Quote Originally Posted by Bill Fernie View Post
Don't forget the huge developments at Wick harbour with the redevelopment of the Stevens building and changes to the harbour getting ready for work boats etc. All this to supply the Beatrice Field of wind turbines. Up to 65 jobs in the construction period for the buildings to be completed in 2018. The possible 150 - 200 jobs on work boats as the turbines are constructed . Then up to 90 permanent jobs in the newly refurbished buildings connected to the turbines.

All the projects you mention have taken many years to come to fruition and possibly it is coincidence that they are all happening in a relatively short period of time. Undoubtedly there was big push to transform the fortunes of Wick after many decades of decline. It was very frustrating how long it took to get the schools and then finally once I became Chairman of the Education committee we got to the point where it was possible for many reasons to come forward with plans to renew all the Wick schools. Capital spending on that scale was not just about improving the education facilities but giving a boost to the local economy. The other spends on council offices and the nuclear archive had similar aims for the economy. Unconnected but very welcome was the development of the wind farms at sea.

Additionally we have had big spends going on but not so obvious for the new connection over the Moray Firth plus the new substations in various parts of the county. Added to that Wick harbour has seen the importing of turbines for several wind farms onshore giving some badly needed income for the harbour. Wick harbour continues to develop their plans and we will see more things happening in coming years.

New house building is still happening in Wick at various sites.

The down side has been the closing of the Tax office and run down in health services and CHAT is opposing several changes that may come forward by NHS Highland as that may reduce well paid jobs in the transfer of the balance of care as the health board put it We can do without reductions at the Town and County hospital or more reductions in the Caithness General. We want them to bring more clinics to Caithness General and find away to improve the number of birth in Caithness since so many are now in Raigmore, Inverness. Health plays a big part in the local economy so we want more dealt with locally.
Thanks for the information and update Bill.

I’m aware of all the fabulous feats you achieved for Wick during your long service as councillor and chair of education. I understand the schools wouldn’t have been built without your determination and sustained hard graft over a period of many years. Unfortunately Thurso doesn’t have such a winner.