Joint Chairs appointed for Caithness Committee
First thing on the agenda at today’s Caithness Committee was to elect a new Chair to take over from Cllr Ron Gunn who has held the role since July 2022. The committee have taken the decision to have a joint chair arrangement between Councillor Andrew Jarvie and Councillor Karl Rosie.
The duty of chairing the regular Caithness Committee meetings will currently fall to Councillor Andrew Jarvie.
He said: “I am honoured to be given this opportunity to serve Caithness as joint chair and I would like to thank Councillor Gunn who has held the role since 2022.
“I stood for election in Caithness because I saw so many tremendous opportunities for the County and abundance of highly skilled people, despite the mood music from too many organisations being rather negative about Caithness’s prospects. I have only seen the odds of those opportunities begin to come a financial reality with the Highland Investment Plan, so I cannot think of a more exciting time to take on this role.
“There is not much time remaining in my Council term, so getting on with doing what matters and not hosting endless meetings is my priority. It is also why I wanted two people to take this on as co-chairs, because there is more work to be done outside of Committee meetings than in them.
“The priorities are simple, making best use of the Highland Investment Plan to fix our roads and build the future infrastructure, encouraging economic development and improving connectivity for both business and leisure - such as the Wick Airport PSO.”
Joint Chair, Councillor Karl Rosie added: “I too look forward to serving in my new role and working to represent Caithness’ best interests.”
All Council Wards receive a discretionary budget, and it is for Ward Councillors to consider what they wish to commit funds to, in line with Highland Council objectives and outcomes.
During today’s meeting the Committee reflected on the Discretionary Awards they have allocated to applicants over the last financial year.
Today’s Chair Councillor Jarvie said: “It is always a privilege and a pleasure for Ward Councillors to make discretionary budget awards. One of the most rewarding aspects is that it allows members to utilise their local knowledge and work with local organisations to make positive improvements to our communities.
“On behalf of the Committee, I’d like to wish all the successful applicants the very best with their projects.”
Thurso and Northwest Caithness Ward Discretionary Budget applications approved 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025
- Community Food Initiatives North East – Fareshare in Highland - £1,690.00
- Caithness Chamber of Commerce – Caithness Transport Forum - £500.00
- Pentland Firth Yacht Club – Replacement Windows - £1,450.00
- Highlife Highland – Active School Coaching & Equipment - £1,500.00
- Sidh Chailleann Art – “Industrial Caithness” Exhibition - £1,000.00
- Thurso Youth Club SCIO – Holiday Activities £1,000.00
- Thurso Community Council – Thurso Town Centre initiative 2024 - £400.00
- Association of Caithness Community Council – Village officer Funding - £3,200.00
- Connecting Carers Caithness - £1,916.00
- Caithness Voluntary Group – Winter Support 24/25 - £1000.00
Wick and East Caithness Ward Discretionary Budget applications approved 1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025
- Community Food Initiatives North East – Fareshare in Highland - £2,763.00
- Caithness Chamber of Commerce – Caithness Transport Forum - £500.00
- Highlife Highland – Youth Session Resources - £999.00
- Argyll Square Area Association – Replacement Litter Bin - £561.60
- Association of Caithness Community Council – Village officer Funding - £5,300.00
- Caithness Voluntary Group – Winter Support 24/25 - £2,000
- Dunbeath & District Centre – Back Office Support £2,276.40