Pentland
Ferries Doubles Ferry Trips To Meet Demand Caused By Hamnavoe Breakdown For
the first time, Pentland Ferries Ltd, which operates the 2,400
tonne modern catamaran 70 metre long Roll On Roll Off ship Pentalina on
the 15 miles crossing from Caithness to Orkney will be operating 4
(FOUR) return crossings during the month of May from Gills Bay in
Caithness, 4 miles W of John O'Groats, across the Pentland Firth's
short-sea route to St Margaret's Hope in South Ronaldsay, which is on
Orkney Mainland's main roads network voia the Churchill Barriers
causeways. This is in response to the extra demand created by the
engine breakdown of the taxpayer subsidised vessel Hamnavoe ,which is
currently confined to her home-port of Stromness Orkney. Pentland
Ferries 4-return crossings per day is normally confined to the 'high
season' and not to Spring. Hamnavoe
may be off until 24th May or later
News From
Police - Get In Touch If Your shop May Have Been Scammed Three men arrested in connection with fraud
Three Romanian males aged 20, 20, 28, have been arrested in connection
with frauds at retail outlets in the Highland area.
A report has been submitted to the Procurator Fiscal. Ringing the
Changes Fraud
Police are investigating a series of ringing the changes
frauds across the Highland area. This involves a group of people
attending at various retail outlets and asking for sums of cash to be
changed into notes of a smaller denomination. While doing this, they
deliberately cause confusion so as to obtain more money from the
retailer than was initially handed over.
Police would be interested to hear from any retail outlets in the
Highland area that think they may have been a victim of any scams
involving the changing of money.
Anyone with any information regarding this fraud, or who sees any
suspicious activity is urged to contact Police on our non-emergency
number 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Hamnavoe Ferry Scrabster to
Stromness May Be Off For Four Weeks
"The nothlink ferry web site says "Initial internal and independent
assessments of the Hamnavoe ferry (which serves the Scrabster to
Stromness Pentland Firth route), currently docked at Stromness, is that
the crankshaft on the Starboard engine is irreparable. It will be up to
four weeks before the Hamnavoe is back in service on the Pentland Firth
crossing."
serco Northlink are trying to fiind a suitable alternative while also
trying to reroute passengers to other means of getting to Orkney.
The other
ferry company Pentland Ferries that sails from Gills Bay with
MV Pentalina offers the fastest crossing with its modern ferry but it
may not be able to handle all of the diverted traffic but well worth a
call to check.
Wick High Belize Trip Fundraising
Auction and Pudding Night Raised Fantastic �3400 A very successful fundraising auction and pudding night
raised more than �3400 taking the total well past the target of
�26,000.
The excess funds raised will go to other projects being organised by
the school. Councillor
Gail Ross introduced the evening and everyone had a good noght sampling
the huge range of puddins while making bids or buying raffle tickets.
28
April
2013
Know Your Buildings Tuesday 30th April - 7.00pm
An illustrated talk by
Pauline Megson of the
Prince’s Regeneration
Trust on the renovation
of the two Castletown
flagstone workers'
cottages in the Backies.
Also! Find out what the
architectural features in
your own house may tell
you about its history!
More Vehicles In Caithness
These and more vehicles in the growing transport galleries showing how
Caithness is doing business locally. If you would like your
company vehicles added with a FREE link to your business page then just
email the photos to [email protected]
27
April
2013
Ferry
Crossing On Hamnavoe Scrabster to Stromness Cancelled Saturday and
Sunday The ferry service is still under review for
Monday and Tuesday depending on investigations into the engine failure. Pentland Ferries from Gills Bay may be possible but is
likely to be very busy or full -
check the web
site
Unfortunatel;y at 10.28pm Saturday night Pentland Ferries web site
appears to be offline. There is Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pentland-Ferries/192301067464590 Caithness FM 15 Years Celebrated
The local Caithness raido station Caithness FM celebrated 15 years of
broadcasting to the county.
Transmitting from their little studio at Ormlie in Thurso the many
volunteer presenters have kept the music and requests flowing.
Recently the station had a makeover as the cabin where the programmes
come from had been showing signs of deterioration of the years.
Good Luck for the future to all the volunteers who put in so much time
to the station.
Dornoch Rail Link Action
Group – Spring 2013 newsletter - Part
OnePart
Two
The Highland Line: how will
Caithness cope with the demise of Icetech?
- David Ross in the Herald
After 40 years, the production of fridges and freezers in the far north
of Scotland looks as if it is set to finally come to an end with
Icetech going into provisional liquidation, despite an �11m turnover
last year.
Volunteer
Recruitment
Fayre & Information Day
Members of the public are invited to drop into a Volunteer Recruitment
Fayre taking place in The British Legion,
Thurso on Thursday 2nd May
from 12-4pm Thursday 9th May in
Harpers, Back Bridge
Street, Wick 12-4pm.
Also attending the event will be representatives of older adult
services. They will be on hand to answer questions about local
serviceprovision.
Soif you have ever thought about volunteering but did not know what was
available? Now is your chance to pop along and meet groups face–to-face
and find out more about the wonderful voluntaryorganisations dealing
with youth, care, education, retail and manymore. Or, if you have a
family member in need of older adult services, drop in and find out
more from local representatives.
Free tea & coffee available.
REDUNDANCY
SUPPORT IN THURSO FOR ICETECH STAFF The
Scottish Government’s national redundancy service, PACE, brings
partners together to help redundant staff
ICETECH staff who have been made redundant are invited to an event to
help them move in to further employment or training.
The event takes place on May 3, from 1-3pm in the Pentland Hotel and
has been organised by the Partnership Action for Continuing Employment
(PACE), the Scottish Government’s initiative for responding to
redundancy situations which is led by Skills Development Scotland (SDS)
in conjunction with other partners.
Get Advice
And Loan Of An Energy Cost Monitor To Save Money
FREE ENERGY ADVICE AND LOAN OF A
CURRENT COST MONITOR SO YOU CAN SEE HOW MUCH
YOU CAN SAVE.
Pentland Energy Advice in conjunction with Pentland Housing Associaiton
are delivering free energy advice to the community via the Climate
Challenge Fund. The aim of this project is to cut the amount of carbon
produced in Caithness and in turn reduce household energy bills. The
staff of Pentland Energy will visit anyone in Caithness as part of this
project to try and help them save money on their energy bills and will
also loan them a Current Cost Monitor (see inset in photo).
Chest Heart and Stroke Group Hand
Over Defribrillator CAITHNESS
Heart Support Group is finalising arrangements for its second
public health event on Saturday 27th April in the Norseman hotel, Wick.
Aimed at focusing on some of the various agencies committed to
improving people’s health, locally, the event is being held at the
Norseman Hotel, Wick, on Saturday,
from 10am-4pm. Taking part, are the Caithness Diabetes Group,
the Wick Wheezers, and Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland. Medical
professionals will be on hand to answer any queries and you can have
your blood pressure checked. A life-saving demonstration and and
exercise class will also be featured. Keen to make the event a family
affair, face painting and a colouring competition have been organised.
Caithness Rugby Club’s development officer, Colin Sangster, recently
accepted a �1,300 defibrillator funded by the group.
Sutherland Brothers Annual Trade
Show Sees Increased Numbers Sutherland
Brothers held their annual trade show in the Assembly Rooms, Wick.
Suppliers and customers were out in increased numbers to meet
each other and get a few sales in place for coming months.
Hoy Trip - Book Your Seat Now This
is your opportunity to sail directly to the Orkney Island of Hoy from
John O Groats on the Pentland Venture passenger ferry. Either enjoy
yourself independently exploring Rackwick Bay or join the countryside
ranger walking to the famous 'Old Man of Hoy' sea stack. Hopefully
witnessing nesting skuas and mountain hares and possibly whales or
dolphins while on the boat. Credit card bookings can be taken by John O
Groats Ferry 01955 611353.
Numbers are limited so booking and payment by 12th May is essential to
secure a place.
Cost covers ferry crossing, buses and ranger event charge.
Location: John O Groats
Price: �42.00
Archaeology Seminar To Go
Live Online Due to High Demand For Places High
demand from people wishing to attend an archaeology seminar - which is
due to take place in the Highlands this weekend (27 April from 9.30am)
- has seen organisers, Highland Council arrange webcasting of the event
to accommodate those unable to get tickets.
All 140 places to the seminar on underground places were snapped up in
a short space of time. The seminar titled: “Underworld: the use of
caves, rock shelters and underground places during the Scottish Iron
Age” will feature research on work undertaken at High Pasture Cave and
Fiscavaig Rock Shelter, on the Isle of Skye.
Highland Council has arranged for the seminar to be webcast live and
recorded which will be available from the council’s website -
see
full article for link to the Live Broadcast online or for later to view
it after 48 hours and online for 12 months.
Wick & District Pool
League - Second Division Title Win
The
Queen's Hotel pool team clinched Wick & District Pool League's
second division title on Monday night, thanks to an impressive 9-2 win
over Bayview "2". Andrew Coghill played well in the opening stages of
the match as Queens went 2-1 ahead. Harry Candeland, Jim Bain and James
Dow all played extremely well to help their Queen's side stretch their
lead to 5-1. The Lybster team pulled a frame back to make it 5-2,
before Michael Aitken potted the match winning black for the Queens.
Having clinched the title, the Queens side then won the remaining three
frames for a convincing 9-2 win.
SUMMER SALSA CLASSES
Salsa is a fantastic dance
style that helps to develop your skills while gradually improving your
fitness in a relaxed sociable atmosphere. No partners are required.
Hanna
Miedema SNP Candidate For Landward Caithness Bi-election
Hanna
Miedema is the SNP candidate for the Landward Caithness by-election on
the 2nd of May. She is 29 years old and grew up at Calder Mains, a few
miles outside Halkirk. During her time away from Caithness, she studied
Zoology and Animal Science at Edinburgh University. She also worked in
research for a while, in Edinburgh and Canada, which gave her the
chance to travel for conferences and holidays. Hanna said “Living in
Canada for a while made me notice certain things that I missed about
Scotland - mainly the sarcastic humour and old buildings. Now I really
appreciate the dry stone walls and flagstone fences in Caithness, and
am learning how to build and maintain them from a local master
craftsman, George Gunn. Since returning to Caithness last year, I have
learnt a lot of new practical skills and met lots of great people. Full
details about the election can be found HERE
23
April
2013
Recession Takes Its Toll in Caithness Icetech
Goes Into Liquidation - BBC A freezers manufacturer that employs about 100 staff has
gone
into liquidation.
Icetech Freezers (Previously Norfrost) in Castletown in Caithness
describes itself as the last UK maker of household refrigeration
appliances.
End
of the road for Caithness DE stores STAFF at the Wick and Thurso shops of failed Scottish
company D.E. Shoes will work their notice tomorrow with a closing down
sale.
The retail workers are amongst 162 staff soon to be jobless after
efforts to sell the family business as a going concern, failed.
UPDATE - A company
representative stated today that they hope to trade until July.
A
Letter From Labour Candidate David Baron About The Landward Caithness
Election I
am ambitious for Landward Caithness. I want to work with local farmers
and businesses to establish a local market where they can sell their
products. It will boost their businesses and our economy. I want to
ensure that Caithness is one of the first areas to get upgraded to
fibre broadband. I want to help create a real tourism strategy that
takes advantage of our excellent facilities and our fantastic natural
sights. I will fight with you to prevent cuts to our local services.
Caithness
company wins second Queen's Award for Enterprise
Wick Based K P Technology Win Second Queen's Award Eight individuals, nominated by their peers for their
efforts to
encourage UK entrepreneurship, have won the Queen’s Award for
Enterprise Promotion. Their nominations showed that as well as being
full-time entrepreneurs, they voluntarily pass their skills and
experience on to others, get involved in education and inspire
students, and work to provide help and support to develop peoples
business skills. These eight business people, alongside the successful
businesses, can now look forward to a Royal Reception at Buckingham
Palace.
Included in the list of winners was KP Technology in Wick, which is
celebrating its second win.
Prof. Iain Baikie Director and Founder of KP Technology, said: “I was
absolutely delighted to win this award: KP Technology exported our
customised materials analysis systems, termed Kelvin Probes, to 20
countries last year. I travelled some 40,000 miles attending
international exhibitions and visiting our customers at prestigious
high technology research laboratories around the world. Our equipment
is used in a wide range of applications spanning renewable energy,
semiconductors, forensics, bio-technology basic research and Defence.
Interactive
Map Shows How Many Work In Growing Energy Sector
- 2066 In Caithness &
Sutherland A
new interactive map displaying employment figures within
the energy sector in the Highlands and Islands has been launched today
(Monday 22 April 2013).
The launch coincides with today’s meeting of the National Renewables
Advisory Group in Inverness, chaired by Energy Minister Fergus Ewing.
The figures show that there are currently in excess of 15,000 FTEs
working in the energy industry in the Highlands and Islands.
2066 people based in Caithness and Sutherland currently work in the
energy sector. Inner Moray Firth area has the highest number of
employees in the sector with 3257. Other areas have lower numbers.
Caithness Landward Bi-election - 2 May 2013 Independent
Candidate For Caithness Landward Gillian Goghill Introductory Letter
Gillian
Cogill is getting her election campaign started after a
hard season at the lambing on the farm she works with he husband at
Balnahard, Harpsdale near Halkirk.Gillian
comes to this her first election for the highland council but with six
years of Halkirk community council experience behind her and more
recently as chairman of that council. Having
already brought up her children in Landward and lived all her life on
farms she has bags of experience and knows the issues well and is
already eyeing up defence of rural schools if that becomes necessary
following the publication
of the report on rural schools yesterday.Gillian
is out of the starting blocks and is determined to do her best for
Caithness.The
election follows the resignation on health grounds by Robert Coghill. Full
election information at Highland Council
19
April
2013
FAB1 Million - Celebs Arrived At John O'Groats
Wick
High School Belize Trip - Pudding Night and Silent Auction
SILENT
AUCTION AND PUDDING NIGHT - FRIDAY 26TH APRIL 7.00PM
The pupils and teachers have been tasked with raising all their own
funds and to date have raised �25,053. The target is �28,000
-
Let's get them there. Auction
See you at the Pudding Bash! Belize Trip Web Site This summer ten Wick High School pupils from fifth and
sixth year will be flying to Belize for a four week
adventure.
Teacher Chris Aitken, who will be accompanying the pupils said “This is
an amazing opportunity for the young people involved to expand their
horizons and make them really think about life and career choices. This
experience was offered to all 5th and 6th year students and we
emphasised how much work it would take to get them out there. These 10
students really rose to the challenge and have worked incredibly hard
this year to raise the required funds. This could also not have been
done without the generosity shown by the people of Caithness. I hope
that this trip will set a great precedent for these types of
experiences for Wick High students in the future.”
Caithness
Pupils to work in Belize rainforest - BBC
18
April
2013
Community
projects help north Scotland locals learn more about nature and
landscapes
Two
community-based projects which have raised awareness and helped people
get involved in nature and landscapes in Caithness and Sutherland have
been praised.
In December 2009, two grants from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) were
matched with money from The Highland Leader Programme to provide
�80,000 for biodiversity projects in Caithness and Sutherland.
These included work involving woods, lochs, ponds; river banks, garden
birds, Arctic terns, puffins, and bats. One project even identified a
rare insect in a project which is expected to make a significant
contribution to insect knowledge.
The Caithness and Sutherland Partnerships embarked on the three-year
environment funds' which have now reached a successful conclusion. Caithness
Biodiversity Photo Collection
Pine
Marten Showing Signs Of Recovery Caithness to Central Belt
One
of Scotland's rarest carnivores is showing encouraging signs of
recovery, a new report has highlighted.
From Argyll to Aberdeenshire, and Caithness to the central belt, the
pine marten is proving that rare mammals can recover their numbers,
given the right conditions.
And in the Year of Natural Scotland, it is a real success story for an
animal which has vanished from much of England and Wales.
A joint survey by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and The Vincent
Wildlife Trust (VWT), to be published later this week, shows the pine
marten population has regained ground across much of Scotland. It is
now re-colonising areas from which it has been absent for more than 100
years.
Reay
Golf Club Gets Digital Makeover Local
project Get IT Together has been working with Reay Golf
Club to help them become part of the digital world. The Get IT Together
project aims to support local groups and individuals get online and
become digitally included. Project Co-ordinator, Shona Munro has been
helping the Club with their plans and aspirations of developing the
club and clubhouse. With support from Shona, the club has recently been
successful in receiving a BT Community Connections Award which entitles
them free wifi equipment and a year’s free broadband service. Far
North Triumph At Pan Celtic Festival In Eire Far
North Representation Celebrate major success in
Carlow, Co. Carlow, Eire after receiving multiple awards.
A number of organisations representing the far north counties of
Caithness and Sutherland had cause to celebrate in style in Carlow,
Eire recently after their performances picked up awards in
international competitions during their week long participation.
Thurso Pipe Band, Melvich Gaelic Choir, Coilich a’ Chinn a’ Tuath and
Ce�l Bho Thuath were the organisations representing the far north of
Scotland with a number of their soloists also taking part. Coilich
a Chinn a Tuath - Scotland - Choral Concert - Pan Celltic Festival
- VIDEO Coilich a’ Chinn a’ Tuath, the joint male voice choir of
Melvich and Lairg Gaelic Choirs, won the International Male Voice
competitionat the Pan Celtic Festival in Carlow, Eire
Atomaig
Piseag - Alba - Choral Concert - Pan Celtic
- VIDEO Raymond Bremner had further personal success, as
the conductor of Atomaig Piseag, when they won the International Ladies
Choirs competition and went on to lift the Supreme Choral Award for
best choir over all competitions at the festival.
Coisir
Ghaidhlig Mhealbhaich - Melvich Gaelic Choir - VIDEO Winners of the International Mixed Rural Choirs
Competitioin - singing in Carlow Cathedral.
Glass
Recycling Photo Competition Winners Five lucky winners who recycled their glass at their local
Recycling Point, have received a �20 voucher for the Thurso Cinema.
The Highland Council’s Waste Awareness Team ran the recent competition,
which invited householders to email the Council a photograph of
themselves recycling their glass, to be in with a chance of winning.
Twenty-six entries were received, and the five photographs chosen at
random were: Caitlin Macleod (10) from Staxigoe, Gregor Mill (5) from
Achscrabster, Logan McNeill (5) from Wick, Ellie & Lucy Harper
(7
and 5) from Wick, and Calum & Euan Noble (7 and 5) from Thurso.
Wick
May Mini Triathlon 5 May - Enter Now CLOSING
DATE FOR ENTRIES THURSDAY, 2 May
NO ENTRIES ON THE DAY
- Starting from Wick Swimming Pool Distances - Swim 400m - Cycle 10km - Run 3km
Entry cost �12
WTC Members 50% Discount on individual entries. Team entries on paper
only 25% off (their share of the entry) will be given to WTC members
COMPETITORS MUST BE 14 YEARS OR OLDER BY 31/12/13
17
April
2013
Girnigoe
Castle - New Photos Taken From Slightly Above The Castle Sir John Campbell of Glenorchy who then claimed
Girnigoe/Sinclair castle and estates including the title Earl of
Caithness. Which resulted in the rightful heir, George Sinclair of
Keiss castle storming Girnigoe/Sinclair and Old Wick castles by force
of arms in 1679 to contest his right as Earl of Caithness which had
been denied him by law. In reply in 1680 the Campbells marched north in
an attempt to seize Old Wick castle under cover of any early morning
mist. Suddenly the fog cleared and the castle garrison raised the alarm
sending riders to Girnigoe/Sinclair castle. The Campbells appeared to
withdraw but split their forces into two to ambush and rout the
Sinclair army from Girnigoe/Sinclair at the battle of Altimarlach some
four miles from Wick. Girnigoe/Sinclair was then stormed by the
Campbells and Keiss castle damaged (today there are still musket holes
above the doorway of Keiss from this assault). In 1690 George Sinclair
of Keiss again besieged Girnigoe/Sinclair castle this time with heavy
cannon ironically destroying his inheritance. The castle though back in
Sinclair hands with George as 7th Earl of Caithness was abandoned as a
residence leaving the sad shell that remains today.
Girnigoe
Castle Main Section Caithness
Castles Main IndexCaithness
Castle From The AirHow
They Might Have looked When First Built Map
Of Caithness Castle LocationsArea
MapsGround
PlansPhoto
Galleries Of Caithness Castles
Check
For Jobs On Caithness.org Ackergill
Tower is looking for housekeeping staff. Ormilie
Garage wants MOT Tester/Car Mechanic Check
out the full list of vacancies Get
Help To Find A Job Caithness
Tora-Kai Karate Club Kata & Kumite Competition
On
Saturday 6th April 2013, Karate students from across the County took
part in the clubs annual Kata & Kumite Competition in Wick
Assembly
Rooms. Competitors ranged in ages and grades from 6 year old beginners
to adult brown and black belts. The event provided a welcome break for
club members who have recently been training for the upcoming grading
examinations to be held in May this year. It is hoped to organise a
special event next year to mark the clubs 30th anniversary.
There were two main events for each age category. Kata (or formal)
training, and Kumite (sparring). Kata is one part of the syllabus
practised in the Japanese Martial Art, where the individual completes a
series of prearranged fighting sequences. Kumite is where individuals
demonstrate their ability to respond to attack and defence techniques.
16
April
2013
An
update on the npower renewables’ Caithness Conversation
Foundation Scotland conducted the “Caithness Conversation”
on
behalf of RWE npower renewables during Feb - April. The consultation
period has now closed.
The Conversation has facilitated discussions between community members,
businesses and other key local stakeholders about how funds can best be
used to benefit Caithness communities. With other renewable developers
investing locally and various other funding avenues also available the
outcome of the research is expected to help communities and even
developers identify and plan how and where to direct such funding.
Wick
Arion Choir Concert Wick Arion Choir and guests will be staging a concert in
the Norseman Hotel on Thursday the 25th of April at 7.30 pm. There will
be a variety of song, dance and music and a welcome cup of tea at the
interval. All proceeds will be donated to the League of Friends,
Caithness General Hospital.
Tickets are �5 and are available from Gails Gift Box, High Street Wick.
Chris
Evans says 5-4-3-2-1 to FAB1 Million with Land’s End to John O’Groats
Challenge
Chris
Evans, Gary Barlow, Professor Brian Cox and James
May are driving from Land’s End to John O’Groats in a pink Rolls-Royce
with the same FAB1 number plate as Lady Penelope’s car in Thunderbirds
to raise a FAB �1million for Breast Cancer Care on Thursday 18th April.
Here’s where you can see it. Get there early so you don't miss out!
Leaves Landsend Thursday 9.30am and Arrives John O'Groats about 4.00am
Friday.
Natural Retreats, who operate accommodation, a Storehouse caf� and an
activity and retail centre at John O’Groats will be ensuring the party
have a welcome arrival and are encouraging local people to join them
and come and show their support.
Broadcaster and confirmed car nut Chris Evans today
unveils plans for FAB1 Million, a year-long fundraising campaign with
the aim of raising one million pounds for Breast Cancer Care using a
bespoke pink Rolls-Royce Ghost a la Thunderbirds.
Host of The Radio 2 breakfast show and The One Show, Evans presses main
engine start Thursday 18 April by leading a star-studded point-to-point
drive from Land’s End to John O’Groats as FAB1 takes to the road for
the first time. There will be key city stops en route as Chris and his
co-drivers Gary Barlow, Professor Brian Cox and James May share the
driving duties. Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, the British luxury car marque
have gifted the brand new Extended Wheelbase bespoke Rolls-Royce Ghost
to Breast Cancer Care for a year. This followed Evans wondering what to
do with the iconic FAB1 Lady Penelope Thunderbirds plate, which he's
owned for five years, now that it was no longer on a car.
15
April
2013
Castlehill
Heritage Quiz Night - Get Your Team Together Tomorrow
night - Tuesday 16th April the annual
quiz at Castlehill Heritage takes place. Get your
team ready and pit your wits against the brains of Caithness.
Traditonal 'pub style' quiz night fun
Prizes and Raffle - Home baking and tea/coffee
Location: Castlehill Heritage Centre, Harbour Road, Castletown
Price: �10 per team (4 max per team)
Grow
your own - Scottish Government Consultation
Plans
to simplify and overhaul Scotland’s allotment rules were announced
today.
Rural Affairs Secretary Richard Lochhead has launched a consultation to
consider the shape of future allotment legislation.
Among the questions being asked are:
Should councils be required to provide people in their area within a
specified timeframe? and
Should councils have a duty to provide a specific number of allotments
in their area per head of population?
NOTE - Wick
will have new allotments opened once the new Children's
Home is built at Rhind House.
Interesting and Exciting Calls For Artists St
Kilda artist residencies 2013 – call for artists
With
its dramatic vistas, stark beauty and splendid isolation, St Kilda is a
dream destination for many artists. This summer, two artists will be
given the chance to take up ‘residence’ on the remotest archipelago in
the UK.
The National Trust for Scotland and Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum &
Arts Centre on North Uist have launched a call for artists to apply for
two residency spots – this summer. Funded by the Year of Natural
Scotland, the residencies are open to visual artists from all over the
world, working in a variety of mediums.
Photos
for the non Artists
Sexy
Peat/Tir mo R�in Project -
Call For Artists Sexy
Peat/Tir mo R�in is a project that will create a body of contemporary
visual art in response to the rich ecology and heritage of the Lewis
Peatlands in Scotland’s Outer Hebrides. The Lewis Peatlands, and their
blanket bog and moorlands, form a remarkable landscape both visually
and environmentally. Beyond their initially austere or barren
appearance the peatlands reveal an abundance of colour, texture and
life forms in constant interaction with dynamic weather systems. These
features have inspired the people who have lived with the moor for
generations. This project will investigate and celebrate that land,
those people and their heritage.
Police
in Highland and Islands Division take part in national roads week of
action
Police
Scotland Highland and Islands Division take part in week of action on
the roads in the area as part of a national enforcement campaign to
deter and detect speeding and inappropriate drivers.
The campaign, which started today at 07:00 hours, is the first under
Police Scotland as part of the commitment to making Scotland's road
safer.
Offences such as careless or dangerous driving, failure to wear a
seatbelt, using a mobile phone or hand held device whilst driving and
driving without insurance or a driving licence will be targeted during
the initiative.
Get
Ready To Retune TV Equipment In Caithness on 24th April
Freeview
viewers in Caithness will need to retune their TV
equipment on 24 April as local airwaves are cleared for the roll-out of
4G mobile broadband.
Technical changes at the Rumster Forest transmitter group, affecting
around 22,000 homes, will free up frequencies for the future
introduction of 4G mobile services. Between now and the end of 2013,
similar upgrades will be made in other areas of the UK to prepare for
4G.
Latest Photos Of Forse Castle Added To The Gallery Forse Castle stands upon a dramatic peninsula, rising
almost 50
metres above sea level, not far from the village of Forse, about 2
kilometres from Latheron and some 4 kilometres from Lybster. The castle
is surrounded on all sides by steep rocks and is cut off from the
mainland by a natural ditch at the neck of the peninsula.
Although it is possible to get on to the castle site it is not for the
faint-hearted with steep drops on both sides of a narow path. As can
be seen good views of the castle can be had without venturing on to the
castle site itself.There
is a beach south of the castlethat no doube was used in the days when the castle was
inhabited.The
castle is now sign-posted in any way and no safety fences are in place
so you must take great care if you approach the cliff edges.
But
walking down to the end of the small road you can get great views of
the castle and beach without going near any cliff edges. More
about Forse CastleA
Painting of how it might have looked in its heydayPlan
of Forse Castle More
Caithness Castles
Wick
Council Offices - Work Begins The rebuilding of Wick Council Offices has begun with
safety fencing going up all round.
It wil be almost 18 months before staff
move
back to the new offices having left in January 2013 to relocate
temporarily to Girnigoe street. The
Council Offices form the frontage to the west side of Market Square and
the adjoining section of the High Street. The North elevation adjacent
to High Street is curved in profile to follow the line of the Street,
this curved building is known as the Stafford Place building. Stafford
Place is bow fronted, constructed of Caithness sandstone
. The Stafford Place bow fronted building will remain and be
refurishedand
the newer parts both in the front and back wil lbe demolished and new
buildins built on the site.This new photo gallery will have more photos
added as work progresses until the work is completedso you can all see
the progress. The planning application
with drawings etc
13
April
2013
Springtime
Today At Thrumster House A
treasure hunt for the children, tea coffee and cake in the sunshine
made for a relaxing afternoon at Thrusmter House. The Daffodils were in
short supply as the cold weather of the past few weeks has held
everything back. A few daffs were on show but it look slike
the
big numbers wil not show until another week or so. Still a
wander
round the Garden Broch made it an interesting afternoon. the
broch was partially duug in 2011 and had been back-filled but owner
Islay Macleod managed to get part of it left open to show the entrance
and the kitchen built in the wall.
Inverurie Locos 2
Wick Academy 0 The Scorries did not make it today at the away game at
Harlaw Park. The
next game is againstFraserburgh
on 20th April.
12
April
2013
Wick
High School Silent Auction and Pudding Night - Great Items To Bid For
HEAD FOR THE PUSDDING NIGHT TO EAT ALL THE PUDDINGS YOU CAN
ON 26TH APRIL To
raise money for Belize 2013 conservation and community work trip for 10
students. The silent auction/pudding night will take place on Friday the 26th of April from 7 -
9pm in the main hall. �3 entry at the door. Free entry for
ages 11 and under. Free tea and coffee available on the night.
15
Year old bottle of Old
Pulteney Whisky - Two nights with Dinner B & B at
Ackergill
Tower for two - Flight around CAITHNESS for three people - Hisorical
Herring Experience for 6 people on Isabella Fortuna - signed Wick
Academy strip - Wick Academy tickets with hospitality - Celebration
Cake - Seacoast boat trip for two adults and one child - 3 days of
fishing on Loch Watten - A day fishng on Lord Thurso's
private
beat - Rugby top - Bird Feeder - Jewellery box - Homeware
Hamper
- Vase - Pewter Necklace - Silver Scallop Necklace - Tour and Lunch in
memebrs lounge at Scottish Parliament - Caithness chocolates - Prom
dress hire - Flowers - Lark and lily Bracelet - Makeup - Bouncy Castle
hire - Bespoke Laser Photo on Stone - round of golf at Wick for four . email
or phone bids accepted - GET BIDDING NOW Many organisations
and businesses are supporting our young people for their trip to Belize
Caithness
Astronomy Group - FREE Talk "Moons and Stuff" Tonight Friday
12th April Head
for Castlehill Heritage Centre tonight for free talk organised by
Caithness Astronomy Group. The talk is by Mike Lunan.
Weather prmitting there will also be an observation session
outdoors. Children are welcome if accompanied by an adult.
Get there for 7.00pm - Admission FREE For many other events in
Caithness in AprilGO
HERE
Remember if you are organising an event you can get many months of free
advertsing by placing your event with information and poster FREE of
charge. Just complete the submission form HERE
All submissions are monitored before approval. Events appear
daily in several section and on this front page and also go to our Caithness.org
Facebook page on the day of the event. Caithness.org Facebook
page has grown fast to over 3700 likes and continues to grow as more
items get posted week by week. Caithness.org itself now has a
huge worldwide audience and that continues to grow each year. Caithness
Wards Information From the 2011 Census Published Recently Caithness
Landward
Population - 11355 Landward Caithness is one of our more sparsely populated
Wards. The population grew by 5.2% between 2005 and 2010, perhaps
linked to decline in Thurso and Wick as evidence from house sales
suggest a drift out of the towns and into the surrounding rural areas.
It has a lower than average population of people aged under 45 and over
74 and an above average population aged between 45 and 74.
Thurso
Population - 7218 The population profile shows that the number of people
aged under 45 is very similar to the Highland profile, the number in
the 45 to 64 age group is lower and those aged 65 plus is higher,
particularly those over 75 which is one of the highest in Highland. The
population of the Ward fell by 3.1% between 2005 and 2010, the joint
highest rate of decline in Highland.
Wick Population - 6587
Wick has a young age profile with one of the highest proportions of
under 15s and an above average proportion in the 16 to 49 age group.
However, there has been a significant overall population decline in
four areas of Wick since the 2001 Census and the overall population
fell by 3.1% between 2005 amd 2010, the joint highest in Highland.
Community
Challenge Fund - Next Deadline for applications 1st
May The
Council has agreed to work with Community Councils and other community
organisations to encourage community empowerment, by introducing a
community challenge fund of �1m of recurring expenditure to support
community projects which explore new ways of delivering services at a
local level.
Gas
Flaring Off At Lybster It
may be small but the oil well at Lybster that is to be
seen flaring off gas day and night now employs 8 full-time
staff. Investigations continue to find out if other fields
locally have commercial prospects like this one. In 2008, Caithness
spudded the L11/24-3z development well on the Lybster field. The well
was drilled from an onshore site two kilometres south of the village of
Lybster. The Lybster structure is crossed by a north-east/south-west
trending fault. The well appraised the area west of this fault and was
suspended. In 2010, following evaluation of these results, the well was
extended across the fault to twin the discovery well, which had flowed
2,000 barrels of oil per day on test. We have added a short
video at the bottom of the item for anyone who has not seen it before.
Who would have thought until very recently that Caithness
would have its very own if very small oil industry creating
jobs? With other fields locally being investigated
there may be expansion yet to come. Can anyone whistle the
Dallas theme while standing in a Caithness gale? Photos
from the start in 2008 Thrumster
House Spring Day - Saturday 13th April The countryside Rangers have arranged some fun activities
for children, while parents can accompany or walk around the grounds
and have a guided walk to the recently excavated garden broch.
There will be Teas and Coffees for a donation to the Yarrows Heritage
Trust.
Daffodils
at Thrumster House in 2003 Short
article about Thrumster House Thrumster
House Garden Broch opened up in 2011 Notes
from Robert I. Shearer, Ulbster house 1860 regarding a dig in 1810 NEW
OUTREACH SERVICE FOR BLIND VETERANS LAUNCHED IN ARGYLL AND BUTE AND
HIGHLANDS A new outreach service to support blind and visually
impaired veterans has been launched covering Argyll and Bute as well as
the Highlands and Islands.
Scottish War Blinded, the sister charity of Royal Blind, has launched
an outreach service across Scotland with a dedicated Outreach Worker
for Argyll and Bute and the Highlands and Islands. The outreach service
will provide free support to blind and visually impaired veterans to
ensure that they are able to access all the statutory support services
that they are entitled to. The service supports not only those who have
lost their sight while serving in the armed forces, but also those who
have become visually impaired since then. The minimum length of service
in the armed forces is just one day.
Boat
Racing To Completion At Wick Coastal Rowing Club The
recently formed Wick Coastal
Rowing Club are showing they have lots of eenthusiasm and
ability as the first of what is expected to be three "St Ayles" skiffs.
The groups have keep up a very steady progres in this their
first boat and say they expect later boats to be built even faster now
they have the experience under their belts. Racing teams of
various ages are to be formed once the boat gets into the water.
it is likely they will compete with visiting boats and also
take their boat to other events. Once they have a second boat
practices and races against local teams will be possible. If
you are interested in building boats or competing then get in touch
with the club.
11
April
2013
Return
To Wag Of Forse The
last photos we took of the Wag of forse was in
September 2005 so on a bright sunny day yesterday we took a hike up
the hill at Forse to see the ancient structures once again. Forse
Wag dated 1st millennium B.C.early first millennium A.D. Appears as a
wide collection of stones with a variety of structures - tunnels,
chambers and steps. Twice, it has been partially excavated - in 1939
and 1948. It is one of the largest in the county, the site being
approximately 80 yards square - Caithness Field Club Bulletin 1995. Wag
of Forse is an Iron Age site with multiple periods of occupation
including a dun and wags. The site was partly excavated by Curle on
separate occasions. According to the notes in the Canmore Database of
RCAHMS the sequence of occupation may have been of huts of three
periods overlaid by a dun. The site was surrounded by a turf wall
mounted on stone. Surrounding the site is field system with the remains
of the walls in place - not in straight lines but in segments. The
outline is clear at the site and particularly in photos from the air.
Ready To Shoot Those
Arrows - Archery Resumes at Lybster Shelligoe Archery - for Lessons, Have-a-Go's & Fun
Shoots
Lybster Hall floor is finished and ready to use. We will be there Every
Wednesday from the 17th April at 6-8 pm.
Please Tel/text 07717718537 or find us on Facebook.
Have You Seen This Man and Vehicle In Thurso? Police looking to trace driver of vehicle
Police are looking to trace the driver of a dark grey / blue coloured
hatchback vehicle, following an incident which occurred on Provost
Sinclair Drive, Thurso around 12.30 pm on Wednesday 10th April.
The vehicle was described as having roof racks on either side and was
being driven by a male who was approximately 40 years old, medium build
with a bald head.
Police are keen for anyone who may know who this may be to contact them
on 101 or crimestoppers 0800 555 111.
10
April
2013
Planning
Process begins for new Wick Schools and Community Facilities The �50M project for two new Primary Schools, a new High
School, and
new Community Facilities, incorporating a replacement Library and
swimming pool, due for completion for use in August 2015, takes another
step forward this month.
The planning process for major works includes a “Pre-Application
Consultation” in which the proposals are shared with the public, so
that comments at this stage can be considered by the architects before
formal Planning Applications are submitted.
For the Wick Campus, incorporating a new Primary School (amalgamating
Pulteneytown Academy Primary and South Primary), a replacement High
School, and the new East Caithness Community Facilities (replacing the
Library and the Swimming Pool), the public exhibition is due to be held
in the Assembly Rooms, Wick on Monday 22nd April from 2pm to 6.30pm.
Wick
& District Pool League - Week 18 Wick
& District Pool League's 2nd and 3rd placed teams
(Crown1 & Bayview1) battled it out on Monday night as both
teams looked to keep their title challenges intact. Colin Banks got the
Crown side off to a great start to help them take a 1-0 lead, before
Ted Gunn pulled one back for Bayview. Angus Mackay, Andrew Keith and a
total clearance from Steve Atkins helped Bayview1 take a 4-1 lead,
before Stevie Cunningham won a frame for Crown to make it 4-2. Gunn
played exceptionally well again in his doubles frame to help the
Lybster team go 5-2 ahead. Bayview1 then ended Crown1's title hopes as
they reeled off the next four frames for a 9-2 win.
Papercraft Fun At Wick Library - Two Sessions - Thursday 11 April 12.30pm
Under 5 Years 2.00pm
5 and over
Council
takes enforcement action on dog fouling and littering in Caithness
TEC
Services Enforcement Officers, supported by the dog warden/pest control
officers for Caithness and Sutherland will be out and about in the
Caithness area from today (Monday 8 April 2013) undertaking patrols in
known problem areas to deter and catch irresponsible dog owners and
litter louts that risk harm to our communities and countryside through
dog fouling, littering and fly tipping.
Anyone caught not clearing up after their dog or who is observed to
drop litter or fly-tip waste will be issued with a fixed penalty
notice.
Event
To Prime Highland Firms For Investment
Small firms from across the Highlands will get the lowdown
on how to tap into traditional and alternative sources of finance at an
event in Inverness later this month.
The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) has joined forces with local
business experts Highland Opportunity and their Business Gateway
service plus MSP, Rhoda Grant, to host a special event -Accessing
Business Finance - at the Inverness Caledonian Thistle Stadium on the
29 April.
The difficulties that small businesses face when trying to access the
finance necessary for them to grow and develop is of great concern,
especially given that the Government is relying on these same small
businesses to lead the recovery. So just where will the money come from
to enable this to happen? It is to help answer this pressing question
that this event is being held.
Art
Exhibition At Mill Theatre - Call For Entries
An Art Exhibition and Demonstration at The Mill Theatre,
Thurso on the 1st and 2nd June.
Shelligoe Archery
Announcement .....
Hi fellow archers, as you know we were to start on the
10th April at Lybster hall, Unfortunately the varnish and paint have
not worked out to well and they have to re-do the floor.
So we can't use the hall just yet! Hopefully we'll be in by the 17th.
Please follow
us on Facebook for updates.
Don't forget we have lowered the age to 8 yrs.
7 April
2013
HI~Arts
Issues Redundancy Notices To All Staff As Restructuring Begins
The Board of HI~Arts, the cultural development agency for
the Highlands and Islands, has announced that the company has been
awarded short-term extensions of its present funding agreements with
Highlands and Islands Enterprise and Creative Scotland, as part of an
ongoing process of restructuring the company’s activities and
programmes.
Although HI~Arts is working with HIE and Creative Scotland to safeguard
the continuation of a number of the agency’s key programmes , while at
the same time scoping the potential for working more closely with the
University of the Highlands and Islands, amongst other options,
nonetheless, as part of this process, the Board of HI~Arts has this
week issued formal notices of redundancy to all staff. It is hoped that
many of the staff will be able to transfer to new hosts and new
initiatives, but while those options remain to be resolved, the Board
agreed that it could not avoid the formal step of issuing redundancy
notices.
HI~Arts currently employs ten full-time and part-time staff, six based
in the company’s Inverness office, and four based in Argyll, Knoydart,
Lewis and Aberdeen.
Scorries Still In
The Hunt After Harmsworth Win
Wick Academy 2 Cove Rangers 1 The top two teams in the league classhed in a crucial game
for both. Academy won and sits in second place with Cove
still in the number one position but only by one point.
6 April
2013
10
FREE Places For Two Day Workshop To Work With Top Hot Glass
Artists Spend
Saturday 27th April at Caithness Horizons with four glass artists from
Australia, America and Germany. They will help you use Caithness
Horizons museum collections to inspire ideas for a piece of glass art
work.
On Sunday 28th April you will work in the hot glass studio at North
Lands Creative Glass, where the artists will help you realise your idea
from the day before.
These workshops are FREE to anyone over 14 years of age, although
donations are always welcome.
Please note that you must commit to BOTH workshops, and - as the hot
glass environment can be challenging - you will need to have a
reasonable degree of physical fitness.
10th
Caithness & Sutherland Walking Festival
19th - 26th May A
full programme of walks with something for everyone. A wide
variety of walks with different themes around Caithness and Sutherland. Take
your pick from walks covering history, architecture, birds, plantlife
and more. Get out and see the area with local experts. The
great
north outdoors has a lot to offer so get out and enjoy it. See
the full programme for the calendar of events.
Council report good progress in
contacting Council tenants about
Welfare Reform changes
The Highland Council has provided information and advice to
more
than 600 Council house tenants affected by the reduction in their
Housing Benefit due to the implementation of the Bedroom Tax. This new
legislation from the UK Government, that came into effect from 1 April,
means a deduction is being imposed on working age housing benefit
claimants who live in council or housing association homes where it has
been deemed that they are under occupying their home. The new rule is
estimated to affect about 2000 council house tenants in Highland.
Ortak
Jewellery In Orkney Goes Into Administration As Recession Bites Ortak
have gone into administration but are stil trading normally and showing
determination to win customers with a special April promotion. They
are not sitting back and perhaps a flood of customers in aapril to take
advantag eof the special offers may help them ride out the present bad
trading conditions. Latest
Wick & Distric Pool League Results Wick
& District Pool League's top
two sides Camps2 & Crown1 recorded very impressive victories
over
Seaforth Club and The Commercial respectively on Monday night. Alan
Larnach's Crown1 side remain in the title hunt after a great team
performance helped them to a 9-2 win over The Commercial. Defending
champions Camps2 stay two points clear at the top of division one after
a convincing 10-1 win over Craig Durrand's Seaforth side. The Camps
team got off to a perfect start as both Ryan Carter and Bruce Honeyman
knocked in 8-ball total clearances.
Savings
on home energy bills
People
across Scotland are being urged to seek assistance to improve the
energy efficiency of their homes, helping to reduce household energy
bills. Housing and Welfare Minister Margaret Burgess today outlined
that households can apply for financial assistance from the Scottish
Government of up to �1,200 to pay for energy improvement measures such
as cavity and loft insulation, double glazing, a new boiler or draft
proofing.
Getting loft insulation can reduce energy bills by up to �175 per year,
while replacing single-glazed windows with double glazed ones could
save the average home around �165 per year.
And taking simple steps to draught proof can cut �55 per year off the
average property’s energy bill, while getting a new, energy efficient
boiler could save a three bedroom home owner up to �300 annually.
2 April
2013
Good
Progress for Pipeline at Subsea 7, Wester A
pipeline for Elf Exploration UK Limited in the West Franklin
Field is well underway at subsea 7 site at Wester in Caithness. A one
off pipeline bundle 6.24km long due to be completed in November 2013.
The Subsea 7 work scope involves the engineering, design, procurement,
fabrication, installation and pre-commissioning of a pipeline bundle
and umbilical between the new West Franklin Wellhead Platform and the
existing Elgin Field facilities in the Central Graben Area of the North
Sea.
