News Archive
December 2013
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31
December
2013
WebCam Link For Wick Hogmanay
Street Party

(will
go live near to the event
starting)
The Wick Hogmanay Street party this year is moving to a new locations
due to the ongoing building works in Market Square.
This
years event will take place at the car park at riverside -
head to the rear of the butchers shop.
Thurso Hogmanay Street Party
takes place at St Johns Square opposite the church with the clock and
this year
the music will be by the Chicken Pickers.
Photos On Caithness.org
in 2013
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
New
Council Offices
Old Buildings Galas &
Shows
Earlier
Years Archives 2000 to
2013
Police seek to remind the
public about fraudulent bank phone calls
After a recent number of reported fraudulent telephone calls, Police
Scotland is again warning householders across the Highlands and
Islands, and in particular Inverness, not to give out any details to
cold callers claiming to be from a bank.
Highland
MSP steps in to
try and resolve Helmsdale mobile coverage
Highlands & Islands (Labour) MSP Rhoda Grant has
stepped
into a row over the breakdown of the O2 mobile service in the Helmsdale
area.
30
December
2013
Appeal for missing
Caithness man, George Ronaldson
Police
in Caithness are anxious to trace a missing 41-year-old man, George
Ronaldson, who was last seen on Friday evening in the Stirkoke area
near Wick.
Police are anxious to trace Mr Ronaldson to ensure his wellbeing and to
ensure he has access to required prescription medication.
Anyone with information regarding Mr Ronaldson's whereabouts is urged
to contact Police on 101.
Drink & Drug Drivers
Caught In Festive Campaign
Police in Highlands and Islands report two drug drivers during
third week of national campaign.
Police in the Highlands and Islands are reporting the detection of two
drug drivers during the third week of the festive safety campaign.....
"Two out of the nine drink drivers detected last week were involved in
collisions and as with previous weeks I am grateful to those members of
the public who have contacted the police reporting a drink driver which
undoubtedly reduces the risk of law-abiding road users being involved
in a collision with a drink or drug driver.
Police
and partners join
with local SPL football clubs as part of domestic abuse campaign

Police
Scotland and multi-agency partners are joining with two local Scottish
Premier League football teams in a bid to reduce domestic abuse across
the Highlands and Islands.
Both Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Ross County players will be
supporting the cause by wearing t-shirts during warm up for the annual
new year derby match, in Inverness on 01 January 2014.
In addition a number of police officers and members of the teams will
be wearing white ribbons in support of the cause and information
leaflets will be made available at the stadium on the day.
Domestic abuse is one of the main priorities for Police Scotland and as
such officers from the Highland and Islands Division work closely with
a number of partners to look at ways of reducing domestic abuse
incidents across the region. Partners in this multi agency approach are
Highland Council Social Work, NHS Highland, Victim Support, Women's Aid
groups, Violence Against Women groups and the Crown Office and
Procurator Fiscal Service.
Senior Citizens Christmas Party
At Lybster


Lybster
Senior Citizens got into the festive spirit recently when they attended
a Christmas party organised by D & S Henderson - local
convenience store.
Everyone enjoyed a great meal and free flowing drinks and then danced
the night away.
Photo
Gallery
Stormy Weather At Lybster
House fire, Wick
Overnight, between 28th December 2013 and 29th December 2013 a
house on Oldwick Road, Wick was set on fire. Police in Wick are
appealing for information in relation to this incident. If you have any
information please contact Police on 101 or anonymously through
Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
28
December
2013
Fit's
in 'e Groat
No time to read it all then get quick glance at a few items.
Castlehill Heritage
Centre Gained 3 Star Award From Visit Scotland


Castlehill Heritage Centre has just been graded by Visit Scotland, and
they achieved three stars at their first attempt. Needless to say
everyone at Castletown Heritage Society is delighted with the outcome -
and they have already set thier sights on a higher target for next
year! The grading was revealed by our Chairman, Hugh Crowden, at the
Boxing Day Opening.
27
December
2013
Stormy Weather At Wick

A storm at Wick but nothing compared to
12
months ago 2011
Way
Back in November 2002
Highland MSP warns drivers not to
drink
Highlands & Islands (Labour) MSP and road safety
campaigner
David Stewart has warned drivers not to drink and drive particularly
over this festive period, even the morning after.
He said “ The message is simple – Don’t do it”.
26
December
2013
Thurso High School -
Ormilie Road Fully open Again
Police Update 10.56am
today
Update 1 Thurso High School & Ormlie Road
Further to the report on 24th December 2013 of Ormlie Road, Thurso
being closed, Police can now confirm that the road has been fully
re-opened and would like to thank the publice for their patience and
cooperation during this incident.
25
December
2013
Merry Christmas Everyone
Happy
Christmas to you all wherever you might be. We hope you all
have
a lovely day despite the wind and gales, snow and rain this year.
Travel difficulties due to the weather have prevented some of
you
from reaching home but we hope you get home safe and sound
soon.
And thanks to everyone working today in hopsitals and medical
services. Also to the many people out working to keep power
supplies going and in the council services clearing fallen trees from
our roads for the past couple of days. We know many vital
services are kept going on holidays like Christmas due to people
working that day so have nice Christmas once your shift is over.
24
December
2013
Thurso High School Roof Damage In
High Winds
A large section of Thurso High School roof has been blown off with the
high winds.
Police and Highland Council staff are in attendance and Ormlie Road has
been closed.
Some damage has been reported to private cars in the neighbouring area.
Police Update
Thurso High School
About 1415 hours today, Police attended a report of a portion of the
roof of Thurso High School having dislodged in the wind. On arrival, it
was found that a large piece of the felt roof had blown off and become
caught in a tree on Ormlie Road, Thurso. Two vehicles have sustained
damage.
Due to the high winds, structural engineers are currently unable to
inspect the roof and in the interests of public safety, Ormlie Road,
Thurso remains closed between Provost Cormack Drive and Heathfield Road
at this time. Access to Ormlie Road from Ormlie Hill is also not
possible. The recommended diversion is via the A9 and Halkirk.
Highland Educators Lead
On

Around
55 staff in The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport
Service have recently completed a training programme aimed at
encouraging generic leadership skills.
Hugh Fraser, Highland Council’s Director of Education, Culture and
Sport Service welcomed participants to a presentation day held in
Milton of Leys School, Inverness in early December.
The “Lead On Programme” involves self-directed training in leadership
learning and development which ran from September 2012 to December
2013.
The course followed by staff was called "Leadership in a culture of
change" and addressed such leadership issues as resistance to change,
helps and hindrances to change, support required during the change
process and to consider different leadership styles.
23
December
2013
More Drink Drivers
Detected In Ongoing Campaign
Police in Highlands and Islands report rise in numbers of drink drivers
during second week of national campaign.
Police in the Highlands and Islands are reporting an increase in the
number of drink drivers detected during the second week of the festive
safety campaign.
During week 2 of the campaign, which ran from 07:00 hours on Friday 13
December to 07:00 hours of Friday 20 December 2013, 14 drivers were
found to be over the limit.
Latest Job Ads
Staff
Nurse - Seaview House Care Home, Wick
- Closing Date 6 January 2014
Ashley
Ann Ltd - Joiner
Closing Date 10 January 2014
Renewable
energy projects
at the forefront of Planning case work

2013
has seen the Council receive its largest number of major
pre-application enquiries in connection with renewable energy projects.
In total 38 potential applications have been presented to the Planning
and Development Service - an increase of 10 from those processed in
2012. The largest number of projects are related to potential wind
energy proposals, a story repeated in the number of applications also
being received for Environmental Screening, Scoping and ultimately in
the submission of both planning applications to the Council and Section
36 Electricity Act applications to Scottish Government.
Large Map
Census figures show population of
the Highlands on the up but down in Wick and Thurso
A report for Highland Councillors has highlighted the early results
from the 2011 Census which shows that the population of the Highlands
has grown over the last decade by 11.1%, with the strongest population
growth taking place in the Inverness South and Aird and Loch Ness
Wards.
The report also highlights that across the Highlands there is a large
number of people in the 55 to 65 age group which means the area should
see a steady increase in the number of retired people over the coming
years................As might be expected the largest growth has been
in the expansion areas of Inverness with an increase of 8,136 in
Inverness South (115%) and 1,958 in Aird and Loch Ness (22%). Badenoch
& Strathspey, Nairn, Landward Caithness, Black Isle, Dingwall
& Seaforth and Inverness Central have all seen strong growth
around or above the Highland average while growth in Tain &
Easter Ross, Cromarty Firth and the rural west has been more modest.
Growth in Sutherland has been marginal, and four Wards – Wick,
Inverness Millburn, Thurso and Culloden & Ardersier – have all
experienced population decline.
From 2001 to 2011
Thurso 7,830
- 7,762 drop 68 -0.9%
Wick 7,232 -
6,954 drop 278 -3.8%
Landward Caithness
10,525 - 11,770 increase 1,245 11.8%
New homes built in 10
years - Thurso 203 - Wick 160
- Landward Caithness 752
Wick RBLS Pipe Band Donation

Wick
RBLS Pipe Band has received a donation of £200 from the Nethcliffe
Hotel. The money was raised from a “Guess where Santa lost his parcel”
competition held in the hotel. The answer, drawn at random was
“Dorrery” and the winner was Mhairi Allan of the Crown Bar. She won a
Christmas goodie hamper.
John Bogle, band secretary accepted the cheque from Nethercliffe
proprietor Mervyn Hill and said “The pipe band is very grateful for the
continuing support of the Nethercliffe Hotel and we would like to thank
the proprietors, staff and customers of the hotel for this generous
donation.
22
December
2013
More communities rise to
Climate Challenge
Further funding confirmed for climate action projects.
The latest round of Climate Challenge Fund (CCF) awards will see 23
community-led projects share £2.63 million. Environment and Climate
Change Minister Paul Wheelhouse has confirmed the 16th round of CCF
awards, supporting communities right across Scotland to take action to
cut carbon emissions themselves...............“Grants up to £150,000
per year, per project are available through the Climate Challenge Fund
and completed applications under £30,000 benefit from streamlined
monthly funding decisions. We urge community groups to apply for grants
now and help make their local areas more sustainable places to live and
work.
Winter Safety Message
- Outdoor
enthusiasts urged to prepare for harsh winter

With
the harsh winter looming, outdoor enthusiasts are being urged to stay
safe on the hills, slopes and mountains of Scotland.
“Before heading out on the hills, make sure you have the right
equipment. Detailed safety advice is available on the Mountaineering
Council for Scotland website
“Technology can be useful, but don’t rely on it to navigate for you.
Having a map and compass and the knowledge of how to use them is the
best way to stay on course. The weather can change extremely quickly,
so check localised weather information, mountain information of the
sportscotland avalanche information service.
“Take the opportunity to get involved in local training courses and
take advice from seasoned professionals. Above all, know your limits.
Routes that are easy in summer will be more physically demanding and
testing in winter.”
Protecting
shellfish
production
Scotland first country in UK to ensure continued protection of
shellfish waters.
New legislation comes into force today to ensure the continued
protection of Scottish shellfish growing waters.
The measures – the first of their kind in the UK – have been introduced
to replace the European Shellfish Waters Directive which has been
repealed today.
Christmas cracker turned out to
be a damp squip for Wick fans

Wick Academy 2 Deveronvale 3
- Reporter Noel Donaldson
THESE festive fans dreaming of "a black and white" Christmas had their
hopes dashed at a chilly Harmsworth Park when they saw their team
beaten by a hungry, fast-moving Deveronvale.
The badly-needed win that would have checked the Scorries slide down
the snakes and ladders board that is the Highland League table, and set
them up for the biggest challenge of the season, a back-to-back
encounter with title favourites, Brora Rangers, never materialised.
PHOTO
GALLERY Wick Academy Web Site
21
December
2013
The
Island Of Thurso? Post Office Blunder - Daily Record
Keiss Primary School's Christmas
Review

REHEARSALS
for Keiss primary school's annual Christmas concert had to be curtailed
because of an inspectors’ visit but the audience would never had known
had head teacher Maureen Miller not included it in her announcements
before curtain up.
The pupils and teachers always rise to the challenge which must be a
considerable one as the programme has to be incorporated in their
normal work and take count of such unknown factors such as inspectors’
visits.
There was some traditional fiddle music to open with and then Primaries
1 and 2 left us in no doubt as to the time of year with their
fun-filled reindeer hokey-cokey, complete with antlers.
Photo
Gallery
Online Sales Are Already
Booming Before Christmas Is Even Here
Up
to 50% off
In Amazon
Clothes Sale
Book
Deals
20
December
2013
Fit's in 'e Groat 'e Day
Fast run through a few items from the local paper.
Royal Christmas pressie
was "a piece of cake"

FEW,
if any pupils in the country can boast an extra-special Christmas
present from royalty... and certainly not every year.
But, despite being an annual occurrence, the magnificent cake gifted by
Prince Charles, again attracted some early festive excitement among the
pupils of Britain's most northerly mainland school, Crossroads Primary,
when it arrived the other day.
The heart-warming festive tale is well over half-a-century old and goes
back to the 1950s when the Queen Mother bought Barrogill Castle as her
Highland home and renamed it the Castle of Mey.
Highlands
MSP backs SSPCA warning that pets are not just for Christmas
Highlands & Islands (Labour) MSP Rhoda Grant backs SSPCA
warning that pets should not be seen as cute gifts to give just at
Christmas, but they are for all year round and for the life of the pet.
MSPs concerned by
Minister's mixed messages on pharmacy proposals
Highlands and Islands Labour MSPs, Rhoda Grant and David Stewart, are
concerned by the mixed messages emanating from the Scottish Government
over community pharmacy applications.
Black Isle By-election Result
Increases Independent Strength on Highland Council
Following the recent win by Independent Matthew Reiss in the Landward
Caithness ward another independent today won a resounding victory in
the Black Isle bi-election. The Highland Council is made up
of 80 elected members. The new representation is Independent 34, SNP
21, Liberal Democrats 14, Labour 8, Independent Nationalist 1,
Non-aligned 2.
Despite being the largest grouping indpendent councillors are not in
the administration of the council being out-numbered by a
coalition of SNP, Libdems and Labour.
Survey
seeks tenants’ views on council homes
Tenants of council houses in the Highlands are being asked for their
views on the services provided by The Highland Council, as their
landlord.
The Council is offering 10 £50 vouchers in a free prize draw for those
tenants who respond by the deadline of 13 January 2014.
The short survey features in the festive edition of the quarterly
tenant newsletter, which will be distributed to the 13,000 homes of
council house tenants over the festive period.
17
December
2013
Wick and District Pool League -
Week 7

The
top three teams in division one all recorded comfortable wins on Monday
night, as the Wick & District Pool league reached its half-way
point. Bayview1 were impressive again this week and their 8-4 win over
the Queens keeps them three points clear at the top of the league.
Camps2 remain in second place thanks to a 9-3 away win against
Blackstairs. Bruce Honeyman, David Hendry and Ryan Carter won all three
of their games for the Camps side.......... The Wick & District
Pool League now takes a break for Christmas and New Year, and will
return on the 6th of January.
The Boxing Day Pool
Competition is in the Camps Bar and starts at 1.30pm.
Entry is £10 and is
open
to anyone who wishes to play, call/text 07450993155 to
book your place.
Most Drivers Appear To Be
Listening To This Year's No Drink or Drugs Driving
Campaign
Police in Highlands and Islands report numbers drink or drug
driving in first week of national campaign.
Police in the Highlands and Islands report that a large number of those
tested for drink or drugs driving during the first week of the festive
safety campaign were found to be adhering to advice and not taking the
risk.
Over the first week of the campaign, 317 drivers were checked for drink
or drug driving across the region and a marginal 8 were found to be
committing offences.
It Might Be Nearly Christmas But
Emplowers Are Still Looking For New Staff -
Check Our jobs Section
Latest Job today -
Class
1 HGV Drivers - Full Time and Part Time At Scrabster Port
Services
Other Job ads -
Pipe
Fitters At Halkirk Graduate
Sales Project Leader - Wick
See
inside for other jobs ads.
Employers - Don't Delay
Your Job Ads Until 2014 - Get Your Ads on All Through The
Holiday - It's Free and Effective and we will be updating
ads every day throughout the holiday season. Set a closing
date and we will remove it shortly after the closing date.
Caithness
Rangers Get Crafty


The Highland Council Planning and Development’s Caithness Countryside
Rangers have had a busy weekend gearing up to the festive period.
On Saturday the local ranger assisted the Friends of Newtonhill
Woodland Christmas tree family day at the new Newtonhill Woodland site
near Wick by making mini Christmas trees and reindeer from cones.
During the Christmas tree sale, the Friends provided a wonderful family
day with children’s activities and refreshments. The trees were donated
by Forestry Commission Scotland to help with fund raising for the
Friends Group.
New Homes Going Up At Coghill
Street, Wick


16
December
2013
Christmas
Lights At Keiss
15
December
2013
New Wick Council Offices Latest
Photos

Steel
and more steel as the floors go in to the new Wick Council Offices.
To see from the start go
HERE
Jane Macrae - A Scottish
Artist With Caithness Roots

Jane
Macrae is a Scottish artist, born in Lybster and lived ten years
of her childhood there and in Wick. Jane paints landscapes and
seascapes and recently has worked on some pictures of Stroma. Jane has
had increasing numbers of exhibitions and commissions in recent years.
14
December
2013
Christmas Tree Festival At Wick
St Fergus Church




Wick St Fergus held their first Christmas Tree Festival on Saturday
14th December 2013, and invited Charities and other groups to come
along to the Church and decorate a tree and showcase their activities.
Police Advice On Staying
Safe Over The Festive Period
Police in Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross offer advice to help
keep people safe during the festive period.
A successful festive multi-agency partnership run previously just in
the Inverness area, known as Operation Respect, has expanded to become
a targeted partnership initiative across the Highlands and Islands
which now includes the Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross
area.
12
December
2013
Cooking up a storm at heart
group's event

CAITHNESS
Heart Support Group was treated to a cookery demonstration, recently,
hosted by one of its member, chef Laird Sutherland, who came out of
retirement to prepare a thought-provoking variety of dishes, both
savoury and sweet, some economical. Some members of the audience were
invited to assist and there were tasting sessions at the demonstration
in the Family Centre, Wick. Star of the night was Laird's French
wedding cake which also went down a treat.
Council Tax freeze for
7th year in a row recommended as budget balances for 2014-15
The Highland Council is being asked next week to freeze the Council Tax
for a seventh successive year and confirm a budget of £563.697 million
for 2014-15.
The Council Tax bands would remain: Band A: £775.33; Band B: £904.56;
Band C: £1,033.78; Band D: £1,163.00; Band E: £1,421.44; Band F:
£1,679.89; Band G: £1,938.33; Band H: £2,326.00.
A final tranche of budget adjustments amounting to £3.561 million –
added to the £12.148 million of savings already identified in February
2013 - will be presented to the Council meeting on Thursday 19 December
for approval to balance the budget and allow the budget process to be
concluded two months ahead of the typical special February budget
meeting.
Council asked to agree
amendments to Service management teams
Detailed proposals to realign The Highland Council’s Service management
teams into 5 directorates will be presented for approval to the full
council meeting on Thursday (19 December).
At its last meeting on 24 October, the Council agreed to reduce the
number of Services from seven to five, delivering savings of £350,000
per year. Since that time, Directors have been consulting with Senior
Managers and staff representatives on the deployment and
responsibilities of posts at Service management team level.
It Might Be Almost Christmas But
Vacancies Are Still Coming In - Latest Job Ads
Senior
Administrator - Dounreay - Closing Date 17 December 2013
Caithness Apprentice
Scoops Top Civil Engineering Apprentice Award

Craig
Harvey (21) from Wick in the Highlands, has been crowned
Scotland’s top Civil Engineering Apprentice of 2013 at the annual SBATC
Apprentice of the Year awards. The title was presented to Craig at a
special ceremony held on Tuesday 10th December at the Scottish
Parliament. In the Civil Engineering category, the runner-up was Kenna
Warren from Moray Council and third place went to Derek Montgomery from
Crummock (Scotland) Ltd. of Bonnyrigg, Midlothian.
Winner Craig Harvey, who has an SVQ Level 3 in Construction Contracting
Operations, is studying at Inverness College whilst working for John
Gunn & Sons Ltd, a building and civil engineering firm based in
Lybster, Caithness.
Twelve Days Of Debtmas

This
play on the old Christmas song is warning not to get into too much debt
over the Christmas period and especially not with pay day loans. Take a
look at the 12 Days of Debtmas.
Read the web site and then think about joining your local credit union
which in Highland and Islands is www.hi-scot.co.uk
The Hi-scot credit union is run for the benefit of members and has no
shareholders other than members.
If you are not in Highland & Islands find your nearest Credit
Union
HERE
UK Government urged to act
quickly to end ‘culture of exploitation’.
Pay Day Loan Cap?
Enterprise Minister Fergus Ewing today called on the UK Government to
bring forward plans to introduce a cap on the cost of payday loans.
Mr Ewing said the cap must be in place by April 2014 in order to end
the misery that unconstrained interest charges are piling on many
people across Scotland.
Westminster has said that the cap will be introduced in January 2015 in
measures being outlined as part of the Banking Reform Bill.
11
December
2013
Fit's in 'e Coorier 'e Day
Cash for Caithness Harbours
Twelve Days Of Christmas Recipes
From Philadelphia

Twelve recipes for you to choose from.
Council backs heavier fines for
littering and fly-tipping
The Highland Council is fully backing plans by the Scottish Government
to increase fixed penalties for littering and fly-tipping but wants to
see more robust action taken against contractors who try to avoid
landfill costs by dumping materials indiscriminately.
It agrees that the penalty for littering should rise to £80 and the
penalty for fly-tipping should increase to £200, penalties which are
due to take effect from 1 April, next year.
Freedom of John O’Groats
conferred on John Green

The
freedom of the most northerly community in Great Britain – John
O’Groats – has been bestowed by The Highland Council on former Highland
Councillor and local resident of John O’Groats - Mr John Houston Green.
Tributes were paid to Mr Green at a ceremony held at John O’Groats
Village Hall on Tuesday evening (10 December 2013). At the same time,
Mr Green formally opened the refurbished hall.
The decision to award the freedom came after a number of organisations
and businesses in the John O’ Groats area wrote to The Highland Council
requesting the council consider conferring the Freedom of John O’Groats
on Mr Green.
Mr Green served on the former Caithness District Council for many years
before representing North Caithness on The Highland Council from 1995 –
2007. He remains active as the Chairman of Dunnet and Canisbay
Community Council.
10
December
2013
MSP Brings Castletown Pharmacy
Proposal issue to Parliament
Rhoda Grant MSP (Scottish Labour) has submitted a motion to the
Scottish Parliament on the Castletown Pharmacy Proposal.
Both Highlands and Islands (Scottish Labour) MSPs Rhoda Grant and David
Stewart have opposed the pharmacy proposal since the suggestion was
first raised and have called on the Scottish Government to introduced a
moratorium on new pharmacy applications until new legislation is
brought in and have also contacted
Both MSPS have called for the application to be withdrawn with
immediate effect. The Scottish Government have said the current
regulations are not fit for purpose and that they will be changed.
9 December
2013
Going
To Inverness Next Weekend Then Take Kids To Winter Wonderland
Winter Wonderland set to light up Whin Park, Inverness.
Hundreds of families are expected to attend this weekend’s Winter
Wonderland, the Inverness Winter Festival’s most popular event for
toddlers which will be staged at Whin Park this weekend. (Friday 13,
Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 December).
North road safety campaigner
still pushing for Graduated Licence Scheme
Highlands & Islands (Labour) MSP and road safety campaigner,
David
Stewart who set up the Sensible Driving – Always Arriving campaign,
back in 2010, after the death of two local Inverness teenagers, has not
given up his hope to have a graduated licence scheme for young and new
drivers introduced in Scotland as a pilot.
Santa Sesh

Raising
funds for Thurso Christmas Lights.
Music and events all day from 2.00pm until midnight
Hot food, Santa's Grotto.
8 December
2013
Thanks to The Guys Who Restored
The Power Across Caithness and The Highlands

A
word of thanks and applause to the guys who restored all the power
across Caithness and the Highlands following the big storm early last
week. We all take it for granted until somthing happens and
then
these guys go out in all weathers to resotre our power. These
pictures were taken near to the Caithness.org office in Wick
in between snow showers and sunshine breaks. Teams were to
be found in may parts as the power companies had anticipated
problems
following the weather forecasts. Great job and well done to
you
guys who restored it all for us once again...we really appreciate it.
Cinderella Panto Live From The
Hippodrome Theatre At Thurso Cinema on 22nd December

Thurso
Cinema using its great new digital technology to beam in live
performances from around the UK brings Cinderella live from the
Hippidrome Theatre on Sunday 22nd December. Book your tickets
early to be sure you can take the whole family.
Watch Films On The Big
Screen and Get Great Meal Deals At Thurso Cinema
Lunchtime
On Leith - Get a ticket and to see this great film and have lunch for
£14.95 - 9th to 12th December
Check Sundays
for Kids Eat Free
2 for
1 Pizza Tuesdays
And
if you are an EE or Orange customer claim your two for one
cinmea tickets on Wednesdays
Watch out for more deals at Thurso Cinema.
"It's
A Wonderful Life" The Original Feel Good Christmas Movie At Thurso
Cinema
20th - 24th December
- George Bailey is a small-town man whose life seems so desperate he
contemplates suicide. He had always wanted to leave Bedford Falls to
see the world, but circumstances and his own good heart have led him to
stay. He sacrificed his education for his brother's, kept the
family-run savings and loan afloat, protected the town from the avarice
of the greedy banker Mr. Potter, and married his childhood sweetheart.
As he prepares to jump from a bridge, his guardian angel intercedes;
showing him what life would have become for the residents of Bedford
Falls is he had never lived.
Seals Recently Decided The Wick
River Was Good For Sunbathing

If
you were lucky recently you might have caught a glimpse of seals
sunbathing on the River Wick. Often to be seen in th eharbour
at wick it is less often they take up residence on the banks of the
river.
Scotland’s place names
revealed

Historical
books with every place name that appeared on Victorian maps of Scotland
now available online.
Historical books with every place name that appeared on Victorian maps
of Scotland have all been put online and are also featured in a display
that opened on 6 December 2013.
Almost 1,700 Ordnance Survey Name Books, held in the National Records
of Scotland, have now all been added to the ScotlandsPlaces website,
where they can be searched by the public. The books are also being
linked to the relevant Ordnance Survey map to allow connected searching
for the first time.
Council welcomes launch of new
Highland Homecoming Fund
Senior Highland Councillors have warmly welcomed the launch of the
Highland Homecoming Fund, which will give local groups the chance to
bid for financial support of between £3,000 - £10,000 to organise a new
or enhance an existing event linked to next year’s autumn celebrations.
Young Mothers Programme Family
Nurse Partnerships Expanded
Online
safety plan by Scottish Government
Farm payment transfer proposal
NHS Scotland is going digital
Young Mothers Programme Family
Nurse Partnerships Expanded
Children born to young mothers are to be given a healthier start to
life thanks to the extension of a support programme.
The Family Nurse Partnership supports first time parents aged nineteen
and under and already runs in seven health board areas.
From next year, the programme will begin in NHS Forth Valley and NHS
Grampian and places on the programme in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
(Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire and Inverclyde) and NHS Fife will be
increased.
Highland is already implementing the programme.
Council welcomes launch of new
Highland Homecoming Fund
Senior Highland Councillors have warmly welcomed the launch of the
Highland Homecoming Fund, which will give local groups the chance to
bid for financial support of between £3,000 - £10,000 to organise a new
or enhance an existing event linked to next year’s autumn celebrations.
Highland Homecoming is a programme of events that will take place
within The Highland Council area between 1 September - 31 October 2014.
7 December
2013
Christmas Fun Day In Thurso




Wick Academy Game Postponed Today
Due to Weather Conditions
What's On In Caithness In December
6 December
2013
Whats On Saturday In Caithness -
One of the Busiest Days Before Christmas
Morning Noon And Night Don't
Drink Or Drug Drive
Police in Highlands and Islands remind of drink and drug drive dangers
as part of a national campaign.
Police Scotland Highland and Islands Division are reminding road users
in the area of the dangers and consequences of drink and drug driving
at the start of the national Festive Drink Drive campaign.
The month-long campaign, which starts to day and will run throughout
the festive period, aims to reduce the number of those committing such
offences and detecting those who do in order to reduce the number of
casualties on the roads.
TOP-LEVEL TEAM FROM THE CROWN
ESTATE VISITS GILLS HARBOUR

A
high-powered team from the Crown Estate visited Gills Harbour this
week where it met directors of its Canisbay community-owned port and
its (partial) lessee Mr Andrew Banks, managing director of Pentland
Ferries Ltd.
'Preliminary discussions' on several matters of mutual interest took
place, including a brief introduction to and description of the present
'Coastal Community Fund'. Its money will come from 50% of the revenues
generated by the Crown Estate's 'marine activities'.
Feeding Frenzy For The Gulls

Feeding
frenzy as the gulls compete for winter morsels behind this roadside
ploughman on the Wick-Wester route.
Fit's in 'e Groat 'e Day
A few items from today's local paper. And In
'e Courier a couple of days ago
Christmas Shops

5 December
2013
Rushdance At Street Star
Championships 2013

Rush.dance
kids have just competed at Dance lines Street Star
Championships, the Street dance competition is the biggest one of the
year on the ADFP circuit. It took place in the Blackpool tower ball
room which is one of the best dance venues around the UK.
Chloe MacGregor & Tyler Hutton took part in Duo’s for the first
time together as they are in different age categories normally but as
it was only the two of them going from Rush.dance we trained them
together to compete in U10 Hip Hop duo’s.
Duo results –
Chloe
& Tyler danced there way to a Six dancer final and placed 2nd
place................Both
kids danced fantastic on their way to the finals, once there number was
called out to make the Grand final they had to do there dance-on in
front of the whole hall of people watching...........Solo results – U8
Hip Hop Street Star
Grand
Final Chloe MacGregor 4th place.
U10 Hip Hop Street Star
grand Final Tyler Hutton *WINNER* and now the overall Dance lines Hip
Hop Champion for 2013.........
Multi agency partners
offer advice following power outages across the region
Emergency Services and partner agencies in the Highlands and Islands
are asking members of the public to support elderly neighbours and
family members following a large volume of power outages across the
country which are affecting communities across the region.
The severe weather, which has seen high winds, driving rain and snow
affect the area has disrupted transport links and many roads since the
early hours of this morning (05 December 2013).
Zurich
Insurance sees 50% increase in claims calls from today's severe weather
Mark Blanchard, Head of property claims at Zurich, said:"As some of the
most disruptive weather in many years bears down on parts of the
country and especially the East Coast today we have already seen a 50%
rise in calls from customers asking for us to help get them back on
their feet.
Spittal Hill wind farm could
provide £27m boost to local area
A planning application outlining proposals for the revised Spittal Hill
wind farm, located between 2 and 3 km north east of the village of
Spittal in Caithness has been submitted to Highland Council, and is
awaiting assignment of a case reference number. Comprising of 7
turbines, with a total installed capacity of up to 21MW, the proposals
have been submitted by Spittal Hill Windfarm Ltd, owned by Statkraft
and a group of Highland based shareholders.
North MSP welcomes HGV
50mph for A9
Local MSP and long time road safety campaigner, David Stewart MSP, who
jointly launched the HGV 50mph campaign in December 2012, has welcomed
the decision by the Transport Minister, Keith Brown to pilot a 50mph
speed limit on the A9 for HGV’s.
Highland
Council winter road condition reports for Thursday, 5 December 2013
Alex MacLeod admits
election expenses fraud charges
- BBC

A
former councillor says he has no intention of seeking re-election or
returning to public politics after admitting to fraud charges.
Alex MacLeod was Highland Council's youngest member when he was elected
in May last year at the age of 19.
His legal team has entered guilty pleas at Inverness Sheriff Court to
charges relating to his election expenses.
The 21-year-old former SNP Caithness Landward councillor will be
sentenced on 9 January.
In a statement, MacLeod said the fraud had been "an act of foolishness
in the heat of a campaign".
Talks continue to maintain
parking controls in Highland communities
The Highland Council and Police Scotland are to work together to ensure
parking management is maintained in the Highlands when the traffic
warden service – currently provided by the police - ends.
Police Scotland have given notice of the completion of their phased
withdrawal from the service from 3 February, next year. This is when
the remaining five traffic wardens based at Inverness (2), Dingwall,
Tain and Fort William are redeployed to other duties. At one time there
were 18 full and part-time traffic wardens employed in the Highlands.
Highland Council response
to extreme weather
Today (5 December 2013) 56 schools, 7 Service Points and council
offices were closed due to lack of power, bad weather or loss of water.
There were issues with the Council’s website and school closures online
which are being investigated. Parents were still able to access the
School Closures Telephone Line with their school PIN numbers to gain
information about the closures.
Weather Web Sites
Met
Office SEPA Flood Updates
Transport
Scotland Traffic Cams
Traditional Music Concert At Wick
Pipe Band Hall

The
Wick Pipe Band Hall will be the venue for a traditional music concert
on Saturday 14th December 2013 starting at 7.30pm. The concert will
feature the well known musician Carol-Anne MacKay along with some of
the musician friends she has met along the way and some of her pupils.
A leading musical light in the North Highlands where she lives and
teaches, Carol-Anne Mackay comes from Strathy, Sutherland. It was here
her love affair with piping began at the age of nine, under the
instruction of Pipe Major Charles O’ Brien, Strathnaver. She then
learnt accordion under the steerage of Isobel Harper and went on to
study music at the Royal Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow.
Carol-Anne has appeared at many festivals and ceilidhs, guested along
with The Levellers, Evelyn Glennie, toured home and abroad with both
Anam and Dòchas and more recently performed with Ùrachadh at both the
Blàs and Celtic Connections Festivals.
Mr Boom Landing Again In Caithness
28th December 2013 -
Wick Pipe Band Hall
Mr Boom will land the Space Ship Imagination at the Wick Pipe Band
Hall.
Fun for younger bairns at Wick Pipe Band Hall.
11.30am and 2.00pm
- Ticket at the door.
4 December
2013
MSPs press for new
regulations on pharmacies
Having been informed by NHS Highland that the Health Board is not in a
position to suspend a community pharmacy application until present
legislation is revoked and replaced with other instruction, Highlands
and Islands Labour MSPs, Rhoda Grant and David Stewart, have contacted
the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Alex Neil, asking when the new
legislation relating to the granting of these applications will be
introduced.
Rhoda Grant and David Stewart have been in dialogue with the Cabinet
Secretary for Health about the legislation surrounding community
pharmacy applications over recent
months......................Commenting on the situation David Stewart
said “We need the Cabinet Secretary to ensure that changes to
legislation are brought forward as soon as possible to end the
uncertainty for communities affected, or potentially affected, by these
applications. This is clearly a concerning time for the people of
Castletown and Canisbay and I want to see appropriate legislation
introduced as soon as possible to protect communities from being placed
in this unacceptable situation.”
Say
no to Castletown Pharmacy On Facebook Save Our Surgery
Campaign
Castletown
Community Council Writes To Applicant to ask him not to apply
3 December
2013
Wick and District Pool League
Results Week 6

George
Zindilis' Commercial side suffered their first defeat of the season on
Monday night as they came up against a determined Crown1 team in week
six of the Wick & District Pool League. The Lybster side have
played some great pool this year, but couldnt stop Alan Larnach's Crown
side from taking all three points. Steve Atkin's Bayview1 team remain
top of division one as they earned a hard fought 7-5 victory away to
Sinclair Bay.
Camps2 move up to second place after an impressive team performance
helped them defeat the Seaforth Club 10-2. Bruce Honeyman and Ryan
Carter won all three of their games for Camps2 and Martin Hill knocked
in an 8 ball clearance in his doubles game.
MSP Rhoda Grant Continues Her
Fight Against Rising Debts Bringing Help and Advice To Next
Surgery
Visit MSP Rhoda Grant's surgery for money advice and hwo to
join a credit union at
Pulteneytown
People's Project, Huddart Street, Wick on Friday 6th December between
1.00 – 2.00p.m.
Following the launch of the Debtbusters campaign in at the Citizens
Advice Bureau in Wick last month, Highlands and Islands (Scottish
Labour) MSP Rhoda Grant issued a Debtbusters survey to homes across
Wick in order to get a better picture of the current financial
situation for those living in the county.
Take your survey forms back if you got one.
Two New Job Ads just In today
Food Bank Wick - Public
Meeting
A public meeting is being held on Thursday, 5th December in St John's
Church Moray Street, Wick to discuss the idea of setting up a food bank
in Wick. The meeting starts at 7.00pm. Anyone
interested in helping set this up is welcome to attend.
Business Do Not Donate Cash to
Cyber Bullying Programme
Currently firms are contacting businesses asking for support for an
educational programme on cyber bullying.
The line is that councils have cut back on their funding and they can
offer help to classes in your local school if you donate to the
programme.
The schools do not require these materials and will not assist the
teachers or head teacher to help children and parents as they already
have what they need in this respect.
The materials they provide may well be genuine and do what they say but
the point is you are wasting your money.
2 December
2013
Warning
Of Snow Thursday 5th and Friday 6th December
The
Met Office web site is currently warning of snow on Thursday
and
Friday across the north so make sure you are prepared if travelling.
Traffic
Cams Ready
for Winter Highland
School Closures Road
Gritting
Check -
Tyres - Antifreeze -
Long
Journeys Carry - Hot Drinks, Food, Shovel, Torch, Warm
Clothing, Blankets, Wellingtons.
Fully
charged mobile phones. Reduce speed on icy roads and leave
longer
for all journeys. Don't travel unless necessary.
Check
Insurance and Road Tax is up to date. Top up Wind Screen
Washers.
Remember old batteries are harder to start in cold weather - do you
need a new one. Get it checked at your local garage.
New job Ads just in........
See
full What's On for other events In December
"What do I want in my stocking,
Santa?... now let me see..."

1
December 2013
Caithness
At War - 25th November - 1st December 1940
Save Our Surgery - Castletown
Campaign
Gibson backs campaign against Castletown pharmacy
Message from Doctors Wilma Macleod & Hercules Robinson
Hi-Scot Credit Union Visiting
Caithness Soon

Hi-Scot Credit Union will be visiting Caithness soon with its
new mobile office to promote the benefits of saving and low cost
lending for members. You can join anytime via the Hi-Scot web
site. forms are available at council service points as
councils across the region are supporting the credit union to assist
citizens to avoid payday lenders. Hi-Scot credit union covers
the Highlands and Islands and is building up its membership.
Members savers are guaranteed by government and lenders get
the advantage of the lowest interest rates for borrowing.
Credit Unions have a long history as membership organisations
and the more that join the stronger they are. Join now or see
the mobile office when it comes. We will publish dates later.
See
Hi-Scot on Facebook
Caithness Gets Christmas
Going
Assembly Rooms, Wick

Christmas
lights committee draws a fayre crowd THE main hall at the Assembly
Rooms was almost jam-packed with one of the festive curtain raisers
drawing a cracking crowd which kept the various stalls busy. Not
surprisingly, there was a seemingly endless queue of children waiting
to see the man of the moment - Santa Claus.
Pipe
Band Hall, Wick

THE Wick British Legion Pipe Band swapped their tartan for tinsel on
Saturday and invited patrons to join for lunch and a browse round the
stalls.
Market
Square, Wick

The
tree that made a welcome return to the Market Square, Wick - with a
little assistance from Santa's helpers -was switched on, on Saturday.
And helping to set the festive scene was a group from Wick Salvation
Army Band. Television favourite Mrs Brown - or was it - made a surprise
appearance.