News Archive - August 2001
31st August 2001
Berriedale Castle
The
Castle section can be viewed from different pages starting out in
the main index or a page
of thumbnails for comparison purposes or the ground
plan thumbnails for comparison of the different layouts.
More information is being prepared for inclusion in the section on
the castles. Further items of significance will be added in
new sections bringing more detail on the history surrounding the
castles and the history of Caithness. Eleven Reconstructions of
Caithness Castles by Andrew Spratt are now in the section with
additional information and plans under construction. Coming
Soon - Knockinnon Castle.
Halberry Castle - A Slightly Wider View
30th August 2001
Government
Ministers At Dounreay For Decommissioning
Brian
Wilson, the UK Minister for Industry, Energy and Environment and
Wendy Alexander, the Scottish Executive Minister for enterprise and
Lifelong Learning visited Dounreay today to emphasis the benefits
that will accrue to the local economy.
Labor Day Weekend and
Pleasanton Highland Games
If
you want to see the biggest Highland Games it is too late for this
year unless you are already in USA or on your way. But the Pleasanton
Highland Games - California will have people there
who have visited Caithness this year and Caithness.Org will be seen
as our visitors are distributing fliers for Caithness.Org. at the
games in 35 clan tents. California adopted its own tartan by
state government approval this year. Look at the biggest
Highland Games in the world and see what happens on Caithness.Org as
we make more links to the games. Go California. Aye - wish we were
there. Good Luck Dancers.
Miller
Family History - Various Documents and Notices
A few interesting documents and newspaper clipping relating to the Miller
Family we have been featuring with their many links between Canada and
Caithness. The will and telegram on the death of G S Miller bringing home
once again the tragedy of the first World War and the Millers part in it.
29th August 2001
On Top OF Morven
A
couple of new pictures as some locals head up Morven to take in the
panoramic views of Caithness and Sutherland seen from the top and
setting out.
Car
Rentals From Richards Garage
Another Scorrie
Internet Services web site fully linked in the drop down menu above
and in the Business Pages for you to instantly check prices whenever
you need to rent a car. Shortly the free banner for the
rentals will be on the web sites in the banner loop and appearing on
their FREE business pages making it as easy as possible to find a car
to rent in Caithness.
The
Ecclesiastical Remains Of Wick Parish
This article by L J Myatt from Caithness Field Club's
October 1975 Bulletin sets out numerous details on the early
churches around Wick. Robert Richmond has prepared this
article for the web site in preparation for more on St Tears coming
shortly.
Latest Dates for Blood Donor Sessions In Caithness
Children's
Theatre - Wee Stories in Treasure Island
Saturday 15 September 3.00pm -
Advance Booking Required.
Swashbuckling
entertainment for all the family at Lyth Arts Centre
Drama
- Starving Artists in "Don't forget Me"
Sunday 16
September 8.00pm - Advance Booking Required.
A moving and
funny drama that has been invited back to Scotland after rave revues
last year. Catch it at Lyth Arts Centre.
An Otter -
First Into New Animal Picture Section
The
Highlands has a magnificent range of wildlife and we start with a
new section to bring you pictures with ones of this otter taken by a
local fisherman.
28th August 2001
Highland
Kids In Warner Brothers Next Harry Potter
Casting for "Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets" has taken place at
Lochaber High School and 100 13-15 year old pupils lined up to ride the
"Hogwarts Express" train as pupils of Hogwarts Castle School for Wizards.
Fraud
Warning To Hotels And Guest Houses
Northern Constabulary have issued a fraud warning and are looking for a man
with a Canadian accent obtaining board and lodgings without payment.
Bogus
Repairmen Operating In Highlands
Householders in the Highlands are being warned to be on their guard against
salesmen operating in the area, who offer free surveys of homes for dampness
and to carry out what they claim is necessary remedial work. Read
this and warn your friends and relatives.
Looking Down Thurso River to Bridge
Unloading Liferafts For Checking At Wick Harbour
Bucholie Castle Introduction
Robert Richmond
has now added an introduction to the section on Bucholie Castle.
27th August 2001
Halberry Castle Section -
Additions
The introduction to the Halberry castle section from Robert
Richmond is now in place and as you can see from Andrew Spratt's
reconstruction the castle must have been an impressive place 600
years ago. Tied in to the article by D B Miller originally
published by Caithness Field Club the Clan Gunn begin to be seen in
the formidable role they once played in the county of Caithness.
The
Winning Christmas Cards - A Road Safety Theme
You saw them picking up their prizes in Inverness and now take a
look at the winning cards and remember the message is serious.
Well done kids.
New Page For Expanding Cartoons
On Caithness.Org
The wry look at Caithness as viewed from Elf is expanding
and spreading his wings around the web. To give him some elbow room
we are reorganising the pages and getting ready for even more
comment on the good the bad and the ridiculous.
Men
Raise Funds Writing A Book On Wick Pipe Band
Two
men with strong connections to Wick Pipe Band have produced a
history of Wick Pipe Band to raise funds for the band.
Launching the book with a signing session on Saturday they were
hopeful that all one thousand copies of this unique record would
sell quite quickly.
Caithness
Quilters Making Great Progress
The revival of
quilting in the county is moving very fast with a great deal of
interest and many new members now completing work. An
exhibition of the ladies' work in the St Fergus Gallery in Wick from
Tuesday 2nd October to Saturday 27th October
Sarclet Loch
On Saturday
Sarclet
Loch always a tranquil scene shown here with the farmers having been
busy round about getting the hay baled and ready for storage.
The loch is used by anglers and in most years by the model yacht
racing club.
Reunion Email Addresses
John Henderson
who attended the 1973 Reunion recently has suggested adding email
addresses to the reunion lists. We are happy to do this if
anyone would like their email address added to the lists to aid old
friends getting in touch. We had intended taking the lists
down but if they can be used for this purpose we ill add the
information for anyone who wishes this. All we ask is
that each individual gives permission direct to us. If
you could not make the reunion but would like your name and email
address added just let us know which list you would like it added
to.
26th August 2001
Mairi
Nicolson Skiing in Antarctic
Hard on the heels of the last
report Mairi from Newton Hill, Wick sent us this picture of her and
her colleagues setting out on skis for their days work. Mairi
is there for two and a half years and is now sending us regular
updates on her time way down under.
Two
Caithness Kids Design Winning Christmas Cards
Kirsty
Farquhar of South School and Alan McGee of Hillhead School have both
won bicycles for themselves and £250 for each of their schools by
designing a Christmas Card with a road safety theme in a competition
run by the Northern Constabulary's Dependants Trust.
Halberry Castle Reconstruction
Next
in our series of Caithness Castles reconstructions from Andrew
Spratt is Halberry Castle. The Gunn chiefs lived here after
Castle Gunn in the 14th and 15th centuries. It was at this
time that the feuds between the Keiths and the Gunns developed. It came
to a head at the massacre of St Tears chapel.
Yachts
In Lybster
The
end of a race and after very low wind conditions the yachts were
glad to reach Lybster harbour on a bright sunny day. With new
facilities for yachtsmen now available at Lybster this could well
become one of the popular ports of call for boats on the way north
to Orkney.
World Knotty championships In
Lybster
The
knotty championships held for the eight year running reviving the
ancient game that used to be played with a barrel stave and something
like hockey with a cork float from fishing nets as a ball.
Rules? Well not too many. Originally meant as distraction to keep
the fishermen from getting drunk when weather kept them from the
sea.
25th August 2001
Mairi
Nicolson In Antarctic Sends Three Reports
Mairi is well
into no daylight winter nights in Antarctic almost the exact
opposite from Caithness but is in excellent spirits and that wee
dram of Old Pulteney has helped. But the excitement of the
thickening ice and diving in the very cold waters seem to be keeping
her busy. Check out her latest 21
June, 7
July, 20
July. See how she is keeping up her spirits and
keeping fit getting a beer.
Dick
Whittington - Pantomime Auditions Wick Players
If you have
always wanted to sing, dance and act then get along to award winning
Wick Players for the auditions for their latest production.
Bridges
Dental Clinic, Wick Has Full Complement
With the arrival
of Neil Fearns the Bridges Dental Clinic in Wick now has two
dentists and two hygienists offering full NHS as well as private
dental services. After a long period of severe shortages
of NHS dental services n Wick it seems the Highland Primary Carte
Trust has finally managed to crack this problem.
24th August 2001
Writing Competition For
Highland Residents
Get you quills out and see if you have a poem, saga or short
story in you in this new competition from the Northlands
festival. For anyone not in Highland region Caithness.Org will
consider publishing a good saga or two. If anyone has one of
say no more than four or five pages then why not send it in.
We may try a Saga Section if there is enough interest. Maybe
we will ask George for a few bits of
prose.
Stone Rows of
Tormsdale,
Caithness
Another
in the series of articles produced for Caithness Field Club on the
mysterious stone rows of Caithness & Sutherland by Leslie J
Myatt.
AMS
Motorcycles 1st Anniversary
10% Off Bikes and Accessories This Saturday & Sunday
Yes
and they are even selling unicycles
now. Now what does it say in the highway code about
approaching people on a unicycle. We hope they are not as
successful as the Piaggios and Vespas that are currently making AMS
the leading seller in the Highlands even selling them as far away as
Inverness. With another 10% off they will soon be hitting the
Scottish Records for sales. Barbecue at AMS for all bikers
over the weekend at AMS.
Hill O Many Stanes At
Clyth
Here
is one of the best examples of the many stone rows in Caithness at
Mid Clyth just off the A99.
23rd August 2001
Northlands
Festival 21 - 26 September
The programme of
events for the annual arts festival in Caithness has just been
released. Details of the packed programme can be found at the
Northlands web site. The events will also appear shortly in
the Caithness.Org What's On section.
Caithness.Org Short listed
In The Yell.com Awards
We have just received the
great news that the web site has been short listed in the the
Yell.com Awards for 2001. Apparently this year there have been thousands
of nominations more than usual so its great to have reached this stage of one
of the most prestigious awards for web sites in the UK. We are listed in
the Communities category. Yell.com is the web address of the UK Yellow Pages
and other web based services.
Ian
Scott Exhibition - Wick Artist Back From New York
Catch Ian Scott's exhibition in St Fergus Gallery, Wick 3 - 29
September.
Brims
Castle Today
Several new pictures of Brims Castle added to the castle
section. for more information a link is made to the Brims
Family History web site that has plans and historical details.
Ducks Take Flight
At Brims
You are always going to see wild life in Caithness if you will
go looking at Castles and archaeology. The day at Brims Castle
being no exception as these Ducks left angrily at being joined by
two guys with cameras.
22nd August 2001
Halberry Head
Another of the small headlands around the Caithness Coast.
Is
The Next Hit Pop Star In The Highlands?
If you are aged
between 16 and 21 and you are a singer then this could be your big
break. Check out this chance to send a tape or sing down the
phone hotline. Open to anyone in the age group in the
Highlands you have until 30 August to enter and you could be
showcased along with some big bands very soon. Do it now.
Highland
Council Unhappy On G M Crop Trials
The council has said it is unhappy at the way the Scottish Executive is
ignoring the wished of the Highland community in allowing the crop trials in
the Black Isle to proceed.
Highlands
& Islands - The Safest Place In The UK
With the low
crime and very high detection rates the report of the retiring chief
constable is very encouraging for people living or moving to the
Northern Area. Crimes of vandalism have increased but still
makes the Highlands & Islands the lowest for this type of
crime. Even Drunkeness has decreased significantly.
21st August 2001
Caithness
Serendipidist Club's Tain Trip
First Stroma then Tain. Meeting up with folk from various
parts of the Highlands made for a great night out. Looks like
the club is taking wings as it gets further away. Where next
guys?
A Climbing Geranium In Dunbeath Castle Gardens
For the intrepid folks who ventured out in the torrential rain on Sunday there was the Castle Gardens with wine, cheese, strawberries
....more
Multiple Stone rows Of Caithness & Sutherland - Part 4
Some suggestions on the purpose of the stone rows in Caithness & Sutherland is set out in the last article on the topic from Leslie
J Myers. Links are made to earlier articles on the topic.
Air Operations From RAF Wick - Second World War
This is part three in the series from PR Myers and was first published in the Caithness Field Club Bulletin.
Stroma Harbour
Nor too many people see this harbour nowadays and it was built too late to save the islands population from leaving.
Caithness Woman Top Co-Driver
The MSIS Kadett carried Caithness
competitor Suzanne Hossack to the top woman co-driver award at Ingliston's
Festival Stage Rally near Edinburgh last Saturday.
The Gloup On The Island Of Stroma
The Gloup on Stroma is a fascinating spectacle - a place where the sea has broken through underground and the roof has not yet collapsed to make a typical geo.
Caithness Woman Top Co-Driver
The MSIS Kadett carried Caithness
competitor Suzanne Hossack to the top woman co-driver award at Ingliston's
Festival Stage Rally near Edinburgh last Saturday.
The Gloup On The Island Of Stroma
The Gloup on Stroma is a fascinating spectacle - a place where the sea has broken through underground and the roof has not yet collapsed to make a typical geo.
20th August 2001
Wick Harbour Today
There seemed to be more activity in the harbour than for quite some time.
Buchollie Castle - Pictures
Just in case you thought the castle section had gone to sleep here
are some pictures of Buchollie Castle as it is today. Click on
Buchollie from the under construction listing in the main index.
Castletown
Community Council Agenda 23 August
The agenda
for the next meeting is now published. Members of the public
are allowed to attend these meetings but are not allowed to
speak. The
minutes of the July meeting.
19th August 2001
Bower's
Gala Day Was Good Fun For Everyone
With sunshine all day everyone enjoyed themselves and there was more to
see than you might have thought if you had never been before. More
pictures later.
Spinning
Demonstration At Bower Gala
A traditional craft still carried on by individuals and clubs in
the county.
This
Competition Got A Few Heads Scratching At Bower
Definitely one for the old timers as people competed to guess
what these tools and implements were once used for on the farms near
Bower and no doubt all over Caithness and the north.
Line
Dancing At Bower Gala
There was something for everyone at Bower Gala which was a great
day and they managed the sun out all day. Well done Bower
committee. Can you bring it back today - its been raining all
day today.
Bower
Inn - Saturday Night
A lively night in the Bower Inn last night as a host of
musicians arrived for a series of sessions on a wide range of
instruments.
Bower Gala Treasure Hunt On Sunday
18th August 2001
Bower
Gala - Baking Competitions
Plenty tasty things in the competition and they were all
auctioned off at the end of the day to help raise funds for a new
hall roof. As you will see over the next couple of days this
Gala is a bit different from the ones in Wick and Thurso - more a
cross of Gala, Fete and mini county show - the beer was good and
some really great pies in the food tent.
Flower
Show at Bower Gala
The flower show at Bower attracted a good number of entries in
different classes.
Dog
Show At Bower Gala
dogs were well featured in the Gala and the dog races later in
the day provided great entertainment. Different kind of dogs
and much fitter.
INVOLVEMENT
OF HMCIC FOR SCOTLAND
IN A COMPLAINT MADE AGAINST POLICE OFFICERS OF NORTHERN
CONSTABULARY BY MR AND MRS McLEOD OF WICK
17th August 2001
Castle
Gunn At Clythe
Its been quiet on the castle front as we tackled the Galas
but here is a view of the site of Gunn Castle at Clythe - from
Robert Richmond.
Stroma
Mains Farm
Yes we were
back on Stroma on Thursday taking more pictures. Been in
Inverness all day today so we are a bit later than normal with
these.
16th August 2001
Roads And Tracks
Through Local History
Do you take roads for
granted. After reading George Watson's article on the topic in
Caithness you might see them in a different light
Still
Plenty Of Walks To Try In August
If the main group of walks is
not enough why not check out the East
Coast Walks with the Rangers. Check
out the pictures to see where you might be going.
Yes
its The Start of Bower Gala
Main
action on Saturday but there is a whist drive tomorrow and clay
Pigeon shooting on Friday. Why not head for the Bower
Inn for a meal while you see what's going on.
More
Children's Fancy Dress Pictures - Thurso Gala
Yes we still have more pictures to come of the Galas in Wick and
Thurso. Here are a few more. More will keep coming as
time allows.
Spring
Cleaning by Jenny Stewart
Another poem - just a little out of season from Jenny in
Caithness dialect.
15th August 2001
Kay
Bragdon (nee Wilson) Calls In On Caithness.Org
Almost 25 years after getting married and staying in various
countries including the USA with her husband Greg we now hear from
Kay with a wedding picture from 1976. Did you go to school
with Kay in Thurso or were you at the wedding back then. See
what she has been doing in the intervening years and where she was
on holiday recently. They currently stay in Germany. Kay
is a regular in the
Caithness.Org
Chat Room.
Crosskirk Views
On Monday we brought you some pictures of St
Mary's Chapel so now you might like to take a look at
the countryside nearby. More pictures to come later of this
lovely part of Caithness.
Undercover
Checks On Garages Coming To Highlands
Highland council
In co-operation with 11 other local authorities in Scotland and
together with the Vehicle Inspectorate, a project has been
established, involving the undercover submission of pre-inspected
cars to servicing garages, for routine servicing and repairs....more
A
Timeline Of Wick 1589 - 1883
Another new section to draw together information on the
historical aspects of Wick. We will set up other sections for
towns or villages around the county as items are made available.
New Non
Caithness Poets Section On Caithness.Org
We start this
new section for writers of poetry about Caithness by poets from out
with the county with a poem about The
Harbour at Wick. Does it sum up the general feeling about
the once greatest herring port in the world? Anyone who wishes
to contribute poetry to the poetry sections please get in touch with
bill@caithness.org
14th August 2001
A Wick Harbour View To The Blackstairs
More
Pictures From The Everley Broch
Check the pictures and then if
you are in Caithness see it for yourself tonight with Caithness
Field Club. For everyone else why not come and see it late
July early August next year when work will be at the next stage.
13th August 2001
Last
chance To See Everley Broch This Year
The Everley
Broch has been uncovered again by archaeologists from
Edinburgh. Caithness Field Club have arranged for the
archaeologists to be on site on Tuesday at 7.30pm to explain their
work and what they have found to date. So if you would like to
visit the excavations check the Field
Club Programme page for details. The team returns in July
next year to carry on the work when further opportunities to see the
progress will be made available. If you would like to
volunteer to assist next year check back on Caithness.org or contact
the team in Edinburgh later.
More
Fruit & Veg Needed In Highland Diet
OK put the chip pan away and count it out. How many
pieces of fruit and vegetables do you eat every day? If its
less than five you could have long term health problems and your
children may suffer in the future. check out the Highland
Think Net Web Site to put forward your thoughts.
St Mary's
Chapel
One of the oldest ruined churches in Caithness is St. Mary's
chapel which sits on the coast near Crosskirk Bay.
Highland Business Women's Club -
Caithness
& Sutherland Group
First Meeting 14 August 8.00pm Mackays Hotel, Wick
Are you a woman in business, run
your own, thinking of doing so, work for someone else and would like
a sociable evening out with other like-minded women See
this poster.
12th August 2001
Maxx Blade @ No 1
For those of you who don't know, Maxx Blade is a local, anonymous
JavaScript programmer. His first public script
"Safe" is now the number one top rated JavaScript on www.hotscripts.com,
a world famous scripting web site. "Safe" is a small
application to help with selecting colours when designing a web page
and you can have a look, here http://www.maxxblade.co.uk/safe.htm
Caithness
Field Club - 2001/2002 Programme
The new programme of outings,
talks lectures and lots more is now out. Take a look if you
are interested in seeing and finding out about Caithness on
enjoyable walks and tours around the county. Winter sees
several interesting talks and you get an annual Bulletin
with articles on wide variety of topics. Even if you do not
join you are welcome on the many walks - just check the calendar
or the What's
On.
More 1979
Reunion Pictures Now In
More coming later.
Queen
Mother At Canisbay Church Today 12.15pm
After yesterday's wet and windy weather at the games the Queen Mother still
attended church today at Canisbay as she has for many years.
1979 Wick
High Reunion - First Pictures From Saturday
Another big turnout for a reunion in Wick last night.
11th August 2001
Queen Mother At Mey
Highland Games
The weather was atrocious today and the rain never stopped and nor
did the wind stop but still the Queen mother made her annual trip to
the games where a small crowd made her welcome. Due to the
weather the programme was curtailed and the Highland Dancing took
place in a local hall.
The 1976 Wick High
Reunion
A few pictures from the recent Reunion night in Mackay's Hotel.
Yes We Do Have A Picture of The Castle Of Mey
Amongst the top searches on Caithness.Org this past week has been
for this castle - the place the Queen Mother stays every summer for
a few weeks. Her arrival in the county seems to have sparked a
lot more interest in having a look at the castle. And no we do
not have any inside shots - it is not open to the public - sorry
folks.
Dunnet Bay Folk Launch Dunnet Exhibition in London
Dunnet Bay folk are spreading the word themselves about the
attractions of Dunnet and the surrounding area. No longer do
they wait for someone else to do it - they are taking action and
made this trip to launch a small exhibition in the Tourist Board
Offices in London. Enthusiasm and commitment - and they have
plenty are making Dunnet one of the better known places in
Caithness.
10th August 2001
The Everely Broch - Open To
the Public
This is a rare chance to see a Caithness Broch in the process of being opened
up. One of the first in decades and you will have to wait until next
summer to see the next stage. Its like Time Team really happening in
Caithness. Take a look while you have the chance. It all gets
filled in again in a weeks time. The team will be on hand to show you
round. Its near Freswick on the way to John O'Groats from Wick.
Bower Gala For More
Fun
Starts 16 August
Thurso Gala Last Night - Leanne's Dancers Steal The Show
If you could bottle the bounce in these girls you would get rich
quick. They never stopped dancing - even standing watching
everyone else.
Market Square Live
Music From Colcannon
This Australian Group at the Free outdoor concert in Market Square,
Wick last night got the feet tapping fast with a huge range of music
from solos to upbeat sounds from round the world. Next stop
for them is the Edinburgh Festival. Come back soon guys.
Thurso Gala - Last night - Alice And The Boys
This group of youngsters belted out a few numbers for the crowd
on a cold evening at the end of Thurso Gala before the Karaoke.
Thurso Gala - Last Night - Scout Pipe Band
One of the few Scout Pipe Bands left in Scotland is in Thurso
Thurso Gala Last Night - Bronco Riding
Must practice my "Yee Hahs" for next year.
The Real
Mountain Dew
Whisky In Caithness and the north in the past - or is it?
Fishing
Competition - Hovig Trophy 10 August
Saturday 18 August Starting at 9.30am.
Stakeholder Pensions Employers Deadline Approaching
The new Stakeholders Pensions to be provided by employers with more
than 5 employees are almost upon us. Employers have until 8
October to get moving and the fines are heavy for non-compliance -
up to £50,000. So if you are employed and do not have a
pension scheme check this out and if you are an employer you could
save yourself big fines by checking this out.
9th August 2001
George & Barney - Its
A Different Philosophy
That's Life as George Rests and lets Barney Go Nuts.
Grey Mammoth
Getting Ready To Lay Cable In Sinclair's Bay
Later today the barge with the huge cables to tow out the new
pipeline bundle will move round to lay cable for the tug that is to
pull out the pipeline and wellhead that came through Wick a few
weeks ago.
8th August 2001
Thurso Gala Dancers
Dancing In the Street? These girls can dance anywhere.
Promoting Library Services In Thurso
Still more pictures to come in Thurso Gala Week.......
Caithness Community Transport Minutes 26 June 2001
Thurso Gala - More Children's Fancy Dress
More later...........
Serendipidists Singles Group Stroma Trip
The Serendipidists recent trip to Stroma was a great success.
Not only was the weather sunny (wish it had been on my trip) but
they got to hear about island life from life long Stroma man.
Check the group pages for other meetings and outings.
Five New Properties For Sale
Property seems to be moving quite fast at present in Caithness going
by the rate they are moving through the Caithness Business Pages.
Look in regularly for updates to what has become the busiest section
in that web site.
First Thurso Gala Children's Fancy Dress Pictures
More later.
Wick
Junior Choir Reunion
If ever the power of Caithness to bring people back needed any further
endorsement then this reunion must surely be it. Formed about 1950 and running
until about 1958 this is the second reunion of the once famous choir that
travelled all over the country singing. More on this in future weeks.
This was their second reunion the first having been in 1991.
Free Stuff Links New Page
A makeover for the Free Stuff links page with some additions and all
links checked. New links will be added following the format of
our home page with new ones going in at the top and ultimately into
the archives. Larger sites and popular ones will be indexed on
the main Free Stuff page.
Caithness Community Transport Minutes 26 June 2001
7th August 2001
£36
Million Boost To Highlands & Islands Tourism
Tourism Minister Alasdair Morrison announced the major new
investment at Caley Marina boat cruising centre in Inverness today.
More Thurso Gala Pictures
Still more to come.
Scotia Review Forum
Thursday 9 August
Debate, Poetry Reading, Music in Jam sessions. Come along and
throw your thoughts into "Wick - Thurso - the Great Divide"
Raku Workshop -
Making Your Own Pottery
A short course held on two separate days to make your own pot, glaze
and fire it.
Welcome To Curlew Cottage Far North Books
Those of you who read the John O'Groat Journal will be familiar with
Out With Ralph as he takes you on his walks. Well you can
check out his books via the banner or his business page.
Keiss School 1977
P1 - P3 and
Keiss School 1977 P4 - P7
More additions to the growing
School Days Pages
1946
Class 3A Miller Academy
1953-54 Infant Class At West Public Annex
Caithness Family History Programme Starts 12 September
6th August 2001
Caithness Highland Games "Tug O War" Teams
Caithness Highland Games had its day on Sunday at John O'Groats.
All the usual events with one or two unusual ones such as the Viking
Press requiring the heavies to lift a 180 pound stone above their
heads as often as they could. No easy feat as the uneven stone
could easily slip.
More Thurso Gala Night Pictures
Viking Press at Caithness Highland Games On Sunday
A feat of endurance and not for the feint hearted this one - an
uneven stone up and down several times until you drop it.....ouch.
Aaaaaaaaarg or something like that was the most common sound heard.
Are you Serious About Archaeology and Live in Caithness?
Banger Derby Draws the Crowds At Scrabster Hill
The banger derby at Scrabster Hill as part of Thurso Gala week
on Sunday drew a large crowd to see the old bangers racing. A
demonstration by Caithness Motocross cycle club also provided more
excitement.
Thurso Gala Night Float Pictures
Thurso Gala got off to a cracking start on Saturday night with
the float parade and dance not to mention many parties all round the
town until the early hours. 20 pictures in and lots more to
come later.......
Wick Gala Ends with Fireworks, Rock Concert and Funfair
Wick Gala completed the eight days of fun on Saturday with
the usual fireworks display and what is fast becoming an annual mini
rock concert. Many people out for this combined barbecue,
music, funfair and fireworks. Two bands "Area 51" and "Storm"
shared the platform and thumped out the music to a very big crowd
this year.
5th August 2001
First Wick Gala Gymkana Pictures
First pictures from this event. Sorry they are so late but
there is so much going on in Caithness at present its difficult to
keep up. More on this event in next few days....
Thurso Gala Queen & Court
Thurso Gala got going last night. We start with the Thurso
Gala Queen and her court before the crowning ceremony. More
pictures later but we are off to Scrabster hill car banger derby and
John O'Groats Highland Games - so see you all later.
3rd August 2001
Thurso
Gala Starts As Wick Gala Ends
Unusually Wick and Thurso
Galas overlap this year so that events are happening on both sides
of the county tomorrow. So you could attend the parade of
floats in Thurso and still have plenty of time to nip through to
Wick for the fireworks at 10.00pm. Or head straight for the family
Gala Dance in Thurso. Spoilt for choice this weekend.
Criterium
Cycle Race - Line Up For Start
An annual event held as part of Wick Gala Week at roads around
the airport industrial estate.
Jocky
Campbell's Dance Band At Last Night's Ceilidh
Plenty happening this week in Wick with the third chance to
hooch it up this week and its not over yet. This one was last
night in the Assembly Rooms.
Wick Gala Week
Still Plenty To Go
If you are not
one of the 200 people expected at a Wick High School Reunion 49 - 51
tonight in Mackay's Hotel why not get to the Waterfront for the
Horse Racing Night or the Car Treasure Hunt leaving from Assembly
Rooms at 7.00pm. Or the Pipe Band at 7.00pm in Market
Square.... and Kids its Fun Run Day at 2.00pm riverside today.
Wick
Gala Open Golf Competition Presentations
The annual Wick Gala Open
Golf competition ended last night with Mike Steven taking the men's
shield and Nicky Klimas coming out as top overall scratch player.
The ladies overall winner was Deirdrie McAngus.
The Gala Queen was in attendance to award the prizes last night.
Many
More New Braehead Fancy Dress Pictures
All
39 pictures from the Braehead Fancy Dress are in today.
2nd August 2001
Wick
Scouts Reunion - Big Attendance
A very big turnout for the Wick Scouts Reunion in Mackay's
Hotel tonight. The oldest ex scout seen here second from the
left is 94 years old John Cormack who used to run a chip shop in
Bexley Terrace. The Scouts were members of the movement from the
1930's to the 1960's.
Wick
Arion Choir
Three pictures of Wick Arion Choir which under the tuition of
Mrs Aline Mowat had great success from 1958 onwards making
radio broadcasts with well known Scottish singers and even an
album. Were you one of the members of this choir. Why
not let us know about your memories of it.
Hi
Jacksonville - Australia Calling
This just proves it. The planet is getting
smaller. Missing sister in Australia says hi to the Jacksonville
group on holiday in Wick to meet relatives and friends has sent some
pictures of her having a drink - a big one by the looks of
things.
Braehead,
Wick - Children's Fancy Dress
First pictures now in. More later.
Jacksonville Group at Braehead
Grizzly
Park Fun Day
The Grizzly Park Fun Day
has become increasingly popular with children in recent years and
today was no exception with a big crowd turning out. These girls
were just getting ready for a sack race. More pictures over
the next day or two......
Karate Demonstration At Braehead, Wick
1st August 2001
Traditional
Games Still Go On In Caithness Parks
Tennis, Bowls, Putting, Crazy Golf, Trampolines, Climbing
Frame are all available in public parks in Caithness. Active
pastimes are enjoyable but how much longer will these types of
entertainment last with so much competition from other
pursuits. With budgets always under attack it could be use it
or lose it. When were you last in your public park?
Wherever you are they need support or councils might conclude they
are no longer needed. So dust off those bowls or tennis
rackets.
Bogus
Press Reports Angers UKAEA Management
Claims that decommissioning work is being held up are soundly refuted and UKAEA
claims that the stories in the press are bogus.
Still On Gala Night Pictures 101 - 110
Record
Breaking Month On Caithness.Org In July
Hits 1,802937 Pages 304454 Visitors 53047
Thanks to
all of you for looking in and making Caithness.Org and associated web sites
amongst the busiest in Scotland in July. On to the rest of Gala Week. More
pictures coming later today.
Wick
Gala -Two Shows Tonight
Yes Wick never does it by halves. For a small town to be putting on two
shows in two halls on one night is quite an achievement. There is the
Pipe Band summer show in the Pipe Band Hall and a Scottish Entertainment
Evening in the Assembly Rooms. Just shows how much singing and dancing
there is. The Ann Breen concert has a licensed bar. The Pipe Band
summer show has a lot more than just pipes. Other events see the
programme - a busy day today.
Highland
Business Women's Club - Caithness
& Sutherland Group
Are you a woman in business, run your own, thinking of doing so, work for
someone else and would like a sociable evening out with other like-minded
women.
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