March Of The Highlander - Photos Of Jim Findlay
At Inverness Visiting The Hospice
Latest Towhead Comes Through Wick
Another
towhead heading for the Wester Yard to be joined with a new pipeline.
This latest towhead came in by barge and was nudged into the upgraded pier
at Wick harbour by a tug. Next morning the towhead was taken off by a
crane from Simpsons and moved slowly up Scalesburn and into Willowbank
before heading out of town.
Halkirk Highland Games Final Photos 253 - 264
Halkirk Games 217 - 228
229 - 240 241 - 252
Halkirk Games 181 - 192 193 - 204 205 - 216
Games 145 - 156 157 - 168 169 - 180 Baby Show Starts
Halkirk Games 109 - 120
121 - 132
133 - 144
Halkirk Games 73 - 84
85 - 96 97 - 108
Halkirk Games 37 - 48
49 - 60 61 - 72
Halkirk Games 1 - 12 13 - 24
25 - 36
Wick High 1965 Reunion At Mackays Hotel Last Night
From
the organisers - Organisers wish to thank everyone who attended for a
wonderful night. For those who decided not to come you missed yourselves.
For Rhona who missed through ill health.....hope you are feeling better ?
(we missed you) For those who bought tickets and chose not to
come.......well what can we ALL say? Class of '65 had a great night out
and I think a repeat is a certainty. Cheers to you all.
30 July 2005
CRACKING DOWN ON ILLEGAL DUMPING
Scotland�s environment watchdog is joining forces with a host of
agencies in a bid to target illegal dumpers during a week long enforcement
campaign. From 1-8 August, the Scottish Environment Protection
Agency (SEPA) is taking part in the Scottish Flytipping Forum Enforcement
Week, aimed at cracking down on businesses and individuals who flaunt the
law by disposing of their rubbish irresponsibly. In addition to
carrying out surveillance operations at well known fly tipping hotspots,
SEPA, local authorities and the police will also stop and search vehicles
thought to be carrying waste without a licence.
The Gartymore Story - Timespan Centre,
Helmsdale
If
you have not been to Timespan for a while you will not have seen an
interesting addition to the centre. A room dedicated to
The Gartymore Story has a well
laid out section of items from houses and crofts combined with information
about the place, the church and its people. The centre has a nice
cafeteria for anyone wanting a snack on the way back and forth to
Caithness. They are open 7 days a week and have an art gallery with
changing exhibitions throughout the year. The centre also runs
workshops and has one of our locally based paper making artists
Joanne Kaar featuring on 18 August
- Taiwan Experience Workshop
29 July 2005
Halkirk Highland Games Saturday 30 July
12.15pm - Ready For Another Great Year
The
Halkirk Highland Games goes from strength to strength in recent years.
Competitors are being encouraged by the rising prize money on offer.
Last year it rose to the highest ever at a total of �15000. But the
committee have set their sites on encouraging athletes
to make the trip north and this year total prize money will be �20,000.
This years will see two SGA Scottish Championship events; throwing the
28lb weight for distance and the 2,000m cycle race. As the prize
money has risen to new levels it has attracted some of the top heavies to
a new event Champion of Champions International Heavy Event. Eight of the
World's best heavy athletes will battle it out for this new title and a
first prize of �500, the largest purse ever offered at Halkirk. Fierce
competition is expected between 4 Americans, three Scots and one Icelander
who will be pitting their skills and strengths against each other in what
will undoubtedly be a major spectacle for the expected 5,000 crowd.
The clan Sinclair from round the world have been in Caithness this week
and they will all be at the games on Saturday. Clans Sinclair and
Gunn will have their usual tents amongst the growing number of marquees
and tents hosting hospitality. Beer tents and food will no doubt be
busier than ever as will the fair ground. It all looks set for
another great day. We hope to bring you photos later on Saturday
evening before we are off to the Wick Gala Fireworks display at riverside.
Goodness knows what we will do in August after one of the busiest July's
ever. Are their only 28,000 people in the whole county - seems
like they are heck of busy - if they are not getting dressed up for fun or
into kilts and out with the bagpipes then they are jumping off huge
structures for charity whether its chimneys in Wick or cranes in Thurso -
must be all the Caithness fresh air. See you at the games
tomorrow or if you cannot make that there is always "Fair in Square" in
Wick -
Games Events
2004 Halkirk Highland Games Photos
2003 Halkirk Highland Games Photos
2002 Photos
Wick Gala Open Golf Tournament
Another
successful Wick Gala Open Golf Tournament was played yesterday at Wick
Golf Course. Some Americans touring northern golf courses were
surprised and delighted to be able to take part in the competition.
They had played at a number of courses including Dornoch and Nairn and one
of them B Field won the open handicap competition.
Results
Orcas Still Being Spotted Off Caithness
The
guys over at
North Coast Marine Adventures are
having some great times this year with seemingly an endless run of whales
and other sea creatures this year. These shots of an orca were take
north of the Swilkie near Stroma. You might not see an orca but a
high speed boat trip round Stroma is great fun.
Bunjee Jump At Thurso Raises Cash For MacMillan
Cancer Relief
Bungee jump organised by Fiona Mackay and Claire Calder, held on Sunday in
Thurso. 55 people did the 50 metre jump for charity raising over
�12,000 for MacMillan Cancer Relief. A football tournament between
Rangers, Celtic and Aberdeen supporters was also held and was won by the
Aberdeen supporters. The girls plan to do it all again next year, but they
are looking at making it almost double the height!
28 July 2005
A FIRST AT THE EIGHTH IN LYBSTER
Golfers taking part in the Lybster Open this Saturday (30 July 2005) will
be making history, as the new 8th green is used in an open competition for
the first time. The old 8th green at Lybster Golf Club,
which all previous visitors to the club will undoubtedly recall, has been
the basis for many a golfing lament and the justification for the
non-return of many a scorecard over the years. As it lay on an interesting
slope, if the wind was blowing from the top to the bottom of the green, as
it often does, getting a ball to stop was often only possible if it found
the hole!
Tickets For
Castle of Mey Cocktail Party In aid Of Canisbay and
Dunnet Day Care Centre
There are
still some tickets available for this event
which is on September 2nd from 7.0 PM to 9.0
PM. The Caithness Junior Pipe Band will play
at the front of the Castle and the Caithness
Ladies' Gaelic choir will welcome you in.
John Thurso will say a few words, drinks and
nibbles will be served, plus a look around
the Castle if you wish. An auction with a
wide range of exciting items will be held
and finally the currently running Grand Draw
will be held. Complete details of all items
to be auctioned will be listed two weeks
before the party and commission bids from
those not able to attend will be accepted.
For tickets telephone 01847851364 or contact
any committee member of the
Canisbay and
Dunnet Day Care Centre.
27 July 2005
Caithness Arts Week
Comes Into View - 30 July - 7 August
Unlike other arts festivals that have come
and gone in Caithness this new Arts Week has
taken a much more low key approach.
But it might be a shame to miss what may
turn out to be some gems in the Arts year in
the north. Local group Scotia Review
Presents -
BARLEY BREE STRATH
& SEA and is a locally based
production with some well known names.
Some events are pay at the door or by
advance booking. Phone ahead to make
sure you get in.
Battlemoss Excavations
Web diary 24th July 2005 - The Final Week
The final week of the excavation began
with a distinct change in the weather
unfortunately. Nevertheless, we ploughed on
with the digging and recording. We spent
several days investigating the section
between the kerbing and the central section,
removing all of the small cairn material to
reveal a layer of boulders and large slabs
butting up against the outer edge of the
central setting.
Summer
Camp For The Caithness Army Cadets
Another
successful summer camp was attended by
members of the Caithness Army Cadet Force at
Altcar near Liverpool. The young folk
were accompanied by adult leaders from
Caithness. As well as the competitions
on the firing range and drill teams they
still managed time for a day out to Alton
Towers making for two weeks of fitness and
fun.
Fancy Dress At
Braehead Keeps Wick Gala Swinging Along
Last night saw a big crowd out to see the
children in fancy dress at Braehead above
the harbour at Wick. The costume ideas
were as adventurous as ever with a few
comments on local affairs like the closure
of the caravan site etc. Humour and
fun were well to the fore and despite cool
evening it was another fun event for the
kids and adults alike.
Wick Main Gala Photos Start
Here
26 July 2005
Holy Trinity Amenity
Group - Some Good Advice for Potential
Students And Their Parents
The HTAG web site is run by Isabelle Thurley
(nee Bruce) living in Guildford and
originally from Wick and is aimed at her
local community. Today she has posted
a very interesting piece on student loans
and well worth any parent thinking about if
their children are likely to go to
university and get involved in student loans
which can be very expensive if not handled
carefully. Basically the earlier you
start saving the less student loan you might
need youngsters to take on with all that
debts can involve.
Everyone A Winner At
Wick Gala Baby Show
Boss Hogg Won Pulse
Heat Bands Competition But Cannot Make Final
Boss Hogg one of the most popular bands in
the north won the local heat of the Pulse
Heat Bands competition on Saturday at
Viewfirth in Thurso. Unfortunately due to
other commitments they cannot head for the
final at Mad Hatters in Inverness on
Saturday. They have asked runners up Curium
to go in
25 July 2005
More Records Broken -
Second Day In A Row
Monday 25 July
Hits 1,389,378 Visitors 17,881
Page Views 712,079
Visitor numbers to the web site reached
the highest ever on Monday 25 July 2005 with
17,881 visits being recorded. Page
views and hits were only slightly down on
the day before but were still the second
highest only slightly down on Sundays record
breaking totals. The Daily average for
July continues to make July heading for an
even bigger record breaking month than we
have ever seen on Caithness.org
July Totals to 25 July - Hits
14,152,439 Visitors
355,829 Page Views 6,685,936
Caithness.org looks likely to reach over
3 million visitors in 2005 and pages viewed
possibly breaking 120 million. Burrowing
down in to the stats shows that the What's
On has had almost one million page views
this year already and the
Caithness Business
Index 2.7million lookups.
2005 looks set to breach 3 million visitors
with a possible page view total in excess of
20 million. Thanks To everyone for the
continuing and growing support for looking
in and o all our many contributors.
LYBSTER GOLF
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FOR DAVIE AND ALEX
Two of Lybster Golf Club's finest, Eric Larnach and Davie Nicolson,
provided a wonderful display of golf during the 36-hole club championship
final last Saturday. Starting like the train in the club's
logo, Davie had built a 5-hole lead by the 10th, which Eric had reduced to
4 by the end of the first round. A determined competitor, Eric fought back
with an excellent response, which saw him totally turn the tables and take
a one-hole lead midway through the second round. Davie, however, produced
another surge to secure the match at the 34th, 3 up with 2 to play, to win
the Cormack Cup.
North Action Group
Maternity Campaign Raffle
North
Action Group fighting to retain a 24 hour
seven day consultant led maternity service
at Caithness General Hospital are running a
small raffle to increase funds to be ready
to run a much larger media campaign with a
more professional production of materials to
highlight the campaign. This is only a
small raffle as groups and individuals all
over have continued to send donations in to
the committee. Things have gone quiet
over recent months as the newly formed
Maternity Action Team has been brought into
being by NHS highland to try to find a
solution. However the north Action
Group committee feel that it will be
necessary to bring matters before the public
once again in coming months and are getting
ready to be in a position to get a high
level of information out to the public.
So watch out for the raffle tickets at local
shops or the Fair in the Square at Wick on
Saturday.
Wick Gala Queen and
Attendants At Cycle Races and Gymkhana
Wick
Gala Queen Ashlie Cormack and attendants
Carla Simpson and Kimberley Smith were out
at two events last night to hand out the
prizes. Monday nights have for
along time seen the children's cycle races
at the riverside whilst on higher ground the
Gala Gymkhana is underway. As horses
and ponies tried out the jumps the kids
lower down took part in the fun cycle races.
Wick Gala Gymkhana
Wick Gala Gymkhana
Full Results
Wick Gala Children's
Cycle Races
More Wick Gala Photos
Over At Wick Pipe Band Web Site
Wick
Pipe Band web site now has two slide shows
set up - one of 50 photos and the
other with 61 photos from gala night.
So for another angle - and you just
need to set the shows going and then sit
back and enjoy the show - head over to the
Wick Pipe Band Gala
Slide Shows
NEW CHAIRMAN FOR
CAITHNESS HORIZONS
A full complement of directors were in
attendance at the latest Caithness Horizons
board meeting to work together and review
progress on the current phase of work.
Company Chairman Roger Saxon asked the Board
to consider how to take the Chairmanship
forward, and suggested an independent Chair
may have more time to devote to the project
and lead as a visible project champion.
Paul Cariss, an existing board director, was
unanimously elected as the new Chair and in
accepting his new role said 'I am honoured
to become the Chairman of such a forward
thinking and ambitious Company and I look
forward to working with the project team and
the local community to create an outstanding
facility we can all be very proud of'.
Caithness Socio -
Economic Forum Established
At a meeting called by Mrs Pat Buchanan,
Chair of Caithness and Sutherland
Enterprise, a new Forum was established to
plan for the regeneration of the local
economy in the face of the decommissioning
of the Dounreay site. The meeting elected
John Thurso MP as its Chairman and others
represented included CASE, the North
Highland College, UKAEA, the Dounreay
Stakeholders� Group, the Nuclear
Decommissioning Authority, Highland Council
and the Association of Community Councils.
Mr Jamie Stone MSP was unable to attend this
meeting but will play an active role in the
future.
Wick Gala Tops The Lot - Biggest Day Ever
On Caithness.org -
Sunday 24 July -
Hits 1,424,263 Visitors 15,941
Page Views - 728,724
Hits and Page views reached new heights
following Wick Gala and although visitor
numbers did not exceed the last record for
that figure made on 18 July. We are holding
our breath for Mondays stats as Monday is
usually one of the busiest on the web site.
July 2005 is already guaranteed to be the
biggest month ever as the numbers stacked up
already take us to the June figures for
visitors with a week to go. Page
views have already passed the Record
breaking June figure - standing as of
yesterday at 5,973,857.
24 July 2005
Wick Gala 349 - 360
361 - 372
373 - 384
385 - 392
Wick Gala 313 - 324
325 - 336
337 - 348
Wick Gala 265 - 276
277 - 288
289 - 300
301 - 312
Wick Gala 217 - 228
229 - 240
241 - 252
253 - 264
News Flash From Liam Henderson Memorial
Football Match Weekend
The charity auction at Sinclair's Bar in
Wick raised the the phenomenal total of
�6,674 this afternoon. Willie
Mackay as auctioneer started the bidding for
some lots at �1000 to hoots of laughter but
as the auction moved on it became clear that
the people at this auction were serious
about putting money into this new sports
charity founded in the name of Janice and
John Henderson's son. As bidding for a
variety of Football shirts , signed snooker
cue, rounds of golf, holiday in Florida and
so on went ever higher the final few items
brought the house down to roars of approval
and applause from the packed bar.
No one had seen anything like it in Wick as
the as Rangers and Celtic shirts came up as
the final items. A signed Celtic shirt
reached �850 in the bidding followed by a
Rangers unsigned new season shirt for �450.
but they had saved the best for last with a
final signed Celtic shirt went higher and
higher to be knocked down by auctioneer
Willie Mackey at the amazing total of �1000.
This final bid brought huge cheers and
applause by the audience who had witnessed
ever higher totals going into the Liam
Memorial fund. With the raffle tickets
selling like hotcakes today it is anyone's
guess to the final total for the whole
effort this weekend.
Wick Gala 193 - 204
210 - 216
Wick Gala 145 - 156
157 - 168
169 - 180
181 - 192
Wick Gala 97 - 108
109 - 120
121 - 132
133 - 144
Wick Gala 49 - 60
61 - 72
73 - 84
85 - 96
23 July 2005
Wick Gala 1 - 12
13 - 24
25 - 36
37 - 48
Liam Henderson
Memorial Football Match A Great Success
The afternoon football match at the
Harmsworth Park ended with a win for the
Wick select team and had plenty of
entertainment for the crowd. Pipe
band, dancers martial arts demonstration and
the final of the Wick schools football won
by south school. the morning football
for the juniors was won by Colts from
Newwmacher. Plenty of support for both
teams was present as Newmacher had come with
a large contingent for the weekend.
22 July 2005
Liam Henderson Memorial Football Match & Raffle
- Latest Update To Prize List
Match Kick off 1.00pm on Saturday 23 July At
Harmsworth Park, Wick
Prizes for the raffle sand silent auction
have been pouring in along with various
donations. The Football match between
A Wick select side and Newmacher takes place
on Saturday at Harmsworth Park. Check
out the silent auction where the prizes are
pretty good including a week in a villa in
Florida and a Box for 8 people including
drinks, lunch in a suite at the Ross county
ground on 2 January 2006.
March Of The
Highlander - DAY 6
After
a short stroll from Tore into Inverness,
(along the hard shoulder of the A( because
they couldn't find any other route!) Jimmy
met with volunteers from the Highland
Hospice shop before walking over to the
Hospice itself where a small reception had
been laid on for him - complete with a cake!
He also got to meet some of the patients and
staff from the Hospice and was delighted
with the support from them all. While he's
glad that the walk is all but over, Jimmy
has enjoyed the experience especially
meeting so many people along the way. The
support he has received has been tremendous,
Hospice volunteers even provided
accommodation along the route - each
volunteer having their own story to tell as
to why they work to support the Hospice
Blackstairs Fish Shop,
Wick Gets A New Web Site
If you want fish from wick delivered
anywhere in the UK you can now order it
online. Vacuum packed and surrounded
in frozen gel to arrive in prime condition.
Adding Dancing
Teachers and Groups To the Arts Section -
Can You Help?
We are reviewing the groups listed in the
Arts Index. If you are a teachers or
run dance classes for children or adults can
you check the index to see if you are listed
and if the entry is still correct. If
you are not listed get in touch to get a
FREE entry. Any Arts group or
individual can get an entry in the Arts
Index free of charge just by completing the
online form
The Arts
Index includes a wide range of categories in
Arts and music from bands to painters in
Caithness - check it out and get free
publicity 24 hours a day.
March Of The
Highlander - Day 5
Almost
there. Started off this morning from mid-way
between Kildarry and Alness. Beautiful day,
no problems with the weather or the traffic.
Drivers being most considerate. Jimmy's aim
was to walk to the Inverness side of the
Black Isle bridge, however he was doing so
well that he kept going and finished for the
day at the Tore roundabout leaving him just
7 miles to finish his walk to Inverness
tomorrow. Jimmy's spirits are high and he's
really looking forward to reaching Inverness
where he will visit the hospice shop and
gather some supporters for a walk around the
city centre collecting...
Auckengill - - A
Closer Look
It is also five years since we last took
a dozen photos of
Auckengill
Whilst out at
the Nybster Broch it seemed a good
opportunity to look a bit closer at the
area. Auckengill is often rushed
through by visitors on their way to John
O'Groats but it may well be worth a closer
look if you are journeying north. It
is still farming country with some great
coastal views and even a picnic table to
relax before you head over to see the
Nybster Broch.
You can check out the Viking Centre set in
the old schoolhouse. Abandoned cottages mix
in the landscape with modern bungalows still
being erected popular with anyone who wants
wide open views down to the coast. The
bird life was fantastic but difficult to
photograph without a large lens. And we
cannot bring you the sounds of the wind or
freshly cut hay and the sound of many
feeding birds in fields, paths, cliffs,
beach or the breath of fresh sea air.
You will need to see it yourself - meantime
here are the photos.....................
Another Look At
Newtonhill Community Woodland - Five Years
On
Amazing as it may seem it is five years
since we took some photos of the woodland
outside Wick at Newton Hill.
The first few
photos were taken on 30 July
2000. Interestingly many of the same
flowers were blooming in huge numbers as
they were yesterday for this batch of
photos. but much work has been carried out
in the last few years and the place abounds
in wildlife. The paths are established
and take you round woods and wetland.
A mown grassy area with picnic tables is at
the entrance so it makes a nice place to
take your lunch on a sunny day.
21 July 2005
Archaeology Team
Making Lots Of Finds At Nybster Broch Dig
A team of student archaeologists from
Nottingham university under the supervision of Dr Andy Heald have been
working on the broch at Nybster. They have dug down past the
depth in some parts that Sir Francis Tress Barry originally dug about 1900.
they have uncovered a large number of pottery fragments, bone needles and
a bronze ring. Just over one week to go so take a look before it is
all filled in again if you have the chance.
Bower Young Farmers
60th Anniversary
If you were a member of Bower Young Farmers
or know people who were then you might be
interested in this anniversary. A
dance will be held at the Weigh Inn on 28
October 2005. the organisers are looking for
any old photos and contact details for
former members.
March Of The
Highlander - Day 4 - So Confident He
Is Adding Extra Walking
A good day today with the weather improving
rapidly. Jimmy had a slight detour
today and walked into Tain to visit the
Highland Hospice Shop where he was made most
welcome. He's actually getting ahead of his
planned times now, finishing tonight mid way
between Kildary and Alness leaving only 26
miles to Inverness to be covered in 2 days.
The pressure is now off and he is confident
that , barring any unforeseen accidents, he
will complete this march. He has admitted
that he has found the experience a lot
harder than he anticipated but continues to
be cheered by the response he is receiving
from passers by. He will not, however, be
volunteering to walk home! Walking
Thurso To Inverness with new detour via Tain.
Ach Aye!!
North Coast Jazz Band
Monthly Gig for Everyone At Redwood, Thurso
The
North Coast Jazz Band are doing a great job
trying to establish a monthly gig in Thurso
with potential for a jam, but they need more
support. They play at the Redwood, last
Saturday in the month for fun, not cash and
they will encourage any kind of
participation. Next one is Saturday 30th
July starting at 2pm. If you play and
want to get experience or sing or just want
to listen then why not go along. The
sessions are open and free for everyone.
Why not pop in for a snack or a pint and
listen to some jazz on Saturday afternoon in
Thurso.
Northlink Not One of
The Preferred Bidders To Tender For Ferry
Contract From 2006
The ferry routes to the northern isles
will have a new operator from 2006.
Three companies have been asked to bid
for the new contract
Caledonian MacBrayne, V Ships UK Ltd,
Irish Continental Ferries plc and Ltd.
The three ferries operating including the
Hamanvoe from Scrabster to Stromness will
transfer to the new company that wins the
contract. Northlink have had to have
much higher subsidies than previously
anticipated when they won the contract from
P & O.
NorthLink Orkney and Shetland
Ferries Ltd
is a joint venture between Caledonian
MacBrayne and the Royal Bank of Scotland.
NorthLink
was awarded the five year
contract in
December 2000, to start in October 2002.
Background at The
Shetland News
20 July 2005
A9 Upgrade North Of
Helmsdale Making good Progress
Wick High 1965
Reunion
Reunion tickets are available and the
committee requests that everyone who
indicated they would attend collect tickets
as soon as possible in order to finalise the
catering arrangements and before next
Monday. Don't leave it to the last minute is
the final plea.
Wick Pipe Band Week
Video Available Now
For folk who missed the Wick Pipe Band
Festival recently a video is now available
of all of the parades. M & M Video have
produced a compilation of all of the events
from the week where several pipe bands took
part individually and as a massed band at
the Market Square, Wick and at the
riverside.
Day 3 - March Of The
Highlander
Jimmy Findlay continues his march to
Inverness in aid of Highland Hospice.
He hopes to arrive on Saturday to lead the
march to the Inverness Highland games.
You can tune in to our local Radio Station
Caithness FM
to hear Jimmy give his latest update live.
Sorry for all of you further away but it is
not available on the web as yet.
Caithness FM broadcasts between 7.00pm and
midnight each day on the same wave length
used by Moray Firth during the day and early
evening 102.5. Caithness FM is run by
volunteers. You can get your events
included in broadcasts by phoning or email.
Orkney Has First Asset Confiscation Under
Drug Laws
On Wednesday 13th July 2005 at Kirkwall
Sheriff Court an asset confiscation order
under the Proceeds of Crime Act 1995 was
made against George Fraser, Hallbreack,
Widewall, South Ronaldsay for �17,483-78 in
relation to being concerned in the supply
and production of controlled drugs, namely
cannabis. This is the first asset
confiscation for Orkney. Local man George
Fraser had previously served a 12 month
sentence for the Concern and Supply of Drugs
and Cultivation of Cannabis. Chief
Inspector Mike Cowdry, Orkney Area Commander
said: "People who deal in drugs in our area
can expect to be dealt the full force of the
law which may include a custodial sentence
and asset seizure".
Books of Condolences For London Bombings
The Highland Council has organised for books
of condolences for those killed and injured
in the London bombings to be available
across the Highlands for anyone to sign.
The books are available at all main Council
offices and at the 37 Service Points
including Thurso and Wick until Friday 22
July.
Liam Henderson Memorial Football Match & Raffle
- Latest Update To Prize List
Following last years phenomenally successful Football match and raffle
that raised over �27,000 another football match will take place but this
time in Wick. the Newmacher team will this year travel with supporters
to Wick and already hotels and Bed and Breakfasts are filling up for the
weekend of the match. A trust has been set up and all money raised will
go into the sports related trust. the main beneficiaries last year were
Newmacher and East end Boys Club Football Clubs as Liam was a great
football fan. Raffle prizes are still being donated and the list on the
web site will be updated as the prizes come in. A silent auction will
be held on Sunday 24 July and bids can be sent by email.
19 July 2005
Trinkathon - Sunday 24 July
2005 The Year of the
VolunteerTRINKATHON Open Day Sunday 24th July.
The TRINKATHON at the Trinkie outdoor swimming pool this Sunday is
looking for 'fit pairs' to compete in the Trinkathon.
The Junior event involves 1 swimmer [2 lengths] and 1 runner [approx1/2
mile], while the Adult event involves 1 swimmer [4 lengths] and 1 runner
[approx 1 mile]. Cups and medals are kindly donated by the Royal Mail.
Registration between 1.15 and 1.45PM
Wick Amateur Swimming
Club will compete for the North bath cup at 2.15. It is hoped to
be a fun day for all the family, please come along and join in, any
queries contact P Coghill 01955 602456 after 6PM for more information.
Archaeology Project At Battlemoss Near Yarrows
Work
is well under way on the cairn the Battlemoss site near Yarrows by a
team of archaeologist from Cardiff university under the management of
Ameliia Pannet who has spent the last few years looking at the
archaeology in the area. Caithness Archaeology Trust has helped
facilitate the work and volunteers are welcome to go along and help.
Visitors are welcome to see the site - Check the What's On for details.
The cairn was discovered during another excavation project in 2003 when
the stone rows were uncovered for the first time.
MEETING WITH NEW SHIPPING MINISTER SOUGHT
Councillors are to seek a meeting with new Shipping Minister Dr Stephen
Ladyman MP to renew their call for tough new measures to safeguard the
environment from a shipping accident around the shores of the Western
Isles and Highland. The Tanker Traffic in the Minch Working Group,
comprising members of The Highland Council and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar,
want to advise the Minister of the action they believe needs to be taken
by the UK Government to prevent a disaster from a major oil spillage
from tankers in such a vulnerable and sensitive environment.
March Of The Highlander For Highland Hospice
Local
man Jimmy Findlay left Thurso on Sunday to walk to Inverness via
Culloden. He hopes to walk around 20 miles a day in full Highland dress,
arriving in Culloden on Friday to lead the annual March of the
Highlanders into the Inverness Highland Games on Saturday 23 July. Over
the last few years Jimmy and his family have raised several thousand
pounds for the Highland Hospice by taking part in the annual March, this
year he though he'd go a bit further and start off in Thurso. Jimmy lost
a sister to cancer some years ago and was impressed by the care she
received through the Highland Hospice and felt that he'd like to do
something in return.
Archaeology Projects Around Caithness Making More
Discoveries - And You Can Be Part Of It
The
Chambered Cairn Project At Spittal is a practical exercise in
archaeology involving experts and the local community. It is open
to the public to visit or to join in and has open days. If you
have a few hours and want to see what it is like doing something
practical you can join in this reconstruction project. the
chambered cairn project is building a new chambered cairn. In
addition the team are building a part of broch based partly on the Mousa
and Gurness brochs. Another reconstruction is also underway and
more will be done depending on numbers of people attending to help move
the stones. Don't worry about moving huge stones as you will be
assessed , given instruction and supervised and children move only
smaller stones. Children must have an adult with them. You
need no previous experience and many local people have already had a go.
So here is your chance to step back into the shoes of your ancestors and
find out what building something in stone was really like. Even if you
do not fancy doing any work the team are happy to see people and explain
what is going on so take the chance while it is on until early August.
On every day except Sundays Open Day Sat 23 July.
Today
CLAN SINCLAIR GATHERING 2005
On the morning of Friday 22nd July about 150 Sinclairs from
Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom and the
United States of America will gather in Inverness for the start of the
2005 international Clan Gathering. They will go straight to Orkney for
the weekend and visits to a number of sites have been arranged. They
will also attend Sunday Service at St Magnus Cathedral. On Monday 25th
they will return to Caithness for a busy week and meet up with members
of the Clan Sinclair Association of Caithness, who have organised the
event, and others.
County Show Photos Help Take Caithness.org To New
Heights
Monday 18 July Stats - 17,549 Visitors - Hits 769,423 - Pages
Viewed 357,274
Monday 18 July 2005 took the increasing visitor numbers for July to
the highest ever. A staggering combined total of 17,549 visitors
for one day makes this easily the biggest yet. Page views hit
357,274 with the total hits an amazing 769,423. The daily average
visitor numbers stand at 13,134 well above the daily average last month
which was itself a record.
Inverness Airport on Target for Record Month
The success of new scheduled air services and holiday charters are
propelling Inverness Airport towards a record number of passengers in
July. The airport handled a record 16,088 passengers last week,
including 5,170 passengers at the weekend. During its busiest week ever
2,510 passengers travelled on Saturday with a further 2,660 flying on
Sunday on both scheduled services and charters to and from Majorca,
Zurich and Verona. This was the third weekend in a row that Inverness
had handled record levels of passengers. A total of 4,900 passengers
travelled on 9 and 10 July and 4,400 passengers on 2 and 3 July.
18 July 2005
PULSE HIGHLAND TALENT
TRAWL
Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival has
announced 'Pulse' - a talent trawl for
emerging bands and soloists throughout the
Highlands, in association with Mad Hatters
at Hootannany's and HUBL, the web site for
Highland musicians. The Thurso heat is
to take place on Saturday July the 23rd at
8pm
Caithness First Arts
Week Events
A programme of events is now available.
Watch out for the leaflets around the
county.
Beinn Stumanadh -
Another Caithness Waybaggers Walk
A
small hill just off the A836, 8 kms south of
Tongue. The day was bright and dry with a
strong wind blowing. I heard later that the
Kessock Bridge was closed because of it. We
parked the cars at the side of the road and
made for the bothy at Achnanclach 2 kms
away. We walked along the north shore of
Loch Loyal where the water was being whipped
up to a frenzy by the gale. Judging by the
visitor book at the bothy it was a popular
place. The last person to visit it had been
only the day before.
Interested in a Walk? - check the
Events Calendar
Assynt Mountain Rescue get helped by UKAEA
The
Assynt Mountain Rescue Team have just
received a donation of �200 from the Appeals
and Donations Committee of UKAEA Dounreay.
The Assynt MRT are very grateful to the
UKAEA for their continued support. UKAEA has
donated some funds towards the running of
the team on numerous occasions over the past
few years. UKAEA Dounreay also supports the
Assynt MRT by allowing team members that
work there time off to attend all outs and
save lives. The team is a registered
charity (SC000505) and relies on donations
and fund raising activities to keep the team
going. The team has been fairly quiet during
2005 with only 3 callouts (so far) but has
continued with regular team training to
ensure that the team members can respond to
an emergency situation should the need
arise.
Young Folk Get A Head
For Heights
Seven
young members and two adults from the
congregation of "The Church of Jesus Christ
of Latterday Saints" successfully managed to
conquer their fear of heights by abseiling
off of the cliffs above Strath Halladale
last Wednesday evening (13th July 2005).
North School 1962
Another
schooldays photo for North school.
This one has been sent in connected to the
Wick High 1965
Reunion that is fast building
for the big night on 30 July at Mackays
Hotel. If you have not booked your
ticket act fast to let the organisers have
final numbers for catering etc.
Caithness County Show
Photos
Can be
found later in the
July Archive
or
Caithness
Agricultural Society
or the
Farming Pages
or the
Galas/Shows/Games
Pages
17 July 2005
County Show 313 - 317
Klaksvik Youth Band
County Show 277 - 288
288 - 300
301 - 312
County Show 241 - 252
253 - 264
265 - 276
County Show 205 - 216
217 - 228
229 - 240
Show 157 - 168
169 - 180 181 - 192 193 - 204
County Show 109 - 120
121 - 132 133 - 144 145 - 156
County Show 73 - 84
85 - 96
97 - 108
County Show 37 - 48
49 - 60
61 - 72
County Show 1 - 12
13 - 24 25 - 36
16 July 2005
Klaksvik Band At
Caithness County Show
15 July 2005
Klaksvik Youth Band
Playing At Blackstairs, Wick Tonight
Wick welcomed the Klaksvik Youth Band from
the Faroe Islands today playing at the
dedication of the newly refurbished
Blackstairs. The young band are
staying at wick Youth Club and on Saturday
will be playing at Market Square, Wick and
then will visit the county show where they
have been invited to give another
performance. On Sunday they will play
at the Dunbeath Castle open day. Their
great sound reflected across the harbour.
Watch out for them over the next couple of
days. Well done kids.
Klaksvik Links
Caithness And
Sutherland Enterprise - Grants Awarded
Last Month
Getting Ready For The
2005 Caithness County Show At Wick -
Saturday 16 July
The
county show returns once again to Wick. Always a
popular site for the show due to its
proximity to shops, restaurants and the town
centre. What's On - it would be
easier to say what is not on at the show but
here goes - Show Jumping, Stock judging,
Wick Pipe Band, Horseshoeing demonstration,
Caithness Strongest Person, Vintage
Tractors, childrens Animal Corner, School
children's poster display, SWRI exhibitions,
Dog show, sheep Shearing, Children's Pet
Parade, Children's Races, Tug o war, Pony
Racing, Young Farmers Tent, Musical Post on
horseback, Lunches, Teas, Refreshments, Long
line Netting Display, Hackney Driving, sheaf
Tossing, Pony Puissance, Parade Horses,
Parade Cattle, Stalls, Trade Stands -
Lunches, Teas, Snacks, Beer Tent and much
much more......Gates Open 8.30am - Stock
Judging starts 9.30am
Show dance in the marquee at 9.30pm - Other
show related dances and discos see
What's On
2004 Show At
Scrabster
2003 Show At Wick
Liam Henderson
Memorial Football Match & Raffle
Following last years phenomenally successful
Football match and raffle that raised over
�27,000 another football match will take
place but this time in Wick. the
Newmacher team will this year travel with
supporters to Wick and already hotels and
Bed and Breakfasts are filling up for the
weekend of the match. A trust has been set
up and all money raised will go into the
sports related trust. the main
beneficiaries last year were Newmacher and
East end Boys Club Football Clubs as Liam
was a great football fan. Raffle
prizes are still being donated and the list
on the web site will be updated as the
prizes come in. A silent auction will
be held on Sunday 24 July and bids can be
sent by email.
We're Not Afraid
- London Bombing Support Web Site Growing
Fast
We have been asked to link to the London
Bombing web site showing defiance against
terrorism that is growing fast with photo
contributions flowing in from all over the
world. anyone can send a suitably
altered photo. Take a look and you
will get the idea.
14 July 2005
Harry Potter Book Prize At County Show
From Caithness MS Group
Caithness MS group have received a signed
copy of the latest Harry Potter book and it
will be raffled at the county show on
Saturday at riverside Wick, J K is patron of
MS Scotland A signed copy should be
worth a serious sum if auctioned on E Bay.
They will also have other another
competition for cash prizes and lots of
freebies for kids so they hope everyone will
visit the stand on Saturday. We
understand Caithness FM will also have copy
of the new HP book in a free giveaway.
So head for the show all you Potter fans.
Caithness FM will be at the show from
10.00am - 5.00pm playing music and will be
live on air from 2.00pm - 4.00pm on 102.5FM
Killer Whales Spotted
Near Stroma
Alistair
Jack took these pictures last night off the
coast off Stroma. the seals who rest
near the site of the Bettina Danica ship
wreck were obviously under threat with the
whales right in at their favourite ledge
Caithness & Sutherland Vintage Vehicles
Rally 2005
Each year the vintage vehicles rally at John
O'Groats is going from strength to strength
and 2005 was no exception. As usual
vehicles from all over came to the county
and stopped off at Wick on the way.
Check the winners in the
Caithness And
Sutherland Vintage Vehicle Club
page.
For more vehicles got to the
Transport Pages
Halkirk Tug O' War Team Are Scottish
Champions 2005
A team from Halkirk Tug of War came home triumphant from the Scottish Tug
Of War Championships on Sunday 10th July. The Amateur competition is held
annually at the Stirling Games. The Halkirk boys took top honours in the
680kg weight category. Amateur pulling is different from the more
traditional Highland Games pulling which is seen in the North of Scotland.
The main differences are the footwear which is permitted and the technique
used. It could be likened to the differences between Rugby Union and Rugby
League.
13 July 2005
earth.google.com
If you have not found this site and you like
maps or want to get some information or
street layouts for anywhere on earth fast
then try this from Google. There are
gaps but you can see that this one is going
to be big. The fact that you can
scroll to anywhere on earth and zoom right
into the streets and for big cities even see
the building shapes. Just download the
free software and away you go zooming to any
place on earth. You can add streets,
banks, restaurants and lots more.
Obviously going to grow and very fascinating
already watching it build the map in front
of you. Move the planet to move
around. Great...
The Pugwash Lane
Campaign - A Tiny Community Fighting To
Retain Access To A Small Lane
For
almost 4 years now, there has been an
ongoing dispute over a 200ft lane, now known
as Pugwash Lane, in the village of Reay. The
lane runs along the northwest boundary of
Beinn Ratha Court and can be accessed from
both ends and from the rear of several
houses. The action group are raising money
to pay legal fees and anyone can buy tickets
to win this buggy.
Fund Raising Before
New Start For Wick BB
We are currently trying to raise money so
the Company is ready to start the Boys'
Brigade in August 2005.
The 1st Wick Company of the Boys' Brigade
are trying to raise money just now. The
Officers and helpers are currently selling
Lucky Numbers tickets which costs 50p each.
You can pick 2 numbers from 15 and if they
get picked, they win �30 but if there is no
winner the jackpot has a �10 rollover.
Work Goes On At Shore
Road Building Up Sea Defences
Remember
the crashing waves
taking the wall apart at Shore Road
over the past two or three years. Well
that might be at an end with the hundreds of
tons of rock being built up to protect it.
With substantial work having been done on
the pier and rock armour to break up the
main waves this should see the place safe
for at least another hundred years.
Turtle Road Show Adds
Another Date At Farr
Wick Tonight at Nethercliffe Hotel 7.30pm
'The
Scottish Turtle Roadshow' have added a
further date to the events listed in the
press. They will be at Farr High School on
Thursday 14th July at 2pm. They did not have
any events planned for this area of North
Sutherland so the local Ranger contacted
them and they agreed to do this presentation
in the afternoon.
Circus Big Top
Brightens Up Riverside Wick
Riverside
Wick is a busy place for the next couple of
weeks. The circus ends tonight with
its final show after three days.
Friday sees the start of the County show
with the big day on Saturday and the
following week is Wick Gala.
The Cottle & Austen
circus heads for Thurso from Thursday 14
July - Saturday 16 July and then on to
Stromness.
�800 For Highland
Hospice After Dounreay Man's charity Walk
The
Dounreay Charity Fund and the Trade Unions
at Dounreay are pictured handing over a
cheque in support of Jim Findlay for his
annual Charity Walk from Thurso to Inverness
in aid of the Highland Hospice. The
following organisations supported this
worthwhile cause: Dounreay Charity Fund
donated �200, Amicus, Transport and General
Workers Union, General and Municipal
Boilermakers Union and Prospect Trade Unions
donated �50 each.
Dounreay Site Alert To Be Sounded To Mark
A Two Minute Silence for London Bombings
The Dounreay Site Alert will be sounded at
1200 and 1202 hours on Thursday 14th of July
2005 to denote the beginning and end of 2
minutes silence in respect of those who were
affected by the London bombings. The
public should take no action upon hearing
these alarms. For further information
please contact: Eann Plowman, Emergency
Arrangements Co-ordinator, UKAEA, Dounreay
01847 806862.
BBC Coming To John
O'Groats - Looking For Information
On Early Colour Film
Some of you may have seen the trailer
son BBC for this Lands End To John O'Groats
roadshow following in the footsteps of a
film-maker in 1925. Claude Friese-Greene's
original journey from Land's End to John
O'Groats was made because he had found
anyone to take an interest in his
revolutionary new colour film technique.
He decided to highlight it by making this
remarkable film of trip the length of
Britain. Do you know someone from
Caithness who was in the film or can you
help tell them about some of the buildings
in the film. Check the dates and times
of places and if in Caithness head to John
O'Groats on Friday 4.14pm - 6..15pm
Wick
High 1950 - 51 Commercial
NHS Highland comes
under fire again - Grampian
TV
NHS
Highland has come under fire over the rapid
turnover of specialist staff at the
maternity unit in Wick. Campaigners fighting
for a permanent presence of consultants at
the Caithness General hospital unit say
there is a lack of staff continuity.
The news clip from yesterday is available to
view in various formats.
North Action Group
continues to campaign to retain a consultant
led unit. The group is co-operating
with NHS Highland in the Maternity Action
Team set up by them. The process has
taken some time and the co-ordinator
appointed by NHS Highland resigned adding to
the time taken.
12 July 2005
Highland Society For
The Blind Open Day - Thurso 19 July 2005
An Open Day In Thurso To Raise Awareness Of
Issues And Support For Visually Impaired
People The Highland Society for Blind People
and the Karten Technology Centre are holding
an Open Day in The Band Room Thurso Town
Hall on Tuesday 19th July from 10am to 4pm
This event is open to all to find out what
support and aids are available to help
improve the day to day activities of
visually impaired adults and children. There
will be a range of staff available to
discuss any issues and demonstrate ways in
which you can help support a visually
impaired person.
Are you a computer user? The Highland Society for Blind People and the Karten Technology Centre
urgently need your help to support a number of sensory impaired adults in
using computers.
Taste Of Tartan Setting Out For another Successful
Celidh This Week
A very successful Ceilidh was held last Friday in the Royal British
Legion Hall, Thurso. This was the first of a summer series of Ceilidhs
being presented by A Taste of Tartan. The next Ceilidh will be held this
coming Friday, 15th July. starting at 8.00pm. Again the music will be
provided by the Addie Harper Scottish dance band, with a completely
different programme of entertainment by local artistes. Admission will
be �3.00 (pay at the door), with reductions for children. Dates for the
rest of the series can be seen on the
What's On calendar.
Minke Whales at Melvich - Rangers Message
At 6.00pm last night Minke whales were crashing about, lunging
feeding at the surface. I saw at least 7 animals just around the Melvich
Bay area along with 3 whales and 1 common dolphin just earlier near
Strathy Point. There are lots of feeding birds with them, just look for
the birds and you should see the whales. At Melvich the best
viewing point is from the Rubha Bhra point just west of the bay on the
O.S. map Grid ref: NC 876668 and from Strathy Point anywhere convenient
which is looking east towards Melvich.
Travel Paranoia Over Luggage Beaten By New Service
For people who worry about the safety
of their luggage while travelling a new service may take all the hassle
out of it. flymycase.com aims to make transportation of luggage as
easy as the trip itself if not easier
Local Family Plan To
Raise Funds For Specialised Bed
Audrey who works at the SSPCA has sister
Elaine, who has been diagnosed with cancer
and has been paralysed as a result of
tumours on her spine. She now requires a
specialised bed which can convert into a
chair. It is her wish to try to fund raise
to buy another specialised bed for the
Caithness General Hospital in Wick, which
costs over �3500. They plan to have a
charity auction during August, as part of
fund raising efforts.
Children's Group With the Rangers Today - Sea
Shells and Sea Birds
Duncansby Head lighthouse car park - 11am - Lasts approx 2-3 hours -
8-11years, children under 8 have to be accompanied by an adult - Booking
advisable - Stout footwear and warm clothes - Free
For More Activities for children in Caithness coming days and
weeks check
Kids On Holiday page
Pulteneytown Peoples Project - Fun Day
Pulteneytown
People's Project held a fun day on Sunday. This year football
competitions were run for both senior and junior teams
Numbers Going Up Fast For Wick High 1965 Reunion
With a couple of weeks to go there has been a surge in numbers for the
Wick High Reunion but please get in touch very soon to ensure the
catering arrangements can be finalised. List updated.
11 July 2005
Battle Moss Excavations � web diary 10th July
The first week of excavation has gone very well, with everyone
working extremely hard to ensure the heavy work of deturfing and
removing the backfill from 2003 was finished as quickly as possible. We
now have a 10m by 10m trench open over the cairn, which appears to have
exposed the edge of the monument on three sides. The trenches from 2003
have been cleared out � despite the presence of rabbit holes on the
surface, the central setting of the monument survived remarkably well
under the layer of protective material laid down at the end of the
previous season.........The site is open to visitors from 10am to 4pm
every day, and there will be an open day next Saturday (16th July). We
would also welcome anyone who would like to come and work on the site
with us, full training will be given!
Wick High 1965 Reunion - Tickets Now Available At
Shops
Reunion Folk can now obtain tickets from D R Simpson as well as
Mackenzies Furnishers. Get your tickets now as catering orders
must go in soon.
New Appointments To NHS Highland Health Board
Health Minister Andy Kerr announced the appointment of Mr Ian Gibson and
Mrs Ann Bethune as new members to Highland
NHS Board.
Mr Ian Gibson has just stepped down from the post of
Director of Macmillan Cancer Relief for Scotland and Northern Ireland
after nine years with the organisation. He is now a self-employed
management consultant living in Newtonmore. Mrs Ann
Bethune is a freelance researcher and is a Research Associate
of Leirsinn Research Centre for Gaelic, Sabhal Mor Ostaig. She is
currently joint Vice-Chair of NHS
Highland Research Ethics Committee and
was Vice-Chair of Highland Health
Council. She is also a lay reviewer with NHS
Quality Assurance Scotland.
Tesco In Caithness Opinion Poll On the Message
Board
Wick Pipe Band Fancy Dress Fun Night
Another
successful Wick Pipe Band Week drew to close on Saturday evening with
the Fancy Dress Fun night. If you are visiting Wick watch out for
the parades or visit the Wick Pipe Ban Hall on a Wednesday evening each
week over the summer months for their Scottish Shows starting at 8.00pm.
Wick Pipe Band Web Site
All Time Record Weekend at Inverness Airport
Inverness Airport handled 4,900 passengers at the weekend, breaking
the previous record 4,400 passenger total set over the weekend of 2 and
3 July. A combination of scheduled and charter flights saw the
Highlands' hub airport handle 2,300 passengers on Saturday 9 and 2,600
on Sunday 10 July. The soaring passenger numbers were due to the
introduction of new daily services to Belfast and Bristol at the
beginning of July and holiday charter flights over the weekend to and
from Majorca, Verona and Zurich.
Dare Devil Stunt Show At Wick
Scott
May's Dare Devil Stunt Show had good crowd out at Wick to see the monster
trucks crushing the odd car, motor cycle jumps , folk on fire and the
human cannon ball. Thanks to Julia Budge and Brian Finch for the
photos.
Whales Spotted Off The Coast At Melvich From The Air
Whilst
out flying around the county on Friday evening Alan Moar and his brother
John ventured out west and caught these photos of some whales about half a
mile to a mile out from the coastline near Melvich. They saw more whales
in the area between Melvich and Dounreay and were quick enough with the
camera to catch them as they went past
10 July 2005
Lybster Gala Round Up Of Latest Events
Fancy Dress
Treasure Hunt
Wheelie Bin Race
Pop Idol
Latheron Show
Thurso Gala Queen & Court - Photos 61 - 76
Thurso Gala - Photos Start With Fancy Dress
8 July 2005
Results are being posted to the
Caithness Scottish Open Rifle Meeting
web site
National Small-Bore Rifle Championships 2005 Hailed
Great Success In Caithness
All
week the competitors have been taking part in one of the most prestigious
shooting competitions in the UK at Thurdistoft near Castletown. The
lovely weather conditions added to the shooting range that had been worked
on for months by local club members.
Results are being posted to the
Caithness Scottish Open Rifle Meeting
web site
Susan Jackson Triumphs in NRSA Earl Haig Memorial
Final
Susan
Jackson of the Watsonians Club took several titles and trophies. she
beat off the competition with total score of 586. Second was J R
Brown with 582. Susan Jackson hopes to represent Scotland at the
next Commonwealth Games.
Lord Lieutenant Ann Dunnet Presented the Prizes At
NSRA Competitions At Thurdistoft
It was announced at the end of the competition today that the NSRA
Committee were so impressed with the facilities and organisation laid on
by the Caithness clubs for the national competition this year that they
are seriously considering recommending that it comes again in 2006.
Local Caithness shooters came away with several pieces of silverware from
the competitions. Main sponsors were Old Pulteney distillery in wick
and they must have been especially pleased with the whole set up from such
a superb weeks competion.
South School Football Team Hat Trick Of Trophies
This
years South School football team seem to reflect the growing confidence of
the whole area and took a third trophy this year - The Danny Cormack
Memorial Trophy. The score was 1 - 0 against Pulteneytown Academy.
The team swept all before them this year winning three cups and becoming
the primary schools county champions. This is a remarkable
achievement not seen for over 10 years. The school is located in the
Pulteneytown area of Wick and if their football success is a marker then
it seems Pulteneytown is on its way up again. Well done to the South
School team.
Thurso In Bloom Latest
Thurso
in Bloom page is now updated with reports of there fund raising activities
and coming events. If anyone would like to help with any of the
activities just get in touch with the group. Apart from their work
in Thurso itself the group members take part in various clean ups in the area.
A display of photographs, scrapbooks and other information by
Thurso In Bloom is on at Thurso Library right now.
7 July 2005
London Links & News Headlines
Wick Pipe Band Week In Full Swing
Music
for young and old in Wick Pipe Band Week as the parades, ceilidhs and
Scottish music keeps on coming.
Still more events on Friday and Saturday with the Scottish show on Friday
night at the Pipe Band Hall and the Fancy Dress parade on Saturday night.
Wick Pipe Band Web site
Wick Gala
Programme Out Now
A very full programme this year with lots of events and shows including
Zenwig Puppets, Mr Boom, competitions and much more for children.
Wick Players are putting on three one act plays and tickets at newsagents
locally soon so remember to get them early.
Lybster Gala Teen Sports
Still Plenty Of Competitions Left At Lybster Golf
Club For 2005
If you need some extra golf why not join Lybster Golf Club and take part
in the competitions.
4 July 2005
Flying In To Inverness
A
little of what you might see if you decide to fly north via Inverness on
your way to Caithness. Inverness airport has recently been
modernised and Wick has only just been upgraded (photos soon).
New Air Traffic Control Tower For Edinburgh
Bill
was down in Edinburgh at the start of the week and although he did not
have time to take many photos there he could not resist this one of the
new air traffic control tower at the airport. Thought not to many of
you will have seen it yet. It is not yet operational but
perhaps shows the way things are changing in the capital.
Minke Whales Spotted In Thurso Bay Today
Karen
Munro sptted some Minkie whales in Thurso Bay, near Murkle point again
today at 1615hrs. Also saw some off Dounreay at lunch time, and they have
been in Thurso bay every calm night for the last week and a half.
Lybster Gala Quiz Night
Lybster Gala Sports - Any Future Olympic Stars In
The Making?
Congratulations to London On Olympics 2012 Award
Silver Darlings Day At Lybster Looks Set To Grow In
Future Years
A
low key start to a new annual day at Lybster looks set to grow. A
combination of local skills and Waterlines centre, music, story telling
and stalls made for a relaxing afternoon at the harbour. Locally
caught crabs were on sale in front of the smokehouse while relaxing music
could be heard as folk looked at the stalls or ate a snack from the cafe.
Pulteneytown Fun Day and Football Tournament -
Sunday 10 July 1.00pm South School
Pulteneytown Peoples Project is to hold its annual Fun Day and Football
Tournament on Sunday 10th July at 1.00pm. Activities will include � a
barbecue, entertainment, trampoline, raffle, bottle stall and team games.
David Dunnett chairperson explained that we want to make it a real family
day out for people in the community. The project works with so many
different age groups and we have tried our best to make sure there is
something there that will suit everyone. The team games have been a great
success over the last few years with all the family joining in. There will
also be a barbecue which will include local burgers, steak rolls and hot
dogs. Football teams are to register at 12.30pm for the tournament. Teams
of 7 can either come along ready made or individual people can come along
and make up a team.
From
Mary Legg - Highland Ranger - Whales Being spotted On The North Coast
I've just had a phone call from Paul Castle, North Sutherland
Ranger, telling us about the excellent views of cetaceans along the
north coast at the moment. The waters in Melvich Bay right along
to Strathy point have been busy with whales and dolphins for the last
couple of weeks and the calm conditions today are making viewing really
easy. Paul spotted several Minke whales and dolphins on his way across
to work today. We wouldn't want folk to drive by and miss such a good
opportunity to spot.
3 July 2005
Art Competition For Local Artists
LS Lowry painted scenes of Wick in the 1930's, now the Highland Council
would like local artists to do the same in 2005, using the famous
artist's paintings as inspiration.
easyJet Launches New Route from Inverness to Belfast
easyJet, the UK's largest low cost airline launches flights from
Inverness to Belfast. Single fares start from �12.99 with return fares
available from �30.98. The service operates with one return flight a day
seven days a week.
Young Thurso air team fly through
Youth Challenge
Four young air cadets from Thurso have beaten
over 60 teams from around the Highlands to come second in this year's ICT
Youth Challenge. Keith Whitelaw, Ross Ventres, Jamie
Munro and Brian Robertson from the 1769 Squadron Air Cadets, also known as
Team Typhoon, stunned the judges with their presentation at the end of the
gruelling five day 'HotHouse' final.
Taste Of Tartan Ceildh
Season In Caithness
A Taste of Tartan are putting on a series of
Ceilidhs during July and August in the Royal
British Legion Hall, Thurso. Music will be
provided by the Addie Harper Scottish Dance
Band, with entertainment by local artistes.
The Ceilidhs will start at 8.00pm. Admission
will be �3.00 (pay at the door), with
reductions for children. The first of these
Ceilidhs will be held on this coming
Friday, 8th July. The dates for the
other Ceilidhs can be seen on the What's On
calendar. Do go along and support your local
talent.
NEW MEMBERS APPOINTED
TO WICK HARBOUR AUTHORITY
Six new members have been appointed to serve
on the board of Wick Harbour Authority. All
have a special knowledge and business
background to take forward the future
running of the harbour. The New wick
Harbour Authority took over from the Wick
Harbour Trust on 1 July.
All Go for Greenland
Three sea kayakers from the Thurso based
Pentland Canoe Club will depart next week on
the most ambitious trip in the Club's 21
year history. Shona Comrie of Portskerra;
Simon Copsey and Ken Nicol, both of Halkirk,
are to undertake a three week sea kayaking
expedition to Greenland. Initially they will
spend three days travelling to Narsarsuaq in
Southern Greenland and from here transfer by
helicopter to Nanortalik where they will
collect their sea kayaks and food, which are
being shipped out in advance.
Drystone Walling
Course - Correction course is 9 - 10
July
Castletown Heritage Society are running a
drystone walling course on Saturday / Sunday
9- 10th July 2005. The course is
being taken by a Master Craftsman Dyker who
will give instruction on the basics of
drystone walling and then over see as the
trainees build their own bits of wall. The
trainees can come for 1 day or 2 and tea and
lunch is provided. The cost will be �10 a
day to help cover the costs. If anyone is
interested please get in contact with Muriel
Murray 01847 821 204 to book a place and get
further information. Basic safety equipment
will be required like leather gloves and
stout (preferably steel toed footwear).
Basic tools like a stone hammer or a small
lump hammer will also be required.
Lybster Gala Pics 49 -
60
Last Lybster Gala Pics
Lybster Gala Pics 25 -
36
Lybster Gala Pics 37 -
48
Earlier Galas - Shows
- Highland Games Photos in the Galas Section
If you are looking for earlier years photos
of the galas, county show or Highland games
just look in here. the latest ones are also
all linked from this page.
Lybster Gala Pics 13 -
24
Lybster Gala Pics 1 -
12
Can Anyone Help With
Stroma Harbour Information For Yachtsman
Intending To Sail From The Mediterranean
to the north of Scotland. He would
like to know - "What is the depth in the
Stroma harbour, and what is the best time to
get there for the tides? If you know
the answer send to
[email protected]
for onward transmission to the yacht.
thanks
Castletown Gala Last
Photos
Castletown Gala Pics
85 - 96
Castletown Gala Pics
73 - 84
Castletown Gala Pics
61 - 72
Castletown Gala Pics
49 - 60
Castletown Gala Pics
37 - 48
2 July 2005
More Castletown Gala
Next Batch Of
Castletown Gala Photos
Castletown Gala First
Pictures In
Canisbay Show
New Owner Opens
Harbour Lights In Wick For Good Food Once
Again
What's On Entries Now
Currently Over 420 - Is Your Event In Yet - It's
FREE
A couple of days ago we asked all of you out
there to get your Caithness events on the
web site and the response has been
fantastic. They have poured in taking
the total entries from today to over 420.
Each day the out of date entries
automatically drop off the calendar so that
means over 120 items have been added in the
past couple of days. If you are
holding an event - coffee morning, dance,
entertainment, sale, car boot sale, charity
event, club night, diisco, band or arts
event - in fact anything you want the public
to attend then get it in the biggest FREE
What's On Calendar of events in Caithness.
July Front Page
Archive
June Front Page
Archive
1 July 2005
Records Broken Almost
Daily As Numbers Reach New Levels In June
Hits 12,883,245 Visitors 374,796
Daily Average Hits 429,439 Visitors
12,491
Caithness.org seems to continue to
ripple out across the globe as more visitors
from more countries clicking on regularly.
Page views once again increased massively to
reach 5,835,644. At this rate
the web site may pass 4 million visitors for
2005. This is extraordinary growth as
we only passed the one million per annum in
2004. Once again thanks to all our
visitors and contributors for your
information and growing numbers of photos
Bookstart from Wick
Library - Part Of A Huge Reading Programme
In Highland
Since
the launch of Bookstart at Wick Library in
February of this year it has been a hive of
activity. We have been under attack from
pirates of Wick Norlin Playgroup, children
from Thrumster Nursery joined us to make
finger puppets, Light Beams from Lybster
danced in costumes around the library, wormy
caterpillars and butterflies were coloured
in by Watten Nursery, while Blackstairs
Playgroup had a taster session of
crocodiles. Wick Library staff have been
doing animated story telling, action rhymes,
arts and crafts and have captured some of
the happy memories of the nurseries and
playgroups having a wonderful time for all
to see.
Castletown Nursery At
The Dounreay Visitor Centre
The
children were given the opportunity to meet
the Civil Nuclear Constabulary's police dog,
Ellie and sit in the police vehicle. The
children are pictured here with their
parents and staff from the nursery school
Pultneytown Academy,
Wick - End Of Term Newsletters
MSP Jamie McGrigor
warns of �dangerous precedent�
A
Conservative MSP has said the future of
crofting in Scotland is at risk following a
decision by the Crofters Commission.
MSP Jamie McGrigor said he is deeply
concerned over the decision to allow a
Taynuilt croft to be de-crofted for luxury
homes and warned it could be just the first
of many across the Highlands and Islands.
Light Factory - Thurso - 8 - 12
August
Light Factory Holiday Club presents
"Landlubbers" - what happens when pirates
don't want to be pirates any more? Fun for
any children who were at primary school this
year.
Have You Got Some Free
Time? - Can You Help Out A local Group With
Administration?
Catherine Patterson over at the
Caithness branch of Volunteering Highland is
trying to get assistance for various
projects and currently is looking for admin
assistance for the new Women's Aid Centre at
Green Road, Wick. If you can help this
or other voluntary groups in Caithness get
in touch with Catherine. Catherine is
also looking for some volunteers to assist
Marina Swanson the Highland Ranger with some
weed control at Newton Woodland on 7 July.
More details contacts
etc
Caithness
Archaeological Trust - Summer Day Conference
A chance to find out what is happening with
Archaeology in Caithness. Over the
coming weeks there is a huge amount of
activity that members of the public can go
and see or for the enthusiastic join in with
a dig. Check the
July What's On
for
archaeological activities in Caithness
throughout July at Battlemoss, Spittal
Chambered Cairn Project and the Broch
Project. Caithness Archaeological
Trust is gearing up this summer to bring in
more experts than ever to finally get at
some of the treasures lingering all around
in Caithness. Following two or three
years of activity they are stepping up the
pace with three major projects in July.
Books and leaflets are to follow in future
years. Caithness Archaeological Trust
(CAT) aims to put more and more of
archaeology in to the public domain.
check out all the projects this year and see
what more is to come.
TURTLE ROADSHOW URGES
SCOTTISH SEA-USERS TO LOOK OUT FOR
LEATHERBACKS
On
Tuesday 12th July the
Marine Conservation
Society (MCS) will launch the
Caithness leg of the Scottish Turtle
Roadshow, currently touring key fishing
harbours around the entire coast of Scotland
and the islands to urge fishermen and other
sea-users to report their encounters with
critically endangered leatherback turtles2
in Scottish waters.Tuesday, 12th July
- Lybster,
Portland Arms Hotel,
7.30pm Wednesday, 13th July - Wick,
Nethercliffe Hotel,
7.30pm, Thursday, 14th July -
Scrabster,
Weigh Inn,
7.30pm