Tag: Caithness

Not someone who would shy away from a challenge (within reason), I have been pondering over whether it would be possible to tackle a trek down Whaligoe Steps every day for one year. Capturing whatever I witness on each of those visits via my trusty camera for posterity. My challenge began after some preparation on May 1st, 2023.

So as this challenge evolves, I’ll share with you a couple of photographs from each day to give you an idea what a wonder this whole idea should result in. Imagine a 365 day tour of the Whaligoe Steps?!

This is the first blog to share some photographs and observations during the first fortnight…

May 1st, 2023: Drizzly start to my challenge, but saved by some relaxing ambience and a dandelion awaiting a wish…

May 2nd, 2023: Seabirds enjoying the soft glow of sunlight, and a singing wren within the distance of an outstretched arm…

May 3rd, 2023: Above, photographic ambience of an early morning at Whaligoe Steps…

May 4th, 2023: Cloudy start to the day at Whaligoe Steps, breezy and overcast…

May 5th, 2023: Strong winds bring restless waves, while on land the presence of primrose is felt…

May 6th, 2023: Above, photographic evidence of nature’s foam party in the aftermath of the stormy day prior, plus some thrift offer solace with their gentle sway in the breeze…

May 7th, 2023: Plenty of rocky sculptures in this rustic setting, whilst the flora witnesses seabirds glide on air…

May 8th, 2023: A female eider duck paddles in the North Sea unaware of the drizzle which falls, while the broken anchor which dwells on a pebble shore remains stoic in this wet weather…

May 9th, 2023: More rain relents on this day, captured for posterity by the branches of a cotoneaster on Whaligoe Steps, plus the rocks on a pebble shore wear quite a striking sheen…

May 10th, 2023: This month has showcased the differing coats a dandelion wears, while elsewhere around the Whaligoe Steps you may stumble across cobwebs hosting baby spiders…

May 11th, 2023: Side view of the Bink which is the grassy/muddy platform at the base of the six zig-zagging flights of ‘Steps, plus another guise of the humble dandelion…

May 12th, 2023: Three wishes are waiting, plus a view looking to the North Sea from the Bink and including the salt house…

May 13th, 2023: Local feline presence, Star, eagerly watches a patch of grass, as further down Whaligoe Steps you’ll find a razorbill startled at the sudden flight of a resident shag…

May 14th, 2023: Guillemots enjoying the ambience of the North Sea, as a sailing boat soaks up the sea air…

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A sunrise captured for posterity on the 29th of April, 2023. Not just golden in a visual sense, but an opportunity photographed and shared for what is a blog touching on historic postcards. Postcards regarding this coastline of the Highlands of Scotland, and the fishing industry which celebrated the ‘herring fisheries’ in a big way around the latter part of the 1700s.

Here, overlooking the area along the top of the Whaligoe Steps, not only am I going to share some postcards but I will also share some poetry and an update about some painted stones which I hid around the Steps. Thank you for your time, it’s always appreciated.

No writing on the other side of the above postcard, but it’s a personal favourite showing a sample of the culture. “A Scotch Fisher Lassie”. During the research for my batch of postcards, the number in the bottom left hand corner is identified as a series number, not a date.

This John O’ Groats postcard was sent to Gosport, Hampshire (England), and stamped by the local Post Office in 1929. John O’ Groats is a 31 minute drive (23 miles) from Whaligoe Steps according to ‘Google Maps’.

Another favourite is this postcard of Keiss Castle, posted to Bognor Regis (England) back in 1906. According to ‘Google’ it is a 20 minute drive from Whaligoe Steps to Keiss, which covers a distance of just over 14 miles.

The above postcard provides a glorious hint of the Wick Harbour area, enthusiastic with sea-going activity. Sadly, the year isn’t visible on the other side of the ‘card, but the address it was posted to resided on the Orkney Isles.

As a sample of my ever-growing collection of postcards, I wish to share this last one for now which showcases Wick Harbour (now known as ‘Wick Marina’). What looks like a clock on a building to the left of the above postcard as you look at it, has been identified as a barometer and it’s still there at the time of this blog entry.

Thanks to a gentleman via the Whaligoe Eye Facebook platform, he advised of a tragedy which became known as ‘Black Saturday’ (1848), where a calm night of fishing turned into a deadly storm. As a result of the following enquiry a barometer was installed.

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Recently, Stuart Matthews assembled some fabulous poetry from a community via the Twitter social media platform again, and I am thrilled to say I had two poems included among these talented souls.

‘Weave Words Within Waves’ is now available from all good book retail sources, and is known as the sixth release in his ‘Instant Eternal’ series.

I try to craft and share a poem once a day as often as I can via Twitter, and enjoy reading other contributions daily. These recent poems generally have a photograph I’ve taken included, to provide a context or art-related addition. Here are two of my recent poems which I shared with poetry enthusiasts during April, 2023…

“Like a Flower”

When sooner
meets
later
In poems
on
paper

Are you dawn,
where hope’s
reborn?

Are you day,
come what
may?

Are you dusk,
when needs
must?

Are you night,
losing
light?

Manifest moments
to make all
four
Like a flower writes
verses here on
the floor

The above photo was taken in my garden on the 14th of April, and the poem was crafted on the same day.

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“Ocean Wide”

Like gazing at
an ocean
wide
You seek a truth
that’s not
denied

To forgive when
heart so
blue
Would mean a
sacrifice from
you

What lengths
would you
go
To catch that
falling
star?

When you’ve
grown these
wings
In the near to
reach so
far

The above poem and photograph date to April 11th, 2023.

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During the 17th of April, 2023, one of the neighbours dropped by to assist with some stone-painting. Decorating stones and pebbles with all manner of designs proved both therapeutic and fun for all concerned. Some of these stones are pictured below, and I hid them in various locations dotted around Whaligoe Steps.

Painting these small rocks always provides entertainment in not only the creative process, but also hiding them, and then finding out where they went to. One specific painted stone proved popular and I was notified yesterday (April 30th) that it had made the journey back to Malta!!!

The painted stone you see above keeping the radiant primrose company, was on April 18th, 2023. It was relocated several times and then disappeared. Well, to know it landed in Malta is a lovely surprise, and I thank you for sharing your update and thank you for being You.

As it says on the stone, “Let love sparkle”

I ended up taking a lot of nature-themed photographs throughout April around Whaligoe Steps, and here are just a few I wish to share with you…

As the season is upon us for visitors, nature and adventure, I’ll be adding more blog posts soon.

Until next time, thank you as always for your time and kindness. Sending you positive wishes.

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Did you hear my teeth chattering and feel a wee tremble as the cold wrestled with the tips of my fingers? Well, this cold time of year has now faded away to unveil Easter celebrations and splashes of Spring, but here at Whaligoe Steps there’s been plenty going on since my last blog entry.

Join me if you will, to witness some beautiful Winter-themed photography of this picturesque area from several days in December ’22 and March ’23…

Living beside the North Sea means the winds bite with a bitter temperature, and most often tend to be the reason for lack of snow. Whilst watching/listening to the weather forecast, they speak of more inland areas receiving generous snowfall, but here on the coastline it’s a little less commonplace.

The photos above hopefully share an ambience and an idea of how this area looks when the snow does actually drop by and hang around for a day or two.

There’s a region where a landfall tucks itself away in a corner once you reach the base of Whaligoe Steps, which during these colder experiences showcases stunning icicles. I’ve included two photographs of this for your perusal.

One of the images above is a new ‘toy’ which arrived during the Festive period. A glass orb which creates some interesting photographs like an arty lens. Here are a couple more which I like, but I’m still experimenting with the globe.

I won’t bore you with events and activities which have been taking place over the past few months, but I will share with you that I’ve been collecting old postcards with connections to this rustic and ever-changing coastline. In fact, at the time of this blog it’s Easter weekend, so here’s an example of an old postcard which showcases celebrations of Easter back in 1914. If you’re pondering over the journey this specific postcard took I can tell you that it was sent from the U.S.A. to England back in the day.

Let’s not get caught up too much in that detour, as a blog will be forthcoming about old postcards.

It is April, 2023… This means the season of sunrise and daffodils is upon us. Here are some photographs embracing these enchanting sights.

The residential car park here at Whaligoe Steps has been getting busier since April 1st, and there are evidently more visitors during the ‘quiet time’ of the year (November – February) when temperatures have dropped and folk are recovering from the turning of a new year and Christmas festivities. The reputation of this area continues to reach more and more curious minds.

Remember, if you encounter the congestion or any frustrations regarding lack of facilities, infrastructure-related issues, that the Highland Council have announced they’re investing a tourist-based funding of £90,000 at some point over the next five years. This will definitely benefit visitors and residents alike.

(Residential car park at Whaligoe Steps, April 8th, 2023…)

On November 11th, 2022, I took these photographs of a Highland Council approved sign which can be seen here on the verge of the residential car parking facilities.

Naturally, when it gets very busy here this sign doesn’t seem to mean a lot. Nevertheless, it is a presence and possible indicator of Highland Council intentions to do what they can with the budgets they have. Keeping fingers and toes crossed.

As the season of activity and visitors has arrived in full flow, I’ll be active on this website more and of course there are social media updates going on too. Many extra photographs end up via social media platforms if you’re interested, but time is always against us. No pressure.

Take care, be safe and know I’m sending you positive wishes for a rewarding and precious day/night.

Thank you for being You.

Greylag goose (Anser anser) sighted on a loch nearby, April 7th, 2023…

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As I assemble the material for this latest blog, it is the early morn’ of July 13th, 2022. I’m in a reflective mood pondering over how much has happened in such a short duration, plus how much I have learned about myself and about our society. Elements which impact this wee community are culturally different in so many ways to other locations around the globe for a plethora of reasons. The ways in which improvements and safety are implemented for those who are relevant can be such a slow and frustrating process as a specific example. Maybe you’re in a similar position within your own cultural and socially constructed system?

This is a handy link to a ‘recap’ I compiled for a previous blog if you have the time and interest. Recap!… – Whaligoe Eye

Now to focus on what this blog is about…

Yesterday at around 3pm-ish, it became apparent that another car-related incident had unfolded to the obvious distress and disappointment of those present. Out of respect for the people involved and for the nature of such things, I’ve selected photographs which provide an ambience in the aftermath.

With a Highland Council van in attendance (photograph to your left as you look at the three images above), it simply informs us that they had a presence and therefore are aware of another vehicle-related incident taking place at this location. The Highland Council are responsible for maintaining and providing a system and service which accommodates the needs of a community and in this instance, the visitors who travel here from around the globe. Individuals of the community pay tax and have a legal right to at the very least, a suitable infrastructure and a safe environment for all concerned.

This link takes you to the homepage for the Highland Council online presence – The Highland Council Homepage

I understand that it’s easy to be frustrated with their seeming lack of action in addressing the Whaligoe Steps lack of facilities. I also take into account the Highland Council do so much and have their proverbial fingers in so many pies, that it’s a truly intimidating task and certainly unfair to simply criticise them for oversights or slow responses. Assessments and reviews, legal obligations, logistical challenges, and so much else take place when the Highland Council need to address a situation.

The above photograph was taken mere moments before I began to tackle this blog entry. It is a boring but vital piece of the puzzle which the Highland Council will be researching. This is the access to the residential car park located here at the location of Whaligoe Steps.

The residential car park here this morning… Note: A rather ugly looking pot-hole in the centre of this area.

In the name of transparency with what Whaligoe Eye has witnessed around the Whaligoe Steps location, this year thus far has NOT been as hectic as previous years. Important to state this, but there have still been busy times where congestion HAS taken place, and the logistical nightmare which befalls road-users has brought about frustration and minor incidents.

So this blog which continues to raise relevant issues is not an attack on the powers-that-be. It is simply commentating about ongoing and anxious times. If all goes to plan, I wish to tackle mental health topics in a future blog. (Incidentally, thank you so much for those who have made contact about such health-related matters, it means a lot and I’m appreciative of the support).

On June 3rd, 2022, I heard some commotion outside my front door and thoughtlessly ventured out onto the path to observe, the path which is for pedestrians/residents running adjacent to the row of bungalows here. I’m not sure how to articulate this without it sounding sensational, but I was simply close to being knocked down by a car which had mounted the kerb.

It was my first personal experience of nearly being run over since moving here over twenty years ago. Other residents have shared their experiences with near-misses since the increase in traffic, but the community still awaits any progress for infrastructure improvements.

I went to Wick police station to report my near-miss and due to the surprising nature of the incident, couldn’t offer much insight apart from the shade of car which nearly hit me and how the only injury I sustained was probably my pride. Stumbling backwards into my doorway thankfully saved me I believe.

The lady behind the transparent plastic shield in the police station advised me to reach out to a local Councillor called Raymond Bremner. Councillor Raymond Bremner | 03 Wick and East Caithness Ward | Scottish National Party Party | The Highland Council

My email (dated June 4th, 2022) explained that I had originally communicated concerns back in September 1st, 2021, but had received no reply. I expressed a feeling of “Perceived apathy” and hoped to hear from someone this time around, even as a common courtesy.

This was over a month ago as I assemble this blog for you, and here is the reply I received…

I wish to reiterate how I am trying to make this blog entry as objective as I can. As a resident here at the top of Whaligoe Steps, merely trying to go about my law-abiding pursuits, to be hindered and anxious to an increasing degree feels unjust and somewhat confusing.

The local newspaper ( John O’Groat Journal – read the latest News and Sport (johnogroat-journal.co.uk) published an article I saw on June 10th, which shows Councillor Bremner in a questionable light: Council leader Raymond Bremner rubbishes the claims the leadership has forgotten rural areas after dispute breaks out over appointing CHAT boss Councillor Ron Gunn to the NHS Highland Board (johnogroat-journal.co.uk)

When reflecting over the above article, with respects of feeling uninformed and baffled as to the lack of obvious progress here at Whaligoe Steps, I’m naturally of the mind there is merit to the journalistic coverage.

Nevertheless, as long as I face a blank wall which seems satisfied to sit in absolute silence and not communicate with me, but rely (perhaps) on other resources to inform me what is going on with the environment in which I live, I’ll continue to compose blogs of this subject matter and share with you accordingly.

Let’s have a beautiful photograph of a family of seagulls I took recently…

Thank you for being so kind supporting the Twitter and Facebook accounts, also for subscribing to the newsletter. The increasing awareness and interest in Whaligoe Eye, my poetry and the coverage of all things regarding Whaligoe Steps has been a revelation.

THANK YOU!

There are two history-themed blogs in the wings which have been meticulously researched, something special coming about Charlie Juhlenski (the Stonemason), plus many other blogs covering life around Whaligoe Steps.

Take care, stay safe and here’s a photograph of a faint moon above Whaligoe Steps, taken on the evening of July 8th, 2022…

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This is my third blog documenting highlights and outlining what was achieved around Whaligoe Steps, and in some isolated instances, further afield in the county of Caithness, during a The Wildlife Trusts | The Wildlife Trusts initiative called ’30 Days Wild’.

Since 2015, the Wildlife Trust has inspired individuals of all walks of life to appreciate and understand better the natural world which surrounds them.

DAY 21: TUESDAY TREK

DAY 22: CELEBRATING ‘INSECT WEEK’

DAY 23: FOREST WALK… (welcome to Dunnet Forest)

DAY 24: STONE PAINTING (“PSYCHEDELIC CARPET FISH”)

DAY 25: WILDLIFE TRUST LIVE STREAMS… (Webcams | The Wildlife Trusts)

DAY 26: COLOUR BLUE

DAY 27: EIDER DUCKS (SOMATERIA MOLLISSIMA)

DAY 28: DEER SIGHTING!

DAY 29: GREY WAGTAIL (MOTACILLA CINEREA)

DAY 30: CELEBRATING WHALIGOE STEPS

Morning has broken…

Evening Descends…

So many highlights and revelations were taken from this thirty day duration of wildlife observation and study. There were moments of creativity like the stone painting and a little poetry. Times of celebrating specific wildlife or in the case of literature, celebrating the writings of author John Horne.

Expectations were dashed and simultaneously exceeded when no sighting of an orca during a tour of the north sea coastline took place, but yet despite not seeing deer during the ‘wild camp out’ a sighting was made several days later. The photo of a gannet (Morus bassanus) above on the very last trek down the Whaligoe Steps was a real gift, as were the images captured of butterflies from the garden here.

Snails were abundant one soggy morning eclipsing all other wildlife, as white-lipped snails danced in slow-motion on the prominent flora. Initial ideas for that specific day were sidelined as I photographed the snails moving about all around me.

Plenty of captured memories which give me a lot of pleasure in sharing with you. If you’ve visited this location before at Whaligoe Steps, maybe it’ll be of interest. On the other hand, if you simply enjoy viewing wildlife images including birdlife, wildflowers, the sea or even the skies, then I hope this blog entry with the previous two give you something of interest.

LINK to 30 Days Wild ’22 (June 1st – June 10th) 30 Days Wild ’22 (June 1st – June 10th) – Whaligoe Eye

LINK to 30 Days Wild ’22 (June 11th – June 20th) 30 Days Wild ’22 (June 11th – June 20th) – Whaligoe Eye

Locations during this month of natural appreciation ended up with most love landing at the door of Whaligoe Steps obviously, but you’ll also note the north coastline boat trip I took around the John O’Groats area, Dunnet Forest for some alternative terrain, two local gardens to the Whaligoe Steps and the recognition to the Wildlife Trust streaming section of their official website. This is where I tipped my hat to Norfolk (water voles) and ‘Scotland’ (Peregrine falcons).

Thank you only always for your time and interest, time for me to set sail again…

Stay safe and take care.

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This is my second blog regarding my humble attempt at following the inspiration of ’30 Days Wild’. Each day of June it’s all about appreciating and understanding more about Mother Nature, an initiative started back in 2015 by The Wildlife Trusts | The Wildlife Trusts.

Documenting each day from June 11th to June 20th, this second blog will showcase everything from going orca spotting in the north sea, to signing an online Wildlife Trust approved petition.

DAY 11: WILDLIFE TRUST APPROVED PETITION

DAY 12: SUNDAY STROLL

DAY 13: MELLOW MONDAY

DAY 14: PICNIC

DAY 15: SNAIL WATCH

DAY 16: CAITHNESS SKIES

DAY 17: NATURE-THEMED POEM + EXPLORING SHALLOW CAVE…

DAY 18: FIRST DAY OF THE ‘BIG CAMP OUT’ WEEKEND!

DAY 19: SECOND DAY OF ‘BIG CAMP OUT’ + ORCA WATCH ALONG COASTLINE!

Hoping for a sighting of an orca, but sadly no luck this time…

DAY 20: READING A BOOK OUTDOORS

I own a 2nd edition of ‘A Canny Countryside’ which was written by John Horne and features wonderful articulated descriptions of this local area, including the Whaligoe Steps. (Published in 1902, Oliphant Anderson and Ferrier, Edinburgh and London).

Thank you only always for your time and I hope you have enjoyed the wildlife so far. One more blog which will summarise ’30 Days Wild’ for June 21st to June 30th is to follow, plus a blog about the residential car parking and my near-miss as a car nearly ran me over on the pavement outside my front door!

Until next time, take care and thank you again.

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Since 2015, The Wildlife Trusts | The Wildlife Trusts have been promoting nature appreciation with a programme running over thirty days in the month of June. My first time attempting some nature-based education and fun began last year but sadly I didn’t get to complete the entire event for various reasons.

This blog aims to share the fun of the first ten days of June, 2022, for 30 Days Wild here around Whaligoe Steps on the north easterly coastline of Scotland. The plan is to share the following twenty days over two more blogs. Wish me luck!

DAY 1: WILD BREAKFAST

DAY 2: FAMILY OF SHAGS (PHALACROCORAX ARISTOTELIS)

DAY 3: SEAWEED & ALGAE IDENTIFICATION

DAY 4: SENSORY WALK

DAY 5: BAREFOOT IN NATURE

DAY 6: WILDFLOWER IDENTIFICATION

DAY 7: BIRDWATCHING

DAY 8: WORLD OCEAN DAY

DAY 9: SOWING WILDLIFE TRUST WILDFLOWER SEEDS!

DAY 10: BUTTERFLY WATCH

Thank you as always for dropping by during these busy times we live in, and I hope you found some of these images to be enjoyable. There are twenty days to go, so the idea is to split those up into two more blogs each covering ten days of capture and content. Keep your fingers crossed.

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So June has arrived rather quickly, or is it just me?! With the presence of this month comes a wealth of activity which I shall share with your good self. Pull up a seat and make yourself ready with cosy attire and a warm beverage of your choice as I divulge the latest…

The above photos were all taken on the 1st of June, 2022 when I descended the Whaligoe Steps in the early hours. There were several reasons for my trek.

Firstly, the Stonemason is working on the Whaligoe Steps during the next six weeks or so. This maintenance is a continuation of Charlie’s valiant work last year.

The photos show you hessian sacks which are cut and shaped to make a covering for specific sections of the steps. There were two examples of this at the time I was present. The Stonemason explained that lime was used at this stage of the proceedings which can be hazardous or an issue to people and pets. With this in mind, please be aware that if and when you visit this attraction, that you need to make yourself aware of potential hazards. Please be safe.

Secondly, a fun month of wildlife and nature appreciation and education unfolds which everyone and anyone is welcome to participate in. Known simply as “30 Days Wild” and promoted by The Wildlife Trusts | The Wildlife Trusts and Scottish Wildlife Trust – Protecting and restoring Scotland’s wildlife it sets out an activity for every day of this month. So with the arrival of June and located on the coastline as Whaligoe Steps is, you can imagine the natural scope for surprises and discoveries!

Last year I succeeded in participating for about two weeks before I started a new job and had to cease my natural pursuits. During that fortnight, each and every day provided educational insights and bug bites! I filmed a clip of a young deer (which frustratingly I cannot lay my hands on right now) which was an amazing moment I will always treasure. So, with 2022 turning into an interesting year, I’m sharing each day via social media if you’re interested.

I would like to have a document on this website as it is themed around this location, so will work out a way to showcase photographs and video clips as the material gathers momentum.

Here is day one for you to process. The idea was to celebrate nature with a ‘wild breakfast’ experience. Photographs of my toast and marmalade with a coffee at various points dotted around Whaligoe Steps.

Only another twenty-nine days to go, wish me luck!

Don’t forget that anyone is welcome to join in, keep an eye if you’re interested with both Scottish Wildlife Trust – Protecting and restoring Scotland’s wildlife and The Wildlife Trusts | The Wildlife Trusts

Thank you for your time as always, take care and stay safe.

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Thanks for dropping by, it’s been a wee while since the last blog. Many reasons for the lack of updates which include a little bout of ill health, poetry pursuits (including my first ever fully published poem), job obligations, researching a lot of things (two historical themed blogs are in the drafts folder for future publishing here), plus the local Highland Council announcing proposed plans for various tourist-orientated locations in this neck of the woods. Whaligoe Steps was referenced in conjunction with updating facilities, parking, etc. which could start as hopefully as next year (2023). I’ll keep you posted if and when I hear anything further.

The screenshot above shows that Whaligoe Steps isn’t being considered a priority frustratingly, but it does prove the local Highland Council are at the very least considering some improvements to the area. As you may recall there is only one access point to a residential car park here, and with the large number of visitors following what has turned into a lucrative tourist trail called the ‘North Coast 500’ (NC500), there is often congestion, delays, minor vehicle prangs. On one occasion a local resident experienced property damage when their outer wall was knocked down by a campervan.

Any service which requires access is impacted at certain times, whether that be medical or delivery-based. Today, if I wished to park in or to depart from my allocated parking space, I would have been unable to do so due to visitor related obstruction.

Since the beginning of April, this year, the numbers of visitors have increased. As of today (2nd May, 2022), the traffic has significantly risen. The photo above shows an authentic U.S. school bus which parked at the residential car park, not what we normally witness. The varied types of vehicle which visit the area mostly include traditional cars, campervans, motorbikes and then the odd sighting of classic cars or sports cars. It was a pleasant surprise to capture the image of a U.S. yellow school bus passing through.

Now for some other updates… Visitors who kindly had their photos taken and are to be added to the ‘Postcards’ section of this humble website, plus some nature photography from the past few weeks.

Did I mention nature?… Here are a couple which caught my eye from some recent nature-themed photo sessions.

There you have it. Brushing rust off the joints and hoping to pick up a rhythm which will see some updates again to the website. As I mentioned at the start of this blog, some history research has been taking place which is ongoing and very interesting. Trying to get accurate information before publishing, so it takes a while.

Oh yes, the poetry reference in the opening paragraph was in relation to a book of poems by some very talented and amazing creative minds which you can find on Twitter. Including one poem by myself, the many contributing warm-hearted individuals showcasing their poetic talents added their work to a book raising awareness and addressing autism. All proceeds go to a charity called Autism Angels UK, and the book is entitled “We Wear the World, Different..”

Thank you for being you. Take care during these tough and challenging times.

*** LINKS ***

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Last BLOG entry: Recap!… – Whaligoe Eye

If I’m watching a television series and there is a gap between watching the episodes, I find myself thankful when the creators of such a show provide a recap. That magical reminder of the characters and their story arc, the prompt to pick up where I left off whilst watching avidly on prior occasions.

So here it is for those of you who are new to the “Whaligoe Eye” project (and there has been a significant increase of visitors to this humble website), covering life on and around the remarkable Whaligoe Steps, here in the north Highlands of Scotland.

This recap also applies to those who have dropped by in the past thanks to my coverage of Stonemasonry undertaken by Charles Juhlenski on the Steps; the blogs covering my thirteen day monitoring of a grey seal pup here at Whaligoe Steps; the coverage of ongoing congestion and overwhelming traffic issues which have plagued the local infrastructure here causing a significant amount of anxiety and stress for visitors and locals alike, or general curiosity after the welcome social media interest in my poetry and promotion of this website.

Although the history of Whaligoe Steps can be dated back via documented sources to around 1640, the Steps we can witness at the time of this blog entry are commonly associated to the sterling investment of Captain David Brodie. He commissioned around 330 Caithness flagstones to be set in the cliff face to provide a robust pathway down to what is known as the Bink, which is situated at the base of the zig-zagging descent. The year most commonly associated with Captain Brodie and his intent on creating a better walkway is around 1791.

I’m not going to enter into a whole chronological history lesson right now, that can wait for the book which I’m researching and constantly working on. Just know that living here for over thirty years, I count my blessings being entertained, stimulated and marvelling at the world around me regarding Whaligoe Steps. So let me take this opportunity to share the story thus far dating back only a few months when I kickstarted this modest blogging website.

Due to the frustrating lack of acknowledgement by the Highland Council to the plight facing residents and visitors to Whaligoe Steps over the past five years (!), I took the plunge and paid for this website in August, 2021. For one reason or another, nobody else was in a situation locally to provide a sensible and socially aware approach to bringing attention to the evident health and safety risks of residents and visitors here.

After being informed by other residents of constant minor vehicle-related incidents in the residents carpark, or near misses to pedestrians in relation to the significant increase to traffic either mounting the kerb, or trying to negotiate a singular access point which was not built for purpose of this magnitude, I decided to do something about it! The proverbial cherry on top of the cake arrived nearly a year prior, when in September, 2020, my outer wall was knocked down by an impressive sized campervan! My stress levels hit an all time high.

As of the middle of January, 2022, I’m sad to update one and all with how nothing has changed regarding this specific concern. Mind you, in fairness to the Highland Council they did eventually provide a well-used dustbin for refuse collection as we had at that point no facilities other than a yellow grit bin! The rubbish bin is a silver lining to what has been a huge disappointment thus far.

I took a screenshot of a relevant online meeting the Highland Council orchestrated regarding significant increases to tourism in the Highlands and the impacts thereof. This meeting was held on September 29th (2021) and apart from their back-slapping over providing wardens to assess and data-collect, they also recognised that lessons in social media would be beneficial.

Despite only one local Councillor venturing out to meet me and discuss or listen to my woes, I have emailed all others from the local Ward to no avail. The warden I witnessed on a couple of occasions who visited the carpark and immediate area when no traffic and disruption was unfolding, made no overtures of communication or data-collection from myself or those who I have spoken with.

Sharing this with you is surprisingly cathartic, so I extend my humble thanks to you for listening.

So the first blog entry was on August the 15th, 2021, reporting on the chaos of another year busy with visitors to Whaligoe Steps, and tales of being unable to park in allocated spaces as they were full. As the days rolled by in a blur of constant monitoring and anxiety, the website began to take on other elements of what makes this community so interesting and precious.

There was a trip taken with Caithness Seacoast in 2021 which added to the learning curve regarding the relationship of Whaligoe Steps in context to the coastline leading to Wick. During this time I was learning about the abundant wildlife around Whaligoe Steps, and raising awareness regarding the ominous situation on my doorstep with congestion and volume of visitors by talking to some local newspapers…

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“Whaligoe Eye” by this point was showcasing galleries representing Nature – Whaligoe Eye plus photographs of visitors who were happy to be added to Postcards – Whaligoe Eye

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Another highlight for me was getting the opportunity to talk to the Stonemason Charles Juhlenski and see him at work. For several months he worked hard repairing and maintaining a couple of flights from the total of six which make up Whaligoe Steps.

Before the end of 2021, on my regular treks down the Steps I was privileged to discover a baby grey seal on the pebble shore. For thirteen days I monitored the transition as the white fur gave way to a grey coat, and the general confidence the pup developed as it became aware of its surroundings. Two blogs covered this experience and even now I am so warm-hearted by the whole encounter.

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I think that will do for what was supposed to be a condensed recap of the past few months here at Whaligoe Steps.

The positive feedback and support from local folk as well as those beautiful people from around the globe, from Australia to Africa, Canada and the U.S., to many other interesting parts of the Earth, have been at times sincerely overwhelming. I thank you one and all.

It would be remiss of me not to say that your continued support simply visiting and reading some of the content; following the various social media enterprises associated with this website; and those who subscribed to this venture via the online form, are very much appreciated and add to the unity of cultural insight and awareness of this area of the Highlands coastline in Scotland. You also get to peek behind a curtain and relate to community impact in the face of a perceived apathy and uncomfortable political situation. I share my humble gratitude with you and look forward to sharing more of this unfolding true story with you.

This year, 2022, is looking like it will be one truly insane time! Where unassuming visitors and residents already battle-weary, will be confronting another dangerous and chaotic arena of feverish activities. Not only is access for emergency services in question, but sadly the constant call for updates within the infrastructure here to cater for toilet facilities, better signage, safer conditions for pedestrians, better parking allocation, and perhaps some communication/transparency from the Highland Council with the residents regarding intentions or plans which may be ahead.

Be assured that it’s my intention to continue working on updates for this website throughout 2022. Covering as much of the evolving landscape, wildlife, revealing the history as I research it, and capturing the carnage which is to follow as the months creep forward.

Thank You again, you’re amazing. Take care and stay safe.

Gary.

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Latest Blog Entry: A Cool Descent… – Whaligoe Eye