News Archive - October 2015

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31 October 2015

Major artwork launched at John O'Groats
A major public artwork inspired by the natural force of the tidal races in the Pentland Firth is being officially launched today (Saturday 31 October 2015). Lord Lieutenant of Caithness Miss Anne Dunnett will say a few words before Alex Kennedy, pupil at Canisbay Primary School, cuts the ribbon to reveal the five metre sculpture named Nomadic Boulders. The Nomadic Boulders and Swelkie are the latest in the series of temporary and permanent works by artists marking the transformation of John O'Groats, and supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE). The launch is accompanied by a dramatic performance including a new piece of music for John O'Groats. 

27 October 2015

Facebook Chat Today About Council Tax With Leader Of Highland Council - Begins at 5.30pm
For the eighth successive year, the Council has frozen the Council Tax. Like other Local Authorities, The Highland Council is facing a forecast budget deficit over the next 3 years. Leader of the Council Margaret Davidson will be here live from 17:30 to 18:30 on Tuesday 27 October, to chat with you and hear your views on council tax.

See also Budget Blog by Chairman of Resources Committee Bill Fernie

26 October 2015

Thurso Come Dancing Strike Silver!
Thurso come Dancing members are going from strength to strength and doing well increasing their levels of dancing that have been recognised in the awards received at recent tests. 10 members travelled to Lossiemouth to be tested and one member was tested on a video.

If you would like to learn or improve check out the new class times from November

25 October 2015

Electric Car Charge Points
A new gallery to add photos of the growing number of electric car charge points.  We start with the recently installed one at the car park behind the council office in Wick.  Also one in Tain located at the Queen Street Car Park.  We will add photos of others and the surronding areas as we see them.  If anyone would like to send photos of these in then please email them to bill@caithness.org

24 October 2015

Peter Cattrell, Landscapes from the Western Front  - St Fergus Gallery, Wick
To mark the Centenary of the First World War this exhibition of photographic work by Scottish photographer Peter Cattrell includes quiet, reflective landscapes from the Somme. Catrell's interest in the Somme was sparked upon the discovery of a photograph of his great uncle, William Wyatt Bagshawe, with three of his companions from the Sheffield 'Pals' Battalion. The four members of the Battalion had enlisted in response to Lord Kitcheners' calls for volunteers, and had died on the first onslaught on the Somme on 1 July 1916. Cattrell went to find Bagshawe's name on the war memorial at Thiepval, Belgium during a visit in 1989 and a selection of Cattrell's archive material on display.

New ECG Machine Presented By Caithness Heart Support Group
THE Town and County Hospital's Newton Wing, at Wick, now has an ECG facility which will enable patients to have their hearts checked on-the-spot, without having to visit the town's Caithness General Hospital. The hi-tech box was funded by Caithness Heart Support Group and handed over, recently. Accepting it from group secretary, Marge Donaldson, is the hospital's senior charge nurse, Iain McHardy.

22 October 2015

Did You Know You Can Read Thousands of Papers and Magazines FREE
Many people in Highland are not aware they can read thousands of newspapers and magazines completely free. not the online edition but the full paper or magazine to turn all the pages see the articles, zoom in for better size text and see all the ads if you want.   - Just Use your Highland Library Card

Vets Advise Farmers to Investigate Ill-thrift in Ewes Now
Almost a quarter of ewes tested for Maedi Visna (MV) by SAC Consulting Veterinary Services are carrying the disease. This could mean that large numbers of livestock are at threat of ill-thrift, failing to grow at a healthy rate, this winter. The tests were carried out on flocks throughout England, although vets are warning that the disease is also present in Scotland and Wales.

21 October 2015

CHARITY BALL BRINGS 'BOND' FEVER TO CAITHNESS
A Bond themed charity ball taking place in Wick this November is set to raise hundred of pounds for local causes. The event at Mackays Hotel on 7th November has been arranged to mark the launch of the latest Bond movie 'Spectre' and will see all monies raised going to SiMBA (Simpson's Memory Box Appeal), Wick RNLI and Caithness and Sutherland Women's Aid. On the night, guests will be treated to a four course meal, live entertainment and of course a James Bond special 'shaken not stirred' Martini.

19 October 2015

Calling Potential Arts Students In Caithness - Portfolio Programme Fully funded
With the support of the Highland Youth Arts Hub, North Lands Creative Glass are offering 10 young people the rare opportunity to attend 2 fully funded residential courses, on site in Lybster.

Northlands Creative Glass 2016 Skills Classes
North Lands Creative Glass in Lybster, Caithness, Scotland are delighted to announce the 2016 Skills Class Programme.

NorthLands Creative Glass Looking For Films to Celebrate 20th Anniversary
In 2016 North Lands Creative Glass celebrates 20 years of experimenting with glass and connecting with the world from a remote Scottish village. As part of our celebrations, we are looking for any film taken at any North Lands events over last 20 years to be sent to them.

A Snapshot of Bridge Street and High Street, Wick on Sunday Afternoon

The changes of business can be seen and there is no hiding one or two buildings that badly need either demolished or serious upgrading by owners. New businesses that will open in October include Sams furniture moving into the old D R Simpsons shop. Eye Candy, jewellers opening new store to match their one in Thurso and Nickel and Dime who also have a store in Thurso along with many others in various towns. Still one or two empty shops and the end of Huston's chip shop and restaurant as sen by the auction sign above the door after it closed suddenly about a week ago. In this snapshot there is a photo of every building and shop. The new council offices open for business today so we should see a much busier town centre.

18 October 2015

Damage - Old Free Church, Sinclair Terrace, Wick
Police in Wick are investigating damage at the former Free Church, Sinclair Terrace, Wick whereby persons have gained entry by forcing the front door open. It is believed this happened between Friday 9th October 2015 and Tuesday 13th October 2015.

Wick High School - Latest Progress Photos
The new Wick High school is taking shape and the playing fields looking to the present Pulteneytown Academy are already growing the grass for outdoor activities.

15 October 2015

Pinocchio - Pantomime from Wick players
Tickets go on sale on Saturday 21st November at Wick Players club rooms, Moray Street, Wick from 2.00 - 4.00pm.

Highland Council Offices, Wick - Staff move In On Friday 16th October
The temporary council offices close at 11.00am on Friday 16th October and the new office will re-open at Caithness House, Market Square at 10.00am on Monday 19th October. The existing phone numbers remain except for Care and and Learning Children's Services which changes to 01349 886607 and Adult Service temporarily at 01955 606915.

Royal Regiment of Scotland parades - Wick on Friday 16th October
The Royal Regiment of Scotland will parade through Inverness today 15 October 3pm, and tomorrow 16 October at Wick 10:30am; Fort William 11:20am; and Dingwall at 3pm. The parade in Wick will commence at 10:30am starting at Dempster Street and ending at Sinclair Terrace.

14 October 2015

Launch of a new public artwork at John O'Groats
Pupils from a Caithness primary school teamed up with local creative people in preparation of the grand opening of a new sculpture at John O' Groats. The sculpture which was installed Wednesday 7 October is named Nomadic Boulders and will be officially opened on Saturday 31 October.

12 October 2015

Schools Join for Thurso Beach Clean
Mount Pleasant Primary School P5 class (+ Eco committee) joined Miller Academy Primary School P6 class to undertake a clean-up at Thurso Beach in Caithness on Tuesday 6 October. Mr Harper from Mount Pleasant and Mrs Phares from Miller Academy brought fifty eight children in total to join forces with Paul Castle and Sam Watson the Highland Council Countryside Rangers and other helpers including Mrs Urquhart, Mr Boyter and Mrs Morris. The joint beach clean was part of both school's studies in to the effects of litter on our seashore habitats and wildlife. The clean-up was officially registered with the Keep Scotland Beautiful 'Clean up Scotland' project.
Photo Gallery

Have your say on Highland Council transport services
The Highland Council is seeking public opinion on the future provision of school, public and dial-a-bus transport services across the region. A series of consultation meetings will be held across the Highlands to discuss with communities their required needs and views on future Council transport services. Information gathered by the Council will be used to ensure that transport services purchased can best meet local needs within the budget available. Everyone is welcome to attend the public consultation meetings, including individuals, representatives from community groups and Community Councils, public and community transport providers, and businesses.

5 October 2015

Over two hundred people enjoy Wick Waves sea festival
Over two hundred people took part in the recent Wick Waves festival which was organised by The Highland Council's Countryside Rangers. This weeklong ‘sea' themed event took place around Wick Harbour with local clubs, charities and businesses putting on over 30 varied events, proving that ‘Wick Works Weel'.

1 October 2015

Twenty-second year and still new things to discover and enjoy about highland past
The twenty-second Highland Archaeology Festival gets underway at the end of this week (Friday 2nd October) with another packed programme of events across the Highlands. The fortnight-long Festival, which is co-ordinated by The Highland Council's Development and Infrastructure Service in partnership with dozens of local event organiser across the Highland Council area and in Moray, runs from Friday 2nd October to Sunday 18th October. This year local people and visitors can choose from almost 70 walks, talks, exhibitions and special activities covering the whole spectrum of Highland archaeology from prehistoric burial cairns and roundhouses to WWII remains and Commando training stories.    Community Index

Deadline for Community Council nominations approaching
The deadline for submitting nominations to stand for Community Councils is next Tuesday, 6 October at 4pm. Anyone wishing to stand for a Community Council in Highland must have their completed nomination form to the appropriate Ward Manager by this date. Community Councils are voluntary organisations that express the views and concerns of local people within their area across a wide range of issues from new buildings and roads to local services and facilities. They also have statutory duties and in some areas receive Community Benefit money from windfarm projects which they can reinvest in the community.