Peatlands At Forsinard Feature on TV
This week the BBC 1 'Nature of Britain' programme will contain scenes of
the peatlands of the Flows shot last summer at Forsinard. It will include
footage of black-throated divers, bog plants, Alan Titchmarsh having a go
at trout fishing and stunning aerial shots taken of the bogs from
Forsinard to Strathmore in Caithness.
Wednesday 28th Nov at 9pm and repeated on Sunday evening(2 Dec).
Switching on to energy
saving�for FREE
As
the days are getting darker and we are using more energy to keep our homes
light, why not take advantage of this free energy saving light bulb offer
to help keep energy costs down. The North Highland branch of the
Highlands
and Islands Community Energy Company (HICEC) is running a project to
distribute energy saving light bulbs across the North Highlands. HICEC in
association with EDF energy has teamed up with Highland Community Care
Forum (HCCF), East Sutherland Voluntary Advice Service (ESVAS), Caithness
Voluntary Groups (CVG) and Family First to distribute the free energy
saving light bulbs to community members across Sutherland, Caithness and
Ross-shire.
25 November 2007
New Keiss Hall Opens
After several years of work and fund-raising with contributions from
several local groups and major contributions from The Big lotterry,
High;and Council Culture sport and Education Department, Caithness and
Sutherland Enterprise, Highland 2007, the Robertson Trust, the Gannochy
Trust, Forward Scotland, Keiss amenities Assoc., Keiss Bowling Club and
Keiss Football club. The hall cost �615,000 and has changing rooms
and showers, storage areas above and underfloor heating.
New Google Translation Facility On Caithness.org Pages
We have now installed Google translation facilities for a few
languages on Caithness.org. See the foot of the page for the
languages represented by their flags. Click on one and you will get
translation of this page and then follow through to other pages in that
language. For Chinese you will require to have the alphabet symbols
etc loaded on your PC. When in the other language just hover over a
link to see the English or highlight text to get the original English
displayed. The system is set of translation from English so you
cannot hop from language to language. You need to return to this
page and select another language by clicking the flag in the English
version. It even works on the
Forum/Message Boards if you click through.
Thurso Players
Pantomime 2007 - Jack & The Beanstalk
Thurso Players invite you to come along and meet the 'Trotts' at their
annual Christmas Panto at Thurso High School. This year's production, Jack
& the Beanstalk starts its run at 7.30pm on Wednesday 12th December and
will be on, at the same time, each evening up to and including Saturday
15th December. As in the past, there will be a Matinee performance for
younger children at 2.00pm on Saturday and a signed performance for the
hard of hearing on Thursday 13th.
Artsmith
Christmas 2007 Exhibition - "The Last Picture Show"
The "Artsmith Christmas 2007 Exhibition" entitled "The Last Picture
Show" brings together work spanning recent years but features several new
pieces completed in the last few weeks. A range of vibrant original
seascapes, sketchbook extracts, limited edition prints and miniatures
combine to make this a diverse and insightful experience for audiences. In
addition there are some special offers for Christmas which make for
inexpensive but thoughtful gift ideas. The show then runs from 2.30 -
5.30pm on Saturday 1 December and Sunday 2 December from 2.30 - 5pm.
Free Winter Warmth Packs
The Caithness Energy Advice Team will be giving away Free Winter Warmth
packs which contain information about how to keep warm, energy-saving tips
and useful contacts. The Free Winter Warmth packs will be up for grabs
during Ormlie Community Association�s latest awareness raising events,
tacking fuel poverty and increasing energy efficiency for Caithness
householders.
The dates, times and venues for OCA�s events are listed below:
Drop-in events for householders:
Tuesday 27 November � 9.30am to 4.30pm�Wick Family Centre Wick
Wednesday 28 November � 9.30am to 12.30pm � British Legion, Thurso
Inverness Virtues To Be Topped By Caithness Flagstone
Invernessians have helped select three new virtues to take the city
forward into the 21st century. The new virtues are perseverance,
open-heartedness and insight. The new virtues will be incorporated into a
sculpture and will form a new entrance feature to the Old Town. Located in
the new pedestrianised area at the south end of Church Street, the new
virtues will be inscribed individually in English, Gaelic and Old Norse on
three sloping platforms, each topped with a layer of Caithness stone. Out
of each platform will grow a single birch tree: one native Scottish
variety, one North American and one Asian. These reflect that Inverness is
now home to many diverse communities. Work begins on installing the new
virtues early next month.
Warning From Rangers About Mauve Stinger Jellyfish At Dunnet Beach
A member of the public reported the Mauve Stingers on Dunnet Beach, they
are the same species that wiped out the salmon farm in Ireland earlier
this week. They may lose their sting on the strandline but this is
uncertain. For anyone surfing any exposed skin is vulnerable. The sting is
like an extreme nettle rash with the pain lasting for two days. The
jellyfish are very small compact and mauve in colour.
Can Ulster salmon farm survive attack of killer jellyfish?
Belfast Telegraph
About Mauve Stinger
Landmark Study Concludes - Rural Voice Must Be Heard Again
Scotland's rural communities need to be given a louder voice and
Scottish Government policies need to be properly "rural proofed",
according to the findings of a new study published by Scotland's foremost
consumer organisation. The Rural Advocacy study was commissioned by the
Scottish Consumer Council and brought together a cross section of
organisations from the voluntary and public sectors. It set out to examine
how people in rural communities could become more involved in influencing
policy decisions that affect their lives. The study concludes that the
urban agenda is dominating Scottish policy and failing to allow for the
fact that people in rural areas - both the Highlands and Island and the
Scottish Lowlands - have a different set of concerns and priorities that
are not being heard.
Ceilidh, Melvich Gaelic Choir -
Thurso, Park Hotel, 1st December 2007
A reminder that Melvich Gaelic Choir will be hosting their annual
ceilidh in the Park Hotel, Thurso on Saturday night, 1st December 2007 at
7.30pm.
An Comunn Gaidhealach - Meeting
To Set Up A Caithness Branch
Just to let everyone know that a meeting will be held to constitute a
branch of An Comunn Gaidhealach in the Pentland Hotel, Thurso on
Tuesday Evening 27th November at 7.30pm in the meeting room on the 1st
floor. The main aim is to create a branch of An Comunn Gaidhealach in
Caithness. One of the main functions of the branch will be to co-ordinate
the activity in preparation for the National Mod 2010.
24 November 2007
Wick Christmas Fun Day 49 - 56
Wick Christmas Fun Day 37 - 48
Wick Christmas Fun Day 25 - 36
Wick Christmas Fun Day 13 - 24
Wick Christmas Fun Day 1 - 12
19 November 2007
Can
anyone Identify The Boy In This Photo
In
the Old Thirsa Piccys thread there is photo of a young lad with an Ice
Cream bike. The poster of the photo is trying to identify the boy.
the photo was taken up at the top of Princess Street in Thurso and the
Railway Cottages are in the background which ran up Castlegreen Road. He
is on Cardosi's Ice Cream bike.
Majority Reject Wind Farm For Stroupster In Local Ballot
A ballot that was set up by Dunnet and
Canisbay Community Council and organised by Electoral Reform Services
resulted in 801 people voted - a participation rate of 63.2 per
cent. Of those who voted, 491 (61.3 per cent) opposed the development
while 310 (38.7 per cent) backed it. A total of 1267 ballot papers were
issued.
18 November 2007
Will Wick Get Four More New Shops?
A decision by the next planning committee meeting may increase the number
of shops at Wick if the application by Scapa Properties is accepted.
A meeting of the Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
Planning Applications and Review Committee will take place in Lairg
Community Centre, Main Street, Lairg on Tuesday 20 November 2007 at
10.30am. Also an application will be decided for 41 new houses North
West of Keiss village by J W Sutherland Property. The interest in building
in Caithness shows no sign of slowing.
Caithness Energy Advice Project - Caithness Project Wins Award
Free
Winter Warmth Packs
The Caithness Energy Advice Team will be giving away Free Winter Warmth
packs which contain information about how to keep warm, energy-saving tips
and useful contacts. The Free Winter Warmth packs will be up for grabs
during Ormlie Community Association�s latest awareness raising events,
tacking fuel poverty and increasing energy efficiency for Caithness
householders. The events are part of the Warm Homes Campaign Award Scheme
which is one aspect of the Warm Homes Campaign, organized by National
Energy Action (NEA) and Energy Action Scotland, which is taking place
throughout the UK from the end of November. The campaign aims to raise
awareness of the financial help available to people who cannot afford to
heat their homes to try and reduce cold-related illnesses and excess
winter deaths and is organised in association with eaga.
Drop-in events for householders:
Tuesday 27 November � 9.30am to 4.30pm�Wick Family Centre Wick
Wednesday 28 November � 9.30am to 12.30pm � British Legion, Thurso
First Ever Rod Caught Shark Landed At Wick Harbour
Ross
Mackay, son of Wick Lifeboats 2nd Coxswain Ivor Mackay on board the Wick
based Charter angling vessel
"Freedom"
skippered by Colin Richard. It is a porbeagle shark, exactly 8ft long and
weight estimated at 180 kilos. It took Ross 3 hours to get it alongside
the "Freedom". The day before Ross had a shark on for 1hour 45mins before
the trace unfortunately broke
Freedom
Charters, Wick
Castlehill
Heritage Centre Opens
The
long held aspirations of Castletown Heritage Society to create a
multi-purpose exhibition and vernacular skills centre were finally
realised today when Lord Maclennan of Rogart performed the official
Opening Ceremony at the Castlehill Heritage Centre. A large audience of
invited guests and visitors turned out to hear Chairwoman Muriel Murray
explain how the Centre had been developed through the hard work and
dedication of Society members, friends and supporters, including a number
of local contractors and suppliers. She also thanked the various
organisations who lent financial support, either directly (Highland 2007
Community Fund and Lottery Fund Awards for All) or in kind (UKAEA
Dounreay, Invisible Heating Supplies and Caithness Stone Industries)
through the generous donation of materials.
Castletown Heritage Web Site
The exhibition and Heritage Centre will be open from 1pm to 3pm every
Saturday and Sunday over the winter and other times by arrangement.
Wick High 6th Year Concert For Children In Need
Wick High 6th year put on a concert for children In need which was shown
to all year groups throughout the day.
Adam MacDonald Did A Big Walk To Wick High From Canisbay For Children In
Need
Adam
left Canisbay at 03.00 hrs to walk to Wick High School so that he could
arrive in time for the starting bell at 09.00 hrs. He completed his set
aim, arriving in good time at 08.50. After this feat of nocturnal
endurance he was met by Piper Craig Harvey from S4 to pipe him along West
Banks Avenue to the front of the school where a welcoming committee
consisting of Lord Lieutenant Anne Dunnett, Rector Alister Traill, and
other members of staff, along with a huge turnout of pupils who cheered
Adam home. Adam was accompanied all the way with a back up vehicle driven
by Mrs Karen Spruce, a member of the Pupil Support staff, who set off with
Adam at three in the morning. Adam carried a video camera with him and
hopes to get the footage edited soon to show to the whole school and then
post it on YouTube before much longer. Adam's efforts have to date raised
more than �800 with more to come for Children in Need. After the welcome
to school Adam and Mrs Spruce were treated to a slap up breakfast prepared
by the school canteen staff before Adam set off by bus, with the good
wishes of the school, to Glasgow to take part in the BBC Scotland Children
in Need televised show where he appeared briefly on screen being
interviewed around 11.20 pm. On the day �19,089,771 was raised for BBC
Children in Need but that usually almost double as donations from all over
the Uk continue to flood in for weeks after the events.
See Children In Need Web Site
17 November 2007
Children In Need Fund Raising In Caithness
Staff and pupils of Mount Pleasant School came to school wearing their
pyjamas for Children In Need. The children also sold cakes at tuck time
and altogether we made a fantastic �243.76. Well done to all
If any other groups or individuals would like to add their photos to the
Children In Need Gallery email them to
[email protected]
Transport Appeal By Caithness Gymnastics Club - Can You Help?
This appeal has been sent in by one of the organisers Sheenagh Christie
We are Caithness Gymnastics Club and we are taking down some gymnasts to
Lasswade near Edinburgh to compete in the Beginner/Intermediate Scottish
Championships Competition being held next Saturday 24th November.
But we are having really great difficulty in finding a self drive 17
seater mini bus to hire. We have tried all the normal avenues locally eg
sports council bus, community ed bus. But everything is booked up. We have
even looked at hire car companies as far afield as Inverness - but all
their minibuses are booked out. Please can you put out an appeal to your
readers if anyone can suggest where we can hire a minibus from. We would
hate for the girls to miss out on such an important event in the
gymnastics calendar. I can be contacted on
[email protected] or by
phoning 01847 894751
Speed
Cameras In Caithness And Sutherland Again Next Week
Three sites in Caithness and Sutherland are on the list of places being
targeted next week by speed cameras. The A99 at Hempriggs near Wick
the A9 south of the Mound and at Calmaillie, Golspie. Cameras will
also be out at other locations in Highland. Police are stressing
that motorists should also note the much longer stopping distances
required in wet weather.
15 November 2007
Do you wish an exciting career?
Northern Constabulary are now recruiting for Police Constables
Head along to the open evening and find out more
Wednesday 21st November 2007 from 1830 to 2030 hours
at Police Station, Olrig Street, Thurso
Serious Assault At Cemetery Near Thurso
River
Police are appealing for witnesses to a particularly serious assault that
occurred at 9 o�clock in the evening (2100 hours) on Monday 12th November
2007. The incident occurred in the area of Thurso river near to the
cemetery. Investigating officers would be interested to hear from any
persons who have knowledge of the altercation involving a male and female,
or anyone who was within the area at the time
13 November 2007
Latest Pet In Pets Corner
Fluffy
and Ruby
Main Pets
Corner Index
Pets Gallery -
Unusual Pets Gallery -
Doggies Gallery
Moggies Gallery -
Farm Pets
Baby Animals
11 November 2007
Remembrance At Lybster
Remembrance At Skitten Memorial
Operation
Freshman 60th Anniversary At Skitten 2002
Remembrance At Wick Cemetery
Remembrance At Wick
Low Flying Exercise May Mean More Night Flying Over Caithness
ACombined Qualified Weapons Instructor Course is to take place at RAF
Kinloss from 12 to 22 November 2007. The Combined Qualified Weapons
Instructor Course is an exercise which aims to improve the tactical
leadership qualities of front line aircrew in combined air operations
through training in a controlled, but realistic, tactical environment.
This will be achieved by using a variety of aircraft including Typhoon,
Harriers, Tornado F3 and GR4s, Harriers, Hawks, DA-20 Falcons, C130s,
Nimrods, a single E3D. In all, approximately 45 aircraft and 500 personnel
are expected to participate in this exercise, with the majority arriving
at RAF Kinloss on 9 November and departing 23 November 2007.
More about Low Flying In the North
10 November 2007
SNH
Publishes Innovative Online Farming Guide
A revised
version of Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH)'s online handbook of advice for
farmers - packed with ideas on innovative farming technology - has been
published. The Targeted Inputs for a Better Rural Environment (TIBRE)
Arable Handbook features 44 technologies and techniques to help Scotland's
arable farmers become more eco-efficient and in many cases improve their
profits.
So You Want To
Live In Or Around Lybster? - Get Cracking and Fill In A Form
Latheron, Lybster and Clyth Community Council launched
Lybster Housing Option Study
It was identified approximately 12 - 18 months ago by people living in and
around Lybster, that there was a need for housing in the area. Highlands
Small Communities Housing Trust (HSCHT) have been carrying out initial
ground works on our behalf, but now it's the turn of local residents to
assist.
We are looking for people in the area to get in touch with HSCHT to help
firm up ideas for any potential development. Initial discussions with
housing funding bodies have indicated there may well be money available
for development plans.
We are asking residents to complete a single A4 page questionnaire to
indicate if they have an interest in housing. This may be - affordable
housing - shared equity housing - low cost serviced plots -
Stroupster Wind Farm Letters Debate Continues
From Stuart Young -
On behalf of Caithness Windfarm Information Forum
Sir
I refer to Mr Bill Mowat�s letter in the John o�Groat Journal last week
concerning Stroupster Wind Farm, and would wish to make some further
observations on behalf of Caithness Windfarm Information Forum (CWIF).
Caithness Heritage Fair 2007 Starts Today
At Assembly Rooms Wick
10th and 11th November
The Heritage Fair is taking place on 10th and 11th November in the
Assembly rooms. All local primary and secondary schools are taking part
as part of their Highland Promise pledge. The Fair will be open from
11-4pm on Saturday and 1 � 4pm on Sunday
5 November 2007
BA's decision to turf the surf threatens event - Scotsman
SURFERS travel to Scotland from across the world to ride the big waves
at Britain's top-rated surf competition. But the future of the O'Neill
Highland Open in Thurso has been threatened by a British Airways
decision to ban surfboards and other large sporting equipment from
tomorrow..................
4 November 2007
St John's Church, Wick Raised �305 Towards Building Repair Fund
The bargain book sale run on Saturday 3rd November by St. John's
Scottish Episcopal Church, Wick, was a great success, raising �305
towards the church's building repair fund. Organiser Gordon Johnson said
afterwards: "This is the best result of any of our book sales, and takes
us another step on the way to raising the initial funding for major
repairs costing many thousands of pounds. We will now be collecting more
books for another sale in the spring, so anyone with books to donate to
this worthy cause should ring me on 01955-603103 to arrange where the
books can be accepted. Our thanks go to all who donated books and those
who benefited from our bargain sale. There were many comments on the
high quality of the sale."
New Bishop To Visit Caithness
Bishop Mark
Strange is to visit Caithness
next weekend, Saturday/Sunday 10/11 November. This is his first visit to
Caithness since his Consecration as Bishop of the Scottish Episcopal
Diocese of Moray, Ross and Caithness in October and he will celebrate
the Eucharist and preach at both St. Peter and the Holy Rood Thurso at
9.00 am and St. John the Evangelist Wick at 11.30 am.
Latest
Additions To Pets Corner
An
African Grey Parrot - Seven Days Old
A European Eagle Owl
and Snowy the Westie
Halloween Photos From Staxigoe Hall
BIRD
ATLAS
The Scottish Ornithologists Club and the British Trust for Ornithology
have launched the biggest bird survey in many years, the Bird Atlas
2007-11. The aim of the project is to record the species of birds seen,
and their distribution and abundance across the entire country, both in
summer and in winter. Anyone who has an interest in birds can record
their sightings on the BTO website at
www.birdtrack.net , or by recording the information on "Roving
records" forms. This form, and more information on the project can be
found on www.birdatlas.net
COUNTDOWN
BEGINS FOR SCOTTISH SPACE SCHOOL 2008
Who is the Lucky Wick High Pupil?
Ten S5 pupils from Highlands and Islands schools are over the moon with
the news that they have been chosen to attend a once in a lifetime
experience at the 2008 Careers Scotland Space School at the NASA Space
Camp, Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Space School is designed to
increase participation and motivation of school students in science and
technology and to help young people to understand how the subjects apply
to real career choices. The successful candidates, from Dingwall Academy,
Elgin Academy (2), Fortrose Academy(2), Glen Urquhart High, Kingussie
High, Lochaber High, Wick High School and Lomond School, are all
students of Careers Scotland Space School, a world-leading programme
managed by Careers Scotland and supported by the Scottish Government and
NASA.
Help Raise Funds To Buy Electric Trike For Little Natasha Gunn
We are fundraising to raise the �800 needed to buy a trike for little
Natasha Gunn who has cerebral palsy and is unable to use a regular bike.
If we have it ordered soon she should have it by Christmas! The main
fundraiser is a coffee morning on Saturday 10th November in Castletown
Drill Hall from 10am to 12 noon.
Thurso High School PTA Open Evening - �Find Out More about Your High
School�
Thurso High School Assembly Hall - Tuesday 13th of November 7.30pm
Please note this event was originally scheduled for Tuesday 6th of
November.
High School PTA is a sub-committee of the Thurso High School Parent
Council
Thurso High School PTA would like to invite you to an open evening at the
school. See displays of pupils� work, watch pupil performances, visit
classrooms and find out how the PTA operates and supports the school.
Enjoy a chat and cup of tea or coffee with school staff, pupils and Parent
Council members.
Shipwreck from old files Groat 1959 - Posted On Old Man Of Hoy Blog
Morris Pottinger has added a couple of new items to his blog.
"Shipwreck from the old files Groat 1959" was posted yesterday 3 November
and "No
3 By lantern light in the feeders� byre" was posted on Friday 2 November.
Another couple of interesting pieces added to this growing blog by Morris.
To see earlier items click the "Older Posts" link at the bottom right of
each page.
POLICE AND PARTNERS
ISSUE REMINDER TO PUBLIC ON THE DANGERS POSED BY FIREWORKS
THE consequences of the inappropriate use of fireworks are well
documented and Northern Constabulary and partner agencies are is urging
the public to act responsibly as the firework season begins in earnest.
Historically, the busiest time for the Force in relation to firework
incidents is during October and November. Legislation aimed at reducing
the number of fireworks falling into the hands of children and young
people was introduced in October 2004, making it an offence for a
person under the age of 18 to possess a firework in a public place.
3 November 2007
Arion Choir
After a very successful meeting on the 27th October we can now extend our
invitation to former choir members living away from home. Please contact
Marjory Richard on 01955 602558 or at
[email protected] For
local former members rehearsals will be on Saturdays at 2.30pm
at St Joachims Church ex nursery opposite Assembly Rooms where a very warm
welcome awaits.
1 November 2007
Oscar Delivers Safety Messages At Mpunt Pleasant School
Oscar
the robot, sponsored by Alstec made his annual trip to Dounreay. During
Oscar's visit he made time to visit four local primary schools to promote
road, home, rail and water safety. Oscar was warmly received by all the
children at Mount Pleasant School, Pennyland Primary School, Castletown
Primary School and Halkirk Primary School. Each school received �250 from
UKAEA for participating with all the schools invited to enter a
competition to draw a new character for Alstec's children's safety book.
The winning school will receive �500 from Alstec. UKAE organised
this event with others as part of European Safety Week 22nd - 26th
October. Other events at the site included Yoga sessions and lunchtime
walking has been promoted, presentations on electrical safety and a 2-day
health and safety exhibition. The week closed with the annual pub style
quiz in support of Breast Cancer Awareness.
PHOTO - Remember to click
View Full Size Here for much larger version of the photos
"North West Gusts"
- of words and other arts
Ullapool,
Friday November 9th 2007
Durness, Durness Village Hall, Friday November 16th 2007
