CAITHNESS.ORG HEADLINES ARCHIVE ::  June 2007

Thurso Team Win Wilson Cup In A Golf Competition In Shetland - Shetland Times
A delighted Thurso team with the Wilson Cup. From left: Dougie Thorburn, Alan Swanson (captain), Jim Sangster and Brent Munro. DALE hosted the Wilson Cup at the weekend and welcomed seven visiting teams from Whalsay, Wick, Thurso, Reay, Lybster, Stromness and Kirkwall. Once more the greenkeeping staff had prepared the course excellently and this was obvious by the standard of golf played. On Friday evening the draw was made and group A had Stromness, Whalsay, Wick and Thurso while group B had Shetland, Kirkwall, Reay and Lybster. This meant that an all Shetland final was a distinct possibility, with them having home advantage. Saturday morning saw the first of the matches and Thurso got off to a flying start with a five up and one up victory over Stromness, while Whalsay narrowly lost out to Wick on the first play off hole................more

Busy Caithness Today With Events Across The County
Canisbay Show
starts at 1.00pm
Rosebank Park, Wick - Official Re-opening 1.00pm - after refurbishment and renewals, new tennis courts, basketball/netball and multi-purpose area enclosed, bowling green upgrade, crazy golf renewed etc.
Castletown Gala Week starts today 6.15pm Crowning Gala Queen and Decorated Floats
Lybster Gala
starts tonight at 7.00pm  - Crowning of Gala Queen and decorated floats
Wick Pipe Band Week Starts Today 2.00pm - Market Square, Wick
Family Fun Day at Royal British Legion, Thurso today 2.00pm
Sunday 1 July
Wick Banger Derby -
No2 Sibster, By Wick Starts at 1.00pm
Treasure Hunt for Castletown Gala Week From Castletown Drill Hall - 6.00pm
Vintage Car Rally at John O'Groats 2.30pm - 4.30pm -
Parade of Vehicles at Lybster 12 Noon, Wick Harbour 1.00pm
Click HERE For More What's On In Caithness Today        Here For What's On In July

Police Seeking Information About Assault At Castletown Harbour
Police at Thurso are seeking information about an assault which occurred about 1400 hrs on Tuesday 26th June 2007, at Castletown Harbour, Castletown, Caithness, whereby a male sustained a minor injury. If anyone has any information please contact Police at Thurso on 01847 893222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

3 Hydro Runners Weighing 6 Tonnes Each Stolen From Shin Hydro Station
Between 1630hrs on Thursday 7th and 09:00hrs on Wednesday 13th June 2007. 3 x Hydro runners were stolen from an outdoor storage point at Shin Power Station, Lairg, Sutherland. The runners were removed from service approximately 3 years ago and had been stored in an area where recent construction work has taken place at the Power station. Each item weighs approximately 6 tonnes, two are made of stainless steel one is bronze.

Another Harbourfest Film From GrandMaDig
 

Caithness Junior Pipe Band Welcome The Flotilla At Lybster - Short Film

Air Sea Rescue Demonstration At Wick Harbourfest For Everyone Who Missed It
Thanks to Gordon Mackie for the film

Deadly seal virus returns to Europe
Following the reports that PDV (Phocine Distemper Virus) has been reported in Denmark , the British Divers Marine Life Rescue has started to make contingency plans should the virus reach the UK seal colonies as it has done in the past outbreaks in 1988 and 2002. BDMLR has a ‘handling protocol’ in place, which was drawn up during the last outbreak of PDV in 2002.......The virus does not affect humans but members of the public are advised to keep dogs away from seals......

Council Warns On-line Buyers To Beware!
Trading Standards Officers at The Highland Council are calling on consumers to be on their guard when buying on the internet after a survey highlighted that 40% of on-line business failed to fully comply with the Law. A recent in-depth survey has uncovered a variety of problems for consumers such as hidden costs and denial of cancellation rights. Principal Trading Standards Officer Bob Jones explains: "We were receiving increasing numbers of complaints about problems with internet sales and we were also conscious that Highland consumers are particularly dependent on internet sales due to the remote geography of much of the Highlands. We decided to take a systematic look at the internet market."

Flotilla Stuck In Helmsdale Today Due To Adverse Conditions - Sunny Day Though

Next batch of photos taken at 9.30am today.

Flotilla At Helmsdale 9.30pm Monday Night

Thanks to Elidh Smith for these photos

Flotilla Photos From the Isabella Fortuna On the Way To Helmsdale From Wick

Thanks to Graeme Sutherland from the Isabella Fortuna for this latest batch of photos.  Plenty more to come. Wick Harbourfest Photos - Start Here To See The

WICK BANGER DERBY - SUNDAY 1st JULY 2007
No 2 SIBSTER, BY WICK - £3 ENTRY, UNDER 8’s FREE - FREE CAR PARKING
FUN FAMILY DAY OUT - BBQ, JUICE, RAFFLE

Gates open at 11.00, racing starts at 1.00pm

 

Come On Everyone Sign Help Village Halls Everywhere In Scotland - Sign Village Hall Petition
Signatures are rising slowly at the Scottish Parliament web site but you have until  27 July - 620 signatures today as at 2.00pm.  Add Your Name - It only takes minute and might help.
Village Hall committees do a great job but they often struggle to pay the bills and have special problems if the hall is old and they need to raise capital for a new one.  Get everyone to sign this Scottish Parliament petition to get a serious look at things underway. Village Hall Petition    Sign The Petition HERE    http://www.scvo.org.uk/Images/Publications/Briefing%20pdf.pdf

How you can help improve health services in Caithness
The North Highland Community Health Partnership is looking for people to fill vacancies on the Caithness General Hospital Patients Council which works with managers to raise standards. The Patients Council examines services from the patient’s point of view and suggests changes to improve care. Council members are also kept informed of developments so they can advise on how patients will be affected.

Another Batch Of Wick Harbourfest Photos From Hamish Gunn

Wick Harbourfest Photos - Start Here To See Them All

Sea Cadets At Wick Harbourfest
Photos sent by David Munro show the Lord Lieutenant Ann Dunnet who opened the Harbourfest on Saturday inspected the Sea Cadets.  More photos to come of different apsects of the day from a variety of people who were there.  Bill was on duty on Saturday morning so if anyone has photos not already showing certain aspects of the day please fee fee to email them to bill@caithness.org for inclusion in this gallery of the day.  Photos sent in will also be passed on in the full size to the Harbourfest organiser David Richard-Jones for inclusion in a DVD/CD record of the event.  If you have lots of good photos they would welcome a CD or DVD being passed to the Harbourmasters office so that as much can be included as a record of the event.  Wick Harbourfest Photos - Start Here To See Them All

BALMORE OPEN DAY - SATURDAY 30th June 2007 - 1.30 - 4.00pm
Balmore Animal Welfare Centre, Dounreay
Events include - Scrufts Novelty Dog Show - CLASSES - Registration Fee £2 unlimited entry
1. Best Puppy (under 1 year) - 2. Best OAP (over 8 years) - 3. Best Rescue Dog - 4. Best Trick
5. Best Junior Handler (Children under 14) - 6. Most appealing eyes - 7. Waggiest Tail
8. Scruffiest - 9. Dog most like its owner (or vice versa) - 10. Judges favourite
Various stalls

More Harbourfest Photos From Barry Scolley

thanks to Barry Scolley for more photos taken yesterday from on board "Sarosa".  thanks also to others who are sending in photos to add to the gallery.  bill will get to them as soon as he can.  If anyone else has some nice shots they can be added if they are emailed to bill@caithness.org   the harbour folk would also like to compile a CD of photos and if you can put yours on a CD and pop them into the Harbour Office marked for the attention of David Richard-Jones that would be great.  Bill Fernie will pass on any that are emailed to him for this collection for Wick Heritage Society.  David would also like any copies of video footage is anyone has some to add to the DVD or CD and for the Wick Heritage collection of film about Wick.

Head Over To "Habeas Corpus" - The Latest Production At the Mill Theatre, Thurso
Habeus corpus is a comedy that starts a three day run at the Mill Theatre on Tuesday evening. This is a farce of the traditional kind in that almost everyone loses their trousers and finds reasons to run in and out of the Doctor's Surgery without his or her clothes on. A few seats are still available so why not have night out at a live performance. You can see 'Habeas Corpus' at Thurso's Mill Theatre at 8.00pm from Tuesday 26th to Thursday 28th June. Tickets are priced at £7.00 and £5.00 and bookings can be made by calling Neil MacDonald on 01847-896956.

Lybster Gala Night Is 30th June

Caithness Needs CCTV Volunteer Camera Operators
Would you like to play a key role in crime prevention? Volunteer camera operators are required to monitor the CCTV screens in the process of being installed in Wick. Specialist accredited training will be provided. Jean Boyle of the Highland Council and Jennifer Baughan of the Northern Constabulary have worked together to draw up a detailed CCTV camera operator information pack.
CCTV - Major Expansion Of Coverage In Wick

Flotilla Now At Lybster

The 2007 Latheron Show
The Latheron Show is taking place on Saturday the 14th July 2007 Again in Occumster Courtesy of Mr & Mrs D Gunn. Numbers already are higher than usual, and all entries have to be in soon.
For Highland 2007 the show has received funding to provide a CRAFT AND PRODUCE TENT free for this year tables can be booked by phoning Secretary David Mackay Parkside Lybster.

Sea At Pulteneytown Parish Church Argyle Square With Three Choirs Tonight at 7.30pm

Boats Leaving Wick Are Heading For Lybster Today
The Lybster Events Today
- Pdf

Wick Harbourfest - Photos 77 - 101 - Fishery Protection Ship Arrives For A Look

Wick Harbourfest Photos 85 - 96 - boats Leaving Wick Today

Wick HarbourFest Photos - 73 - 84 - Boats Leaving Wick Today

Wick Harbourfest Photos 61 - 72

Wick Habourfest Photos 49 - 60

Boats leave Wick Harbour at 10.00am on Sunday bound for Lybster

More Harbourfest Photos  From the Forum Members

Wick Harbourfest - Photos 37 - 48

Wick Harbourfest - Photos 25 - 36

Wick Harbourfest - Photos 13 - 24

Wick Harbourfest - The Day Wick Harbour Came Back To Life - Photos 1 - 12

Remember to click "View full size" if you want to se a larger image in the galleries

Join The Harbourfest Boat Crews For The Harbourfest Celidh In Assembly Rooms Wick Tonight
Lots of Scottish music and local bands, pipers, singers and much more.

Wick Harbourfest Starts Tonight
Caithness councillors will set things rolling with a welcoming reception this evening in Wick Town Hall for the crews of the old yachts.  After that there is choice of entertainment in several venues including -
19.30 - 22.00 • Pipe band Ceilidh in Pipe Band Hall, High Street, Wick.
20.30 - Late • Entertainment in local hostelries – see map for venues.
Saturday sees the main day of the Harbourfest with a huge programme of events around the harbour.  The public will be able to go on board many of the vessels.  The "Boy Andrew" is expected to be in its home port and also take part in the day by opening it up for people to look round.  Sunday will see the boats leave Wick bound for Lybster and is expected to be a memorable sight with so many boats leaving port and making fantastic photo opportunities in Wick Bay - lets hope the fog lifts by then.

Caithness Travellers Urged To Journey Together
Drivers in Caithness could be gearing up for changes in the way they travel, with the launch of a new scheme to encourage road users to share car journeys. JourneyShare Caithness helps you find others going your way before you set off, aiming to put an end to the problem of people driving 20 miles to the shops only to find their next-door neighbours in the same checkout queue. It can also be used to share journeys to work and could be of particular use to people commuting between Wick and Thurso, visiting Inverness or travelling to and from hospital appointments. A poster campaign is helping point drivers in the right direction, by giving advice on how to organise a car-share via the newly-launched JourneyShare website or by calling a dedicated helpline.

CCTV - Major Expansion Of Coverage In Wick
Work has started on an eight-week project to install nine extra CCTV cameras in Wick. Locals are being urged to come forward and volunteer to help monitor the cameras. The cameras will help Northern Constabulary and the Caithness Community Safety partners to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in Wick. Installing a CCTV system provides a range of benefits to all members of the community: reduced vandalism and damage to property and increased feelings of safety and security. The extension of CCTV in Wick started recently when GMR Henderson began the installation of the foundations for the camera columns. Scotshield will provide a state-of-the-art portable CCTV system. The Highland Council's Transport, Environmental and Community Services Area Lighting Engineer, Robbie Gunn, is assisting and overseeing this work. The Highland Council will assist in maintaining the equipment.

Calling Young People With Good Ideas To Help Your Community In Caithness
Caithness YouthBank can provide small grants to fund young people’s good ideas to benefit their local community. They are run by young people for young people. There is another round of funding available, and applications can be made for amounts up to £1200. Forms are available from Wick and Thurso Youth Clubs, or contact koreen.macdougall@highland.gov.uk  Closing Date for applications is 30th June 2007.

Highland Council Administration Unveils Four-Year Action Plan
An ambitious four year action plan was unveiled today (Thursday 21 June 2007) by The Highland Council's Independent and Scottish National Party Administration. The Programme, to be presented to the next meeting of the Council on Thursday 28 June for consideration, sets out the Administration's plans to create a greener and sustainable Council and increase the prosperity and well-being of people living and working in the Highlands. Equality and fairness will be at the centre of the way the Council conducts its business. Convener Councillor Sandy Park said: "Creating a green clean place for people to live work and play and supporting a culture of enterprise is at the core of our comprehensive Programme.

Urgent - NHS Advice On Dentist Situation In Thurso On Behalf Of NHS Highland
NHS Highland was advised yesterday by the Bridgend Dental Care Centre in Thurso that the practice was to de-register all of its NHS patients. The practice has sent out letters to 650 parents/carers of children that are registered with the practice to advise them that as of September they would no longer be NHS registered with the practice but instead would have the option of receiving treatment privately. It is extremely disappointing that the practice has taken this action and in the absence of alternative access with 'High Street' dentists NHS Highland is now to consider how its Dental Teams within Caithness will ensure access to dental care for these children. Parents and carers are advised to contact the NHS Highland Dental Helpline Tel 0845 6442271 and the Helpline team will take their details and ensure that these are forwarded to the appropriate dental team. Parents are asked not to contact the Dental Clinics in Caithness directly and those doing so will be referred to the Dental Helpline. If parents are unable to get through on the Helpline no. they are asked to leave their name and contact details on the answering machine.

European Web Spectacular Will Take St Kilda Round The Globe - "St Kilda The Opera"
A major international music- theatre production to be performed in five European venues simultaneously on 22 and 23 June 2007. Each show features live contemporary and traditional music, film projection and live satellite broadcast from St Kilda.
Bill Fernie who runs Caithness.org once spent 3 months on St Kilda and his sister Avril is conducting the choir from Stornoway in Lewis as the UK end of this European Opera. Lost of photos, sound etc on the web site set up for this event. St Kilda on Caithness.org

Listen to a Podcast about the event  Click through to short films of performers on St Kilda etc.  Head for the web site over the next two days for updates and performances live on the web.  And yes it was a memorable experience to have been there...................... get taste of it on the St Kilda Opera web site.
St Kilda  - A European Opera is available on line at www.bbc.co.uk/alba

Wick Harbourfest - Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th June
Handy Links and Information For Wick Harbour and Wick Harbourfest Information

A huge operation is now underway around Wick Harbour as preparations for the big harbourfest event are coming together - tidying up the harbour area, safety barriers being delivered, bunting, stages built, sound systems, wiring, teams of marshals both individuals and groups like Wick Rotary instructed on their duties, communications equipment, telephones and much much more..........
Handy details and contacts -
Wick Harbour Authority - for harbourmaster and harbour details
Harbourmaster, Malcolm Bremner, call the Wick Harbour Office 01955 602030 or 07798 640607
HarbourFest'07 Co-ordinator David Richard-Jones Email: harbourfest@btopenworld.com Tel: 01955 603821
Caithness.org Harbourfest pages - for information - dates times, events, parking etc
Wick Heritage Harbourfest page
The Moray Firth Flotilla 2007
See some of the boats coming to Wick
Friday 22nd - Boats Arriving All Day
 Evening programme of quayside entertainment for public and crews.
19.30 - 22.00 • Pipe band Ceilidh in Pipe Band Hall, High Street, Wick.
20.30 - Late • Entertainment in local hostelries – see map for venues.
11.00 - 17.00 • Wick Artist's Exhibition 11.00am daily till 25 June - Assembly Rooms,
The Big Day Is Saturday 23rd
Heritage boats open for visitors - market stalls open for trade
Official HarbourFest'07 Opening – Miss Anne Dunnett, Lord-Lieutenant of Caithness with Wick RBLS Pipe Band and Sea Cadets in attendance
Full entertainment programme compered by Eric Farquhar with supporting maritime and fishing heritage displays and demonstrations
Wick Lifeboat Day and Air-Sea rescue helicopter display
Real cooperage demonstrations – see a barrel being made from the raw wood
Practical blacksmith and ironworking demonstrations – hear the ring of the anvil!
Film shows of the Caithness Herring Days in the Herring Mart, courtesy of Wick Heritage Society
Market stalls – local produce, handicrafts, art and crafts, etc etc
Day long refreshments and catering in the Old Fish Mart
Braehead Children's Funfair – train ride, bouncy castle, donkey rides & funfair
Wick Primary Schools: Knotted Rope Art Exhibition
Saturday Night  - Wick Goes For Entertainment All Round The Town
Harbour Fest Ceilidh in Wick Assembly Rooms – local bands with a Highland theme.
Licensed bar - tickets £5 at door. Enjoy genuine Highland Hospitality!
Themed entertainment in local hostelries – music in several Wick hotels and pubs
Local Bands To Play At Harbourfest Ceilidh On Saturday 23nd June
A mix of modern and ceildh music will resound around the Wick Assembly Rooms to celebrate the boats and crews in Wick Harbour.  Tickets are £5 and a late bar has been organised.
Special Service At Puulteneytown Parish Church For Harbour Fest
A special service is to be held in Pulteneytown Parish Church at 7.30pm on Sunday evening 24th June  when Wick Choral, Melvich Gaelic choir & The South School Children's choir + the Salvation Army Band will be taking part in a supporting role to the harbourfest leading folk in worship as they sing Hymn's connected with the sea.
Flotilla Route
June 22nd: Boats Begin To Arrive At Wick
June 23rd: Wick - See above and programme for details
June 24th: Boats Leave Wick from 10.00am onwards Heading for Lybster
June 25th: Helmsdale
June 26th/27th: Cromarty/Invergordon
June 28th: Buckie
June 29th: Portsoy
June 30th/July 1st: Portsoy Scottish Traditional Boat Festival

The Flotilla At Lybster Arrives Sunday 24th Departs Monday 25th - Full Programme of Events
Lybster is also gearing up to receive the Flotilla on Sunday after it leaves Wick.  More music and dancing and other events are organised.  Lybster is also preparing to feed the crews in a big cooking operation with many local people involved. Like wick Lybster has never seen so many boats arrive on one day since the great Herring Boom.

The Ultimate Chill - A Music Competition For Young Folk Aged 12 to 25
The Ultimate Chill is a competition open to musicians from the ages of 12 to 25 performing original compositions. They can be solo performers, groups, choirs or marching bands and they can play any genre of music from Rock to Hip Hop to Blues to Country. A local heat is being held at Wick Youth Club on Thursday the 19th of July from 9.00 AM to 6.00 PM where the performers will be recorded live with the best recordings/songs being selected to go forward to semi finals being held in Edinburgh/Dundee in late August. They then have the chance to go forward to the final being held on 15th September in the Caird Hall Dundee.

Scorrie Strories - 'Ghost Walk' round Wick - Tuesday 26th June
Hot on the heels of this weekend's major maritime event in Wick and Lybster, with visits from the Moray Firth Flotilla, pupils from Wick High School are preparing to make a unique creative response to their home burgh's history and heritage, to be performed next Tuesday. The pupils are members of an after-school drama club run by Eden Court's Caithness & North Sutherland Drama outreach worker, David Hunter, who has worked with many other local groups since taking up post two years ago. Along with Highland Council's Cultural Co-ordinator in Schools, Christine Russell, David was keen to create a project that would create links with Wick Heritage Museum, which has a huge resource of artefacts, exhibits and archive material relevant to the whole of the county, but particularly to Wick itself. 'Scorrie Stories' will be performed three times as a guided walk round Wick on Tuesday 26th June. Starting in the Market Square (outside Wetherspoons) at 1pm/2.30pm and 4pm, the walk will end outside Wick Heritage Museum. The charge will be £2 (£1 Concession) - all proceeds will go to Wick Heritage Museum.

Halkirk Heritage Ready For Another Season
Opens 27th June until 16th August

The star attraction will be a very rare vintage motorcycle (1917 new imperial) kindly loaned by John Bremner, Halkirk. The motorcycle is part of the fantastic collection of John’s late grandfather, John A. Bremner, West End, Castletown. The Halkirk vintage motor enthusiasts have put together another vast display of car artefacts for your viewing pleasure. For a village the size of Halkirk, the quality and quantity of vintage motor vehicles and memorabilia is truly amazing. It is no wonder that motor enthusiasts from all over the UK are green with envy when they see what is tucked away in various local garages. Many new photos and other artefacts will be on show for the first time this year......

Hillhead Awarded Green Flag
Hillhead Primary School has recently been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award making it the only school in Caithness and the largest school in the Highlands to be named an Eco-School. Eco-schools is an international initiative designed to encourage whole-school action for the environment. Over the past few years the whole school has been involved in making Eco-Schools part of the curriculum. In addition last year Eco-committee with the support of a Scottish National Heritage grant re-designed The Square to include a bird table, sitting areas and planting areas for staff and pupils to enjoy. This year's Eco-Committee has continued to develop the square and encouraging people to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

A Close Encounter With Killer Whales In The Pentland Firth Last Night
Killer whales were seen very close up last night from John O'Groats Harbour. Freddy Fermor and David Thomas went out in a small dingy to get a close look. They were feeling a bit nervous as the killer whales turned directly towards them! Luckily there are no known cases of attacks on humans by killer whales as yet!!

Superferry "Norröna" Puts Scrabster On International Route Map
The superferry Norröna owned by Smyril Line was welcomed on Monday evening with bagpipes and champagne as a new ferry service to Norway and the Faroe Islands became a reality.  This is Scotland's first mainland ferry service to these countries. The quayside welcome for the north Atlantic superferry Norröna at Scrabster, Caithness, marked the launch of the country's newest mainland international service. Thousands of holiday-makers from the two Nordic states are expected to arrive in the Highlands this summer using the weekly service. Last night’s maiden sailing from the Faroese capital Torshavn trip saw VIPs from the islands government among the 150 or so passengers disembarking at Scrabster.  The ferry is built to the highest quality standards and is rated amongst the top cruise liners offering passengers a fantastic stay on board. They were welcomed ashore by port officials to the sound of the pipes and drums of Caithness Junior Pipe Band.  More Norröna Photos In The Forum

Viewfirth, Thurso Demolished
The building known as Viewfirth in Thurso was demolished yesterday Tuesday 19th June 2007.  The building that was home to a social club for many years was suffering from major problems that the club could not afford to fix.  Membership of the club had been falling for many years and despite many suggestions nothing was able to halt the decline.  The building is now in the ownership of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority who have offered the site to the community if a suitable and viable proposal can be made for using the site.  A group has been set up to find a workable proposal and have already had meetings.

HarbourFest Traffic Arrangements
Wick HarbourFest is expected to draw a record number of visitors to the Wick harbour area and the organisers have announced plans to cater for the traffic generated by the event. The whole of the harbour front, from the mini roundabout at Martha Terrace to the top of the Long Shore Road junction with Bexley Terrace, will be closed to traffic during HarbourFest Saturday. In order to maintain access for emergency vehicles, there will also be parking restrictions throughout Lower Pulteneytown. Two temporary car parks will be bought into use – at the Bignold Park and The Glebe in order to intercept HarbourFest traffic approaching Wick from the South and North respectively. Blue Badge parking for the disabled will be located in the car parks of the Wick Medical Centre and Wick Swimming Pool and marshals will be available to direct cars. A free mini bus shuttle service will operate from the car park to and from the harbour front.................more
Caithness General Hospital Car Park NOT available for Harbourfest due to heavy normal usage by medical staff and visitors and cars likely to be asked at entrances for reasons for entering the Hospital Car Park. Best Advice is to use the Special Car Parks At Bignold Park and the Glebe.

New Funding Extends Energy Project Till 2009
The Renewable energy Project run by Ormlie Community Association has received  new funding of £89,126 that will mean they can take on extra staff and ensure the project keeps going until March 2009. Louise Smith, Ormlie Community Association’s Project Manager for Renewable Energy, said, “We are delighted to have been given this opportunity to join the ranks of excellent projects that Scottish Power’s Energy People Trust have funded as part of their commitment to end fuel poverty. Our Energy SOS Project was established last year and has grown from strength to strength thanks to the commitment of staff, volunteers, partners and funders. It is one arm of the Caithness Energy Advice Project, the other being energy efficiency and renewables research in conjunction with Pentland Housing Association.

Latest Wind Farm Listing For Highland - May 2007
6 Operational, 2 Under Construction, 2 approved subject to legal consent, 36 others at various stages. 19 are in Caithness and 15 in Sutherland. 5 others have been refused planning permission. 3 are still under appeal.  Wind Farm Index

Pulteneytown Parish Church, Wick To Run  New Free Course "Christianity Explored"
This course will be free, making use of modern high tech methods in its presentation. This is a 1st class opportunity for anyone to learn the basics of the Christian faith. You won't be asked to read allowed, pray or sing and you can ask questions. Interested ? if you are telephone 01955 603166 for information on the starting date, which has yet to be decided.

Latest Additions To The Bees, Butterflies and Bugs 2007 Gallery

The latest additions to the Bees, Butterflies and Bugs found in Caithness gallery include a White Ermine Moth, A Painted Lady Butterfly, Forest Cuckoo Bee and a Common Blue Butterfly.  If you would like to add to this years gallery just email photos to bill@caithness.org

Missing From Westedale - Two Pedigree Border Terriers
Mr and Mrs Owen of Dale Farm Cottage, Westerdale have asked us to post this notice regarding their missing dogs "
They disappeared in the space of 10 minutes from our garden at 4.30 on Friday afternoon, and have not been seen anywhere since. We are really, really worried and upset, no-one has handed them in anywhere, all the local farms and neighbours know that they are ours, so I cannot imagine what has happened to them. The bitch has got a bad back, and wouldn't manage to go far anyway." Contact them on 01847 841259 or 07895 050166

Three Companies Raised In Caithness - From the Am Baile Web Site
The 1st Sutherland Highland Rifle Volunteers (SHVR) at Invergordon, June 1893. The eight original companies of the SHVR were formed in 1859-61. Four of these were raised in Sutherland (1st Golspie Company, 2nd Dornoch Company, 3rd Brora Company and 4th Rogart Company), three were raised in Caithness (1st Thurso Company, 2nd Wick Company and 3rd Halkirk Company) and one was raised in Orkney and Shetland (1st Lerwick Company). These were incorporated in the 1st Administrative Battalion Sutherland Rifle Volunteers with headquarters at Golspie.
Caithness.org says - If you have never found the Am Baile web site on Highland History bookmark it now its growing all the time as more material is added from extensive archives.

Daytime Eclipse Of Venus - Visible In Daylight In Caithness
Very observant people might have noticed a thin crescent Moon just visible in the bright sun-drenched afternoon sky on Monday (18th June). Those that looked even closer would probably have been surprised to see what would have looked like a star beside it. This was the planet Venus, shining so brightly that it was visible to the naked eye even in broad daylight.

Miller Academy Fun Day Has A Sea Theme
Fun Day with a 'Sea' theme on Friday 22nd June from 10 - 2pm and looking for coverage/publicity. The day will start with a Fancy Dress Parade at 10am and culminate with a Balloon Release at approx. 1.45pm. Check out the school's greenhouse made from plastic bottles as part of an Eco Garden Project.  Get along and support the school if you can.

Wick Harbourfest Weekend Will Be Busiest For Over 50 Years
Street Closures And Parking Help  Set Up As Harbourfest Weekend Approaches
The council will be setting up special car parks and closing several streets around Wick harbour to take account of the traffic likely to be coming into Wick for the events over the coming weekend.  Drivers can help by parking well away from the harbour area or using one of the special car parks that vehicles entering Wick and heading for the Harboufest will be directed to.  Streets in Lower Pulteneytown area are likely to be full from early in the day so parking at the car parks or streets well away will help avoid congestion.

 

Wick Harbourfest Friday 22, Saturday 23rd, Sunday 24th June
The biggest event in Caithness for 2007 is the Wick Harbourfest.  Wick harbour will not have seen so many boats arrive in the harbour for over 50 years.  Many events are arranged over the whole weekend so check the programme to see what might of interest to you.  Whatever your interest many folk will want to see the boats arriving on Friday and departing on Sunday from 10.00am.  Special car parks are to be set up in places like the Bignold Park as the Harbour area and a number of surrounding streets will be closed to traffic.  Drivers of vehicles heading for the harbour will be directed to the special car parks by police and wardens as they arrive in Wick.

Ben Hope Sponsored Walk Raises £10,000 by 81 Walkers

On Saturday 16th June 2007, saw the tenth annual sponsored walk in aid of the Assynt Mountain Rescue Team and Alzheimers Scotland - Action on Dementia.  The tenth sponsored walk was held at Ben Hope in Sutherland. Ben Hope is Scotland's most northerly Munro and stands at 927m above sea level. The weather remained favourable, despite some of the weather forecasts, and the event was extremely successful. Participants came from a wide geographical area, principally Caithness and Sutherland, but some travelled from further afield including one walker Catherine Miller who had travelled up from Wales to attend.  See More Sutherland

Scottish Crofting Foundations Calls For Immediate Halt To Decrofting
As more people move to make money from sales of plots on decrofted ground the Scottish Crofting Foundation has called for an immediate halt to decrofting until things have been sorted out.  This follows one entrant who gained a grant three years ago of £3000 and now stands to make over £200,000 from selling decrofted land.

Get That Bike Out For Bike Week
Bike Week runs from 16th - 24th June.

Calling Cyclists - Countdown to Etape Caledonia
Next weekend sees one of Britain's most exciting cycling events take place around the Perthshire highlands and lochs. The Etape Caledonia on 24 June, is Britain's only mass participation sportive ride to take place on entirely closed roads. Cyclists from around Scotland and the rest of Britain will be able to enjoy the breathtaking scenery in controlled conditions only usually enjoyed by professional cyclists. There are two routes on offer, both starting and finishing in Piltochry, and it's not too late to enter! The longer 81 mile route takes in a climb of Schiehallion, whilst the shorter 28 mile route cycles the beautiful Loch Tummel.

Highlanders Urged To Provide Homes For Migrating Birds
People in the Highlands are being urged to take up the offer of free nesting boxes by The Highland Council to provide homes for visiting swifts. Results from a Highland Swift survey carried out in 2006 found that one of the factors affecting Swifts is a loss of nest sites due to refurbishment and repair of old houses. To try and minimise the effect of this, sixty Swift nest boxes have been built for this year’s swift survey. Householders in key Swift areas are being invited to install a box on their houses. In Caithness boxes are available from the East Coast Ranger in Wick. Bird Watching  Nature  Biodiversity  Caithness Rangers

Caithness Floral Art Club - Dreams - June 2007
Carol Grieves, from Brampton in Cumbria, shared some of her dreams with us. Visiting castles, being a ballerina, finding a treasure chest, relaxing somewhere hot by the sea and visiting the National Flower Arranging Show were those she chose to illustrate with flowers. Club members then enjoyed a piece of the excellent birthday cake celebrating 38 years.
Caithness Floral Art Club Index

UK lumbered with foreign nuclear waste - Independent
Just as the Government was mulling a new nuclear programme, an 800 ton problem emerges

Special Service At Puulteneytown Parish Church For Harbour Fest
A special service is to be held in Pulteneytown Parish Church at 7.30pm on Sunday evening 24th June  when Wick Choral, Melvich Gaelic choir & The South School Children's choir + the Salvation Army Band will be taking part in a supporting role to the harbourfest leading folk in worship as they sing Hymn's connected with the sea.

Art Exhibition In Wick Assembly Rooms - See What's On For Times
Thursday 21st - Monday 25th June

Halkirk Gala - Earlier Items and Earlier Years
Races From Halkirk Gala 2007

Halkirk Gala 85 - 96                                       Halkirk Gala 97 - 104

Halkirk Gala 1 - 12

Halkirk Gala 13 - 24                                       Halkirk Gala 25 - 36

Halkirk Gala 37 - 48     Halkirk Gala 49 - 60 Halkirk Gala 61 - 72    Halkirk Gala 73 - 84

Thurso Pipe Band Playing At Halkirk Gala On Saturday Night - The Movie
A wee tune from Halkirk Gala last night to keep you going as we prepare photos from the event. 

 


 

Halkirk Gala Fancy Dress - This Morning

Wick Harbourfest - Friday 22, Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 June
The Programme With Final Updates - Boats To Sail Out Earlier Due To Tides and Numbers
Earlier copies of the programme showed the sailout on Sunday at 11.30am, but the time has been brought forward, starting at 10.00am to suit tides and anticipated vessel numbers. 
Friday 22nd - Boats Arriving All Day
 Evening programme of quayside entertainment for public and crews.
19.30 - 22.00 • Pipe band Ceilidh in Pipe Band Hall, High Street, Wick.
20.30 - Late • Entertainment in local hostelries – see map for venues.
11.00 - 17.00 • Wick Artist's Exhibition 11.00am daily till 25 June - Assembly Rooms,
The Big Day Is Saturday 23rd
Heritage boats open for visitors - market stalls open for trade
Official HarbourFest'07 Opening – Miss Anne Dunnett, Lord-Lieutenant of Caithness with Wick RBLS Pipe Band and Sea Cadets in attendance
Full entertainment programme compered by Eric Farquhar with supporting
maritime and fishing heritage displays and demonstrations
Wick Lifeboat Day and Air-Sea rescue helicopter display
Real cooperage demonstrations – see a barrel being made from the raw wood
Practical blacksmith and ironworking demonstrations – hear the ring of the anvil!
Film shows of the Caithness Herring Days in the Herring Mart, courtesy of Wick Heritage Society
Market stalls – local produce, handicrafts, art and crafts, etc etc
Day long refreshments and catering in the Old Fish Mart
Braehead Children's Funfair – train ride, bouncy castle, donkey rides & funfair
Wick Primary Schools: Knotted Rope Art Exhibition
Saturday Night  - Wick Goes For Entertainment All Round The Town
Harbour Fest Ceilidh in Wick Assembly Rooms – local bands with a Highland theme.
Licensed bar - tickets £5 at door. Enjoy genuine Highland Hospitality!
Themed entertainment in local hostelries – see Full Programme for details.

Local Bands To Play At Harbourfest Ceilidh On Saturday 23nd June
A mix of modern and ceildh music will resound around the Wick Assembly Rooms to celebrate the boats and crews in Wick Harbour.  Tickets are £5 and a late bar has been organised.

Sunday 24th June
Blessing the Fleet at 9.30am
Boat Begin to Leave at 10.00am
Harbourfest  Wick Harbour Authority

Halkirk Gala Tonight - Crowning Of the Gala Queen and Procession of Floats

Art Exhibition For Harbour Weeekend Starts Thursday 21st June
An art exhibition normally held in Wick Gala Week will this year be held over Wick Harbourfest weekend at Wick Youth Club

Pontoons Ready At wick Harbour For Next Weekends Harbourfest

Many of the old sailing boats arriving at Wick Harbour next weekend will be tied up at the new pontoons just installed.  The Harbourfest will bring in one of the biggest events in not only wick but in the north of Scotland this year.  Starting on Friday 22nd and running until the boats all sail out on Sunday afternoon Wick will become busier than it has ever been in the past 50 years.  The harbour area will be packed with stalls , events, music, vintage vehicles and much more. the whole harbour has been tidies up in preparation for the arrival of the fleet of old yachts and a large number of modern yachts who intend to sail with them all the way to Portsoy over the following week calling at harbours all along the way starting with Lybster.

Today's Addition To Bees Butterflies and Bugs
This fine specimen was sent in by Stuart Young and was taken in his garden. If you would like to add to this years Caithness Bees Butterflies and Bugs gallery send photos to bill@caithness.org

 

 

Ryanair Handles 50,000th Passenger at Inverness
Leading low fares airline Ryanair will handle its 50,000th passenger at Inverness Airport tomorrow (Wednesday 13 June). The airline launched flights to Liverpool in October 2006 and flights to Nottingham East Midlands in February this year. Both services operate three times a week on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Tomorrow's inbound flight from Liverpool, scheduled to arrive at 10.10am, will carry the 50,000th Ryanair passenger to use the Highland routes. The milestone will be marked with the lucky passenger receiving two return flights and accommodation for two nights in Inverness courtesy of the airline and airport.

ASDA - Superstore decision deferred on Inverness outskirts
The Highland Council's Inverness, Nairn, Badenoch and Strathspey Planning Applications Committee today (Tuesday, 12 June 2007) deferred decisions for the development of an Asda superstore, petrol filling station, 5 small retails units and associated works on land at Slackbuie Farm, Inverness. Members of the committee decided to defer consideration of a report by the Director of Planning and Development which recommended that the application be refused. A motion for deferral was put forward by Councillor John Finnie and seconded by Councillor Donnie Kerr on the grounds that there was insufficient road / traffic information from the applicant on the impact of the proposal on the existing road network. The Trunk Roads Network Management Division had, the report highlighted, asked for more information. The motion received 12 votes to 6.  The Planning Application Paper Dealt With By The Committee Today Pdf

Anyone Last A Canary? - Spotted At Broadhaven, Wick
Colin Richard quickly grabbed his digital camera when he spotted this canary feeding in a garden at Broadhaven, Wick.  If you have lost one it may this one.

 

 

Lesser Butterfly Orchid
SNH ASK PEOPLE TO LOOK OUT FOR THREATENED NATIVE BEAUTY
People throughout Scotland are being asked to report sightings of one of Scotland's most beautiful and rare native flowers in a bid to help ensure its survival. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is asking people to lend their support to a survey by looking out for the Lesser Butterfly Orchid's distinctive creamy-white petals as they walk in fields, over hills and along roadside verges. Such is the Lesser Butterfly Orchid's perilous status that it in January 2007 the Minister for the Environment announced that it would become one of 32 species for special action under Scotland's Species Action Framework and it is being considered as a UK Biodiversity Action Plan species.  Report Lesser Butterfly Orchid HERE
Does it exist in Caithness?  Nature Index  Biodiversity Index

Renowned Jazz Guitarist Martin Taylor To Play At The Mill Theatre, Thurso
On Thursday 21st June jazz guitar maestro Martin Taylor will play at the Mill Theatre in Thurso. On this occasion he will be joined, for part of his set, by singer Alison Burns. Booking for this show has been brisk and more than half the available seats have already been taken so, if you're planning on going, book soon on 01847-896956 Tickets are priced at £10.00 and the show starts at 8.00pm. The virtuoso guitarist Martin Taylor MBE first came to prominence in the late 1970's through his collaborations with the legendary violinist Stephane Grappelli, and now tours the world's concert halls with his dazzling live performances.

Fulmar Photos From Duncansby Head
Thanks to Samuel De La Haye for these photos of Fulmars at Duncansby Head.  Duncansby Head is renowned for the sea birds crowding the cliffs at this time of year.  It is so packed with nesting sites it is often referred to as Sea Bird City  Due to the Geo formation there are excellent vantage points on one side looking across to the cliffs on the other side - great for looking with binoculars and taking photos of individual nest, birds or whole colonies.
Bird Watching Index  Bird Links  Nature Index  Caithness Bird Watchers Forum

Moth At West Gills Scrabster - Can Anyone Identify It?
The latest entry n this years Bees Butterflies and Bugs gallery is question for anyone who is able to identify it. Email any suggestions to bill@caithness.org and we will update the title.  If you would like to add photos of insects etc to this gallery just email photos to bill@caithness.org with details where found and the date etc.  Nature index
Suggestion so far is a Hawk Moth
 

Jack Russell Needs A New Home - Can You Help?
"We re-homed a Jack Russell bitch from Balmore Animal Rescue Centre in August last year. Sadly in recent weeks she has taken an acute dislike to our other dog ( a Collie Bitch) We have tried everything possible to resolve this problem but following a consultation with a dog behaviourist expert, we have had to conclude that Rosie (The Jack Russell ) needs to go to a new home"

Pontoons Begin Installation At Wick Harbour And Signal A New Yachting Era In The North
A new age is about to get underway for Wick Harbour.  The installation of the first pontoons has begun.  the pontoons will make it possible for yachts to be berthed safely at the harbour and offer services previously unavailable to both visiting and yachts berthed for longer periods.  Even before the pontoons have been installed interest from the yachting community from many parts of the UK has been intense.  It is is understood enquiries have been brisk even before it opens and already the second phase scheduled for next year is attracting enquiries.  The pontoons should be available for the big Harbourfest Weekend 22 - 24 June.  Wick Harbour Authority  See more about the Wick Harbour Marina Development HERE

A Blogging Kayaker coming To Caithness

Polish Pupils From Krakow Visit Wick On Exchange
Polish young people were welcome to Wick on Monday evening at a reception in Wick Town Hall.  the exchange visit with Wick High sees the start once again of a series of exchange visits between a school in Krakow, Poland and Wick High that were once a feature of the school in years gone by.  At the reception attended by Wick councillors, the young people and their teachers from Krakow and the host families there was a traditional welcome by three pipers from Wick High and welcome from councillor Katrina MacNab.  Pupils from Wick will be visiting Krakow on a return visit.  On Tuesday the young people will take bus trip to see Dunrobin Castle and they have packed week ahead of them seeing round Caithness and the north of Scotland before they make the return home.

"Kapitan Glowacki" At Wick Harbour
The "Kapitan Glowacki" a Brigantine registered in Poland was at Wick harbour today.  The ship was built in 1946 and is registered to enter the Baltic Tall Ships Race in July this year.  To see how big an affair that is for the ports involved see the Stockholm Tall ships Race web site  Great to see a sailing ship in Wick harbour with shades of what is to come in a couple of weeks at the Harbourfest

F7F Tigercat Landed At Wick For Refuelling

The site of this second world war American plane landing at Wick caught the attention of two local folk with cameras handy.  Paula Gent and David Munro both snapped the aircraft landing, refuelling and taking off again.  The aircraft comes in for attention wherever it goes as it can be found on other web sites as Here and Here and Here and Here and Here and Here and even more Here and yet more Here and keep going Here and on to Here  Details from the Airworthiness Approval Note  Many more photos Here  This is one very famous plane we are discovering.   More Here and Here and an early one Here and there are many many more if you hit Google with the details.  Wick Airport should have been selling tickets.

HomeStart Quiz Winner
Home-Start recently held a 'Chocolate & Sweetie Quiz', which finished on June 1st. Total raised was £191.50.  The winner was Mrs Sandra Munro of Lybster, grand prize £50.

Fishing On Stormdrift At The Weekend
We set of as the morning fog wrapped herself around us and embraced us with her misty presence, this was coupled with mirror-like seas. Our first stop was The Grounds which producing very little apart from Coalies and a few sparse Mackerel – After assessing the conditions I decided to take the lads east as we drifted along Brigga the fog lifted and the scenery unfolded before us. Nick decided to open the day with a mini-species hunt and landed a bonny male Cuckoo Wrasse.
 

Come On Everyone Sign the Village Hall Petition        Caithness Village Halls
Village Hall committees do a great job but they often struggle to pay the bills and have special problems if the hall is old and they need to raise capital for a new one.  Get everyone to sign this Scottish Parliament petition to get a serious look at things underway. Village Hall Petition    Sign The Petition HERE    http://www.scvo.org.uk/Images/Publications/Briefing%20pdf.pdf

Home Team Wins Halkirk Gala Bowling Competition
The home team of Halkirk won the Halkirk Gala Bowls competition. The winning team interspersed with the gala queen and attendants from the left are Jim Falconer, John Swanson, Mike Sutherland & Davie Campbell.

 

Parachute Jump For Monday Club
Darren Sutherland, BT Thurso, is doing a charity Parachute jump on 16 June 07 to raise funds for The Monday Club local charity. Helen Campbell of Brodie Books fame has donated a pair of doodled books for him to raffle as part of his fund-raising.  See http://www.hcampbell.com/TheMondayClub.asp

A Few Films From The Races At Halkirk Gala Today

Films still uploading and may take while for all of them to be available via Youtube

Halkirk Gala 2007 Races

Halkirk Gala Programme For The Week

Caithness And Sutherland Provincial MOD - Thurso

The Caithness and Sutherland Provincial MOD was held on Saturday at Thurso High school and a fine day of Gaelic singing and speech making was on show.  A ceilidh was held in the evening at the Royal British Legion combined with the prize giving.

Grasshopper Warbler At March Road, Wick
 
Local bird expert Julian Smith and others have now confirmed that what Bill Fernie thought might be a Nightjar is in fact a Grasshopper Warbler.  Bill has recorded the sound of the bird at his garden last night for you all to hear and put it up on Youtube in case you also have one nearby but are unable to identify it.  The bird has been out around March Road, Wick after 9.30pm each night for the past few evenings and carries on well into the early hours of the morning.  The RSPB web site on the Grasshopper Warbler says they are not common in Scotland.  Bird Index

FUND IS MUSIC TO BUSINESS EARS - Caithness Musicians & Bands Should Check This Out
HALF a million pounds is to be spent on creating business paths for Scotland's up and coming bands, enabling emerging talent to tell the same tale of success as artists such as KT Tunstall, Runrig and Franz Ferdinand. The new Scottish Music Futures Fund was launched in Inverness on 8th June 2007 during the HIE-backed goNORTH festival. The fund will cover all kinds of music and is designed to consolidate a structured plan to ensure the overall development of a business. The Scottish Executive announced in February this year that £500,000 would be allocated as a business development fund to help cultivate the music industry in Scotland.

Rhythm 07 - Get Your Tickets Soon
Elise Lyall School Of Dance

Featuring 100 Highland Dancers accompanied by live music from local musicians and directed by Addie Harper.


 

Mòd Ionadail Gallaibh 's Cataibh - Inbhir Theòrsa    Saturday 9th June 2007 - 9am start
Caithness and Sutherland Provincial Mod - Thurso

Special Guest Artist at this years Caithness and Sutherland Provincial Mod taking place tomorrow, Saturday 9th June in Thurso will be Kenneth Nicolson, double gold medallist from the Royal National Mod 2005 in Stornoway. At the age of 22, Kenneth won both the Gold Medal and the Traditional Gold Medal in the same year for the first time in the history of the Royal National Mod. He has been asked to appear in Caithness at the Grand Concert and Ceilidh to be held in the RBLS Thurso as an inspiration to the young participants and to encourage them to go further with their efforts in local and national Mod participation. Kenneth is studying Gaelic and is currently on placement as a Gaelic Teacher in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis. A fluent native speaker, Kenneth hails from Ceos in the Kinloch area of the island and has been attending the Mod since his junior years. He is one of a series of Mod Gold Medallists to have appeared in the Far North this year as part of the Ceol aig Tuath project - a series of performances and workshops by Melvich Gaelic Choir raising the profile of the language and culture of the Gael through music and song.
Head Over to Thurso for some fine Gaelic singing on Saturday 9th June

Hey Folks  - Help Get Something Done For Our Village Halls        Caithness Village Halls
Village Hall committees do a great job but they often struggle to pay the bills and have special problems if the hall is old and they need to raise capital for a new one.  Get everyone to sign this Scottish Parliament petition to get a serious look at things underway.
Village Hall Petition    Sign The Petition HERE    261 Signatures at 8.30pm

SCVO has just launched a petition that the Scottish Executive should recognise the important of village and community halls in rural Scotland. The petition will run until 27th July 2007. If you don't already know about this I wondered if you might like to draw the petition to the attention of community councils and independent halls in your area?
"Halls for All" asks

  • That a specific fund should be established to provide capital funding to refurbish and modernise village/community halls
  • That funding should be made available to establish a Village Halls Support Service
  • That fair relief scheme for water charges should be established for charities which would maintain current exemption beyond 2010
  •  That work should be undertaken with appropriate partners to cut regulatory burdens and support the interests of Hall Committees.

You will find a briefing note and background information -http://www.scvo.org.uk/Images/Publications/Briefing%20pdf.pdf

Today At The Caithness Music Festival

Start at the beginning of the Caithness Music Festival Photo Gallery HERE

Earlier Years At Caithness Music Festival
Caithness Music Festival 2006 Photo Gallery

Caithness Music Festival 2005 Photo Gallery
No Festival In 2004 Due To Elections
Caithness Music Festival 2003 Photo Gallery
Caithness Music Festival 2002 Photo Gallery

NUKEM Now Owned By French Company Freyssinet SAS - The Whitehaven News
NUKEM Ltd has workers at several nuclear sites including Dounreay.  Freyssinet is itself owned by French construction giant, VINCI.

No, you cannot sue - Scotsman
what judges told woman who drank vodka
then fell 80ft on unfamiliar clifftop path in the dark

Appeal by Thurso woman who was suing Highland council for £250,000 in damages after falling from a clifftop in Thurso seven years ago has been turned down by a judge in the Court of Session. Read the Judge's Opinion At the Court Of Session

Winning Sisters At Caithness Music Festival
Three sisters, Lynsey, Joanna & Eilidh Harper in Caithness have shown their musical talent by all winning the vocal solo competitions in their respective age groups.  A look through the photos already on the site will show they have won other sections in addition to the solos.  Well done to all.


 

Wick High Reunion 58 - 63  Friday 27th July
Jay and Elsie would like everyone to pay for their reunion tickets as soon as possible to get the final arrangements in place for the big night.  So get in touch with them right away and make their life easier in the run up to the night

More Music Festival Photos From Today

Halkirk Gala 2007 - Friday 8th - Saturday 16th June
Full Programme now in 
Other Caithness Galas Highland Games and Farming Shows Etc in 2007

Dounreay Bulletin - Latest Issue
In This issue -

Sharing our Knowledge - Seabed Investigations - DFR - Polish or Demolish
Dounreay Stakeholder Group - All Energy Conference
June Issue of Dounreay News - Dounreay Environment Week
Waste Manager Becomes Member of WATEC
SILO De-Watering Proceeds

 

"Petermas" A Dramatic And Musical Re-enactment Of The Victorian Caithness Fair
18th 19th 20th June - 7.30pm Thurso High School
Tickets £3 and £1 - Pay At The Door

Don't miss "Petermas" - a dramatic and musical re-enactment of a day at the Petermas Fair which was one of the highlights of the calendar in Victorian Caithness. Written by drama teacher Lisa Grindall, the play incorporates strands as diverse as the legend of the Selkie (creatures that can transform themselves from seals to humans), the Ceilidh and the Petermas Fair, to tell a tale of Caithness in the Victorian era.  The event will involve pupils from all the years in the school and will include music (devised and performed by the music department and S1 pupils), dancing, piping, puppetry and acting. The event is part of the school's contribution to the Highland 2007 initiative and will see performances for local Primary Schools and the public.

MacMillan Cancer Care Walk Had Good Turnout
Over 40 walkers took part in the annual walk starting from Caithness General Hospital up Newton Hill, down by Milton back to Hospital.

 

 

Roadworks Allow Unexpected Pipe Band Practice In The Street
Wick RBLS Pipe Band took advantage of the roadworks which caused the overnight closure of High Street outside the Pipe Band Hall to hold a practice prior to their visit to Germany. The practice provided an unexpected treat for a large group of German tourists staying overnight in the town. The band is off to Germany next Wednesday night to visit their friends in the Bad Waldsee Pipe Band. The main event of their visit will be an International Tattoo featuring pipe bands and brass bands from Germany, Austria and Switzerland, the Wick band will be the only one from Scotland. In addition to the Tattoo the band will also be playing at other venues including a beer mug museum.........

Vocal Solo Winner
Byrony Munro won the vocal solo competition for P1 Girls at the Caithness Music Festival.  Byrony attends Hillhead School in Wick.  Well done Byrony.

Send your Caithness Music Festival photos to bill@caithness.org to add to this gallery.  The photos do not have to be winners.  As long as they entered the festival we will publish the photos in the Music Festival Gallery - its the taking part that counts.
 

Farr School Pupil Sweeps The Board With Violin Competitions At Caithness Music Festival
Ellie Mackay, Farr High School , was first in the Grade 3 Violin Solo and was awarded the Jack Duncan Memorial Shield for having the highest mark in Classes 120, 121 and 122.  Well done Ellie.

 

 

Rolls Royce At John O'Groats
Deborah Fermor sent these photos of the Rolls Royce at John O'Groats and her family and said "The gentleman had asked if he could leave his old car in the car park. We hadn't seen it and said yes don't worry there are plenty of old cars round John O'Groats, leave it anywhere! Its only afterwards we saw it was a rolls royce."
 

Silver Ghost Centenary Tour 1907 - 2007 Hits Caithness

The Centenary tour of Rolls Royce Silver Ghosts is visiting great places all over the UK and spending a considerable amount of their time in the Highlands.  The ones pictured so far were at MacKays Hotel in Wick this evening. The drivers and passengers were heading off for dinner at Ackergill Tower See more about the tour HERE. Have you snapped any of the cars - send your photos to add to the gallery to bill@caithness.org

More Photos From Today At The Caithness Music Festival

Music Festival Gallery Starts HERE

If you would like to add more photos to the Caithness Music Festival Gallery just email them to bill@caithness.org

Have Your Say In Shaping Scotland's Water Plan
Pentland Hotel, Thurso - 18th June - 3.00 - 5.00pm or 7.00 - 9.00pm
Residents in the North Highland area are invited to help shape future plans to protect and improve water quality at informal, open meetings on 18 June and 20 June 2007. Following the introduction of European legislation, the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) is preparing a plan that will reflect the aspirations of all of those using, managing and protecting Scotland's water environment. This plan, which will be produced in 2009, will include measures to benefit rivers, lochs and coastal waters in the North Highland area covering catchments draining to the coast between Cape Wrath and Lossiemouth......

Caithness Music Festival - A Few Photos From The First Two Days

Bill Fernie can only be at the festival at certain times so if you have any photos you would like to add to this gallery just email them to bill@caithness.org and they will be added.

SOUTH EAST CAITHNESS DEVELOPMENT GROUP - Change of venue for meeting 12 June
The meeting was scheduled for Lybster but now changed to Dunbeath
Change of venue, now in Dunbeath Community Centre for our next South East Caithness Development Group meeting on 12th June 07 at 7.30pm

Sunset In Caithness Last Night
Thanks to Stuart Young for this sunset photo taken last night.  If anyone else has more over the next few weeks email them to bill@caithness.org

 

 

Environment Minister Launches World's First Fossil Code
Scotland is pioneering a new approach to safeguarding the planet's ancient fossil legacy with the launch of the world's first national Fossil Code. The draft Scottish Fossil Code is launched for public consultation today in Edinburgh beneath Arthur's Seat - the famous extinct volcano and unlikely location for fossil finds - by Minister for Environment Michael Russell MSP.

 

Acid tanker 'ignored coastguard' - BBC
The Maltese-registered West Sailor ignored advice from the coastguard and anchored in the Pentland Firth to carry out repairs.

Latest Weddings
Tracy Sinclair and Gary Reid -
The wedding of TRACY SINCLAIR and GARY REID both of Bishop's Drive, West Gills by Thurso. Married at St Andrew's and St Peter's Church, Thurso. Followed by their reception at the Weigh Inn Hotel, Thurso . Photography at the Castle of Mey
Sarah Grant and Robert Dunbar - The wedding of SARAH GRANT of Mackay Terrace, Shebster and ROBERT DUNBAR of Fountain Cottages, Haster. Married at the Portland Arms Hotel, Lybster where they also held their reception.

Caithness Waybaggers 2007 - 2008 Walking Programme
If you want to get out and see some of the great places in the far north why not take a day out with the Caithness Waybaggers and see -
John O’Groats to Castle Geo - - Sandside to Melvich - - Ben Wyvis
Ben Hee - Glen Loth - - John O’Groats to Harrow Harbour
Broubster Forest Tracks - - Broadhaven to Reiss Beach
Berriedale to Ousdale
 

Invitation To Surprise Celebration For Irene Mackay - Don't Tell Irene!  But Can You Help?
1st Keiss/Canisbay Brownies: Celebration for Irene Mackay Dedication 1967 - 2007

If you were a brownie in the 1st Keiss/Canisbay we want to invite you to a SURPRISE presentation for Irene Mackay for her dedication to the Brownies since 1967. It will be held in the Keiss Primary school on the 13th June 2007 at 7- 9pm. We are hoping to make a scrapbook of the memories and photos over the years (photos will be returned) so your contribution will be appreciated. There will be tea, coffee and home baking and a great chance for everyone to reminisce the good times at the brownies. There is also a collection if anyone wants to contribute. Please speak to other brownies that you know that was at 1st Keiss/Canisbay Brownies and get them to come along too. But remember it is a surprise
Any questions and R.S.V.P either Joanna 611448 joanna.ross13@btinternet.com or Patsy Campbell 631321.  From Caithness.org  - We are assured Irene will not see this message until after the event.

Waybaggers Walk At Ben Loyal
As part of the Caithness and Sutherland 2007 Walking festival Caithness Waybaggers hosted a walk and climb to Ben Loyal. This took place on the 20th May 2007. We left Wick at 8.00 am in our hired mini- bus. It took just under the two hours to get to Tongue. Here we met up with a further 10 walkers from the walking festival making a total of 18 altogether. We headed down to Ribigill farm and started our walk from there. There is a good track for the first 3 kms but this peters out at Allt Lon Malmsgaig burn.

Hitch For School Uniform Measuring In Wick - Cancelled Until Next Monday 11 June
It had been hoped to begin measuring young folk for the new Wick High School Uniform due to come in after the summer holidays but supplier problems have meant that J Gunn in Wick have had to put it off until next Monday.  So if you and your children were looking to get measured for the new uniform just hang fire for another week.

Caithness Teachers Heading For Malawi - Update From Maureen Miller
I now have the details of the school I have been appointed to. It is called Namingkango School in the Magomero Zone of Dedza District in Malawi. This school is in a very remote part of the country in the west of the Dedza District. The head teacher of the school has been in post for three years and has a school roll of 654 pupils in standards 1-8. There are five qualified teachers, three teachers who have got a certificate for having completed four years of secondary education, two teachers who have completed two years of secondary education, and two volunteer teachers.......................

Use Your Driving Skills To Help Get Folk Around
Caithness Rural Tranpsort provide wheelchair adapted transport to clients who have mobility problems and have no access to any other form of transport. We have been in operation since July 1999, and now have 297 clients and three vehicles. One based in Wick, one in Thurso and the other in Dunbeath.......

Still Time To Enter The Biodiversity Photo Contest
Why not send a couple of digital photos in to this contest and get Caithness mentioned a few more times.

Planet Spotting In June - By Gordon Mackie
As the summer nights shorten over the coming month we'll be treated to plenty of opportunities for evening views of the planets Venus, Saturn and Jupiter, with Mercury also joining the show for a short while. These planets are all visible to the naked eye and should be easy to identify, but unfortunately they will be quite low in the sky so a fairly clear horizon will be needed. Venus, Saturn and Mercury (& occasionally the crescent moon) can be seen lined up in the north western sky shortly after sunset and the giant planet Jupiter can be seen rising to low above the southern horizon around midnight.

Latest Additions To 2007 Gallery Of Bugs Bees and Butterflies
Thanks to Gordon Mackie for the additions to the gallery showing what can be found in Caithness.  Last years gallery was very colourful with Butterflies.  If you find something of interest email it to bill@caithness.org for inclusion.

First Fish Of the Season Caught At Forss
Christopher Brocklebank Fowler and his dog Simba with the first fish caught on Forss River this season. The fish weighed 9 1/2 pounds and was caught with a Lazy Mediator.  Another similar sized fish was caught the next day.


 

Rare Bird Visits Caithness - A Baltimore Oriole At Huna
Hitting the headlines across the bird watching world this rare bird in the UK is ending up being mentioned on web sites.  Baltimore Orioles as the name suggests are form the USA.  See the Birdguides web site for more on this topic.

 

Latheron / Dunbeath Drop In and Chat!!
On Tuesday 12th June 2007 a drop in day will be held at Latheron Community Hall from 1.00 pm. until 2.00 pm., and then at Dunbeath Community Hall from 2.30 pm. until 4.30 pm.
There will be an opportunity to chat to representatives of a number of organisations offering help to those living in these areas. Among those present will be Frank McCaffery of Working for Families, offering support and help to parents seeking either a return to work or to sustain existing employment. Libby Cook from the Adult Basic Education Unit will also be there to offer help with writing, spelling, numeracy and general confidence building. Yvonne Hendry from Caithness Voluntary Group will also be present to offer help and support to voluntary groups and workers in the area. Please free to call in and chat if you think we can help you. No appointment is needed.

Fashion Show Tonight - Castletown Drill Hall - Friday 1st June at 6.30pm entry £3
In Aid Of Castletown Playgroup and Toddlers outdoor playpark fund

Castletown Playgroup and Toddlers in association with Tesco's clothing. Fashion Show in Castletown Drill Hall tonight Friday 1st June at 6.30pm entry £3 includes refreshments at interval. Modelled clothing will be on sale at the end with proceeds going to Castletown Playgroup and Toddlers outdoor playpark fund.

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