News Archive - August 2003
31st August 2003
Beaker Pottery Discovered At Battlemoss
The excavation has now drawn to a close and the last few days
were taken up with the final recording and back filling of the
trenches over the stone rows, and the continued investigation of
the cairn. The large slab identified in the central area of the
cairn (the putative cist) was lifted on Tuesday afternoon, and
revealed no immediate evidence for a stone-lined cist or further
burials. Whilst digging through the upper layers of material
filling the centre of the cairn a large quantity of pottery was
revealed, which ensured another late night on site! This looks
to be Beaker pottery, belonging to the earliest phases of the
Bronze Age, and may be older than the pottery found elsewhere in
the monument.
NEW
FORSS BUSINESS AND TECHNOLOGY PARK UP AND RUNNING
The first tenants of the newly refurbished accommodation at
Forss Business and Technology Park have completed the three-mile
journey from Dounreay. Staff from the Major Projects
Engineering Division, UKAEA have begun to populate the former
derelict Naval Base at Forss bringing it back to life.
Caithness Car Club Time Trials At Dounreay Today
Caithness Car Club held the first Time Trials they have
organised at Dounreay on Sunday. Despite a very low key
advertising a large crowd turned out and many more entrants than
expected. the runway at Dounreay was used as drivers
and bikers set out to show how fast they could drive over a
quarter mile run. Electronic timers relayed the times back
to the crowd. Unfortunately the day was marred by an
accident when a motor cyclist came off. We have not heard
the outcome of the accident. Ambulance men were on duty at
the scene and dealing with the casualty in seconds.
Ex Thurso Boy Starts School In Edinburgh
Connor
Chalmers son of Christopher and Lorraine Chalmers (nee Stewart)
started school at Longstone Primary in Edinburgh. Connor
used to lived in Thurso. Good Luck at the new school
Connor.
Longstone Primary School Web Site
30th August 2003
Sheepdog Demonstration By Scottish Champion At Marymas Fair
Caithness Farmer Michael Shearer shows Why he is Scottish
Sheepdog Handling Champion
Berriedale Views - A Couple Of Days Ago
Make A Difference Day Scotland - Saturday 25 October
Individuals, groups, organisations, schools, colleges and
universities can plan events, no matter how big or small, to
have a positive impact on their community. Free Action Packs are
sent after register with easy to follow instructions to help
support your Make a Difference Day activity. For more
information call 0800 284 533 or register online at
CSV. Find This info later in
Volunteering in
Caithness
29th August 2003
Putting People In the Picture
This is a new pack from the Scottish Council for
Voluntary Organisations (SCVO). The pack has been placed
on a new web site and is useful for voluntary groups and others
thinking about training and development of volunteers within
their organisation. With distances being a problem in the
Highlands this is a very useful pack for groups or leaders
looking to attract and motivate volunteers.
New
Environmental Web Site To Assist Voluntary Sector
Equip Scotland is a new community resource for the voluntary
sector within Scotland. Through this portal we aim to promote
the reuse of materials and resources throughout Scotland in a
bid to increase recycling, reuse and community sustainability.
North School, Wick New Primary One
Thanks
to Duncan Robertson for taking this photo and Anna Rogalski for
sending it in for the web site. If anyone from the other
primary schools has a class photo for inclusion just email it to
[email protected]
If you would like us to come out to take a class photo just get
in touch and we will arrange a time to visit the school.
Assipattle - A
Cast Of 400 On The Streets Of Wick
400
participants from all over the county and much much more will
line the streets of Wick on the 19th September. Activities at the Edinburgh
Festival may be coming to an end but they are just beginning in
Caithness. Excitement grows as the myth of 'Assipattle' uncovers
a piece of Caithness history.
28th August 2003
Farming News Headlines Increased
If you want local farming information and Scottish
farming news from the Scotsman then head for our
Farming Section where we have just increased the number of
incoming stories updating daily
More Pictures From Caithness Cyclist David Smith's Great Win In Wales
Job
Links At Caithness.Org Just Keep Getting Bigger
Whether you are looking for a job in Caithness or other
areas check our ever expanding Job Links section.
Employers remember you can still get your job ads on
Caithness.Org for FREE by
sending in details
Heading For Dundee Or Angus? - Check Out These Walks
Scottish Women's Guilds
Conference This Weekend In Glasgow
Amongst other items the guild members will be looking at items
to watch over the next three years including - look deeper into the issues affecting
organisations working with folk with learning disabilities;
those in prison; families of drug users; and poverty at home and
abroad.
AINSLEY
TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
Tickets
for the food and drink extravaganza of the year - 'Ainsley at
Dunrobin' - are on sale and organisers are encouraging galloping
gourmets to get their tickets fast to avoid disappointment.
Celebrity chef, Ainsley Harriot - star of television programmes
such as 'Ready, Steady Cook' and 'Ainsley's Meals in Minutes' -
is going to be cooking up a storm at Dunrobin Castle, Golspie on
Thursday 2nd October.
NATIONAL WHALE AND
DOLPHIN WATCH WEEKEND
30th & 31st August 2003
Want to take part? Then grab your binoculars and head for the coast!
Times etc inside.
Latest Mart
Prices From Quoybrae
Caithness Livestock Centre - Aberdeen & Northern
Marts sold 1480 store lambs from the Bettyhill and Dunbeath areas at
Quoybrae
27th August 2003
BACK TO SCHOOL ON A
HEALTHY BREAKFAST
Over 6,000 pupils in 7 primary and 10 secondary schools
throughout Highland went back to school this term with the
option of having a healthy start to their day at 8 newly
established and 9 existing breakfast clubs that have secured
funding from the Scottish Executive. As part of the
governments commitment to improving diet for the countrys
population, the Scottish Executive in partnership with the
Scottish Community Food Foundation has provided funding in the
form of a one off grant to local authorities throughout
Scotland. New Breakfast Clubs in Caithness are in Wick
High, Thurso High South School and North Schools.
Knotty Injury Man Released From Hospital With Strained Ligaments
The man injured at the Knotty championships was released with
severely strained ligaments in his back. Anyone entering
next year should take a few minutes to warm up.
Timespan - Latest
Exhibition At Helmsdale
31 August to 12 September - East Sutherland Art Society
paintings, pottery and woodwork Stuart Boyd : Liz Eales : Jane
Harlington : Cyril Reed Vic Rose : Gerald Short : Bonnie Vittery :
Ann Worthy opening reception Sunday 31 August from 2pm all welcome
Caithness Cyclist
David Smith Wins Biggest Junior Road Race In Britain
Helping
Scotland To Win the Team Race. The Junior Tour of Wales was
won in dramatic style by David Smith from Dunnet, Caithness. The
three day race over 5 stages in south Wales is the most prestigious
road race for 16 -18 year old riders in Britain, and is the one
every aspiring rider wants to win. Helped by superb support
from his three team mates, Sean Newington, Bruce Edgar and Bruce
Wallace, David took the overall lead, within the final 20 miles of
the race. The result was far from secure however because the
ultimate test was still to come the 3 mile climb up The Tumble
Hill, arguably one of the hardest tests on the racing calendar.
Pentland United Annual Youth Football Tournament
Pentland United held their annual youth football tournament on
Sunday, with 24 teams taking place in the three age groups, from
Canisbay, Castletown, Halkirk, Lybster, Thurso Pentland, Thurso
Swifts, Thurso Youth Club and Wick East End. The winning teams were:
Under 8. Thurso Youth Club, Under 10. Thurso Swifts, Under 12.
Thurso Pentland
Surf
Championships - Caithness 27th- 28th September 2003
The British professional surfing association
are holding the Headworx Scottish BPSA Open at Thurso East scheduled
from the 27th- 28th September 2003. The event will include some of
the finest surfers in Britain competing against each other. If the
event is not able to take place at Thurso East(due to swell
conditions) then the event will be moved to the location of Brims
Ness. All spectators locally are welcome.
Ormlie Meeting To Show Summer Workshops
On Thursday 28 August 2003 at 7.30 pm OCA will be holding an
open meeting for residents and interested parties to come along
and see a powerpoint presentation of the Ormlie Summer Workshops
and
PlayZone Day.
26th August 2003
Mike Clark Gets Caithness Noticed in "Living History" Magazine
Mike
Clark who writes our
"Gardening
With Attitude" section regularly has articles in publications
and the August issue of Living History has an item on Caithness.
Mike tells readers about his favourite places including the Castle
of Mey and the harbour at Castlehill among others.
The Green
Machine Means Calmer Kids
There are healthy options for school vending machines that have none
of the doubtful additives and e numbers that may be causing problems
for some children. Has your school got a policy about what is
in the school or college vending machine. The Green Machine,
created by the Organic and Natural Food Company, is the first
healthy food and drink vending machine for schools. Introduced in
January, its been a massive hit - with children and parents wanting
more. The Green Machine offers a wide range of healthier snacks and
drinks, with no artificial additives, colourings or flavours.
Bat Nights
Learn about how the midge munchers catch
prey & navigate through the dark. 2 - 5 September at
various locations.
UKAEA
Annual Review 2002/03 Just Out
The Review contains a month-by-month summary of UKAEAs key
achievements across all areas of its environmental restoration and
fusion research activities. The review is in Pdf format.
NEW TODDLERS BOOK LAUNCHED
Toddlers in Caithness will soon be getting an extra 1st
birthday present from NHS Highland and The Highland Council.
As children born in the area from last August reach one year
old, each family will receive a free copy of the play @ home
toddler booklet. The easy-to-use guide has hundreds of ideas
for active games that are fun to play and help children's
development. The booklet also includes advice on infant
massage techniques, recipes for play materials, songs and
rhymes. To mark the occasion, toddlers and their families,
together with representatives from NHS Highland and The Highland
Council held a birthday celebration at Wick Medical Centre
earlier today.
Latest Report From the Battlemoss Archeological Dig At Yarrows
Still time to take a look at this site before the team begin to
cover it all up again on Thursday - perhaps for another 2000
years.
Return To Scalesburn
The last set of pictures of this street were taken in autumn of
2002 so here are some from a a summer's evening. The
lower end of the street has a great view of the harbour area.
Caithness Heritage Fair
The Caithness Heritage Fair has a limited number of
stands available for the event that takes place on 4th and 5th
October. Check the page for more details or contact the
organisers if you or your group have something that would be of
interest.
25th August 2003
REFORM
PROPOSALS FOR SCOTLAND'S LICENSING LAWS UNVEILED
Proposals for the most comprehensive overhaul of Scotland's
licensing laws in over 25 years have been published by the
Scottish Executive. The report of the Nicholson Committee
recommends an entirely new Licensing Act for Scotland, including
new 'licensing principles'.
DECOMMISSIONING MILESTONE IS SET IN CEMENT
Decommissioning of the former experimental reactor establishment
at Dounreay has taken another important step forward with the
green light to empty a series of tanks containing a legacy of
radioactive liquid waste from the site's reprocessing era.
The liquid will be transferred from underground storage tanks to
a modern treatment plant where it will be mixed with cement and
set inside 500-litre drums. It is expected to take 10-15
years to empty and solidify the contents of all the tanks. The
contents - an acidic liquor containing fission products - were
created by the chemical separation of irradiated reactor fuel
undertaken at Dounreay until 1996.
A Poem by John Coghill
(Skinnet, Halkirk)
Made up for the Barrock
Public (Lyth) School reunion held on Saturday 23 August
A Drifter's
Legacy By Eddie Bruce
Eddie
Bruce Once A Driver Of The Mobile Library At Bettyhill Turned
short Story Writer. A Link A Lifeline A Launch.
The collection of short
stories just published includes two tales set in the Bettyhill
area. Click through to the Drifter's Legacy web site and you
can read a couple of the stories before you decide to buy - a
gift from Eddie for days remembered even if you do not wish the
whole book. A review of the work has been provided by
Dione M. Coumbe.
Wick Girls Group Latest Activity Programme
The latest activity programme is now out.
Unfortunately due to the increasing popularity of the group they
cannot take any new members at present. The group are
keeping a waiting list so potential members can put their name
down.
Wick Fifty Plus
This recently formed group has set up its programme of
events for the coming months.
24th August 2003
Barrock Public School At Lyth - Last Night's Reunion Pictures
Directory Enquiries - The End Of 192 Saturday - The Start of 118
Sunday
Bookmark this web site now if you want to check which of the new
services is cheapest or best suited to your needs. there
are many new numbers offering directory services about to
explode into our lives. They are not all the same and
their charges vary considerably so it will pay to check out one
you want to use. Save money by keeping a note of all
numbers you are likely to use regularly and remember in
Caithness an increasing number of local businesses can be found
in our Caithness
Business Index
And watch calls to Directory enquiries on your mobile as some
companies are charging up to £2.50 per
call. OUCH.
Read More And Be Wary Who You Call For Phone Numbers
Thurso Horticultural Show 2003
Staxigoe Sea Angling Competition Is A Huge Success
The Staxigoe Harbour committee organised the sea angling
competition that turned out to be highly successful. With
competitions for biggest fish and highest weight of catch from
both rocks and boats. the boats that put out to sea from
the harbour were rewarded with the highest catches anyone could
remember fishing in just two hours. Two boats in
particular were catching fish as fast as they could rebait the
hooks with the winner pulling in over 130 fish - mainly mackerel
in the time allowed.
Exciting Finds At The Battlemoss Archaeological Dig At Yarrows
- Open Day
A cairn near the stone rows the main reason for the
archaeological dig has revealed pottery pieces believed to have
been burial urns containing human remains surrounding at least
one kist. A kist will be opened on Monday to see
what it contains. The team leave on Thursday but are happy
to see more visitors on Monday to Wednesday. This may be
the last chance to see a Caithness stone row revealed to its
foundations for many years to come. the site will be
returned to its original state on Thursday.
Knotty Player Hurts Back - Taken To Caithness General 24 August
One
of the players hurt his back during one of the games . the
lifeboat crew attended having just arrived in the harbour before
the ambulance arrived to take the player to Caithness General.
We have not heard how he got on as yet.
World Knotty At Lybster Harbour Lifeboat Day
Four ladies teams entered this year for the World Knotty
championships at Lybster. knotty is the ancient games
designed to keep the fishermen at Lybster occupied and out of
the pub when bad weather kept them in port. A fast moving
cross between hockey and shinty played originally with barrel
staves and a cork float. The cork float still in play but
the barrel staves have to be replaced with close replicas made
locally. A fun day out at the at Lybster harbour with
visits from the Lifeboat, Isabella Fortuna the last Fifie from
Wick the North highland Junior Pipe Band, Visiting Yachts from
all over the place. Another fun day out was had by all.
Thurso Bay Raft Race
In a repeat of last years result Final
Fling finished just ahead of Wick Fire Brigade to clinch the Glass
Creations trophy in a time of 22 min. 18sec.
Third were Trashy Women who received a
6 minute penalty for having fixed oars with Hot Property running in
fourth place. Out of Control could not manage to equal last years third
place coming in fifth, ahead of the Pirates of Pentland who took the
wooden spoon in a time of 1hr. 7min. 42sec.
23rd August 2003
New
Telephone Boxes Links Section
Along with another addition to our growing Caithness Telephone
Boxes pictures we have now added a links list where amongst
other things you can find out all about the history of the
telephone boxes and what types they all are and if you keep
digging exactly where you can still buy one. Once you
start into the links the detail on this subject is mind
boggling. Is your Caithness village the latest one added?
Latheron - Another Old School
Old Caithness Schools Index
Newtonhill Woodland,
Wick Is Awarded £45,000 For Paths Upgrade
Grant Aid For Communities Affected By Quarrying.
More than £550,000 in grants is to be paid out to 24 community
projects addressing the environmental impact of quarrying in
local areas. Newtonhill Woodland, Wick is one of the
beneficiaries to the tune of £45,000. The old quarry was
until a few years ago one of the county dumps for household
waste.
Kessock Bridge, Inverness - The Way North
22nd August 2003
Latheron
Post Office
Latheron Post Office pictures first in our new picture gallery for Latheron.
Keep Fit Classes Getting Started For Winter
Beverley Sarstedt Dance Classes Restarting After The Summer Break
These very popular dance classes are back on 25 August. Due to
increased demand Beverley has set up additional classes for Ballet -
Preliminary 1 5.00 - 5.30pm.
This will be followed by a Ladies Tap Dance Class 5.45 - 6.45pm increasingly
popular for keeping fit.
Contact Beverley
01847 892983 to book a place or for more details
Exercise - Major Incident - "Red Tide" At Wick Airport
and Staxigoe
Setting The Scene.
On Thursday evening one of the biggest exercises involving all
of the emergency services, volunteers from Red Cross and the
Caithness General Hospital took place. The exercise
involved an imaginary plane crash following its engines being on
fire trying to land at Wick airport and
crashing at Staxigoe. Apart from the plane which had
survivors and dead strewn across the area the plane was
also supposed to have hit a car causing injuries and trapping
the driver. Casualties were dealt with at the scene and
moved into the emergency centre at the village hall and then to
Caithness General with a wide variety of injuries that might
have happened. The exercise was deemed to be a great
success with only minor points requiring to amend the standing
instructions of the services involved suggested at the
debriefing afterwards. About 130 people were involved in
the exercise.
Pictures From The Exercise "Red Tide"
Always Expect The Unexpected - A Real Emergency Happens
During The Exercise
One of the volunteers suffered an angina attack for real
as the exercise got underway. Medical personnel and
ambulance men at the scene were immediately alerted and dealt
efficiently with the person who was taken to hospital. the
ambulance then returned to rejoin the exercise that continued
all over the harbour area.
21st August 2003
In On And Around The Knockinnon Castle Site
20th August 2003
Boultach - Along The Road From Smerral
To reach Boultach drive from Latheronwheel via Smerral or come
in on the Causewaymire road and head for Boultach before driving
on to
Smerral. A scattered crofting/farming community where
sheep are much in evidence. The area is covered in
abandoned houses from earlier days. It is quite possible
for people to find their ancestors houses now derelict or being
used as out buildings by the local farmer.
Daily
Crossword Links
Now you can print out a crossword every day via our links section. Answers
appear on the Scotsman web site next day. Want to cheat then pick the day
before and look up the answers on today's page.
Gold Panning At Strath Of Kildonan
Try your luck, & perhaps make your fortune, by finding gold &
semi precious stones up the Strath of Kildonan! There will also
be a chance to find some fossils during a beach visit in the
afternoon.
Transport, equipment will be provided Cost £3/person. Take
welly boots, outdoor clothing & packed lunch. BOOKING IS
ESSENTIAL Phone 01955607758 to book or for more
details
Landing At Wick
An
Eastern Airways Jetstream 41 operating a charter flight to
Aberdeen for Ackergill Tower guests. The Jetstream 41 is a
29 seat commuter aircraft. Eastern Airways scheduled services to
Aberdeen are operated by the smaller Jetstream 32 with 19 seats.
Wick Airport has a huge capacity as it was expanded greatly
during World War Two. Despite having two large runways the
airport is still under utilised but efforts are being made to
increase scheduled flights. A growing number of planes en
route to North America use the airport for the refuelling
services which are available. Helicopters are also a
common site for anyone looking skywards around Wick.
Bologna
Bound! - Film Premier By Local Group
The world premiere of the short documentary film Bologna Bound
is being held at the All Star Factory, Ormlie Road, Thurso, on
Wednesday 20th August from 4.45 5.45pm. This film
documents the recent visit to the Kids for Kids international
film festival held in Bologna, Italy, by a group of young people
from Thurso whose film Homeward Bound was short listed for an
award. An open invitation is extended to all those parties
interested in attending.
LLOYDS
TSB FOUNDATION FOR SCOTLAND SURGERIES
Surgeries to discuss potential projects, for which the Foundation may
be able to provide financial support.
There are surgeries in many parts of Scotland one in Thurso on Wednesday 1
October. Surgeries are for local recognised charities and are
by appointment only. For a one-to-one session with an
assessor, and to discuss how to go about putting in an application to the
Foundation call 0870 902 1201 to arrange an appointment. If
your group has a project looking for funding then this may be a source for
some of the cash to get it off the ground. BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT NOW
19th August 2003
Two Views Of Thrumster Church In The Pink
The
Rosebay Willow Herb that seems to grow on many pieces of waste
ground and is currently along many roadsides in the county gave a splash
of colour to Thrumster church. Great stretches of the plant are
currently to be found road between Berriedale and Helmsdale and elsewhere.
Bees seem to love it.
Close Up of Rosebay Willowherb (Chamerion angustifolium) in Ken Butler's Plant List
Halkirk FC Junior Football Tournament Winners
Halkirk FC's annual football tournament was held on Sunday 17 August,
with around 50 teams taking part at under seven to under fourteens age
groups. Pictures of the five winning teams inside. Well done
to all who took part.
Pictures From Wick High 1950 - 55 Reunion In Mackays Hotel
Vocational
Education Funding Boost For The Highlands
The Scottish Executive, Enterprise and Lifelong Learning
Department has awarded The Highland Council £751,000 in
financial year 2003/04 and £505,000 in each of the two
successive financial years to deliver a range of Vocational and
Enterprise Education initiatives across the north. One
interesting development is in Dounreay where, because of the
skill shortages, the Council, North Highland College and the
three local secondary schools are developing a vocational course
for youngsters which will be delivered in school, college and in
the work place.".
Next Meeting Of Caithness Quilters
Our next meeting of the Caithness Quilters is a Club Night on
Tuesday 26 August 2003 in the British Legion Clubrooms, Thurso
at 7.30pm. Caithness Quilters are running a raffle with
the prize of a quilt made by the members based on Caithness
Hooses. Watch out for the tickets or from members at £1
18th August 2003
Freswick Castle
Michael
Gunn provides some valuable insights into Freswick Castle down the
centuries. From the eleventh century right up to the present day.
The Castle has seen everything from its original viking owners though the
period of unrest in Scotland and England and has appeared in many
documents. Most of its secrets are lost but the indications that
remain point to its having been an important place thoughout much of
Caithness history. The present building is still in use by the
writer and film maker Murray Watts ensuring that the castle continues to
take its place in the Caithness landscape.
Scottish
Facts And Information
Just over a quarter of adults (26 per cent) say that they gave up time in
the previous 12 months to help as a volunteer for a charity, club,
campaign or organisation. Rates of volunteering are highest in
remote rural areas (37 per cent) and lowest in large urban areas (23 per
cent). These facts are just two of many from the latest
Scottish Household Survey added to our facts page. From mountains
and rivers to links to information on history and the economy.
Battle Moss Update, 16th August 2003
The end of the first week of the dig has allowed us to have a day off
and take stock. Progress during the last 7 days has been remarkable, with
roughly 150 square metres of trench opened by hand and substantial areas
at Battle Moss and elsewhere covered by GPR and magnetometry survey. We
have plenty to do over the coming fortnight, but already know a lot about
the construction of the stone rows and have added some valuable details to
the story of the prehistory of the Yarrows Loch area.
NATIONAL
WHALE AND DOLPHIN WATCH WEEKEND
30th & 31st August 2003 Want to take part? Then grab your
binoculars and head for the coast!
Your nearest manned site/s:
Strathy Point (lighthouse)
10.30 am Saturday 30th August.
Gills Bay (Lay-by overlooking bay) 10.30 am Sunday 31st August
Smerral - Near Latheron
A tree lined road leads you into this area teaming with wildlife -
loved by Roe Deer, birds of prey and much more. The brambles are
coming out now in abundance. This is certainly one of the gems of
wooded areas in the county and well worth a walk through. From the
A99 you can drive to the Causeymire road in just a few minutes but much
better to get out and walk.
Unemployment Levels Steady In The Far North In July
Overall, the number of unemployed in
Caithness and Sutherland fell from 817 last month to 793. 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): 5.2% (5.6%), 5.4% (5.5%) and 2.9% (2.9%).
Caithness
Glass Grant Towards New Glass Making Equipment
Caithness Glass has been awarded a grant of £92,600 towards glass
making equipment.
Caithness Multi Media Ltd has been
awarded £20,000 to assist with the development of the business.
Community ASSISTANCE Grants
From CASE
The Wick Society are to receive up to
£8,350 to assist with the costs of a future planning exercise, while
Canisbay & Dunnet Day Care Association are to receive up to £2,144 to
assist with the costs of preparing the case for a Day Care Centre.
The Highland Festival received
approval of £1,222 to assist with the staging of a drama production/
workshop in Brora, while Caithness Community Projects are to receive
£7,000 to assist with the staging of a community drama project in Wick.
Kinlochbervie & Durness Angling
Club, are to receive £1,868 to assist with the provision of all-access
boats on Loch Croispol, while Loch Clash Boat Club in Kinlochbervie are to
be assisted to the tune of £1,841 to enable them to investigate leisure
development opportunities at the harbour.
Big Brother Winner Cameron Stout Made It Back To Orkney Via Caithness
Big
Brother TV star Cameron Stout finally made it back to Stromness at the
weekend. He took the Hamnavoe ferry back to Orkney. Cameron
looked happy to be heading back home and has already been dubbed the
biggest tourist event to hit the Orkney Islands for a while. Orkney
certainly had the biggest number of mentions over the last few months that
anyone can recall on national TV.
17th August 2003
Constructive Dialogue on Proposed
Wick to Glasgow Air Link
Commercial discussions on the introduction of a
new air service linking Wick and Glasgow are progressing. Talks
between Highlands and Islands Airports Limited and Highland
Airways have moved forward in recent weeks and the airline is
now finalising its operational and commercial plans for the
proposed route. Bob Macleod, managing director of Highlands and
Islands Airports said: We continue to work with Highland
Airways on this proposed service and have now clarified many of
the outstanding issues regarding its operation and priorities.
Air
Passenger Growth Continues in Highlands and Islands
The month of July saw strong passenger growth continue at
airports operated by Highlands and Islands Airports limited.
Passengers across the companys 10 airports were up 9.9% to
90,285, amounting to almost 8,000 extra air travellers compared
to the same month last year. The running total for the
current year starting on 1 April 2003 now stands at 329,915, up
by more than 28,000 on 2002-2003.
Thurso Surf School
Targets New Shop In Thurso
Thurso
Surf School has been doing well since opening on 1st March 2003. The school
is run by Andy Bain and Natalie Palmer who have combined a passion for surfing with a business idea.
They also sell surf equipment including surf boards, wetsuits and
accessories. The reason they are not a proper surf shop yet is
because they are still awaiting premises in Thurso. But anyone
interested in surfing can go along and get advice on what gear
to get before they book lessons from the school. With the
fantastic summer on Caithness beaches interest has
increased.
UNIVERSITY OF
ABERDEEN LAUNCHES UNIQUE TEACHER TRAINING INITIATIVE
Education Minister Peter Peacock Launched The Drive To Increase
Gaelic Medium Teachers. A pioneering new programme for
primary English-medium and Gaelic-medium teachers received
official recognition on Friday August 15 with the formal launch
of a new teacher training programme developed by the University
of Aberdeen in collaboration with Highland Council. This
innovative postgraduate programme is the first of its kind in
Scotland. The unique programme will allow students from the
Highland Council area the opportunity to study the same primary
teacher training programme provided by the University of
Aberdeen's Faculty of Education whilst working from home using a
combination of distance learning techniques.
16th August 2003
Keiss Gala Gets Off To A Good Start After Thirteen Years
Take Our Picture? - No Problem
They
wanted to be on the Internet when they asked to have their picture taken
at Bignold Park, Wick today. Here they are but the problem is they
do not have the Internet at home. If anyone knows who they are let
them know they made it.
Wick Academy 2 Fraserburgh 4 At Todays Opening Match Of the Season
Match
Report
Caithness Critters Treasure Hunt At Dunnet Forest
Caithness
Critters the young nature group run by the Rangers recently has treasure
hunt at Dunnet Forest. The highly popular group often has a waiting
list for membership but it may well be worth putting a name on the list as
youngsters grow up and move on. Contact the
Ranger Service for further details.
Critters Index
More Pictures Form Wick High 1978 Reunion
Wick Gala - A Few More Pictures
St Callans Church, Rogart, Sutherland
Am Baile - The Gaelic Village
This web site is building into a huge resource in Gaelic and English with
sections on culture, people, environment, religion, places, society and
economy. Definitely a web site to watch with many resources being prepared
for future inclusion. As the site develops visitors to the site will
be able to choose to navigate the site in Gaelic or English, and will have
the option of switching language at any time. The full version of the
site, which will be launched later in the year, will draw together a
variety of unique and previously difficult to access materials, which will
allow users to learn about the people, way of life and history of the
Highlands and Islands. The web site has generous funding of £900,000
from the Lottery. Better be good - for that money we could run
Scotland.org never mind Caithness.org which is run on about 900 pence.
But it has a long way to run and has just started - so good luck to
this new resource...... If you thought that was expensive here is another
good one for three million quid also lottery funded
Arkive - fronted
by David Attenborough and all about endangered species. Great topic
and pictures and er so it should be.........Yipes forget
Scotland.org make that world.org for £3 squillion
15th August 2003
Portgower, Sutherland - Latest Pictures
Tucked in off the A9 Portgower is a small village created in its present
form at the time of the clearance. The fishing has long ceased but
farming is still carried on. The French factor of the Duke of
Sutherland laid out the village in a fashion reminiscent of his homeland
making it more of a community than most crofting areas but more of a trek
for the crofter to reach his land to work.
Thurso Live
Music Association 2003 - 2004
TLMA have lined up a new season of
musical experiences for 2003 - 2004. Tickets can be purchased for
each performance but by far the cheapest way is to buy a season ticket
allowing entrance to all of the events. Even if you miss one or two
you will still be ahead. In addition in September
ahead of the main season are three extra concerts.
Latest Pictures From Battlemoss Yarrows Archaeological Investigation
Pictures from the dig yesterday. work is going well and making
excellent progress with trenches opened up and material on the surface
removed quite easily due to the dry weather in recent weeks and an
excellent turnout of volunteers.
Battlemoss Index
Caithness Galas - Three On One Day
Saturday 16 August sees gala fever breaking out in Caithness with
three on one day -
Bower Mini Gala 2003 Saturday 16 August
2003 - Livestock Returns To Bower Show
Thrumster Gala Day Saturday 16 August 2003
Keiss Gala 15 - 17
August 2003 Keiss Gala returns after a gap of thirteen
years.
Helmsdale
Highland Games
For fans of the Highland Games there is plenty on offer at Helmsdale
on Saturday 16 August
HomeAid Clearance Sale
18 August - 13 September and open on Saturdays 12 noon - 5.00pm.
The local charity HomeAid needs to make some space and Furniture of
various sorts will be sold at rock bottom prices to clear some space in
the premises. Pick up a bargain in the big sale and help others at
the same time.
Orkney Science Festival
The Orkney Science Festival has grown into a highly popular event and the
events and topics on offer are as varied as ever and interesting and even
entertaining.
Caithness & North Sutherland
Children's Choir
Auditions for children in P4 to S2 will be held on the day of the AGM on
Monday 25 August 6.00pm at Pennyland Primary School. The choir can
be booked to sing at events ....Tel 01847 896783
Aircraft At Wick Airport
Another new section to let you see the variety of aircraft coming and
going at Wick Airport. Here are a few that have already landed this
week.
14th August 2003
Get Ready For Mars Close Encounter
The closest the red planet has ever been to Earth in over 50,000 years
happens at the end of August 2003. Once Again Caithness could be a
good place to be for a great view. You can already start looking for
Mars in the night sky with best views likely at the end of the month.
With relatively unpolluted skies from electric lighting the chances of a
clear view of the planet the biggest it will ever have been seen will make
the north of Scotland one of the best viewpoints in the UK.
Battlemoss, Yarrows
Excavation Latest Report
Battlemoss Stone Rows Longer Than Hill O Many Stanes.
Within days of commencing work the archaeologists, students and local
volunteers are making discoveries about the nature of the stones at
Battlemosss. Stone shave already been dug round and found to
be much larger than previously thought. Whether they solve the
riddle of the stone rows or not much valuable information is being charted
about this site at Yarrows. As we more or less have our very own
Time Team at Yarrows why not go out and take a look as the work
progresses. Visitors are welcome and a formal open day will be
announced later.
COUNTDOWN TO
CHANGES IN EMPLOYMENT LAW - One For Employers
Employment law specialist Alan Lewis of George Davies Solicitors in
Manchester is warning businesses to prepare for some significant changes
in employment regulations around this time next year. Statutory
dispute resolution proposals in the Employment Act 2002 have reached the
consultation stage and are due to come into force in October 2004.
Bumblebees Talk and Search -
Interesting Day Out
Caithness Field Club and the Rangers teamed up to search for Bumblebees.
These useful creatures have been in decline for several decades in most
parts of the UK but Caithness, Sutherland and the islands still have some
of what have become rarer bumblebees. Many places in the north have
not been surveyed to see what species exist there and they are keen to
find out. Some information is presented to show how you can
help to save the bumblebee or assist in checking what species are around
in different places........
American Cabin Cruiser
Passing By Caithness
Not a common site in our waters - an American registered Cabin Cruiser was
spotted off Wick harbour overnight
13th August 2003
Philippines Chorus - Another Great Night
The
Tuesday evening sacred concert drew a large crowd with many returning
after Monday experience to enjoy another wonderful concert.
Sand Sculpture Competition At Dunnet Beach - Great Day
Are You Interested In Fun fitness and Flying - Then Check Out Thurso ATC
The Air Cadets is a National Youth Organisation sponsored by the Royal Air
Force. It is open to young people between the ages of 13 and 18.
This is a very active organisation with everything from sports, camps,
activity weekends and flying. Lots more so why not check it out.
Latheron Castle By Michael J Gunn
Michael Gunn fills in another blank in the Caithness Castles
section - The name is said to derive from the Gaelic lathair-ròn, meaning
'company of seals' because so many seals congregate on this part of the
Caithness coastline. Watson, however, gives the derivation from Norse
hlaða, 'a barn'. Its various spellings are Lagheryn, Lairn, Ladroun,
Laderoun, Laterne, Lathairn, Latharn, Latherin, Latheroune, Lathrune,
Laythryn, Letherin, Lethrin, etc. This small fortress was also once known
as 'Harald's Tower' suggesting that it may have been raised by Harald ungi
Eiriksson when he was created earl of South Caithness by William the Lion
in 1184.
Dounreay Employees Charity Fund Donates £500 To Wick Pipe Band
Dounreay
Employees Charity Fund recently donated £500 to the Wick RBLS Pipe Band,
towards the cost of upgrading the Pipe Band Hall. Donald McWilliam of the
Dounreay Employees Charity Fund and his daughter, Lauren are seen here
presenting the cheque to Pipe Major Alistair Lamont.
EXAM
RESULTS HELPLINE - Need Help To Decide What Next?
For thousands of young people across the Highlands and Islands, the
long wait to find out the results of their Standard and Higher Grade exams
is over. Many students will want expert advice before choosing their
next step. The good news is that help is again at hand through the One
Life: Results Exam Helpline. Callers to the freephone number 0808
100 8000 will be put in touch with Careers Scotland advisers who have
access to the latest course vacancies at colleges and universities across
the UK.
12th August 2003
GLORIOUS 12TH MARKS START
OF SCOTTISH FOOD EVENT AT HARRODS
As the first grouse head for London this morning on the
Glorious 12th, staff at Harrods are preparing for the launch of their
ten-day Scottish food promotion 'Clearly Caledonian'. Sylvie Main, a food development manager at Highlands and
Islands Enterprise (HIE), took delivery of the freshly shot Balnagowan
grouse at Inverness Airport this morning. HIE and Scottish
Enterprise are supporting the event through Scottish Food & Drink.
Battle Moss Excavation Underway
9 - 28 August 2003
The
excavation of the stone rows at Battlemoss, Loch of Yarrows,
Caithness got underway and we will be following progress with
updates from archaeologist Amelia Pannet. This is the
first time a set of stone rows in Caithness has been excavated
and may produce a range of information about these intriguing
features scattered across the landscape in Caithness and the
north. Archaeologists, Students and volunteers are all
busy at Battle Moss but the public are encouraged to visit the
site to have a look at what is happening. Read the diary
updates as they are added in coming
weeks.
University Of The Philippines Concert
Chorus - A Huge Hit In Caithness Once Again
The Rotary Club of Thurso sponsored concert by the University of the
Philippines Concert Chorus played to full house at Thurso High School on
Monday evening and a further big audience is expected for their second
concert to night, Tuesday 12th August. The Chorus make a welcome
return to Thurso after a six year gap. The choir are one of the
Worlds best and their Monday performance was ample evidence of their
quality.
GAELIC
SONG FELLOW TO SING FOR HER SUPPER IN NOVA SCOTIA
The Mairi Mhor Gaelic Song Fellow for The Highland Council,
Fiona Mackenzie of Dingwall will shortly be teaching Gaelic
Songs to teenagers a little further field than usual. She will
be participating in this years Feis an Eilein, on Christmas
Island, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Fiona has been invited
by the Highland Village on Iona, Nova Scotia to teach at their
Annual August Gaelic programme, Eilean nan Og and also to
present a song lecture on Mairi Mhor nan Oran herself.
Getting Behind Main Street, Castletown
How often do we drive through Castletown between Wick and Thurso
without really getting out to have a look around. Take a
close look and wander round the back of Main Street and other
worlds open up. From its
flagstone heritage to the place where chip carved furniture
was sent worldwide from the workshops of
McIvor And Allan. These pictures were taken right at
the back of the once famous shop. With views over to
Dunnet Head and turn round to see Olrig Hill after which the
nearby street is called. Take a walk round Castletown and
you will find much more and we will be back for more pictures
another day.
Olrig Place, Castletown
Castletown
was basking in another day of warm sunshine on Monday when this
picture was taken. The mix of modern and older houses
along the main street show a variety of periods of building.
At the back of the buildings here are the old quarry
workings once part of the famous flagstone industry of
which much can be seen at the nearby Flagstone Trail just out of
Castletown. Take a short step behind these buildings at
Olrig Place and another world comes into view as can be seen
from the pictures above.
Mcivor And Allen Inside and Out - Famous Furniture Makers From
Caithness
Pictures of the cornice and fireplace in the
shop and house plus pictures of the building front and rear
where the furniture was made. The shop is now a store of
the current owner who showed us round. The shop
remains almost as it was when used by McIvor and Allen with the
original wooden ceiling and walls.
11th August 2003
Harvest Time In Caithness Earliest for Many Years - Seen
Here Near Reiss
The weeks of good weather have taken Caithness to one of the
earliest harvest times for a number of years. Does anyone
have any facts on how early?
NEW CHAIR PERSON FOR
CAITHNESS RIDERS GROUP
CRAGS had their AGM in Watten and their was an excellent turn
out, David More was voted as the new chairperson. the group also
stated that they wished people to know that they are not
associated with Tina Irvine or the Dunnet Riders Group, but will
work to open tracks in the Dunnet area and are working with the
Dunnet Forest project for a possible track in 2/3 years.
John O'Groats From The Air Around the Late 1960's
Here
is a picture from Hugh Ross to let you see how John O'Groats has
changed near the harbour. You can do a comparison
with the more up to date aerial pictures in the section at
John O'Groats Aerial
Prince Charles And Camilla At Canisbay Church
10th August 2003
Ex Caithness Couple Celebrate 60th Wedding Anniversary In
Australia
Jessie
Sutherland Page (nee Campbell) and Alec Archie Page known to
friends and family as Isa and Ropy have celebrated their 60th
wedding anniversary with family and friends in their adopted
country. In the group photograph are James (grandson) son of
john Page, James' girlfriend Niem, Rosalyn (daughter in law)
wife of John Page (a Steven from Wick) Carrol (grandaughter)
daughter. Mark Carrol's husband, Wade (greatgrandson) Carrol's
son. and of course Isa & Roy. Congratulations folks.
Caber Tossing And Pipe Band End The Mey Highland Games
Thurso Scottish Country Dance Club
Keep Fit and have fun. If you have ever thought
about getting involved in Scottish Country Dancing but never had
the opportunity then why not take a look at your local dance
club. Thurso Scottish Country Dance Club has already got
its calendar set up to start in September. Anyone can do
it and just think about all those dances you will quickly learn
to do.
Prince Charles Referees Tug-O-War As Castle Of Mey Team Wins The Cup
Heavy Ball And Weight Throwing At Mey Games
9th August 2003
Mey Games - A Fun Afternoon Where Anyone Could Take Part In The Races
Crowds At Mey Games Relaxed In The Sunshine
Bumble Bees - A chance To Find Out More About them In Caithness!
Meet at the Dunnet Wildlife Ranger Station, Dunnet Sands
Mey Games Get Going - Presentation To Prince Charles
Among several presentations to Prince Charles at the Mey Games
was a chair from the London Caithness Association for the Castle
Of Mey in memory of the late Queen Mother's long association
with the organisation. The
London Caithness Association
the last of the county Scottish associations in London will
cease to function at a last meeting in September. The late
Queen Mother was a patron of the association from 1956 to 2002.
London Caithness Association started in 1856 and is the longest
established Scottish county association. A long era of
helping Caithness folk comes to an end with donations five local
Caithness charities in keeping with the sprit of the
organisations founders. A lady from Stornoway presented
the Prince with an Arran Shawl. Both ladies are seen with
Lord Thurso who chatted with them after the presentation
Prince Charles At Mey Highland Games
8th August 2003
Greens New Web Site
Urges The Highlands To Say Yes To Wind
Wind Wars Breaking Out On
Web Sites - Greens Line Up Against Misinformation By
Anti's.
Highlands Asked To Log On As Campaigners Fight For Clean
Energy. Green groups have launched a website that
calls on people to join the campaign to increase the amount of
energy supplied by wind power in the UK. The groups are so
concerned by misinformation about wind power which is
circulating on the internet that they have joined forces to
launch
www.yes2wind.com. Environmentalists say the technology
can boost jobs and tourism while fighting climate change - the
world's biggest environmental problem. Greenpeace, Friends
of The Earth and WWF-UK are partners in the new web site.
With rapidly increasing wind farm applications in Caithness the
area may become a battleground for campaigners on both sides.
7th August 2003
Caithness Waybaggers Fabulous Views From Their Walk Up Ben Hope,
Assynt
A small group of Caithness Waybaggers climbed Ben Hope (3040 feet), the most
northerly Munro, on Sunday 27th July 2003.
It was an excellent climbing day with a nice breeze to keep midgies confined
to their heathery barracks and enough of a haze to keep the worst of the
Suns rays from frying us. We climbed the southern ridge from Dun
Dornadilidh broch in beautiful conditions but just as we approached the
summit the low cloud swept in. However after a wee while it
cleared enough to see the fantastic views in all
directions.....Join Quick They are doing another one on Sunday
10 August.
There are 284 Munros to climb or walk up in Scotland - Keep
Going Folks.
Thurso Reaches The Magic 500 Trigger For Broadband
Thurso has reached 500 sign ups at the BT Broadband site and
we await some announcements. Wick meantime has only 249
sign ups. A lower population and less folk
using the Internet in the east of the county may mean Broadband
will be slower to come in unless the powers that be make some
arrangements or a low trigger. Without a lower trigger or
a definite move to get Broadband into Wick it may not happen.
Will Caithness.Org have to move house?
Come on everyone repeat after us - When
Do We Want It? NOW!
But anyone who has not yet signed up to show interest
whether in Wick or Thurso should still go and do so as they may
well dismiss any bogus sign-ups.
Latest Funding Ideas For Groups And Young Folk
Are you aged between 14 and 23 and would like £3000 to make a
dream idea that will make a difference to the lives of other
young people come true then follow the link to 4FRONT AWARDS FOR
YOUNG PEOPLE. A new link To UVAF a group that makes
a variety of funding awards to voluntary groups - could this be
a source for your local group - check it out and watch the
application deadlines.
Wick High 1978 Reunion Pictures Now Going In
Caithness Gardens Open Days
With
all the great sunny weather the gardens open days should prove
to be very colourful.
Langwell Gardens are open on Sunday 10 & 17 August 2.00 -
6.00pm
Earlier Langwell Gardens
Sandside Gardens are open on Sunday 10 August 2.00 - 4.30pm
Earlier Sandside Gardens
Check Out The Latest Properties For Sale In the Property Section
One of the busiest section in the Business Index and no wonder
at only £20 for an ad. A once and for all charge and the
ad stays in until the property is sold. Work it out
and save yourself a fortune by putting your ad in our Property
Section no matter where else you advertise. If you
check the section regularly you will see how fast the properties
are moving out.
Hottest
Day for Several Years In Caithness
On Wednesday 6 August 2003 the temperature recorded was
75.4°F (24.1°C), You have to go back to the 21st of August
1995 to better this. This was the third warmest day in 9 yrs of
records, the warmest being 76.7°F (24.8°C) in August 1995.
Recruit Wick - More Help For Local Employers
Recruit
Wick is a labour market initiative designed to encourage
business expansion through employment growth. Call the
Recruit Wick helpline for expert advice on a range of matters
from recruitment, PAYE, and assistance in tracking down
financial assistance with recruitment costs. Find them
easily in the
Caithness Business Index any time.
Summer
Activities For Kids And One Or Two for Adults
No shortage of things to do for the next couple of week.
Here are a few ideas organised by Tina Robison Sports person for
Highland Council. Get booking early to avoid
disappointment.
6th August 2003
Airbed Danger In
Thurso Bay Highlighted By Coastguard
Aberdeen Coastguard received a 999 emergency call on 5
August 2003 reporting that an empty airbed had been spotted
offshore with no sign of an occupant in the water. Coastguards requested the
launch of Thurso Lifeboat and tasked members of Scrabster CRT to
carry out a sweep of Thurso Bay. The Coastguard ETV
Englishman was luckily already present in Thurso Bay and
joined in the search as well as dropping a small recovery vessel
to search inshore.
More Prince Charles Pictures At Scrabster Pier Opening From One Of Our Surfers
More Royal Family Items On Caithness.Org
Convenor David Flear Opens Home Zone Play Day At Ormlie
The main aim of the event is
to celebrate National Play Day and to raise awareness of the Ormlie
Regeneration Project in particular the Home Zone initiative which links with
using the street for play, the environment and the reduction in the speed of
traffic within the estate. Music, exhibitions, displays, children's games
and competitions will feature throughout the afternoon and will include a
Kerbie competition and Chalk Drawing Competition, both of which have been
sponsored by Ian Murray the new owner of the Mace Shop in Ormlie.
Crowds Swelter In The Heat At Scrabster Pier Opening
Prince Charles Opens Scrabster Pier
5th August 2003
Helmsdale Harbour Campaign
Will Helmsdale Harbour have to close? That is the question
posed by the new web site set up to help the campaign to persuade the
Scottish Executive to help pay for repairs to the harbour. The
facts are bound to send a shiver through any community that derives an
income from using an old harbour built for another age when fisheries
were worth a lot to local economies. Will Helmsdale Harbour
survive? you can find out as we follow their campaign over the
next months and possibly years.
Far North
Community Health Development Web Site
Miles Greenford a health practitioner based in the Wick Medical Centre
has set up a new web site to carry health related information and some
fun ways of considering health and the benefits of taking corrective
action on the way folk live. No laying down the law on what
you can and cannot do - just some information and news about what is
happening to make everyone think about a few issues.
Dental
Think Tank Latest Meeting
Representatives of the community and health professionals held the first
meeting of the Dental Services Think Tank on 25th July in Caithness
General.
Windfarms In Highland As At 31 July 2003
25 sites including two wind farms already built one of which is
at Forss. 11 sites out of 25 others at various stages are in
Caithness.
4th August 2003
Lambaborg by Michael J Gunn - Latest
Addition To Caithness Castles
In this article Michel Gunn sifts through the references to
Lambaborg including the Orkneyinga Saga and helps to clear up the
confusion surrounding where it was and mistaken places such as Bucholie
and Freswick which were other strongholds in the county at different or
perhaps the same time. "It achieved notoriety in the twelfth century when it
became one of the lairs of the famous Viking pirate Svein Asleifarson
(d.1171). Svein's main stronghold and long hall were on the island of
Gairsay in Orkney but he also had possessions at Duncansby and Freswick in
Caithness and in Sutherland".
Willie Wilson - Pianist With Wick Junior Choir Dies
Sadly
we have to announce the death of Mr Willie Wilson a stalwart of Wick
Players and the Panto Society for many years. Mr Wilson was also
the pianist for the famous Wick Junior Choir which ran for many years
and travelled far and wide in the UK. He gave many solo
performances and recitations of poetry. He played for Wick Junior
Choir fifty years ago but the memories of those days still linger on in
a generation that went to school in Wick all those years ago. His
contribution to the musical and theatrical life of Caithness is still
plain to see in local organisations like Wick Players. Mr
Wilson is on the right in the front row in this picture.
Latest Update from Ormlie Community Association, Thurso
Ormlie Community Association in conjunction with Save the Children
in Scotland and the Social Inclusion Partnership are organising a
PlayZone Day on Wednesday 6 August 2003 at the Ormlie Centre, Henderson
Street, Thurso beginning at 2.00 pm with Convenor David Flear opening
the event.
Elections Expert To Brief Highland Councillors On Proposals For Election
Reforms
The Highland Council will, this week, begin its debate on the
implications of the Scottish Executives plans to create larger
multi-member Local Authority wards, with members elected by a
proportional representation system (single transferable vote) rather
than the present first past the post method. The Council has
already expressed particular concern at the effects of the proposal on
the representation of sparsely populated areas of the Highlands.
John Curtice, Professor of Politics at Strathclyde University, will
outline the implications of the new system at a meeting of the Councils
Renewing Democracy & Community Planning Select Committee.
Thurso Horticultural Society - Annual Horticultural Show
Saturday 23 August 2.00pm Entries required on Saturday morning
probably after 9.00am to allow judging from 11.00am. If you
have some good specimens in vegetables, flowers, pot plants etc why not
get e schedule and enter this year. Why not check out the
children's sections for the kids to have a go.
Wick Gala Week Ends With A Bang
The traditional Riverside Barbecue of Kippers or Hamburgers with Bonfire
and Fireworks brought Wick Gala Week to an end on Saturday night just as
Thurso was getting going with the fun on the other side of the county.
With a record breaking £7100 collected on the opening night things are
looking very good for a final total of fund raising from the week.
A few straggler pictures yet to come from Wick Gala.
More New
Caithness Web Sites
Environmental Research Institute and
Pentland Housing
Association
If your Caithness organisation has a web site and would like to be added
to the listings just email in details.
Another Chance To Win A Print At CaithnessArt.com - FREE Competition
Scottish Rural Partnership Fund Latest Awards
If your local group is looking for funding it may be worth considering
this fund.
Check the
Information Notes for details.
Millennium Dyke At Dunnet Launched By Local Kids
3rd August 2003
Thurso Gala Photos
Thurso
Gala Week got off to a good start on Saturday night and the weather held
out despite threatening clouds and some rain in other parts of the
county. The popular Banger Derby runs today.
Check the programme for full details of the weeks events.
2nd August 2003
Morag Hart Retires From Wick Gala Committee After 37 Years
Morag
Hart has been a volunteer with Wick Town Improvements group for many
years and helped keep Wick Gala going along with her fellow committee
members a few of whom were on hand to present her with a picture of Wick
Harbour as a memento. Morag is leaving Wick to stay in Aberdeen to
be nearer her daughter and family.
Competitions For Wick Gala - Mostly Lego
1st August 2003
Wick High Reunion Class Of 75 - Friday Night Dounreay Club
150 classmates turned out for the reunion with some travelling around
the world from Australia and South Africa. Pictures all in but
send any more you took yourself to add to the gallery.
A Few Gala Open Golf Winners
The ever popular Wick Gala Open Golf was played in excellent conditions
from early morning until late evening. If you are in
Caithness next year at Gala time and have the golf clubs handy then why
not enter. The two new fairways are still bedding in but the
course was looking in excellent condition this week. John Hunter
announcing the winners for the day paid tribute to the green keeper and
his new apprentice for the great state of the course and the greens.
Caithness Goes Gala Crazy
If you are following the Caithness galas then get ready for more.
And a new one is coming fast on to the scene as the village of
Keiss revives its Gala
in a bid to raise funds for a new hall.
Bower and
Thrumster have their own
small galas proving to be ever more popular with more folk heading for a
nice day out at the shows or even the beer tent.
New Pier
At Scrabster Already Proving A Success
Oil
Industry Supply and support vessels are already making the new pier a
success story. In advance of the official opening next week by
Prince Charles the pier has
already been in use for the last three weeks. An increase in
activity at Scrabster has seen nine vessels using the port recently.
The Subsea Viking working in the
Schiehallion Oil Field northwest of Shetland is fast becoming a
regular visitor. If you are intending
to visit the port for the official opening ceremony make sure
you are early as parking restrictions will be fully
enforced and you may have to leave your vehicle much farther
away than normal.
CAITHNESS AMATEUR RADIO SOCIETY
After a successful weekend at John O' Groats harbour day and
celebrating the RSGB'S 90th birthday (Radio Society of Great
Britain) contacting many stations, the group will be holding
their next meeting in the Thurso Club on Wednesday 6th August
7:30pm in the downstairs lounge. The main topic for this evening
will be the next activity weekend on 16-17th August at Noss Head
lighthouse for International Lighthouse Weekend and a debrief on
the John O'Groats event. Anyone interested in radio are
welcome and further details can be had by email from
[email protected]
SEPA Management of
Dounreay Regulation
The
Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has announced a
number of changes to its internal procedures for regulating
Dounreay. The action follows the recommendations of an inquiry,
commissioned by SEPA, which highlighted weaknesses in
communications and management systems.
DIRECT GRANTS: UP TO £15,000 FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR LOCAL GROUPS
Funding for local voluntary and community groups is now
available from the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations.
Glasgow Woman Gets Full Rescue Treatment
After Fall In Thurso
A woman aged 50 from Glasgow fell on the steps at Victoria Walk, Thurso
around 4.40pm on Thursday. Fire Brigade, Police and Ambulances services
attended and the woman, who suffered a badly broken ankle, was taken away
to hospital.
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