NEWS AND INFORMATION FOR “TEANABOWLIES” AND OUR VISITORS ISSUE TWO - £2

ALL YOUR LOCAL EVENTS, CLUBS AND THURSO GROUPS NEWS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE FOR THURSO BY THURSO

A Year in Review Christmas Eve in Thurso Thurso Cycling a Breeze Competition What’s On Guide Plus much more

ALL PROFITS MADE FROM THE SALE OF OUR MAGAZINE ARE REINVESTED INTO THE THURSO COMMUNITY

In this issue FEATURES

Thurso Community Market Monthly Market launched in 2019 coninues with success, hear from the people behind the market. PAGE 19

2019 Review & Forward 2020 A reveiw of Thurso’s 2019 and looking forward to events and development in 2020. PAGE 22 2019 in Reveiw NRG Dance Tracey Alexander returns to dance teaching with dance to keep kids health and happy PAGE 36 REGULARS Cooking & Cocktail Corner A winter warmer recipie from Lynda Moran and seasonal cocktails from Simon at Mr C’s PAGE 27

Artist’s Profile Jackie Newton features this issue, read all about her art Thurso Community Market inspriration and artists journey PAGE 31

Community Profile A rare treat of a Community Profile this issue, turn on to reveal our man of mystery PAGE 35 TRUST NEWS Thurso Community Development Trust update PAGE 03 Thurso Grows PAGE 05 NRG Dance National Cycle Route Marker PAGE 12 New Year Fundraising Dip PAGE 38 CONTRIBUTIONS AND ADVERTISING

DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO SHARE? ADVERTISE - VERY LOW RATES CONTACT US: We are always interested in submissions Advertising rates commence from only www.thursocdt.co.uk from community members, £20 and discounts are available if you [email protected] organisations and businesses. Taken commit to multiple issues. an interesting trip? What has your community group been up to lately? PROFITS TO THURSO COMMUNITY Do you have a business story to share? All profits from the sale of this Creative Writing? Get in touch! magazine are reinvested in Thurso.

WHAT’S ON GUIDE PUBLISHED BY: Reach members of the Thurso Thurso Community Development Community with news of your Events Trust Volunteers in our Guide. Submit via our website. Thurso Community Development Trust

Welcome to the second issue of the Thurso As Summer drew to a close, we hosted our Thurso Harbour for tourists and visitors, Community Magazine published by us... first AGM and embarked on a significant living up to its potential as a key tourism Thurso Community Development Trust! piece of work, our 5 year Strategic Plan. site for the town. Please take a read of the We’ve had a fantastic 2019 and hope plan and if you have any questions, just you have too. We’ve seen projects come We’ve been gathering information from ask, we love chatting Thurso at any time! to an end and embarked on new ones, you, the people of Thurso on what you we’ve had fantastic, jump up and down want from our town since we formed We’re a team, us as Trust Board Members in excitment news and hold your head in early 2018. It was time to collate that and you guys who live, work and love our in your hands devastating news but, on information into a document that clearly town. We can’t do our job without your the whole we’re proud of the work we’ve describes our plan of attack going forward. input. done and have learned from our not so This document was offered to the public fortunate times. We look forward to an at our Member’s Meeting in October 2019 In more recent weeks, we had some equally exciting 2020. and is available on our website now. disappointing news. We had applied for funding which would have allowed us to We began 2019 a fresh faced, new charity Included in the 5 Year Strategic Plan are employ more people and plough on with with our Tourism Project well underway. projects to create a Community Hub in our projects, but it wasn’t meant to be. Not Our Tourism Development Officer, Scott Thurso with the first potential site of the ones to be down for long, we had a wee has finished his part of the project now and Drill Hall feasibility funding being applied cry and are ready to take 2020 head on in a we waved him a fond farewell in October. for in early 2020 and plans to redevelop voluntary capacity instead. Onwards and The Tourism project continues of course upwards! and joins the long list of our activities. In April, we were awarded £122,000 from the Scottish Government Climate Challenge Fund and our Thurso Grows project has really sprung into life. If you haven’t already visited the Thurso Grows Garden, what are you waiting for?! We took on the ownership of the public toilets at Thurso Harbour and have been overwhelmed by the support from our members to get this ready to open ahead of the Summer 2020 tourist season. In April we were awarded £122,000 and the Thurso Grows project really sprung into shape!”

Our fundraising efforts were warmly Magnus, Gill, Ron, Andrea, Carol and Marion launching the Strategic Plan received by you lovely lot as we hosted our very first Thurso’s Got Talent event and of course, we launched our community Are you a Member of Thurso Community magazing in Summer 2019! Did you know that loved ones far away can purchase Development Trust? Membership is free of a digital copy of the magazine from our website?! They’d make a lovely Christmas charge and gives you a say in our work. To join surprise. We’re soon to launch a subscription service as well which means visit our website http://www.thursocdt.co.uk you can get a copy delivered to your door. Christmas Lights Fundraising Drive The Christmas Lights in Thurso have really enthusiastic about the activities behind the town’s Christmas Lights been plagued with issues over the last we have planned over the festive period, this year, unfortunately much of the few years as efforts were made to form all the old favourites will be taking place display will not be able to be installed. a group who have the sole purpose including Santa’s Grotto, Tea with Santa, New regulations mean that the lights of organising and fundraising for Christmas Fun Day on 7th December previously strung across the main street Christmas Lights. Christmas cheer for with the all important Christmas Lights including the ‘Merry Christmas’ Thurso the town has arrived in 2019 with a new Switch On event taking place on Sunday sign can no longer be installed. For 2019, group having been formed. Thurso 1st December. We’ve decided already while the lamppost fixtures can go ahead Christmas Lights are being supported by that to save confusion the Christmas in future years these will need to fit a Thurso Community Development Trust Lights Switch On will always be held certain size measurement and many of to achieve sparkle and Christmas magic on that date and its an event we hope the Thurso Christmas lights are larger around Thurso from 2019 onwards. to grow in future years into a festive than the requirement. The group includes Thurso community spectacular”. members Donna Elder, Eilidh Johns, Alison Wilson who is also involved in Alison Wilson, Cara Duff, Morag the group said, “We were understandably Imlach and Becca Mackay with a host of It’s disappointing very disappointed when we were met volunteers from Christmas past, present but there is a plan with this blow to Christmas Lights efforts and future ready to lend a hand with Elf but we feel there is no point in dwelling and Santa activities. for the lights. on it as that won’t get us anywhere. However, despite all enthusiastic effort Instead we are launching fundraising The group have already held a by the group issues due to changes in appeals and have come up with a really fundraising event, taking over Thurso’s legislation, policy and health & safety good plan for the future. Christmas Annual Halloween Party to great have meant that serious issues have been Lights are very costly and we really hope success, have the Thurso Christmas uncovered with the Christmas Lights Thurso will support us with our efforts, Tree under organisation and are making normally installed in Thurso. This together we can take the disappointment plans for this year’s Christmas Lights means that while effort will be placed from this year into a spectacular festive switch on. Donna Elder said, “We’re wonderland of lights for 2020.”

Cara, Alison, Eilidh and Donna of Thurso Christmas Lights Thurso Grows Eats Well E: [email protected] W: www.thursocdt.co.uk/thursogrows

As the nights start drawing in and the evenings get colder there really is Tips to reduce Food Waste nothing better than a good meal shared 1. Shop smart & meal plan your week with friends. With a mindfulness about food sourcing and waste in the battle 2. Don’t overserve food, use a small plate. against Climate Change, Thurso Grows over the winter period have a focus shift 3. Save - and actually eat - leftovers from growing food to cooking it. 4. Store food in the right places The Thurso Grows Eat Well evenings 5. Avoid clutter in fridge, freezer and cupboards are held at the Thurso Community Cafe where members of the Thurso 6. Treat expiration dates as a guideline Community gather together to prepare, 7. Keep track of what you throw away cook and discuss all things food. The events aim to use locally grown food and You will soon see it mount up and want to find ways also save food which would otherwise be waster. Project Co-ordinator Ann to reduce waste! is always on hand to give cooking tips and and advice on ways to reduce food waste and recycle our meals perhaps evolving them from one meal to another, but also (and very importantly) having fun, eating together and encouraging community. Cooking & eating food together creates a sense of community.

Thurso Grows Eat Well start at 5.30pm each Wednesday night. They would love to see new faces and everyone is welcome.

Lower Carbon Food Workshops have been launched which are a series of four workshops with local groups and schools to increase awareness and involvement in why food plays such an important part of a lower carbon future. If you are a local group interested in taking part please get in touch with the team, public workshops will take place in the New Photo relating to article Year. Blue Bin Issues Solved By Andrea Wotherspoon

Are you making the most of your blue recycling bin? The quality of recycling Why can’t I recycle Where does the collected from Thurso -and indeed all of Caithness – is excellent, so you’re all all plastics? recyling from the doing something right! But most people At the moment, the Materials Recovery have at least one item they’re not sure Facility (MRF) who sorts the materials blue bin go? about, so we’ve included a guide to what in the blue bins, has asked only for All recycling in Caithness is tipped at you should be putting in your blue bin, as food-related plastic tubs/pots/trays, plus a Waste Transfer Station (essentially a well as answers to some frequently asked all plastic bottles and their lids. This is large shed!) at Seater Landfill Site. From questions below! because the market is strongest for this here, it is bulked up into lorries that take type of plastic. There’s no need to check it down to Binn Farm at Glenfarg, near the triangle or number on the item – as Perth. The materials are then sorted into Why can’t glass go long as it’s had food in it, or if it’s a bottle/ different streams, partly by machinery lid, it’s OK to go in your blue bin (please and partly by hand. From here, they are in my Blue Bin? take the lid off the bottle if possible then sold on for recycling. though). Glass causes problems in mixed Currently, Binn Farm have confirmed collections, because it smashes and ends The only exception to watch out for, is that all materials that pass through their up getting mixed in with all the other black plastic trays – even if they’ve had plant remain within the UK and are not materials, and is very hard to separate. food in them, they shouldn’t go in the shipped abroad. However, it’s important This reduces the quality of all the items, recycling bin - this is because black plas- to remember that recycling is a global and makes it much harder for any of tic cannot be picked up by the Near In- market, so this may change in the future. them to be recycled. Ideally, glass should fra-Red technology which sorts the recy- be collected separately, but the Council cling. is unable to provide this service in the current financial climate. Cut Out & Keep Blue Bin Guide However, there is a network of glass Remember to clean plastics and cans, recycling points across the Highlands. Thurso has banks at the riverside, Lidl, no black plastic, no lids. Henderson Street and Naver Place. There are also banks at Scrabster Harbour and in most villages. Glass doesn’t break down in landfill, and can be recycled over and over again with no loss of quality. Why can’t I recycle plastic bags/wrap?

Plastic bags/wrap currently can’t go in the recycling bin because they require a different sorting and processing system. They can snag conveyor belts in the sorting machines, bringing the whole process to a halt.

For plastic bags some supermarkets now do a return scheme and the Co-op now have compostable bags. INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL ADVICE Retirement Planning Investment Management Wealth Management Life & Protection Insurance Estate Planning

PHONE US NOW FOR A FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

Iain MacKay financial management

Suite F9, Naver Business Centre, Naver Road, Thurso, KW14 7QA T: 07702 999170 E: iain@clydebankfinancial.co.uk Behind the Scenes: Thurso Pantomime By Sarah Wilkinson

My name is Sarah Wilkinson and I have the privilege of directing this year’s Thurso Players Pantomime. This year, for the first time ever we are putting on ‘The Little Mermaid’ based on the Hans Christian Andersen tale. It is a fun-filled production with fabulous songs, lots of corny jokes and stunning sets. We are lucky to have an absolutely amazing cast of adults and juniors, in fact this year we had over 50 people audition so we were spoilt for choice!

I thought you might be interested to find out a little about how the pantomime comes together and what happens behind the scenes. You might be surprised to find out that what you see on stage during our performance week is the culmination of more than a year of planning, preparation and hard work involving a large number of dedicated people. “The Panto is the result of more than As you can see this means relying on The weekend before performance week the talents and commitment of a large we move all the set and costumes from a year of planning number of people and I am lucky enough The Mill Theatre up to Thurso High to have a super strong team behind me School and hold our technical rehearsal. and hard work.” this year. Anyone can become a member This can be quite a stressful day as it and get involved, we are always keen for involves making sure all the lighting, The first stage happens at our annual new people to join us, it’s not just about sound and timing is right and actors get planning meeting which is held every acting. their first chance to work with sets and September. This is where potential curtains. Dress rehearsal is is our first real directors can put themselves forward and The director, producer and musical opportunity to see how the show looks suggest a title and script for the following director get to work early, (usually in with all the costumes, sets and technical year, which then has to be approved by the Spring before panto season) and start aspects in place. the Thurso Players committee members. working on the script, song choices and Once this has been decided it is up to the planning auditions. Auditions are usually Finally it is show time!! We have a director to gather a team to help them held in August and involve some acting, tremendous amount of fun during make their dream become a reality. This singing and dancing. Rehearsals begin in performance week and we hope you will includes a producer, a musical director, late September and involve three sessions too. Our audiences are what makes it all musicians, set design and construction, a week. We work through individual worthwhile and seeing people of all ages wardrobe, props, technical team (sound, scenes and then after 3 or 4 weeks start enjoying themselves so much is what lights etc) front of house and a prompt! to do full run-throughs of each Act on a keeps us all motivated and wanting to be Sunday. involved year after year. Oh yes it is!! Thurso Players Pantomime 2019 The Little Mermaid Thurso High School 11th - 14th December Tickets available from McBeath’s

Fantasy Caithness Mapping Did you ever have visitors up from down salmon jumping and empty beaches may has to offer:- Brochs, beaches, castles, south staying over, and it was your duty seem normal to us but can be cherished Cairns..... The whole shebang. to “show them round the county”? After experiences for those city slickers unused showing off the journey’s end at John to this kind of charm on their doorstep. In 2017 we carried out surveys to ascertain O’Groats, you were left scratching your what kind of merchandise it is our head as to where else to visit? We know At the broch project we’ve been banging members thought we should be creating things have changed lately but they are on about brochs now for six years this to promote Caithness. The top result by getting even better! Autumn (in case you haven’t noticed far was a fantasy style map of Caithness. yet?). In this time we’ve created a number From here we contacted the renowned It’s true that Caithness has a lot to entice of maps showcasing where all the brochs Chris Birse from ‘Fantasy World Maps’ the intrepid explorer amongst us but we are, what their names are and we’ve even to create a Tolkien inspired masterpiece haven’t always been great at promoting added many to Google maps so they are map. One that not only showcases the best the best we have to offer. We have easy for visitors and residents alike to find. Caithness has to offer but also the hidden more than 20 castles, 200 brochs, scores Admittedly most visitors are unlikely to gems many don’t even know they’ve of beaches, emerging distilleries and know what a broch even is never mind been missing. All this would be depicted wildlife scurrying about. It’s a wonder why they should venture out in the car to in picturesque landscaped detail. We’ve we weren’t singing our own praises more go and see one. With this in mind we’ve even included a wee “wheres Wally” style enthusiastically in years gone by. Perhaps been toiling away this year to create a new animal hunt for the kids to enjoy with we’ve taken a lot of the things beneath map. Not one focusing only on brochs but foxes, otters, orcas and owls to find tucked our noses for granted. The big skies, one that showcases the best that Caithness away in the detail of the hills.

With all this detail included it was going to be difficult to incorporate clear directions to each of the sites. With this in mind we’ve created a Google map to accompany the fantasy map in order to provide more detailed information and directions.

So next time you have visitors up from the South and you are wondering what on Earth to do with them, no sweat, get your hands on one of these maps and you’re sorted! National Cycle Route Marker

A recent design competition held by just the bright colours meant we knew it “I love seeing my design being brought Thurso Community Development Trust would really brighten up the Station area to life, I want everyone to be welcome in and Sustrans, the national charity which with the repaint.” Thurso and that is what my design is.” encourages active travel has seen the Millenium Milepost National Cycle Route Laura White from Sustrans travelled north To mark the Millennium Sustrans Marker at Thurso Railway Station be to lead in the repaint of the Millennium commissioned artists to create these given a fresh new colourful look. Milepost assisted by Ava, her Granny markers which were cast in bronze and Lora, Joan and the Breeze Ladies Cycle appear up and down the country. There Network Caithness. They spent the day are 1,000 markers in all. Originally all of a Everyone is painting and enjoying the day, talking bronze colourway, they are now in need of cycling, kindness and welcoming visitors a refresh and Sustrans have been working welcome in Thurso to Thurso as they followed the progress of with local communities to inject some the painting throughout the day. Ava said, colour into the markers and give a sense of is the inspiration place to them. behind the design The competition was launched for people in Thurso to contribute their ideas for a redesign as the current marker was looking a little forlorn and in need of a refresh. Over twenty entries were submitted which were judged down to the best four by a panel of community members before being put to a nationwide Sustrans vote via Twitter. With a massive 78% of the vote 7 year old Ava Kelly’s design was chosen as the winner.

Ava’s design was inspired by everyone being welcome in Thurso and she created it with various different flags, Canadian as she had been there on holiday, Japan as on the days she was completing her design she had seen Japanese tourists enjoying Thurso and of course the Caithness Flag was added to represent the county.

Joan Lawrie, Thurso Development Officer and volunteer Development Manager of the Trust said, “We were delighted to see that Ava’s design was chosen, the theme of it with everyone being welcome in Thurso completely fits with our aims for the Trust in creating a warm, welcoming community with kindness at its heart. To have the Caithness Flag in the design and In June 2018 I attended a Breeze leader training course in Inverness, then got my first aid certificate and ran my first Breeze ride in August 2018, a 6-mile loop around Janetstown.

The ladies were nervous about cycling Thurso on the road, but soon developed the necessary skills to feel confident on their bikes, helped along by the ‘Breeze banter’. They came on leaps and bounds, and one year later we cycled from Thurso to John O’Groats, a 40-mile round trip, their faces beaming with pride at the Cycling a end, as was mine. Ladies on Breeze cycles have grown Breeze in confidence By Debbie Simmons helped by the ‘Breeze Banter’ I have cycled as a child, as a teenager and all through my adult life. When I All you need to join a Breeze ride is a was diagnosed with cancer 6 years ago bike in good working order, a helmet, cycling helped me get back to fitness. gloves, padded cycling shorts, a basic My goal was to cycle for charity from repair kit and a rear light. The Bike London to Paris. My bike gets me Shop have been wonderfully supportive outdoors, gives me a focus and above all and will carry out free bike checks and makes me happy. have also donated new Madison Cycling Jackets and cycling shorts to our group. However, I noticed that few women in Likewise, Caithness Cycling Club Caithness were cycling, despite having have been fantastic, running free bike fabulous countryside and relatively maintenance classes and also inviting quiet roads to cycle on. So I began to the Breeze group to attend their Turbo research what I could do which led me training sessions at minimal cost. to British Cycling HSBC Breeze. This is an initiative which aims to redress For more information on Breeze Cycles the cycling gender balance by running please check their Facebook page: women-led free rides for women which Breeze Network Caithness - Thurso and are sociable and teach road safety. get in touch with Debbie there.

Finland By Magnus Davidson Study visit explores opportunities from UNESCO World Heritage Status to The Flow Country in Caithness In September Councillor Karl Rosie, Our first visit was to the Old Town of Martin Thomsen from Highlands and Rauma in south western Finland. Old Islands Enterprise, and myself, Magnus Rauma is an outstanding example of an Davidson from the Environmental old Nordic city constructed out of wood. I Research Institute travelled to Rauma in have worked in Finland a lot over the last Finland as part of a larger study group few years and nothing I have encountered in support of the World Heritage Site bid on my travels was quite like Old Rauma for the Flow Country of Caithness and in terms of beauty and preservation. Sutherland. Although found in the centre of a large town many of the issues around The three of us were invited by Joe conservation are familiar to us back Perry, the World Heritage Site Project home in Caithness. Locals are generally Coordinator as we all have a professional supportive of the status and importantly interest in the Flow Country, as well as the to those of us involved in local economic people and businesses that can be found development the benefits looked to in and around the Flow Country itself. We outweigh the negatives. also all live in Thurso and were keen to see what impacts could be expected on the The next visit was to Sammallahdenmäki, largest town to sit next door to the Flows. correct pronunciation comes after some practice, near Rauma which is a Bronze At the start of this round of the World UNESCO World Heritage Site status Age burial site which gained UNESCO Heritage process I must admit I was could put the Flow Country on the map status in 1999. With some resemblance to concerned that the designation may be alongside the Grand Canyon and Great the Grey Cairns of Camster it was a more used to stifle development in the Far North Barrier Reef as one of the most important familiar setting than Old Rauma, especially and in turn impact on Thurso’s economy. natural sites in the world. For generations learning about the similarities to the Flow This trip however provided the chance to the Flow Country was perceived to be a Country with multiple landowners, and explore some of the opportunities that wasted or underexploited space but in forestry management issues! more recent decades the environmental value of the area has been recognised. As “We should be fully supportive of the World well as being home to many bird species Heritage Site bid from a Thurso perspective as we the Flow Country stores twice the amount of carbon dioxide as all the trees in the UK. look to gain positively as the ‘gateway town’ to the

Status cannot happen overnight however, Flow Country.” and the LEADER funded trip was We were also lucky enough to visit an Thurso looks likely to benefit from if the undertaken to help inform and build the Island in the Bothnian Sea National Park status is given and has helped to put my case for the site to receive the accolade. which was in the process of turning an mind at ease. The current bid is looking to convince old military base into a tourist attraction. the UK Government that the site is worth The National Park covers over 900 square As the largest town and with the best nominating to UNESCO, who will then kilometres, is mostly water, and was a lot transport links next to the Flows, Thurso make the final decision. calmer than the Pentland Firth! looks to benefit if marketed in the right manner. As a ‘gateway’ town we could see day trips into the Flow Country from the town with visitors returning each night to stay in local hotels, eat in local restaurants, and drink in local pubs. One can also hope that a sustainable increase in tourist numbers could benefit local communities in other ways such as improved transport and amenities.

Diversification of our economy away from Dounreay is a pressing need over the coming decade and tourism certainly offers a lot of opportunity. So long as we can balance development and conservation, and I think the WHO site won’t tip this balance hugely, we should be fully supportive of the World Heritage Site bid from a Thurso perspective as we look to gain positively as the ‘gateway town’ to the Flow Country.

Befriending Caithness Befriending Caithness is one of the Caithness Voluntary Group projects. We are all about socialising, encouraging people to get together, get out and about and be part of the community again.

In order to achieve this we provide three elements of Befriending Caithness, where we will recruit, train and support a Befriending Volunteer to visit people who are feeling lonely and isolated within the community.

Befriending Caithness provide one to one matches, group activites, group celebrations and intergenerational activities with High School students and local care homes.

What does it mean to be involved with Befriending Caithness? The poem below describes it well:

Group Activities Cheerfulness Wick: Episcopal Church Hall, Moray There are so many things we are able to share, Street The 2nd Tuesday of each month. To bring love and light and to take away care; Afternoon Teas from: 2.15pm – 3.30pm The very best way to relieve pain and stress, Is to talk of the good times and spread happiness. Thurso: Stepping Stones The last Tuesday of each month From 10am – 12pm It is helpful to listen to woes, grief or trouble, We know that to share it can halve it, not double, Berriedale: For Befriendee’s in the Area The Portland Hall But given the gift to see life’s funny side, The 1st Thursday of each month Is the one which spreads laughter and smiles far and wide From 12pm – 2pm It can overcome boredom, change moods on swift wings, Bettyhill: For Befriendee’s in the Area What promise and joy a brief, bright visit brings; Bettyhill Hotel and Salmon Landings A cheerful voice quickly dispels fear and gloom, The 3rd Monday of the month From the moment its heard it can lighten a room. From 2pm – 4pm Mey: Mey Hall Sharing stories, our kind words will help from the start, Soup & Sandwiches The pleasure we bring will uplift every heart. The 3rd Wednesday of every 2nd month From 12pm – 1.30pm We’ll help to dispel loneliness, fear and pain, Then we’ll hear as we leave, “Will you please come again?” If you would like more information regarding Befriending Caithness please contact us on 01955 609 962 and speak to Chrissy Greenslade Angie, Elspeth, Isobel or Kayleigh we will be happy to help. Fun, Young & Involved Ormlie Community Association Ltd run sessions for primary aged school children and young people. We invite you to come What’s on along and join in our fun of interactive activities, pool, foosball, arts and crafts, swimming, outings, treasure hunts, games consoles, cooking, baking, games nights and much, much more.

Monday, 4.30 – 6.15pm (P6-7) Ormlie Tuesday, 4.30 – 6.15pm (P4-5) Friday, 5 – 6.30pm (P1-3)

Teen Scene Ormlie Community Association Ltd run sessions for our young people from S1 to 17 years old. Come along or drop in and join in with the many activities we have on offer, activities such as photography, football, tennis, squash, dance competitions, pool, outings, gaming and much, much more. Our Teen Scene also encourages our young people to learn more about the community they live in and participate in volunteering.

Tuesday 7 – 9.15pm Friday 7 – 9.30pm

All our sessions are free and include a healthy snack. Sessions run during term- time from the Ormlie Community Centre.

If you have any queries or questions, please contact the Ormlie Community Association Ltd on 01847 891789 or email rhogg@ormlie. org or [email protected].

Benefits of CALA Membership: Childminders DO YOU WANT TO BECOME A CHILDMINDER? Childminder Coordinator; Donna Sinclair • CALA’s Childminder Coordinator is available for support and guidance by phone, email or face to face. • Guides you through the Care Inspectorate registration process. • Links with partners such as the Care Inspectorate and the Highland Council to discuss childminder training needs. • Highland and Moray based knowledge and understanding of current policy and practice. • Supports you to meet financial and legislative responsibilities. • Provides ongoing training to support you on your continuous professional development. • Termly Childminder Link newsletter providing up to date advice. • Representing the views and interests of CALA Childminder members locally and nationally (by going to national and local meetings we are representing and advocating for our childminder members’ interests). • Extensive Child Protection guidance and specialist support from Child Protection designated officers.

Training • Access to local CALA member training events & forums (often free for members). • One free voucher for ‘Literacy, Learning for Life’ module in CALA’s E-Learning Zone.

Web-based • CALA Childminder members Facebook group offering ideas and support plus dates of local training. • Submit blog articles.

Members Zone Access • Includes access to early learning and childcare policies, procedures and templates, tailored to childminders needs.

Finance • CALA Business Support – advice about finance, grants and other matters. Email: [email protected] For further information visit: www.careandlearningalliance.co.uk Tel: 07725 221 123 Thurso Community Not only did we want to create an outlet, it was really important for us to give back to our local community. At each monthly market we arrange for a local group to provide refreshments, all proceeds made from these then go to that group. Also, Market any leftover proceeds from table hire, once hall fees and advertising fees are covered, are then donated to another local Caithness is a community filled with organisation. We ask the local community a increasing amount of creative talent to put forward names and an organisation and wonderful local produce. Seeing an is then picked at random to receive a opportunity four local businesswomen donation. got together and decided that they wanted to provide an outlet for these wonderful Thurso Community Market is held in local products. This is when we had the the Royal British Legion, Riverside Road, idea for starting the monthly Thurso Thurso. Dates for the 2020 markets have Community Market. yet to be confirmed, so please follow us on Facebook (Thurso Community Market) With so many people now working for up to date information. from home, whether it be for family circumstances or health reasons etc., we If you would like to book a table, felt there was an opening for monthly or nominate a local organisation to fairs to showcase what the county has to receive leftover proceeds, please contact offer, while also bringing our wonderful us via our Facebook page or email community together. [email protected]

with bragging rights to a bona fide World Record, as the hotel resides on Ebenezer Place, officially recognised as the world's shortest (6 feet, nine inches) street.

Near Thurso, the Peerie Cafe at Scrabster Four Paw allows dogs (standard rules apply like keeping your pup off furniture, and being mindful of other customers). And in Thurso itself the Y Not Bar & Grill offers its restaurant menu in the dog friendly Grove Lounge next door (as well as welcoming dogs in both their Inn at Y Not guest Friendly rooms, and self-catering accommodation nearby). There are also are several cafes in the town with outdoor seating areas where you can languish with your pup in the welcome event of sunshine. For an American-inspired experience, head to the Blue Door Coffee Shop and Diner for Caithness burgers and milkshakes while enjoying By Gail Brown stunning views towards Orkney and Among my many passions in life, the love Wellies on the School Run across the Pentland Firth. of dogs, family and a good cup of coffee Elsewhere in John O' Groats, Natural rank highly. And as any dog owner knows Retreat’s Storehouse (also close to the John For something a bit different, head to the of course, the first two of these are exactly O' Groats sign) is happy to welcome canine tranquil Forse of Nature, near Latheron, the same thing. Add in the coffee (and visitors. And if you ever find yourself with its long wooded drive, rolling gardens perhaps a nice bit of lunch or dinner) and looking for a Starbucks in Caithness, - and dog friendly accommodation. Your you have a wonderful kind of alchemy you'll find the brand on offer here. Lucky pup will love the welcoming cafe, and that just makes everything seem right furbabes are treated to a free puppuccino might even get a chance to stretch their with the world. But finding places to eat when accompanying their humans (tried, legs around the 24-acre grounds! and drink where your pet is also welcome tested, and with a big paws-up from our can be tricky, especially when you visit dog Brody). And not far up the road, Where dog lovers are concerned, the somewhere new. you'll find dog friendly accommodation county of Caithness is well and truly open The Picts may have named at the Seaview Hotel (where dogs are also for business. And with places to eat, drink permitted in most public areas, too). (and play) with your dog, it's a must-do us in feline terms, but on any dog friendly Scottish tour. The doggies, don’t hold that In the nearby town of Wick, the Mackays Picts may have named us in feline terms, against us. Come, fetch, eat Hotel offers dog friendly accommodation, but doggies, don't hold that against us. and the chance to eat or drink with your Come, fetch, eat dog biscuits. dog biscuits. pup on the premises (dogs are welcome Enter my home county of Caithness in the lobby and bar areas). While you're The Kingdom of the Cats is opening its (another of my lifelong passions). Despite there, you can also impress your friends doors. being christened 'The Kingdom of the Cats' by our Pictish ancestors, the most northerly county on the UK mainland also has a lot to offer our canine companions, too. Think long walks, open spaces and beaches that seem to stretch on forever. Even better, the county now boasts a growing number of dog friendly food and drink outlets. What better reason to make a visit with your faithful friend?

One of my favourite dog friendly places in Caithness (in fact one of my favourite places full stop) is Stacks Coffee House and Bistro, in John O' Groats, one of Scotland's most iconic destinations (and also the start/end point for many 'End to End' UK journeys and North Coast 500 travel adventures). Stacks, with its enviable position not far from the famous John O' Groats sign, offers a wonderful pit stop for hungry, coffee-seeking visitors - especially, of course, if you happen to be travelling with your dog. With friendly staff, a welcoming atmosphere - and a dog Please note that this list is not exhaustive, or in any way affiliated with any of the businesses biscuit on arrival - your pup will be well mentioned. Gail just loves coffee, her home county and her dog. catered for. Freshly brewed coffee, quirky Check with individual establishments for further details, and adhere to standard rules like decor and an array of mouth-watering keeping your dog on a lead while on the premises. offerings mean human customers will Gail’s blog can be found at www.welliesontheschoolrun.com leave delighted, too! Community group success was also achieved by Thurso Youth Club. Many Thurso’s of you may not realise that the Club was close to closure in 2018 but 2019 has seen a definite change in circumstance. Weekly Year in sessions are now thriving with 20-30 young people attending and they have just held their second very successful Haunted Review House fundraiser. It’s terrifying, yet also fun, if you haven’t been yet, definitely 2019The end of the year is a funny time. It’s Next up, fantastic success for Thurso mark it in the calendar for 2020! always hard to believe that a whole year Rotary Club and the Northshore Surf Club has passed so quickly yet again, but on the with the completion of the Northshore Of course, we have to mention ourselves, other hand, when you start looking back Surf Clubrooms at Thurso East. A you are reading one of our main successes you see just how much has been packed very long awaiting development with of the Thurso Community Magazine! into one year. 2019 in Thurso has been no incredible facilities for Surfers. A massive While we write this we are already exception with a host of fantastic events, well done to all involved in the planning, thinking about Issue 3. We also launched community initiatives and local business build and development of the clubrooms. Thurso Grows our Scottish Government successes. However, there are also the Climate Challenge Funded project to inevitable sad rememberances for many of encourage Thurso to grow food and us throughout 2019 and thoughts go out reduce our food waste. The team have to all those in the Thurso Community who already held several fantastic events with have lost a loved one this year. Know that the Thurso Grows Garden thriving and we the hearts of our community are with you. can’t wait to create more growing spaces in 2020 including in Thurso Town Centre. So how was 2019 Thurso? Watch this space for more details!

We started the year with the sad closure of Caithness Horizons Museum & Art Gallery. Many in Thurso were devastated by the loss. However, the building will In less good news for Thurso Rotary Club rise again in 2020 with Highlife Highland were the terrible weather conditions on confirmed as the new operators, remedial the night of the Fireworks Display. Their works on the building are nearly complete volunteers did a sterling job braving the and ready to open the doors to both locals conditions for much longer than any of and visitors in 2020. us view the fireworks as time is needed for set up. A number of you still braved the weather which did break slightly for actual Fireworks Display. However, donations are down on previous years. The Events in Thurso have celebrations this Fireworks are a large expense provided by year, with Hogmany in Thurso celebrating a professional company and are possible their 20th Street Party. Incredible! The through your yearly donations. If you can first for the Millenium feels like only last spare anything, please consider droppin a year! We can’t end without mentioning donation to the Pentland Hotel Reception Thurso’s Got Talent, our own event but marked for Thurso Rotary. Here is to clear such a good one with winners from skies in 2020! Caithness Gymnastics Club who enjoyed a huge amount of success in 2019.

While one of our large attractions closed another has enjoyed continued success throughout 2019. Who doesn’t love a trip to our amazing cinema for the latest showing, popcorn and a slush (or a wine if you are so inclined)! Proving that all hope is not lost when a building operator experiences issues is Thurso Merlin Cinema who have just celebrated their 4th Birthday. Congratulations to Manager Sam and all the staff!

Thurso Merlin Cinema are a superb example of coming good in the face of adversity with operators Merlin taking over following devastating previous closure of the Cinema. Even better news for 2020 will be the opening of new screens at the Cinema meaning greater choice for customers and even more chances to see new releases and the very popular Cinema Live experiences. Sneaky peeks of the building work are on social media at the moment. spend time down at the shore. The plan is to turn them into the “best little loos Forward in Scotland” a lofty acheivement but we are primed and ready to make it happen. The toilets kick start our plans for further to a new development at Thurso Harbour which we are working away in the background on. Likely to be phased more news and Year consultation to get your views will be coming soon. 2020From a jam packed 2019 to a 2020 which 2020 is Scotland’s Year of Coasts and promises more of the same. While politics Waterways and Thurso will be celebrating shows uncertain times for 2020 with with the British and National Surfing looming Brexit, the Thurso community Championships being held in the town. already has much certainty under its belts Meanwhile our friends at Lyth Arts Centre for the New Year. have secured funding from Event Scotland to run the ‘Northern Lights Festival’ which Whether we agree with the actual building promises to transform Wick Harbour. Yes, or not, we have all agreed for a long time its Wick and not Thurso, but we believe that the former Mart Site on Ormlie Road we should be cheering eachother on and has been long overdue for development. will definitely be visiting the festival The new Thurso Premier Inn build has along with supporting Wick in its efforts We will also be submitting for hopeful been taking place for some months now throughout 2020 especially the exciting funding success to look at the Drill Hall as with what appears at the time of writing work that is going on with the newly a community hub. Plans went on hold due much of the groundworks complete and formed Wick Development Trust and to the closure of Caithness Horizons but steels now being placed for the building. town centre regeneration. this is now the time to make this happen We’re certain we will see significant and we will be submitting for that funding progress by the New Year. in very early 2020.

It will be interesting to see where We are sure there will be many more 2020 brings for the rest of the site with exciting events and activities in 2020 developers having held discussions with and look forward to the year ahead. One some community groups and individuals certainty in Thurso for 800 years has been last year. We watch for news of further Old St Peter’s Kirk. History buffs will developments with a keen interest. know that parts of the Kirk are thought to be over 800 years old, but for the sake With the closure of Caithness Horizons of clarity and what the plaque on the gate and Mackay’s Butchers having closed the Speaking of Coasts, the all important news tells us, there is a BIG Birthday next year bottom end of High Street feels a little is that the Trust following our exciting as Old St Peter’s celebrates 800 years of sad and forlorn. However, as mentioned, New Year Fundraiser (hint: keep reading age. Another Thurso iconic monument Caithness Horizons will reopen in 2020 the magazine to the end) will be hoping also has a birthday. Link for many a and they will have a new neighbour as to complete the refurbishments of Thurso Hungry Hiller, the Ellan Bridge turns 60 Castletown Butchers comes to town! It Harbour Toilets. Making it easier and years old in 2020. Nearly time for a bus really is amazing in a town of our size to more comfortable for visitors and locals to pass. Or as those in the know might tell have 3 quality butchers. High Streets up you - a Mini will fit! and down the country would be jealous of the success of our independent traders and it really gives a sense of community and localism to Thurso. We can’t wait to find out what treats Derek and his team have on offer in their new Thurso shop.

In the Town Centre it is hoped we will see some improvements to the age old issue of signage. The Trust are in final talks with Highland Council after an application for signage, electronic noticeboard and new planters to the Town Centre Regeneration Fund. We hope to have those talks concluded soon and work started very early in the New Year to get some directions and greenery back to the town. Thurso Community Christmas Meal

The Thurso Community Christmas their Christmas Dinner. Folks attending on dietary requirements. Joan added, Meal is now in its third year. With are asked to book in advance and this can “This year we are very fortunate in that regular attendances of over 40 people be done by either contacting the Trust or our tatties and brussel sprouts will be it is beginning to feel to organisers that Pay it Forward Facebook pages or giving Thurso grown from the Community there was never another way to celebrate Joan a call on 07932927058. If unable to garden. We also use local butcher meat Christmas. answer, leave a message and Joan will call and vegetarian options are available.” you back. Joan Lawrie who orgnises the meal for the Fundraising is underway for the event first two years as Pay it Forward Thurso Anyone is welcome to attend from singles, again and donations can be made either and now part of Thurso Community couples to families. Organisers point out in a collection box in Eye Candy or online Development Trust said, “It really has that there can be many reasons for wishing to http://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ from the first year despite us all not really to come along, either not expecting ThursoCommunityChristmas2019. This knowing what we were doing, a fabulous visitors this year to a small family group year the group need to purchase some event. I wouldn’t spend my Christmas who would prefer to celebrate with others essential kitchen equipment which they any other way now as it really does feel to those who may be struggling this year. had been able to borrow in the past like one big family dinner. It also means I A very welcoming family Christmas but no longer have access to, gifts for don’t need to cook as we have a fabulous atmosphere is encouraged on the day those attending and food for the meal. chef, Stuart Calder who does all that with volunteers and organisers who make They would also like to purchase cloth work. But I do help out with puddings!” attendees feel very welcome. napkins, tablecloths and items otherwise disposable so they can hold more events This year the meal will be held again in Transport can be arranged for those either in the future cutting down the cost and Thurso Youth Club on 25th December, in Thurso or the immediate surrounding environmental impacts of disposables. just the same as when everyone else has area and meals can be varied depending ‘Twas the nicht afore Christmas, when all through e’ Toon No a creature was stirran, no even a moose; E’ stockings were hung by e’ lum affa bonnie, In e’ hopes that St. Nicholas soon get tae Thirsaa;

E bairns were nestled all snug in their beds, Thurso Community Xmas Eve Wi visions o’ sugar-plums danced in their heids; Wi mither in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap, Hud jist settled doon fur a wee Wolfburn dram,

When oot on e’ front there arose a beeg clatter, Christmas Meal in Thurso I jamped fae ma chair to see whit was the matter. Away tae the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.

E’ moon on the breest of the Thirsa slush and snow, Santa’s Workshop Gave the lustre of mid-day to gadgies below, North Pole When, whit to my wondering eyes should appear, But a peedie sleigh, and eight peedie reindeer, Dear Thurso Boys and Girls, It’s Christmas Eve and Mrs Claus and I are very busy getting ready for me to Wi a peedie wee mannie, afa merry and quick, come and visit you. It’s been a busy few weeks since I saw you all in my new I knew it wisna TC from e Comm so it must be St. Nick. Grotto in Thurso Library and I have been supervising the elves making all More rapid than Dounreay traffic his coursers they came, the toys and Mrs Claus has been hard at work in the kitchen making mince And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;

pies and candy canes. Mrs Claus has also had to keep an eye an me, and “Now, DASHER! now, DANCER! now, PRANCER and the elves, to stop to stop us playing with the toys and nibbling on the mince VIXEN! pies, they are yummy like the ones in Thurso Bakeries. I do love a Thurso On, COMET! on CUPID! on, DONDER and BLITZEN! Pie when I come to visit you! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!” The reindeer have had a nice break, their coats are very shiny and are getting back in training. I am thinking I might get a unicorn to help me with As dry leaves that before the Caithness gale fly, the reindeer, what do you think? Mrs Claus would take very good care of When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky, it, and he would be a lovely friend for Rudolph. Speaking of Rudolf, he loves So up tae e’ hoose-top the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too. when we fly into Thurso, swoop up Thurso RIver and can see all your lights And then, in a twinkling, I heard on ‘e roof on Christmas Eve in Mount Vernon, Pennyland, Ormlie, Springpark and ‘E prancing and pawing of each peedie hoof. Thurso Town. You are always the loudest, best singers in the Grotto and As I drew in my hand, and was turning aroond, Christmas Lights switch on but on Christmas Eve you are snug and quiet Doon the lum St. Nicholas came wi a bound. in your beds. He was dressed all in fur, fae his heid tae his foot, As I start my journey around the world, get snug in your cosy Thurso bed And his clothes were all tarnished wi ashes and soot; and remember the magic and kindness of Christmas. I’ll be getting cosy in A puckle of toys he had flung on his back, my bed just as you open your eyes to see your presents. As you know I And he looked like a peddler jist opening his pack.

like a snooze, some of you have caught me sleeping in my Thurso Grotto! His eyes — how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! His cheeks were lek roses, his nose lek a cherry! The elves have loaded up the Sleigh now, Rudolf and the Reindeers are His peedie wee mooth turned up lek Thirsa bay, ready and Mrs Claus is ready to wave us off. Now off to Thurso! And ‘e beard of his chin was as white as ‘e snow;

‘E remains o a Gary Reid pie he held ticht in his teeth, Wiz it no fur e Red suit I’d think Doupy Dan wiz merry; Santa & Mrs Claus xx He had a broad face and a peedie roond belly, That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful o’jeelly.

He wiz chubby and plump, a richt jolly owld elf, And I laughed when Ah saw him, in spite o’ masel; A wink o’ his eye and a twist of his heid, Soon gave me to ken I had nowt tae dread;

He spoke no a word, but went straight tae his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned wi a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his hooter, And giving a nod, up the lum he rose;

He sprang tae his sleigh, tae his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO THIRSA, AND TO THIRSA GOOD-NIGHT!“

Embracing the seasons 13 Rotterdam Street, Thurso

and using the best of 01847 896735 www.northcoastflorists.co.uk what's available ensures we can create a floral [email protected] arrangement suitable for every occasion

WEDDINGS – FUNERALS – COMMERCIAL CONTRACTS – SPECIAL OCCASIONS – GIFTS - CELEBRATIONS

ORDER YOUR BOUQUETS AND FLORAL GIFTS FOR DELIVERY OR COLLECTION ONLINE AT YOUR CONVENIENCE OUR EASY TO USE ON-LINE SHOP IS AVAILABLE 24/7 VIA OUR WEBSITE VALENTINES DAY MOTHERS DAY WWW.NORTHCOASTFLORISTS.CO.UK/SHOP

TRIBUTES CHRISTMAS FESTIVE DISPLAYS – BOUQUETS – ARRANGEMENTS – DECORATED BOTTLES – HELIUM BALLOONS – GIFT VOUCHERS

Cooking & Cocktails Bramble Cocktail Simon from Mr C’s Autumn brings about rich dark berries, Enjoying these flavours without the make the most of this with an old classic alcohol is simple, elderflower cordial or Bramble. Spiced with ginger to make it even a non-alcoholic gin can be used and the ideal winter tipple. the addition of a blackberry syrup or cordial with give the drink the bold fruity 2-3 Blackberries (Brambles) flavour it deserves. half a fresh lemon 1 spoon, 1 cube brown sugar 3-4 Blackberries 25ml Ice and Fire Caithness Gin half a fresh lemon 25ml Creme de Mure Liqueur 1 spoon, 1 cube brown sugar 100ml Ginger Ale 25ml Elderflower cordial or non-alcoholic gin Muddle together the fruit, sugar, Gin and 20ml Blackberry syrup or cordial Liqueur to release all the juices, top with 100ml ginger ale Ice and fill with ginger ale. Stir to mix. (strain the muddled mixture before Muddle together the fruit, sugar, and adding the ice to remove the seeds/fruit cordials, add ice and fill the glass with pieces). ginger ale.

Stovies Lynda Moran Serves 6 - 8 people

1 Tablespoon Beef Dripping 2 Medium Onions 4 ozs Roast Beef 1 pd Potatoes

This Recipie is fantastic for using up leftover Roast Beef after a Sunday Roast. While we thoroughly and highly recommend Lynda’s recipie made with Roast Beef, Stovies are a contentious subject and differing places in Scotland use slightly different ingredients. So feel free to replace with sausages or corned beef.

Method: If meat is uncooked, roast it. Boil potatoes and drain. Once cooled chop into small cubes. Add meat to onions and saute until soft. Chop potatoes and add to onions and meat. Lastly add juice from cooked meat, salt and pepper. Serve with Beetroot and Oatcakes.

above. All monies received at our branch stays in Caithness, helping us train new volunteers, and maintain our premises.

Other ways you may be able to help us is by displaying our posters, leaflets etc. Or why not invite us to talk about TWENTY-FOUR/SEVEN help reduce their distress. our service to your school, business or We are looking for volunteers at our meeting. 24 hours/7 days a week is when Samaritans Caithness branch, 7 Riverside Place, are available to provide emotional support Thurso. No experience is necessary as fo people who are experiencing feelings of full training will be given. Find out more Need to talk to a Samaritan? distress, or despair, including those which by phoning 01847 895656 or visit www. may lead to suicide. samaritans.org/volunteer-us. Phone: 116123 (freephone) Email: [email protected] We listen. We are non-judgemental. We If volunteering is not for you, but you SMS: 07725 909090 are confidential. We give people our time, appreciate the work we do, you could our undivided attention, our empathy, help support us financially by donating and human contact which we hope will to the Caithness branch - address as Live Jive By Dawn Mackay I read Cathy Earnshaw’s article in the first edition of the Community magazine and thought I would follow on from there and elaborate a little on the Live Jive events that she mentioned.

Every six weeks or so I attend a charity event called The Live Jive. It’s always on a Sunday afternoon between 2pm and 5pm with a £5 entry fee which goes to the charity. Children get in for free and are welcome to attend.

The focus is on live music and dance. The event has been organised by Ian Sinclair from the Barracuda Boogie Band for 8 years now. The band provides the main musical entertainment with several ‘support acts’, all of whom perform for free. We’ve had several musicians perform including The Sunday Night Band, Cover to Cover, Adi

Harper and his students, Andrew Polson, Jackie Newton, Nancy Foggo, Howlin’ Gael, Jamie Riddell plus myself, John Newton and Brian Spence usually do a turn!!

The event has long been associated with the dance classes in the town. I attend Steve Hicks modern jive and salsa classes and I can safely say I’m never happier than when I’m dancing jive. Steve attends every event and provides a free jive lesson between 1 and 2pm to allow folk to learn a few moves to enable them to get on the dancefloor if they so wish.

You don’t have to dance. There are lots of people who attend just to sit and listen to the music but there is plenty opportunity for those who want to have a spin about the dancefloor.

I guess the main thing to say about the Live Jive is that it is a community event for charity. Each event is held for a different local charity, who generally raise between £300 and £600. Over the years the Live Jive has raised over £25,000 for charity which is a phenomenal achievement.

I believe this is a great example of a community event. Sandra Maclean allows the use of the function room in the Park Hotel for free. The musicians and singers all perform for free and Ian Sinclair coordinates everything and gives his services for nothing.

It’s a great opportunity to get out and enjoy yourselves with the family on a Sunday afternoon whilst supporting local charities. As well as the above, there are new parent groups, messy play sessions and music and bubbles. Time on the soft play is unlimited, plus free water and juice are available. The café menu was Messy created from community feedback, and uses healthy, local ingredients to create tasty and affordable food. Messy Nessy recognises how expensive eating out can be, especially if you have more than one child.

Nessy Looking for a great venue for a birthday party? Look no further! Messy Nessy offer Fancy having a go at some hand-made Arts and craft workshops aren’t just for a range of birthday packages tailored to Christmas presents or decorations? Christmas though – Messy Nessy run your needs, and can create the perfect Messy Nessy are promoting a handmade them all year round and there are classes party for your child. This can range from Christmas this year, and will be running for both adults and children. Children’s a simple, catered party, to a themed party some festive arts and crafts classes. You can activities change each week to meet every doing slime, nerf or pottery, to an all- make something with glass – a decoration, child’s needs, but as well as arts and crafts, exclusive party where they close the shop a piece of jewellery, coasters or even just a also include slime making and nerf games. to the public and cater to your every need piece of art - or bring your favourite glass whilst you sit back and relax. bottle along and they’ll help you flatten it to create a clock or chessboard! You All groups and activities rely completely could also paint a ceramic, put your little on the community attending them, and one’s handprint in clay and have it fired Messy Nessy are always open to feedback in the kiln, personalise something with on how they can adapt or change things. decoupage, make a Christmas wreath, or They have raised money for local charities create a wooden personal gift tag with and also rent the hall and craft area out pyrography. to groups and individuals for a very affordable price, to help get more activities All crafts are easy to do and they always In the evenings, a variety of adult classes and things to do in the community. look fantastic, plus you’ll have a Christmas are available, such as ceramic painting, free gift that is very unique and personal. craft group, glass fusing, pyrography and For more information about Messy Nessy, Glass and Ceramics are finished to a high jewellery making. There are also knitting and to keep up to date with what’s on, standard in Messy Nessy’s very own kiln. and Tunisian crochet classes twice a week, check out their Facebook page. run by the very talented John Glen. There will also be an opportunity to have lunch with Santa, plus a free Santa’s Grotto for the schools and public to enjoy. Santa will also be reading stories, and there will be opportunities to paint plates or ceramics with him.

These activities are typical of Messy Nessy, a family-run café that specialises in locally sourced food, delicious home baking, Caithness Coffee, and arts and crafts activities for all the family. The centre has two floors of soft play suitable for a range of ages, plus the only publicly accessible sensory room for children and adults to use in Caithness. The sensory room is a great space for people with disabilities, who can benefit from a sensory experience, or anyone who wants to explore sensory play.

Ian and Fiona wanted to start a business in Thurso that would benefit the local community as a whole, but in particular they felt that the town lacked certain activities geared at families. Therefore they focussed on creating a business that offered activities they would like to have seen when they were bringing up their oldest daughters, Katie and Lily Rose. The business was originally going to be called Messy Caithnessy, but this was a bit of a mouthful, so they decided on Messy Nessy Playcentre instead. Safety Advice from Scottish Fire Service By Stephen Reid, Community Fire Safety Advocate, Scottish Fire & Rescue Service

Winter can pose extra hazards. But a little Power cuts can not only cause out. Customers who meet certain criteria thought and preparation can go a long inconvenience, but increase danger in the (e.g. age or health) may be registered for way towards reducing the risks. home, both from fire and from falls. priority service in the event of power cuts, check with your supplier. Follow straightforward advice from the Scottish Fire Service based in Thurso to stay safe in winter. The Christmas decorations will be coming out of storage at this time of year. Always Guy Fawkes night is behind us now, but Avoid using candles or paraffin lamps start by checking the wires for signs of there are still celebrations to be held, as back-up lighting, it's much easier to damage before plugging them in, and and bonfires and firework displays knock these over in dim light, especially replace them if they are damaged. Make will often feature in these. Make sure if children or pets are around. Use battery sure you aren't overloading electrical bonfires are suitably located and properly lamps or torches instead, and make sure sockets, or daisy-chaining adaptors. supervised. Ensure that a responsible they are readily to hand. You can get Avoid block-style adaptors and use strip- adult is looking after the fireworks. Check battery-powered LED lights which are type instead where required. As a simple your arrangements with the SFRS Bonfire intended for use under shelves, they can rule of thumb, no more than four items Safety leaflet. give instant light when the power goes fitted with 3 amp fuses should go into an adaptor, any item fitted with a 13 amp fuse should always go straight into the socket.

Don’t leave electrical items switched on unless they are designed to be. Unplug all electrical items that don’t need to be left plugged in, especially if you are going away for extended periods. At night, close internal doors, especially kitchen and living room doors. This will prevent a fire from spreading quickly and allow your smoke alarms to warn you of fire.

Check smoke alarms regularly, ideally once a week. If they go off, and you don’t immediately know that it’s a false alarm, always assume it could be a fire and leave the house quickly and smartly, then call the Fire Service on 999. Make sure that everyone in the house knows in advance what to do and how to get out. For more advice, ask for a free Home Fire Safety Visit.

Useful Links: https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/your- safety.aspx

https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/your- safety/for-householders/home-fire-safety- visit.aspx ARTIST PROFILE Jackie Newton

I’m Thurso born and bred, and my work However, I then switched from graphics is very much influenced by the sea and the and illustration, to fine arts and wild coastline up here in the North. I’m commissions. I ran a few adult art classes always moved by the extremes of weather which eventually became a full-time art and the effects of light - deep dark skies course at the North Highland College, and sea, contrasted with the white foam which I developed alongside John of breaking waves against the rocks. My Sawkins. latest love is sea glass, so I’ve created a few pieces using it, mostly silver-based. I taught art for a number of years but still produced my own work, mostly I studied Graphic Design, Illustration and painting and drawing. During this time, Printmaking at Gray’s School of Art, part I wanted to find a material I could use of Robert Gordon University Aberdeen. I with the students to enable them to work returned to Thurso in the mid-1980s, and in 3D, jewellery - making in particular. spent a bit of time in the design department Eventually, I discovered polymer clay, at Dounreay, with the very talented Mr Ian and I still work with this media today. Its Miles, from whom I learned a lot. Prior to wonderful, versatile stuff, and can be used this, I illustrated children’s books for WF in lots of projects. Graham of Northampton, which I think are still in print. I now also work with PMC (precious metal clays), mostly silver but occasionally

copper. I enjoy doing portraits, both human and animal – I’ve been known to draw the odd dog or two! – and have had a number of commissions for these. I exhibit most years with the Society of Caithness Artists, and am currently part of the committee.

I’ve yet to set up a website, so I tend to share my work on social media (search for Jackie Newton Artist on Facebook). I’m working on my Etsy shop, but currently a few of my paintings can be found in Eye Candy, or at Stacks Restaurant in John O’ Groats.

Jackie’s work particularly her jewellery can be found in Eye Candy where she regularly displays her stock in the fantastic Caithness Corner.

She also exhibits in the Annual Caithness Artists and other exhibitions throughout Caithness. check out regular Local Artists Exhibitions in Thurso and Lyth. Front Cover PhotoWinner Barry Scollay Each issue we run a Photography competition The image is just perfect giving a bird’s eye view for the Front Page image. There is a huge talent of Thurso in crisp winter weather. Although here in Caithness with Photographers and we don’t always appreciated the snow when it artists. This issue our winner was Barry Scollay comes to moving around, it sure does make the of Highland Ariel Views with the stunning image Town look pretty. Enjoy more of Barry’s work of Thurso in the snow. here in more sunnier climes of year. I'm Barry Scollay, a “Weeker” that has worked in and around Thurso most of my life.

I took my first photos when I was given a Kodak 110 film camera as a bairn, and have enjoyed taking pics of our gorgeous County ever since . My interest in model aircraft and cameras combined back in the days when drones hadn't yet been thought about. I used cheap digital cameras on electric planes and helicopters, and the early results were promising. Then came the early years of drones, where you had to build your own, to your own design. This was a major breakthrough in Aerial Photography, and allowed a look at our County from a completely new perspective.

In November 2014 I started the Facebook Page “Highland Aerial Views”, as somewhere to gather the ever growing collection of aerial photos I was taking together into one place, and it has proved to be quite popular ever since. In a new feature we introduce local creative writing, do you have writing to share? Get in Poetry touch. The Ruined Chapel by the Burn at Isauld Sharon Gunason Pottinger

‘In 1967 walls were still visible of a chapel of primitive build covered by a sand drift among ruins of unknown origin. JB in 1981 recorded no visible remains of a chapel but a lone dressed stone remained.’

The men came up from the south making records Sharon Gunason Pottinger was born in Chicago taking notes but spent most of her life in Indiana. ‘My heart still recording the relics beats faster at the sight of a red barn or a field of doing their job and hurrying home corn, but late in life I met a man and married and from the lonely peat dark earth came to his part of the world, Caithness. Caithness, and restless wind like Indiana, is a place people often drive through on their way to someplace else. The raw beauty No one thought to ask the burn and wide open skies hold those of us lucky enough to be able to see it. Since 2005 I’ve been exploring the little burn that my new home with the same enthusiasm as my trickles in the icy dark childhood wanderings in Indiana.’ and tumbles in the spates through the peats Her debut novel, Returning: The Journey of down to the sea Alexander Sinclair was published in 2015. Her where sandpipers tickle her toes work has also appeared in New Writing Scotland, Northwords Now, and anthologies by Caithness She knows each stone and Writers. http://tinyurl.com/sharonspage the hands who placed them there a thirsty man who loved her drinking deeply singing of heaven she thought he must be lonely too and so she offered herself to him he made a shelter next to her stone by stone each one a prayer while she held her faithful course from the secret spring to the sea and together they sang through the seasons until only the stones remained Thurso Community Café No one thought to ask the burn We are aiming to be "a cafe with a difference at the heart of the lovesick burn that the community" intent on bringing positive change to the area. trickles in the icy dark We want to bring together all members of the community to help those at risk of isolation, and tumbles in the spates social disadvantage and people going through challenging times. through the peats We will be staffed by volunteers and funded by donations. What we receive freely we down to the sea give freely with no stipulation on price. Open Mon as Ripples 10-2 Tue Wed Fri 10-2 how the chorus of stones grew weary and surrendered to the earth Community Profile Anthony William Carberry AKA ‘TC’

Have you always lived in What is going well in Thurso at Best story you have heard Thurso? the moment? about Thurso, urban myth or No. I was born in Hartlepool making me Redoing the pavements. It’s good for people with wheelchairs. true? a monkey hanger. The first British soldier I’ll need to go down the list to get killed on home territory during the first something printable in a community world war was in Hartlepool. I moved up Favourite Thurso spot? magazine. The time it took the police to Thurso when I was five. The Marine Inn back in the days, during and hour and a quarter to answer the the 60’s and 70’s. Albert and Reg the call about a riot at the Viking Lounge. What brought you to Thurso? barmen and the lounge bar always had It wasn’t the biker riot which was also a Dounreay. Dad came up for building water down one wall. Favourite spot now good riot. I have no other good stories that it and he lived at the camp. He was an would be Victoria Walk. are printable. analytical chemist. I went to school at the West Public, The Miller Institute, and then the High School and I enjoyed School. I’ve not lived in Thurso the whole time since that, I spent time in London, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen.

What’s your favourite Thurso childhood memory? Living in the middle of a massive building site. Also the black sky at night. In Hartlepool the sky was always pink from the blast furnaces. During my teenage years it was girls.

What different jobs have you had over the years? Rigs, labourer, fish filleter, pie maker, arborist, salmon netting. The salmon netting was my favourite, we used bag nets at Scrabster, Sandside, and Port Vasgo.

What is the biggest challenge facing Thurso? Keeping the young here although I’m not sure how to do it although once they finishing knocking down Dounreay they should start building it again. The rugby team needs improvement.

Could you be our next Community Profile? Do you have someone you would like to hear from? Get in touch. In April 2019 NRG Dance opened its doors again in Thurso with Tracy receiving Licentiate Qualifications with the International Dance Teachers Association. Classes are run in the British Legion, Thurso on a Wednesday from 2pm NRG onwards. Pupils are accepted from approx. age 3 upwards. Freestyle and Slow Dance/Lyrical are the main styles of dance although other styles are taught on an ad-hoc basis. The majority of the pupils are non-competitive but there is a selection process available for children Dance who would like the opportunity to be competitive. NRG Dance is committed Tracy Alexander (Sinclair) danced from a young age for Violet Sutherland and to running classes that at age 17 gained her Associate Freestyle Qualifications in Freestyle and Rock’n’Roll give the children of the achieving a grade of highly commended Caithness the opportunity in both. T’s School of Dance was then established and in time this progressed to to learn freestyle dance in the NRG Dance Troupe. This Caithness a structured, welcoming dance school was very successful with the pupils being classed among the top environment. freestyle dancers in Europe. Tracy was Attending dance classes helps to build also an established adjudicator at the positive self-esteem in children. In major freestyle championships of the year addition, participating in sports can be and was in demand to run workshops a helpful way of reducing stress and in the UK, Ireland and Norway. Tracy increasing feelings of physical and mental taught in Thurso for 13 years before taking wellbeing. the decision in 2007 to retire from teaching to concentrate on raising her very young Further information on NRG Dance can be family found at www.nrgdance.co.uk or on the facebook page nrgdancethurso. bags full of stocking fillers, last year with your help we provided FOUR transit vans full of gifts!

We call it the Toy Appeal but of course we collect other things from Toys to Toiletries as our posters say and for Tots Toy Appeal to Teenagers. No-one is left out. All gifts are collected from around the county and we deliver them all to the Social Work Department in the Council offices in Wick where a dedicated team of Council Staff await the delivery, sort them celebrates all out into ages and get them all delivered before Christmas. Before we arrive they will have spend some considerable time talking to colleagues and making up a list of who need our help this year. 25 years All gifts donated stay in Caithness. If you would like to help us to make sure no child wakes up on Christmas morning Unbelievable as it sounds, the Caithness At Caithness Fm we take the Community without a gift from Santa this Christmas FM Toy Appeal will be 25 years old this part of Community Radio very seriously then you can donate gifts at the following Christmas! Where have the years gone? and when we were looking for something locations listed below. The Toy Appeal has been supporting that we could do to help people in this disadvantaged children in Caithness area the Toy Appeal seemed like a good The Bank of Scotland in Thurso and Wick longer than the radio station has been on place to start. For the first few years we The Royal British Legion in Thurso air! were delighted if we received a few black The Dounreay Canteen Tesco in Wick

And this year for the first time, in Temptations shop in Thurso.

Gifts and cash can also be delivered to our studio in Neil Gunn Drive. We are happy to arrange publicity photographs if required – just drop us an email at Office @ caithnessfm.co.uk if you would like more information.

Watch out for more news from Caithness FM – we are moving! Yes we have been awarded our own licence and will shortly be moving from 102.5 to 106.5FM – you will still get MFR during the day and CFM from 6pm but you will need to retune your radio! More details will follow as soon as we have a confirmed moving date. Dip at Thurso Beach for New Year Fundraiser Thurso Community Development Trust or guardian witth them are permitted to for sale to spectators with all participants will be getting chilly on New Year’s Day also take part at just £1. Sponsorship can receiving hot food and drink after taking in an event which they hope will bring the also be raised, both sponsor forms and part in a community celebration with live community together along with raising registration is available on the Trust’s music at the Harbour area. much needed funds for Thurso Harbour website. redevelopment plans. All funds raised will go to Harbour There is also the ability to nominate! If you redevelopments, firstly towards The New Year Soakin’ has been organised feel that someone you know is worthy of refurbishments at the toilets and by Trust Treasurer, Carol Paterson and a ‘dip’ on New Year’s Day but needs a then towards a feasibility study and promises to be a fun and invigorating bit of persuasion you can nominate by a consultation work to decide what we event which everyone can join and ‘tag’ on the Trust’s social media, if your as a community can do to make Thurso fundraise for the benefit of Thurso. nominee decides to take up the offer then Harbour reach its full potential. simply pay the registration fee for them Community conversations have revealed and come along to watch them have a Carol said, “We talk about someone needs repeatedly that the area most people dip. Nominations can also be made to to do something in Thurso, here we are, would like to see redeveloped for both persuade folks to wear a Tutu or their best doing it, come and support us and help the community and to attract visitors to fancy dress. Prizes will be awarded for us on our way. Together we can make Thurso is the Harbour area. The Trust in best fancy dress and highest fundraiser. Thurso a better place to live, work and 2019 took over the lease of the Harbour Food and hot drinks will also be available visit for all.” Toilets following closure by Highland Council and is keen to now raise the funds to make them the “best little loos in Scotland” which in turn will assist in driving donations to the toilets by visitors to provide the funds to maintain them. “We’re raising funds for much needed Thurso Harbour redevelopment and having a real community feel good event on New Year’s Day” The Fundraiser has been affectionately dubbed, ‘New Year Soakin’ and will see Thurso folk taking to the chilly waters at Thurso beach en mass on New Year’s Day. A fair wake up call to shake off the celebrations of the night before!

Carol said of the fundraiser,”We’ve been inspired by previous fundraising events like ‘Dip with a Nip’ that was held a few years ago and events similar to this that take place all over Scotland on New Years Day. Our work in the community has shown that people in Thurso really want both Thurso Harbour improved and also really want us to start some sort of a tradition or annual event in the town which brings people together. We did that earlier in 2019 with the fantastic Thurso’s See in the New Year with a Thurso Dip! Got Talent which will now be an annual £10 per adult, £1 per child registration event set to return in 2020 so why not now Soup & Hot Drink for Participants a fantastic outdoor event which is lots of Raise Sponsorship fun and that everyone can take part in. Even if you don’t want to go in the sea Prizes for best Fancy Dress you can come along and view the fun, get Prizes for highest fundraisers yourself a hot drink and enjoy meeting Refreshments available for spectators and socialising with the rest of the Thurso For more info visit the website below Community on New Year’s Day.”

To take part a minimum registration fee Register on our website http://www.thursocdt.co.uk of £10 needs to be paid along with your Supported by Thurso RNLI & Pentland Canoe Club registration form. Children with a parent Royal Institute Christmas Lecture: Thurso Newton Room

Looking for something fun, free and by mathematician Dr Hannah Fry and region. Originating in Scandanavia, educational to do with the children on will look at the hidden numbers, rules and Newton Rooms are intended to inspire the run-up to Christmas? Thurso Newton patterns that secretly control our daily school pupils to be enthused by Science, Room, based in the North Highland lives in ways we could never imagine. Technology, Engineering and Maths College, is one of few venues in the UK Do computer algorithms have too much (STEM) topics through practical learning with the priviledge of live steaming the control over our lives? Could A.I. decide and exploratory activities. Since August Royal Institute Christmas Lectures this if someone lives or dies? Can we always this year, all schools in Caithness and year – and you can be a part of it! trust statistics? Using demonstrations and North Sutherland have visited the experiments, Dr Fry will show us how to Newton Room, or are booked to visit The Royal Institute Christmas Lectures decode life's hidden numbers and make it early next year. Currently, pupils are are the UK's flagship science series, first better choices for a happier life. given the chance to take part in a Robotics delivered in 1825 by Michael Faraday, at a & Mathematics session or an Energy time when there was very little organised The lectures are delivered at the Royal session. education for young people. Since then, Institute in London but are streamed live they have been delivered by many world- to a very few locations in the UK before Prior to the lecture the Thurso Newton famous scientists including Sir David being televised between Christmas and Room will be running some fun activities Attenborough. The lectures are designed New Year. Thurso Newton Room was to get you in the mood. This takes place for children aged 11 years+ and young selected this year. on Thursday 12th December 2019 5-9pm adults, but are engaging for people of all Thurso Newton Room was opened in (5-6pm for the pre-lecture activities). The ages. April 2019, and was the first Newton event is free and no booking is required. This year’s lecture, Secrets and Lies; The room to be established in the UK. It will Hidden Power of Maths, is being delivered soon be one of five across the Highland

Do you have an event you would like to feature? Please get in touch for events taking place from March to June for Issue 3 What’s On Thurso Caithness Music Concerts Caithness Music Groups Caithness Music Groups Looking for local music groups to play in? Pentland Brass Band – Adults, Saturday 7th December contact https://www.caithnessmusic.com instruments are available on loan – Thurso Local Handbell Ringers are holding a day for further details. Boys Brigade Hall – Fridays, during term of Ringing Christmas Music. All welcome time, 7– 8.30pm at 3.30pm to listen to the festive music - Caithness Junior Orchestra - Musicians Thurso West Church - Donations at the aged 8-18 years, Mount Pleasant School, Caithness Handbell Ringers – adults - door. Mondays during term time, from 4-5pm Thurso Boys Brigade Hall – Saturdays 10.15am -12.15 Caithness Orchestra - Adults, Mount Sunday Night Big Band – adult beginners Sunday 22nd December Caithness Pleasant School Wednesdays during term (saxophones, brass and rhythm Orchestra Carol Concert – All welcome to time, from 7.30-9.30pm instruments) – Thurso Rugby Club – come along and sing carols with your local Sundays 7.30-9pm orchestra. St Peters & St Andrews Church, Pentland Brass Band Juniors - Beginners Thurso - 2.30pm. Donations, at the door, (aged 8years+) – instruments are available Little Ones in aid of a local charity. on loan – Thurso Boys Brigade Hall – Happy Tumbles - soft play for 5 years and Fridays, during term time, 6.30-7pm younger, British Legion, every Thursday 10:30 - 12pm, 12:30-2pm

adidas

FRED PERRY

VANS

Farah

Clothing & Footwear

McAallans5 High Street Thurso 01847 895993

NEW STOCK ARRIVING WEEKLY FOR CHRISTMAS

REGULAR OFFERS IN STORE

ALL SIZES STOCKED COMPETITION By popular demand! Win a year’s subscription to the Thurso Community Magazine and a £20 Voucher to spend in the Thurso Independent Retailer of your choice. Simply complete the Wordsearch, tell us the meaning of the words and give us your Tiebreaker response, returning to the details as below. Good luck!

MEANING

CEFMJSFVEMTFDTG TEANABOWLIE HLIJDMHOCSOLQLQ FOOSUM IFCRITVPEOAWUNH DROOKIT EODTRETTSNEFHVI SHANNIS LREBDUPUTPFSZRS DIRDIE WEEKER UEIOIBMDMYDAODW SCORRIE TFROESWESHANNIS DOAD DOORWQEYIHGTBCB BOORAGTOON CCOAEHSLVRRUVDR GLUFF ZHLGEPEEIRROCSD COCKALOORIE ITATKEIKOOBUFOK BOOKIE TEKOEHLTSMTLTDS CHIEL INCORTLHRFHDUUL FOREFOCHTEN PSONTTAKDROOKIT TURRIE-MURRIE GWCEILWOBANAETE WALLIES

Tell us what you think the Thurso Folks from a bygone age might be saying? Send your entry to TCDT Office, Thurso Youth Club, Millbank Road, Thurso

Name:

Telephone: