News Archive

Spotted At Scrabster Harbour Today - A Ship Flying The Union Jack Flag Upside Down

German registered chemical Tanker "Antares" alongside at Scrabster Harbour today.  The vessel is in theory committing "Lèse-Majeste" (to do wrong to majesty) by flying the Union Flag upside down.  

Why it's better to give to a food bank now than three months ago

Food banks in the UK reported that demand had tripled in March this year as the coronavirus lockdown threw millions out of work.  Many food banks faced an urgent need for money to buy extra food and launched appeals through crowdfunding websites.  

Sir John Square, Thurso - Community Takeover

This year, due to lock down, Highland Council have been unable to plant the usual, beautiful floral displays in Sir Johns Square, Thurso.  With permission from the council Thurso Grows, a project run by Thurso Community Development Trust, has taken over Sir John Square this year to plant a vegetable garden and create a collective community art work installation.  

Dounreay Cash Reaches Groups In Need During Coronavirus Lockdown

More than 30 community groups received help from a fund supported by Dounreay and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority during the COVID-19 crisis.   In March 2020, Dounreay Site Restoration Ltd anticipated an upsurge in demand from community organisations for small-scale financial assistance.  

A primary school sports day and some views of Wick from 1933

The film opens on a boat coming into Wick harbour and we get an impression of how busy the harbour is.  A brief view of the town is given, with a panning shot looking over Bridge Street toward the mouth of the river.  

Venture alongside Edda Sun

Not the easiest job in the world, but Scrabster Pilot boat "Venture" expertly manoeuvers alongside the 4,398 gross ton Norwegian registered Research/Survey vessel "Edda Sun", whilst heading towards Scrabster Harbour this morning (06/06/20).  Weather was light rain with a moderate sea swell.  

New law for Disclosure regime

Children and protected adults will be better protected under new legislation.   The Disclosure (Scotland) Bill, which has passed its final stage in the Scottish Parliament, will transform how criminal record disclosures operate and improve the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme.  

Highland pupils enjoy Wake Up Shake Up classes online

Highland pupils have been jumping out of bed in great numbers to join ‘Wake Up Shake Up' sessions online since mid-May, as part of the High Life Highland to support communities during the Covid-19 crisis.   The movement and dance sessions are available to primary school age pupils with a Highland Google account, and are led by Amy Gallagher of High Life Highland.  

Caithness Voluntary Group Awarded £200,000

Eleven community organisations in the Highlands and Islands have been awarded a total of £1.5m to develop and deliver long-term solutions to tackle poverty based on local priorities and needs The Aspiring Communities Fund, which levers in European Social Funds, was launched by the Scottish Government in 2017 to help reduce poverty and enable inclusive growth in disadvantaged and fragile communities across Scotland.   Regional development agency, Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE), helped community organisations in the region to apply to this recent round of funding.  

Urgent call for charity funding clarity

Tens of millions of pounds of lifeline funding has been fast-tracked to charities by the Scottish Government since the start of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis despite delays in clarity over Barnett consequentials, Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell has said.   Highlighting the key role the third sector has played in delivering vital support during the pandemic, Ms Campbell urged the UK Government to be clear in its support for vital services, by indicating when a £10 million shortfall in funding would be resolved.