Latest News

23 July 2014

New Community Index Under Construction
Send your groups latest details and information for the new pages to bill@caithness.org
Do you have a news items about your organisation - youth, church, health  etc you would like included in the new community pages nowuilding....check your details and let us know of any changes....
Village Halls, Day Centres, Care Homes have all now been transferred to the new community section - Can committee members please check the details and let us know if any changes are required.  Send in news items, photos and updates at any time.     Old Community Index

Good progress with new school provision in Wick
The main construction contract for the new £15.4M Noss Primary School in Wick has been signed. The site, on the existing North Primary School campus, is already cleared and ready for the foundation work to begin. The main contractor is Miller Construction. The new 387 pupil school, with nursery provision and community facilities, is due to be completed in July 2015 and opened to pupils in August 2015. Thereafter the existing North Primary School building will be demolished to make way for a multi-use games area, netball area and car park. When open, Noss Primary school will replace the existing North and Hillhead Primary Schools.

Bushcrafts Skills With The Rangers - Booking Required
Bushcraft pioneer on July 24
Bushcraft cook on 31 July
Bushcraft volcano on the 14 Aug

Wick & District Summer Pool League Semi-finals
Camps Bar "1" and The Queens Hotel booked their place in the 2014 Wick & District Summer Pool League final, after both sides recored 8-7 deciding frame victories over Retro "1" and Camps Bar "2" respectively. Both semi final matches ended in 7-7 draws, so a one frame shootout would decide this seasons finalists. WIns from Shane Honeyman and Mark Alexander would help the Camps "1" side take an early lead, but Retro's James Ross (total clearance) and Bobby Gunn would level the match at 4-4 after the first set of singles. Camps "1" then won three frames in a row to lead 7-4 but Retro showed great determination to claw their way back to tie the match at 7-7.

22 July 2014

The nursery rhyme trail in Dunnet 29th July  - Fully Booked Now
This event has limited spaces and is now fully booked at 11.00am.  Unfortunately the ad did not say it had to be booked. As it has proved very piopular the Rangers wil run the event again in the afternoon of the same day.  To book this additional session contact the rangers as per the ad.

Wick Harbour Very Busy In July
Stroupster Wind Turbines Being Delivered


Big Towhead                Wee Towhead              Wood Shipments     Atlantica                   Marina
 

21 July 2014

Barluath - Pipe Band Hall, Wick - Tuesday 22nd July
A critically acclaimed debut album, a host of sell out concerts across Scotland as well as performances alongside some of the best acts on today's folk scene signals only the start of things to come for Barluath. "One of life's great pleasures is witnessing the creation of something new. So has it been with Barluath. I've had the pleasure of watching these talented players coming together as a band and sharing their individual fortes to create this unique ensemble. They breathe new life into old songs and tunes and bring new compositions to the table with great flair and passion. " Phil Cunningham

North Highland Harriers and Wick Triathlon Club - Competitions To Enter
Are you seriously fit or just looking for a fun run.  Then take look at the latest competitions being organised by North Highland Harriers and Wick Triathlon Club In Caithness.

Ground breaking road recycling trials get underway in Sutherland
Trials of a new method of repairing roads have got underway in Sutherland. The technique, known as road recycling, involves re-using the existing road surface materials to create a new road surface, rather than importing large quantities of new materials. In the first of a series of trials, The Highland Council's road team have been carrying out recycling on the Cassley Bridge to Duchally Road near Rosehall. Further trials are planned across the Highlands over the coming months.


Latest Jobs/Vacancies Added at 4.25pm today
Part-time Porter - Caithness General Hospital
Graduate Research Assistant - K P Technology, Wick - Scotgrad Placement
Bar/Waiting Staff - Northern Sands Hotel, Dunnet

Scotch - A 6 Piece Folk Rock Band From Netherlands Plays At Ynot, Thurso On Wednesday Night
6 Piece Folk Rock band from The Netherlands. Various musical elements merge in a special live show that leaves the boundaries of reality far behind. With their cheerful Folkloric melodies and driving rhythms Scotch guarantees a big feast in every occasion! The cynical lyrics combined with the frank voice of La Smellitia gets the tension on the stage sky high. Scotch has always had its unique sound and obstinate theatrical interpretations. Some may describe the style of Scotch as Folk Rock, Theatrical Punk, Balkan Ska or Celtic Baroque Rock. In the end, all will agree that you have to see a live show to meet the Scotch experience. Scotch produces cheerful melodies on saxophone and fiddle, alternated with polyphonous singing, on a driving base of drums, bass and guitar. Scotch’s party folk is equally danceable, whether they play acoustic or fully amplified. www.scotchtheband.com   YES It is Wednesday night to brighten up the usually quiet midweek so why not pop along to hear some great talented musicians.

20 July 2014

Academy 'eight' their opposition and sampled some tasty goals
Friendly Game - Wick Academy 8 Orkney AFA 0 - Reporter Noel Donaldson
THERE can be no more demoralising predicament for a football team that being a couple of goals down and trying to come to terms with the likelihood that the ball was going to hit the back of their net a few more times. That must have been what the Orkney players were dreading when they encountered an on-form, free-scoring Wick Academy side, on the crest of a wave having beaten the first two teams on their friendlies list, one of them Scottish Premier outfit Ross County, at that. To be fair, the score perhaps flattered the Scorries for whom netting appeared to be easy, easy! Meeting Academy when they are on their mettle is an formidable task for any quality side, and a team which has amateur status is destined to find themselves out of their depth. The islanders, give them credit, never gave up and came out after the break looking a little brighter, and as with any side two goals down, hopeful of wanting to keep the final score respectable, at least. It was not to be.

19 July 2014

Caithness County Show 2014 - Saturday - Over 300 Photos Now On and Another 100 on the way shortly


See the Scottish Cabinet Meeting Held On Monday 14th July At Wick

Caithness And North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership Update

John Swinney Officially Opens New PSS Wick Facility Set To Create 40 Jobs
Aberdeen-based Process Safety Solutions, the systems life-cycle management specialist supporting the oil and gas sector in the UK and overseas, officially opened its new Wick facility on 15th July 2014 at Wick Business Park in Caithness. The team welcomed John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth. The new base, which currently employs five staff, will look to further employ 5 people within 6 months and look to increase to a team of 30 - 40 staff within two years.

18 July 2014

Caithness County Show 2014 - Friday Evening Preview - See You There On Saturday


Reid's Of Caithness Bakers Will Showcase At Pre Commonwealth Games Food Event
Thurso based Reids of Caithness has recently experienced success at home and in exports around the world. They will join other Highland and Islands Food and Drink Producers at a pre commonwealth games business showcase event.


Funny Faces At Seadrift
As part of The Highland Council Caithness Countryside Ranger summer activities sixteen children spent a morning at the Seadrift Visitor Centre in Dunnet Bay creating their very own masks using everyday household items. Batman, butterflies, elephants a mermaid and many others were all carefully designed, cut out and painted by the children. Countryside Ranger Paul Castle said: "It was great to see the children having fun enthusiastically painting, colouring and cutting out, not to mention the sterling efforts of many of the accompanying adults. Sometimes I'm not sure who has more fun with this kind of event, the kids or the adults."

ENGINEERS SECURE ‘POLE POSITION' AHEAD OF CAITHNESS COUNTY SHOW
A team of engineers from Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution (SHEPD) has completed work to replace a section of overhead line with underground cable at Thurso East, where the Caithness County Show is due to be held this weekend. The move follows a request by the Show's Committee to SHEPD to make access to the site easier. Four spans of overhead line and three wooden poles have now been replaced with underground cable.

Snippets From 'e Groat an 'e Courier

Thurso Gala 2014

Many thanks to Melanie Roger of M B Roger Photography for supplying gala photos this year as Bill was away at his sister's wedding in Stornoway.

13 July 2014

Place Your Bid In The Silent Auction To Get A Picture
Can't choose?? Why not go for lucky dip?? See section at end of bid form on the blog or in the exhibition!! http://www.postcardsea.blogspot.com 204 SEA inspired artworks were donated to our fundraiser by artists of all ages (youngest 2yrs I think). Even a minimum bid with an added few pence (seems to be an auction tac-tic) could bag you a bargain or three and add more to our fundraiser.
Gallery

Lybster 5 Pentland United 3

13 July 2014

Another Visit To Portskerra


Nice and easy does it for tricky towhead transfer
INCH by inch, the multi-wheeled trailer is backed across the metal bridge onto the barge that delivered it to Scalesburn on Wick's north shore. The trailer is slid under the massive 200 tonnes towhead and secured. It then makes the return trip back across the bridge at a snail's pace. The team handling this phase of the latest towhead delivery to Subsea 7's fabrication yard at Wester, have got the operation down to a fine art.
PHOTO GALLERY

12 July 2014

Highland Dancers Hit Perfection At Baton Relay At Wick


Thurso Gala Opening Today - Full Weeks Programme

11 July 2014

Jobs
Rolls-Royce Repair and Overhaul Department at Vulcan are looking for five Mechanical Technicians

More Wick Baton Photos Just In

What's On At Caithness Horizons - July 2014

Baton Relay At John O'Groats


More Wick Baton Relay Photos Added HERE

Baton Relay At Wick


A Bright Day At New Wick Council Offices
Fluffy clouds make an attractive backdrop to these views of the council offices under construction at Wick.  Work goes on iunder the covers around the building to get ready for opeing in 2015.

                      Photos from the start


Police With The Queen's Baton At Thurso
Just before the queen's baton for the commonwealth games 2014 left Thurso the police on duty joined hundreds of others to hold the baton that day.  The baton arrives at John O'Groats today and then heads on to Wick before hading to Helmsdale.  Baton Timetable




Floral Clock At Wick Looking Great
SAYING it with flowers is extra special when you get a blooming lovely display like this and the correct time into the bargain. Wick's council gardeners have done us proud again with this year's floral clock.  The floral clock sits beside the Wick Town Hall where refurbishment continues.

10 July 2014

Ormlie Summer Programme

Great Chance To Try Surfing in Caithness On Saturday
Check out other dates in July

Lots of New Vacancies Added at 8.00pm Today
Check out the jobs today as there is wide variety of positions on offer.

Baby Show For Castletown Gala Week 2014

9 July 2014

Queen's Baton Relay at Thurso

361 photos now in.





New Funding Opportunities
Several new funding opportunities now in the community section.

7 July 2014

Thurso Gala Programme - - - Wick Gala Programme

Peaceful Places, Caithness - Published in the Herald Today
HAMISH M Brown regrets the alienation of modern man from his ancient environment, in this case Caithness.

A9 Safety Improvement Works North of Inverness
Clachmore to Latheron. Safety improvement works worth around £200,000 have begun on the A9 between Clashmore to Latheron, north of Inverness. This work is the final phase of the delivery of a wider package of safety improvement works between Golspie and Latheron that started in 2012 and includes improvements to bend signing, passive sign safety, safety barriers, high friction surfacing, and warning signs along the route. Work has been undertaken in sections along the route from south to north with single lane closures, where required, limited to short sections to reduce delays along this vital section of the A9.

Queen's Baton Relay For Commonwealth Games 9th - 12th 2014
Timetable of events in Highland.  Thurso Wednesday 9th July,   John O'Groats and Wick Friday 11th July.  
Along the route there will be delays for motorists mainly at each of the towns along the way.  There will be many parking restrictions on the route and restrictions for delivery vehicles to shops.  The restrictions may be several hours before the ebaton actually arrives as preparations get underway.  The listing here gives approximate times for each place in Highland.  Signposts at entrances to all towns are already in place to show the times the baton wil be there.

6 July 2014

Postcard SEA Fundraiser and Exhibition Sees Steady Bids On Pictures  - Online Auction Now Open
The success of the exhibition, which opened to a capacity audience of well over 100 people on the evening of Wednesday 2nd July at Castletown Heritage Centre, was down to the artistic talents and generosity of locals and others further afield. Businesses near and far also gave generously to support the event. Caithness artists Liz O'Donnell and Joanne B Kaar were the glue holding the project together, inspiring others to get involved and help raise money for two groups both run by volunteers, Brough Bay Association and Castletown Heritage Society. Brough Bay Association chairman, George Douglas introduced Councillor Bill Fernie who officially pronounced the exhibition open.

5 July 2014

Castletown Gala 2014 - 50th Gala
The 50th Castletown Gala saw many of the former gala queens attending to celebrate the occasion.  With week of events ahead Castletown wil have plenty to do for kids and young people.  Willie Mackay was master of ceremonies and Willie Watt from Subsea7 was the speaker.




Melvich Fun Day

4 July 2014

Baton Relay Timetable

'e Groat 'e Day

Several New Job Ads In This Evening

Street Football / Streetdance / DJ Fun night for teenagers
Eden Court is offering teenagers of Wick the chance to get off the street corners and back on to the streets to take part in this one of Fun project. On the night there will be a Street football, Street dance taster sessions and featuring Rush.dance award winning kids, alongside it all will be a live DJ playing fresh music to keep it all going. Eden court have put this package together with Cash back for communities, Creative Scotland and Action for Children (Tracey Malcolm) and Rush.dance (Willie Miller) to put on this fantastic night. Come along on Friday 11th July to Wick Swimming pool car park at 7:00 pm – 10:00pm.

3 July 2014

Improved cleanliness at Wick's Caithness General Hospital - BBC

Wick & District Summer Pool League - Week 7

2 July 2014

Partnership sees Defibrillators installed in Leisure Centres
Phase one of a partnership between British Heart Foundation (BHF) Scotland, High Life Highland and The Scottish Ambulance Service came to fruition today with the installation of 19 Defibrillators across the network of High Life Highland leisure centres. BHF Scotland, the nation's heart charity, had been looking to identify locations where a community defibrillator could be valuable, for example remote communities and urban venues with high footfall or where clusters of cardiac arrests have previously occurred. The 19 defibrillators will also be mapped by ambulance staff so call handlers can direct people to the nearest one while patients wait for paramedics to arrive.

Highland communities gear up to host Queen's Commonwealth baton relay next week
Final preparations are underway in Ullapool, Lairg and Thurso as communities get ready to give a Highland welcome to the Queen's baton relay when it returns to and crosses the Highlands en route from the Western Isles to Orkney on Wednesday 9 July .

Volunteers Spruce Up Mey Bird Hide
Members of the Caithness Countryside Volunteers were pleased with the dry weather on Sunday morning as they were busy painting the second coat of wood preservative at the Loch of Mey bird hide. The local Scottish Ornithologists' Club (SOC) were fortunate to access a grant from the Action Earth Awards to pay for the wood preservative, brushes, wood and guttering to undertake vital repairs at the bird watching facility. The event was part of a campaign called CSV Action Earth organised by CSV (Community Service Volunteers).

Clock Ticking Towards Wick Town Hall Reopening In August
It may have been a long time coming but Wick town centre is beginning to see a new look as the refurbishment of the town hall nears completion.  Whilst the scaffolding is still in place and not much appears to have been happening on the outside there has been a huge amount going on inside in recent months.  A few of the improvements are in making the building disabled accessible with new toilets and a lift inside.  Complete redecoration has been enhanced with extensive renewal of woodwork and refurbishment of the sash and case windows keeping to the original designs.  The old fashioned tube lighting replacing the old chandeliers in probably the 60's has gone with uplighters enhancing the cornice work in the main chamber.  The building can now be used properly and come back into being a functioning building of the council.   Still about another 9 months to go for the main council offices but as the covers begin to come off by then Wick will certainly see an improvement.  As the new schools get underway the town will be very busy in the next two years and also on the horizon to come is the new Archive centre destined for the site near the airport.  The just opened new Children's home at Wick was just the start of an ambitious investment programme by the council to regenerate Wick.

1 July 2014

Flavours Opens A Second Ice Cream Shop In Thurso
With the great success of the Flavours ice cream shop in Thurso the owners have seen sales soar since opeing and cusrtomers wanting to have their now favourite ice cream place nearer to hand in Thurso.  A second shop opens tomorrow Wednesday 2nd July at 2.00pm.  A fantastic selection of ice cream Sundaes; Waffle Baskets; Milk Shakes and Slushes as well as their signature Hot Chocolate with Whipped Cream and Marshmallows. They have a brand new concept (unique to the Highlands) which will go down an absolute treat! "Swirly Whirly" - Flavours version of the McDonalds McFlurry.  - Yummy.  Head over to 28 Traill Street.

Rangers Summer Activities For Families
The Ranger service has organised many events for families over the summer period.  Take look and see what you would like to do withy the kids.

CNSF Receives NDA Next Instalment Of £300K
The Caithness & North Sutherland Fund (CNSF), a grant body funded by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), received its second instalment of £300k at a recent stakeholder event held in the new low level waste repository vault at the Dounreay site. This funding is the latest instalment of the NDA's £4M community benefit package being provided via DSRL. CNSF received £1M at the start of the vault's construction and will receive further instalments of £300k pa from 2014 to 2023. Since receiving the initial million pounds the Fund has awarded over £855k to 65 community led projects that help continue to make Caithness & North Sutherland an attractive place to live work and invest.......The fund is currently looking to recruit a new director to fill a vacancy.

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