News Archive - April 2003
[March 2003] [May 2003]
30th April 2003
Graeme
Smith (Liberal Democrat) Fights Election On His Record
Graeme Smith has been out campaigning round the Wick Ward these
last couple of weeks and stands on his record of getting things done.
He faces opposition from Niall
smith (Scottish National Party) and
Bill Mowat (Labour).
Summer Kite Buggy Courses
Enquiries are coming in to Grant Golding for the summer kite buggy
courses at Dunnet. Dates will be announced shortly. If you
want to be informed of dates email Grant - details in the Kite Buggy
pages.
Newtonhill Woodland AGM
The Friends of Newtonhill Woodland are having their AGM on Thursday 22nd
May at 7pm at the Queens Hotel. Everyone with an interest is invited to
attend.
Line Dancers Help Alan McIvor Move Closer To Thurso Book Publication
Alan McIvor and some of the Line Dancers in Caithness caught at
a night of fun and fund raising to help him publish a book on Old Thurso,
They had a night of foot stomping and strutting in the Janet Street Club
on Saturday night. The proceeds of the event £75.00 was donated to
Alan McIvor to assist him with publication.
Trevor Wight's "Twist" Exhibition At St Fergus Gallery, Wick
This vibrant and distinctive set of screen printing can be seen at
St Fergus Gallery, Wick until 10th May. Trevor Wight a talented
Canadian artist is passing on some of his skills to pupils at Wick High
School where he is currently a teacher. The exhibition is made up
from some of his work over the last three years....
The artist is inviting the public to a reception for the exhibition on
Friday 9th from 5.00pm - 7.30 to meet him and discuss the work.
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29th April 2003
Wick Based Training Company Wins International Contract
Wick based, Training
Consultancy,
JIT Training has won a contract to provide CRM Training to
international news agency Reuters. JIT Training will be working in
partnership with London based CRM Consultancy, Extraprise Ltd. The
contract involves providing virtual and classroom training to Reuters
employees for around the world and J I T Training will be delivering in
classrooms in London and Luxembourg as well as from Donna Flemings own
home office.
Sinclair Bay Beach Clean
The beautiful beach at Sinclair
Bay, north of Wick, Caithness is looking more inviting to visitors and
wildlife after an extensive beach clean which took place on Sunday 27th of
April. The weather held for the volunteers to fill a skip full of bags
from the masses of accumulated litter along the beach. The event was funded through the
Moray Firth Partnership and organised as an environmental project for the
Caithness Countryside Volunteers by the Highland Council Ranger Service.
Valuable assistance on the day was provided by Mr Watt from Subsea 7, who
loaded, transported and unloaded all the fill bags to a skip on the Wester
Site.
Centralisation Of NHS Hitting The Far North Say SNP
Drugs and alcohol counsellors should be based around Highlands - SNP says
stop the NHS centralisation on Inverness. News that three new drugs
and alcohol counsellor posts will be based on Inverness comes as no
surprise. "Centralisation under the NHS robs the Far North, West
and south Highlands of posts. The SNP will bring democratic
accountability to the NHS" said SNP Far North candidate Rob Gibson our election
message is to build up public service jobs in Tain, Brora and Wick.
The NHS announcement is another slap in the face for the North. Inverness
could well share counsellors with other areas. Basing these posts
elsewhere seems alien to the NHS administrators. This must be changed by
political instruction of the incoming government.'
3 Votes On
Thursday - Who Will Get Yours?
One Vote for Your MSP - Then One vote for the Regional MSP -
list candidates and finally one vote for the local council.
Speculation is rife to see whether voters will vote for one party with
their first vote and another party with their second vote to bring in the
candidates on the party lists or individuals standing mainly on single
issues. The Green Party won three seats in this way at the last
election For the council it is a straight first past the post
- whoever gets the most votes wins. i
SOCIALISTS
ANTICIPATE HISTORIC HIGHLANDS WIN
The Scottish Socialist Party has been redoubling its efforts in the
last few days before polling on Thursday. A Highlands & Islands Regional
List seat is within the SSP's sights. Opinion Polls published in
THREE National Newspapers on Sunday and Monday all put the SSP on course
to win perhaps 6 or 7 List seats in the new parliament, and for Tommy
Sheridan to perhaps win outright in Pollock. Steve Arnott, the SSP's top
Highlands List candidate, is encouraged by the polls.
East
End Boys Club 1968
Another picture from the long running football club in Wick
TREATMENT PLANT TO CLEAN UP
EFFLUENT FROM REACTOR DECOMMISSIONING
More Construction Jobs Will Be Created With this Latest
Development. The UK Atomic Energy Authority has applied for planning
permission to construct a new plant to clean up radioactive effluent
that will arise during the next phase of decommissioning the Prototype
Fast Reactor at Dounreay. The £2.4 million project will remove
radioactivity from the effluent before it is discharged to the sea.
Since the reactor closed in 1994, the fuel has been removed and a £17
million plant built to destroy the 1500 tonnes of sodium liquid metal used
as coolant.
Young Stars Could Be Highland
High Fliers
The search is on to find two Highland children to star in a new television
advert promoting air services in the region. Highlands and Islands
Airports Limited is looking for two youngsters to appear in a TV
commercial that will be filmed towards the end of May. The airport
operator and leading Glasgow-based advertising agency Frame Cunningham
will be holding auditions at the Inverness Thistle Hotel on Saturday 10
and Sunday 11 May and are inviting children aged between 8 and 12 years to
come along if they fancy a shot at small screen fame. The final
advert will be screened on Grampian Television later in the year and also
be used for marketing and promotional purposes by the company that
operates 10 airports in the Highlands and Islands.
28th April 2003
Married
At Forss
Fiona MacDonald and Stuart Donn were married at Forss House Hotel.
Their picture is the first one into our new wedding section. If
anyone getting married would like their picture in our section just send
one in. This picture taken by John Baikie, photographer.
the new wedding section is indexed at the foot pf this page and other
links will be added shortly and as the section grows. So if you are
getting married in Caithness or are from Caithness and getting married
elsewhere and want to share the day with all your friends and relatives
everywhere just send a picture in or ask John Baikie to send one in if he
is taking your pictures.
Donald Mackay Wants Voters
To Look At His Experience In Thurso Central
Donnie
Mackay (Independent) may be thought of as having the most difficult
challenge in local Caithness politics as he challenges the Caithness
convenor John Rosie (Labour)
Miller
Academy Kids Set Off To York
Pupils from Miller Academy were off on a school trip to York today.
They were up early as the buses left at 7.00am. Visits have been
arranged to Yorvik Viking Museum, York Dungoen, Cliffords Tower, Eden Camp
World War Museum, The Railway Museum and the York Archaeological Centre.
The programme also includes ten pin bowling, a swimming session, a cruise
on
the Ouse, disco and an afternoon at Flamingo Land Leisure Park
Mill Academy Pages
Thrumster
School Wins Rural Swimming Gala Trophy
Here are the swimmers from Thrumster Primary School who took part
in the Rural Schools Swimming Gala in Wick Pool on Friday 25th April and
helped Thrumster School win the event and take the trophy.
27th April 2003
Dunrobin Castle To
Become A Wedding Venue - CASE Grant
The
changes in the law to allow people to be married almost anywhere they
choose may mean many more places being seen in wedding photographs.
Dunrobin Castle is just one of many picturesque places that many couples
might have in might choose for their ceremonies. Dunrobin Castle
Ltd, Golspie, was awarded £10,200 toward the cost of developments, which
will enable them to make the castle available for weddings.
Unemployment
Heading Up In Wick And Sutherland But Down In Thurso
Overall, the number of unemployed in Caithness and Sutherland rose from
1,002 last month to 1,035. 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) 7.8%
(7.6%), 6.7% (6.1%) and 3.4% (3.5%).
FINANCE FOR BUSINESS -
Awards From CASE
James Yorke plc Ltd,
Cheltenham, was awarded assistance of £14,500 towards the purchase of new
plant and equipment for the development of a CD replicating operation.
Also in the manufacturing sector, AEA Technology Battery Systems, Thurso,
was awarded £80,000 towards the purchase of plant and equipment for life
safety testing of battery packs and cells, while Dunbeath Engineering,
Dunbeath, was awarded £56,000 towards the development of the company.
Hotels Get Cash To
Upgrade
Dornoch Castle Hotel Ltd,
Dornoch, were awarded assistance of £81,000 towards the redevelopment of
the hotel, while the Seaview Hotel in John O'Groats is to receive up to
£39,700 towards the cost of upgrading their facilities.
Population
Drain - Key Election Issue For Rob Gibson (SNP)
Loss
of people from North confirmed - repopulation is key election issue says
SNP. The breakdown in census figures confirms a key drop in the
people of NW Sutherland, Easter Ross and East Caithness. This is a
damning indictment of Tory, Labour and LibDem government. The Lib/Lab
failure to restart work at Nigg fabricators has forced out many workers
from Tain and Invergordon. The North of Scotland can support far more
people and it is a key pledge of this SNP campaign to aid the repopulation
of this area.' said Rob Gibson, SNP candidate.
Mary Queen Of Scots Got
Her Head Chopped Off
The
Mill Theatre, Thurso - Friday 9 May & Saturday 10 May 8.00pm
Lyth Arts Society and Thurso Players are co-promoting Prime Productions
visit so there are two evenings to choose from to see this terrific play
at The Mill. first performed in 1987 by Communicado, Liz Lochhead's
reworking of one of the most dramatic chapters od Scotland's history has
become a classic of our times with fifty performances scheduled on this
Lloyds TSB Scotland tour from Stranraer to Shetland. A seven strong
cast leads us, blow by blow, through the tale of political intrigue and
human tragedy which has surprising moments of humour and is full of
references to today's world.
Scottish Dance
Theatre
Assembly
Rooms, Wick - Monday 19 May 8.00pm -1 Hour 45 Minutes
The company is working at the cutting edge of the contemporary dance
scene in Scotland and when this tour opened in February in Dundee and
toured to London it attracted considerable interest and approval.
Two new contrasting pieces are included featuring the company's eight
dancers. these are works commissioned by SDT and devised by guest
choreographers. The Wick audience will have the opportunity to see a
short home-grown work performed by Wick dancers from the Elise Lyall
School of Dance which will open the show.
26th April 2003
Deirdre
Steven And The Labour Team In Wick On Saturday
With election day for the Scottish Parliament and the Councils
approaching fast all the candidates are out n various parts handing out
leaflets and meeting people. Deirdre Steven had the Labour team in
Wick on Saturday afternoon seeing as many people as possible with less
than a week to go until the polls.
Election
Pages
Summer Training Starts for East End Boys Club
Orkney
Teams Had A great Day At The Mini Rugby In Wick
Over 50 boys in rugby teams from Orkney were just a few of the teams from
all over the Highlands and Islands playing in the Mini Rugby competitions
at Wick High School today. Orkney teams did very well. We
caught up with them after they bought nearly all the ice cream in the
Harbour Cafe. With seriously good weather the boys had lunch at the
school after the rugby and then took the afternoon to look round the town
before getting the ferry from Gills.
Keep Up With
The Latest News In Caithness, Highland, Scotland In Print and By Radio
Our monthly index of Caithness news comes with news feeds from the
Scotsman updated daily. There are links to specific topics and a
link to BBC Radio Scotland site to get the broadcasts for Highland, Orkney
and other Scottish Regions on your PC while you browse Caithness.Org.
the news broadcasts from the BBC are updated on weekdays throughout the
day so you can always get the latest items at any time you choose.
More
Properties For Sale
If you are looking for a property in Caithness then keep checking
the Caithness.Org Property Pages as new houses are going on regularly.
Our
rented property page also has several places available and they change
constantly. Selling your house? We charge a once only fee of £20.
You ad can be on until it is sold. Tell the whole world for £20 - it
has to be worth thinking about. Rentals are only £5. Wow!
Highland Health Council To Be Replaced By New Scottish Body
The Future Of Health Councils In
Scotland - A consultation document "A New Public Involvement
Structure for NHS Scotland" has been launched by the Scottish
Executive. Proposals include replacing health councils (including
Highland Health Council) with a new national organisation, The Scottish
Health Council, which will also have a local presence. closing date 9
June. Patients Rights And Responsibilities - Public Consultation -
closing date 20 June. Proposals setting out what patients have a
right to expect from the health service in Scotland and how they can
access their health records have been issued for consultation.
What's The Biggest
Club In Caithness? - The Caithness.Org Message Board.
Membership of the Message Board has surged since the turn of the
year. 215 new folk have joined the Caithness.org
Message Board
taking membership to an all time high of 941. If you
have not ventured in to the Message Board take a look and see what is
going on. General exchanges and arguments on a wide range of topics
from the very serious to just for fun. A section for folk looking for
family history details and another for School Reunions. Music,
Jokes, Chat Room session arrangements. One of the fastest growing
areas is the FREE classified ads where you can sell or
ask for items.
Selling cars,
computers,
and just about
anything it is one of the fastest growing parts of the Message Board.
25th April 2003
Waybaggers
at Ben Griam Beg
Ten walkers set off to climb Ben Griam Beg (580 metres) just south
of Forsinard. The group had a very enjoyable day out - warm enough
but colder as they moved on to higher ground
Last Chance To Hear Candidates for Scottish Parliament
Eve Of Poll Hustings Meeting - Wednesday 30 April - 7.00pm - Wick Old Parish Church Hall
Organised by The church Of Scotland Presbytery Of Caithness
24th April 2003
The Waybaggers Saw Duncansby In The Snow In February
Caithness Waybaggers Were At Poulouriscaig In December
The
Waybaggers group have still been out walking regularly and here is the
first of a few sets to see where they have been recently. The
walk in December was to the abandoned village of Poulouriscaig. This lies
on the northern coastline between Armadale and Kirtomy . Four families
lived here. This was a result of the Clearances in Strathnaver. The
last family moved out in the 1930s.
Thurso Players New Web Site
All the information on the very active theatre group in one place -
history, coming plays etc. Links are on the Thurso Players page on
Caithness.Org and in other places.
Rob
Gibson SNP Candidate Attacks On The Big Issues
Rob Gibson was in Caithness today to see voters in various parts of
the county. whilst in Wick he looked in at the harbour. He is
attacking the Lib/Lab partnership on several fronts - "The Lib/Lab Scottish Executive
must account for its record - creaking public services; haphazard, unambitious clean power schemes; 50% above average unemployed in Northern
Scotland plus migration of educated youngsters; poor health standards; a
glaring jobs crisis through shrinkage in fishing, Nigg fabricators,
Hunters of Brora creating real uncertainty. The Lib/Lab failure to train
enough doctors, dentists and nurses beggars belief.".
New
Play Park In Wick - Work Begins
The
Wick Play Areas Community Group Hard work since May 2001 is paying off as
the work to build the new Play Park has started. Work will be
completed in a few weeks.
Juniors At Halkirk FC make Trip To See Ross County Game
Photos of junior trip to Ross County in March by Halkirk FC brill day had
a tour of the stadium and watched the match in the afternoon.
Newtonhill Woodland Open Day
The Easter Open Day held
at Newtonhill community Woodland on Sunday 20th April turned out
to be a wonderful success. The weather was fine and almost 200
people turned out on the day. The 'Friends of Newtonhill Woodland'
and ranger service organised a range of events from a family
treasure hunt to guided tours of the woodland and face painting. Assistance for the day was also given by the Pultneytown Peoples
Project (who organised a egg and bonnet competition) and the 1st
Wick Scouts (who organised the car parking and badge making).
Broadband Sign Ups At BT Web
Site Going Up Fast
Thurso reaches 325 and Wick 196 at the BT Broadband site
but no sign yet that it is anywhere near enough to get a trigger
level set. Figures were Thurso 239 Wick 144 on 7 March so
that is quite a jump in a few weeks.
23rd April 2003
Castletown Football Club Has A Web Site
Castletown football club's new web site has been added to
our lists of football clubs
Twist by Trevor Wight At St Fergus Gallery, Wick
Twist is a response to life and experiences here in Caithness
of the artist Trevor Wight, a high school teacher, Twist shows
work from both sides of the Atlantic. Four larger pieces
were produced over a two-year period in Canada, while
twelve smaller pieces have been produced during his time in
Scotland. The exhibition runs until 10th May
Busy
Easter For Wick Pipe Band
Wick
RBLS Pipe Band had a busy Easter weekend. On Saturday afternoon
the Band played in the Market Square for the Easter
Eggstravaganza and at night there was a large crowd for an
Easter Variety Show in the Pipe Band Hall. On Sunday the Band
completed their annual Karen Burke Memorial Sponsored March from
Coopers Corner to Staxigoe Harbour"
PINXIT
Exhibition At Timespan - Chance to Pick Up A Bargain In
Art
Timespan in Helmsdale is currently mounting PINXIT, an anonymous
exhibition of artwork by known and unknown artists, including a
number of famous names, and the gallery recently received a
boost with the last-minute submission of four drawings and a
watercolour by the hugely influential Scottish artist John
Bellany RA CBE. In the democratic spirit of the show
all works were priced at £35 each and the Bellany drawings will
be going for that amount as well - but such is the demand,
particularly as the anonymity is lost, that the opportunity to
buy them will be assigned by drawing lots, while the watercolour
will be sold by silent auction to the highest
bidder...........................
HAMNAVOE MAKES MAIDEN VOYAGE FROM STROMNESS
The £28m NorthLink vessel, MV Hamnavoe,
made her first commercial sailing on the Pentland Firth route on
Monday, April 21 after engaging in a busy weekend of public events in
Stromness and Scrabster. Two trailers, 52 cars and 250 passengers were
welcomed aboard the maiden voyage.
RATES RELIEF ON
OFFER TO COMMUNITIES DEPENDENT ON WHITEFISH CATCHES
Wick is one of five harbours that may qualify for rates relief
of up to 100% in a new initiative announced today.
Harbours in Highland which rely on whitefish catches are
Kinlochbervie, Lochinver, Mallaig, Ullapool and Wick. The
new measures introduced by the Scottish Executive offer rates
relief of up to 100% to harbours and affected businesses
dependent on whitefish catches. The Executive will meet
95% of the relief and the Council the remainder.
New
Communications Service For The Deaf In Highland
Deirdre Aitken and Ann Mearns from Caithness Deaf Care were two of
the people in Inverness at the announcement of the new service coming into
operation in mid May. The new Highland wide service will offer a
translation service using British Sign Language in many situations where
problems can arise due to communication difficulties such as hospital and
GP visits. The government has now recognised BSL as a language in
its own right and this is the first time that there will be a worker in
Highland specifically employed as a sign language interpreter.
Scotsman Story highlights concern over paid tourist services at Visit
Scotland web site
Tourist Businesses - Still Getting On The Web Free With Caithness.Org
If you are in the tourist industry in
Caithness or
Sutherland and want to
take advantage of FREE promotion online then make sure you get the most
out of our FREE pages that have increasing traffic. Your business
can get all your contact information on including web site link, email
phone/fax, map link and if you send us a picture we will include that on
the page. If your page is already on make sure it is up to date and
send us any amendments by filling in the form. Its easy and its
FREE. So whether you are a
Hotel,
Bed
and Breakfast,
Camp
Site,
Holiday Cottage,
Art
Place or in fact any type of business do it now. It is FREE and
lots of local businesses are reaping the benefits.
A
Shop In Lybster
Although they are fast disappearing Caithness still has a few small
shops serving their community in villages and in the larger towns.
One or two have been in the same place for a very long time such as D
Munro in Lybster. This traditional shop still has original fittings
and wooden ceiling maintained in excellent condition. These old
shops are fast disappearing - shop in one or two while you still can.
Many of them are run by people who have been in business for a very long
time but some may not carry on to another generation as the advance of the
supermarket makes it difficult. If they all disappear many people
will find life extremely difficult if they have to shop in Wick or Thurso.
Maybe now and then we should all now and then take a trip to a village
shop.
21st April 2003
East End Boys Club - More Names For the 1970 Football Team
Many thanks to Wullie Sinclair for putting together many of the
names for this picture that has been on the web site for over two years.
Still a few to get if anyone knows the missing ones.
Disability Rights Commission - April Newsletter
Another comprehensive newsletter. The first item may be worth
a good look if you or a friend or relative have ever been charged by Ryan
air or Stansted Airport for using a wheelchair when flying. The
Disability Rights Commission (DRC) is now considering a major legal case
against Ryanair and the British Airports Authority (BAA) involving a large
number of disabled people whove been hit by the wheelchair charge. The
legal case - termed a class action - could be taken against Ryanair and
BAA by a large number of disabled people with the DRCs backing.
They want to hear from people whove been charged for the use of a
wheelchair to get around the airport theyve travelled from from the
check-in desk to the aeroplane.
Scotland's Haven - Another Great Coastal Place In Caithness
More Football
News and Links
We have now added even more updating football news and links to the
football links page. The Scotsman news headlines are now being fed
into the page along with more international news and links to all the
local and many other football web sites.
A Belated Happy
Birthday To Caithness FM
We are just a couple of days past the fifth anniversary of the
start-up of our local radio station. A big vote of thanks to all the
volunteers who have run and are still running the station that plays every
night in the county.
James Sutherland (SNP)
In Wick West Sets Out His Case
with
a lifetime in the fishing industry and still representing fishing
interests with the Scottish Fisherman's Federation James wants to tackle a
number of local issues from employment, crime and the re-routing of the
A9. James Sutherland is standing in Wick West against
Neil MacDonald (Labour)
and Bill Fernie (Independent)
Neil MacDonald (Labour) In
Wick West
Neil MacDonald
(Labour) wants folk to shop locally and supports local talent such
as Wick Players and local bands. He wants to see a cinema or bowling
brought to Wick and call a halt to predictions of doom and gloom and
"talking down" the town.
Neil Macdonald is up against
James Sutherland (Scottish
National Party) and Bill
Fernie (Independent)
21st April 2003
So Much To Do In Caithness! - Thrumster House - At Daffodil Time
Bet you all think Caithness floats on daffodils by now. Well there
are certainly huge numbers around in springtime. Here we had to
sneak in a day early on Saturday before the daffodil tea day yesterday as
we were off floating round the Pentland Firth on the new ferry
Hamnavoe. But we could not miss the show at Thrumster as last
year the rain poured and the wind howled. This year was the opposite
- sunny and warm.
Thrumster House Pages
Kite Days At Dunnet On Windthings
The
Windthings web site is featuring Caithness as a place to come to get great
kiting conditions following a highly successful and enjoyable few days.
The guys will be back in the summer with more courses and the latest
kites. If you are interested in courses then just keep checking from
time to time. In the central belt of Scotland Grant Golding runs a
variety of levels of courses at beaches and details can be found via
Kite
Power Scotland and Caithness courses will be advertised in our
Kite Buggy
pages.
"Time
for A Change In Pulteney" says Katrina MacNab
Katrina MacNab (Independent) lives and works in Pulteney, her children go
to school in Pulteney. Aged 33 her experience is already
substantial through recent employment helping folk through difficult times
and currently as manager of the Pulteney People's Project. She
takes on Jim Oag (Labour) who
has been a councillor for the ward for 20 years. This is one
of five contests in Caithness for the Highland Council.
2003 Election
More
Daffodils
Another couple of daffodil pictures in Wick. these are at the
statue of an early Medical Officer of Health - John Alexander - up near the
railway station and looking over the Wick river and down to Mackays Hotel.
Robbie
The Pict
Rose
to fame taking on the government over the Skye Bridge tolls and still
fighting legal battles. He is now a candidate for the Scottish Parliament
and has once again taken to the courts over his lengthy party title.
With his slogan "Vote Pict" he is fighting an aggressive campaign
emphasising Scottish roots and traditions. Can he turn his extensive
knowledge of Scottish history and ability to mount legal campaigns into a
successful bid to be one of the list MSP's in the Scottish Parliament? The
proportional system makes it just possible and probably will depend on the
fame he has gathered over the last few years in his relentless campaign to
scrap the Skye Bridge tolls and perhaps his fighting spirit bent to new
battles on health etc.
Thurso
High 79 - 85 Reunion
Latest updates to list of folk heading for the reunion in 2004 plus
a class photo from Sara Witten
20th April 2003
Hamnavoe Trip - Scrabster to Old Man Of
Hoy
One
of a series of trips laid on for local people in Caithness and
Orkney to introduce the Hamnavoe Ferry before it commences
service on the Scrabster to Stromness route. the brand new
ferry is starting ahead of the new pier being completed and
everyone onboard was delighted with the trip on a beautiful
spring day out in the Pentland Firth.
Easter Train Takes The
Strain To Caithness, Orkney And The Highlands
An Easter Train Trip to The Highlands has had a great few days with
unbeatable spring weather. The folk from this train at wick were
over in Orkney overnight and come back via John O'Groats before heading to
Dunrobin Castle later today. They will be stopping at
Dunrobin Station we featured recently.
19th April 2003
Bridge Street Church, Wick - Easter Festival - Quilt and Patchwork
Newtonhill Community Woodland Open Day
Sunday
20 April 2.00pm Onwards
The Friends of Newtonhill Community Woodland and the Highland Council
Ranger Service invite you to their Easter Open Day on Sunday 20th of
April. Gates open at 2pm - Free Entry. There will be nature walks,
displays, stalls, Green Gate making demonstrations, face painting, games
and quizzes. There will be an Egg/ Bonnet competition at 2pm, and a
children's treasure hunt at 2:30. Everyone is welcome.
Roger Saxon Ready For Another
Four Years
Roger
Saxon who has represented Thurso West for the last four years is ready to
represent the ward again and takes on
Jim Fry (Independent)
18th April 2003
Castletown Under Sevens New Football
Strips
Castletown Junior Football Club under sevens side has received a new set
of strips from John Murray, who has the Mace shop in the village. They are
looking forward to the new season which gets under way on the 28th of
April. More info on
www.castletownjuniors.co.uk
Scottish Water Stops Firemen's
Charity Fundraising Car Washes
Lets face it no one wants to waste water or cause a hazard but is Scottish
Water being a bit too heavy handed in applying the rules for the use of
the Hydrants in a good cause. There may be places where it is
inappropriate but surely they should be coming up with a decent
explanation for banning something that has gone on for several years and
this is the first anyone is hearing of a problem concerning the car washes
in Wick.
Playboys At The Portland Arms, Lybster Tonight Friday Night
10.00pm Tickets £6
Wick Heritage Centre Opens Early This Year
Wick Heritage is open at Easter this year and looks set to stay open for
the summer now rather than its normal June opening. Visitors taking
a chance were lucky to find it open today but it is open on Saturday and
Monday also. The biggest local museum in the north it is absolutely
packed with items and pictures. If you have never been in or not for
while take two or three hours out to explore this interesting place.
Daffodil Day At Thrumster House
Sunday
20th April - In aid of Yarrows Heritage Trust from 12.30pm onwards
Lyth Arts Centre With Dogstar Theatre The Strathspey King
Saturday 19 April 8.00pm Ross Institute, Halkirk
Easter Festival At Bridge Street Church, Wick
Saturday 19 April 10.30am - 4.00pm
965 Caithness Businesses Now In The
Caithness.Org Business Pages
If you business is in Caithness is your business listed with a
FREE page in our growing Business section. Look what you get - Free
page and link to your web site, contact details and if you want a free
picture on the page. Postcode linked to a map to show your location.
Fax number linked to send to your fax machine direct from a special email
link to enable anyone to send information from their email. Make
sure your business is listed.
Highland Council Offices
Closed At Easter Break
Service Points and administrative offices of Highland Council will
close at 5.00 p.m. on Thursday 17 April 2003 and re-open at 9.00 a.m. on
Tuesday 22 April for the Easter holiday.
Bill Fernie (Independent) Ready
To Get Out In Wick West
In
the last couple of years many folk have seen Bill snapping pictures all
over the county for the web site but in the next couple of weeks you might
see him round the doors in Wick West where he is standing against Neil
Macdonald (Labour) and James Sutherland (SNP)
17th April 2003
Liberal
Democrats In Force Campaigning In Caithness Today
The Lib Dem team was out in force
in wick taking advantage of the good weather to get round and see the
voters. Jamie Stone contesting the northern seat for the Scottish
Parliament was accompanied by MP at Westminster John Thurso for
Caithness Sutherland and East Ross. Graeme Smith the Lib Dem
candidate in the Highland Council election is standing in the Wick Ward.
Jim Wallace standing for
the Lib Dems in Orkney was also enjoying a day out in Caithness meeting
people in the county.
UKAEA
Hands Surplus PC's To Local Groups
UKAEA Dounreay has recently donated surplus PC equipment to local
organisations. Pictured receiving their equipment are representatives from
various groups. Thurso Community Council; The Casper Club;
Castletown Primary School; Talking Volumes; Viewfirth Club; Wick Old
Parish Church;
Multiple Sclerosis Society and St Peter's & St Andrew's Church Women's
Guild.
Caithness
Moto X Club Round 2 of the CMXC Championship
Sunday 20th April - "Scrabster farm Gala track"
Opposite the "Hill of Forss" junction on the A836, Thurso outskirts
Sign-on & Scrutineering at 11am.
One day licences & memberships available. Track & parking facilities
made available
The
Last House Museum
The last house Museum At John O'Groats has quite a mix of items
from local crofts as well as great many pictures of ships and boats
wrecked in the Pentland Firth. lots of items and information on
local families mixed with old household and crofting items.
Caithness has quite a few small museums so if you are interested you can
spend many hours looking round them all.
Caithness
Museums/Centres
More
Daffodil Views Round Wick
Yes the Daffodils are still out in force round the county with
early varieties beginning to wane but later ones and those in the shade
coming into full bloom now.
Donald
Mackay (Independent) Challenges In Thurso Central
Donnie Mackay another Independent is on the campaign trail in
Thurso Central. He takes on John Rosie (Labour) who has been a
councillor for many years. There are four Wards with Independent
candidates standing out of the five contested wards. Labour have
candidates in all five wards whilst Scottish National Party are contesting
two - Wick and Wick West. The Lib Dems are contesting only in
the Wick ward.
Three Independents and Two Lib Dems are already home and dry with no other
contestants challenging them.
Calder's History Of Caithness
Appendix 5
- The Earls Of Caithness Of The Sinclair Family
Appendix
5 - Pedigree of the Mey Family
Another couple of extracts from the history
16th April 2003
Bob
Graham : The Protect Rural Scotland Party
Chasing The Peach Ballot Paper
Are you flagging yet? With more and more candidates chasing their
second vote for the Scottish Parliament voters have plenty of candidates
to think about with many trying to highlight the problems facing rural
areas and particular problems like fishing. Bob Graham wants a halt
to wind turbines projects, affordable housing for young people and will be
looking hard at farming issues if he wins a list seat.
Activity Outing To Thurso For Pulteney
Kids
Mums
and kids made a day out to Thurso with visits to Viking Bowl, Ormlie
Skateboard Park and Thurso Swimming Pool all on a lovely sunny day.
School Holidays And Great Riding Weather
New Picture Gallery For John O'Groats
We
are still extending the gallery set up for pictures and here is the start
of a new one for John O'Groats with a couple of Daffy pics to get it
going.
Time
Running Out For Support For Balmore Animal Centre To Come In
Anyone
thinking about sending an email to support Balmore Animal Centre had
better do it soon. Petitions are out all over the place but the
group cannot be everywhere. Messages of support can also be sent by
email to
[email protected] before 23 April 2003 but the sooner the
better. Will the nearest Animal centre soon be in Inverness?
15th April 2003
Session A9 From Gordon Gunn Band and Friends
The
latest CD from the band has been taken from all the travelling they do up
and down the A9. but the cracking line-up of musicians is likely to
make this a best seller for CD collections all over. The album features four fiddles:- Charlie McKerron - Capercaillie Gordon Gunn - Gordon Gunn
Band Duncan Chisholm - Wolfstone Adam Sutherland - Croft No.
5 Backed up by:- Brian McAlpine - keyboards (Pearlfishers /
Gordon Gunn Band) - Tim Edey - melodeon & guitar (Sharon Shannon
Band) - Kris Drever - guitar & vocals (Fine Friday / Ivan Drever
Band) - Ewan Vernal - double bass (Deacon Blue / Capercaillie) - -David
"Chimp" Robertson - percussion (Capercaillie) - Wow!! Could they
squeeze in any more talent?
More Election Action -
Red Ramble Organised by SSP
The SSP are organising a mass ramble across the estates owned by
Mahomed al Fayed. The SSP claim that he and other landowners -
72 0f whom own half the Highlands are conspiring to stop the Right To
Roam. The ramble will take place on Sunday 27 April at 12 noon
assembling at Ken's Garage, Kildary. The Ramble will be a
peaceful walk over some of the 65,000 acres owned by Mr Fayed.
Everyone is invited to join the ramble designed to leave only footprints
and cause no damage.
Neil Gunn Readers Group
Contact details for this group are now on the new page for anyone
interested in Neil Gunn.
Bill Mowat Emphasising His
Labour Connections
Bill
Mowat (Labour) heads to Wick for this contest with Niall Smith (SNP) and
Graeme Smith (Lib Dem). A previous councillor he has plenty of
experience and here he lays out many of the issues that interest him.
With three of the main parties represented in this contest it will be an
interesting one to watch. This is the only contest in Caithness with
no Independent candidate standing.
International Rural Network
Conference
Delegates from across the world are expected to attend a major
international conference in Inverness in June 2003. Taking Charge (June
23 27, 2003) will focus on various issues around rural development
with speakers sharing experience and the latest research on issues of
rural community empowerment, rural health and rural education. Over
400 delegates are expected to attend the event with speakers travelling
from over 30 countries including Australia, Canada, Hungary, Sweden, India
and the USA.
Sculptured Stones Of Caithness
The final pages for this comprehensive survey by Tim Blackie and Colin Macaulay
are now completed. The aim of this survey
was to produce an up-to-date and comprehensive list of The Pictish and
early Christian sculptured stones which have been found in the modern
county of Caithness, and to provide brief details about the stones which
might be of interest to the general reader.
Hustings At Helmsdale
Timespan in Helmsdale is hosting a hustings meeting on Wednesday 16th at
7pm, with a particular focus on culture and tourism, though other local
issues will no doubt also be addressed. It seems no one can
remember a hustings meeting having happened in the village for decades.
Most of the main candidates for the northern seat in the Scottish
Parliament have agreed to attend.
John Rosie In Thurso In
Campaigning Mood
John
Rosie sets out his case for being re-elected again to represent Thurso
Central. John lists the issues he wants to return to represent the
area on and some of issues he has given support to in the last few years
Lyth
School Reunion More Details
To be held on the 23rd of
August 2003 At 6.30pm Final date to apply for tickets 31 July 2003
Venue - Lyth Village Hall
E-Access Bulletin - April 2003
The technology newsletter dealing with technology issues for blind
and visually impaired people. The newsletter is reproduced here from
time to time to allow people to find it and sign up to receive it each
month by email.
14th April 2003
Caithness Artist Julian Smith Gears Up For Three Week June Exhibition
Julian Smith designer and artist is working flat out for his three week
exhibition at Swanson Gallery, Thurso for a three week period in June.
Julian who runs Designsmith is this time using his artistic skills in his
exhibition of oil paintings and prints many of which will be for sale.
Living beside St John's Loch and the pool he constructed some years ago
gives him plenty of inspiration with the huge numbers of birds that arrive
throughout the year. The prints and paintings will continue to be
sold under the name Artsmith.
GOOD TURN OUT FOR
HAMNAVOE AT SCRABSTER
MV Hamnavoes public open day in Scrabster yesterday (Sunday, April 13)
attracted nearly 1,500 visitors in only three hours. Two RNLI
fund-raising buffet cruises, one from Stromness this Saturday (April 19)
and the other departing Scrabster on Sunday (April 20). All 800 tickets
for these cruises have now been sold, raising £8000 for the RNLI from
ticket sales alone.
Thurso Museum - Current Position On the Threat To Artefacts
The museum is under threat due to the proposed refurbishment of the
building which it occupies, to be carried out by the Highland Council. The
proposal is to connect it to the Town Hall in a major refurbishment
programme. Both buildings are very neglected and are in urgent need of
restoration and modernisation.
Scrabster
Daffodils
Yes they are everywhere in the county. While some folk may
think they have become a bit of a scourge as there have been so many
planted over the years they do have the merit of always being colourful
and have the ability to keep growing year after year in our windy
conditions. Great for dafs and kites.
Some Early Sports Pictures From Thurso
Alan Kennedy has sent in these pictures of football teams in Thurso from a
few years back. Names of everyone are in the
Early Pictures Sports Index page. At some point we will
prepare a sports pictures list like the schooldays lists to make it easier
to find the growing numbers of early years sports pictures coming on to
the web site
13th April 2003
Ossian
Swanson Gallery, Thurso
The latest Exhibition at Swanson Gallery, Thurso is by Calum Colvin taking
Ossian the blind poet of the third century as its theme. The verses were
presented by James Macpherson in the 1760's to a public enthused by the
idea of a 'Scottish Homer' (Voltaire) and the Romantic thought that noble
culture could be a product of a primitive age an a remote place.
Kite Buggy, Kite Surf, Kite Board -
It Was All Happening At Dunnet Beach
Some of the top kite people have not gone home but lessons are continuing
over the next few days at Dunnet and plans are already underway for a week
in the summertime. Just keep checking for details.
Pulteney Ward Contest
Katrina MacNab (Independent) the only woman candidate In Caithness takes on Councillor Jim Oag (Scottish Labour).
Wick Ward Voters Need To
Know Their Smiths
Graeme
Smith (Lib Dem) faces two challengers for the Wick ward on
1st May. Niall
Smith (SNP) and
Bill Mowat (Scottish Labour) make this another three
way contest for the voters. Graeme Smith took over from
Andy Murray at the last election and this time faces another two
well known folk. Bill Mowat has been in the council in the
past and works as a freelance journalist and writer and Niall
Smith is the Development Officer of Caithness Voluntary Group.
Bower Inn Re-opens Under New
Ownership
The Bower Inn will re-open on Wednesday 16 April with new owners.
The bar is opening first but work is well underway to reopen the
restaurant and restart serving food at the once popular place in the
middle of the county.
Achanarras
- A Window on the Glorious Devonian
Jack
Saxon gives more insight on another Caithness treasure -
Achannaras Quarry - "Standing by the derelict wind-swept,
waterlogged quarry of Achanarras in Caithness, Scotland it is difficult to
realise that this was once a great fresh-water lake in a desert landscape
in the tropics. The coral reefs of the Devonian oceans teemed with life,
but Achanarras was an oasis in an arid desert, and the waters of the oasis
teemed with fish."
UPDATE ON BODY FOUND WEST MURKLE - OMAR JOHN MATTAN
Police enquiries into the death of OMAR JOHN MATTAN whose body
was found at West Murkle, Caithness on 9 March 2003 have made a
further appeal.
Excavations
at Everley, Tofts, Freswick 2002
some initial thoughts by Andrew Heald. The broch at Everley was opened up for two seasons 2001 and
2002 and Andrew Heald archaeologist wrote up some early thoughts
on the findings. The paper was reproduced in the 2003
Caithness Field Club Bulletin and has been linked to pictures we
took over the last couple of years. Unfortunately there
was no funding to continue the dig for 2003.
Current Biological Recording Schemes
Ken Butler writes in the 2003 Caithness Field Club Bulletin
about biological recording schemes that anyone with an interest
can become involved in.
The Pennyland Mausoleum at Victoria Walk, Thurso
Eric Voice brings together the information in an article in the
2003 Caithness Field Club bulletin and provides a fascinating
look at some Caithness history surrounding this much neglected
building.
11th April 2003
Kestrel Unloading Fertilizer At Wick
A quiet day at Wick harbour but at least the unloading
was carried out in bright sunshine.
A
Classic Walk A Trip to Latheron & Forse Early Settlement
Another item from the 2003 Caithness Field Cliub Bulletin
by the late Gordon Wilson. As usual packed with
information about the route and what you might expect to find
along the way. Some information on Doocots just for good
measure and complete with a small map which would be most useful
to print out and take with you when trying out this walk.
Badryrie Wood - 18 Years
On By Ken Butler
In 1984 Gordon McLachlan conceived the idea (1) of enclosing an area
of ground, close to the abandoned village of Badryrie [ around ND 207432 ]
that contained a few old trees. With grant aid from the Nature Conservancy
a deer-proof fence was erected to enclose some, but not all the trees in
the area. On 9th July 2002 Ken Butler and Chris
Ferriera visited the site to make an assessment of its conditions and
prospects 18 years after it was enclosed.
Latest On Castle Research From Clan Sinclair Trust
History rewritten The draft
Conservation Plan prepared by Field Archaeology Specialists of
York University has been received by the Trust.
10th April 2003
Hamnavoe
Arrives At Scrabster
It may be later than expected but Hamanvoe has finally
arrrived and will be making a variety of trips for local
schoolsholdren and groups as well as open days for the public in
both Scrabster and Stromness
Sunday 13 April 1300 - 1600 Public open day on board Hamnavoe in
Scrabster Harbour
Saturday 19 April 0930 - 1200 Public opening and tours of ship in
Stromness
More Caithness Poetry
We return to Caithness poetry with some questions for you
all to ponder and send in the answers to add to the poems for
future reference and to assist others.
What does "roch" and "tempan" mean, as in the poem
E Caithness Midgie?
The Blin' Hunder - J Mair
also gives rise to a couple of questions.
PARTICLE 36 FIND ON
SANDSIDE BEACH
Another suspected radioactive particle resulting from historical
operations at Dounreay was found during routine monitoring of
Sandside Beach today. It was the second to be found today.
Latest Mart Report From Aberdeen And Northern - April Show
STATEMENT
from SCOTTISH ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AGENCY
PARTICLES HEALTH EFFECTS RESEARCH
SEPA has published the most recent report from its research
project into the health effects of particles from Dounreay.
The report is a review of the procedures used for monitoring
Sandside beach. It also calculates the minimum detectable
particle activity and compares it with statutory requirements,
and reviews two documents which comment on the procedures used
at Sandside.
PARTICLE 35 FIND ON SANDSIDE BEACH
West Murkle - A Jewel In The North
Although it was a slightly overcast day when we too these picture West
Murkle has a lot to recommend it. From a tranquil bay with a lovely
isolated beach surrounded by crofts and farms to a place that has lots of
history all within easy walking distance from pictish stones, brochs and
other signs of ancient settlement. The vikings landed here and you
can see why they might want to return to such an idyllic spot. We
will be back to capture more of this area and on some sunnier days.
WHAM Waste Education Exchange Launch
Event!
25th April, 10am - 3pm - Beauly - £10 organisations/£5
individuals includes lunch and refreshments
An opportunity to share new ideas and good practice on the day and in
the future. For all practitioners of environmental education
particularly those who focus on the topic of waste the opportunity to
network, exchange ideas and materials and try out some brand new
resources, like the WHAM Compost Explorer Game can you meet the compost
challenge and build a happy compost heap?.
Northern
Nashville Country Music Club
Just had their AGM. You can get
more details of what's on etc from the web site
www.nncmc.ukf.net
Castle Varrich At Tongue By Colin McKay
This
article is taken from the 2003 Bulletin of Caithness Field Club. The
castle stands on the foot slopes of Ben Loyal in Sutherland on a local
high point of rock overlooking both the Kyle of Tongue and the village of
Tongue. This article by Colin Mckay describes what can be found at
the site today and suggests some possibilities about when the castle was
built and the reasons why it might have been built where it was.
A
Cave Below Castle Varrich
Geoff Leet of Caithness Field Club has asked if anyone knows of the
exact position of the cave at Castle Varrich.
Birds and Plants In 2002 by Ken Butler and Donald Omand
On birds - Both spring and autumn migrations were very quiet in Caithness last year.
However, there were some notable rarities. On Plants - The biggest event in the Caithness plant world was the
survey of the Munsary peatland reserve by Plantlife. A team from
University of South London, led by Richard Lindsay, carried out a
comprehensive baseline survey.
Early History Of Strathnaver by Gordon Wilson
This short history was sent in Gordon Wilson before his death for
the web site. It is repeated here as it has now been published in
the 2003 Caithness Field Club Bulletin.
Caithness Field
Club Bulletin 2003
The latest Field Club bulletin has just been published and we have
begun putting it onto the web site. As usual it is packed with
articles on various topics on Caithness in particular and one or two
others
LOCAL STUDENTS OFFERED SUMMER WORK
PLACEMENTS IN THE HIGHLANDS AND ISLANDS
Undergraduates from throughout the Highlands and Islands are being offered
the chance to work with a wide variety of local businesses during the
summer. STEP, the Shell Technology Enterprise Programme, is a
UK-wide student placement scheme, backed by Shell UK and administered in
the region by Careers Scotland and local enterprise companies in the
Highlands and Islands Enterprise network. Unlike more general work
experience schemes, STEP offers students in their second or penultimate
year the chance to get their teeth into a specific project designed to
help the business improve its performance.
9th April 2003
MV Hamnavoe
Prepares For Active Service
MV
Hamnavoe, the third of NorthLink's new fleet of ferries to be delivered,
will embark on a programme of public events prior to beginning active
service towards the end of this month.
Sunday 13 April 1300 - 1600 Public open day on board Hamnavoe in
Scrabster Harbour
Saturday 19 April 0930 - 1200 Public opening and tours of ship in
Stromness
Caithness
Scouts Night Stunt
On Saturday the 29th of March at night, and into the early
hours of British Summer Time, over 30 Caithness Scouts and Explorer Scouts
took part in the annual "Night Stunt" competition held this time around
Kirk and Quoybrae.
This was the first competition run in Caithness for the new Explorer Scout
section for Scouts aged 14 - 18 and was won by one of the teams from Wick.
All the teams had to navigate round some checkpoints and activity bases,
with the Explorer Scouts following a longer route than the younger Scouts.
The competition for the Scout section (aged 10œ - 13) was won by 2nd
Thurso's B team.
Loads For Wester Yard Held Up Traffic In Wick
Cars parked South Road, Wick made it impossible for the heavy loads
bound for the Wester Pipeline Construction Yard operated by Halliburton to
get through. Traffic was diverted for about 30 minutes yesterday
while police found one of the owners to move the car and open the road.
8th April 2003
HIGHLAND JUNIOR GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP
HOTLY CONTESTED AT SKIBO CASTLE
Organisers of The Highland
Councils first Highland Junior Golf Championship have been encouraged by
the number of applications for the new tournament to be included in the
golfing calendar.
Seventy four young golfers from throughout the
Highlands, Islands and Moray have been announced as competing for the
Highland Junior Golf Championship to be held on Tuesday 15th
April at the internationally renowned Carnegie Golf Club at Skibo Castle.
There are two entries from Wick and one from Thurso. Most entrants
are boys with only 5 girls competing out of the 74 entrants.
Town & County Club Annual Bowling Competition
The Billy Bain annual Triples Competition was held in the Town
and County Club in Wick on Saturday and Sunday 5th and 6th April. All
profits from the event goes to a local charity, and this year's charity
was the Macmillan Cancer Nurses.
PARTICLE 34 FIND ON SANDSIDE BEACH
Newton Hill Community Woodland - The Story So Far and Open Day
Why
not visit the woodland at your leisure or attend a fun afternoon
at the Easter Open Day on Sunday 20th at 2pm. This event
has been organised by the Highland Council Ranger Service and
'Friends of Newtonhill woodland',
in association with the Pultneytown Peoples Project. A range of
events will be available including a children's egg/bonnet
competition (2pm), children's mini treasure hunt (2.30pm),
'Green gate making' demonstration, nature walks and display/
stalls. Everyone is welcome!.
Kite Buggies At Dunnet Beach From Wednesday 9 April
If you want to see a kite buggy in action then from tomorrow you
should take a trip out to Dunnet beach. If you are
interested in finding out more about this increasingly popular
activity then just come along and ask. A build up towards
the weekend will allow anyone interested to see a range of
kites, buggies and kite boarding in action. We will
have a few pictures later in the week.
Latest Election
Information
How the numbers breakdown between Independents and Party
members. How many are returned unopposed and other details
about the elections.
ELECTIONS BRIEFING
NOTE
It is estimated that 1,000 people will be involved in staffing
the 360 polling stations and the various counts. Polling
for both elections will take place between 7.00 am 10.00 pm on
Thursday 1 May. Within the polling station, the voter will
be given three ballot papers. An aquamarine ballot paper
is to vote for the candidate of your choice in your Scottish
Parliament Highland constituency (first past the post) election.
A peach paper is to vote for either the political party or the
individual of your choice on the Highlands and Islands Regional
List, through the additional member system a form of
proportional representation.
The Road To Scrabster Pier Is Underway
Caithness Riders Access Group (CRAG) Meeting 7 April -
Report
"CRAG had an excellent turnout on
7th April at the Brown Trout Hotel, Watten, with over 40 people
attending the event held to give an update on the routes CRAG
have opened up, a report from the Highland Access Project, a
Ranger perspective, and a presentation from CED and CASE.
7th April 2003
The Three
Highland Constituencies - Scottish Parliament Candidates
All the nominations for the three
Highland areas for the Scottish Parliament. Some of the
candidates in the areas are also list candidates looking for the
second vote in the Highland area. What will you do with
your second vote this time round? Well the candidates for
the list are to be found at the link below or when you have time
in the Caithness.Org
Election Pages
60 CONTESTS AT THE HIGHLAND COUNCIL ELECTION
The elections for The Highland Council being held on Thursday 1
May will involve 170 candidates contesting 60 wards. Twenty
(20) candidates have been returned unopposed, 19 of whom are
existing councillors. Fifty-one (51) face a contest to retain
their seat. Ten, including Convener David Green, Lochbroom,
who is now Chairman of the Crofters Commission, have decided not
to seek re-election.
Thurso Blooms Again In Springtime
Nominations for Highland Council Announced
Of the 10 electoral wards in Caithness 5 will be contested.
The contested wards are Thurso West, Thurso Central, Wick, Wick
West and Pulteneytown. Candidates Unopposed:
Alistair Macdonald - Caithness north West, Tom Jackson - Thurso
East, David Flear - Caithness Central, John Green - Caithness
North East and William Mowat - Caithness South East. Caithness
Nominations List,
All Highland Council Areas Nominations
Tannach School And Schoolhouse
Another of the old schools in Caithness. Tannach has been a private
residence since it closed about 1950.
Like many other country schools in the county it closed as the population
declined when the need for labour on farms was much reduced as
mechanisation took over much of the heavy work.
The Daffodils And Spring Flowers Are Out Along The Tannach Road
Springtime At Milton
The daffodils are out along the main road at Milton just outside Wick and
opposite the fields have been ploughed up and are well ahead taking
advantage of the long run of dry weather in Caithness.
Bill Fernie
And James Sutherland To Contest Wick West In Highland
Council Elections
Bill Fernie is to stand once again for election to the Highland
council in the Wick West ward. Bill will stand as an Independent
candidate. Meanwhile the Scottish National Party have
announced that James Sutherland will also contest the Wick West Ward.
A full list of candidates for all wards is expected to be announced by
Highland Council on Monday 7 April around 5.00pm. Wick West has been
represented by Deirdre Steven who is now standing as a Labour candidate
for the Scottish Parliament. The SNP also announced that Niall Smith
will contest the Wick seat currently held by Lib Dem Councillor Graeme
Smith. Neil Campbell has also been nominated for Labour to run in
the Wick West Ward.
First
Gear Runs Another Successful Driving Course For Young People
The
latest course of the First Gear training programme, a youth initiative for
pre-learner drivers aged 16 & 17, concluded recently with Bob Law of RML
Safety Training Services presenting the 8 young people with certificates
after they successfully completed the course.
6th April 2003
Banniskirk
1947 Original Picture Sent In
Well over a year ago Jim Dunnet sent in a copy of this picture
taken from the John O'Groat Journal. Well Janet Mowat has now
enabled us to put on the original picture as she had a copy of the same
picture. So many thanks to Jim for the one from the Groat as it has
sparked off finding the original picture from Janet. And thanks to
Janet for sending these pictures in today.
Halkirk
School Class 1976
Another sent in by Janet Mowat. As always if you know the missing
names in the last three pictures then get in touch to complete the list.
Another
1979 Halkirk School Class Picture
Picture sent in by Janet Mowat
Halkirk
Schooldays Section Starts
This new schooldays section starts with a class from 1979.
Janet Mowat has sent in three pictures to get things started. the
next two will be coming later
Caithness Junior Badminton Competitions
Caithness
Badminton Association's President at American Tournaments which were held
in Wick Games Hall on Wednesday 2nd April where 31 boys and 13 girls U13's
attended. On Thursday 3rd April in Thurso Games Hall 26 Boys and 12
girls U15/U17's participated.
Thurso FC Win Morris Newton Cup
Thurso
FC won the Morris Newton Cup by defeating Bonar Bridge by five goals to
nil in a one sided match at Victoria Park, Dingwall. Goals were from Kevin
Morris, Alan Murray, an own goal, Luke Cassidy and Gavin Bremner. Thurso have the chance to complete a fantastic treble
next Saturday when they play Halkirk in the final of the Football Times
Cup in Thurso.
5th April 2003
More Pictures From Stars In Their Eyes
Hidden And Rooms And
Secret Orders - Ashley Cowie 5 April
Ashley
Cowie stirred up a few debates with his article on Dirlot castle in 2002
and this one on Mey Castle may also get the historians amongst you
thinking. Making more connections to Knights Templar, Masons with
secret passages and more lines on the map round the Caithness Castles and
links to castles further south. lets hear your own theories on this
one on the message board.
Caithness Badminton Under 13s Boys Doubles League Winners 5 April
The Dunnet/Castletown team, coached by Isobel Mackay, who were undefeated
all season, and won the Under 13s Caithness Badminton Boys' Doubles
League. Well done and good luck next season.
Caithness SWRI Choir Wins National Final In Wick
Stars In Their Eyes At Blackstairs Lounge,
Wick
Friday night saw another successful "Stars In their Eyes" night at the
Blackstairs Lounge. Playing to a packed house with everyone out to
enjoy a noisy evening as different folk took to the stage in the guise of
well known groups and singers performing some of the well known numbers.
And a return visit by the Village People who made an appearance last year
had them dancing and singing on the tables and chairs. Elvis got in
on the act to a huge response
Good Turnout At Watten Hall
For Scottish Parliament Election Candidates
With almost a month to go the Scottish Crofting
Foundation got the election off to a flying start with a surprisingly good
turnout at Watten Hall on Friday 4 April 2003. All
of the main players were there and the only change from the notified
candidates speaking was David Jardine (Green Party) who replaced Eleanor
Scott who had been at another meeting that day in the south.
4th April 2003
GYMNASTICS CLUB SHIELD COMES HOME TO CAITHNESS
North District Novice and Intermediate Competition was won by the
Caithness squad last Sunday in Inverness. Caithness Gymnastics
Clubs' - Competition Squad, competed in the North district Gymnastics
Competition, with a fantastic outcome. They came home with 9 Gold
Medals, 7 Silver Medals and 2 Bronze Medals. Absolutely fantastic.
Well done everyone.
Daughters
At Work Day
Daughters and Sons who came to Dounreay for Daughters to Work
Day on Thursday 3rd April 2003. The initiative is
spearheaded by the Girl Guides UK to give girls a chance to
expand their horizons in thinking about their future careers.
This year however UKAEA Dounreay decided to extend the day to
sons as well. 57 daughters and sons visited the site.
During their visit they spent time with their parents, toured
the site, visited the emergency services and received talks by
female members of staff and from the training department on what
careers are available at Dounreay.
Latest Gigs At Wildcat Music -
Bill
Jones & Sarah Wright
The Pentland Hotel, Thurso
17th April 2003 8.00pm + Iain Scally
Bill Jones returns to tour in Spring 2003 after her recent
international performances in USA, Japan and Holland. Bill on vocals,
piano, accordion, flute and whistles is joined by Sarah on flute, whistle,
bodhran and harmony vocals.
Thurso Pipe Band Sets Out Their New Season Of Events
The Thurso Pipe Band web site has updated the web site
with all the events for 2003 and pictures of some past events.
3rd April 2003
Balmore Animal Welfare Centre In Caithness May Close -
URGENT HELP WANTED
An urgent appeal for support to keep our local animal
Welfare Centre open has gone out from the Friends Of Balmore
Crisis Group. Due adverse stock market conditions and
operational costs the Scottish Society for the Prevention of
Animals is looking to close several centres and the one in
Caithness is in the group that looks set to close. The
crisis group will be out getting signatures for their petition
but they cannot possibly get everywhere by 23 April. If
you want to help you can
email them
with a support message or
print out a petition form from this web site and get
some signatures from friends and family and post it to Balmore
Welfare Centre. Time is short so you need to act fast.
Daffodils At John O'Groats Mill
"Clarity"
Delivering Sand At Wick Harbour
Wick harbour may have few fishing boats coming in to the
harbour these days but large heavy cargoes are still delivered
by sea. Heavy loads such as sand, coal and fertiliser
would require dozens of lorries coming up the main roads to
deliver the same quantities carried by each of the boats that
call.
Daffodils Splash Colour Round Wick
Canisbay Kids At The New Viking Boat Now Floating Round The Playground
Highland Rangers Help Children Plant Shrubs At Canisbay School
2nd April 2003
Mini Reunion by Roger Burt
"Last year a small group of us Pultneytown Academy "Old Boys & Girls in the very young 50+ range. Actually we all started off at the South School in the late Fifties) decided to have a mini reunion of our own, and so after long months of waiting, much anticipation and just a little trepidation, we finally got together on the weekend of March 14-17th 2003. Has your reunion group had later follow ups? Why not see if anyone else want to arrange one. We can help get you in touch again by adding messages to the pages.
Wick Bridge Street Church Easter Festival
Saturday 19 April 10.00am - 4.00pm. Exhibition of Craft, Wall Hangings, Patchwork, Flower displays, Music and teas - Admission £1.50 Children FREE.
Pictures From Last Years Easter Festival
Daffodil Tea - Pulteneytown Parish Church Guild
Saturday 12 April 2.00pm Admission £1 - Usual stalls and lots of daffodils.
Caithness Riders Access Group Meeting 7 April 7.30pm Brown Trout Hotel, Watten
Aiming to provide more off-road riding in the county as horses and traffic do not mix well. With their slogan "Cars Dent Horse Die" to bring home the message they are looking for any assistance with information about old tracks and rights of way that horses, cyclists and walkers can use.
Weydale School Reunion
Another reunion gets going Reunion Date Saturday 11 October 2003. Venue - Royal British Legion, Thurso. Get in touch with the organiser as soon as possible if you wish to attend. Send in any old Weydale pictures for the reunion pages.
1st April 2003
William Mowatt Retires After 50 Years In Motor Trade
Wick motor dealer William Mowatt has called it a day after 50 years of selling, servicing and repairing motor vehicles. Mowatt's Garage has closed the doors after the retirement of William Mowatt last week. The Garage has been sold to Caithness Tyre Company and William Mowatt retains an interest in elm Tree Filling Station next door.
Guided Walks Along The Great Glen Way
The Highland Councils Countryside Ranger Service has produced a leaflet detailing a programme of guided walks on the Great Glen Way and surrounding area. They range from a 3 mile loop walk around Laggan Locks, to an all day hike from Drumnadrochit to Inverness. Eight guided walks are scheduled to take place from 21 April until mid October 2003.
South School, Wick - Pyjama Walk
South School Kids went on a sponsored Pyjama Walk two miles round to the Trinkie and back via the park and distillery. Funds raised will go towards the school trip in June to Aviemore.
Dunrobin Station In Springtime
Dunrobin Station sits right opposite the gates to Dunrobin Castle making it easy to get to on a relaxing train journey to the north of Scotland. Not many trains pass this way each day and the track meanders into Sutherland before heading for Caithness making it one of the most scenic train trips in the UK.
Concordat Sought From Renewable Energy Developers
Highland Councillors have agreed to ask prospective developers of wind, wave or hydro power in their area to sign a concordat to demonstrate their willingness to work in harmony with the local community. Councillors believe the current level of benefit offered to communities from operators of renewable energy developments is inadequate and they are eager to campaign to establish procedures so that a greater share of the profits from the business should be secured for the local community.
THE LANDSCAPE OF SCOTLAND by SAMPSON LLOYD
A photographic book that takes you right into the dramatic landscapes of Scotland. Eight key regions are featured as the book explores the wild, rugged beauty of the Highlands over the seasons. From the familiar vistas that those with a passion for Scotland will love to see again from another angle to views that will bring the sensation of all that the last wilderness in Europe has to offer.
March - Another Busy Month At Caithness.Org
Hits: 5,002,112 Pages: 1,245,916 Visitors: 105,074
Daily Average: Hits 161,358 Pages 40,190 Visitors 3,388
Total Since June 2002 Hits 47,565,481 Pages 12,816,842 Visitors 896,880
Thanks once again to all our visitors. Looks like we are on course to break the million visitors in one year.
CASE Helps With Purchase Of Cow Bath!
An innovative piece of agricultural machinery designed to assist in the treatment of sick or injured cattle is now available for hire in the far north, with help from (CASE). G, E & A Mowat of Quoynee Farm near Halkirk have been awarded a business development grant worth £1,500 towards the purchase of an Aqua Cow Riser Tank, which can be hired out to vets and other farmers in the area through the Caithness Machinery Ring. Farmers often have to deal with 'downer cows' - cattle which through sickness or injury are unable to get back on their own four feet themselves.
Gulf Families Support Group
In case anyone has not yet heard of this new group and their web site you will find the link in a couple of places on Caithness.Org. One is in the Monthly News Index Page starting fromApril. The other is in the Iraq News And Links page.
Kite Week Expands With New Mountain Board With Kites Course
Are You Over 16 Years Of Age - Ready for This Challenging New Sport Taking Off In Caithness
There are still spaces available for Kite Buggy courses and new spaces for the Kite Mountain Board Course which is a new course similar to the buggy course but using mountain boards, this course will be ran on Sat 12th April by Stuart Potter of Windthings. We are looking at making this a twice yearly event at Easter and in Summer, and hoping it will eventually culminate in residential courses.
Caithness Quilters New Committee Elected At AGM
Next meeting will be in the Church hall in Argyle Street, Wick on the 29 April 2003 at 7.30 pm. New members welcome.
NATIONAL FIREARMS AMNESTY - A SAFER SCOTLAND IN OUR SIGHTS 1 April
People all over the country are being invited to Set their Sights on a Safer Scotland by handing in firearms and other weapons to the Police. "Our Scottish Amnesty, fully supported by the Scottish Executive and all Political parties, is being held in parallel with one south of the border and will run from Monday 31 March 2003 until 30 April 2003.
Dunrobin Castle At Daffodil Time
Dunrobin Castle re-opens to the public on Tuesday 1 April.
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