News Archive - April 2004

[March 2004] [May 2004]

27th April 2004

Glengolly - Near Thurso Set In The Caithness Countryside

HIGHLAND COUNCIL JOINS EURO GM-FREE LOBBY GROUP
The Highland Council today (Wednesday) joined the EU Network of GM-free Regions by declaring that the Highlands had nothing to gain from genetically modified technology and much to lose. Councillor Richard Durham, Chairman of the Council's Land and Environment Select Committee, was in Linz, Northern Austria, to add the Council's voice to the lobbying campaign to persuade the European commission to give the 10 member regions the legal right to declare themselves GM-free.

Lyth Arts Centre Is Reopening
After two years of building work there are now loads of new features. there's an extended car park, a new entrance, reception and cloakrooms. The much-loved studio theatre/gallery is unchanged except that the new one enters via a wide doorway leading from the spacious new foyer complete with a veranda. Things are much improved for performers as well, with a new backstage and changing rooms and a separate luxurious accommodation annex. New stage lighting, a sound system and a stage piano will arrive over the next few months in time for the official relaunch in July for which details will be announced shortly.

Serious Money for Cereal Ambitions
Food and industrial organisations, using grain in innovative ways in their production process, are being offered the opportunity to apply for up to £50,000 Enterprise Award funding from Home-Grown Cereals Authority (HGCA). They will join previously successful companies including a producer of dog treats, a group of brewers exporting beer to Italy, and a grain trader investigating the use of straw-based fuel pellets for power stations. All of these have been awarded significant sums for product development or marketing by HGCA. The money has been awarded to the companies as part of the HGCA Enterprise Awards, a scheme designed to encourage new and innovative ways of using UK cereals and oilseeds.

Caithness Arts Showcase Event
Skinandi's Nightclub, Thurso - Friday 30 April 7.30 - 10.00pm - FREE
A chance to network with others who share an interest in promoting creative pastimes and entertaiment in Caithness. The evening will include a "Living Advert" for the artistic work of the participants who will include - Dounreay Strathspey and Reel Society, Scotia Review, Kross Kounty Quilters, Calum Geirg (Film-maker), Thurso Scottish country Dance club, Caithness Craft Association, Caithness Big Band, John & Andy Brotherston, Cinams for thurso Group and others.

CASE SUPPORTS MAJOR UPGRADE OF LAIRG COMMUNITY CENTRE
Residents in Lairg are celebrating securing the last piece of funding for the upgrade of the local community centre. Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE) has awarded the Lairg Community Association a grant totalling £71,750 to redevelop the run-down facility. With funding support also coming from The Community Fund (£150,000), the Scottish Executive (£65,000) and The Highland Council (£30,000), the Lairg Community Association will be able to carry out considerable upgrading works including roof repairs, the installation of solar energy panels to make the centre more energy efficient, and general refurbishment works.

DOUBLE BOOST FOR UKAEA PENSIONS SERVICE
UKAEA's Pensions Administration Service, based at Thurso, Caithness, could be given the opportunity to further develop as a public service pensions provider following the introduction of a Government amendment to the Energy Bill now before Parliament. The 30-strong Pensions Office has also received a boost with the decision by the Trustee of the BNFL Group Pension Scheme to award a five-year contract to UKAEA to carry out the administration and payroll of the Scheme. The BNFL Group Pension Scheme covers BNFL and its subsidiary companies and has a membership of 1600 with around 1300 active members.

26th April 2004

Piping Recital At Pipe Band Hall, Wick
A Piping Recital will be held in the Pipe Band Hall, High Street, Wick on Wednesday 28th April, 2004 starting at 8pm. Admission costs £2 for adults, children are free. The recital will be given by a young man Grant Milne who is a very experienced and skilled musician. He has been taught by a number of highly respected tutors, including Hugh Chisholm, Andrew Venters and Paul Harrison. He was recently accepted by the Royal Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow to study for a BA in Scottish Music (Bagpiping). Grant is a member of the Beauly Firth and the Glens Pipe Band.

25th April 2004

LYBSTER GOLF CLUB IN BIG DRIVE TO NET NEW MEMBERS
A Caithness golf club with over 100 years of history is teeing up for the new season by launching a website www.lybstergolfclub.co.uk as part of a drive to encourage new members. Lybster Golf Club (LGC), one of the shortest 9 hole courses in Scotland, is the club of choice of a wide range of golfers of varying age groups and abilities. Their clubhouse is the former ticket office of the Wick - Lybster Light Railway, which was closed in 1944. In recognition of the link to the railway line, the route of which is still visible through the course, the club adopted the steam train, affectionately known locally as the 'Coffee Pot', in their distinctive logo.

Gordon Miller - Honorary International Member At Lybster
To mark this new venture the club bestowed Honorary International Membership on Gordon Miller, a native of Lybster, who immigrated to Canada in 1953. Gordon, who is a member of the Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club in Vancouver, sampled what the club had to offer while visiting his family in Lybster last summer. He said, "I am very honoured to have been chosen as an Honorary International Member of Lybster Golf Club and proud to be a Canadian ambassador. I'm looking forward to returning to play a few rounds and enjoy the wonderful hospitality of the members".

A Mackay Family At Dunbeath - Can You Help Identify More Members Of This Family
Maureen Materi is looking for more information on this photo so get in touch if you have any more names of details.

More Miller Photographs And Newspaper Cuttings
The Miller Family History continues to grow as Maureen Materi keeps up her research on a global basis. More pictures and newspaper cuttings about the men who died in the first world war. This Wick family headed in large numbers to Canada and many other parts of the world to look for a better life. Maureen Materi is almost single handedly bringing all the information together and continues to receive new information from round the world from Millers everywhere. The Caithness connections are many and varied and much more to come in this particular saga.

More Sutherland Pictures Added

More From The Sutherland Collection

24th April 2004

More Early Caithness Postcards

1861 Census Indexes Now Available From North Highland Archive
The 1861 census indexes have been collated by the Archive staff and they now now have Bower, Canisbay, Dunnet, Halkirk, Latheron and Wick Burgh & Pulteneytown indexes finished and ready for sale. Further details inside.

FREE TRAINING FOR CAITHNESS CHILDCARE PROFFESSIONALS
Caithness Childcare and Family Resource Partnership are organising and funding two one day training courses for childcare professionals. REHIS Elementary Food Hygiene Course and Childlife First Aid are available free of charge to registered Childminders or people in the process of registering with the Care Commission, playgroup staff and nursery staff. The courses are being run by North Highland College and will take place in the Portland Arms Hotel, Lybster. The full day courses for Food Hygiene will be run on the 6th May and the 20th May 2004. With the Childlife First Aid courses taking place on 9th, 15th and 23rd June 2004.

23rd April 2004

More Early Caithness Postcards

Recent fishing Competition From St Ola Pier, Scrabster
Not to many fish caught for this competition but hopefully next time till be better.

Caithness Band Boss Hogg At The Cathouse, Glasgow
Local Band Boss Hogg have a gig next week in the Glasgow Cathouse a very well known venue which has played host to bands such as Therapy? and Anthrax. Although a long way away the boys would be glad to see anyone from Caithness along on the night.

First Salmon In 2004 On The Wick River
The first salmon of the 2004 season on the Wick River was caught by the Wick Angling Club secretary John Mackay on Thursday evening 22 April. it was caught in the Quarry Hole on a one and three quarter inch cone head tube fly and weighed in at seven and a half pounds.

Arizona Reunite for Thurso Gig
This Saturday sees a reunion gig for the once hugely popular "Arizona" who last played the county 12 years ago. The dance is being run by Thurso Football club with proceeds going to the club. Head over to the British Legion Club, thurso to see and hear Susan Wordie (vocals) Alistair Wordie (Bass and vocals), Alec Mackintosh (guitar) and Davy Alexander (drums and vocals). Arizona played extensively in the late 80's and early 90's round the north featuring a set of country and western contemporary numbers. Alos playing are the Usual Suspects, Susan and Davy's current band who with Dougie shearer, Iain Lyall and James Sutherland play and mix of rock and pop covers. Doors open 8.00pm and tickets are £6 from Atlanta Sports, Thurso Music shop or at the door.

Headstone Of Nigel Robertson Miller With Earlier Photo
A man from Belgium generously offered to put a picture of Nigel Roberton Miller on his headstone in the Lijssenthoek Military Cemetery, Poperinge, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium. V. D. 28. Nigel died, Thursday, 6th. April 1916, when he was in the Canadian Infantry (Central Ontario Regiment) 19th. Bn. The picture was taken when he was in Wick, and believe this is when he fought for the British Forces in the Boer War. Like many Caithness families many members were lost in the First World War. The connections between this branch of the Miller family and Caithness are many. Many Caithness folk headed for Canada between 1880 and 1914.
The Picture of Nigel Robertson Miller In Uniform taken at Johnson studios Wick

Castletown Pupiles Brighten Up Their School
Castletown Primary School has recently been given a makeover. Although blessed with wide-open spaces, staff and pupils felt a face-lift was needed, and decided to do what they could to enhance the school grounds. The on-going improvements, which are traditionally undertaken by the senior class, originally started several years ago with the creation of a pond and wild life area. Now, however, the work is beginning to make quite an impact all around the school.

21st April 2004

Lybster FC Team Ready For 2004
Lybster FC set out in devastating form beating Francis Street Club 7 - 0 with Jimmy Budge netting 5 goals and the other scorers were James Taylor and Andrew Weir.

COUNCIL TAX PROTESTORS HEAD FOR GLASGOW
A group of protestors from Sutherland is leaving Dornoch on Saturday morning (April 24th) to join a national march and rally against the Council Tax. Picking up more protestors at Tain and Alness, the luxury coach will arrive at 12 noon to hear speakers, music and stand-up comedy. The group will then do some shopping for a few hours before leaving Glasgow at 4pm. Frank Ward, who has helped organise the trip, said: "The Council Tax has had its day. It was, and is, one of the most regressive taxes in Europe and must be replaced by a fairer system based on income and ability to pay."
There are still seats available at £7 return. Contact Frank Ward on 01862 811233

Auction At Portland Arms Hotel In Aid Of Lybster Senior Citizens Christmas Treat
There is an Auction in the Portland Arms this Saturday evening 27th April to raise funds for the Lybster Senior Citizens Christmas Treat. All donations can be handed in to the hotel on Saturday afternoon from 2pm onwards and the auction starts at 8.00pm. Everyone and everything welcome.

Thurso FC Still In winning Mode As They Take The Morris Newton Cup
Thurso F.C won their second trophy of this season 2003/04 when they won the Morris Newton Cup Final 4-2 against Balintore at Dudgeon Park, Brora. Thurso's goals were scored by Jamie MacKenzie (2), Ross Sutherland and Nigel MacKenzie. This was Thurso's third cup final of the season. Thurso have now won seven trophies i.e. two league championships and five cups (PCT Cup twice, Morris Newton Cup twice and Football Times Cup) since formation in 1998.

20th April 2004

Next Meeting Of Caithness Quilters
The next meeting of the Caithness Quilters is on Tuesday 27 April 2004 in the Pulteney Church Hall in Argyle Square Wick at 7.30. Embroidery Stitches and Candlewicking will be demonstrated.

AGM Of The Castletown Heritage Society
The AGM is being held in Castletown Drill Hall - Small Hall on Thursday 29th April 2004 at 7.30pm.
Following the business of the AGM their will be a talk by Dr Andy Heald, the Caithness Archaeological Trust archaeologist, on the items found during the recent field walking under taken as part of a training course being run in Caithness. Dr Heald will talk about the items found, what they were used for and how to find the items yourself. Hopefully he will be able to bring along some of the items and let you see a real flint arrowhead and a stone axe.

Pulteneytown People's Project And South School Meet Big Businesses
The Pulteneytown People's Project and South School in Wick were the main places on the visit to Caithness by some of Scotland's top companies. The trip is over two days and is organised by Scottish Business In The Community and includes a visit by the Prince of Wales to local farms and businesses. The group who visited Wick on Monday spent some time hearing from PPP project manager and councillor Katrina MacNab.

A Future For Farming And Crofting
Sweeping proposals were published on 19th April 2004 which could help safeguard the future of farming and crofting communities in one of the most remote parts of Great Britain. The conclusions are contained in an extensive report commissioned by The Queen Elizabeth Castle of Mey Trust to examine the decline of farming and crofting in Caithness. Uncertainty hanging over the future of sustainable farming and crofting, the fall in farm incomes over the years and the changes taking place across the agricultural industry prompted the Trust to initiate the study which was carried out by the Arkleton Institute for Rural Development Research at the University of Aberdeen, North Highland College, Thurso and Sahbal Mor Ostaig, Skye.

Migdale Hoard Collection Back On Display In Inverness Museum
Lecture by Dr Alison Sheridan, National Museums of Scotland. A magnificent hoard of Bronze Age jewellery, found at Loch Migdale, near Bonar Bridge in Sutherland will be the topic of a lecture to be given by Dr Alison Sheridan of the National Museums of Scotland on Thursday 29 April 2004, 7pm at Inverness Museum & Art Gallery. The collection which went on display in Inverness Museum earlier this year in January was removed for its safety from the public gaze to allow electrical re-wiring work at Inverness Museum. The Migdale Hoard, on loan from the National Museums of Scotland, will be back on public display from 30th April to 14th June 2004.

19th April 2004

Caithness Field Club Ignores The Weather On Sunday Tour To Talmine
Geoff Leet led the bus tour from Thurso/wick down to Helmsdale and up the Strath of Kildonan over the causeway at Tongue and along to Talmine. Highlights included a stone row, graveyard and a secret army hide - one of three mentioned along the way. Many places of interest historical and archaeological were noted on the tour. The day was wet and the rain never let up all day but Field Club members are not put off by weather.
2004 Programme Of Events - Visitors Welcome

MINISTER SEES ENTERPRISE AT WORK IN DOME CLEAN-UP
Scotland's Deputy First Minister visited Dounreay on April 16th and learned how local engineering expertise is being used to help decommission the landmark Dounreay Fast Reactor. Jim Wallace, who is also Minister for Enterprise and Lifelong Learning and MSP for Orkney, toured the famous Dome of Discovery and met Alex and Pat Grant, whose company Norfrost Technologies Ltd has manufactured a device for taking a sample of the crust on the liquid metal coolant.

Dounreay - April News Roundup
GROUND CLEARANCE CONTRACT AWARDED - FIRM CLINCHES VENTILATION CONTRACT - RUSSIAN MAYORS LEARN ABOUT TRANSITION AT DOUNREAY - ORDNANCE SURVEY STONE GOES ON DISPLAY - DRAWING OFFICE RELOCATION PAYS DIVIDENDS - HOSPITAL PATIENTS BENEFIT FROM TRAINEES FUND-RAISING

Ex MP Robert Maclennan Visits Dounreay
The Rt Hon Lord Robert Maclennan visited Dounreay this week giving him the opportunity to meet Norman Harrison, Dounreay Director. This was Robert Maclennan's first visit to Dounreay since he stepped down from parliament in 2001. During his visit he toured the site to see some of the changes that have been made and had a tour of the Dounreay Cementation Plant.. He is pictured here with Norman Harrison.

WEBSITE LETS STUDENTS CAPTURE THE PAST
Secondary 1 and 2 students in The Highland Council area are being offered the opportunity to be part of Am Baile, the new Highland history and culture website and the chance to win a digital camera by taking part in a social history competition. The Am Baile schools competition, 'A Day to Remember', is inviting students to write a short factual story about the Highlands. The winning entries will be showcased on the Am Baile website at www.ambaile.org.uk in the autumn. There are nine prizes to be won. The overall winner will receive a digital camera and there is a £25 book token prize for best entry in each Highland Council area.

Pulteneytown School - April Newsletter
Remember the auction Takes place at 6.30pm on Wednesday 21 April. Items can be handed in to the school for inclusion in the auction. Your unwanted items could help school funds.

18th April 2004

Saving The Flow Country With Picture Sales From Hillhead Pupils Business Project
Hillhead Primary School's Primary 7 class and their teacher Mr Henderson are seen here presenting James Plowman from RSPB Forsinard a 360' picture of Forsinard and a cheque for £150.00 to help preserve the Flow Country of Caithness and Sutherland. Hillhead P7's created 360' pictures of areas around Caithness for the Caithness Heritage Fair, which were donated to public locations around Wick. Other pictures were produced and sold to the public throughout December as part of their School's Enterprise Project.Primary 7 had studied the Peatlands and decided to donate 25% of their profits or £150.00 from their Enterprise Project to RSPB Forsinard to help preserve this unique eco-system, which is home to rare plants and animals.

Strategic Redesign Group - Minutes Of 1 December 2003
Minutes from the group looking at changing and improving health and social work services in Caithness to become more effective by working together. Minutes only become available for publication after they have been agreed at the next meeting. The last meeting was in March - in case anyone wonders why the big delay.

17th April 2004

Councillors Back John Green's Request For Clarification On Tourist Office At Wick
The recent review of tourism was considered by Highland Councillors in Aviemore. Caithness Councillor John Green proposed that Wick tourist office should also be included along with Strathpeffer in a request for clarification of the future role of the office in Wick

Pulteneytown Academy Primary School Auction Sale
Plenty of items for sale in this school auction in Wick. Takes place at 6.30pm on Wednesday 21 April

Daffodils At Ackergill Tower

Berriedale Road Works Starts On Monday
Just to remind you all that work starts on the Berriedale on Monday and could mean delays of up to 15 minutes with traffic lights and possible delays caused by larger vehicles going through the works. Complete road closure will take place on several nights from 10.00pm until 6.00am on 12, 13, 19 26 May and 2, 9 and 16 June. Depending on progress this may be cut to less nights of closure. If you are likely to be travelling late at night or early in the morning note these dates.
Berriedale Road Works On The Message Board

Helmsdale To Ord New road - Works To Begin In July
Although originally planned to start in the spring the new stretch of road between Helmsdale and the Ord of Caithness will now begin work in July. there was some fear that objections might delay matters but in the vent no further objections have been submitted.. One objection has not been pursued after his initial objection was rejected by the transport minister Nicol Stephen. the right of appeal regarding the decision was not exercised and the new road will now be built as seen in the photograph. Several bends will disappear from the A9 and widening of the road at other parts will make driving easier.

Caithness Music Festival Cancelled Due To European Elections
The European elections have put paid to the music festival in June as they have precedence for the Assembly Rooms for voting. This will hardly endear them to folk in Caithness where the festival is one of the highlights of the year for many children. Officials are trying hard to persuade more folk to vote in the European elections as turnouts have usually been very low.

Springtime In Caithness
The daffodils in Caithness seem to multiply faster each year and here are a couple of pictures on the outskirts of Wick. Huge amounts are to be seen in Wick and Thurso along the rivers but often you can see large numbers along many roadsides planted by folk who live nearby over the years. Winds have been light this year and most have not had any wind damage this year.

Summer Touch Rugby
Here is a way to get fit and have fun. Touch rugby is being organised by the Caithness Rugby Club. This form of the game is minimal contact and means that you can get a lot of running in your team without the need to be hammered to the ground by a six foot twenty stone opponent. The summer season starts at Millbank, Thurso on Wednesday 21 and i open to everyone male and female from age 12 upwards. Cost is only 50 pence.

Dance in Aid Of North Action Group's Fight To Save Maternity Services Tonight
Three local bands - Bobby Coghill, Alice and The Boys and After Hours. the mix of rock , country and Scottish music should make for a lively night. Entry is £5 at the British Legion Club, Thurso

Local Man To Run London Marathon
Sandy Christies is running in the London marathon again this year after managing to get a guaranteed place by completing the Lochness marathon in 3hrs 15mins. Sandy said, "This allows me to raise money for my own chosen charity which this year is going to be Breathe Easy". "My wife's step mother, Mrs Beta Brunjes, has been an active member and fund raiser for Breathe Easy since she was diagnosed with C.O.P.D in 1999". The British Lung Foundation's Breathe Easy Club began in 1991 when its founder Trevor Clay - the first male secretary of the Royal College of Nursing and himself an emphysema patient - recognised the need for people with similar experiences to come together on a regular basis o support each other and learn more about their lung conditions. Sadly, Trevor Clay died in 1995. However, his lasting legacy to the British Lung Foundation is a successful and thriving Breathe Easy Club.
Sponsor Link inside.

13th April 2004

£35k SNH Grant Boost For North Diver Project
A major three-year project in the north of Scotland, aimed at the conservation of one of the UK's rarest birds, the black-throated diver, has been awarded a grant of more than £35,000 by Scottish Natural Heritage. The total UK population of breeding black-throated divers is believed to be less than 200 pairs. Black-throated divers nest on small islands in lochs, or on the loch shore and around 30% of these nests fail annually due to fluctuating water levels. Others fail due to predation or human disturbance. Divers also produce very small numbers of young, so any lack of breeding success can have a significant impact on the overall population.

SURVEY LOOKING AT THE NEED FOR CHILDCARE IN CAITHNESS
A survey is being carried out by The Caithness Childcare and Family Resource Partnership to find out what sorts of childcare people in Caithness want and what factors are important to them when they choose childcare. Survey forms have gone out to a sample of parents in four areas of the County over the last few weeks. Lindsay Gunn, the Partnership project officer said: "Provision of childcare, or the lack of it, is becoming an important issue in the area these days. It may be that there are people who are unable to take up jobs or training opportunities because of a lack of childcare which is holding back the local economic development.

12th April 2004

Wick Amateur Swimming Club
Wick Recreational Swimming Club has changed to Wick amateur Swimming Club and is now affiliated to the Scottish Amateur Swimming Association. This means members of the club can compete in national events. The club is developing children's swimming on Tuesday nights 4.30 - 5.30pm and 6.30 - 8.40pm. The club is also looking for more adult helpers and if you can spare some time to assist the club speak to a member on Tuesday nights.

Thurso High 1976 Reunion
A reunion for Thurso high 1976 is being organised for 30 July. Get in touch with the organiser if you want more details. More information will appear on the web site shortly.

11th April 2004

Rangers And Countryside Volunteers Mark Out The Brethren Well Near Lybster
the opening up and clearing of the Brethern Well undertaken by Marina Finlayson of the Caithness Ranger Service and some hardy volunteers. It is located on the west brae above the harbour. It apparently dates back to before the Middle Ages. Monks are reputed to have drawn water here, hence the name. The last domestic supplies were drawn in the 1950's -- approximately 3 large buckets a day--by a family living nearby at Swiney Hill. It is intended that the well be lined with flagstones and a sign post is already erected on the harbour brae path indicating its existence.

Wick Triathalon Easter 10K And Fun Run Winners

Bridge Street Church, Wick - Easter Festival

Scottish SPCA - Thurso Branch - Sponsored Dog Walk
Thurso and District Branch of the Scottish SPCA are holding a sponsored dog walk on Sunday 9th May. The walk starts at 12.30 from Thurso to Reay Road at the Janetstown turn-off. Sponsor Forms from Dawn Milnes 01847 811 505. ALL WELCOME - incl. non dog owners.

Lybster Indoor Bowls Club Winners Of The Open And 2003 - 04 Winners
Here are the winners of the Lybster Open Competition and the winners of competitions in the 2003 - 04 season after another competitive year. Congratulations to all the winners and commiserations to all the others - better luck next year.

Berriedale Resurfacing Will Cause Delays And Road Closure On Some Nights From 10.00pm
Road Repairs at Berriedale commence on 19 April and will last for 8 weeks. Delays of up to 15 minutes can be expected when passing through the road works. In addition the road will be closed completely on 6 nights from 10.00pm until 6.00am the following morning. The dates of total closure at night are 12 - 13 May, 19 - 20th May, 26th - 27th 2nd - 3rd June, 9th - 10th June, 16 - 17th June. If you plan to travel at night or early in the morning then avoid these dates as there are no easy detours around Berriedale. Emergency services are aware of these works and closures.

Changes To Prevent Illegal Working
Heavy Fines Come Into Force On 1 May 2004
Leaflets are now arriving on the desk of every employer in the UK giving advice on the changes to section 8 of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996. Employers will require to obtain evidence of an individuals right to work in the UK and failure to secure the correct documents could result in fines of up to £5000 for offences. These changes come soon after the deaths of illegal Chinese workers who died picking cockles when the tide over ran the area of beach where they were working.

10th April 2004

Wick Triathalon Easter 10K And Fun Run Winners

Bridge Street Church, Wick - Easter Festival

Caithness Country Music Festival Gets Going

Open Fishing Competition From Scrabster Piers - Sunday 11 April
Fishing competition. at Scrabster on Sunday 11th fishing from the piers meeting and booking in time will be 12.00 Midday at the main car park, (look out for a Renault Traffic van), fishing times will be from 1pm to 5pm and weigh in will be back at the car park. The competition is being run by Caithness Sea Angling Club, For further details contact Graham Finn on 01955 611496 Entry fee £2 for seniors £1 for juniors. One rod with a maximum of three hooks allowed only.

Charity Dance Raising Funds For The North Action Group Maternity Campaign
Several groups including After Hours, Bobby Coghill Band and Alice and the Boys will play at the Royal British Legion 8.30pm - 1.00am on Saturday 17 April. Tickets are £5 - pay at the door.

Several Caithness Museums And Visitor Centres Open
Many of the museums and visitor centres are now open for the season. Wick is suffering from the lack of a tourist information centre since the old one closed down. Dunnet has an information point at the Dunnet Tea Rooms and it opened for on Friday. Dounreay has opened its visitor centre a month early following an increase in numbers last year. Displays showing information on the decommissioning are among the interesting features this year. Wick Heritage Centre is once again open in April and if you have never been remember it is much bigger than it looks from the outside so leave plenty of time.

Ormlie Volunteers Run Craft Workshops
The three girls in the foreground are having fun at the recent Easter Craft Workshop which was held in the Ormlie Centre by volunteers from the original Summer Workshops which are now a regular feature in out-of-school activities in Ormlie. The volunteers so enjoyed providing the summer workshops that they decided they wanted to keep the joy going for everyone by running events during other school vacations too. These events are now planned, organised and staffed entirely by the volunteers

Liam Hendersons Tribute Football Match Appeal
The parents of Liam Henderson who live in Wick are organising a lasting tribute to their son who was tragically run down in Glasgow by a lunatic driver last November. Many businesses and individuals are contributing in all sorts of ways to this charity football event in recognition of Liam's love of football. Football clubs in Scotland and in the USA have donated items for the appeal. The John O'Groat Journal is helping as are many others. All proceeds from the game & raffle will be shared equally between the East End boys football team here in Wick, and the Newmacher Colts. If you would like to help make this a really memorable appeal read the letter and send any donations to Mr and Mrs Henderson

Competition Success for Caithness Rhythmic Gymnasts at Scottish Novice Championships
The Scottish Rhythmic Gymnastics Novice Championships were recently held at Craigwillow, Livingston. Three Rhythmic Gymnasts from the Caithness Gymnastics Club made the long journey down to the competition. The gymnasts perform two routines set to music using a piece of hand held equipment, the routine lasting no more than 1 minute 30 seconds.

9th April 2004

Is British Helmet Connected To Wick Asks American Collector
A collector of military antiques Jeffrey P. Magut, Trumbull, Connecticut, U.S.A.says "I have a British helmet dated 1941 which has the number "1" and the word "WICK" painted on its front. I am wondering if this helmet is related to the Wick RAF airbase. Did aircrews or ground personnel paint "WICK" on their helmets in this way? Any information is greatly appreciated". Contact details in Wings Over Wick section.

CAITHNESS CASTLES BOOK COMPETITION
WIN A FREE COPY OF LIMITED EDITION BOOK AND A BEAUTIFUL ENLARGEMENT PRINT OF THE CASTLE OF YOUR CHOICE.
Highland Heritage Press, publishers of Caithness Castles, are offering a prize draw with the winner getting a free signed copy of this limited edition book together with a beautiful enlargement print of the castle of your choice selected from those appearing in the book. There are over 200 illustrations so plenty to choose from. The draw will be held immediately prior to publication when the order numbers will be placed in a receptacle and the first one drawn will win a free copy of the book plus a superb A4 mounted print of the castle of your choice. Nine further order numbers will be drawn for the runners up who will receive a print each of the castle of their choice.

Perth Action Group Fires First Salvo As North Action Group Prepares To Join National Campaign
The Perth Action Group has fire the first salvo in a new national campaign that is about to take off in Scotland to save a range of NHS services. The North Action Group is one of the many who will shortly be in Perth to form a new alliance of groups from across Scotland taking all the local campaigns to a new level. Like the North Action Group other groups are beginning to realise that the solutions to this huge problem will have to be dealt with by MSP's in Edinburgh. An article in the Press and Journal today sets the scene that may shortly be common as the small groups band together for support and to gain the clout to take on the might of area Health Boards.

North Link Ferry Services To Be Retendered As Northlink Hits Financial Problems
The government has had to throw Northlink a lifeline to keep the service afloat. The Scottish Executive will give the company an extra £13.4 million including £1million for the delays in the construction of the Scrabster pier. The late start-up of the new ferry Hamnavoe and competition arriving from the new Pentland Ferries from Gills have played a part in the problems for Northlink. The ferry contract will be retendered almost immediately and would commence in 2005. Ferry services are not affected and sailings remain as per the timetable.

First Caithness Country Music Festival Starts Today - And Tickets Sold Out Sat & Sun Nights
Interest in the Caithness Country Music Festival has been intense and the Saturday and Sunday evening shows are sold out. The big marquee complete with dance floor and stage can hold up to 700 people and preparations have been going on all week to have everything ready. There are still some tickets left for afternoon shows on Saturday and Sunday and a fast disappearing few for tonight. If you want to see any of the remaining show you better be quick and book a ticket. Entry without a ticket is not allowed. Thurso hotels and bed and breakfasts are mainly full for the weekend. There are still beds available in other parts of the county and Thurso is only 20 minutes from Wick. Country music fans have been arriving over the past few days for a look around before the festival begins. Have fun everyone.

The European Union Is About To Get Bigger - Is Your Business Ready For New Opportunities?
Portland Arms Hotel, Lybster - Tuesday 20 April
The biggest ever enlargement of The EU takes place in May. In order to help Highland businesses prepare and take advantage of the opportunities EU Enlargement will bring, European Business Services in Inverness is running an evening seminar in Lybster. If you want to learn more about doing business in other countries here is your chance. The event starts at 5.30pm with registration at 5.00pm. Whatever goods or services your business supplies can you afford to ignore 24 other markets in the expanded European Union. FREE

This Weekend Clear the Garage or Loft And Shift Things To Items For Sale On Caithness.org
Yes you can turn your unwanted items into cash easily on Caithness .org and remember its still FREE and you can add to the item whenever it is sold. Its so easy and successful; that there have now been thousands of items sold through the section.

8th April 2004

FURTHER PROGRESS WITH REDEVELOPMENT OF THURSO TOWN HALL
Plans to redevelop Thurso Town Hall and the adjoining Thurso Museum into a multi-purpose visitor, information and community centre called "Caithness Horizons" have taken a key step forward with the appointment of a specialist exhibition design team to develop the internal design of the revamped building and a museum assistant to audit and catalogue the museum collections. MKW Design Partnership from Edinburgh will work closely with Property and Architectural Services of The Highland Council to develop the theme of "Caithness Horizons" for the interior design of the building. Working with the design consultants will be Alan McIvor, the volunteer exhibitions co-ordinator with the Thurso Heritage Society, who is being seconded for 17 weeks by The Highland Council to work as a museums assistant, auditing and cataloguing more than 3,000 items held in storage by the Society and the Council.

Thurso Pipe Band Returned From New York After A Packed Schedule For Tartan Week
The Thurso Pipe band arrived back on Tuesday night after a hectic 5 days in New York to take part in the cities Tartan week celebrations. As well a playing at the parade the band played at the pre parade Ceilidh held by the New York Caledonian Society and at Times Square. Band secretary David Manson said "There were many highlights of the trip with us being filmed in Times Square, Playing for the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, playing down 6th Avenue, trips to the statue of Liberty and the New York Empire State Building as well as some lighter moments of the trip with pipers Bryan More and Graham Fryer doing a Marlyn Munro over a ventilation grating in the middle of Times Square and Bryan playing jingle bells on the pipes to a packed bar while they sang along". David added "the band, partners and friends really worked hard over the 5 days with us playing at a variety of venues at short notice, we can be very proud of ourselves as we put on a good show in the Big Apple"

Thurso Pipe Band Band Instruments Badly Damaged In Transit To And From New York
The band had a couple of hiccups with one set of pipes going missing for 4 days, and when they finally got them they were damaged and when they flew into Aberdeen the bass drum and mace had not arrived with the rest of the luggage, when we finally got them the bass drum was totally wrecked. Looks like the band will be back on the fund raising trail to repair or purchase some new kit.

Thurso Pipe Band Carries Caithness.org To Tartan Day
We would like to say thanks from the web site here at Caithness.org for the Thurso Pipe Band adding our web site to their banner for the parade in New York on Tartan Day. That is certainly the most far flung place the web site address has been seen in any way other than on the web itself. So many thanks from us here at Caithness.org for carrying the name so far.

THE AMERICAN-SCOTTISH FOUNDATION PRESENTED THE WALLACE AWARD
TO THREE GENERATIONS OF THE FORBES FAMILY
April 7, 2004 [New York, NY] - Last night, hundreds gathered in New York City to celebrate Scotland and honor the Forbes family with The American-Scottish Foundation (ASF) presentation of The Wallace Award. Alan Bain, President of the ASF, presided over the awards ceremony at Scotland Magazine's "Icons of Scotland" dinner where Wallace, Christopher and Moira Forbes accepted the honour. "New York City and the American-Scottish community is indebted to both the Forbes family's generosity and its proud acknowledgement of its Scottish heritage. They recognize their heritage as a source from which they draw strength," said Bain. "Each member of the Forbes family has inherited the tradition of commitment to business, public service and philanthropy."

7th April 2004

Wick Flower Baskets Committee Grand Auction - BB Hall Thursday 6.30pm
The Flower Basket fund raiser auction starts at 6.30pm and there are hundreds of lots on offer. Viewing can be done earlier in the day and the auction starts at 6.30pm. the auctioneer is a well kent face - Willie Mackay and you can be sure there will be a good few smiles and laughs along the way making this auction more than just your normal bidding frenzy.

North Action Group Members, Area Convenor, MSP's And Others Attend Health Board Meeting
Several members of North Action Group were joined by area Convenor David Flear, and three highland MSP's Mary Scanlon, Jamie Stone and Maureen MacMillan. After the Health Board meeting many intereviews were taken for TV and Radio as well as several newspapers. The basics are that the health board will only wait until their next meeting in June to decide on a programme to move towards a public consultation on two of the proposals in the Calder report. North Action Group were pleased to be allowed to speak at the meeting along with MSP Jamie Stone and Rev Stevie Thomson who possibly made the most devastating comments of the day regarding Human Rights legislation. After contributions from several board members they agreed to have further papers from officials prepared for their June meeting. In short as far as North Action Group is concerned the fight goes on

Want a NEW Law In Scotland?
Parliamentary Business Minister Patricia Ferguson will be answering questions today on the theme of what laws the parliament might introduce. She will be answering questions between 14:00 and 15:00 (April 7, 2004).You can submit your questions now. http://www.scotland.gov.uk/_interviews/default.asp?id=8
Use your imagination to ask about laws to protect maternity services in remote and rural areas. But the field is wide open. No guarantees you will get an answer but any replies will be published on the Scottish Parliament web site for while.

Latest Blood Donor Dates For Caithness and Sutherland

5th April 2004

Wind Turbines Still Arriving At Wick For Causewaymire Wind Farm
Caithness Maternity Issue Will Have Saturation Media Coverage On Tuesday
TV, Radio and Newspapers have been bombarded with communications from North Action Group over the last few days to focus attention on the NHS Highland Health Board Meeting on Tuesday. The activities have paid off as BBC, Grampian and Moray Firth all have programmes featuring the board meeting on Tuesday. Three MSP's, Caithness Area Convenor and Health minister Malcolm Chisholm are all involved along with north Action Group chairman and others one way or another at meetings or on various programmes starting with news programmes from early morning on MFR and Radio Highland.

Another Well Head Arrives At Wick
As another wellhead arrived at Wick today the harbour was unusually busy to look over. No longer are fish the main cargoes and it is strange to see that two different energy sources are presently the main work involved. A well head bound for the North Sea oil fields via the Wester Yard and wind turbines for the Causewaymire.

Another MSP To Attend Health Board Meeting As Mary Scanlon States Intention To Be There
MSP Mary Scanlon has today stated she will be attending the NHS Highland Health board meeting to hear for herself the discussions on the Caithness maternity services. This means that three MSP's will now attend the board meeting (Jamie Stone and Maureen MacMillan have already announced they will attend) which is the first one for the newly appointed board members and new chairman Gary Coutts. North Action Group are delighted that the matter is being regarded with the importance that it merits a hearing by MSP's. If the board decide to accept suggestions by chief executive of NHS Highland to move to a public enquiry then they would not have the benefit of information to be gained from the socio/economic study being commissioned by Highland Council and Highlands and Islands enterprise. North Action Group strongly want any decisions to move towards the public consultation delayed until that study has been completed in August. North Action Group also strongly disagree with the chief executives recommendation to the board to limit the public consultation to only two of professor Calder's options as outlined in his paper.

Dunbeath Highland Games Committee Are Holding A School Reunion
Dunbeath School Reunion to be held August 7th 2004 at the Dunbeath Community Hall Buffet/Dance For tickets and more information please contact the organisers mentioned on the Reunion Pages.

New Dunbeath Highland Games Committee Aims For 2005
The new committee formed to restart Dunbeath Highland Games are aiming to hold the first games in 2005. Meantime organising and fund-raising are all being planned.

Marquee Erected In thurso for Caithness Country Music Festival Next Weekend
Preparations are well in hand for the first Caithness Country Music Festival. The many months of work are now coming together. The marquee is top of the range and will have all the comforts of home once complete with lining, flooring, stage, dance floor, lighting, bar and catering facilities. Ticket details

Edinburgh Crystal Confirmed As New Owners Of Caithness Glass But Wick Not Part Of The Deal
Edinburgh Crystal based at Penicuick near Edinburgh have been confirmed as the new owners of Caithness Glass. The Wick factory is not part of the arrangement. A group of workers from the Wick factory are examining the possibility of starting up a group to begin production on their own. A feasibility study has been commissioned by Caithness and Sutherland enterprise.

Archaeology Talks At Portland Hotel This Week As Archaeology Conference Starts
The Scottish Society For Northern Studies begin their conference in Lybster today. Based at the Portland hotel there are a series of visits and talks. The society have opened the lectures to the public and all you need to do is contact CAT archaeologist Andy Heald - number at the bottom of the notice.

4th April 2004

Caithness Country Music Festival Tickets Selling Fast For Next Weekend
Full weekend tickets for the Caithness Country Music Festival at the special rate of £40 for all the shows have almost sold out. There are still tickets available for Friday and Sunday afternoon shows and a limited number for evening shows. The big marquee to be erected in Thurso will hold up to 800 people and has space for bar, catering, stage and dance floor with space for line dancing. Organisers are already looking at a huge success as the final rush for tickets is already underway. It is unlikely that anyone will get in without a ticket on the Saturday so if you intend going you better get on the phone for a ticket soon. Single show tickets are £15 and children under 16 are Free if with an adult. Country music enthusiasts are coming from all over including the USA. Three American country singers and supporting bands plus one from Holland are appearing along with Scottish and Irish bands and singers as well as well known locals

Thurso Pipe Band Will Feature On Grampian TV News for Tartan Day Next Week
Thurso Pipe Band is one of two Scottish Pipe Band in New York for Tartan Day which has grown to a week of events. the band will be playing at various places over the next few days. Grampian News will feature the event and if you can receive Grampian TV by satellite or cable you will be able to spot the band wherever you are. A new Tartan Day Links page has been set up.

New Thurso Lifeboat Arrives At Scrabster - "The Taylors"
the new Thurso lifeboat has arrived home. The boat was crewed by the coxswain and mechanic plus three crew members who travelled to Poole in Dorset to do a week of training before taking the boat home. The boat cost £1.9m. The boat is one of the Severn class of lifeboats, 17m in length with a maximum speed of 25Kts. She is named THE TAYLORS after a family of that name from Aberdeen who left a legacy to the RNLI.

2nd April 2004

UKAEA TO ACCELERATE DECOMMISSIONING OF DOUNREAY
Clean-up programme worth £313 million to be driven forward by new management team The UK Atomic Energy Authority today announced it is accelerating the decommissioning of the former experimental reactor establishment at Dounreay. Site director Norman Harrison said the timescale for complete decommissioning has been brought forward to 2047. The reduction from an original estimate of 2060 means more contacts being let in the next two years and massive savings for the overall cost or decommissioning. further reductions in the timescale are likely.

North Action Group Thanks Donors As Funds For Maternity Campaign Keep Coming In
Funds are coming in daily to the North Action Group campaigning to save maternity services at Caithness General Hospital. A growing list of donors is now published on the North Action Group web site. The listing will now be update regularly to thank all of the donors. Thanks go also to the many people who have responded in huge numbers at the demonstration by putting money in a box. Donations can still be sent to chairman George Bruce or treasurer councillor Tom Jackson. Donations to date are now in excess of £4000 but could be swallowed up if any legal action is taken in coming months. The balance of any funds at the end of the campaign will be handed over to the League of Friends of Caithness General Hospital.

March 2004 Breaks The Record For Monthly Visitor Rates On Caithness.org
Yes it's happened again and Caithness.org stats have soared to the highest yet in the month of March. The monthly total for March was 141,038 - a daily average of 4,549. The annual visitor rate is now approaching 1.7 million visitors (monthly hits in excess of 6 million). Thanks to all our visitors and to everyone who contribute article, information and photographs.

North Action Group Express Fury At Emergency Meeting
The North Action Group last night (Thursday 1 April) called an emergency meeting to discuss the paper prepared by chief executive Roger Gibbins of NHS Highland Health Board for consideration at the first meeting of the new board on 6 April. The group expressed fury at the speed at which these proposals are being brought forward and the narrowing of the options from the report accepted at the board's special meeting on 16 March in Wick. North Action Group are calling on the new board to await the outcome of the Highland Council and Highlands and Islands enterprise socio/economic study which has just been commissioned and will produce valuable information on the outcomes of downgrading or closure of the unit at Wick.

Thurso FC Head For Another Cup Final Date
On Saturday afternoon, Thurso F.C look to make their third cup Final of this season and retain the trophy they won last year in Dingwall, as they travel down south to Alness to take on Alness United in The Semi-Final of The Morris Newton Cup. Game kicks-off at 2.30 p.m. Bus leaves from The Dammies at 11.15 for any supporters wishing to travel. Check at Atlanta Sports, High Street, Thurso for availability of places on the bus.

1st April 2004

Judo Self Defence Course - A Six Week Course From Caithness Judo Club
The course being run by Caithness Judo club is aimed at absolute beginners from age 14 upwards. The course promises results in the six weeks and the possibility of getting you fitter. The course will be held in Thurso High School starting on 19 April and running up to 24 May. The course fee is just £10. All you need in the way of gear is loose sports or casual wear. Contact details are in the leaflet. Go on get fit this spring and have some fun along the way.

CAITHNESS MATERNITY CONSULTATION SHOULD AWAIT SOCIO/ECONOMIC STUDY
The Highland Council has repeated its call on the NHS Highland Board to delay issuing a consultation on the future delivery of maternity services in Caithness and North Sutherland until a social and economic impact study, to be commissioned jointly by the Council and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, is completed. Convener Councillor Alison Magee and Caithness Area Convener Councillor David Flear also argue that the newly-formed Board, which meets for the first time on Tuesday (6 April), should be allowed to settle into their new jobs before taking such a far-reaching decision and that the holiday months during the summer are not the most appropriate time to consult with the public.

North Action Group To Hold Emergency Committee Meeting To Discuss Rushed Moves By Board
North Action Group are to hold an emergency meeting tonight to discuss the NHS highland Health board paper by Chief Executive Roger Gibbins which removes some of the options in the Calder Report. If accepted only limited options would go for consultation with the public. Highland Council have already requested that the board do not rush this but await the research by the Council and HIE into the full impact of any downgrading of services. North Action Group will hold a press conference outside the health board offices in Inverness once the Caithness maternity and Belford hospital items have been dealt

Paper By Chief Executive of NHS Highland Roger Gibbins Rushing The New Board
A paper to be put before the new Health board for discussion on 6 April leaves only two options if his recommendations are accepted by the members.

Stained Glass Windows Of Wick Old Parish Church
Stained Glass Windows Index

CASE FOR RAIL IN THE HIGHLANDS STRONGER THAN EVER
Demand for rail services in the Highlands has grown significantly in recent years according to a major new report published by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). The study challenges perceptions that the Highland rail network is lightly used, dominated by tourist traffic and represents poor value for the public funding it receives. It details how rail contributes significantly to the Highlands and Islands' economy, supporting more than 1,500 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs and underpins the viability of many businesses in the region. It also describes how the network helps to retain population in more remote areas and provides important onward links to island communities. The report also considers the importance of rail freight and the rail network's environmental benefits.

[ Back to Home Page ]

Caithness.Org on Facebook

News Archive - April 2004

Search Our Site

Caithness.Org

Business Indexes

Property

Classifieds

Services

Forums

What's On

Popular Sections

Weather

Handy Links

See Caithness

See Sutherland