CAITHNESS.ORG HEADLINES ARCHIVE ::  APRIL 2013

Pentland Ferries Doubles Ferry Trips To Meet Demand Caused By Hamnavoe Breakdown
PentalinaPentalina
For the first time, Pentland Ferries Ltd, which operates the 2,400 tonne modern catamaran 70 metre long Roll On Roll Off ship Pentalina on the 15 miles crossing from Caithness to Orkney will be operating 4 (FOUR) return crossings during the month of May from Gills Bay in Caithness, 4 miles W of John O'Groats, across the Pentland Firth's short-sea route to St Margaret's Hope in South Ronaldsay, which is on Orkney Mainland's main roads network voia the Churchill Barriers causeways. This is in response to the extra demand created by the engine breakdown of the taxpayer subsidised vessel Hamnavoe ,which is currently confined to her home-port of Stromness Orkney. Pentland Ferries 4-return crossings per day is normally confined to the 'high season' and not to Spring. Hamnavoe may be off until 24th May or later
“Blinking shrimp and sleeping krill” - Free Talk At Environmental Research Institute
Thursday 2nd May 5.15pm

News From Police - Get In Touch If Your shop May Have Been Scammed
Three men arrested in connection with fraud Three Romanian males aged 20, 20, 28, have been arrested in connection with frauds at retail outlets in the Highland area. A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.
Ringing the Changes Fraud
Police are investigating a series of ringing the changes frauds across the Highland area. This involves a group of people attending at various retail outlets and asking for sums of cash to be changed into notes of a smaller denomination. While doing this, they deliberately cause confusion so as to obtain more money from the retailer than was initially handed over. Police would be interested to hear from any retail outlets in the Highland area that think they may have been a victim of any scams involving the changing of money. Anyone with any information regarding this fraud, or who sees any suspicious activity is urged to contact Police on our non-emergency number 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Hamnavoe Ferry Scrabster to Stromness May Be Off For Four Weeks
"The nothlink ferry web site says "Initial internal and independent assessments of the Hamnavoe ferry (which serves the Scrabster to Stromness Pentland Firth route), currently docked at Stromness, is that the crankshaft on the Starboard engine is irreparable. It will be up to four weeks before the Hamnavoe is back in service on the Pentland Firth crossing."
serco Northlink are trying to fiind a suitable alternative while also trying to reroute passengers to other means of getting to Orkney.  The other ferry company Pentland Ferries that sails from Gills Bay with MV Pentalina offers the fastest crossing with its modern ferry but it may not be able to handle all of the diverted traffic but well worth a call to check.

Wick High Belize Trip Fundraising Auction and Pudding Night Raised Fantastic £3400
Wick High Belize Trip Fund Raiser Wick High Belize Fund Raiser Wick High Belize Fund Raiser

A very successful fundraising auction and pudding night raised more than £3400 taking the total well past the target of £26,000. The excess funds raised will go to other projects being organised by the school.  Councillor Gail Ross introduced the evening and everyone had a good noght sampling the huge range of puddins while making bids or buying raffle tickets.
Know Your Buildings
Know Your Buildings - Castletown Heritage Centre Talk
Tuesday 30th April - 7.00pm
An illustrated talk by Pauline Megson of the Prince’s Regeneration Trust on the renovation of the two Castletown flagstone workers' cottages in the Backies.

Also! Find out what the architectural features in your own house may tell you about its history!

More Vehicles In Caithness
The Bedhouse, ThursoQuintaffl Forest ProductsReids of Caithness BakersPetrie Painters

These and more vehicles in the growing transport galleries showing how Caithness is doing business locally.   If you would like your company vehicles added with a FREE link to your business page then just email the photos to bill@caithness.org
Ferry Crossing On Hamnavoe Scrabster to Stromness Cancelled Saturday and Sunday
The ferry service is still under review for Monday and Tuesday depending on investigations into the engine failure.
Pentland Ferries from Gills Bay may be possible but is likely to be very busy or full - check the web site
Unfortunatel;y at 10.28pm Saturday night Pentland Ferries web site appears to be offline.  There is Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pentland-Ferries/192301067464590

Caithness FM 15 Years Celebrated
Caithness FM Caithness FM 15 Years Celebration

The local Caithness raido station Caithness FM celebrated 15 years of broadcasting to the county. Transmitting from their little studio at Ormlie in Thurso the many volunteer presenters have kept the music and requests flowing. Recently the station had a makeover as the cabin where the programmes come from had been showing signs of deterioration of the years. Good Luck for the future to all the volunteers who put in so much time to the station.

Dornoch Rail Link Action Group – Spring 2013 newsletter - Part One   Part Two

The Highland Line: how will Caithness cope with the demise of Icetech? -  David Ross in the Herald
After 40 years, the production of fridges and freezers in the far north of Scotland looks as if it is set to finally come to an end with Icetech going into provisional liquidation, despite an £11m turnover last year.

Volunteer Recruitment Fayre & Information Day
Members of the public are invited to drop into a Volunteer Recruitment Fayre taking place in
The British Legion, Thurso on Thursday 2nd May from 12-4pm 
Thursday 9th May in Harpers, Back Bridge Street, Wick 12-4pm.
Also attending the event will be representatives of older adult services. They will be on hand to answer questions about local serviceprovision. Soif you have ever thought about volunteering but did not know what was available? Now is your chance to pop along and meet groups face–to-face and find out more about the wonderful voluntaryorganisations dealing with youth, care, education, retail and manymore. Or, if you have a family member in need of older adult services, drop in and find out more from local representatives. Free tea & coffee available.
New Photo Studio In Wick - Special Offer On Opening Day Saturday 27th
Louise Bain's New Photo Studio

REDUNDANCY SUPPORT IN THURSO FOR ICETECH STAFF
The Scottish Government’s national redundancy service, PACE, brings partners together to help redundant staff ICETECH staff who have been made redundant are invited to an event to help them move in to further employment or training. The event takes place on May 3, from 1-3pm in the Pentland Hotel and has been organised by the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment (PACE), the Scottish Government’s initiative for responding to redundancy situations which is led by Skills Development Scotland (SDS) in conjunction with other partners.

Gravestones Vandalised At Old St Peters, Thurso - BBC

Get Advice And Loan Of An Energy Cost Monitor To Save Money
Peneltnad Energy Advice
FREE ENERGY ADVICE AND LOAN OF A CURRENT COST MONITOR
SO YOU CAN SEE HOW MUCH YOU CAN SAVE.
Pentland Energy Advice in conjunction with Pentland Housing Associaiton are delivering free energy advice to the community via the Climate Challenge Fund. The aim of this project is to cut the amount of carbon produced in Caithness and in turn reduce household energy bills. The staff of Pentland Energy will visit anyone in Caithness as part of this project to try and help them save money on their energy bills and will also loan them a Current Cost Monitor (see inset in photo).

Chest Heart and Stroke Group Hand Over Defribrillator
Chest Heart Stroke Group Hand Over A Defibrelator
CAITHNESS Heart Support Group is finalising arrangements for its second public health event on Saturday 27th April in the Norseman hotel, Wick. Aimed at focusing on some of the various agencies committed to improving people’s health, locally, the event is being held at the Norseman Hotel, Wick, on Saturday, from 10am-4pm. Taking part, are the Caithness Diabetes Group, the Wick Wheezers, and Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland. Medical professionals will be on hand to answer any queries and you can have your blood pressure checked. A life-saving demonstration and and exercise class will also be featured. Keen to make the event a family affair, face painting and a colouring competition have been organised. Caithness Rugby Club’s development officer, Colin Sangster, recently accepted a £1,300 defibrillator funded by the group.

Sutherland Brothers Annual Trade Show Sees Increased Numbers
Sutherland Brothers Trade Show 2013 WinnersSutherland Brothers Trade Show 2013Sutherland Brothers Trade Show 2013Sutherland Brothers Trade Show 2013Sutherland Brothers Trade Show 2013Sutherland Brothers Trade Show 2013
Sutherland Brothers Trade Show 2013Sutherland Brothers Trade Show 2013Sutherland Brothers Trade Show 2013Sutherland Brothers Trade Show 2013Sutherland Brothers Trade Show 2013Sutherland Brothers Trade Show 2013Sutherland Brothers Trade Show 2013

Sutherland Brothers held their annual trade show in the Assembly Rooms, Wick.  Suppliers and customers were out in increased numbers to meet each other and get a few sales in place for coming months.

Wick High School Belize Trip - Pudding Night and Silent Auction
Don't forget  - It's Tonight - Friday - See You There

Hoy Trip - Book Your Seat Now
Hoy TripThis is your opportunity to sail directly to the Orkney Island of Hoy from John O Groats on the Pentland Venture passenger ferry. Either enjoy yourself independently exploring Rackwick Bay or join the countryside ranger walking to the famous 'Old Man of Hoy' sea stack. Hopefully witnessing nesting skuas and mountain hares and possibly whales or dolphins while on the boat. Credit card bookings can be taken by John O Groats Ferry 01955 611353. Numbers are limited so booking and payment by 12th May is essential to secure a place. Cost covers ferry crossing, buses and ranger event charge.
Location: John O Groats
Price: £42.00

Intereresting Walks Coming Up
Noss Head Walk    Braemore Walk
Noss Walk  Braemore Walk

Archaeology Seminar To Go Live Online Due to High Demand For Places
Archaeology Seminar Live online from InvernessHigh demand from people wishing to attend an archaeology seminar - which is due to take place in the Highlands this weekend (27 April from 9.30am) - has seen organisers, Highland Council arrange webcasting of the event to accommodate those unable to get tickets. All 140 places to the seminar on underground places were snapped up in a short space of time. The seminar titled: “Underworld: the use of caves, rock shelters and underground places during the Scottish Iron Age” will feature research on work undertaken at High Pasture Cave and Fiscavaig Rock Shelter, on the Isle of Skye. Highland Council has arranged for the seminar to be webcast live and recorded which will be available from the council’s website  - see full article for link to the Live Broadcast online or for later to view it after 48 hours and online for 12 months.

Norwegian Company To Set Up In Scrabster Brings Welcome Jobs Boost
NorSea Group, which operates nine sites in Norway, has signed an agreement with Scrabster Harbour Authority to set up a base in Caithness.

Support for jobless workers as hunt begins to find a buyer for Castletown freezer firm
AS Caithness tried to come to terms with a major jobs loss, today, following the failure of Castletown firm Icetech, community leaders pledged to do all they can to help the 70 workers who have lost their jobs.
Council disappointment at Icetech liquidation and loss of jobs
The Highland Council has expressed its deep regret at the liquidation of Castletown-based company, Icetech Freezers Ltd, with the loss of more than 70 jobs.

Wick & District Pool League - Second Division Title Win
Wick and District Pool League
The Queen's Hotel pool team clinched Wick & District Pool League's second division title on Monday night, thanks to an impressive 9-2 win over Bayview "2". Andrew Coghill played well in the opening stages of the match as Queens went 2-1 ahead. Harry Candeland, Jim Bain and James Dow all played extremely well to help their Queen's side stretch their lead to 5-1. The Lybster team pulled a frame back to make it 5-2, before Michael Aitken potted the match winning black for the Queens. Having clinched the title, the Queens side then won the remaining three frames for a convincing 9-2 win.

SUMMER SALSA CLASSES
Salsa is a fantastic dance style that helps to develop your skills while gradually improving your fitness in a relaxed sociable atmosphere. No partners are required.
Scrabster In The Sunshine Photos
Scrabster  more to come later.............

Hanna Miedema SNP Candidate For Landward Caithness Bi-election
Hanna Miedema - SNP Candidate in Landward Caithness bi-election 2013
Hanna Miedema is the SNP candidate for the Landward Caithness by-election on the 2nd of May. She is 29 years old and grew up at Calder Mains, a few miles outside Halkirk. During her time away from Caithness, she studied Zoology and Animal Science at Edinburgh University. She also worked in research for a while, in Edinburgh and Canada, which gave her the chance to travel for conferences and holidays. Hanna said “Living in Canada for a while made me notice certain things that I missed about Scotland - mainly the sarcastic humour and old buildings. Now I really appreciate the dry stone walls and flagstone fences in Caithness, and am learning how to build and maintain them from a local master craftsman, George Gunn. Since returning to Caithness last year, I have learnt a lot of new practical skills and met lots of great people.   Full details about the election can be found HERE
Recession Takes Its Toll in Caithness
Icetech Goes Into Liquidation - BBC
A freezers manufacturer that employs about 100 staff has gone into liquidation. Icetech Freezers (Previously Norfrost) in Castletown in Caithness describes itself as the last UK maker of household refrigeration appliances.
End of the road for Caithness DE stores
STAFF at the Wick and Thurso shops of failed Scottish company D.E. Shoes will work their notice tomorrow with a closing down sale. The retail workers are amongst 162 staff soon to be jobless after efforts to sell the family business as a going concern, failed. UPDATE - A company representative stated today that they hope to trade until July.

A Letter From Labour Candidate David Baron About The Landward Caithness Election
David Baron - Labourt Candidate Labdward Caithness election 2 May 2013
I am ambitious for Landward Caithness. I want to work with local farmers and businesses to establish a local market where they can sell their products. It will boost their businesses and our economy. I want to ensure that Caithness is one of the first areas to get upgraded to fibre broadband. I want to help create a real tourism strategy that takes advantage of our excellent facilities and our fantastic natural sights. I will fight with you to prevent cuts to our local services.


The other candidates are -
Gillian Coghill, Independent
Hanna Miedema, Scottish National Party (SNP)
Barbara Anne Watson, Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party Candidate
Full details about the election can be found HERE
Alll candidates are invited to send an item about themselves to bill@caithness.org for publication here.

Shelligoe Archery up-date.... What a great night we had last Wednesday night.
Shelligoe Archery


World Book Night Today - Is Anyone In Caithness Involved? Caithness company wins second Queen's Award for Enterprise
Wick Based K P Technology Win Second Queen's Award

Eight individuals, nominated by their peers for their efforts to encourage UK entrepreneurship, have won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion. Their nominations showed that as well as being full-time entrepreneurs, they voluntarily pass their skills and experience on to others, get involved in education and inspire students, and work to provide help and support to develop peoples business skills. These eight business people, alongside the successful businesses, can now look forward to a Royal Reception at Buckingham Palace. Included in the list of winners was KP Technology in Wick, which is celebrating its second win. Prof. Iain Baikie Director and Founder of KP Technology, said: “I was absolutely delighted to win this award: KP Technology exported our customised materials analysis systems, termed Kelvin Probes, to 20 countries last year. I travelled some 40,000 miles attending international exhibitions and visiting our customers at prestigious high technology research laboratories around the world. Our equipment is used in a wide range of applications spanning renewable energy, semiconductors, forensics, bio-technology basic research and Defence.

Interactive Map Shows How Many Work In Growing Energy Sector
- 2066 In Caithness & Sutherland
HIE Energy Emploment MapA new interactive map displaying employment figures within the energy sector in the Highlands and Islands has been launched today (Monday 22 April 2013). The launch coincides with today’s meeting of the National Renewables Advisory Group in Inverness, chaired by Energy Minister Fergus Ewing. The figures show that there are currently in excess of 15,000 FTEs working in the energy industry in the Highlands and Islands. 2066 people based in Caithness and Sutherland currently work in the energy sector. Inner Moray Firth area has the highest number of employees in the sector with 3257. Other areas have lower numbers.
Caithness Model Club 2013  - all photos now in
25 - 36                        37 - 48                            49 - 57
Caithness Caithness Model club show 2013 Caithness model club show2013 Alan Gow Model and full size vehcile

Caithness Model Club Show 2013 - 1 - 24
Caithness Model Club Show 2013Caithness Model Slub Show 2013Caithness Model Club Show 2013Caithness Model Club Show 2013
 

Caithness Model Shows Past Years
2008  2007  2006  2005  

Latest Older Vehicles In Caithness
Cat 951 Traxcavator Cat 951 TraxcavatorRuston Bucyrus RB22 Excavator Ruston Bucyrus RB22 Excavator
These fine examples of old work horses are sitting outside John Gunn & Son Ltd at Lybster and many here wlil pass them every day on the A9 heading to or from the south.
Vehicles in Caithness & Sutherland Gallery
Older Vehicles
Vintage Farm Vehicles
Farm Vehicles
AA Vehicles
Vintage Vehicles 2012
Caithness Landward Bi-election  - 2 May 2013
Independent Candidate For Caithness Landward Gillian Goghill Introductory Letter
Gillian Coghill - Candidate for Caithness Landward in Highland Council election 2 May 2013
Gillian Cogill is getting her election campaign started after a hard season at the lambing on the farm she works with he husband at Balnahard, Harpsdale near Halkirk.  Gillian comes to this her first election for the highland council but with six years of Halkirk community council experience behind her and more recently as chairman of that council.  Having already brought up her children in Landward and lived all her life on farms she has bags of experience and knows the issues well and is already eyeing up defence of rural schools if that becomes necessary following the publication of the report on rural schools yesterday.  Gillian is out of the starting blocks and is determined to do her best for Caithness.  The election follows the resignation on health grounds by Robert Coghill.
Full election information at Highland Council
FAB1 Million - Celebs Arrived At John O'Groats


Wick High School Belize Trip - Pudding Night and Silent Auction
Wick High Belize Trip Fund Raiser
SILENT AUCTION AND PUDDING NIGHT - FRIDAY 26TH APRIL 7.00PM

The pupils and teachers have been tasked with raising all their own funds and to date have raised £25,053.  The target is £28,000 - Let's get them there. Auction
See you at the Pudding Bash!    Belize Trip Web Site
This summer ten Wick High School pupils from fifth and sixth year will be flying to Belize for a four week adventure.  Teacher Chris Aitken, who will be accompanying the pupils said “This is an amazing opportunity for the young people involved to expand their horizons and make them really think about life and career choices. This experience was offered to all 5th and 6th year students and we emphasised how much work it would take to get them out there. These 10 students really rose to the challenge and have worked incredibly hard this year to raise the required funds. This could also not have been done without the generosity shown by the people of Caithness. I hope that this trip will set a great precedent for these types of experiences for Wick High students in the future.”
Caithness Pupils to work in Belize rainforest - BBC
Community projects help north Scotland locals learn more about nature and landscapes
Photo from the Caithness biodiversity collection
Two community-based projects which have raised awareness and helped people get involved in nature and landscapes in Caithness and Sutherland have been praised. In December 2009, two grants from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) were matched with money from The Highland Leader Programme to provide £80,000 for biodiversity projects in Caithness and Sutherland. These included work involving woods, lochs, ponds; river banks, garden birds, Arctic terns, puffins, and bats. One project even identified a rare insect in a project which is expected to make a significant contribution to insect knowledge. The Caithness and Sutherland Partnerships embarked on the three-year environment funds' which have now reached a successful conclusion.
Caithness Biodiversity Photo Collection

Pine Marten Showing Signs Of Recovery Caithness to Central Belt
Pine Marten population recovering from Caithness to central belt of Scotland
One of Scotland's rarest carnivores is showing encouraging signs of recovery, a new report has highlighted. From Argyll to Aberdeenshire, and Caithness to the central belt, the pine marten is proving that rare mammals can recover their numbers, given the right conditions. And in the Year of Natural Scotland, it is a real success story for an animal which has vanished from much of England and Wales. A joint survey by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and The Vincent Wildlife Trust (VWT), to be published later this week, shows the pine marten population has regained ground across much of Scotland. It is now re-colonising areas from which it has been absent for more than 100 years.

Reay Golf Club Gets Digital Makeover
Reay Golf Club Captain Graeme Dunnet
Local project Get IT Together has been working with Reay Golf Club to help them become part of the digital world. The Get IT Together project aims to support local groups and individuals get online and become digitally included. Project Co-ordinator, Shona Munro has been helping the Club with their plans and aspirations of developing the club and clubhouse. With support from Shona, the club has recently been successful in receiving a BT Community Connections Award which entitles them free wifi equipment and a year’s free broadband service.
 
Far North Triumph At Pan Celtic Festival In Eire
Caithness and sutherland groups at Pan Celtic Festival in Carlow, Eire
Far North Representation Celebrate major success in Carlow, Co. Carlow, Eire after receiving multiple awards. A number of organisations representing the far north counties of Caithness and Sutherland had cause to celebrate in style in Carlow, Eire recently after their performances picked up awards in international competitions during their week long participation. Thurso Pipe Band, Melvich Gaelic Choir, Coilich a’ Chinn a’ Tuath and Ceòl Bho Thuath were the organisations representing the far north of Scotland with a number of their soloists also taking part.
Coilich a Chinn a Tuath - Scotland - Choral Concert - Pan Celltic Festival - VIDEO
Coilich a’ Chinn a’ Tuath, the joint male voice choir of Melvich and Lairg Gaelic Choirs, won the International Male Voice competitionat the Pan Celtic Festival in Carlow, Eire
Atomaig Piseag - Alba - Choral Concert - Pan Celtic -  VIDEO
Raymond Bremner had further personal success, as the conductor of Atomaig Piseag, when they won the International Ladies Choirs competition and went on to lift the Supreme Choral Award for best choir over all competitions at the festival.
Coisir Ghaidhlig Mhealbhaich - Melvich Gaelic Choir - VIDEO
Winners of the International Mixed Rural Choirs Competitioin - singing in Carlow Cathedral.

Glass Recycling Photo Competition Winners
Recycling Glass Photo competition winnersRecycling Photo competition winners Glass recycling photo competition winners

Five lucky winners who recycled their glass at their local Recycling Point, have received a £20 voucher for the Thurso Cinema. The Highland Council’s Waste Awareness Team ran the recent competition, which invited householders to email the Council a photograph of themselves recycling their glass, to be in with a chance of winning. Twenty-six entries were received, and the five photographs chosen at random were: Caitlin Macleod (10) from Staxigoe, Gregor Mill (5) from Achscrabster, Logan McNeill (5) from Wick, Ellie & Lucy Harper (7 and 5) from Wick, and Calum & Euan Noble (7 and 5) from Thurso.

Wick May Mini Triathlon 5 May - Enter Now
Wick May Mini Triathlon
CLOSING DATE FOR ENTRIES THURSDAY, 2 May
NO ENTRIES ON THE DAY - Starting from Wick Swimming Pool
Distances - Swim 400m - Cycle 10km - Run 3km
Entry cost £12 WTC Members 50% Discount on individual entries. Team entries on paper only 25% off (their share of the entry) will be given to WTC members
COMPETITORS MUST BE 14 YEARS OR OLDER BY 31/12/13 

Girnigoe Castle - New Photos Taken From Slightly Above The Castle
Girnigoe Castle From Slightly Above Girnigoe Castle From Slightly Above Girnigoew Castle From slightly Above Girnigoe Castle From slightly Above

Sir John Campbell of Glenorchy who then claimed Girnigoe/Sinclair castle and estates including the title Earl of Caithness. Which resulted in the rightful heir, George Sinclair of Keiss castle storming Girnigoe/Sinclair and Old Wick castles by force of arms in 1679 to contest his right as Earl of Caithness which had been denied him by law. In reply in 1680 the Campbells marched north in an attempt to seize Old Wick castle under cover of any early morning mist. Suddenly the fog cleared and the castle garrison raised the alarm sending riders to Girnigoe/Sinclair castle. The Campbells appeared to withdraw but split their forces into two to ambush and rout the Sinclair army from Girnigoe/Sinclair at the battle of Altimarlach some four miles from Wick. Girnigoe/Sinclair was then stormed by the Campbells and Keiss castle damaged (today there are still musket holes above the doorway of Keiss from this assault). In 1690 George Sinclair of Keiss again besieged Girnigoe/Sinclair castle this time with heavy cannon ironically destroying his inheritance. The castle though back in Sinclair hands with George as 7th Earl of Caithness was abandoned as a residence leaving the sad shell that remains today. Girnigoe Castle Main Section
Caithness Castles Main Index    Caithness Castle From The Air   How They Might Have looked When First Built
Map Of Caithness Castle Locations    Area Maps   Ground Plans   Photo Galleries Of Caithness Castles

Check For Jobs On Caithness.org
Ackergill Tower is looking for housekeeping staff.
Ormilie Garage wants MOT Tester/Car Mechanic
Check out the full list of vacancies
Get Help To Find A Job

Caithness Tora-Kai Karate Club Kata & Kumite Competition
Tora Kai Karate Club, Wick
On Saturday 6th April 2013, Karate students from across the County took part in the clubs annual Kata & Kumite Competition in Wick Assembly Rooms. Competitors ranged in ages and grades from 6 year old beginners to adult brown and black belts. The event provided a welcome break for club members who have recently been training for the upcoming grading examinations to be held in May this year. It is hoped to organise a special event next year to mark the clubs 30th anniversary. There were two main events for each age category. Kata (or formal) training, and Kumite (sparring). Kata is one part of the syllabus practised in the Japanese Martial Art, where the individual completes a series of prearranged fighting sequences. Kumite is where individuals demonstrate their ability to respond to attack and defence techniques.
An update on the npower renewables’ Caithness Conversation
Foundation Scotland conducted the “Caithness Conversation” on behalf of RWE npower renewables during Feb - April. The consultation period has now closed. The Conversation has facilitated discussions between community members, businesses and other key local stakeholders about how funds can best be used to benefit Caithness communities. With other renewable developers investing locally and various other funding avenues also available the outcome of the research is expected to help communities and even developers identify and plan how and where to direct such funding.

Wick Arion Choir Concert
Wick Arion Choir and guests will be staging a concert in the Norseman Hotel on Thursday the 25th of April at 7.30 pm. There will be a variety of song, dance and music and a welcome cup of tea at the interval. All proceeds will be donated to the League of Friends, Caithness General Hospital. Tickets are £5 and are available from Gails Gift Box, High Street Wick.

Chris Evans says 5-4-3-2-1 to FAB1 Million with Land’s End to John O’Groats Challenge
FAB map
Chris Evans, Gary Barlow, Professor Brian Cox and James May are driving from Land’s End to John O’Groats in a pink Rolls-Royce with the same FAB1 number plate as Lady Penelope’s car in Thunderbirds to raise a FAB £1million for Breast Cancer Care on Thursday 18th April. Here’s where you can see it. Get there early so you don't miss out!
Leaves Landsend Thursday 9.30am and Arrives John O'Groats about 4.00am Friday.
Natural Retreats, who operate accommodation, a Storehouse café and an activity and retail centre at John O’Groats will be ensuring the party have a welcome arrival and are encouraging local people to join them and come and show their support.
Broadcaster and confirmed car nut Chris Evans today unveils plans for FAB1 Million, a year-long fundraising campaign with the aim of raising one million pounds for Breast Cancer Care using a bespoke pink Rolls-Royce Ghost a la Thunderbirds. Host of The Radio 2 breakfast show and The One Show, Evans presses main engine start Thursday 18 April by leading a star-studded point-to-point drive from Land’s End to John O’Groats as FAB1 takes to the road for the first time. There will be key city stops en route as Chris and his co-drivers Gary Barlow, Professor Brian Cox and James May share the driving duties. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, the British luxury car marque have gifted the brand new Extended Wheelbase bespoke Rolls-Royce Ghost to Breast Cancer Care for a year. This followed Evans wondering what to do with the iconic FAB1 Lady Penelope Thunderbirds plate, which he's owned for five years, now that it was no longer on a car.
Castlehill Heritage Quiz Night - Get Your Team Together
Castletown Quiz Night
Tomorrow night  - Tuesday 16th April the annual quiz at Castlehill Heritage takes place.  Get your team ready and pit your wits against the brains of Caithness.  Traditonal 'pub style' quiz night fun Prizes and Raffle - Home baking and tea/coffee Location: Castlehill Heritage Centre, Harbour Road, Castletown Price: £10 per team (4 max per team)






Grow your own - Scottish Government Consultation
Grow your own consultation
Plans to simplify and overhaul Scotland’s allotment rules were announced today. Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has launched a consultation to consider the shape of future allotment legislation. Among the questions being asked are: Should councils be required to provide people in their area within a specified timeframe? and Should councils have a duty to provide a specific number of allotments in their area per head of population? NOTE - Wick will have new allotments opened once the new Children's Home is built at Rhind House.

Interesting and Exciting Calls For Artists
St Kilda artist residencies 2013 – call for artists
St Kilda
With its dramatic vistas, stark beauty and splendid isolation, St Kilda is a dream destination for many artists. This summer, two artists will be given the chance to take up ‘residence’ on the remotest archipelago in the UK. The National Trust for Scotland and Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum & Arts Centre on North Uist have launched a call for artists to apply for two residency spots – this summer. Funded by the Year of Natural Scotland, the residencies are open to visual artists from all over the world, working in a variety of mediums.  Photos for the non Artists

Sexy Peat/Tir mo Rùin Project -
Call For Artists
Uig loch, Lewis, Western IslesSexy Peat/Tir mo Rùin is a project that will create a body of contemporary visual art in response to the rich ecology and heritage of the Lewis Peatlands in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. The Lewis Peatlands, and their blanket bog and moorlands, form a remarkable landscape both visually and environmentally. Beyond their initially austere or barren appearance the peatlands reveal an abundance of colour, texture and life forms in constant interaction with dynamic weather systems. These features have inspired the people who have lived with the moor for generations. This project will investigate and celebrate that land, those people and their heritage.

Police in Highland and Islands Division take part in national roads week of action
Police - Road Campaign
Police Scotland Highland and Islands Division take part in week of action on the roads in the area as part of a national enforcement campaign to deter and detect speeding and inappropriate drivers. The campaign, which started today at 07:00 hours, is the first under Police Scotland as part of the commitment to making Scotland's road safer. Offences such as careless or dangerous driving, failure to wear a seatbelt, using a mobile phone or hand held device whilst driving and driving without insurance or a driving licence will be targeted during the initiative.

Get Ready To Retune TV Equipment In Caithness on 24th April
Retune Freeview boxes on 24th april 2013
Freeview viewers in Caithness will need to retune their TV equipment on 24 April as local airwaves are cleared for the roll-out of 4G mobile broadband. Technical changes at the Rumster Forest transmitter group, affecting around 22,000 homes, will free up frequencies for the future introduction of 4G mobile services. Between now and the end of 2013, similar upgrades will be made in other areas of the UK to prepare for 4G.


Latest Vehicles
Crucher working on M M Miller building site in Wick MM Miller truck at building site in Wick

These photos take at the building site of M M Miller of Wick are the latest inot our transport gallery.  The crusher was last week crushing the brick following the demolition of flats at North Murchison Street.
Latest Photos Of Forse Castle Added To The Gallery
Forse Castle 10th April 2013 Forse Castle - 10th April 2013
Forse Castle stands upon a dramatic peninsula, rising almost 50 metres above sea level, not far from the village of Forse, about 2 kilometres from Latheron and some 4 kilometres from Lybster. The castle is surrounded on all sides by steep rocks and is cut off from the mainland by a natural ditch at the neck of the peninsula. Although it is possible to get on to the castle site it is not for the faint-hearted with steep drops on both sides of a narow path.  As can be seen good views of the castle can be had without venturing on to the castle site itself. There is a beach south of the castle that no doube was used in the days when the castle was inhabited.  The castle is now sign-posted in any way and no safety fences are in place so you must take great care if you approach the cliff edges.  But walking down to the end of the small road you can get great views of the castle and beach without going near any cliff edges.
More about Forse Castle   A Painting of how it might have looked in its heyday  Plan of Forse Castle
More Caithness Castles

Wick Council Offices - Work Begins
Wick Council Offices Before Demolition and new build Wick Council OfficesWick Council OfficesWick Council Offices

The rebuilding of Wick Council Offices has begun with safety fencing going up all round.  It wil be almost 18 months before staff move back to the new offices having left in January 2013 to relocate temporarily to Girnigoe street.  The Council Offices form the frontage to the west side of Market Square and the adjoining section of the High Street. The North elevation adjacent to High Street is curved in profile to follow the line of the Street, this curved building is known as the Stafford Place building. Stafford Place is bow fronted, constructed of Caithness sandstone .  The Stafford Place bow fronted building will remain and be refurished and the newer parts both in the front and back wil lbe demolished and new buildins built on the site.  This new photo gallery will have more photos added as work progresses until the work is completed so you can all see the progress.  The planning application with drawings etc
Springtime Today At Thrumster House
Thrumster House 13 April 2013 Thrumster House 13 April 2013Thrumster House 13 April 2013Thrumster House 13 April 2013

A treasure hunt for the children, tea coffee and cake in the sunshine made for a relaxing afternoon at Thrusmter House. The Daffodils were in short supply as the cold weather of the past few weeks has held everything back.  A few daffs were on show but it look slike the big numbers wil not show until another week or so.  Still a wander round the Garden Broch made it an interesting afternoon.  the broch was partially duug in 2011 and had been back-filled but owner Islay Macleod managed to get part of it left open to show the entrance and the kitchen built in the wall.

Inverurie Locos 2 Wick Academy 0
The Scorries did not make it today at the away game at Harlaw Park.  The next game is against Fraserburgh on 20th April.
Wick High School Silent Auction and Pudding Night - Great Items To Bid For
 HEAD FOR THE PUSDDING NIGHT TO EAT ALL THE PUDDINGS YOU CAN ON 26TH APRIL
To raise money for Belize 2013 conservation and community work trip for 10 students. The silent auction/pudding night will take place on Friday the 26th of April from 7 - 9pm in the main hall. £3 entry at the door. Free entry for ages 11 and under. Free tea and coffee available on the night.  15 Year old bottle of Old Pulteney Whisky -  Two nights with Dinner B & B at Ackergill Tower for two - Flight around CAITHNESS for three people - Hisorical Herring Experience for 6 people on Isabella Fortuna - signed Wick Academy strip - Wick Academy tickets with hospitality - Celebration Cake - Seacoast boat trip for two adults and one child - 3 days of fishing on Loch Watten -  A day fishng on Lord Thurso's private beat - Rugby top - Bird Feeder - Jewellery box -  Homeware Hamper - Vase - Pewter Necklace - Silver Scallop Necklace - Tour and Lunch in memebrs lounge at Scottish Parliament - Caithness chocolates - Prom dress hire - Flowers - Lark and lily Bracelet - Makeup - Bouncy Castle hire - Bespoke Laser Photo on Stone - round of golf at Wick for four .  email or phone bids accepted - GET BIDDING NOW
Many organisations and businesses are supporting our young people for their trip to Belize

Caithness Astronomy Group - FREE Talk  "Moons and Stuff" Tonight Friday 12th April
Caithness Astronomy Group - ~Moons and Stuff Talk
Head for Castlehill Heritage Centre tonight for free talk organised by Caithness Astronomy Group.  The talk is by Mike Lunan.  Weather prmitting there will also be an observation session outdoors.  Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult.  Get there for 7.00pm - Admission FREE
For many other events in Caithness in April GO HERE
Remember if you are organising an event you can get many months of free advertsing by placing your event with information and poster FREE of charge.  Just complete the submission form HERE  All submissions are monitored before approval. Events appear daily in several section and on this front page and also go to our Caithness.org Facebook page on the day of the event. Caithness.org Facebook page has grown fast to over 3700 likes and continues to grow as more items get posted week by week.  Caithness.org itself now has a huge worldwide audience and that continues to grow each year.

Caithness Wards Information From the 2011 Census Published Recently
Caithness Landward
Population - 11355
Landward Caithness is one of our more sparsely populated Wards. The population grew by 5.2% between 2005 and 2010, perhaps linked to decline in Thurso and Wick as evidence from house sales suggest a drift out of the towns and into the surrounding rural areas. It has a lower than average population of people aged under 45 and over 74 and an above average population aged between 45 and 74.
Thurso
Population - 7218
The population profile shows that the number of people aged under 45 is very similar to the Highland profile, the number in the 45 to 64 age group is lower and those aged 65 plus is higher, particularly those over 75 which is one of the highest in Highland. The population of the Ward fell by 3.1% between 2005 and 2010, the joint highest rate of decline in Highland.
Wick
Population - 6587
Wick has a young age profile with one of the highest proportions of under 15s and an above average proportion in the 16 to 49 age group. However, there has been a significant overall population decline in four areas of Wick since the 2001 Census and the overall population fell by 3.1% between 2005 amd 2010, the joint highest in Highland.

Last Day Of School Hols Today - Back To School On Monday
Hols over once again so we hope you all had a nice break or had time for extra study if you exams are coming soon.

Community Challenge Fund - Next Deadline for applications 1st May
Community Challenge Fund
The Council has agreed to work with Community Councils and other community organisations to encourage community empowerment, by introducing a community challenge fund of £1m of recurring expenditure to support community projects which explore new ways of delivering services at a local level.

Gas Flaring Off At Lybster
Gas Flaring off at Lybster Caithness Oil Well
It may be small but the oil well at Lybster that is to be seen flaring off gas day and night now employs 8 full-time staff.  Investigations continue to find out if other fields locally have commercial prospects like this one. In 2008, Caithness spudded the L11/24-3z development well on the Lybster field. The well was drilled from an onshore site two kilometres south of the village of Lybster. The Lybster structure is crossed by a north-east/south-west trending fault. The well appraised the area west of this fault and was suspended. In 2010, following evaluation of these results, the well was extended across the fault to twin the discovery well, which had flowed 2,000 barrels of oil per day on test.  We have added a short video at the bottom of the item for anyone who has not seen it before.  Who would have thought until very recently that Caithness would have its very own if very small oil industry creating jobs?  With other fields locally being investigated there may be expansion yet to come.  Can anyone whistle the Dallas theme while standing in a Caithness gale?  Photos from the start in 2008

Thrumster House Spring Day - Saturday 13th April
Thrumster House Thrumster HouseThrumster HouseThrumster House

The countryside Rangers have arranged some fun activities for children, while parents can accompany or walk around the grounds and have a guided walk to the recently excavated garden broch. There will be Teas and Coffees for a donation to the Yarrows Heritage Trust.
Daffodils at Thrumster House in 2003
Short article about Thrumster House
Thrumster House Garden Broch opened up in 2011
Notes from Robert I. Shearer, Ulbster house 1860 regarding a dig in 1810

NEW OUTREACH SERVICE FOR BLIND VETERANS LAUNCHED IN ARGYLL AND BUTE AND HIGHLANDS
A new outreach service to support blind and visually impaired veterans has been launched covering Argyll and Bute as well as the Highlands and Islands. Scottish War Blinded, the sister charity of Royal Blind, has launched an outreach service across Scotland with a dedicated Outreach Worker for Argyll and Bute and the Highlands and Islands. The outreach service will provide free support to blind and visually impaired veterans to ensure that they are able to access all the statutory support services that they are entitled to. The service supports not only those who have lost their sight while serving in the armed forces, but also those who have become visually impaired since then. The minimum length of service in the armed forces is just one day.

Boat Racing To Completion At Wick Coastal Rowing Club
Wick Coastal Rowing Club
The recently formed Wick Coastal Rowing Club are showing they have lots of eenthusiasm and ability as the first of what is expected to be three "St Ayles" skiffs.   The groups have keep up a very steady progres in this their first boat and say they expect later boats to be built even faster now they have the experience under their belts.  Racing teams of various ages are to be formed once the boat gets into the water.  it is likely they will compete with visiting boats and also take their boat to other events.  Once they have a second boat practices and races against local teams will be possible.  If you are interested in building boats or competing then get in touch with the club.
Return To Wag Of Forse
Wag of Forse
The last photos we took of the Wag of forse was in September 2005 so on a bright sunny day yesterday we took a hike up the hill at Forse to see the ancient structures once again.  Forse Wag dated 1st millennium B.C.early first millennium A.D. Appears as a wide collection of stones with a variety of structures - tunnels, chambers and steps. Twice, it has been partially excavated - in 1939 and 1948. It is one of the largest in the county, the site being approximately 80 yards square - Caithness Field Club Bulletin 1995. Wag of Forse is an Iron Age site with multiple periods of occupation including a dun and wags. The site was partly excavated by Curle on separate occasions. According to the notes in the Canmore Database of RCAHMS the sequence of occupation may have been of huts of three periods overlaid by a dun. The site was surrounded by a turf wall mounted on stone. Surrounding the site is field system with the remains of the walls in place - not in straight lines but in segments. The outline is clear at the site and particularly in photos from the air.

Check Out The Latest Vacancies In Our Forum
Housekeeping Supervisor - Ackergill Tower
Time Served Joiners **** Small Gardening Job **** Instrument Technician
New Jobs Being Added Most Days - check the fulll listing.   Note to employers - JOB Ads are FREE to place.

Ready To Shoot Those Arrows - Archery Resumes at Lybster
Shelligoe Archery
Shelligoe Archery - for Lessons, Have-a-Go's & Fun Shoots Lybster Hall floor is finished and ready to use. We will be there Every Wednesday from the 17th April at 6-8 pm. Please Tel/text 07717718537 or find us on Facebook.

Have You Seen This Man and Vehicle In Thurso?
Police looking to trace driver of vehicle Police are looking to trace the driver of a dark grey / blue coloured hatchback vehicle, following an incident which occurred on Provost Sinclair Drive, Thurso around 12.30 pm on Wednesday 10th April. The vehicle was described as having roof racks on either side and was being driven by a male who was approximately 40 years old, medium build with a bald head. Police are keen for anyone who may know who this may be to contact them on 101 or crimestoppers 0800 555 111.
Planning Process begins for new Wick Schools and Community Facilities
The £50M project for two new Primary Schools, a new High School, and new Community Facilities, incorporating a replacement Library and swimming pool, due for completion for use in August 2015, takes another step forward this month. The planning process for major works includes a “Pre-Application Consultation” in which the proposals are shared with the public, so that comments at this stage can be considered by the architects before formal Planning Applications are submitted. For the Wick Campus, incorporating a new Primary School (amalgamating Pulteneytown Academy Primary and South Primary), a replacement High School, and the new East Caithness Community Facilities (replacing the Library and the Swimming Pool), the public exhibition is due to be held in the Assembly Rooms, Wick on Monday 22nd April from 2pm to 6.30pm.

Wick & District Pool League - Week 18
Wick and District Pool League
Wick & District Pool League's
2nd and 3rd placed teams (Crown1 & Bayview1) battled it out on Monday night as both teams looked to keep their title challenges intact. Colin Banks got the Crown side off to a great start to help them take a 1-0 lead, before Ted Gunn pulled one back for Bayview. Angus Mackay, Andrew Keith and a total clearance from Steve Atkins helped Bayview1 take a 4-1 lead, before Stevie Cunningham won a frame for Crown to make it 4-2. Gunn played exceptionally well again in his doubles frame to help the Lybster team go 5-2 ahead. Bayview1 then ended Crown1's title hopes as they reeled off the next four frames for a 9-2 win.

Sutherland Brothers Annual Trade Day - 25th April 2013
Sutherland Brothers Annual Trade Day 25th April 2013
Sutherland Brothers Annual Trade Day is being held in Wick Assembly Rooms on Thursday 25th April between 2pm and 8pm.



Papercraft Fun At Wick Library - Two Sessions - Thursday 11 April
12.30pm Under 5 Years   2.00pm 5 and over
Paper Craft Fun 12.30pm Paper Craft Fun 2.00pm

Council takes enforcement action on dog fouling and littering in Caithness
Dog Fouling Poster in Caithness
TEC Services Enforcement Officers, supported by the dog warden/pest control officers for Caithness and Sutherland will be out and about in the Caithness area from today (Monday 8 April 2013) undertaking patrols in known problem areas to deter and catch irresponsible dog owners and litter louts that risk harm to our communities and countryside through dog fouling, littering and fly tipping. Anyone caught not clearing up after their dog or who is observed to drop litter or fly-tip waste will be issued with a fixed penalty notice.


Event To Prime Highland Firms For Investment
Small firms from across the Highlands will get the lowdown on how to tap into traditional and alternative sources of finance at an event in Inverness later this month. The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has joined forces with local business experts Highland Opportunity and their Business Gateway service plus MSP, Rhoda Grant, to host a special event -Accessing Business Finance - at the Inverness Caledonian Thistle Stadium on the 29 April. The difficulties that small businesses face when trying to access the finance necessary for them to grow and develop is of great concern, especially given that the Government is relying on these same small businesses to lead the recovery. So just where will the money come from to enable this to happen? It is to help answer this pressing question that this event is being held.

Art Exhibition At Mill Theatre - Call For Entries
An Art Exhibition and Demonstration at The Mill Theatre, Thurso on the 1st and 2nd June.

Shelligoe Archery Announcement .....
Hi fellow archers, as you know we were to start on the 10th April at Lybster hall, Unfortunately the varnish and paint have not worked out to well and they have to re-do the floor. So we can't use the hall just yet! Hopefully we'll be in by the 17th. Please follow us on Facebook for updates. Don't forget we have lowered the age to 8 yrs.
HI~Arts Issues Redundancy Notices To All Staff As Restructuring Begins
The Board of HI~Arts, the cultural development agency for the Highlands and Islands, has announced that the company has been awarded short-term extensions of its present funding agreements with Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Creative Scotland, as part of an ongoing process of restructuring the company’s activities and programmes. Although HI~Arts is working with HIE and Creative Scotland to safeguard the continuation of a number of the agency’s key programmes , while at the same time scoping the potential for working more closely with the University of the Highlands and Islands, amongst other options, nonetheless, as part of this process, the Board of HI~Arts has this week issued formal notices of redundancy to all staff. It is hoped that many of the staff will be able to transfer to new hosts and new initiatives, but while those options remain to be resolved, the Board agreed that it could not avoid the formal step of issuing redundancy notices. HI~Arts currently employs ten full-time and part-time staff, six based in the company’s Inverness office, and four based in Argyll, Knoydart, Lewis and Aberdeen.
 
Scorries Still In The Hunt After Harmsworth Win
Wick Academy 2 Cove Rangers 1
The top two teams in the league classhed in a crucial game for both.  Academy won and sits in second place with Cove still in the number one position but only by one point.
10 FREE Places For Two Day Workshop To Work With Top Hot Glass Artists
Northlands Glass 10 places
Spend Saturday 27th April at Caithness Horizons with four glass artists from Australia, America and Germany. They will help you use Caithness Horizons museum collections to inspire ideas for a piece of glass art work. On Sunday 28th April you will work in the hot glass studio at North Lands Creative Glass, where the artists will help you realise your idea from the day before. These workshops are FREE to anyone over 14 years of age, although donations are always welcome. Please note that you must commit to BOTH workshops, and - as the hot glass environment can be challenging - you will need to have a reasonable degree of physical fitness.

10th Caithness & Sutherland Walking Festival  19th - 26th May
Caithness and Sutherland Walking Festival 2013
A
full programme of walks with something for everyone.  A wide variety of walks with different themes around Caithness and Sutherland.  Take your pick from walks covering history, architecture, birds, plantlife and more.  Get out and see the area with local experts. The great north outdoors has a lot to offer so get out and enjoy it.
See the full programme for the calendar of events.

Old Buildings in Caithness
Photos of Telford - Burn Street - Harbour Quay Restoration Project 15th & 29th March

Restoration Telford Street, Harbour Quay, Burn Street Telford Street, Habour Quay, Burn Street Restoration

Start From 5th Novermber 2012 HERE

Council report good progress in contacting Council tenants about Welfare Reform changes
The Highland Council has provided information and advice to more than 600 Council house tenants affected by the reduction in their Housing Benefit due to the implementation of the Bedroom Tax. This new legislation from the UK Government, that came into effect from 1 April, means a deduction is being imposed on working age housing benefit claimants who live in council or housing association homes where it has been deemed that they are under occupying their home. The new rule is estimated to affect about 2000 council house tenants in Highland.
Museum Pests - Young Curators Peters Pals and Others Welcome - Book Early
Museum Pests 21 April
Ortak Jewellery In Orkney Goes Into Administration As Recession Bites
Ortak have gone into administration but are stil trading normally and showing determination to win customers with a special April promotion.  They are not sitting back and perhaps a flood of customers in aapril to take advantag eof the special offers may help them ride out the present bad trading conditions.

Latest Wick & Distric Pool League Results
Wick and District pool League latest results
Wick & District Pool League's
top two sides Camps2 & Crown1 recorded very impressive victories over Seaforth Club and The Commercial respectively on Monday night. Alan Larnach's Crown1 side remain in the title hunt after a great team performance helped them to a 9-2 win over The Commercial. Defending champions Camps2 stay two points clear at the top of division one after a convincing 10-1 win over Craig Durrand's Seaforth side. The Camps team got off to a perfect start as both Ryan Carter and Bruce Honeyman knocked in 8-ball total clearances.

Ynot Grill In Thurso Piles On The Music
5th April                           9th April   
 26th April                 
Aaron Wright   Caithness Introducing Stage   Cactus Cardigan

The Other Halkirk In Alberta Canada Sees New Wind Farm Completed
The $346m Capital Power project near the town of Halkirk is the largest in the province and features 83 Vestas V90 turbines rated at 1.8MW.   RES Canada Announces the Completion of Alberta's Largest Wind Project Read more

Savings on home energy bills
Home Heat Losses
People across Scotland are being urged to seek assistance to improve the energy efficiency of their homes, helping to reduce household energy bills. Housing and Welfare Minister Margaret Burgess today outlined that households can apply for financial assistance from the Scottish Government of up to £1,200 to pay for energy improvement measures such as cavity and loft insulation, double glazing, a new boiler or draft proofing. Getting loft insulation can reduce energy bills by up to £175 per year, while replacing single-glazed windows with double glazed ones could save the average home around £165 per year. And taking simple steps to draught proof can cut £55 per year off the average property’s energy bill, while getting a new, energy efficient boiler could save a three bedroom home owner up to £300 annually.
Good Progress for Pipeline at Subsea 7, Wester
Pipeline at Subsea 7 Wester, Caithness for the West Franklin field of the North Sea
A pipeline for Elf Exploration UK Limited in the West Franklin Field is well underway at subsea 7 site at Wester in Caithness. A one off pipeline bundle 6.24km long due to be completed in November 2013. The Subsea 7 work scope involves the engineering, design, procurement, fabrication, installation and pre-commissioning of a pipeline bundle and umbilical between the new West Franklin Wellhead Platform and the existing Elgin Field facilities in the Central Graben Area of the North Sea.

Lambs in East Caithness
Lambs in East Caithness Lambs in East Caithness Lambs in East Caithness

Easter Walk At Dunnet Forest And Beach
Dunnet Walk at Easter Dunnet Walk at EasterDunnet Walk at EasterDunnet Walk At EasterDunnet Walk at Easter


More Wick Harbour Photos Added
Wick Harbour Metal Gates At Wick Harbour Shags at Wick Harbour Very Calm At Wick Harbour

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