News Archive

Dial-Up Internet Users Be Warned

After the last few days of frantic phone calls from friends and friends of friends, I thought I'd better put out a warning to everyone who is still using a dial-up connection to the internet.   Back by unpopular demand are "dialers" which once your PC has one can cause your PC to dial premium rate numbers instead of your usual dial-up number.  

Wick Engraver Makes His Mark

A former employee of Caithness Glass has just set up his own engraving business, with assistance from his local enterprise company Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE).   Willie Bain was employed by Caithness Glass in Wick for over 30 years as a glass engraver and was also involved in the design and development of new products until he was made redundant in March 2004 when the company went into receivership.  

Caithness Wins Major Grant For £3.5 Million District Heating Scheme

Highland Councillors in Caithness are delighted with the success of a major funding application to promote the first wood-waste fuelled Combined Heat and Power system in Scotland at Wick.  The Energy Saving Trust has announced a £1.54 million grant today (Wednesday 16 September 2004) which is fundamental to the success of the £3.5 million first phase of this project.  

CASE Monthly Report for July 2004

Overall, the number of people unemployed in Caithness and Sutherland fell from 808 last month to 755.   The revised unemployment rates in the Sutherland, Wick and Thurso 'Travel to Work Areas' respectively are as follows (corresponding figures for last month are in brackets): 3.4% (3.7%), 4.4% (4.4%) and 2.4% (2.8%).  

Major Refit : Update

After many weeks of pacing about, much pulling out of hair, writing and rewriting 1000's of lines of code, the main part of the Business Index refit is now complete.  These changes cover the page for every business in every category.  Our submissions system has also changed, adding new submissions directly into the database for approval.  This should remove the "bounced e-mail" problems some people have encountered.  All that remains to be rebuilt is the news section, which should be finished soon.  So...  other than that and a few wee bits to tidy up, we're almost there :) Please note that all e-mails received regarding changes to business details and new submissions have now been dealt with, so if you find that your business information has not been updated, it means that we never received your information, please use the contact page, for the moment, to send updated information..  

New Lobster Business Gets CASE Support

A Caithness couple are embarking on a new business venture with help from Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE).   Louise and Peter Sinclair from Keiss are in the process of establishing the Sinclair Bay Lobster Company, which will buy lobsters in the summer months when prices are at their lowest and store them live until the winter when a premium price can be sought for the product.  

CASE Reveals Year-End Results

Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE) has published its year-end results, following the release of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) Network's results this morning.   CASE performed well in all of the Network's themes of Strengthening Communities, Developing Skills, Making Global Connections and Growing Businesses.  

Entries Invited For Modern Apprenticeship Awards

A new generation of skilled workers are to have their achievements recognised in a national award scheme.   Entries are currently being invited from businesses throughout the country for the 2003 Modern Apprenticeship awards.  

Bank Of Scotland & RentSmart to Launch UK's First Point of Sale Small Business Product

Scotland's 143,000 small and medium sized businesses will soon have access to a previously unavailable source of finance, with the launch of a pioneering point of sale rental finance facility.   Bank of Scotland Business Banking and innovative Australian financial services company, RentSmart have created a joint venture, RentSmart Ltd that will launch the new facility in the UK in May.  

CASE Helps With Purchase Of Cow Bath!

An innovative piece of agricultural machinery designed to assist in the treatment of sick or injured cattle is now available for hire in the far north, with help from Caithness and Sutherland Enterprise (CASE).   G, E & A Mowat of Quoynee Farm near Halkirk have been awarded a business development grant worth £1,500 towards the purchase of an Aqua Cow Riser Tank, which can be hired out to vets and other farmers in the area through the Caithness Machinery Ring.