News Archive
9/9/2013
Going to the Hills? Police and partners in Highlands and Islands re-launch updated contact form
Police in the Highlands and Islands and partner organisations are asking mountaineers and hill walkers to complete the updated "Going to the Hills� contact form this winter, prior to heading out into the Scottish mountains. The form asks for a few simple details to assist in a search and rescue, should the need arise, such as details of those in the walking or climbing group, planned route, expected return time as well as medical and emergency contact information.
9/9/2013
Geise Ghoulies - Evening Walk
It might look like Halloween has come early but this walk is to let you see some of the creatures that get around at night time. The rangers have organised this evening walk so that it will be darker to let folk find out more about the creatures inhabiting our area that come out at night..
9/9/2013
Ranger Events in September/October 2013
Castle of Mey Bat Walk Sunday 22nd September, 7pm � 9pm Use our bat detectors to help search for and learn about the local bats in the grounds of the Castle of Mey. Wrap up warm and bring a torch.9/9/2013
Curriculum for Excellence - New Leaflet For Parents
Leaflet for parents as new qualifications introduced. Parents across Scotland will receive information explaining how children will benefit from the changes of Curriculum for Excellence as new qualifications are introduced.Wick Sea Cadets Inspection
Wick Sea Cadets were well turned out for their inspection that takes place every two years. Captain Peter Adams carried out the inspection and spoke to each cadet individually.
6/9/2013
Joint Ward Forum open To The Public - Monday 9th September
The main topic for the joint ward forum will be presentations regarding the newly formed police and fire services for Scotland. Consultations are ongoing through September and October.6/9/2013
Wick Firm K P Technology Presented With Queens Award 
Wick firm K P Technology led by Prof. Ian Baikie once again gained a prestigious Queens Award for International Trade.
5/9/2013
Whale Stranding Link Investigated
www.sruc.ac.uk/news Vets at Scotland�s Rural College (SRUC) are working to investigate whether there is a connection between three whale strandings to have occurred off Scotland�s east coast over the past few days. However, SRUC Veterinary Investigation Officer Dr Andrew Browlow, who heads up the Scottish Marine Animal Strandings Scheme, says that based on initial evidence, it is unlikely there is a link between the stranding of a pilot whale in the Firth of Forth off Silverknowes on Tuesday and today�s strandings of a minke whale off Crombie point in Fife and a pigmy sperm whale off Banff.30/8/2013
Thousands of war heroes� wills released
Poignant personal messages written by tens of thousands of Britain�s fallen First World War heroes are being made public online for the first time through an innovative project set up by Her Majesty�s Court and Tribunal Service (HMCTS). HMCTS is releasing the Probate Office�s huge archive of 280,000 soldiers� wills ahead of next year�s First World War centenary.30/8/2013
Floral Displays at Kirkhill, Wick
THE council gardeners have Wick proud, again, this year with their magnificent Kirkhill floral displays. Each year the Wick gardeners of Highland council create a flower bed celebrating an anniversary or significant date for a group in Wick or Caithness.
30/8/2013
Hoverflies On Roses With Raindrops
Noel Donaldson caught these hoverflies on his roses after a rain shower. We are not sure of the species so have put a link to a page tha tmight help you identify them.
30/8/2013
Ness Of Brodgar Archaeological Dig Completed - Read The Blog
A dig on the Ness of Brodgar has recently finished and you can can still read all about it on the blog at - http://www.orkneyjar.com/archaeology/nessofbrodgar/ A large Neolithic complex on the Brodgar peninsula lies on the low ridge between the Stones of Stenness and the Ring of Brodgar. In 2003 a large notched stone was ploughed up and a rescue excavation was undertaken, under the Human Remains Call-Off Contract, as the stone was thought to be from a cist.29/8/2013
Wildlife app exceeds expectations with 10,600 downloads 
More than 10,600 people have so far downloaded a mobile phone app encouraging them to enjoy Scotland�s wildlife and vote for their favourite wild animal. The free app was launched by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) in March as part of the Year of Natural Scotland celebrations.
29/8/2013
New course enables primary teachers to train in Highlands and Islands
Aspiring primarily teachers can now complete their training in the Highlands and Islands. The University of the Highlands and Islands has launched the first ever Professional Graduate Diploma in (primary) Education available in the region.28/8/2013
Bee disease confirmed near Inverness
American Foulbrood detected in Inverness. A case of American Foulbrood (AFB), a disease affecting colonies of honeybees, has been found in an apiary in Strathglass in the Inverness area.
28/8/2013
Scotland�s Rural Parliament
Scotland People and Society Rural Development - Empowering rural communities. The first meeting of Scotland�s Rural Parliament will be held next year, the Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs has announced.
27/8/2013
SNH Offers Advice On Bumper Berry Crop
Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) is offering advice to berry pickers after a bumper crop of wild raspberries, brambles and other berries this year. The hot weather has resulted in excellent crops of berries right across Scotland, giving Scots a chance to get outdoors and celebrate the Year of Natural Scotland.
26/8/2013
Stones Of Skinnet
Sunday 8th September 11.00am - 1.00pm Visit one of the best fossil fish quarries in Caithness. Visit a fantastic fossil fish quarry and search for your very own specimen.
25/8/2013
Seashore life identification and survey workshop at Dunnet Bay
The Highland Seashore Project is running a free 'Seashore Life Identification and Survey' workshops at the Seadrift Centre, Dunnet Bay on Saturday 7 September. Running between 10am and 5.30pm, the day will be a great opportunity for anyone with an interest in what lives on the shore, whether they are a natural history enthusiast or someone who loves their shore, to learn how to recognise different species on the rocks, in rock pools, buried in the sand and amongst the seaweeds.24/8/2013