When the Ross Gazette began, 150 years ago, it included very few pictures, in fact one of the only pictures included in the first edition was a line drawing of the printing machine the Ross Gazette was produced on. Even advertisements relied on drawings for illustration for many years.

Gradually as new technology was introduced photographs were included, but only one or two in each issue.

There was a big break though when colour was introduced, but for a long time it could only be used on a few pages, due to the cost.

Now people expect to see colour photographs on every page, as a matter of course. In the past the Ross Gazette used freelance photographers, the most well-known was Ian Walker who helped to keep the archive in order. Nowadays the reporters take photos along with interviewing or attending events. Many readers also regularly share their photographs with us. The introduction of social media has also resulted in a great increase in the number of pictures taken to accompany stories.

It was not until January 1986 that a dated archive of photographs was maintained at the Ross Gazette. Prior to that date pictures were simply kept in boxes, in no order and many of them with no details as to what they referred to, or even a date so that information from the correct newspapers could be found.

Do you have any further information about the old photograph, found it the Ross Gazette’s archive? Email [email protected], or call 01989 562007.

To see lots more old pictures from the Gazette’s archive, please see this week’s edition of the paper.