WICK PROFILE

 Wick is a lively and thriving community set on the North East coast of Scotland. It has been termed ‘The Lowlands beyond the Highlands’ and is, in fact, similar to any small market town anywhere in rural Britain. The town itself is close to beautiful coastline and long beaches with literally miles of sand, all easily accessible. To the west the land stretches as far as the eye can see with stunning vistas of heather moor, forests, streams and lush green fields. It edges the magnificent flow country - home to the harrier, golden plover and red-throated diver.  Incidentally Wick is not often obliterated by cloud on the weather chart!

The practice by accident of evolution is largely a compact small town practice with a less than proportionate number of people in three satellite villages within a nine mile radius. The amount of time, therefore, spent in driving around on the remote visits is less than might be anticipated in areas of comparable remoteness or indeed inner city.

During the time of the herring fishing Wick was the ‘Capital’ of the Highlands and so access has always been maintained. Now Dounreay, near Thurso, and the oil industry, ensure that the airport continues to be viable. Edinburgh is an hour and Aberdeen is 35 minutes away by aeroplane. Inverness can be reached by road in two hours and regular trains run seven days a week, on one of the world's great railway lines which opened in 1874.

Wick excels in opportunities for traditional outdoor pursuits. There is an  excellent links golf course nearby which was founded in 1870. One can walk on unpolluted beaches, along impressive cliff tops, through forestry or up the many straths.  Orchids and the rare Primula Scotica grow in abundance, especially in a local nature reserve. Both sea and loch fishing are accessible and inexpensive as are water skiing, sailing and windsurfing. The area is reputed to have one of the best ranges of surf in the world and has hosted world championships in recent years.

If you prefer indoor sports, there are squash courts, a new swimming pool and gym with multiple club activities, a bowling alley in nearby Thurso and the usual fitness clubs.

There are numerous excellent eating places in the area that serve local produce and freshly caught seafood one of which is a nearby French Restaurant, well frequented by the practice.

Caithness is notable for its active musical life and Wick even boasts the most northerly opera house on the mainland where the first showing of the acclaimed ‘Helen of Braemore’ was held in 1995. Ackergill Tower will delight those seeking country house style, black tie dinner and entertainment. Usually the reserve of the very wealthy or corporate entertaining, the Tower opens its doors to local people for occasional evenings.

The Wick Players are well known nationally and have won prestigious awards for several years running. The Lyth Art Centre attracts a number of companies on tour to provide music and plays. The cinema in nearby Thurso has two screens and shows mainline films.

Education in Wick is catered for with a six year comprehensive secondary school with a good and varied choice of subjects as well as four feeder primaries which are situated within the town. The professionally run nurseries and several voluntary playgroups are also highly regarded. There is also a Technical College in Thurso 20 miles away which provides opportunities for higher education.  There are many out-of-school activities to continue developing childrens potential.  Many of these after-school-clubs reach a very high national standard and are enjoyed greatly.  There are well maintained play-parks and the beaches are clean.  In the Highlands, Wick especially, it is still relatively safe for children to venture out alone.  A strong sense of community spirit still prevails and the children enjoy a degree of freedom sadly lacking in more industrial areas.

There is a wide range of shops both in Wick and also in nearby Thurso.  Virtually all shopping can be done in 3 supermarkets or the old style corner shop.  Fresh fish of all description can be purchased from our fishmongers and the butchers stock succulent meat which has been reared locally. A small outdoor market is held in town every Saturday and Craft Fayres are also held on a regular basis

Accommodation within the town is easily available and comparatively inexpensive. It is very possible to maintain an extremely pleasant standard of living in this area and the services provided by the local community are excellent. Wick people are friendly and welcoming  having the kind of values that make living easy. Trades people helpful and efficient. If semi-rural life is your ideal then Wick is a superb place to live. For more information on local property for sale visit www.caithnessproperty.co.uk  For more information on the area the constantly updated and prize winning Caithness.org website is recommended.