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5 December 2019

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Whats Happening At Lyth Arts Centre

Every Adult Must Be Accompanied By A Child
The Christmas lectures are designed with children ages 11 years+ and young adults in mind but are engaging for people of all ages. This years lecture, Secrets ad Lies; The Hidden Power of Maths, is being delivered by mathematician Dr Hannah Fry and will look at the hidden numbers, rules and patterns that secretly control our daily lives in ways we could never imagine.  Using demonstrations and experiments she will show us how to decode life's hidden numbers and make better choices for a happier life.
Thursday 12th December 5.30 - 8.30pm  Booking Required So Get Going.

4 December 2019

Eco-friendly addition to Caithness Rural Transport service
Caithness Rural Transport has a new eco-friendly addition to its fleet which is now up to 10 vehicles offering a transport service in Caithness. The new electric minibus is cleaner and greener. Not only do these vehicles create zero emissions, they are faster and quieter and can create great savings in fuel and maintenance.

 
  Community Index


Triotaxi service will bring cycling to those less able
Members of Wick Wheelers cycling cub have taken possession of a rickshaw-style Triotaxi. This came about through groups in Wick working together. Befriending Caithness works with elderly, isolated people in the community, visiting them in their houses as well as young people visiting people in local care homes.

Community Index




A Charolais cross bullock from Michael Shearer, Lythmore, Show Winner Bought By Murray Lamond
A Charolais cross bullock from Michael Shearer, Lythmore, Westfield, Thurso, took the prime cattle championship at Aberdeen and Northern Marts' annual Christmas show and sale held at Caithness Livestock Centre. Tapped out by judge Bill Cameron, Burnside of Edingight, Grange, was a 20-month-old, home-bred bullock weighing 621kg. Bred out of a Simmental cross Limousin dam, he sold for £3000 to Murray Lamont and his daughter Jennifer, of Mackays Hotel, Wick, who were buying at the event for the 22nd consecutive year.
     Business Index

Build A Snowman At Newtonhill Woodland Near Wick
No snow so far  in the county but the kids can have some fun at Newtonhill Woodland om sunday 15th December.
Check posterfor detaisl and how to book.

     Whats on In December 2019

3 December 2019

The Crew of 'Revival' medning Nets at Scrabster Harbour Today
Crew members of the Fraserburgh registered fishing vessel Revival FR316 making repairs to their nets at Scrabster Harbour. Note where the fisherman in the centre keeps his knife for easy access.

2 December 2019

Towhead At Wick Harbour Today
Darren More has posted the great photo on Facebook of the Towhead at Wick harbour today.  It is heading for the Subsea7 yard at Wester








The Stroma Boat 'BEE'
The Stroma cattle boat called 'Bee' was rescued from, its slow but inevitable, disintegration and rebuilt by John William Laird of Eastend, Duncansby.

An article in the Scotsman says the boat wil shortly be up for auction.


     Stroma Index                     A To Z Caithness Places



Climate Action Funding Proposal  - Would Your Group Want To Be Invovled?
Thurso Community Development Trust working in partnership with Lairg Learning Centre are intending to submit an initial project proposal to the new TNL Climate Action Fund to develop a project across Caithness and Sutherland which aims to change behaviours in our community in order to take action against Climate Change. We will be looking at various options including encouraging Zero Waste, Local Food Growing and Food Waste Minimisation to change behaviours in the face of the Climate Emergency. If you are interested in being involved no later than Friday 6th December.

26 November 2019

 Royal Navy Boats At Wick Harbour In July
John Hay has taken many photographs with a martime flavour and include some for his 2020 calendar now on sale. One missed out onthe calendar due to sizes. This view of Wick harbour shows possibly one of the largest gatherings of Royal Navy boats for a long time. 3 Royal Navy Archer Class Patrol vessels, HMS Example P165, HMS Puncher P291 & HMS Explorer P164. To see a bigger photo right click on it and open in a new tab. The calendar for sale can be found HERE



House Design Advice From Thermohaus
The next in a series of articles with advice for anyone thinking about self-build for a new home.
What are the elements of a good design?
Who is going to design your new house?
Do you need an architect?
There are links to the earlier articles at the bottom of the page
Finding And Buying Land For Your Self Build Home
Building Your Own Home Is Easier Than You May Think
Can You Afford To Build Your Own Home
How to Finance Your Self-build New home

24 November 2019

Exterior Refurbishment Of Canisbay Church Completed
The exterior refurbishent of Cansibay church is now completed.  The clean up now shows it standing out gleaming whitein the sunshine.


   Older Historic churches in Caithness


Open Day At Former Woolworth Store, Wick
The Wick community council arranged for an open day for interested parties to look around and make any suggestions for possible uses of the shop in Market Square. The building is available for sale or lease.  There will be two follow up sessions at Assembly rooms, Wick on 28th November

Property Details

Floor Plans







The last business in the premises was the Original Factory Shop that closed on 12 August 2018

Prior to that the Store was briefly an Ethel Austin store
Woolworth closed in 2008.

15 November 2019

Candidates confirmed for UK Parliamentary general election 2019
18 candidates are seeking election on Thursday 12 December 2019 for the three Highland UK Parliamentary general election constituencies. Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross constituency has attracted 5 candidates; Ross, Skye and Lochaber constituency 7 candidates; and Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey constituency 6 candidates.

5 November 2019

North Highland College UHI celebrates diamond year
North Highland College UHI celebrates a milestone this year with 60 years in education. North Highland College UHI first opened in 1959 as Thurso Technical College to serve the training needs for Dounreay. Since then the college has become part of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and are one of 13 academic partners that make up the university. North Highland College UHI has seen many changes over the years with the curriculum and geographic coverage expanding significantly......................The college also has campuses in Halkirk, Dornoch and Alness. North Highland College UHI would love to hear from past and present staff and students with stories and images of their time at the college. If you have any photos or memorabilia from the last 60 years please email nhcmarketing@uhi.ac.uk.

4 November 2019

Businesses and Groups Invited To Old Woolies Building - Bring Your Ideas
The old Woolworth building in Market Square, Wick is lying empty and unused. The Wick Community Council is looking for any ideas from businesses or/and local groups for possible uses. A solution could be found for a single use or perhaps shared and the community council wants something done to bring it into use. Get along and bring your ideas to the consultants and help Wick build a business plan for the building. Regain the High Street.

3 November 2019

A Lone Seal On The Wick River
The lone seal may be on the lookout for some salmon on the river Wick.  Seemingly unperturbed by the attention while relaxing on the end of a pipe that sits just below the surface of the water at high tide.

2 November 2019

Toolkit to improve early literacy skills across region
An Emerging Literacy Toolkit developed as one of the Northern Alliance's key workstreams has been designed to help improve early literacy skills across the region. Recently endorsed by all eight participating local authorities, the toolkit was developed by James Cook, Depute Head Teacher of Milton of Leys Primary School in Inverness. James was seconded to the regional improvement collaborative and recently returned to teaching after completing the toolkit. James' work has been extremely well-received by teachers, early years practitioners, councillors and senior education officials. In explaining what drives his passion for improving literacy skills, James explained: "Literacy, language and communication skills are a passport to life and work. Having worked closely with occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and educational psychologists to develop the networks of practice across the Northern Alliance, I've had my eyes opened to the wealth of skills that children require to succeed in reading and writing. TOOLKIT link inside

1 November 2019

BT Public Payphone Consultation - 55 To Be Objected To By Highland Council
BT are proposing to remove 110 payphones across The Highland Council area. Under Ofcom guidelines, the Local Authorities are responsible for co-ordinating consultation responses on behalf of their local community for any proposed removal of public payphones. Objections to removal can be made, but this must be based on evidence of need. Following a two-phase community consultation, Highland Council has received 163 representations regarding BT's proposals to remove 110 public call boxes from across the Highland region. On 7 November 2019, Members of the Council's Environment, Development and Infrastructure committee will be asked to consider and agree a response to BT.

Wick High Street Sees Change
High Streets every where are under pressure but stil new businesses are stating up to fill some gaps.  Newlwy opened at 45 High Street, Wick is Cafe Express in the premises recently occupied by Divas and Dudes children's clothes store.

29 October 2019

Two Caithness Community Councils Collapse As Failure to Get Enough Candidates
Caithness West and Tannach and District community Counils failed to get enough candidates by the nomination deadline yeasterday.  Thurso and Watten community councils will have postal ballots as they attracted more nominations than positions......There is a withdrawal period between Wednesday 30th and 4pm on Friday 1 November where candidates for these 20 community councils can choose to withdraw their nomination. Ballot papers will be posted out on Friday 15 November and must be returned by 12 noon Wednesday, 4 December 2019.

29 October 2019

John O Groats Trail and Northern Pilgrims' Way Meeting
Trustees of the The John O Groats Trail and members of the steering group for the Northern Pilgrims' Way had a joint meeting on the 24th October at the Bannockburn Inn, Helmsdale. The main item for discussion was how they could co-operate to further the aims of both groups. The Northern Pilgrims' Way is a fairly new group who are working to re-establish the ancient pilgrimage route between St Duthac's, Tain and St Magnus Cathedral, Kikwall. As parts of the pilgrimage route overlap with the JOGT,which follows the coast from Inverness to John O Groats, it seemed sensible for both groups to work together. The NPW will benefit from the greater experience and higher profile of the more-established JOGT and the JOGT will benefit from the added historical interest in the places on their route and, hopefully, an increase in the numbers of people walking the route.

Highland Council Cuts 800,000+ Miles With Enterprise Car Club Saving £400,000
Highland Council saves £400,000 And 377 Tonnes Of CO2 In First 12 Months With Enterprise. The Highland Council has reduced its annual business mileage by more than 825,000 miles and made cost savings in excess of £400,000 in the first 12 months since introducing Enterprise Car Club, part of global vehicle rental group, Enterprise Holdings. This represents a 15% reduction in overall business travel costs. The council's grey fleet mileage has fallen by nearly a quarter (22%) and its overall business mileage has dropped by 13%. A fleet of 60 Enterprise Car Club vehicles located across 21 Highland Council offices is now available for booking by the hour or day by employees who would have previously used a private car and claimed mileage reimbursement, sometimes referred to as the ‘grey fleet'. Enterprise Car Club is also used as an alternative to daily rental in many locations, as it has proven to be a more efficient choice.

Teaming Up To Tackle Entanglement In Fishing Gear
In the first workshop of its kind in Europe, creel fishermen and women from around Scotland gathered in the Highlands to tackle the problem of marine animal entanglement. Organised by the Scottish Entanglement Alliance (SEA) and funded by the University Innovation Fund through Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), 20 creel fishermen and women from the Clyde up to Shetland travelled to Ullapool to work alongside project partners with the aim of encouraging better reporting of entanglements, widen Scotland's existing entanglement response network, and share insights to better understand, mitigate and respond to incidents. British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme (SMASS), the Scottish Creel Fishermen's Federation (SCFF), Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) provided training in the first in a series of workshops.

Gail Ross MSP Has Launched A Consultation On Remote Rural Communities
At a gathering in Wick town hall on Monday 28th October 2019 Gail Ross MSP launched a consultation on a remote rural communities bill that would be similar protection for mainland communities as the 2018 Islands Act for Scottish islands. Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP Gail Ross is proposing the legislation, which would mean public bodies would have to take the impact on remote rural communities into account when making policy. The Islands Act sets out duties for Scottish ministers and a new bill would also create a duty for Scottish ministers to publish a national remote rural plan.

27 October 2019

Councillor Struan Mackie Promoting Dounreay Expertise in Japan
As part of the nuclear sector deal, to foster ever-stronger links between the British and Japanese nuclear industry, Councillor Struan Mackie who represents Thurso and North West Caithness (Deputy-Chair of the Dounreay Stakeholder Group) undertook a five day Japanese visit to discuss the impact of nuclear decommissioning on local communities with stakeholders in Tsuruga City, Fukui prefecture. The whistle-stop visit included two days in Tsuruga on , the home of the Japanese Atomic Energy Agencies fast reactor ‘Monju', is generally regarded to be a ‘partner plant' to Dounreay's PFR in Caithness. The trip, supported by the British Embassy, also included a formal meeting with Tsuruga City's Mayor Takanoby Fuchikami and the delivery of a speech on the Caithness and North Sutherland Community at the British Embassy.

New Ferry mv Alfred Set For First Crossing Of Pentland Firth
Friday 1st November 2019 will see the first trip with passengers and vehicles. mv Alfred can carry up to 430 passengers and 98 cars, or 54 cars and 12 articulated vehicles/coaches. The company has anticipated that in future there should be no problems getting booked on.




Walkabout in Kirkwall to the Harbour

25 October 2019

Still Tme To Bid In the Brochtober Auction
Some great pieces on offer from artists in support of the Caithness Broch project.
These pieces were imagined and created by 42 artists (and 1 poet!), each with their own vision and ideas inspired by the brief we gave them: to create a piece of work based on brochs, their place in the landscape, the finds from within them, and their shape. We also offered the artists the opportunity to base their work on the art and life of John Nicolson, a local farmer who assisted in a number of early excavations of brochs in Caithness, as well as being a self-taught painter and carver.
Online auction closes 10pm Sunday 27th October Final auction night hosted by Lyth Arts Centre and run by Cashpoint Auctions, 7-9pm Friday 1st November.

Planning Successful Crofting Succession
Crofters planning for the often daunting and complex process of passing their business on to the next generation are being offered the chance to register for a bespoke webinar. Crofters face unique challenges whether that be crofting law, remote markets or generally smaller business sizes. Facilitated by SAC Consulting - part of Scotland's Rural College, the Crofting Succession webinar will guide crofters through the steps of the succession journey including how to start the conversation, who to involve and how to make sure all generations are heard.

22 October 2019

Parking Charges Debate - New Off-street Parking Charges Could Generate Local Investment
A new off-street parking policy which could generate income for local investment, will be considered on Thursday by members of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure (EDI) Committee. Chair of the Committee, Cllr Allan Henderson said: "The Council manages infrastructure comprising some 4,000 miles of roads, 100 harbours, 1,400 bridges and over 200 schools. Each year, there is a reducing pot of money to invest in local infrastructure and services, and to find solutions for tourist congestion and traffic management across the region.
The threat for local coucnillors In 2018 was and is still there - "Where local/ city committees decide not to apply new charges or increase charges and this results in a shortfall against budgeted sums agreed by Council, then local/city committees will agree how to deal with the shortfall of income, i.e. they will decide which other Community Services budgets to reduce. They will make these decisions based on evidence, including workforce implications and they can engage communities on the options for service reductions."

20 October 2019

CHAT Team Visit To The New Balfour Hospital in Orkney







Is It Crunch time For Parking Charges?
A special meeting of the Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee of Highland council has been called for Thursday 24th October 2019 at 10.30am in council chambers in Inverness. The only agenda item is 'Off Street' parking but as of today (Sunday 20 October 2019) the paper has still to be published on the web page. It is likely that parking charges would be referred to local councillors for decisions according to previous papers and the one produced for the Redesign Board on 1ST MAY 2018.

16 October 2019

Wick Street Design - Get Along Or Do It Online but Do Put Your Ideas Forward
We have heard it for years "Why is no one doing anything about the centre of Wick"  Well now finally something is happening but first Sustrans who have been commissioned to come up with something want to hear from you.  Separate from that the newly formed Wick Development Trust will take a hard look at what comes out of any report..  And things are happening such as the council have agreed to resurface the riverside car park and make some other changes in that area.  The newly formed trust is in the process of getting its legal documents in order but first lets hear from as many people as possible in this survey as a first step.

15 October 2019

Dunnet Bay Distillers Is Scottish Gin Distillery Of The Year At The Scottish Gin Awards 2019
The national awards programme which celebrates excellence in Scottish gin has revealed the names of the best gins made in Scotland this year, as part of its 3rd annual competition. The Scottish Gin Awards revealed the winners last night following a rigorous judging process involving 30 leading experts from across the UK, the assessment of 104 written entries and the blind tasting of 173 gins, all distilled in Scotland. The ultimate award, Scottish Gin Distillery of the Year, was presented to Caithness-based Dunnet Bay Distillers after phenomenal growth in demand for their Rock Rose Gins worldwide.

2 October 2019

Blasting At Berriedale Braes - Change Of Date
CHANGE OF DATE) 8th and 15th October 2019 RJ McLeod (Contractors) Ltd has been progressing the construction of the road alignment works on the A9 at Berriedale Braes on behalf of Transport Scotland. Further to the previous notice, our recent blast on the 24th September was more successful than anticipated. This has resulted in the requirement to process significantly more rock than originally envisaged.

Time Running Out For Telephone Box Consultation 2019
The Highland council has been running a consultation about the removal of 110 telephone boxes in Highland. The last list showed there had been no objections for the removal of Caithness telephone boxes in Castletown, Halkirk and Latheron. The consultation closes - no later than 23:59 on 24/10/2019.

               Community Index

1 October 2019

Taste North - The Food Festival At John O'Groats
Taste North 2019 - Sunday 6th October 2019 11am to 4.30pm at Together Travel - John O'Groats. Taste North 2019 will feature many foodie and family activities throughout the day including chef's demonstrations, cocktail masterclasses and workshops. Our incredible guest of honour this year is Jean Christophe Novelli who will conduct a number of live cooking demonstrations and be charged with choosing the winner of the annual baking contest, the Taste North Challenge. Our Exhibitor's Market will offer everyone the opportunity to sample food from local eateries and producers, taste our local tipples and see an array of artisan crafts from right here in Caithness & Sutherland. For families there will be plenty of children's entertainment and various opportunities for them to get their hands sticky and learn where their food comes from.   Entry To The Festival is FREE but make sure you have your parking ticket if local for free parking otherwise its £2.

30 September 

Could You Help Shape The Future Of Wick High Street?
Wickers are being given the chance to help transform their High Street into a more vibrant, accessible and a welcoming place for everyone to spend time in, as part of the Town Centre Regeneration. The Wick Street Design project is being delivered by Sustrans Scotland in partnership with The Highland Council, Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council and Local Councillors. Local residents, business and community groups are invited to drop in to the Highland Council Offices between 2:00 and 6:00pm on Thursday 17th October 2019 to find out more about the project. There will also be refreshments as well as child-friendly activities. There also will be an evening session between 7:00-9:00pm at the Pulteney Centre.

29 September 2019

New Advice Service For Parents Carers and Children










innogy Launches Flexible Wind Farm Fund To Increase Employment Potential
· Bad á Cheò Wind Farm Education & Training Fund created to benefit local residents.
· £133,250 fund per annum now open for applications from residents and community groups.
Following extensive local consultation on the use of the renewables community fund associated with Bad á Cheò Wind Farm, innogy Renewables UK is delighted that local community councils have agreed to increase its flexibility by distributing the monies not only to community groups but also to individual residents for the purposes of increasing their employment potential. Now open for applications, the Bad á Cheò Wind Farm Community Fund, valued at £133,250 per annum and index linked to the Retail Price Index (RPI), will enable the funding of local community projects as well as bursaries to access training and education opportunities for individuals living within the community council areas of Latheron, Lybster & Clyth, Halkirk District and Watten.

19 September 2019

Community Projects Benefit Over £80k In CNS Fund Latest Funding
Seven community projects are to benefit from over £80k of funding following the Caithness & North Sutherland Fund's latest grant awards. CNSFund Chairperson David Glass said "Our latest funding includes improvements to youth activities, community and recreational facilities as well as progressing an ambitious project to establish a major visitor attraction in Caithness. We are pleased to have received a good level of applications and we continue to encourage community groups to come forward with proposals that will enhance the Caithness & North Sutherland area."

11 September 2019

Wick Indoor Market First Day Success
The First Saturday of the trial Indoor Market in the foyer of the Caithness Council offices in Wick was a great success.  Three more Saturdays will see a different variety of stalls.  The venture is part of the Wick's community council activities to try to increase footfall in the town centre.

3 September 2019

Dounreay Apprentices Celebrate Completion Of Training Scheme
Seven Dounreay apprentices have received their indenture certificates at a special event to mark the successful conclusion of their 4-year training programme. The latest group ‘graduating' joined the company in 2015 - the 60th year apprentices had been part of the workforce at Dounreay and the first time in more than a decade that design office apprentices had been recruited.

24 August 2019

A Life Time Of Adventures In Glass - Solo Exhibition By Denis Mann
Currently on at North Lands Creative in Lybster, Caithness " A Life Time of Adventures in Glass" a solo exhibition by renowned Caithness artist and craftsman, Denis Mann. This retrospective collection features highly regarded works spanning Denis' accomplished career. Denis joined Caithness Glass in 1970 where he worked for many years as an artist, designer and engraver. Today Denis works as an independent artist and engraver at his studio in Wick. Among Denis's many accolades, he is perhaps most acclaimed for his work designing and engraving the Master Mind Trophy.

20 August 2019

Action and Adventure For Young People With Air Cadets In Caithness
If you're a fan of aviation, action and adventure, love sports and getting to know people then you're in the right place. Every year nearly 56,000 air cadets and volunteer staff take part in exciting events all over the country. And with over 1,000 squadrons across the UK, you could be one of them.

19 August 2019

A Warm Highland Welcome For Probationer Teachers
One hundred and seventeen (117) probationer teachers were recently welcomed to Highland at an Induction course held at Millburn Academy in Inverness. The probationer teachers' induction day is the first of a number of professional learning events throughout the year specifically arranged to support probationer teacher induction and their ongoing professional learning.

18 August 2019

Black Saturday Anniversary Flotilla of Boats At Wick Bay  - Photos
Black Saturday was, as reported at the time, a ‘fearful calamity'. In Wick Bay, alone, some 37 fishermen lost their lives, with countless more perishing around the coasts. Black Saturday, tragedy as it was, only accounts for a small proportion of the total numbers of seafarers lost to the sea along the Caithness coasts, over the decades. To recognise and remember all those seafarers who lost their lives, a Seafarers Memorial Group has been established with the aim of designing and erecting an appropriate memorial that will provide a lasting place of remembrance. 40 boats sailed out with the flotilla into Wick Bay where wreaths were laid.

13 August 2019

Public Warned Of Algal Bloom Presence At Loch Watten, Caithness
The Highland Council is warning the public of the presence of an algal bloom at Loch Watten, Caithness, following an examination of sample water on Monday (12/08/19). As a precautionary measure, environmental health have posted notices next to the water body, warning that contact with the algal scum or material should be avoided. Adjoining landowners and fishing interests have been advised of the situation as have NHS Highland and SEPA.

Archaeology Dig to start at Iron Age site in Caithness
The University of the Highlands and Islands Archaeology Institute, in partnership with the Yarrows Heritage Trust, are preparing for a fourth season of excavation at the Burn of Swartigill in Thrumster, Caithness, Scotland. Previous seasons of excavation at the site have uncovered a complex of Iron Age structures, which are providing an important window into Iron Age society away from the monumental architecture of the Brochs.  The 2019 excavations commence on 19th of August and will continue until 8th of September. The site is located near Thrumster House, a few miles south of Wick......Tours are available and the archaeologists will be on site every day of the week between Monday 19th and Thursday 29th of August 2019. The excavation will then continue from Tuesday 3rd of September until Sunday 8th of September 2019. Volunteers are welcome and you don't need any archaeological experience to take part. Contact studyarchaeology@uhi.ac.uk for more information or arrive on the day!

10 August 2019

Black Saturday Anniversary Flotilla of Boats At Wick Bay
Black Saturday was, as reported at the time, a ‘fearful calamity'. In Wick Bay, alone, some 37 fishermen lost their lives, with countless more perishing around the coasts. Black Saturday, tragedy as it was, only accounts for a small proportion of the total numbers of seafarers lost to the sea along the Caithness coasts, over the decades. To recognise and remember all those seafarers who lost their lives, a Seafarers Memorial Group has been established with the aim of designing and erecting an appropriate memorial that will provide a lasting place of remembrance. Black Saturday, so named, happened on the morning of Saturday 19th August 1848 when the scale of the tragedy became obvious. The boats left as usual on the Friday afternoon but by the evening, the beginnings of a colossal storm became evident. Many of the boats began to head for home but in the early hours of the morning the severity of the storm caused boats to crash against each other as they tried to gain the mouth of the harbour. By way of remembrance of those lost during Black Saturday, and the many more seafarers lost over the years, the Seafarers Memorial Group, along with others, have organised a commemorative wreath laying ceremony on Sunday 18th August 2019. From 2pm on Sunday 18th August 2019 a flotilla of boats, led by the Isabella Fortuna will leave Wick Harbour and assemble in Wick Bay where a wreath will be laid in the waves.

9 August 2019

UNIQUE STEAM DRIFTER LOTTIE 'SAILS' HOME TO WICK
An unique ship from the 'golden era' of Wick's herring catching and food-processing industries has 'sailed back' to her home-port, over 70 years since she ceased having a prominent role at Wick Harbour. A fine model of the Wick steam drifter Lottie (WK 15) has been bequeathed to The Wick Society by the family of late Mr Jack Slorach, who served for decades at the school dentist for the county of Sutherland. Lottie is unique in being the only stream drifter built at Wick that went on to spend her entire 40-year career based at the Caithness port. Mr Slorach was a keen collector of model ships and other antiques at his home in Golspie.

8 August 2019

Wick Players Invite You To A Script Reading Of Aladdin To Pick The Cast of Aladdin
Christmas is coming and preparations are already getting underway at Wick Players for this years pantomime.  If you would like to take part then go along to the Clubrooms in Moray Street,Wick on 20th August at 7.00pm.

7 August 2019

Wind Farms and Other Community Funders in Caithness Listings
Recently we have been building a listing of communcity grant funders available to Caithness organisations.  Just added are the Achlachan Wind Farm Fund and the Achlachan Mini Fund.  The funders all have different criteria and boundary areas but at least you can now quickly find the web sites for all the information and application forms all in one place.  If anyone know of other funders not yet in our listing please send details to bill@caithness.org to add to the listing.

2 August 2019

Mey Highland Games Secures Major Sponsorship Deal With Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
The Mey Highland Games has agreed received a major sponsorship package totalling £15k with from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), the executive non-departmental public body responsible for the safe clean-up of the UK's earliest nuclear sites. NDA is a major contributor to the economy of Caithness, which is home to Dounreay, and Mey Highland Games is the latest local organisation to benefit from NDA support.
Mey Games at John O'Groats Saturday 3rd August 2019 10.00am - 4.00pm.

30 July 2019

Wick Gala 2019 - Children's Fancy Dress







New Funding Opportunities in the Community Pages

John O'Groat Mill Trust Wins £1,000 Movement For Good award
The John O'Groats Mill Trust has won a £1,000 Movement for Good award thanks to nominations from the public. The John O'Groats Mill Trust was nominated to win a £1,000 boost as part of specialist insurer Ecclesiastical's Movement for Good awards , which is giving £1million to charities this summer. Members of the public were invited to nominate causes close to their hearts, with 500 gifts of £1,000 available for donation. The John O'Groats Mill Trust was one more than 7,000 charities which were nominated by an amazing 98,000 members of the public to be in for a chance to win a financial boost.

Another Batch of Wick Gala 2019 Photos Thanks To Alistair Sinclair







We are happy to add any other photos if you would like to add to the gallery.  
Just email them to bill@caithness.org

28 July 2019

Halkirk Highland Games 2019







Wick Gala 2019  - 400 Photos

26 July 2019

Rare Bird In Caithness - Pink or Rose Coloured Starling
Spotted by crofters Stephen and Susan Cox on Thursday 25th July 2019 was a rare visitor to Roster in Caithness. "A pink starling aka the Rosy Coloured Starling is staying on our croft."

24 July 2019

Living Well Event - Book Now 
11 September 2019 - The Nucleus, Wick
If you are living with any long term condition in the Highland area this event is for YOU! Specialist talks on Self Management, Living with Fatigue, Pain Management and Hope will be available via video link to all venues. Exhibitors at each venue will offer you the opportunity to find out more about local services.

22 July 2019

Looking Back - Caithness.org July 2009   Wick Gala 2003   July 2005   Thurso Gala 2003   County Show 2003
Caithness Folk Oil Photos 2005 - Can any of you send recent oil related photos to show where you work in the world.

WHOOPS XXIII
A great chance to see what the junior Thurso  Players havebeen learning at the workshops in recent months.








The McDonald Collection - Wick photo exhibition
HUNDREDS of photographs of Wick life spanning more than half a century are to go on show during the town's gala week. They will form an exhibition called The McDonald Collection being held at the St Fergus Church Hall for one day only on Wednesday, 31st July 2019. On display will be more than 450 prints from the archives of McDonald Photographers, the family business in Shore Lane run for many years by Janet McDonald and her late husband Ian. There will be a mix of black-and-white and colour photographs taken at community events, special occasions and other assignments covered by the McDonalds in Wick and district from around 1950 until the early 2000s.


Sunday Family Fun Day Events 28th July
Spoilt for choice with two family fun events   Dunnet Bay     Rumster Forest     So get the kids out for the day.

21 July 2019

Adaptive athletes aiming to smash world records at Mey Highland Games
FOLLOWING last year's new World Records, athletes from around the world are preparing to raise the bar even higher. In 2018 Mey Highland Games became Scotland's first ever Para Highland Games. Athletes from Help for Heroes, Uncle Sam's Highlanders and Lothian Disability Sport attending the 2019 Games. Pioneering Games secures support of the Duke of Windsor's Invictus Foundation. Competitors from around the world are in training to attend the Mey Highland Games 2019, including adaptive athletes from across the UK, the United States and Australia.
SATURDAY 3rd AUGUST 2019  10.00AM - 4.00PM

20 July 2019

Caithness County Show 2019 - Saturday Photos Start HERE
Hundreds of photos now added to the gallery including mosot of the days happenings - horses, clydesdales, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, children's races, people, champions parade, vintage tractors parade, sheaf tossing, dog show, and many many more around the show today.

19 July 2019

Caithness County Show 2019 - Friday Photos 







Caithness County Show 2019 - Friday Evening and All Day Saturday
Another great county show in store for the weekend at Riverside, Wick.  The weather forecast is for light showers but not until after 4.00pm.  Possibilty of a light shower before 10.00am so we have a 6 hour window when hoepfully things should be fine.  But hey this is Caithness and we all know all weather is possible at any time.  It never rains on the golf course or the county show - you just go and enjoy it.  See you all there.





Can You Afford To Build Your Own Home?  
Peter Body of Thermohaus sets out the finance
This is the second article in a series to help anyone thinking of building their own house by seting out the basics, the finance and much more to show how anyone can do it with the right advice. Before you begin planning your new home it is imperative you set a budget. And, as your build progresses, you must monitor the spend to ensure you stay within budget. We've all seen the TV self-build programmes such Grand Designs and the mess some self-builders get themselves into.
The first article published recently was -
Building Your Own Home Is Easier Than You May Think

17 July 2019

Community Fund Awards Over £70k To Support Leisure Activities!
The Caithness & North Sutherland Fund has committed over £70k to six community projects in its latest round of grant awards. CNSFund Chairperson David Glass said "This latest investment supports improvements to recreational amenities and events in Caithness & North Sutherland, helping to ensure that people living and visiting our area can enjoy a high standard of leisure activities. All of these projects are overseen by volunteers who work hard to improve the quality of life for our communities and we are pleased to support them in achieving their plans."

9 July 2019

Thurso Heritage Society Talk - A Top Detective Came From Thurso
Thurso Heritage Society will host an illustrated talk and book signing with the guest speaker, author Adam Wood at the Royal British Legion, 7:30 pm Friday 19th July 2019 with a book signing, 10 am - 1 pm Saturday 20th July at Thurso Library. The book, is the first biography about Thurso born, Donald Swanson who would begin life in humble beginnings. He left the far north of Scotland for London in 1867 and became the top detective in the country in charge of the C. I. D. (Criminal Investigation Department)

7 July 2019

Green Road Playpark, Wick Refurbished By Volunteers
A group of about a dozen volunteers have done a huge amount of work on refurbishing the playpark equipment at Green Road, Wick. Old equipment was repaired and everything got a lick of paint. Some new items that had been languishing in a council store were built up and installed. On big basket swing even had some part made by a 3D printer when they could not source spares from the manufacturers as they no longer had that line. The high school made the parts and you can see them in white in the photo as all the other parts are black. New goalposts have been obtained and installed and the pitch lined. Funds raised from various sources and more is yet to come as the group shortly hope to install a zip slide also sitting in a council store. Local contractors have pitched and the council workmen offered advice on safety and how to do a few things. Well done to all concerned as this really was a community project with a great result. There was plenty to see and do for kids including Face painting and goal scoring skills against Wick Academy goal keeper.    Friends of Green Road Playpark FACEBOOK

6 July 2019

Canisbay Show 2019














Earlier Years Canisbay Shows HERE

5 July 2019

Great News - Fiends of Green Park Road, Wick Have Successfully Refurbished all the Play Park Equipment
To celebrate they are having a Fun Day on Sunday 7th July 12:00 - 2:00.

3 July 2019

External Force Asked To Review Death Of Kevin Mcleod
Police Scotland has asked for an independent review into the death of a man whose body was recovered from Wick Harbour more than 20 years ago. Senior representatives of Police Scotland and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service met with the family of Kevin Mcleod earlier today to inform them that, following consultation with the Lord Advocate, Chief Constable Iain Livingstone has requested Merseyside Police carry out a detailed review of the case under the direction of the Crown. The initial investigation into Mr Mcleod's death in 1997 by Northern Constabulary will be reviewed, along with all further inquiries carried out by Police Scotland since its formation in 2013. Mr Mcleod, an electrician, was last seen in the early hours of February 8, 1997, as he enjoyed a night out with friends in the Caithness town. His body was recovered from the sea the following day.

Lyth Summer Exhibition Launch  - Saturday 6th July 4.00 - 8.00pm
Join us for the opening of our Summer Exhibition Mountains Underwater: Stroma.

The exhibition also features work by local artists, film and audio recordings of Stroma histories, island artefacts and extracts of recent UHI research conducted on the island. Join us from 4pm for a first look and a celebratory drink at the opening of this exciting new exhibition.

All welcome


Highlands and Islands MSP raises concerns about cancelled operations
Operations had to be cancelled across NHS Highland because hospitals simply could not cope, new figures reveal. Data published by ISD Scotland shows that 45 operations were cancelled in May 2019 due to non-clinical reasons such as not having enough staff or unclean equipment.




Canisbay Show - Saturday 6 July 2019
Lots on this year ,

LeisureLink Partners added in time for Summer - More With Your Highlife Card
Just in time for the school holidays LiveBorders has joined the LeisureLink partnership to provide access for highlife leisure members holidaying in the Borders this summer, and adding another eight leisure centres to the partnership. This means that highlife members can now enjoy gym and swim at leisure facilities when on holiday in the Borders, Western Isles, Argyll and Bute, Orkney and Moray for free as part of their existing membership.
   Sports Index

2 July 2019

Summer Holidays Childrens Events With The Rangers 2nd July 2019
Ranger events for children in the summer holidays



For a full list of ranger events for adults and kids see HERE






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