News Archive - September 2003
30th September 2003
Eye On The Pump Returns
With
petrol and diesel prices going up in price from 1 October we
thought you might want to protest and one of the former protest
sites has set up an e-petition for you to make your voice heard.
Just head on via our page and enter your email address.
"Boisterous" Unloading Pipes At Wick Today
the
Nassau, Bahamas registered vessel "Boisterous" unloading her
cargo of pipes at the harbour this morning. Vessel
details: Built: 1983.
GRT: 664 DWT: 1020 Length: 59.6m Beam: 9.3m
Draft: 3.2m Speed: 10 knots
New
Big Issue E-social Business Launches
In a bold new online venture, the people behind
the Big Issue have just launched a new breed of consumer self-help
service. Aimed at getting us over life's sticky moments, around tight
corners or through boring, stressful everyday tasks,
Big Issue Lists.co.uk offers over a hundred well
researched, up-to-date and easy-to-use checklists to make
sure things get done and we all are less stressed. Three
years in the making, the new venture retains the Big Issue focus
on homelessness by putting back 50% of sales to its vital,
internationally recognised work.
THRUMSTER WINS Scottish Natural Heritage "NATURAL PLAYGROUNDS" PRIZE
Thrumster Primary School has won Scottish Natural Heritage's
2003 competition celebrating Scottish Schools Grounds Week.
The first prize is an expenses paid excursion for all from the
two teacher Caithness Primary School to a wildlife site in the
north with bus hire, picnic lunch, activities and expert guides.
Schools were asked to describe what their school's grounds were
like at the moment and what could be done to improve them for
nature, environmental education and their enjoyment.
Free Energy
Efficient Light Bulbs For North Sutherland
Residents
in the North Sutherland
Iomairt aig an Oir (Initiative at the Edge) area are being
encouraged to be more energy efficient by using energy efficient light
bulbs, which are being given away free. North Sutherland Community
Development Forum has been working with John Marchbanks,
Energy Efficiency Commitment Manager for Scottish and Southern Energy, who
have provided the free bulbs. It is hoped that the free light bulbs
- bayonet 20w Sylvanias - will encourage householders in the area to
become more aware of energy efficiency practices whilst reducing their
electricity bills. These light bulbs use 70 per cent less energy and
last ten times longer than ordinary bulbs. Local post offices and
service points are distributing the energy efficient light bulbs.
Achvarasdal Home
and 6 Other Kirk Homes Secure
The
Kirk's Board of Social Responsibility today said that it is
delighted to have secured the future of a further 7 of its
residential homes including Achvarasdal near Reay for older
people which were earmarked for closure following its Strategic
Review of services. A further announcement will be made on 2nd
October about the future of the remaining 3 homes in Argyll and
Bute.
Dounreay Local Liaison Committee Visit The Cementation Plant
Dounreay
Local Liaison Committee took the opportunity to visit the
Cementation Plant during their recent briefing session at
Dounreay. They are pictured with Tony Wratten (right) of UKAEA.
The local liaison committee is made up of a number of local
people and councillors as part of UKAEA's open approach to the
work being carried out at the site.
Another FREE Competition - Win A Copy Of "The Landscape Of
Scotland"
Here
is a chance to win this superb book with fantastic pictures of
Scotland. This FREE competition is easy to enter by email.
Just answer three questions about Scotland. If you are
stuck the answers are to be found on the web site.
This book shows the Scottish landscape in all its glory and The photographs and narratives include - The
Landscape of the Gael; The Trossachs; Atholl and Breadalbane;
Lorne; Mid-Argyll and Appin; Lochaber; The Great Glen, Glen
Affric and Strathglass; Morvern to Moidart and Arisaig; Kintail
to Loch Broom; Sutherland and The Cairngorms, Strathspey and
Badenoch. You can enter until 30 October.
29th September 2003
East End Boys Club Picture Roundup - New Pictures
Free Flu Jab
Programme Launched
Scotland's annual winter flu campaign was launched by the Health
Minister today with the aim of achieving over 70 per cent uptake
for a second year. The Don't Let The Flu Bug Bite campaign
encourages everyone aged 65 and over, and those under 65 with
long term medical complaints, to come forward for their free jab
to protect them from the influenza virus this winter.
Thurso
Rotary Club Launches New Web Site
Thurso Rotary club have launched their new web site. the new
site is listed on the page within the Social Groups section in the
community pages and listed in our
Caithness Web
Sites Page in the links section. This page can be found via both
the links page and
the Site Map page
if you are looking for it later.
Retirals At Pulteney House, Wick
Two
ladies with many years working at Pulteney house care home in Wick have
retired. Rena started in 1975 and Gilleen in 1983 and saw many
changes in those years. Bob Silverwood outlined their careers at the
home whilst Councillor Bill Fernie was on hand to thank the ladies for
their years of service and hand over tokens of appreciation.
Caithness.Org FREE Jobs And
Vacancies Section For Employers - Control Your Own Ads
It's Fast - It's the Future and It's FREE.
The Internet is changing the way we work and many services are on
offer free of charge. Caithness.Org is continually looking at ways
to improve what is on offer from the web site. Here is the chance
for employers to save costs and potentially reach more people who might
fill a vacancy.
Fire Emergency At Battery
Factory Was Minor
The Battery Factory just outside Thurso had a small fire today in one
of its experimental units testing a new battery. A small flame set
of the alarm systems and there was some smoke damage amount to about two
square metres on a wall.
28th September 2003
Wick Airport Fire Service Weekly Training Exercise
Cone Zone Challenge 2003 For Wick Girls Group
16
girls set out to complete the Cone Zone Challenge comprising six taks set
by the Rangers at Dunnet forest
Wick Fifty Plus
Group So Successful Its Membership Is Full
The group has been very successful in attracting new
members for its winter programme of events and activities that
they have announced that until further notice they cannot take
new members. A waiting list will be maintained for any one
else interested in being notified at a later date if spaces
become available.
27th September 2003
Views From Caithness General Hospital Chimney - What the Abseilers Saw
Abseilers Raise Over £7000 For Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust
35 folk came out today to abseil down the Caithness General
Hospital Chimney to raise a fantastic sum in excess of £7000 for
the charity. Although less people took part than in
earlier years they collectively raised even more money than
ever. Everyone had raised over £100 and John Henderson
aided by his wife Janice came in top raising over £1200 for his
sponsored abseil. On a lovely sunny day in Caithness the
abseilers were all done by 2.00pm. A few children took
part and Matthew Thain the youngest changed his time to be first
off and returned later having passed his Yellow Belt karate
grading. Well done to all participants most of whom
have never done anything like this before.
Watoto Children's Choir At Keiss School
The
Watoto choir from Uganda paid a visit to Keiss school this week.
The choir also visited Hillhead and Pulteneytown schools and
sang to a packed Pulteneytown Parish church - in fact they had
to give two performances as the church was filled twice over -
about 1000 people turned out.
London Caithness Association Closes After 147 Years
The final meeting of the London Caithness Association was held
on 5 September 2003 at the Royal Scottish Corporation Hall,
Covent Garden, London. 28 members and associate members
attended the final meeting with a meal laid on for the occasion.
President of the association Janet Reeve and the vice president
had visited Caithness to present cheques to organisations they
had supported over many years such as local lifeboats stations
and homes. This was way of disbursing the remaining
funds of the association. Various groups received a cheque
for £1000 each.
26th September 2003
Still Life with Monuments - Archaeology Month
Sunday 28th at 2pm - walk through an ancient landscape
with guides. Sturdy shoes and waterproofs recommended.
Meet
Cairn O Get car park, off the A99, Opposite Whaligoe Steps.
south of Wick.
Run by Caithness Archaeology Trust.
25th September 2003
THE SONG OF WICK
- Grey Coast Theatre and Wick Schools - Another Epic
2nd October, 7.30p.m - 3rd October, 1.30 p.m and
7.30 p.m - in WICK HIGH SCHOOL
4 schools 250 children 10 songs 3 performances - BOOK EARLY
Grey Coast Theatre are now well into
their second week with the P6's and P7's from North, South, Hillhead and
Pulteneytown Primary schools rehearsing their ambitious brand new
production, The Song Of Wick. 250 pupils are collaborating with Grey
Coast's professional team to produce the show which is an epic ten song
cycle charting Wick from its earliest times when the brochs were being
built, through the often violent middle ages to the boom years of the
herring fishing, the Second World War and up to the present time and
beyond.
Nerve Centre Radio Show
Here
are a few pictures from the sell-out Nerve Centre Radio Show.
John Baikie has more pictures on his own web site.
The show was hosted by BBC reporter Jackie Bird with Alistair
Macdonald singing a few songs and Cameron Stout making an
appearance with lots of local talent joining in.
Caithness Goose Company Geared Up For Christmas
A
new-comer to Caithness produce but with a traditional Christmas
product - "Smoked Goose" If you would like something
different this Christmas check this out.
TRADING STANDARDS WARN
OF BOGUS SPANISH LOTTERY LETTERS
Consumers
throughout the Highlands are being warned by The Highland
Councils Trading Standards Officers, not to fall foul of bogus
lottery winning letters apparently from the legitimate Spanish
lottery EL GORDO.
They have received a number of complaints about this scam within
the last couple of days.
Assipattle -
A Review By Drew Macleod
Assipattle
of the title is a local boy who bravely steps forward and
declares he will slay the terrible dragon that has arrived to
terrorise the Kingdom. The earlier arrival of an evil Sorcerer
has already precipitated the sacrifice of seven fair maidens in
an attempt to appease the beast. The sorcerer however is now
demanding a further sacrifice, the Kings daughter, the Princess
Gemdelovely and this is when Assipattle steps in. Needless to
say all ends happily, Assipattle kills the dragon with a magic
sword and is given the Princess hand in marriage.
Afternoon Tea
CAITHNESS DEAF CLUB is holding an Afternoon Teas with stalls in
the British Legion Hall Thurso this Saturday 27/9/03
from 2 p.m. Admission is £1 for tea/coffee with home baking.
This event is to try to raise much needed funds for the Club. In
the past an annual outing took place during the summer but this
year due to shortage of funds no outing took place so this the
Club's way of trying to self-sufficient. It is also a chance for
the general public to try out their fingerspelling and signing
skills or indeed learn more about how to gain these skills and
the deaf community in general.
New
Page For Caithness Quakers
This new page is just set up
for the local group of Quakers with a link to the Quaker web
site. If you know of any other local groups that would
like a page of information on the web site then get in touch.
24th September 2003
Highland
Airways Enhances Internal Scottish Air Routes
Highland Airways today (Wednesday 24 September) announced new
weekday services linking Glasgow, Inverness and the Western
Isles. The airline will operate early morning and evening
flights between Glasgow and Inverness and morning and evening
flights between Glasgow and Benbecula with 18-seat Jetstream 31
aircraft from the beginning of November.
Assipattle Had More Than You Might Think
Assipattle
had many dimensions and not least in the harbour. Here
John Hay local photographer caught the "Marantha" all dressed up
earlier in the day. the boat took part in the story taking
characters to and from the action in this huge mythological
story unfolding on the move and finally at the harbour area.
there were other bits of action on the Wick river with monsters
eating folk and canoes acting out parts with lights etc
decorating the middle of the river below Bridge Street.
Anyone with any more pictures of bits we missed can have them
added to the collection already in - just email them in.
23rd September 2003
VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS URGED TO APPLY
FOR SCOTTISH RURAL
FUNDING PARTNERSHIP
Voluntary and community groups are invited to apply for funding
to support the development of their communities. The fund has
£3.5 million available for projects throughout Scotland for next
year. The Rural Challenge Fund (RCF) and the Rural Strategic
Support Fund (RSSF) offer the two main strands of funding, with
the RCF specifically encouraging innovative projects to provide
a wider range of opportunities in rural areas, while the RSSF
supports the establishment of local rural partnerships. Groups
have until 3 October.
Air Passenger
Figures Increase In The Highlands and Islands But Not At Wick
The month of August saw strong passenger growth
continue at airports operated by Highlands and Islands Airports
limited. Passengers across the companys 10 airports were
up 4.9% to 88,436, amounting to 4,111 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
418,351, up by more than 32,000 on 2002-2003.
Under 15's Rugby
Team Hit Strong Opposition At Gordonstoun
'Caithness Rugby Club under 15s faced up the their counterparts
from Gordonstoun at the Wick High School park this afternoon.
Although the sun shone a strong wind blew down the park.
As did the smell from the slurry spreading in the adjoining
field!. Caithness lost the toss and faced into the wind
for the first half. The Gordonstoun boys showed to be a
very mobile and compact unit who played to their obvious
strengths.
NIGG NAMED
AS A POTENTIAL SITE FOR NUCLEAR SUBMARINE DISMANTLING
The Highland Council Convener Alison Magee said news of the
proposal to use the oil fabrication yard at Nigg, East Ross, as
a potential location for dismantling laid-up nuclear powered
submarines had come out of the blue and was a surprise to her as
the site was not licensed to accommodate this kind of work.
Notification of an interest in using the site on the Cromarty
Firth has come from Devonport Royal Dockyard Ltd, one of five
nuclear industry contractors bidding for the Ministry of Defence
contract to manage the interim storage and disposal of Royal
Navy de-commissioned nuclear submarines.
WAKE UP CALL FOR HIGHLAND
COMMUNITY
The results of a survey into smoking and the use of drugs and
drinking in the Highlands among 13 and 15-year-olds should act
as a wake up call for the Highland community. They show
that Highland children are as likely as their counterparts in
urban areas to smoke, drink and take drugs. And there is a
higher likelihood of a 15-year-old in Highland being offered
drugs than elsewhere in Scotland. 70% of 15-year-olds who
responded said they had been offered drugs 5% more than the
Scottish average. 908 pupils from 22 secondary schools in
Highland took part in the 2002 Scottish Schools Adolescent
Lifestyle and Substance Use Survey. The final survey response
rate in Highland was 76%. This compares favourably with the
national rate of 65%.
COUNCIL
SERVICES IMPROVING, SAY PUBLIC
An independent survey carried out for The Highland Council has
revealed that 78% of participants are satisfied with services
provided by the council. This shows an 11% improvement on
the results from the last performance survey carried out for the
Council. The majority (86%) of participants stated that,
overall, they found it easy to contact the Council. The
most commonly used methods of contact were the telephone and the
Service Point Network. A total of 1,400 people (20%)
responded to the Annual Performance Survey carried out in
June/July of this year.
Safe
Highlander Exhibition At Dounreay For Caithness Kids
One of Britain's safest workplaces formed the backdrop
today to a major initiative to raise awareness of personal
safety among children in the northern Highlands. An
estimated 400 children from primary seven classes throughout
Caithness and Sutherland are taking part in Safe Highlander,
a three-day event at Dounreay to promote important messages
about their safety.
HIE
LOOKS INTO COMMUNITY TRANSPORT
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has commissioned a
study into community transport provision in the region.
Preston-based TAS Partnership and the Derek Halden Consultancy,
of Stirling, will assess the extent of community transport and
demand-responsive transport schemes available throughout the HIE
area. The study will highlight examples of best practice
and suggest ways in which support for this form of transport may
be improved.
Gold Panning and Fossil Hunting Keeps Caithness Critters Busy
Caithness Critters the local children's natural history group
set out for a combined day of gold panning and searching for
semi precious stones in the Strath of Kildodnan as part of
Geology Week and then on to a fossil hunt at Loss Beach.
Jamie Stone MSP Looks In At Dounreay
The
Dounreay site is big and Jamie Stone is seen here visiting
another part of it he may not have seen on previous visits. After a tour of the LLLETP (Low Level Liquid Effluent
Treatment Plant) Mr Stone said "The degree of commitment - both
financially and in terms of human resources at Dounreay is most
impressive. Dounreay is at the cutting edge of de-commissioning
technique and know-how. These are skills that we can be proud of
- and also, most importantly, skills that we can export and sell
on a world-wide basis."
22nd September 2003
Assipattle -
Questions For Anyone who Attended The Event
Caithness Community Projects are keen to run further events
like Assipattle last Friday. To do this they would like to
canvass the views of people who attended the event to help them
prove the case for future funding. Follow the link and
send an email with answers to the questions to Martin Danziger
Beach Watch
2003 - Cleans Up At North Baths, Wick
On
Sunday 21st September, a team of 30 volunteers cleaned North Baths, Wick
Harbour as part of the Marine Conservation Societys Beachwatch 2003, the
national beach litter survey and clean-up supported by the Crown Estate
and DEFRAs Environmental Action Fund. The local event was organised
by the Ranger Service, Highland Council Planning & Development
Service. Volunteers included members of the community with help
from the Caithness Critters (local childrens nature group) and
Caithness Countryside Volunteers.
21st September 2003
Riverside Street, Thurso
Take a stroll along Riverside Street to the Pentland Firth,
Thurso East Castle and the surfers at Thurso East beach - see
below.
Surf's Up At Thurso Getting Ready For Competition Time At End Of
September
Surf at Thurso East has seen great conditions with waves rolling
in the right direction in great sunny days - blue skies and
Orkney and Dunnet standing out as the backdrop.
Nerve
Centre Radio Show for Nerve Centre Selling Out Fast - Got Yours
Yet?
Tickets for
the BBC Radio Show as soon as possible, as they are selling out
fast. Can't guarantee there will be tickets at the door!
The show will be hosted by BBC's Jackie Bird with appearance
from Camerson Sout of Big Brother fame. Ticket are
available at the Music Shop, Thurso (tel 01847 892838) and G A
Henderson, Optometrist, Thurso (tel 01847 896122) and cost £7
for adults, £3 for children.
20th September 2003
Assipattle
The Night Caithness Came Together In One Big Carnival,
Epic, Event - From Market Square Round the Centre Of Town
To the Harbour with Something Happening All the Way. A Night
with Bang Whizz Music - Well Done To Martin Danziger - The Crew
- Teachers - Helpers and All the Kids - Fantastic - Do It Again
Soon.
19th September 2003
Highland Council Refuses
Planning Permission For Wind Farm At Borrowston
Planning permission to build 10 wind turbines at Borrowston
(between Forss and Dounreay) was refused at a meeting in Thurso town hall.
The councillors who were members of the Planning, Development,
Europe and Tourism Committee came from various parts of the
highlands by bus from Inverness and went on a site visit.
18th September 2003
DRUGS SEIZED - FORTROSE
ACADEMY
POLICE have responded swiftly to concerns expressed by the
education authority regarding suspected drug-related activity in
and around Fortrose Academy. A team of uniformed and
plain clothes officers from Ross Cromarty and Skye command area
attended the school and other premises in the town earlier
today. A number of pupils were detained and a significant
amount of cannabis resin was seized. Enquiries are ongoing,
which will lead to reports being submitted to the Procurator
Fiscal.
Let Battle Commence - Assipattle - A
Cast Of 400 On The Streets Of Wick 18
September
Friday 19
September 730pm - All Over Central Wick But starting at
Market Square.
400
participants from all over the county and much much more will
line the streets of Wick on the 19th September. Excitement grows as the myth of 'Assipattle'
uncovers a piece of Caithness history.
Kids, Drama, Bands, Fireworks and much much more
New Fire
Fighting Foam For Highlands Airports
Highlands and Islands Airports Limited is leading the UK airport industry
in environmental compliance by pioneering the use of a new fire fighting
foam to be used by its Airport Fire Service. A commercial fire
specialist and foam manufacturer, to aid them in developing a training
foam that meets the latest environmental standards. A programme has begun
to adapt its fire appliances so that they can operate dual systems to meet
training and practical fire fighting demands.
What is Pension
Credit? The Clock Is Ticking. Get Yours Fixed Up Now
Pension Credit is a new entitlement for people aged 60 or over that is
being introduced from October 2003. This could mean extra money for you
every week. It guarantees everyone aged 60 and over an income of at
least: £102.10 a week if you are single; or £155.80 a week if you have a
partner. For the first time, people aged 65 and over will be
rewarded for some of their savings and income they have for their
retirement. In the past, those who had managed to save a little were no
better off than those who had not saved at all.
ON COURSE FOR BUSINESS SUCCESS
Businesses
throughout Caithness and Sutherland are set to benefit from a range of
short courses on offer from Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE).
The extensive variety of options in CASE's Business Skills Programme will
provide businesses, both large and small, with the opportunity to enhance
their skills in various business activities, from managing staff and
managing projects to improving sales, customer service, marketing and
promotion. According to Anne Sutherland, head of skills development
with CASE, "Many of the courses we are providing are as a direct result of
feedback received from respondents to our quarterly business survey. This
information has proved invaluable in terms of building up a picture of the
skills business require."
TELEPHONE
PRIZE DRAW CALLS SHOULD RING ALARM BELLS
Highland consumers are being warned not to fall for the latest telephone
prize draws offers which claim that a guaranteed massive cash prize,
luxury car or dream holiday is only a telephone call away. Similar
to the free scratch-card "prize draws" regularly found in magazines and
newspapers, consumers are now being targeted by telephone.
Lupus Fund Raising In Caithness Reaches New Heights
The
annual fund raising dance held in the hall of the Royal British Legion in
aid of those suffering from Lupus in Caithness. Once again the evening was
a huge success with everybody pulling together in a great sign of
community spirit, the entertainment for the evening was the fantastic Kate
Bain and Candy who kept the evening going in full swing. Special
guests for the evening were James Gunn, Camilla Elder and Peter and Ann
Elder. James walked the West Highland Way a total of 96 miles supported on
the last day by Peter raising a total of £2276, of which £500 came from
the Royal Bank of Scotland's Community Cash Back Award which was a huge
boost to the local charity. On the evening of the dance another £521.29
was raised, a great effort on a great night.
TRANSPORT PLANS ON THE ROAD
TO NOWHERE, SAYS COSLA
Alison
Magee Highland Convenor and COSLA spokesperson on transport stated
yesterday -
COSLA fully agrees with Transport Minister Nicol Stephen's aim of an
accessible Scotland, with a modern, safe, efficient and sustainable
transport system, but does not believe there is any evidence in the
consultation paper launched today that demonstrates there will be a
guarantee of improvement through the creation of an Executive Agency.
"COSLA has long argued for an integrated Scottish Transport Plan,
with priorities and commitments for all forms of transport for at least
the next 10 years therefore I am disappointed that there is still a lack
of integration in the proposals. The paper is like re-arranging the
deckchairs on the titanic, and is full of contradictions making it
difficult to see how things can be improved through these proposals and
alongside we have placed the transport ministers release for you to make
your own mind up.
17th September 2003
PUBLIC
PARTICIPATION IN OPTIONS FOR LOW LEVEL WASTE AT DOUNREAY
Options for the long-term management of solid low level radioactive
waste from the decommissioning of Dounreay are the subject of a public
consultation announced today by the UK Atomic Energy Authority.
Approximately 100,000 cubic metres of solid low level waste (LLW)
is expected to arise during the 50-60 year life of the Dounreay Site
Restoration Plan.
Funding To Fight Fuel
Poverty
Tenants in nearly 5000 council properties will have their homes insulated
and 500 houses with partial central heating systems will be upgraded to
full systems by the end of March 2004, it was announced today. The
Deputy Communities Minister Mary Mulligan today announced the allocation
of £3 million for 29 local authorities to help them tackle fuel poverty.
Highland gets £80,817 as its share in this particular round.
COUNCIL ISSUES FURTHER WARNING ABOUT BANNED SWEETS
Environmental
Health officers with The Highland Council are issuing a further warning
that children should not eat mini cup jelly sweets containing Konjac after
more of these illegal products were found on sale in the UK. This
type of sweet was banned across Europe last year following the deaths from
choking of about 18 children worldwide. On
this occasion the products found are called ABC Mini Fruit Bites and
Cocode Nut Jellies, both of which contain Konjac. Parents should be alert to the
potential risk from these sweets and children should not buy or eat them.
The sweets contain the additive Konjac. Jelly sweets made with this
ingredient do not dissolve easily and can result in the sweets becoming
stuck in a child's throat.
Partnership Promotes Sports Leadership In The Highlands
In a groundbreaking partnership between The Highland Council, Gael Force Ten,
sport coaching project and the New Opportunities Fund, many hundreds of
people in the Highlands and Islands will now be able to participate in the
British Sports Trust, Sports Leader Awards bringing valuable benefits to
themselves and their communities. Over the next three years,
the SCALP project (School and Community Activity Leaders Programme) will
help over 400 pupils from 29 Scottish secondary schools and 360 community
volunteers gain a Sports Leader Award, a nationally recognised
qualification.
BE HEALTHIER FROM THE
INSIDE OUT! Salmon Is Hard To Beat
Theres no end to the number of pills, potions, and faddy diets
that claim to have amazing effects on the body. But in reality one of the
most efficacious foods with a multitude of health benefits has been right
under our noses all the time. Think of any part of the body and the
omega 3 fatty acids in oily fish will improve how it looks, feels or
works. For example, just two portions of an oily fish such as salmon will
improve the look and feel of your skin and hair, help your brain to work
at its optimum level, lubricate your joints, and keep your heart healthy.
And thats just the beginning oily fish is important for all the family.
More Rumster
Forest Routes For Horses And Others
Here is is some handy information for horse riders and others
looking for access to the Rumster forest area and where to go.
North
Unemployment Falls Marginally
Overall, the number of unemployed in Caithness and Sutherland fell from
793 last month to 781. 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): 5.1% (5.2%),
5.2% (5.4%) and 3.1% (2.9%).
Caithness
Voluntary Group Gets Grants To Support Food for Thought Project
Caithness Voluntary Group has been awarded funding under two separate
programmes - A community Assistance grant of £1,254 and an economic
development grant of £6000.
Other Community ASSISTANCE Grants From CASE
Lyth Arts Society
are to receive up to
£33,333 towards the cost of the major re-development of the Lyth Arts
Centre. This will include the installation of state-of-the-art sound and
light equipment.
Assynt Crofters Trust received
approval of £5,000 to assist with the staging of a 10th anniversary
conference and arts event, held over 3 days, at Stoer, while Culag
Community Woodland Trust are to receive £4,150 to assist with the costs of
establishing a community office in Lochinver.
Recent Class
North Lands Creative Glass received
approval of £8,012, to assist with a series of Masterclasses and an
International Conference at their centre in Lybster, while
Wick Youth Club
is to receive up to £2,687 to assist with the costs of a community arts
project in Lower Pulteneytown.
Cameron Stout To
Make Guest Appearance At Nerve Centre Show
Monday
22 September at 7.30pm. Thurso High School.
Cameron Stout winner of the last Big Brother TV show in the UK is
to make an appearance at the Radio show for the Nerve Centre being
presented by Jackie Bird for the BBC Radio Scotland's Let's Do The Show Right Here!
The Nerve Centre is support group for people in
Caithness and North Sutherland affected by neurological disorders.
Waybaggers Walk Stroma
It was even warm sitting on the boat sailing from Gills to Stroma.
We walked up the middle of the island towards the lighthouse which sits at
the north end. Hundreds of terns were nesting round it and we were
constantly dive bombed by them until we left their territory. The cliffs
behind the lighthouse are only 15-20 feet high with shoals of rocks
reaching far out into the sea. Several dozen seals were either basking on
the rocks or swimming in the shallow sea.
Need A Web Site with
Low Annual Costs - Check Scorrie Internet Services
By integrating local information Scorrie internet Services can offer very
low annual charges - currently £50 a year for web space and domain
name and a discount of 50% on our annual banner charges that help to get
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costs at the same time as the cost of setting up a web site. Web
sites set up by Scorrie Internet also get the advantage of a variety of
links and mentions wherever appropriate around the web site at no extra
cost. With traffic to Caithness.Org in excess of 100,000 visitors
per month this is a distinct advantage.
New Wick
Play Area Vandalised
- Reward Offered
Equipment
at the recently opened £100,000 childrens play park at the Bignold Park
has been vandalised only eight weeks after the play park opened. The toddlers swings have
been systematically vandalised over a period of weeks and at the weekend,
a flagstone picnic table was smashed with a concrete block. All the
toddlers swings and the table have been removed for safety reasons.
Walking Culloden Battlefield
Another in the
Highland Views series
16th September 2003
Guide Dog Group Set Out To Raise More Funds
A
small group set out on a sponsored walk on Sunday to raise more
funds in aid of Guide Dogs For the Blind. Setting out from
the High School in Wick they headed up Newton Hill and then
round to Milton with an assortment of dogs gaining some exercise
for both the two legged and four legged walkers.
A9 Speed
Reduced Permanently to 50 MPH At North Kessock Junction
Start Earlier If You Have A Deadline To Avoid Speeding
Fines!!!
A lower speed limit and smart signs will be introduced on the A9
at the North Kessock junction as part of a package of safety
improvements, it was announced today. Speed Restrictions
to 50 MPH in both directions at North Kessock junction on the
A9.
Further Up Princes Street, Thurso
And yes there is more to come.
Broadband Boost For
Scottish Business
£1.5 million Business Broadband Incentive Fund To
Encourage Up To 5000 Companies
Scottish businesses are being encouraged to get connected to
broadband with a new incentive scheme. Minister for
Enterprise and Lifelong Learning Jim Wallace announced the new
£1.5 million Business Broadband Incentive fund to encourage up
to 5000 new companies to take advantage of the business benefits
broadband offers. Mr Wallace also announced that new
independent research to be published later this week will back
the Executives strategy of increasing broadband takeup through
measures to stimulate demand. Companies can check if they
are eligible by clicking on to the Scottish enterprise web site.
Outdoor
Education Activities In Caithness Consultation
A
Public Meeting to discuss the findings of the outdoor
activities consultation with representatives of the Highland
Council and the consultant will be held in the Portland Arms
Lybster, on Tuesday 23 Sept 2003 - 7.30pm, in the Portland Arms,
Lybster. The Executive Summary of the report is included
for information
The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss the Summary and
decide on the appropriate next steps.
International Conference Heralds A New
Rural Health Network
Conference
delegates attending the "Making it Work" Conference in St
Andrews, last week, overwhelmingly called for permanent voice
for rural health issues and a continuation of the work of the
Remote and Rural Areas Resource Initiative
(RARARI), with international
dimensions. Around 300 delegates from
Norway, Australia, Russia, Canada, USA and Scotland gathered for
the first International Conference in Scotland focussing on
Remote and Rural Health. It was a joint venture between RARARI
and the Northern Norway Regional Health Authority (Helse Nord),
based on close links which have been forged over the past few
years through sharing similar healthcare challenges.
COMMUNITY GROUPS COUP ON COUNCIL COMPUTERS
Highland Council And Fujitsu Donate Over 900 Computers To Voluntary
Sector In Highland.
Voluntary and community organisations throughout Highland are to
receive donations of over 900 computers from The Highland Council and
their information technology partner Fujitsu over the next two months.
As part of The Highland Councils programme of modernising local
government to meet Scottish Executive targets, the Council and Fujitsu are
upgrading all computers used by staff. This first phase of modernisation
will create over 900 computers surplus to the Councils requirements which
are being recycled by the Mobius Project, donated by Fujitsu and
distributed by the Council to community based organisations in
the Highland area.
Traditional Music Workshop Places Filling Up Fast
Half the places for the Traditional Music Workshop in
Wick on Saturday 1 November have been booked already. If
you are thinking about going you better get moving to book your
place now before it is too late. The workshops are being
delivered by professional musicians and the workshop looks as if
it will be filled before long.
HIE Launches Wireless
Broadband Company
Today sees the launch of HI-WIDE Ltd, a not-for-profit
company that will bring broadband to the most rural and remote
parts of the Highlands and Islands. The company has been
created by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) in response to
an increasing need for broadband in areas where ADSL broadband
cannot be supplied. Areas in Caithness on the list are - Reay, Barrock,
John O'Groats, Berriedale, Dunbeath, Latheronwheel, Lybster,
Thrumster, Watten.
NEW
DIRECTOR OF DOUNREAY APPOINTED
Norman
Harrison will lead the £4bn Site Restoration Programme at
Dounreay. The
Secretary of State for Trade and Industry has appointed Mr
Norman Harrison as Director, Dounreay, and a Member of the
UKAEA Board. He will succeed Mr Peter Welsh, who is retiring on
31 October 2003. Manchester-born Norman Harrison, 51, is
currently director of Sizewell B, British Energy's Pressurised
Water Reactor station in Suffolk. He has been in the power
industry for 25 years, starting as an assistant chemist with a
coal-fired power station in his home town and followed by
appointments at a number of north-west power stations. Prior
to Sizewell B he was station director at Heysham 1 in
Lancashire.
Broadband Coming To Thurso
- Exchange Upgrade Around 7 January 2004
Yes its another step closer for Thurso as the announcements have
been made regarding the exchange upgrade work. Remember
you do not have to sign up with the first company that contacts
you regarding Broadband. Take your time and consider all
the packages on offer or that may come along before January.
Get all the information together and chat to others thinking
about it before you sign on the dotted line.
Caithness
Heritage Fair Has Great Response From Local Groups
43 groups ranging from history groups, musicians,
churches, youth and uniform, schools and many more will be
exhibiting at the Caithness Heritage Fair on 4th and 5th
October in Assembly Rooms, Wick. Carrying on from the
highly successful fair in 2001 the theme of Caithness Heritage
this time runs under the slogan "Under The Sky".
15th September 2003
Scottish Thistle
Award Finalists 2003 - Ackergill Tower Makes Finalists List
Forty-nine
of Scotland's tourism businesses have been selected to go
forward to the final stage of judging for one of the industry's
ultimate accolades. The finalists for the Scottish
Thistle Awards, created by VisitScotland and now in their
twelfth year will hear by 24th October if they have won.
The awards reward excellence, professionalism and creative
thinking across the tourism industry.
MUSICIANS' FUND HITS THE RIGHT NOTE
Musicians in the Highlands and Islands are being encouraged
to apply for grants of up to £500 through a new initiative
launched today by HI~Arts. The Musicians' Awards scheme
has been devised by the arts development agency in a bid to help
musicians develop their talents, and is being jointly funded by
Highlands and Islands Enterprise and the Scottish Arts Council.
It is open to both performers and composers, and although only
professional musicians are eligible to apply for a grant, those
aspiring to professional status may also qualify for assistance.
COUNCIL AGREES STANCE ON FUTURE ELECTORAL
SYSTEM
Given the clear intention of Scottish Ministers to lay
legislation before the Scottish Parliament introducing single
transferable voting as the system of election for local
government in 2007, The Highland Council is to explore with
Scottish Ministers whether the sparsely populated nature of the
more rural parts of the Highlands could be recognised by
maintaining single member wards in exceptional cases within a
system of Single Transferable Voting.
Caithness Bathing Waters Get Great Results
From SEPA Checks
SEPA, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, has taken
samples from the beginning of June until last week and they show
that Caithness beaches have excellent results. Dunnet Bay
and Thurso Bay were amongst the beaches ion Scotland to have
regular water samples taken for analysis. Test showed
that the water was on course to meet the highest standards
at both beaches. High levels of sunshine helped as
bacteria is apparently killed off but the increasing levels of
investment in treatment of outfalls is obviously having an
effect. Anyone for swimming before the long summer ends in
Caithness.
A Look At Golspie, Sutherland
Here is the start of pictures of Golspie. The first two
new sets in are Main Street and Back Road. Back Road has a
number of features in Golspie that the traveller in a hurry may
miss. In that road with humps to slow traffic is the fire
station, the back of the school a church and access to the path
to get you to the statue on the top of the hill. Take a
look next time in the area.
Pentland End
Of Season Regatta
UKAEA Dounreay sponsored the recent End of Season
Regatta, held at the Pentland Firth Yacht Club over the weekend
of 13 & 14 September. Weather forecasts for the weekend
indicated winds of up to force 7 - 8, which would have meant
cancellation of some races. Fortunately, these strong winds did
not materialise, and 5 races were held in Thurso Bay for
dinghies and keelboats.
Caithness Riders Access
Group - New Routes
The group have added some new routes to their list that
might be of interest to horse riders, cyclists and walkers.
excavate overlay
20 September-11 October
2003 St Fergus Gallery, Wick a project linking art,
archaeology and landscape. Continuing the project linking
archaeology at Battlemoss and other places with art. Jane
Bailey, Sara Bowler and Jane Webb have created new pieces in
response to the personal memories, archaeology and local history
of selected sites in the county. The project was
multidisciplinary in nature, involving artists, academics and
archaeologists. The show represents a culmination of their
parallel investigations and responses to the chosen locations.
Basking
Shark Caught Off John O'Groats
Dave
Simpson of Canisbay pulled in this 11 foot basking shark this
evening when he was out in his creelboat 'Capricorn' off John O'
Groats. The shark had become caught in a rope and was hauled
aboard by Dave and crewman Mark Fraser. It was thought to be a
young shark, as the adult can grow anything up to 12 metres and
weigh up to seven tonnes - larger and heavier than a
double-decker bus.
14th September 2003
Junior Triathlon - Wick - Swimming, Cycling, Running
COUNCIL AIMS TO
ENSURE BETTER MANAGEMENT OF COASTAL WATERS
The
Highland Council is determined to ensure better management of
coastal waters. Vice-Convener Dr Michael Foxley made the
commitment in launching two new marine initiatives in Shieldaig,
West Ross. He said: With more than 1,900 sq km of
coastline 49% of the Scottish mainland coastline we
have a large area to safeguard and manage. We have
promoted and strongly supported regulatory orders to allow local
fishermen to manage the inshore shellfish fishery and we
continue to lead the campaign to control the passage of
hazardous cargoes in our waters.
Martin Cuffe
and Band - Country Music From Triple C Country Club
Friday 19 September - Dounreay Club, Wick - Members and
Non Members Welcome. Tickets from Janis.
Thurso Police Station
Another
addition to our emergency Services pages
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.
Causeymire Wind Farm -
Work Starts
National Wind Power has announced that construction has begun on
the Causeymire Wind Farm at Dale Moss near Spittal, Caithness.
The first phase of the project will comprise 21 out of the 24
consented wind turbines each rated at 2.3 megawatts, and will
have a combined capacity of 48.3 MW. Once complete, it will
generate enough clean electricity to meet the average annual
needs of some 25,000 homes.
Wind Farm
Index
Wind Farm Above Cromarty - Novar, Evanton
As
more and more windfarm applications are coming in we thought you
might like to see this one in Ross-shire above the Cromarty
taken from the opposite side of the Cromarty. On many days
this one is shrouded in cloud but this year with the very clear
weather could easily be seen in the distance from the
Cromarty Bridge area. Novar is operated by National Wind
Power the same company that have commenced work on the
Causeymire in Caithness.
13th September 2003
A Kiln Casting Class At Northlands Glass
the glass centre in Lybster has quickly established itself with
a variety of creative glass courses being attended by Art
students and professionals in other art disciplines. Under
the expert eye of artistic director Jane Bruce a highly
experienced and qualified glass artist this class were learning
some of the techniques required to produce their own highly
individual pieces.
12th September 2003
Moving Up Princes Street, Thurso
More to come in this street.
Views From Wick Airport Control Tower
More Funding Ideas For Voluntary Groups
If you have some ideas on how to help your community then
there are more places to apply for funding than you might
imagine. Our page just gives a few of the thousands of
places to look. some of the trusts like Llloyds/TSB run
advice days or you can call on Caithness Voluntary Group in Wick
for more information if you are a Caithness group. If not
in Caithness check you local Volunteering office - in Scotland
these are often run by Council of Voluntary Service (CVS).
11th September 2003
UNEMPLOYED
VOLUNTARY ACTION FUND VALUING VOLUNTEERS GRANT SCHEME
You've got less than three weeks. Valuing Volunteers is the easy
access grant scheme run by the Unemployed Voluntary Action Fund,
with awards up to £500, which funds volunteers expenses for new
activities; training and recruiting volunteers; equipment to
enable volunteering and interpreting and translating costs to
assist with accessing volunteering.
FULL COUNCIL DEBATES WESTER ROSS HYDRO
ELECTRICITY SCHEME
Highland Councillors today (Thurs 11th Sept) confirmed a
previous decision of the Councils Planning, Development, Europe
and Tourism Committee (held on Wed 20th August) not to object to
proposals for a hydro-power development at Shieldaig and
Slattadale in Wester Ross. Councillors today voted at full
Council, 32 to 27 not to object to the hydro-power application
but suggested headings for planning conditions which Scottish
Ministers could consider in their assessment of the proposals.
Local Groups Get Computer Donations From UKAEA
UKAEA
Dounreay have donated PCs to 5 local charities and schools, Reay
Primary School, Caithness Spina Bifida Sufferers, Highland
Hospice (Thurso Branch), Canisbay Ladies Guild and Special Needs
Unit at Thurso High School. All of the representatives
expressed the huge difference the PCs would make to the running
of their organisations. Mrs Anne Tavern of the Special Needs
Unit at Thurso High School said that the PC would be used by
pupils in the unit to assist with their education as some of the
pupils have writing difficulties.
TALL SHIP ADVENTURE FOR MODERN
APPRENTICES
Three young Modern Apprentices men
have just returned from the adventure of a lifetime on the high seas. Gordon Mackay (Watten), Liam More
(Wick) and James MacDonald (Kinlochbervie) were fortunate enough to secure
the three berths funded by Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE) in
the latest of the Tall Ships Adventure 2003. They are all engineering
Modern Apprentices, employed by UKAEA, Subsea 7 and Alstom Power UK Ltd
respectively. After flying out to join their
shipmates in Travemunde, Germany, they set sail on the 'Prince William'
bound for Aberdeen, via the ports of Friedrichschafen and Copenhagen.
Assipattle - A
Cast Of 400 On The Streets Of Wick - 19 September
This event looks like being a big one. We hear that
apart from the hundreds of participants there will be be
fireworks, stilt walkers, fire spinning and much more woven into
the story. And this event will straddle the centre of the
town moving through the streets heading eventually to the
harbour area for the finale. Its only on for one night so
don't miss it.
10th September 2003
Brotchies Steading Excavation
2 weeks Mon 8th to Fri 19th Sept, 9am-5pm - Broachie's Steading
Excavation - visit an excavation by Headland Archaeology Ltd. in
progress. See how they investigate the development of cruck-frame
buildings, the use of whalebone crucks and a monkeys grave. Meet
Broachie's Steading, behind
Dunnet Church, park in Northern Sands Hotel car park and go
through the church-yard.
Princes Street, Thurso
Many more pictures to come on this street.
Vikings and Stinking Fish - An Archaeology Month Event
Sunday 14th at 2pm Vikings and Stinking Fish - Join us on a
guided walk along the coast looking at ancient middens and
settlements. Sturdy shoes and waterproofs recommended. Meet John
O'Groats Tourist Info Centre. Run by Caithness Arxhaeology
Trust.
North of Scotland Water Quality 1999
2002
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) has
published the results for its water quality monitoring programme 1999 -
2002. The results over the three years show continued improvements in the
quality of Scotland's rivers, estuaries and coastal waters. Thousands of
kilometers are now in the top classification with many areas improving the
quality of water due to new treatment plants. Coastal and river
water have shown high levels of improvement although the Murkle burn is an
area of concern due to poor reports in the years to 2001 and this is under
investigation.
Church Of
Scotland -
MODERATOR SPEAKS ABOUT
MYANMAR (BURMA)
As a national Church with long links to Myanmar
[Burma], we are convinced that the time has come for the State Peace and
Development Council to ensure that there is freedom of movement and of
speech for Aung San Suu Kyi and all peace-loving democratic leaders.
Nerve Centre Radio Show With Jackie Bird
The Nerve Centre, Thurso, is to be host to BBC
Radio Scotland's Let's Do The Show Right Here! team, on
Monday 22 September at 7.30pm. Thurso High School is the venue for a
fundraising Show in aid of the Nerve Centre, which provides support and
activities for people affected by neurological conditions such as MS,
Parkinson's, ME/chronic fatigue syndrome, epilepsy, stroke, Huntington's
disease etc. Jackie Bird will host the show and Alastair McDonald
Scottish "musical minstrel", will appear at the Show
9th September 2003
NEW
CAREERS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN NUCLEAR CLEAN-UP
Twelve young people from Caithness have
started new careers in the decommissioning of
Britain's former centre of fast reactor research and
development. The latest batch of engineering apprentices and
secretarial and scientific trainees to complete their skills
training programmes at the site attended their indenture ceremony at the
Park Hotel, Thurso last week. Dounreay's head of
engineering Sandy Charter will tell them the skills and experience
they gain at the Caithness site will be in growing demand throughout
the UK and abroad as more nuclear plants reached
the end of their operating lives.
Communication Support Service for Highland Deaf Community
The Deaf Society
writes about a new service in Highland. This service provides, free of charge, a Sign Language Interpreting service for
all NHS and Highland Council appointments, throughout Highland.
The Deaf Society has been commissioned by NHS Highland and
Highland Council to develop a vital Communication Support
Service in Highland. This service facilitates communication
between deaf and hearing people, enabling deaf people to be as
independent as possible.
A Closer Look At Brabster Street, Thurso
Lighthouse Exhibition 13 - 28
Dunbeath Heritage Centre - A small exhibition comprising a
history of the Northern Lighthouse Board with memorabilia on
display. The display is in conjunction with the
Doors
Open Day at Noss Lighthouse on Saturday 13 September.
Putleneytown School Newsletter - Latest On Health And
Education Initiatives
the latest newsletter from Pulteneytown school is packed with
information on the school and new initiatives aimed at improving
health and learning. Details of new health and exercise
initiatives taking place within the school to develop a
healthier lifestyle for pupils. New FREE school milk pilot
and free fruit project all commencing in the school shortly.
Children are to be encouraged to drink more water and allowed to
bring bottles of it into the class. Lots of sport
and much more in this packed newsletter.
UPDATE - BUS
CRASH (BETTYHILL)
WITH reference to yesterday's bus crash on the B871 near
Bettyhill police are now able to confirm the names of the most
seriously injured persons. The most serious is Howard
Mundy who is in a critical, but stable condition at Aberdeen
Royal Infirmary. Also seriously injured and all
being treated at Raigmore Hospital are: Carol Batson (62), Helen
Browning (61), John Farmer (60), Sandra Newell, Megane Young
(60).
Australians In Road Traffic Accident Near Bettyhill
- Latest
MEMBERS of the Australian High
Commission, who are travelling to Inverness tonight, intend
travelling tomorrow to Thurso to meet with their fellow
nationals and discuss the events which unfolded. NHS
Highland has provided an update on the casualties as a result of
the crash. A spokesman said: "The accident involved a
coach load of 46 Australian tourists travelling from the Lake
District to Orkney. The accident happened near Bettyhill
"Emergency services and local GP's attended the scene very
promptly and assessed all the casualties and directed them
appropriately." One patient was airlifted to Caithness
General Hospital in Wick and subsequently flown to Aberdeen
Royal Infirmary. He is a 60-year-old man who was seriously
injured with bilateral chest injuries. Report sent to
procurator fiscal in Tain.
8th September 2003
Australians In Road
Traffic Accident Near Bettyhill
A Tour Bus went off the road near to Bettyhill in Sutherland
today Monday 8 September 2003 It is understood around 46
Australian tourists were on the coach which apparently went off
the road (B871) and down a ditch 2-3 miles north of Syre which
is 12 miles south of of Bettyhill. A number of those on
board were believed to be trapped within the bus. A
fleet of ambulances and four helicopters were in attendance.
the bus was heading for John O'Groats for the ferry to Orkney.
The road is believed to have subsided under the bus. 8
passengers were taken to Raigmore in Inverness and one man to
Caithness General and then removed to Aberdeen. A major
incident procedure was put into action in Caithness General and
Raigmore in Inverness A special telephone
number has been set up for anyone concerned about relatives. - Special
Telephone Number
01463 717111.
The Bus Tour -
The coach was on a "Celtic Fringe Tour," which consisted of
32 days, visiting sites of Celtic interest. The tour started on
Sunday 31 August and had already visited the Lake District,
Edinburgh and Inverness. The coach was en-route to Orkney
when the accident happened. The vehicle is a Neoplan Transliner,
is 2 years old and is a "Y" plate, registered in Britain.
The bus driver is in his forties and is a very experienced
driver three years with the present company.
Caithness And Sutherland Search Team
The group have reorganised themselves and previously
were known as the Disaster Dog Team. On Sunday they were
out on a typical training day for handlers and dogs. Two
dogs put up an impressive display of finding hidden volunteers
bodies who were found after the dogs covered the rough terrain
on Dunnet head. If you have a dog and are interested in
regular training outdoors with your dog then get in touch with
the group to find out more.
Saxophone Workshop
Saturday 13 September Thurso
High School.
Carol Sutherland will deliver a free workshop for players of
all standards 11.am - 1.00pm. No booking - just turn-up
with your sax.
Saxophone Recital
Carol Sutherland and Scott Mitchell.
Saturday 13 September 8.00pm Thurso high School. entry
free - donations welcome.
Junior Intertown Football Competition
The annual
Intertown tournament took place at Bignold Park, Wick today. The
tournament is played between a Thurso select, Wick select and a
rural select (Castletown, Halkirk and Lybster). The under eights
and under tens were won by Thurso, with Wick winning the under
twelves section.
Final Bat Night In September
Tuesday
9 September - THRUMSTER -
Meet at Thrumster Estate house car park.
Learn about how the midge munchers catch prey & navigate through
the dark. September at various locations.
CAITHNESS MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT GROUP
At 10.00am Leaving the Centre - Via Hill of Forss
and back total of 7 miles - Do you know anyone who would do this
walk or maybe you could walk to help funds for The Stepping
Stones Riverside Road Thurso next to The Royal British Legion a
centre for people suffering from mental health problems.
Broachies Steading Excavation
2 weeks Mon 8th to Fri 19th Sept, 9am-5pm - Broachie's Steading
Excavation - visit an excavation by Headland Archaeology Ltd. in
progress. See how they investigate the development of cruck-frame
buildings, the use of whalebone crucks and a monkeys grave. Meet
Broachie's Steading, behind
Dunnet Church, park in Northern Sands Hotel car park and go
through the church-yard.
New Cross-Border Flight For Highlands
The £6.8 million Route Development Fund will invest in a new
direct flight from Inverness to Birmingham, Transport Minister
Nicol Stephen said today.
7th September 2003
Gordon Campbell - "The Independent Candidate" Has Hit The
Campaign Trail Early
Gordon
Campbell intends to stand once again at the next election and
has started campaigning in the north. He was in Wick on
Friday and Thurso on Saturday. He took time out to watch
Caithness play Orkney at rugby. His next opportunity to
challenge will come in the Westminster elections nearly two
years away. But if unsuccessful in unseating John Thurso
he aims to go up against Jamie Stone once again in the Scottish
parliamentary elections next time round.
Undaunted by his previous defeats he will campaign on issues
such as Iraq, Poverty and Education.
Dunnet Beach On Sunday - Summer Stretches On And On
Thurso
FC Win
Thurso F.C went on top of the North Caledonian League on
Saturday with a hard fought 3-0 win away in Dornoch.
CaithnessArt.com New Competition To Win Prints
Last months competition has been drawn and the winner is Valerie
Miller from Wick. A new competition this time to win 'The Stag'
and 'Highland Cow' limited edition prints which is again open to
everyone. Go to
www.CaithnessArt.com for your chance to win. Also
a SPECIAL OFFER for this month only. If you buy ANY 2
limited edition prints for £40 you receive FREE P&P.
Easy to enter - just add your email address.
Wick Pipe Band Final Summer Show
Wick RBLS Pipe Band will be holding their final Summer Show in
the Pipe Band Hall, High Street, Wick at 8pm on Wednesday 10th
September Admission costs £3 which includes tea/coffee and
biscuits. This is a Scottish Variety Show and features a mini
Pipe Band, Scottish Dance Band, Highland Dancers, Vocalists and
a guest artist. Another successful season of
Scottish show - if you missed earlier ones then this is the last
chance till next summer.
Rugby - Caithness 87 Orkney 7 as Caithness Team Unstoppable On
Saturday
Caithness were in blistering form as they swept away with 3
tries in the first five minutes. The first half ended with
the score line looking like the finish at Caithness 47 Orkney 7
after Orkney went all out in the last couple of minutes to get a
try. But the highly organised Caithness side could not be
stopped and the final score of 87 - 7 sets down a challenge to
other teams after this opening match of the season.
Academy 1 Rothes 1
Academy scored in the first half but Rothes managed the
equaliser in the last minute of the game following goalkeeper
Macmillan being sent off . He first got a yellow card and
30 seconds later got a red card for arguing with the referee.
6th September 2003
House Break
In At Sparras Near Skitten War Memorial - Reward Offered
Were you passing Skitten War Memorial On Friday Night?
Did you notice a vehicle parked at the memorial between 7.30
and 10.30pm.
Callous robbers have taken jewellery and mementoes from the
house. Many of the items were of sentimental value such as
guide badges. There was expensive jewellery in amongst the
items stolen and a reward is being offered by Fiona Miller (nee
Mackay) leading to the return of the stolen items.
Highland Dancing Competitions In Wick
5th September 2003
Scottish Water Men At Work In Wick
The
Scottish Water vehicles are quite a common sight on the streets
and out in the countryside now. With the demolition of the
old NOSWA - North of Scotland Water Authority offices in Miller
Street the old firm is being cast into history. Scottish
Water has been carrying out a huge amount of work in Caithness
replacing the mains over the past year and currently on the new
pumping station and works at Halkirk to improve water quality
throughout the county.
Thurso Bay
Looking
out across Thurso Bay recently it seems as if we have been
transported to another world. The long summer seemingly
endless this year has meant clear views across bays and
the Pentland Firth. This view over to Holborn Head, the
lighthouse and the new pier at Scrabster from the end of Thurso
Beach was shown to great effect. Anyone who has driven
round the coast in the past few weeks has been offered some
fabulous views of the Orkney Islands with amazingly clear air
allowing for details to be clearly seen across the firth.
SCOTLAND'S FIRST REACTOR REACHES FINAL STAGE OF
DECOMMISSIONING
Scotland's first operational nuclear reactor is
one step away from its complete decommissioning. The penultimate stage of decommissioning the
Dounreay Materials Test Reactor (DMTR) has been completed, leaving
the reactor block ready for demolition following a period of passive care
and maintenance to allow for further radioactive decay. DMTR was one
of three reactors built and operated at UKAEA Dounreay between
1958 and 1994. All three reactors are now in their
decommissioning stages.
Wick River Levels Lowest for Many Years
We
have not yet had our local weatherman statistics in but it does
not take too much to realise that 2003 has been one of the
longest warm spells with very low rainfall over the past few
months. River levels have been falling and despite a few
showers appear to be going down fairly fast now.
Many smaller burns have dried up completely. Light Rain is
forecast for Saturday.
4th September 2003
Wick Airport Fire Service
Highlands and Islands Airports runs 10 airports and each
of them has a highly trained fire team. The team at Wick
consists of 16 men working in two shifts of eight. They
work closely with other local emergency services and air traffic
controllers in the tower. Training goes on continuously
week in week out all year round getting ready for emergencies
they hope never happen. In coming weeks further pictures
about the airport and the fire service in particular will be
added to the section.
National Continence Awareness Week
The week beginning 15th September- 19th September is National Continence
Awareness Week which is run each year to highlight the various problems
with control of bladder and/or bowels. This year the focus is on male
continence problems. There will be displays with information available,
particularly for male problems but also for all aspects of incontinence
and bladder and bowel control, in the foyers of Caithness General Hospital
and the Dunbar Hospital throughout the week.
HELPING CHILDREN IS IMPORTANT - Men Wanted For Children's Panels
A plea has gone out from the chairman of the Highland Childrens
Panel Advisory Committee for more men to get involved in the
Panels work.
TEENAGERS LEAD BRITAIN IN
DECOMMISSIONING APPRENTICESHIP
Britain's
first modern apprentices in nuclear operations and
decommissioning have started a three-year training programme at
the leading edge of Britain's nuclear clean-up.
Five young people from Caithness have joined a pilot
initiative set up by the UK Atomic Energy Authority to teach
them the skills needed to dismantle the former experimental
reactor establishment at Dounreay. They are among 21
young people recruited this summer to UKAEA training schemes -
the highest intake of young people at the Caithness site for
over a decade.
CAITHNESS
CONVENER JOINS CALL FOR MATERNITY UPGRADING
The
Convener of The Highland Council's Caithness Area Committee,
Councillor David Flear, has joined the call for health bosses to
consider upgrading maternity services at Caithness General
Hospital. Councillor Flear intends raising the matter at
the next Area Committee meeting on Monday 15 September and
expects to send a firmly worded response to the Highland Acute
Hospitals NHS Trust, who are currently reviewing maternity
services provided in Wick as part of a Scotland-wide review.
The Area Committee will also seek a meeting with Professor
Andrew Calder, the man leading the review on behalf of the
Executive, who is visiting Caithness later this month.
3rd September 2003
Highland Council Welcomes
SNH Directive
The Highland Council has welcomed
the formal directive issued by the Scottish Executive to
Scottish Natural Heritage that the new headquarters of
Scotlands environment agency should be established in
Inverness. Convener Councillor Alison Magee said: This
clear direction is very welcome indeed and sets a clear target
for achieving the move to Inverness. We are working very
closely with Highlands and Islands and Enterprise and the SNH
relocation team to ensure that a suitable site is found for the
new headquarters and that staff are given every support to move
to the Highlands. We would expect the first
familiarisation visits to begin next month.
ADSL Guide - Wick Registrations For Broadband So Far
Needs many more at the BT and Hydro sites if Wick is to get
nearer. Still no trigger figure set by BT. If you
know anyone in wick who might be interested in helping us all
get Broadband ask them to register their interest as soon as
possible at the BT and Hydro sites.
George Crescent, Thurso
Thurso Streets that have appeared earlier are in the growing
Thurso Streets A - Z
Caithness Countryside Volunteers Restore Old Footpath At
Reisgill Burn
The
Caithness Countryside Volunteers met on Sunday morning to cut
back gorse along an old pathway
(LYBSTER OLD A9 BRIDGE PATH). They discovered an old
footbridge and stile which had previously been hidden by the
thick gorse. The work has allowed access along an old route
which leads down to a beautiful old bridge crossing the Reisgill
burn.
Beyond Broadway
The best of Broadway and the West End shows. Music from
Les Miserables, The Producers, Mamma Mia, Lion King and many
more.
A professional cast backed by the London Stage Ensemble.
Tickets From Music Shops In Wick and Thurso Tel 01955 603553 and
01847 892838
Bat Nights
In September
Learn about how the midge munchers catch prey &
navigate through the dark. September at various
locations.
No
Whales For Whale Watch Near Lybster
The
ranger service organised a cetacean watch as part of the
national whale and dolphin watch which was taking place all over
Britain. 24 people turned out for the event on Sunday 31 August
but unfortunately whales nor dolphins were spotted. 2 groups of
porpoise were seen. Marina Finlayson saw 2 minke whales very
close to shore the previous Friday but they did not turn up for
the event!
Time Trail Crash Motor Cyclist Expected Home From Hospital Today
William
Brass who crashed at the Caithness Car Club Time Trials last
Sunday at the old Dounreay runway is expected to be released
from Raigmore hospital today. He sustained a broken collar
bone and broken shoulder. William's father Norman
Brass said that his son who is an experienced biker came off the
bike at 110 mph when he hit a bump on the runway surface.
Norman has had a plate put in his shoulder blade. He was
wearing a full set of leathers which saved him from further
injury and the suit has been badly damaged.
2nd September 2003
Wick River Has Tomato Plants Growing In Town Centre
No sooner have Tomatoes been found on Thurso beach but our
surfers email in to tell us about the wick river plants.
They are growing at the high water mark. Another email
tells us that tomatoes often grow near sewage outfalls although
not normally as far north as Caithness. Rarely will the
plants have borne fruit in Caithness outdoors. Apparently
sweet corn has similar capacity to pass though our digestive
system and the sewage system and make it out to germinate and
finally grow if conditions are right.
Richard III by
William Shakespeare
Saturday 6 September 8.00pm - Ross Institute, Halkirk.
Staged by Third Party Productions - A Lyth Arts Drama In Exile
Latheronwheel Strath Stones
Sunday 7th at 1.30pm Join us on a guided walk through
Latheronwheel Strath to visit the stone circle, figure out the
mysteries of where the shadows fall, are there any 'outmarkers'?
Is it of winter or summer solstice significance?
COUNCIL SETS
CHALLENGE FOR ARCHAEOLOGY WEEK
To celebrate the
tenth Highland Archaeology Week (11th-19th
October 2003), The Highland Councils Archaeology Unit has
issued a major challenge throughout the month of September to
all archaeological enthusiasts in the area. The
challenge is to expand the wealth of public information on the
Highland Sites and Monuments Record (SMR) held by the Councils
Planning and Development Service where it will be available for
local and national researchers in the future.
Long
Hot Summer Of 2003 Brings Tomatoes To Thurso Beach
Council
gardeners recently got a shock to discover around one hundred tomato
plants growing in the sands of Thurso beach. How they got there is
unknown, but they are bearing fruit. Head gardener, John Ross
said "I've never seen anything like this before. How they have
survived in these conditions is unheard of." He went on to say "The
good weather this past year would have played a major factor in their
progress, but I would think the salt water wouldn't of helped much."
Have you any unusual plants growing in Caithness this year due to the
unusually high temperatures the year "Costa Caithness" came true?
5000th Visitor This Year To Dounreay Visitor Centre
Dounreay
director Peter Welsh was on hand to welcome the 5,000th visitor to the
Dounreay Visitor Centre since it opened in May. He presented Kent
holiday-maker Elaine Yorwarth with a souvenir copy of the book "Dounreay -
The Illustrated Story" to mark the milestone. Tina Wrighton, who runs
the UKAEA visitor centre, said: "visitor numbers this season have been
very high with a twenty percent increase on recent years and welcoming our
5000th visitor so early in the year has been a real pleasure and very
rewarding for the staff who work so hard in centre. The centre will
be open until the end of October so anyone who hasn't come along this year
still has plenty of time to call in".
Sponsored Walk
2003 - Canisbay & Dunnet Daycare Centre
A sponsored walk in aid of the Canisbay & Dunnet Daycare Centre building will
take place on Saturday, 6th September at 11 am starting from Mey village hall
and proceeding to the back road from Mey to Barrock, down the Barrock Brae and
ending at Crossroads school. Walkers will then be taken back to Mey by car.
Anyone wishing to take part can obtain a sponsor form by ringing 01847 851364.
Caithness
Kayak Club Web Site
Sessions start soon in the pool for folk interested in taking to the water with
a paddle. when the weather is fine the group gets out an about on the
water. Why not take a look.
1st September 2003
Traditional Music Work Shops - Wick 1 November 2003
Some of the best exponents of traditional music are being lined up to run
tuition and special classes in a day of workshops. To see more and book a
place head over to the Gordon Gunn Band web site.
Tutors include - Charlie McKerron fiddle (Capercaillie / Session
A9) Ruby Rendall guitar (Ruby Rendall Band / Chalmers MacKay Music
Schools) Addie Harper jnr accordion (Addie Harper Band).
Gordon Gunn fiddle (Gordon Gunn Band / Session A9) Bruce Macgregor
fiddle (Blazin Fiddles).
Louise MacKenzie fiddle (Experienced Feis Tutor) Marc Clement
guitar (Blazin Fiddles).
Adults £25 Children £20 - includes morning and afternoons sessions, lunch and
evening concert
Scottish
Archaeology Month In Caithness - September 2003
A number of events have been planned for Scottish Archaeology Month in
Caithness. Doors Open Day on 13 September also gives an opportunity to see
some places in the county.
Survey Of Businesses
Shows Massive Increase in Broadband Use
British Chambers Of Commerce commissioned the survey.
Business broadband take-up doubles to 40 per cent. as half of UK
companies say broadband is critical to their success. The
British Chambers of Commerce today launches the largest
independent survey of business broadband usage ever undertaken
in the UK. Sponsored by Oracle and Cisco Systems Business
Broadband polled 4,000 businesses in the UK from all sectors
and company sizes. Have you signed up at the BT or Hydro
site yet for Broadband?
Telford Street Work Progressing At Start Of Heritage
Regeneration
Pentland Housing's project to regenerate Telford Street in Wick
partly using Heritage Lottery funds is well underway. The
new housing development will be completely in keeping with
Telford's original ideas with the exterior being original
stonework whilst the interior will be completely renewed and
modern.
Wildcat Traditional Music - John Spillane
1 September 8.00pm - Thurso
Operatic Cabaret From Thurso Live Music Association
Thursday 4 September 7.30pm - Puerto Rican soprano "Scheherezade"
- Thurso High School
NEW LOCAL
COMPANY AWARDED INVESTORS IN PEOPLE RECOGNITION
Only
one year after establishing an office in Thurso, RM Consultants
has been given recognition as an Investor in People as a
testimony to its commitment to support and develop its staff.
The award has delighted directors, senior managers and staff
alike who have all worked hard to implement development
programmes.
Longhope Lifeboat Over To Wick From Orkney For Maintenance
The
slip at Wick is well used to seeing Lifeboats with the Wick,
Thurso, Stromness and Longhope boats all regularly in for
repairs and maintenance.
Another Old Caithness School - Forss School
The
old school has gone and a row of houses sits on the spot where
the school used to be. The schoolhouse built in 1906
remain as a private residence. Does anyone have a picture
of the old school?
August Hit Rate Continues Towards 7
Million
Hits 6.830,531 :: Visitors 103,767. Caithness.Org is now
well into over a million visitors a year with the monthly rate
now in excess of 100,000 each month. Thanks again to
everyone for looking in from over 100 countries every month.
Hamnavoe Leaving Scrabster On Sunday
Now
a well established feature at Scrabster - the Hamnavoe sails
daily to Stromness. In summer there are three different
ferries to choose from to get to Orkney from Caithness.
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