News Archive - June 2003
30th June 2003
More Winning Teams From The Thurso FC Fun Day Football
Is There
A Potential Pentland Firth Disaster Heading Our Way?
As the press has indicated up to 94 ships with particularly toxic contents
and ready to be broken up may be heading our way. As a few folk in
our Message Boards have discovered this does not look like a good convoy
to be passing through our waters. If one or more of these
ships founders in the Pentland Firth what is the danger to sea-life and
fishing not to mention the beaches round the Scottish coast. Add
your thoughts or information to this thread.
Golf Challenge Round Caithness
On
1 July 2003 up to 12 men will attempt to do what we believe has
never before been attempted , i.e. to play all four Caithness
golf courses in one day. This will be a sponsored golf challenge
with funds raised going towards providing suitable transport for
the Neurological Group's Wick group which meets in Wick Youth
Club. Tee-off time at Reay is 4.30am(!) with Thurso
around 7.30am, followed later in the day by Lybster (2 round
played here) and lastly Wick. If you see any of the guys on the
course, or in the bar in Wick afterwards, please feel free to
drop a donation into the golf bags! Your support will be much
appreciated!
HOW TO GET
STARTED IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS
Mon 7 July, 2.00 pm - Blue Monday Club, Ormlie Centre, Thurso;
Meet the Professionals and its FREE. Anyone thinking about a career in the music
business will have the chance to find out how to get started at
a series of Highlands and Islands workshops tied in with the
upcoming Proclaimers tour. Unlike TV shows like Popstars
or Fame Academy, the 'Get Into Music' workshops have been
designed to be just as relevant to those interested in working
behind the scenes - in recording, production or distribution for
example - as they are for budding performers.
Whittles Publishing,
Caithness Add Another Neil Gunn Book
THE SILVER BOUGH by Neil M. Gunn Foreword by Dairmid Gunn
Anyone who enjoys good writing,
whether or not a collector of the work of Neil M. Gunn will be waiting in
anticipation for October when this Neil Gunn book is reprinted. A
backdrop of an archaeological story in Scotland serves only to increase
the fascination and appeal. A reprint of one of Gunns lighter and
more intriguing books centring on the investigation of an ancient cairn.
The book will be available in October joining a growing list of
books now being brought out by Caithness based Whittles
Publishing.
Thurso FC Fun Day Football
Thurso FC Fun Day Football competition attracted a large entry
with over 40 teams taking part. East end coach Peter
Swanson has sent in a few pictures.
29th June 2003
A Red Admiral Butterfly Snapped today In a Caithness Garden
Colin Stewart took this picture of a red admiral butterfly in
his neighbours garden today. There are quite a range
of moths and Butterflies in the county. If anyone else has
managed to take any pictures we would be happy to start a new
section to contain them and build a record of them.
Details of location and names would be helpful. If any
rare ones are sent in we will omit the location.
excavate overlay At Battle Moss, Thrumster On Sunday
Hundreds
of glass blocks were laid out along the lines of stone rows at
Battlemoss, Loch of Yarrows and in three circles shown by a
recent geophysics survey. In August archaeological
excavations will take place - the first of any stone rows
in Caithness. The art side of this unique project
continues at Dunbeath on Wednesday at Dunbeath when the
glass blocks will be built beneath Chapel Hill. 2 July
10.00am-12.00pm; 1.00-3.00pm; 3.30-5.00pm; 5.30-7.00pm glass
installation - Chapel Hill, Dunbeath Heritage Trail, Dunbeath.
Wick Pipe Band Week 5 - 12 July 2003
Parades, Highland Dancing, Open Air Ceilidh, Old Time
Scottish Dancing, Summer Scottish Show and a the finale fun
night with a the Pipe Band dressed as you see them only once a
year...packed week..
Lybster Gala 2003 Starts - A Week Of Fun Ahead
See what is on for the rest of the week.
28th June 2003
After Hours At Ebenezers Bar, Wick Last Night
Island
Games Start In Guernsey
Orkney has sent a team to the 10th Island Games in Guernsey.
Come on now why did Caithness not have a Stroma team there?.
Maybe next time and good luck to the Orkney team.
27th June 2003
Eye In The Sky Over Wick Golf Club
With steady club improvements in recent years including a new
clubhouse, new fairways and upgrades if you have not played Wick
for a few years why not get along to check it out when in
Caithness......
Reply To Query By
Caithness Internet User From BT Shows
Little Chance of ADSL Broadband In The Near future
Your line is connected to the Thurso exchange. So far 370
customers have registered an interest against your exchange, but
unfortunately we are unable to set a trigger level. The costs of
upgrading have proven so high, that the trigger level is
unrealistic judged against the number of subscribers on your
exchange. Consequently, we have decided not to publish it.
IARRTASAN AN
ÀIRD AIRSON SGEAMA GREIS GNÌOMHACHAIS
DEMAND UP FOR GAELIC PLACEMENT SCHEME. Tha meudachadh de 65% ann an àireamh na
h-oileanaich a tha a' gabhail pàirt ann an Sgeama Greis Gnìomhachais a
th'air a ruith le Buidheann Leasachaidh na Gàidhlig, Comunn na Gàidhlig (CNAG).
A Student Placement Scheme run by the Gaelic Development Agency,
Comunn na Gàidhlig (CNAG), has reported a 65% increase in the number of
students taking part this year.
RABBIT
TEST RESULTS SENT TO FOOD STANDARDS AGENCY
UKAEA Dounreay today has sent to the Scottish Environment
Protection Agency and the Food Standards Agency the findings of
laboratory tests carried out on rabbit faeces found in an
area of the site historically used for the burial of low-level
waste.
Dounreay Employees Charity Fund Donates To Caithness Crossroads
Carers
"Crossroads
Caring for Carers Caithness are a small charity providing
respite care services to carers in Caithness. The Dounreay
Employees Charity Fund recently donated £300 towards the charity
for upgrading their software on their computer systems.
Pictured presenting the cheque to Maggie Page, (centre)
Co-ordinator of Crossroads are Rob Roy, Chairman of the DECF and
Marie Mackay, Secretary of the DECF."
FREE MILK FOR CAITHNESS
PRIMARY PUPILS
Highland Councillors
today agreed that free milk should be provided to all primary
school pupils in Caithness as part of a pilot scheme which will
run from September 2003 to July 2004. An estimated 2,164
pupils will receive the free milk in 18 primary schools,
including those with special educational needs, at a cost of
£83,407. Funding for the project will be provided from within
the Highland Councils Hungry For Success allocation from the
Scottish Executive of £2.7m over the next 3 years.
THE
EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL GAMES FESTIVAL
The Future of Entertainment is Interactive. Edinburgh International
Games Festivals Go Play Games event to offer visitors a unique
opportunity to enjoy hands-on experience of the best of contemporary
gaming. Visitors to Edinburghs Royal Museum during the month
of August will find themselves in the unlikely position of being asked to
touch the exhibits, as the world-famous visitor attraction throws open its
doors to the Go Play Games exhibition.
26th June 2003
COUNCIL IN DISCUSSIONS ON FUTURE OF CARE HOMES IN
HIGHLAND
Highland Councillors in Caithness
are actively involved in discussions to secure the future of Achvarasdal
Church of Scotland home, Reay. On Tuesday 24th June, Convener David
flear and Area Housing and social Work Chairman, Bill Fernie met in Thurso
with Harriet Dempster, Director of Social Work Service and Bob Silverwood,
Area Social Work manager. The councillors emphasised the important
role the home played not only in Caithness but the north of
Sutherland. there was no other home providing a similar
service. Councillor Fernie said: "I visited Achvarasdal
on Monday and was very impressed by the setting. The residents
clearly appreciate the service they receive.
Artsmith Exhibition Heading for Record Breaking Attendances
You have just a couple of days left to see the Artsmith exhibition
at Swanson Gallery, Thurso. Its looks as if it may well break
attendance records for an exhibition at the gallery. Julian Smith
the local artist will be there on Saturday for a while so if you want to
know anything about the pictures just ask.
25th June 2003
Summer Kite
Buggy Courses In Caithness - Are You Ready To Fly?
Mon
21st July - Mon 28th July The full windthings team are due up
with the windthings traction school offering courses in Kite Surfing, Kite
Buggying, Basic powerkite flying, Advanced Buggying, Advanced Kite Surfing
and Advanced Mountain Boarding. Six of the best instructors are
coming to Caithness. Interested? Then sign up soon for these courses
growing in popularity at Dunnet Beach.
Thurso FC - North Caledonian League Winners
Following on from their successful season in the North Caledonian League
which they won, along with the Morris Newton Cup and the Football Times
Cup, Thurso FC swept the board with the awards at the Annual League
Dinner. Kevin Morris was joint top goal scorer (with Scott McKain
of Dornoch FC) in the League with 16 goals from 18 games. Michael Gray received Goalkeeper of the Year as well as
overall League Player of the Year.
excavate : overlay
excavate : overlay is an artist-led project taking place in
a number of locations on the east side of Caithness between 25 June and 2
July this year. It brings art, archaeology and anthropology together
through the investigation of selected archaeological features at the
Yarrows and at Dunbeath. 28 & 29 June 10.00am-12.00pm;
1.00-3.00pm; 3.30-5.00pm; 5.30-7.00pm glass installation Battle Moss,
Loch of Yarrows, Thrumster.
Achvarasdal Residential Home - Near Reay
Ackergill Tower From The Air
These
latest aerial pictures of Ackergill tower show clearly the layout with the
two dovecotes in front only one of which is a real dovecote and the other
was built to balance the scene viewed from the tower.
Ackergill Tower Dovecotes at Ground Level
Ackergill Tower In Castles Section
Disability Rights Commission - June News Bulletin
Duck Decoy At Ackergill From The Air
The
Ackergill Duck Decoy was used for shooting wildfowl in Victorian times.
It is made up of a large circular wall enclosing ground and a moat crossed
by several small bridges then another moat and an island in the centre
connected by another bridge.
Decoy
Index
24th June 2003
CAITHNESS ARCHAEOLOGICAL TRUST APPOINTS
ARCHAEOLOGIST
Following
advertising, an open competition and interviewing a number of high quality
applicants the Board of Caithness Archaeological Trust is delighted to
announce that Dr Andrew Heald has been appointed as Archaeological
Development Officer to the Trust. Andy Heald, who was Director on
behalf of the National Museums for Scotland and University of Edinburgh of
last years excavations of the broch at Everley,
said, This is a great opportunity to work with the people of
Caithness to promote their amazingly diverse, but little known
heritage, which is of the highest quality.
RESULTS ARE IN FOR
BIGGEST EVER HIGHLAND VISITOR SURVEY
Results from the biggest ever visitor survey in the
Highlands and Moray will be unveiled in detail at a series of
presentations across the area over the coming weeks.
Almost 5000 visitors were interviewed over 12 months as part of
the Highlands and Islands Enterprise-led project to give tourism
businesses and industry planners an insight into visitor
profiles, transport arrangements, spending patterns and
accommodation needs as well as visitor satisfaction levels.
Denture Venture
A
Caithness-based dental technician has plenty to smile about after being
awarded a grant to start his own business. Qualified dental technician, Allan Young
has been awarded a financial package from Caithness and Sutherland
Enterprise (CASE) via the HIE-Starts programme. HIE-Starts is a
Network-wide initiative designed to help new businesses by providing a
regular income for the first twelve months of trading, usually the most
difficult time for fledgling businesses. Allan is setting up his new business -
AKL Dental Laboratory - at The Bridges Dental Clinic in Wick, where he has
leased a room from dental surgeon Neil Erridge. He initially plans to
concentrate on denture work
from The Bridges Clinic but could eventually provide his services to
clinics in the wider community, as well as offering a denture repair
service direct to the public.
Glenmorangie Drams It Up For Charity.
How Many Caithness Charities Could Benefit?
Barrels Of
Money Are Waiting Via The Taxman
Glenmorangie
plc is setting an example to employers across Scotland by
signing up to Payroll Giving to boost their commitment to good
causes and the community. They, along with The Giving Campaign
- a National initiative to boost charitable giving in the UK,
are urging more local employers to follow suit.
23rd June 2003
Riding Route From Caithness Riders Access
Group
Loch Stemster Ride Details Now Available.
The track goes from Loch Stemster at Achavanich (just above where the
Rumster road from Lybster joins the A9 Causewaymire) to Munsary cottage,
which is the
Plantlife
Nature Reserve. The distance is about 3 miles, so 6 there and back.
"Subitango!" with Tango Siempre and
Mina & Geraldo
Portland Arms Hotel,
Lybster Tuesday 8 July 8.00pm 2hours inc. Interval
From the music and dance of early
20th century Buenos Aires to the breathtakingly beautiful jazz-inspired
sounds of Astor Piazzollo, this show blazes with life and colour of this
most sensual of art forms. "Subitango!" has performed to
sell-out audiences in theatres, arts centres and festivals throughout the
UK. the show features virtuosic live music from the UK's leading
tango ensemble, Tango Siempre, and stunning choreographed dance from the
acclaimed tango dance couple Mina and Geraldo.
Colours Of The
Rainbow - Caithness Quilters
On Friday 27.06.03 Marion Barnett will be giving a talk - All the Colours
of the Rainbow (everything you wanted to know about dying but were afraid
to ask) and a show of her Quilts in the Ross Institute Halkirk at 7.30pm.
Visitors Welcome.
Achvarasdal
Home Future Under Review By Church Of Scotland
10 homes including Achvarasdal in Caithness will close unless
quick solutions are found to the problems they face. To that
end, the Board will continue to work closely with local
authorities over the coming weeks in order to try to save these
homes. However, should no solution be found within the
next three months, these homes will close by the end of the
current financial year.
22nd June 2003
Caithness Canine Club 2003 Open Dog Show
The 2003 Caithness Canine Open Dog Show was well attended
although entries were down on last year due another show
elsewhere. The club had recruited Albert Wight a well
known show judge who recently judged the Best In Show category
at Crufts in London. Mr Wight worked hard from 9.30am
working through various classes including Gundogs - working -
pastoral -hounds - utility and finally Best In Show. Mrs Betty Flavell also well known in the judging circuit was also there to
deliver her expertise in Toys/Terriers and other varieties.
Caithness Canine Club runs a range of classes for dog owners...
More Trinkie Pictures From Mike Brunton
21st June 2003
John Thurso MP Officially Opened Homeaid Centre
Homeaid the charity serving Caithness and Sutherland by
recycling furniture and household goods had its centre
officially opened by John Thurso MP who praised the organisation
for its success in preventing so much going to landfill and
providing a source of furniture and other goods for people on
low incomes. A number of councillors had also turned out
with Caithness Convenor David Flear helping John Thurso try out
the stocks ready for fund raising at the county show in July.
Trinkie Midsummer Barbecue A Big Hit
Ian Sutherland and his Trinkie Volunteers brought off a very
successful barbecue fundraiser to make some cash to repair
Wick's outdoor swimming pool. This famous landmark was
once again ringing with fun and games and kids swimming in the
newly painted pool. Well done to all concerned.
A Miller Family Group
Another
addition to the Miller family history pages from Maureen Materi
In Canada. This Milller group photo was taken in Wick before
1912 when the family was living at 43 Wellington Street.
Miller
Family History Index
20th June 2003
Artsmith exhibition creates a big impression - Two Saturdays to
meet the artist
The
eagerly anticipated display of work by local artist Julian
Smith, has been greeted with enthusiastic praise from scores of
visitors during its first two weeks at the Swanson Gallery,
Thurso. The appreciative audiences have been captivated by
the selection of strong and colourful paintings as well as a
unique and thought provoking multi-media animation which echoes
the "Moving images" theme and, for many, has brought the whole
show to life.
19th June 2003
Stemster Farm From The Air
Aerial
Views Index
"Sustainable Forestry,
Biodiversity and Biomass" Money Might Grow On Your Trees
Expert speakers have been invited from Forward Scotland,
Highland Birchwoods, Nordic Enterprise Trust, AMEC, Integrated
Energy Utilities Limited, SVS Composting, Forest Enterprise,
British Geological Survey, the North Highland Leader+
Partnership. They will share their knowledge on the new
technologies and business potential identified for sustainable
forestry/biodiversity and biomass utilizing industries and
processes. The Seminar is open to organisations/agencies
involved with economic development, small businesses, local
forestry groups, community woodland groups, community
organisations, land owners, farmers and crofters. Please
note strictly bookings only.
CAITHNESS
YOUNGSTERS WIN TRIP TO FUSION RESEARCH CENTRE
Young
scientists from a Caithness school have made a flying visit to
the centre of pioneering fusion research at Culham in
Oxfordshire. Stuart Campbell (14) from Wick High School
travelled with a friend and teacher to the UKAEA site after
winning the top prize in a competition during the Caithness
Science Festival. The competition was designed to inspire and
encourage youngsters to consider the relevance and impact of
science on everyday life, and to consider science and
engineering as a career.
Want To
See A Deltic Locomotive In Caithness?
Monday
23 June 2003 A special train will descend on
both Wick and Thurso on Monday 23rd June. It is really a
"very special" as it will be hauled by a deltic loco - actually
two-- 55019 and 55009 - and should arrive in the early hours of
morning morning--certainly before 8 am. The train is being
run by the Deltic Preservation Society and will be on a four day
tour of Scotland. It's Wick first then Thurso after
that down the road to Dingwall for a trip to Kyle. Those
interested in local railways will want to see the train.
18th June 2003
North MSP Rob
Gibson Challenges Scottish Executive On Patient - Public
Involvement
Rob Gibson MSP for Highlands and Islands challenged the urgency
and democracy of attempts by the Scottish Executive to create a
belated move towards more Patient Focus and Public Involvement [
Motion S2M -154]. Wed pm 18 June The rights of patients to
have easy and speedy answers to their questions about the health
services they receive has to be greatly improved. We have to
protect staff from harassment, but the culture of consultation
must be far more open and inclusive than recent examples
indicate. In his speech he highlighted the tortuous lessons
learned from the current responses by the Highland NHS Primary
Care Trust to the dental crisis in Caithness.
Balmore Animal Centre Dog Walk Breaks Records
The Dog Walk organised last Sunday by the Local Branch of the
Scottish SPCA at Thurso was a great success over double last
years figure. The Branch officials would like to thank all
the walkers and their dogs; those who helped and those who
contributed to this achievement, over £1360 raised making this
one of the best events ever.
Scrabster Pier From The Air As Completion Approaches
Scrabster Pier Pages
WORDS FOR WINNING WRITER
The Gaelic writer Angus
Peter Campbell has been appointed to the prestigious Iain Crichton Smith
Writing Fellowship which is funded by The Highland Council, the Scottish
Arts Council, Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise and Ross and Cromarty
Enterprise. Mr Campbell, who is
originally from South Uist, but now lives in Sleat on the Isle of Skye
takes over the post from the previous writing fellow, Kevin MacNeil. Mr Campbell said, Its a
tremendous honour to be awarded this fellowship, which the previous
writer, Kevin MacNeil, held with such distinction.
Rhind House Store In Wick Gutted By Fire
About 2000 hrs on Tuesday 17 June 2003 , three units of the Fire Brigade
attended a fire within an outbuilding adjacent to Rhind House, Education
Department, West Banks Avenue ,Wick. The building is used as a storeroom for the Education
Department and was extensively damaged as a result of the fire. It
is believed nothing of importance was stored in the building as records of
any interest were kept in Rhind house itself and early records had been
transferred to the North highland Archive at Wick Library.
Wick School Kids Plant Flowers In Market Square
A few children from each of the four Wick primary schools -
Pulteneytown Academy, Hillhead, North And South were out
planting up the tubs in Wick despite the blustery wet weather.
The tubs are supplied by the Wick Flower Baskets committee and
were first put out last summer in the town centre.
A Stroll Round Inverness Kicks Off A Highland Gallery
St
Magnus Festival - Over The Pentland Firth
20 - 25 June 2003 Celebrities, premieres, community
performances and isles excursions are just some of the
ingredients of Orkney's prestigious midsummer celebration of the
arts.
17th June 2003
Motor Neurone Disease Awareness Week Featuring On Caithness
Nerve Centre Web Site
While you are over check out the
Far North Golf Challenge that will take place on 1 July with
12 players doing all
four Caithness golf courses in one day.
Gala Days and Weeks To Come In
Caithness
OK folks you have 6 weeks to think up an idea for a float
or costume for Thurso
Gala who have their programme in the section. Wick
Gala this year could see a big turn out especially as there are
lots of new places for the parties afterwards. Two new
pubs and the Backer Club has been refurbished so Wick could be
bouncing on Gala night this year. Some have been planning
their float for months . Have you got your ideas together
yet.
Massed Pipe Bands Inverness
Wick Pipe Band was amongst the massed bands on Saturday at
Falcon Square beside the new shopping complex at Eastgate,
Inverness Castle and around the streets - 36
Pictures Now In.
HIE PLEDGES £500,000 EXTRA
HELP FOR BROADBAND UPGRADES
Up to 1,300 businesses and community groups across the
Highlands and Islands are in line to share £500,000 worth of
grants to help them upgrade to broadband telecommunications.
The area's development agency, Highlands and Islands Enterprise
(HIE), is making the funding available to accelerate the take-up
of broadband services in the region.
IT Firm Helps Highland Businesses Save £10,000
Leading Scottish IT consultancy, Escape, will next month show businesses
throughout the
Highlands and Islands how they could shave
almost £10,000 off their IT and internet bills by using new ADSL internet
technology.
Halkirk Man's Car Took Best In Show At Alness
Edward
Sutherland from Halkirk took the Best In Show award at the Alness Vintage,
Historic and Classic Car Rally on Sunday. Edward's car seen in the
picture with him is a Riley 2.5 Roadster
The Jungle Clearances
At Ormlie
An area which is commonly known by the children and young people of Ormlie
as 'The Jungle' appropriately so, as the weeds were as high as the wall in
the summer. The Highland Council kindly removed the top surface and
provided plastic sheeting to cover the weeds, whilst MM Miller, Building
Contractor, Wick provided.
16th June 2003
Dancing In Caithness
Ceilidh Dancing at Halkirk Wednesday evenings at 8pm John
Mackay is the man to contact - 01847 831 718. It's great fun!
Do you know of other groups not listed in our dancing section. just
email it in to get it added to the section. there is more
dancing in Caithness than folk imagine and it covers many different sorts.
Make it easier to find by sending in details for both children and adults.
Halkirk Gala - One That Got Away
We
may take a lot of pictures but inevitably we cannot be everywhere.
So if you have a picture or more that you would like added to a Gala
section or indeed anywhere on the web site for everyone to see then just
email it to us and we will add it to the section. If unsure
about what to send just check with us regarding file sizes etc.
Blood
Donations Take On Extra Urgency
Tuesday 17th June 2003 THURSO, Dounreay Sports & Social Club, Duncan St
2.00pm 4.00pm & 5.00pm 8.00pm. An extra urgency has come on all
blood collection services to cover a shortfall likely to be caused by the
threat of West Nile disease meaning travellers who visit America this
summer will not be allowed to donate blood for a month after they return.
Telford Street, Wick - Being Partly Rebuilt
Part of Telford Street and Miller Street are now being rebuilt. New
modern houses are being put behind the old stone walls. The
project is controlled by Pentland Housing with M M Miller of Wick carrying
out the contracting. Much more of Telford's Wick is to be
upgraded over the next few years.
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT BRINGS WINDFALL FOR CAITHNESS GENERAL HOSPITAL
Health services in the far north have picked up a near
£8,000 windfall from the decommissioning of Dounreay. The money was collected from
companies and individuals working on the construction of new office
accommodation and donated to the Bignold Wing at Caithness General
Hospital in Wick for the purchase of equipment. The construction team wanted to
mark the completion of the project by giving something back to the
community, as UKAEA project manager Mark Aitken explained.
Caithness Vintage Vehicles Come Out On Top At Alness Rally
Caithness
vintage car owners were rewarded well at the Alness Vintage and Historic
Vehicles rally on Sunday coming out top in several. Halkirk owners
in particular stood out taking several top positions.
Summer
Days In Caithness
As seen in the weather statistics below Caithness is having one of
its better years for weather. These pictures from Mike Brunton also
prove that Caithness is enjoying a good year as farmers are racing ahead
of normal with the hay making at Huna. Houston's mill near john
O'Groats as ever makes for some great pictures.
Wick Weather
Statistics
Mar - May 2003
A mild spring is being followed up as things are looking good at the
moment for the summer with all but one day this month where the highest
daily temperature has not broken 60oF (15.6oC).
Martin Duffy's records certainly prove we are in one of our better years.
15th June 2003
Oral Health
Links
As Halkiirk Gala highlighted the lack of dentists in Caithness we
thought we had better build some links to encourage you all to brush your
teeth more often to save your health, emergency treatment (getting harder
to find) and cash - it's getting more expensive if you need lots of
treatment. If
people dressed as teeth make you laugh then you may not have yet had a
problem. Try to improve your oral health by taking care of your
teeth by checking what you eat and drink and brushing your own and
especially your children's teeth. Less sweets and sugar, less fizzy
drinks and brush those pegs and
well done teeth people.
Halkirk
Centenary Highland Games Could Be Biggest Yet
Saturday 26 July - Opening Ceremony 12.15pm - The 100th Halkirk Highland Games looks set to smash the records for
attendances in recent years. The committee are setting the biggest
prize money at a Highland games and competitors are expected from far and
wide. All the usual track and heavy events with piping and dancing
competitions. In addition a surprise event is being organised.
To coincide with the 100th anniversary a special commemorative book is being
produced at a cost of only £5. Orders are being take via the web
site so get your order in now before it is sold out or take your chances
of getting one on the day. Caithness.Org will be there hoping to
take more pictures than ever of this 100th Halkirk Highland Games.
see you all there
Halkirk Gala - Thurso Pipe Band
Halkirk Gala - The Big Band Got Halkirk In The Mood
Halkirk Gala Floats
There were plenty of teeth floating around as well as a whole float on the
subject of Lack Of Dentists in Caithness. If you are a dentist
looking for work in the Highlands
Step This Way. Floats also had a go at the new Scrabster
Pier which has had a series of problems and is long past its completion
date. Two topics that are likely to have further outings at Wick and
Thurso Galas later in the summer.
14th June 2003
Fresh Futures
Transforming Your Space
A new grant programme on behalf of the New Opportunities fund is
designed to help communities improve their local environments by making
them safer, healthier, greener, cleaner , better designed, more welcoming
and accessible to all. A total fund of £4.3 million is now
available. Groups have two years to make an application with the
final deadline on 31 March 2005. Grants can be from £20,000 to
£300,000 although grants in excess of £100,000 are likely to be offered to
projects with high numbers of beneficiaries. More information at
www.fresh-futures.org.uk
Halkirk Gala Children's Fancy Dress
South School Nursery Mural Painting Day
South
School Nursery Class were assisted in painting a mural on the wall outside
the nursery at south School by Canadian artist Monique Sliedrecht who has
been working for the past 18 months at Freswick Castle. the kids
were clearly having great fun using their hands to get right down to work.
Monique currently has work on show at an exhibition in Helmsdale entitled
Out
Of Freswick until 27 June.
13th June 2003
E-ACCESS BULLETIN. ISSUE 42, JUNE 2003
Technology news for people with vision impairment
Dunrobin Castle And Gardens Open For Charity On Saturday
Saturday
14 June 10.30am - 5.30pm last admission 5.00pm Admission £6.50 OAp £5.70
and children £4.50
40% to Cancer Research and 60% net to SGS charities. The castle and
gardens are open seven days a week in the summer.
A Walk Duncansby Stacks to Skirza
Sunday 15 June - Caithness Field Club -
Leaving Wick and Thurso Railway Stations at 9.15am meeting at
Duncansby Stacks car park. Calum MacKenzie will lead (01847
893754) All welcome. Wear strong boots or shoes, take
waterproofs and snacks.
Take a look the other way round
DUNBEATH CHRISTMAS LIGHTS FUND FUN DAY
Saturday 21 June Prizes for Best Decorated Float. Parade leaving Market Hill at 1pm
Prizes for Its a Knock Out Competition! - Bouncy Castle - Bottle
Stall - Refreshments, Raffle, etc
HIAL Board Reviews Progress at Kirkwall Airport
Progress on developments at Kirkwall Airport were reviewed today (Friday
13 June 2003) by the directors of Highlands and Islands Airports Limited
during their June board meeting in Orkney. Board members toured the
airport and met staff during their visit on Thursday prior to their formal
meeting today. Airport staff members were also praised for their
performance over the past year that saw passenger numbers at the airport
increase by 15% to 111,445 for year ending 31 March 2003.
Scottish Parliamentary Committees Heading For Gender Balance
We are no where near it in Caithness with one woman against nine men on
Highland Council and even at community council level there is one woman
chair and nine men out of the ten. Should this be an issue for
Caithness. Remember that there are many public bodies with a heavy
male representation. Should more women be learning the ropes on
local committees and groups before going on to represent their communities
both at local and national level.
Thurso Boy Gets Biggest Trout
12 year old, Scott Mackenzie, of 8 Shebster
Court, Thurso caught last night (Wednesday 11th June) on the Thurso River,
at the pool in front of the Royal British Legion. It weighed in at
just over 2.5lbs and it is believed to be one of the biggest trout to be
caught in the Legion Pool.
Tatties With Attitude
Does
the most commonly used vegetable in the UK get a second look in
your garden.. Mike Clark is well on with his own trials
aimed at getting the crop in early and with bags of flavour.
Do you just buy "Spuds" or can you remember when tatties
had their own taste and texture.
Halkirk Gala -
Busy Friday Night and Saturday
Lots of fun at Halkirk as the gala week races on.
why not go along and join in the fun tonight or tomorrow.
Saturday night has the crowning ceremony with entertainment from
the "Big Band" and Thurso Pipe Band
Homeaid Has
A New Web Site
Homeaid the local group recycling furniture for folk who
need it have a new web site. If you are disposing of any
household goods that are still basically in good condition give
them call and they will uplift the items. If they cannot
use something they may renovate it and sell it to raise funds..
HIGHLAND HEATWAVE LASTS
SEVENTY-TWO MILLION YEARS
Inverness Museum The Age of Fishes until the 8th August
The opening hours are Monday to Saturday 9am-5pm.
Inverness might have felt a little warm over the last few days,
but during the Devonian Period the Highlands lay in the middle
of a sandy desert as hot as North Africa is today.
12th June 2003
HIGHLAND COUNCIL INTRODUCES
A SCOTTISH FIRST IN WASTE RECYCLING
The introduction of Highland Councils new state of the
art Kerbsider waste recycling vehicle is not only the first of
its kind on the streets of Inverness and Badenoch & Strathspey
it is, claims the Councils Transport, Environmental and
Community Services, the first in operation in Scotland. As
part of the Councils commitment to reach the Scottish
Executives National Waste Plan 25% recycling targets by 2006,
householders on pilot routes in Inverness and the Aviemore and
Boat of Garten areas of Badenoch & Strathspey are being invited
to participate in the Kerbsider pilot scheme.
The Caithness and Sutherland Vintage Vehicle Club
The Caithness and Sutherland Vintage Vehicle Club held their first run on
Sunday. Leaving from the harbour at Thurso at 2.30 and
travelling to Georgemas then to Smerral and round by Houstry and Inver to
a stop at Laidhay Museum. The final part of the run was to the Portland Arms in
Lybster for a meal. Fortunately the weather stayed dry and everyone made it
safely home.
RESIDENTS URGED TO
HELP COUNCIL PLAN BETTER DELIVERY OF SERVICES
This week 7,000 individuals throughout the Highlands, chosen at
random from the edited electoral roll, will be asked to help the
council plan for better delivery of services in the region.
They will be receiving copies of The Highland Councils
Performance Survey 2003, which invites them to complete and
return a questionnaire on Council services.
GAELIC
SELECT COMMITTEE RECOGNISES IMPORTANCE OF LANGUAGE AND CULTURE
The Highland Council has established a Gaelic Select
Committee to recognise the significance of current developments
to promote a Gaelic Language Bill and to reflect the importance
which the Council attaches to Gaelic matters. Elected
Chairman of the Select Committee is Councillor Hamish Fraser,
Skye Central, who is Depute Chairman of the Education Culture
and Sport Committee, with responsibility for Gaelic.
Wick High
1965 - Two Reunions - Edinburgh and Wick
The class of 1965 who started Wick High School in that year are holding
two reunions this month. The first will be held in the Thistle Hotel,
Edinburgh on Saturday 21st June, 2003 at 6.30 p.m. and the second for
people who cannot travel to Edinburgh will be in the Norseman Hotel, Wick,
on Friday 27th June at 7.30 p.m.
Winner Of the Painting By Richard Arrowsmith
- New Competition For Prints
Yesterday was
the closing date for my competition to win 'The Old Man of Wick' original
framed acrylic painting. Out of 160 entries the person who won
is Eileen Willox, from Aberdeen. Another competition is on the web
site, this time to win limited edition prints of Thurso East and Wick
Fountain & Bridge paintings. The closing date is the 10th July.
11th June 2003
Lyth Arts Centre Presents -Michael Marra in "Silence"
We are pleased to welcome Michael Marra back to the county. he has
made a big reputation for himself over the years as one of Scotland's more
individual singer-songwriters.
MADD Society
Presents - "Back To The 80's"
Tuesday 10 June - Friday 13 June At Wick high School another smash
hit show is almost ready to hit the boards. Tickets £5/£3 from Poltney
News or D R Simpson newsagents. or Cards N Things.
10th June 2003
IMPACT OF PROPOSED INDUSTRIAL ACTION BY NURSERY STAFF
Fifty one nursery classes across Highland will be affected by
industrial action being taken on Wednesday 11th and Thursday12th by
nursery auxiliaries and assistants.
The Highland Council has been advised that 61 nursery assistants and 48
auxiliaries intend taking industrial action, which will result in 1,200
pupils losing a pre-school session on these days.
Classes affected on both days are:-
Caithness: Hillhead, Mount Pleasant, North and Pennyland Nurseries.
Sutherland: Bonar Bridge, Bonar Bridge Gaelic Medium, Brora, Dornoch,
Gledfield, Helmsdale, Melvich, and Rosehall Nurseries.
excavate : overlay
excavate : overlay is an artist-led project taking place in a number of
locations on the east side of Caithness between 25 June and 2 July this
year. It brings art, archaeology and anthropology together through the
investigation of selected archaeological features at the Yarrows and at
Dunbeath. A series of free events invites the public to view the project
at various stages in its development - a chance to see some of the
processes, knowledge and skills involved in contemporary art and
archaeology up close. It also offers the opportunity for local people to
contribute to the project by sharing their knowledge, images and memories
of these sites.
9th June 2003
Isabella Fortuna Back In The Water
A
44 foot long Fifie built in Arbroath in 1890, restored in Wick lifeboat
shed in 1998 and now back in the water after more work.
Toil - Images Of Working Life & Joan Eardley- Two Exhibitions In
One
St Fergus Gallery,
Wick - Until 14 June
Walking, Walking, Walking
Keep Fit, Have Fun And See Caithness and Bits of Sutherland
Locals or visitors are spoilt for choice once again with a whole
host of walks in coming weeks and months.
Why not get out with folk who know the area and make sure you don't miss
the interesting bits with
Caithness
Field Club,
Caithness
Waybaggers or the
Highland Rangers In Caithness. Three programmes to
choose from and all are happy to see visitors. Depending on the walk you
will encounter cliffs, castles, history, plants, seashore, hills, forests,
stacks and much more in many parts of Caithness and Sutherland. So
why not make a point of noting a few dates on the calendar now and get out
and about. the telly will always be there in the winter. It's summer so get "oot an aboot"
Latest Updates For Thurso High 79 - 85 Reunion
Updates to who is now attending and names on a photograph
Play Groups Visit Dounreay
Castletown Playgroup and Ormlie Pre-School Group
recently visited the Dounreay Visitor Centre. During their visit they saw
a dog display by the UKAEA Constabulary's dog "Jack", and had rides in the
fire engine, ambulance and police car. They are pictured with members of
the emergency services and Marie Mackay from Dounreay Communications who
organised their visit.
GREAT RESPONSE TO WILDLIFE WEEK
During the recent Highland Wild Encounters week, organised by The Highland
Council's Planning And Development's Countryside Ranger Service, over 250
people took part in 27 different events based around Highland wildlife.
As well as attracting local people, wildlife enthusiasts from throughout
the UK made the long journey north to Caithness and Sutherland, some
travelling from as far as Essex and Kent.
8th June 2003
Wick To Whaligoe With Caithness Waybaggers
Thurso West Ladies Choir
At The Caithness Music Festival
Thurso
West Ladies Choir presented a cheque for £350 to Louise Shakespeare,
towards the Macmillan Cancer Fund. Accompanist Betty Maxwell handed over
another £350 cheque, this time to Frances Purves of the Caithness Dialysis
Support Group. The cheques were from the proceeds of a highly
successful concert hosted by the choir in March. The presentation took
place following Thurso West Ladies Choir's win in the Caithness Music
Festival at Thurso High School.
Halkirk Gala - Fun Run And Races - 71 Pictures
a lovely afternoon in Halkirk made it a fine day for the fun run and
children's races at the start of Gala Week. A full programme
of events throughout the coming week leads up to the crowning of the Gala
Queen on Saturday.
Artsmith
Exhibition, Private View Night Is A Huge Success
The first night of the Artsmith 'moving images' exhibition in the Swanson
Gallery Thurso, was widely acclaimed as a resounding success. The
appreciative audience was treated to a selection of strong and colourful
paintings as well as a sensitive and moving multi-media display which
brought the whole show to life.
Wick High School Reunion 1977
Mandy Scudder (nee Miller) has set
another reunion rolling. The date is set for 21 August 2004 in
Mackays Hotel. Send in your old school photos for the new section in
the run up to the date. If you would like to send in a story about
your school days we will add it to the section. Keep up with old
friends in the
Message Board Reunion page set going by Mandy
7th June 2003
Dunnet Gets Own Tourist Information Point
Dunnet
got its own Tourist Information Point when a group gathered for the
official opening in the old Dunnet Tearooms. On a very sunny evening
Bill Fernie cut the tape to declare the Information Point open during a
cheese and wine party. The centre will have a wide range of
leaflets on Dunnet and Caithness.
Ex Castletown Jessie Page Celebrates 77th Birthday In Australia
Jessie Sutherland Page Nee' Campbell from Castletown. Her husband,
seen with her is Alec Archie Page - Roy to his friends. John
Page their son is also in Australia and works at Whyalla university.
Where
They Went
6th June 2003
Two Evening Walks Next Week At Holborn And Dunnet
Organised walks with the Highland Rangers are free so why not get
out and see the countryside and see what is around the coastline.
Check the Rangers pages regularly as more walks are being added throughout
the summer months.
Chanter Winners At The Music Festival
Halkirk Gala Week
Sunday 8 June - Saturday 14 June the gala in Halkirk kicks off with
the Fun Run and children's races on Sunday with events happening every
evening in the village until Saturday 14th when the day starts with a
coffee morning, art competition and children's Fancy Dress. the
finale is the Pipe Band in Bridge Street followed by the Gala Queen
Crowning, parade of floats and a "Big Band" performance.
A Quick Look At Timespan Heritage Centre
If you have not been at Timespan for a while it is well worth a visit to
see new exhibits in the heritage centre and the garden is now coming into
bloom. the cafeteria is light and airy and provides a welcome seat
for a snack or a drink.
New Helmsdale Picture Gallery
A
few new pictures of Helmsdale in our picture gallery format that is still
gradually spreading throughout the web site. More pictures of
Helmsdale and the surrounding area will be added here at a later date
5th June 2003
HIAL Managing Director
Addresses UK Aviation Industry on Regulatory Burden
The need to strike a reasonable balance between regulatory control, safety
standards and airport operations was highlighted at the prestigious
Aviation Club of the UK in London today (5 June 2003). Bob
Macleod, managing director of Highlands and Islands Airports Limited
addressed the gathering of leading aviation industry figures on the
subject of amelioration and compared the regulatory approach in the UK to
other countries where regional airports are more cost effective to run.
Out of Freswick: Recent Work
By Artists In Caithness
Several
artists who have been working out of Freswick Castle over the past year
have come together to create an extraordinary show at the Timespan Gallery
in Helmsdale this month. Monique Sliedrecht, Trevor Wight, Angela McGahan
and Rob and Marcia Hengeveld contribute recent work made at and inspired
by the castle, supplemented by atmospheric photography by Murray Watts
4th June 2003
NEW
SKILLS OFFERED TO LOCAL FIRMS
Businesses across the Highlands and Islands are being offered extra help
this summer to carry out short-term projects which could produce lasting
benefits. The Shell Technology Enterprise Programme (STEP) matches
skilled undergraduates with a wide range of businesses to address a
specific need within each company. Students taking part in the programme
are skilled in a variety of disciplines, from marketing and product
development to IT and accountancy. Each placement lasts for eight weeks,
beginning in July 2003. This is the first year that the scheme has been
available throughout the Highlands and Islands. Applications to
participate in the scheme are being taken now.
SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY BIOMASS AND BIODIVERSITY SEMINAR, CAITHNESS
25 JUNE 2003 The Highland Council will host a one day
seminar "Sustainable Forestry Biomass and Biodiversity" on
Wednesday 25 June at the Portland Arms Hotel, Lybster,
Caithness. Expert
speakers have been invited from Forward Scotland, Highland
Birchwoods, Nordic Enterprise Trust, AMEC, Integrated Energy
Utilities Limited, SVS Composting, Forest Enterprise, National
Farmers Union, British Geological Survey, Highlands & Islands Enterprise,
and the North Highland Leader+ Partnership.
Great
Glen Challenge By Canoe
Several of the Rolls Royce Employees on the Vulcan site are
shortly to undertake the Great Glen Challenge, a marathon
65-mile paddle in canoes from Inverness to Fort William through
the Great Glen. The paddlers hope to raise several thousand
pounds and local firms are being asked to sponsor the marathon.
All monies raised will be split evenly between three local
charities, the Thurso based Monday Club which aids local
handicapped people, the Epilepsy Partnership in Caithness &
Sutherland and the Caithness General Hospital League of Friends.
HI-TECH TREE HOUSE SET TO ATTRACT GLOBAL ATTENTION
No one ever had a tree house like this as a child - larger than
your average wooden house with all the latest hi-tech equipment!
However, at Ackergill Tower near Wick they have just that.
The finishing touches to the Tree House, situated in the grounds
of Ackergill Tower, are now complete and the facility looks set
to attract even more business to the area from across the globe.
3rd June 2003
Keiss, Bower And Crossroads At The Music Festival
Caithness 50th Music Festival In Full Swing
Lyth Arts Centre
Presents -Michael Marra in "Silence"
Pentland Hotel, Princes Street, Thurso.
We are pleased to welcome Michael Marra back to the county.
he has made a big reputation for himself over the years as one
of Scotland's more individual singer-songwriters.
2nd June 2003
East
End Under 8's On Victory Trail
League season well
under way. U8s have won both their games so far. 12 games to be
be played in total.
1st June 2003
The Round Britain Experience - 2500 Mile Yacht Training Course
In Wick
harbour today was the 38 foot yacht with a crew on an experience
of a lifetime, the chance to circumnavigate the British Isles
whilst learning all the skills of yacht cruising. Participants
are learning all the skills needed to become skilled and
qualified yachtsmen
Caithness United Football Club Web Site
Another Caithness football team joins our growing list of
teams with a web site for all of their news and pictures.
The football teams web sites are to be found on our
Football Links page,
Caithness Web Sites and shortly in our
Caithness
Sports Pages
CO-OP SUPPORT FOR NEW WICK PLAYGROUND
The
Co-op community dividend Fund has contributed £2000 towards the
cost of the new playground being created at the Bignold Park,
wick by the Wick Play Areas Community Group. David
Richard-Jones Caithness member of the Co-op Northern Area
committee presented a cheque for the £2000 donation to Allan
Tait, Chairman of the Play Areas Group.
TEACHER DRUG AWARENESS TRAINING TO BENEFIT HIGHLAND PUPILS
Pupils
throughout Highland schools needing advice on drugs issues will
soon find support at hand from their teachers who are receiving
drugs-related awareness training. This year, thirty staff
from schools throughout the Highlands are being trained by a
team funded by Scotland Against Drugs and the Education Culture
and Sport Service to improve their knowledge and understanding
of local drug issues, including signs and symptoms of drug use
among young people. Teachers from Caithness attending the
drugs awareness training were Anne Macbeath, Wick High, John
Glen Thurso High, and Elizabeth Wilson Wick High.
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