News Archive - June 2002
30th June 2002
Canisbay
Schiool - Details Not Yet Available
Sheila
Moir has sent in this early picture from Canisbay school to add to
the growing section. if you have any details about this
pictures send them in.
Just in from Hugh Ross 1 July - the year is 1926.
Names now in 8.00pm 1 july
Kite Buggy Courses Coming To Caithness At Dunnet Sands
Grant Golding is one of the few qualified Kite
Buggy instructors in Scotland. This high speed action sport
can be seen from time to time at Dunnet sands. Grant was
up testing the sand and wind for a course he will be running 9th August -
14 August in Dunnet. More information can be
found on the
Kite Power Scotland web site.
See the
earlier Kite Buggy Pictures.
Thurso Lifeboat Pictures Taken From Wick Lifeboat
An exercise scheduled for yesterday for the Wick and Thurso
lifeboats was cancelled at the last moment when the helicopter from
Lossiemouth was called to a real incident elsewhere. So here
are a few pictures of the Thurso Lifeboat from yesterday just off
John O'Groats
Bucholie Castle From The Sea
A
bit of a grey day yesterday but here is a different view of Bucholie
Castle to add to the gallery
Last Saturday Night Lybster Gala Night Pictures
29th June 2002
Lybster Gala Night - First Pictures
Pulteneytown Academy 1948
This
picture was sent in by Freida Murray (nee Henderson). Most
names are in but do you know the missing ones?
Showing Now At St
Fergus Gallery, Wick
An exhibition of 16 artists working in different ways
who all try to involve people with their work. A collection
of unique jewellery, automata and furniture. Runs in Wick
until 13 July and then it moves to the
Swanson Gallery, Thurso 19 July
- 17 August 2002
Free Personal Care - Highland Council Policy
Free personal care is being introduced for everyone over 65 in
Scotland from 1 July 2002. Highland Council has now set out is
policy showing who may qualify and what the free care covers.
28th June 2002
History of
Caithness - Chapter Nine Completed
A long chapter now complete brings many tales of outlaws,
covenanters and more -
Two serious charges, the one of Incendiarism and the other of being
accessory to the slaughter of Thomas Lindsay, brought against the
Earl - He is outlawed and denounced as a Rebel - Escapes to Orkney -
Sir Robert Gordon, who is commissioned to apprehend him, has the
keys to Castle Sinclair, etc delivered up to him - Lord Berriedale
(son of William, Lord Berriedale) takes the National Covenant
Sir James Sinclair of Murkle raises a body of Caithnessmen and joins
the covenanters - Mowat, the Laird of Freswick, espouses the Royal
cause, and joins Montrose - Death of the old Earl - Affair
between Macalister, the Freebooter and the inhabitants of Thurso
The Old Crossroads School
Thanks
to Sheila Moir for this picture of her old school that we think was
demolished over 30 years ago.
Lybster Gala Week
Starts On Saturday
Lybster Gala Week is ready to go on Saturday
with a full programme of events including a celebrity World Cup
(over 40's) world cup match. The Gala starts with the crowning
ceremony on Saturday evening when the Wick Pipe Band will be there
to lead the decorated floats and provide some traditional
entertainment.
27th June 2002
Wedding At Edinburgh Castle
For Caithness Couple
Choosing
an unforgettable venue for their wedding - Chris
Chalmers of Thurso and Lorraine Stewart of Thurso were married at
Edinburgh castle on the 22nd of June.
26th June 2002
More Properties For Sale In The Business Section Today
Three houses in Thurso and one in Castletown
appear for the first time today.
Old Schools In
Caithness - A List
Like so many things in Caithness once you
start looking you find its a lot bigger than you thought. From
the Schooldays Pictures came the idea to get pictures of the old
schools in the county. Well it may take longer than we thought
with over 100 schools. Pictures of the schools that still
exist will take w while but we will doggedly pursue them over the
next year or so. The small country schools were once
everywhere and tracking them all down will take time.
Information on most of them can be found at North Highland Archive,
Wick.
Pulteneytown Academy School Presents "Jospeh"
Joseph runs for two nights Wednesday 26 and Thursday 27 with
performances starting at 7.00pm. Using their new lighting and
sound equipment Pulteneytown Academy look set for a smash hit show
in Wick.
A & D Sutherland - Caithness Flagstone - A New Web Site
Caithness
Flagstone has paved parts of many cities and towns round the world.
A & D Sutherland at Spittal have top quality stone renowned for its
qualities of durability and beauty. The new web site from
Scorrie Internet
Services shows the quarry and some of the stone in place.
Watch where you walk in the world as you may be walking on Spittal
quarry flagstone.
Prince Charles
Attacks GM Crops Again
Prince Charles was addressing a group of conservationists at St James's Palace.
25th June 2002
Dunbeath Castle Reconstruction
The latest
addition to the growing castle section is Dunbeath Castle about 1400
painted by Andrew Spratt. The current Dunbeath Castle is
a private house and not open to the public although it can be seen
from the coast in its spectacular cliff-top setting.
Dunbeath Castle Photo Gallery.
The castle gardens are open on 27 July - 2.00 -
6.00pm.
Other
Garden Open Days
Caithness & Sutherland Enterprise May 2002 Report
A slight fall in unemployment last month to 916. Caithness Multimedia
Ltd, Thurso were awarded assistance of £30,000 towards the costs of research
and development financing for new product developments, while Caithness Glass
Ltd. was awarded assistance of £32,600 towards the installation of specialist
equipment at the Wick factory. The owners of Tongue Hotel were awarded
assistance of £24,000 towards the cost of upgrading guest facilities, while
Beauty Through Herbs Ltd, Thurso was awarded £7,900 towards e-business
marketing for new product developments.
Caithness Cyclist
Makes Commonwealth Team
The cycling team for the 2002 Commonwealth Games was announced today and Thurso
man Alexander Ross has proved he has what it takes to be selected. The
Commonwealth Games are in August.
Highland Gets £100
Million School Buildings Boost
Bower School in Caithness In Line For
Renewal.
Farr Primary (Bettyhill) and Farr High School in Sutherland. Around 300
crumbling schools will be rebuilt or refurbished under plans unveiled by
Education Ministers today. This is the first stage in Scotland's
biggest ever school buildings programme providing investment of over £1
billion.
North
Highland Archive - New Web Site
The
North Highland Archive, Wick announced the launch of its new web
site.
The
NHA pages on Caithness.org have the link if you are looking
for it later. You will also find it in the
Caithness Sites Links Page. NHA holds a huge amount of
material on many aspects of life in the north.
"Operation Freshman" 60th
Anniversary Ceremony
Skitten, Near Wick, Caithness - Wednesday 20 November 2002
Members of the Aircrew Association, Highland Branch and Royal
British Legion are organising a special anniversary ceremony to mark
the 60th anniversary of the tragic mission when crews and commandoes
were killed taking part in the raids to destroy the Heavy Water
plant in Norway and prevent the development of Hitler's atomic bomb.
The committee are fund-raisng to help cover costs in organising the
event and any contributions are welcomed. The raids from
Skitten became famous when the film "Heroes of Telemark" was released
starring Kirk Douglas.
Disability Rights Commission June Newsletter
The newsletter includes links to 1. Interview
with Lord Ashley, campaigner for disabled peoples rights
2. DRC calls for rapid shake-up of legislation 3. Transport the
biggest barrier for disabled people
4. DRC position on a Single Equality Commission 5. "Smiles" all
round as bank changes internet access rules 6. DRC hotel success
stories 7. Councils fall short on access 8. Educating for Equality -
campaign update 9. DRC Chair in the hot seat! 10. Free
legal advice in Highlands and Islands 11. Improving access to
elections in Wales 12. Facilities for disabled young people 13.
Disability research in Scotland 14. Volunteers needed to advise
on new DRC website 15. DRC National Conference 2002 16. New DRC
"Train the trainers" courses available.
The Old School, Lybster
Here
are a few pictures of the old school at Lybster the second on in our
Old Schools section to run alongside the many old school pictures we
have received. The old school has been completely made over
and will shortly open as the
Alastair Pilkington Studio for Northlands Creative Glass -
See Below.
Scottish Women's Rural Institute (SWRI)
There are more branches of the SWRI in
Caithness than we have pages for. The Caithness Federation
have now provided us with a handy list of the places in Caithness
that have branches and the days of the month they hold their
meetings. The ladies in the branches organise a huge range of
activities for members including demonstrations and talks.
Check the list to find your nearest branch. One Caithness
branch won an award for attracting the most new young members in
Scotland last year.
Wick High 1966
Reunion - List Of Year
Planning well ahead are the 1966 reunion
group. The reunion may not be until July 2004 but already this
committee are actively contacting their former classmates. The
list shows who they have found and if you know where anyone is let
them know or contact the organisers with details.
1974 Wick High
Reunion - List of Year
If you were in this group its only a few weeks
till the reunion in Mackays Hotel on 26 July. Have you got
your ticket yet? Contact the organisers as soon as possible to
help with arrangements.
Canisbay & Dunnet Day Care Centre Sponsored Walk
A short report on the successful fund-raiser
that took place on 22 June.
24th June 2002
Northlands Creative Glass -
New Alastair Pilkington Studio Opening 4 July
On July 4th H.R.H. The Prince Charles,
Duke of Rothesay, will officially open the ALASTAIR PILKINGTON
STUDIO, the latest addition to Lybsters now renowned international
centre of excellence in glass making situated in the Scottish
Highlands. The studio is housed in a handsome newly
refurbished limestone building, once the old school (see Below) and
dating from 1877, which has been transformed into a fully equipped
modern glass workshop and studio.
Dunbeath School - Carnival Music Workshop At Latheron
The kids at Dunbeath school had a chance to learn about the rythms
and sounds of various countries from Jamaica to South Africa last
week at Latheron village hall where Lyth Arts Centre had organised a
workshop and evening concert by a truly excellent band. They
play at the St Magnus music festival in Orkney this week.
St Ola Ferry Arriving At Scrabster Yesterday
The St Ola ferry
is one of three ferries making the crossing in the summer months to
Orkney. The Pentland Venture goes from John O'Groats and the
Pentalina B goes from Gills To St Margaret's Hope. Links to
all of the web sites are in our
Ferries
Picture Index, Ferries
Links Index
or
Tourist
Information
New Scottish Drug Enforcement Headquarters Opens In Paisley
First Minister Jack McConnell opened the new facilities to
co-ordinate Scottish drug enforcement. "These new headquarters
will provide excellent facilities for 134 police officers who are in
the forefront of the fight against drugs. We will increase that
number to 200". The headquarters will also house the new
Scottish Money Laundering Unit which will use state-of-the-art
technology to help seize dealers assets and invest them in tackling
drug problems back in our communities. The units work will be
underpinned by the tough new powers in the Proceeds of Crime Bill,
coming into force next year.
Winning Teams From Thurso FC Junior Tournament
Lots More From Pentland Yacht Club Regatta
The Regatta was held Saturday and Today Sunday - Better conditions
prevailed for sailing today.
Many more yachting pictures coming up soon.
22nd June 2002
Winning North School Choir Singing At Midsummer Madness In Wick
Wick
North school musical groups gad a great year wining several
categories in the Caithness Music Festival. Today children
from those winning groups joined in the Midsummer Madness to
entertain in the Market Square, Wick.
Bands Play Market
Square In Midsummer Madness
Several Bands were
playing in the Market Square today and the music continues tonight
until late. Also part of the day of music are bands playing at
Blackstairs and Mackays Hotel this evening.
North School
Pupils Accept Donation Towards New Playground Equipment
Whilst at the
Midsummer Madness Music Day in Wick today the Wick Round Table took
the opportunity to present a cheque for £250 to the choir for the
school to help towards their fund raising to purchase new school
playground equipment to be available at the school both in and
outwith school hours. The equipment is expected to cost over
£6000 and is a mammoth amount for the school to find but they are
determined to keep going with their fund raising. Fund raisers
take note if you are looking for a suitable place to send any spare
cash.
The New Cafe At Berriedale
Visited
The
Berriedale Cafe has one claim to fame. Its the only one on the
A9 road. The Scottish Executive has had a policy of no
restaurants on the A9 but the Berriedale Cafe with the help of Jamie
Stone managed to get permission. It's likely to be popular as
it has extremely good prices.
Caithness Midsummer Night
Activities
You
might think nothing much happens at Midsummer in Caithness.
But you would be wrong. Many organisations have barbecues and
carryon their usually daytime activity on this one night around
midnight for the longest day. Last night we went out to see
bowling at the Rosebank Bowling club and the St Fergus Bowling Club.
But there is a lot more going on in the middle of this particular
night every year. You can play golf or go fishing in a
competition that runs all through the night on Loch Watten with the
weigh in at 8.00am. The weather was good and the sky
fairly light for all mid-summer outdoor activities.
Pulteney Community Group Moving On Several Fronts
The newly formed community group at Pulteney are organising several things from
immediate plans like activities for children to research to find out what is
required. Questionnaires will shortly be sent out to residents and it is
hoped their will be a good response.
21st June 2002
Kids
Plant New Flower Tubs In Wick
The Flower Baskets Committee were on hand to see Wick school
children planting up tubs of flowers in the Market Square, Wick.
Wick Town Improvements purchased the flower tubs and donated them to
the council who in turn made them available to the committee who
enlisted the help of local children. The kids planned their
tubs producing plans and growing the plants in some cases.
Bogus Workmen Warning
Northern Constabulary are urging
the public to be cautious when dealing with workmen and contractors
otherwise unknown to them. Be wary of speculative callers
offering services such as urgent repairs to buildings or special
offers to tarmacadam driveways.
20th June 2002
Halkirk Gala Pictures
More later.
Miller
Academy 1947
Thanks
to Mary Mackay (nee Banks) for sending her fourth year class photo
from Ontario, Canada. Mary's copy of the picture had all the
signatures on the back but there is just one that is difficult to
read. Doe anyone else know who the person with the difficult
signature is.
19th June 2002
Canisbay Show
These
three girls brightened up the overcast day at the Canisbay Show.
Show Queen Marie Ham of Freswick and her two attendants Katrina
Mackenzie, John O'Groats and April MacDougal, Freswick made the
rounds of the show after the crowing ceremony.
Heavy rain and showers came later in the afternoon but did not deter
the folk who had come to see what was on show and see the Highland
Dancing and hear the young pipe band. The world cup was on
offer in the beer tent but it took the rain to get a crowd in to
watch it.
Play Is Good For Highland Babies
Highland babies and their parents are set to benefit from a new play
initiative, launched in Inverness.
History Of
Caithness - Chapter Nine - The Middle Section
The Earl of Caithness employed by Government
to quell a species of Rebellion got up by Patrick, Earl of Orkney,
and his natural son, Robert -Takes the different posts occupied by
the insurgents, and sends the prisoners to Edinburgh - Two serious
charges of Incendiarism, and the other of being accessory to the slaughter of
Thomas Lindsay, brought against the Earl - He is outlawed and denounced as a
rebel - Escapes To Orkney and more A big chapter with much more to come.
Gaelic Tourism Web Site
A new website portal promoting Gaelic tourism was launched by Mike Watson,
Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport at the Gaelic Congress in Nairn.
Badenoch &
Strathspey Sports & Leisure Centre At Kingussie 19 June
The Highland Council has awarded a contract to McGregor Construction to build a
new £1.5 million leisure centre in Kingussie. It will see new sports and
community facilities built in Spey Street, Kingussie.
Highland Cultural
Complex To Be Based In Inverness
One of the key features of the bid being made for Inverness and the Highlands
to become the European Capital of Culture in 2008 should be an exciting plan to
create a £20 million Cultural Complex to serve the area.
Northern Counties Under 12s Championships
Two
teams from Caithness were in Orkney to compete in this new
tournament. Three teams from Orkney and two from Shetland also
took part. Caithness "Red Team" win the tournament conceding only
one goal in all their games. They won all their matches.
Well Done Boys.
East End Wick Versus Swifts Thurso
Pictures
from the recent matches between two of the county's Junior Football
clubs. The games took place at the Bignold Park, Wick
Scouts -
Adopt Newton Hill Woodland As World Conservation Project
The
Wick Scouts were out assisting the East Caithness Ranger Marina
Finlayson on Saturday June 15 improving the paths at Newtonhill
forest. The Scouts have adopted Newtonhill forest as part of a
World Conservation Project which introduces them to
forest management. The Newtonhill Community Woodland is
transforming the old rubbish dump.
Caithness Goes Latin
- Grand Union Band presented by Lyth Arts Centre
Thursday 20th June, Latheron Hall - at 8 p.m.. Tickets
on the door £6/£5/£3. A fun night with Brazilian type music
excellent for getting into the right mood for Friday morning's
game! Summer music for all the family. Refreshments at half time.
Grand Union are 7 members of a bigger band, from all over the world,
playing samba, salsa etc.
Latest Charity Funding News
Problems with Community Fund electronic
application form - CharitEASE fundraising database released - Gift
Aid Consortium re-launches - American Red Cross to change fundraising style -
Deaf children's charities to merge - and other information.
Children's Scottish Variety Show - Rehearsals
18th June 2002
History Of Caithness - Chapter Nine Begins
The disaster in Norway as Colonel George
Sinclair and his men are slaughtered in Norway in 1612 and which is
celebrated as a great Norwegian victory.
Dunbeath Christmas Lights Fund - Fun Day
Saturday 22 June - 2.00pm - Dunbeath Playing
Fields - Crafts and demos, stalls, floats, Its A Knockout.
Open Air Disco in the evening from 9.00pm at the harbour - Happy
Hour 10.00 - 11.00pm - Entrance £5
14th June 2002
Floral Art Exhibition, St Peters, Thurso
Caithness Music Festival A Few More Pictures From Thurso
A Few Winners
We
would need a new web site to bring you all of the winners and places
in the Caithness Music Festival. Here are a couple from
yesterday - Brothers Colin and Kenneth Stone who won in Speech
Making and Story Telling. Sean Barrie Won the Primary 6 Verse
Speaking
Girls and Boys Soloists
There
are hundreds of soloists in the many categories and age groups.
We caught a few as they emerged from their competitions.
Transport At The Festival
One
of the many logistical problems at the Caithness Music festival is
the transportation of all the competitors who are mainly school
children. Caithness is a rural area and all the schools across
the county enter it seems nearly everyone. Buses, min-busses
and cars arrive and depart all day every day for the week to fit in
with the schedules for the competitions. Not only is the scene
in the main hall a masterpiece of movement of groups but the
transport is another significant piece of this jigsaw.
RNLI Sponsored
Cycle Success
A sponsored cycle
run on behalf of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI)
raised over £1200 and the organisers send thanks to all who took
part and donated to the run.
Pennyland Choirs
Last
Day of the Caithness Music Festival today but you can catch lots of
it in Monday night in Wick or Thurso at the end of festival concerts
when all the winners will be performing in Wick or Thurso depending
on their nearest place.
Mount Pleasant And Hill Head Choirs
Although we have concentrated on choirs there are many other
sections at the festival including piano at different grades and
other instruments including pipe, accordions, brass, recorders
groups and solos. In addition there are verse speaking
competitions for English and Caithness dialect as well as drama
groups in several age groups.
Miller Academy and Wick North Choirs
Wick
North School did particularly well taking three first places in
different groups on Wednesday. Many children have to rush
between their choir performances, verse speaking and perhaps a
musical instrument competition. The place is just a hive of
frenetic activity all week. There are points awarded and each
year a winner over all the categories.
Two Castletown Choirs and Recorder Group
Caithness & North Sutherland Choir
Not
a school choir this time but another children's singing group
becoming very successful.
12th June 2002
Ranger Wildlife Notes
Birds, Butterflies, Dolphins - St John's Pool Rafts.
Miller Academy and South School Schools Choirs Today
As
the choirs really get going today the Assembly Rooms were packed .
The main hall had the choir competitions whilst soloists were
juggling the times for their own performances and the choirs.
The whole operation is run very efficiently as groups come and go in
all directions for breaks and performances.
A Few Soloists From Tuesday
This
group of young people were competitors in the Scots Song section on
Tuesday afternoon. There are 117 different classes and
competitions in the music festival this year and hundreds of
entrants in the various sections. The pictures on the web site
will bring you only some of what is a huge event. Soloists are
entered in Scots Songs, Popular Songs, as well as all the different
age groups from the schools.
Corner Shop
in Girnigoe Street, Wick Reopens
Anyone
who passes through Girnigoe Street will be delighted to hear that
the corner shop has reopened. The shop located next to the
government buildings is back in action with its new proprietors
Vivian and Alistair Davis. they will stock all the usual
groceries and a have a sandwich counter. In addition they are
setting up an arts and craft section and a health food side to the
business that will include vegetarian as well as health foods.
11th June 2002
Pennyland, Thrumster, Keiss, Hillhead Schools At The Festival In Caithness
South
School Competitors
No
matter what else they ever do most kids in Caithness will remember
taking part in the music festival that happens every year.
This is the 49th as it was cancelled last year due tot eh general
election when all halls are taken over for the day. Next year
will be 50 years.
Verse
Speaking Winner
Emily
Mackay from Watten School won the verse speaking competition in the
Primary 3 age group. The Music Festival includes a great
number of verse speaking competitions and there are separate
competitions for English and Caithness dialect. Most
contestants will remember their Caithness dialect poems for the rest
of their lives and so perhaps might their mums and dads. Hands
up who remembers "E Auld Calf Sec" or "E Midgie"
Pulteneytown Academy And Lybster Schools
The
competitors just seem to keep coming in Music Festival Week.
With venues in Wick and Thurso the buses are kept busy
criss-crossing the county. Its back to Assembly Rooms, wick at
9.15am on Wednesday and then from 7.00pm at Thurso High School for
the piping competitions.
Halkirk
Music Makers At The Festival
The
Halkirk kids were enjoying a day at the festival and it certainly
was a nice day in the north today and no sign of the thunder and
lightning forecast.
Miller Academy At The Music Festival
Although
the festival is open and there are many categories the local county
schools all enter the festivals in many categories with choirs,
music groups, verse speaking and local Caithness dialect poetry.
Crossroads School At The Music Festival
For
its size and location Caithness surprises many people by having one
of the biggest music festivals where children can take part in the
country. The arrangements have been tremendously successful
over the years with most children at some point entering the
festival either solo, in small groups or larger choirs and music
making sections. Its a very full week.
Caithness Ladies
Orkney Cycling For Macmillan Cancer
A group of
Caithness ladies cycled round Orkney on Saturday 25th May from St
Margaret's Hope to Stromness (33 miles) and raised £1404.50 for
Macmillan Cancer Relief . They are Dawn Manson & Maggie MacLeod from
Dunbeath along with Neen Juhle, Ulbster and Maggie Miller, Lybster.
Receiving the cheque on behalf of the Wick Committee is Valerie
Gerrie. Well Done
10th June 2002
Halkirk Folk Enjoy Duck And Boat Races By River Thurso For Gala Week
Halkirk Gala Queen At The Duck Races
Day
Care Centre Progress Update
A definite pledge of £20,000 has been made by the Robertson Trust, whilst
approaches to other large charities are still being made. Funds raised locally
stand at around £7,000 and Highland Council are supporting the project. The
architect is working on plans for the building and copies of these will be
displayed in local shops, post offices etc.
Dunn School About
1948
Another
thank you to Mary Henderson of Lower Dunn farm for this picture of
Dunn school about 1948 and thanks to the current owner for
information. The old school has been a private house for many
years and we have included a picture of what it looks like now with
it alterations and additions. It is still a lovely part of
Caithness near Loch Watten. This is the first school in
another new section to list the old Caithness schools with pictures.
Watten School About 1931
Thanks
to Mary Henderson of Lower Dunn farm for this picture of Watten
school. All the names are supplied including the teacher and
one or two notes.
Yachts At Wick On
Sunday
Yachts often stop at Wick for the night on their way round the coast or heading
for Orkney and Shetland Islands.
Halkirk Gala - Races Day
Despite the blustery day Halkirk Gala Week got going yesterday with the races.
Tonight its the big Duck Race and Boat Race at the riverside, Halkirk.
Lots more race day pictures later.
9th June 2002
Archbishop
Mario Conti Visits Wick
Archbishop
Mario Conti visited his old parish today - his first visit
since becoming Archbishop in January this year. Archbishop
Conti covers the whole of Scotland and he was the parish priest in
Caithness from 1962 to 1977 when he was appointed Bishop of Aberdeen
whose diocese covered the north of Scotland. He is celebrating
a his silver jubilee and parishioners organised a cake for him at
lunch.
Walk Dwarwick Head
Another great coastal walk - hidden beach, geo, plants, birds -
watch for the next
ranger walk to Dwarwick Head at Dunnet.
8th June 2002
South School, Wick - Jubilee Barbecue
Miller
Academy 1950
This
picture was sent in by George Frederick of his class from 1950
Miller Academy. That takes the total number of Miller Academy
pictures to 60. Thanks to everyone for sharing these with
everyone. If anyone knows the missing names on this or
any other picture in Schooldays just email list to us.
Caithness Waybaggers Latest Outing - Loch Hope And Arnaboll
Wings Over Wick - The
Final Entries - Civilians
Mrs Jean Murray,
Inverness - Saw The Air fight Over Scapa - Planes From Wick
Mr James Bremner, Wick - Saw German Plane Shot Down East Of Proudfoot, Wick
Mr David Miller, Upper Ackergill Farm, Nr Wick - A young boy at
Ackergill farm waved to planes
Don Harper, Halkirk - Unexploded Bomb In Roseberry Terrrace
John Miller, Wick - Father got bottle of whisky from a young pilot
who never returned
If anyone would like to add to the section either their own memories or
those passed on by older relatives just get in touch or forward to
[email protected] for inclusion
in the section War Memories
7th June 2002
History Of Caithness Chapter 8 - Second Half
Battle of Clyne -
Story of Arthur Smith, the Coiner -
Desperate Skirmish in Thurso between the Sutherland Commissioners
and the friends of the Earl of Caithness, in which John Sinclair of
Stirkoke is slain. - Criminal Process instituted by both parties -
Melee in the High Street of Edinburgh...
Grantown
Community Takes Over Anagach Woods
The residents of Grantown joined the growing
ranks of community landowners when they assumed ownership of the
390-hectare Anagach Woods. A ceremony was held in the town to mark
the handover of the woodland to the Anagach Woods Trust, a community group
which will help ensure that the historic native woodland is maintained and
developed as a community asset.
National Waste Strategy - Highland - Its Your Rubbish
The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency is now
in the final stages of the strategy for the next 20 years. Everyone
has the opportunity to comment on the plan and make suggestions. You
can get response forms easily by contacting SEPA before 31 July 2002.
Public meetings are being held throughout the Highlands and the one for
Caithness will be in Thurso on 27 June at the Environmental Research
Institute, Castle Street. So if you think the balance they have in
the plans are not right then now is your chance to say so.
Free Online
Training Courses & Seminars
A few free short features from Fathom an inline
training provider for you to browse today. You can take your pick
from - GLOBAL AFFAIRS "Is world Peace an Impossible Dream", "Mapping
Africa - Problems Of Regional Definition", ARTS - "Andre Breton and
The Surrealist Manifesto", "Love And Lust In Shakespeare",
SCIENCE & NATURE -"Snakes: Versatile Predators of the Natural World" ,
"What is Genetic Engineering?" They may not get you a degree
but they are written by experts in their fields and interesting short
articles as tasters for more in depth study later.
6th June 2002
A Plea For Industrial Archaeology
This article come from our continuing publication of
the Caithness Field Club Bulletins. John Porter contributed this
article for the October 1988 Bulletin all of which is now in the section.
Other articles have already appeared.
The Castle Of Auld Wick
Many
thanks to Michael J Gunn for this article on the Castle of Old Wick.
Michael looks more closely at the families associated with the castle.
Michael has carried out extensive research on the Caithness Castles and we
look forward to further articles adding to this growing section.
Scrabster Pier Now Officially Behind Schedule
Scrabster
Harbour Trust have been officially informed by contractors Mowlem Marine
that the project to build the new pier is behind schedule. The
latest pictures show little movement over the last couple of months.
Caithness
- Crossroads Care Attendant Scheme - New Office At Wick
From Tuesday 11 June Crossroads Care will open at Caithness Deaf Care in
Wick on Tuesdays and Fridays between 2.00 and 4.00pm.
Halkirk Gala
Week 9 - 16 July
Caithness.Org will be at some of the events next week.
Caithness Deaf
Care Centres Now Open In Wick And Thurso
Volunteers are always welcome at Caithness Deaf Care
to assist with a range of essential work. If you are interested in
the work or in lip-reading classes etc contact the co-ordinator. The
centres can advise on many aspects of deafness from equipment to
communication.
Latest
Funding News For UK Registered Charities
The Communities fund now has an electronic application form that you can
download and submit on a floppy - BBC will soon transmit a series on
volunteering - And much more.
Winning Teams In The Caithness Queen's Jubilee Football
The Jubilee Seven A Side Football Competition was a huge success and here
are the winning teams in the various age groups. Well done to all
the teams who took part and to all the organisers, trainers, coaches,
drivers, caterers, drivers, parents for another successful day. A
great job.
Dunbeath
Christmas Lights Fund Funday
Saturday 22 June - 2.00pm Dunbeath Community
Centre.
Parade of floats, knockout competition, stalls, raffles, bouncy
castle, food.
Later a Mid-summer disco, kipper barbecue at Dunbeath Harbour
9.00pm - Happy Hour 10.00pm
Caithness Music Festival 10 June - 14 June
Competitions mainly at Assembly Rooms , Wick with
some at Thurso high and Mount Pleasant School, Thurso. Post Festival
concerts in both Assembly Rooms and Thurso High School on Monday June 17
at 7.00pm. check programmes available at local shops for full
details of events.
Wick Heritage Centre Open Until September
This museum run by volunteers will completely amaze you for the size and
scope of the items and information. It has unbelievable depths and a
huge archive of photographs. If you have visited other small
heritage museums prepare to spend a ling time in this one. A
truly remarkable collection and growing all the time. It has rooms
and rooms packed with the history of the county, a lighthouse, several
boats and much much more.
1962 Miller Academy Picture Looking for More Names
We have received some names for this picture but can
anyone help with the missing names.
5th June 2002
More
From Castletown Jubilee Day
Well done to the Castletown Okies for getting
three teams in the finals of the Jubilee tournament on Sunday.
History Of Caithness -
Chapter Eight Begins
George, the fifth Earl of Caithness, kills with his own hand Ingram and
David Sinclair, the keepers of his late father. Series of Fights and
Raids between him and the Earl of Sutherland - Town of Wick burnt.
Sinclair Gathering At Noss Head
James Berriedale Has Late Birthday
Late
Birthday celebrations for James as it was all timed to coincide with the
Sinclair Gathering with friends from many parts both in Scotland, UK,
Canada, USA, Norway and other parts. This picture was taken at
the Weigh Inn, Thurso.
Tannach
School 1928
This
picture of Tannach School has been sent in by Margaret Hammerton.
Her aunt helped her get names for the picture but some are missing or may
be in the wrong order in some cases. If anyone has an accurate list
please send it in.
4th June 2002
Lyth Arts Brings
Another Success To Caithness
"The Wedding" a rollicking farce last night performed at the Portland
Hotel, Lybster for that touch of reality had the audience as guests and
joining in various parts of the action. The laughs just kept coming
as the Duff and the Pratt families got together for the wedding from where
everything went wrong. Other parts of the highlands have until
Saturday to join in this hilarious evening.
Scott Mackay
Going home On Wednesday
After the amazing news on bone marrow matches being found for Scott Mackay
comes the news that he will be leaving hospital on Wednesday as his tumours
have responded to treatment.
Jubilee Football Competition Results
Around 450 children took part in the above competition.
Prince
Henry Statue Gets Visitors From Melbourne and Winchester
The new statue at Noss Head looks like a winner for visitors getting their
photos taken. Visitors yesterday from Winchester, England and Melbourne,
Australia met Caithness folk.
Great News - Four Possible Bone Marrow Matches For Scott Mackay
One person is a 100% match for Scott and there look as if there are three other
possible matches with two having further tests. Scott's family are very
pleased at this seeming miracle. There is still a very long way to go but
this is fantastic news.
3rd June 2002
Bower Jubilee
Has Lots Of Fun
A
real family day at the Bower Village Hall with games, quizes and food.
There was dancing and competitions in the hall that was decorated with
lots of bunting. A wet day did not stop the folk in Bower as in many
Caithness villages having a great day. Bonfires will be lit in
several places and we know of ones at Bower, Berriedale and Nottingham
Mains on the hill. There may be others we have not heard about.
Have fun Caithness tonight. We are off to another Ceilidh.
More pictures to come tomorrow.
Bower
Village Moves Bonfire To Save Hedgehogs
The
bonfire originally started for Halloween but never lit due to bad weather
was doubled in size for the jubilee celebrations. But someone
noticed that hedgehogs had built nests underneath. The village
decided to move the whole bonfire and rebuilt the whole thing in a
different position to save the wee creatures from a burning. It's a
truly huge bonfire.
Castletown Celebrates The Jubilee
These
young country dancers were having great fun at the Jubilee celebrations in
Castletown today. there were games in the hall as well as dancing
displays. Food and stalls outside the hall even in the pouring rain.
Pigeons
Take flight At Thurso For The Queen's Jubilee
A
release of pigeons today was one of the events at Thurso Harbour Day timed
to coincide with he Queen's Jubilee celebrations. The stalls were up
despite the wet afternoon. Tonight bands will play at the harbour
until midnight.
Canadian Web
Site For Scott Mackay
Another support web site for Scott Mackay has sprung
up in Canada to further highlight the search for a match.
Map Showing Lines In Support Of Ashley Cowie's Investigation
If you have already seen
the article you may be interested in the map showing just some of the
lines joining up Caithness castles and other features in the landscape.
Whether you think this is all imagination or there is something much
deeper in the alignments you may be intrigued by the connections to Dirlot
Castle. The map is at very high resolution and will take some time
to download. Already creating lots of
debate on the Message Board And there is a lot more to come
on this theme at a later date.
See The Stacks Of Duncansby Seabird Colonies
Thursday 6 June 2.00pm - Meet At Duncansby
Lighthouse Car Park
A Free walk with the rangers to the fantastic cliff colonies of
seabird.
Seabird City Duncansby
Anthony Nolan Team Leave
John O'Groats
The Save A Life Cycling Team from Anthony Nolan Trust set off on Saturday
from John O'Groats. Along the way to Lands End will be clinics
taking blood tests to add more people to the Bone Marrow Register.
After Wick's fantastic start it is hoped the Save a Life campaign will
have significantly increased the numbers on the register and save more
lives by finding matches
Early Summer
Plants In Caithness From Ken Butler
A few of the many plants now visible across the Caithness landscape.
From the Primula Scotica that flowers twice a year to the Great Sundew
with its insect eating capabilities. The list also includes
locations and what to look for at this time of year. the list has
also been added to the
Plant List
Another Towhead Arrived At Wick Harbour For The Wester Yard
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