CAITHNESS.ORG HEADLINES ARCHIVE ::  MARCH 2013

Caithness Secret Army WW2 - Remembrance Day
Secret Army Caithness
Churchill’s secret army granted parade with Cenotaph march past. Royal British Legion grants permission for Auxiliary Units and Special Duties Branch veterans to march past in November 2013 after British Resistance Archive campaign. Members of one of the most secret organisations of the Second World War has today been granted permission to take part in the annual Remembrance Day Cenotaph march past by the Royal British Legion. This follows a campaign undertaken by the Coleshill Auxiliary Research Team (CART), the researchers behind the British Resistance Archive.

Wick Harbour At Easter Weekend
Emerald Dawn Leaving Wick Harbour Wick Harbour Wick Harbour Wick Harbour


Visit The Island Of Stroma With Caithness Horizons
Island of Stroma
Stroma Visit - Saturday 10th August 2013 -
Last year we organised a visit to Stroma, prompted by interest from the Islands Book Trust, and readers of their book Stroma, published in 2010. Taking the abandoned island as its subject, the book features photos by Roddie Ritchie, with poetry by Caithness writer George Gunn. The visit – which included bonus sightings of Killer Whale (Orcinus orca) - proved so popular that we plan to run another this summer.

What's Coming Up At Caithness Horizons
Just a few of the evnts at Caithness Horizons in April, May, June, July and August
Check our What's On for many more events in Caithness.   If you are organising an event then add it FREE to the Whats On HERE

Horizons Through The Looking Glass – 27th & 28th April
Glass by Amanad Dziedzic
Caithness Horizons and North Lands Creative Glass [NLCG] have teamed up regularly since we opened our doors four and a half years ago...............For the first residency of 2013, four artists from the USA, Germany and Australia invite 10 participants to spend one day at Caithness Horizons, using its collections as inspiration for ideas that will then be followed up at the Lybster glass studios by work in hot glass techniques. Interested? Places are limited to a small group for practical reasons. Workshops will be free but donations are welcomed..................more        Arts News

Wild North Wild Flower Europe Festival
Early Purple Orchid - Ken Crossan
The Wild North Wild Flower Europe Festival takes place this year in the Highlands in June and July 2013. Events in Caithness range from a photography competition and exhibition, Plantlife International’s ‘Patchwork Meadow’ exhibition, to talks, walks and workshops.


‘Beatrice Works’ Education Programme With Caithness Horizons
Wind Turbine
During May and June, Sutherland based artist Sue Jane Taylor will be joined by Caithness STEM Ambassadors to work with young people from Caithness and North Sutherland schools, exploring how current developments in renewable technology are making an impact locally as well as nationally and internationally. Local companies and harbours – as well as personnel from key wind/wave/tidal energy projects - are being generous with their time, allowing access to a range of engineering sites and operations, and engaging in workshops with school pupils.

Video Highlights from the Wick Academy V Forres Mechanics Game 23 March 2013
Clocks Go Forward Tonight - Is It Too Early To Wish It Was Summer

Catch Up On 'e Groat  an 'e Courier

Wick Academy 3 Formartine United 3
Academy now site second in the league and play Cove Rangers the current league leaders next Saturday at Harmsworth Park.

Scott Explorer Unloading Salt At Wick Harbour
Scot Explorer Unloading Salt At Wick
This load of salt for the main roads was being delivered on Friday 29th March 2013 at by the "Scot Explorer" to Wick Harbour in Caithness, Scotland for BEAR who will use it for the roads in the north in frosty or icy conditions. At first sight you might think it is sand but it is definitely salt that came from a huge salt mine in Northern Ireland.
Short film of the unloading on Youtube
Springtime Bursting Out At Last In Caithness
Springtime in Caithness Springtime in Caithness Springtime in Caithness Springtime in Caithness


Local Connections Of Man Appointed To Lead Tidal Turbines Installations
Local roots of lead installations engineer for first tidal-stream turbies to enter Inner Sound. A Caithness-descended sub-sea engineer, who is proud of his Canisbay parish roots, is to take charge of the installation of the very first electricity-generating tidal turbine in the Pentland Firth's Inner Sound next year (2014). Mr Rupert Raymond's great-grandfather came from John O'Groats and moved away in late Victorian times to train as an engineer in Glasgow. He was responsible for designing just over a century ago one of the area's most iconic buildings, the water-powered John O'Groats corn-mill, now regarded as a key part of the county's 'industrial heritage'.

Decrofting Changes To Legislation On the Way
Action is being taken to deal with the difficulties owner-occupier crofters are facing when decrofting their croft land. The Environment Minister Paul Wheelhouse announced that the Scottish Government will bring forward a Bill as soon as possible after the Easter recess to address this issue which will require amending crofting legislation.

Update - Death - Wick
SCD Major Investigation Team North have been making enquiries into the death of a man whose body was found in the river, Wick on Saturday 23rd March 2013. Whilst, continuing some enquiries into establishing his last movements, a post mortem and other enquiries have been carried out and the death is not believed to be suspicious. Next of kin have been informed.

Highland Council Offices Easter Holiday
Service Points and administrative offices will close at 5.00 p.m. on Thursday 28 March 2013 and re-open at 9.00 a.m. on Tuesday 02 April 2013 for the Easter holiday. Some handy emergency numbers.
Community Events From The Rangers For Easter
Ranger events for Easter
Easter Egg-Heads Tuesday 2nd April 2013. The Seadrift Visitor Centre. Dunnet Bay. 11am – 1pm

Easter Egg-Case Hunt Thursday 4th April 2013. Sandside Beach in Reay. 10am – Noon.

Courier Headlines 'e Day

Snippets from the Caithnes Courier.  For other stories check out Doanalsin's Diary.

Brandon at his brilliant best!
Brandon McPhee at Ackergill Tower Brandon McPhee At Ackergill Tower Brandon McPhee at Ackergill Tower

CAITHNESS accordion maestro Brandon McPhee
mesmerised his audience with a sparkling display at his DvD recording concert at the weekend. The Palace at Ackergill Tower was packed to capacity for the concert which featured comedian, Eddie Rose, who along with Brandon’s band, gave us a three –hour programme reminiscent of that rare, some might say extinct, breed...the Scottish variety show. But it was the scintillating, squeezebox exponent, Brandon who stole the show with a breathtaking display of traditional music and continental music, on his three –row Shand Morino accordion, way beyond his tender 16 years.........more
The Science Of Poo - (Ok The Digestive System)) - Caithness Science Fair
Science of Poo
Among many great demonstrations during the Caithness Science week this year was the one about the digestive system.  A presentation moved ahead at a great pace and with plenty of humour and backchat from the presenter made it very amusing for the young audience.  The unforgetable site of poo being made in front of you from various foods and the huge unravelling of a pretend intestine wil stay with many of us for along time.  Entertaining certainly but very educational.  This was just one of many sideshows at the Science Fair on Saturday and many were packed out  early in the day.

Remember to make the most of your Recycling Centre this Easter 
Recycle This EasterWick and Thurso Recycling Centres are open as normal over the Easter weekend, so whether you’re planning gardening, DIY or entertaining, you can separate your waste and take it to your nearest Recycling Centre for recycling. There are containers for various materials at both sites, plus staff are always on hand to point you in the right direction. On 1st April the opening hours change for the summer, so both sites will be open 11am until 5pm Sunday to Thursday and 9am until 6pm Friday and Saturday (closed daily 2pm-2.30pm for lunch).

Meet the Charity Regulator – Wick  - BOOK EARLY
Wednesday 1st May, 10.00am-12.15pm, Pulteney Centre.
You willl have the opportunity to hear about the latest developments in charity regulation, and in areas such as equality and fundraising. OSCR staff and Board Members will be on hand to answer questions and discuss the issues that are important to your charity.

Wick Death - Police Continue Enquiries
Police are continuing their enquiries into the death of William Mcgough following the discovery of his body in the Wick river on the morning of Saturday the 23rd March 2013. Police are looking to speak to any one walking in or frequenting the area of Victoria Place, Wick between 6pm and 9pm on Friday the 22nd of march 2013. Police are particularly keen to speak to two men who were in this area around 8.10pm that night and who may have stopped for a short time beside the salvation army hall. anyone with information as to who may have been or in this street between the times given are asked to contact Wick police on 101.
Caithness & North Sutherland Community Groups Awarded over £142,000.
Caithness and North Sutherland Fund
The Caithness & North Sutherland Fund recently awarded its latest round of community grants totalling over £142,000. The grants were awarded to eleven community and voluntary groups in the Dounreay travel to work area for projects that help to make Caithness & North Sutherland an attractive place to live, work and invest in. This latest round was the Fund’s first quarter assessment for 2013 which saw the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority funded grant body experiencing its busiest assessment round to date. The Fund currently holds quarterly assessment rounds and since its launch in October 2011, it has continued to see a steady flow of applications for funding support to a wide range of community projects.
Update - Body of a male recovered from river in Wick
Specialist Crime Division, Major Inquiry Team North,
are continuing the investigation into the death of a man in Wick. The body of a 30 year old man was found by a member of the public at about 6.30 am on Saturday the 23rd of March. The body was found in the river adjacent to an address in Victoria Lane, Wick. The death is currently being treated as unexplained and Police are awaiting the results of a post mortem. Inquiries are ongoing at this time. The man, whose name is William McGough, 30 years of age, from Wick, is described as over six foot and of slim build. He was wearing a light coloured jacket, dark tracksuit bottoms and a dark baseball cap. Police are trying to establish Mr McGoughs final movements and are keen to hear from anyone who was in the Victoria Lane area of Wick between 6pm on Friday 22nd March and 6.30 am on Saturday 23rd March who may have seen anything of note. Anyone with information is urged to contact Police in Wick on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police Search Wick River for  Clues After Body Recovered
Police search for clues after body recovered. Searching for clues on wick river after body recovered

A Specialist Crime Division, Major Enquiry Team North, are currently investigating the death and searched the Wick river today for anything that might help in their enquiries. The body was discovered near the Salvation Army hall in Victoria Place on Saturday. Details have still not been released although their is much speculation on Facebook pages according to press sources.   Any person with any information regarding this are asked to contact Northern Constabulary by calling 101. Information can also be left using Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The Caithness Orchestra Invites You To Sing Or Play In This Great Music
Messiah with Caithness Orchestra - Come and Try Singers and Musicians
George Friederic Handel's Messiah is more often than not referred to as The Messiah. The work was intended as a thought provoking work for Easter and Lent, but became more of a Christmas time tradition. The Caithness Orchestra is inviting singers and musicians to be involved in this piece on 13th April. After a day of practice the public will be alowed in to hear the results. Now is your chance to be involved in one of the great musical classics.
Score - If You don't Have One - Just Come Along
A new copy of the vocal score (we recommend the Novello edition - but any version will be fine!) costs about £8 plus postage on the Internet but copies can be found on EBay for much less. No-one should be discouraged from coming along to sing for lack of music. We have already been given some vocal scores on loan from singers who would like to attend but are away that day, and we are also in the process trying to borrow copies from Choral Societies further South. Most singers are pretty good at sharing a copy too!

Catch up on 'e Headlines in 'e Groat an 'e Courier
A few snippets from the local papers.

Nomination Deadline For Caithness Landward (Ward 4) Bi-election - 28th March
The bi-election for Caithness Landward will be held on 2nd May and there is only a few days left for potential candidates to get their nomination papers in. The bi-election follows the resignation of Robert Coghill.

Scorries Stay On Top - Wick Academy 3 Forres Mechanics 1
Wick Academy have kept their 2 point lead at the top of the league table after beating current champions Forres Mechanics at Harmsowrth Park.  See the Wick Academy web site for the full report.

Caithness Science Festival 2013 - Family Fun Day Attracts Big Crowds
Caithness Science Festival 2013 Caithness Science Festival 2013 Caithness Science Festival 2013 Caithness Science Festival 2013 Caithness Science Festival 2013

Caithness Science Festival 2013 has been another great success wth more people than ever attending the Family Fun Day to end the week of events in schools througout the county.   The family fun day show-cased many scientific ideas and groups.  The great thing about the fun days are the chance to try things out and to enter competitions.  Young people were presented with certificates for their entries in competitions.  Demonstrations highlighted many aspects of how science affects our lives.  The aim to enthuse young people with ideas of how they can think about a career in science, technology and maths has succeeded yet again.  Caithness youngsters are being exposed to these ideas in a way that is hard to do in school alone.  Well done to the committee of Science 03 for their hard work in bringing the whole week together and for the final fun day.
Police Recover Body From Wick River
Body recovered from Wick River
Police are investigating the death of a male whose body was found on in the Wick River this morning. Details of the male are not being released at this time until the next of kin have been informed.
Update
Late on Saturday evening police stated that a Specialist Crime Division, Major Enquiry Team North, are currently investigating the death and were stil not releasing further details

How can funding from onshore wind farms be used to benefit Caithness and its communities?
RWE npower renewables (RWE NRL) is encouraging 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.

Peatlands Partnership Wants Your Help
Caroline Eccles - Peatland Project
The Peatlands Partnership is seeking input from local residents on multi-million pound Flows project. The Peatlands Partnership is looking for your views on how the peatlands of the Flow Country should be promoted to local people and visitors to the area. The Peatlands Partnership recently won support from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to develop its “Flow to the Future” project, which aims to improve opportunities for people to learn about and enjoy the peatlands and to restore several square miles of peatland.
The drop-in sessions will be held at North Coast Connections Tongue on Monday 25th, Helmsdale Community centre on Tuesday 26th, Halladale Hall on Wednesday 27th and Halkirk Hall on Thursday 28th, all between 4 and 8 pm, except for the Tongue session which starts at 4.30pm.

The Wick Project - Schools and Community Facilities - March Newsletter
A recent Stakeholder group meeting was updated and the March newsletter now gives that information to the public. Importantly it mentions the Meet The Buyer Event for Caithness and Sutherland subcontractors on 27th March in Mackays Hotel  
Details on the pre-planning consultations are also given as -
Pre Planning Public Consultations These have provisionally been set up follows: Wick Campus – Monday 22nd April 2013 Wick North of the River Primary School – Monday 29th April 201.3 Please look out for the venue and times in the local Press. These consultations give the opportunity for members of the public to comment on the current proposals.

 BBC Story Highlights Carving Found At John O'Groats - Mystery over tribute to Nobel Prize poet
Poem On roack near John O'Groats by Pablo Neruda
A poem by a Nobel Prize-winning poet at the centre of an investigation into his death has been found carved into rocks at a remote Scottish beach. Pablo Neruda was Chile's greatest poet and died less than two weeks after a military coup in his country in 1973. His family maintains that he died of advanced prostate cancer, but his body is to be exhumed as part of an inquest into allegations that he was poisoned. Words from one of his poems have been found at Bay of Sannick in Caithness.
Young Highland musicians shine on stage
Highland Schools Orchestra 2013
Over 350 young musicians from across the Highlands took centre stage on Sunday 17 March when they entertained audiences throughout the day and evening during a special Concerts Festival held in Eden Court. The event blasted off at 2.30pm when a Festival Fanfare performed by the Highland Schools Wind Band and the Highland Youth Orchestra received a rousing reception.   Larger photos HERE
 A link to many more photos is at the bottom of the article about the day.

Could Your Car Buy You Lunch?
Caould Your Car Buy You Lunch? Take the TEST
It seems like fuel prices are always going up – and as we all know, filling up the car costs a small fortune these days. The good news is, we can help you do something about it. With the Free Lunch Challenge from Energy Saving Trust, you can quickly see how making changes to your car and your driving could save you money.  Click through to take a short test to see how you can save money on driving.

Transport - Latest Commercial Vehicle Photo
Sandy Shearer - Joiner
Sandy Shearer, joiner has this van for all his tools and equipment.




More Snow - but this was a few years ago
Snow on the Wick River 19 March 2013
Jobs would compensate for any loss of view caused by turbines says council planning chief
windfarms might be seen as a tourist-attraction-to-some claim
A TOP Highland Council planner has said that far from being tourist turn-off, a controversial, three-farm offshore wind farm complex in the Moray Firth could be an attraction. Malcolm MacLeod was addressing objectors’ concerns to a plan to establish a triple wind farm development off the Caithness coast and also suggested that the jobs created, could be regarded as compensation for the loss of scenery. Mr MacLeod, Highland Council’s head of planning and building standards, was commenting, on a consultation request from the Scottish Government’s Marine Scotland division to an application it has received from Moray Offshore Renewables (MORL) Ltd, along with 10 objections. It wants to construct three farms, named Stevenson, Telford and McColl, 22 kms off the south-east coast of Caithness.
The Changing Face Of Wick - New Offices for Hugh Simpson Contractors
Hugh Simpsons New Offices Hugh Simpsons New OfficesHugh Simpsons New Offices

New offices for Hugh Simpson contractors well known locally for cranes and oil have new offices almost ready at Wick harbour.  The ofices are on the site of the former Wick Power station that was finally demolished in October 2008.

Caithness Country Music Festival 2013

Caithness Country Music Festival 201329th - 31st March


Order tickets HERE

See the full line-up with times HERE


Easter Egg Hunt At Castletown - The Caithness.org What's On Is Free 24/7 all Year Round
Easter Egg Hunt
Check out our What's On section daily or for months ahead to see whats coming up in Caithness.  It's Free to use and items flow into our Caithness.org Facebook each day for even more coverageof your event.  You can add a colopurful poster or an appropriate photo to highlight your event.  The items also head off to the Twitter pages.  Get your events on as soon as you have all your information to get the maximum chance to have it seen.  Events can be added years in advance if you are sure of the dates and times.  Remember the What's On can be seen on many pages throughout the Caithness.org groups of web sites - Arts, Business and the growing new Community Section and several others.  Adding items is easy and free.  Just go to the submission form on left column on this page or from within the section itself.

Can You Help solve This Book Mystery? - It's a long shot that was passed to Noel Donaldson
Days of Bruce Mystery
Noel Donaldson contacted to help solve a mystery........... AN amateur historian is trying to solve a century-plus Caithness mystery which has Scots hero Robert the Bruce at its centre. The King is featured in a book entitled “The Days of Bruce” which retired Ayrshire man, Derry Martin recently acquired. The Kilmarnock and District History Group member came across the book when surfing E-Bay and purchased it. As every Scots pupil knows, Bruce defeated, King Edward’s army in a famous victory, the Battle of Bannockburn. On the fly leaf was the dedication- “To James Morrison with best wishes from James Kennedy, Keiss Schoolhouse , December 24, 1895”

Wick Academy Go Out Of The Cup Against Brora Rangers - Brora Rangers 2 Wick Academy 1
See report on Wick Academy web site.

House Fire Bremner's Walk, Wick
Police in Wick are appealing for information regarding a suspicious house fire that occurred at an address in Bremner’s Walk, Wick about 10.00pm on Friday 15th March 2013. No persons were within the property at the time however significant damage was caused as a result of the fire. Police would like to hear from anyone who my have seen any persons in the area at this time or have information that could assist the investigation. Anyone with information can contact Northern Constabulary on 101 or anonymously by calling CRIMESTOPPERS on 0800 555111

More Commercial Vehicles - Keeping The wheels Of Caithness Businesses Rolling
Seaview Hotel Simpson and OagCaithness Scaffolding
 

Vehicles In Caithness and The North
Handyperson Services
Handy Person Services
We snapped this photo of the Handyperson Services vehicle in Golspie recently and it shows they get around to deliver their services to elderly and disabled people.  Based in Thurso the scheme is run by Pentland housing and funded partly by Highland Council.  If you are aged over 65 or living with a disability and you need a Handyperson to help with minor repairs at home then check them out HERE.
Vehicles snapped on the move  Vintage 2008 Vehicles  AA Vehicles  Vintage 2012

Caithness Science Festival Gains £10,000 From Scottish Government
Dozens of events across Scotland will offer thousands of children hands-on science experience as part of Science and Engineering Week. Scottish Government funding of £23,000 will mean that 47 schools can hold special events, and 30 free public science sessions will also take place as part of the UK-wide programme which runs from March 15 to March 24. A further £121,000 has also been invested in a number of science festivals taking place throughout March around the country.  Caithness Science Festival is one of several festivals to gain a grant.  Caithness Science Festival 2013

Headlines From 'e Courier an 'e Groat
For more bits and pieces go to Doanalsin's Dairy

How Can Wind Farm Benefits Best Be Used In Caithness?
How can funding from onshore wind farms be used to benefit Caithness and its communities? RWE npower renewables (RWE NRL) is encouraging 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.  Complete an online survey or attend one of the days in Thurso or Wick.

Caithness Woke To Snow Earlier This Week
Snow in Wick Snow in Wick

Seal Takes In The Sights Of Wick
Seal at Wick
THIS seafarer might not be quite as big as his walrus cousin which visited the shores of North Ronaldsay but he still turned a few heads when he came up river to sample the spring sunshine below Wick town bridge. The seal settled on a rock only a few yards from the bank and appeared to lap up the attention from passers-by and photographers.
Volunteers get to work planting for the future
Caithness Countryside Volunteers plant more trees
Members of the Caithness Countryside Volunteers met last Sunday (10th March 2013) to help plant trees and wild flowers at the ‘Planting for the Future’ site at Ormlie, Thurso. The volunteers planted a range of broadleaf trees including rowan and beech and planted wildflowers such as fox glove and cowslip to help provide useful habitat to wildlife at the site.
 
D E Shoe Shop In Wick Under Threat As Stores Up For Sale
D E Shoes - Wick Store
Wick's DE shoe shop is under threat after the chain's bosses put most of their Scottish stores up for sale, recently. A total of 10 jobs are on the line taking the Wick and Thurso branches together. The company has said it will entertain sales of the shops individually, or en bloc. Consultation with staff is continuing.

Meet the Buyer Event for Caithness and Sutherland Subcontractors
Miller Construction is extending an invitation to subcontractors and suppliers based in the Caithness and Sutherland area to a Meet the Buyer event to find out more about future opportunities for local businesses in the area. As a Tier 1 contractor with hub North Scotland Limited, Miller Construction is preferred bidder on a £50m pipeline of work to be delivered over the next three years in Wick and Tain and is seeking suitable local partners to deliver these projects and others when they arise. Businesses of all construction disciplines, in Wick, the wider north eastern Highlands and Orkney, are invited to register for the event being held at Mackays Hotel, Union Street, Wick, KW1 5ED on Wednesday, 27 March 2013, for the opportunity to find out more about working with Miller Construction on upcoming and future projects. Interested parties are requested to email mtbwick[AT]miller.co.uk to register their details.
Wick Schools and community facilities are just one part of the work coming to the north.

IT company expands workforce at its Thurso base
Escape Technologies new office in Thurso
A Caithness IT company is creating new jobs in the North of Scotland as it relocates to a new office in Thurso town centre. Escape Group is to move from the Janetstown Industrial Estate where it has been operating for three years. The company provides IT infrastructure consultancy and support to local, national and international clients and is now investing in new office accommodation and jobs. The move is supported by a £98,000 employment grant from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). From the Caithness base, Escape manage a remote helpdesk for clients across the UK, Ireland, Middle East, Asia and Australia.

Improvements to A9 in Caithness move closer - Scotsman
Several New Job Ads Just Added To The Vacancy Pages
Employers can get all their job ads on our forum free of costs.  Currently two pages of job ads  the highest yet on Caithness.org and one of our busiest sections.

New Playpark at Keiss
Keiss PlayparkKeiss PlayparkKeiss playparkKeiss Playpark


Digital Projection To Bring Much More To Thurso Cinema
March 2013 sees Thurso cinema closed and will re-open at 6pm on Friday 15th March with the latest Sony digital projection equipment. You will be able to enjoy great films, opera, ballet and sports in amazing picture and sound quality in 3D. More info at www.thursocinema.co.uk

Wild Skies Weekend
Wild Skies Weekend - Astronomy
In mid March Caithness Astronomy Group have a weekend of free events planned for skywatchers in the far North of Scotland. The highlights include two public talks by Professor Andy Lawrence of Edinburgh University and the Royal Observatory in Edinburgh, and the chance to view a comet in the twilight sky after sunset. The first event is on the 15th March and will involve some comet spotting at Castlehill Heritage Centre (6.45pm start) after which Prof Lawrence will give a talk entitled "Hunting the Dragon". The talk is about Active Galactic Nuclei - the bizarre goings on caused by black holes gobbling matter at the centres of galaxies. It has some history, some hot new stuff, and just a teeny bit of physics. The second event is during the afternoon of Saturday 16th March (1.30pm at Thurso High School) where Professor Lawrence's talk will be "Our Place in the Universe" in which he will look at the scale of the Universe, its incredible violence, its complexity, and examine how we feel as human beings in the face of it all.
John O'Groats - Latest Photos
John O'Groats John O'Groats

The Transform John O'Groats Art Project in 2011
A Nice Walk At John O'Groats
Springtime at John O'Groats In 2003
Natural Retreats Web Site For Information about the new chalets

Pennyland School, Thurso  - Wacky Woolly Wednesday
Penny land School - Wacky Woolly Wednesday
Many schools across the Highland region took part in Wacky Woolly Wednesday to highlight climate change. Schools were turning down the heat slightly and children wore wacky Woollies to keep warm. The Council has reduced carbon emissions by 13% since 2007/08, ahead of the 12% reduction target set in the Carbon Management Plan. This had been achieved through reduced energy use in the Council’s estate, fewer business miles travelled, fleet fuel savings and a reduction in waste disposal.   Many schools across Highland joined in the day.

Caithness Heart Support Group Donate More Equipment To Local Medical Practice
Caithness Heart Support Group
CAITHNESS Heart Support Group secretary, Marjorie Donaldson checks out the digital scales before they were handed over to the Pearson Practice at Wick medical centre. The scales were the latest item to be funded by the group which also handed over a blood pressure monitor.
 

Caithness Science Festival 2013
Caithness Science Festival 2013

The Caithness Science Festival reaches its 11th year with a packed programme of events and deliverng a whole host of interesting events to schools in the county.  You can see what is on offer yourself by visiting some of the other events. You do not need to be going into science for a career or to have any scientific knowledge to have some fun.  The events are thought provoking but also good fun.  So check out the science festival this year.

Six Of The Best From Scorries
WICK Academy bounced back from their Brora disaster with an emphatic 4-0 first half against Keith today. Lofty Lukasz Geruzel netted two, and Stevie Cunningham and Richard Macadie got one apiece to put the side in at the break, tails up. Wick now 5-0 thanks to an addition by Michael Steven. Davie Allan has made 6-0. Final score 6-1 for Academy. Ross Allan was red-carded. Noel Donaldson writes - "This is just the confidence-booster the boys - and their fans - needed ahead of their cup clash with Brora on Wednesday. Johnny Robertson should have no trouble filling his bus now."     See Doanalsin's Diary for more local stories.    Fit's In 'e Groat 'is Week - Headline stories from 8th March
Wick Academy web site

Caithness Kids At MAD Ultimate Street Dance Challenge
Caithness Kids at MAD Ultimate Street Dance challenge
Rush.dance has just completed a massive Scottish Street dance competition in Motherwell. (MAD Ultimate Street dance Challenge).  The group all travelled down to Motherwell and stayed overnight before competing on the Sunday.   PHOTO Gallery


Let's Make A Music Video - Kids Weekend Project
Let's Make A Music Vidoeo
'Lets Make A Music Video' is a weekend project for kids being held on Saturday and Sunday the 16th - 17th March. Fancy trying some new Streetdance moves or you want to learn how to film/edit and mix music then come along for 2 days of free workshops and be able to film and star in your own music video by the end of the weekend!! All the workshops are run by professional dance/film and music specialists.
New Opportunities for SVQ Qualifications In Wick
Pulteneytown People’s Project are offering a unique opportunity for people who would like to train to work in the following fields; Childcare Health and Social Care Business Administration.  PPP have secured funding from the Highland Councils Deprived Area Fund to deliver Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQ’s). These opportunities are open to anyone over the age of 16 whether they are employed or unemployed. PPP are able to work around people who have part time jobs by fitting work placements around their days off.  Please note that the Business Administration SVQ is only offered at level 3 and for people aged 25 and over. Successful applicants will have to commit to a study day and up to two days a week work placement which will last for one year.
Wacky Woolly Wednesday - Pulteneytown Academy
Pulteneytown Academy on Woolly Wacky Wednesday
Pupils at Pulteneytown Academy, Wick marked Climate Week yesterday (6 March 2013) by taking part in The Highland Council's Wacky Woolly Wednesday. The jumpers were needed in schools and offices where the temperature was turned down by 1 degree to reduce the Council’s carbon footprint. Schools and offices were also urged to turn off electrical equipment not in use.
      Photo Gallery


Mount Pleasant School, Thurso Joins In Wacky Woolly Wednesday
Mount Plesant School on Wacky Wooly Wednesday
Many schools across the Highland region took part in Wacky Woolly Wednesday to highlight climate change. Schools were turning down the heat slightly and children wore wacky Woollies to keep warm. Mount Pleasant school in Thurso joined in the day as can be seen from the photo.   See full size photo HERE



Norscot Contract Wins Mean More Jobs In Caithness
Timber Planer at Norscot
Norscot the Bower based window and door manufacturer has got of to a flying start in 2013. During the first two months of the year the company has won a clutch of contracts worth more than £1 million. Foremost amongst these are works at Rosebank, Nairn and Kingussie schools for The Highland Council. Further work for The Highland Council has also been secured in Spittal, Halkirk and Thurso, in Caithness. And, Inverness and Aviemore. According to Norscot’s commercial director, Callum Grant, securing the two school contracts is potentially a huge boost for future sales of the company’s Design 5 aluminium clad timber composite window system.
YNOT and Grove Lounge, Thurso - Increasing The Music Nights
9th March           14th March
 Oxides at Ynot 9th March 2013
Folk Night
Wick New Schools Update
The latest meeting of the Stakeholder Group took place at Wick High Schoo on Monday 4th March.  Plans are moving forward and planning permissions are likley to be sought by the end of April.  Public exhibitions will be held to show local people the final plans.  The main contractors wil hold a "Meet the Suppliers Day" in Mackays hotel, Wick on 27 March 2013.  Discussions have taken place with North Highland college in relation to new traing opportunities for apprentices in the suppliers and sub-contracotrs in the area to take advantage of the over £50 million investment for the schools in Wick.  Information is likely to be sent out to all households in the East of Caithness by leaflets and further updates on the Highland council web site, school web site and Caithness.org plus press releases.  Meetings of the Stakeholder group will be every two months from now on apart from holiday periods.

Old Buildings In Caithness
Latest Photos Of Telford Street - Harbour Quay - Burn Street
Telford Street - Harbour Quay - Burn Street - Restoration Project
Work continues at the site in Wick where GMR Henderson Ltd are carrying out restoration works funded by Historic Scotland.  This first stage is to try to stop the buildings deteriorating.  Further funding wilbe required to bring the buildings back into use.
Old Buildings In Caithness Main Section
We are adding more phjotos over time but if yui have any photos of older buildiongs in Caithness you would like to share email them to bill@caithness.lorg with anyy information aout the building that you may know.

More Jobs On Offer In Our Forum
Jobs and Vacancies in our Forum
There has been a a rise in jobs available in our forum recently and it is one of the busy sections now as more employers find they can recruit the staff they need.  Many employers are reporting to us a high level of good quality applicants and best of all it keeps costs down as an ad in the forum is compeltey FREE to place.  For employers all you need to do is join the forum as a member then place ads as often as you need to.  We will remove ads when the final dates are reached or after a about 3 or 4 weeks if no date is entered.  Ads can go in again if required.

Wick and Thurso Police Stations Moving To Reduced Opening Times
Police in Caithness
Revised opening times for eight police stations in the Highlands and Islands. New opening times will come into effect in April 2013 for eight of Northern Constabulary's fifty police stations in an effort to provide the most effective and visible front-line police service. Lerwick, Wick, Fort William, Dingwall and Stornoway will be open from 8am to 8pm seven days per week. Reception opening hours for Thurso will be 9am to 5pm seven days per week and for Alness and Portree the hours will be 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday. Burnett Road Police Station in Inverness will be open on 24/7 basis.

Caithness At War 4 - 10 March 1940 - Highland Archive
On Tuesday 5 March, facing defeat and with Soviet armies attacking the city of Viipuri and threatening Helsinki, the Finns finally entered into negotiations with Russia about ending the Winter War and Britain and France abandoned plans to send troops to their aid. Meanwhile, with spring just around the corner, it was evident that the “Phoney War” would soon come to an end.
New Archaology Project Allows You To Move Around The LandScape Near Cnoc Friecedain
LiDAR survey around Cnoc Friecedain
LiDAR Survey Shows Archeaology At Hill Of Shebster Area.  Explore the landscape with this great tool that allows you to move around the map. The development of a windfarm at Baillie Hill was granted planning permission subject to a number of conditions. One requirement was for the scheme to include measures to improve public access to the Hill of Shebster and Cnoc Freicedain scheduled ancient monuments; and for improved interpretation of the cairns, incorporating the results of a LiDAR laser scanning survey. In response to this requirement Baillie Windfarm Ltd commissioned AOC Archaeology Group to carry out a LiDAR survey, using high-resolution scan data to produce detailed terrain models of the landscape surrounding the wind farm. The main focus of the survey was Cnoc Freiceadain, a prominent shoulder rising above the northern coast of Caithness, which is the site of a group of Neolithic monuments including two long cairns and a series of stone settings. Almost a billion measurements make this one of the most accurate surveys ever made of part of Caithness.
More Photos From The East Caithness SWRI Bulb Show 2013     Start HERE
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SWRI Bulb Show 2013 - East Caithness
SWRI East Caithness Bulb Show Cups

Wick Academy Still Top Of The League - Wick Academy 1 Fort William 0 - VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS NOW ADDED
Wick Academy 1 Fort William 0
Report by Noel Donaldson - IN Academy’s race to the league title finishing post, as much, it would appear, depends on the outcome of the chasing packs’ results as the team’s consistency. And the latter seemed to have gone out of the window on Saturday, in what should have been a dawdle for the Scorries had they been on their usual form. Had it not been for Gary Weir’s 24th minute lifesaver, there might have been a few red faces in the Academy camp and quite a few even more discontented fans. The joy of the pre-match announcement that manager Barry Wilson had extended his current end-of-season contract by two years, lost some of its gloss, as the Fort swung into action almost from the word go and nearly scored.   PHOTOS FROM THE MATCH

The Changing Face Of Wick
North Murchison Street - Demolition Of One Block of Flats and Refurbishment of Another
North Murchison Street, Wick - Demolition of flats
Cairn Housing Association have demolished one block of flats and already commenced the refurbishment of a second block.  M M miller of Wick are carrying out the works.



Ford Service Depot - Thurso - Around 1914
Ford Service Depot Thurso around 1914
Frances Calder sent this photo and said, "My husband's grandfather William Dunnet is fourth from the left in the picture which was taken around 1914."
Commercial Vehicles Today In Caithness and the north
Vintage Farm Vehicles
Old AA Vehicles
Emergency Vehicles
Vintage Vehicles

100 Years Of Thurso Pipe Band 1913 - 2013
Thurso Pipe Band at Halkirk Highland Games 2012
Formed in 1913 by the late Alex Mackay of the St Clair Hotel, Thurso the band has proved a major asset to the town down through the years. The weekly parades and displays in the summer months holds out a strong magnetic appeal to locals and tourists alike.

East Caithness SWRI Bulb Show 2013
SWRI Bulb Show - East Caithness SWRI bulb show 2013 - East Caithness


Dredging work At Lybster Harbour
Dredging At Lybster Harbou
Dredging work was recently carried out at Lybster Harbour to deepen the water and ensure boats and yachts have enough water to navigate in and out.



Mum eats FREE on Mother's Day - Sunday 10th March 2013
Mum Eats FREE at Mackays Hotel
Move fast to book your meal at Mackays hotel in Wick for Mothers day and Mum eats free. Don't delay for this great offer as it will be snapped up fast. Booking essential.


 
Fit's in 'e Groat 'is Week?Noel Donaldson    




           
More Local Stories in Doanalsin's Diary

Wick Academy 4 Clach 0         Watch Highlights from the match now added by 2001petra
Academy 4 Clach 0
Reporter Noel Donaldson
THE Poles
have a word for it...olsiewajacy. It means dazzling, devastating, or incandescent and certainly, stand-in striker Lukasz Geruzel shone as bright as the Harmsworth Park floodlights as he dazzled visitors Clach with his devastating play. The six-foot-foot giant again demonstrated that his talent is by no means confined to his stature as he notched up an impressive hat-trick before an above-average crowd, to send his team back to the top of the Highland League table. The big fella was paired with opening scorer, Gary Weir, up front, for the first time and certainly put down a marker for the job. Academy showed their depth of talent, dispatching the Lillywhites with an emphatic 4-0 demolition, the Scorries minus key regulars Richard Macadie, Davie Allan and Alan Farquhar. Academy gave the visitors the old one-two in the opening gambits and Geruzel consolidated the comfy lead with his second goal, leaving with field with his team, at half-time, a gratifying three-nil in the lead.  Photos From The Game    
Wick Academy Top Of The Table
  Saturday 2nd March Academy V Fort William      
Scorrie Scoop Jackpot now at £2000
Buy Scorrie Scoop Tickets From Local Shops Listed HERE

Whats On At Caithness Horizons In March 2013
Caithness Horizons - Plenty to see in March
Portable Museum of curiousity -
It will be on display at Caithness Horizons from 1st until 10th March. During this period it will be taken off display for a few hours each day for groups to use.
Gallery Cafe
An exhibition of watercolours and oil paintings by Christine Scheuerl of Caithness and Sutherland landscapes.  Annual Wedding Fayre Sunday 3rd March, 11am – 4pm

See page for full listings of things to see in March at Caithness Horizons

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