News Archive - February 2002
28th February 2002
Jet Ski -
Turns Up the Heat At Seal Island
A Jet skier was
churning up the water today at Seal Island in Thurso River today. As
he roared back and forward between the arches of the bridge it was not
known if this was the latest scare tactic to try to move the seals away
from the area they have been taking over from time to time over the last
few months. Recently the river workers erected a fence on the island
to try to dissuade the seals from returning. Maybe the jet skier was
practising for the summer. Must have been freezing today.
Caithness Utd Under 12's Team
They
recently beat Elgin 4-2 at Thurso. Caithness.Org new Sports Picture Galleries are under construction.
If you have a sports picture of a team past or present or an event send in
the picture for inclusion. There is no charge for this and all
photographers will be acknowledged. The pictures can be any sports
event - action, presentations team pictures etc.
Jumpnshout Concert Inverness
Jumpnshout pop roadshows, takes place at the Eden Court
Theatre on Tuesday 16 April 2002, and tickets go on sale from the Box
Office on Saturday 2 March 2002. Bands appearing at the pop concerts
include chart-toppers Flip and Fill, featuring Kelly Llorenna, Darude, Daphne
and Celeste, 3SL (the boy band managed by Lisa from Steps), and even Robbie
Williams Massive Head. More and more bands are signing up all the time.
Census Sidelights On Victorian Caithness - Part Two
The previous article described some patterns of internal
migration between sample sections of four Caithness parishes as revealed
in the 1851 census. The sections studied comprised 40 households in Bower,
63 in the Brough area of Dunnet, 42 in the Achater-Forsie-Assery area of
Halkirk and 43 households in the Auckingill area of Canisbay.
Extra Roads Repair
Money
The campaign being mounted by The Highland Council to win more funding for
roads maintenance has recorded an early success with news that the
Scottish Executive is to allow the council to spend an extra £1.79 million
on road repairs over the next few months. At the present rate of
progress, the Council is only able to resurface a road every 200 years.
Better keep those horses in training....more
New Act For More
Women MP's
The Act amends the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 and the Sex
Discrimination (Northern Ireland) so that parts will not apply to measures
adopted by a party to reduce inequality in the numbers of men and women
elected as its candidates. Britain has one of the lowest levels of
women MPs in Europe, just 18 per cent, compared with 43 per cent in Sweden and
31 per cent in Germany.
People First Meetings And Speakers Organised For March & May
Miller Academy
1955-56 Class 1A
The
latest picture in Schooldays
galleries is this one from David Farquhar who now lives in Houston,
Texas. David tells us "The names were a joint effort
between myself (David Farquhar - now of Houston, Texas), Ian Sinclair (of
I. & M. Sinclair, Electrical Contractors, Thurso), and Catherine Robertson
(Nicolson) (of Nicolson Engineering, Bower), all of whom are in the
photo." Thanks to all of you for great global teamwork.
Miller Academy -
Castletown Section 1946 2A - 2B
Many thanks to Sheila Moir for sending us the names
to go with this picture from 1946. This was her class and she still
lives in Scarfskerry
27th February 2002
James Bremner 1784 - 1856
Shipbuilder
One
of the most famous shipbuilders in Scotland - James Bremner born in Keiss
in 1784. He built over 50 ships and raised 236 shipwrecks and
recovered the S.S. Great Britain after it was grounded on the coast of
Ireland. He built many harbours on the Moray Firth coast and was
regarded as one of the foremost of his day in engineering and design.
He combined expertise with ingenuity in solving many problems. He
died in Wick in 1856.
Freswick
- Looking Towards Freswick House
Freswick
may be a tranquil rural place today but it has a very long history
covering many periods smilar to the rest of Caithness. From earliest
times through the Bronze Age, Pcitish Brochs, Medieval Scottish Castles.
The Vikings lived here as has been shown by the excavations some years ago
on the middens on the foreshore. The recent re-excavation of the
Everley Broch
continuing this summer will possibly find more evidence.
A Little Egyptian Feature In Thurso - Do You Know What It Might Be?
Thurso Bay
If
you are looking at the places round the end of the Thurso River you just
have to keep walking along the coast to get this view of Thurso Bay that
goes all the way round to
Scrabster and Holborn Head with its
lighthouse.
The Wick Charter
The charter a copy of which still hangs in Wick Town
Hall was published in the Caithness Field Club Bulletin of March 1990
following the Quatercentenary of 1989 - Starts - James, by the Grace of
God, King of the Scots, to all true men of his whole land, Clergy and
Laity, Greeting. Know ye that we, understanding that not only are the
revenues or income of our crown increased by the industry and increase of
Free Burghs within our Kingdom; and ends At Edinburgh, the twenty
fifth day of the month of September, in the year of our Lord, One thousand
five hundred and eighty nine, and the twenty third of our reign.
Read The Wick
Charter.
Some Folklore
About Plants And Flowers
This article by the late Hettie Munro and published
in the Caithness field Club bulletin of March 1990 draws together a range
of information and tales that show how useful are many of the things that
are still grown but have many uses beyond just a pretty plant in a border.
Hettie Munro added many other useful snippets of information and even some
weather tips.
26th February 2002
Wings Over Wick - Glad To Land
Continuing the wartime experiences of
the people who were involved at Wick compiled by Hillhead
School in 1991. Although not stationed at Wick some
airmen were only too delighted to land there. We received two such replies
-
D
Thomas, Eaton, Grantham.
Frank Harper, Pathfinders,
North Cornwall,
Coming soon - Airfield & Aircraft Defence - accounts of the people
in the Seaforth regiment and later RAF regiments involved with the defence
against attacking aircraft.
Bught O'Camm - Island Of Stroma
One of the latest entries in the castle section is
this small entry on a fort on the island of Stroma. Later in the
summer we will try to get pictures of this fort. If anyone has one
then get in touch.
Introduction To Mestag Castle - Stroma
Robert Richmond draws together a little of what is
known about the castle - robbers, pirates as well as the Sinclairs have
had a hand in the place. Almost a movie all on its own.
Latest
Newsletter From E Accessibility Reproduced Here
All the latest news on the technology front for
blind and visually impaired people and their families. Contact
information is on the page for you to get this free newsletter every month
in your email. Keeping you up to date with all the latest on the
technology and information.
Singer Spearheads Song
Initiative
The
Highland Council has appointed award winning singer Fiona MacKenzie from
Dingwall as the first recipient of Caidreachas Rrain G`idhlig M`iri Mhrr -
The
Mary MacPherson Gaelic Song Fellowship which will be the first Fellowship
in
Scotland to be totally dedicated to the research and development of Gaelic
Song. Fiona is a well kent face in Caithness having been in
the county many times as guest of the Caithness Gaelic Choir and at the
Mod in Wick a few years ago. She is often in the north in demand at ceilidhs and other gatherings.
New Chairman For UKAEA
Denis Tunnicliffe, CBE, the former Chief Executive of
London Transport, has been appointed Chairman of the United Kingdom Atomic
Energy Authority following the retirement of Sir Kenneth Eaton.....more
Clachnaharry Bridge,
Inverness - Replacement
Planning permission has been granted by The Highland Council for Railtrack
to proceed with the £750,000 replacement of the deck of the Clachnaharry
Bridge, Inverness. Weight restrictions will be imposed until October when
work begins.
More boats At Scrabster Harbour
Company Car Tax And Excise Duty
Changes
Businesses and individuals with company cars should by now be aware of the
changes to company car tax that comes into effect from April 2002. The
changes for income tax mean that benefits will be calculated using the CO2
emissions. Companies may pay more through the increased scale benefits
and individuals might be paying more through the removal of the high mileage
allowances and by running an inefficient car.
Prince's
Scottish Youth Business Trust Exhibition
Showing just what folk can do if
given a chance The Highland Region of
Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust (PSYBT) is presenting a small exhibition of portraits featuring PSYBT
clients past and present, from across our Region. These near
life-size photographs have been commissioned from Clive Grewcock, based in
Sutherland himself an ex-PSYBT client, and will form the basis an
awareness campaign this year. Two of the featured
businesses are run by people in Caithness - Beauty Within and Lanmara
Glass.
25th February 2002
Wick Bay As a Storm Gets Going
On Monday Afternoon
The
snow was on its way out but a storm was coming in with lots of rain
behind it. Washed away the snow tonight though. Lots of
flooding on roads and ion low lying ground all over the county tonight
Junior Exec - Scottish Parliament
The Young Persons Scottish Parliament Web Site.
Aiming to engage younger folk in the girations of how Scotland is being
run. Good Start but they will have to run fast if they are to
maintain interest. Check it out and let us have your comments on
the Message Board
Benefits Agency
Newsletter - 25 February 2002 Winter 2001/02 Issue 12
The latest Benefits Agency Newsletter For
Highlands & Islands is reproduced here and includes the following
information:-
Income Support changes affecting people in Residential Care Homes and
Nursing Homes,
Introduction of permitted work rules - From 8 April 2002 new
rules will apply.
Updated Web Sites List &
Local Highland Contacts Directory
Free Business
Advice - In Wick
Ian Thomson Business Adviser with Caithness & Sutherland Enterprise will be in
Wick every second Tuesday from Tuesday 5 March at 34A High Street. No
appointments necessary.
Other Boats Section
There
is a wide variety of small boats around the Caithness coast and this
new section will begin to show the wide range in coming months.
Her is the Karen at Scrabster available for hire for angling and
other trips. Also the pilot boat at wick used to guide large
ships in and out of the harbour area still maintaining a long
tradition and capable of nudging very big weights around the
harbour.
24th February 2002
Still Plenty Of Snow Around In Caithness Today
Banniskirk School
1947
This
latest addition to our School Days
section has been sent in by Jim Dunnet who now lives in Somerset.
Jim tells us it is a copy of a copy and hence the degraded quality
of the picture. If anyone has an original we would like to put
up a better one. The good thing about this picture that must
have come from the John O'Groat Journal is that it has the names of
everyone in the class. Get in touch if you hold a better copy.
Boy Andrew And Opportune In Wick Harbour
Eider At Scrabster
Scrabster
seemed to have an abundance of Eider when we walked round a few days
ago. But most harbours in Caithness provide opportunities to
see a great many different birds. Check out the Ranger notes
today just below.
Ranger Notes From Keiss Beach Today
New Police Station, Wick - Not Much Change From Last Week
History Of Caithness - Chapter Two Completed
The second half of chapter two is now in place
and covers many interesting topics and includes old tales as
well as stories of the viking connections in Caithness and Ireland,
battles, legend, fairytales and more nearly 1000 years ago.
23rd February 2002
A Cargo Of Fertiliser Unloading From The "Alissa" At Wick Harbour
Fighter
Squadrons - Wings Over Wick
Fighter squadrons were based
in Wick for the early months of 1940 as protection for Scapa Flow.
Later the fighter squadron were more likely to be based at the
satellite station of Castletown. Only one reply was received
from a member of a fighter squadron based at Wick.
Mr C H
Grace, Southampton, Hants
George In February
George has been taking it easy though this snowy weather. Not
very fond of the snow despite the excellent fur coat. All
attempts to get some shots in the snow have failed. She knows
her own mind and sitting out in the cold is not on her agenda.
Snow Scenes
From Very Early This Morning In Wick
Here
was the scene at Henrietta Street at 3.30am today. Inside
another picture of Wick from the Room With A View to show how the
snow looks today. But that is nothing compared to the 16 feet
we hear is at the Ord of Caithness over the road. No Milk and
papers in the county for a day or so until its all cleared.
Property Ads At Caithness.Org - Only £20 - Why Pay More?
You only pay once for our property ads.
No repeat monthly charges. A property stays on our web site
until its sold and even if it takes a year you have only paid us £20.
Advertising on the Internet can be very cheap so why pay more.
Our web sites are now averaging 70,000 visits per month and our
property section is now well established. Wherever else you
advertise don't miss this fantastic opportunity to get your land or
property seen by this huge audience. Rented property -
same deal.
22nd February 2002
Wings
Over Wick - Torpedo
Squadrons
After the German invasion of
Norway, the Germans often used Norwegian fiords to hide their large
battleships. Wick and the satellite station of Skitten often housed
squadrons of torpedo bombers, which could be used to attack such
shipping targets. The following letters were received from men
involved in such activity -
F
S Holly, Deganwy, Gwynedd,
J Blyth, Musselburgh,
J A Scorey, Walsall,
West Midlands,
F/Lt W D Barrett,
Stratford on Avon,
Gilbert White,
Hartlepool, Cleveland,
T A McGarry,
Chichester, West Sussex,
J Broombam, Walsall,
West Midlands,
Bill Newby, Sherburn
Village, Durham,
Charles M Tapper,
Christchurch 6, New Zealand,
Latest Nature Notes From The Rangers
Dounreay
Seeking Public Participation In Site Restoration Plan
The UK Atomic Energy Authority today unveiled
proposals to improve public understanding and participation in the
Dounreay Site Restoration Plan.
21st February 2002
Berit L Loading Barley At Wick Harbour Yesterday
Friends Of Newton
Hill Woodland
The
new group had their first meeting on Tuesday and we have set up new
pages for them in the
Environment section in the
Community Pages.
St Fergus
Gallery, Wick &
Swanson Gallery,
Thurso
Both galleries now have their own pages to
replace the combined page. Remember new groups are currently
being listed on the site map
to help find them. And don't forget the search engine at the
foot of every page to help you locate an item you cannot find in the
index pages.
20th February 2002
South Primary School, Wick Has A New Sign
A nice new sign replaces the old battered one at South School, Wick.
We hope to have more photos of the school shortly
Police Warning On
Stolen Credit Cards
Businesses in the Highlands are encouraged to be vigilant for persons
attempting to purchase high value goods, over the phone, with stolen credit
cards.
Dounreay And The
Surrounding Area
You might be forgiven for thinking that all there is at Dounreay is
the large nuclear facility. But the surrounding area is one of
outstanding beauty and has a long history. We already have
pictures of Dounreay Castle and now we will begin to show you the
other features of this part of Caithness.
Snowdrops Have
Been Out For Two Weeks At Forss
While
TV stations are commenting on how early spring is this year in the
south the snowdrops have been out in Caithness for a couple of
weeks. At the Forss
Hotel the small wood was covered in them. The river was in
full flow After all the rain and seemed the ideal angling
spot.
SNH Urged To
Be Cautious On GM Crops
Growing safety concerns have prompted the Convener of The Highland Council,
Councillor David Green, to urge Scottish Natural Heritage to err on the side of
caution in advising on the Genetically Modified Field Scale Evaluation
programme and future commercial growing of GM crops.
Good Catch
For The "Norlantean" K508 On Sunday
About
450 boxes being loaded from the Norlantean K508 the Kirkwall based
boat. Scrabster harbour keeping busy every day.
Caithness Businesses With Web Sites
There is more to getting noticed than just getting your web site up
and running. But one easy and FREE way is to get your
web site in our listings. 181 businesses are already listed
and one or two more will go in tomorrow. If your business
related web site is not listed just let us know and we will add it.
Just send an email to
[email protected] Remember whether you get
your web site from
Scorrie Internet
Services (That's Us) or another company we will list your
web site in Caithness to make sure it can be found.
Sports
web sites have their own listings in our pages so get
checking. Other groups are listed In
Other
Caithness Web Sites
19th February 2002
Loch Toftingall Walk
A
small band completed the walk round Loch Toftingall with the
Highland Rangers on Sunday 17 February. This was on of their
winter series of walks in addition to the bird watching walks also
running this winter. The next walks are on
Sunday 17th March; coastal walk from Lybster/Latheron and Bird Walk
Saturday 16th March bird walk along the Thurso River. Check
Ranger
Pages or
Walking Pages for more details later.
Scrabster New Pier Held Up Slightly But Work Goes On
Berriedale, Australia
Another Caithness name in Australia. Well near enough.
It was enough to get these Caithness travellers out for a picture.
Fishing Boat BF74
"Seagull" Entering And Landing Fish At Scrabster Harbour
With
its modern facilities and being a designated port for certain
species ensures that Scrabster is active at any time. Even on
a Saturday afternoon as here when boats were still arriving with
fish. The major carrier at the port Stevens Transport never
seems to close.
Carbon 14 Dating Confirms Mesolithic Man In Caithness 7770 Years Ago
Excitement is growing in the ranks of the
newly formed Yarrows Heritage Trust with the news that Carbon Dating
has confirmed that the finds made last year are likely to be from
that early date. The newly formed trust is forging ahead with
plans for further studies and archaeological work in coming months.
The trust members are encouraged by the fact that several academic
institutions are interested in carrying the work further. Some
work will begin in March and it is hoped that more will take place
in July with funding being sought for later activity. The
history of Caithness just seems to get bigger.
Property Section Has Land And Industrial Plots For Sale
The property section currently has industrial plots and land for
sale (23 Acres at Bower). With over 70,000 visitors a month
putting a property on the web site gets full particulars out to huge
audience and all for only £20. A once and for all price - no
repeat charges - it's in until its sold. If you have been
checking you will have seen the properties moving off our pages as
they sell.
Snow Dusts The North
Again Over Night
Looks
like a repeat of yesterday but this was taken at 8.15am with the sun
getting going. Sun was still shining at 9.15 with clouds
receding out to sea. But as we all know that can all change in
ten minutes. Different sky though this morning with thick
billowing clouds as opposed to the dark grey yesterday morning.
Hey ho what a great day in the far north - land of the cat
people. Before you ask - think about it Caithness - Cait-ness
Ca....well you get the idea its in the history somewhere.
18th February 2002
Gordon Wilson
Walks In The North
Gordon Wilson well known member of Caithness
Field Club and leader of many a day walking round Caithness and
elsewhere has kindly agreed to publish some of his notes written up
for the web site. Gordon has carried out a great many studies
over the years of places n Caithness, Sutherland and other northern
counties. His interest in history and archaeology has
enlightened many people when out on walks with the Field Club.
The section will contain walks and articles by Gordon and we start
with "Early
History Of Strathnaver"
Thurso In Bloom - Update On Group's Activities
Caithness Gay & Lesbian Group - Change Of Name
Caithness Gay & Lesbian Connection Has Changed to Caithness Gay,
Lesbian and Bisexual Group.
Several Pictures Added To Mary Legg's "Taste Of Argentina" Pages
Voluntary Groups - Recruit Your
Volunteers On Caithness.Org
If your group needs volunteers why not leave a
permanent message on your FREE page on the web site.
Just a few lines or a couple of paragraphs setting out what the
volunteers are expected to do and the rewards and benefits of
working in your organisation. We can also highlight any
special recruitment drives for you here on the front page and in our
volunteering section. Remember it's FREE so you have
nothing to lose. Not sure how to word it? - just give us a
call and we will assist.
Highland
Council Mounts Roads Funding Awareness Campaign
The Highland Council is to write to every householder in the Highlands to raise
awareness of the campaign it has launched to win more funds for roads. An
information leaflet is being enclosed in Council Tax bill (ouch) leaflets,
which will be arriving on 100,000 doorsteps from the week beginning Monday 25
February.
Mestag Castle - Island Of Stroma
Another of
the less well known castles of Caithness. The fact that it is
on an island and not regularly visited makes it all the more
interesting. We do not know as much about this much older
castle. Little remains of it today except the lower courses of
stonework on the cliffs. We hope to put up pictures of the
site in the summer when we will be over on visits to that spot.
Sports Pages
Upgrades
A New
Photo Gallery allowing you to go to specific photo sections
or browse through the pictures without going through the sections is
now in place.
A Site Map
specifically for the sports pages is also now in to help find
organisations.
Light Covering Of Snow
In Wick At 9.00am
A
light covering of snow over a large part of the county as shown by
this picture of Wick today. Later it has begun to melt under a
mix of sunshine and approaching cloud. At 11.20am the snow was
once again falling. So its pretty cold in the county today.
Wick High 1978 Reunion Updated List
A Few Notable Birds Seen By The Rangers Recently
17th February 2002
Looking To Holborn Head Lighthouse From Thurso River Mouth
Holborn Head From Thurso River Mouth
Nine New Wick Girls Pipe Band Pictures
The Sea At Thurso
Just
turn round at Thurso's river mouth for spectacular views of the
coast. the bay in one direction and the waves gently tumbling
in yesterday onto the shore with the cliffs in the distance.
Turn again to see the entrance to the Thurso river. More
coming in both sections.
Canadian Artist Monique Sliedrecht Exhibition Success At Freswick
The three day exhibition running over Friday, Saturday and last day
Monday 18 February is already a big hit with Caithness folk.
On Saturday afternoon the hall was full for most of the afternoon as
people arrived to view and in some case buy the works on display.
Freswick Community Hall showed a real flair for organising the
exhibition. The old hall is what used to be a country school
until 1948. Now refurbished a few years ago with a log fire
kept in place. Monique spoke to the some of the visitors about
her work and hopes to continue to work in the county for a while.
16th February 2002
Seal Problems At Thurso
As Island Fenced Off
The
seals that have over the last few months have taken up residence on
the island on the river Thurso faced another attempt to get them to
move on today. A fence has been erected to prevent access to
the island. The debate about the seals has gone on in
the letters page of the John O'Groat Journal in recent weeks. The river
workers and fishermen fearing the season could be wiped out threatening their
jobs and people who are concerned for the animals. Scare tactics have so
far failed to deter the seals. The fence is the latest attempt to do something
without harming them.
Newton Hill Woodland
- Community Meeting
Newton Hill Woodland is a COMMUNITY woodland but at the moment
suffers from lack of community involvement. The Ranger Service
would like to form a group to help with the future management of the
wood. If you have an interest in woodland then the rangers
would like to hear your views and suggestions at the meeting.
Caithness Names Round The World
And reflecting the above - just
in an entry on Halkirk, Alberta, Canada. Robert Lockwood
over at
This is Halkirk web site tells us he has had several emails
from Halkirk, Canada since he set up the web site.
15th February 2002
Pentland Venture - Orkney Ferry - On The Slip At Wick For Her Annual Paint Job
New Police Station , Wick Today
Disability Rights Commission Monthly Newsletter
The DRC now produces a monthly newsletter with
information on rights and issues surrounding disability. We
reproduce here the February issue for to have a look. If you
would like to get it every month sign up at the DRC web site linked
on the page. Of interest to anyone dealing with disability and
employers and businesses whether on employment, access and
other issues.
Wings Over
Wick
Canadian
Squadrons.
A number of Canadian Squadrons involved in anti U-boat activity and
shipping strikes used Wick as a base in 1943 and 1944. Through the
Canadian Air Crew Association several of these men were contacted by
Hillhead School in the course of this project first published in
1993.
C E Walker, Vancouver, B.C.
F/L Hornell, Canada
- Awarded The Victoria Cross
M A Botham,
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Harry F
Brant, Toronto, Ontario.
D M Asp,
Calgary, Alberta.
W D (Wally)
Thomsett, North Vancouver, BC.
Lloyd M.
Goring, Mississauga, Ontario.
Caithness Place Names
Worldwide
John Page In Australia has sent us these
pictures of places with Caithness names. check out Castlehill
and Castletown, Australia and then let us know of any other places
you have found.
14th February 2002
Thurso River Opened In
Traditional Style
Every
year the Thurso river opens in style with pipes and a dram.
Here at Halkirk the tradition is always kept up. This picture
from a couple of years ago follows the now traditional route.
The piper is the owner of the Forss House Hotel at Forss another
popular angling place
Caithness &
Sutherland Enterprise - January Report
The number of
unemployed in Caithness and Sutherland rose from 1,014 last month to
1,080. The revised unemployment rates in the Sutherland, Wick and
Thurso Travel to Work Areas respectively are as follows
(corresponding figures for last month are shown in brackets) 8.4%
(8.2%), 7.0% (7.0%) and 3.4% (3.3%). Caithness Voluntary
Group Receives £10,000 towards its Rural Transport project, Thurso
Golf Club receives £4800 towards specialist equipment.
Sonya Adamson, Lybster was awarded
assistance towards setting up a business producing cross-stitch
kits. In addition to a range consisting of mainly Caithness and
Scottish themes. Many of her Caithness themes are based on
pictures from Caithness.Org such as castles, lighthouses, harbours etc.
New Higher
Council Tax Rates For 2002
The new rates for the various bands of council
tax for 2002 are -
Band A, £626; B, £730; C, £835; D, £939;
E, £1,148; F, £1,356; G, £1,565; H, £1,878. Highland Councillors have
agreed to contain a Council Tax increase in 2002-2003 to less than £1 per week.
The tax will increase by 5.6% or £50 per year.
New Water Mains
Stretching Round Caithness
A new water news section
has been set up to index future water stories as work progresses and
work starts on the new pumping stations and the water treatment
works at Wick.
Caithness Dialectiser
Want to have some fun with Caithness Words?
Why not try our latest feature and translate English into Caithness
dialect or vice versa. Vocabulary is being added and will grow
in coming weeks. If you want to send in a few Caithness words
with meanings for early entry email them to
[email protected]
Now why not try translating your valentines day poem into Caithness
dialect. Try it - it's easy.
Miller
Avenue In The Twenties
These
pictures sparked off by the series earlier of Miller Avenue.
Here playing tennis and inside a picture of the same house in
perhaps the 1940's
History Of Caithness - Chapter Two -
Page One
The Original Inhabitants of the County
- Standing Stones in Latheron - Subdued by Sigurd, the Norwegian
Earl of Orkney.
13th February 2002
Road Into Forss
Forss
like the rest of Caithness has a diverse number of places to see.
From round the coast to the Forss river and inland it is typical
farming country. With some excellent views at
St Mary's Chapel. The old American base is to be seen more clearly from the chapel
site. This will soon be taken over by a company involved in
the decommissioning work at Dounreay.
Forss
Village Hall
We
visited the hall recently for the Burns supper. Passing again
yesterday during the day it seemed a good chance to get a picture of
the hall in daylight.
Trudi
Mann Retires
Trudi
Mann who has worked at the North Highland Archive in recent years
and formerly at the wick library in the same building has retired.
Last night was her farewell from staff, friends volunteers and
others who have worked with Trudi over the years. Many cards
and good wishes have been flowing in from round the world from the
many people Trudi has had contact with in the course of her work.
Many tributes and thanks were made for her help and dedication in
assisting them to track down ancestors and relatives both in
Caithness and elsewhere. A song written for the occasion was
sung to the tune "Over The Ord".
Caithness
Longhorns
Not
so common nowadays are cattle in Caithness with their horns.
David Steele of
North
Coast Marine Adventures sent in this picture he took last
weekend between Duncanshill and Weydale.
Forss
Mill Yesterday Afternoon
This
picture taken yesterday from the garden of
Forss House Hotel showing that the Forss river has plenty of
water in it. Certainly one of the most picturesque buildings
in Caithness. With the restorations completed the mill is now
turned into homes and the new residents have been moving in.
1901 Census For
Caithness, Sutherland & Orkney
The 1901 Census is now available on film
readers at North Highland Archive , Wick. To book time on a
film reader contact Brenda Lees, Archivist 01955 606432. You
can also call in on the off chance to use an unreserved machine but
these are allocated on a first come first served basis.
12th February 2002
UKAEA
Announced Decommissioning Alliance Members & Contracts
Today
was a historic day for the nuclear industry in Caithness when the
Alliance partners were announced and contracts signed for the
decommissioning of the Dounreay Fast Reactor (DFR). It may
take until the year 2013 and cost up to £30 million.
Approximately £10 of the contract value is expected to go to local
companies. Crucially the alliance will be expected to transfer
specialist skills to the local workforce. One key area
highlighted was in the use of robotics that will feature in the
removal of much of the pipework inside the main structure - the famous dome.
Buildings around the dome will be removed and new specialist buildings
constructed.
11th February 2002
Sux - A New
Band Came Alive In Lybster
The boys played the under 18 gig in Lybster to help raise funds for the local youth club. A great turnout heard the guys
play a range of numbers from Lennard Skinner to Jimmy Eat World. They
gave it their all for two and a half hours and were so well received they have
already been asked to play again in Lybster and are already booked for a
further two gigs in Dunbeath.
Temporary Music Section
You will see that we have put the SUX guys
into a temporary music section. Much of the section was broken
when we lost the site for a couple of days recently at our server.
Rather than repair it all we have decided to ditch it and start
again. It was getting out of date anyway. Any new items
will go to this temporary home and any bands can get their
information or pictures in by sending them to
[email protected]
The guest book is still working for those of you using that.
We will switch it all over once the new section is built.
Meantime on with the show.
A
Sonnet Fae Dannie
As its getting near Valentine's Day here is a
poem gleaned from the Edinburgh John O'Groat
Literary Society 1959 magazine.
Miller Avenue,
Wick
First part in and more coming later.
Complaints
Procedure Online - Highland Council
Highland Council have now made it possible for anyone to register
complaints about their services online. A leaflet is also
available. Caithness.Org has put a link to the our
Highland Council
section.
10th February 2002
Wick
Harbour Today
Looking
across the harbour about 4.00pm today. Weather was calm but
cold.
Pulteneytown Parish Church Work Progressing
Police Station, Wick
- Putting The Meccano Together
The
parts are being put together as the steel rises.
A Sunday Walk -
Four Legged Kind
A
quiet Sunday in Wick. These girls were getting out for some
fresh air and making sure their ponies got some exercise. Here
they were taking it easy riding down Harrowhill at the top of
Bignold Park in Wick.
Francis
Street Club Football Team Getting In Sunday Practice
On a cold Sunday afternoon at the Bignold Park, Wick the boys were out getting
themselves in shape for coming games. Other teams better be doing
likewise as this lot looked as if they mean business.
Frank Robb Songs and Humour On Saturday Night At Blackstairs
Frank Robb belting out a combination of Rock,
and tunes from several periods mixed with Irish, Scottish and other belting
music. In between was a non stop repertoire of ongoing commentary on
the audience, life and anything that came to mind as he picked his way
through a made up on the spot monologue packed with humour. Make a
move during his commentary and you immediately became part of the plot with
rhymes and jokes firing out of his quick mind.
9th February 2002
Hosting Packages From Caithness.Org And Scorrie
If you want web site hosted with a single
annual payment of only £50 then check out our packages. We are
still offering a FREE banner circulating on our banner
circuit if you get your web site from us. Linking to your FREE
business Page in our Caithness Business Pages at no extra cost will
help get your web site noticed. Our
A - Z of Caithness business web sites is another bonus.
The Business Pages have also had a
Site Map added to make yet another way for local businesses to
be found. So whether its hosting with FREE domain name
.co.uk, .org (£15 extra for .com) or a web site or banner ads or the
cheapest property ads around check us out. Up to 10 email address
come FREE with all our packages.
History Of Caithness - End Of Chapter One
The final part of chapter one describes a
range of matters from the military prowess of the Caithness men and
the units they joined, tinkers, outsiders views of Caithness and
representation at the original Scottish Parliament. If you
have not seen the history yet
Start Here.
Sports Section
Gets Another New Set Up
The Sports pages have had another change
bringing it into line with the new navigation system being
introduced on the web sites. It has its own unique navigation
bar that will follow wherever you go in the Sports section and works
in the same way with a drop down menu. Links to the other main
section of Caithness.Org are via the little Caithness map.
Still some some going on to link everything up. If you run a
sports group or would like to contribute anything about particular
sports or events just get in touch. Regular reports are always
welcome.
8th February 2002
Barrogill Castle In 1600 - Now The Castle Of Mey
- Reconstruction By Andrew Spratt
The Castle Of
Mey probably dates from the lat 16th century with later additions.
It later became Barrogill Castle and had its named changed back to the original
in 1953 when it was purchased by HM Queen Mother. Further
alterations including central heating were added. The William Daniel
print of about 1825 shows a stairway leading to a door and this was completely
enclosed in an entrance porch in the nineteenth century. That is still to be
seen there today.
£50 Rise In Council Tax
For Band D In Highland
The Highland Council has fixed its budget for the new financial year at £374.7
million, which allows for a growth in many key services and contains a Council
Tax increase in 2002-2003 to £50 per year at Band D. With UK inflation at
record low levels the council may have questions to answer to justify the
increase of over 5% with national inflation rates at an all time low.
Attention Bed & Breakfast Owners In Caithness
Make
sure your house is listed in our FREE
Caithness Business Pages. If your house is not listed
then complete the
Submission Form to get your contact details entered.
You can also get us to build you a web site to enable your business
to show more information and photographs. Interested?
Then contact us at
Scorrie Internet
Services. Getting listed in the Caithness
Business Pages gets you a free page and if you have a web site it is
also entered in our list of
Local Business Web Sites. If you get a web site from
Scorrie you will also get a free banner ad for one year
circulating round our expanding network of web sites.
Banner Ad Price List. Remember this is for a whole
year not a week or a month.
Sinclair Bay Hotel, Keiss
Caithness has a wide range of hotels and Bed and Breakfast accommodation.
From small family run hotels to country houses they are located in every part
of the county. Thurso and Wick have the biggest concentrations but as
with Sinclair Bay Hotel, Keiss a small hotel is within 10 minutes of almost
anywhere in Caithness. Some hotels are within easy reach of rivers and
lochs for fishing and they can advise on shooting and stalking breaks.
More Pictures From Keiss School's Drama Day
7th February 2002
James
Harris Knows How To Catch Trout
James
Harris recently proved his fishing skill when after more than 20
minutes of tussle he finally landed this whopper that weighed in at
12lb 2oz. James from Keiss was fishing at Harpsdale Fisheries
and only learned fly fishing last year. He has had plenty of
other fishing experience out with his Dad since he was three years
old but mostly had fished at the harbour at Keiss before this.
Well done James.
Castle Section Gets New Photo Galleries
The pictures in the castles section are being
reorganised into new galleries. The new set up will allow for
easier browsing of the collections with PREVIOUS and NEXT PHOTO
option as well as a return to index button. The new format
will gradually be spread round other galleries of pictures on the
site. The castles section is underway and will be completed shortly.
Ormlie Road - New Page
Here
we see Hamilton's Auction Mart in Thurso as the start of a new page
for Ormlie road in Thurso
Press &
Journal Offer The chance For A Community Group To Get Minibus
The Press and Journal is to launch a new promotion which will see a community
group from within its circulation area receiving the keys to a brand new,
£25,000 minibus. Just collect the tokens and your community group might
be in with a chance.
New Page On Nature Notes From Highland Rangers In Caithness
A new page to carry brief notes on what the
Highland Rangers in Caithness may be seeing whilst out and about.
Remember you can always get the benefit of their expertise by
joining them on the many walks they organise throughout the year.
Boundary
Commission Proposals For Caithness, Sutherland & Easter Ross
Changes are proposed to the
three Highland parliamentary constituencies to create the following
three county constituencies: Caithness Sutherland and Easter Ross
(46,533 voters); Ross Skye and Lochaber (49,544) and Inverness and
Badenoch (67,790).
Join The
Rangers On A Walk Round Loch Toftingall
Sunday 17th February 2002 Walk
around Loch Toftingall. Meet 10am Georgemas Train Station to share
transport. This walk may be wet so wellies or gaiters would be advisable.
Bird Watch
Walk With The Rangers
Saturday 16th February 2002 - 10.30am
Bird
walk along Wick River. Meet Wick riverside car park 10.30am.
Highland Roads Campaign
The Highland Council is to mount a campaign to win more spending on roads.
Councillors are concerned at the level of spending allowed by the Scottish
Executive on gritting and snow clearing as well as repairing and upgrading road
and bridge structures and want the Executive to place more emphasis on road
infrastructure.
6th February 2002
Murky Day At Scrabster's New Pier But Works Goes On
Police Station Wick - Making Progress Despite The Rainy Weather
Despite
seeing one of the wettest winters for a very long time the police
station in Wick is now underway with foundations going in.
This modern building will replace the current police station located
in Bridge Street. Wonder if Robocop is part of the deal?
Young Kids links
Here are a few links to keep the very young
happy for while. Story books are getting ever more interactive
and the animation is increasingly evident in many of the new web
sites appearing to amuse and educate younger surfers.
Kidney
Dialysis Group Open Public Meeting - Possible Renal Unit For
Caithness
An Open meeting is going to be held on Thursday 21st February 2002 in the Main
Hall, Wick Youth Club at 7:30pm. The Committee would be grateful for any
support that can be given. The meeting is to keep the public up-to-date with
the campaign so far.
5th February 2002
Mairi Nicolson's February Report From The Antarctic
Dwarwick Pier On A
Stormy Day Last January
Dwarwick
Pier near Dunnet got battered last year like many other parts.
This picture from North Coast Marine Adventures shows the ferocity
of the sea even in the bays that look so tranquil at other times.
Yarrows Archaeology Group To Be Known As "Yarrows Heritage Trust"
The minutes of the meeting held on 29 January took some
crucial decisions in setting up the new organisation. From
appointing office bearers, looking at finance and project plans
things are now moving forward. Next meeting of the new trust
will be in the Thrumster Inn on Wednesday 13 February at 7.30pm.
4th February 2002
Mary Legg's "Taste Of Argentina"
Mary Legg is a Highland Ranger based at Dunnet
in Caithness. Mary is well used to leading people around the
north but this time she ventured around Argentina often on her own
after being selected as a volunteer by Earthwatch who made millennium grants
available for volunteers who would be willing to take part in environmental
projects across the world. This is Mary's report of her interesting
journey.
Results Of The
Whale & Dolphin Survey 2000/2001 North Scotland
The organisers are very pleased with the response to the survey. The number of
record sheets returned was 56 and this covered 275 sightings totalling in 1470
cetaceans. Twelve different species were recorded plus basking shark.
The majority of those were porpoises at 65% peaking in August with high counts
on either side in July and September. This compares with the NW coast survey
which peaks in April and May although they also had a small peak in September.
Another
Stack At Duncansby
Caithness
has a great many of these huge chunks of rock standing around its
coastline. Some like the stacks at Duncansby often look
smaller than they really are when viewed from the cliff tops.
The cliffs they stand beside are also very high in places and
somehow dwarf them. However if viewed close up from a nearby
beach or a boat the full scale of them can be seen. The
hardness of the rocks can be noted in the time that many of the
stacks have been around. Many are mentioned in old history
books and still stand today as if little has changed. But of
course they are changing as ever so gradually another piece becomes
detached.
Views Of Young Stack.
We are building up the
views of stacks
and the coast and
there are also many views in the
Castles Section.
Brims Castle Reconstruction
Another
reconstruction by Andrew Spratt about 1600. There can be
little doubt that this castle was built in response to the
aggressive policies pursued by George, 5th Earl of Caithness,
against neighbouring landowners. His appointment as Justiciary of the North of
Scotland, in 1556, made him the final legal arbiter of all crimes, except
treason, in Caithness and Sutherland.
Next
Section Of Caithness History
More descriptions of the county, famous names,
an old story of a death defying horse jump at Old Wick Castle, huge
salmon runs on the Thurso river, the people of the county, the
organising ability of Caithnessians and much more.
Business Pages Gets A Site Map
Added to the navigation bar that follows you
throughout the Caithness Business Pages is a new site map to make it
easier to see all the categories on one page.
The site map for Caithness.org is
also still growing. The Business Pages also has a listing of
local business web sites. If your business web site is in
Caithness and is not listed just email us the web site address for
inclusion.
Scorrie
Internet Hosting Services And Banner Advertising
Get your site hosted by the Scorrie
Internet/Caithness.Org/Caithness Business Pages set up to make
sure your site is found easily.
More Updating News Services On
Caithness.Org
Latest additions to the continually updating
news section are Banking News
and Equities News. The
sections also have a range of links. The updating Newsfeeds
are found in the Newsfeeds section
or in the Links Section.
3rd February 2002
Caithness Model Aero Club
We
welcome the latest club to our pages. This group build and fly
model aeroplanes at the airfield at Castletown. One of their
members is also setting up their own web site with photographs of
some of the planes and aerial pictures taken from the one or two of
the planes. Some of the pictures on Caithness.Org were taken
by one of the club members.
More From North
Coast Marine Adventures
One
outing decides to send a letter in a champagne bottle after its
empty of course whilst another group are seen here in the cave at
Barney's Geo.
2nd February 2002
1978 Reunion
Committee Wick High Send List In To Let You Check If You Are On It
Get In Touch with the organisers indicating if
you are interested in the Gala Week Reunion. Get in touch also
if your name is missing.
Looking For A Well Paid Job In the Highlands - Could One Of These Be
The One?
The Council is seeking to fill three new posts. They are Head of
E-Government (50K); Customer Services Manager (40K); and Procurement
Manager (40K). The first two post holders will report to the Chief
Executive and the Procurement Manager to the Director of Finance.
Click
here for details of the posts. 2 February
See The Gloup On Stroma From The Sea And Inside
Duncansby Stacks - Just One Of the Many Sites Seen By North Coast Marine
Reunion For Anyone who
Started Wick High In 1978
Just the first enquiry to see if there
is enough interest. Get in touch with the organisers soon as
they would like to run it in Gala Week this year.
North Marine
Adventures Photo Gallery
Thanks
to our friends over at North Marine Adventures who run exciting sea
trips round the coast and Stroma for sharing some of their pictures
that we will sprinkle round the web site and gather in their own
gallery for easy reference. Here they come as fast as we
can...
Nesting Season
Seen From North Coast Adventure's Boat "North Coast Explorer"
Caithness
has huge populations of seabirds and although they can be seen from
several places a trip round the cliffs in the season that is nearly
upon us is unbeatable.
The "Bettina Danica" Ran Aground In
1994 On Stroma
This
was the boat shortly after it ran aground on the island of Stroma.
There is not much left to see as the sea has smashed it to pieces on
the rocks over the years.
Common Seals
Rest At Several Places In Caithness And On Stroma
Common
Seals are to be seen often around the Caithness coast. They
lie for many hours on rocky foreshores and even recently along the
banks of the river Thurso much to the annoyance of the fishermen and
the people who look after the salmon stocks. They are to be
seen in harbours, the mouths of rivers and around the island of
Stroma.
Cliffs Seen By
North Coast Marine Adventures
Undoubtedly
cliffs are a major feature of the Caithness coast. Most people
view them from the top or a nearby beach in some places. But the
fastest way round some of them is by boat especially a high speed
one. The cliffs provide a barrier to the sea and a home to the
masses of birds that arrive every year in Caithness to swell the
numbers of those that remain all year.
Here We Go Again
January Broke All Records
Hits 2,650118, Pages 393,338
Visitors 70,108
Was it the Christmas
computers logging on for the first time or the increasing chance
that we are found in search engines. Thanks to all our surfers
and to all of you who send us items for the pages.
1st February 2002
Looking For Property - Houses or Premises?
If you are looking for property in Caithness
keep an eye on
The Caithness Business Pages Property Section. If you are
selling property then you will find it hard to beat a price of £15
for advertising a property with full particulars and a photograph.
And remember it's one payment for the ad to last until its sold.
No weekly repeat fees. There are currently over 2000 separate
visits to the web sites every day.
Keiss Harbour
Very high tides and gales throughout January have meant few days
when the local creel boats could put to sea.
The Boatman's House, Keiss
Starting
with the Boatman's house near Keiss harbour we bring a run of Keiss
Streets and houses over the next few days. The boatman's House
overlooks the harbour and
Sinclair's Bay.
This house is built of stone and is still in excellent condition.
We will take you up though the village streets later.
Church of
Scotland, Keiss
As
were in the village for the Grey coast theatre visit to Keiss school
a stroll round the village seemed too good an opportunity to miss.
So here we go with a run of Keiss pictures over the next day or two.
This first is one of the local churches in Keiss. It has a
fine view of the village and the sea. If anyone has details of
times of services etc please drop us an email
Keiss Primary School On Thursday
Two
More Poems Unearthed About Wick Girls Pipe Band
Wick Girls Pipe Band
- Author Unknown,
Untitled - Possibly By Jim Christie Himself
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