Bill's Email Wiped Out - Send Anything Again That You Want On The
Web Site Bill has lost all of his email stretching back for the past two years.
Many photos and information about other photos already on the site have
been last. Please forward anything for the site again.
Argyle Square Area Association Christmas Event
Saturday 6 December 2008 from 2.00 - 4.00 pm
Argyle Square in the middle of the Green. There will be a variety of
stalls - bottle, baking, hot dogs, hot pancakes, raffles, lucky dips,
balloons, crafts and alternative therapies. There will also be face
painting and craft making for children through Homestart Caithness. The
RBL Wick Pipe Band will start the event off at 2.00 pm and a local DJ will
provide music throughout the afternoon. The star of the event will be
Santa in his grotto! The Argyle Square Area Association would appreciate
any bottles or raffles from resident who are keen to support our project.
29 November 2008
THURSO TOWN HALL REOPENS ITS DOORS TO THE PEOPLE OF CAITHNESS
Monday 1 December is a significant date in the local calendar, as it marks
the reopening of the Thurso Town Hall and Carnegie Library. Magnificently
restored, it now houses Caithness Horizons, an outstanding new museum and
community facility for Scotland's most northerly county. The cultural
flagship building, which will be opened by Margaret, Viscountess Thurso of
Ulbster at 10.00am, tells the story of mankind's past and present
interaction with the environment of north east Scotland.
Wick Christmas Lights Switch On - 5.00 - 6.00pm Saturday 29 November Various stalls will be set up in the afternoon from 2.00pm so check
out what is happening in the Market Square, Wick today.
Between 5.00pm and 6.00pm there will be storytelling and Christmas Carols.
There will be teas and lunches at the Pipe Band Hall between 12 Noon and
4.00pm
25 November 2008
Achreamie School Reunion
The Achreamie School Reunion will take place on Saturday 30 May 2009 at
the Weigh Inn, Thurso. if you would like to attend the reunion get in
touch with the organisers as on as you can to help with the arrangements.
Any old photos etc can be sent to the organisers and emailed to
[email protected] for a the
gallery.
Up And Coming Ranger Events
SUNDAY 7TH DECEMBER - CHILDREN�S EVENT - "BRILLIANT BIRDS!" Suitable
for children aged 8-14 years - MEET SEADRIFT VISITOR CENTRE, 3PM Learn
about garden birds & make some bird cakes to help your garden birds
through the winter. Please bring food scraps such as cheese, raisins, cake
& some yoghurt pots. In conjunction with Caithness Critters. PLEASE BOOK
PLACE IN ADVANCE
For further information & to book, please contact Marina Swanson on
01955607758/07824351691 or
e-mail [email protected]
Donations welcome
SUNDAY 7TH DECEMBER - "WILDLIFE BOX BUILD DAY"
SEADRIFT VISITOR CENTRE, DUNNET 10.30AM Brush
up on your DIY skills & help to provide useful habitat for local wildlife
by building bat & bird boxes. All materials provided but please bring
useful tools (work bench, drills etc) if you have any. A light lunch will
be provided after the event for all volunteers taking part. In conjunction
with the Caithness Countryside Volunteers. *ALL PLACES MUST BE BOOKED IN
ADVANCE* For further information & to book, please contact Marina Swanson
on 01955607758/07824351691 or e-mail
[email protected]
before Wednesday 3rd December.
This event has been funded by the Highland Biodiversity Project.
24 November 2008
Dounreay Communities Fund Hands Over �1500 For Holland Trip Dounreay
Communities Fund has donated �1500 towards Caithness Junior Pipe Band and
six Mina Mackay Highland Dancers attending the International Folkloristic
Dance and Music Festival in Markelo, Holland in June 2009. The trip, being
organised by Caithness Taste of Tartan, follows the visit of the Markelo
Music and Dance Group who gave memorable performances throughout Caithness
in 2004. The group of around 45 will benefit greatly from exposure at such
an international event whilst representing the talent Caithness has to
offer.
Grey Seal
Walk At Corbigoe A
beautiful cliff top walk to view a spectacular natural arch & grey seal
pups led by the Highland Ranger Service in Caithness.
The LEADER Programme in Caithness - Over �900,000 For Caithness -
Your Help Wanted
The Caithness Partnership is inviting community groups and individuals in
Caithness to help determine a plan for LEADER in Caithness. The Highland
LEADER Programme is a �6Million European fund available for new community
projects that fit with the following themes:
local development strategies,
training and learning opportunities,
culture and heritage,
access to activities, facilities and services,
land, environment and access to the countryside,
tourism,
renewables,
social enterprise and micro business.
Over �900,000 will be available to community groups in Caithness but
before the money can be allocated a Plan for LEADER in Caithness must be
prepared broadly outlining the priorities for spend in the county. If you
live in Caithness and would like to help choose the most important areas
for spend please complete this on-line questionnaire before Wednesday 26
November. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=c_2bveB24vVvec_2fdBe38O09w_3d_3d
More information about the Highland LEADER programme and application forms
can be found at
www.highlandleader.org
23 November 2008
History of Caithness by J T
Calder
Still some way to go to complete the History Of Caithness by J T
Calder but we finally reach the Miscellaneous chapter. Apologies to
Dave Taylor who submitted the items for this chapter back last year but
which are only now published.
Miscellaneous
Included in this section are
EARLY NOTICE OF CAITHNESS
A SKETCH OF THE HILL OF WICK CASE.
LIVINGS OF CAITHNESS CLERGY.
COPY OF THE CHARTER
OF THE
ERECTION OF THE BURGH OF WICK INTO A FREE
ROYAL BURGH, 1589.
CASTLES SINCLAIR AND GIRNIGOE, AND MEY.
Variety Concert in Halkirk Tonight Cancelled Due To Weather
Bower Young Farmers Win Brains Of The North To Head For National Finals A
team from Bower Young Farmers have taken the top award in this years
Caithness District Young Farmers Brains of the North elimination. They
came out on top after the pub style quiz and head to head final. Running
them a close second were a team representing Forss Young Farmers. The
Bower team will now represent Caithness at the North Region qualifier in
December looking to win a place in the National Finals next February. The
results were as follows:-
1st Place - Bower - Karen Oliphant, Lesley Oliphant, James Barnetson,
Ranald Angus
2nd place - Forss - Alan MacKay, Michael Cragg, Ashley Mackay, Iona Bamber
3rd Place -Halkirk - Duncan Pottinger, Andrew Gunn, Isobel Swanson, Sarah
Jardine Caithness Young Farmers
Sheila's
Open Door - A New Group For People With Disabilities In Wick
This group was founded to encourage
anyone with a disability of any sort to get together to have a chat and a
cup of tea. A range of activities are
available and include, table-top games, art lessons, keep fit sessions and
occasional outings. Everyone with a disability is invited to have the
company of others in similar circumstances for short time each week. Come along ands enjoy yourself.
Young Thurso Singers Getting Ready For "The Big Sing" The
Thurso High School Choir is seen here performing at the recent 50th
Anniversary Celebrations of Thurso High School. The choir are busy
practising for �The
Big Sing� where they will be joined by pupils and staff from
Thurso High School. Along with other schools from around the UK, they are
attempting to smash the existing 2005 Guinness World Record of 293,978
children all singing simultaneously, whilst raising funds for Marie Curie
Cancer Care, CLIC Sargent and Youth Music. On Thursday 27 November at
2.45pm, they will be gathering in the school hall to join Des'ree as she
performs her hit song 'You gotta be� live from The O2 arena in London with
guitar/pop band The Kixx, child violinist In-Cha and classical artist
Summer Watson. The event will be witnessed by model Natalie Oag, and local
P.C Andy Wymer.
Celtic Supporters Club Bus Information
versus Caley Thistle (League) on 29/11/08 - 3.00pm kick-off. Bus leaving
Wick Safeways @ 05:00 and Thurso Skinandis @ 05:30.
versus Villarreal (Champions League) on 10/12/08 - 7.45pm kick-off. Bus
leaving Wick Safeways @ 09:00 and Thurso Skinandis @ 09:30 - Senior = �30
and Junior = �20.
Contact, Stevie King = [email protected] - Official website -
http://ebigh.com/1888
19 November 2008
Hansel & Gretel - Thurso Panto - Get Your Tickets Now Once
upon a time a very poor woodcutter lived in a tiny cottage in the forest
with his two children, Hansel and Gretel. His second wife often
ill-treated the children and was forever nagging the woodcutter. "Take
them miles from home, so far that they can never find their way back!" So
starts the fairytale of Hansel & Gretel, told this year in Pantomime by
Thurso Players. The show runs at Thurso High School from Wednesday 10th to
Saturday 13th of December at 7.30 pm each evening with an additional
matinee performance at 2.00pm on Saturday afternoon. Directed by John
Glen, a cast of experienced Thurso Players panto regulars along with a few
new faces have put together a show that has all of the features that make
for a traditional Pantomime.
Warning - Don't Give Out Your Bank Details - From One Of Our
Advertisers
"I have recently advertised my house on the caithness.org web site.
Tonight i received an email (see attached) asking for more details on the
house and also banking information. This sounds similar to a scam that was
being used earlier in the year to get banking info from people. I just
thought I would pass this email on incase anyone else gets it sent to them
just in case it is a scam."
Caithness Big Band / North Coast Jazz Band /After
Hours Rhythm & Blues Band
Friday 21st November at Weigh Inn, Thurso 7.30 for 8.00pm These 3 Bands are again joining forces in memory of the Big Band's founder
Jim Marshall for another great evening of entertainment following last
year's successful formula. Caithness Big Band will play the classic music
of the swing era including Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington and
Count Baisie. The highly accomplished and ever popular North Coast Jazz
Band will dazzle with their toe tapping Trad Jazz set. After Hours will
round off the evening with their polished renditions of 50's & 60's R&B,
soul, Rock n' Roll and western swing. All this for a recession busting
�5. Proceeds to Cancer Research UK, Maggie's Cancer Care Unit, Raigmore
and McMillan Nurses. Tickets available from Cancer Research Shop and
Newsbeat, Princes Street, Thurso
17 November 2008
Christmas Quiz - 5 December 7.30pm - Select Your
Team Soon And Enter Thurso
Town Improvements Association present a Christmas Quiz at the Weigh Inn.
�10 entry per team with maximum number of up to 4. Points make
prizes in this quiz with winning team earning �1 for every point gained
with possible total of �100.
Food Demonstration Evening At Ackergill Tower
Tickets are still available for the fund raising evening "Food
Demonstration Evening" in Ackergill Tower on Monday 24th November 2008.
With Chef Kevin Dalgleish. Contact Julie or Tracey at Pultneytown Peoples
Project on 01955 606950.Tickets cost �10.
16 November 2008
Global Xchange Volunteers Fun Day At Wick Bangladeshi
culture was on show with the Global Xchange volunteers at Wick Scout Hall
on Saturday. Traditional Saris and Henna were on offer for the ladies to try
out. The day helped to raise awareness of the poverty in Bangladesh.
The group ran a variety of stalls to let people try out the food and play
games Bangladeshi style. The volunteers are here in Caithness and
are from both Bangladesh and various parts of the UK. They will head
for Bangladesh in December on the second stage of their volunteering
project. They will be in Chittagong working with the poor so
hopefully money raised here will go some way to helping them.
More on the Global Xchange volunteers in Caithness
The Loch Of
Mey Monster - Exhibition The
beautiful original drawings from the Loch Of Mey Monster series of
children's books can be seen in a small exhibition at Jim Bews book
shop, Thurso. This set of small, simple yet lovely pictures capture
the landscape of Caithness and the age and wonder of the children involved
in the stories. Rebecca Winkle has a degree in fine art and a diverse
range of artistic skills. Including; Equestrian and Wildlife art, animal
portraits and sculpture.
Window Damaged At Balti House, Wick
Police in Wick are making enquiries into an incident that occurred about
0230hrs on Sunday 16th November 2008, where the front window of the Balti
House, Bridge Street, Wick, was damaged. At this time the area was busy
with late night patrons from local licensed premises, a group of whom it
is believed witnessed this damage occurring. Wick Police are particularly
interested in tracing two males who were seen leaving the area in a Dark
coloured Hatchback car, which had been parked directly opposite the Balti
house facing in a Northerly direction at the time the damage occurred and
may have information regarding the incident.
Wick School Janitor Runner-Up in Employee Of The Year Highland Council
Quality Awards Short-listed
for Employee of the Year were Robert Banks, janitor at North Primary
School, Wick, and Alf Leslie, senior energy inspector with the Council's
Housing and Property Service. the winner was Kate Birch, The Highland
Council's Children's Services Manager for Inverness, Nairn and Badenoch
and Strathspey, has been chosen at the Council's Employee of the year. She
received her prize at the Council's annual Quality Awards, held at the
North Highland College, Thurso, on Monday night. Lesley Riddoch the well
known journalist and broadcaster was master of ceremonies to an audience
of employees, councillors and sponsors of the event. Robert Bain was
praised for his willingness to deal with almost anything and his attention
to waste disposal and keeping the school green plus running the school
football team in his spare time.
Win A
Brand New Christmas Patchwork Quilt From Caithness Local
Caithness folk are raising funds for NSF Scotland a leading mental health
charity.
Win this brand new beautiful patchwork quilt and help raise much needed
funds for NSF (Scotland). This lovely quilt was made by one of our
supporters who is a member of a quilting group. It measures 2.13m x 2.29m
(7ft x 7ft 6�) and will fully cover a Double bed. For every �1 you donate
a ticket will be entered in our draw. So �10 gives you 10 tickets, �20 is
20 tickets and so on. Remember to say �yes� to the question �Are you
donating in return for a ticket to an event/raffle/auction� when asked
�Are you donating your own money. Donate online and tickets will be
allocated to you and entered in the draw - just follow the instructions on
the Just Giving page.
Calling all Crossroads Primary school past and present pupils ...... This month is Crossroads School 40th anniversary, where we intend to
start the year of with a 'div ye mind' fundraising book. Any stories,
anecdotes or memories would be gratefully received from anyone who has had
anything to do with the school over the years, nothing too rude please ;-)
We hope to compile a book of all your stories etc and sell them at our
anniversary dance next October in the new Mey hall, a date for all of your
dairies. I thought the easiest way to do this is either through
caithness.org / forums, facebook, friends reunited or simply email or
write the old fashioned way. I would very much appreciate it if you could
spread the word to your friends and relatives who might be interested in
participating in the book and attending the anniversary dance next year.
All funds raised will go to the school fund. other events will be
organised during the anniversary year, watch this space !! Look forward to
hearing from you all. Jacqueline Mackenzie
[email protected]
Drive to get youngsters involved in sport intensifies - Press &
Journal
Active Schools team visit Highland Football Academy
Councillor Bill Fernie, chairman of education, culture and sport
committee, said: �All involved in Active Schools, teachers, co-ordinators,
students and the clubs, have embraced everything that is trying to be
achieved and are taking every opportunity to get involved and increase
activity levels, while also bringing children from all over the area
closer together.�
International Power plans 10MW tidal farm on Pentland Firth - New
Energy Focus
Power generator International Power Marine Development (IPMD) has today
unveiled plans for a 10MW tidal stream farm in the Pentland Firth. The
news came as the firm, whose parent company is listed on the London Stock
Exchange and generates 33GW of electricity worldwide, announced that it
has secured a connection for the project from Scottish and Southern Energy
(SSE).......... Call for cohesive plan to fulfil Salmond�s renewables "vision"
Beware - Phone Call Prize Scams Still Doing The Rounds
Today we received an automated voice call with an American accent
advising us we had won a Carribean Cruise and all we had to do was press
9. This may allow them to use your telephone number or simply
connect you to a high tariff phone call but whatever it is be warned it
may cost you a lot. Do not dial anything and hang up fast.
Similar scams have been going on for years - Don't Get Caught Out - ignore
them.
See this article from 2004 or check hundreds of similar warning
all over the web.
Wick Arion Choir - Musical Tribute To the Late Mrs Aline C. Mowat
Tonight at Assembly Rooms, Wick - Tickets �5 - Pay at the door A well remembered choir reformed for this tribute concert this
evening. All money raised will be distributed to local charities.
Wick Youth Club Ceilidh With Global Xchange
Volunteers Recently, members of the Wick Youth Club organised a Ceilidh for the 18
Global Exchange team who are staying in the north. Aged between 18 and 27
the team, who are from all over the UK and Bangladesh, are living with
host families in the county whilst volunteering with the following
organisations: Home Aid, Wellington Enterprises, Wick Youth Club, Pultney
Town People's Project, The Ormlie Centre, Haven, Horizons, Wick Family
Centre, Stepping Stones, Keiss Primary School, Pulteneytown Academy and
the Highland Rangers. They have also helped out with various other
community projects since August and will be here until December. Get To Know The Global Exchange Volunteers - Help them To Help
Caithness
Wick Scout Hall - Saturday 15th November 11.00am - 3.00pm
Caithness Bloggers "The Men O'
Hobbister" During the Great War - From Rain On My Window by Morris
Pottinger
I wrote of the �Men o� the Bu�� as an introduction to my grandfather�s
wages book, which ran from 1906 to 1942, and an introduction to the men
and women who kept the farms going for us with their hard labour. Later we
come to the �Men o� Whitehaa� where I spent my early days, and knew most
of the men. Meantime as a family we spent six years in Hobbister in Orphir
before returning to Stronsay, from Nov. 1913 to Nov.1919, spanning the
1914 � 1918 Great War...... "Hello
Chicago" - The Elections - From Home In the Highlands - an American Living
In Caithness
4:56am Greenwich Mean Time I wake and hit the button for BBC radio,
expecting to hear that the US election is still on tenterhooks. Instead I
discover that I have slept through a projected victory for Obama at 10pm
and a gracious concession speech by McCain, but I am just in time to hear
Obama tell a jubilant crowd in Grant Park, "Hello, Chicago."
North Highland
Cultural Diary - November 2008
Adrian Clark is Area Cultural Officer, Caithness, Sutherland and East
Ross. He produces a monthly newsletter for the north each month. He
can be contacted on 01349 885114.
Fashion Show In Aid Of Mey Hall
Mey Hall Committee will be holding a Fashion Show in John O'Groats
Knitwear Shop on Saturday 8th of November at 7pm. A light supper
will be served. Tickets �5. Available from Ellen Simpson. Call 01847
851736.
6 November 2008
New design and
features on Am Baile website The Highland Council's awarding-winning bi-lingual Highland history
and culture website - Am Baile - has been refreshed with a new look
design, improved navigation and new features. Users can now experience
enhanced navigation and additional links to new and existing features
throughout the site thus making it easier to browse and enjoy the huge
variety of materials and different media types on offer. A new feature on
Am Baile is the 'then and now' section. Here users can view photographs
and compare and contrast the way locations in the Highlands have changed
over the years. Photographs of buildings, castles, churches, monuments,
streets and various locations are included in this fascinating collection
that show how time has, or has not, in some cases changed parts of the
Highlands.
Limits to growth - From The Economist print edition A new generation of nuclear plants requires a new generation of nuclear
physicists
On November 4th the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), the office
charged with shutting down and cleaning up Britain�s ancient
first-generation reactors, launched a training drive, promising to create
a national nuclear laboratory and promote careers in nuclear physics for
youngsters. Ministers have set up a �National Skills Academy for Nuclear�,
which offers foundation degrees and lower-level vocational
qualifications.....
Is Cumbria Changing Course On Regeneration - Should Caithness Be Taking
Note?
Regeneration board to take lead from private sector - Times & Star A NEW private sector-led board will be formed to spearhead West
Cumbria�s economic regeneration. West Cumbria Vision will replace the West
Cumbria Leadership Group, which has been in charge of delivering Britain�s
Energy Coast Masterplan. The masterplan could create 160,000 jobs and pump
�800 million into the county. The new board will oversee the development
of offshore wind farms, a new �100 million district hospital,
transformation of the Port of Workington and Harrington marina, and
expansion of the University of Cumbria in West Cumbria. Plans could also
include a �30 million spend on the A66 as part of a �300 million
investment into long-term road improvements, which would also include the
A595. A �50 million investment in cultural, sports and leisure facilities
has also been mooted...........
Call to tackle lack of dentists - Press Association
Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon has faced calls to tackle the plight of
thousands of Scots without an NHS dentist. Orkney, Grampian and
Caithness were among the hotspots identified by MSPs in Parliament during
Question Time. Ms Sturgeon admitted the number of people registered in
some areas was "unacceptably low".
Get To Know The Global Exchange Volunteers - Help them To Help Caithness
Wick Scout Hall - Saturday 15th November 11.00am - 3.00pm There
are currently 18 young people in the Caithness Community � half from the
UK, half from Bangladesh on a program called Global Xchange. Global
Xchange organised by VSO and the British Council is a 6 month project
which aims to create active global citizens who promote cross-cultural
living in a diverse world. That�s exactly what we invite you to do.
Caithness.org will be there and we want to see as many people in Caithness
as possible supporting this event organised by the volunteers who are
working on many projects in the county. Get along and try
Traditional Dress, See Local Artists, Christmas Card Making, Henna
Painting, Food Available, Raffle, Learn some Bengali, Highland Dancing.
Help them to help us. A wee bit of encouragement goes along way.
See you all on the 15th..........
November Issue Of Dounreay News Now Online Articles
in this month's publication include:
A word from Stuart Chalmers, NDA Site Programme Mananger (Dounreay)
PFR's electrical strip out
Apprentices help Dunnet Forest count its visitors
Dounreay's Health and Safety Week 2008
See Watten and Thrumster Schools, Credit Crunch, Apprentices at Dunnet
Forest and much more.......
Climate Challenge Fund For Communities - Up To
�1million Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing us today. There are
many things we can do as individuals to reduce our impact on climate
change but if we act together as communities we can do even more. The
Climate Challenge Fund is here to help communities make a real difference
by significantly reducing carbon emissions. There is no set grant and no
minimum level of award but a �1,000,000 maximum has been set. The Fund
offers grants to community organisations to help with planning, learning,
communications and most importantly local action to reduce carbon
emissions. Projects can involve a range of actions, from helping people to
use less energy at home, to encouraging more walking and cycling and
eating more locally produced food.
Change Of Date For Wick Ward Forum
The Wick Ward Forum due to take place on Tuesday 11th November has had to
be changed to Tuesday 18th November. The meeting will take place in
Wick High School Assembly Hall at 7.00pm.
Highland 2007
Legacy Programme - Round 1 Grant Awards Announced Members of The Highland Council's Education Culture and Sport
Committee have been advised that 53 awards, totalling �388,649, have been
approved in the first round of the new Highland 2007 Legacy Programme.
Given the national significance of Homecoming Scotland 2009 and the
opportunities that exist for the Highlands to participate in this
Scotland-wide programme, the first round of grants were prioritised in
support of events or projects contributing to this national celebration.
Homecoming Scotland 2009 aims to motivate people of Scottish descent, as
well as those who simply love Scotland, to come home in 2009 and the
Highlands will present a very special programme to attract international
tourists to the area next year. Amounts awarded to Caithness groups are -
Science 03 - Science 03 Caithness Science Festival - �5,000
Wick HarbourFest - Wick HarbourFest Homecoming 2009 - �7,000
THC/NTS - Transform - �10,000
Caithness Arts - Caithness Arts Activities 2009 - �10,000
Dunbeath Preservation Trust - Dunbeath Fishing Heritage - �17,500
Northern Nashville Caithness CMF - 2009 Festival Country & Western Music
Festival - Up to �15,000
Northlands Creative Glass - Equipment Purchase - �5,000
Caithness Archaeological Trust - Conference - Glass in Art and Archaeology
- �3,000
Lyth Arts Centre - A Sinclair Odyssey - �10,000
BIG FAT PROBLEM PROMPTS CAITHNESS RECYCLE APPEAL
A pre-Christmas appeal with a difference is going out to people in
Caithness - recycle your cooking fats, oils and greases. The appeal has
been prompted by the discovery of large amounts of illegally-dumped fat in
the county's sewer system and waste water treatment works, in particular
Thurso and Castletown. The solidified fat has been impairing the ability
of the treatment works, potentially putting the local environment at risk
of pollution. Householders and businesses in the Far North have an
advantage over other Highland communities as they have an
environmentally-friendly way to dispose of their waste cooking oils right
on their doorstep. There are recycling banks at Wick, Thurso and Seater.
The oil is collected by local firm Manson Waste Disposal who convert it
into bio-diesel fuel for resale.
4 November 2008
'Junk to Funk' interior design course
For first time tenants aged between 16 - 25 who want help to furnish their
homes in an artistic manner through > basic interior design. Young people
will be shown how to renovate small items of furniture and household items
on a very small budget, design and make canvasses to their own design, and
generally learn different skills which will make their homes and gardens
bright and attractive. Money is always tight for first time tenants and we
want to show that homes can be jazzed up on a very basic shoestring budget
through imagination and innovation. Session will be held on Thursdays from
3 - 5 pm at the Ormlie Centre, Henderson Street, Thurso and will be lead
by Bettine Bain, Wick. Sessions are free and anybody who is interested in
attending can either turn up or contact 01847 891789 - email
[email protected]
3 November 2008
Stagecoach Reinstates two and half hour bus service between Caithness and
Inverness Members of Caithness Transport Forum and Stagecoach staff following a
successful meeting where members heard that the 3 and a half hour service
between Inverness and Caithness is to be reinstated from 8 December.
Caithness Association of Community Councils Secretary Jean Lipa handed
over a petition from Thurso residents requesting reinstatement of the two
and a half hour bus service to Inverness to Charlie Mullen, Managing
Director of Stagecoach Bluebird.
In Search Of
Vikings - Post Excavation Workshop - All Welcome Starts:
10:00 Ends: 16:00 Sunday 9 November At Castlehill Centre Following this summer's successful archaeological training project, in
conjunction with AOC archaeology, Castletown Heritage can now confirm
details of the first post excavation workshop which will be led by Dr Andy
Heald. A light lunch will be provided. A warm welcome back to all those
who took part in the summer activities and also to any new budding
archaeologists who may like to attend. A second two-day workshop is
planned for the weekend of the 5-6th December. Location:
Castlehill
Heritage CentreArchaeology In
Caithness
2 November 2008
Inverness Airport Secures
Direct Link to Germany Inverness Airport will offer
direct access to mainland Europe in 2009 with a new air link to Germany
operated by Lufthansa. German flag carrier Lufthansa will operate flights
between the Highland capital and D�sseldorf
International Airport on Saturdays during the peak tourism season in June,
July, August and September next year. Highlands and Islands Airports
Limited (HIAL) welcomed the successful outcome of its route development
discussions with the airline which is expected to bring a major boost to
inbound tourism for the Highlands and Inner Moray Firth. Germany is
Scotland�s second largest international market for inbound tourism after
the USA, accounting for 278,000 trips in 2006 and visitor spend of �123
million. Research has shown that German visitors tend to come to Scotland
in the summer months and stay on average for two weeks. The D�sseldorf
service will operate on Saturdays from 20 June until 12 September 2009,
one rotation per week, with Canadair Regional Jet 700 aircraft operated by
Lufthansa Cityline with a 1hr 55min flight time.
Child Protection Training GROUPS working with young people
can benefit from child protection training being provided in Wick and
Thurso in early December. Sessions will take place on Thursday,
December 4, in Wick Assembly Rooms (6.30pm to 9pm), and on Friday,
December 5, in Thurso Youth Club (10 am to 12.30pm). This training is delivered free and is open to any groups that work
with young people, such as playgroups, youth clubs or sporting
organisations. To book a place, contact Yvonne at
Caithness Voluntary Group.
Major Funders On Hand To Meet Local Groups
COMMUNITY groups have a chance to come and meet funders from two
major organisations, BBC Children in Need and Community Energy
Scotland, at an event in Wick. It is taking place in the
youth club on Thursday, November 6, from 10am to 2pm. There
is no charge to groups wishing to be represented, and
refreshments and lunch will be provided. Last year�s Children in
Need appeal raised over �37 million for projects to help
disadvantaged children across the UK. There is a new application
process and this will be explained.
Hold Your Event In Staxigoe and Papigoe Hall Staxigoe & Papigoe Public Hall committee held its Annual Children's
Halloween Event this year by holding a Themed disco with entertainment
provided by the new disco system the hall has just purchased. Around 60
children from the surrounding area attended. The Hall can be hired
for various events by contacting Sybil on 01955 605417, a bouncy castle,
disco / PA system are available for hire within the Hall.
Suitable
for children aged 8-14 years - MEET SEADRIFT VISITOR CENTRE, 3PM Learn
about garden birds & make some bird cakes to help your garden birds
through the winter. Please bring food scraps such as cheese, raisins, cake
& some yoghurt pots. In conjunction with Caithness Critters. PLEASE BOOK
PLACE IN ADVANCE
Brush
up on your DIY skills & help to provide useful habitat for local wildlife
by building bat & bird boxes. All materials provided but please bring
useful tools (work bench, drills etc) if you have any. A light lunch will
be provided after the event for all volunteers taking part. In conjunction
with the Caithness Countryside Volunteers. *ALL PLACES MUST BE BOOKED IN
ADVANCE* For further information & to book, please contact Marina Swanson
on 01955607758/07824351691 or e-mail
