CAITHNESS.ORG HEADLINES ARCHIVE ::  FEBRUARY 2013

Scottish switching scheme launched in Highland Save on Electric Bills
Households across Highland have an opportunity to save hundreds of pounds on their energy bills  as part of a collective buying initiative. Highland residents have until Sunday 17 March to join in to secure a better deal from energy companies by buying energy together. Scots Together is a col­lect­ive pur­chas­ing col­lab­or­a­tion. Rather than leaving individuals to buy their power on a house by house basis, the project will negotiate with power companies on behalf of all the people who register to take part. The more people that take part, the better the deal will become and the more potential there is for the scheme to save householders cash. People who join up at the start will still be able to benefit from the price achieved by the total number of people switching at the end. There is no obligation to switch. It is free and it is easy. Those interested are asked to visit the website - Scotstogether.com - with a recent energy bill to register their details. For those who would rather talk to an advisor the Freephone number is – 0800 408 0155. Councillor Dave Fallows, Chairman of The Highland Council’s Finance Housing and Resources Committee, said: “Given that over one in three Highland households are considered to be in fuel poverty and this number is increasing, largely due to rising fuel costs and falling welfare payments, this scheme could provide people with a welcome opportunity to save some cash.

Thurso Charrette final Session tonight Wednesday at 7.00pm - open to all at Pentland hotel

Out Of Sight - Out Of Murder
Out Of Sight - Out Of Murder
Thurso Players  
21st - 23rd March





Old Caithness Buildings - Telford Street - Harbour Quay - Burn Street
Teldord Street - Harbour Quay - Burn Street Telford Street - Harbour Quay - Burn StreetTelford Street - Harbour Quay - Burn StreetTelford Street - Harbour Quay - Burn Street

The square formed by Telford Street, Harbour Quay and Burn Street in Wick have been restoration work carried out for the past few months with funding from Historic Scotland.  Photos start on 5th November 2012 and go up to 22nd February 2013.  Further photos wil be added as work progresses.  The works are being carried out by G M R Henderson. Devices Placed In Pentland Firth to Take Measurements
C Salvor at Gills Harbour
Multi-cat C-Salvor, owned by Leask Marine Ltd of Kirkwall was this week at Gills Harbour. The vessel was there for Mojo Maritime Ltd of Falmouth, Cornwall and was in port to deploy three 'Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler' (ADCP) devices on the seabed of the Pentland Firth's Inner Sound. This was undertaken for MeyGen Ltd, the company that holds the Crown Estate's seabed licence for that part of the Firth as a site for development as 'the world's first commercial tidal stream electricity power station'. It hopes to install almost 400 generating turbines, with a capacity rated at 1 MW (megawatt) each there, by 2020.
500 Tonne Crane At Scrabster
Port Services - 500 tonne crane at Scrabster Port Services 500 tonne Crane at Scrabster Port services 500 tonne Crane at Scrabster


Fit's in 'e Courier This Week
See more stories in Doanalsin's Diary

Wick and District Pool League Splits Into Two Divisions
Wick and District Pool league
Wick & District Pool League has now split into two divisions as all fourteen teams have played each other once. The top seven will now face each other again as they compete for the first division title, as will the bottom seven who will compete for the second division title. Queens and Sinclair Bay will now battle it out in division two as they lost out to Blackstairs1 and Seaforth Club respectively. The Commercial also lost out 8-3 to rivals Bayview1 but still managed to hang on to seventh spot and a place in the top division. Camps2, Bayview1 and Crown1 are all still joint top of division one, but Camps2 stretched their frame difference lead to 24 frames thanks to a 10-1 win over Camps1. Blackstairs2 are four points behind the leading three teams, they defeated Crown2 7-4 on Monday night. Harper's moved up to within four points of the second division leaders after an impressive 9-2 win over Mountain Dew.....................

Caithness Councillor Robert Coghill To Step Down
Robert Cogil stands down as Caithness Landward councillor
Highland Councillor Robert Coghill, who represents Landward Caithness, has given notice of his intention to resign, with effect from Thursday 28 February. Councillor Coghill, who helps run a farm at Halkirk, is standing down on medical advice. Councillor Coghill, who is a member of the Independent Group on the Council, said: “I am disappointed that I have had to resign but I cannot ignore medical advice. I have really enjoyed my time on the Council and have been impressed by the dedication of our staff in providing high quality services to our communities.” Council Convener Jimmy Gray said: “Robert has always been committed to Caithness and the Highlands and has served the Council with distinction during his 6 years with us. We wish him and his family all the best for the future.”
New Van For Korrie Mechanical and Plumbing
Korrie New Van
If you would like to add your company vehicles to the listing email photos to bill@caithness.org





Northwards At Scrabster
Northwards - Scrabster Northwards - ScrabsterNorthwards - Scrabster


New Biomass Boiler for Famous Whisky Distillery and Wick District Heating Scheme
Ignis boiler house at Wick
Ignis Biomass Ltd has installed and is now operating a new biomass boiler to provide heat for the district heating scheme in Wick. The new 3.5 megawatt steam boiler is part of an initial £2.5m investment in the Wick district heating scheme, following its purchase by Ignis in June 2012. The new boiler is supplying steam to the adjacent Pulteney Distillery, in addition to supplying the district heating network. The distillery (part of Inver House Distillers Ltd) is the producer of the renowned “Old Pulteney” single malt whisky. Pulteney’s 21 year single malt was voted “World Whisky of the Year” in Jim Murray’s 2012 Whisky Bible Awards. Martin Leonard, Operations Director of Inver House Distillers said “Ignis’ new boiler provides a source of renewable energy for the Distillery which will assist in achieving our environmental objectives by reducing our use of fossil fuels. We are pleased to be working with Ignis, helping them build a successful business in Wick based upon a sustainable supply of energy”.
Join the Caithness Conversation:
‘How can funding from onshore wind farms be used to benefit Caithness?’.

RWE npower renewables (RWE NRL) is encouraging local people in Caithness to take part in the Caithness Conversation, a discussion about how the community funds linked to wind farms can best be used to support the area. RWE NRL, one of the UK’s leading renewable energy developers, invests more than £75,000 per annum in Caithness through community funds associated with its wind farms. The company operates Bilbster and Causeymire wind farms, has gained consent for other wind farms in the area, and is in the process of applying for planning consent for Bad á Cheò Wind Farm. To support local communities to plan and deliver community investment funding, both from renewables and other sources, RWE NRL has launched the Caithness Conversation the aim of which is to share information and best practice on managing community funds.
www.npower-renewables.com/caithnessconversation   Complete The SURVEY
Your Opportunity To Help Shape The Future Of Thurso and Wick
Wick Charrette

Thurso Charrette
Work on the new Caithness and Sutherland Local Development Plan will begin later this month. As part of this the communities of Wick and Thurso will each have a unique opportunity to shape the future of their community and influence future development decisions in the area. The Highland Council will be holding innovative public consultation events known as Charrettes in both Wick and Thurso. These events will enable local people to put forward their ideas and help design the future development of their towns. During the events people will be asked to share their views on issues such as where difference types of development should be located, what services and facilities are needed and which areas should be safeguarded from development. Representatives from local organisations, key agencies and the Highland Council will also be in attendance so that people can discuss their ideas. The aim of the Charrette events will be to prepare whole-town masterplans which will feed into the first stage of the Caithness and Sutherland Local Development Plan, known as the Main Issues Report. It is hoped that involving local people in this process will create a joined-up approach to planning and delivering development and regeneration, attract new investment and jobs, and bring benefits to these two towns and the wider Caithness and Sutherland area.
Attend for a few minutes or whole sessions on any of the days or all of the sessions - it's up to you.
Wick Programme      Thurso Programme

More Older Caithness Transport
A Dunnet's bus Alex Matheson

Old AA Vehicles   Vintage Vehicles    Vintage Farm Vehicles
Modern Commercial Vehicles Peters Pals Next Event - Thursday 21st February
“InFesTaTion” - “Peter’s Pals” Young Curator’s Club Art Workshop & Launch Of The “Portable Museum Of Curiosity”.
Fit's in 'e Groat 'is Week  or 'e Courier   and more stories in Doanalsin's Diary

John O’Groats Mill to benefit from Historic Scotland Building Repair Grant
John O'Groats mill Receives Building Repairs Grant from Historic Scotland
John O’Groats Mill in Caithness is to receive a Historic Scotland Building Repair Grant of £221,316. It is one of six historic sites in Scotland to benefit from this latest round of funding totalling £587,049. The Mill was originally built as a threshing mill in 1750 and was rebuilt in 1901 as a corn mill. Between the 16th and 19th centuries, Caithness was known for its corn production and exported meal to ports across Scotland and the rest of Europe. The site is a key example of industrial heritage in the area and is believed to be the last mill in Caithness to retain its working machinery.    John O'Groats MILL PHOTO GALLERY      Other Old Buildings In Caithness
Photos From Thurso High Senior Ball
Thurso High 5th Year Thurso High 6th Year

Doanalsin's Diary
Noel Donaldson
             Fit's in 'e Groat 'is week        or       'e Courier A Former Thurso Mechanic
Dinkum Maclean
Thanks to Nicol Maclean for sending in this photo of his grandfather Kenneth "Dinkum" Maclean.  Nicol said, " I thought you’d like an old Photograph of my Grand father Kenneth Mclean from the Cow Gate area of the town. He worked as a mechanic in Wilson's garage which is now called Dunnet's garage, Thurso."
If anyone can tell us about he motor cycle we will add the information to the photo.
If you have any old photos concerning transport in the old days in the north of Scotland you would like to share email them to bill@caithness.org
We are amazed to have receive this information in great detail in less than 24 hours.
Thanks to Edward Sutherland from Halkirk for the details about this motorcycle - SK 196
It was first registered to Alexander William Black, 68 Princes Street, Thurso - Date of registration 13/3/1913. The make is a Kerry Abingdon. Kerrys were first made in Belgium for the East London Rubber Co. From 1910 Kerrys were made at a factory at Abingdon until production finished at the the beginning of World War 1. Kerry Abingdons were produced with 499cc. side valve single cylinder and 670cc.V twin side valve engines.
Transport in Caithness - Older Vehicles
Albion Two Cylinder Horse and Carts in Wick

If you have photos of older forms of transport in Caithness or Sutherland and would like to share them email them to bill@caithness.org for inclusion in this new section.  We are happy to add vehicles to the other sections also.
LEAVE MORE TIME FOR JOURNEYS GOING SOUTH - DELAYS LIKELY
A9 Kessock Bridge – Introduction of permanent route changes
Kessock Bridge
The commissioning process of the new traffic management arrangements to reduce delays as the result of the resurfacing of the Kessock Bridge from 11 February is now underway. The introduction of the traffic signals will be phased to reduce the immediate impact of the change on road users. From lunchtime to-day (Tuesday) the new traffic lights at the junction of Henderson Road/Longman road, allowing right turns out of Henderson Road, were switched on to enable essential fine adjustments to the system. The new traffic lights on the three main approaches to the Longman Roundabout will be similarly commissioned from prior to evening peak on Wednesday 6th February with the Traffic Signals on Rose Street in operation from Thursday afternoon, 7th February, also prior to the evening peak.
More details about the works  17 Weeks of works will make delays likely on all trips over the Kessock Bridge

Wick & District Pool League - Latest Results
Wick and District Pool League
Alan Larnach's Crown1 team produced an outstanding performance in week 11 of the Wick & District Pool League as they knocked Bayview1 off top spot with a 7-4 win. Crown1 have improved dramatically this season with every member of their team playing some exceptional pool. Neither team could be separated in the early stages as the match stood at four frames each. Crown1 took the lead at 5-4 and secured a vital two points in the next frame thanks to a fabulous 5 ball pressure clearance from former captains cup winner Colin Banks.
Council warns Highland businesses – don’t be caught out by scammers
Scams - Don't Get Caught Out
Highland Council’s Trading Standards are warning all Highland businesses to be on their guard against rogue ‘charity’ publishers and operatives that use deliberately misleading sales talk to sell advertising space over the phone or by email or text. Publications may include advertising space in charity leaflets, wall-planners, crime prevention diaries and the old favourite of business directories. Smaller businesses can be especially vulnerable by the pester tactics of some callers. Some businesses can pay out costs for advertising from £100 up to £1000 only to find out later that they have been scammed.

Vehicles On The Move
On The Move In Caithness On Ther Move In CaithnessOn the Move In Caithness

A new section to capture vehicles on the move.
We are still looking for some examples of early transport in Caithness for a historical section.  If you have some old photos of vehicles or horse transport, carts etc then email them to bill@caithness.org for this section.
Wick Pipe Band Burns Supper
Wick Pipe Band Burns Supper Wick Pipe Band Burns Supper Wick Pipe Band Burns Supper Wick Pipe Band Burns Supper

THE Wick Royal British Legion, Scotland Pipe Band paid their tribute to the Bard at their annual Burns supper, last night. Alistair Miller addressed the haggis and the Immortal Memory was given by local Highland councillor Willie Mackay.

Internet Safety Day 5th February 2013
Internet Safety

More Safety????        Links For Safety
Connect With Respect Safer Internet Day  Safer Internet
Boat Build Going Well At Wick Coastal Rowing Club
Wick Coastal Rowing Club - Boat Building Progress Wick Coastal Rowing Club Boat Building Progress wick Coastala rowing Club Boat Building Progress Wick Coastal Rowing Club Boat Building Progress
 
Now we know where all the G clamps in Wick have gone as there are many in use at the moment as various parts are being glued together.  Already the planking is being cut from the sheets of ply that came in the kit.  The plan is to build two boats by next summer but at least one will be finished and with luck two will be ready to race.  This new club in Wick is one of many springing up all over the country and now racing to build boats in time for the summer season.  The club already have a design and order in for trailer to move the boat around using only a car with a towing point.  The club now meets at Wellington Centre which has been loaned by Highland Council as the building was not being used for the time being.  Anyone with an interest in building boats can join or get involved with the rowing later when they hope to have teams for all ages and both sexes.

Ackergill Tower Getting More Than Five Star Reviews On Trip Adviser
Ackergill Tower at night
Visitors to Caithness who have recently stayed at Ackergill Tower are giving the hotel some of the best reviews any hotel could ever expect to receive.  Visitors have enthusiastically endorsed the hotel as a top class and friendly place to go with many facilities and extras. It just shows how hard the management and staff have worked to get and retain their five star rating.  Read the reviews for yourself on Trip Adviser where you can also see photos of many of the rooms etc. Well done to everyone who works there for putting Caithness at the top of the accommodation listings online.

Race For More Land Based Oil Extraction Hotting Up In Caithness
Caithess improves North Sea holdings - offshore.no
North Sea explorer Caithness Petroleum has boosted its UK offshore assets with the completion of a swap deal. After finalising a licence swap deal with Trap Oil Limited, Caithness now holds 100% interest in the Forse prospect which is due to be drilled this year, retains a stake in the Knockinnon prospect and will continue to receive production income from the Lybster field which has been developed from an onshore location. Caithness, through it subsidiary Caithness Oil Limited, today signalled that it has finalised a deal with Trap Oil whereby it acquires 100% equity and becomes operator of the near-shore Forse prospect in UK blocks 11/23 and 11/24 in the Moray Firth.
Lybster Oil Site (2008)  Looking round The Site in 2008

A9 Kessock Bridge – Route changes in advance of Major Works
Kessock Bridge
Work starts on the major refurbishment of the A9 Kessock Bridge on Monday 11th February 2013 for 17 weeks. The installation of the traffic management will start at 10pm on Saturday 9th February to be in place for the commencement of the works. The northbound carriageway on the bridge will be closed and a contraflow will be in place on the southbound carriageway. In advance of the start of the works there are important changes being made to road layouts in the vicinity of the bridge.

Doanalsin's Diary
Noel Donaldson              Fit's in 'e Groat 'is Week       or 'e Courier

New Vessel Nortrader Delivers First Wind Turbines For Wathegar Wind Farm Near Wick
Nortrader Delivers Turbines for Wathegar Wind Farm wind Trubines Delivered by Nortrader for Wathegar Turbines for Wathegar delivered by Nortrader Turbines For Wathegar Delivered by Nortrader The men unloading Nortrader

A new ship "Nortrader" on her maiden voyage delivered the first wind trubines for Wathegar wind farm near Wick.  the new ship was built in China by Wuxue Kaiyanxing Shipbuilding. The company was lucky to get a shipment of the turbines also made in China to deliver to Europe and not have to make a trip with no cargo.  Wathegar will have 5 turbines and produce enough electricity to meet the need of approximately 7,400 homes.  The Nortrader is registered in Antigua Barbuda.  On the way to Wick Nortrader was spotted off South Africa and at Las Palmas Gran Canaria and Greenpoint Capetown   The MV "Nortrader" is owned by NTO Shipping GmbH & Co. KG.

Highland Dancing Outfit Sale
Sale of Highland Dancing Outfits
Elise Lyall School Of Dancing Saturday 2nd February, 2-4pm, Wick Assembly Rooms.  Everyone who is involved in Highland dancing has outfits that they are trying to sell or are looking for second hand outfits to buy!  This is a chance for people to bring along any outfits, pumps, jig shoes etc you have to sell all clearly labelled with contact info and price.

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