Caithness.org

21st August 2025 It is a frightening moment when someone you love, who lives with dementia, cannot be found. For families in Scotland this happens more often than many realise, and while most people are found safe, those first minutes and hours are critical. The first thing is to search nearby places: the house, garden, garage, even sheds or cupboards. Many people return to routines from their past and head for an old workplaces, shops, previous homes, or school.

20th August 2025 If you jump off a cliff you probably die in seconds. If you VAPE you may die slowly 20 or more years later but have increasingly deteriorating health. Vaping is Not harmless—especially for youth, young adults, and during pregnancy. Nicotine can harm the developing brain (attention, learning, mood, impulse control) and is highly addictive. Health agencies advise that non-smokers should not vape, and pregnant people should avoid all nicotine products.

17th August 2025 Culture Secretary Angus Robertson has announced £1.8 million in grant support for arts and cultural festivals to put the spotlight on artistic talent across the country. The funding is available to non-profit arts and cultural festivals in Scotland and is designed to help them push creative boundaries and enhance their international reputation on the world stage.

16th August 2025 At Caithness Gen'r'l the birth‐ward's runnin' bare, Mither pats her bump and sighs into the night, Midwives scarce as hen's teeth, nae time tae spare, Wee bairn kicks on, unnerstaffed in flickerin’ light. Frae Thurso toon we hit the single‐track again, Tyre hums and engine roars through moor and brae, Rain spatterin’ windscreen, heart drummed wi’ mortal strain, Raigmore’s miles awa’, yet help’s still far away.

16th August 2025 O bonnie sky, wi' azure brow sae clear, Ye lift the weary heart frae earthly care; Your bairnless arch awakes the lark’s sweet cheer, And sets the soul to wander free as air. When morn unfolds her roseate, gilded light, Ye blush in blooms o’ pink on yon’ green lea; The dew-kist heather trembles at the sight, While earth and heaven dance in harmony.

15th August 2025 Over 350,000 Baby Boxes packed with essential items for newborns have been delivered across Scotland, saving expectant parents around £400 and giving children the best start in life. The Scottish Government's universal Baby Box programme, the only one of its kind in the UK, is offered to all parents of new-born babies.

7th August 2025 A flagship community culture fund that supports people across Scotland to take part in the creative arts has opened for new applications. Backed by £320,000 from the Scottish Government, the Creative Communities Scotland fund is open to organisations delivering activities such as dance, filmmaking, creative writing, music-making and storytelling.

3rd August 2025 Thousands of mothers and babies will benefit from extended support to breastfeeding services this year. Government extends National Breastfeeding Helpline to provide round-the-clock support for families. £18.5 million investment this year in infant feeding support through Family Hubs and Start for Life programme. Support forms part of mission to give children the best start in life under government's Plan for Change.

8 Things You Must Sell Before You Retire 26th July 2025 In this video, I discuss the 8 things you need to sell to be ready to retire. Nick Maher. VIDEO

21st July 2025 This podcast relates to issues in England but may be of interest to anyone looking at maternity issues as we have done in Caithness for many many years. In this latest podcast Niall and Roy talk to Dr Bill Kirkup CBE, who has headed some of the major enquiries into failing NHS services, including paediatric cardiac surgery in Oxford. Liverpool Community Services, and the high-profile investigations into maternity services at Morecambe Bay and East Kent Hospitals.