SNP CANDIDATE SLAMS GOVERNMENT AS TAX RISES AT TWICE INFLATION RATE
The SNP candidate for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross has attacked the Scottish Executive after Scotland�s local authorities announced an average 3.9% increase in their Council Tax rates.  Ms Shirron added: �Since 1997 Council Tax in the Highlands has increased by 65%.  The average B and D Council Tax in the Highlands has risen from �659 in 1997 to �1086 in 2005; an increase of �427.  �English Councils have been given a �1 billion package from Gordon Brown to cut Council Tax rises.  The Lib-Lab coalition in Edinburgh has refused to give Scottish Councils their share of the cash.
Caithness.org says Lets Check some English Council Tax Rates - Hammersmith & Fulham - Manchester - Newcastle.  Want more then try www.google.co.uk  and enter a place and then council tax rate
Highland Council Tax for 2004 - 05 at Band D was �1039 2005 - 06 Band D �1086
But will Highland see a reduction of water charges as suggested in This Article
Added to the bill is the Water Charge For a Band D house in 2004 - 05 the charge was �338.31 covering water and waste water.  1997 to 2005 is an eight year period.  What were your earnings in 1997? What was the value of a house in 1997?  Certainly council tax is unequal but there are reliefs available for those on lower incomes.  The bald statements on council tax increases need some clarification.

HIGHLAND SCHOOLS WIND BAND PLAYS THURSO
The Highland Schools Wind band is performing in concert at Thurso High School, on Sunday 20th February at 1.30pm.  Conductor for the concert, Susan Dingle, is a regular guest of the Highland Council's musical groups as conductor of the Regional Youth Orchestra. Susan also conducts Highland Chamber Orchestra and a number of groups in Central Scotland.  Highland Schools Wind Band comprises 38 pupils playing woodwind, brass and percussion from many of Highland's secondary schools. The Caithness and Sutherland representatives include Catriona Leighton (flute) from Wick High School; 8 pupils from Thurso High School playing oboe, clarinet, saxophone, and bassoon; Rachel Mellor (flute) from Dornoch Academy; and Fearn Bishop (trombone) from Golspie High School.

Episcopal first for Caithness
Graham Tyler, ordained as a deacon in Thurso in 1995, is to be ordained
priest at St. Peter's and the Holy Rood church, by the Rt. Revd. John Crook, Bishop of Moray, Ross & Caithness on Saturday 19th February at 11.30 a.m.. Graham will serve in both local episcopal churches - St Peter & the Holy Rood, Thurso and St John the Evangelist, Wick. This is reckoned to be the first episcopal ordination of a priest in Caithness since the Reformation.

17 February 2005

MOTORISTS ADVISED OF STRUIE CLOSURE
Motorists are being advised of the temporary closure of a section of the B 9176 Struie Road to allow the High Bridge, at the north of the road, to undergo a major inspection.  The road is being closed between 9 am and 5 pm on both Wednesday 23 February and Thursday 24 February between the north A836 junction at Wester Fearn (A836/B9176) and the junction at Mudh a Blair (B9176/ U2002 Mudh a Blair ~ Edderton Road, north of Aultnamain).  The High Bridge is to be inspected in detail in order to carry out an assessment of its load bearing capacity and general condition. Due to the size of the structure, an underbridge inspection vehicle will have to be used. This will be sited on the bridge.  Due to the narrow road, through traffic flow cannot be accommodated during operations.  Advance signing will be erected to inform the travelling public and diversion routes marked as appropriate.

Mount Pleasant School Thurso Latest Newsletter

COUNCIL SEEKS EXECUTIVE ASSISTANCE IN MEETING STORM DAMAGE BILL
Highland Councillors are eager to lobby the Scottish Executive for help with the �5 million cost of repairing damage caused to Council property during the storms of 11/12 January, this year and to urge the Executive to devise a mechanism for assistance with future incidence of severe weather. Members of the Resources Committee were advised on Wednesday 16 February 2005 that the Council would not be able to take advantage of the Bellwin Discretionary Grant Scheme, which dates from 1983.

HIAL�s Airports on Target for One Million Passengers
The January 2005 passenger figures from Highlands and Islands Airports Limited show that more than 66,000 passengers used the company�s 10 airports in the month, a 7.6% increase on January 2004.  Total passengers for the 10 months of the 2004/05 operating year stand at 868,339, a 10.1% increase on the same period in 2003/04.  Inverness continues to be the fastest developing airport in the region with passenger growth of 19.4% in the current year. The airports at Barra, Campbeltown, Kirkwall, Stornoway and Tiree have also increased their passenger numbers in the year compared to 2003/04.  Wick airport figures are down.

16 February 2005

Caithness Model Club Show

The show was held in the Nethercliffe Hotel, Wick.   Caithness Model Club

Fire Expert Critical Of Proposals To Change Lybster Fire Unit
Dr Dennett a fire expert was on holiday when he read the Fire Action Group secretary's letter in the John O'Groat Journal and responded with some helpful comments/  Dr Dennett is an acknowledged fire expert and has written books with advice on fire services and what they should provide.  This includes a chapter in his latest book on units similar to Lybster.  He describes the Highland Fire Brigades proposals for Lybster as "Ill Conceived"
 Bill Fernie's Response To The Consultation   Fire Action Group

15 February 2005

Bridge Wall Partly By Demolished By Car In Early Hours Of The Morning Today

The wall on the bridge at Bridge Street, Wick was demolished in the early hours of Tuesday morning after a vehicle crashed right through it.

14 February 2005

New Waste Water Treatment Works At Lybster Under Construction

Ian Baddeley, Jinny Malcolm And Peter Nichol Retire From Dounreay

CASE Approvals List - January 2005
The following are funds approved up to the last day of the month. Please note that the sums relate to approvals, not payments. While finance may be approved, for a business investment for example, it does not guarantee that the development will go ahead. The approval simply shows that funds have ...

Denis Mann - Glass Artist Of Mastermind Trophy Fame Creating More New Work Than Ever
Denis Mann may be famous for his work on the Mastermind competition prize of the engraved Caithness Glass bowls but his work has gained an international reputation.  His skills are in demand constantly for unique items in glass from many corners of the globe.  His work is in constant demand for awards and presentations as his creations  are individual and unique works of art.  He still lives and works in Wick

13 February 2005

Blikur Leaving Scrabster On Sunday 13 February

Weather Warning For Highland On Sunday 13 February - Met Office
Severe Gales, Widespread Icy Roads, Blizzards, Drifting Snow & Heavy Snow
Snow showers will merge to give a prolonged period of snow across northern Scotland today. At low levels, accumulations are likely to be slight but more significant falls are expected above about 200m. At the same time, northerly or northwesterly winds will reach severe gale force with gusts of around 70mph for a time, especially in exposed coastal and high level regions, causing local blizzards and drifting. An additional hazard of widespread icy roads is expected due to rain or snow falling on very cold surfaces. This combination means driving conditions will become dangerous and drivers of high sided vehicles are advised to take particular care.  48 Hour Forecast

12 February 2005

Winter Scenes From Above The Caithness Hills Today

Carn Mhor, Maiden Pap, Scaraben and Smean
these photographs were taken by Alan Moar and many more Caithness winter scenes can be found at his web site in Caithness Snow Scenes

Caithness Family Fun Day In Aid Of The Tsunami Appeal - Sunday 13 February 3.00pm Till late
Waterfront, Wick - Admission �5 at the door - children under 12 free - admission includes free raffle entry
3.30pm Wick Pipe Band & Highland Dancers - 4.30pm Talent Contest - open to all.  5.30pm Salsa Dance Demonstration. 6.00pm It's Magic. 7.00pm Mr & Mrs Competition. 8.00pm Special Charity Auction - prizes donated by local businesses 9.30pm Dance to Remix and George Crawford (Outlander) and resident DJ.  Baking Stalls, Bottle Stalls, All Day Food and drink. Everyone involved is giving their services free so go along and enjoy yourselves and have fun in aid of the Tsunami disaster appeal.

Castletown School Raise Funds For Highland Big Heart Day Tsunami Appeal

Castletown school kids raised �600 for the Tsunami appeal. The pupils organised the day themselves, which consisted of games, cake stalls and a bring and buy sale, followed by a disco in the evening. The playgroup and nursery class also got involved and raised around �100. The primary one pupils celebrated the Chinese New year as part of their fun day, making dragons and enjoying a Chinese feast in the afternoon.

Mount Pleasant School, Thurso Raise �524 For Tsanami Appeal
Mount Pleasant school staff and pupils in Thurso after their fundraising efforts for Highland Council's Big Heart Day to raise funds for the Tsunami Appeal. They had a variety of activities ranging from a Burns lunch for staff to a mini fair for the children. In total we raised �524.88.

11 February 2005

CAITHNESS & SUTHERLAND MATERNITY ACTION TEAM
The Inaugural meeting of the Caithness & Sutherland Maternity Action Team was held today (Friday, 11 February, 2005).  The Team has agreed to appoint a Project Manager and has established groups for:
1. Midwifery  2. Obstetrics  3. Gynaecology  4. The role of General Surgeons, Anaesthetists and other hospital staff  5. Transport and accommodation.
The groups will involve user representation, NHS staff and key stakeholders ie North Action Group, Caithness & Sutherland Enterprise, Scottish Ambulance Service, Local Authority and Patients Council. The users representatives will be identified from the members of the public who had previously indicated their willingness to participate in finding a viable solution for Maternity/Gynaecology services in Caithness & Sutherland.

BBC Scotland News Bulletin - Twelve 2 Two Show & News Broadcast - Listen To The Programme
Argyle & Clyde Midwife Maternity Model Avoided By 75% Of Mums
Head to the BBC Scotland "Play It Again" page and select Friday on the Twelve 2 Two programme.
Andy Kerr the Health minister has rejected the claims that mothers are voting with their feet and going to Paisley or Glasgow as only 25% of birth are in the mid wife led units that have now been set up in that Health Board area.  You can click to the second half of the programme in 15 minute hops to get to the debate on maternity services.  Speakers talk about Caithness Maternity situation and the unique geography of the far north making it different from any other part of the country.  Eleanor Scott MSP highlights the European Working Time directive as a reason for change.  She also refers to the Orkney model where GP's are involved.  One caller refers to the poor advertising for staff in hospitals.  David Flear Caithness area convenor phoned in to the programme and debated with Professor Andrew Calder who wrote the report on Caithness maternity that started the process that has hit the headlines in the past 18 months.

Initiative At The Edge - First Meeting Had A Very Good Turnout
Organisers of the first Initiative At The Edge Meeting in the Portland Hotel were pleased by the response from local people to setting up the new project.  The Initiative has formed a steering group and it is still open to anyone from the area to come forward to join the steering group.  Funding is available to appoint co-ordinator if the group wishes to do so.  The audience were given an outline of what the Initiative is about and some examples of successful areas that have already used the scheme.  Nothing is fixed and communities are encourage to develop their own ideas for their area.  Initiatives in other areas have affected housing, amenities and businesses.  The first meeting of the Steering Group to be in Dunbeath Hall on Tuesday 15th February at 7.00pm.  The audience was told that although the Initiative does not come with stream of funding other than the coordinator and running costs it has been used in other areas to bring in funding for all manner of projects that people would like to see happen.  The geographic area in this Initiative is generally south of Wick to Berriedale.

New Scottish Health Council Recruiting Members
The Scottish Health Council will replace the current system of Health Councils.  Health Councils in the 15 Scottish Health Board Areas will disappear and be replaced by the new organisation.  15 local Advisory committees will be part of the new system.  Volunteers are asked to commit 2 - 3 days per month.   Information packs are available from the new web site or by telephone.  Closing date for applications is 2 March.

10 February 2005

COUNCIL TAX RISE CONTAINED TO �47 AT BAND D IN NEW FINANCIAL YEAR
A rise of �47 at Band D, a 4.5 % increase, was agreed by The Highland Council when it met on Thursday (10 February) to set the Council Tax for 2005-2006. In setting a budget of �465 million, which shows a net increase in spending of almost �24 million, the Council agreed the following charges in 2005-2006: -
A �724; B �844.67; C �965.33; D �1086; E �1,327.33; F �1568.67; G �1,810; H �2,172
The Council also indicated that the rise at Band D in 2006-2007 would be �60 or 5.5%. This sum includes �10 to meet the estimated payment profile of the Education PPP2 project, which envisages the construction of 11 new schools.  Highland Council Minutes 10 February 05

Council House Rent Increases Agreed
The Council also confirmed that council house rent increases in the new financial year should be contained to the Retail Price Index plus 1 % ie 4.4%. The average rent increase in 2005-2006 will be �1.88 per week, increasing the current weekly average rent to �53.78.

INTRODUCING EU NETWORKS IN THE HIGHLANDS
A local Access to Europe information event will take place at 5.15pm on Tuesday the 15th February 2005 at the Thistle Hotel, Inverness.  More than 1500 European Union network organisations across Europe are involved in a European Commission initiative designed to introduce your local European Information points to you.  These contact points have been established to help citizen, community groups, volunteer groups and business access European related information on funding opportunities, business partner search in other European countries, Intellectual property rights, Rural co-operation and much more.

Band Of The Year Award Goes To Shogun
The committee of the Northern Nashville Country Music Club recently presented the Orkney based band "Shogun" with the "Band of the Year Award" on behalf of the club members and guests at their show held in the Royal British Legion, Thurso.

COUNCIL LAUNCHES FOSTER CARERS' RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN
A major recruitment drive was launched in the Highlands this week for foster carers for young people.  The Highland Council's Fostering and Adoption Service is seeking people who have room in their lives as well as in their homes who could consider becoming foster carers and changing the lives of young people.  The Council's fostering campaign is appealing to a widespread audience in local adverts on TV, radio and newspapers. Although the campaign focuses upon fostering young people aged 13 and over, the Council would also like to hear from those interested in helping younger children and sibling groups.

NEW MOBILES FOR HIGHLAND LIBRARIES
This week Highland Council's Education, Culture and Sport Service receives delivery of the first of four new mobile libraries that will soon be serving the communities of Nairn, Lochcarron, Invergordon and Caithness areas.  These specially commissioned mobiles have been designed largely by Highland Libraries' knowledgeable and experienced mobile library drivers and were built by Nu-track of Northern Ireland, on Mercedes chassis.  The purpose-built vehicles will replace existing mobiles that have serviced the communities of Nairn, Lochcarron, Invergordon and Caithness for over ten years covering many hundreds of thousands of miles. During this period, the retiring vans will have issued approximately 1.6million items and served nearly 2,000 people on a regular basis each year.

Angus Ross - Conservative Backs Nuclear Investment At Dounreay
Conservative Candidate Angus Ross welcomes the news that stalwart independent candidate Gordon Campbell has hit the campaign trail once more.  The Conservative campaign is well under way - with delivery of IN TOUCH to places all over the constituency during late 2004 and to the new area of mid-Ross during January of this year. Angus Ross was responsible for arranging the recent visit of Sir Bernard Ingham to Thurso and welcomes the great boost he gave to the case for 'commissioning as well as decommissioning' at Dounreay. We need to use the General Election campaign to ensure that the great groundswell of public opinion is heard as 'Caithness says YES' to new nuclear investment at Dounreay - to provide real hope for the future of the Caithness economy.

Jamie McGrigor MSP McGrigor hits out at "acts of barbarity"
Highland MSP Jamie McGrigor has hit out at the way the Deer Commission manages deer numbers in Scotland. Speaking in a debate in Parliament on Deer Management, the Conservative MSP, who is a member of the Inveraray and Tyndrum Deer Management Group, described recent culls on the Cobbler and at Glenfeshie as "acts of barbarity".   Said Mr McGrigor "There is no doubt that the herds of red deer which inhabit Scotland's Highland regions are a very important part of our national heritage. They must be managed in a way makes the most of this valuable asset rather than reducing the monarch of the glen to the status of vermin.
"Growth in Gaelic could help boost local tourism"
Conservative Gaelic Spokesman Jamie McGrigor has said a growth in interest in the Gaelic language could have major benefits to Scotland's tourism industry. 

8 February 2005

GROAT EDITOR NAMED AS JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR
Alan Hendry, editor of the Caithness Courier and John O'Groat Journal, has been named Journalist of the Year for the Highlands and Islands.  Alan received his award from the Right Honourable George Reid, MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament, at the Highlands and Islands Press Ball which was held at Nairn on Friday 4 February.  Alan received �300 from the sponsors of the awards, Diageo, the world's premium drinks company, to donate to a charity of his choice.  Alan also picked up the award of �100 for being Feature Writer of the Year.

Volunteering Highland Caithness Hot List - February 2005
We are looking for youth Leader/Assistants to help with uniformed and non-uniformed youth groups in your area.  For example, 1st Wick Scouts and Wick Boys Brigade are looking for Leaders to help. So, if you have a couple of hours available on either Monday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings you could help these groups continue.

SAC Single Farm Payment Meetings in HIE AREA - Urgent Deadline For Farmers - 16 May
SAC is organising a series of meetings throughout the Highlands and Islands which aim to help farmers and crofters understand how the new Single Farm Payment Scheme works. The meetings will take place over the next six weeks (see below for times and venues) prior to the deadline for IACS applications
Caithness Meeting - Tuesday 22nd February Park Hotel, Thurso - 7.30pm

NEW RECYCLING OPPORTUNITIES IN CAITHNESS
For the first time people living in Caithness will have a real opportunity to benefit the environment by recycling significant amounts of waste with the opening of two new recycling centres in Wick and Thurso which will create 6 new jobs.  Work has already begun on the Wick site which is situated next to the existing refuse depot on the Airport Industrial Estate.  J Gunn and Sons from Lybster are the contractors for the work which should be completed by the beginning of April. The Thurso site, for which planning permission is currently being sought, is scheduled to open in the summer.

RED NOSE DAY - FRIDAY 11 MARCH 2005
BIG HAIR & BEYOND... CHANGE THE WAY YOU LOOK FOR THE DAY AND HELP TRANSFORM SOMEONE ELSE'S LIFE FOREVER.  Graham Norton is leading the charge this year for Comic Reliif.  Let us know here at Caithness.org if you are doing anything for the day and send us photos of your outrageous stunts and teams out collecting around Caithness.  Also let us know where you will be on Friday night and we will see if we can come along to take pictures.
 

Can Anyone Help With A Request We Have Received?
What military presence there was at Loch Eribol between 1914 and 1960.  A brief note would be useful or pointer to web site with this information.  Email [email protected]

7 February 2005

Calling Gala, Games And Other Events Committees - When Are Your 2005 Events?
Can anyone on any committees for Galas, Highland Games and other annual events get in touch to let us know the dates of these events.  We are already getting requests for the dates from people coming to Caithness who want o make sure they arrive at the right time  for some of them.  The earlier we know the better and we will add the event to the what's On and the Galas/Games/ Shows page.  The entries are all FREE but we do need someone to let us know about your event.  It can be almost anything from a day to a week and we will add it to the section.  Caithness is a busy place in summer so don't keep you event secret - let everyone know on Caithness.org. Email details to [email protected]

Continental Market Returning To Wick After 2004 Success
26, 27, 28 and 29 May 2005 - Thursday to Sunday
Despite one day of terrible weather that forced the continental market to close due to high winds it was a huge success last August.  So much so that the market traders have agreed to come for four days instead of three in May this year.   See August 2004 and Pictures From the Market August 2004

Caithness County Show - In Wick For 2005
15 & 16 July  - County Show - Wick
Due to the proximity to the town for restaurants, shops and other facilities Wick is the most popular of the three year cycle for the Caithness County Show.  If anyone is planning to be in Caithness and has not been to a rural farming show then you could not do better than the one that will be in Wick in July.  The show site is at Westerseat Farm and is in walking distance of all the town amenities.  That means that having a dram is not a problem as no one needs to drive.  The county show has something for everyone from everything in farming - animals, machinery, competitions (sheep shearing etc) to the big tents with flower shows, baking competitions and places to eat and drink.  july is also A big month for Caithness Galas with at least one likely to be held

Karen Shirron SNP Says "Make Scotland Matter"  With A Citizens' Pension
While campaigning in Caithness, the SNP�s parliamentary candidate for the forthcoming Westminster general election, Karen Shirron, urged voters in Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross to vote for the only party that puts Scotland first; the Scottish National Party.  Speaking from Wick Ms Shirron urged:  �If Scotland matters to you then make it matter in May and vote for the Scottish National Party, the only party that puts Scotland first and always.  At the forthcoming election every vote for the SNP will be a vote for a Citizens� Pension based on residency rights irrespective of savings accrued or contributions made over the years.  This non-means-tested Citizens� Pension will bring at least �110 for a single person and �168 for couples.

Highland Council To Agree Council Tax Increases On Thursday 10 February
2005/06 Bands A �724.00 B �844.67 C �965.33 D �1,086.00 (representing an increase of �47 or 4.5%.) E �1,327.33 F �1,568.67 G �1,810.00 H �2,172.00   A paper from the Budget Working Group sets out the information on the indicative budget and the increases required.  Council tax amounts to approximately 20% of of local authority money with most of the balance coming from the Scottish Executive.  Local Authorities find themselves squeezed between the money provided and the additional responsibilities passed down by the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Executive.  The Council has previously agreed that in relation to council tax on second homes, the maximum 90% charge will be levied from 1 April.   Over �4 million is expected to be taken from the restriction of the rebate to second home owners and it will be spent on affordable housing in Highland.
In addition projections for the next two years are included.

Boiling A Frog
7:84 Theatre's latest production.  Nearest venue to Caithness is Inverness but this popular theatre group with many targeted political plays under its belt may be of interest as it tours Scotland.  They included North Action Group in their last play "Private Agenda".  Here they get to grips with the real "Holyrood" parliament.

Latest Pultenytown Academy Newsletter

Rabbie Burns Afternoon At Hillhead Primary, Wick

Royal British Legion Thurso Says Thanks To Everyone who Gave To Their Tsunami Appeal
The Royal British Legion Thurso Branch would like to thank all members, guests, local retailers, businesses and the community in general who have helped and contributed to their fundraising efforts towards the Tsunami Disaster Fund.  The total amount raised for all events was an overwhelming �6043 and we are so proud of our local community for this fantastic effort and appreciate the effort more so as January can be a difficult month to find money for anything other than bills.  The donation will be sent away immediately with the hope that it can bring some relief to the survivor�s plight.

5 February 2005

Evidence Shows Lybster Fire Unit Needed To Fight House Fires
The Fire Action Group Are worried about the implications of being dependent on Dunbeath and Wick units and want to be allowed to attend fires in the area as previously.  Our organisation has been able to find out that in the last year the unit which is expected to respond quickest to a fire in Lybster, namely, Dunbeath is regularly experiencing problems in finding a crew.  In the last year Dunbeath was summoned on 30 call outs, over half, which were to attend incidents in the Lybster patch. Many, but not all of these, were for RTAs, which of course Lybster in the �wisdom� of the Fire Brigade are not allowed to attend. Only 6 call outs in the year were for their own patch. 8 call outs were false alarms.

Nursery Groups At Hillhead School, Wick Get Book Bags
Hillhead Primary School recently obtained almost �700 of funding from the Scottish Executive to purchase books for the nursery to support parents reading to their child at home. This scheme entitled "Home from Hillhead" will see parents receive a total of 9 books, one per week, over the next nine weeks to read to their child. Ratings for each book will be taken and a top-ten chart will be drawn up. It is also intended to publish a newsletter every two to three weeks informing the nursery parents about the books and attitudes to them so far.

Hillhead School , Wick  - Newsletter - February

Under the sea to Orkney at a cost of �100m - The Herald

4 February 2005

Construction Of New Section of A9 Road Well Under Way
If you have not driven up past Helmsdale recently you will not have seen the huge amount of work already done on the new section of road.  Several bends are being straightened out or at least made into more gentle curves.  To achieve this masses of rock and in fact the entire hillside along the road is being broken out and crushed as the bottom material for the new road at different points.  Huge trucks are moving up and down very day as the rock is crushed.  The new section of road is due to be completed by October.

Caithness Arts Group Ceilidh At Mackays Hotel Last Night

4th Wick Guides Raise Funds For The Tsunami Appeal
4th Wick guides recently held a sale to raise funds for the DEC Tsunami Appeal.  The guides are seen here with their cheque for �272 at their weekly meeting in the Parish Church Hall in Wick.

Sales of council housing passes 100,000 mark in Scotland for the first time
According to new analysis from Shelter, sales of council homes under the controversial Right to Buy scheme have now reached 100,896 since Labour took office in May 1997.
Speed of Council House Sales slowing across Scotland - Mary Scanlon MSP Asks Why?
Highland Council is failing to complete more than half of its proposed Council House sales within 6 months, according to new figures published by Audit Scotland.  Highland Council admit that their applications are below the Scottish average in terms of time taken to handle them but improvement are evident in the past few months.

Request From Canada about Caithness Picture
Unknown Family Group - Can Anyone Identify Them?
When my mother-in-law died about twenty years ago we found among her possessions a number of photographs including the one we are sending now. We have no idea who these people are but they may be relatives. Our only clue was the wee notice at the bottom that the photographer was Humphrey of Wick.
We know that there are photos by Humphrey on display at your museum and we wondered if this one is among the collection, with perhaps some identification.
 

Footpath Needed At Portgower To Protect Walkers - Grampian TV

2 February 2005

The Gaelic Village - Am Baile Web Site Is Much More Than A Gaelic Web Site
This relatively new web site is building fast.  It is being run by Highland Council Library Services and the title should not let you think it is purely about Gaelic culture.  It is now adding material from all over the Highlands and Caithness information, documents and old photographs are rising in number on the site.  The site is bi-lingual and you can go in Gaelic or English.  Put few Caithness places into the web site search engine or even Caithness itself and you will be taken to a growing list of items.   Well worth a browse and placing in your favourites as the staff are working hard to increase the items on the site.

The Birds and Mammals of Caithness
Robert Innes Shearer's contributions to the natural history of Caithness, 1859 - 1867 Compiled and edited by Hugh Clark & Robin M. Sellers
Hugh Clark and Robin Sellers have done an excellent service to bird and animal lovers by drawing together this wonderful set of articles by Robert Innes Shearer.   In addition they have added updates to the original articles that were written between 1859 and 1867 and mainly published in the John O'Groat Journal.  Four articles appeared in other publications - three in The Field and one in Proceedings of the Royal Physical Society of Edinburgh.  Letters by Shearer to the John O'Groat Journal are also included and are effectively beautiful pan pictures on particular birds and animals in Caithness. (248pp)
Note  - Only 500 copies of this book have been printed so if you want to add it to your bookshelf don't leave it too long in case it does not get reprinted.

Youngsters' poems are set in stone (Caithness Flagstone) at Holyrood - Scotsman
Caithness Flagstone continues to be chosen for prestigious sites and this latest position at the Scottish Parliament shows that if you want to have something last you should choose Caithness flagstone with its incredible density giving it strength and durability.  Caithness flagstone is also one of the materials chosen for the British section of the new memorial to the victims of the terrorist attack in New York.  The world is full of examples of the stone laid down over 100 years ago and still showing well today.  Modern cutting tools are ensuring it is now a stone of choice for many prestigious sites in the UK and around the world.

COMMUNITIES GET THE INITIATIVE
Public Meeting Wednesday 9 February 7.30pm - Portland Arms Hotel, Lybster
Communities in south east Caithness are set to benefit from an initiative aimed at tackling the problems which face many rural areas in the Highlands.  In October 2004 the areas covered by the community councils of Berriedale & Dunbeath, Latheron, Lybster & Clyth were designated Initiative at the Edge status.  Initiative at the Edge (IatE) was launched, in March 1998, to concentrate attention and effort on tackling the problems faced by the most fragile rural areas of northern Scotland.  The operating principle of IatE gives community groups the power to identify their needs, set their own priorities, outline the actions required and, with the assistance of their local partner bodies (Highland Council, Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise, Crofters Commission and Caithness Voluntary Groups) develop projects accordingly.  A public meeting will be held in the Portland Arms Hotel in Lybster at 7.30pm on Wednesday 9th February for those interested in more information more about the Initiative or in being part of a steering group to work with local agency staff to form a local development plan.  The group will also be given the option to appoint a Local Development Officer to work with them to develop projects and deal with issues identified in the local plan.

Family Quiz Night From PPP
PPP are having a family quiz night on Friday the 4th of February 2005 at the South School, cost �2 per team, with a maximum of five members in the team, each team must consist of at least one adult, prizes to be won

North Primary School, Wick January Newsletter

1 February 2005