March Of The Highlander - Photos Of Jim Findlay At Inverness Visiting The Hospice

Latest Towhead Comes Through Wick
Another towhead heading for the Wester Yard to be joined with a new pipeline.  This latest towhead came in by barge and was nudged into the upgraded pier at Wick harbour by a tug. Next morning the towhead was taken off by a crane from Simpsons and moved slowly up Scalesburn and into Willowbank before heading out of town.

Halkirk Highland Games Final Photos 253 - 264

Halkirk Games 217 - 228   229 - 240  241 - 252

Halkirk Games 181 - 192      193 - 204   205 - 216
 

Games 145 - 156   157 - 168    169 - 180 Baby Show Starts

Halkirk Games 109 - 120         121 - 132                           133 - 144

Halkirk Games 73 - 84    85 - 96    97 - 108

Halkirk Games 37 - 48      49 - 60   61 - 72
 

Halkirk Games 1 - 12    13 - 24      25 - 36

Wick High 1965 Reunion At Mackays Hotel Last Night
From the organisers - Organisers wish to thank everyone who attended for a wonderful night. For those who decided not to come you missed yourselves. For Rhona who missed through ill health.....hope you are feeling better ? (we missed you) For those who bought tickets and chose not to come.......well what can we ALL say? Class of '65 had a great night out and I think a repeat is a certainty. Cheers to you all.

30 July 2005

CRACKING DOWN ON ILLEGAL DUMPING
Scotland’s environment watchdog is joining forces with a host of agencies in a bid to target illegal dumpers during a week long enforcement campaign.  From 1-8 August, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is taking part in the Scottish Flytipping Forum Enforcement Week, aimed at cracking down on businesses and individuals who flaunt the law by disposing of their rubbish irresponsibly.  In addition to carrying out surveillance operations at well known fly tipping hotspots, SEPA, local authorities and the police will also stop and search vehicles thought to be carrying waste without a licence.

The Gartymore Story - Timespan Centre, Helmsdale
If you have not been to Timespan for a while you will not have seen an interesting addition to the centre.  A room dedicated to The Gartymore Story has a well laid out section of items from houses and crofts combined with information about the place, the church and its people.  The centre has a nice cafeteria for anyone wanting a snack on the way back and forth to Caithness.  They are open 7 days a week and have an art gallery with changing exhibitions throughout the year.  The centre also runs workshops and has one of our locally based paper making artists Joanne Kaar featuring on 18 August - Taiwan Experience Workshop 

29 July 2005

Halkirk Highland Games Saturday 30 July  12.15pm - Ready For Another Great Year
The Halkirk Highland Games goes from strength to strength in recent years.  Competitors are being encouraged by the rising prize money on offer.  Last year it rose to the highest ever at a total of £15000.  But the committee have set their sites on encouraging athletes to make the trip north and this year total prize money will be £20,000.  This years will see two SGA Scottish Championship events; throwing the 28lb weight for distance and the 2,000m cycle race.  As the prize money has risen to new levels it has attracted some of the top heavies to a new event Champion of Champions International Heavy Event. Eight of the World's best heavy athletes will battle it out for this new title and a first prize of £500, the largest purse ever offered at Halkirk. Fierce competition is expected between 4 Americans, three Scots and one Icelander who will be pitting their skills and strengths against each other in what will undoubtedly be a major spectacle for the expected 5,000 crowd.  The clan Sinclair from round the world have been in Caithness this week and they will all be at the games on Saturday.  Clans Sinclair and Gunn will have their usual tents amongst the growing number of marquees and tents hosting hospitality.  Beer tents and food will no doubt be busier than ever as will the fair ground.  It all looks set for another great day.  We hope to bring you photos later on Saturday evening before we are off to the Wick Gala Fireworks display at riverside.  Goodness knows what we will do in August after one of the busiest July's ever.  Are their only 28,000 people in the whole county  - seems like they are heck of busy - if they are not getting dressed up for fun or into kilts and out with the bagpipes then they are jumping off huge structures for charity whether its chimneys in Wick or cranes in Thurso - must be all the Caithness fresh air.   See you at the games tomorrow or if you cannot make that there is always "Fair in Square" in Wick - Games Events
2004 Halkirk Highland Games Photos    2003 Halkirk Highland Games Photos   2002 Photos

Wick Gala Open Golf Tournament
Another successful Wick Gala Open Golf Tournament was played yesterday at Wick Golf Course.  Some Americans touring northern golf courses were surprised and delighted to be able to take part in the competition.  They had played at a number of courses including Dornoch and Nairn and one of them B Field won the open handicap competition.  Results

Orcas Still Being Spotted Off Caithness
The guys over at North Coast Marine Adventures are having some great times this year with seemingly an endless run of whales and other sea creatures this year.  These shots of an orca were take north of the Swilkie near Stroma.  You might not see an orca but a high speed boat trip round Stroma is great fun.

Bunjee Jump At Thurso Raises Cash For MacMillan Cancer Relief

Bungee jump organised by Fiona Mackay and Claire Calder, held on Sunday in Thurso.  55 people did the 50 metre jump for charity raising over £12,000 for MacMillan Cancer Relief. A football tournament between Rangers, Celtic and Aberdeen supporters was also held and was won by the Aberdeen supporters. The girls plan to do it all again next year, but they are looking at making it almost double the height!

28 July 2005

A FIRST AT THE EIGHTH IN LYBSTER
Golfers taking part in the Lybster Open this Saturday (30 July 2005) will be making history, as the new 8th green is used in an open competition for the first time.  The old 8th green at Lybster Golf Club, which all previous visitors to the club will undoubtedly recall, has been the basis for many a golfing lament and the justification for the non-return of many a scorecard over the years. As it lay on an interesting slope, if the wind was blowing from the top to the bottom of the green, as it often does, getting a ball to stop was often only possible if it found the hole!

Tickets For Castle of Mey Cocktail Party In aid Of Canisbay and Dunnet Day Care Centre
There are still some tickets available for this event which is on September 2nd from 7.0 PM to 9.0 PM. The Caithness Junior Pipe Band will play at the front of the Castle and the Caithness Ladies' Gaelic choir will welcome you in. John Thurso will say a few words, drinks and nibbles will be served, plus a look around the Castle if you wish. An auction with a wide range of exciting items will be held and finally the currently running Grand Draw will be held. Complete details of all items to be auctioned will be listed two weeks before the party and commission bids from those not able to attend will be accepted. For tickets telephone 01847851364 or contact any committee member of the Canisbay and Dunnet Day Care Centre. 

27 July 2005

Caithness Arts Week Comes Into View - 30 July - 7 August
Unlike other arts festivals that have come and gone in Caithness this new Arts Week has taken a much more low key approach.  But it might be a shame to miss what may turn out to be some gems in the Arts year in the north.  Local group Scotia Review Presents - BARLEY BREE STRATH & SEA and is a locally based production with some well known names.  Some events are pay at the door or by advance booking.  Phone ahead to make sure you get in. 

Battlemoss Excavations Web diary 24th July 2005 - The Final Week
The final week of the excavation began with a distinct change in the weather unfortunately. Nevertheless, we ploughed on with the digging and recording. We spent several days investigating the section between the kerbing and the central section, removing all of the small cairn material to reveal a layer of boulders and large slabs butting up against the outer edge of the central setting.

Summer Camp For The Caithness Army Cadets
Another successful summer camp was attended by members of the Caithness Army Cadet Force at Altcar near Liverpool.  The young folk were accompanied by adult leaders from Caithness.  As well as the competitions on the firing range and drill teams they still managed time for a day out to Alton Towers making for two weeks of fitness and fun.

Fancy Dress At Braehead Keeps Wick Gala Swinging Along

Last night saw a big crowd out to see the children in fancy dress at Braehead above the harbour at Wick.  The costume ideas were as adventurous as ever with a few comments on local affairs like the closure of the caravan site etc.  Humour and fun were well to the fore and despite cool evening it was another fun event for the kids and adults alike.

Wick Main Gala Photos Start Here

26 July 2005

Holy Trinity Amenity Group - Some Good Advice for Potential Students And Their Parents
The HTAG web site is run by Isabelle Thurley (nee Bruce) living in Guildford and originally from Wick and is aimed at her local community.  Today she has posted a very interesting piece on student loans and well worth any parent thinking about if their children are likely to go to university and get involved in student loans which can be very expensive if not handled carefully.  Basically the earlier you start saving the less student loan you might need youngsters to take on with all that debts can involve.

Everyone A Winner At Wick Gala Baby Show

Boss Hogg Won Pulse Heat Bands Competition But Cannot Make Final
Boss Hogg one of the most popular bands in the north won the local heat of the Pulse Heat Bands competition on Saturday at Viewfirth in Thurso. Unfortunately due to other commitments they cannot head for the final at Mad Hatters in Inverness on Saturday. They have asked runners up Curium to go in

25 July 2005

More Records Broken - Second Day In A Row
Monday 25 July
Hits 1,389,378   Visitors 17,881  Page Views 712,079
Visitor numbers to the web site reached the highest ever on Monday 25 July 2005 with 17,881 visits being recorded.  Page views and hits were only slightly down on the day before but were still the second highest only slightly down on Sundays record breaking totals.  The Daily average for July continues to make July heading for an even bigger record breaking month than we have ever seen on Caithness.org
July Totals to 25 July  - Hits 14,152,439    Visitors 355,829   Page Views 6,685,936
Caithness.org looks likely to reach over 3 million visitors in 2005 and pages viewed possibly breaking 120 million. Burrowing down in to the stats shows that the What's On has had almost one million page views this year already and the Caithness Business Index 2.7million lookups.  2005 looks set to breach 3 million visitors with a possible page view total in excess of 20 million.  Thanks To everyone for the continuing and growing support for looking in and o all our many contributors.

LYBSTER GOLF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOR DAVIE AND ALEX
Two of Lybster Golf Club's finest, Eric Larnach and Davie Nicolson, provided a wonderful display of golf during the 36-hole club championship final last Saturday.   Starting like the train in the club's logo, Davie had built a 5-hole lead by the 10th, which Eric had reduced to 4 by the end of the first round. A determined competitor, Eric fought back with an excellent response, which saw him totally turn the tables and take a one-hole lead midway through the second round. Davie, however, produced another surge to secure the match at the 34th, 3 up with 2 to play, to win the Cormack Cup.

North Action Group Maternity Campaign Raffle
North Action Group fighting to retain a 24 hour seven day consultant led maternity service at Caithness General Hospital are running a small raffle to increase funds to be ready to run a much larger media campaign with a more professional production of materials to highlight the campaign.  This is only a small raffle as groups and individuals all over have continued to send donations in to the committee.  Things have gone quiet over recent months as the newly formed Maternity Action Team has been brought into being by NHS highland to try to find a solution.  However the north Action Group committee feel that it will be necessary to bring matters before the public once again in coming months and are getting ready to be in a position to get a high level of information out to the public.  So watch out for the raffle tickets at local shops or the Fair in the Square at Wick on Saturday.

Wick Gala Queen and Attendants At Cycle Races and Gymkhana
Wick Gala Queen Ashlie Cormack and attendants Carla Simpson and Kimberley Smith were out at two events last night to hand out the prizes.   Monday nights have for along time seen the children's cycle races at the riverside whilst on higher ground the Gala Gymkhana is underway.  As horses and ponies tried out the jumps the kids lower down took part in the fun cycle races.

Wick Gala Gymkhana

Wick Gala Gymkhana Full Results

Wick Gala Children's Cycle Races

More Wick Gala Photos Over At Wick Pipe Band Web Site
Wick Pipe Band web site now has two slide shows set up  - one of 50 photos and the other with 61 photos from gala night.  So for another angle  - and you just need to set the shows going and then sit back and enjoy the show - head over to the Wick Pipe Band Gala Slide Shows

NEW CHAIRMAN FOR CAITHNESS HORIZONS
A full complement of directors were in attendance at the latest Caithness Horizons board meeting to work together and review progress on the current phase of work.  Company Chairman Roger Saxon asked the Board to consider how to take the Chairmanship forward, and suggested an independent Chair may have more time to devote to the project and lead as a visible project champion.  Paul Cariss, an existing board director, was unanimously elected as the new Chair and in accepting his new role said 'I am honoured to become the Chairman of such a forward thinking and ambitious Company and I look forward to working with the project team and the local community to create an outstanding facility we can all be very proud of'.

Caithness Socio - Economic Forum Established
At a meeting called by Mrs Pat Buchanan, Chair of Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise, a new Forum was established to plan for the regeneration of the local economy in the face of the decommissioning of the Dounreay site. The meeting elected John Thurso MP as its Chairman and others represented included CASE, the North Highland College, UKAEA, the Dounreay Stakeholders’ Group, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Highland Council and the Association of Community Councils. Mr Jamie Stone MSP was unable to attend this meeting but will play an active role in the future.

Wick Gala Tops The Lot - Biggest Day Ever On Caithness.org -
Sunday 24 July - Hits 1,424,263  Visitors 15,941  Page Views - 728,724
Hits and Page views reached new heights following Wick Gala and although visitor numbers did not exceed the last record for that figure made on 18 July. We are holding our breath for Mondays stats as Monday is usually one of the busiest on the web site.  July 2005 is already guaranteed to be the biggest month ever as the numbers stacked up already take us to the June figures for visitors with a week to go.   Page views have already passed the Record breaking June figure - standing as of yesterday at 5,973,857.

24 July 2005

Wick Gala 349 - 360    361 - 372                         373 - 384                     385 - 392

Wick Gala 313 - 324        325 - 336                       337 - 348

Wick Gala 265 - 276    277 - 288                   289 - 300                   301 - 312

Wick Gala 217 - 228    229 - 240                   241 - 252                 253 - 264

News Flash From Liam Henderson Memorial Football Match Weekend
The charity auction at Sinclair's Bar in Wick raised the the phenomenal total of £6,674 this afternoon.  Willie Mackay as auctioneer started the bidding for some lots at £1000 to hoots of laughter but as the auction moved on it became clear that the people at this auction were serious about putting money into this new sports charity founded in the name of Janice and John Henderson's son.  As bidding for a variety of Football shirts , signed snooker cue, rounds of golf, holiday in Florida and so on went ever higher the final few items brought the house down to roars of approval and applause  from the packed bar.  No one had seen anything like it in Wick as the as Rangers and Celtic shirts came up as the final items.  A signed Celtic shirt reached £850 in the bidding followed by a Rangers unsigned new season shirt for £450.  but they had saved the best for last with a final signed Celtic shirt went higher and higher to be knocked down by auctioneer Willie Mackey at the amazing total of £1000.  This final bid brought huge cheers and applause by the audience who had witnessed ever higher totals going into the Liam Memorial fund.  With the raffle tickets selling like hotcakes today it is anyone's guess to the final total for the whole effort this weekend.

Wick Gala 193 - 204      210 - 216

Wick Gala 145 - 156   157 - 168                   169 - 180                   181 - 192

Wick Gala 97 - 108             109 - 120                   121 - 132                          133 - 144

Wick Gala 49 - 60        61 - 72                          73 - 84                       85 - 96 

23 July 2005

Wick Gala 1 - 12                   13 - 24                          25 - 36                     37 - 48

Liam Henderson Memorial Football Match A Great Success

The afternoon football match at the Harmsworth Park ended with a win for the Wick select team and had plenty of entertainment for the crowd.  Pipe band, dancers martial arts demonstration and the final of the Wick schools football won by south school.  the morning football for the juniors was won by Colts from Newwmacher.  Plenty of support for both teams was present as Newmacher had come with a large contingent for the weekend.
 

22 July 2005

Liam Henderson Memorial Football Match & Raffle - Latest Update To Prize List
Match Kick off 1.00pm on Saturday 23 July At Harmsworth Park, Wick
Prizes for the raffle sand silent auction have been pouring in along with various donations.  The Football match between A Wick select side and Newmacher takes place on Saturday at Harmsworth Park.  Check out the silent auction where the prizes are pretty good including a week in a villa in Florida and a Box for 8 people including drinks, lunch in a suite at the Ross county ground on 2 January 2006.

March Of The Highlander - DAY 6
After a short stroll from Tore into Inverness, (along the hard shoulder of the A( because they couldn't find any other route!) Jimmy met with volunteers from the Highland Hospice shop before walking over to the Hospice itself where a small reception had been laid on for him - complete with a cake! He also got to meet some of the patients and staff from the Hospice and was delighted with the support from them all. While he's glad that the walk is all but over, Jimmy has enjoyed the experience especially meeting so many people along the way. The support he has received has been tremendous, Hospice volunteers even provided accommodation along the route - each volunteer having their own story to tell as to why they work to support the Hospice

Blackstairs Fish Shop, Wick Gets A New Web Site
If you want fish from wick delivered anywhere in the UK you can now order it online.  Vacuum packed and surrounded in frozen gel to arrive in prime condition.

Adding Dancing Teachers and Groups To the Arts Section - Can You Help?
We are reviewing the groups listed in the Arts Index.  If you are a teachers or run dance classes for children or adults can you check the index to see if you are listed and if the entry is still correct.  If you are not listed get in touch to get a FREE entry.  Any Arts group or individual can get an entry in the Arts Index free of charge just by completing the online form   The Arts Index includes a wide range of categories in Arts and music from bands to painters in Caithness - check it out and get free publicity 24 hours a day.

March Of The Highlander - Day 5
Almost there. Started off this morning from mid-way between Kildarry and Alness. Beautiful day, no problems with the weather or the traffic. Drivers being most considerate. Jimmy's aim was to walk to the Inverness side of the Black Isle bridge, however he was doing so well that he kept going and finished for the day at the Tore roundabout leaving him just 7 miles to finish his walk to Inverness tomorrow. Jimmy's spirits are high and he's really looking forward to reaching Inverness where he will visit the hospice shop and gather some supporters for a walk around the city centre collecting...

Auckengill - - A Closer Look

It is also five years since we last took a dozen photos of Auckengill   Whilst out at the Nybster Broch it seemed a good opportunity to look a bit closer at the area.  Auckengill is often rushed through by visitors on their way to John O'Groats but it may well be worth a closer look if you are journeying north.  It is still farming country with some great coastal views and even a picnic table to relax before you head over to see the Nybster Broch.  You can check out the Viking Centre set in the old schoolhouse. Abandoned cottages mix in the landscape with modern bungalows still being erected popular with anyone who wants wide open views down to the coast.  The bird life was fantastic but difficult to photograph without a large lens. And we cannot bring you the sounds of the wind or freshly cut hay and the sound of many feeding birds in fields, paths, cliffs, beach or the breath of fresh sea air.  You will need to see it yourself - meantime here are the photos.....................

Another Look At Newtonhill Community Woodland - Five Years On

Amazing as it may seem it is five years since we took some photos of the woodland outside Wick at Newton Hill.  The first few photos were taken on 30 July 2000.  Interestingly many of the same flowers were blooming in huge numbers as they were yesterday for this batch of photos. but much work has been carried out in the last few years and the place abounds in wildlife.  The paths are established and take you round woods and wetland.  A mown grassy area with picnic tables is at the entrance so it makes a nice place to take your lunch on a sunny day.

21 July 2005

Archaeology Team Making Lots Of Finds At Nybster Broch Dig
A team of student archaeologists from Nottingham university under the supervision of Dr Andy Heald have been working on the broch at Nybster.   They have dug down past the depth in some parts that Sir Francis Tress Barry originally dug about 1900.  they have uncovered a large number of pottery fragments, bone needles and a bronze ring.  Just over one week to go so take a look before it is all filled in again if you have the chance.

Bower Young Farmers 60th Anniversary
If you were a member of Bower Young Farmers or know people who were then you might be interested in this anniversary.  A dance will be held at the Weigh Inn on 28 October 2005. the organisers are looking for any old photos and contact details for former members.

March Of The Highlander - Day 4  - So Confident He Is Adding Extra Walking
A good day today with the weather improving rapidly.  Jimmy had a slight detour today and walked into Tain to visit the Highland Hospice Shop where he was made most welcome. He's actually getting ahead of his planned times now, finishing tonight mid way between Kildary and Alness leaving only 26 miles to Inverness to be covered in 2 days. The pressure is now off and he is confident that , barring any unforeseen accidents, he will complete this march. He has admitted that he has found the experience a lot harder than he anticipated but continues to be cheered by the response he is receiving from passers by. He will not, however, be volunteering to walk home!  Walking Thurso To Inverness with new detour via Tain. Ach Aye!!

North Coast Jazz Band Monthly Gig for Everyone At Redwood, Thurso
The North Coast Jazz Band are doing a great job trying to establish a monthly gig in Thurso with potential for a jam, but they need more support. They play at the Redwood, last Saturday in the month for fun, not cash and they will encourage any kind of participation. Next one is Saturday 30th July starting at 2pm.  If you play and want to get experience or sing or just want to listen then why not go along.  The sessions are open and free for everyone.  Why not pop in for a snack or a pint and listen to some jazz on Saturday afternoon in Thurso.

Northlink Not One of The Preferred Bidders To Tender For Ferry Contract From 2006
The ferry routes to the northern isles will have a new operator from 2006.  Three companies have been asked to bid for the new contract Caledonian MacBrayne,  V Ships UK Ltd, Irish Continental Ferries plc and  Ltd.  The three ferries operating including the Hamanvoe from Scrabster to Stromness will transfer to the new company that wins the contract.  Northlink have had to have much higher subsidies than previously anticipated when they won the contract from P & O.  NorthLink Orkney and Shetland Ferries Ltd is a joint venture between Caledonian MacBrayne and the Royal Bank of Scotland. NorthLink was awarded the five year contract in December 2000, to start in October 2002.  Background at The Shetland News

20 July 2005

A9 Upgrade North Of Helmsdale Making good Progress

Wick High 1965 Reunion
Reunion tickets are available and the committee requests that everyone who indicated they would attend collect tickets as soon as possible in order to finalise the catering arrangements and before next Monday. Don't leave it to the last minute is the final plea.

Wick Pipe Band Week Video Available Now
For folk who missed the Wick Pipe Band Festival recently a video is now available of all of the parades. M & M Video have produced a compilation of all of the events from the week where several pipe bands took part individually and as a massed band at the Market Square, Wick and at the riverside.

Day 3 - March Of The Highlander
Jimmy Findlay continues his march to Inverness in aid of Highland Hospice.  He hopes to arrive on Saturday to lead the march to the Inverness Highland games.
You can tune in to our local Radio Station Caithness FM to hear Jimmy give his latest update live.  Sorry for all of you further away but it is not available on the web as yet.  Caithness FM broadcasts between 7.00pm and midnight each day on the same wave length used by Moray Firth during the day and early evening 102.5.  Caithness FM is run by volunteers.  You can get your events included in broadcasts by phoning or email.

Orkney Has First Asset Confiscation Under Drug Laws
On Wednesday 13th July 2005 at Kirkwall Sheriff Court an asset confiscation order under the Proceeds of Crime Act 1995 was made against George Fraser, Hallbreack, Widewall, South Ronaldsay for £17,483-78 in relation to being concerned in the supply and production of controlled drugs, namely cannabis. This is the first asset confiscation for Orkney. Local man George Fraser had previously served a 12 month sentence for the Concern and Supply of Drugs and Cultivation of Cannabis.  Chief Inspector Mike Cowdry, Orkney Area Commander said: "People who deal in drugs in our area can expect to be dealt the full force of the law which may include a custodial sentence and asset seizure".

Books of Condolences For London Bombings
The Highland Council has organised for books of condolences for those killed and injured in the London bombings to be available across the Highlands for anyone to sign.  The books are available at all main Council offices and at the 37 Service Points including Thurso and Wick until Friday 22 July.