Caithness Quilters - Another Successful Exhibition
Caithness Quilters held another successful exhibition during Wick Gala
week. The group have now moved onto the web by setting up
their
own web site. They will shortly set up another web site with
their own domain name.
Exam
Results Helpline to Open in August
As young people across the Highlands and Islands anxiously await their
exam results, Careers Scotland is urging pupils to remain calm and take
advantage of the Exam Results Helpline. Exam results will be posted
throughout Scotland in August, and experts from Careers Scotland will be
on standby to reassure callers and provide impartial advice. Standard and
Higher Grade exam results are due to arrive on Tuesday 8 August 2006 and
that morning Careers Scotland will open the Exam Results Helpline for
students who need professional advice before they take their next step.
More Action From Halkirk Highland Games
229 - 240
241 - 250
Thanks
to Neil Buchan for the latest photos from the games
STRONGMAN IS FLOORED AT GAMES Daily Record
30 July 2006
Halkirk Highland Games 2006
193 - 204
205 - 216
217 - 228
Halkirk Highland Games 2006
157 - 168
169 - 180
181 - 192
Halkirk Highland Games 2006
121 - 132
133 - 144
145 - 156
Halkirk Highland Games 2006
85 - 96
97 - 108
109 - 120
Wick Pipe Band Week Fancy Dress Night - Another Film From
TV.Caithness.org
Latheron Show Clips From TV.Caithness.org
Wick Banger Derby
Halkirk Highland Games 2006
61 - 72
73 - 84
25 - 36
37 - 48
49 - 60
1 - 12
13 - 24
29 July 2006
Wick
Gala Week Programme and Photographs
Seven Gates At Wick Harbour Opened
the Seeven Gates at wick Harbour were launched last night in a ceremony
involving pupils from all of the schools who helped design the gates , the
artists sue Jane Taylor, Liz, O'Donnell and Shelagh Swanson. the
gates were made by local blacksmith Ian Sinclair. The gates tell the
story of Wick Harbour and are now guarding the salt cellars once used in
the heyday of the Herring industry. The townscape Heritage
Initiative Project commissioned the gates and the salt cellars are now
cared for by the Wick Society. the images on the gates were inspired by
stories of local history and folklore, capturing the dreams and memories
of ancestors as retold by members of the Wick Society.. The gates
are named - Port of the North - Superstitions - Ancient Myths - Roond ai
Harbour - The Phoenix - The Big Storm - Scorries. The gates tidy up
an area that had become very untidy over the years and join up with the
recently rebuilt Black Stairs round the corner.
Halkirk Highland Games Today
We are all off to the Halkirk highland Games today. March to the
field begins at about Noon. Some events begin in the morning with
the main events in the afternoon. Over 5000 people are expected to
attend as numbers have been growing in recent years.
Caithness is busy to day with the continental Market in Thurso until
Sunday and Wick Academy Plays Clachnacuddin at Harmsowrth Park. Wick
Gala continues with events today and finishes tonight at Riverside with
their usual big fireworks display barbecue and music included - all for a
donation in one of the tins circulating. Hope the kippers are as
tasty as always at the barby.
Wick Gala Golf Attracts Good Entry
The
open golf competition for Wick Gala Week at wick Golf Course attracted a
good entry this year with 75 men and 12 women playing two rounds a the
course which this year is in excellent condition. Good weather made
conditions just right with play finishing about 9.30pm. the results can be
found in the Sports Section
Here
28 July 2006
Blessing Of The Fleet - Wick Gala
Last
Sunday saw the annual ceremony of the "Blessing Of The Fleet".
Despite Wick's big fishing fleet days being in the past there are still a
few fishing boats and fishermen from Wick going to sea. The boats
still carry a Wick registration even though they mainly no longer land
much of their catch in Wick due to European rules that mean Wick is not
designated landing port - Europe finally put paid to Wick's long history
as big fishing port. Nevertheless a tradition with its roots back
past the days of the Herring Queen still continues each year in Wick Gala
when people pray for the safety of the fishing fleet and the fishermen who
risk their lives to bring the catch home.
Caithness In Festive and Continental Swing This Weekend
Caithness is a very busy place right now and this weekend has plenty
on offer for everyone. the Continental Market started yester
day in Thurso running from Thursday - Sunday
Halkirk Highland Games Tomorrow Saturday 29th July
Wick
Gala continues with several events today and this evening with a
treasure hunt, Wick Players with three comedies at Assembly Rooms,
the opening of the Salt Cellars at Wick Harbour with entertainment - music
and a barbecue - a another part of Wick given an unusual make-over.
Fayre in Market Square on Saturday, Pipe Band parade and the Fireworks and
Barbecue at the Riverside. Check out our Whats On for more
today and
tomorrow.
Sunday continues with John O'Groats Harbour Day. And
along the way keep an eye out on the coast for whales and dolphins being
spotted daily at the moment.
27 July 2006
The Caithness Store Wars
Tesco Site Level At Wick - Work To Go On Despite Coop Legal Moves
Work
will carry on at the Tesco site at Wick despite the Coop legal attempts to
get the planning decision over-turned. The Co-operative Group (CWS) are
now asking for Judicial Review of the Highland council planning decision
to allow Tesco to build a new store at Wick. The matter has now been
scheduled to be heard on 5 and 6 October in the Court of Session in
Edinburgh. The Coop are challenging the accuracy of the Retail Impact
Assessment which had the general support of planning officials. In
addition there is also a question being posed by them over the size of the
car parking arrangements. Tesco have indicated there would be no
slow-down in the building work and the site is now cleared and ready for
foundations to begin. The topic arose in the Caithness.org forum
earlier today -
See the
debate so far
Meantime the Asda petition has reached 2853 There is also
a possibility that the Asda case to be heard on 16 August at the Planning
Committee in Inverness may be deferred as the outcome of the decision at
the Court of Session might have some bearing on the decision as it also
rests on a Retail Impact Assessment. That will be for councillors to
decide on the day.
Only Two Days Until Halkirk
Highland Games - Saturday 29th July
Halkirk Highland Games are almost upon us once again. We will be
there taking photos and this year the crowds will be boosted by a Clan
Gunn gathering somewhat larger than usual. Gunn's from several
countries are currently checking out their ancestral places in Orkney and
Caithness and will converge on Halkirk on Saturday to join what is
increasingly one of the busiest and biggest games in the north. With
prize money for events the biggest ever offered the competitions will be
hard fought. See you there....
Trinkathon A Big Hit As Sun Shines On In Caithness
Sunday 23rd July 2006 was successful day for organisers of Annual
Trinkathon, warm weather ensured a very good turnout and £531 was raised
towards future maintenance and equipment. David Hall representing the
Royal Mail was on hand to present the North Bath Cup [won this
year by the Trinkie team] this cup was generously donated by the Royal
Mail.
Sutherland Venue For Northern Sheep Event
Lamb grading, sheep health, production systems and easycare sheep are
among the topics to be discussed at North Sheep an open day for the sheep
industry which is due to be held on Thursday the 10th August 2006, at
Kirkton Farm by Melvich, Sutherland, by the kind permission of Messers W
Findlayon. This free event which starts at 1.00pm has been organised by
SAC and is supported by European Social Fund (ESF), Highlands and islands
Enterprise (HIE), Scottish Agricultural College (SAC), Quality Meat
Scotland (QMS).
Tall Bike Tour Of Britain Reaches Scarkskerry
Three
young men are on a 4500 mile tour of the UK coast to raise money for
charities. The tour will take nearly five months averaging 50 miles a day.
The men Will Stevens, Ed Stevens and Michael Garnett sit high in the
saddle with their heads about eight feet off the ground. The style of bike
originates from Chicago where they were once used for lighting street
lamps. They are now over in Orkney but will be back for the Halkirk
Highland Games on Sat 29th July before they head south again.
Tall Bike
Tour Web Site
More
Scarfskerry
MS Boudicca Cruise Ship In Thurso Bay Yesterday
MS Boudicca was in Thurso Bay and passengers embarked at Scrabster for
sight seeing in Thurso andother places in Caithnesss including the castle
of Mey. Sea taxis plied back and forth all day carrying up to 120
passengers each time. MSD Boudicca can carry up to 900 passengers and has
a crew of 320. The ship was built in 1973 and had a major refit completed
in 2006. The ship weighs 28,338 tonnes. On board are three out door
swimming pools, sauna, 2 jacuzzis, a fitness centre". Entertainment is
provided in a show lounge, casino and there is a library and dining can be
in any one of 6 restaurants and eateries.
26 July 2006
Report
Sets Out Year Of Progress To Decommission Dounreay
The
first annual report on progress to decommission the former experimental
reactor site at Dounreay is published today. Dounreay Review 2005/06 has
been produced by UKAEA, the body carrying out the safe clean-up and
dismantling of the 140-hectare site. Its publication covers the 12-month
period since April 1, 2005, when UKAEA's clean-up role changed to that of
a contractor to the new Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.
To see the full 20 page report
Click Here (Pdf file)
Wick Banger Derby - The Movie - From TV.Caithness.org
If
you could not make it on the day or missed some of the racing here is
compilation of some of the action from the Wick Banger Derby. We will have
it linked in TV.Caithness.org
shortly. You can adjust the size of the film - look for the
small black arrow at the bottom to change the size. You can download
the movie if you want to keep it - FREE. If you have any nice
digital clips from Caithness and would like to share them you can add them
to Google and let us know the link.. If you cannot do it yourself
get in touch and we may get it on for you. All we need is a DVD with
the digital clips.
Basking Shark Hanging Around In Thurso Bay
It
certainly seems to be a good year for whale, shark and dolphin sightings
in the far north with many reports locally. The Caithness coast has been
no exception with lots of reports Basking sharks have had at least 60
reported off off the west coast in late June. Its been busy in
Thurso bay with good sightings of Common dolphins on Monday in the bay.
Rissos dolphins were spotted on Friday evening.
For what you might spot off the Caithness coast see
Whales
Wind power dilemma for Lewis - BBC
This item on the BBC web site sets out the problem of wind farms for Lewis
where Europe's biggest wind farm is proposed. But the same arguments
may well apply on both sides to Caithness and Sutherland. With the
Caithness population predicted by all official predictions to fall
drastically do we need to grasp any opportunity for investment or is the
price too high. The Western Isles may now be wrestling with the
biggest wind farm proposal but Caithness has many wind farm applications
at various stages in planning. whether Western Isles or Caithness
and Sutherland the wind blows strong in our areas. With traditional
industries in decline and decommissioning now gathering pace in Caithness
do we want wind farms to be part of the solution? Jobs & Community
Benefits versus Views and Changes in the Landscape?
Caithness.org
Wind Farms Index
Wind Turbine Applications as at December 2005 The people
against wind farms are very well organised now but do they represent the
majority? Have your say on the
Message Board.
Thurso High 83
- 84 6th Year
Sent
by Kim McColm in connection with the
Thurso High 1978 Reunion
on Saturday 29th July at the
Park Hotel,
Thurso.
Main Reunion Pages
Schooldays
Index
BOOST FOR HIGHLAND AIR SERVICES
New Links for the Western Isles
Sunday Services Introduced
Air services to and from and within the Western Isles are to be
further improved with the news announced today that Highland Airways is
to directly link Benbecula with Inverness, and increase frequency on its
Stornoway -Inverness services. The enhancement includes the addition of a
new lunchtime rotation between Inverness and Stornoway each weekday and
a flight on Sundays to provide more comprehensive weekend travel options
between the two centres. The times of existing services will be varied
slightly as a result of the additional rotations.
25 July 2006
Cycle Races At the Riverside For Wick Gala
Wick Gala Gymkhana
Caithness.org Breaks One Million Hits Per Day Barrier As Wick Gala
Traffic Surges
The web site traffic surged to new heights over the past two days
taking the site to the biggest daily totals ever. Both of the past
two days have broken through the one million hits per day total. The
numbers for the past two days are -
Sunday 23 July - Hits 1,053,981 Visitors 25,299 Pages 410,684
Monday 24 July - Hits 1,102,320 Visitors 26,761 Pages 400,285
July has already exceeded all previous months and the month is not yet
completed. The hit rate has tripled since Sunday.
Count Down To The Thurso High 1978 Reunion On
Saturday 29 July
Only a few days now to the Thurso High 1978 Reunion. If you still haven't
bought your tickets yet - time and tickets are running out fast. Tickets
cost £15 each and are on sale at Shear Genius, Hairdressers in Princes
Street, Thurso or are available from any of the organisers direct. List of
people attending is shown on the reunion page.
24 July 2006
Lady Thurso Opened The Art Exhibition For Wick Gala Week
Lady
Thurso opened the art exhibition for Wick Gala Week. The exhibition
is on until Thursday at Wick Youth Club. The exhibition is now in
its third year. Lady Thurso recalled her "Weeker" connections from her
days at school and earlier art exhibitions from her past. Many of
the works on display are for sale and can be collected at the end of the
exhibition. Well worth a look to see what great work local artists
produce.
Floral Art and Veggie Beastie Winners In Wick Gala Week
The
two competitions were judges on Saturday as part of Wick Gala Week and the
winners were on display at the Art exhibition at Wick Youth Club
Wick
Gala Week Programme
Wick Gala 2006
397 - 408
409 - 420
Wick Gala 2006
349 - 360
361 - 372
373 - 384
385 - 396
Wick Gala 2006
301 - 312
313 -324
325 - 336
337 - 348
Wick Gala 2006
253 - 264
265 - 276
277 - 288
289 - 300
Wick Gala 2006
217 - 228
229 - 240
241 - 252
23 July 2006
Wick Gala 2006
169 - 180
181 - 192
193 - 204
205 - 216
Wick Gala 2006
145 - 156
157 - 168
Wick Gala 2006
97 - 108
109 - 120
121 - 132
133 - 144
Wick Gala 2006
49 - 60
61 - 72
73 - 84
85 - 96
Wick Gala 2006
1 - 12
13 - 24
25 - 36
37 - 48
22 July 2006
South School Win Liam Henderson Memorial Junior Five-a-side Competition
In a scene reminiscent of the world Cup the junior five-aside competition
ran to a nail biting finish. At the end of the final between South
School and Keiss & Canisbay the score stood at 3 - 3. On to
penalties and after five shots each the penalty score was 4 - 4.
Finally in the sudden death shoot out Keiss & Canisbay missed their next
shot to hand victory to South School. The competition was judged to
be of a very high standard with some great play in all the matches.
From a short list of some fine players Eddie MacGregor was chosen as "man
of the match" for the day. Despite the mist that covered Wick today
the players had a few fine games and made excellent entertaining football
for the spectators. Well done to players and the organisers.
Wick High Reunion - Ages 54 - 56 Friday Night in Mackays Hotel
20 July 2006
Wick
Gala Week Programme Bigger Than Ever
Wick Gala
Floral Art Competition -
Saturday 22 July 2006
There is still time to enter the Wick Gala Floral Art competition.
kids ask your mum for some old fruit and veg or flowers etc and get a
picture made for Saturday and hand it in to Wick Youth Club at 11.00am.
See what the categories are inside.
Caravan And Camping
Site At Wick Reopened
The caravan and camping site is once again open
for business after much work by Mr & Mrs Miller cutting grass, clearing
rubbish painting and bringing in new picnic tables and flower baskets not to
mention all new electric hook-ups etc. The Wick caravan and camping site is
set in an ideal location near the Wick river and just a few minutes walk
into Wick for shops, meals etc.
Most Looked
Up Caithness Business Pages
The wonders of the web now allow us to show you which pages are the most
looked up in our Caithness Business Pages. It will come as no
surprise to that property and related business such as solicitors and
estate agents followed by tourist industry businesses are in the top
categories. Nothing too much should be read into the all time
listing at the moment as it does not go back yet but will change over time.
New businesses may tend to feature as people seek them out to find contact
details etc. Other recent developments on the Business Pages include a
section for all the latest changes in the left column showing which
businesses have had their page changed or added to the site.
Yesterday 19 July saw 4,516 visitors to the Caithness Business Pages
looking up 23,291 pages. In the last 12 month the Caithness Business
pages have had an incredible 8.7 million pages looked up with the month on
month trend continuing to rise. If you are a Caithness Business make sure
your details are up to date.
Sutherland Business pages are also on a similar rise and we will
be making upgrades to that web site shortly.
19 July 2006
Ian Thompson And Family On Holiday In Caithness
Thurso Acks
Receive £300 Donation From Dounreay Companies
The UKAEA, supported
by AMEC and CH2MHILL, on behalf of NDA have recently made a donation to
the Thurso Acks Football Club to assist them with expenses during the
football season. Players from the Thurso Acks are pictured here before a
recent match receiving their sponsorship from Gemma Macdonald, UKAEA.
Caithness And Sutherland Enterprise Approvals - June 2006
Among the grants made to businesses or community groups in June were -
Precision Machining Services, Castletown, purchase of specialist
equipment, £18,000; JGC Engineering and Technical Services, Harpsdale,
development of new markets for T3UK at Janetstown, £4,926; Think Happy
Ltd, Wick, development of new markets for a range of organic hair and
beauty products, £70,000, Jennifer Redgate, Castletown, Creative
Sketchbooks online course, £500; Sutherland Brothers, Wick, two-year
workforce development plan, £3,301; Casper Club, Castletown, three-year
workforce development plan, £8,355, Caithness Archaeology Trust, Dunbeath,
development post for the 'River of Stone' project, £19,300; Caithness
Small-Bore Rifle Club, Thurdistoft, Caithness Scottish Open event, £4,295;
Highland Wildcat Trails, Golspie, mountain bike event at Ben Bhraggie in
2007, £5,000
Retailers In Dempster Street, Wick Taking On The Competition
The
shops in Dempster Street, Wick have taken on a different look recently
with a flurry of activity. There is no lack of confidence from these
established and new shop-keepers in this easy to park in street. The
butchers shop closed and is now occupied by
Amanda's florists a new business opened following the retiral of
the owner of Four Seasons. Four Season shop has now been taken over
by
Secrets Lingerie.
The
Gift House and
Polteny News are as busy as ever.
Harpers the home decorators have now expanded into furniture and
are gradually increasing stock into the floors in their building.
Are these guys frightened of the big new stores on the periphery of Wick?
You bet your life they are not and seem to be getting busier by the day.
What next for Dempster Street In Wick?. In fact Dempster Street
seems to be just small snapshot of what is happening around Wick with
premises being snapped up for new ventures or changes of ownership making
for changes in the shopping around the town.
Plans lodged for Inverness Asda - BBC
In two additional applications Elphinstone Land have applied to build a
hotel, medical centre and 51 houses.
Latest Caithness Planning Applications
Planning Application To Change Lorne Restaurant To Flats - (Pdf
file)
The
Lorne restaurant in Bank Row, Wick near the Heritage Centre has been
unused for several years and an application has been lodged to turn it
into two flats.
New Cafe - change Of Use Applied For At Whaligoe
Application For House At Occumster with Wind Generator
10 New Semi Detached Houses for Park Lane, Thurso
New Restaurant and Food Outlet for Princes Street, Thurso
Latest Building Warrants Granted
Asda Petition Still Rising - 2822 Signatures at 9.15am
The Asda Debate
The Papers
Deep water windfarm ‘key to EU energy plans’
Herald
18 July 2006
Whitegate Broch, Keiss Excavation July 2006
Whitegate
Broch is being excavated by a team under the leadership of Dr Andy Heald
of the National Museum of Scotland with students from Nottingham
university and local amateur archaeologists. The two brochs at Keiss
harbour are under investigation with the larger dig being concentrated on
the Whitegate broch. The project has the full support of the
Caithness Archaeological Trust.
Open Day - Saturday 22 July - See It all for Yourself
The team are inviting members of the public to an open day on Saturday
22 July between 1.00pm and 4.00pm to view the site and hear what
they have discovered to date. Free tours will take place.
Brochs Index
DOOR TO
DOOR CONSULTATION DRAWS TO AN END
Highland Council's door to door consultation about the forthcoming
ballot on transferring council houses to the not-for-profit organisation,
Highland Housing Association (HHA) draws to a close this week. The
end of the latest stage in the Council's information campaign comes as the
Minister for Communities Malcolm Chisholm visits the area to see how
tenants could benefit if they vote to transfer their home to HHA later
this year. The Minister's tour of the region includes visits to
several affordable housing projects in the Highlands which are being
funded through the Community Ownership Programme (COP). Mr Chisholm
said: "Community ownership offers a real opportunity for people and
communities in the Highlands.
Artists
Looking For Places To Stay In North West Sutherland
Joanne B Kaar a Caithness based paper maker has sent the following
request -
"I have been appointed as the artist-in-residence for Durness/Cape Wrath
area. It's a 3 month residency, and I will arrive in Durness on Friday
21st July. I have managed (just last night!) to get accommodation for
the final 2 months of my residency in one of the static caravans at the
Sango Sands campsite. But am still looking for accommodation for the
first 3 1/2 weeks." There are 2 other artists who will also be working
in Sutherland for 3 months each, they are both looking for
accommodation! Self-catering is preferred for all.......but anything is
considered!
Caithness Beef Group Get Up to Speed on Production Efficiency
The change in farm support away from direct headage payments means
that livestock producers need to improve efficiencies in production and
not rely on the single farm payment to prop up the business. Learning new ideas and implementing
these ideas is the way forward. And, for members of the Caithness and
Sutherland Beef Group there was an opportunity to do just that on 12th
July at Rattar Mains near Dunnet, Caithness. In the near future a sheep group will
be established and producers interested in
attending should contact David Brewster at the above address.
Reunion Approaching Fast For Wick High 54 - 56 - 21
July
Another reunion for this group and unbelievably the first time as reunion
is now on their second time around after five years on Caithness.org LAST
CALL FOR PLACES AS FINAL NUMBERS NOTIFIED TONIGHT
17 July 2006
Farr Junior
Five-a-side Winners
Back
row left to right are Stephen Mackay, Dean Munro, Alan Swaile
Front row Lewis Appleton (Goal keeeper) and Matthew Mackay (brother of
Stephen)
They get to keep the trophy for the year, (they have to get in engraved)
and they each got a medal and a pass to north coast leisure for a free
visit.
Wick Pipe Band At Dunbeath Castle Gardens Open Day
Wick
Pipe Band has busy schedule right through the summer and yesterday were
playing at the Dunbeath Castle gardens open day. Dunbeath Castle is
private residence and not open to the public. It does however open
the gardens a couple times each year with the proceeds going to charities.
the castle sits on a spectacular cliff top setting and can easily be seen
from along the coast and especially from Dunbeath Harbour.
Dunbeath Castle
Wick Pipe Band
The band runs summer shows every Wednesday evening at 8.00pm
Tickets Sent Out For Thurso High 1978 Reunion
The tickets for the reunion on 29 July have been sent out. If you
still want to attend contact the organisers right now.
Keep On Walking This Summer
The walks on this list will not only help to keep you fit but take you to
lots of interesting places in Caithness and Sutherland. We are half
way through this summer programme but there is still plenty left to see
over coming months and the walks vary in length and the time they take.
If you are unsure about any just contact the Rangers who will tell you of
any problems or give more details about the particular routes. Many
are relatively short last only a couple of hours and you will see many
parts of the coast or inland areas accompanied by someone who can point
out many of the features.
16 July 2006
165th Caithness County Show 2006
15 July 2006
Photos from the County Show Will Start To Appear On
Sunday Morning
A Beautiful Day For The 165th County Show At
Scrabster
All the usual attractions and a few new ones. the new ones
include bungee running, a cookery demonstration using Caithness produce,
Donkey rides. The flower show reaches its 40th year and a large
entry is expected for the dog show. the day ends with a buffet
dance in the Weigh Inn. Livestock judging begins at 9.30am.
Around the show will be a fleece competition, sheep sheering competition
and full programme of sports including children's races, hackney
carriage driving, sheaf tossing and much much more..... we are off
shortly (its now 7.55am - hope to see you there...........
Photos coming on Sunday and maybe few tonight. See
2005
2004
2003
14 July 2006
Wick Rotary Club Raises Over £1200 For Riding For The Disabled At Scottish
Concert
James
Ross topped the bill with his haunting style of piano playing with its
distinctive Scottish tones. At one point he was accompanied by Ali
Leith and Jeana Leslie both studying music at the royal Scottish Academy
of Music and Drama. Other acts included Highland Dancing, Caithness
Junior Pipers and Ian and Anne Moncrieff. The evening was a big
success and numbers were swelled by a party of Americans who are currently
touring Scotland. the total raised in the evening which included a
raffle and silent auction was just over £1200.
Caithness Kids On Exciting Glass Course During Lybster Glass Week
A
few lucky Caithness kids are enjoying an unusual summer holiday activity
learning about glass. They are on a two day activity course
Kilnforming for Kids under the expert tuition of Michael Bullen who worked
for some years on the glass restoration of Lincoln cathedral and other
tutors at the Northlands Creative Glass centre based in Lybster. The
course has been supported by the National Lottery, Scottish Arts Council and by
Bullseye Glass
of Portland Oregon who run an educational outreach programme.
Bullseye glass have generously donated a large quantity of glass,
over ton of which was sent in large wooden crates over the Atlantic to
Lybster for the use of the centre in its educational courses.
Northlands have been running the courses since Sunday running two two day
course since Sunday leading on to the Kids course. Northlands hope
to run another Lybster Glass Week next summer and perhaps extend it as it has
proved extremely popular this year with the courses all being booked up.
the kids complete their course today and will be taking home the glass
creations they have made over the two days.
13 July 2006
Radio-active Particles In The Marine Environment
An independent report on the views of people in Caithness and north
Sutherland about radioactive particles in the marine environment has been
published. The report summarises the feedback from more than 400 people
who took part in a series of information-gathering events ahead of formal
consultation later this year on the options for dealing with the
particles. Bill Fernie, Chairman of the External Particles Consultation
Steering Group, which was set up to oversee the transparency of the
consultation process said "The Steering Group welcomes the publication of
the UKAEA's response and is satisfied that the first part of the
consultation has been carried out in a transparent way. The Steering Group
believes that this is groundbreaking work involving members of the public
at such an early stage and we look forward to being kept abreast of
progress and ensuring that UKAEA continue in this vein through the
programme of consultation.
Other
Dounreay Items On Caithness.org
More
Recent Dounreay News Items
Almost 1700 People Visited The Isabelle Fortuna At The Portsoy Boat
Festival
Wick's
sea-going ambassador the "Isabella Fortuna" was one of the big hits at the
Portsoy boat festival. Nearly 1700 people visited the vessel in the
two days of the festival . This was taster in advance of 2007 for
the vessel that was restored by the Wick society and now makes regular
trips out to sea and is often to be seen coming in and out of Wick bay.
She sits most of the time in Wick harbour where the members of the society
have carried out much of the restoration work over the years. The
whole flotilla leaves from Wick next year and should be a wonderful sight
in the harbour and down the Caithness coast. Events will be laid on
for their stay at Wick and should make Wick harbour perhaps briefly look
as busy as she once was. It will certainly be great photo
opportunity to see the harbour once again packed with boats. The
Wick Society also runs
Wick Heritage
Museum - open Mon - Sat
More Photos Of Museum
Oil :
We're Addicted - New Statesman
Should we all put the car away a day or two a week or more before we
cannot afford to run it at all. Perhaps that would help to bring the
price down. And have you got your house as highly insulated as you can
before next winter comes as power companies are threatening that gas and
electricity prices are going to go up again before the winter starts.
As for heating oil well the price seems to be going ever upwards at the
moment with oil at $75 a barrel. Better get knitting the woollies.
Wick Pipe Band Week Fancy Dress Night Brought Out The Crowds
Asda
Petition Stands At 2796 and Still Rising
The Asda Debate
12 July 2006
Photos From Halkirk Heritage And Vintage Motor Society Opening Day
Here
are some photos from the opening day of the Halkirk Heritage and Vintage
Motor Society's opening of their summer exhibition. Something is
definitely happening in Halkirk these past few years what with the most
successful Highland Games going from strength to strength, announcements
about what looks likely to be the biggest sports centre in the north of
Scotland and now they are putting on this great exhibition. Well
done to all concerned and it looks like this years highland Games are
going to be bigger than ever with the arrival from all over the world this
year of even more Gunns for their clan visit. Check the what's On
for opening times.
See This Is
Halkirk
HIGHLAND
HOUSING ASSOCIATION IS OPEN AND ACCOUNTABLE
All 24-tenant organisations throughout the Highlands are to be invited by
the Highland Housing Association to attend their management committee
meetings. This invitation by Highland Housing Association, the new not for
profit organisation, set up to take over the ownership and management of
The Highland Council's housing stock, is the result of the management
committee's recent statement committing the organisation to openness and
accountability. The management committee firmly believes that by providing
opportunities for tenants, tenants organisations and local community
groups to be involved in and to influence decision making will uphold the
principles of openness, accountability, equal opportunities and best
value.
Thurso Surf
School Presents O'Neill Go Surfing Days - Summer 2006
Surfs
up this summer in Caithness with an O'Neill sponsored event run by Thurso
Surf School. The event is scheduled to take place throughout July and
august and will be operating 7 days a week subject to favourable swell
conditions. Those interested in coming through for a surf lesson during
July and August will receive a discounted lesson at £25 per person and a
free O'Neill goody bag.
If you want more inspiration and a look at what surfing in Caithness can
be like - and its rapidly getting a reputation as one of the best places
in Europe for consistently good waves. Check out the web site that
was set up for the recent
O'Neill Highland Open Click on to
the page of videos shot in Caithness and see for yourself
and think about getting ready to enter this competition sure to be back in
Caithness in coming years. Even if you are not a surfer take a look
at these videos to see why Caithness has got what it takes for
surfing.....and there is hardly anyone on those waves for most of the year
but it might be different in years to come. Why not try it out with
Thurso Surf in the next few weeks.
Wick Gala Week 2006 - Art
Exhibition -
22 - 29 July
Wick Gala Art Exhibition will once again be held in Wick Youth Club
From Sat 22 July until Thursday 27 July. Items for display to be
handed in on 20 July between 2.00pm and 5.00pm at Wick Youth Club. Details will be sent to previous exhibitors
but new exhibitors should contact Marjory Mackenzie, 19 Smith
Terrace, Wick.
11 July 2006
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde - A New Film
Clip
A trailer promising
more to come from the
Live To Die Society - check it out now via
TV.Caithness.org
Other film clips coming soon to TV.Caithness.org include the Wick
Banger Derby, Horse Shoeing at Latheron Show, Wick Pipe Band Fancy Dress
Night.
Have you got some interesting Caithness digital video available and want
it on the web. Get in touch and we may be able to help you get it
on.
Caithness and
Sutherland Vintage Vehicles Club 2006 Rally
The annual Caithness And Sutherland Vintage Vehicles Rally took place at
John O'Groats with an increased entry and some vehicles travelling
considerable distances to enter.
Pro Nuclear Group To See Prime Minister Tony Blair On Wednesday 12 July
A group of people representing many workers in the nuclear industry
will present Prime Minister Tony Blair with a petition and letters in
support of the retaining the nuclear option for the production of
electricity in the UK. John Deighan UKAEA Dounreay will be
one of four delegates to meet the Prime Minister. The others are
Stuart McGhie British Energy, John L Rogerson Chapelcross, Howard D Rooms
BNFL. John Deighan UKAEA Dounreay will also deliver a letter
from the Thurso and Wick Trade Union Council. A further letter from the Chamber of Commerce will also
be handed over to the Prime minister.
Mey Hall Sponsored Cycle Raises £1700 For New Hall Project
Mey hall committee held a sponsored cycle on Sunday when twenty four
cyclists took part and raised around £1,700. The sponsored cycle
is one of many fund raising events the hall committee are running in
their bid to get enough for new hall. They were recently awarded
a grant from the Big lottery along with Keiss Hall. However they
still require to raise half the money from other sources.
Mey Hall Committee also recently launched a new web site
www.meyhall.co.uk
Labour Party
Announces List Candidates For Highlands and Islands In 2007 Election
Following the Scottish Executive Committee meeting of the Scottish
Labour Party, the full ordered list ranking for the Highlands and
Islands has been published. Peter Peacock currently education minister
and Rhoda Grant formerly an MSP (1999 - 2003) are the numbers one and
two on the list for
Highlands and Islands -
1. Peter Peacock - 2. Rhoda Grant - 3. David Stewart - 4. Christine
Conniff - 5. Michael Macmillan - 6. Dawn Graham - 7. Simon Harrison.
2007 Elections Index
Scottish Council elections and Scottish Parliament election will be held
on the same day. All of the counts will for the first time be held
in Inverness meaning no counts in Wick due to the introduction of
electronic counting machines. The results of the council elections may
not be completed until the second day after the elections as the
Scottish Parliament count will be done first.
March Of The Highlanders At Thurso
A
couple of weeks ago the Highlanders 4th Battalion marched through a
number of Highland towns. Here at Thurso Ross Mackay managed to
get on board an armoured vehicle. The Highlanders, 4th Battalion The
Royal Regiment of Scotland, can trace their roots back to five Regiments
raised in the late 18th century, including The Duke of Albany’s Own, The
Ross-shire Buffs, and of course The 92nd Gordon Highlanders. Over the
last 200 years, the Army has evolved to reflect the ever-changing
military environment. The reorganisation of the Army saw the creation
of The Seaforth Highlanders, The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders and The
Gordon Highlanders while the draw-down of the Empire through the late
1950s saw the formation of The Queen’s Own Highlanders (Seaforth and
Camerons) in 1961, and “Options for Change” saw the creation of The
Highlanders (Seaforth, Gordons and Camerons) in 1994. Throughout this
long history, The Highlanders have amassed numerous battle honours and
been deployed all over the world. Most recently operations have included
tours of Kosovo, Northern Ireland, Bosnia and Iraq and exercises in
Kenya, Belize, Canada and Norway. The Royal Regiment of Scotland was
created on 28 March 2006, with the The Highlanders now forming the 4th
Battalion in a structure designed to most effectively respond to the
needs of the country and soldier alike. Many historic elements remain,
however, including the distinctive blue hackle of the Highlanders, the
recruiting area, and the name. The Highlanders are now based in
Fallingbostel, Germany, as part of the 7th Armoured Brigade (The Desert
Rats) and have re-rolled to use the Warrior Armoured Fighting Vehicle
which will be on display at the Freedom ceremony. The Warrior is fitted
with some of the Army’s most modern equipment and provided firepower,
protection and mobility for the Battalion on their recent deployment to
Basrah and Al Amarah in Southern Iraq. It was used for numerous duties
including the training and mentoring of the fledgling Iraq security
forces.
Hey Kids In Thurso - If Its Wet check This Out
Workshops running every day for another couple of weeks - at Ormlie
- under 9s attend from 11.30 am - 1.00 pm whilst the over 9s are from 2.00
- 3.30 pm. Programmes and consent forms are available from the Ormlie
Office - 01847 891789 . Enrolment costs £1.00 per child and 50p per
session.
Halkirk Tug O
War Team 2006 Scottish Champions In Two Weights
Halkirk
Tug O' War team returned from the Stirling Games on Sunday 9th July as
Scottish Champions in two weight categories. The 680kg title was retained
and the 640kg title was added this year. The lads just missed out on a
hat-trick of titles after losing in the final of the 720kg weight.
Well done lads - a great effort.
Sport Index
10 July 2006
Isabella
Fortuna From Wick Was At Portsoy
Isabella
Fortuna sailed to Portsoy for the Flotilla of traditional boats. In
2007 the flotilla will leave from Wick and Isabella Fortuna will be joined
by a growing number of boats setting out to arrive in Portsoy on 1 July
2007. The boats will sail close to the beaches of Brora, Nairn and
Burhead. and call in at Lybster, Helmsdale, Invergordon, Cromarty and
Buckie taking part in traditional music and dance events. Already
over 20 boats are signed up to make the trip and more coming along so by
end of June 2007 there may be quite fleet ready to sail from Wick.
One of the largest fishing boats from the old Shetland fleet - the Swan
will be there. The sights from the Caithness coast will be like
stepping back in time. The First big party will be in Wick so make a
date to get to Wick for an unforgettable sight as the flotilla leaves
harbour. We will post more information about this great celebration of our
older boats as we get it.
Dunnet Play Group at the
Caithness County Show On Saturday 15th July
Scrabster Farm, Thurso
Come along and play at the County Show......Magician / children's
entertainer will be at the Play area set up by the Play Group and children
can be left for a period.
See Last Years County Show At Wick and remember its at Scrabster
this year. See you all on Saturday
Hee Haw Donkeys At The Latheron Show
If You Happen To Be Heading Bettyhill Way
- North Sutherland - Kids Camp
Farr High School is the place this summer for lots of activities. See
HERE for more details.
Booking form
HERE runs Monday 10 - 14th July. We just got it in.
Just phone or take pot luck and turn up if in the area.
Tickets for Wick Rotary Scottish Musical Evening With James Ross Now
Available
The concert is to raise funds for new sound system for Riding for the
Disable Group in Caithness. The concerts is to be held in
Mackays Hotel on Thursday 13 July at 7.00pm. tickets are
available from Reid's Chemist, Wick or pay at the door - cost £5.
Artists include Guest - James Ross, International Accordionist
and Pianist - Anne & Ian Moncrieff - Folk Music - Wick RBLS Junior Pipers
- Ailsa and Kaitlin Bogle - Highland Dancing and Piper. Other
features of the evening will be a Silent Auction - items - Child and Adult
size fishing rods - Very large cuddly toy - Various bottles of whisky -
Wax Hand treatment kit - and lots of other items. Also a raffle.
the aim is to raise £700 to help the group buy their sound system.
Asda
Petition At 2765 at 12.20pm
Asda
Debate
Wick Banger Derby
9 July 2006
Latheron Show 2006
8 July 2006
Clips From Pipe
Band Week Now On TV.Caithness.org
A
few clips from one of the evening performances by Wick Pipe Band and the
some of the young dancers.. If anyone has any digital film of any
local events we would be happy to add it to the section.
7 July 2006
Thurso Town Improvements Bringing Continental
Market To Thurso Pre Gala
Thurso
Town Improvements have set there sites higher and higher in the last
couple of years. This year in addition to adding new events and a
Big Gig Bands day there will also be visit from the continental Market
that has been in Wick a couple of times. The dates for the market
are Thursday 27th July to Sunday 30th July in Thurso Pedestrian
Precinct.
See the Market in Wick in May 2006
Thurso Gala runs from 5th - 13th August Thurso is going to
be busier for a few weeks.
Diabetic
Retinopathy Screening Goes Mobile - Seen Here At Wick Today
NHS
Highland’s Diabetic Retinopathy Screening Programme has gone mobile,
benefiting the 7500 diabetes patients in Highland who need to be
screened. Diabetic Retinopathy is the leading cause of blindness
in the working age population, and everyone with diabetes is at risk of
developing this condition, which fortunately can usually be successfully
treatable if detected early when at an asymptomatic stage. NHS Highland
now has two dedicated digital retinal cameras used for diabetic
retinopathy screening. One is based in the Diabetes Retinal Screening
Centre at Raigmore Hospital, Inverness, and the other in a fully
equipped self contained mobile unit which will be travelling widely to
other outlying areas throughout Highland. The Diabetic Retinopathy
Mobile Unit was at Wick On 7 July 2006.
Call to replace Dounreay jobs as site faces closure - The Herald
Wick Pipe Band Ladies Busking In Wick
Ladies
from Wick Pipe Band showed off their talents in Wick by holding an
afternoon concert of their own. These ladies have bags of talent
and lot of experience going in some cases right back to the
Wick Girls Pipe Band
Fancy
A 15 Mile Sponsored Cycle To Help Mey Hall Funds
a fundraising event, to raise money towards the hall renovation project,
on Sunday 9 July. a sponsored bike ride (15 miles) leaving the
Castle Arms Hotel at 10.00 am. The route will go through Scarfskerry,
Rattar, Barrock and then we will take the High Road down to Gills, then
along the coast road and back to the Castle Arms Hotel. All
welcome who would like to come along and do the bike ride and raise some
money for the hall.
Asda Petition Now At 2724 At 4.45pm
Asda
Debate
Bands At The
Dammies 13 August - End Of Thurso Gala Week
So
you couldn't get tickets for "T in e Park"! Never mind head for e
Dammies in Thurso on 13th August from Noon until 10.00pm for 10 bands
playing all day. FREE with donations for Gala and Hospital.
Pulteneytown People’s Project Summer School
Pulteneytown People’s Project Summer School will be running for three
weeks from the 3rd – 21st of July at Wick High School from 9.00am –
5.00pm . The Summer School is open to children aged 5 – 14 years and
offers affordable child care for working parents as well as fun filled
days for any children who are looking for activities during the summer
holidays.
Postmen banned from coast path – after 100 years - Times Online
6 July 2006
1220 Businesses
And Organisations Now Listed In Our Caithness Business Index
Make sure your business is listed in the Caithness Business Index.
Listings are Free and you can also add a small photo and
description for no charge. 430 of the businesses or
organisations also have links to their web site or web page either of
their own or on our pages. Make sure you can be found and keep
your information up to date by using the online form to notify changes.
641,415 look ups were made to the Caithness Business index in June
alone. You can get a higher profile by adding a
banner
ad or have feature article to advertise sales or changes to your
business. Over 21 million pages in the Caithness.org group were viewed
in the 6 months to June 2006 giving our advertisers a very high profile
on the web both locally and further afield.
Fines Of Up To £1000 for Anyone found Abusing the Disabled Blue Badge
Parking Scheme
Tough new measures to stamp out abuse of the blue badge parking scheme
for disabled people will come into force on 29 September 2006.
Police, traffic wardens, local authority parking attendants and civil
enforcement officers will be able to inspect blue badges as part of
their other parking enforcement functions. It will be an offence if a
person refuses, without reasonable excuse, to produce a badge for
inspection - punishable on conviction by a fine of up to £1,000.
Orkney And Shetland Ferry Contract
The six year contract for lifeline ferry services to Orkney and Shetland
has been awarded to Northlink Ferries Ltd. The company
takes over today having been formed following the appointment of
Caledonian MacBrayne, ferry provider on the west coast of Scotland, as
preferred bidder in March.
The Hamnavoe currently operates from Scrabster on the run to Stromness
in Orkney. Basically its business as usual with Caledonian
MacBrayne who already own Northlink.
Historic Scotland's Support For The Voluntary Sector - A
Consultation
The voluntary sector is a core part of Scottish community life. The
draft operational policy paper invites views on Historic Scotland's
policies and plans for providing support for the voluntary sector.
the consultation runs from 1 July to 30 September 2006. If
you have any views on the subject let them know.
The Consultation Paper
MSP Jaimie McGrigor:
"Thurso Mart closure might not be last"
Responding to news that
Thurso
Mart is to close, Highlands and Islands Conservative MSP Jamie
McGrigor said: "While there is still a market at Quoybrae, and Caithness
Livestock Breeders run a collection service, this is a sad decision for
Thurso which has a long and proud tradition as a livestock market town."
"This decision is an example of the general malaise in farming since
devolution and is resultant of the mismanagement of agriculture, and the
rural community in general, by the Liberal Democrat/Labour partners.
"Prices have continued to fall while farmers' costs have risen, and the
Scottish Executive's only response has been to heap increased regulatory
burdens on an already over-burdened farming sector.
Hot List
Of Volunteering Opportunities
Copper Counter
Committee members of Wick and Thurso Gala are looking for volunteers to
"count pennies" on the Sunday following "Float Night". This will be
Sunday 23rd July for Wick Gala organisers and Sunday August 6th For
Thurso Gala organisers.
Chest Heart and Stroke require Volunteer Drivers
The local organiser based in Thurso, is urgently needing volunteers, and
particularly drivers to help with the transport of their clientele.
Transport training is available to volunteers aged between 25-70 years
of age.
Distance Befriending for the Highlands
Distance befriending are looking for volunteers to participate in a new
scheme which offers a secure home based befriending service for people
facing physical, geographical or social isolation.
Latest Pets
In Pets Corner
Musical Evening By Wick Rotary Club In Aid Of Riding For the
Disabled
Wick Rotary are raising fun