�300,000 Invested in Thurso Precinct
As Highland Council Speeds Up Spend
The Highland Council has agreed to accelerate its spending on the facelift
of Thurso pedestrian precinct to complete the �300,000 project by Easter.
The six-week first phase of the reconstruction of the pedestrian-friendly
area was completed at the end of last year. It saw an upgrade of the area
between Market Street and the Town Hall Square. A second 10-week phase is
now underway to complete the upgrade from the Town Hall to the trunk road
at the junction of Trail Street - Olrig Street. The Council agreed to
bring forward the spending from the 2009/10 budget to ensure the contract
was completed in one project. The works include replacement of the
existing concrete paviors with Caithness flagstone outside the shops and
reconstruction of the access road to the shops edged with coloured paviors.
Mary Ann's
Paper Boats On TV BBC Alba Friday 30th January if all goes to plan
BBC Alba will broadcast our paper boat fundraiser launch, filmed at
Mary-Ann's cottage on Tuesday.
You can watch live and then only 24 after first being broadcast. Here's
what to do!
Go to this website:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/alba/ then go to the box headed
Naidheachdan (its on the lefthand side )and click on the link for An La
(It's on the righthand side). There are two programme options available,
one is for watching live (8pm - 8.30pm) and the other is for the most
recent programme played. An La is Gaelic for The Day. An La is a news
programme. The paper boat fundraiser will hopefully be one of many news
items broadcast.
29 January 2009
Wick Library Holds 100th Birthday Bash For Crocodile On
Saturday over 50 children and their parents came together to celebrate the
100th anniversary of The Crocodile, a unique resident of their local
library in Wick. Also joining the party and helping make the occasion
special, were library staff from the past including Crisabel Sinclair who
worked in the library from the 1950s until she retired, David and Edna
Morrison, Librarians who both spent many years in Wick's Public and School
libraries respectively, and recently retired Senior Library Assistant
Sheila Mather. The 15ft Gharial (Gavialis Gangeticus) preserved by a
taxidermist was originally sent back as museum exhibit by local politician
and benefactor Sir Arthur Bignold on the 25th January 1909. However, since
the museum closed in the late 1970s the crocodile has been resident in
different areas of the library building and has always been a big
favourite of the local children throughout the years.
The story has been taking off in the media and has already
featured on the BBC web site and may also feature on
MacAulay & Co Show on Radio Scotland On Thursday morning TODAY.
If you miss the show you can Listen Again on the BBC web site.
Telford Lade At Wick Gets Clean-up By Volunteers Caithness
Countryside Volunteers turned out in force on Sat 24th January, to give
part of the Telford Lade in Wick a thorough clean out. Organised by The
Highland Council's Countryside Rangers, the clean-up event proved very
productive with a shopping trolley, children's bike, two prams, some
traffic cones and numerous other items fished out the lade. The amount of
rubbish collected was a tremendous effort from all the volunteers. This
historic water course, located near Pulteney Distillery, was designed by
the world famous engineer Thomas Telford. Assisting the Countryside
Rangers were Jenny Bruce and some folk from the Wick Paths project, who
are looking to establish a historic walk along the lade.
Support To Continue For Highland Social Enterprise Waste Projects In recognition of the valuable work Social Enterprise companies in the
Highlands do in diverting waste from landfill sites, The Highland Council
has confirmed its continued support by allocating over �1.1 million of
grant funding for the next two years. In Highland currently 7 groups
receive grant funding based on an agreed amount for every tonne recycled
plus the equivalent waste disposal cost for every tonne recycled. They
are; Blythswood; Golspie Recycling Environmental ActionNetwork; NewStart
Highland; Touchwood; HomeAid (Caithness); Lochaber Environmental
Group; Acharacle Rag Tag and Textile.
Public's View Sought On New Open Space Guidance Communities and developers are being invited to have their say in
shaping future policy aimed at improving open space in new residential
developments in the Highlands. A consultation, organised by The Highland
Council's Planning and Development Service, runs until Friday 20 March.
Already the document has been sent to a number of groups, including
residents - associations, community councils and some of the major
developers in the Highlands. There is an on-line questionnaire at
http://www.highland.gov.uk/planningconsultations
The Council is also inviting the public to send in a photograph of a
favourite open space, explaining where it is and what is good about it or
draw a picture or create a computer graphic of an ideal open space.
Equally, the Council wants to see examples of poorly thought out or badly
maintained open space. These pictures will be used to inform the content
of the final guidance, as well as providing illustrative material.
28 January 2009
Barrogill Races Ahead With The Kandahar The
Kandahar Club races each year in Switzerland at the world famous Murren
Inferno downhill ski race - the longest downhill race in the world. This
year the North Highland's Mey Selections Barrogill has sponsored the Hulse-Palmer
Cup which is awarded to the three Kandahar teams with the best improved
times in the Inferno race, and to the member of the Club with the best
individual performance. Bottles of Barrogill whisky and miniatures of
Barrogill whisky were awarded to the winning competitors on Saturday night
at the Club's post-race dinner at the Alpin Palace Hotel in Murren after
the Inferno race in Murren on 24 January. The prizes were awarded to the
winners by HRH The Duke of Kent who is patron of the Kandahar Club.
Highland High Life
Scheme Receives Healthy Community Accolade At a recent APSE (Association for Public Service Excellence) Healthy
Community Seminar, The Highland Council's High Life leisure access scheme
was highlighted as a best practice example of how Scottish local
authorities are trying to tackle obesity. Last November, the Council
fought off fierce competition to win the award for Outstanding Achievement
in Sports, Leisure and Culture at the APSE (Association for Public Service
Excellence) Scotland's healthy community awards. High Life is a system of
affordable, all-inclusive access to Leisure Facilities. It is unique in
terms of price, the range of activities included and the number of
facilities included. The value for money it creates has encouraged mass,
regular participation in activity, resulting in healthier lifestyles for
many.
26 January 2009
Help For Smaller Businesses - staff recruitment and retention- 4th
February
Highlands and Islands Enterprise, in partnership with the Highland
Employers Coalition are organising a series of short workshops throughout
the region. The workshops are designed to focus around diversity in the
workplace and are particularly relevant to small businesses and
organisations.............
DUNNET FOREST LOG SALE - SATURDAY 7 FEBRUARY 2009
The log sale is going ahead on the above date. However, as a result of the
aftermath of the theft of our property, there will be a limited supply of
logs, rings and splits available and they will be sold on a
first-come-first-served basis until the supply runs out. We are very
sorry for any inconvenience to our customers but hope they will understand
we are trying to do our best in difficult circumstances. We hope to resume
our normal service as soon as possible.
Cancer Research Shops In Thurso and Wick Still Looking For Donations
Cancer research UK shops in Wick (01955 605010 36, Bridge St, Wick,
Caithness KW1 4NG) and Thurso (01847 894083 7, High St, Thurso, Caithness
KW14 8AG) would be grateful for following donations that are in good
condition; books, toys, bric-a-brac men�s and lady�s clothes. Please do
not donate anything electrical or furniture as they are not allowed to
sell these.
Worldwide Toast to The Immortal Memory of Robert Burns In addition to the Guinness World Record Attempt on 25th, since we
are recording all toasts held between 16th January and 7th February (to
encapsulate all Burns Suppers/events), if any of your Rotary Clubs/Burns
Clubs have already held their event (I note some on your site), they can
still log on and register their numbers and photos are always welcome for
our photo gallery. It is a very brief form (long winded form filling not
enticing!!) at:
http://www.worldwidetoasttorobertburns.com/content/view/91/91/
2009 Events It is never too early to let us know about Galas, Shows and Highland
Games as many folk from the UK and around the world are planning trips and
want to know these dates to help plan their visits. emails details of
Caithness and Sutherland events to [email protected]Over the past few months we have had enquiries about Gala Dates and
apart from Thurso have had to say "Don't Know" Remember people
planning trips often want to know Gala dates a year in advance.
23 January 2009
Plans For �1 Million Upgrade To Wick High School Unveiled Plans for a �1 million upgrade of Wick High School have been unveiled
to staff and parent representatives. It is hoped that work can start
during the summer following a competitive tendering process on a 25-week
contract to extend the dining facilities and upgrade and extend the
gymnasium changing facilities. It is also proposed to upgrade staff and
pupil toilets. Discussions are to continue with the Parent Council and
school management over the future use of the school swimming pool, which
has been unused for the past year because of health and safety issues.
Businesses Dial HIE For Good Advice Businesses in the Highlands and Islands have been making good use of a
new telephone adviceline set up to provide tailored expertise during the
current economic downturn. Launched on January 5 the advice line is one of
seven initiatives set up by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) aimed
at helping businesses in the region through the current trading period. So
far around 75 business representatives have dialled 08000 884884 to
discuss issues with an expert adviser and just over a quarter of these
have gone on to book a free one-to-one discussion session.
Caithness Group Gains Funding From Climate Challenge Fund - STV
Eric Larnach from Latheron Lybster and Clyth Community Development Company
in Caithness said in a statement: "Funding from the fund and partnership
working with Community Energy Scotland and DTAS will be the ideal vehicle
to allow us to develop our local projects to reduce carbon emissions and
become more energy efficient. "Our projects include an Information and
Education Centre - working with primary schools and secondary schools in
Caithness, a polytunnel project for education on locally grown food linked
to a healthy eating initiative and a community-owned wind project to
deliver renewable energy."
Opportunity for
Artists and Makers at St Fergus Gallery, Wick
The St Fergus Gallery is currently looking for Local Artists and Craft
makers to submit work for display in �The Foyer� the new Local Arts Area
in Wick Library. Having recently acquired new display cabinets we now have
the scope to show craft items, eg jewellery and textiles as well as wall
based work. Contributing Artists must be based in Caithness. For
application details and further terms and conditions please contact
Shelagh Swanson at the St Fergus Gallery, 01955603489 or email
[email protected]
Closing date for entries Friday 13th February.
Take A Spin Round Scrabster Harbour A collection of photos taken by our very own local
weather lady Tugmistress (Paula Gent) in the Forum and put
together by her daughter. A great promotional video for Scrabster
and Caithness. Well done to both
22 January 2009
ATTENTION ALL Caithness Voluntary Groups - Potentially Big Funding On
Offer
Caithness Voluntary Group Funding Workshops - A Great Chance To Find
LEADER Funding
LEADER funding workshops are being arranged by Caithness Voluntary Group
for venues in Wick and Thurso at the end of this month. The sessions,
which are free of charge, are being presented by Highland LEADER
development officer Fiona Cameron. They will take place in Wick Youth
Club on Thursday, January 29, and in Thurso Youth Club the following day.
Both workshops run from 10.30am to 11.30am. Groups can also arrange
appointments for a for one-one meeting with Fiona after the presentations.
To book a place on either workshop, and an appointment for a one-one chat
afterwards, contact Yvonne Hendry at CVG, Telford House, Williamson
Street, Wick (telephone 01955 609960 or email
[email protected] ). The Highland
LEADER programme is now open for groups to apply for funding. LEADER is an
EU fund that aims to promote economic and community development in rural
areas. In Caithness, decisions will be made by the local area group for
applications up to �50,000. Applications over �50,000 will be decided at
Highland level.
Caithness Floral Art Club Final Demonstration Of 2008 Philida
Irving from Northumberland journeyed to Thurso for the final demonstration
of the year of the Caithness Floral Art Club. The inspirations for her
arrangements were the colours in the landscape around Hexham, her
enjoyment of classical guitar music, solving word puzzles, a memorable
sunset in Santa Fe and her love of flowers.
Gunn named as Norwich City boss
-
EDP24 Bryan Gunn has been named as Norwich City's new manager -
until the end of the season. Former Norwich goalkeeper Gunn, 45, was born
in Thurso, Scotland, and started his playing career under Alex Ferguson at
Aberdeen. He gained six Scottish caps.
A Chance
To Learn About Post Excavation Analysis for Budding Archaelogists
As part of their ongoing 'Looking for Vikings' project Castletown Heritage
Society will be holding a workshop on post excavation analysis in the
Archeological Research Laboratory at Castlehill Heritage Centre on Sunday
1 February. Both new enthusiasts interested in the practical aspects of
archaeological field work and past participants in the survey and
excavations programme undertaken at Dunnet links last summer in
conjunction with AOC Archaeology are very welcome to attend. The hands-on
workshop will be led by Dr Andy Heald and will involve practical
demonstration and instruction in the techniques and processes involved in
sifting, sorting, recording and analysing finds from archaeological
excavations. To register interest please contact
[email protected] A second two day workshop will
be scheduled later in the year. Full details are available on the events page of CHS website.
www.castletownheritage.co.uk
Frustration over nuclear archive - BBC
The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority has been urged to push ahead with
plans to build the UK's first national nuclear archive in Wick.
21 January 2009
Tongue School tree-mendous planting effort As
part of the 'Communities Project for Highland Biodiversity,' P4 to P7
pupils from Tongue Primary School in North Sutherland recently (Mon 12th
Jan) had fun planting twenty young native trees, complete with deer guards
and wooden stakes. The children worked very hard assisted by Paul Castle
the Highland Council Planning and Development Countryside Ranger. The
young trees including Scots pine, rowan and even some oak were planted
alongside the recently improved footpath leading up to
Castle Varrich in Tongue.
Caithness Hosts
Exhibition Celebrating 300 Years Recording Nature's Sights And Sounds A key SNH contribution to the Year of Highland Culture 2007 programme
is now on show for the public in Caithness. Scottish Natural Heritage's
Highland Naturalists display is available for free public viewing at
Caithness Horizons in Thurso from 20 January until 15 March. The
exhibition which was located in SNH's headquarters, Great Glen House in
Inverness for the Year of Highland Culture, tells the stories of people
who have passionately studied and recorded the area's landscape and
wildlife with images, writings, sounds and artefacts.
Lost Property - Surf Board - If Spotted
Notify Police Immediately
Police in Thurso have received a report that a group of surfers lost a
pink and white surf board while the group were surfing at Strathy beach on
the afternoon of Wednesday 21st January 2009. The board was seen floating
out to sea and could not be recovered without endangering the safety of
members of the group. There is a very real possibility that the board
might eventually be washed ashore or spotted out at sea, which might
prompt a missing person enquiry. It should be emphasised that the usual
full enquiries would be carried out in the event of the finding/recovery
of any surf boards, until such time as it could be substantiated that any
recovered surf boards were a definite match for the one lost at Strathy
and would request that this information be borne in mind should such an
incident occur.
Thurso Woolworths - The Last Days
Thanks to Balto on
the forum
for pointing us to this short clip
Former Production Editor Setting Up In PR - allmediaScotland.com
James Donaldson the son of Noel Donaldson the well known reporter from the
John O'Groat Journal is setting up his own PR Company.
20 January 2009
Highland Seal Hospital Valentines Day Dinner Dance
A charity dance for The Highland seal hospital is being held on the 14th
February in The Northern Sands Hotel Dunnet. It is a dinner and dance and
tickets are �20pp with all proceeds going to The Seal Hospital The
Northern Sands hotel has given use of the premises for free. The event
starts at 7.30pm and tickets are available by contacting Tracey Myers on
01847821624 or email [email protected]
Shops and Businesses In Wick A few shops have closed recently so we thought it would be interesting
to see just how many are left. There are more shops in other parts of
Wick and we will try to add these to this gallery at a later date.
Thurso will come at a later date.
61 - 72
73 - 84
85 - 95
NHS
Dental Care To Reach Another 35,000 People In Highland
A major expansion of NHS dental services will allow an additional 35,000
people access to NHS dental treatment in the Highlands. It follows the
announcement of a �5.64million cash injection from Scottish Government.
The money will be added to Board funds to create 17,000 spaces for people
to receive NHS dental treatment at new or expanded facilities in Thurso,
Dingwall, Inverness, Oban and Campbeltown. Building work is expected to
get underway on all of the projects over the next two financial years.
Staxigoe Activity Club Received High Viz Vests From MFR Cash For Kids The
children of Staxigoe Activity Club, which is run by the hall committee on
Sunday evenings, have received a donation from MFR Cash For Kids of high
visibility vest. Each child attending the club received one. This is part
of the winter campaign being run by the radio station this year
Help To Make A New Burns Record For the Guinness Book Of Records If you are holding a Burns Supper on the 25th - Burns Night your group
can include the numbers for raising a glass to Burns. all the
details are on the web site at
www.worldwidetoasttorobertburns.com Just register and then
notify them of the numbers after your Burns Night supper - but Guinness
Records only want to know about those actually held on the 25th and not on
other dates to make it the Biggest Simultaneous Toast In The World.
TREE-MENDOUS NEWS FOR WOOD FUEL HEATING A �2 million scheme to boost the use of wood fuel used for heating is
open for business. Applications are being invited for the Scottish Biomass
Heat Scheme, which will give grants of up to �100,000 to small and medium
sized businesses to install renewable heating systems. To reach European
climate change targets, the Government wants to increase by tenfold the
amount of renewables used for heating in Scotland.
Paper boat fundraiser
for Mary-Ann's Cottage - Caithness
Paper Boat Fundraiser Blog On
the 30th January 2009, Joane Kaar will launch her paper boat project - a
fundraiser for Mary-Ann's cottage, a living history museum in Caithness
Scotland run by volunteers from The Caithness Heritage Trust As paper boats are sent to her from around the
globe, she will document them on her blog. The launch date and theme were inspired by the maiden
voyage of the Westland Ship - 30th January 1879 (130 years ago) from
Scotland to New Zealand. Mary-Ann's father, William Young was a member of
the crew.
Joanne Kaar's Mary Ann's Cottage BlogMary Ann's Cottage
Young Quality Scot Award Winners in Highland - Two From Caithness
Two winners of the Young Scot Quality awards are from Caithness - Robin
Falconer the newly appointed chair of Highland Youth Voice from Wick High
and Natasha Mackay from Thurso High, Well done to them.
The Young Quality Scot Awards look to recognise and reward young
volunteers in Scotland. The awards are a partnership between Quality
Scotland and local councils across Scotland. Twenty young people from
Highland will this year receive the accolade of Young Quality Scot for
their contribution to their communities. Their achievements include
volunteering in the community, sports coaching, supporting youth projects,
fundraising, art and cultural projects, involvement in youth forums and
parliament, and Scottish Youth Parliament. They are invited to take part
in a local training event (12th and 13th Feb.), run by the Youth
Development team, with other Highland winners at which they will prepare a
presentation to give at the National Celebration event which is this year
hosted by Aberdeenshire Council. This event takes place on the 5th and 6th
March 2009. Young Quality Scot Awards Master
First
Name
Last
Name
Location
Nominated By
Emma Mark
Neil Robin
Andrew
Fifi
Siobhan
Michael
Phi Natasha
John
Magnus
Sianne
John Lewis
Katie
Meghann
Chelsey
Scott
Murdo
Michelle
ADAM BAIN
CRAIG FALCONER
GILCHRIST
GREASLEY
JOHNSTONE
KAY
MACDONALD MACKAY
MACKINNON
MONAHAN
MOODIE
MUNRO
O'FEE
RICHARDSON
ROSS
RUSSELL
TRAILL
WARDLAW
BY LAIRG NAIRN
INVERNESS WICK
FORT AUGUSTUS
LAIRG
INVERNESS
ALNESS
INVERNESS BY THURSO
FORT AUGUSTUS
SPINNINGDALE
CONON BRIDGE
KYLE OF LOCHALSH
INVERNESS
AULTBEA
KINLOCHBERVIE
DRUMNADROCHIT
INVERNESS
SPEAN BRIDGE
At School At School
At School
At School
At School
At School
At School
In other education
At School
At School
At School
At School
At School
At School
At School
At School
At School
At School
At School
At School
School Active Schools Co-ordinator
School Youth Development Officer
Active Schools Co-ordinator
Youth Development Officer
School Youth Development Officer
Youth Development Officer
School Active Schools Co-ordinator
Youth Development Officer
Youth Development Officer
Youth Development Officer
School
School
School
Active Schools Co-ordinator
school
School
Interested In History? - Complete A Survey To Help Get New Degree
Course Going At Dornoch
I am contacting you from the UHI Centre for History to ask for your help
regarding research we are conducting into proposed new degree programmes.
With this in mind, we would be very grateful if you would complete our
online survey, which should take up no more than five to ten minutes of
your time:
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=fSTtnetsF4AVSJ3rIPOr1A_3d_3d
UHI is a partnership of colleges, learning and research centres, working
together to provide university-level education to people throughout the
Highlands and Islands of Scotland and beyond. At the Centre for History.
Our popular BA Honours Scottish History degree (
www.history.uhi.ac.uk ) has
been running since 2007. Both full and part-time students from a wide
range of backgrounds participate, taking modules looking at Scottish
history from a variety of perspectives. They attend courses at their local
UHI college or learning centre by means of video conferencing,
besides interacting regularly online and meeting face-to-face with fellow
students and staff. We are hoping to expand our range of courses over the
next three years. We aim to do this by introducing a postgraduate degree
as well as several new joint honours undergraduate degrees. These will
help us develop our range of teaching and research in three key areas:
Highlands and Islands History, Scottish History and wider History.
The degrees we are hoping to launch between 2009 and 2011 include:
i) Postgraduate degree -
MA History of the Highlands and Islands
ii) Undergraduate degree -
BA Joint Honours Scottish History and Archaeology -BA Honours History
BA Joint Honours History and Politics
If you have any problems completing the survey or would like any further
information, please call me at the UHI Centre for History on 01847 889624
ore-mail me at [email protected]
Caithness School Pupil Winners Of 2009 Lyreco Calendar Competition In Inverness Education
Culture and Sport Chairman Bill Fernie joined Chris Coates from Casio and
Allan Law from Lyreco, the sponsors of the 2009 calendar to present the
Caithness winners with their prizes. L to R are Tom Sutherland from South
Wick Primary; Ashleigh Miller, Thurso High School Liam Sim, Miller
Academy. Unable to attend the presentation was Melissa Ross from Mount
Pleasant Primary All winners received a Wii game console and a cheque for
their school. The winners had all made a picture for month in the
calendar and this year the winning entries were amazing. Each winning
pupil was presented with a Wii Sport at The Highland Council�s Education,
Culture and Sport Committee. Their schools were also presented with a
donation. Each of the designs now appear in one month of the calendar
which is currently being distributed to all schools and council offices.
The competition was sponsored by Casio.
Allan Law of Lyreco said: "It never ceases to amaze me the wealth of
artistic talent displayed by young people in the Highlands as the quality
of the entries that we receive from makes judging very difficult. Sifting
through all the entries this year and selecting the winners was no mean
task. The calendar format allows us to showcase more of the pupils�
efforts, rather than just one overall winner.� The full list of winning pupils were:
Arthur Kirkwood - Grantown Grammar School
Tom Sutherland - South Wick School
Kieran Ross - Charleston Academy
Ashleigh Miller - Thurso High School
Megan Sidebottom - Kilchuimen Academy
Georgia Campbell - Dingwall Primary School
Sasha McMahon - Grantown Grammar School
Coreigh Sonley - Kilchuimen Academy
Ellie Castle - Lochcarron Primary School
Natalie Smyth - Crown Primary School
Liam Sim - Miller Academy Primary School
Melissa Ross - Mount Pleasant Primary School The ten runners who will each receive a digital camera included:
Chloe Sinclair - Miller Academy Primary School
Laura MacLean - Dingwall Primary School
Ruth Olivant - Maryburgh Primary School
Finlay McCulloch - Crown Primary School
Dani Foy - Balloch Primary School
Innes Mackay - Farr Primary School
Jamie Trinder - Grantown Grammar School
Keryne McLeod - Grantown Grammar School
Neillidh Sutherland - Charleston Academy
Jenna Black - Invergordon Academy
Samantha Watson - Grantown Grammar School
Kenneth Paterson - Invergordon Academy
Camster Wind Farm Gains Planning Consent
Planning consent has this week been granted for Eon�s �13 million Camster
wind farm in Caithness. The proposed wind farm will be located between
Lybster and Watten and contribute to the Scottish Government's Renewable
Energy Targets of 31 per cent by 2011 and 50 per cent by 2020. The wind
farm will have 25 turbines and be capable of producing up to 50MW, or
enough power for up to 35,000 homes. Highland Council approved after a
four year planning process. Full planning details HERE
Low Level Nuclear Waste Facility Gains Planning Consent Planning consent has this week been granted forsix shallow
sub-surface vaults for the disposal of low level waste (LLW) with
associated development on land to the north-east of the existing Dounreay
licensed site. Construction will be phased with up to two vaults proposed
in each phase. Each phase is expected to take up to three years to
complete with construction of Phase I expected to commence, subject to the
necessary approvals, sometime towards the end of 2010 and be operational
by 2014.
Full planning details HERE
Concessionary Fares Scheme Changes For Caithness, Lochaber and Skye Holders of National Entitlement Cards in Caithness as well as Lochaber
and Skye, who are eligible for free travel, will need to alter the way in
which they confirm their entitlement as the result of the introduction of
new electronic ticket machines in these areas. Transport Scotland has
provided Stagecoach Bluebird and Stagecoach Highland with new machines as
part of the concessionary fares scheme. These will become operational in
Caithness on Sunday 18 January 2009 and in Skye and Lochaber on Sunday 25
January 2009. Until now, the system has been based upon a 'show and go'
where the card was presented to the driver so the holder's photograph
could be seen and their entitlement confirmed. Now, the card will need to
be removed from any wallet or holder and placed upon the card reader plate
in the bus, with the photograph uppermost and it will need to remain there
for a few seconds until the ticket has been issued.
New
Highland Youth Voice Chair and Vice Chair The
two new leaders of
Highland Youth Voice, the young people's parliament for the
Highlands, were introduced at the meeting of The Highland Council's
Education, Culture and Sport Committee held on Thursday 15th January 2009.
Robin Falconer from Wick is the new Chair of Highland Youth Voice and
Lewis Munro from Plockton is the new Vice Chair. They were elected by
the Highland Youth Parliament's Executive Committee members to provide
leadership over the next year. Robin (17) attends Wick High School and has
been a member of Highland Youth Voice for three years.
More Great Photos Of
Dunnet Beach From Scotland Visions Blog Scotland
Visions Blogspot is another web site where you can see some of the great
photos from local photographer
Martina Cross Martina has built up a reputation for great
photography especially of Caithness and superb collection of wide
panoramic pictures evoking the drama and moods of the Caithness sky. Her
calendars have been sold out each year since she began producing them a
few years ago. If you want to follow Martina and her camera
bookmark this blog and also take look at her photos in the photography
section under her alter ego "Raven"-
HEREHERE and many other places in
Photography
Sign the
Petition To Get Scottish Parliament To Investigate Delivery Charges To
Highland
We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to investigate the charges
levied by some couriers/suppliers to the Scottish Highlands. Submitted by
Terence Watson - Deadline to sign up by: 20 April 2009 -
Signatures: 1,613 as at 2.30pm 17 January 2009 1708 at 4.30pm
Finding New Employees Might Be Cheaper Than You Think - Try Our Jobs
Section
See what one advertiser says about his firms FREE ad in our jobs
section
HERERemember the ad is free and can remain on right up
to any closing date you set for it giving maximum coverage at the best
possible price - Absolutely Nothing. Using it could not be
easier - just
register and join the forum like any other member and add your job
just like any message. You can add links to any application forms etc on
your own web site where they can be downloaded by applicants saving you
postage. You can put in as much information about the job as you
want - no limit, possibly saving you time answering questions on the phone
taking up you or your staff's valuable time. From paper boys and girls to
nuclear engineers in fact any vacancy might be filled at no cost via our
jobs section that now has a very high profile and lots of visitors.
Thurso Coop Closed Next Week For Major Refurbishment
The Post Office Attached Will Remain Open
AT HOME ~ ST
FERGUS GALLERY, Wick An
exhibition of over 1000 digital images featuring pupils of Hillhead
Primary School, their families and home life runs in the St Fergus Gallery
Wick from the 9th January until the 7th February 2009. Entitled "At Home"
the pictures give a fascinating insight in to the lives of primary school
pupils. Eight budget digital cameras were purchased by the school
and used to take the pictures between October and December last year. Each
of the 200 pupils took the camera home for a few nights. Instructions for
using the camera were included and a number of themes were suggested which
pupils or parents could take photographs of. These included my family,
brothers and sisters, my house, my bedroom, mealtimes, my grandparents,
celebrations and my favourite toy. A selection of pictures from each pupil
has been printed in colour in a standard A4 size. They completely fill the
gallery walls.
Dunnet Forestry Trust --- Log Sales
Over the weekend, thieves broke in and stole all the mechanical equipment
used by the Dunnet Forestry Trust. Without equipment to restock, all sales
of logs and firewood will have to be temporarily suspended, The Trust
hopes to resume normal service as soon as possible but in the meantime
please watch this space.
12 January 2009
Chance Of a
Lifetime To Work With Nature BTCV's Natural Talent apprenticeship scheme is now recruiting a new
set of apprentices. Five posts are on offer covering 12 - 18 months
with �12,500 per annum with normal holidays and terms of service.
These are work based placements working with specialists with
opportunities for field work, conference attendance, reading and research
and the opportunity to gain practical experience and professional
development. Whilst only one of these posts is based in
Sutherland we thought you might like to see them all.
The 5 posts are;
Lepidoptera (Moths) - based at the National Museum Scotland (Keith Bland)
and RSPB Insh Marshes
Riverflies (Mayfly, Caddis and Stonefly) - based at the Clyde River
Foundation, SEPA and Buglife
Machair habitats - based with RSPB on the Uists and other RSPB reserves
Wetland Reserve management - based with SNH in Stirling and in Wetland
reserves throughout Scotland
Peatland Reserve management - based at RSPB Forsinard in Sutherland
Closing date is 9th February - much more information inside and on
the BCTV Natural Talent web site
Training Day To
Promote Musical Skills - The Kod�ly Approach
The Highland Council, in association with the National Youth Choir of
Scotland, will be holding a training day to provide primary and secondary
school staff the expertise to teach musical skills to young pupils. There
are also places available to anyone interested in learning more about the
Kod�ly approach to music education. The Training Day, which is free to
Highland Council staff and �40 for all other attendees will be held on 12
February at the Merkinch Centre in Inverness. Highland Council staff
wishing to attend should register online and all other attendees should
register by sending an email to:
[email protected]
Caithness Community Awards - Still Two Days Left To Nominate
An Individual or Group The Caithness Community Awards seek to recognise and publicly thank
those who make a contribution to the community in a variety of ways.
Members of the public are asked to nominate deserving individuals for
awards in various categories including Good Neighbour, Achievement in the
Arts, Achievement in Sport, Voluntary Leadership and Outstanding Courage.
Nomination Form
11 January 2009
Serious Assault, Thurso
Police in Thurso are investigating a serious assault on a female which
happened between 1800hrs and 1900hrs on Friday the 9th January at Sir
Georges Park, Thurso, known locally as �the dammies�.
Police in Thurso are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen any
distressed females or other persons in the area of the park or the seating
area at the entrance to Sir Archibald Road between these times and/or who
may have information in relation to this incident to contact their local
police station.
A male person is currently in custody in relation to the incident and will
appear at Wick Sheriff Court on Monday the 12th January.
10 January 2009
Caithness Celtic Supporters' Club Bus availability, for the next game
The next bus is:-
versus Hibs (League) on 24/01/09 - 3.00pm kick-off. Bus leaving Wick
Safeways @ 05:00 and Thurso Skinandis @ 05:30.
Senior = �30 and Junior = �20.
Contact, Stevie King = [email protected]
Official website - http://ebigh.com/1888
Castle of Mey 10k - Sunday 10th May - Get Your entry In Soon
'On Sunday 10th May, with the support of the Castle and Gardens of Mey,
the first Castle of Mey 10k will be held. Online entry for the race is
already open and can be accessed through the website
www.mey10k.co.uk The website also
contains a training plan for those new to running, that will have you
running the 10k in May no matter what your current level of fitness is! As
long as you have the commitment to get out and run 3 times a week,
following our simple run / walk schedule. You will be able to follow the
progress of a number of runners on the website and local press and we hope
that their progress will encourage other to entry the 10k. The Castle of
Mey 10k has no official charity it would wish runners to support. However
we would welcome and encourage any runner who wishes to fund-raise for a
charity or good cause to do so The race has an entry limit of 250 runners
and already there has been a large number of entries, so get your entry in
quickly and make that New Year resolution to get fit a reality!.'
Log Sale At Dunnet Forest Today Has Been Cancelled Due to high winds today the log sale has been cancelled
HIE
Launches Free Business Advice Line - Open 8.00 -
6.00pm Mon - Fri and Saturday Mornings Highlands
and Islands Enterprise (HIE) today formally launches a campaign to
assist businesses to navigate their way through the current economic
downturn. The agency has set up a dedicated advice line with business
experts on 08000 884 884 offering free tailored advice to businesses of
any size and in any sector. Callers can also get contact details of other
agencies such as HM Revenue and Customs or Scottish Development
International which may be able to assist them with particular issues, or
go on to book a free one-to-one consultation with a business adviser.
"We want everyone that could benefit from this service to be aware of it,"
said Carroll Buxton, one of HIE's regional directors. "We will be running
advertisements in local newspapers and on local radio during the next few
weeks and will be sending details of this service direct to 17,000
businesses in our area. We also have a
downloadable podcast on our website homepage which tells people
a little of what they can expect from our advice line.".......... See
AlsoHIE
Business web site
4 January 2009
International Year Of Astronomy - Caithness And Sutherland Events Are you
interested in astronomy? Then the series of events being organised by a
new local group starting on Friday 30th January will be a good place to
start. There will be talks, observing sessions, hands-on-activities,
gallery events, competitions and a chance to see genuine moon rocks and
meteorites over the year.
Happy New Year From 2009
Well that's 2008 gone and we wish everyone a happy new year for 2009.
Bill was suffering from one of the bugs going the rounds and did not
venture out to the Market Square in Wick to try and not spread it round
more folk. If anyone wants photos of the night in Wick, Thurso or
any other events in Caithness published just email them to
[email protected]
Local Hotelier Completes 366 Days Of 2008 Photos Jamie
Buchanan a local hotelier and photographer has just completed a year long
project to publish a photo every day for 2008. 366 photos have gone
on to his Flickr web pages and show many parts of Caithness. Jamie
also runs a blog under the name
North
Light Congratulations to Jamie for a great set of photos and
letting us see many of the wonderful views and aspects we might not yet
have had time to get round to. The whole set of 366 photos can be
viewed as a
Slide Show See how many places you can name and why
not go out and see one or two in the coming year. Great project
Jamie - Visit Scotland should be paying you. Jamie also contributes
photos in our Photography section We would also like to thank the many
contributors to this section that now has a huge number of photos of
Caithness and other subject matter. The section has over 1200 threads and
over 14,000 posts. The sections on Thurso and Wick old photos have
had over 100,000 visitors alone. It is easy for anyone to post
photos and then draw them into the section. If you have never done
this before some tips can be found
HEREIf you get stuck just ask the forum members
for help. Share your photos in 2009.
