Another First Timer In Luck With The Salmon On Wick River
This
is another "first" This time the lucky angler is Dr Borja Echavarren from
Lybster. He landed this 7 1/2 lbs springer from the Tarroul Pool at Watten.
This is his first Salmon on the Wick. When not away fishing he can
some times be seen at the Caithness General Hospital. Looks like all
you anglers should be heading for Caithness pretty quick before these guys
catch them all.
Fishing Pages
DELAYED DISCHARGE FROM HOSPITALS FIGURES SHOW 20% DECREASE IN HIGHLAND
Figures published by the Scottish Executive today show that Highland has
done better than average in reducing the numbers of delayed discharges.
The reduction in Highland is 20% compared to a national reduction of
14.5%. Jan Baird, Director of Community Care for NHS Highland, said:
"We have achieved our target of reducing the numbers of delayed discharges
by 20% since the same time last year. However, we are not complacent. Our
ambition is to eradicate it completely. Delayed discharges are a difficult
area, which we are continuing to actively address. We are following an
action plan that has been developed over the last few years. Our current
focus is on the length of delay which, for individual patients, is the
most important thing. We are working closely with colleagues in The
Highland Council. "
According to the latest figures published today by the Scottish Executive:
The total number people in Highland waiting to be discharged from hospital
fell by 20 per cent from 90 in January 2004 to 72 in January 2005
The total number of people in Scotland waiting to be discharged from
hospital fell by 14.5 per cent from 2088 in January 2004 to 1785 in
January 2005.
Patients Ready For Discharge In NHS Scotland - January 2005 Census
- Pdf file
RADIOACTIVE STONE DETECTED DURING MONITORING
A piece of sandstone emitting low-level radioactivity was detected during
monitoring of the beach at Dunnet today. The stone was removed from the
beach and taken to Dounreay for laboratory analysis. The radioactivity
will be measured overnight in the laboratory to identify its nature.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency and other interested parties
have been informed. Monitoring of the beach is continuing.
Coghill Street, Wick - As Town Expands Out Along Broadhaven Road
A Beautiful Spring Day At Staxigoe
The
weather was breezy and the temperature low. But the air was
certainly bracing and if you kept on the move well worth a walk round
Staxigoe. The daffodils are once again out in the gardens and out
along the farm road. The waves were breaking and crashing into the
rocks. The new house where once one of the old barns stood is
beginning to look established. The last of the three old barns still
stands but who knows for how much longer.
The famous Pole used by sailors making for Staxigoe looks fresh and
someone has kindly added small barometer.
Staxigoe
Pages
More Waste Water Works - New Pumping Station At Papigoe To Replace
Septic Tanks
The
two septic tanks in the village of Papigoe are being got rid of and
replaced with new pumping stations to take waste water round to the new
Waste Water works at North Head, Wick. the outfall from the septic
tanks has always drained into the sea but shortly this will stop. M
M Miller Ltd, Wick have the contract from Scottish Water to carry out the
work.
Over 500
Web Sites Now In Caithness
We cannot be sure of the exact number of web sites in Caithness but we now
have links to over 500 of them in our
Business Index
web sites listing and
Caithness
sites for the non-business sites. Make sure your business
web site is listed with us as soon as you get one to help visitors find
it. Hotels and Bed and Breakfast businesses especially should ensure
they are listed as more and more of their customers are finding the
businesses via the Internet.
Quayside Bed and Breakfast has had a single page web site up
for the last couple of years and it has been so successful they will
shortly launch a larger site with photographs of the rooms and the
building. The web the cheapest form of advertising for a tourist
related business. Most hotels in Caithness now have a web site. Bed
and Breakfast places are following but have some way to go. Once the
web site is up and running the annual cost of maintaining is low compared
to advertising in other media. There are several
web businesses in Caithness and a web site should be part of
any business that needs to attract customers. Write out what you
want on your web site and then get quotes. Whoever you get your web
site from make sure you get it linked in your FREE business page.
For a higher profile you can think about one of our
banner ads.
NORTH MSP ENCOURAGES RESPONSES
TO LICENSING BILL WEB FORUM
Highlands
and Islands Labour MSP Maureen Macmillan has called on those with access
to a computer to submit a response to a web forum on the Licensing
(Scotland) Bill. The Scottish Parliament's Local Government and Transport
Committee launched the forum recently so that members of the public can
help inform the Committee's consideration of the Bill. Mrs
Macmillan, who sits on the Justice 2 Committee, which is also considering
evidence on liquor licensing, said, "The new Bill aims to create a more
modern, simple and flexible system for Scotland and also to create a
legislative framework to help reduce underage and binge drinking.
Closing date for views at this forum is 22 April.
More
Funding Ideas
The number of places making funding available in the UK is huge and quite
daunting to research. The page we run includes only the tip of the
iceberg on funding and where to find it. Local Voluntary Group
offices have lots of books and information on how and where to apply.
Access to Funder-finder can be had at
Caithness Voluntary Groups office in Telford Street Wick.
Funder-finder asks a series of questions and depending on your answers
will suggest a range of funders to try for your project. Mainly
registered charities can apply but there are some sources where
non-registered groups might apply but in the main the bulk of trusts and
companies will give to registered charities. Most areas in Scotland
have a Council of Voluntary Service where you can access more advice on
funding.
Stone UK Map to Commemorate September 11 Terror Attack - Scotsman
Caithness flagstone is one of the materials being used to create the
memorial to UK victims of the September 11 attack on the Twin Towers, New
York.
Final Call For Thurso High 1960 Reunion
Thurso High Reunion - those who started S1 in 1960. The Reunion is on
9 April 2005, and final numbers are needed. If you can't come but would
like to leave your contact details for another time, or for tickets/info
for this one, please email Rhona Mackenzie (Murray) on
THS60reunion@aol.com
ASAP. Should be an excellent night!
30 March 2005
Initiative At The Edge Team In Dunbeath Keep the Pace Cracking Along
Sorting out the new organisation's constitution, the finances, and
accommodation. Also getting ready to take on a co-ordinator.
Engage a New Magazine
Style Web Site Form The Scottish Executive’s
Children, Young People and Social Care Group
If you and or your organisation provide services and support to, or work,
with children, young people and their families, then this new Ezine could
be useful. We have linked to it in our
Children's
section that can be found via the
Site Map
or the
Education section
The Music Just Keeps coming In Caithness
Second "E" Rock Concert
- Viewfirth - 2 April 2005
The
2nd 'E' Rock Concert takes place this Saturday night at the Thurso
Viewfirth and looks set to be a cracking night of live rock music. Six
rock bands will take to the stage over the course of the evening, each
with their own distinctly different style. Headlining the event will be
hotly tipped Inverness band Findo Gask, who have enjoyed success over the
last year supporting the likes of InMe and Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro.
If you like your music fast, energetic and loud then this is the band to
see. Also lined up are local bands Boss Hogg, Crimson Tide, All
Stitched Up, Stevie Taylor Band and Estrella.
Dunnet Beach Particle Issue Highlighted On North Tonight
The item focuses on how the issue might affect tourists using the beach
but interviews seem mixed.
You can see the clip by clicking a link at the foot of the page
The world at your doorstep - Times Online
Thurso man Bob Anderson, who runs his own
management consultancy in Thurso is quoted in this item on air travel
praising the new flight times by Eastern Airways from Wick airport.
Flying news
£13M THURSO WASTE WATER TREATMENT WORKS ON SCHEDULE
Managers of the project to construct a new waste water treatment works
for Thurso are reporting that work on the £13million scheme is on schedule
and due for completion by the end of the year. All the major
structures are well underway and drilling work for the sea outfall has
been completed. The new works will improve
the quality of waste water going into the Pentland Firth ten-fold. This
improvement to the environment will boost Thurso’s reputation as a top
surfing destination.
Millennium Ecosystem
Assessment
A
landmark study released today reveals that approximately 60 percent of the
ecosystem services that support life on Earth – such as fresh water,
capture fisheries, air and water regulation, and the regulation of
regional climate, natural hazards and pests – are being degraded or used
unsustainably. Scientists warn that the harmful consequences of this
degradation could grow significantly worse in the next 50 years.
Biodiversity Pages
Biodiversity Photo Collection
Caithness Biodiversity Plan
Sutherland Biodiversity Plan
Latest Hillhead School, Wick Newsletter
Hillhead
anticipates being the largest Wick primary school after the summer as a
total of 22 pupils have enrolled for Primary 1 next session. A total of 25
pupils have been enrolled for nursery classes next session. The school
roll has held up well in Hillhead. Next session the roll could be at
least 214 (189 in the school, 25 in the nursery). This will probably make
Hillhead the largest primary school in Wick. With new houses still
being built in the school catchment area this trend looks set to continue
for some time.
Scrabster
Thurso Bay Raft Race - 4 June 1.00pm Get Your Raft Ready To Enter Soon
Great
fun for a good cause, enter a raft or cheer on the crews. Rafts of all
shapes row/paddle around a course in Scrabster Bay. This year a new timing
system will make it even more exciting. Plenty for spectators to do -
stalls, food and see around the Coastguard Tug. Scrabster Fayre starts at
2.00pm
DRAFT CROFTING REFORM (SCOTLAND) BILL: Consultation Paper
Arguable this latest consultation bill from the Scottish Parliament could
have a huge impact on the future of crofting in Caithness and the other
crofting counties. A recent article in the Scotsman
Help at hand for crofters' unique way of life discusses some of
the issues. The closing date for responses is 13 June 2005. A
response form can be found on the web site at the end of the paper.
If you have no time to read it and send the response now you will find the
link in our
Farming section
New Statesman New Media Awards 2005
This year's award categories aim to highlight the benefits that are being
brought to all aspects of society from local communities to national
government by information communication technology. This year there
are seven award categories. Websites, internet technology, mobile phone
and wireless services, digital television and intranet sites are all
eligible to be entered. Closing date for nominations is 31 May.
29 March 2005
Mobile Driving Theory Test Centre
This
vehicle travels around the Highlands to allow would be drivers to sit the
theory test. No more actual papers as the vehicle is set up with
computers. In Wick the test centre sets up outside the Assembly
Rooms. This picture has been added to the
Transport
section These test centres can be used for many other tests
and exams apart from Driving theory tests and can save candidates
travelling long distances to sit them.
North Action Group
May Not Attend NHS Highland Board Meeting On 5 April
Correction from earlier. There is an item at point 14 on the NHS
highland Agenda but it may not warrant NASG members attending
Cairngorms National Park - Jobs
Unfortunately not in Caithness but we have been asked to let more people
know about these jobs on offer in one of the most beautiful areas of
Scotland. Closing Date is 4 April so you need to be quick.
Senior Outdoor Access Officer Grantown-on-Spey Salary scale: £31,073 -
£35,751
GIS Officer Grantown-on-Spey or Ballater Salary scale: £16,500 - £22,610
Senior Natural Heritage Officer Grantown-on-Spey Salary scale: £31,073 -
£35,751
Senior Land Management Officer Grantown-on-Spey Salary scale: £31,073 -
£35,751
Visitor Information and Interpretation Officer Grantown-on-Spey Salary
scale: £21,751 - £29,579
Halkirk Young
Farmers Club Launch New Web Site
Another new web site joins a fast growing list on Caithness.org.
Good Luck with the site folks. If your group has a web site not
listed then get in touch with us to be added to the
Caithness Web
Sites list. Businesses get linked in our Business Index and
your web site will automatically be added to the
Business web site listing
From
Graham Brodie
David
More was born in Wick on 28.01.1890, son of David More, fisherman and
Catherine More (nee Miller). The family lived at 29 Macrae Street, Wick.
David's sister Catherine (Katie) More was my grandmother and married
Henry Lyall in 1906.
Does anyone know who the lady in the
photo is or have more information for Graham.
Spring Is Here
And Property Is On The Move - Mybster Croft, Spittal
Private
sellers can now advertise a property completely FREE on in our
property section. All you have to do is complete the
Submission Form with a photograph no larger than 200k. If you wish us to do it for you we will still charge our low
price of £20. Caithness.org now has a very large audience so your
property can be seen across the world in minutes. If you require a
property placed on the section for you submit all details and a photo to
bill@caithness.org
But have a go yourself and get it on for FREE. Why is it free?
Well if you do the work then we spend no time on it.
Our traffic is still going
up and this enables us to sell more business advertising which in
turn supports Caithness.org. March stats show Caithness.org is about
to break records for another month.
New Highland boom forces out first-time house buyers - The Herald
A Great Deal Of
Swimming And More With the Hi-Life Card
It
has been one of the success stories of the past year. The Hi-life
card that gives individuals or families cheaper access to swimming pools
and other facilities in Highland has had many new folk signing up.
The savings are great if you go regularly and many folk have found that
having the card encourages more regular visits to the swimming pool.
For families the savings can be significant. Check the information
and add it up for yourself.
Does Anyone Have Spare Mannequin Or Tailors Dummy Hiding In The Attic?
Wick Heritage Museum are looking for another mannequin or two
to display more if the clothes they have in store. If anyone has one
they no longer need give the heritage museum a call.
28 March 2005
Country Festival At Halkirk - Photos From Sunday
Caithness Ganseys -
A New Section
Following
a note on an item in the
Caithness Field Club Bulletins on
Traditional Knitting Patterns we have received some items and
information on this subject and as it looks set to grow we have set up a
new section to contain it. We hope to add some patterns for anyone
interested in knitting one. Meantime here is photo of one recently
knitted up by Judy Harper, Wick who has also supplied a photo of a Wick
crew at Yarmouth in their ganseys. Her great grandfather and
grandfather are in the photo. If anyone know the names of any of the
rest of the crew get in touch and we will add the names. The gansey is
currently on display at
Wick Heritage Museum now open for the season.
Glass Centre Gives Kids A Chance - Grampian TV
Check out a short clip at Grampian TV web site of kids from Golspie high
school at
Northlands Creative Glass in Lybster being supervised by glass
artist Denis Mann
who lives in Wick.
An Earlier Course
Prince Charles Officially opened Northlands Creative Glass in 2002
Bright sparks are thinking nuclear at last - Sunday Times
27 March 2005
SUSPECTED PARTICLE DETECTED AT DUNNET BEACH
A suspected radioactive particle was detected during monitoring of Dunnet
Beach today. It was removed and taken to Dounreay for laboratory analysis.
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency and other parties have been
informed.
Dounreay
waste spreads further afield - Sunday Herald
Nuclear particle' find on beach - BBC
Carnaby Place, Thurso
Wilson Lane, Thurso
M M Miller Building Contractors New Offices At Harrowhill
One
of Wick's most successful building contractors M M Miller (Wick) Ltd has
now moved into a new office complex that they built themselves at
Harrowhill in Wick. With a view over the Bignold Park the new
offices show the confidence that local firms have in some sectors.
New Paths At South Head, Wick
What was once a pretty derelict area out past the Lifeboat shed At Wick is
being transformed. New footpaths and steps up the cliff are being
put back in order. The road has been partly surfaced and more paths
will be laid shortly. The old engine shed has been cleaned up to
leave the last of the walls in good order and small standing stones
erected to give better view out along the path. The Cairndhuna well
has been uncovered and steps built up to it. An area that was until
recently covered in a variety of rubbish, old building material, pipes and
more is being changed into an attractive coastal walk.
Wick and Thurso To Get More New Housing
28 Houses At Harrowhill, Wick and 25 Houses at Manson's Lane,
Thurso
Communities
Scotland has announced a series of developments across the Highlands and
Islands with funding package of £37 million. £1.6 million has been
allocated to Pentland Housing for the Caithness schemes. £1 million will
go on the Wick development for 24 semi-detached houses and four flats.
£600,000 will be spent on the Thurso houses. In total the new scheme
will help to build 711 new houses. In Caithness the homes will be
for rent or low-cast home ownership.
Trying To
Sell A Property Just Got Cheaper On Caithness.org - FREE FREE FREE
We have just set up a new format for the property section and you can now
advertise properties for sale FREE of charge. The reason is
that you now do the work. Just complete the online form for yourself
and add one photograph (jpeg only of no more than 200k) and your property
can be on the property section. If you want us to do the work it
will still cost you £20. The internet is allowing more and more
people to become their own estate agent and save thousands of pounds in
estate agents fees, vat and advertising. Just look at the
Channel 4 web pages DIY House Selling. Our new property
section allows anyone to get their property in Caithness on the internet
free of charge and very fast. More links to the new submission page
will be in place shortly. Caithness.org visitor numbers continue to
grow so make sure your property can be found here - your buyer could come
from almost anywhere. Why Pay More?
Over At Halkirk For The Northern Nashville Country Music Festival 2005
The three day Northern Nashville Country Festival continues today over at
the Disabled Riding Centre at Halkirk. The concerts have been
well attended with 700 people on Friday night and 900 on Saturday night.
The Northern Nashville Country Music Festival in Caithness looks set to
grow and grow. Final concert is today.
Final
Call for Traditional Music Workshop - 16 April 2005
The closing date to apply for the popular workshops in Traditional music
at Wick is 6 April. Fees include soup and sandwich lunch and coffee
and biscuits etc to keep everyone going throughout the day. As in
previous workshops a concert will be held at Mackays hotel in the evening.
26 March 2005
Bridge Street Church, Wick - Easter Fayre Celebrating 50 Years Of Alistair
Roy As Minister
The Easter Fayre at Bridge Street church, Wick this year took the 1950's
as its theme to celebrate the 50 years that minister Alistair Roy has
served the local congregation. The organisers were taken aback by
the large number of items supplied for the day. A huge range of
items from and in use in the 50's was on display. There was so much
that it would have needed quite a while if you wanted to go through some of
the photo albums amongst the tables. Someone was hear to remark that
one day we are going to need another Wick Heritage museum as Caithness
homes seem to contain a treasure trove of memorabilia.
Congratulations to the group for a great display.
Easter Eggstravaganza At Market Square, Wick
Back In Beauly
Beauly Priory
As
the A9 north of the Bridge at Inverness is very slow due to the major road
works a detour back on the old A862 road north via Beauly seemed a good
idea. On a lovely sunny day a quick stop for a few photos and look
around the main street. A visit to the Priory made a welcome break.
The Priory hotel is still serving lunches and it seems years since we went
that way. Seems crazy not to go that way from time to time as all
the traffic is rushing up the A9.
25 March 2005
More Funding Ideas For Your Group
Remember that these items we post are only a small fraction of the funding
places available in the UK. New sources are coming along all the
time and deadlines pass very fast. If anyone has an idea for an
alternative energy scheme then there is a funding chance in this batch
today. amongst other topics are grants for the arts and sports. Take
a look and get applying soon.
Pulteneytown Academy Last March Newsletter - Spring Fayre Made £893.36
They
have learned so much about enterprise, including how to make a profit, the
work involved in purchasing, production, management, sales and banking.
Everyone will go away having learned a variety of things at their own
level, including the staff. The children themselves will decide what to do
with any profit and this will be passed on to you next term as while some
classes have already decided others still have to make up their minds.
Scottish Traditional Music Exams To Be Discussed On Radio Scotland
The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama's Scottish Traditional Music
Grade Exams will be the subject of BBC Radio Scotland's 'The Reel Blend'
programme on Sunday 27 March at 1 o'clock. Please tune in to hear
more about this initiative. If you ,miss the programme you can Listen
Again on the web site for a week after the programme. For anyone
interested in Scottish music there are now courses at the Academy in
Glasgow. James Ross from Wick was one of the first students to
obtain the new qualification and his career is taking off. Anyone
interested in pursuing a career in any aspect of Scottish music might want
to listen in.
Fish With Finn
- Another New Caithness Web Site
The new site will
promote a range of coaching and fishing holidays in Caithness.
Budding anglers can come to Caithness and get tuition from a prize winning
instructor. Graham and Pat Finn hope to be welcoming lots of anglers
to Caithness in coming months.
Fishing Pages
Geddes
Windows Lands £6million Contract For 24,000 Windows
Geddes Window Systems Ltd, part of the D M Geddes Group based in Halkirk,
Caithness has secured a substantial contract for the supply of timber
windows to Your Homes Newcastle. The organisation employs 100 workers
between its factory and construction interests. The contract is worth £3m
per annum initially for the next two years, providing up to 24,000 windows
during the contract period. The contract is part of a government
regeneration scheme to improve housing in the Newcastle Council area.
Geddes Web Site
Spring Fayre At Pulteneytown Academy
Salmon Season Gets Off To A Good Start On The Wick River
The
first Salmon to be landed from the Wick River this year was caught by Wick
Angler Mike Henstridge on Tuesday 22nd March in the Flag Pool. The Killer
fly was a 1 1/2inch Willie Gunn Waddington and weighed in at 7 1/2 lbs.
This was Mikes first day ever fishing the Wick as he just joined the Wick
Angling Association on Saturday. It's been a good season so far for Mike
as he caught a 9lb Salmon on Monday from beat 9 on the River Thurso.
Fishing Pages
Caithness Company Receives Investors in People 10 Year Achievement Award
A
Caithness-based organisation has received an award in recognition of its
10 year commitment to using the business improvement tool, the Investors
in People Standard. Ackergill Tower picked up the accolade at a gala
dinner at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre on Wednesday
evening (23 March 2005). Over 40 Scottish companies were presented with
their award by four times Olympic gold medallist, Sir Matthew Pinsent CBE.
Ackergill
Tower Web Site -
Ackergill Tower Photo Gallery -
Ackergill TreeHouse
Ackergill Tower From The Air -
Ackergill Tower Castle Section -
The Duck
Decoy
Date And Place Set for Lieurary
Reunion
Date:- Saturday 23rd July 2005 -
Lieurary School Community Centre -
Cost will be set once numbers are clear so get in touch if you can
attend.
Wick Heritage Centre Opens For Easter Weekend
The
folk over at Wick Heritage have been dusting down and getting ready to
open early this year and they will be open over the Easter weekend.
with a huge range of items and rooms set out reflecting Caithness in
earlier times it may take more than one visit to see it all. the
centre boasts a huge archive of photographs many from the Johnson
Collection and a unique photo from Caithness can be purchased in a variety
of sizes.
Triathalon Club 10K Run Open To All - Plus Easter Fun Run For The Kids
The Triathlon Club are holding their annual 10K run on Sun 27th March, at
2.00pm (registration 1.30pm) from the Community Education Rooms at the
North School, Wick. There is also a fun run for children. All finishers
will receive a cream egg and there is Easter Eggs for the winners.
Refreshments will be served and there will be a raffle. £2 for the
10K and £1 for the fun run. All Welcome.
DOUNREAY OPENS ITS DOORS EARLY FOR
EASTER
Dounreay’s award-winning visitor centre opens its doors for the 2005
season today in time for the early Easter weekend. The centre explains to visitors the remarkable story of the
pioneers who developed the fast breeder programme at Dounreay 50 years
ago, and the major clean-up programme now underway to restore the
environment. It describes how
UKAEA is working with the local community to establish the north Highlands
as an international centre of excellence in nuclear decommissioning -
qualities that can sustain the skills and enterprise base of the north
Highlands beyond the closure of Dounreay and so ensure the ultimate legacy
of Scotland’s first “atomic factory” is one everyone can be proud of.
24 March 2005
Brothers Looking For A Home Together - Nine Months Old
Caithness
Cats Protection have two two cats they would like to rehome. The black one
is called Ebony and is very friendly whilst Sky, the grey one is very
timid though in the right home he may 'come out of himself'. They are nine
month old brothers (neutered)and we want to home them together. We also
need homes for cats which aren't suitable as pets so need someone with
outbuildings, croft or farm to take them.
Caithness Cats Protection
Caithness Rythmic
Gymnasts Gain Valuable Experience At Scottish Novice Competitions
7
Rhythmic Gymnasts from Caithness Gymnastics Club competed in the Rhythmic
Gymnastics Scottish Novice Competition held at Bellsquarry, Livingston
last weekend. Some parents and their club coaches Diane & Julia Gibson
accompanied them to the competition.
Portland Arms Hoping For Awards In Online Poll - Give Them A
Boost With Your Vote
The Portland Arms Hotel in Lybster has been nominated for the above awards
in the Scottish Inns category. Winning this would be a great honour
for the hotel and the staff and get Caithness noticed far and wide.
the awards will be made in the Balmoral Hotel in front of the top people
in the tourist and catering industry and make great coverage for the area.
If you like the services at the Portland Arms head over to to
www.ScottishHotelsOfTheYear.com and give them a vote.
23 March 2005
Spring
Has Sprung So Turn Down And Turn Off
Clocks are not the only thing that should be changed when workers return
after Easter, according to leading energy company Powergen. With the
start of British Summer Time (BST) on Sunday (March 27), Powergen says
remembering to lower thermostats and adjust lighting timers after the Bank
Holiday could lower small- and medium-sized businesses’ (SMEs) energy
consumption and bills. Forward-thinking businesses can also use the
opportunity to make even greater savings by encouraging all employees to
be smarter about how and where they use energy at work. According to
the Government-backed Carbon Trust, businesses can save as much as 20% on
their energy costs simply by being more energy efficient. That is
equivalent to a 5% increase in sales.
UKAEA Anniversary Fund Makes
Seven Donations To Local Charities
To
celebrate UKAEA's 50th anniversary, an anniversary fund was created to
underline UKAEA's commitment to charitable causes. For every pound that
volunteers raised for selected charities, UKAEA contributed a pound from
its anniversary fund. During the year UKAEA Dounreay made donations to 7
groups: Caithness Kidney Dialysis Support Group, 1st Dunnet Bay Scout
Group, Crossroads Care Caithness, Breakthrough Breast Cancer, Newton
Palliative Care Fund, Caithness MacMillan Nurses and Thurso High School
PTA Minibus Fund.
Labour Candidate Looks In At Dounreay
NEW GENERATION: Labour's prospective parliamentary candidate in Caithness,
Sutherland and Easter Ross Alan Jamieson meets UKAEA's Celestine Cheong
and Gavin Coppins, who are among a new era of graduates in environmental
sciences drawn to Dounreay by the challenge of cleaning up the fast
reactor
experiment. They are pictured here explaining the ground-breaking research
being carried out to ensure environmental data for Doureay, including that
associated with the legacy of particles in the marine environment, is
available for analysis and communication to site regulators and the
public.
Westminster 2005
Election
Graduate Fair For
Caithness And
Sutherland At Thurso - 7 April
Following the success of a pilot event last year, graduates and
employers in Caithness and Sutherland are once again to be given the
opportunity to meet and discuss mutual benefits. The second Graduate
Fair will take place in Thurso Town Hall, on Thursday 7th April, from
4pm - 7pm. The event is organised by Caithness and Sutherland
Enterprise (CASE). The date has been chosen to coincide with students
returning to the area for the Easter holidays, and for local employers
planning recruitment for summer starting dates.
HIE
Graduate Placements
Caithness Councillors Decide To Opt Out Of Gaelic Signs
Caithness councillors decided on Tuesday 22 March to exercise their
opt out in respect of Gaelic signage being adopted in parts of Highland.
The main argument against having Gaelic names on road, schools and other
signs was that Caithness had not been in the recent past a Gaelic
speaking area. Generally Highland Council had decided to adopt the
addition of Gaelic names and language to signage unless area committees
opted out.
22 March 2005
New Waste Water Treatment Works For Thurso - Work At The Harbour End
Another Van In Caithness
Lybster Fire Unit - Training
Lybster Fire Unit are seen here at one of their regular training
exercises. They are promised some new equipment under the recent
review. The
Fire
Action Group are fighting to ensure they are allowed to continue
to attend house fires following a recommendation that this be stopped as
the unit do not have Breathing Apparatus or the necessary training to
use it. The Lybster fire crew want to be able to continue to
attend local fires as they have done for many years and not be relegated
to dealing only with heath fires and car accidents whilst the local
house fire wait on a unit from Dunbeath or Wick.
Young Farmer Of The Year Competition
A new National farming competition run by Eilidh MacPherson, Editor of
www.farmingscotland.com
magazine will take place in Thurso mart on Wed 30th
March at 7pm. Anyone involved in the farming industry aged 16-35 is
welcome to take part. The competition has received backing from SAC, ABP
and Tulloch and so far a quad bike is up for grabs as the main prize for
the National winner.
BT EMBARK ON SECOND ROUND OF PAYPHONE
CONSULTATION - More Phones To Go
Community Councils are being asked to
respond by 3 June this year to a second wave
of consultation by BT Payphones on the
future of payphones in the Highlands.
Having received no objection to the removal
of more than 100 payphones in an earlier
consultation, BT now wishes to remove a
further 44 phones and convert 126 phones to
cashless kiosks. It aims to retain a network
of 371 payphones currently in use. BT
is posting signs on targeted kiosks to
highlight those planned for removal or
conversion. It has provided The Highland
Council with a list of all payphones in
support of the proposal and has included
revenue band information.
SNP Ready For Westminster Election Campaign
After AGM
CAITHNESS, SUTHERLAND & EASTER ROSS SNP
CONSTITUENCY ASSOCIATION AGM REPORT
Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
SNP Constituency meeting held a successful
Annual General meeting on Saturday in
Helmsdale Community Centre. Niall
Smith was elected as Convenor and Ken Mackay
elected as Vice Convenor. Lily Byron
continues for another year as Secretary with
Ian Clark as the Minute Secretary. Bill
Brown was re-elected as the Treasurer.
Speaking after the meeting from Helmsdale,
Karen Shirron, SNP candidate for Caithness,
Sutherland and Easter Ross for the
forthcoming Westminster elections said: "The
meeting was very well attended and its great
to hear that our membership in the area
continues to grow.
More Caithness Businesses Added Today
Takes It Up To 1091. Come on its
Easy and we know there are more of you out
there. Tell the world about your
business if you are in Caithness - Its FREE
Caithness Businesses Submit Here
Or if you are in Sutherland Here
1088 Caithness Businesses Are Listed In Our
Business Index - Is Yours
If not get it in right now for FREE.
If you would like more coverage to draw
attention to your business page or web site
check out our
banner advertising - 365 days for one
payment.
Open Meeting Of Ormlie Community
Association
Wednesday 23 March 7.30pm Ormlie Centre
Henderson Street, Thurso
The next open meeting of Ormlie Community
Association will be held on Wednesday 23
March 2005 at 7.00 pm in the Ormlie Centre,
Henderson Street, Thurso. Caroline Swan, THC
Money Advice Officer will be guest speaker
and residents will be given the opportunity
of raising any issues relating to the estate
with Lorna Simpson, OCA Manager and Brian
Leonard, OCA Chairman. All residents and
interested parties are invited to attend.
21 March 2005
Lybster Bowling Club Upgrading The Green To
Competition Standard
Renovations
are being carried out at at the Lybster
Bowling Green to get it up to the standards
required for competitive matches.
Rules require that the ditches and surrounds
meet certain specifications and often older
greens do not meet the modern standards.
Lybster is setting out to ensure they comply
and that competitions can take place there.
The club is also striving to attract new
members and welcome any one who is
interested in trying out the game, or who
wants to join the club should get in touch.
Caithness Bowling Clubs
Public
Sector Strike Called Off -
Latest
3.40pm 21 March
The Highland
Council, in association with Unison, AMICUS
and UCATT, has confirmed that the day of
strike action planned for Wednesday, 23
March, has been called off and employees
should report to work as normal on
Wednesday. A teachers strike may now
be called in April over the pensions
argument
Latheron Lybster and Clyth Fire Action Group
Demand Answers On No Call Out
Fire Action Group Questions On No Call
Out To Local Fire Incident
The fire Action Group have written to
the fire master asking why they were a
called out to one incident where they dealt
with the situation within minutes and yet
for another incident the Dunbeath unit were
called when Lybster fire unit could have
been on the spot much sooner. In the
event the incident could have been much
worse with the possibility of building going
on fire from a car on fire. the unit
thinks only the fact that there was no wind
prevented a house fire - "In the time the
occupants waited, the fire was so fierce
that the plastic barge boards and gutter of
the house, close to the car on fire, had
started to melt and buckle. The other car in
front by 5 feet, or so, was also fire
damaged and in danger of exploding if the
tank caught fire. The occupants had fully
expected to see the local crew arrive and
promptly deal with the situation. This was
not the case."........... the Fire
Action Group are asking that the local unit
be allowed to attend house fires which under
new rules they would be prevented from
doing.
Latest Cooncil Minutes - Caithness Area
Committee Just Published 31 January 2005
Agenda for meeting 22 March 2005 to be
held in Thurso Town Hall
Tory Leader Michael Howard looked In At The
Dounreay Stand At Tory The Conference
Conservative
leader Michael Howard was among senior party
figures briefed by the Dounreay team at the
Dumfries conference. Mr Howard is seen here
with, from left, June Love, who is
spearheading public participation in the
options for managing particles in the marine
environment, John Deighan of the T & G union
at Dounreay, and Scottish Tory Party
chairman and shadow Scotland Secretary Peter
Duncan.
DOUNREAY VISITOR CENTRE SET TO OPEN FOR
SEASON
Dounreay's award-winning visitor centre
will open this year on Thursday, 24 March
2005. The centre, which last year attracted
over 9,000 visitors, tells the story of
Dounreay's role over the past fifty years,
how it was developed as the centre for
Britain's fast reactor development
programme, its operational years, and how
the site is now focussed on decommissioning.
Dounreay Visitor Centre Web
Blues N Trouble At Skinandis, Thurso Last
Saturday Night
Blues fans were treated to some great music
on Saturday. The 9.30pm session was
relatively quiet but those who were there
were treated to a high quality night.
The second set that started at midnight was
packed out and the band certainly increased
the average age of the 'clubbers'.
blues n trouble web site
Pultenytown Academy School Wick - Latest
Newsletter
Highlighting the Spring Fayre on Wednesday,
Football courses with Ross county during the
Easter Holidays and the changes proposed in
abolishing school boards and replacing them
with school forums. The consultation
document has been distributed from the
school to PSA members but other parents may
want to take a look and respond to the
consultation. We have added a link in
the newsletter but anyone can take look and
respond via the
Parentzone web site
INAUGURAL MEETING OF DOUNREAY STAKEHOLDER
GROUP
7pm on Monday, March 21, at the Pentland
Hotel, Thurso
The meeting is open to anyone to attend
Dounreay is changing - and so is its
communication with the local community.
From April 1, UKAEA will become a contractor
of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
which has strategic responsibility for the
decommissioning and clean-up of all UK
public sector civil nuclear sites. The
decommissioning work at Dounreay will be
carried out by UKAEA as the site licensee
company in accordance with work plans
developed by the contractor and agreed with
the NDA. A new forum is being set up
to give the community a greater say in these
decisions.
20 March 2005
An Even Closer Look Round Scrabster Harbour
Saturday is a quiet day at Scrabster Harbour
at this time of year but it does make it
easy to take pictures. Here we go
right round the harbour looking at the older
buildings and the new ones covering a large
part of the harbour. Much of the fish
market area is dominated by D Steven Ltd who
have lorries constantly on the road
transporting fish from Scrabster consigned
south. Anyone who travels the road
south will always see Stevens lorries going
north and south at almost any time of the
day or night. The port is always changing
and the new fishery office is now in use.
Some things remain the same and the wee
gargoyles still look out over the comings
and goings of the harbour. The
Orcadians are talking about a tunnel to
Orkney so perhaps the port will have a
different look in years to come ( For the
sceptics they are deadly serious and have
looked at the fact that Norway already has
the know how and has built a number of long
range road tunnels connecting remote areas.
19 March 2005
Daffodils About To Burst Out At Union Street
- Wick
Shore Lane, Wick - Work Almost Completed
Work continued even on a Saturday to
complete the work in Shore Lane. The
same company is due to start work shortly on
the renovation of the Black Stairs.
The two boys just happened to be passing
with their pokes of chips.
The New Waste Water Treatment Works (Sewage)
At Thurso
A new road heads up the hill towards
Harald's Tower and then turns left towards
the coast. There the new Waste Water
Treatment works for Thurso is being
constructed. Here are a few photos of
the site and of the surrounding countryside
and back to Thurso from up the hill.
The Split Stane - Sutherland
Since
we were along the north coast it seemed a
good idea to take a photo of this legendary
stone. Once marking the boundary of
Mackay country on the north road.
There are several legends attached to the
"Split Stane" one of the more popular one
being that the devil split the stane with
his tale as he hurried past in a temper.
One thing is for sure it marks the start
today of a journey into one of the most
spectacular trips along the northerly coast
of Sutherland and the Highlands. If
you have dipped into our Sutherland photos
you will already know there is fabulous view
around every bend in the road. If you
want to drive on almost empty roads , have
beach to yourself and breath clean air with
a tang of salt head to the far north of
Scotland.
Bettyhill - Sutherland
There is still a phone box at Bettyhill -
opposite the post office. The question
is will either of them still be there in a
few years. With phone boxes now the
subject of another consultation and post
office incomes being hammered these vital
services are fast disappearing. So
next time you are out think about using a
call box instead of the mobile phone (it's
cheaper) and buy a few stamps etc from a
country post office or they will soon be
gone for ever.
1983 Caithness Field Club Bulletin
Most of the items have appeared previously
on the web site but are now gathered
together in the Bulletins section as we move
forward to publish all of the outstanding
bulletins
NHS Highland Smoking Cessation Service
New smoking cessation service. The service provides smokers with free
confidential advice and support to stop smoking. Specialist smoking
cessation advisers based in Caithness, Ross-shire, Inverness and Lochaber
will be providing smokers with one to one and in some areas group support
to quit, including the use of Nicotine Replacement Therapy. For more
information about the help on offer in Highland, call NHS Highland Health
Information Service on Lo-call 0845 757 3077
Thurso High School Fun Day Postponed
The Fun Day planned for this coming Sunday has been postponed.
The rugby planned for the day will go ahead but will now be played at Mill
Bank. the stalls that would have been on Sunday will now form part
of the PTA day on 23 April.
Highland Council Boundary Changes - Single Transferrable Vote
Here are the details proposed for the new boundaries associated with the
new voting system for the council
from 2007
HIGHLAND 2007 - COMMUNITY
PROGRAMME - Local Groups Should Think
About This Funding
A funding formula for the distribution
of community grants for promoting Highland
2007, the year that Scotland celebrates
Highland culture, has been agreed by The
Highland Council's Education Culture and
Sport Committee. A total of £1 million is
available for distribution in 2005-2006 for
both running events and for embarking on
projects, such as hall upgrades. A further
£1 million will be available in each of the
following two financial years. The
allocation for 2005-2006 is: -
Badenoch and Strathspey, £92,600;
Caithness, £110,000; Inverness,
£197,000; Lochaber, £123,200; Nairn,
£75,200; Ross and Cromarty, £185,000; Skye
and Lochalsh, £95,000; Sutherland, £122,000.
Flurry Of UKAEA Items
DUNNET BEACH Update On Contaminated Stone
Find
UKAEA has published the results of tests
carried out on a contaminated stone
discovered during monitoring of the beach at
Dunnet on March 2. The tests are
inconclusive about the origin of the
caesium, but eliminate radioactive
deposition from the Chernobyl accident as a
source of the contamination. The tests
indicate the contamination it is not a
particle of the kind found near Dounreay.
UKAEA Will Assist Highland Council To Remove
Storm Rubbish At Dunnet
UKAEA has responded to a request for
assistance from Highland Council to help
repair storm damage and has agreed to
provide mechanical assistance to remove
large quantities of flotsam and jetsam from
the area.
UKAEA MEDIATION Moves To Reach Settlement
With Sandside
UKAEA has begun a process of mediation with
Magnohard Ltd, owner of the estate at
Sandside, with a view to reaching a positive
settlement of issues arising from the
detection and retrieval of radioactive
particles at Sandside beach. UKAEA regrets
the occurrence of particles at Sandside and
the historical practices that gave rise to
their release onto the seabed off Dounreay.
‘NEW’ COURT CASE Against Dounreay Untrue
A number of newspapers this week reported
that a new court case has been launched
against UKAEA Dounreay as a result of
historical waste management practices.
UKAEA understands that these reports stemmed
from Media Intelligence Partners Ltd, a
London-based lobby firm with strong links to
political organisations in the USA.
Enquiries by UKAEA have established that
no new, fresh proceedings have been
brought against UKAEA.
18 March 2005
Next
Wednesday's Strike
Highland
Schools Head teachers will advise parents on
Monday of possible disruption or closures,
basing their decisions on health and safety
considerations. Head teachers will also use
the emergency closure phone line to keep
parents appraised of local situations.
Make sure you have the school emergency
number handy to phone in and check current
situation. Use that and not the main
school numbers to check. Caithness.org
will update with the latest information as
it comes in.
Council Offices Across Scotland May Be
Closed On Wednesday 23 March Due To Strike
Action
Members of the unions Unison, Amicus and
UCATT will be involved in strike action on
Wednesday 23 March 2005. Many council
and other services may be affected depending
on the support for the action. More
details on possible Caithness or Highland
affects will be published when we know more.
The strike is over the threat to alter
pension conditions of public service
workers.
Mary Scanlon MSP Attacks Cut In Highland
Council Funding For Supporting People
Mary Scanlon MSP The Scottish Conservative's
spokesman for Communities, used today debate
on Housing to acknowledge the 400,000
families in Scotland who own their own homes
as a direct result of the Tory Right to Buy,
saying; "These were mainly first time
buyers, achieving their aspiration of home
own ownership. "The Scottish
Conservatives would welcome policies
building on the fundamental principles of
the Right to Buy scheme to maximise
opportunities for tenants to become
homeowners, and which propose to make shared
ownership more flexible and affordable to
more people....... Mary further commented;
"The cuts in the Supporting People funding
for Highland over the next 3 years will be
£2 million, making it very difficult for
them to provide housing support and indeed
to increase services, particularly following
new homelessness legislative requirements.
Highland Council has asked for a commitment
that the funding available to support the
introduction of homelessness legislation
will be continued."
Maureen Macmillan MSP Backing Action
on Solvent Abuse
Maureen Macmillan MSP has added her support to a new campaign to stop
solvent abuse in Scotland. The
National Volatile Substance Abuse (VSA) campaign is hoping to raise
awareness amongst shop workers about the laws surrounding the sale of
lighter fuel and other solvents that can be abused by children. Mrs
Macmillan is calling on retailers to operate on a 'no proof, no sale'
basis on age restricted products and is encouraging all shop workers to
support the campaign and help stop the sale of volatile substances to
under 18s. Backing the campaign Mrs Macmillan said, "Solvent abuse can
kill. That is why lighter fuel is an age
restricted product, and it is illegal to
sell it to under -18s.
UKAEA Dounreay Beating The Drum As Party
Conference Season Gets Into Full Swing
Dundee
To Dumfries - Some of Scotland's most senior
politicians were briefed on progress with decommissioning Dounreay when
they met up with a UKAEA and trade union team from Dounreay at the
Scottish Labour Party conference in Dundee
recently. First minister Jack
McConnell and other Labour MSP's called at
the stand for a few words. The
Dounreay team next headed for the
Conservative conference in Dumfries
Volunteering Opportunities From Volunteering
Highland -
Hot List
Are you interested in the environment and gardening?..If so, Wick
Flower Basket Committee are looking for
volunteers. Wick Town Improvements
[Gala committee] are looking for a treasurer
to help run the extremely popular Gala. If
you think you would like to contribute to
the continued success of the Gala call
Catherine at Volunteering Highland.
Volunteering Highland office is located at
Telford House Williamson Street, Wick, and
they have information on volunteering across
Caithness.
Mary Scanlon MSP About Energy Efficiency
Targets
Highlands
and Islands MSP Mary Scanlon has been told that the Scottish Executive currently
has no separate energy efficiency targets for Scotland. Commenting, Mary
said; "It is interesting that the Scottish Executive have set targets for the
construction of wind farms all across Scotland in their attempts to achieve
renewable energy targets, yet they do not place the same emphasis on energy
efficiency.
North MSP's Welcome Higher Spending
To Tackle Shortage Of Dentists
Local
highland MSP's Maureen MacMillan and Jamie Stone were united in welcoming the
extra £150 million to be spent on recruiting more dentists. Highland like
most parts of Scotland has over the past few years had a growing shortage of
dentists and particularly any who wished to remain working in the National
Health Service. A new remote area allowance of £9000 per annum may make the
thought of working in the Highlands more attractive.
Caithness
Canine Club Has A New Web Site
The local club now has a web site to enable everyone to finds out about the club
and what it offers to dog owners. The main features of the club are To
promote responsible dog ownership in the Caithness district - To hold dog
training, ringcraft and agility classes - To hold lectures and discussions on
the care and welfare of dogs - To hold licensed shows under Kennel Club rules
and regulations and also to meet other folk interested in dogs. The canine
club web site has now been added to our
Caithness sites
listing where you can find a growing listing of Caithness web sites.
The link for this growing page is now in the left hand column of this page and
in various other pages such as the
Site Map as we try
to keep with the hectic pace that Caithness is now fast moving into the digital
age. If your web site is in Caithness and not listed get in touch with us
and make it easier for everyone to find. the Canine Club web site can also be
found via the
Canine Club page in the
Animal
Welfare section and that is found in the main
Community Index.
THE CONSERVATION OF WILD CREATURES AND WILD PLANTS ACT,
1975
Ken Butler in this Caithness Field Club Bulletin describes the 1975 conservation
act and the offences created for the removal of plants and animals from the
countryside. The wildlife and countryside Act has been updated several
times and there have been many amendments but this item may remind people that
removal of plants and other items from the countryside is a criminal offence.
Interminable Acanthodians - Field Exposure On The A9
Jack Saxon describes the finds on the A9 after blasting at road works
and two visiting German geologists collected fish fossils from the
cutting. It had been found necessary to blast the country rock
revealing, on the south west face, about 4m of country rock.
This article is another from the 1975 Caithness Field Club Bulletin.
1975 Bulletins
Index
Main Bulletins Index
THE RAISED SHORELINES OF CAITHNESS
Another article from the 1975 Caithness Field Club Bulletin in which
Donald Omand discusses raised beaches in Caithness.
1975 Bulletins
Index
Main Bulletins Index
Green Light for New
Inverness Airport Access Road
Plans for the construction of a new access road linking Inverness
Airport and the A96 are set to go ahead following the successful outcome
of negotiations with Network Rail. Work is expected to start on
the construction of the road shortly. The new road will improve the
integration of transport within the Highlands by linking Inverness
Airport to the trunk road network and thus enhancing the links from air
services to the bus and rail services in Inverness. The Highland Council
expects to let the contract for the construction of the road soon.
The £4 million road and associated access infrastructure is being funded
by the European Regional Development Fund through the Highlands and
Islands Special Transitional Programme 2000-2006, Inverness and Nairn
Enterprise, Highlands and Islands Airports Limited and The Highland
Council.
Highland Teacher Training INITIATIVE Extends
to Secondary
A pioneering teacher training programme run
by The Highland Council and Aberdeen
University today received support to be
extended to offer part-time, distance
learning training for secondary teacher
training. The popular Primary course
will see 25 teachers graduate this summer
and will continue with an other 20 places
from august, in English and Gaelic medium.
Today, members of The Highland Council's
Education, Culture and Sport Committee
agreed to extend into secondary education
with Aberdeen by creating another course
aimed at producing new secondary teachers
for Highland. No limit to numbers is being
placed on this, recognising the need to
recruit as many new teachers as possible.
If you would like to teach in Caithness
there are currently vacancies in Wick and
Thurso High schools in several subjects.
Contact Highland council for full details.
Gordon Campbell Independent Candidate For
Westminster Checks Out East Caithness
Gordon Campbell is well underway with his
canvassing around Caithness, Sutherland and
Easter Ross. On Thursday he set out to
see East Caithness and meet people along the
way. He checked out many aspects from
businesses, harbours, museums and even
public toilets at Dunbeath. He chatted
with ladies at Laidhay croft and Latheron
Post Office and other people he met along
the way. He has been round before and
has stood in several elections without
success but this has not dampened his
enthusiasm for campaigning. He lives
in Dornoch but often lives for few days
locally when campaigning. He based
himself at the Portland Arms Hotel for his
East Caithness days.
Westminster Election
17 March 2005
FIRST APPOINTMENTS TO THE CIVIL NUCLEAR
POLICE AUTHORITY
Mike O'Brien today announced the first
members of the Civil Nuclear Police
Authority (CNPA) which will take over
responsibility for policing civil nuclear
sites and nuclear materials from UKAEA on 1
April 2005. The current UKAEA
Constabulary, will transfer to the CNPA and
will be renamed the Civil Nuclear