Donation
From Castletown Woman Is Pleasant Suprise For Heart Support
Group
Caithness
Heart Suport Group found itself on the receiving end
of a surprise donation at their latest handover of medical equipment to
the county’s hospital.
The group had just presented Caithness General with a new ECG machine
when they were asked to accept a �100 gift by one of the nursing staff.
Senior staff nurse Marjorie Moodie explained the donation had come from
her mother, Mrs Margaret Sutherland, of Pentland Place, Castletown, a
keen supporter of NHS Highland.
Mrs Moodie said: “I had been telling her that the hospital was to
receive the ECG machine from the heart support group. She was so
impressed by the group’s efforts that she wanted to do something to
help.”
29
January
2013
Caithness Charrettes Launched - You Can Get Involved In Planning for
Thurso and Wick ThursoWick
Save
The World's Bees - Sign The AVAAZ Petition Bees
around the world are dying off and Europe’s food watchdog
just said certain pesticides are part of the problem. We’ve got 48
hours before key meetings -- let’s get a 2-million-person swarm to save
the bees. Click to take urgent action now:
Sign the petition at http://www.avaaz.org/en/
Quietly, globally, billions of bees are dying, threatening our crops
and food. But in 48 hours the European Union could move to ban the most
poisonous pesticides, and pave the way to a global ban that would save
bees from extinction.
Highland
Ports Prepare To Attract Up To �100m In Investments
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) has signed joint
working
agreements with four of the regions’ leading ports to support the
development of the offshore wind sector. The partnership aims to help
the Ports attract a potential �100m of investment to the Highlands.
The First Minister Alex Salmond, announced the Memorandums of
Understanding (MoU) in his keynote speech at the Offshore Wind and
Supply Chain Conference in Aberdeen today (Tuesday 29 January 2013).
So
You Always Wanted To Learn To Play An Instrument - Now You Can Online Remote
Learning
is fast becoming a way to learn an instrument and now a recently
launched new web site is packed full of free lessons by short videos at
various levels of playing from beginner to the more accomplished
player. You can try it all out for free and if you want some extra help
then get some online lessons via Skype. Getting lessons in rural areas
can be difficult but now you can get lessons online and from
some
of the best teachers around. One teacher has taken it to a high level
by providing many free lessons online and you can see it all at the
click of a mouse. The new
web site "Brass Blast"
is full of hints and tips for players.
Check out the short video presentations giving short lessons
at various levels.Music theory is also included and many hints and
tips will help you move on at your own pace.
No joining fees just free lessons for beginners and paid
lessons
if you want them. This is a great resource for anyone
interested
in playing a brass instrument.
Invergordon To
John O'Groats - Great British Railway Journeys - BBC Series with
Michael Portillo
Broadcast
on BBC 2 On Friday 25th January 2013 and also now available on IPlayer
in the UK via the link. DURATION: 29 MINUTES
Michael Portillo takes to the tracks with his copy of
Bradshaw's Victorian railway guidebook, he travels the length and
breadth of the British Isles to see what of Bradshaw's World remains.
Michael is exploring the stunning scenery of rural and coastal
Scotland, travelling from Stirling, through the industrial east coast
and dramatic Highland landscapes, to the beauty of the western lochs,
finally ending his journey in John O'Groats. Michael learns how one
man's vision helped bring train travel to the Highlands, discovers how
farming has changed since Bradshaw's day and hears the remarkable tale
of Scotland's Victorian gold rush.
The
Moorland Mission Churches of Caithness (by George Watson)
Today there are few traces of the active missionary
movement
which once transcended parish and county boundaries to cater for a
surprisingly large population in the moorland areas of Caithness. At
the Union of the Parliaments in 1707 a separate Act had confirmed the
Presbyterian form of church government in Scotland.
Have
you seen your county at night ? - Another Great Caithness
Time-lapse Film From Maciej Winiarczyk Caithness
is the most northerly county on the mainland of
Great Britain and it has excellent night skies due to lack of light
pollution. In fact Caithness has one of the darkest night skies in the
whole UK so you can see arc of Milky Way stretching overhead on every
moonless night if the sky is clear.
Council
Staff At Wick Moved to Temporary Offices The
council staff are shown in these photos leaving their offices in Market
Square, Wick and moving to their new home in Girnigoe Street where they
will stay for nearly two years as the new offices in Market Square are
built. Newoffices have been
needed for some yearsand
now Highland council has begun the process as part of a series of major
investments to regenerate Wick.Wick councillors Bill Fernie and Civic Leader
Gail Ross attended a Charrette
launch in Assembly rooms
joined by area committee chairwoman Councillor Deirdre Mackay where
emphasis was placed on public involvement in a process to plan the
future of the town in coming years. Councillors
Ross and Mackay made welcome speeches and emphasised the great future
beginning now in Wick with the new offices and soon the start of the 3
new schools and community facilities - library and swimming pool and
the new children's home at Rhind house.The
combined investments will amount to the biggest capital spend in any
Highland town for many years.
The new council offices are just the start...........Wick is
and
will be a great place to live and to attract new investments with some
of the best infrastructure anywhere.
Last
minute decision to go to Hip Hop comp pays off
A
last minute decision to go to a Hip Hop competiton paid off
for some members of the Caithenss Rush Dance Group. They only found
about the competition on Thursday morning and by Sunday had grabbed a
clutch of trophies.
Dance leader Willie Miller and four kids from Rush.dance left early one
Sunday to go and compete at MNJ Promotions Hip Hop competition in
Grangemouth.
They came away with a clutch of trophies to prove Caithness kids have
great zest for anything energetic. Well done to them.
22
January
2013
English
For Speakers Of Other Languages - Free Classes In Wick & Thurso The North Highland college are now offering ESOL classes
in
Wick. Everyone is welcome to join us from basic level to Higher. We
offer accredited SQA qualifications which can help with employment,
entry into further or higher education, and everyday confidence in
English. All our classes have Citizenship materials and conform with
UKBA Esol with citizenship standards.
Classes are also available at our main Campus in Thurso.
A New Way To Allow Local People To Shape The Future For Thurso and Wick Wick
Thurso Work on the new Caithness and Sutherland Local Development
Plan will begin later this month.
As part of this the communities of Wick and Thurso will each have a
unique opportunity to shape the future of their community and influence
future development decisions in the area. The Highland Council will be
holding innovative public consultation events known as Charrettes in
both Wick and Thurso. These events will enable local people to put
forward their ideas and help design the future development of their
towns. During the events people will be asked to share their views on
issues such as where difference types of development should be located,
what services and facilities are needed and which areas should be
safeguarded from development. Representatives from local organisations,
key agencies and the Highland Council will also be in attendance so
that people can discuss their ideas.
More
Information WickMore
Information - Thurso
Highland Museums
Forum Survey Results Show Great Contribution
To Highland Life HMF’s
latest visitor survey demonstrates the value of Highland Independent
Museums.
Nineteen members of the Highland Museums Forum receive each around
�12,000 per annum through a Service Delivery Agreement with the
Highland Council. This facilitates delivery of a range of high-quality
and professional museum services throughout the length and breadth of
the Highlands, serving communities and tourists alike.
The Highland Council’s core funding to the independent museums is
greatly valued. As well as allowing the delivery of a high-level
museums service across the Highlands, it allows each independent museum
to remain embedded in its community and continue its Lifelong Learning
work with schools, families, and older people. Caithness has
three museums who are members
of the forum - Caithness Horizons, Dunbeath Heritage and Wick
Heritage.
‘Ireland’s
Authentic Voice of Country’ Kathy Kane Debuts in
Scotland - 25th January ‘Ireland’s Authentic
Voice of Country’, Kathy Kane, will visit Scotland for the first time
with her band next week, performing her first Scottish show in Thurso,
Caithness.
Kathy, from Ballymoney, Co.Antrim, has attracted considerable praise,
not only in Ireland but also from established Nashville agents, for her
sultry, country voice and her ability to sing gritty American Country
with an authenticity that is only usually found Stateside.
Kathy is no stranger to the Scottish music scene, having played in
Scotland a number of times during the Showband and Cabaret years with
her band Country Cream.
Tickets from Northern Nashville Country Music Club on 01847
893 773 or on
NNCMC
Old Buildings In Caithness Old
Keiss Castle Today Mary
Thain sent this latest photo of Keiss Castle today to let us see what
state it is currently in.
The castle still looks like it did in photos
in 2002 but it is hard to tell how much deterioration is
taking place until somethng falls off or detailed studies are made. Information
about Keiss Castle Highland
Teacher Returns With Scottish Fiddle Orchestra From China A
local Highland Instrumental Instructor has just returned from touring
China with The Scottish Fiddle Orchestra. Inverness-based Strings
Tutor, Rona Porter was delighted to tour with the SFO as they played a
series of 10 New Year concerts all over China. The Orchestra of 64
players entertained around 8000 people in 8 cities in areas around
Shanghai, and further south in Ningbo (twice), Hangzhou, Suzhou,
Taicang and Liuzhou, Nanning, Fuzhou and Nanchang.
500 Word Story Competition At BBC
Radio 2 Open for Entries If You Are 13 Years old or Younger Ready to receive your super-duper, simply
spectacular short
stories. You have until 7:00pm on 22nd February to submit your entry.
Get inspired by watching the brand new 500 WORDS film , which includes
top tips from Dame Jacqueline Wilson, Tulisa, Conor Maynard, Helen
Skelton, Wretch 32 and Harry Judd!
Submit Your Story
If you're aged 13 or under, what are you waiting for? Get writing!
We want you to send us something mad, magical, mind-blowing or
mysterious...
You could win yourself a pile of books as tall as Chris Evans, and 500
books for your school library!
20
January
2013
Wick
Academy 5 Rothes 0
Sim card gives Scorries a third-goal gift. Report by Noel Donaldson
FIVE goals,
including a hat-trick, two penalties, a sending off
and a few missed chances...
As the old song goes, “Who could ask for anything more”. Certainly not
Academy’s fans, and putting the cherry on the cake was the post match
tally that saw the Scorries go five points clear at the top of the
league table.
A pretty fair day’s work. Rothes, who had been under pressure from the
word go, succumbed to the opening goal in 15 minutes when man mountain,
Lucasz Geruzel, got a touch to a Stevie Cunningham cross, enough to
divert it goal-ways. Richard Macadie made it two, before halftime,
dispatching the ball from close in.
PHOTO
GALLERY - more
photos now in Not
Much Snow In Caithness So Far But Very Cold There
may not be much snow in Caithness unlike other partsof Scotland and Uk
but there has been plenty of ice around as can be seen by these first
photos in from Noel Donaldson and Mary Thain. If you
have an icy photo take in the past few days you would like to share
email it to [email protected]
Kessock
Bridge Resurfacing Starts 11th February Till 7th June - Are you
Prepared? The
resurfacing works for the Kessock Bridge will start on 11
February and continue until 7 June. Everyone using the bridge whether
once or regularly will need to plan for delays that are being stated
will happen. Several steps are being put in place to mitigate the
affects of the fact that only two lanes in contraflow will operate
rather than the normal four lanes.
Leave plenty of time for your journey if you intend to cross the bridge
especially at peak times. Consider public transport especially trains
as these do not cross the road bridge. Car sharing or using buses will
cut traffic and ease the congestion. The alternative route via Beauly
is likely to be heavily used and delays are expected on that route at
peak times due to the swing bridge.
Avoid peak hours if you possibly can and businesses should consider
using off peak times for trucks and vans to avoid long delays.
The fighter airfield at Castletown was placed on the edge of
the Pentland Firth primarily as part of the Orkney defences to protect
Scapa Flow but also providing aerial protection for Naval and Merchant
vessels travelling around the north of Britain. The station opened on
28th May 1940 and its first commanding officer, Wing Commander David
Frances William Atcherley, arrived on 8th June to assume command of the
station.
David Atcherley and his twin brother Richard were at the time two of
the most well known, some would say notorious, pair of figures within
the service. Born in 1904, both brothers had developed an intense love
in flying from a very early age and had joined the RAF at the earliest
opportunity, neither ever married but devoted their entire lives to the
service. In the 1930’s anyone with an interest in flying would have
known the name Atcherley as Richard had made a significant mark for
himself both in and out of the service as a skilful exhibition pilot
spending many summers participating in flying circuses in Britain and
the USA, he was also one of the RAF’s winning Schneider Trophy team in
1929. David, although an equally skilful and accomplished pilot,
preferred to avoid the limelight and mainly kept his flying activities
out of the public eye.
End
Of An Era At Wick Council Offices
Offices
of The Highland Council at Market Place, Wick, will
close their doors for the last time at 3 pm today (Friday 18th January
2013) ahead of an �8 million redevelopment of the site as modern
Council office accommodation.
Eighty staff, including those at the Service Point, are relocating to
Government Buildings, Girnigoe Street while the new offices are built
at Market Place.
All business currently undertaken at the Market Place will continue at
Girnigoe Street from Monday 21 January. The Service Point will open at
9.30 am.
17
January
2013
PENSIONERS
PARTY WAS A 'REEL' TREAT
Report
by Noel Donaldson
WICK warks weil...never was the royal burgh's
famous motto
more true that when it comes to its annual pensioners party.
The post-festive treat last night was staged at the town’s Assembly
Rooms.
They were welcomed by Thomas Mackay on behalf of the organising
committee, after sitting down to an excellent meal and refreshments in
the main hall, which was appropriately decorated.
Special guests were Caithness Lord Lieutenant, Anne Dunnet, Roman
Catholic priest Father John Allen and Baptist minister, Rev Bill
Ferguson who delivered the Selkirk Grace. Mention was made of party
stalwart, 92-year-old, Margaret Christie who was unable to be present
due as she hasn’t been keeping too well.
PHOTO GALLERY
- 31 photos now in.
16
January
2013
Latest Addition to Businesses With Wheels Caithness
Driving Solutions Just
added to the growing listing of business vehicles. Lara MacDougall has
recently set up her own driving school and will try to set lesson times
to suit you. We
are
adding to this list as we take phots randomly in passing but if you
would like your business vehciles added with a free link to your
business index page then email it to [email protected]. This
listing also will make a historic record of the
vehicles being used at this time. However
we are also interested to build a gallery of vehicles from earlier days
so if you have any send them in aslso with some information about who
used them and in what years.This
can be from any period in the past from very many years ago to more
recent. Horse and cart transport also if anyone has photos.
Lossiemouth 0 Wick Academy 4
- Academy are once again top of the league Several other games were cancelled due to weather
conditions. See Wick Academy web
site for a report
More Wheels In The North We are adding more vehicles as we find them. If
you would like your business vehicles added soon just email a photo to
[email protected] and get a free link to your business page.
Are Our Caithness Monuments Easy To Get To? The
State of our Ancient Monuments (by Leslie Myatt)
First Published in Caithness Field Club Bulletin - 2011
With
a potential increase in tourism to the county we should pride ourselves
on our antiquities as does our neighbour across the Firth, Orkney. They
should be displayed to their best advantage if they are signposted for
visitors. A recent visit to two ancient monuments in the county gave
cause for concern as to their state or access. The two in question were
the stone setting at Achavanich and the henge at Pullyhour.
Extent
of Highland December storm damage estimated at �2.555 million Members
of The Highland Council’s Transport, Environmental and Community
Services Committee will hear next week that the extent of damage to
Council harbour facilities and coastal defences during the 14/15
December 2012 storm is currently estimated at �2.555 million.
In a report to the TEC Services Committee, members are advised of the
extent of the damage to facilities at 24 locations including: Scrabster
– East Gills; John O’Groats Harbour; Freswick Harbour; Ackergill
Harbour; Keiss Harbour; Staxigoe Harbour; Victoria Street, Wick;
Scalesburn, Wick; Service Bridge, Wick; Latheron Harbour; Dunbeath
Harbour; Helmsdale
Harbour; Brora Harbour; Golspie;
Embo Harbour; Portmahomack
and its harbour; Hilton; Balintore
and its harbour; Shandwick; Rockfield; Rosemarkie; and Nairn.
The highest estimated repair bills are at Balintore and harbour
�835,000; Portmahomack and harbour �450,000; Dunbeath Harbour �100,000;
Golspie �85,000; Nairn �85,000; Hilton �75,000; and Latheron Harbour
�65,000.
Full Report For TEC services committee to
Highland Council 17th Janaury 2013 Storm
Photos At Wick
Rural
schools report leaked
- TES Draft
document reveals flawed arguments on closures
Local authorities have often been selective and misleading
in making the case to close rural schools, according to long-awaited
and hard- hitting findings from the Commission on Rural Education.
A draft of the commission’s still-unpublished report, seen by TESS,
calls for an end to the “dishonesty” that plagues debate around
controversial school closures, and highlights a problem of confusing
legislation.
Anti-closure campaigners’ argument that communities will die without
their school is found to be overstated. Evidence from local
authorities, however, is found to have a number of shortcomings.
End
to Spruce embezzlement saga - All creditors will be paid, says gala
chairwoman
THE long-running saga of a Wick charity’s efforts to
recoup thousands of pounds embezzled from its funds is set to reach a
welcome conclusion later this month.
The �22,000 was stolen from the then Wick Town Improvements
Association, by its treasurer Karen Spruce, more than two years ago
leaving the organisation in the lurch with little or no funds to pay
its creditors.
The fraud was subsequently discovered, and Spruce, admitted at Wick
Sheriff Court embezzling the cash between April 26, 2005 and June 2008.
The fifty-five-year-old was ordered to repay the money, in advance of
sentence. She was warned by Sheriff Ian Cameron that failure to do so,
would inevitably attract a prison sentence.................
More local stories in Doanalsin's
Diary Modern
Jive Dance Classes For Fun and Fitness Learn
a new skill that’s fun, helps you get fit and is a great way of meeting
new people – no partners are required. The biggest draw back of some
dances, if you’re new to dancing, is that you spend time and money
learning the moves but then find there is nowhere to put what you have
learnt into practice. This is where Modern Jive comes into its own,
because it can be danced to a huge variety of music from Rock &
Roll to Salsa, R & B to Country, Swing to Jazz and even to
Reggae. New
Courses Starting At North Highland College New
courses are starting on 28th January 2013 at North Highland College.
Gain qualifications in Hairdressing, food Preparation and
Beauty Therapy.
10
January
2013
York
students to shoot war film in Caithness
- BBC Students from the University of York are to shoot their
graduation film in Caithness.
Called A War Story, the 25 minute short film set at the outbreak of
World War I will involve more than 20 crew and cast members.
Locations will include Dunnet Forest, the most northerly community
woodland on the British mainland, and Wick Territorial Army Hall.
Filming will take place from 1 to 10 February.
Free
Football In Wick for 12 to 16 Year Olds
Led by “Peter” the Museum’s mascot who is a Little Penguin (scientific
name: Eudyptula minor) and the Museum Curator “Peter’s Pal’s” will meet
regularly (once a month apart from at Christmas and during the summer
holidays) to investigate the Museum Collection; participate in
workshops to learn new skills relating to the Museum’s Collection.
Membership will be just �10 per year.
A special launch weekend for “Peter’s Pals” is planned for 19th and
20th January 2013. The 20th January just happens to be National Penguin
Awareness Day!
New
Council Phone Numbers In Wick From Monday 21st January
The Wick Offices of Highland council at Market Square will close on
Friday 18th January and reopen on Monday 21st January 2013 at Girnigoe
Street, Wick.
A new telephone system has been installed and new telephone numbers
allocated - see the listing via the link above.
Accident At Wick Harbour - Issued By Northern Constabulary 'Northern Constabulary are carrying out enquiries into an
accident that took place at Wick Harbour on Monday 07th January 2013
about 6:30pm. A workman who was aboard a ship docked at the harbour
fell onto decking, sustaining fractures. The injuries are not life
threatening. The Health and Safety Executive have also been involved in
the enquiry and at that this time investigations are still ongoing.' IDEAAL has been
unloading wind turbines for the past couple of days at Wick harbour -
see photos below. Full details about the ship can be seen HERE
The current position of the ship that has left Wick can be
seen HERE
Contract
Opportunities Now Open At Highland Council - Deadline 29th January Opportunities for local contractors to renew existing
applications or
apply for construction works with Highland Council.
The Highland Council is currently in the process of renewing and
reviewing its Contractors Framework agreement, which may be used by
Services within the Council for selecting contractors to carry out
construction works covering reactive day to day repairs, general
maintenance works and minor projects up to the value of �50,000.
Wick
Harbour Continues To Be A Busy Place For Turbine Traffic
Wick
Rotary Club Want Your Old Bicycles To Recycle To Third World Do you have a bicycle you no longer need? Then you can
help some poor people in third world countries to get mobile.
Wick Rotary club are collecting old bicycles to refurbish and send off
to people who can really use some help with their transport.
Portable Museum Of Curiosity inspired by Robert Dick baker &
botanist
Joanne B Kaar - "The Portable Museum Of Curiosity"
This "Portable Museum of Curiosity" is the result of a
collaboration with Joanne B Kaar, artist, and Joanne Howdle, museum
curator for Caithness Horizons, Thurso, as part of Museums Galleries
Scotland /
Creative Scotland, Iconic Artists in Iconic Places residency 2012. "The
Portable Museum of Curiosity" is available for schools, colleges,
community groups, museums, galleries and other heritage organisations
to borrow. If you would like to borrow the "Portable Museum of
Curiosity" please contact Joanne Howdle, Curator, Caithness Horizons by
telephone on 01847 896508 or e-mail:
joannehowdle[AT]caithnesshorizons.co.uk www.caithnesshorizons.co.uk Robert
Dick’s Collection of Fossils - An article written for the
Caithness Field Club by the late Jack Saxon in 1997. Some
Caithness GrassesJ K Butler - October 1981 Photo
of Holy Grass Robert Dick
on Wikipedia
7 January
2013
Old Buildings In Caithness Girnal
At Staxigoe The grain store was formerly part of a group of 3 grain
stores situated directly above Staxigoe harbour. The other 2 grain
stores (one of which was built as 2 houses in the late 19th century and
converted to a grain store in the 20th century) were situated nearby to
the NW, they were demolished in 2003.Although predominantly gutted and
re-roofed in asbestos it is a large, impressive building with important
historical and cultural associations to Staxigoe and the local area.
The 1865 New Statistical Account dates the 2 earlier grain stores
buildings as early 17th century, however as J Hume points out it is
more likely that they are 18th century. Staxigoe during the 18th and
19th century was a busy small port with the grain stores playing a
fundamental role in the life of the village. -
from Buildings At Risk web site Earlier
photos with the 3 barns in place More
Staxigoe Photos A to Z Caithness
6 January
2013
2013
Castle of Mey 10k Race - Entries Open on Monday 7th January 2013
The
most Northerly 10K on British Mainland.
Castle of Mey 10K event will take place on 12 May 2013.
If you want to run then be quick. This 10k entry fills up very fast as
seen in previous years.
Only 600 places
and you enter at www.entrycentral.com
The Castle of Mey 10k is the most northerly 10k on the British
mainland, and is run in the beautiful grounds and surroundings of the
historic 14th Century Scottish Castle, the Queen Mother's home in
Caithness.
With the kind permission of the Castle and Gardens of Mey, North
Highland Harriers are the proud organisers of the Castle of
Mey 10K.
Don't
Forget The Wick May Mini Triathlon 5th May 2013 - Swim 400m Cycle
10km Run 3km
Ballacharn
Broch and surroundings - Bail a' Chairn Broch
Bail a' Chairn or Ballacharn Broch is located at Acharole
near Watten along the same road as Scouthal which is itself further
along from the Achingale Mill. the road leads eventualyl along to the
Causeymire wind farm which can be seen very minutely in the far
distance from the top of the broch as can other wind farms all of which
are several miles away.
Video of Area around Ballachard Broch
Wick
Academy 6 Turriff United 2
ANYTHING BUT A TURRIFF-IC DAY FOR UNITED
Reporter Noel Donaldson - Photos
From The Match
WICK ACADEMY fans got their money’s worth again, in a eight-goal
thriller which included one from stand-in striker Graham Bain.
The runaway win maintained the Scorries impressive home record.
All-in-all, an extremely happy start to the new year which saw them
within a point of table toppers Cove Rangers, but with a better goal
count.
Scouthal
- Another Hidden Gem Area Of Caithness Scouthal is an area of Caithness about a mile roughly
south of Watten. Centred on a large house surrounded by
beautiful countryside, woodlands filled with wildlife. The
house shown here has several old buildings including a former
blacksmiths house and workshop. The house and an area of
surrounding land is currently up for sale - a video from the agent
Georgeson's can be seen HERE
Full particulars about the property can be seen HERE
The burn that runs through flows eventually into the Wick
River..
Many other places in Caithness can be seen in the A to Z.
Coastal
Collapse At Rear Of Scrabster Coastguard Station The
cliff at the rear of the Scrabster coastguard staiton and a nearby
house has collapsed taking about ten feet of garden and grass down
towards the beach. The fence has gone with the soil and
stones.There
does not appear to be any imminent danger to the properties but no
doubt there will need to be an assessment of the ground which is now
much nearer to the edge.
3 January
2013
Highland
Council Launch The Community Challenge Fund In
a move aimed at encouraging community empowerment, The Highland Council
today (Thursday 3rd January 2013) launched its new Community Challenge
Fund, which will provide �1 million each year of recurring spending for
community projects exploring new ways of delivering services at a local
level.
Community councils, community groups and establish social enterprises
are invited to express their interest via a one-page form which is
available from the home page of the Council’s web site:
www.highland.gov.uk
Football
Flourishing In The Far North 2012
has proved to be a good year for football teams in the very far north
of Scotland. Former semi-professional Highland league teams Inverness
Caledonian Thistle (ICT) and Ross County are doing well in the Scottish
Premier League. ICT are currently second in the SPL while Scottish cup
finalists in 2010, Ross County, are holding their own in the top flight
and are looking good to avoid relegation. The Highland derbies are
producing some highly entertaining games, and may be considered to be
the New Firm of Scottish football.
In the UK’s more northerly semi professional league, the Highland
League, the most northerly club Wick Academy are currently in second
place and have a good chance of winning their first ever Highland
league title this season. Not only are they enjoying their best form
ever since joining the Highland league in 1994 (after ICT and Ross
County left to join the SFL) but they are playing entertaining and
attractive football that is played on the ground at pace. View
highlights of their recent win over local rivals Brora Rangers by
clicking here.
Even the most northerly junior club on the British mainland had its
most successful season ever this past year. John O Groats under 15’s
squad (pictured, above right), who are part of the Caithness Boys
Football Association, won three county tournaments and finished joint
top of the county league. As Thurso Swifts, who were also joint top,
were unable to raise a team for a decisive play-off match, it was
decided that the 2012 league title would be shared.
Highlights Of The Wick Academy V Brora Rangers Game 29th December 2012
Wick Academy 3 Brora 0
See the goals HERE
NEW
HOBBY FOR 2013?
Why not begin researching your Family History? A good
place to start is Caithness Family History Society. It is a Scottish
Registered Charity (No SC029848) founded in 1999. Since then it has
enabled hundreds of people, in Caithness and around the world, to
research their Caithness ancestors. Links with other members mean that
information can be shared and family trees and photographs can be
exchanged.
Eight meetings are held each year in Thurso and two in Wick. The next
one is on 9th January 2013 in Caithness Horizons. (See
caithness.org’s What’s On section)
