Councillors Andrew Jarvie and Karl Rosie elected new joint chairs of Caithness Committee
At today’s meeting of the Caithness Committee (April 28), the new joint chairs were elected, and successful funding applications for the last financial year were listed.
First thing on the agenda for the Committee was to elect a new chair to take over from Cllr Ron Gunn, who has held the role since July 2022. The Committee decided to have a joint chair arrangement between councillors Andrew Jarvie and 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 Cllr 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 an 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 for April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025:
Community Food Initiatives North East – Fareshare in Highland - £1690
Caithness Chamber of Commerce – Caithness Transport Forum - £500
Pentland Firth Yacht Club – Replacement Windows - £1450
Highlife Highland – Active School Coaching & Equipment - £1500
Sidh Chailleann Art – “Industrial Caithness” Exhibition - £1000
Thurso Youth Club SCIO – Holiday Activities £1000
Thurso Community Council – Thurso Town Centre initiative 2024 - £400
Association of Caithness Community Council – Village officer Funding - £3200
Connecting Carers Caithness - £1916
Caithness Voluntary Group – Winter Support 24/25 - £1000
Wick and East Caithness Ward Discretionary Budget applications approved April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025:
Community Food Initiatives North East – Fareshare in Highland - £2763
Caithness Chamber of Commerce – Caithness Transport Forum - £500
Highlife Highland – Youth Session Resources - £999
Argyll Square Area Association – Replacement Litter Bin - £561
Association of Caithness Community Council – Village officer Funding - £5300
Caithness Voluntary Group – Winter Support 24/25 - £2000
Dunbeath and District Centre – Back Office Support £2276.40
