Latest News

26 September 2016

Changes to parking fine enforcement in Highland
fter many years of complaining community councils in Thurso and Wick may finally see progress regarding parking on main roads in the towns.  More fines are likely to be issued once the new laws come into force after 3rd October with one of the big difference that the local authorities can keep the fines to pay for the wardens and other parts of the service.  The Highland Council will be taking over responsibility for enforcing parking restrictions across the whole of the Highlands from Monday 3 October 2016. Money raised through Penalty Charge Notices will be spent on maintaining this new service. So be aware that parking fines are much more likely unless you pay attention to notices.  For the first time the council will have the power to remove vehicles.

25 September 2016

Loch Ness Knit Fest - Four Days International Crafting
29 September - 2 October 2016. There is still time to book some of the many events in the 2016 Loch Ness Knitting Festival taking place at Eden Court in Inverness Loch Ness Knit Fest - an exciting and innovative four-day festival for the international crafting community to be held in the heart of the Highlands. Inspired by the hugely successful Danish Strikkefestival (and with the blessing of its organiser Christel Seyfarth) our inaugural international knitting festival will be hosted by Eden Court, Inverness. Inverness is the Highland capital of Scotland, close to the legendary location of Loch Ness. The Loch Ness Knit Fest promises to be an event to remember for everyone involved.

Lower Reiss Farm Near Wick Takes Overall Show Champion At Dingwall Sale
Dingwall & Highland Marts Ltd, sold 405 rams and females at its annual show and sale sponsored by Norvite. The judges, Mr Graham & Mr Lewis Smith, Towiemore, Drummuir, awarded the overall show champion and winner of the Mountrich trophy to a Texel shearling from Mr D. Webster Lower Reiss Farm, Wick which realised £1,750 and the reserve champion was awarded to a Blue Faced Leicester shearling from Mr G. Mackenzie, Broomhill Farm, Muir of Ord, which realised £1,000.


Suffolk Reserve Champion At Dingwall Sale
Suffolk & continental show reserve champion – Mr Gordon U. Mackenzie, Broomhill, Muir of Ord – Blue Faced Leicester shearling out of a homebred ewe and by a Mendick ram.

24 September 2016

Health chiefs probe botched caesarian after surgeon cut newborn's head  - Herald
Nicola Sinclair, secretary of the Caithness Health Action Team campaign group, said it was a "distressing" case which "highlights the dangers of cutting services to remote areas".

23 September 2016

Fits in 'e Groat 'e Day
A quick look at some stories in the local paper.

Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership Latest Update

Drivers creating potential hazard in main street - sheriff
Perhaps this is coming to an end as decriminalised parking and the appointmentof new wardens with new powers will mean fines coming soon to Highland.  Only time will tell if it has an affect on bad parking.

First section of the £1.1bn Caithness-Moray transmission link energised
Knocknagael to Kintore section live and connected to Blackhillock substation. Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks has energised the first section of the £1.1bn Caithness-Moray transmission link between Knocknagael and Kintore. SSE said the 275kV overhead line is now live and connected to the expanded Blackhillock substation, near Keith, after almost three years of work by the project team.



Do you want to grow your online sales? Think International! - Thurso Workshop
Get booked early for this free course organised by HIE in Thurso on 9th November.
If your business is already selling online, or you're thinking about starting an online sales operation, why not consider the international marketplace? With the right information, set-up and skills, your business could capitalise on the wealth of opportunities available beyond the UK.


Your Cash Your Caithness - Grants Up For Grabs For Local Groups
Caithness Members of The Highland Council have set aside £30,000 from their Ward Discretionary Budgets to let the local community once again decide for themselves which projects are needed in their area.  Get your ideas written up and go along to pitch for up to £3000.  Local people will then vote for the groups they think deserve support.
All applications must be submitted before 5pm on Monday 31 October 2016.

Watten Fun Day Photos
Last Sunday was the fun day in Watten.

22 September 2016

Huge Jackup Barge Neptune Arrives in Pentland Firth For Turbine Installation Work
Jack-up barge Neptune arrives in the PF's Inner Sound early this afternoon 22.09.16. German tug Elbe, which will be working closely with the self-propelled JU, is already on site. Appears that it will be practice runs, with tides, seabed etc. deck-officer /technician familiarisation etc., rather than actual deployment of Andritz 1.5 MW tidal stream turbine, over the next few days.



Council awards new ICT Contract To Gain £11 Million of Savings
The Highland Council has awarded a 7 year ICT Services contract to WIPRO Holdings UK Ltd. The Council has procured a cost effective, value for money, corporate Information and Communications Technology (ICT) solution that will deliver excellent operational performance and contribute to the continuous improvement of services. The contract will deliver a reduction in costs in the region of £11 million over the lifetime of the contract. Chair of Resources Committee, Cllr Bill Fernie (Independent councillor for Wick) said: "I am delighted to announce that the Council has awarded this important ICT contract to WIPRO Holdings UK Ltd.

Wick Campus Delay Until 2017
At a Wick stakeholders meeting held on Monday 19 September at Wick High School, representatives from Hub North Scotland and Morrison Construction gave an update on reasons for the delay and outlined a revised programme for the Wick campus delivery. The meeting was chaired by Highland Councillor for Wick Bill Fernie who expressed the Council's disappointment at the delay, and re-stated the Council's priorities to ensure that the flagship facility is completed to the standard expected, and accepting handover only at that point.

18 September 2016

Installation of underwater turbine and foundation structures at Pentland Firth: Notice to Mariners
After many years of planning finally real action for the placing of turbines in the Pentland firth with the Meygen project. Bill Mowat reports the latest news that a work boat will be here this week to begin the process for the first turbines to go in the water.  This follows the visit to Nigg by First Minister Nicola Strugeon last week to see a turbine for herself.



Wick Hits Headlines As First Nuclear Fuel Flies Out To USA - Daily Record
Anyone passing towards Wick from Thurso in recent weeks will have seen the major activity upgrading the runaway at a costof £18million ahead of 18 months of flights to take out nuclear materials.  Flights are expected to be about one per month.

17 September 2016

10 New Apprentices Start At Dounreay
Dounreay has said "you're hired" to ten local newcomers who have started their careers at Dounreay this week. This makes it the 61st consecutive year that apprentices have joined the site. The four-year apprenticeship scheme allows the successful applicants to gain on the job experience and training, whilst studying part-time through the University of the Highlands and Islands in Thurso, to gain higher national certificates and diplomas. This year, there are two mechanical apprentices, three instrument apprentices, two electrical apprentices and two design apprentices.    Business Pages

Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership Update

Over 5000 Kids Seen By Highland Rangers So Far In 2016
It has been a really busy year in the North Highlands for The Highland Council's Countryside Ranger team. A recent school visit by the Rangers to Bonar Bridge Primary brought the total since the start of January to 234 Ranger school projects in Caithness, Sutherland and Ross-shire involving over 5000 school pupils so far this year. From Durness to Rosehall, and from Castletown to Lochinver, the Highland Rangers have been involved in wildlife projects this year, including everything from exploring the seashore to woodland, from birds to minibeasts, from environmental art to creating wildlife gardens, bush craft activities to making shelters in the woods.           Community Pages

Groat Headlines Friday 16th September 2016

14 September 2016

Caithness Heart Support Group Donate Equipment
THE Thurso and Halkirk joint GP practice was delighted to receive much-needed replacement items for the surgery.

13 September 2016

Volunteers Improve Access Along the Caithness Coast
Members of the Caithness Countryside Volunteers teamed up with the Friends of the John O'Groats Trail on Sunday morning to improve access along a section of coastline in the Latheron area, cutting back dense gorse and building stiles to improve access for walkers. The works on Sunday contribute to establishing a long distance walking route from Inverness to John O'Groats and other work days are planned in the future.

12 September 2016

Support for Young Farmers
Over £7 million has been awarded to help create and develop around 140 new farming businesses across Scotland. This funding, from the EU and the Scottish Government, will support the next generation of farmers and increase opportunities for young people to establish a career in agriculture. This latest award sees a further 35 new farm businesses from across Scotland sharing over £1.8 million to help create and develop new enterprises.

First Minister Sees Turbines Bound For Pentland Firth
Scotland will be home to the world's first ever large-scale tidal stream farm as part of a drive to develop Scotland's marine renewables industry, creating jobs and investment. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon visited the MeyGen project, owned by Atlantis Resources, to see the first turbines in the planned tidal stream array during a trip to the Highlands today. The first phase of the project, developed thanks to £23m Scottish Government funding, is expected to further develop the marine renewables industry and open up vital skilled job opportunities for those who are moving from the oil and gas sector.

Decriminalised parking enforcement
The introduction of Decriminalised Parking Enforcement (DPE) in the Highlands will allow responsibility for enforcing parking and waiting and loading regulations to be transferred from Police Scotland to The Highland Council. The Council will also receive powers to uplift vehicles.

Public views sought on Parking Enforcement Officers wearing body cameras
The Highland Council is carrying out a public consultation - privacy impact assessment on Civil Parking Enforcement Officers wearing body video cameras. The Council will begin enforcing on and off street parking restrictions throughout the region from October 2016 and as part of the technical specification; Parking Enforcement Officers will be equipped with body worn video cameras.

Review of public toilet charges - Survey
The Highland Council is undertaking a review of how public conveniences are funded and propose to increase the number of sites where there is a charge for use.

Caithness WASPI Group Join Day Of Action
Women Against State Pension Inequality are holding a national Day of Action on Friday 16th September 2016. The Caithness WASPI group will be actively campaigning in Wick and Thurso to raise awareness of the changes to women's pensions. On Thursday 15th September the Caithness WASPI group will have a stand in the Wick and Thurso TESCOs so would encourage 1950s women to come along and find out more about the campaign.   Hey Men you can go too - it affects your mothers, aunties cousins, grandmothers and any 50s ladies you know so check it out.

Another Computer Competitiion Won By Wick High School Pupils - Press and Journal
The winners were Maja Pearson and Erin MacGregor from Wick High School for their innovative Quancobot raspberry pi robot.

11 September 2016

Wick Harbour Set To See Biggest Investments Ever In Highland and Possibly The UK
A public information session is to be held on Wednesday 14th September at Mackays Hotel between 4.00 and 7.00pm.  Drop in anytime to find out more about what is about to happen at Wick harbour starting very soon now that all the financial arrangments are in place,  Construction phase with up to 65 jobs followed by 90 permanent jobs in the new buildings.  The Beatrice Wind farm project off the Caithness coast is about to commence with an operation base at Wick.

The Beatrice Offshore Wind Farm site is located 13.5km (at its closest point) from the Caithness Coast in the Outer Moray Firth, with its centre located approximately 25km (13.4Nm) south south-east of Wick. The proposal is to install up to 84 7MW Siemens turbines which will be capable of generating up to 588 MW of renewable energy.

As well as generating renewable electricity, the Project is expected to bring a range of socio economic benefits to both the Moray and Highland regions through job creation, skills training and opportunities for local businesses.

This is all in addition to recent announcments by SSE - 26 August 2016
The £1.1 billion investment is the largest single project that SHE Transmission has delivered to date, following swiftly on from the completion of the Beauly-Denny line last year.

9 September 2016

Highland Council signs up to Digital Participation
Highland Council has made a continuing commitment to tackling digital exclusion in the Highlands. The council has become the latest organisation to sign SCVOs Digital Participation Charter.  Chair of Resources Committee, Councillor Bill Fernie said: "Digital skills are essential for everyone to participate fully in modern life and access all the advantages and opportunities which come with those skills." He added: "Highland Council is currently part of the Digital Highland partnership, a group of organisations working together to provide a sustainable, partnership approach to support Highland residents to go online and addressing issues around digital inclusion. This work also supports Highland Council's ongoing development of online services, allowing customers to access services anytime, anywhere, on any device."

8 September 2016

Public to be consulted on CaSPlan changes
The Caithness and Sutherland Local Development Plan (CaSPlan) which sets out The Highland Council's vision and development strategy for the area over the next 20 years is to be modified and put out for public consultation.

4 September 2016

Inverurie drive Academy loco
Wick Academy l Inverurie Locos 1
Reporter Noel Donaldson
THIS certainly fell far short of Academy's best performance and Locos, on the other hand, will have rightfully felt cheated at not taking all three points, given the efforts they put in. Failure to capitalise on their equaliser during repeated onslaughts on the Scorries defence and some sharp keeping by Sean McCarthy denied the visitors the spoils. Buoyed by a emphatic, mid-week win against Strathspey, it looked as if Academy might build on their disappointing home record, when a cut back from the right, in the 14th minute teed the ball up nicely for on-form Richard Macadie to ramrod into the far corner. Photo Gallery

Which Businesses Are The Most Popular Look-ups in our Business Index?
The Caithness Business Index has contact detaisl and links ot many Caithness businesses and many articles that do not alway appearn this page. The articles flow out to our linked Caithness.org Facebook page so if any Caithness business would like an article about their business to feature FREE of charge just send it with a photo to bill@caithness.org

2 September 2016

Public warned of algal bloom presence at Loch Watten, Caithness
The Highland Council is warning the public of the presence of an algal bloom at Loch Watten, Caithness. As a precautionary measure, environmental health have posted notices next to the water body, warning that contact with the algal scum or mat material should be avoided. Adjoining landowners and fishing interests have been advised of the situation as have NHS Highland and SEPA.
   Watten Village From The Air

Wick High School Dance - 10 September 2016 -  Has Been Cancelled
The committe organising the last dance have asked us to let everyone know that for various reasons it has been cancelled.  Anyone who has already paid for tickets wil shortly get a full refund.

1 September 2016

A9 NORTH OF KESSOCK SOUTHBOUND - OVERNIGHT RESURFACING
between Sunday 18th and Thursday 22nd September
BEAR Scotland, on behalf of Transport Scotland, will be carrying out essential resurfacing works on a section of the southbound A9 Trunk Road between Tore and Inverness.  The resurfacing works are programmed for construction between Sunday 18th and Thursday 22nd September 2016. With no works planned for the Friday and Saturday. Due to the high traffic flows over this section the resurfacing works will be undertaken between 19:00 and 07:00 each night to reduce the impact to motorists.

Wick's Summer Reading Challenge Certificates Presented
Councillors Neil Macdonald, Bill Fernie, David Bremner and Gillian Coghill were on hand to congratulate the youngsters and hand over a certificate and a medal for their efforts.




Independent Councillor Gillian Coghill Is The New Civic Leader for Caithness
The new Civic Leader of Caithness is Councillor Gillian Coghill who takes over the role from Councillor Gail Ross. One of four councillors representing the Landward Caithness Ward, Councillor Coghill, who was appointed at the start of today's Caithness Committee, is delighted with her new role which is an honorary post and carries no remuneration. Councillor Coghill is an independent councillor and a member of the current ruling administration of the council.

29 August 2016

Major Review of Highland Council Services Continues On The Redesign Board
270 services of the council havebeen looed at for review and 120 are now in line to have full reviews in the next two years.  Some will come early and some will come later but change is coming one way or another.    You can click through to the proposals so far to see what the council has to do by statute and what it may not have to do but is discretionary. Many may be suprised at things the council does but does not have to.

Bat Night at Thrumster
Head out on Friday night 2nd September at Thrumster to find lots of bats








Caithness to the Cote DAzur - When the Monte Carlo Rally Started from John OGroats
The 90th Anniversary of the classic car rally was celebrated this year and this new book bring you right up to date with  the latest classic cars rally following the original route that startedin Caithness.

28 August 2016

Which are the most Popular Businesses and Categories For Look-ups in Caithness?

Womens State Pension Fight With WASPI - You Can Join
Following successful meetings in Wick and Thurso of the newly formed Caithness WASPI group, two more meetings have been planned for Tuesday 30th August 2016 at 6.30 pm in the Pentland Hotel, Thurso and Wednesday 31st August 2016 at 6.30 pm in the Norseman Hotel, Wick.

26 August 2016

CAITHNESS-MORAY PROJECT POWERING A £640M BOOST TO THE ECONOMY
The Caithness-Moray project is centred on a 100 mile underground and subsea cable running beneath the Moray Firth, using High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) technology. It enables around 1,200 Megawatts of additional renewable generation capacity to connect to the national grid.



Wick school cost £48million and is two years delayed, but lessons have been learned - Press and Journal

Wick High Construction Photos       The Twisted Beam - Hard to see any twist but this is the one being replaced.

25 August 2016

New Highland Council ICT contractor to roll-out tablets - BBC
Bill Fernie, the resources committee chairman, said the council was seeking a saving of £11m in its ICT services. 20,000 tablets to be made available to Highland pupils.

Council deal to “save millions”  - Press and Journal
Highland councillors have backed a plan to join forces with their counterparts at Aberdeen City and shire councils in a deal that should save the authorities millions of pounds each year. Speaking after the resources committee debate in Inverness yesterday, Highland finance chairman Bill Fernie said the two Aberdeen authorities currently top a “league table” in savings they make and for their buying power. “As we join with them, that will put that partnership with the two councils plus Highland up to near £1billion of purchases,” he said. “That can only be good for us. “I’m hoping we’ll go from near the bottom of the official league table in council savings to near the top.”

21 August 2016

Bower Gala 2016

17 August 2016

Calling Joiners and Locksmiths - Meet The Buyer In Thurso
Police Scotland are carrying out Preliminary Supplier Engagements, "Meet the Buyer" Events, across a few geographical areas in Scotland as part of their research into deciding the best way forward for their new upcoming tender for joinery and locksmith services in relation to boarding up premises in the Highlands and Islands.

16 August 2016

Times Changed For Turbine Movements in Caithness  - Drivers Take Note

13 August 2016

New Probationer Teachers Start In Highland 2016/17
One hundred and thirty probationer teachers were recently welcomed to the Highlands (on Friday 12 August), at an induction course held in the Highland Council Chamber. Councillor Drew Millar, chair of Education, Children and Adult Services said: "I am very pleased to see so many people keen to start a career in education. This year we have 10 more probationer teachers than in 2015. I hope that all 130 will stay with us here in the Highlands after their probationary year and Highland Council will be doing all it can to make that possible."

13 August 2016

Ready Steady Work Course Sponsored By Dounreay
Seven students have successfully completed the Ready Steady Work course sponsored by Dounreay and North Highland College. The course gives the students an opportunity to prepare themselves for employment by giving them the skills and knowledge they need to secure the job they want.  



Turbine Loads on Caithness Roads - Drivers note times for possible delays
The turbines for the Lochend Wind Farm currently located at Wick Harbour will begin to be moved on 15th August 2016. There will be possible long delays as the turbine parts make their way around the long route.   Monday 15h  - Sunday 21st August wil see convoys moving from Wick Harbour to Barrock via Latheron, Castletown and Thurso.  Drivers can expect long delasy in places as the convoys move slowly along.  Click Through for times.    If you have important jouneys to make get ahead and leave plenty of time.

10 August 2016

Evening Classes Starting Soon - Get Signed Up For New Courses
North Highland College UHI's evening classes and short courses are a great way for you to learn a new skill, turn a hobby into a money earner or even take the first step on the road to achieving a new qualification With ILA funding available, you might be able to learn a whole new skill without it costing you a penny! From Digital Photography to Working With Wood, there's something for everyone.


Highland SQA Results 2016
Young people across the Highlands have received their results by text, e-mail or post. This is the first year that candidates were offered the full range of national qualifications from National 2 right through to Advanced Higher as part of the Curriculum for Excellence.
Free helpline for students
For anyone needing help or advice on what to do next.

Over 28,000 Scottish applicants placed in higher education through UCAS

9 August 2016

End Of An Era In Wick
Old Wick High School Buffet Ball - The Last Look Round and The Last Dance
Wick High School Parent Council are preparing to hold a walk around and the Old High School and a last dance prior to the move to the new Campus in October.  On Friday the 9th of September 2016 from 6.30 pm on there will be an opportunity for members of the public to come along and have a look around for one last time prior to the schools closure. There will be no charge and tea, coffee and home baking will be on offer for those wishing to chat and sit for a while. On Saturday 10th September 2016 doors will open at 7:00pm for a drinks reception prior to the last Ball commencing at 7.30pm.

8 August 2016

New arrangements for householders at Wick Recycling Centre as Council targets commercial use
From 5th September householders who wish to take their waste to Wick Recycling Centre in a van, pickup truck, sign written vehicle and/or a trailer will be required to complete a Household Waste Declaration form before visiting the site or face being turned away.    Highland Recycling Centres Index

7 August 2016

Caithness Girl Aims To Help Orphan Kids In Nepal
Nicola Gray (17) is running the Glasgow half marathon, to raise money to volunteer in Nepal with GVI. She has taken a gap year to help orphaned children there.

6 August 2016

Caithness Orchestra 2016 course - Performance Sunday 7th August 2016
Over the past few days 4 - 7th August 2016, there has been a flurry of musical activity in Halkirk as they put together Tchaikovsky's epic 5th Symphony. The orchestra has warmly welcomed visiting players, from as far a-field as Iceland and Cumbria, into their ranks. They are spending four days under the professional baton of Susie Dingle and the expert coaching of Katrina Gordon.4 August 2016.

Caithness and North Sutherland Partnership Latest Update

Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) - Meetings In Caithness
Women Against State Pension Inequality (WASPI) is a national campaign group that fights the injustice done to women born in the 1950s (on or after 6 April 1951) regarding the changes to their state pension age.

3 August 2016

Mey Highland Games Change Ground For Saturday 6th August
Mey Games are moving to the showground at John O'Groats. The times etc are all the same just the venue has changed.

31 July 2016

Scorries supreme in title opener - Wick Academy 2 Turriff United 0
Reporter and Photographer - Noel Donaldson
A FIRST-HALF brace gave Academy the perfect start to their title challenge. Stephen Anderson stunned the visitors in opening minutes with a well-placed header but despite pressing for their second, it didn't come until the dying seconds of the first period. Richard Macadie put down a marker for a regular team place this season, finding a path through the congested defence with a well place ball.

Landrover Charity Convoy Arrived At John O'Groats Today







Today saw probably the biggest ever convoyof Landrovers to make the trip from Landsend to John O'Groats.  All in the aid of three charities the crews havehad a great time meeting each other.  A few are also now heading off to do the North Caost 500 as they have already completed the east coast part.  Over 270 landrovers took part and we may have missed a few as John O'Groats was extremely crowded today.  There are many photos  in our gallery.

30 July 2016

Halkirk Highland Games 2016
    Over 390 photos






Champions               Baby Show                Pipe Band

28 July 2016

Halkirk Highland Games On Saturday 30th July - See You There
March to the Field at Noon - - 12.15pm - Opening Ceremony followed by full day of Events (Open & Juniors)
Royal Scots Dragoon Guards pipe band for 2016. This is the first time that the military band has played at Halkirk.

Final Day Of Wick Gala Week - Yes its Fireworks and Kippers night
9.30pm Bonfire Lantern Walk. Meeting at the Lantern Tent at Riverside, behind the side-shows. Lanterns available, £3.

Over 270 Land Rovers Arriving at John OGroats at Noon On Sunday 31st July

27 July 2016

Latest Construction Photos At Wick High School
Wick Councillor Bill Fernie and Caithness area committee shairman Coucnillor Roger Saxon recently visited the construction site of the new Wick High school.  They saw round the school and looked at the recently mentioned problematic beam on one seciton of the roof.  The beam will be replaced and the councillors were told it is unlikely to hold up progress at this stage.

Pallets Free For Collection At Construction Site at new Wick High School
The constructions site at Wick High school is offering pallets to anyone who can collect them.  They have built up over the months and unlike inthe south the comany cannot dispose of them easily to other firms.  They are offering them free to anyone who can collect them.  They come in various sizes andor are likely to arrive as materials are coming to the site every week.  Some twil go to the Wick Gala Bonfire but many wil stil remian for anyone wha wants them.  Contact the site office initially to arrange a collection time and day.

27 July 2016

Children's Fancy Dress at Wick Gala 2016 - 49 Photos
INTERMITTENT rain failed to dampen the imaginative enthusiasm of entrants at the fancy dress competition at Braehead - one of the most popular events in Wick Gala Week's packed programme.



Scary characters with something to crow about
WORZEL Gummidge would doubtless have dismissed it as the last straw...scarecrows deserting their field posts to show themselves off in town.. Goodness knows what Aunt Sally would have said. But surely she would have relented and allowed the bird scarers their moment in the limelight, seeing as it's all in a good cause - Wick Gala Week.
                   Photo Gallery   We will add more if we find them as we go abut the town.  
                   Send in any to bill@caithness.org for inclusionin the gallery.

And Even More Wick Gala Photos
Thanks to Alistair Sinclair for another batch of Wick Gala photos.  Who can you spot in this latest collection now added.

    Still plenty of events on this week every day with Fireworks on Saturday

24 July 2016

Yet More Gala Photos Added







More Wick Gala 2016 Photos Added
To see all the Wick Gala photos go HERE






Hidden Caithness Revealed On Speed Boat Trips From Wick
This short video wil show you some ofthe spectacular places you can see on a trip with Caithness Seacoast from Wick harbour every day.  
       

     Community Pages

23 July 2016

Wick Gala 2016   - Over 500 Photos Now On







If anyone wishes to add any special photos of the night then email them to bill@caithness.org to add to the gallery.

Turbines For Lochend Wind Farm Unloaded At Wick Harbour
The four turbines bound for Lochend Wind Farm at Barrock, Caithness have been unloaded at Wick Harbour awaiting transportation.  Lochend Wind Farm comprises 4 x 2300Kw Wind Turbines With A Height To Tip Of 99.5M, Height Hub Of 64M, Rotor Diameter Of 71M.

22 July 2016

Wick Gala Starts Saturday 23 July - See the Programme

20 July 2016

Super Hero Show Coming To Wick
The Pulteneytown People's Project is delighted that Central Superhero Events will be coming to the Pulteney Centre on Friday 5th of August 2016 with their Superhero Shows. Come along with your kids and meet the famous central superheroes Batman, Spider man, Captain American, Hulk, Iron Man and Transformer Bumblebee. Tickets From Pulteney Centre.



Important Milestone Reached In £1.1 billion Caithness-Moray project
The installation of four cable ducts through the rock beneath Noss Head, north of Wick, and almost 500 metres out to sea has been successfully completed as part of Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission's (SHE Transmission's) £1.1 billion Caithness-Moray project.   More.........

18 July 2016

Wick Gala Week - Full Programme
A week packed with events starting with a run on Saturday and the Gala night parade.  Throughout the week there are events for all ages and families so check it al out and get out and about in Wick..

16 July 2016

Caithness County Show 2016 - Hundreds Of Photos of The 175th Show







Kenneth Sutherland - President of the 175th Show

Flower Tent                                                 Horses                      Rabbits                     Poultry







Great Lunch Tent     First Aid Crew          Wool                          Vintage Machinery  Motor Cycle Show







Caithness Junior Pipe Band     Childrens Races    Fun Fair

11 July 2016

Restored Thurso building to throw open its doors  - 30 Princes Street Saga Finally Over
The Highland Council is to throw open the doors of 30 Princes Street on the corner with St John Square in Thurso on Saturday 16th July 2016 to give members of the public, councillors and community councillors the chance to see how it has restored and brought back into use this iconic Category B listed building which sits a prime position within the conservation area of the town. Originally constructed in the early 1800s, over a period of time, lack of maintenance led to the demolition of the chimney head and the rear stair tower. The building became an eyesore and in order to save it, The Highland Council acquired the building by Compulsory Purchase.
Photos of the way it was in January 2013          See other old buildings in Caithness under threat

PIPE BAND WEEK DRAWS TO A DAMP CLOSE
Wick's Pipe Band Week finished on a rather damp note on Saturday. Rain had threatened all day and finally came around teatime and continued relentlessly. Band Secretary, John Bogle said "At 6.45pm there was no let up in the rain so we made the decision to transfer our Fun Night, when the pipe band appears in fancy dress, to the Pipe Band Hall. It was such a horrible night that I thought we would be lucky if 20 people appeared at the hall, however they just kept coming and coming, we have 100 chairs in the hall and put every one out but still more folk came and were standing at both doors."                                    Photo Gallery                         Community Pages

10 July 2016

Castletown Gala  - Another Photo Sent In
Fiona Mackenzie sent in this photo of her grand daughter at Castletown Gala.  She said, "This is my 20 month old Grandaughter Alba Mackenzie who lives in Lossimouth she won first prize in the 0-5 age group as a fairy cake."   If anyone would like to add to any of our galas or show photo galleries just email them to bill@caithness.org

9 July 2016

Latheron Show 2016







The Latheron Show was held in Lybster  due to the soft ground at the usual venue.  The day was cold but the rain stayed away if only just but it did not put off the entries or people making Lybster busier than any day of the  year.

8 July 2016

Great British Tennis Weekend In Thurso
HIGHLIFE HIGHLAND AND THURSO SQUASH, TENNIS AND RACKETBALL CLUB INVITE YOU TO TAKE PART IN THE GREAT BRITISH TENNIS WEEKEND.
SATURDAY/ SUNDAY 16th and 17th JULY 2016 Olrig Street, Tennis Courts, Thurso
All the equipment necessary will be provide for you free of charge. Come along, take part and have some fun learning tennis skills through drills and games under the guidance of our local tennis coach, Carole Cameron, and tennis leaders.

93rd Latheron Show 2016  - Change of Venues
Due to wet weather in recent days the Latheron Show has had to have a change of venues.  As last year the show will split between Lybster and Halkirk.  No entry fees will be charge but donations will be gratefully received as this will be the second year the show will make a loss.  Cattle and sheep judging wil take place behind the Portland Hotel, Lybster. Flower show wilbein the Lybster Hall.  Crafts will be at Lybster Golf Club while poultry wilbe judged  at the football pitch. Horse events will take place at Northfield Livery Stable at Halkirk.  A circus act Fire and Sparks will be in Lybster as well as the Animal Petting Zoo from Glasgow.  

7 July 2016

MeyGen project energised at Ness of Quoys
Atlantis, a global leader in the tidal power sector, is pleased to announce a major technical milestone for its flagship MeyGen project in northern Scotland. The MeyGen project is now connected to the 33kV Ness of Quoys distribution network following the successful installation of one of the longest underground 33kV power export cables in the UK by the network operator, Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution plc ("SHEPD").
  MeyGen signs ground-breaking deal to combine wind and tidal power output

Free events in Caithness on Autism and Transitions - Wick
Thursday 28th July 2016
As part of The Scottish Strategy for Autism, Autism Network Scotland and ARC Scotland have been funded to run this learning event. The evening session is for parents and carers of a young person making the transition from children's to adult's services. See further down the page for an event for practitioners.

Still Plenty Of Ranger Events In July - Check Them Out and Get Going
Thereis always a huge variety of events organised by the Rangers in the north and other parts of Highland.  If you want to do something in July then click the poster link.   A longer list taking you up to September in the north can be found HERE
To see all the events in Highland from the Rangers go HERE
To see a events in Caithness from Rangers and many other groups go HERE
Don't forget all the summer activities for children and young people now going on HERE

Wick Gala 5k run and 1 mile fun run/walk
Saturday 23rd July 2016 - at 2pm.
Enter on the day.
Registration from 1.00pm to 1.45pm
At the boating shed, Riverside in Wick
Entry: 5k run £5, Fun run/walk £1
Under 8s must have adult supervision

6 July 2016

National Parks 80th Anniversary - Free Organised Walks
On Saturday 30th July campaigning organisation 38 Degrees and the charity Campaign for National Parks are celebrating our nation's most beautiful landscapes. They're hosting free organised walks and natural art workshops at every national park in Scotland, England and Wales. We're delighted to announce that Cairngorms National Park and Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park will be part of the celebrations!


Calling Charities Looking For Funding - See New Suggestions in The Community Section

Latheron Show - Saturday 9th July
Latheron Argicultural Society hold their annual show at West Clyth, Occumster, Caithness.

Sports Leadership Courses For Caithness
Effective leadership is an important quality for sports leaders to develop. By strengthening the understanding of key leadership concepts, coaches and other volunteers are able to make an even bigger contribution in their communities. This programme is an ideal opportunity for people actively engaged in voluntary or part-time paid roles in sport / leisure, to develop their leadership and entrepreneurial skills and explore the potential of social enterprise in sport. You will gain insight from expert tutors and speakers as well as other learner experiences.  The courses are fully funded.  See inside for details of the courses which start in September in Wick and Thurso.

5 July 2016

Wave of optimism for Wick seaweed firm
The first batches of seaweed have been harvested and processed by a new food and drink business in Wick. New Wave Foods has invested £240,000 at its newly fitted out premises on the Wick Industrial Estate with support of £60,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). The company turns wild-harvested seaweeds into edible products. A full-time harvesting and processing manager has already been recruited and two other new staff have been harvesting seaweed around the Caithness coast since April. Up to nine jobs will be created within three years.

4 July 2016

Plenty  Of Activities For Shildren and Young People In The North This Summer - Check Them Out
So many things to do this month for children and young people in al the main towns.  Once you have checked the leaflet link above go to our What's On for events for everyone througout July.

3 July 2016

Castletown Gala 2016



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Castletown Gala 2016
As Bill Fernie was at Lybster Gala this year he could not take photos at Castletown.  James Annal has come to the rescue with his photos and Councillor Wilie Mackay who was on the stage has delivered them over to Bill Fernie who will upload them shortly.  email any other photos for Galas and shows to bill@caithness.org to add to the photo galleries.

Lybster Gala 2016




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