8 Hour First Aid Course For Those Involved In Sport
Sunday 26 March 2006 9.00am - 5.00pm
The Caithness Sports Council is organising an 8 hour First Aid Course. The course is being run by Highland Leisure Training from Inverness. The course is aimed at people involved in sport. Places are limited to 12 individuals Cost: £20/individual (Caithness Sports Council Club Members) The Caithness Sports Council is subsidising the cost of this course, therefore grant aid applications from clubs will not be considered. £40/individual (non Caithness Sports Council Club members) See Whats On for contact details

Thurso High 1978 Reunion - Venue Chosen
The Thurso High School 1978 reunion will be held on Saturday 29th July 2006 at the Park Hotel, Thurso. Timings and price of tickets to follow.  Send any school photos to bill@caithness.org or let us know which photos on the site already apply to your year so that we can link them to the reunion page.

£489 MILLION BUDGET RECOMMENDED FOR 2006-7
The Highland Council will be asked on Thursday (2 February) to confirm a savings package of £18.7 million in setting a budget of £489 million for 2006-7. A report by Alan Geddes, Director of Finance, described the budget outlook faced by the Council as the most challenging in recent years. The level of savings needed to balance the budget were of a level previously seen only in the early years of the Council in 1996. He forecast that the Council would face an even more difficult budget outlook in 2007/8, which highlighted the critical need to balance the budget in the new financial year with sustainable savings.
See Proposed Budget Savings to be debated on 2 February at Highland Council, Inverness on 2 February

Buying Or Selling A Car, Van - Looking For Parts Etc then Try the Classifieds on Caithness.org
Remember they are FREE so your spares may not be worth a lot but someone may be looking for them.  Give it a try you have nothing to lose.

Free Bus Travel In Scotland For Over 60's and Disabled People
Are you in the categories to get FREE bus travel in Scotland.  In 2004 the Scottish Executive announced that from Spring 2006 FREE bus travel would be available over the whole of Scotland for certain people.  the new scheme comes into force in April 2006 and now is the time top make sure you are registered for the new bus pass to take you anywhere in Scotland FREE of charge.  In Highland phone 0845 7090202 and in other places contact your local council offices.  So now you can visit us in Caithness or any other of the great Highland places completely FREE if you live in Scotland and qualify for FREE travel.  Get registered now.  Go on do it now -  its the best offer ever from the Scottish Parliament to the older people of Scotland.

MacNeil Presses London Treasury to Lower Island Fuel Tax - SNP

30 January 2006

Sunset At Dunnet Tonight As The Caithness Light Show Goes On
Thanks to Michael Draper for this photo of the sunset once again dominating the skyline in the north and especially at Dunnet tonight.  The cold clear and crisp weather of the last few days seems to be creating the perfect conditions for these fantastic sky scenes.  With the frost hardly lifting in some parts today the sunshine made up and then followed by some fabulous views.
 

Wick Finally Bucks The Unemployment Trend
Figures released for December show that Wick was the only one out of 17 areas in Highland and Islands to show a decrease dipping below 4% for the first time in a very long time.  Wick still remains one of the highest unemployment areas in the region.  Pulteneytown area remains the highest percentage of ward areas in Caithness at 7.5% for males (63) whilst only 3.1% (23) for females.

Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise - Approvals December 2005

Story Telling Feast For North Families
Families in Ross and Cromarty, Caithness, and Inverness will this February have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of storytelling events organised by Highland Council's Community Learning and Leisure Service.  Through funding from the Live Literature Scotland Scheme, Highland Libraries have organised five family storytelling sessions "Stories For All Ages" led by key Scottish poets, authors and storytellers.  At Thurso Library on Thursday, 9th February 9th at 2:00 pm, storyteller Bob Pegg will weave weave music and song into his tales.

Let's Do the Show Right Here
The show recorded a few weeks ago at the Assembly Rooms, Wick in connection with the memorial garden is to be broadcast on Friday 3 February at 11.30 AM on BBC Radio Scotland.  If you cannot tune at the time you cane use the Listen Again service online for up to a week.

Nice Yacht In Wick Bay
A new visitor to Wick was the ketch "Hetairos" pictured here in Wick Bay on Friday evening.  Certainly nice to be sailing around the coast in the beautiful weather we have been having recently.  If "Wick 21" gets their marina built in Wick harbour we may expect to see many more like this in future years.  Thanks to George Campbell for sending in the photo.

29 January 2006

Sunset At Dunnet Tonight

Live Online Quiz in the Caithness.org Chartoom at 8.30pm Tonight
Not been one for long while but our chatters have now prepared for a quiz and anyone can join in.  Its all just for fun and the quiz master is thousands of miles away.

Piping Recital on Saturday 4th February at 7.30pm
Pipe Band Hall, High Street, Wick. Featuring James MacLean, College of Piping, Glasgow plus pupils of Wick RBLS Pipe Band. Admission costs £2 for adults, accompanied children are free. During the interval there will be a raffle, the admission price include tea/coffee and biscuits

Caithness Canine Club - Obedience Training Starts 7 February In Wick
Obedience and ring craft classes will be starting on Tuesday 7th Feb 2006 at 8pm - 9.30pm in the Wick
Assembly Rooms. 45 minutes for obedience followed by 45 minutes ring craft at a cost of £1.50 per class per week OR £2 for both (per week).

23 Early Postcards Added to The Caithness Gallery

Thanks again to Alex MacManus for sending another batch of early Caithness postcards.

EU fuel tax cut could help halt loss of struggling Highland petrol stations - Scotsman
Don't start cheering until you have read the article by John Ross - it is only suggestion from France but it might help Highland motorists if it was adopted.

28 January 2006

Catching Up With Ormlie Awards
We are only now catching up with some of the recent ORMLIE Community Association awards.  Just a couple of weeks ago the group were at the BRA awards in London and shortly before that picked up an award at the Dynamic Place Awards in Edinburgh.  There can be no doubt about the fact that the challenges set by this local group have had tremendous results and they continue to thrive and bring more action into their part of Thurso

Enterprising Couple Rearing Buffalo In Caithness
Rebecca Winkle and Graham Maharg run a croft at Scarfskerry and have pooled their talents to operate a range of small enterprises under the name Lotions And Potions.  Beneath that title lies a varied list of small enterprises including animals most of which are often to be found in and around small farms and increasingly crofts in the Highlands. One animal, the buffalo is very unusual for Caithness and raised a few eyebrows but contrary to expectations is doing very well.  The buffalo line is originally from Bulgaria but these two have been born and raised in Scotland. The buffalo have been at the croft for a couple of years now and they are ready to mate and indeed have been in search of a mate on some dark nights.

26 January 2006

Another Successful Bring And Buy At Hillhead School, Wick
The Bring and Buy sale at Hillhead is organised and run by the Primary 7 pupils each year. All proceeds go towards the cost of the Primary 7 trip to York. It is an important event in the diary of the pupils as for many it is one of the first times they are free to purchase an item without the guiding ideas of their parents. Bargains abound and you might always find that special something. Few things sell for more than 20p. Money is still trickling in but a final sum of around £340 is expected. Have a look at some happy customers including pupils, staff and students.  Hillhead School Pages

Dunnet Head Rainbow - Look No Further The Pot Of Gold Really Is Here
As this photo of a rainbow at Dunnet Head from Michael Draper this week shows Dunnet always has something going on in the sky.  The backdrop of the cliff, the bay, beaches and cliffs mixed with the ever changing weather means there is always something to see and to feel.  Standing on the headlands of Dunnet or Dwarwiick from where this photo was taken you certainly can feel like this is the place where riches are to be found and they are - fresh sea air, a beautiful rugged coastline, wonderful sweeping beach, fantastic bird life.  Never mind gold -  taking it all in you will never be richer.
Dunnet Pages    And Those Wind Folk Love It So Much They Are Back At Easter    Dunnet Rangers

Caithness to provide $139M in PILOT payments  Should Caithness Area Payments Be Higher?
Not here in Scotland folks but a power company in the USA which it to make PILOT payments to the local community  - PILOT Payments are Payment In Lieu Of Taxes.   YAPHANK – The Long Island Power Authority announced a plan today under which an energy company planning to build a power plant in Yaphank would provide $139 million in payments in lieu of taxes to several Suffolk jurisdictions.  The 326-megawatt plant proposed by Manhattan-based Caithness Long Island would be the first large, baseload power plant built on Long Island since the creation of the Long Island Power Authority, which so far has endorsed a series of smaller plants. The plan calls for $139 million in PILOT payments over 20 years to surrounding communities.  The question for Caithness is "Are Community Benefits in the Highlands set too low in this country and should they apply to all power generation as well as wind farms and also to water and other utilities that can have a significant effect on the communities they are beside? Although PILOT payments are different, would similar schemes be more beneficial to an area such as Caithness with a nuclear power plant, increasing windfarms and potentially power from the Pentland Firth to supply the rest of the UK.  Like North Sea oil on our doorstep will there be much more economic prosperity flowing away without sufficient recompense to the local area.  Any thoughts to the Message Board
For more on PILOT Payments try Google or this article PILOT payments: a potential revenue source for public libraries

Thurso Air Cadets Open Day
Thurso Air Cadets are holding an Open Day on Saturday 28th January, in the Drill Hall, Princes Street, Thurso from 12 noon to 5 pm. It is open to anyone who might be interested in becoming a cadet or an adult member of staff. There is an "Air Cadet Challenge" for 12 - 16 years olds, which includes 2 physical tasks, 2 dexterous tasks and 2 mental tasks, and the winner will receive £50.

50,000 Postings On The Forum Reached At 10.15pm UK Time
Message 50,000 Will Be Posted Very Soon In Our Forum 49,998  at 10.08pm
The Message Board is expanding fast and the 50,000th message will be posted any time now.  Whether you want to debate an issue, ask for local information or use the Classified Ads more and more folk are using this FREE service.

Playbox Playgroup, Wick Hekl A Wee Burns Supper Today

To-day Playbox playgroup, Wick held a burns supper for the 3 years morning group to celebrate "Burns", Piper David Sutherland came and played a few tunes on the pipes which all the children loved. Jane Hamilton took along her fiddle and played a selection of reels and highland dancer Bryony Munro danced the Pas de Basques. This was followed by a traditional Burns snack of Haggis, neeps and tatties washed down with Irn-Bru.  Playbox Playgroup

Better Ships Could Save £10m on Northern Isles Route, Says Napier Report
A report by Napier University's Maritime Research Group has branded the ferries plying the sailing routes between Aberdeen and the Northern Isles as "two of the most inefficient and environmentally-unfriendly ships built in recent years". The criticism is contained in the report, Future Options for Northern Isles Ferry Services, commissioned by the Northern Maritime Corridor (NMC), to establish if improvements can be made to the existing service.  In the report Dr Alf Baird, Head of the Maritime Research Group at Napier Transport Research Institute, recommends that the existing four ships - operated by Northlink Ferries - two passenger/car ships and two cargo ships - should be replaced by two larger car/passenger/cargo ships.

Highland Cares Project Exhibition of Photographs By Fin MacRae
Swanson Gallery, Thurso Friday 27 January - Wednesday 8 February
The Princess Royal Trust Highland Carers’ Project has put together an exhibition of portraits of carers with Fin Macrae, the highly regarded Highland photographer who has exhibited at the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and The Victoria and Albert in London. The exhibition, which opened at Strathpeffer Community Centre in December, is now on tour around Highland region. It will be in the Swanson Gallery in Thurso from Friday 27th January to Wednesday 8th February.

Burns Day Lunch At South School, Wick

Lunch time at South School, Wick today got the full Burns Day treatment with haggis, shortbread and Burns songs.  There was even a dram although it was a glass of Irn Bru juice before the kids headed out to the playground where the new Active Schools coordinator was around to organise playground games.  with all that haggis the kids were raring to go.  There were two sittings for lunch with the younger children tucking in first followed by the older primary classes.  South School Index   Burns Links

Caithness Young Archaeologists
A new group for young folk between the ages of 8 and 16.  If you woudl like to find out more the first meeting for 2006 is this Saturday. Enjoy the return of the sun with a Yuletide celebration at Spittal Village Hall. Come, Join in and learn about the ways people celebrated this festival in the past, with the food they ate from prehistory to polytunnels. Meeting runs from 2pm - 3.30pm. Subs: £1 per member per meeting £1.50 per family.   Caithness Archaeology

Big Garden Bird Watch With RSPB
The survey is very simple. All you need to do is watch your garden or local park for an hour on either Saturday 28 or Sunday 29 January, note down the birds you see and count the highest number of each species you see at any one time in the hour (this avoids counting the same birds twice.)  You can submit your results via an easy online form.  This will be available from the RSPB web site from 28 January. A separate Bird Watch for schools is also being carried out and any school can join in and submit their results online.

Chloe Mackay, Keiss Primary A Winner In the Lyreco Calendar Competition
Chloe Mackay from Keiss primary school was one of the winners in the Lyreco Office supplies art competition to design a calendar for 2008. there were over 2500 entries.   Each winning pupil received an i-pod prize and their design will appear in one month of the calendar. Danielle Slater from Wick High was one of the runners up and received a DVD player.  Education Index for full list of winners

 

25 January 2006

Supermarket Competition Hots Up As ASDA Put in Planning Application For  New Thurso Store
It was confirmed today that another new supermarket could be heading to Caithness.  This time ASDA have placed an outline planning application at Wick for a new store extending to 2890 square metres.  The new store application also includes a petrol filling station and two new roundabouts beside the Weigh Inn on the outskirts of Thurso.  further the application includes a new football pitch and pavilion for the use of local community.  the site is just past Pennyland Farm on the opposite side from the Weigh Inn.  A new access road in addition to the two roundabouts would be constructed by the company. Asda is subsidiiary of the American giant Wal-Mart.  Asda web site   Message Board Debate On New Store For Thurso

Freight Transport Association Say We Need A New Forth Bridge Now
As the Freight Transport Association representing transport operators prepares to lobby transport minister Tavish Scott to make an early decision on a second Forth Road Bridge operators in Caithness generally agreed that restrictions on the use of the Forth Bridge would inevitably affect their operating costs if they required to make longer journeys via Stirling for shipping goods and livestock south.  Effectively most of the operators north of the Forth Bridge would probably see and adverse rise in costs if the  Forth Bridge were to be restricted due to corrosion problems being highlighted.  Although it is still some years away according to experts the lead in time for a major new bridge means decision are required sooner rather than later according to the FTA.    Note - The Forth Road Bridge was opened on 4 September 1964 and Bill Fernie was there on that day and walked across and back with hundreds of others who had come to see the official opening by her majesty Queen Elizabeth.  Bill said "Even back then it was obvious even to us as teenagers that this was of massive economic importance to Scotland and since then its use has increased hugely.  We walked over and underneath on the North Queensferry side to gawp at the massive cables as where they entered huge concrete structures in the ground to take the strain of the bridge"  
Forth Bridges Web Cam   Forth Bridges Visitor Centre  Traffic Numbers  This could affect us all in the north.

Are you interested in the environment?
If you are interested in improving the environment then The Caithness Countryside Ranger, Marina Swanson invites you to their AGM on Thursday 2nd February at 7.30PM in the Nethercliff Hotel Wick. If you are unable to attend the AGM but are interested in future events and projects contact Marina on 01955 607758.

WE'D LIKE TO BEAT THE BIKE - Daily Record
ANGRY campaigners last night begged ministers to sort out a Highland train service that's slower than a pushbike.  The train from Inverness to Thurso and Wick takes four hours to cover 175 miles. And on one stretch of the route, between Golspie and Tain, a group of cyclists once beat the train by 11 minutes. The train has to make its way around the Dornoch Firth, a distance of 45 miles, to reach Tain from Golspie. But because the firth is spanned by a road bridge, the cyclists only had to go 17 miles. The Association of Caithness Community Councils has now appealed to the Parliament's petitions committee, asking for a Dornoch Firth rail bridge and other major improvements.  Rail Future Scotland Campaign Issues
The Far North Line

Hamish Gunn From Wick Gallery

Green energy strategy 'could damage landscape of the Highlands' - Scotsman
A CONSERVATION charity has claimed that Highland Council's renewable energy strategy could harm the area's landscape. The John Muir Trust says the policy has a heavy bias towards onshore wind farms and prejudices moves to increase other green energy technologies that have less impact on the land. However, the charity praises the council for trying to co-ordinate the development of renewable energy and says the Scottish Executive should draw..........         Highland Council Renewable Energy Strategy Consultation
Wind Farms Etc

FREE Property Pages Given A Makeover
The property pages just got even better.  They work even faster and instead of one long page they are now in neat pages of 10 properties to a page.  Scroll through them using the next page or previous page buttons or choose a page number. Currently there are over 70 properties taking advantage of our FREE entries.  Selling property has probably never been cheaper than this unless you know someone who will pay you to advertise.   Now there's a thought!!!  You think we are joking!!!  Keep watching till we come up with how to make that one work.  Meantime if you are selling property in Caithness make sure its on here.  You can do it in minutes and reach a large and growing number of folk looking on Caithness.org
And don't forget Rented Property or Commercial Property To Rent         Submit Property For Sale Or Rent

A FREE Calendar For Any Month Any Time You Need It From Caithness.org
Something you might need from time to time - a calendar for any month of 2006.  You can print a plain no frills calendar with empty boxes and a large notes space either in portrait style or landscape - whichever suits your needs best.  If you just need it to scribble or plan something and throw away print on any A4 paper.  If you want something more sturdy try some thin card.  We have provided the full 12 months with a photo if you do not need the notes space and it's in black and white to save your printer ink.  We will think of something better for next year and have it ready sooner.  If you have any old scrap paper printed only on one side you can reuse it for the calendar and save money.  Find it in the Site Map listing any time or if you can remember its easy URL address www.caithness.org/calendar

Give Blood Today In Wick
Tuesday 24th January 2006 WICK, Assembly Rooms
2.00pm – 4.00pm & 5.00pm – 8.00pm
More about giving blood at Scot Blood

Another Night - Another Record On The Message Board On Monday Night
Most users ever online at one time was 202 at 9:30 PM last night. 
Was it the mention of all the things that you can do  on the message board that took more people than ever flooding in.  If you have missed yesterdays message here is the listing again to see if you can use it - its still FREE.  Whether you want to debate, argue or get information as well all of these FREE services
Job Vacancies - Cars For Sale - Motorbikes For Sale - Commercial Vehicles For Sale
Spares, Accessories & Sundries For Sale - Computers & Game Consoles For Sale - Computers, Peripherals & Software - Game Consoles & Games - Audio / Video Equipment - Mobile Phones - Items Wanted - Births, Deaths & Marriages - Volunteering Opportunities 

24 January 2006

A Letter From Sir Digby Jones, Director General Of The CBI
Dear Editor
I will be spending 24 March 2006 working in the post room. I am doing this because my staff has pulled together and are sponsoring me to spend the day sorting through their letters and packages. I will need to roll up my sleeves and get on with my postal duties in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care's brand new initiative, Back to the Shop Floor. As a supporter of Marie Curie Cancer Care, I am calling on you senior staff across the UK to take part in this fundraising initiative and to spend the day doing a job you don't normally do. You could work behind a till, be the tea girl or the post man... the opportunities are endless.

More Good News For Wick
Figures Show Busy December 2005 for North Airports
Wick Passengers December 2005 2352 compared to 1676 December 2004 a 40% increase.
The total number of passengers using airports in the Highlands and Islands increased by 20% in December compared to the previous year, according to figures released by Highlands and Islands Airports Limited. A total of 87,795 passengers used the company’s 10 airports in the month compared to 73,038 in December 2004. The airports which showed the greatest gains in the month were: Inverness (+28%); Islay (+22.4%); Sumburgh (+24.3%) and Wick (+40.3%).  Angela Donaldson the Wick airport manager confirmed that December had been an excellent month with the increase in passenger traffic being due to increased flights available from Eastern Airways, a rise in the number of passengers in transit and increased refuelling and helicopter crew training for the oil industry.  the recently added early morning flight leaving at 7.00am had proved very popular with business passengers.  This means the first flight out is at 7.00am and the last flight in is at 8.30pm giving better timetable than previously.  Flying Index

Old Golspie Postcards Added

HIGHLAND MSP PRESSES MINISTER IN PARLIAMENT ON BROADBAND COVERAGE
Highlands and Islands Labour MSP Maureen Macmillan has questioned Nicol Stephen, the Minister with responsibility for Communications, on what steps the Scottish Executive is taking to provide solutions to the clusters of households that are still out of reach of broadband. Mrs Macmillan said, "I have had regular contact from constituents who are still unable to access broadband technology and questioned the Minister, in parliament, on what solutions were being considered. In his response he pointed out that Scotland now has 99.7% access to broadband with broadband delivered to 378 remote and rural telephone exchanges. This is no consolation, however, for those still trying to receive the technology and I pressed the Minister on a timescale for delivering broadband to the remaining areas.
Sam Knows -  A web site to check coverage and more

RANGERS CELEBRATE NATIONAL BARD'S ANNIVERSARY
A Walk With Burn's Poetry 2-4pm on Saturday 28th January at Reelig Glen, near Moniack
Highland Council and Forestry Commission Rangers are celebrating Burn's Night this year with a difference as they invite local people to join them on a Burns walk.  From 2-4pm on Saturday 28th January at Reelig Glen, near Moniack the Rangers will lead a guided walk in dramatic countryside while reciting some of Burn's finest poetry and participants are invited to bring along their favourite Burns poem. A bit far from Caithness but if you happen to be off to Inverness you might like to go before you come home.

Highland Schools Go For Big Heart Day  - 8 February 2006
Pupils at primary and secondary schools in the Highlands are gearing up to raise thousands of pounds to help communities and young people across the world who are trying to re-build their lives following the devastation caused by last year's Asian tsunami.  In February last year, all Highland schools were involved in raising money for the victims of the Asian tsunami. The successful Big Heart Day Highland 2005 raised a total of £65,301 for the appeal. However, one year on from the disaster, many of the tsunami affected areas still have a lot of work to be done to help people regain livelihoods, homes, health, education and community life.

23 January 2006

Highland Cultural Pledge To Children  In £1.5 Million Initiative
Every school pupil in Highland will be given the chance to participate in a cultural activity during 2007 as part of a cultural pledge being made by The Highland Council in celebrating Highland 2007 - the year Scotland celebrates Highland culture. Teachers and Community Learning and Leisure staff will be working with Pupil Councils to identify a range of topics and potential activities which might form part of the Pledge to the 31,000 Highland pupils.  £1 million in-kind "mainstream" support has been allocated from the Council to the Pledge. In addition £500,000 has been allocated in cash from the Highland 2007 budget, allowing for an average of £17,500 to be allocated per community school cluster. Sponsorship is currently being sought to boost this figure.

What's On Ads - Please Note You Require To Enter Contact Details
To ensure an ad in the What's On is passed by us for entry we need to know that it is genuine. Therefor you should ensure a phone number or email address is available for contact.  This not required if you have made arrangements with us for ads.  An ad for Car Boot Sale recently was not entered as there were no contact details.  Great interaction - Update - Car Boot Sale Now On - cheers from the Caithness.org Team

Classified Ads Are FREE On Caithness.org - Expanding Fast
Take A Look And Then Start Raising Cash For Your Holidays
Job Vacancies - Cars For Sale - Motorbikes For Sale - Commercial Vehicles For Sale
Spares, Accessories & Sundries For Sale - Computers & Game Consoles For Sale - Computers, Peripherals & Software - Game Consoles & Games - Audio / Video Equipment - Mobile Phones - Items Wanted - Births, Deaths & Marriages - Volunteering Opportunities  You can read all the messages and ads without registering but to place and FREE all you need to do is register with normal email address (Not a web based email such as hotmail or yahoo, AOL)  Ads are placed instantly and can be added to, receive questions from potential purchasers and advise everyone when sold to stop further calls.  So clean out that attic, garage or shed.  Someone probably wants what you don't so why not turn it into cash now and for FREE.

Public Exhibition – Baillie Wind Farm - Thursday 26th January 2006 - Victoria Hall, Reay
Baillie Wind Farm Ltd will be holding a public exhibition in relation to their application to construct a wind farm at Bardnaheigh and Stempster Hill,on Thursday 26th January 2006 at  Victoria Hall, Reay from 3pm to 8pm.  An application was made to the Scottish Executive under Section 36 of the Electricity Act 1989 for consent to construct and operate a wind farm of 25 turbines at Baillie Farm in July 2004. An accompanying Environmental Statement was prepared by RPS Group PLC.  The proposal has now been amended to reduce the number of turbines to 21. 
Highland Wind Farm Applications As At December 2005

Inverness Airport Terminal PFI Buy Out
Highlands and Islands Airports Limited has confirmed that a Scottish Executive funded deal had been concluded to buy out the Inverness Airport terminal Private Finance Initiative.

Message Board Broke The Record Again For Most Users Online At One Time
At 10:19pm last night the Message Board had 183 users on all at one time.  Throughout the day the number of visitors to the message board is huge.  Ask questions, sell almost anything, Debate issues or just have a laugh.  Its growing all the time and  with 2628 members and 5,743 topics to choose from with  posts now passing 49,021.  Never been in yet?  Then take look - It will soon be bigger than the rest of the web site at this rate.  Just read the Forum rules before you join.  How many clubs in Caithness do you know that have over 100 members turning up every night of the week.  Got an interesting topic to debate then put it in here and see what everyone else thinks.

22 January 2006

Calling Local Caithness Artists, Sculptors, Photographers Etc
Get some samples of your work in our Galleries.  Just email as many samples as you want and we will add them to the Arts Galleries and these in turn can be linked to your free page in the Arts index.  We are now adding more features to the Arts Index pages so now is a good time to add more to the galleries for direct linking to your page for anyone browsing the galleries to see with a link back to you on every page with sample of your work.   Email samples to bill@caithness.org

Sketches By Graham Payne

These sketches are just  small sample of the work of Graham Payne who recently moved to Caithness.
Find Graham Payne In the Arts Section

Another 12 Old Caithness Postcards Just Added

Thanks to Alex MacManus for sending these in.  More Sutherland ones to come next.

A FREE Dram of Old Pulteney On Burns Day
The Park Hotel, Thurso is giving  a FREE dram of Old Pulteney on Burns Day 25th January to all customers ordering a two course meal from the special Scottish menu.

More Early Postcards - Bridge St Wick, Barrock Lodge and Early Auckingill

Wick High Reunion 54 - 56
Another reunion five years after the last one we ran on the web site for this group.  Janis Paterson has sent in the first list to update everyone as to who has said they are going on 21 July this year.

New Dog Warden For Caithness
If you have worries or complaints about dogs in Caithness a new dog warden is waiting to hear from you.  The dog warden is a service supplied by Highland Council and is based in Wick.  A link to the Dog Warden number can now be found in the Environment Index and the Pets Corner

The Sunday Papers - a few items from todays papers
AN ILL WIND - Sunday Herald
Scotland has pioneered renewable energy, but now faces being left behind. Matthew Magee reports
Wind Farms Etc
Sleaze probe into nuclear lobbying at Holyrood - Sunday Herald
Poles Apart - By Lesley Riddoch This article points to the need to do more for the 300o Poles now working in and around Inverness as the Highland economy booms and employers find difficulty getting labour.
Privatised nuclear clean-up ‘will cause accidents’ - Sunday Herald

Save Neuro-Surgery At Aberdeen - Petition Now At 8041 At 9.15am UK Time
People from all over Scotland may soon be expected to travel to Glasgow and for those in the north of Scotland extra travelling and expense not to mention the sheer inconvenience for patients and relatives.  Yet again a small group has set it itself to take on the health authorities and the Scottish Executive.  More details and a petition to sign at www.brainhelp.co.uk against the merger of the neurosurgical units in Scotland. The government are proposing a merger and it looks like the proposed closure of the unit in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary with neurosurgery being centralised in Glasgow. Organisers for the campaign  said "It is vitally important for the sake of the geographical area which Aberdeen serves that we push to keep the service open."   Caithness.org has been contacted by people who regard this service as having been vital to their families and once again geography is a factor.

North Action Group Maternity Campaign
The fight to save the consultant led service at Caithness General appears to have been won, however the committee of North Action group are still holding committee meetings.  At their latest meeting one of many after two years of campaigning the members heard from Chairman George Bruce that it was greed at the Maternity Action Team set up by NHS highland to cease the process of small groups looking for another solution now that a decision to retain 3 consultants had been taken.  The next meting of North Action Group will be in two months to reflect on how the recruitment process is going.  A section on the maternity unit can be found on the Message Board

21 January 2006

Traditional Music Workshop - Halkirk - 18th February 2006
Gordon Gunn and Co are setting out to run another Traditional Music Day.  This time the venue is the Ross Institute at Halkirk.  At the end of the day a dance will be run at the hall to give the musicians a chance to try out their skills wtih dancer in front of them.  If you are interested in improving your techniques or just want the chance to join with professional musicians for the day then head over and get an application form sent off.  For the rest of you watch out for the ads for the dance at night on the 18 February - it should be a good one.

Latest Caithness Pets In Pets Corner
If you would like your Caithness pet's photo to appear in Pets Corner just email a photo to bill@caithness.org

Thurso Rotary Club Burns Supper

The Rotary Club of Thurso Burns Supper is one of the premier events on the west side of the county. It is always a sell out with over 100 attending this year in the Pentland Hotel. The speakers, and indeed the whole event, was up to usual high standard with some performance that can only be described as superb. Ken Murphy gave an enthralling note free immortal memory, one of the best ever heard by regular supper goers. Rotarian James Campbell toasted the lassies with his customary humour and Celia McDougall replied in similar fashion. The address to the haggis was performed with gusto and superb delivery by Alan Sparling. The singing of Mod Gold medalist Raymond Bremner was outstanding as was a contribution from Celia McDougall. Alan Plowman was piper for the evening and there cannot be many as skillful in the county. The Rotary Club always have Thurso Round Table members as their guests at this function and their Chairman has the duty of getting the evening off to a good start with the Selkirk Grace and Michael Dunnett certainly performed his task with confidence. The evening was rounded off with community singing and a fine vote of thanks by Rotarian John Hook. Finally a report would not be complete without mention of the significant contribution made to the evening by Rotary Vice-President Murray Campbell who chaired the supper. His chairmanship was excellent and humorous and interspersed with authoritative interjections, in keeping with his position as an top grade football referee, when the audience became more than enthusiastic as the evening wore on. Thurso Rotary Club   Robert Burns Links  Burns Style Jenny Stewart On Burns - Haggis Heuchs   E Moose & To A Mouse  Reply Till E Toast A Letter From Robert Burns To Sir John Sinclair - 1790  Burns Supper At Dale House A Couple Of Years Ago Burns At Hillhead 2005  Send in more Burns night photos for the galleries to bill@caithness.org  

20 January 2006

Thurso Eateries Set Out To Serve A Feast Of Offers
Has anyone noticed the rush of special offers and new deals, entertainment while you eat breaking out in Thurso.  We have and the examples are piling up of what great deal might be had by eating out in Thurso in coming weeks - Here are some we have noted already - Pentland Hotel offering FREE glasses of wine with all pizzas tonight (Friday) - Royal Hotel offering buy one get one free bar meals and the Park has just announced that starting on Sunday 29th that the last Sunday of each month will be Easy SundaY with jazz bands laying on free music.  Billed as relaxing day encouraging you to read the Sunday papers and have your Sunday roast for the pretty good price of £7.95.

Dunnet Still Amazing In Winter
Dunnet Index

Wildlife Also Features In The Caithness Field Club Outings
We are on a roll today looking at chances to see wildlife in the far north.  the opportunities are many and varied.  The local Caithness field Club takes in wildlife on their walks that are usually fairly leisurely.  This year there are chances to visit a few new places to look at wildlife but also mixed with other features like archaeology.  The group are still in the middle of their winter programme and visitors are always welcome.

Highland Wild Encounters 2006 - A Chance To See Wildlife With Experts 21 May  - 4 June
The far north of Scotland has an incredible variety of wildlife but you may take while to find it.  what better way to see what is around than to take walk or a trip with an  expert.  The walks are all graded from easy to difficult on the web site.  Some need to be booked and paid for in advance and the days are getting more popular each year so book early.  If you are planning a trip to Caithness or Sutherland these days out will make a very relaxing and interesting way to spend some time in the north.  check it out and put the dates in your diary.

Watch Our Wildlife - Winter
Thanks to SNH and the Ranger service for this latest guide to wildlife in the north of Scotland.  There is more wildlife around than you might expect and you will probably see a different aspect of the area every time you go out.  But remember for all its spectacular scenery this is the north of Scotland and in winter you must make sure you carry the correct gear and wear warm and waterproof clothing and tell someone where you are going.   Nature

Campaign for a Scottish Internet Domain - dotSco
Here is an interesting campaign that you might like to lend support to.  Is it time for Scotland to have its own .SCO internet domain.  If you would like to support the campaign all you have to do is send supportive email to them.  Already many businesses and well known figures have sent their support.  As you might expect we here at Caithness.org have sent our support and hope one day to be linking to lots of Scottish web sites such as www.yeswehaveourowndomain.sco

Hillhead Primary School Wick - Latest Newsletter

Wick Senior Citizens Annual Treat- -This Year Had A World War Two Theme

The 60th anniversary of the end of World War Two was the theme this year for the annual Wick Senior Citizens Treat.  The dinner is followed by entertainment provided this year by Isobel and Addie Harper, Wick RBLS Pipe Band and the choir from Wick Old Parish church leading the singing of songs from WW2.  A huge array of volunteers help out including many individuals, sixth year girls from Wick high school and Wick Rotary club members who supply transport to and from the event for anyone who requires it.  The committee led by chairman Thomas Mackay do a sterling job in fund raising throughout the year and are well supported by a huge range of local Wick businesses and organisations.  The event is free to any senior citizen in the area.  A great night that shows the huge community spirit that still exists in Wick.  Well done to everyone for another great night.

19 January 2006

Radical Plans To Transform Scotland's Cultural Landscape
With today's announcement about changes to the way in which the country is to deal with cultural matters it may be timely that Caithness Arts is shortly to launch a new strategy for Caithness   Another "£20million to be spent over the whole country  - we wonder where it will go?"

Gibson questions Lord Advocate over Skye Bridge Tolls
'An unsatisfactory response which will require more questions' was how Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Rob Gibson greeted the response to his question from the Scottish Executive on the Skye Bridge Tolls.  Mr Gibson (himself fined for non payment during the anti tolls campaign) asked Lord Advocate Colin Boyd QC whether the legality of the Skye Bridge contract documents and subsequent prosecutions can be established beyond doubt, in light of recent comments by the former Procurator Fiscal at Dingwall.

First Minister Questioned on NHS Dentistry
Mary Scanlon MSP today questioned the First Minister on the future of NHS dentistry funding.  With almost a third of dental practices failing to qualify for a new allowances scheme, the First Minister failed to provide assurance that he would intervene in order to ensure a new contract negotiated in the best interests of patients, declaring; 'no group has a veto over the decisions of the Parliament or this Executive.'

ARBUTHNOTT COMMISSION REPORT PUTS CITIZENS FIRST
The Commission on Boundary Differences and Voting Systems (the Arbuthnott Commission) today published its report, “Putting Citizens First: Boundaries, Voting and Representation in Scotland”. The report is a result of an 18 month inquiry by this independent commission, which was established by the Secretary of State for Scotland, Alistair Darling, to consider the consequences of having four separate voting systems for elections in Scotland and also different boundaries for Holyrood and Westminster constituencies.
Multi Member wards are due to replace the current system of local council representation from the next elections in May 2007.  Caithness will have three wards Wick, Thurso and Landward Central with 3 councillors for Wick and Thurso and 4 for Caithness Landward.  The Single Transferrable Voting system will apply and all voters will be able to vote for more than one candidate listing their choices in order of preference.  Basically this means that if your first choice of councillor does not get elected your vote will still count towards the second in your list and so on.  Clear?.... We thought so but it will be hopefully by the time it has been blasted all over the TV, leaflets and so on as we get nearer the elections next year.  Same number of councillors and voters will have a better say in who gets elected under the new set up.

Appeal Goes Out To Save Neuro-Surgery At Aberdeen As Closure Looms
People from all over Scotland may soon be expected to travel to Glasgow and for those in the north of Scotland extra travelling and expense not to mention the sheer inconvenience for patients and relatives.  Yet again a small group has set it itself to take on the health authorities and the Scottish Executive.  More details and a petition to sign at www.brainhelp.co.uk against the merger of the neurosurgical units in Scotland. The government are proposing a merger and it looks like the proposed closure of the unit in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary with neurosurgery being centralised in Glasgow. Organisers for the campaign  said "It is vitally important for the sake of the geographical area which Aberdeen serves that we push to keep the service open."  On Caithness.org we recently ran a link for the Nathan Warmack kilt petition and numbers soared on that site.  Let's see what we can do for the Neuro-Surgery at Aberdeen that serves the whole of the north of Scotland and the islands.  Signatures stand at 7988 as at 2.48pm UK time.

Launch of ARTS STRATEGY for CAITHNESS - Thursday 2nd February 4pm Pentland Hotel, Thurso
Caithness Arts the group moving the arts forward in Caithness will launch the Arts Strategy for Caithness. Consultant Ian Brown will introduce the new action-plan for the arts, a summary of which will be sent to members later this week, along with Newsletter and What's on.

OUT AND ABOUT WITH THE CAITHNESS CRITTERS - Loch Mey Bird Watching
The first meeting of the year for the Caithness Critters took place last Sunday.  The wildlife loving youngsters turned out to brave the harsh winds and cold temperatures to take part in a bird watch at the Loch of Mey.  The children spotted and recorded a range of bird species and practiced their identification skills with pictures and bird sounds in the hide.   Bird Watching
Caithness Critters is run by the Ranger Service in Caithness

Orkney by Air  - a photographic journey through time - Guy Warner
Orkney by Air is a photographic record of aviation in the Orkney Islands from the first flights by Ted Fresson through to the twenty-first century. It is accompanied by historical narrative. A well written history of air travel in Orkney from the beginning in 1931 to the newest air terminal in 2002. Covering a range of information in a non technical form with enough detail to be interesting but not bogged down in it.  A high readable book that will be of interest to anyone whether in aviation or as part of the modern history of Orkney.
  Caithness.org Book Shop

Caithness Farmer In Line For Biodiversity Award
Danny Miller who farms at Bilbster is one of the five finalists in line to win the NFU Scotland Farmland Biodiversity Award.  The NFU Scotland Farmland Biodiversity Award, sponsored by RSPB Scotland, was established six years ago.   The Award aims to recognise and reward farmers or crofters whose contributions have benefited priority species or habitats as defined by RSPB Scotland and the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy. Danny farms almost 1300 hectares at Wick in Caithness.  The key achievement he cites since embarking on his work towards biodiversity is the return of grey partridge to the farm, as well as increasing numbers of brown hare and huge numbers of swallows and bats.  Biodiversity Pages

The Celtic Fringe - Guardian Online
There is a curious trend apparent in the history of the Lib Dem leadership.  Caithness gets a mention in the shape of Sir Archibald Sinclair as David McKie reflects on the Scottish and Welsh connections with the Liberals as the current Libdem leadership contest moves on.

18 January 2006

Another Salvation Army Photo From Thurso about 1936
Thanks to Raymond Bryson for sending this second photo thought to be a year earlier than the one from yesterday.  Raymond's father is in this photo also in the back row far left.  Perhaps someone can identify the others and let a few Thurso folk see their grandfathers

17 January 2006

THANKS TO CAITHNESS & SUTHERLAND MATERNITY ACTION TEAM
The Caithness & Sutherland Maternity Action Team, meeting in Wick on Friday 13^th January, unanimously welcomed NHS Highland’s decision to seek to appoint three substantive consultants to maintain and develop the service.  It was agreed that this brought the work of C&SMAT to an end and co-chairs David Alston and George Bruce thanked all who had participated in the process.

Next Meeting Of North Action Group
Thursday 19 January 2006 7.00pm at Assembly Rooms Wick
Although the maternity issue seems to be resolved the North Action Group who have fought for two years to retain a consultant led maternity service decided they would not dissolve until the obstetricians for the unit were actually in place.

FIFTH MEETING OF DOUNREAY STAKEHOLDER GROUP
The Dounreay Stakeholder Group meeting will be held on Wednesday 18th January at 7.00pm in the Pentland Hotel, Thurso when business will include a presentation on UKAEA's proposed new low level waste facility. Members of the public and media are invited to attend and there will be an opportunity to raise questions. The agenda and relevant paperwork can be found at http://www.dounreaystakeholdergroup.org  The establishment of the stakeholder groups reflects a founding principle of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) to decommission sites in a way that it is open and transparent.

Renal Unit To Expand In Five Months At Caithness General Hospital In Wick
Training is expected to start over the next five months to enable an extra three members of staff at Caithness General to treat up to 16 patients who require renal dyalysis locally.   This will be of great benefit to the people in Caithness and Sutherland who are currently travelling to Raigmore three times a week for treatment.  Pauline Craw, Assistant General Manager at Caithness General said: “This new service will have a huge impact on the people and their families who at the moment have to travel the 240 mile journey to Inverness and back three times a week.   Many families have reported in the past that they worry about their loved ones travelling in all weather conditions when often they are not feeling in the best of health.
The extra three members of staff are undergoing a five month training programme, after which the Renal Dyalysis service will be operational locally to an extra four patients per week.” Renal Dyalysis is one of the treatments that can be safely delivered in smaller acute hospitals. 

Map Reading Weekend
The army Cadets carried out a map reading weekend on the 14th and 15th January. All the Cadets worked hard, and found some of the problems not only of navigating, but also simply moving, at night. Daytime navigation skills were also tested and all the cadets came away having learned and passed something. The picture shows Cdt JJ Munro, LCpl Gregor Maclean and LCpl Niall Hornidge working out bearings and grid references for the outdoor navigation exercise.
Army Cadet Force Index
 

Atomic Energy Agency signs deal with private firms to bid for nuclear clean-ups - Guardian
Guardian Unlimited speculating about UKAEA's chosen partners for new Alliiance - "But the choice of the two has raised some eyebrows. Amec has recently been the subject of takeover speculation while CH2M Hill was at the centre of a row in US Congress.  The American company and a partner were awarded a $28.5m (£16m) contract to oversee the US-led $1.7bn public works and water construction projects in Iraq, only for politicians to point out that some of the firms it was monitoring were partners in other schemes elsewhere."

16 January 2006

Highland Council Aims To Get All Children Swimming Before They Start Secondary School
A report to the Education committee of Highland Council shows the number of children getting lessons and how many cannot swim at present.  Whilst the numbers are good the council is aiming rto get every child swimming by the time they leave primary school.  There is circulated Report No ECS15/06 by the Director of Education, Culture and Sport, concerning the request for a report made at the Committee’s meeting on 22 September 2005, providing information on schools providing swimming lessons and pupils who can swim by the end of Primary school. The report also recommends action that will ensure that almost all children in Highland start secondary school being able to swim.  Full Education Committee Agenda 19 January 2006

Roxburgh Road, Wick
Three new photos of Roxburgh Road, Wick taken on 31 December 2005.  Only when adding them to the web site did we notice that the two already on the site were taken exactly four years earlier on 31 December 2001.  Both days were bright and sunny but in 2001 it had been snowing.
 

The SS Jura - Stranded In Dunnet Bay 1926
1926 "JURA" a Glasgow steamer, dragged her anchors while lying in Dunnet Bay and stranded near  Murkle. The crew were landed safely but the vessel become a total wreck. - Photo supplied by Raymond Bryson from his fathers papers. the Caithness Field Club Bulletins have details of how frighteningly dangerous the Pentland Firth can be.  See Wrecks of the Pentland Firth series -
1830 - 1846   1847 - 1865   1866 - 1882   1883 - 1890   1891 - 1917
1918 - 1933   1934 - 1981

Latest Newsletter From Mount Pleasant Primary School Thurso

Salvation Army Band - Thurso About 1937
Another early photo sent in by Raymond Bryson whose father is in the photo. Raymond said, "Salvation Army Band, Riverside, Thurso, and the year is estimated to be 1937 (+/-1 year). This is based on the fact that my father, Andrew Bryson, far left of picture, looks about 12-13 years old. He was born in 1922. I have no information on others in the picture apart from Captain and Mrs Raine who are standing either side of the doorway."
 

UKAEA Goes Into An Alliance To Prepare For Decommissioning Contracts In 2008
The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), AMEC plc and CH2M HILL have formed an important new alliance to target opportunities in the UK’s £56 billion (£2bn a year) nuclear clean up market. The alliance heralds the start of an open and competitive market in UK civil nuclear decommissioning and responds to the government’s landmark decision to open this market to competition. The alliance will initially target selected sites among the UK’s 20 civil nuclear sites which are now being opened to competition by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA). Around half of these are expected to be bid by the end of 2008. Beyond this market, the partners will explore further international opportunities such as the multi-billion pound market in Eastern Europe and the Former Soviet Union, building on the alliance partners’ experience in these regions.

15 January 2006

Dochgarroch - Caledonian Canal
Here are some photos of Dochgarroch about a mile from the lochs at Inverness.
Caledonian Canal    Highland Views

Reay School Photos 1933 - Names Now In
We never cease to be surprised at the information that eventually comes in even for an older photo such as this one from Reay sent in by Katrina Kirkpatrick on 29 October 2005.  James Sutherland has now sent in information from Jessie Mackay (nee Douglass and John Forbes both of whom are in the photo.  thanks to them for sending the details in.

EXCLUSIVE: TWINTY THREE  - Daily Record
ANOTHER school has scored double figures in the twins test. St Aloysius Primary in Chapelhall have trumped their Caithness rivals.  Just days after Mount Pleasant school in Thurso was reported as breaking the records of Liverpool school for number of twins another school has taken the record.  Ach weel there is always next year.

14 January 2006

The Great Eggcase Hunt
There are more than 14 different species of Skate & Ray around the British Isles. Many of these cartilaginous fish, related to Sharks, are in decline. Orkney has reported to the Shark Trust that they have some very large eggcases and after a comparison of them with several museums, it is firmly believed that they belong to the Common Skate which is rare nowadays although years ago was a common site (they can grow up to 3m in length!) There are two Eggcase hunts being organised - Strathy beach on Saturday 15th April and then Sunday the 16th April I will be on Dunnet Beach.

13 January 2006

Thurso Primary  - Early 1930's
Photos supplied by Liz Sinclair, Maryburgh

Inward Investment In Caithness Continues
Major New Commercial Development At Forss Looks To The Future
On 18 November 2005 Abbey Properties Cambridgeshire Limited gained an outline planning consent for development on the former mast site US naval base, Forss, Thurso. The brown field site comprises 126 acres (gross) and is located adjacent to Forss Technology Park and close to Dounreay which is due to undergo a £2.6 billion decommissioning programme in the future. The outline planning consent, applied on a significant part of the site, provides for the development of a mixed use scheme on the site as well as new roads and services that may be associated with any development.  The site will provide a mixed use of buildings including industrial and warehouse, office, and research and development buildings as well as accommodation. A spokesman for Abbey Properties Cambridgeshire Limited s