News Archive - January 2015
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January 2015
Top 50 Signs Of A MumBuying gallons of milk, always
having a packet of wet wipes to hand and
knowing the words to ‘Let it Go' are just some of the signs of being a
mum, it has been revealed.
They'll also be yearning for a long lie in, have photos of their
children as a screensaver and have learnt how to swear under their
breath.
The findings emerged in a study of 2,000 mums which looks at the
tell-tale signs of someone who has clearly had children.
Home Heating Oil Prices May Be Dropping But Thieves Still Targeting It In The North
Police Scotland issues warning and security advice following reported thefts of heating oil across the north
![Get your oil tank secured to stop theft](http://www.caithness.org/posterads2015/oiltanksecurity_s.jpg)
The Highland Line: donations to NHS Highland keep growing - David Ross Blog in The Herald
Wick Rotary Looking For Two Young People For Fun Excitement and Leadership Awards
![Rotary Youth Leadership Award - Wick Rotary District 1010](http://www.caithness.org/posterads2015/ryla_s.jpg)
Hi-Scot Credit Union Has Another Successful Year The Hi-Scot Credit Union that covers Highland, Orkney and the Western Isles recently held its annual general meeting and the chairman who like all the directors is an unpaid volunteer was able to announce increased membership and a rise in the savings of its members. The amount of loans also continues to rise due to the excellent lending terms for members but the Hi-Scot Credit Union now has a very good amount of capital available for new borrowers. With more people joining credit unions each year the increased publicity from government and churches has helped push membership higher than ever for this members only based savings and lending organisation. It is owned by members with all profits going back into the pot for members benefits and to pay dividends to members once a year. Worth checking out it you are thinking to save or borrow. A very small staff runs it all with an unpaid board of volunteer directors - no fees to directors. Money is safe covered by the Financial Services Guarantee. Check it out.
30 January 2015
Police in Wick appeal for information following vehicle fire29 January 2015
Another Drug Dealer Caught As Police Keep Increasing ActivityDo We Still Need The Committee On Radio Active Waste Watchdog?
A review of the committee that provides independent advice to the UK Government on the long-term management of radioactive waste has been announced. It is the second Triennial Review of the Committee on Radioactive Waste Management (CoRWM), part of the government's commitment to ensuring non-departmental public bodies "continue to have regular independent challenge". The CoRWM also provides independent scrutiny on the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority's proposals and programmes for geological disposal, storage and long-term management solution for nuclear waste in the UK. Stakeholders are being invited to comment on the future of this committee. CoRWM Web site
28 January 2015
22 year-old man charged with serious assault following incident in WickWind Turbine Blades Move Slowly Through Wick
![Wind Turbine blades snaking through Wick 27 January 2015](http://www.caithness.org/photos/fpb/2015/january/blade_runner/1_s.jpg)
27 January 2015
Met Office Predicts Snow In The North For WednesdayFrequent snow showers, some heavy, giving slight to moderate falls, even on low ground away form the west coast. Strong to gale westerly winds, causing drifting on high ground. Maximum Temperature 5C.
PLAY AND LEARNING INTO PRACTICE - Six Day Course
Are you a newly appointed
member of staff or an existing member of an EARLY LEARNING AND CHILD
CARE team seeking to increase or refresh your knowledge and practical
skills prior to commencing a formal qualification to meet SSSC
requirements? This practical six day training course delivered by CALA
and HiMATS provides learners with an introduction to the value of play
and learning. The course has the SQA NC unit "Child Development and
Health" embedded within it, therefore is an ideal introduction to study
for those beginning to work towards a relevant qualification.
Application Form HERE
Pilot of choice based lettings to be launched in Caithness
![Choice based letting](http://www.caithness.org/posterads2015/letting_s.jpg)
Vikings Venture On Board for Up Helly Aa - Watch It Live Today
![Up Helly AA](http://www.caithness.org/posterads2015/king_magnus_s.jpg)
Caithness Junior Orchestra - new members welcome!
![Join Caithness Junior Orchestra](http://www.caithness.org/photos/fpb/2015/january/caithness_junior_orchestra/15_s.jpg)
Rehearsal 2nd February 2015
Joint Ward Forum - Thurso, Wick, Landward Caithness - 10th February Open To The Public
Updates from Police and Fire - If you want to find out more go along and ask questions.
26 January 2015
New venue for this week's Caithness District Partnership Meeting - Open To The PublicThe scheduled Caithness District Partnership will still take place on Friday 30 January 2015 in Thurso but people should be aware that the venue and start time have been changed from what was originally promoted. The Partnership meeting will now take place at 10.30am in the Pentland Hotel, Princes Street, Thurso. Issues to be discussed will include updates on Caithness General Hospital and the Children's Care Partnership.
23 January 2015
Marine Mammal Medic Course - Wick 25 AprilThe course is a full day's session, usually with 20-30 delegates. The course fee is £90 - this includes your first year’s supporter’s fee and third party insurance while on a rescue.
Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership - Update
22 January 2015
Three Cheers As Faster Broadband Launched in CaithnessNext generation fibre broadband is available now to the first customers in Wick and Thurso
![A Thurso broadband cabinet at Thurso ready for roll out](http://www.caithness.org/posterads2015/thurso_cabinet_s.jpg)
Caithness District Partnership - meeting 30th January to include update on Caithness General Hospital
The Caithness District
Partnership meetings are open to the public and this is probably the
first opportunity for you to hear first hand the latest position on the
hospital services and what is happening on redesign and out of hours
services that have been so much in the news recently due to staffing
problems. Also
on the agenda is a presentation from Bill Alexander, director of Care
and Learning for highland Council on the way forward for District
Partnerships that came out of the changes agreed for integration of
health and social Work services 3 years ago. Also on the
agenda is anothe important topic - Adult
Social Care Initiatives - Joanna Macdonald, Director of Adult Social
Care and Deborah Jones, Chief Operating Officer, NHS Highland. Meetings
of the Caithness
District Partnership
chaired by Bill Fernie are held 4 times a year and topic covered can
include those suggested by members of the public. Questions
from
the public are taken at the end of the meeting or following pesentations. This meeting has some
important issues being presented and this is an opportunity to get
questions asked. Changing
Services
Still
changing
The Caithness District Partnership meets 4 times a year and has no budget. It is a meeting point for health, social work, third sector and the public to hear about issues and get updates and for discusion of topics raised by all parties. New topics require to be submited in advance of the meeting and forms are available for this.
The Caithness District Partnership meets 4 times a year and has no budget. It is a meeting point for health, social work, third sector and the public to hear about issues and get updates and for discusion of topics raised by all parties. New topics require to be submited in advance of the meeting and forms are available for this.
21 January 2015
New Noss Primary School![Noss Primary School construction project 21 January 2015](http://www.caithness.org/photos/atoz/wick/wick_schools_project/139_s.jpg)
CAITHNESS ARTIST Selected for national exhibition of outstanding graduates
![Magi Sinclair selected for exhibition of outstanding graduates](http://www.caithness.org/posterads2015/magi_sinclair_s.jpg)
Gills Sees Work Begin On Tidal Electricity Scheme
![C-Salvor at Gills](http://www.caithness.org/posterads2015/salvor_s.jpg)
Apprentice Designer, Mechanical Nuvia Limited - another apprentice opportunity in our Jobs Section
See the full jobs listing HERE
For employers - Our job ads section is completely FREE to advertise positions and we remove ads at the closing date or soon after or at any date earlier if you email us. Place ads as often as you require. Easy to do - just join the forum and start. All job ads are closed to comments in this part of the forum.
Wick & District Pool League - Week 9
![Week 9 2014/15 Season Wick and District Pool League](http://www.caithness.org/posterads2014/wickanddistrictpoolleaguelogo_s.jpg)
Your World War One Ancestors - Course Starts 28th January
![North Highland Archive at Wick Library](http://www.caithness.org/posterads2015/wicklibrary_s.jpg)
20 January 2015
Repairs to Pipes at Service Bridge, Wick![Repairs to pipes at Service Bridge, Wick](http://www.caithness.org/photos/fpb/2015/january/service_bridge/4_s.jpg)
JGC and Dounreay Looking To Recruit Engineering Apprentices
This could be the start of a great career so get applying.
Highland Homecoming Quilt at St Fergus Gallery, Wick Until Saturday
![Highland Homecoming Quilt](http://www.caithness.org/photos/fpb/2015/january/homecoming_quilt/1_s.jpg)
To see close ups of the patches go HERE. Remebr to get an even larger image you can right click on the image and open it in a new tab or window. Then click on it to enlarge again.
Last Days To See Abstract Artist Fred Pollock Picture
![Fred Pollock picture](http://www.caithness.org/posterads2015/fred_pollock_s.jpg)
Social Media Workshops for Local Food and Drink Businesses
Early
in February the first two in a series of workshops specifically for
anyone working in the local food and drink sector will take place to
highlight how social media can be best used to increase profit, support
other local businesses and promote the area.
The workshops follow on from the project The Highland Council ran last
year across the Highlands to investigate the potential and appetite for
developing an industry-led local food and drink network that could
co-ordinate and drive future activities to support the local food and
drink sector in the region. The sessions will feature case studies,
provide lots of step by step practical advice on how to make Facebook,
Twitter and LinkedIn work better for businesses, networking
opportunities and the chance to share best practice.
The first workshop takes place on Monday 2nd February at the Duisdale
House Hotel, Sleat, Isle of Skye and on Thursday 5 February Mackays Hotel
in Wick will host the Caithness workshop. Both events are
free and will run from 11am to 3pm.
19 January 2015
Loch Seaforth The New Ferry For Western Isles Visits Scrabster![MV Loch Seaforth new ferry for Western Isles calls at Scrabster](http://www.caithness.org/photos/fpb/2015/january/western_isles_ferry/loch_seaforth_2_s.jpg)
Still Time To Sign Up For New Spanish Courses - starting February 2015 Thurso College
If Spanish is not what you are looking for then check out all the courses on offer at North Highland college by peeking at the lot HERE Why not fill in a winter night with some learning or activity.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Starts in Wick - Tuesday 20 January
![Egnlsih Classes Start 20 January 2015 in Wick](http://www.caithness.org/posterads2015/esol2_s.jpg)
Class starting Tuesday 20 January 2015 6.30-8pm
Rhind House, West Banks Avenue, Wick.
Calling Parents Of North School Pupils
![Online training for parents of North Scvhool parents in Wick](http://www.caithness.org/posterads2015/online2_s.jpg)
Do you want to feel more confident using your laptop or tablet?
Would you like to learn how to help your child with their school project, access various services or just send an email?
Billion Pound Cable To Link Caithness And Moray
Scottish Hydro Electric
Transmission (SHE Transmission), a subsidiary of SSE plc, has confirmed
that it will accept Ofgem's proposals for the funding of the new
Caithness-Moray electricity transmission link at a cost of £1,118m.
The project is now set to help support over 100 new energy careers
across the north of Scotland, including via SSE’s industry-leading
apprentice, trainee engineer and graduate programmes. In total, the
subsea cable and associated work at sites located right around the
Moray Firth will support over 600 jobs during construction.
Wind Farm Cash Making a Lasting Difference to Local Community
Local
groups and charities are celebrating awards from the E.ON Camster
Community Fund. The latest awards panel awarded over £65,000 in the
first of two rounds in the fund's second year bringing the total
invested in the area to over £200K since it opened in the summer of
2013, making a positive difference to the local community.
New Community Index16 January 2015
Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership - UpdateWould you like to support adult learners in your community?
![Become an adult numeracy and literacy tutor.](http://www.caithness.org/posterads2015/sall_s.jpg)
Wick & District Pool League - Rockwater Shield Quarter Finals
![Rockwater Shield quarter finals](http://www.caithness.org/posterads2014/wickanddistrictpoolleague_s.jpg)
15 January 2015
Senior citizens celebrate at their exclusive party in Wick![Wick senior citizens party - January 2015](http://www.caithness.org/photos/fpb/2015/january/wick_party/4_s.jpg)
'e Courier in Two Minutes
Pentland Gale - Painting by Jane MacRae
![Pantland Gale by Jane MacRae](http://www.caithness.org/photos/artists_galleries/jane_macrae/pentland_gale_s.jpg)
Artists Gallery Index
14 January 2015
Snowy Caithness![Snow in Caithness - January 2015](http://www.caithness.org/photos/fpb/2015/january/snow/1_s.jpg)
![Snow in Caithness - January 2015](http://www.caithness.org/photos/fpb/2015/january/snow/13_s.jpg)
12 January 2015
58° North - A Modern Pilgrimage around the GlobePolice appeal for information following break-in to premises in Thurso
Fire On Keiss School Bus To Wick High
![Fire on School bus Keiss to Wick High](http://www.caithness.org/photos/fpb/2015/january/school_bus_fire/1_s.jpg)
11 January 2015
Highland Schools UpdateDamage At Wick High But Will Open On Monday
Canisbay Roof Damage - Power Off - School may open Tuesday or Wednesday
Brora Primary - Roof Damaged - May Open Tuesday
New Noss Primary Construction Site Has Wind Damage
![New Noss Primary gets wind Damage](http://www.caithness.org/photos/atoz/wick/wick_schools_project/136_s.jpg)
10 January 2015
Latest From The Power CompanyContinuing Problems In The North
Multi-agency partners issue further advice following prevailing severe weather
AVAAZ Will Carry The Names Of All Who Sign the Petition in the March In Paris On Sunday
Stormy Weather Causing Lots of Damage Across Caithness
![Stormy Weather January 2015](http://www.caithness.org/photos/fpb/2015/january/stormy_weather/1_s.jpg)
Warnings For Bad Weather and Power Cuts Continue Today - BBC
9 January 2015
Wind Speeds Increasing - View it on this interactive GlobeClick on any spot to see the wind speed
North Of Scotland Power Cuts
Some people will now have power off overnight according to the web site.
See all the areas affected HERE
Met Office Issues Yelow Alert For Snow & Ice
Update on severe weather across Highlands and Islands
Second Blast of Severe Weather On The Way for Saturday - See Met Office page
The Highland Council responds to the impact of severe weather
Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership - Update
New Thurso Hotel and Public Park Plan - Projects 60 jobs, 600,000 Guests and £25m into Local Economy
![New Hotel Proposal for Thurso local plan](http://www.caithness.org/posterads2015/hotel_s.jpg)
Discuss the idea in the forum HERE
Storm Damage Showcases Importance of Dangerous and Defective Buildings Legislation
Highlands
and Islands (Scottish Labour) MSP, David Stewart has said that the
recent storms which have battered the Highlands and Islands and have
caused damage to buildings and led to major travel disruption across
Scotland highlights the importance of the introduction of new
legislation that will give Local Authorities the necessary powers to
tackle dangerous and defective buildings.
8 January 2015
Water Polo in Wick - Would You Like To Take Part In This Fast Paced Water Sport?Water Polo In UK Watch A Beginners Guide To Water Polo
More Schools Now Added To Closed List for Friday - 8.00pm
Several Caithness schools now added to the closure list for Friday.
Multi-agency partners issue severe weather warning
Following reports of an amber weather alert (be prepared) for the Highlands, the Western Isles and Orkney along with a yellow weather alert (be aware) for Shetland, the Highlands and Islands Local Resilience Partnership (HILRP), is seeking to remind the public to be vigilant of severe gales and storm force winds, with gusts in excess of 100mph which are expected to occur from 22:00 hours on Thursday 08 January 2015 until 10:00 hours on Friday (09 January 2015).
Fast Look at 'e Courier
Wick & District Pool League - Week 8 Results
Raw TV Storm Project - Calling Any Film Makers - Anyone Can Do It Bad Weather Coming Thursday Night
TV company Raw are currently making a documentary for Channel 4 about extreme winter weather and they need your help. They want to get a complete picture of the way that storms, snow, ice, rain, high winds and big waves can affect life for ordinary Britons - and so are asking members of the public to document the way in which bad winter weather affects their daily lives. Weather Warning At Met Office for the North Risk of gusts over 100mph
The public should be prepared for the potential for disruption to transport as well as power supplies and the possibility of structural damage. Very large waves may also lead to dangerous conditions along some coasts. A second storm will hit on Friday night into Saturday.
7 January 2015
Many New Jobs Just Added To The ForumNotice to Mariners - Maritime Safety Information
![C Salvor at Pentland Firth 12th - 17th January 2015](http://www.caithness.org/posterads2015/salvor_s.jpg)
Staff praised as Council toilets receive top awards
Cleaning staff responsible for looking after The Highland Council's Care and Learning services' toilets are been praised after scooping 7 national category awards, and 2 major national awards in the annual Loo of the Year Awards. With 20 facilities receiving platinum certificates and a further 23 gold, the Council has also been awarded a Champions League Standards of Excellence Certificate.
6 January 2015
Former Depute Head Teacher of Thurso High School In Honours ListWick High School Campus Latest Photos
![Wick High School - New Campus Building Progress 4 January 2015](http://www.caithness.org/photos/atoz/wick/wick_high_school/69_s.jpg)
5 January 2015
Rhoda Grant MSP Forces Answers From NHS Highland About Deaths On Delayed Discharge List97 Patient Deaths on Delayed Discharge Lists in NHS Highland Since 2012. Figures revealed by NHS Highland to Rhoda Grant MSP, the Shadow Minister for Sport, Health Improvement & Mental Health, following a freedom of information request show that nearly 100 patients have died whilst on delayed discharge lists.
A Look Round Scrabster to Start 2015
![Scrabster 4 January 2015](http://www.caithness.org/photos/fpb/2015/january/scrabster/19_s.jpg)
Here is the Scrabster look for 5 January 2014 Earlier 2012 2005 Pier opened 2003
Black Prince At Scrabster 26 May 2007
Noronna 18 June 2007
Scrabster Hill repair work October 2007
MV Pharos 26 July 2007
Still time to comment on CaSPlan Main Issues Report
Communities are being reminded that the consultation on the Caithness and Sutherland Local Development Plan (CaSPlan) Main Issues Report continues, with any comments needing to be received by The Highland Council no later than 12 noon on Thursday 29 January 2015.
NHS Highland Must Reveal Number of Patients Dying Each Year On Delayed Discharge Lists
Highland MSP and Scottish
Labour Shadow Sport, Health & Mental Minister, Rhoda Grant is
to write to NHS Highland to ask for figures relating to the number of
patient's across the health board that are dying in hospitals whilst
waiting on a delayed discharge list. Mrs Grant is seeking figures after
the Scottish Labour Party revealed at the weekend that across Scotland
more than 400 patients a year died in hospitals whilst on a delayed
discharge list in the previous two years, however, NHS Highland has
failed to produce figures.
Time to enrol children for school
![Enrolment for Highland Schools 2015](http://www.caithness.org/posterads2015/enrol2_s.jpg)
4 January 2015
Lidl, Thurso To Reopen Larger Store On 26th February![Lidl, Thurso](http://www.caithness.org/photos/fpb/2014/october/lidl_thurso/21_s.jpg)
![Lidl Thurso 4 January 2015](http://www.caithness.org/photos/fpb/2014/october/lidl_thurso/22_s.jpg)
3 January 2015
Vessel overturned off Wick - Cemfjord8 missing
Lifeboats from Stromness, Scrabster, Longhope and Wick were still searching. Last Position on Vessel Finder
Report in Independent
Man Fell Into Harboured Vessel At Scrabster Harbour
Moray Geology: Past, Present, Future
![Elgin Museum conference](http://www.caithness.org/posterads2014/elgin_museum_s.jpg)
A conference on the history of Elgin Museum, its fossils and the geology of the Moray area. Sat 21st- Sun 22nd March 2015.
2 January 2015
More Evening Courses In 2015 At North Highland College, Thurso![Evening Classes at North Highland College 2015](http://www.caithness.org/posterads2014/eveningclass_s.jpg)
The topics are many and varied.
Leisure - Languages - Business, Admin and Accounting
Health and Social Care - Engineering
Check out the brochure and application form
1 January 2015
More Wick Hogmanay Photos Added To The Gallery![Wick Hogmanay Crowds welcome 2015](http://www.caithness.org/photos/fpb/2014/december/hogmanay_wick/20_s.jpg)
Hogmanay Street Party Welcomed 2015
![Hogmanay Street Party at Wick to welcome 2015](http://www.caithness.org/photos/fpb/2014/december/hogmanay_wick/2_s.jpg)
Happy New Year From Caithness.org
We wish you all have a great 2015.