Demographics

[bagpuss]

Anyone who lives in a big town or big city knows that population changes happen all the time as those following 'on yer bike' dictats frompoliticians, move in order to seek work etc.

I agree with the orger who found the notion of 'incomers' rather Royston Vasey. if we all stayed in the same place it would end up rather creepy.

traditionally in Caithness Thurso was the more lively and welcoming location with lots of people coming into work at Dounreay and Vulcan- while Wick was a place where you socialised with family and extended family- and not much else.

Times however are changing- and the new businesses opening in both towns (which have nothing to do with Dounreay etc) are indicative of demographic changes. Similarly the more expensive houses being sold by the people who made their money out of Dounreay etc- now returning south, or moving to be nearer their families who didn't settle in Caithness also indicate the county is changing.

These changes do affect lots of services. Factors that might attract people into an area like Caithness might be provision of care for children with special needs, or care for the elderly.

When my family moved north over 30 years ago, it was to work with the UKAEA, and my parents fully intended to move south after a few years. I know of other people- like my friend's family who liked it so much they stayed put. However, when your friends all retire elsewhere, it can get lonely for the folk left behind.

so- to all those welcome newcomers- what was it about Caithness that attracted you to the place? and do you see yourself staying for ever- or just for a few years?

[Gronnuck]

We first visited in 1995 to do the Maxi Day tour of Orkney and B&B in Thurso. Liked the area, lovely people and a slower pace of life so much so we came back again and again. Life in the Central Belt was getting hectic, our once quiet village expanded to accommodate the housing needs of people forced out of Edinburgh by high property prices. Increased housing density meant less space all around, frayed tempers, garden rage, noise rage, litter rage, graffiti rage as well as road rage. Claustraphobia began to set in and we looked forward to the acres of sky that is Caithness.
We've been here over two years and wouldn't go back. We've only gone south once and that was to Inverness, we stayed two hours, did what we had to do and a little shopping then fled north.

[lindsaymcc]

My Gran and Grandad moved here when my mum was 3yrs old, as Grandad secured a job at Dounray just as it started up. Initially for 5yrs..... well 50yrs later, and my Gran is still here! My mum grew up and joined the RAF where she met my dad. Both moved around a fair bit, but settled in Suffolk as that was where the work was, and where I was raised. We visited at least once a year throughout my childhood, and I have always loved the place - it always seemed to me to be the best place ever.

Fast forward to my married life, due to certain circumstances, we were looking to relocate for a fresh start. An opportunity came up, and here we are! 15 months we have been here, and not a single day have I ever regretted my decision. My children are happier, and more content, and getting a fabulous education compared to where we were.

Would never go back to live down south, I like to visit, as obviously have a lot of friends and family still down there, but for me, home is Thurso!

[ducati]

We kind of moved here on a whim. Had to move north for therealducati's job but could have been Aberdeen, Fort William Inverness, where ever. However we looked on the org and instantly decided, these people need us.

[gleeber]

I can remember when the influx was happening in the mid 50s. Us gleebers gave it the tribal thing for a while but the atomicers just ignored us and we married their children and lived happily ever after.
I know a lot of people who took to Caithness instantly.
I know there's a kind of inbuilt nosiness about long time locals whom if they didnt know your granny, theyre knackered.