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Dateline: Monday 15 June 2009 |
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Caithness Family History Group visits Castlehill Heritage
After an introduction by their president Anne Dunnett, a short welcome was given by CHS Chairwoman, Muriel Murray, followed by an explanation of the origins of the building and the activities that take place in it. The group then viewed the current exhibition "Comings and Goings" which looks at social movements into and out of the area. The garden with its heritage themed beds was an added attraction. Over a cup of tea, served by CHS committee members, the visitors had a chance to chat to each other and exchange reminiscences. As usual, CHS learnt a great deal by the end of the evening. To view a gallery of photos from the evening, courtesy of Sheila Moir, click here |
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Dateline: Monday 18 May 2009 |
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Castletown WRI display celebrates 90th Anniversary
The WRI meets on the second Wednesday of each month in the Drill Hall extension, Main Street, Castletown. New members are most welcome. |
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Fruits of labour showing in the Heritage Garden
Castlehill Heritage Centre is open from 2-4pm every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, other times by arrangement. Groups most welcome. Contact castletown.heritage@talk21.com for more details. |
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Wash and Brush Up - talent abounds
Beginners are especially welcome and receive a free introductory session. Sessions run from 7-9pm on Monday evenings at a cost of £8 per evening plus materials. Juniors and OAPs £5. |
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Dateline: Sunday 12 April 2009 |
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Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting of the Castletown Heritage Society will be held in the Castlehill Heritage Centre on Wednesday, 22 April at 7.30pm. The guest speaker will be Mike Ledger, Quarryside, who will talk about his research and travels in the pursuit of the story of those local men named on the Castletown War Memorial. All welcome - refreshments will be provided. |
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Drystone Dyking Course Over the course of the two days, multi-talented master craftsman Dave Goulder from Rosehall, Lairg, will coach course delegates in the basic craft skills before leading them on to more advanced techniques. Dave was born in 1939 of a Derbyshire farming family - a railway footplate man, mountaineer, motorcyclist, classical music enthusiast, Spanish guitar player, Jew's harp virtuoso, songwriter, poet, singer, hedge layer, junk sculptor, naturalist, community arts administrator, drystone walling Master Craftsman/instructor, ceilidh band member, failed mandolin player, and arthritic. For further information on Dave's work visit his superb website. If you wish to secure a place on this popular workshop, or require further information, drop us a line at castletown.heritage@talk21.com Early booking is recommended. |
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Dateline: Sunday 5 April 2009 |
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Castlehill on-line The system includes a fully configured VOIP phone service, which hopefully will be up and running later this week. This will be a huge asset to the Centre as to date we have been relying on mobile phone services which, due to the building having two foot thick stone walls, have been somewhat unreliable. |
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Castlehill House gates brought back to life
The gate is one of a pair that once guarded the harbour- side entrance to Castlehill House grounds, and was rescued a couple of years ago by the Society from under a heap of rubbish and debris in the ruins of Castlehill House. After much wire brushing by Muriel and a lick of paint the gate has been restored to something of its former glory, and stands as a reminder of the role of the Traill family in establishing the Flagstone Works at Castlehill. |
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Dateline: Saturday 14 March 2009 |
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Rainwater harvesting at Castlehill
When phase two is complete in a few weeks time, the system will additionally supply all our water needs for toilet and urinal flushing, thereby reducing mains water usage and the impact of the Centre on the environment. A back-up mains water feed will however be installed to cater for those long, hot Caithness summers when it doesn't rain for weeks..... |
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Dateline: Sunday 8 March 2009 |
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Knitting Workshop with Deirdre Nelson Originally from Ireland but living and working in Glasgow, Deirdre graduated from Glasgow School of Art in 1992, and her work has evolved through experimenting with materials and working methods to provide a humourous commentary on social and textile history. Her work employs a variety of techniques and materials fusing traditional textile skills and contemporary reinterpretation. She has exhibited in Britain and overseas and has recently been selected for Jerwood contemporary Makers in London. Deirdre is currently artist in residence at Taigh Chearsabagh Museum and Arts Centre in Lochmaddy N. Uist, Outer Hebrides. Typical of Deirdre's works on display this weekend was a curiously long sock with small 'memo notes' attached. Deirdre explained that during her time in Uist she learned of a story about about a mother who's son was away working in Edinburgh. As the mother was concerned for his welfare she regularly wrote to him, her news being littered with words of advice and reminders of how to look after himself. Often she would send parcels, including hand knitted clothing. "I could just imagine the mother knitting a sock which got longer and longer as she absent mindedly focused on what her son might be doing and formulating appropriate words of advice, rather than concentrating on the sock... I captured what I thought might be some of those words and attached them along the length of the sock and gave them a contemporary feel by formatting like the header of an email." As can be seen from the photos below the workshop proved to be a great success, with local themes being developed in the knitted form, such as bottles of Old Pulteney whisky, fish and pebbles, siren fish, boats, jute twine vests and traditional music notes to name but a few. Thoughts are formulating for another workshop later in the year. If you are interested, drop us a line at castletown.heritage@talk21.com Photos: Neil Buchan and John Crowden |
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Dateline: Sunday 1 March 2009 |
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Astronomy Club meets at Castlehill Group Chairman Gordon Mackie picks up the story: "We were treated to breathtaking views of the night sky. It's hard to believe what we managed to see, all in the space of a couple of hours. Early on we were treated to views of the crescent Moon and Venus showing a similar crescent phase. Then with the sky darkening the Pleiades, the Orion Nebula and the Milky Way started to become visible. By the end we had seen stars & star clusters galore, galaxies, a planet almost without its familiar rings, a passing comet, an iridium flare and a shooting star or two. Let's hope for more of this at future events!" Photos: Gordon Mackie |
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Dateline: Sunday 22 February 2009 |
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Signage at Castlehill The smart new signs were supplied by Malcolm Begg at Haster, the grey colour being chosen to blend in with the building stonework. If coming by car please park in the Heritage Trail car park, directly opposite - there is ample space available. This will help keep the hardcore area in front of the entrance available for blue badge holders or others having access difficulties. |
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Dateline: Tuesday 03 February 2009 |
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Archaeological Post Excavation WorkshopFollowing on from the success of last summer 's archaeological training project 'Looking for Vikings', the archaeological post excavation training workshop held last Sunday proved to be very popular indeed. Dr Andy Heald of AOC archaeology coached the eager attendees in the techniques and processes involved in sifting, sorting, recording and analysing finds from archaeological excavations. Very much a 'hands-on' experience!
To register interest in the next workshop please contact castletown.heritage@talk21.com |
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Dateline: Wednesday 21 January 2009 |
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Dateline: Friday 02 January 2009 |
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Craftsmen 'Turn out' for Prize Giving
The regular Saturday morning workshop sessions, which take place in the Multipurpose Skills Workshop Area within the Castlehill Heritage Centre, resume in February.
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Dateline: Thursday 01 January 2009 |
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Dateline: Friday 26 December 2008 |
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Dateline: Saturday 20 December 2008 |
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Dateline: Wednesday 10 December 2008 |
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Daisy Cowe meets the 1st Dunnet Bay Cub Scouts at the Castlehill Crofting & Farming Exhibition
Tracing her ancestry to even earlier times, she heard how land owner James Traill had introduced a new dairy herd of Ayrshires to his Castlehill farm in the late 1700s.to improve milk yields. The herd was accompanied by an experienced Ayrshire dairy-maid. Success came quickly and Castlehill cheese was sent south to the Edinburgh market, where it was much in demand as a quality product. During her visit to Castlehill, Daisy met Cub Scouts from the 1st Dunnet Bay Scout Group. Thanks to Daisy's patience, the youngsters received hands-on experience of milking supervised by Christine Crowden. They also turned their hands to churning butter with the assistance of Neil Buchan, and making hand-made ropes and nets under the watchful eye of Hugh Crowden. The exhibition is open every Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday from 2pm - 4pm. Other times and special openings or activity evenings for groups by arrangement. |
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Dateline: Wednesday 3 December 2008 |
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Looking for Vikings - Sat 6th & Sun 7th December
Watch the website for further updates on revised dates. To reserve a place contact castletown.heritage@talk21.com |
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Dateline: Wednesday 19 November 2008 |
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Crofting and Farming Exhibition - Sat 21 November
The exhibition opens on Saturday 21 November and will be open from 2pm - 4pm every Saturday, Sunday and Wednesday afternoon over the winter. Other times by appointment. |
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Flagstone Village - Available to purchase on CD ROM
Sadly our stock of books is exhausted however the book is now available to purchase in pdf format on CD ROM, priced at £15. Copies are on sale at Castlehill Heritage Centre or can be ordered by contacting us at: castletown.heritage@talk21.com Post and packing will be charged at cost.Available now - ideal Christmas gift! |
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Dateline: Monday 2 November 2008 |
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Northern Glow - Biomass heating open day successCastletown Heritage Society and Community Energy Scotland held an open day last Saturday, 1st November, demonstrating the new log boiler heating system installed in the Castlehill Heritage Centre. Our state of the art installation burns from the Dunnet Forestry Trust community woodland in a modern log boiler - the heat is stored in a special tank and then used by the underfloor heating and hot water systems in the building as necessary. The event was opened by CHS Chairwoman Muriel Murray, after which committee member Neil Buchan, gave a detailed presentation on the design, procurement and installation of the system, fielding many questions from a well informed and enthuiastic audience. After a tour of the system and installation, Jon Priddy, Community Energy Scotland North and East Highland Area Manager, gave further examples of community led renewable energy installations and information on the range of grants and assistance available from CES. The event concluded with an excellent lunch provided by the St Clair Arms Hotel, Castletown and overall was judged a great success, as evidenced by the very positive comments in the visitors book - see above.
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Ancestral Research - Thursday 4th November
Tel: 01847 821204 or castletown.heritage@talk21.com |
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Dateline: Thursday 30 October 2008 |
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Looking for Vikings - Sunday 9th November
A warm welcome back to all those who took part in the summer activities and also to any new budding archaeologists who may like to attend. A second two-day workshop is planned for the weekend of the 5-6 th December. To book a place contact castletown.heritage@talk21.com |
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Dateline: Sunday 12 October 2008 |
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Wash and Brush Up II - Painting Classes by Helen MooreStarts Monday 13 OctoberReturning by popular demand, CHS will be hosting a series of art painting classes in Castlehill Heritage Centre. The tutor for the sessions will once again be local Castletown artist Helen Moore who specialises in oils, acrylics and oil pastels. Selection of paintings from the sessions held in June - click to enlarge The sessions will run on Monday evenings, starting on on Monday 13 October. Beginners are especially welcome and will receive a free introductory session. Sessions will run from 7-9pm and cost £8 per evening plus materials. Juniors and OAPs £5. To book a place contact castletown.heritage@talk21.com or come along on Monday 13 Oct. For further information click here. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
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Croft Crafts - Traditional Skills workshop - Sat 4 OctFollowing the success of the event held last year as part of the Highland 2007 Year of Culture Community Programme, Castletown Heritage Society staged a second workshop on Saturday 4th October. On offer were spinning, carding, fleece preparation, crochet, rag rug making and quilting. The workshop was fully subscribed, highlighting the strong local interest in preserving these traditonal skills. A third workshop will almost certainly be included in next year's line-up of events. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
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Never felt better! - Felt scarf workshop - Sat 15 Nov
Join local artist and tutor Joanne Kaar for this innovative, practical workshop and learn how to prepare the materials, design and then create your very own scarf, which will be yours to take away. The workshop will be held in the Castlehill Heritage Centre on Saturday 15 November. All materials will be provided (at cost - £13) - your imagination comes free! Numbers will be limited therefore booking is essential - telephone 01847 821204 or email castletown.heritage@talk21.com for more details and to secure your place. |
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Dateline: Wednesday 19 August 2008 |
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Flotsam & Jetsam - Driftwood Sculpture - art workshop
John will demonstrate how to transform innocuous looking pieces of driftwood into stunning examples of creative driftwood sculpture. Workshop participants will be guided through the process as they create their own work of art. The workshop will be held in the Castlehill Heritage Centre on Sunday 31 August. Materials will be provided. Booking is essential - 01847 890983 and for more details. |
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Dateline: Saturday 2 August 2008 |
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LOOKING FOR VIKINGS! - WEEKEND MEDIEVAL POTTERY WORKSHOP
Did you know that fired clay material can turn out red or grey dependant on the oxygen levels in the oven at the time of firing? Do you know the distinctive features of Aberdeen-shire clay based artefacts that have found their way all round Scotland? If you want to find out more, come along to the public lecture taking place this evening at 7.30 in Castlehill Heritage Centre. Its free and all are welcome! |
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Castletown Pupils' magnificent mural now on display
One of only five communities chosen to take part in the initiative, the pupils chose to investigate and showcase the life of William Angus, a journeyman stonecutter from Castletown who emigrated to New York in 1866, and who used the skills learned in Castletown to build mansions on New York's famous Fifth Avenue. Local artist Joanne B Carr has transformed the pupils' artwork, created during a two day workshop within the Castlehill Heritage Centre, into a magnificent mural which is now proudly on display to the public in the Centre. The project was funded and supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, Scottish Community Foundation, Highlands and Islands Enterprise and An Talla Solais (Ullapool Visual Arts).
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Woodturners turn it on at Castlehill
Castletown Heritage Society are delighted to welcome the NHWA as regular users of the facility, the theme of their activities being entirely in keeping with the aims of the Society in preserving local and vernacular skills.
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Flower Power at Castlehill
Most of the plants were sourced from our local Woodside Garden Centre who have been very supportive of the Centre. Why not give them a call - you too could have a show like this!
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Dateline: Wednesday 30 July 2008 |
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LOOKING FOR VIKINGS! - WEEKEND WORKSHOP
George is a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London and sits on the council of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland. He is also a Research Associate at the National Museums Scotland. He has published almost 90 papers or articles on ceramic material dating from the 12th to 19th centuries and is currently working towards the distribution in the Journal of the Northern Ceramic Society, of two ceramic resource disks, on 17th and 18th century ceramic material recovered from archaeological excavations carried out at kiln sites near Prestonpans, East Lothian. Keeping up his interest in medieval pottery he is also involved with a Historic Scotland funded programme of ICP-MS chemical analysis on medieval and latter Scottish redwares, and the publication of a number of ceramic assemblages from urban sites. Whilst the overall Castletown community project is tailored to finding Viking and Norse archaeology we also aim to learn about the other material and structural remains of other ancestors who lived and died in the area. This weekend’s workshop investigates the material evidence for individuals who lived and died during the post-Viking period. George is planning an ambitious programme that involves not only lectures but also hands-on teaching from his extensive pottery collections. George will also deliver the Saturday evening lecture (in Castlehill Heritage Centre, 7.30pm). It really is a coup for Castletown Heritage to get someone of George’s standing and what he doesn’t know about medieval and post-medieval ceramics isn’t worth knowing! He is very enthusiastic about the area and the project, so much so that he will speak about the possibility of creating a more formal fieldwalking project in the future. Whether fieldwalking or excavating, you nearly always encounter med and post med ceramics. As always the Weekend workshops are free to attend, are open to all and there is no charge for any part of the project. Workshops run from 10am – 4pm and are held at Castlehill Archaeological Research Facility within the Castlehill Heritage Centre, Harbour Road, Castletown. We hope to see you there. If you would like to take part in the project please contact: Mrs Muriel Murray, Castletown Heritage Society Tel: 01847 821 204 Email castletown.heritage@talk21.com CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND A LINK TO THE DAILY WEB DIARY
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Dateline: Wednesday 9 July 2008 |
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LOOKING FOR VIKINGS!
Central to the project is the involvement and training of the local community. As well as undertaking a six-week field project, the programme will involve public lectures, training days on artefacts, survey, excavation, post-excavation and publications, web diaries and open days. This ambitious project kicks off at Castlehill Archaeological Research Facility, Harbour Road, Castletown on Saturday 12th July 08. The programme for the first weekend - Saturday12th and Sunday13th July from 10 am to 4 pm including a public lecture on Saturday at 7.30 - will outline the project and provide an introduction to the archaeology of the area, with a particular focus on the Vikings, and be complemented with a series of artefact recording workshops specific to the project. Everyone is welcome and there is no charge for any of the project. If you would like to take part in the project please contact: Mrs Muriel Murray, Castletown Heritage Society Tel: 01847 821 204 Email castletown.heritage@talk21.com CLICK HERE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION AND A LINK TO THE DAILY WEB DIARY
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Dateline: Wednesday 11 June 2008 |
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Towards a sustainable future for Castletown
If you would like to express an opinion, you can:
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Dateline: Tuesday 3 June 2008 |
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Wash and Brush Up - Painting Classes for Beginners by Helen MooreOver the course of the next few weeks CHS will be hosting a series of art painting classes for beginners in Castlehill Heritage Centre. The tutor for the sessions will be local Castletown artist Helen Moore who specialises in oils, acrylics and oil pastels. The sessions will run for six consecutive Mondays starting with a free introductory session on Monday 9th June. Sessions will run from 7-9pm and cost £8 per evening plus materials. To book a place contact castletown.heritage@talk21.com or come along to the free taster session on Monday 9th June. For further information click here. |
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Dateline: Thursday 24th April 2008 |
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Official Opening ofCastlehill Archaeological Research Facility |
Paul Humphreys of Caithness Archaeological Trust demonstrates the wet sieving equipment
Wet sieving equipment and settling tanks
From left: Dr John Barber, Muriel Murray, Paul Humphreys, Jimmy Gunn, Lord Lieutenant of Caithness Anne Dunnett
John Barber complements Paul Humphreys on his design of the wet sieving equipment, manufactured locally by Gows of Lybster
Local builder Tony Birdsall (AJ Building Services) and CHS committee member Hugh Crowden (left) enjoy a well earned rest from construction of the facility |
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Thursday 24 April saw the culmination of two months hard work to construct the Castlehill Archaeological Research Facility within the 'long building' at Castlehill Heritage Centre. The facility has been created by Castletown Heritage Society and will be leased to AOC Archaeology Group. Working in partnership with Caithness Archaeological Trust, CHS and AOC will use the facility to support the River of Stone Programme of trial digs and excavations due to get underway shortly throughout Caithness. The opening ceremony was ably performed by Lord Lieutenant of Caithness Anne Dunnett and local Castletown man Jimmy Gunn who used to work on Thurdistoft farm. During his entertaining speech, the invited guests heard Dr John Barber, Managing Director of AOC Archaeology Group invoke the blessings of God or the benign indifference of the universe on the enterprise at Castletown and associate himself and AOC with Muriel Murray’s earlier acknowledgement of the roles played by funding agencies, Castletown Heritage Society Committee and others in the realisation of the project. The provision of analytical facilities at the Castlehill Archaeological Research Facility forms part of the overall strategy of the River of Stone programme. Prepared by AOC at the request of Caithness Archaeological Trust, the River of Stone Programme proposes extensive Fieldwork and Excavations throughout the county. By providing fundamental sample, finds and data processing facilities within Caithness the likelihood of attracting leading scholars to undertake Fieldwork in the county is greatly increased. At the same time these facilities allow AOC to provide training and employment for local community members in archaeological methods. In turn access to trained personnel also makes working in the county easier and more attractive for archaeological groups. AOC in partnership with Castletown Heritage Society and Caithness Archaeological Trust very much welcome the creation of these new facilities at Castlehill, which they see as a beginning of a process rather than the successful culmination of a project, although it is undoubtedly the latter also. Investment by CASE (now HIE) and EU Funding in the project has been encouraged by AOC’s leasing of the facilities from Castletown Heritage Society for a minimum five year period. From the outset AOC will employ two archaeological technicians at Castlehill supported by a part time manager, all employed locally. As works progress further works opportunities will emerge. AOC is committed to a spend of £250k - £300k over the five year period. During that time further archaeological projects will be undertaken in Caithness, which will multiply the investment many times over. Sample processing from these projects will of course be undertaken at Castlehill. Next steps include the creation of an IT hub, an archiving facility and field research facilities in Caithness to provide a comprehensive infrastructural base that will allow the execution of the interesting and exciting projects within the River of Stone Programme. Castletown Heritage Society gratefully acknowledge the support of local contractors A J Building Services, Duncan Gray (electricians), Corrie Group (plumbing), and Gows of Lybster (plant and equipment) in helping us deliver the facility on programme. |
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Dateline: Wednesday 23rd April 2008 |
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Annual General Meeting
Chairwoman Muriel Murray presented a comprehensive resume of the Society's achievements over the past year, which included a full programme of events and workshops as part of the Highland 2007 Year of Culture, completion of the building works for the Castlehill Vernacular Skills Facility and the official opening of the Centre by Lord Maclennan of Rogart in November and more recently, completion of the building works to establish a new Archaeological Research Facility within the 'long building'. A full programme of events is now in place for 2008, which include dry stone dyking, beginners painting classes, basic fieldwork in archeology, driftwood sculpture, croft crafts and felt scarf manufacture. The major summer exhibition will be on the flagstone industry, with particular emphasis on the impact it had on Castletown and the Parish of Olrig - the birth of the village and the social implications of the rise and fall of the industry. In presenting the accounts for 2007/08, treasurer John Moar observed that in recent times have grown in complexity due to the extensive capital works undertaken and the management of grant funds from a variety of agencies. John has stepped down as treasurer after many years service to focus on his studies. Also retiring from office was Secretary Fiona Bremner. Interim Chairman Will Menzies presided over the election of office bearers for 2008 as follows: Chairwoman: Muriel Murray Vice Chairwoman: Liz Geddes Treasurer: John Crowden Secretary: Anne Smith Committee: Neil Buchan, Hugh Crowden, Christine Crowden
Photos - Left: John Barbour in action - Right: Muriel Murray, John Barber and Catherine Green, both of AOC Archeology Group |
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Dateline: Tuesday 22nd April 2008 |
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The Heat is ON! Declaring the system fully fit for service and "one of the neatest installations I've ever seen" Peter handed over the completion certificate to Neil Buchan, CHS Technical Project Manager.
The system has also been designed to accommodate future addition of other renewable energy sources, which will be developed as funds become available. Such potential sources may include solar water heating, a ground source heat pump and ultimately, a micro wind turbine. Consistent with our aim to support our local community, logs for the system are being sourced from the Dunnet Forestry Trust. The installation was made possible thanks to the award of a grant under the Scottish Community and Householder Renewables Initiative (SCHRI), managed by the North Highlands branch of the Highlands & Islands Community Energy Company, and match funding from the Highland Council Landward Caithness Ward 4 Discretionary Budget. |
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Dateline: Wednesday 9th April 2008 |
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Castlehill Archaeological Research FacilityExciting news! We are delighted to announce that the Opening of the new Castlehill Archaeological Research Facility by Miss Anne Dunnett, Lord Lieutenant of the County will take place on Thursday 24th April 2008. The frenzy of building activity over the past few weeks is almost complete and will see a new, community-owned archaeological research facility operational within within the 'long' Castlehill building. Codenamed 'Phase 2 devlopment', the project has been undertaken by Castletown Heritage Society with financial assistance from HIE (Caithness and Sutherland) and the European Fund. The facility has been designed to process materials from excavations and its creation forms part of the River of Stone Programme, promoted by the Caithness Archaeological Trust (CAT). This will be a collaborative venture with a commercial archaeological company, AOC Archaeology Group, assuring the viability of the project. Local community members will receive training in archaeological work and the processing of material from other excavations undertaken in Caithness, both those from within the River of Stone Programme and independent of it. Two full-time and one part-time job for local graduates will be created by AOC at the site and they will work on materials from sites excavated throughout the United Kingdom. The Castletown site will be linked to AOC's computer network and all information will be shared in real-time. The processing to be undertaken at Castletown comprises the wet sieving and sorting of archaeological soil samples, the documentation of the results and the dispatch of materials for expert analysis, mainly at British Universities and Museums. Some routine laboratory analyses will be added to the workload following training of the staff. Processing will begin with the soil samples from the programme of broch excavation along Sinclair Bay, undertaken by the National Museum of Scotland, Nottingham University and AOC Archaeology Group. Very shortly, CHS will also be announcing receipt of funding for a significant project on the Dunnet Bay area, also part of the River of Stone programme and of course materials from this site will also be processed at the new facility. In time, materials from many more sites will follow. The building works have also included the creation of a new multi-purpose activity room and a large store for the extensive collection of artefacts of which Castletown Heritage is custodian. Photos to follow after the grand opening! |
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Dateline: Sunday 30 March 2008 |
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Annual General Meeting Followed by a talk "Looking for Vikings" by Dr John Barber, AOC Archaeology. First public viewing of new Castlehill Archaeology Research Laboratory. Refreshments provided. Wednesday 23rd April 2008, 7.30pm Castlehill Heritage Centre, Harbour Road, Castletown. |
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Dateline: Sunday 30 March 2008 |
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Programme of events for 2008The provisional programme of events for 2008 is now available - click here for further details.
The Society will also run a series of themed exhibitions throughout the season, the first of which appropriately enough will be an exhibition opening in May on the Flagstone Industry and it's impact on the people and the built environment of Castletown and the Parish of Olrig. For further details of the events and confirmed dates, email: castletown.heritage@talk21.com or phone 01847 821 204. Early booking is advised to avoid disappointment. |
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Dateline: Sunday 30 March 2008 |
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What's going on here then?
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Dateline: Saturday 29 March 2008 |
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Biomass Heating System progress
The system is being installed by Society volunteers and subject to component delivery it is hoped to have the system commissioned ahead of schedule and in time for the AGM on 23rd April. |
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Dateline: Monday 10 March 2008 |
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Castletown and the Sea exhibition closes after successful run
Perhaps the most astonishing story to be discovered, was that of "Forby" Sutherland, a native of Olrig, who was recruited by Captain James Cook, to join his South Seas expedition in 1766. Unfortunately Forby died of T.B in 1770, and was buried at Botany Bay, apparently the first white man to be buried on the east coast of Australia. CHS are currently researching the story of this son of Olrig parish. The CHS policy to remain open to the public on Saturday and Sunday afternoons throughout the winter has proved to be both prudent and rewarding. Visitors to the winter exhibition have included locals, holiday-makers, surfers, Guides and the Dunnet Bay Beavers, whose visit featured a quiz along with Viking and pirate activities. All visitors recorded positive and encouraging comments. Watch this space for details of the forthcoming programme of events and exhibitions for 2008. |
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Dateline: Monday 10 March 2008 |
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Things are starting to hot up at Castlehill Heritage Centre
The proposed system has also been designed to accommodate future addition of other renewable energy sources, which will be developed as funds become available. Such potential sources may include solar water heating, a ground source heat pump and ultimately, a micro wind turbine. Consistent with our aim to support our local community, logs for the system will be sourced from the Dunnet Forestry Trust. To minimise expenditure, the system is being installed by skilled Society members and on completion will be inspected, commissioned and certified by registered biomass consultant and system supplier Peter de la Haye Engineering, thereby ensuring the appropriate technical, installation and system performance standards are met. It is hoped to have the system fully operational around the end of May. For further information on the proposed development of renewable energy at the Castlehill Heritage Centre click here. |
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Dateline: Wednesday 26 December 2007 |
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Cannon ball found in West Murkle Garden The cannon ball on the left was found in a west Murkle garden. It weighs in at an impressive 22lbs (~10 kg) and is about 4 inches (100mm) in diameter. Local historian George Watson believes it came either from one of Cromwell's frigates in 1654 or from John Gow's pirate ship in 1724. The smaller ball on the right is about 2 inches in diameter. Both are remarkably well preserved and are on display as part of the Castletown at Sea exhibition currently running at the Castlehill Heritage Centre (weekends 1-3pm). If anyone can shed any further light on the nature or history of these artefacts, please get in touch. |
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Dateline: Saturday 15 December 2007 |
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Committee Christmas DinnerYesterday evening the Castletown Heritage Society committee members and their partners took a well earned break from their duties and efforts with a Christmas dinner at the St Clair Arms Hotel in Castletown. After a first class meal courtesy of Andrew Mackay and his team we were entertained by John Innes and his karaoke extravaganza. Whilst we perhaps might have chosen to sit other than directly in front of the PA system, we had a ring-side seat to watch the star performers, first prize for which must go to a group of teachers from Thurso High School. Also in atttendance were the committee and helpers from Castletown Play Group. All in all a thoroughly enjoyable evening! Sair heids aside it was back to business today with the Castlehill Centre open from 1pm to 3pm every Saturday and Sunday over the winter season. The current main feature is an exhibition exploring the fascinating relationship between Castletown and the Parish of Olrig and the sea. We will be open on Boxing Day if you are out and about walking off the excesses of Christmas Day! |
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Dateline: Saturday 17 November 2007 |
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Official
Opening declared outstanding success
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Figurehead from the schooner 'Flower of Olrig' |
The long held aspirations of Castletown Heritage Society to create a multi-purpose exhibition and vernacular skills centre were finally realised today when Lord Maclennan of Rogart performed the official Opening Ceremony at the Castlehill Heritage Centre. A large audience of invited guests and visitors turned out to hear Chairwoman Muriel Murray explain how the Centre had been developed through the hard work and dedication of Society members, friends and supporters, including a number of local contractors and suppliers. She also thanked the various organisations who lent financial support, either directly (Highland 2007 Community Fund and Lottery Fund Awards for All) or in kind (UKAEA Dounreay, Invisible Heating Systems and Caithness Stone Industries) through the generous donation of materials. In his speech, Lord Maclennan paid tribute to the vision and dedication of the Society, whose drive and enthusiasm had been recognised as a leading inspiration for the North Highland Initiative. A key feature of the opening ceremony was the launch of Castletown and the Sea - an exhibition exploring the fascinating relationship between Castletown and the Parish of Olrig and the sea - the Viking landings, the export of Flagstone from Castlehill Harbour to as far afield as Argentina, India and Australia, local heroes of the high seas, fishing, the many ships that foundered in the area, wartime events and more. In declaring the centre open Lord Maclennan reflected that the content of the exhibition demonstrated the adaptabilty and resourcefulness of the local population throughout history to the present day. The exhibition and Heritage Centre will be open from 1pm to 3pm every Saturday and Sunday over the winter and other times by arrangement. |
Chairwoman Muriel Murray Lord Maclennan of Rogart The Centre is officially declared open!
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A steady stream of visitors arrived throughout the afternoon Products from Joanne Karr's workshop on paper making |
Open Day and display of results from the Vernacular Skills Workshops.Sat 27 October 2007In stark contrast to the damp and dreich weather, a warm welcome awaited everyone who came along to the Open Day on Saturday 27th October. On display were examples of what was achieved during the vernacular skills workshops held as part of the Highland 2007 Year of Culture Community Programme. Many of the workshop tutors were on hand to explain the techniques and skills used including Joanne Karr, Nona Mackay and the ladies of Murkle Rural, and Ann Johnston, whose sessions on spinning and carding were very popular. Visitors were also able to view the latest progress in developing the Castlehill Heritage Centre, including the access arrangements through the garden courtyard. Click here for a full report on each of the skills workshops, or click on the Highland 2007 tab above. |
Treadle powered wood working lathe and samples of work by local craftsman Alan Jones. The access path through the garden is now all but complete - well done Hugh and Muriel! |
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