CAITHNESS.ORG HEADLINES ARCHIVE ::  July 2011

Halkirk Highland Games 2011 - Many more to come - Photos From The Start
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Halkirk Highland Games- Another Race

Find More Halkirk Highland Games Videos and Other Videos In The Caithness.org Collection

Halkirk Highland Games - Even The Kids Win Cash At The Races
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Halkirk Highland Games - Sack Races For Children Halkirk Highland Games 2011 - More Races

Highland Dancing Takes Place Throughout The Afternoon


Halkirk Highland Games 2011 - Still many more photos to come later....Photos From The Start
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Halkirk Highland Games 2011 - A Big Crowd Wase Out To Enjoy The Day Halkirk Highland Games - The Heavy Ball

Dumbarton Pipe Band At Halkirk Highland Games 2011


Halkirk Highland Games 2011
- Many more photos on the way soon
See Photos From The Start HERE
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Halkirk Highland Games 2011 - Shot Putt Halkirk Highland Games 2011 - It's about Fun

Jig At Halkirk Highland Games 2011


If You Have Never Been To Caithness -
See What We Have To Offer and there is so much more to explore...........
Nature And Scenery - Castles - Walks

Halkirk Highland Games 2011
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Halkirk Highland Games - Dancers Halkirk Highland Games - Long Jump Competition

Dancers At Halkirk Games 2011
Wick Gala - See The Full Week's Programme HERE
Halkirk Highland Games - 30th July
Thurso Gala - 6th - 14th August

Halkirk Highland Games 2011
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Halkirk Highland Games 2011 Halkirk Highland Games 2011 Halkirk Highland Games - Heavyweight Competitors

March To The Field

Presenting Designs By Thurso Youth Club Girls Group And New Look
Fashion Designs By Thurso Youth Club Girls Group Thurso Youth Club Girls Group and New look Present Teen Fashions
Skinandis Nighclub - Monday 1st August 2011 - 7.00 - 9.00pm
Adults �3 Children �1.50  Family Ticket �5 (2 Adults & 2 Children)
Buy tickets from Thurso Swimming Pool

A Day In The Life Of An Archaeologist - The Thrumster Community Broch
Charlotte Douglas an archaeologist has contributed to this blog web site and gives an accountof one day at the Thrumster Broch Dig that finished last week.  Fro anyone interested in trying fieldarchaeology there are another two opportunities coming soon in Caithness.  One is the Nybster Broch Project starting again on 1 August and the other is the Sinclair Girnigoe Castle Project  commencing at 12.00 pm on Sunday 5th August for a week. This is a community dig and all are welcome to come and join in. Bring good protective clothes and a packed lunch. No previous experience is necessary as work will take place under the supervision of Field Archaeologist Specialists Ltd of York who has managed all the excavations at the castle. The Clan Sinclair Trust is delighted that students from Sinclair College, Dayton, Ohio in the USA are coming over to take part in the excavations and strengthen the ties between the College and the County. If you would like to join us or for further information telephone Ian Sinclair at Noss Head on 01955 606700.

What's Flying In July? - Caithness Moths Web Site Can Help Identify
Magpie Moth From www.caithnessmoths.org.uk
If you have ever wondered what is flying around your garden or home in Caithness but never could find out then there is fantastic resource web site www.caithnessmoths.org.uk that can help.  The Caithness Moths web site has photos and descriptions of a huge range of moths in Caithness The web site is still growiing and asks for help in obtaining more good photographs of moths not yet photographed.  So if you want to know what is flying around in Caithness in any month of the year just check the month.  This site has an amzing amount of infomration on an area of biodiversity that is all around us and often overlooked.  You can also add your items to the Biodiversity section in our forum on moths or any other apsect of nature in Caithness.

Doanalsin's Diary
Noel Donaldson writes Doanalsin's Dairy
Fit's In 'e Groat
Rail crossings should have barriers
Today's Wick Gala events

Pulteneytown People's Project Arts and Crafts Showcase
Get ready to be captivated by some of the finest artists and craftspeople Caithness has to offer as Pulteneytown People’s Project opens the doors to its Arts and Crafts Showcase.  Held at Wick Youth Club on July 30-31, members of PPP’s arts and crafts groups will be displaying their wonderful talents for the public’s pleasure from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and 12pm - 4pm on Sunday.
Doanalsin's Dairy
Noel Donaldson writes Doanalsin's Dairy
Fit's In E Courier

Thurso lifeboat callout

More help for heart patients


Dan and Dolina Truckin John O'Groats To Lands End - Leaving Friday 29th July
Fundraiser for Lifeboats and MacMillan Cancer

Dan and Dolina Truckin John O'Groats to Lands End for charity
They plan to be leaving a photoshoot at dunnet head around 8.30-9am then on to John O'Groats 9.30am for leaving 10.00am.  You can donate online to this at the llink above or head out to JOG to wave them off.

New E-Book From Wick Author Alan Calder - The Stuart Agenda
The Stuart Agenda by Alan Calder Alan Calder
Willow Moon Publishing of New Orleans has just released Wick man Alan Calder's first novel, The Stuart Agenda as an e-book.  His first novel, 'The Stuart Agenda' is an intriguing take on history.  What if the royal bloodline of the Stuarts had survived and one of their heirs mounted a claim to the Scottish throne? Set in the 2030's, fact and fiction blend throughout as we follow Robert, the charismatic heir to The Stuart Agenda, as he strives to win his heritage and, later, his love in the heady atmosphere of Scotland at last going independent.
Buy It HERE for the Kindle Reader Alan Calder's "Stuart Agenda" - Cost �5

Final Gala Photos From Saturday Now In - To See From the Start Go HERE
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Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011
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Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gal 2011
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Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011
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Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011
Wick Gala - Children's Fancy Dress At Braehead
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Children's Fancy Dress at Braehead, Wick Children's Fancy Dress at Braehead, Wick Children's Fancy Dress At Braehead, wick Children's Fancy Dress - Braehead, Wick


Wick Gala 2011 - Noel Donaldson's Photos - More Later
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Wick Gala 2011

Wick Gala 2011        Start From The Beginning HERE
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Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011

John O'Groats Harbour Day Sunday 31st July at 1pm.
A family fun day out in John O'Groats, with Pipe Band, Highland Dancing, Lifeboats, Bouncy Castle, Bottle Stall, Raffles and various other stalls.
RUBIK CUBE AUCTION
Transfomr John O'Groats
If you fancy a piece of modern art the huge Rubik Cube that was built for the transform John O'Groats art exhibition in early July is to be auctioned during the afternoon.

Wick Gala 2011
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Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 - More Photos Still to Come
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Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011

Watch Videos Of Wick Gala Floats HERE

Doanalsin's Diary On Wick Gala
Excellent Takings on Galas First Day - Wickers Dig Deep In Their Pockets
Takings top �7000 once again.........
Wick Gala Floats Night - Overview
More Doanalsin's Diary Today
Credit Union Success To Be Rolled Out Across Highland and Islands
Latest In Sutherland Whales Drama

Wick Gala 2011
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Wick Gala 2011

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Wick Gala 2011 - Majorettes

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Wick Gala 2011 - Gala Queen and Court

Wedding Exhibition At St John's Church, Wick Fri 29th and Sat 30th July
A Pulteneytown church is marking the “other” Royal Wedding in Edinburgh by holding a special exhibition. It will be within St. John's church, on the corner of Moray Street, Wick, where it meets Francis Street.  Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall will marry on July 30th at the Canongate Kirk, Edinburgh - where the Queen worships when in Edinburgh. St. John's Scottish Episcopal Church will hold their own wedding exhibition on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th July to celebrate the event.  The exhibition will feature wedding dresses loaned by members of the congregation, plus wedding memorabilia including a display of Royal Wedding books from the past.You can see how styles change, with dresses from three generations of one family. MacDonalds the Bakers are supporting the display with examples from their wedding cake range, including tasting samples. There will also be related floral displays by the Flower Patch, Riverside, Wick.  While the exhibition is open, 11 am till 4 pm each day, there will be cream teas served in the church hall. Wick Gala 2011
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Wick Gala 2011 - Great Costumes Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011

Wick Gala 2011 - More Coming Soon....
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Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 - biggest In the North Wick Gala 2011 - Big Crowds Were Out Wick Gala 2011 - Another Success Wick Gala 2011
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Wick Gala 2011

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Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011
Big Events Happening In Caithness
Wick Gala Starts Today - See The Full Week's Programme HERE
Halkirk Highland Games - 30th July
Thurso Gala - 6th - 14th August
Keiss Mini Gala - 12th - 14th August
Bfest - Wick's Family Music Festival  - 20th August - Biggest Yet - Get Tickets
Big Caithness Events 2011 Past Few Weeks Photos
Lybster, Halkirk, Castletown, County Show, Latheron Show, Wick Pipe Band Week
Recent Videos - Vintage Tractors - Pipe Band Fancy Dress - Wick
Not Been To Caithness.org For a few days - Catch Up On July HERE - Last 10 Years Index

Fit's in 'e' Groat 'is week? - In Doanalsin's Diary
Noel Donaldson writes Doanalsin's Dairy
GOOD news that the closure-threatened Wick tax office has had a temporary reprieve....
ALSO on the front page...a Thurso businessman has described the “longest five or 10 minutes” of his life...
REDUCED broadband costs in the Far North are a step in the right direction...
THE gala season is getting into its stride...
INSIDE news of a Caithness couple who are planning to “get their motor running”
A LOCAL pensioner has warned people not to fall for the high-pressure sales tactics deployed by....
A PAGE 4 feature will bring back a lot of memories for local folk....
THIRTY-SIX-YEAR OLD Jacqueline King, a graduate of the BA Business Management course ...
A PROPOSED new low-cost upgrade at Berriedale Braes is “achievable”...
A SPECIAL Wick edition of the final book in a trilogy by local writer, James Fleming, is to be launched...
WICK is forging full steam ahead with its bid to attract visiting yachts...
THE Gaelic plan needs greater flexibility so that it can give a true representation of the Highlands...
THE Lab Impex Festival of Cycling .... proved to be one of the most successful ever held in the county...
See more on these topics and much more in Doanalsin's Dairy

Local Artists Invited To Weekend Painting Residence - Opportunity For Local Artists
North Highland Connections Promotes Third Residency of The Prince's Drawing School

Students and teaching staff from The Prince's Drawing School will again be in residence at the North Lands Creative Glass Centre in Lybster, from 1st August, for ten days. This year, as a major development made possible  by the additional support of a Highland LEADER grant, the outreach is being expanded to include two days when local artists have an opportunity to take part in the event, and there will be a daily morning class.  On Saturday, 6th August and Sunday, 7th August, local artists, both amateur and professional, are invited to spend a weekend painting in the landscape at Lybster with the postgraduate students and faculty of The Prince's Drawing School including well-known art critic and painter William Feaver.

It's finally arrived and promises to be a gala occasion to remember so...
Let's make it a great gala week, Wickers!

Noel Donaldson says........................

Caithness Rugby Appoints Full-time Development Officer
Caithness Rugby club keeps moving on from strength to strength.  Over the past few years the club has seen more and more success on the field and in addition has developed its ground and pavilion.  Now the club has attracted funding to help them develop the sport in Caithness by appointing a full time development officer.  There will be increased opportunities for young people to get involved.  Caithness Rugby club is launching a new section called Caithness Junior Rugby Football Club. The new development officer is Neil Livett.     Caithness Junior Rugby - New  Web Site

Closure-threated Wick tax workers secure a temporary reprieve but..
HM Revenue and Customs have relented under pressure from all sides - John Thurso MP, Local Councillors and many members fo the public who signed petitions along with staff at the office to keep the tax ofice in Wick open.  The reprieve adds only two years until closure but offers more time to campaign all the way to 2014 - the new closure date.  Well done to the staff for making such a good case so far to save the jobs for themselves and Caithness.

 Stranded whales safe
ALL the remaining pilot whales which were stranded in the area of the Kyle of Durness have now been re-floated.
Your chance To Join an Archaeological Dig At Castle Sinclair Girnigoe
Join the students when the Moat Project starts on August 5th
Ginrigoe Castle Grinigoe Castle 
Archaeological excavation work will take place in the moat at Castle Sinclair Girnigoe commencing at 12.00 pm on Sunday 5th August for a week. This is a community dig and all are welcome to come and join in. Bring good protective clothes and a packed lunch. No previous experience is necessary as work will take place under the supervision of Field Archaeologist Specialists Ltd of York who has managed all the excavations at the castle. The Clan Sinclair Trust is delighted that students from Sinclair College, Dayton, Ohio in the USA are coming over to take part in the excavations and strengthen the ties between the College and the County. If you would like to join us or for further information telephone Ian Sinclair at Noss Head on 01955 606700.
More About Sinclair Girnigoe Castle
Aerial Photos Of Sinclair Girnigoe Castle
Aerial Photos Of Other Caithness Castles
Caithness Castles Photo Galleries
Reconstruction Images Of Caithness Castles
How A Reconstruction Picture Was Made Up
Video Castle Sinclair Girnigoe


Thrumster Broch Opened For A Look By Professial Archaeologists and Volunteers
Thrumster Broch  - A Community Archaeology Dig Thrumster Brosh - community Archaeology Project Thrumster Broch
The Broch at Thrumster has been the subject of a community archaeology project under the direction of Caithness Archaeology Trust (CAT).  Volunteers have gone out for a day or two at a time to join professional archaeologists to finally see what lies beneath the locally known Garden Broch.  The name was given in Victorian Days when the Broch was turned into a garden.  That was in 1810 and nothing much seems to have happened since until the past two weeks.  The Broch will soon be back filled again but if you want to see anything you better be quick and head out there tomorrow Thursday.  The team are happy to show folk round and explain what you can see.
Thrumster Broch Talk - Saturday 23rd - 7.30  at Thrumster Community Hall
To find out what the team have discovered about the Broch a talk will be delived and everyone is invited to come along and hear what the team thinks of the recent discoveries including a skull.


Get Your business Found 24 Hours A Day - FREE In The Caithness Business Index
NO matter if your business is large or small customers need to be able to locate you so make sure your entry is in and up todate.   Caithness Business Index pages get thousands of visits each day and there are already over 1800 businesses and local places listed so make sure your is there.  The entry is completely free and you can add not just your name and address but list all your services or goods for sale, times of opening and other relevant information.  Add a photo of your premises or if no premises another suitable photo to highlight what you offer.  Caithness Business Index is a partner web site for Caithness.org and is linked on almost every page on the web site to make it easy to find.  Make sure your business is easy to find.  We do add new businesses we find ourselves but we cannot find them all.  Last weekend at the Caithness County Show we discoverd Gwen's Rosettes and her business has now been listed and highlighted.  Dont wait for us to find you get listed now.

Other FREE Services On Caithness.org
Property Ads - save a fortune in property advertising by going here
Property for rental - highly successful in finding tenants - and its FREE
Classified Ads - FREE to sell almost anything - Turn your unwanted goods into cash
Jobs and Vacancies - Employers advertise for FREE and save your business money in these times
Free Items - Just want to get rid of unwanted items - Give them away FREE and at no cost to you
FREE Ads For Voluntary Groups - not used much but it's there and its FREE
If you want to pay a small amount for advertising you can get banner ads on Caithness.org by using the Google advertsing set up to be found at www.google.com/adwords. The banners run aound Caithness.org and other sites in the area and you can set you own budget and length of campaign.

A New Book "Kenny's Bairns" By Marigold Stewart Now Available
New Book Kenny's Bairns

SANDSIDE HOUSE GARDENS Open Day and VEHICLE VEHICLE RALLY
SUNDAY 31ST JULY 2011 - 12.00 – 5.00 pm  (Public 2.00 p.m. – 5.00 pm)
Gardens open for the Ladies and green-fingered
Vintage and Post War Lea-Francis display
For entrants (no entry fee) there will be the award of the Sandside Shield for the best original driven entry (no trailers please) and a voluntary average speed run from 12.30 p.m. from Sandside to the Halladale Inn, Melvich where there will be excellent lunches available or you may picnic anywhere in the grounds at Sandside and get a pre-view of the gardens before they open to the public at 2 p.m. Two expert non-local judges will be present.  To enter a vehicle please email [email protected] with name, address, email, vehicle make, model and reg number. Scottish Smallbore Rifle Shoot Competition 2011 - 26 Photos
Scottsh Smallbore Rifle Shoot Competition 2011 Scottish Open Rifle Meeting 2011
The competition was held at Thurdistoft near Castletown
For results go HERE

Opening Up Canoeing In Caithness and North Sutherland
Canoeing In Caithness and North Sutherland
Canoeing for Caithness and North Sutherland took a step forward with new canoes.........

Wick Amateur Swimming Club Championships 2011
Wick Amatuer Swimming Championships 2011  Wick Amateur Swimming Championships 2011
Large Format Photos HERE
Wick Amateur Swimming Club finished off the swimming year with a fun gala and the club championships. 
The fun gala was for younger swimmers just starting their swimming career and a series of fun races let them show off their new found skills and have great fun at the same time.  The annual club championships were a much more serious event with over 60 swimmers competing at 4 different age groups for medals and trophies.  The swimmers raced over the four individual strokes to decide the overall winner with a separate trophy going to the winner of the 100m Individual Medley.

Members wanted for NHS Board Committees
The Board however wants to strengthen this commitment through increasing the number of Board Governance Committees that are held in public and at the same time widen public membership of these committees through recruiting new members to those which do not currently have them.

Doanalsin's Diary
Catch up with more stories and quick reviews of the Groat and Courier.

170th Caithness County Show 2011 - The Flower Show
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Caithness County Show 2011 - Flower Show Caithness County Show 2011 - Flower Show Caithness County Show 2011 - Flower Show

Previous Caithness County Shows -
2010 -
2009 - 2008 -2007 - 2006 - 2005 - 2004 - 2003 170th County Show 2011 - Flower Show Photos On Tuesday
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Caithness County Show 2011 Caithness County Show 2011 Caithness county Show 2011

170th Caithness County Show 2011
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Caithness County # Caithness County Show 2011 Caithness County Show 2011

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Caithness County Show 2011 Caithness County Show 2011 Caithness County Show
170th Caithness County Show 2011
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Caithness County Show 2011 Caithness County Show 2011 Caithness County Show 2011

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Caithness County Show 2011 Caithness County Show 2011 Caithness County Show 2011

170th Caithness County Show 2011
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Caithness County show 2011 Caithness County Show 2011


170th Caithness County Show 2011
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Caithness County Show 2011 Caithness County Show 2011 Caithness County Show 2011 Caithness County Show 2011

Vintage Tractors At The Caithness County Show 2011


New Community Woodland At Newton Hill - Map Displayed At County Show
Map Of new cimmunity woodland at Newton Hill, Wick
Members of the Friends of Newtonhill woodland group were on hand to let people find out about where the project has got to.  This map shows on the left hand side the new area of ciommunity woodland being developed.  The former community woodland is on the right.  The new woodland has already been planted up with 50,000 young trees. Paths are bheing laid out and the partnership between the Forestry Commission and the Friends group looks to be paying dividends.  the first part of the the wwoodland will be opened shortly for the public to begin to use the part of the paths network.  Watch out for announcments

170th Caithness County Show 2011 - First photos with many many more to follow over today.....
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Wick Gala - See The Full Week's Programme HERE
Halkirk Highland Games - 30th July
Thurso Gala - 6th - 14th August

Presenting Designs By Thurso Youth Club Girls Group And New Look
Fashion Designs By Thurso Youth Club Girls Group Thurso Youth Club Girls Group and New look Present Teen Fashions
Skinandis Nighclub - Monday 1st August 2011 - 7.00 - 9.00pm
Adults �3 Children �1.50  Family Ticket �5 (2 Adults & 2 Children)
Buy tickets from Thurso Swimming Pool

A Day In The Life Of An Archaeologist - The Thrumster Community Broch
Charlotte Douglas an archaeologist has contributed to this blog web site and gives an accountof one day at the Thrumster Broch Dig that finished last week.  Fro anyone interested in trying fieldarchaeology there are another two opportunities coming soon in Caithness.  One is the Nybster Broch Project starting again on 1 August and the other is the Sinclair Girnigoe Castle Project  commencing at 12.00 pm on Sunday 5th August for a week. This is a community dig and all are welcome to come and join in. Bring good protective clothes and a packed lunch. No previous experience is necessary as work will take place under the supervision of Field Archaeologist Specialists Ltd of York who has managed all the excavations at the castle. The Clan Sinclair Trust is delighted that students from Sinclair College, Dayton, Ohio in the USA are coming over to take part in the excavations and strengthen the ties between the College and the County. If you would like to join us or for further information telephone Ian Sinclair at Noss Head on 01955 606700.

What's Flying In July? - Caithness Moths Web Site Can Help Identify
Magpie Moth From www.caithnessmoths.org.uk
If you have ever wondered what is flying around your garden or home in Caithness but never could find out then there is fantastic resource web site www.caithnessmoths.org.uk that can help.  The Caithness Moths web site has photos and descriptions of a huge range of moths in Caithness The web site is still growiing and asks for help in obtaining more good photographs of moths not yet photographed.  So if you want to know what is flying around in Caithness in any month of the year just check the month.  This site has an amzing amount of infomration on an area of biodiversity that is all around us and often overlooked.  You can also add your items to the Biodiversity section in our forum on moths or any other apsect of nature in Caithness.

Doanalsin's Diary
Noel Donaldson writes Doanalsin's Dairy
Fit's In 'e Groat
Rail crossings should have barriers
Today's Wick Gala events

Pulteneytown People's Project Arts and Crafts Showcase
Get ready to be captivated by some of the finest artists and craftspeople Caithness has to offer as Pulteneytown People’s Project opens the doors to its Arts and Crafts Showcase.  Held at Wick Youth Club on July 30-31, members of PPP’s arts and crafts groups will be displaying their wonderful talents for the public’s pleasure from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and 12pm - 4pm on Sunday.
Doanalsin's Dairy
Noel Donaldson writes Doanalsin's Dairy
Fit's In E Courier

Thurso lifeboat callout

More help for heart patients


Dan and Dolina Truckin John O'Groats To Lands End - Leaving Friday 29th July
Fundraiser for Lifeboats and MacMillan Cancer

Dan and Dolina Truckin John O'Groats to Lands End for charity
They plan to be leaving a photoshoot at dunnet head around 8.30-9am then on to John O'Groats 9.30am for leaving 10.00am.  You can donate online to this at the llink above or head out to JOG to wave them off.

New E-Book From Wick Author Alan Calder - The Stuart Agenda
The Stuart Agenda by Alan Calder Alan Calder
Willow Moon Publishing of New Orleans has just released Wick man Alan Calder's first novel, The Stuart Agenda as an e-book.  His first novel, 'The Stuart Agenda' is an intriguing take on history.  What if the royal bloodline of the Stuarts had survived and one of their heirs mounted a claim to the Scottish throne? Set in the 2030's, fact and fiction blend throughout as we follow Robert, the charismatic heir to The Stuart Agenda, as he strives to win his heritage and, later, his love in the heady atmosphere of Scotland at last going independent.
Buy It HERE for the Kindle Reader Alan Calder's "Stuart Agenda" - Cost �5

Final Gala Photos From Saturday Now In - To See From the Start Go HERE
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Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011
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Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gal 2011
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Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011
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Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011
Wick Gala - Children's Fancy Dress At Braehead
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Children's Fancy Dress at Braehead, Wick Children's Fancy Dress at Braehead, Wick Children's Fancy Dress At Braehead, wick Children's Fancy Dress - Braehead, Wick


Wick Gala 2011 - Noel Donaldson's Photos - More Later
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Wick Gala 2011

Wick Gala 2011        Start From The Beginning HERE
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Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011

John O'Groats Harbour Day Sunday 31st July at 1pm.
A family fun day out in John O'Groats, with Pipe Band, Highland Dancing, Lifeboats, Bouncy Castle, Bottle Stall, Raffles and various other stalls.
RUBIK CUBE AUCTION
Transfomr John O'Groats
If you fancy a piece of modern art the huge Rubik Cube that was built for the transform John O'Groats art exhibition in early July is to be auctioned during the afternoon.

Wick Gala 2011
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Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011
Wick Gala 2011 - More Photos Still to Come
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Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011

Watch Videos Of Wick Gala Floats HERE

Doanalsin's Diary On Wick Gala
Excellent Takings on Galas First Day - Wickers Dig Deep In Their Pockets
Takings top �7000 once again.........
Wick Gala Floats Night - Overview
More Doanalsin's Diary Today
Credit Union Success To Be Rolled Out Across Highland and Islands
Latest In Sutherland Whales Drama

Wick Gala 2011
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Wick Gala 2011

253 - 264

241 - 252    
Wick Gala 2011 - Majorettes

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145 - 156
Wick Gala 2011 - Gala Queen and Court

Wedding Exhibition At St John's Church, Wick Fri 29th and Sat 30th July
A Pulteneytown church is marking the “other” Royal Wedding in Edinburgh by holding a special exhibition. It will be within St. John's church, on the corner of Moray Street, Wick, where it meets Francis Street.  Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall will marry on July 30th at the Canongate Kirk, Edinburgh - where the Queen worships when in Edinburgh. St. John's Scottish Episcopal Church will hold their own wedding exhibition on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th July to celebrate the event.  The exhibition will feature wedding dresses loaned by members of the congregation, plus wedding memorabilia including a display of Royal Wedding books from the past.You can see how styles change, with dresses from three generations of one family. MacDonalds the Bakers are supporting the display with examples from their wedding cake range, including tasting samples. There will also be related floral displays by the Flower Patch, Riverside, Wick.  While the exhibition is open, 11 am till 4 pm each day, there will be cream teas served in the church hall.
Wick Gala 2011
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Wick Gala 2011 - Great Costumes Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011

Wick Gala 2011 - More Coming Soon....
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Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 - biggest In the North Wick Gala 2011 - Big Crowds Were Out Wick Gala 2011 - Another Success
Wick Gala 2011
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Wick Gala 2011

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Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011

Big Events Happening In Caithness
Wick Gala Starts Today - See The Full Week's Programme HERE
Halkirk Highland Games - 30th July
Thurso Gala - 6th - 14th August
Keiss Mini Gala - 12th - 14th August
Bfest - Wick's Family Music Festival  - 20th August - Biggest Yet - Get Tickets
Big Caithness Events 2011 Past Few Weeks Photos
Lybster, Halkirk, Castletown, County Show, Latheron Show, Wick Pipe Band Week
Recent Videos - Vintage Tractors - Pipe Band Fancy Dress - Wick
Not Been To Caithness.org For a few days - Catch Up On July HERE - Last 10 Years Index

Fit's in 'e' Groat 'is week? - In Doanalsin's Diary
Noel Donaldson writes Doanalsin's Dairy
GOOD news that the closure-threatened Wick tax office has had a temporary reprieve....
ALSO on the front page...a Thurso businessman has described the “longest five or 10 minutes” of his life...
REDUCED broadband costs in the Far North are a step in the right direction...
THE gala season is getting into its stride...
INSIDE news of a Caithness couple who are planning to “get their motor running”
A LOCAL pensioner has warned people not to fall for the high-pressure sales tactics deployed by....
A PAGE 4 feature will bring back a lot of memories for local folk....
THIRTY-SIX-YEAR OLD Jacqueline King, a graduate of the BA Business Management course ...
A PROPOSED new low-cost upgrade at Berriedale Braes is “achievable”...
A SPECIAL Wick edition of the final book in a trilogy by local writer, James Fleming, is to be launched...
WICK is forging full steam ahead with its bid to attract visiting yachts...
THE Gaelic plan needs greater flexibility so that it can give a true representation of the Highlands...
THE Lab Impex Festival of Cycling .... proved to be one of the most successful ever held in the county...
See more on these topics and much more in Doanalsin's Dairy

Local Artists Invited To Weekend Painting Residence - Opportunity For Local Artists
North Highland Connections Promotes Third Residency of The Prince's Drawing School

Students and teaching staff from The Prince's Drawing School will again be in residence at the North Lands Creative Glass Centre in Lybster, from 1st August, for ten days. This year, as a major development made possible  by the additional support of a Highland LEADER grant, the outreach is being expanded to include two days when local artists have an opportunity to take part in the event, and there will be a daily morning class.  On Saturday, 6th August and Sunday, 7th August, local artists, both amateur and professional, are invited to spend a weekend painting in the landscape at Lybster with the postgraduate students and faculty of The Prince's Drawing School including well-known art critic and painter William Feaver.

It's finally arrived and promises to be a gala occasion to remember so...
Let's make it a great gala week, Wickers!

Noel Donaldson says........................

Caithness Rugby Appoints Full-time Development Officer
Caithness Rugby club keeps moving on from strength to strength.  Over the past few years the club has seen more and more success on the field and in addition has developed its ground and pavilion.  Now the club has attracted funding to help them develop the sport in Caithness by appointing a full time development officer.  There will be increased opportunities for young people to get involved.  Caithness Rugby club is launching a new section called Caithness Junior Rugby Football Club. The new development officer is Neil Livett.     Caithness Junior Rugby - New  Web Site

Closure-threated Wick tax workers secure a temporary reprieve but..
HM Revenue and Customs have relented under pressure from all sides - John Thurso MP, Local Councillors and many members fo the public who signed petitions along with staff at the office to keep the tax ofice in Wick open.  The reprieve adds only two years until closure but offers more time to campaign all the way to 2014 - the new closure date.  Well done to the staff for making such a good case so far to save the jobs for themselves and Caithness.

 Stranded whales safe
ALL the remaining pilot whales which were stranded in the area of the Kyle of Durness have now been re-floated.

Caithness County Show 2011  Caithness County Show 2011
The Caithness County Show is the premier agricultural show taking place annually and this year saw the 170th show take place over the Friday evening and all day Saturday.  Despite rain in the earlier part of the morning the day turned out to be very warm and sunny.
Photo Collections Added
Castletown Gala - Halkirk Gala - Lybster Gala
Canisbay Show - Latheron Show - More July - More June - Earlier Shows Galas Games
More Thans 10 Years Of Caithness.org Archives With Photos and Articles

Pennyland Primary School 2011 Winners Caithness Schools East West Competition
2011 Caithness Schools Football Winners  - Pennyland School Caithness Schools Football Competition
Pennyland Primary School's football team has had a very successful season.  They won the Chic Lobban Trophy for the West of Caithness Schools during a recent tournament at Naver, playing against Miller Academy, Mount Pleasant, Halkirk and Castletown.  They then faced Pultneytown Academy who had won the East Caithness cup, emerging as 3-1 winners after a hard-fought match.
Wick Gala - See The Full Week's Programme HERE
Halkirk Highland Games - 30th July
Thurso Gala - 6th - 14th August

Presenting Designs By Thurso Youth Club Girls Group And New Look
Fashion Designs By Thurso Youth Club Girls Group Thurso Youth Club Girls Group and New look Present Teen Fashions
Skinandis Nighclub - Monday 1st August 2011 - 7.00 - 9.00pm
Adults �3 Children �1.50  Family Ticket �5 (2 Adults & 2 Children)
Buy tickets from Thurso Swimming Pool

A Day In The Life Of An Archaeologist - The Thrumster Community Broch
Charlotte Douglas an archaeologist has contributed to this blog web site and gives an accountof one day at the Thrumster Broch Dig that finished last week.  Fro anyone interested in trying fieldarchaeology there are another two opportunities coming soon in Caithness.  One is the Nybster Broch Project starting again on 1 August and the other is the Sinclair Girnigoe Castle Project  commencing at 12.00 pm on Sunday 5th August for a week. This is a community dig and all are welcome to come and join in. Bring good protective clothes and a packed lunch. No previous experience is necessary as work will take place under the supervision of Field Archaeologist Specialists Ltd of York who has managed all the excavations at the castle. The Clan Sinclair Trust is delighted that students from Sinclair College, Dayton, Ohio in the USA are coming over to take part in the excavations and strengthen the ties between the College and the County. If you would like to join us or for further information telephone Ian Sinclair at Noss Head on 01955 606700.

What's Flying In July? - Caithness Moths Web Site Can Help Identify
Magpie Moth From www.caithnessmoths.org.uk
If you have ever wondered what is flying around your garden or home in Caithness but never could find out then there is fantastic resource web site www.caithnessmoths.org.uk that can help.  The Caithness Moths web site has photos and descriptions of a huge range of moths in Caithness The web site is still growiing and asks for help in obtaining more good photographs of moths not yet photographed.  So if you want to know what is flying around in Caithness in any month of the year just check the month.  This site has an amzing amount of infomration on an area of biodiversity that is all around us and often overlooked.  You can also add your items to the Biodiversity section in our forum on moths or any other apsect of nature in Caithness.

Doanalsin's Diary
Noel Donaldson writes Doanalsin's Dairy
Fit's In 'e Groat
Rail crossings should have barriers
Today's Wick Gala events

Pulteneytown People's Project Arts and Crafts Showcase
Get ready to be captivated by some of the finest artists and craftspeople Caithness has to offer as Pulteneytown People’s Project opens the doors to its Arts and Crafts Showcase.  Held at Wick Youth Club on July 30-31, members of PPP’s arts and crafts groups will be displaying their wonderful talents for the public’s pleasure from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and 12pm - 4pm on Sunday.
Doanalsin's Dairy
Noel Donaldson writes Doanalsin's Dairy
Fit's In E Courier

Thurso lifeboat callout

More help for heart patients


Dan and Dolina Truckin John O'Groats To Lands End - Leaving Friday 29th July
Fundraiser for Lifeboats and MacMillan Cancer

Dan and Dolina Truckin John O'Groats to Lands End for charity
They plan to be leaving a photoshoot at dunnet head around 8.30-9am then on to John O'Groats 9.30am for leaving 10.00am.  You can donate online to this at the llink above or head out to JOG to wave them off.

New E-Book From Wick Author Alan Calder - The Stuart Agenda
The Stuart Agenda by Alan Calder Alan Calder
Willow Moon Publishing of New Orleans has just released Wick man Alan Calder's first novel, The Stuart Agenda as an e-book.  His first novel, 'The Stuart Agenda' is an intriguing take on history.  What if the royal bloodline of the Stuarts had survived and one of their heirs mounted a claim to the Scottish throne? Set in the 2030's, fact and fiction blend throughout as we follow Robert, the charismatic heir to The Stuart Agenda, as he strives to win his heritage and, later, his love in the heady atmosphere of Scotland at last going independent.
Buy It HERE for the Kindle Reader Alan Calder's "Stuart Agenda" - Cost �5

Final Gala Photos From Saturday Now In - To See From the Start Go HERE
385 - 396
Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011
397 - 408
Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gal 2011
409 - 420
Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011
421 - 432
Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011
Wick Gala - Children's Fancy Dress At Braehead
1 - 12         13 - 24   25 - 36    37 - 40
Children's Fancy Dress at Braehead, Wick Children's Fancy Dress at Braehead, Wick Children's Fancy Dress At Braehead, wick Children's Fancy Dress - Braehead, Wick


Wick Gala 2011 - Noel Donaldson's Photos - More Later
373 - 384
Wick Gala 2011

Wick Gala 2011        Start From The Beginning HERE
337 - 348       349 - 360                 361 - 372
Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011

John O'Groats Harbour Day Sunday 31st July at 1pm.
A family fun day out in John O'Groats, with Pipe Band, Highland Dancing, Lifeboats, Bouncy Castle, Bottle Stall, Raffles and various other stalls.
RUBIK CUBE AUCTION
Transfomr John O'Groats
If you fancy a piece of modern art the huge Rubik Cube that was built for the transform John O'Groats art exhibition in early July is to be auctioned during the afternoon.

Wick Gala 2011
301 - 312                  312 - 324                                         325 - 336
Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011
Wick Gala 2011 - More Photos Still to Come
277 - 288       289 - 300
Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011

Watch Videos Of Wick Gala Floats HERE

Doanalsin's Diary On Wick Gala
Excellent Takings on Galas First Day - Wickers Dig Deep In Their Pockets
Takings top �7000 once again.........
Wick Gala Floats Night - Overview
More Doanalsin's Diary Today
Credit Union Success To Be Rolled Out Across Highland and Islands
Latest In Sutherland Whales Drama

Wick Gala 2011
265 - 276
Wick Gala 2011

253 - 264

241 - 252    
Wick Gala 2011 - Majorettes

157 - 168     169 - 180     181 - 192     193 - 204     205 - 216     217 - 228     229 - 240

145 - 156
Wick Gala 2011 - Gala Queen and Court

Wedding Exhibition At St John's Church, Wick Fri 29th and Sat 30th July
A Pulteneytown church is marking the “other” Royal Wedding in Edinburgh by holding a special exhibition. It will be within St. John's church, on the corner of Moray Street, Wick, where it meets Francis Street.  Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall will marry on July 30th at the Canongate Kirk, Edinburgh - where the Queen worships when in Edinburgh. St. John's Scottish Episcopal Church will hold their own wedding exhibition on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th July to celebrate the event.  The exhibition will feature wedding dresses loaned by members of the congregation, plus wedding memorabilia including a display of Royal Wedding books from the past.You can see how styles change, with dresses from three generations of one family. MacDonalds the Bakers are supporting the display with examples from their wedding cake range, including tasting samples. There will also be related floral displays by the Flower Patch, Riverside, Wick.  While the exhibition is open, 11 am till 4 pm each day, there will be cream teas served in the church hall.
Wick Gala 2011
96 - 108                  109 - 120                121 - 132          133 - 144
Wick Gala 2011 - Great Costumes Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011

Wick Gala 2011 - More Coming Soon....
49 - 60                      61 - 72                      73 - 84                 85 - 96         
Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 - biggest In the North Wick Gala 2011 - Big Crowds Were Out Wick Gala 2011 - Another Success
Wick Gala 2011
37 - 48
Wick Gala 2011

1 - 12                              13 - 24                25 - 36
Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011

Big Events Happening In Caithness
Wick Gala Starts Today - See The Full Week's Programme HERE
Halkirk Highland Games - 30th July
Thurso Gala - 6th - 14th August
Keiss Mini Gala - 12th - 14th August
Bfest - Wick's Family Music Festival  - 20th August - Biggest Yet - Get Tickets
Big Caithness Events 2011 Past Few Weeks Photos
Lybster, Halkirk, Castletown, County Show, Latheron Show, Wick Pipe Band Week
Recent Videos - Vintage Tractors - Pipe Band Fancy Dress - Wick
Not Been To Caithness.org For a few days - Catch Up On July HERE - Last 10 Years Index

Fit's in 'e' Groat 'is week? - In Doanalsin's Diary
Noel Donaldson writes Doanalsin's Dairy
GOOD news that the closure-threatened Wick tax office has had a temporary reprieve....
ALSO on the front page...a Thurso businessman has described the “longest five or 10 minutes” of his life...
REDUCED broadband costs in the Far North are a step in the right direction...
THE gala season is getting into its stride...
Wick Gala - See The Full Week's Programme HERE
Halkirk Highland Games - 30th July
Thurso Gala - 6th - 14th August

Presenting Designs By Thurso Youth Club Girls Group And New Look
Fashion Designs By Thurso Youth Club Girls Group Thurso Youth Club Girls Group and New look Present Teen Fashions
Skinandis Nighclub - Monday 1st August 2011 - 7.00 - 9.00pm
Adults �3 Children �1.50  Family Ticket �5 (2 Adults & 2 Children)
Buy tickets from Thurso Swimming Pool

A Day In The Life Of An Archaeologist - The Thrumster Community Broch
Charlotte Douglas an archaeologist has contributed to this blog web site and gives an accountof one day at the Thrumster Broch Dig that finished last week.  Fro anyone interested in trying fieldarchaeology there are another two opportunities coming soon in Caithness.  One is the Nybster Broch Project starting again on 1 August and the other is the Sinclair Girnigoe Castle Project  commencing at 12.00 pm on Sunday 5th August for a week. This is a community dig and all are welcome to come and join in. Bring good protective clothes and a packed lunch. No previous experience is necessary as work will take place under the supervision of Field Archaeologist Specialists Ltd of York who has managed all the excavations at the castle. The Clan Sinclair Trust is delighted that students from Sinclair College, Dayton, Ohio in the USA are coming over to take part in the excavations and strengthen the ties between the College and the County. If you would like to join us or for further information telephone Ian Sinclair at Noss Head on 01955 606700.

What's Flying In July? - Caithness Moths Web Site Can Help Identify
Magpie Moth From www.caithnessmoths.org.uk
If you have ever wondered what is flying around your garden or home in Caithness but never could find out then there is fantastic resource web site www.caithnessmoths.org.uk that can help.  The Caithness Moths web site has photos and descriptions of a huge range of moths in Caithness The web site is still growiing and asks for help in obtaining more good photographs of moths not yet photographed.  So if you want to know what is flying around in Caithness in any month of the year just check the month.  This site has an amzing amount of infomration on an area of biodiversity that is all around us and often overlooked.  You can also add your items to the Biodiversity section in our forum on moths or any other apsect of nature in Caithness.

Doanalsin's Diary
Noel Donaldson writes Doanalsin's Dairy
Fit's In 'e Groat
Rail crossings should have barriers
Today's Wick Gala events

Pulteneytown People's Project Arts and Crafts Showcase
Get ready to be captivated by some of the finest artists and craftspeople Caithness has to offer as Pulteneytown People’s Project opens the doors to its Arts and Crafts Showcase.  Held at Wick Youth Club on July 30-31, members of PPP’s arts and crafts groups will be displaying their wonderful talents for the public’s pleasure from 10am to 4pm on Saturday and 12pm - 4pm on Sunday.
Doanalsin's Dairy
Noel Donaldson writes Doanalsin's Dairy
Fit's In E Courier

Thurso lifeboat callout

More help for heart patients


Dan and Dolina Truckin John O'Groats To Lands End - Leaving Friday 29th July
Fundraiser for Lifeboats and MacMillan Cancer

Dan and Dolina Truckin John O'Groats to Lands End for charity
They plan to be leaving a photoshoot at dunnet head around 8.30-9am then on to John O'Groats 9.30am for leaving 10.00am.  You can donate online to this at the llink above or head out to JOG to wave them off.

New E-Book From Wick Author Alan Calder - The Stuart Agenda
The Stuart Agenda by Alan Calder Alan Calder
Willow Moon Publishing of New Orleans has just released Wick man Alan Calder's first novel, The Stuart Agenda as an e-book.  His first novel, 'The Stuart Agenda' is an intriguing take on history.  What if the royal bloodline of the Stuarts had survived and one of their heirs mounted a claim to the Scottish throne? Set in the 2030's, fact and fiction blend throughout as we follow Robert, the charismatic heir to The Stuart Agenda, as he strives to win his heritage and, later, his love in the heady atmosphere of Scotland at last going independent.
Buy It HERE for the Kindle Reader Alan Calder's "Stuart Agenda" - Cost �5

Final Gala Photos From Saturday Now In - To See From the Start Go HERE
385 - 396
Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011
397 - 408
Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gal 2011
409 - 420
Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011
421 - 432
Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011
Wick Gala - Children's Fancy Dress At Braehead
1 - 12         13 - 24   25 - 36    37 - 40
Children's Fancy Dress at Braehead, Wick Children's Fancy Dress at Braehead, Wick Children's Fancy Dress At Braehead, wick Children's Fancy Dress - Braehead, Wick


Wick Gala 2011 - Noel Donaldson's Photos - More Later
373 - 384
Wick Gala 2011

Wick Gala 2011        Start From The Beginning HERE
337 - 348       349 - 360                 361 - 372
Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011

John O'Groats Harbour Day Sunday 31st July at 1pm.
A family fun day out in John O'Groats, with Pipe Band, Highland Dancing, Lifeboats, Bouncy Castle, Bottle Stall, Raffles and various other stalls.
RUBIK CUBE AUCTION
Transfomr John O'Groats
If you fancy a piece of modern art the huge Rubik Cube that was built for the transform John O'Groats art exhibition in early July is to be auctioned during the afternoon.

Wick Gala 2011
301 - 312                  312 - 324                                         325 - 336
Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011
Wick Gala 2011 - More Photos Still to Come
277 - 288       289 - 300
Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011

Watch Videos Of Wick Gala Floats HERE

Doanalsin's Diary On Wick Gala
Excellent Takings on Galas First Day - Wickers Dig Deep In Their Pockets
Takings top �7000 once again.........
Wick Gala Floats Night - Overview
More Doanalsin's Diary Today
Credit Union Success To Be Rolled Out Across Highland and Islands
Latest In Sutherland Whales Drama

Wick Gala 2011
265 - 276
Wick Gala 2011

253 - 264

241 - 252    
Wick Gala 2011 - Majorettes

157 - 168     169 - 180     181 - 192     193 - 204     205 - 216     217 - 228     229 - 240

145 - 156
Wick Gala 2011 - Gala Queen and Court

Wedding Exhibition At St John's Church, Wick Fri 29th and Sat 30th July
A Pulteneytown church is marking the “other” Royal Wedding in Edinburgh by holding a special exhibition. It will be within St. John's church, on the corner of Moray Street, Wick, where it meets Francis Street.  Zara Phillips and Mike Tindall will marry on July 30th at the Canongate Kirk, Edinburgh - where the Queen worships when in Edinburgh. St. John's Scottish Episcopal Church will hold their own wedding exhibition on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th July to celebrate the event.  The exhibition will feature wedding dresses loaned by members of the congregation, plus wedding memorabilia including a display of Royal Wedding books from the past.You can see how styles change, with dresses from three generations of one family. MacDonalds the Bakers are supporting the display with examples from their wedding cake range, including tasting samples. There will also be related floral displays by the Flower Patch, Riverside, Wick.  While the exhibition is open, 11 am till 4 pm each day, there will be cream teas served in the church hall.
Wick Gala 2011
96 - 108                  109 - 120                121 - 132          133 - 144
Wick Gala 2011 - Great Costumes Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011

Wick Gala 2011 - More Coming Soon....
49 - 60                      61 - 72                      73 - 84                 85 - 96         
Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 - biggest In the North Wick Gala 2011 - Big Crowds Were Out Wick Gala 2011 - Another Success
Wick Gala 2011
37 - 48
Wick Gala 2011

1 - 12                              13 - 24                25 - 36
Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011 Wick Gala 2011

Big Events Happening In Caithness
Wick Gala Starts Today - See The Full Week's Programme HERE
Halkirk Highland Games - 30th July
Thurso Gala - 6th - 14th August
Keiss Mini Gala - 12th - 14th August
Bfest - Wick's Family Music Festival  - 20th August - Biggest Yet - Get Tickets
Big Caithness Events 2011 Past Few Weeks Photos
Lybster, Halkirk, Castletown, County Show, Latheron Show, Wick Pipe Band Week
Recent Videos - Vintage Tractors - Pipe Band Fancy Dress - Wick
Not Been To Caithness.org For a few days - Catch Up On July HERE - Last 10 Years Index

Fit's in 'e' Groat 'is week? - In Doanalsin's Diary
Noel Donaldson writes Doanalsin's Dairy
GOOD news that the closure-threatened Wick tax office has had a temporary reprieve....
ALSO on the front page...a Thurso businessman has described the “longest five or 10 minutes” of his life...
REDUCED broadband costs in the Far North are a step in the right direction...
THE gala season is getting into its stride...
INSIDE news of a Caithness couple who are planning to “get their motor running”
A LOCAL pensioner has warned people not to fall for the high-pressure sales tactics deployed by....
A PAGE 4 feature will bring back a lot of memories for local folk....
THIRTY-SIX-YEAR OLD Jacqueline King, a graduate of the BA Business Management course ...
A PROPOSED new low-cost upgrade at Berriedale Braes is “achievable”...
A SPECIAL Wick edition of the final book in a trilogy by local writer, James Fleming, is to be launched...
WICK is forging full steam ahead with its bid to attract visiting yachts...
THE Gaelic plan needs greater flexibility so that it can give a true representation of the Highlands...
THE Lab Impex Festival of Cycling .... proved to be one of the most successful ever held in the county...
See more on these topics and much more in Doanalsin's Dairy

Local Artists Invited To Weekend Painting Residence - Opportunity For Local Artists
North Highland Connections Promotes Third Residency of The Prince's Drawing School

Students and teaching staff from The Prince's Drawing School will again be in residence at the North Lands Creative Glass Centre in Lybster, from 1st August, for ten days. This year, as a major development made possible  by the additional support of a Highland LEADER grant, the outreach is being expanded to include two days when local artists have an opportunity to take part in the event, and there will be a daily morning class.  On Saturday, 6th August and Sunday, 7th August, local artists, both amateur and professional, are invited to spend a weekend painting in the landscape at Lybster with the postgraduate students and faculty of The Prince's Drawing School including well-known art critic and painter William Feaver.

It's finally arrived and promises to be a gala occasion to remember so...
Let's make it a great gala week, Wickers!

Noel Donaldson says........................

Caithness Rugby Appoints Full-time Development Officer
Caithness Rugby club keeps moving on from strength to strength.  Over the past few years the club has seen more and more success on the field and in addition has developed its ground and pavilion.  Now the club has attracted funding to help them develop the sport in Caithness by appointing a full time development officer.  There will be increased opportunities for young people to get involved.  Caithness Rugby club is launching a new section called Caithness Junior Rugby Football Club. The new development officer is Neil Livett.     Caithness Junior Rugby - New  Web Site

Closure-threated Wick tax workers secure a temporary reprieve but..
HM Revenue and Customs have relented under pressure from all sides - John Thurso MP, Local Councillors and many members fo the public who signed petitions along with staff at the office to keep the tax ofice in Wick open.  The reprieve adds only two years until closure but offers more time to campaign all the way to 2014 - the new closure date.  Well done to the staff for making such a good case so far to save the jobs for themselves and Caithness.

 Stranded whales safe
ALL the remaining pilot whales which were stranded in the area of the Kyle of Durness have now been re-floated.

INSIDE news of a Caithness couple who are planning to “get their motor running”
A LOCAL pensioner has warned people not to fall for the high-pressure sales tactics deployed by....
A PAGE 4 feature will bring back a lot of memories for local folk....
THIRTY-SIX-YEAR OLD Jacqueline King, a graduate of the BA Business Management course ...
A PROPOSED new low-cost upgrade at Berriedale Braes is “achievable”...
A SPECIAL Wick edition of the final book in a trilogy by local writer, James Fleming, is to be launched...
WICK is forging full steam ahead with its bid to attract visiting yachts...
THE Gaelic plan needs greater flexibility so that it can give a true representation of the Highlands...
THE Lab Impex Festival of Cycling .... proved to be one of the most successful ever held in the county...
See more on these topics and much more in Doanalsin's Dairy

Local Artists Invited To Weekend Painting Residence - Opportunity For Local Artists
North Highland Connections Promotes Third Residency of The Prince's Drawing School

Students and teaching staff from The Prince's Drawing School will again be in residence at the North Lands Creative Glass Centre in Lybster, from 1st August, for ten days. This year, as a major development made possible  by the additional support of a Highland LEADER grant, the outreach is being expanded to include two days when local artists have an opportunity to take part in the event, and there will be a daily morning class.  On Saturday, 6th August and Sunday, 7th August, local artists, both amateur and professional, are invited to spend a weekend painting in the landscape at Lybster with the postgraduate students and faculty of The Prince's Drawing School including well-known art critic and painter William Feaver.

It's finally arrived and promises to be a gala occasion to remember so...
Let's make it a great gala week, Wickers!

Noel Donaldson says........................

Caithness Rugby Appoints Full-time Development Officer
Caithness Rugby club keeps moving on from strength to strength.  Over the past few years the club has seen more and more success on the field and in addition has developed its ground and pavilion.  Now the club has attracted funding to help them develop the sport in Caithness by appointing a full time development officer.  There will be increased opportunities for young people to get involved.  Caithness Rugby club is launching a new section called Caithness Junior Rugby Football Club. The new development officer is Neil Livett.     Caithness Junior Rugby - New  Web Site

Closure-threated Wick tax workers secure a temporary reprieve but..
HM Revenue and Customs have relented under pressure from all sides - John Thurso MP, Local Councillors and many members fo the public who signed petitions along with staff at the office to keep the tax ofice in Wick open.  The reprieve adds only two years until closure but offers more time to campaign all the way to 2014 - the new closure date.  Well done to the staff for making such a good case so far to save the jobs for themselves and Caithness.

 Stranded whales safe
ALL the remaining pilot whales which were stranded in the area of the Kyle of Durness have now been re-floated.

Proposal To Move Breeder Fuel From Dounreay To Sellafield
Dounreay Dome
The NDA has published Preferred and Credible Options associated with the management of DFR breeder material, currently stored at Dounreay. The paper describes and discusses the relevant factors associated with each high level option, and draws conclusions based on the analysis.  This consideration has shown that there is a clear and compelling strategic case for the NDA management option for DFR breeder material to be changed from immobilization, at Dounreay, to management with spent Magnox fuel at Sellafield, the reference strategy for which is reprocessing.

Are You Aged 60 or Over And Looking For A House In Wick
Cairn Housing Association has a number of 1 bedroom flats and studio apartments available for Immediate Let in its sheltered housing complex Caberfeidh Court, Wick

Latheron Show 2011 Video

Photo Gallery of Latheron Show 2011 HERE

Wick Pipe Band Parade and Highland Dancers Video

Photo Gallery Of Wick Pipe Band Fancy Dress Parade HERE


Brandy's - A New Clothes Shop On Bridge Street, Wick
Brandy's Clothes Shop Brandy's Clothes Shop, Bridge Street, Wick Brandy's clothes Shop, Bridge Street, Wick

WICK gained abother new clothes shop on Bridge Street when Brandy Miller opened her new shop on Saturday.  Aimed at the larger sizes Brandy thinks she can cater for this part of the market by brining in good clothes at reasonable prices.  Brandy said, "I have been checking online and I am below many web site prices".  For the opening week Brandy will be entering all customers into a draw for a prize. Highlands and Islands Businesses Urged To Apply For �23 Million Fund
Highlands and Islands businesses are being encouraged to apply to a �23 million fund supported by the Technology Strategy Board and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).  The DALLAS (Delivering Assisted Living Lifestyles at Scale) Fund aims to establish up to five communities across the UK to explore how technologies and services can be used to promote health and wellbeing, enabling people to live independently regardless of their location. Wick Floral Displays - Noel Donaldson
Wick Flower Displays 2011 Wick Floral Displays 2011
TOWN gardeners have once again done us proud with eye-catching displays at Kirkhill, Wick and the floral clock adjacent to the townhall.
Doanalsin's Diary for more local news and updates

Donation funds dialysis machine

Artist with designs on Caithness

Memorial to brave convoy crews

Police appeal on missing Cheshire woman

Case from today's sheriff court

Operations suspended at slaughterhouse


Making Waves Summer Holiday Club 2011
Making Waves Summer Holiday Club will be running from Monday 25th July - Friday 12th August for children aged 4-11.  There are going to be lots of fun activities available such as a Bear Hunt at Borgie Forest, trip to Castle of Mey, horse riding, swimming and lots of other fun things to do based in the centre.  Take a look at the 'What's On' section on Caithness.org over the next couple of days to see exactly 'What's On.'  If your child is interested in attending please call us on 01955606065 and leave your name and contact number on our answering machine or alternatively email us at [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Spaces are limited so please book quickly to avoid disappointment. We look forward to seeing lots of happy faces - old and new!

Latheron Show 2011 - Start At the Beginning HERE
97 - 108                   109 - 120                  121 - 132              133 - 144     145 - 155
Latheron Show 2011 Latheron Show 2011 Latheron Show 2011 Latheron Show 2011Latheron Show 2011

See a Clan Bikes Stunt Video At Latheron Show HERE

Latheron Show 2011
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Latheron Show 2011 Latheron Show 2011 Latheron Show 2011 Latheron Show 2011

Latheron Show 2011
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Latheron Show 2011 Latheron Show 2011 Latheron Show 2011 Latheron Show 2011

Earlier Latheron Shows
2010 - 2009 - 2008  For even earlier shows go HERE
Wick Pipe Band Week 2011 - Fancy Dress Parade
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Wick Pipe Band Fancy Dress ParadeWick Pipe Band Fancy Dress Parade NightWick Pipe Band Week 2011                                        

Sword Dance At Wick Pipe Band Fancy Dress Parade


Wick Pipe Band Fancy Dress Parade

Children Cap Fund-raising By Opening Thurso Playpark
Pennyland Drive Play Park Opens In Thurso

A brother and sister from Thurso who set in motion a fund-raising campaign to upgrade their local playpark, have formally opened the community facility. With the help of their parents, Dylan and Amy Cameron, 2 Dale Road, Thurso, set about the task of raising money to refurbish the Pennyland Drive playpark and their efforts were rewarded at Thursday's opening ceremony. The family approached local Highland Councillors and a meeting was set up to discuss the project and to see what assistance could be provided. Councillors were so impressed with the initiative that they agreed to help and set about securing funding assistance for them. Wick Cash For Help The Heroes
Help for Heroes Help For Heroes In Wick

Reporter - Noel Donaldson
MEMBERS of Tesco's Wick staff braved the heavy rain on Wednesday to hand over �100 to the two drivers handling a team of four horses pulling a World War 1 replica ambulance on the final leg of its end-to-end charity marathon, from Land's End, in aid of Help the Heroes. Traffic ground to a halt as the horsemen stopped for a few minutes in pouring rain, to accept the donation before getting underway again for John O' Groats.  Earlier, pupils from Pulteneytown Primary School, handed over �80, the proceeds of a tombola stall they had organised.
Doanalsin's Diary for more local stories

Turning Scots Into Green Saudis Spurs EON, Iberdrola Snakes - Bloomberg
This article sets out just what is happening as marine energy comes more into focus for the Pentland Firth with multi billion pounds of investment apparently coming.  Worryingly despite the investments being made at Scrabster and the potential for supply, preparation sites for construction or servicing there is no mention of Caithness in the article.

Broch Centre Farming Themes - Takes You Back To Show How Things Were Done
Saturday - 9 July 2.00pm - 4.00pm        
Location of the Centre
Demonstrations of how they did things on farms in the not so distant past.  Making butter and grinding corn were daily jobs on farms but how many folk an do it now.  Get along to see how it was done and maybe try your hand at one or two processes.  See some old farm tools and discover what they were used for.
Caithness Broch Centre web site

Sea Watch Event - Strathy Point - North Sutherland - 10.30am Sunday 17th July 2011
Meet at Totegan (Strathy Point) car park 10.00am
Risso’s Dolphin, Minke Whale and Harbour Porpoise are regularly seen at this location.  Telescopes provided but if you have binoculars please bring them. Everyone welcome, children must be accompanied by their guardian due to the nature of the cliff top location. Event very weather dependent please phone if unsure.  For further details contact - Colin Bird, Seawatch Foundation Coordinator, 07754827069  or
Paul Castle, Highland Council Countryside Ranger, 01641 521884 or 01847 821531
[email protected]
Wick Harbour Day Raised Over �7000 for RNLI Lifeboats
Wick Harbour Day 2011 Wick Harbour Day 2011 Wick Harbour Day 2011 Wick Harbour Day 2011

Last Castletown Gala Photos
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Castletown Gala 2011 Castletown Gala 2011


More Castletown Gala
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Castletown Gala 2011


More From Transform John O'Groats Weekend
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Transform John O'Groats  Transfomr John O'Groats Transform John O'Groats

See More John O'Groats From Other Times

More Castletown Gala Photos
13 - 24                      25 - 36                      37 - 48                      49 - 60
Castletown Gala 2011 Castletown Gala 2011  Castletown Gala 2011  Castletown Gala 2011
 
Earlier Years Castletown Gala Photos 2010  2009  2008  2007  2006
For all earlier Gals, Highland Games and Shows go HERE
Transform John O'Groats - Art Project Saturday and Sunday
Transform John O'Groats  Transform John O'Groats Transfomr John O'Groats Transfomr John O'Groats

the biggest art project to come to Caithness for many years has been transforming John O'Groats and the show continues on Sunday.  Several projects are on for the public to get involved in and it runs from 11.00am to 4.00pm on Sunday.  More photos to come on Sunday.........

Castletown Gala - First Photos - Many More To Come.....
Castletown Gala 2011 Castletown Gala 2011 Castletown Gala 2011 Castletown Gala 2011










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