News Archive - October 2002
[September 2002] [November 2002]
31st October 2003
Halloween At Hilldead Primary School, Wick
Fire At Riverside Home & Bridge Street
Church
At 20:43 hours on Wednesday, 30 October, 2002 a report was received of a
roof on fire at the Riverside Nursing Home, Bridge Street, Wick, a large
residential nursing establishment. Highlands and Islands Fire
Brigade (HIFB) units attended immediately as did Ambulance staff and
Northern Constabulary Officers from Wick and Thurso. The cause was
quickly established as being a fault in the flue system of a boiler in the
Church which was venting smoke into the home. The residents of the home
(43 in total) were firstly quickly evacuated from the affected part of the
building to a safe downstairs lounge pending a full assessment by HIFB.
A Few More Abseil Pictures
We did not manage to get everyone who did the
abseiling on the Hospital chimney recently but here are a few more
just sent in and added to the gallery.
30th October 2003
Here Comes Halloween In Caithness - Wick Youth Club
Return
To Lochinver
Continuing to expand the Sutherland pictures we have
now added another 24 pictures of Lochinver.
Wick
Girls Visit Balmore
The Wick Girls' Group visited the
Animal Welfare Centre at Balmore. They were given the
opportunity to look at all of the dogs and cats brought in and even got to
cuddle some of the little kittens...
Wick
Girls Group Index
Rogart
Rogart, Sutherland on the road to Lairg has its own
distinctive history and is a small scattered village. Well worth a look
around.
29th October 2003
HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS LEAD THE WAY IN E-BUSINESS
Companies in the Highland and Islands have embraced the e-business revolution
and now lead Scotland in their use of website technology, according to a recent
survey. Over 12,000 Scottish companies took part in the joint Highlands
and Islands Enterprise and Scottish Enterprise E-Business Survey 2002. The
survey reveals that 45 per cent of Highlands and Islands businesses now have
their own website compared to 39 per cent for Scotland as a whole.
NEW
LEISURE AND COMMUNITY CENTRE ON THE CARDS FOR ASSYNT
The people of Assynt are a step closer to realising their
ambitious plans to build a £1.1m leisure and community centre in
Lochnver. Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE) has
awarded Assynt Leisure - the community business set up to take the
project forward - a grant worth £100,000 towards the cost of the
facility at Lochinver.
Freswick
School
A few pictures of Freswick School that
has for many years been the local
Freswick Village Hall where the local community is very active
using their hall for a wide range of activities including art
exhibitions.
Old Schools Index
Neurological Group - Coffee Afternoon
Saturday 2 November 12 Noon - 4.00pm - Back
Bridge Street, Club, Wick.
Neurological Web Site
Captains
Galley Seafood Restaurant Opens Today At Scrabster
The
new seafood restaurant opens today in Scrabster. One of the
little touches on how is a small sculpture by renowned sculptor Sean
Williamson who advised on the stonework inside to ensure it could be
kept as it was. Based in the former ice-house the roof has a
very unusual barrel shape and is a main feature of the new eating
place.
28th October 2003
LIDL - New Supermarket In Wick Gets Started - Follow The Progress Here
Within days of getting planning permission the
men were on site on the outskirts of Wick opposite the cemetery.
Surveyors have already marked out the site and soil was being moved
today. Here are the first two sets of pictures from today and
the first day 23 October. We will follow the new shop to
completion.
UKAEA Response To
Clean Up White Paper
UKAEA has responded to the Government White Paper, "Managing the Nuclear
Legacy: A Strategy for Action" which sets out proposals for a national approach
to civil nuclear clean-up through a Liabilities Management Authority.
YOUNG BRIGHT STARS WANTED FOR IT YOUTH CHALLENGE
The search is on to find teams of young people from across the
Highlands and Islands, willing to take part in the Highlands and
Islands Youth Challenge, a major technology innovations competition.
PICT Innovation Ltd, a partnership company established to foster good ideas and
turn them into business ventures by supporting research and commercialisation,
is delivering the programme on behalf of Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
Caithness Riders Access Group - Latest
The group are building up information on rights of way for riders and walkers.
If you have any information on the subject that might be useful then get in
touch with them. They have set out a number of aims for the group and
they are on the page.
Communities To
Benefit From Jobs Dispersal
First Minister Jack McConnell in Oban today pledged action to ensure
that rural communities throughout Scotland benefit from the
dispersal of public service jobs. He said the Executives
relocation policy review would require bodies and departments
covered by the policy to identify two areas of work that could be
carried out in remote locations without compromising efficiency.
Strath
House
A house in Strath Watten
Keeping
The Weeds Down On The A99 To Wick
If you see this little truck on the highways
and byways you will see how our weeds are kept at bay.
Keiss
Baptist Chapel
The now disused Baptist Church was a
replacement for the first Baptist Church in Scotland established in
1750. A memorial plaque is sill in good condition ion the
front wall.
Nybster
School
Another in our series of old schools in Caithness.
Nybster school is now used as a small museum known as the Viking
Centre.
Robert
St.
Robert Street, Wick is a short street with
local authority housing on one side and much older buildings on the
other.
27th October 2003
Dunbeath
Fire Station
The newest fire station in Caithness is in
Dunbeath.
Neil
Gunn Walk
A group enjoyed a sunny Saturday afternoon in Dunbeath
Strath looking at places Neil Gunn got his inspiration from.
26th October 2003
More
Sutherland From The Air
Badcoll Bay
-
Culkein Drumbeg
-
Handa
-
Kerracher Bay
-
Kylescu Bridge
-
Loch Laxford
Loch Ardhbair
-
Loch Drhombaig
-
Loch Nedd
-
Scourie
Sutherland From The
Air
Boursa -
Cape Wrath -
Duslic Rock -
Kinlochbervie -
Kirtomy -
Loch a Chadh-fi -
Mol Na Coinnle
Port Odhar -
Portskerra
-
Rabbit Islands -
Rispond -
Sandwood Bay -
Skerray -
Strathy Pont
Talmine -
Torrisdale Bay
25th October 2003
Free Fruit at Halloween
for Highland Nurseries
Nursery school children in Highland received more money to buy fruit
and vegetables this week. The money comes from the Health
Improvement Fund to promote better diets in young children. The
Enormous Turnip is the theme for the Winter Pack and staff can
arrange story telling, soup making, and vegetable printing sessions
for their children.
Chamber Group Of Scotland - Thurso Live Music Association
Wednesday 6 November 8.00pm - Thurso High
School - Music by Rachmaninov, Brahms and Poulenc
Adults £7 Children/Students £1
Mull Theatre in "There Was A Man"
Wednesday 30 October 8.00pm Ross Institute, Halkirk - Organised by
Lyth Arts
Mull Theatre returns with Tom Wright's memorable one man show about
the great Scottish Poet. In this production John Langford plays the role
first made famous by John Cairnie.. As well as being a great evening
for Burns fans, the play is an exciting drama-documentary about his life
and times.
Caithness
Biodiversity Plan - Comments By 30 November
The Caithness Biodiversity Plan is part of a
wider Highland set up and the local Caithness Action Group are keen
to ensure that local views are taken into account for the longer
term. The action plan gives a breakdown of much of what is
around in the natural world in the area and indicates what is rare.
Your thoughts on what to protect or how to go about ensuring its
long-term survival can help formulate the plans.
24th October 2003
Caithness Health
Services Survey From Highland Health Council
Highland Health Council are following up their
recent Caithness Voices sessions in the county by allowing everyone
else to have a say via a survey form being issued to the public on
request, in newspapers and here on the web site. You can
either print it out or request copies for yourself and others from
Highland Health Council. The main issues are Closure of
the A&E Department at Dunbar Hospital, Thurso, Lack of staff (e.g.
vacancies cant be filled, loss of GPs from the area), Poor
communications (e.g. about the A&E Dunbar, between patient and
doctor, about NHS24), NHS Dental Services, Chiropody. You can agree or
not with the suggestions or make your own.
Hakon
Road, Thurso
Another small street in Thurso
Hay
Stacks, Bales - Gallery
It's all over the countryside but do you have much
idea about it. Over the years the shape of bales have changed
but some of the old balers are still on the go. Has anyone
written an article about Hay to add to the new picture gallery.
Its
in Farming
Service
Bridge, Wick
Some views of the Service Bridge in Wick yesterday. the bridge
joins the Camps area to Martha Terrace and the harbour area.
High tides are currently taking the water levels high on the bridge
and heavy rainfall in the last few days is sweeping the opposite
way.
Police
Major Incident suite Comes Into Use During Firemen's Strike
During the period of the firemen's strike action the Major Incident Suite at the Force
Operations Room at Burnett Road Police Office, Inverness will be
open 24 hours a day. Head of Operations for Northern
Constabulary, Chief Superintendent Jim Heddle, will chair a briefing
assisted by members of the Fire Service, Military and Highland
Council on Friday 25 October.
Going Going Gone - Properties Are Moving Fast In The Property
Section
Selling your property with Caithness.Org is
easy and good value. We worked out what it costs to do the
work and you get great value. Wherever else you advertise why
not show your property to the world. You never know where the
customer might be. It costs £20 once and for all
payment.
Fireworks Warning From Highland Council
Communities in the Highlands and Islands are being strongly
urged NOT to organise bonfires or fireworks displays in the
lead up to Guy Fawkes Night on Tuesday 5 November when the Fire
Brigade Union will be on strike. Brian Murray, Firemaster for the
Highland and Islands Fire Brigade, is particularly anxious that this
advice is observed on Saturday 2 November or Sunday 3 November, when
the FBU has called its second 48-hour strike.
E Access Bulletin - October Issue
A monthly newsletter for people with blindness
or visual impairment on technology issues. Has all the latest
news on what is becoming available. Reproduced on
Caithness.Org to let folk find it. If its of interest to you
then you can sign up to get it in your email every month.
23rd October 2003
Fire Brigade Strikes
Information And Links
Are
You Prepared For No Fire Engines At The Fire, Car Crash Etc?
Strikes may begin next Tuesday. If you are looking for news or
information about the strikes or what extra precautions to take check out our
links page now drawing it all together for home, workplace, schools etc.
Automatic alarms may not get responses so what action are you taking to cover
this type of eventuality? Think About Driving A Lot Slower.
Confidential Crime Line 01955 606800
Report Crimes To the Police in Caithness in Strict
Confidence
Captains
Galley Restaurant Ready
The newest restaurant in Caithness dedicated to quality seafood is ready and
last night hosted an open evening for friends and suppliers to see how the old
ice house at Scrabster has been transformed. Brand new all stainless
steel kitchens have been added.
Captains
Galley Cheque Presentations
Jim Cowie owner of the new restaurant
presented cheques to Thurso Lifeboat and Fishermen's mission in
recognition of their dedication in helping the fishermen who bring
the fish back to Scrabster.
Keiss
Castle - The Newer One
This is the later Keiss Castle that was
originally Keiss House built in 1755 and remodelled in 1860 to give
it the castle features.
The Old Keiss Castle sits in front of this one right on the
shore.
Thurso
In Bloom Season Comes To an End
John Ross the head gardener at Thurso was preparing to
dismantle one of the last of this years hanging basket displays that
have been a great feature of the town over the summer months.
The gardeners recently removed all their baskets, window boxes and
flower tubs from the streets of Thurso, ending a another great
display of colour for the year.
The Restoration Of A
Scottish Castle
Tuesday 5 November 7.30pm Thurso College
- Admission £3 - Field Club Members £2
A talk by Peter Gillies organised by Caithness
Field club in conjunction with Aberdeen University
All welcome.
Check
Aberdeen University Page for other talks in Caithness and Sutherland
in coming months. Looking for it later check under Education Index
Beverley Sarstedt Dance & Drama Classes New Season
Beverley
has been moving house so her popular classes are getting started
slightly later than usual this year. She also has a new phone
number to be found on her pages. The new times of the dance
and drama classes are also up and she can be contacted to book
children into any of the classes for the new session.
Also in are times for the
ladies tap classes in both Wick and Thurso. Other keep
fit and dance teachers can get their information in by emailing it
to [email protected]
Norlin Playgroup, Wick Latest Times
The latest times for Norlin playgroup are now
on the page and a note regarding possible expansion in 2003 to cover
children from 2.5 - 3 years old. If any other playgroups
would like to add more information to the pages please get in touch.
there is no charge for updating the pages with your latest
information and you can add pictures if you would like this.
22nd October 2003
House Fire In Castletown -Tuesday
A house opposite the St Clair Arms, Main Street, Castletown was
dealt with by the local fire brigade today. Fortunately no one
was at home or injured by the fire. However this along with
other fires and various road traffic accidents involving the fire
brigade brings home the serious nature of the strikes by the fire
brigade. It is not clear yet whether retained firemen in the
north will be involved in the action but warnings are already being
issued in Highland as below.....
PUBLIC URGED TO BE
ON FIRE ALERT DURING STRIKE ACTION
Communities in the Highlands and Islands are being strongly
urged NOT to organise bonfires or fireworks displays in the
lead up to Guy Fawkes Night on Tuesday 5 November when the Fire
Brigade Union will be on strike. Brian Murray, Firemaster for the
Highland and Islands Fire Brigade, is particularly anxious that this
advice is observed on Saturday 2 November or Sunday 3 November, when
the FBU has called its second 48-hour strike.
Wick
High 1950 - 1955 - Another Reunion Gets Going
Another reunion for wick High is well underway
and the venue is booked for Bonfire night (2 August 2003) of Wick
Gala Week in 2003. More details coming soon but meantime get
in touch with the organisers if you were at school then. Send
in any pictures from your schooldays for the section. See you
all n Gala Week next year.
Women's Aid Outreach - Updates
There is a new support worker in place for
Women's Aid and in addition to offering a refuge service she will be
available once a month at Caithness General Hospital to meet any
woman who has domestic problems caused by abusive relationships.
Ormlie's New Play Area Moving Fast Now
Things are looking good for the opening of Ormlie's new play area,
multi-sport and skatepark in the very near future (no date set
yet!), and a great deal of excitement and interest is coming from
the children and young people of the area (and further afield!). A
group of young skateboarders from Thurso are in the process of
forming themselves into a club which will be based in Ormlie
Give Blood Today In Thurso
Tuesday 22 October 2002
Dounreay Sports & Social Club, Thurso 2.00 - 4.00pm and 5.00 -
8.00pm
Castletown Junior Football Club
John Baikie has set up a new web site for
Castletown Junior Football Club. He is looking for some help
in getting a few pictures of football in Castletown in the past for
a history section. If anyone can help get in touch with him at
[email protected]
21st October 2003
Keiss Castle - 25 New Pictures
Next
30 Pictures
Many more angles on Sinclair and Girnigoe Castles.
The
Dungeon At Girnigoe Castle
The first 18 new pictures from Sinclair and
Girnigoe Castles taken on Sunday. These new pictures show lots
of views and aspects of the castles. A further 30 pictures are
coming later tonight. More pictures are also coming for Keiss
and Old Wick Castles.
Unemployment Down Again In The
North
The number of unemployed in Caithness and Sutherland fell from 810
last month to 797. 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) 5.4%
(5.8%), 5.3% (5.2%) and 3.0% (2.9%).
Graham Begg Prepares For New E-commerce
Set Up
Graham Begg Ltd has been awarded an E-business
Support Grant by Caithness And Sutherland Enterprise of £5050
towards the cost of preparing his business to move towards accepting
orders online. Other businesses in this section in receipt of
smaller awards are The Ben Loyal Hotel, Tongue and the Caledonian
Curry Company based at Bonar Bridge.
Grey Coast Theatre Gets
Grant of £27,600
Grey coast received the grant under the
community investment programme of CASE to assist with its tour of
the play 51 Pegasus that recently was in Caithness and is touring
other parts of Scotland. Helmsdale Community
Association and Assynt Leisure Association have both received
approvals for assistance, of £50,000 and £100,000 respectively,
towards the cost of community facility developments.
Finance for Business
Pulsen Design Ltd has received
approval of up to £3,200 towards the cost of equipment for their
newly established knitwear design and production business based in
Brora, while assistance of up to £2,000 will enable Alexander
Harper, Wick to purchase a magnetic can sorter, which will increase
the efficiency of his recycling initiative.
20th October 2003
Four
Castles Day
Caithness Field Club had an excellent day
checking out the Castles of Old Wick, Sinclair & Girngoe, Keiss Old
& New, Ackergill Tower and one of the Keiss Brochs thrown in as an
added extra.
Canadian Artists Exhibition At Freswick
Three
Canadians, one who has been a while and two newly brought in by the
tide held a small exhibition of their latest work "Travellers Sea"
at Freswick hall. Monique Sliedrecht has been working in Caithness for some time
and was recently joined by Rob Hengeveld and Marcia Hengeveld who took a
working break for a month in Caithness.
19th October 2003
No
Shortage of Abseilers In Caithness
On Saturday 19 October 2002 about 45 people joined in the challenge
to abseil down the Caithness General Hospital Chimney to raise funds
for the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust. The weather was very mixed moving between showers and sunshine
over the day. Some people had travelled some distance for the
chance to take on the abseil of the chimney. A group of young folk
came up from Golspie.
18th October 2003
Far North Sub-Aqua"Try Dive" Nights A Big Success
North Sub-Aqua Club held the second of their "Try Dive"
evenings in Thurso last night at the Thurso Swimming Pool.
Thurso Round Table members had the opportunity to try out the new
equipment acquired by the club following a lottery grant of £5000
from "Awards for All". The club used the money to purchase 6
full sets of diving equipment and spare tanks.
Thurso
Round Table Donation To Far North Sub-Aqua Club
Thurso Round Table presented the Far North Sub-Aqua Club with a cheque
for £150 towards helping their development. The Far North Sub-Aqua
Club formed about a year ago is getting ready to prepare a business
plan with a view to getting their own premises at Wick harbour.
Caithness now has two sub-aqua clubs - one based in Wick and the
other Caithness Sub -Aqua based in Thurso
First UK Charity
Bank
Gordon Brown has launched the first UK Charity Bank making the announcement
yesterday in London. the Charity Bank is more than just another bank. It
represents a new way of thinking about charity. At the same time as helping
others, individuals and businesses that open Charity Bank accounts will be
earning a modest financial return for themselves. And with all profits ploughed
back into the Bank, charities and social enterprises will also be helping one
another - a unique situation where all can benefit.
Creels
At Lybster
Just a quick look round at some of the small boats and the various
creels used by them.
17th October 2003
Highland Hospice Grand Auction Now Open Online
The auction is one of the most ambitious fund
raisers Highland Hospice have ever undertaken. The online
auction will end on 2 November and culminates in bidding from
various venues from Inverness to Thurso. The items for auction
cover a huge array of quality gifts right up to a £50,000 plot of
land. Take a look and see what you would like to bid
for. you can keep an eye on the bidding over the next couple
of weeks with the link at the top of this page.
Earlier details
HEALTH AND
WELLBEING OF THE HIGHLANDS TOP OF THE AGENDA
At a meeting of the full Highland Council members reaffirmed that health
improvement was a corporate priority for the Council when they unanimously
agreed the proposals put to them for a Joint Health Improvement Plan and
endorsed the future plans of the Highland Drug and Alcohol Action Team.
Members were told that key public sector agencies in the Highlands are to work
together to improve the region's health.
16th October 2003
Killimster & Dunbeath Old
Schools
Another two old Caithness schools.
Killimster is a private houe and Dunbeath is now home to the
Dunbeath Preservation Society that runs it as a visitor centre
Index To Calder's History
Of Caithness Available for Sale
If you have a copy of Calder's History of Caithness or are
following it on Caithness.Org then you might want to be able to look
things up a it easier. Now you can as local genealogy
researcher Sara Jayne Donaldson in Thurso has created a proper index
to the text. It costs £10 plus postage direct from Sara.
Caithness Views Wanted
Local people are being asked for their
views on what is special about the wildlife and plantlife of Caithness in
response to the consultation on the draft Caithness Biodiversity Action Plan,
which was launched today. People will have until the end of November 2002
to tell the Caithness Biodiversity Group what they like about the flora and
fauna on their doorstep and what projects they would like to see undertaken to
help protect or enhance it.
MADD - An
Opportunity For Voluntary Groups
Make a Difference Day (Saturday 26 October) is the flagship campaign
of Community Service Volunteers (CSV), a registered charity that
creates opportunities for people to take an active part in the life
of their community. On Make a Difference Day people all over
the UK take action to change their communities for the better. Now
in its 7th year, MADD proves that everyone can make a difference, with
participants aged from 5 to 105 and from all walks of life, taking action all
over the UK. Get more information and packs.
2002 Scottish Youth
Award - Do You Know Anyone?
The search is on for individuals or groups
of young volunteers who have devoted their time and effort to
provide an excellent service or help to improve the opportunities
and quality of life of people in their community. The Scottish Foresters Youth Award is an annual event
established over 30 years ago that publicly celebrates the
achievements of young people. It recognises and rewards these
contributions. The Award is open to individuals or groups of
young people, aged 5 to 25, who have made a significant contribution
to the community.
Keep
An Eye On The Hospital Chimney On Saturday
More volunteers are lined up to help raise
money for the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust again this year.
Another 50 interpid Caithness folk will make the trip down the
chimney again this year. So keep your eyes open and look up at
the chimney on Saturday. If you want to make a donation head
for the back of the hospital to the base of the chimney where
everyone will be lining up throughout the day for their turn.
Last year most folk had never tried abseiling. Wonder who is
back for a second go.
Last
years pictures
New
Police Station Progress
The new police station is making progress and
is still looking to open early in the new year.
Looking Over Wick Yesterday
It was a beautiful day in Caithness yesterday
as can be seen from these views looking over Wick from the Assembly
Rooms. The early showers cleared to blue skies.
Visiting PE
Teacher Sought For Caithness
Following concerns expressed to him by Caithness members regarding the lack of
PE cover in the Caithness area, Bruce Robertson, The Highland Councils
Director of Education Culture and Sport Services confirmed he has asked
officials in the area to seek out a long term temporary teacher of PE for
Caithness primary schools. The teacher would remain in post until the end of
the school session in June 2003.
15th October 2003
Sarclet
In Archaeology Week
A large group braved the wet weather to see
Sarclet with Iain Sutherland of the Wick Society. Iain had
lots of information and plans of what would have been Brodiestown if
everything had gone to plan.
Thrumster Old School
Another of the many old schools in Caithness.
The school lies out of the village on the road to Sarclet. The
schoolhouse has been lived in continuously and has only recently
been vacated. The school itself is deteriorating through
lack of maintenance.
Captains
Galley Opening Soon
A new seafood restaurant is nearly ready to open at Scrabster harbour.
The new restaurant will be in the old Ice House once used to store ice for the
fish being landed at the harbour. The building has been completely
renovated but retaining the significant features of the barrel roof and stone
walls. New kitchens have been built on the side of the ice house.
Opening soon.
14th October 2003
Anne
McKevitt Launches Style Solutions
Ann McKevitt who hails from Thurso is back in
Scotland to launch her new book "Style Solutions". The new
book will be out in hardback and paperback. In addition Anne
is getting ready to launch a new range of merchandise as her fame
grows. She recently hit the headlines in Paris as one of the
top 40 leading women entrepreneurs. With Several TV series
already behind her it looks like she is on a roll with this latest
book.
Banniskirk
School
Another old school in Caithness long since
closed. The former school is a private house currently being
extended. The owner is looking for clay ridge tiles to match
the ones on the old school. These are very difficult to come
by nowadays so if anyone has a few lying around get in touch.
Drawing From The Past - Archaeology Week In Caithness
Thursday 17 October
6.30pm-8.00pm. A look at a collection from the Scottish
Architects Papers Preservation Project held in the
North Highland Archive. Wick Assembly Rooms, Wick. Siobhan
McConnachie, RCAHMS
Banniskirk
Mains Farm
Banniskirk Farm has an elevated position with
commanding views of the surrounding countryside. It sits at
the end of a single track road almost at the top of the hill.
There is no through road and traffic is mostly only to the few
houses along the roadside.
Murkle
From The Air
Another of our views of Caithness from the
air. this one is in our
coastal gallery. Other views from the air can be found in
the main
Aerial
Index page. Martin
Lawrence who supplied many of the views from the air writes
books for yachtsmen
Wick High 1975 Reunion - Invitation Letter
The date is set for 1 August 2003. Class
of 75 folk are asked to get in touch with the organisers as soon as
possible to ensure another great night.
13th October 2003
Orcadian
Stone Company
On the main road in Golspie is one of the most
fascinating and indeed largest collections of rocks and minerals in
Scotland. A lifetime's collection and a shop sit side by side.
Well worth a visit next time you are in Golspie.
Swartigill Burn Walk
Part of Archaeology Week saw a group walk up
the Swartigill Burn to see a previously unrecorded "WAG" now another
listed National monument from this year. The area is
almost wholly unexplored and more is probably waiting to be found.
12th October 2003
Miller
Street, Wick - New Gallery
More pictures of Miller Street in a new gallery as we begin to
capture more of the Pulteneytown area of Wick before any work on the
possible multi-million project to restore Telford's original plan
for the area.
If
You Can't Get Your Paper Remember Your Sunday News On Caithness.Org
Starting with Scotland On Sunday news feeds we
will be adding more links to Sunday papers as we find them.
Remember there are now over 300 news feeds coming into Caithness.Org
updating 24hhours a day and covering ever more topics.
Burn
Street, Wick
Burn Street is in the Pulteneytown area of Wick and
runs right down to the harbour. The harbour end has derelict
buildings whilst the other end has completely new housing and some
small businesses. In the middle is the Wick swimming
pool....it's improving.
New Music
Links Section
Since the scrapping of the old music section
several folk have asked what happened to the music links section
they used. Well now we are putting it back with even more
links. We are still looking for more local band pictures so if
you have a picture of a local band send it in to go into a new
gallery section.
916 Caithness Businesses Now In Caithness Business Index
24 hours a day 7 days a week all year round
you can find a business in our Business directory. But there
is more to it than just the contact details. Postcodes are
clickable to open a map to make it easy to find where they are, fax
numbers are clickable to allow you to send a fax to a business via
your email and nearly
200 businesses so far have links to their own web sites. Job ads are
FREE to advertisers and the property section offers low cost ads for property
in the county (one payment keeps the ad in until the house is sold - no repeat
fees). For businesses the banner ads are extremely cost effective.
Walk Up Swartigill Burn - Yarrows Heritage Trust
Sunday 13 October 10.00 - 12 Noon.
Meet At Thrumster church car park
A chance to see and hear about the new archaeological discoveries of
this unusual area.
11th October 2003
Portskerra From The Air
Adding
to our recent
Portskerra pictures in the growing
Sutherland section
National Poetry Day - Caithness Style
The
venue was the ever popular Blackstairs Lounge in wick. The event
was a night to celebrate National Poetry Day. An evening of
entertainment included lots of poetry by local poets and singing by
local musicians including Addie Harper. Readers included Tom Bryan
who also played the harmonica - Jenny Stewart and Gail Macdonald
who has her own book of poetry coming out soon.
Duncansby From The Air
See
the lighthouse, stacks and cliffs from a plane in this picture.
Duncansby Main Section
Wick Girls Group
- Latest Programme
October - December
All girls' who attend Wick High
School are welcome. Meets at the Community Education Centre,
Ackergill Street, Wick. Thursdays 7-9pm Admission
50p
10th October 2003
Spittal Quarry - A & D Sutherland Get A New Entrance
If
you are new to the area then you might be forgiven for drivng past
the entrance to A & D Sutherland - Spittal Quarry but no longer.
A fine set of new walls and stone signs now mark the entrance to the
quarry where fine Caithness flagstone is still extracted.
Are You Listening To Radio
On Your PC Yet?
Just a few more suggestions in our ever
growing links section
Bilbster And Stirkoke War Memorial
Another
war memorial of which there are many in Caithness.
9th October 2003
Gaelic
Declaration
A call for the Scottish Executive to safeguard the future of the Gaelic
language and culture was made today (Wednesday) by a delegation from The
Highland Council. The delegation met Mike Watson, Minister of Tourism, Culture
and Sport with responsibility for Gaelic in Edinburgh to hand over a
declaration supported by business leaders and major agencies operating in
Scotland, as well as hundreds of individuals including Sir Sean Connery and Sir
Magnus Magnusson.
Barrock Mains Farm
Barrock Mains Farm is a modern farm in methods and organisation but
has all the mid nineteenth century farm buildings all round.
The buildings are different from most found in Caithness and
unusually also have three dovecotes in the walls of the buildings
and barns.
PUBLIC ASKED FOR VIEWS
ON PROPOSED TAXI FARE INCREASES
The Highland Council is inviting comments from the public on its proposal to
increase taxi fares throughout the Highlands by an average of 10%, with effect
from Monday 9 December. The Council has a statutory duty to review the
taxi tariff every 18 months. In recommending an increase, it recognises that
Highland fares are among the lowest in the United Kingdom.
Thurso Venue for
Telephone Bidding In Highland Hospice Biggest Ever Event
Thurso Boys Brigade Hall is one of the venues for telephone
bidding in Highland Hospice's biggest ever fund raising event which
takes place on Saturday 2nd November 2002, from 7pm-midnight at the
Newton Hotel, Nairn. Taking the form of a ceilidh and auction with some
very valuable items up for the highest bidder.
Sunday Papers
News - Head For Caithness.Org
Possibly more newspapers are sold on Sunday than any
other day of the week in Scotland. But what if you are away or could
not get the paper. Well now just click onto Caithness.Org for your
Sunday Paper with headlines linking to Scotland on Sunday Newspaper.
Just click the Sunday News link at the top of the page.
Scotsman Farming & Food News Now Running In Caithness.Org Farming Section
Our new farming section has just had the Scotsman
News Headlines on Farming and Food added to the new faming section.
These headlines update daily for you to get the latest Scottish and UK
farming news direct from the Scotsman newspaper on Caithness.Org.
Murkle School
The
old school -now a private house - is attached to the village hall and is
on the road between Castletown and Thurso.
Signs Ups
For Interest In Broadband Still Too Low
The number of people signing up for more information and to say
they are interested in Broadband is presently way below what BT
wants to begin looking at upgrading exchanges in Thurso. Only
44 people in the Wick exchange and 71 in the Thurso exchange have so
far signed up as interested. If you are interested in getting
more information you can help get things moving by signing up at the
BT Broadband
site.
The Wide Open Spaces Of
Murkle
Another small farming community lives around the Murkle area with a
scattering of new andolder houses for retired people and folk working in
other parts of the county. Superb views to the coast and across the
fields inland. It is a short walk or drive to the coast for views of the
Pentland Firth. It's on the road between Castletown and Thurso.
Even More News
On Caithness.Org With The Scotsman Daily
Now even more Scottish News feeding into
Caithness.Org and this time they are direct from Scotsman Newspaper.
The Scotsman's headlines will appear in our news sections for you to scan
or open in a new window to get the latest Scottish News Stories alongside
our Caithness items. And there's more ... check out
Music Headlines in the
Caithness.Org Music Section and more
Movie News
Wick High
1975 Reunion Gets Ready For 2003
Just getting the planning going and if you want more
information then contact details are on the new section set up to run
until the reunion. Why not send in your old school pictures for this
section to remind everyone of those school days.
Miller Academy 1960 Picture L
Stewart Jamieson Sends Some Names
EXTRACTS FROM OLD INVENTORIES
OF THE TITLES OF THE ESTATE
OF MALCOLM GROAT OF WARSE.
From The History of Caithness by J T Calder. A fairly mundane listing of
titles and who left what to whom. It has some old language and
abbreviations that take a bit of understanding but if you persevere you will
manage some of them. Perhaps someone will one day supply an up to date version
for faster reading.
8th October 2003
Windy In Caithness Today
Late this afternoon the wind was increasing and letting us know that
summer was definitely over. Strong winds were beginning to whip the
waves up in Wick Bay pushing in against the harbour walls.
Lyth - Another Old School
Lyth School is now the
Lyth
Arts Centre
Farming - Mart Reports
Bringing the latest Caithness Farming Market Reports
commencing today with the
Special Sale from Aberdeen and Northern Marts at Quoybrae where 23
cattle and 686 sheep were sold. Top gross price was £712.95 for a
735kg Charolais cross from M & E Munro, Upper Milton Farm, Wick.
Scorrie
Internet Launches New Lewis Music Press Web Site
A completely new music web site for Andrew Duncan former Tuba player with
Halle orchestra who now lives in Lewis. The new web site offers
samples of the scores for sale and samples of music to listen to before
deciding to buy. The site is designed to grow as Andy decides to add
more of his arrangements. In addition to arranging Andy undertakes
commissions and has recently been heavily involved in brass arrangements
for Warner Brothers. The new site has many features and new work
will be added regularly including early in 2003 classic cartoon music from
Warner Brothers and Hanna Barbera.
More Support For Sensory Needs In Highland
The Highland Council has agreed a range of proposals to
further develop community services offered to people who are deaf,
deafened, hard of hearing, or deafblind. Caithness Councellor David
Flear - Vice-Chair of the Joint Committee for Action in Community Care was
with Sandy Riddell, Head of Operations, Social Work Services, Cllr
Olwyn MacDonald, Vice Chair of Housing & Social Work Committee and Chair of the
Co-ordinating Sub-Committee on Services for People who are Deaf or Hard of
Hearing and John Gill, Team Manager for Deaf Services. Highland services
are based in Dingwall.
Lyth Burn
The Lyth
Burn flows into the Loch of Wester the water from which flows out to
Sinclairs Bay
New Picture Gallery For Wester
Highland Pupils Go To The
Polls
Pupils from the 28 secondary schools in the Highlands go to the polls this week
to elect 75 representatives to the new Highland Youth Voice, the youth
parliament for the Highlands. Voting takes place until Thursday and
results will be announced on Friday. Pupils can choose to either vote on-line
or cast their vote in the more traditional method, by putting an X on to a
ballot slip. 15,000 passwords have been given out for the voting web
site.
Lure Of the Highlands And
Islands As IT Firm Trades London for Lewis
An increasing number of IT firms are heading for the north of Scotland for
quality of life offering jobs to educated and motivated staff. A
high-tech computer consultancy business is trading the big city for island
life. Enterprise Management Consulting (EMC) Ltd already has a
London office but is setting up a base on Lewis with a view to creating at
least five new jobs in the first instance.
Bogus Telephone Calls Trying
To Get Bank Details
Police are warning that a number of people in the
Lochaber area have received calls from someone trying to obtain their bank
details offering free credit reference checks or a mobile phone.
Wherever you are don't fall for anyone offering something to get your
banking or credit card details. Ask for a number to call them
back and then tell the police.
7th October 2003
Castletown Drill Hall
The
name of this village hall denotes its military start in life and is
perhaps reflected in its style with two turrets and conical rooftops
Farm Market Buildings In Caithness
Another addition in our new farming section will be an increasing range of
photo galleries so show many aspects of this important industry well known for
its high quality animals and crops down the centuries right up tot he present
day.
Farm Machinery In Caithness
Another
farming gallery where pictures of the wide variety of equipment and
tractors used in Caithness will go. there is a wide variety of
machinery at use and later we will set up a gallery for older agricultural
machinery that many people have kept or restored. Send your pictures
for the gallery.
Murkle Village Hall
First
into the new Village Hall Picture Gallery is Murkle Village Hall.
Other pictures will now begin to appear in the latest gallery. If
your village hall has any events that need advertised then email them in
or enter them in the What's On section - Its FREE
Brabster Castle Pictures
another set of pictures from one of the castles in Caithness that is not
situated on the coast. The castle has superb views across Caithness.
From here people living in it could see all the way to the coast and
across the county into Sutherland. Little is left of the building
and part of what is there is later than the castle period. The
pictures let you see what is there from all sides.
6th October 2003
Nearly At John O'Groats And He Will Walk All The Way To Lands End
They
arrive at John O'Groats almost every week - people raising money for
charity having walked, cycled and other obscure methods from Lands End.
But Bernard Tomkin is going to walk all the way back again by the end of
November. He has already raised over £6000 for the Queen's Jubilee charity
and hopes to make a lot more on the way back. He will take a short
hop on Monday over to Orkney and then back over to begin the return walk.
So far his feet are in good shape with no blisters. He is retired
and has thoroughly enjoyed his walking especially in Scotland where he
says he has had great treatment along the route.
Brabster School
Another
old school from Brabster inland from Canisbay and near the old Brabster
Castle.
Highlands Showing The Way As
Scotland Cracks Down On Credit Card Fraud
One year after it was introduced in the Highlands the introduction of
requesting Thumbprints with credit cards has dramatically reduced credit card
fraud in areas where it has been trialled. Many other parts of Scotland
are now introducing the scheme. As a result of the success handbag theft
has also had a huge reduction.
Kevin McLeod - Latest Enquiry
Enquiry Ends With No Further Action
Statement Issued by Ian Latimer Chief Constable Northern Constabulary
North School - Cup
Winners
This
picture of the North School Football Cup Winning Team has been sent in for
the 1966 Wick High Reunion
being organised for 2004. Still plenty of time for more pictures
that we will add to the Schooldays section and link to the reunion pages
at the same time.
5th October 2003
Donald Campbell Shaves Beard
For Renal Unit
Donald Campbell a driver with D Steven & Sons parted company with his
beard that has been with him since 1980. It was all in a good cause
and he has raised sponsorship of nearly £1400 by today and looks likely to
top £1500. The funds are in aid of equipment for the new renal unit
now being built at Caithness General Hospital. Amanda Steven of
"Streaks Ahead" hairdressers in Wick helped do the deed. Well
Done Donald and probably the most expensive beard in Caithness has gone.
Crossroads
Care Attendant Scheme - Wick And East Caithness
Crossroads began opening an office two mornings a week in June at the
Caithness Deaf Care offices for advice and assistance to carers but
although a few phone calls have been received no on has as yet called at
the office. If you know a carer who might need some assistance with
a friend or relative then let them know Crossroads Care may be able to
help them.
See Crossroads page for more information. Crossroads is a
voluntary organisation that uses trained volunteers to offer respite care.
Yarrows Heritage Gets In On Highland Archaeology Week
Yarrows Trust
are doing two walks during HAW - Both on Sun. 13th October -
10 a.m. Swartigill Burn (New discoveries) and afternoon 2:00
p.m. - Sarclet Harbour and village
At the end of November the trust will run a
St Andrews
Night fundraiser
Scrabster Pier Latest Pictures
Pulteneytown People's
Project Inaugural Meeting
The steering group has done its work and prepared a constitution for the
first meeting. this may be the inaugural meeting but the group have
already done a lot over the summer organising a holiday club, area clean
ups and landscaping with help from contractors Millers. Now
residents can have their chance to say Yes or No to the various ideas the
new constitution that will form the basis of the new organisation.
Dounreay Staff Volunteer
for Path Improvements At Thurso River
Staff from Dounreay have
been assisting again in a British Trust for Conservation Volunteers
(BTCV) Project at the Thurso River. There were 18 staff from all areas of
the Dounreay site in total, split between the Thursday and Friday. It
took two full days to achieve their target using the materials provided,
although they finished slightly sooner on the Friday due to all their hard work
over the two days.
4th October 2003
More From Above The Caithness Coast -
Harrow and
Thurso
More
pictures from Martin Lawrence who uses the photographs for his books on
the coast for yachtsmen. Martin Lawrence writes books for yachtsmen
and a couple are now in the sea
section of the Caithness.org
bookshop.
Police Warning On High
Pressure Sale Persons
This warning comes from Easter Ross and regards targeting of elderly
people by sales people using pressure tactics.
Caithness Nerve Centre Highlights Stroke Awareness Week
Are you high in risk factors. Check out what you can do at the
Neurological Group's web site
3rd October 2003
Gills From The Air
Gills
is becoming increasingly well known since the new ferry company Pentland
Ferries started using the pier. Here are
a few more pictures from above
New Handy Person Scheme For
Caithness
Dennis To Fix It For Caithness Elderly & Disabled
Elderly and disabled people in Caithness will soon be able to call in a
specialist - Dennis Simpson - to tackle small repair jobs in their homes,
thanks to a joint initiative by Pentland Housing Association and Caithness
Community Care Forum. From November 2002 a mobile handyperson will
available to fix the sort of non-emergency household jobs that are normally
left to residents, but have become too difficult for the elderly or disabled.
There Is More To Wick Youth
Club Than You Might Think
Wick Youth Club has a tremendous range of activities
going on in its club house. They have play groups and badminton and
groups meeting there during the day whilst at weekends and evenings young
folk take part in a range of activities and groups. They even offer
access to the Internet on five computers to young folk and the public
through a Scottish Executive scheme to extend access. You might be
surprised at all the activities now on offer.
National Census Results - Highland
Population Bucks Scottish Downward Trend
The tables below shows that Highland's population in June 2001 was 208,920, 51%
of which were female and 49% male. The population of Scotland was 5,064,200, of
which 52% were female and 48% male. Overall, population has increased in
Highland by 2.4% since 1991. This is in contrast to the national picture which
saw a fall in population between 1991 and 2001 of 0.8%.
Business Workshops In Caithness
Caithness And Sutherland Enterprise has organised a series of Business
workshops covering several aspects of business for anyone considering setting
up or already in business. The workshops are FREE and commence on 16
October with "Pricing For Profit."
2nd October 2003
Milton - Just Outside Wick
Taking
a look at what was beneath the sunset from the other night. Milton
is about a mile from Wick on the road to Thurso. It lies at the foot
of Stemster Hill that has several springs one of which ends at a well
known well - Weirs Well that has apparently never run dry to this
day.
Council Tax Benefit Claims
Checks
A new system is being introduced in all
Highland Council Housing and Council Tax Benefit and second adult rebate
application procedures to help ensure that benefit claims are accurate and
reduce overpayments.
Two Communities
Differ On Highland Woodland Take-Overs
Two communities in Highland have taken different
decisions regarding community ownership of woodlands in their areas.
Highlands and Islands Enterprise has agreed to support the proposed
community purchase of the Sanquhar Woodlands in Forres whilst A proposal
for a community purchase of the 60 hectare Distillery Wood at Tomatin near
Inverness, will now not go ahead following a ballot of the local community.
1st October 2003
Caithness Waybaggers Group - Walking In Strath Brora
The
Waybaggers took another walk through another beautiful part of Sutherland
when they walked Strath Brora through woods and open moorland. They
visited the Carrol Broch and were delighted with the stunning views of
Loch Brora and the Gordonbush Estate. Remember if heading into these
places that they are amongst the most deserted places in Europe.
Tell someone where you are going and go prepared at any time of the year.
Farewell To The St Ola Ferry On Her Last Trip
At
just after 6.00pm the MV St Ola slipped from her moorings for the last
time, before heading for Leith and then on to her new home in Estonia. As the vessel left the skipper thanked those who
turned up to bid the vessel farewell, and said that even though the St
Ola wont be back, much of the crew would be, though in a different
guise. Well-wishers waved the
vessel away as her fog horns signalled the end of an era at Scrabster, the
Pentland Firth
and Stromness. The St Ola was dressed for the occasion and was
escorted out into Thurso Bay for the last time by the Thurso Lifeboat,
whilst a lone piper played a farewell from the end of the Ola Quay.
The St Clair and St Sunniva ferries for Orkney and Shetland have also
ceased as the new company Northlink takes over the routes
Trio Join The Board Of Caithness And Sutherland Enterprise (CASE)
Three new directors have been appointed to the board of Caithness and
Sutherland Enterprise (CASE). They are Colin Gregory, John Campbell and
Ian Richards.
Visitor Numbers Surge in September
Hits 4,516,336 Pages 1,293,948
Visitors 85,568
Daily Average - Hits 150,5445 Pages 43,131 Visitors
2852
Visitor numbers were up again with a rise of 8.5% over August.
The average daily hit rate was up whilst the page views were down by 200
per day to 43,131. Visitor numbers are up
38% from August 2001. If the trend continues Caithness.org will
clock up over a million visits in the next 12 months looking at over 15
million pages with an annual hit rate of over 50 million. Thanks to
everyone who has looked in and to all our contributors.
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