Hogmanay Webcam From Market Square, Wick HERE - Street Party Starts At 10.30pm
Web cam hopefully will be here but due to lack of broadband connection it
will be on a still picture refresh every 30 seconds or so. Webcam up thanks
to Paul Broadwidth and Doug Mackay.
Activity At Derelict Dominoes In High Street, Wick
Many
Wickers are asking is something finally going to happen to the derelict site
in High Street that was once the cinema and more recently a until a few
years ago Dominoes nightclub that was burnt down in a fire. Planning
permission was applied for in 2006 by Big Beat Leisure to create nightclub
and restaurant. Scaffolding was erected a few days ago and the front
of the building and wooden hoarding all painted blue. The scaffolding
came down today. But the big questions remains. Will anything
happen this time to this eyesore on the High Street? After previous
planning applications came to nothing everyone is hoping the site will
finally be cleared up.
A Smoke Free NHS Highland
From 1 January 2008
No More Smoking At Hospital Doorways Or On Hospital Grounds For Staff and
Patients
As from 1 January 2008 all of NHS Highland�s premises and grounds will
become smoke free in line with NHS Highland�s Tobacco Policy. The Board is
urging staff, patients and visitors to comply with the policy to ensure its
success. Susan Birse, Acting Tobacco Coordinator for NHS Highland, explains:
�We hope this policy will improve the health of staff, patients and visitors
by protecting them from harmful exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.
Smoking is one of the biggest causes of disease and early death in Scotland.
Research has shown that 70% of smokers want to quit and we think it will be
easier for them to succeed when they have fewer opportunities to light-up.
However beating an addiction to tobacco isn�t easy and our smoke-free policy
goes hand in hand with support for people to stop.�
Police Step Up
Drink Driving Campaign Over Holiday Period
BOOK
A TAXI
The Force will continue to carry out intelligence-led patrols and will
be out in numbers across the Festive period and beyond to detect drink
drivers, as well as those taking part in the equally dangerous practice
of drug driving."
THOUSANDS SET TO JOIN IN HIGHLAND STREET PARTIES - Press and
Journal
Wick Street Party kicks off at 10.30pm and Thurso at 9.30pm
Are You Ready For Angling Season In Caithness
At present it is only sea fishing that is available but it's not long to
wait now for the new Salmon Season to start, January 11th sees Rivers
Thurso, Naver, Helmsdale and Halladale open. The Wick opens on the 11th
Feb and the brown trout season starts on the 15th March. Maybe time to
get the equipment sorted out or replaced. How about a new rod from
Hugo Ross in Wick.
Chip The Cocker Spaniel At Peedie Sands Yesterday
At
least we know the dogs in Caithness are enjoying the beaches. Here
we see Chip the Cocker Spaniel out yesterday for a game of footie at
Peedie Sands.
Latest Police Items -
Can You Help With Information On Any Of These?
Disturbance - Churchill Road, Castletown
Disturbance - Taj Mahal Restaurant, Castletown
Vandalism Glamis Road, Wick
Lorry Hit Car In Freswick Area
Damage To Car - Homeaid, Princes Street, Thurso
Vandalism Murchison Street, Wick
Vandalsim In Macrae Street, Wick
Copper Theft - Coronation Street, Wick
Intruder - Cairndhuna Terrace, Wick
Hierarchy are finally taking the game to Scotland�s youngsters -
The Herald
Wick and Thurso get a mention is in this story about rugby development
(near the end)
Now, a driveway that spins 180 degrees to solve reversing problems -
Web India
The power of the web to spin a story
round the globe mentioning Caithness flagstone exemplified in this item
from Web India that looks like it was taken from the Scotsman.
Anyone want a revolving parking space for the car?
30 December 2007
Pets and More Pets
Taloula
Phoebe
Phoebe and Saffi
Street Parties In Thurso And Wick To Bring In 2008
Both ends of Caithness are gearing up for big street parties with pipe
bands, groups, singers and all the usual hogmanay festive fare.
Want
To Get Fit and Feel Better In 2008 - Try Yoga
Anyone can do it and Shona Frisken is qualified to show you how.
She has entered the first of her 2008 classes starting in the new year.
Gentle exercise can help you feel better, lose inches and even weight so
why not give it a go by joining the classes. This could be one of
your better new years resolutions.....
Not in Caithness then try
Yoga Finder
Shona Frisken is still listed as in Edinburgh but she really is here in
Caithness.
Can Wind Power Find Its Footing in the Deep?
This item was
found on the
Save Nantucket Sound web site and helps show that there
will be arguments for and against placing turbines in the sea. As the
number of turbines increases in the Moray Firth at the Beatrice site
will there be similar objections here?
The Inca
Trail - Isobel Mackay - Raising Funds For Diabetes UK
Isobel
Mackay recently returned from her trip to trek the Inca Trail raising
funds for Diabetes UK. Here is her report of her fantastic trip -
Before giving an overview of the Inca Trail, I want to highlight that
this trip was the most challenging event of my life, both physically and
emotionally. I met the best group of ladies ever, as well as the best
organizers and guide � not forgetting our wonderful porters! We were all
a team working 100% together! Returning home, I realized that life is
for living, loving and enjoying! Standing looking down on to the Lost
City was one of the most rewarding, emotional times in my life.
Make a
Donation HERE
29 December 2007
Fatal Car Crash - Update
About 1515 hours on Friday 28th December 2007 on the A9 at Coulnagower,
by Culbokie, a four vehicle fatal road crash occurred. The crash
involved three motor cars and a gas lorry, as a result of which a 36
year old car driver, namely Melainey Rose, from Inverness sustained
fatal injuries. Her passenger and mother, 62 year old Catherine Rose,
from Brora, was conveyed to Raigmore Hospital, Inverness where she is
receiving treatment for her injuries and is described as being
"critical". Three other persons were released from Raigmore Hospital
shortly after the crash with minor injuries.
Pets Keep Coming
Zain and Jazz
James and Jerry Gerbils
Breck Enjoys Christmas
Nika - Siberian Huskie
Coco
Stella
Pets Corner
Main Index
Max And Sophie In Caithness For A Wee Holiday
Max has been to Caithness several times to stay at the home of
Caithness.org. His previous companion Harley died a while back to
be replaced by another stray rescued cat the kitten Sophie who is now
thriving. This is her first trip to Caithness but will no doubt be back
with Max in years to come.
28 December 2007
Sell
Almost Anything In The Caithness.org Classified Ads Section Free
All types of Vehicles can be sold FREE of charge and you can include a
photo if you place it on a photo web site and draw it back into your ad
all at no charge. Ads can remain for up to two months and then if
the item is still not sold it can be put back to try again still FREE of
charge. Our
Property ads are also still FREE.
Serious Road
Traffic Collision - A9 Cromarty Bridge - 4.30pm
Northern Constabulary are currently in attendance at a serious
three-vehicle road traffic collision on the A9 at Cromarty Bridge. The
collision involved two cars and one lorry and a total of five people
have been involved in the incident. Sadly one person has been fatally
injured as a result of this collision, and the further four have been
taken to Raigmore Hospital for treatment for injuries with only one
thought to be serious at this point.
The road is closed in both directions and there are diversions in place,
however members of the public are asked to allow extra time for their
journey. It is expected that the road will remain closed for a
considerable period of time.
The collision happened approximately 1515 hours today and Northern
Constabulary are appealing to anyone who was in the area and witnessed
the collision to contact Police in Inverness on 01463 715555 or
Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
APOLOGY AS FAR NORTH MSP MISSES OUT ON HOLYROOD DEBATE - Press &
Journal
Have they not been reading the blog
J Arthur
McNumpty and the Christmas Whip article on 23 December to know
that folk are watching attendances at the Scottish Parliament with the
Lib Dems coming out worst.
Latest Pets
27 December 2007
Dounreay Apprentices Donations To Good Causes
The
Dounreay apprentices� annual sponsored walk from the site to Thurso has
this year raised �1,500 for local charities and clubs. This year, the
Lachie Macmillan Memorial Fund, the Caithness branch of the Riding for
the Disabled Association (RDA), and the Caithness Karate Club have all
benefited from the apprentices� charitable fund raising. The Lachie
Macmillan Memorial Fund has been raising money to buy a Transport
Monitor for the ICU at Raigmore Hospital. The donation to the RDA will
go towards paying for the hire and upkeep of the ponies, while the
Karate Club will put the money towards instructor courses and
assessments.
Wick Girls Group Gain Awards
Wick Girls Group received a double accolade in the recent Achievement
Awards that were organised by the Community Learning Strategy and
Development Partnership. Mhariann Plowman, received the Tutor Achievement
Award and the 12 members of the group received the Learner Achievement
Award. The awards were presented by Councillor Bill Fernie, currently the
Chairperson of Education, Culture and Sport, with Helen Allan, Area
Community Learning and Leisure Officer in attendance. Nominations of
tutors and learners came from all parts of the region for the Celebration
of Achievement Awards, with Mhariann�s nomination and the Wick Girls Group
nomination coming from Koreen MacDougall, youth development officer with
The Highland Council. The 12 members of Wick Girls Group
received the Learner Achievement Award for their contribution to Caithness
Arts Festival, participating in the Theatre Modo street parade.
26 December 2007
A Few Useful Web Sites Bill Has Perused Recently
Learning and
Teaching Scotland
Mr Golding's Music
Lessons Free Music Theory and Brass Lessons
Voucher Codes
More Badbea History
John
Gunn - Died 1876 - From Lynn Craig - Nov 2007
We
have a copy of the obituary of John Gunn who died 1876, and its says he
was evicted from Auchencraig. I am sending you a copy of my
transcription from the paper which I thought might be of interest to
you, if you know anything about Marion we would be pleased, especially
as we think she had a daughter in 1839 and yet the inscription says she
died in 1837 - the daughter is shown in the 1841 census, also named
Marion:
Badbea Index
More Pets
In Pets Corner
Melvich To Sandside - A Waybaggers Walk In July
July
saw us taking a walk from Melvich to Sandside. The sky was a brilliant
blue and the sun shone all day. Further inland grey clouds hung around
but the north westerly wind kept the coast clear. This is a fantastic
piece of coastline with many geos, sea stacks and high cliffs. There
were plenty of adult puffins, kittiwakes and fulmars to be seen but
there did not seem to be a lot of juvenile birds. Everyone enjoyed their
day out and some even had a touch of sunburn! Not bad for this summer.
25 December 2007
Merry Christmas From Caithness.org
Christmas Messages On Caithness.org Forum
CVS small grants scheme is open again for applications from the
voluntary sector
This is a partnership initiative with Caithness Voluntary Group,
Voluntary groups East Sutherland and CVS North which have
secured funding from HIE Caithness and Sutherland. Funding is
available for formally constituted groups. Assistance given is
discretionary and will not be more than 50% of eligible costs.
Many other new funding sources added today
DECOMMISSIONING OPERATIVES RECEIVE CERTIFICATES FROM SAFETY
DIRECTOR
During his last visit to site Laurence Williams, Health & Safety
Director, NDA presented certificates to the latest candidates who have
completed their SVQ Level 2 in Nuclear Technology Decommissioning
following 9 months of extensive training and assessment verification in
D1204. The candidates are required to demonstrate their competence by
completing a series of core units which are independently and nationally
verified to maintain the required standard. Over 20 candidates have
successfully completed their SVQ Level 2.
24 December 2007
More Old School Photos
Wick High
3b 1948 - 49
Wick High 1b 1946 - 47
School Days Index
Latest Pets In
Pets Corner
Tiger Moths - Belatedly Added To the Bees Bugs and Butterflies of
2007
Over
the next few days Bill will attempt to catch up on his huge backlog of
emails with photos in various categories sent in over the past months.
Here is a nice one of moths at Dunbeath Beach.
IF DRINK DRIVING IS
SOMETHING PEOPLE THINK THEY WILL GET AWAY WITH
POLICE REMIND THEM TO THINK AGAIN
POLICE are warning those who believe they will get away with drink or
drug driving to think again as week two the Festive Road Safety campaign
ends. Northern Constabulary officers detected 18 drink drivers during
week two of the campaign, which shows that some drivers are still
willing to risk their own and the lives of other road users.Northern
Constabulary launched its annual Festive Road Safety Campaign on Friday
7 December and asked people to think about how much they could lose by
drinking and driving.
Councils Warns Employees To Beware Of Bogus Phone Calls After Bank Details
The Highland Council has issued a message to its staff advising them not
to give out personal Bank details over the phone. This warning has arisen
due to the Council's Finance Service being alerted by employees who said
that they had been contacted by telephone from individuals claiming to be
from the Council's Payroll and Pensions office asking for personal Bank
details to enable outstanding payments to be made.
Looking Over Plockton
Bill Fernie recently visited Plockton on the west coast of Ross-shire to see the
National Centre of Excellence in Traditional Music and their Christmas
concert. These are a few photos from early the next morning.
Plockton
Traditional Music School
More
Highland Views
23 December 2007
J Arthur
MacNumpty Blog Lashes The Christmas Whip At MSP's Who Were Missing
Jamie Stone (LibDem, Caithness, Sutherland & Easter Ross) and John
Farquhar Munro were joint fourth, having missed 19 votes each. SNP Despite
Constance being on maternity leave, the SNP have the best attendance
record of any political ...
Christmas Gift Appeal Donation From Dounreay
Caithness FM's Annual Christmas Gift Appeal received a major donation from
Dounreay. Two thousand pounds worth of toys were donated from UKAEA, AMEC,
CH2MHill and Dounreay Employees Charity Fund with all toys being donated
by local toy shop ALACAM. All gifts received through this appeal are
distributed to children and teenagers in the county. Representatives from
each company presented the toys to Caithness FM.
New Tracksuits for Wick Amateur Swimming Club
Wick
Amateur Swimming Club's swimmers and coaches are now kitted out in new
tracksuits following a donation from Dounreay Communities Fund. The
suggestion of club tracksuits came form the swimmers, to wear to training
sessions and competitions south. Giving them a sense of pride and
belonging to the club. The tracksuits were presented to the swimmers
before a training session by Carol Gunn, HIE Caithness and Sutherland.
Boost for Lieurary Hall Committee's Fundraising
Lieurary Hall Committee's funding for the renovation of their hall was
given a boost recently with the donation of �350 from Dounreay Communities
Fund. The Hall Committee run various events throughout the year that bring
the young and elderly people in the district together. As all money raised
during fundraising activities helps towards the running costs of the hall,
additional funds has had to be raised for the essential maintenance
required. Much of the work has been done by the hall committee members or
volunteers from the local community, free of charge. Marie Mackay,
Dounreay Communities Fund presented the cheque to some of the committee
members during their recent Lieurary Ball.
Christmas Parties In Caithness
We
have just been told the Milton photo is 2005.
Local Food Apprenticeships � part-time or full-time
Highlands and Islands Local Food Network is a group of 200 farms and
crofts, that work together to grow and sell fresh food direct to the
public. The network is looking to recruit more farmers, crofters and
gardeners who would like to become growers of vegetables and fruit for
sale in the Highlands and Islands.
Salvation Army In Wick Says Thanks for �1000
Captain Andrew Clark of the Salvation Army in Wick has thanked locals on
his blog for their contributions towards gifts for residents of old folks
homes and Caithness General.
Could Bog Myrtle Be A New Cash Crop In The North?
Plans for one of the UK's biggest cosmetic makers to turn bog myrtle
into an income-earning crop have moved a step closer with approved funding
of �201,000 from Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). Boots Company PLC
has developed products using the essential oil extracted from bog myrtle,
a native plant of the Highlands and Islands. Researchers at the chemists
have discovered that bog myrtle oil has properties that slow down the skin
ageing process and is effective in combating acne. Trial products have
been well received by consumers and Boots is keen to build on this to
increase production. However, the essential oil used to date has been
extracted from bog myrtle harvested from wild plants, and to achieve the
increased production it is necessary to cultivate a significant quantity
of the plant.
Fly Tipping Can Be
Reported Online To Dumb Dumpers
Fly tipping costs Local authorities millions of pounds each year to deal
with. Now you can report fly tipping online. The site Dumb Dumpers
also gives details of how to contact councils to get details of where to
dump legally. The web site is run by the Scottish Fly Tipping Forum.
The Forum is hosted and chaired by Keep Scotland Beautiful.
The Papers
Police chief �considers� new inquiry into harbour death - The
Herald
Mixed reaction to council financial settlement - John O'Groat
Journal
Caithness record price - Farmers Weekly
Plans moving forward for �3.5m Halkirk sports complex - John
O'Groat Journal
Nuclear waste could power Britain - The Observer
UK Nuclear Authority Invites Final Sellafield Contract Bids - CNN
Money
21 December 2007
Thurso Players Pantomime - Jack And The Beanstalk
Wick High School Prom
For many more photos of the Wick High School Prom
Click HERE
NDA CHIEF ENGINEER AND NUCLEAR SAFETY DIRECTOR
WATCHES LANDMARK DEMOLITION
Outgoing Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) Chief Engineer and
Nuclear Safety Director Laurence Williams was at Dounreay recently in time
to see the shell of the old fuel fabrication plant come crashing down. The
plant, code-named D1202, was the first of the "atomic factories" built at
Dounreay in the 1950s to become operational. For the next 47 years, it
used enriched uranium extracted from processing work to manufacture fuel
elements for reactors in the UK and abroad. It finally shut down in 2003.
Vets Now warns of the dangers of potentially harmful
goodies at Christmas
Vet's Now, the UK's leading Out Of Hours emergency vets, is urging
owners to be aware of the potential dangers of many seemingly harmless
goodies this Christmas. We all enjoy treats over Christmas and while it's
tempting to invite your pet to share in treats and left-over tit bits,
it's important to be mindful of the potentially fatal effects of items
such as chocolate, raisins and many indoor plants. Plants such as
Poinsettias and Amaryllis are almost as common place in households at
Christmas as tinsel and presents; however, ingestion of even a small part
of these plants by dogs can cause mouth and stomach irritation. Another
poisonous plant to be wary of is mistletoe, the berries in particular,
which are extremely toxic if ingested by dogs.
20 December 2007
Caithness Goes All Out To Help Ugandan Orphans After Latest
Watoto Visit
Caithness people have made an amazing response to the Watoto African Children's Choir. The
people of Caithness have responded in a most generous manner to the
needs of Ugandan orphans as the result of the visit of the Watoto
Children's choir. The 500 people who attended the final concert in
Pulteneytown Parish Church donated an amazing �4,700 and several people
agreed to sponsor one of the orphan children that Watoto care for in
Uganda. The organisation currently care for 1,700 children who have lost
one or both parents. Young and old alike were deeply moved at a series
of gatherings in schools and churches as the young people recounted how
they had been left without parents and without hope until they were
taken to one of the villages that Watoto run. During their four days of
concerts �7,200 was donated and over �4000 worth of African souvenirs
were sold - Bill Wallace.
17 December 2007
Merry Christmas Virus Hoax
Read and do not pass on any warnings you may receive on this one.
Best Caithness Critter Of 2007
At
the last Caithness Critters event of the year, Thomas Simpson, aged 10
from Mey received the annual prize for Best Attendance. Organised by
Countryside Ranger with The Highland Council's Planning and Development
Service, Caithness Critters is a local children's nature group aimed
specifically at children aged 8 to 14 with an interest in wildlife and
the environment. The group meets on a regular basis and aims to
encourage greater appreciation for the environment and wildlife by
raising awareness at an early age. At the event held in the
Seadrift
Centre at Dunnet, the children learned about garden birds and feeding
tips before they made their own bird table While presenting Thomas with
prizes of bird identification, sticker book and certificate of
achievement, Marina Swanson, East Caithness Ranger and watch group
leader said: Thomas has done very well and is very enthusiastic about
taking part in all our events. His bird table turned out brilliantly
especially with the beautiful designs of blue tit and robin.
Anyone interested in joining the club can contact Marina Swanson at The
Highland Council Countryside Rangers on 01955 607758 or e-mail
[email protected]
Caithness Critters
Old
Thirsa Piccies Forum Still Growing
The thread on our forum where many old photos of Thurso are to be found
is still growing and has now had over 600 replies and over 39,500 views.
If you have any old Thurso photos then either place them on a photo web
site and draw them into a post in this forum or email them to
[email protected] for the early
Caithness photos section. This section is turning into a huge
source of not only photos but old adverts, and other information about
people and places around the town.
Early Postcards Of Reay
Reay features in the latest additions to the Early Caithness postcards
collection sent in by Peter Strathearn.
Main Early
Postcards Index
Seasonal Holidays Are Coming - Have You Got All Your Medications?
Check Pharmacy Opening Times
Orkney Communities Launch Polish Web Site
The team building a special website for migrant workers in Orkney didn't
have far to look when they needed someone with the skills to translate
the text into Polish. Ready and willing to lend a hand was Malgorzata
Walter, who works as the office cleaner at Voluntary Action Orkney.
Thanks to Malgorzata's help, the online information pack has just gone
live as part of
orkneycommunities.co.uk With funding through HIE Orkney from the
European Leader+ programme - and from Orkney's Community Learning and
Development Partnership - the aim is to provide workers from Poland with
a warm welcome to the islands. And having translated much of the text
into her native language, Malgorzata is in no doubt that the new web
pages contain invaluable information for people from Poland taking on
jobs in Orkney.
Witamy Na Orkney
TAIN TRIO WIN NORTH ALLIANCE CHRISTMAS TEAM EVENT AS FROST GRIPS BRORA
A trio of Tain members overcame a frost-hit Brora course to win the North
Alliance Christmas team event. Brothers Billy and Munro Ferries with Ali
Melville were the only group in the field of 21 teams to get below 50,
their card of 49 winning by one from two Caithness teams.
Regeneration Plans Set Out With
Determination To Succeed
ACTION PLAN SETS OUT 50-POINT PLAN FOR
NORTH HIGHLANDS
A three year 50-point action plan for regenerating the Caithness and North
Sutherland economy has been agreed by key stakeholders. The plan has been
developed from the regeneration strategy which went out for consultation a
year ago, and input from the Caithness Conference in September. As a
result the four main aims of the strategy have been developed into a more
detailed set of actions, tailor-made for the region�s particular
challenges. The 50 actions are divided into five main categories:
Investing in infrastructure and services; developing business and industry
assets; developing people; developing Dounreay assets and developing new
opportunities through inward investment. Each specific project, such as
the creation of a new Centre for Energy and Environment; is briefly
described and provided with information on its proposed key partners;
estimated costs where known and key milestone dates in the project�s
development. The actions cover a comprehensive range of topics from
developing an employment brokerage service to lobbying for public sector
jobs dispersal.
Action Plan (Pdf)
Marketing Plan (Pdf)
NORTH DRINK DRIVER�S DISREGARD FOR CONSEQUENCES AS
WEEK ONE OF FESTIVE ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGN ENDS
A SUTHERLAND driver was caught drink driving twice in the space of two
days underlining Northern Constabulary�s promise to crackdown on
offenders. Police caught the 58-year-old man on two separate occasions.
On the first occasion he was found to be more than twice the legal limit
and on the second over four times. Northern Constabulary launched its
annual Festive Road Safety Campaign on Friday 7 December and asked
people to think about how much they could lose by drinking and driving.
The Force are carrying out intelligence-led patrols and are out in
numbers across the Festive period to detect drink drivers, as well as
those taking part in the equally dangerous practice of drug driving. A
recent Scottish Government statistic has revealed that you are more
likely to be caught drink driving in the Highlands and Islands than
anywhere else in Scotland. Per 10,000 of the population (in 2006/07) 32
people were detected drink driving in Highlands and Islands compared to
the national average of 23.
16 December 2007
Give A High Life Card
From Highland council and Keep The Whole Family Fit
Christmas
can last all year if you give someone or the whole family a Highlife Card
and get access to all of the council swimming pools and fitness centres.
Last Performance in Wick For Watoto Children's Choir
The Watoto Children's Choir from Uganda returned to Caithness this week.
These beautiful children are now orphans as a result of brutal dictators,
the scourge of civil war and the deadly AIDS epidemic, an estimated two
million children have been orphaned by these calamities. They are singing
to raise money for the orphanages in Uganda this week, your opportunity to
hear wonderful singing and at the same time raise money for this very
worthwhile and needy cause.
Last Performance 16.12.07 Pulteneytown Parish Church at 7pm.
First Aid
Course For Sports Groups
The Caithness Sports Council is organising a 2 day HSE First Aid Refresher
Course.
Date: Saturday 19 January & Sunday 20 January 2008.
Duke
Boys Joined By Halkirk Parish Church Sunday School - Merry Christmas
Song
The Christmas song has the Halkirk parish church Sunday school singing on
it, the more times they are played the higher up these charts they go.
Play the songs to the end to push them up the charts.
12 December 2007
UKAEA Begins Major Recruitment Drive For Engineers To Tackle
Decommissioning Work
Engineers from all disciplines, particularly Electrical and Mechanical
Engineers are being sought by UKAEA to assist in the major works of
decommissioning across the Dounreay site. Salaries in the range of
�25k - �44k are being offered to qualified people.
Mad Friday
Buses Are For Everyone On Friday 21st December
Local
firms are once again laying on buses for the Mad Friday revellers on
Friday 21st December when many workers hit the town for nights out in
restaurants and bars. The firms are emphasising that the buses are
for anyone to use as well as there own employees. So if you
are heading out in Thurso on Friday 21st make sure you take note of the
bus times. Buses will be going round Thurso and to Halkirk,
Castletown, Watten and Wick. Take a note now and maybe a note of
taxi numbers to have handy on one of the biggest nights out of the year in
Thurso. The message is leave the car and take a Mad Friday
special bus.
The buses are FREE and sponsored by local companies. DO NOT
DRINK AND DRIVE
Caithness Youth Forum Go MAD!
Caithness Youth Forum is a group of young people from across the area who
get together and help to influence the views of adults and make Caithness
a better place for young people to live. They have recently received
funding from Highland 2007 to set up an event which will help young people
celebrate in the year Scotland celebrates Highland culture. The forum have
decided to go MAD and host a Music, Arts and Dance event in Thurso Youth
Club on Sunday 16th December for all young people between the ages of 12
and 25. Local bands featuring at the event are Astronaut and Liquid Blue-
check out their CD! Camoch Jewellery will have a display of items for sale
as well as the Body Shop. There will be the chance to see detached youth
work street dancers and while you're at it, why not do some digital
artwork as well lead by Paul Smith- a local artist! There will be free food
which should be enough to attract you along but what more? The event
itself is totally free of charge! So why not come along on Sunday and
you'll hopefully have a great time! We look forward to seeing you there.
11 December 2007
The Latest Fuel Protest Is Getting Up Steam - Sign the Petitions If You
Support
At Downing Street This link will just take you to the page
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/reducefuelduty/
See the Fuel Protest site at
www.fuelprotest.com/ where there is another petition.
Ormlie Christmas Lights Switch On
Thursday 13 December 2007 at 6.30 pm outside the
Ormlie Centre, Henderson Street, Thurso. The event will begin with an
introduction from our Chairperson, Brian Leonard, followed by some
Christmas songs by the children from the Ormlie Pre-school centre. Santa
will be in attendance and will assist 2 young children from the pre-school
to switch on the lights. Following the switch-on there will be mulled wine
and Christmas pies in the Ormlie Centre, where the Christmas draw will be
held. There will also be an opportunity for residents to purchase a
celebratory 10th anniversary calendar, depicting the 10 years of the
regeneration project.
10 December 2007
THE ANNUAL FESTIVE DRINK AND DRUG DRIVING CAMPAIGN
This will run from Friday 7th December 2007 to Friday 4th January
2008.
These Campaigns will see a marked increase in the number of high
visibility pro-active patrols on the street at any given time. The Festive
Drink and Drug Driving Campaign will target suspected offenders and there
will be a marked increase in vehicle stop checks, not only at night time,
but also early in the morning to target those who are under the influence
from having indulged the previous night.
A crackdown on anti-social drinking is underway in Scotland with
higher fees coming for licensees and Kenny Macaskill, The
Justice Minister is setting about
tackling the bevvy culture Up until now the taxpayer
picked up most of the costs of licensing and the new regulations will
place the costs more firmly at the door of licencees to help cover the
actual costs including policing. New teams using teenager aged 16
will be going into licenced premises and retail outlets testing if alcohol
is sold to them. After two offences licensing boards may take away a
license to sell alcohol. See
Under Age Drinking Blitz To Begin In addition over the
next few weeks in Scotland
All drivers stopped by police face breath test. This is
for any reason and not just for drivers involved in accidents.
Question -
How Much Alcohol Can I drive before it is safe to drive? -
Best Advice - None. Wait 12 hours before driving after
drinking alcohol. Potential penalties if caught are getting more
severe and currently If you're found guilty of drink driving, you could
lose your license, get a �5000 fine, get up to six months in prison, and
have to pay hefty rates for your car insurance losing your no claim bonus
for several years. You may need to re-sit your driving test. If you
drive for work you may lose your job. But apart from drinking and
driving for your health's sake check
The Safe Drinking Calculator. Your liver will not give you
any pain for drinking too much but it may kill you or make your life very
difficult if it is damaged by alcohol. See
The Drinking Habit. Try a soft drink every second drink
if going out for night out or if out often a night with no alcohol at all.
Don't Drink If You Are Pregnant There is no cure for
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.
No level of drinking alcohol
has been proven safe during pregnancy.
No alcohol in Pregnancy Advised Police will also be
targeting drugs and driving.
See HERE for more on Drugs and Driving.
In 2007 in Scotland, 30 people were killed and there were 660 drink
driving related accidents involving 990 casualties.
Causing death while under the influence of drink or drugs can result in up
to 10 years in jail. Anyone for
lemonade and orange juice this year?
9 December 2007
More Early Caithness Postcards
Thanks to Peter Strathearn for sending in these latest postcards.
Main Early
Postcards Index
The Glory Of The Garden
The
Glory of the Garden was the title chosen by Evelyn Young from Dundee,
SAFAS Area Demonstrator and past Chairman of SAFAS, who revisited the
Caithness Floral Art Club this month (September 2007). Using a wide range of foliages,
flower colours and some fruit and mini vegetables Evelyn's arrangements
depicted a summer garden, a winter garden, a vegetable garden, a rose
garden and an autumn garden. Evelyn had searched the internet to find
sayings related to gardens which she shared with her audience during the
evening. A garden is a friend you can visit any time. If you want to be
happy for a lifetime plant a garden.
Domestic heating oil cripplingly expensive
Scottish Government must help pensioners and poorest
With world oil prices at their highest ever - and consequently with the
cost of domestic fuel soaring - North MSP Jamie Stone has tabled a motion
in the Scottish Parliament calling on the Scottish Government to take
urgent action to help pensioners and poorer families faced with huge oil
bills this winter. Speaking in Holyrood, Mr Stone said:- "The fact is that
I am now receiving many representations from people badly hit by these
crippling price increases. Winter is upon us - and the awful thing is that
the record price level is beyond the pockets of many people."
8 December 2007
Dunnet Switches On Christmas
4 December 2007
Dunnet Forest Log Sales Bag Crisis
- Can You Help Supply Bags?
Sale on Saturday 8th December 10.00am - 1.00pm
Dunnet Forest is run by volunteers through a local trust. They
sell logs to help pay for expenses. They are having a log day this
Saturday and are in crisis over bags. They had a supply of chicken feed
bags, but the people have now gone on to bulk deliveries. The log sales
are growing in popularity and the regulars are good at bringing bags back,
but they still need a steady supply. Anyone who can help can email
[email protected]
Dunnet Forestry
Trust
Tree Links
3 December 2007
Council warns
motorists to slow down near Caithness school.
Motorists are being warned that part time 20mph speed restrictions have
been introduced at another school in Caithness for children's safety. The
new speed limit came into force this week at Wick High School and
will operate when pupils are expected to be arriving or departing from the
school. Drivers travelling near Wick High should be aware that the 20mph
part time speed limit applies on school days from: 8.40am to 9.00am; 12.45
to 1.30pm; and 3.30am to 3.45pm.
Caithness
FM - Annual Toy Appeal
Caithness FM are once again running their annual toy appeal for local
children who are less fortunate than our own. New, unwrapped gifts can
be delivered to the CFM studio in Neil Gunn Drive in Thurso until 14th
December.
Free Hospital Resources For People With Parkinson�s In Scotland
The
Parkinson�s Disease Society (PDS) has launched a washbag full of tips
and advice to help the thousands of people with Parkinson�s in Scotland
who are admitted into hospital each year get their medication on time
during their hospital stay. When they don�t, their ability to manage
their symptoms may be lost, for example, they may suddenly not be able
to move, get out of bed or walk down a corridor.
The new materials form part of the PDS�s �Get it on time� campaign,
launched in 2006 to ensure that all people with Parkinson�s get their
medication on time every time in hospital. The charity�s free �Get it
on time� washbag contains: a detailed guide including useful tips on how
to prepare for a hospital stay, what to prepare and who to talk to, a
medication record, a card to put by their bed and tear off reminder
slips to alert staff to their Parkinson�s.
