Here, you can find all of the latest new by RBWCC such as the council’s sub groups such as, Wick Paths Group, Wick Flower Baskets, Wick Christmas Lights and HAPPY. As well as local news affecting our community council area.

A FUTURE FOR WICK AIRPORT

Hopes of a viable future for Caithness air links have been given a massive boost with the announcement today of up to £4 million in Scottish Government funding. The money will be made available to Highland Council over the next four financial years to bring back services to and from Wick John O'Groats Airport. The Scottish Government says the investment will help the local authority to take forward plans for public service obligation (PSO) routes, in consultation with communities and businesses. Caithness was left without scheduled flights after the loss of the Wick/Edinburgh and Wick/Aberdeen routes last year.
The Scottish Government has been giving consideration to a PSO business case submitted by Caithness Chamber of Commerce. Scotland's transport secretary Michael Matheson said: “We recognise the issues faced by the Caithness area with the loss of the flights to and from Edinburgh and Aberdeen, so we are pleased to announce significant funding to help reintroduce flights to Wick. “This will allow Highland Council, in partnership with key stakeholders, to take forward plans for public service obligation routes. I am in no doubt they are best placed to determine the services that are required by their communities. Read more in the John O' Groat Journal... https://www.johnogroat-journal.co.uk/news/4m-scottish-government-boost-to-bring-back-wick-air-services-227045/​.

NEW BEATRICE FUNDING OPPORTUNITY!

Beatrice Partnership Fund has reopened for the final time. The fund supports projects that are based in the East Coast of Caithness and Sutherland  plus the following Community Council areas in  Rosshire,  Edderton, Tain, Inver and Tarbat. 
The fund is for projects which create or enhance opportunities for education and employment through activities focused on improving an individual’s chances of entering the workplace or further professional development. Empower fragile communities to become more resilient and to protect their vulnerable residents through measures which demonstrate long term social, environmental or economic improvements, Stimulate meaningful regeneration through actions which improve or enhance local infrastructure, landscape, biodiversity, or heritage to make a lasting difference to the places we live, work and visit
​For full guidance go to Beatrice Partnership | SSE Renewables The closing date for the fund is Wednesday 28th April at 12 noon. You can apply  for funding from £10,000 - £50,000 
 If you would like to attend  an information session delivered by SSE to get guidance and advice on how to submit a good application to this fund then please contact yvonne@cvg.org.uk there is no date for this yet.

FIX OUR TOWN WITH FixMyStreet

FixMyStreet is a website an app primarily for reporting things which are broken or dirty or damaged or dumped, and need fixing, cleaning or clearing, like graffiti, dog fouling, potholes or street lights that don't work. When you submit your post the local council are notified and the problem is published on the FixMyStreet website. Download the app today!
 ​Visit https://www.fixmystreet.com/

NEW POST OFFICE FOR WICK

Wick Community Council are delighted to hear and spread the word that a new Post Office for Wick shall open on 7th January 2021. Initially, opening hours shall be from 10am until 2pm, Monday to Friday; this may increase depending on demand. The new Post Office has been taken on by Kevin and Dawn Milkins and will be run from the former DSS office at 125-127 High Street, Wick. The new premises will offer a one way system where people can queue indoors, and a ticketing system will be in place. The new premises shall also cater for disabled access. Across the street there is free parking available (Camps car park) which be very convenient as it is a short distance away from the premises, and for customers especially for those with parcels etc.

We as community councillors would like to wish Kevin and his wife, along with their staff the very best of luck in their new venture. We are sure that this will be a much used new service and will be welcomed by customers who are currently using the mobile Post Office which will officially end its service here in Wick on 6th January 2021 at 3pm. We must thank the mobile service for stepping in and offering such a service during this interim period. Having spoken to Mr Milkins, he has explained to the community council that lots of hard work and long hours have been put in on getting the property ready to be opened in time for the new year and he is looking forward to opening the doors to his first customers on January 7th.
Above: Mr Kevin Milkins, new postmaster for Wick, standing in the doorway of his successful business premises “Biron’s Ironmongers” on High Street.

INVESTIGATIONS INTO LOCAL CHARITY