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Burr's of Tongue History Project - Lorries & Garage

From Strtahnaver it continued to Altnaharra and back to Tongue. This made the driver very late and rarely home before midnight. Eventually two vans were put on, one to cover Tongue and Altnaharra and the other to go round Strathnaver. Customers from Loyal and Lettermore could now use the van as it arrived at a much more convienient time.

The van carried everything but coal. Paraffin was kept outside the van. The man who worked with paraffin became known as "paraffin Willie". Sometimes goods, such as eggs, were accepted as part paymant for orders and were later sold to other customers.

Gordon was the main driver. He always kept a well used pencil behind his right ear and usually wore a navy beret with a leather band. When all the groceries were on the counter  he would add up very quickly, no calculator required.

 

Burr's vans provideed an essentaial service for people on outings as cars were few and petrol scarce.

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