plates, cutlery, bottles of drink, and decorations. Adults stand and move around the tables, assisting the children.

Viewfirth Children's Party, 1958. Ref: Children’s Christmas Party 1958 Party Food Time. ©NDA

Viewfirth Folk Festivals

Viewfirth Folk Festival which first ran in 1971 proved very popular and continued to run throughout the 70s. Below are some digitised headlines and articles from the Caithness Courier and John O’Groat Journal highlighting the event.

Gena MacKenzie began working at Dounreay, in the typing pool, in May 1961 when she was 19 years old. Gena describes the folk festivals and the big names that played at the event.

I used to go to the Thurso Folk Club in the Viewfirth in the 1960’s/70’s.  It was a busy place and I saw some great acts such as Billy Connolly, Barbara Dickson and Archie Fisher.   I was never much into pop music, but I do recall being very excited at meeting the famous pop group “The Hollies” at the Dounreay Visitor Centre in July 1964.  I had my photograph taken with them along with George Malcolm the Visits Officer. I recently unearthed the photographs and autographs

Gena MacKenzie. Ref: P778/8

Front page header of the Caithness Courier newspaper dated Wednesday, July 21, 1971. The headline reads: ‘THIS WEEK-END, THURSO IS THE FOLK MUSIC CAPITAL OF SCOTLAND.’ The masthead includes the newspaper title and tagline ‘and Weekly Advertiser for Northern Counties.’ Advertisements appear on both sides: one for Pentland Hotel offering meals and teas, and another for Dunnet’s promoting ‘Car of the Week,’ a 1970 Ford Capri 1600 GT L.

Caithness Courier, 21st July 1971. Ref: P953

Black-and-white newspaper advertisement for the Thurso Folk Festival listing events on Friday, 23rd July and Saturday, 24th July. Details include concerts in the High School Hall featuring performers such as Jean Redpath, Archie Fisher, The McCalmans, Barbara Dickson, Hamish Imlach, Christy Moore, and the J.S.D. Band. Ceilidhs are scheduled at Pentland Hotel and Park Hotel, and workshops on original song and traditional singer competitions at Pentland Hotel. An open-air folk session is planned on Viewfirth Green, weather permitting. Admission prices range from 10p to 50p, and tickets are available at local shops and committee members.

John O’Groat Journal, Friday 9th July 1971. Ref: P953

Full-page newspaper feature titled ‘Folk Festival Special’ from the Caithness Courier dated July 21, 1971. The page includes multiple black-and-white photographs of musicians playing guitars and other instruments, along with accompanying articles. Headlines read ‘The First of Many…’ and ‘This is How Big Names Will Line Up.’ There is also a section introducing Barbara Dickson and an advertisement for the Thurso Folk Festival listing events and ticket details.

Caithness Courier, 21st July 1971. Ref: P953

Newspaper advertisement for the 2nd Thurso Folk Festival, held on 28th, 29th, and 30th July 1972. The schedule lists events for each day: Friday includes a concert in Thurso High School Hall at 7 p.m. featuring High Level Ranters, Archie Fisher, J.S.D. Band, Nic Jones, Dave Goulder & Liz Dyer, Tom Paley, and Iain Rankin, followed by ceilidhs in Pentland Hotel and Town Hall at 10:45 p.m. Saturday features workshops in Pentland Hotel at 11 a.m., an open-air concert on Viewfirth Green at 2 p.m. (weather permitting), and another concert in the High School Hall at 7 p.m. with similar artists. Sunday includes traditional singer and original song competitions plus an informal concert at 2 p.m. in Pentland Hotel, and a ceilidh and dance in Viewfirth Hall at 8 p.m. Ticket prices range from 10p to 60p, with sales at local shops and committee members.

John O’Groat Journal, Friday 7th July 1972. Ref: P953

Front page of the Caithness Courier newspaper dated Wednesday, July 31, 1974. The headline reads ‘Fiesta time in North for folk fans.’ The page features an article about the Fourth Thurso Folk Festival, describing events, performers, and festival highlights. On the left side, there is a black-and-white photograph of two musicians playing guitars. Advertisements appear at the top corners: one for color television from Alex Grant Electronics Ltd., Castletown, and another for ‘Car of the Week,’ a 1971 Ford Cortina from Dunnet’s in Thurso and Wick.

Caithness Courier, 31 July 1974. Ref: P953

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