James Gunn Photography

Halkirk Utd vs Clachnacuddin

2012-01-28T14:18:00.000-08:00

Halkirk Utd lost 3-2 to Inverness Clachnacuddin in the Jock Mackay Memorial cup match at the Recreation Park today. Clach scored after 5 mins and Alan Larnach equalised late in the first half.

Clach scored two mid-way through the 2nd half, with Halkirk keeper Graeme Williamson uncharacteristically gifting the third goal, by letting a weak low shot slip his grasp and in through his legs. Chris Sutherland scored in injury time with a penalty.

Halkirk had good chances throughout the game, but lacked the killer touch in front of goal. Clach seemed hungrier to win the game. This is Halkirk's 2nd defeat of the season (both cup matches).

Loch More dam

2012-01-22T12:31:00.000-08:00

Loch More dam this afternoon.

Thurso River Kayakers

2012-01-22T12:30:00.000-08:00

There was no sport to capture on Saturday due to waterlogged pitches. However, today I snapped three kayakers practicing on the Thurso river rapids at Halkirk.

Sports Photographer of the Year Award

2012-01-20T14:16:00.000-08:00

My winning pic in the motor sport category

My runner-up pic in the general sport category

The Societies' held their annual photographer of the year awards in London last Sunday at a glittering prize dinner (I couldn't make it down) and I'm delighted to learn that I won the Sports Photographer of the Year award in the motor sports category. The pic is of local rider Iain Nicolson in action during the Caithness Motocross summer series (in June) at a very dry Ravenshill course, Forss, by Thurso. It is very rare to get a photo with so much dust flying around.

I was also a runner-up in the general sports category with a surfing shot taken during the O'Neill Cold Water Classic event at Thurso East in April.

The many thousands of entriess are from all over the world, so it is great to see sporting action in Caithness grabbing the limelight. The link to the announcement is;

http://www.swpp.co.uk/convention/photographic_competition_11/sport_motor.htm

Scrabster Harbour at Night

2012-01-16T15:10:00.000-08:00

Went down to Scrabster harbour tonight with members of Thurso Camera Club. The noisy piling stopped just after we arrived at around 7.50pm.

Caithness RFC vs Orkney

2012-01-14T12:53:00.000-08:00

Stevie Campbell breaks through the Orkney defence to score a try

Evan Sutherland scores a late try in the corner

Caithness comfortably beat Orkney 38-3 at a muddy Millbank today. With 5 tries, a much needed bonus point was gained for their march up the table from 2nd bottom place.

Halkirk Utd vs Dingwall Thistle

2012-01-14T10:34:00.000-08:00

I caught most of the first half of the Halkirk vs Dingwall Thistle league match at the Recreation Park today in glorious sunshine. Halkirk never got going and really struggled in the first half, but held onto 0-0 at the half-time whistle. The only excitement was when Halkirk goalie Graeme Williamson caught a runaway dog!

The Anglers scored 3 goals in the 2nd half (Alan Larnach, Chris Sutherland and Martin Banks) without a reply.

The other scores were;

Clach 1 vs 0 Alness
Muir of Ord Rovers 3 v 1 Balintore
Golspie v Thurso match off due to frozen pitch

I travelled to Thurso to catch the Caithness RFC match vs Orkney. The Greens were easy winners by 38 points to 3 and gained a bonus point for 5 tries. Pics later.

Shortlisted for Sports Photographer of the Year

2012-01-08T12:15:00.000-08:00

The Societies are holding their annual Photographer of the Year awards in London next Sunday night and I have been shortlisted for two of the three sports categories - General and Motors - see above pics.

I'm very tempted to travel to London for the weekend, but will not be able to make it.

Thurso vs Halkirk Utd

2012-01-07T11:37:00.000-08:00

No. 11 Marc MacGregor is congratulated on scoring Thurso's equaliser

Martin Banks watches his header hit the back of the net for Halkirk's 3rd goal

Happy bunnies after scoring the 3rd

Martin Banks shoots to score his 2nd and Halkirk's 4th

Halkirk Utd beat Thurso 4-1 at a very wet and windy Dammies today. Grant MacNab scored first for Halkirk and Marc MacGregor equalised. Jack Halliday scored from a very suspicious offside position to put Halkirk in front just before the break. Thurso had most of the play in the second half (playing with the strong wind) but could not score. Sub Martin Banks scored two brilliant goals late in the game to secure the points.

Thurso's Lee Elder was sent off mid-way through the 2nd half for a headbutt aimed at Nigel MacKenzie (who was booked). Grant MacNab had to be carried off after a nasty ankle injury. The pitch was surprisingly firm, but it was still heavy going and very slippery for the players. There were a few very wintery showers throughout the match (I got soaked) and the crowd wasn't as large as expected - probably as most thought the game was postponed.

Shooting the Halkirk rapids

2012-01-01T09:47:00.000-08:00

Six "paddlers" from all of the Caithness clubs ventured onto the Thurso river at Halkirk on New Year's Eve to practice at shooting the lively rapids. This is the first time I have snapped this sport on fresh water and it a lot different to surf kayaking. Much closer for a start and lots more spray flying around.

It was quite dull and I had to work at f2.8 and ISO 2,500 to freeze the action.

Caithness RFC vs Exiles

2011-12-26T14:56:00.000-08:00

Eilidh Cadzow presents the Sinclair Cadzow Memorial Cup to Exiles Captain Donald Sangster

The triumphant Exiles

John Millar scores the Greens only try

The annual Boxing Day match between Caithness RFC and Caithness Exiles/students for the Sinclair Cadzow Memorial Cup was held at Millbank today in front of a good sized crowd. The Exiles proved far too tricky and fast for the Greens and ran in 6 tries to 1. The final score was 36-13.

The Exiles took advantage of the strong wind in the first half and went into the break 29-6 in front. The Greens had most of the play in the 2nd half but could not break the defence until there was a few minutes left. John Millar caught the Exiles napping and scored a try unopposed. Blair McIntosh got an early 2nd half try for the Exiles.

The scorers were;

Caithness RFC: Liam Brims (2 pens) John Millar (try) Marc Anderson (conv)
Exiles: Tries - Blair MacIntosh (2), Danny Gordon, Davie McIvor, Duncan Sangster, Kris Hamilton
Conversions - James O'Brien (2), Kris Gove

The starting line ups were;
Greens                                      Exiles
15 - Gordie Macleod                James O'Brien
14- James Sinclair                     Danny Gordon
13 - Marc Anderson                 Duncan Sangster
12 Graham Poke                     James Patterson
11 - Martin Oswald                  Kris Gove
10 - Liam Brims                       Blair McIntosh
9 - Graham Fryer                   Kris Hamilton
8 - Evan Sutherland                 Andrew Sangster
7 - Reece Coghill                    Donald Sangster (c)
6 - Grant Anderson                 Chris Simpson
5 - Andy Morris                      Bruce Stewart
4 - John Millar                        Callum MacDonald
3 - Ranald Pottinger                Paul Sheerin
2 - Marc Nicolson                 Davie McIvor
1 - Sinclair Dunnet                  Haldi Pottinger

Brora Rangers vs Wick Academy

2011-12-24T09:33:00.000-08:00

Danny Mackay jumps for the ball as Wick goalkeeper Michael Gray reaches for it

Michael Gray is knocked over but no foul is given and Brora score as the ball breaks free

No 8 Alex Macleod watches as his "tap in" goes over the line

Davie Allan breaks free and goes on to score his first goal

Davie Allan scores his first

Sam Mackay blasts a shot at goal as Stuart Golabeck watches

Wick beat Brora 2-1 last night in front of a large crowd at Dudgeon Park. Davie Allan scored both goals (now 11 for the season) before Brora pulled one back with a highly controversal goal. Wick goalie Michael Gray was booked for protesting that he was fouled as he caught the ball. My first two pics show that he has a case.

Lots of sleet and rain in the first half, but the weather was perfect after the break.

Surfing calendar

2011-12-22T15:21:00.000-08:00

The Scottish Surfing Federation 2012 Calendar is now available in stores across Scotland and available to buy online! The calendar features photographs of surfing in Scotland, photos of Scottish surfers and photos taken by Scottish photographers as well as photographs from well known surf photographers such as Tim Nunn and Al Mackinnon who kindly donated some of their best shots to help raise the profile of the SSF.

Information about where to get the calendar and about the SSF can be found at http://www.scottishsurfingfederation.com

and the calendar can be purchased online at http://www.throughthewhiskybarrel.com/Through_The_Whisky_Barrel/Buy_The_SSF_2012_Calendar.html

The calendar features one of my pics from the 2008 O'Neill surfing event at Brims Ness.

Wick Academy vs Strathspey Thistle

2011-12-17T12:26:00.000-08:00

Wick Academy beat Strathspey Thistle 4-1 today at Harmsworth Park. 3 nil up at half-time with goals by David Allan and two from Sam Mackay. Stevie Cunningham made it 4-0 before Alan Farquhar scored an own goal. Academy hit the post twice and missed several good chances.

The weather was perfect for the game, just a bit cold! There were hail showers just before and after the match.

The only other game played in the Highland League was Fraserburgh vs Formartine (3-2).

Both Thurso and Halkirk Utd's games were postoned. Caithness RFC did not have a game today. Their next match is the annual fixture vs the exiles on Boxing Day at 1pm.

Caithness RFC Christmas Party

2011-12-16T16:18:00.000-08:00

The Caithness rugby club had their players and partners Christmas night out tonight in the Upper Deck restaurant, Scrabster. There were prizes for best and worst Christmas jumper. Hamish & Kate won the prize for best dressed couple.

Photographer of the Year Success

2011-12-13T10:52:00.000-08:00

I'm delighted to have been awarded 3rd prize in Digital Camera Magazine's 2011 Photographer of the Year competition (action & movement category) with my backlit surfing shot taking during the semi-finals of the 2011 O'Neill Cold Water Classic at Thurso East.

I win a years membership to the Royal Photographic Society and a years subscription to the magazine. The winner lives in Russia. The link to the winning pics is;

http://www.digitalcameraworld.com/2011/12/13/action-and-movement-category-winners-photographer-of-the-year-2011/

Halkirk Christmas Tree & Lights

2011-12-11T12:56:00.000-08:00

There was a cracking clear blue sky this afternoon, so snapped Halkirk's Christmas tree and lights just after sunset - around 4.30pm. Long exposure of around 15secs at f14 to get the car trail lights throughout the whole scene.

Halkirk Utd vs Muir of Ord Rovers

2011-12-03T12:44:00.000-08:00

Martin Banks scores Halkirk's first goal on the stroke of half time

Halkirk Utd beat Muir of Ord Rovers 3-0 in the cup semi-final today. The first half was mostly played in a hail storm and a howling gale. At least it didn't rain!

Martin Banks scored in the last minute of the first half as Halkirk played into the wind. Alan Larnach scored mid-way through the second half with a 30 yard screamer into the top corner. Chris Sutherland scored in the last minute with a delicate chip over everyone.

Rovers had a few yellow cards, a sending off and their manager was sent to the stands for protesting too strongly about the sending off.

The Utd team was;

1 - Graeme Williamson
2 - Colin Sinclair
3 - Stuart Florence
4 - Alan Sinclair
5 - Gavin Sinclair
6 - Martin Cook
7 - Alan Larnach
8 - Jack Halliday
9 Martin Banks
10 - Nigel McKenzie
11 - Grant MacNab
12 - Chris Sutherland (used)
14 - Michael Bremner (used)

Photographer of the Year awards

2011-11-30T15:09:00.000-08:00

This is my 500th blog post and I'm delighted to learn that I have been shortlisted in the Digital Camera magazine 2011 Photographer of the Year awards. My pic of a surfer at the 2011 O'Neill Cold Water Classic event has made the top 30 out of thousands of entries from all over the world, in the action category. First prize is £1,500 and there is another £1,000 for the overall winner. The results should be announced by Christmas. The link to the pic is;

http://www.photoradar.com/news/story/photographer-of-the-year-2011-action-and-movement-shortlist#ad-image27

Viking torchlight processions

2011-11-24T16:20:00.000-08:00

Lighting up the torches in Halkirk using a red flare

Lighting the Varnandag beacon at Thurso beach

The Vikings arrived back in Caithness this evening. The Lerwick Jarl Squad and the Thurso High School Interact Junior Jarl Squad marched with lighted torches through Thurso and then Halkirk to light the Varnandag beacons at Thurso beach and Halkirk riverside. They then entertained a packed Ross Institute.

Da Doonie Day is tomorrow and it will be held in Wick. The Viking galley will be burned at Wick harbour.

Caithness Utd U17s vs Forres

2011-11-20T14:15:00.000-08:00

Caithness Utd U17s beat Forres 8-0 at Harmsworth park today. I snapped the last 20 mins and Alan Hughes scored a couple in that time.

Caithness Utd U13s vs Forres

2011-11-20T13:51:00.000-08:00

Caithness Utd U13s beat Forres 13-0 at the lower Bignold Park this afternoon. I caught 20 mins of the match.

Caithness Utd U15s vs Forres

2011-11-20T13:00:00.000-08:00

Caithness Utd U15s beat Forres 7-0 at Wick's artificial pitch today. I snapped the first 30mins and it was 0-0! The team was presented with a new strip by AMC Engineering at the start of the match.

I also snapped the U13s and U17s matches vs Forres, which were all played in Wick in brilliant sunshine. Pics to follow.

Caithness RFC U16s vs Ross-Sutherland

2011-11-20T12:16:00.000-08:00

Caithness RFC U16s drew 22-22 with Ross-Sutherland at Millbank on Saturday just prior to the seniors match vs Aberdeen University. The Caithness players were a lot smaller than their opponents, but got stuck in.

Thurso vs Halkirk Utd

2011-11-20T01:48:00.000-08:00

Asa Sinclair makes a spectacular save from a free kick

Martin Banks scores the third goal

Halkirk beat Thurso 3-0 at the Dammies yesterday. Chris Sutherland got one in the first half and possibly got another one (nobody was sure!). Martin banks got the third with 10 mins left. Thurso's Derrick Shearer was sent off mid-way through the 2nd half.

Caithness RFC vs Aberdeen University

2011-11-19T13:05:00.000-08:00

I caught most of the 2nd half of the Caithness vs Aberdeen Univetsity match and arrived when it was 17-7 to the Greens (3 tries to 1). The students looked dangerous on the break with some fast backs. The game was swinging back and forth from one end to the other and the students ghosted through the Caithness defence to score a converted try.

With only 3 points separating the teams, the home support was getting very edgy, but Evan Sutherland saved the day with a clean break in the last minute and a swan dive over the line.

It was the first game with the Greens new kit and I snapped the team and three of the four main sponsors (Comm Bar, Norscot, Dunnett's Transport & Highland Travel Inns Ltd), 45 mins before kick-off.

All the results from lots of sport in Thurso today

2011-11-19T10:58:00.000-08:00

Lots of sport in Thurso this afternoon. I snapped the action at the following matches;

Caithness RFC U16s vs Ross-Sutherland (22-22)
Caithness RFC vs Aberdeen University (24-14)
Thurso vs Halkirk Utd (0-3)

The U16s were up against some very big lads from Ross Sutherland, but got stuck in and came away with a fighting draw. I only watched about 25 mins, but was impressed with the overall standard and commitment from both teams.

The senior team made heavy weather of the match and were only 17-14 in front with one minute to go - before Evan Sutherland clinched a try and a vital bonus point to lift the team off the bottom of the league. The sigh of relief from the crowd could be heard on the other side of town!

The team were wearing their new kit for the first time. - sponsored by the Comm Bar, Norscot, Dunnett's Transport and Highland Travel Inns Ltd (The Weigh Inn & Ferry Inn).

Halkirk had a very comfortable game against Thurso in front of a large crowd at the Dammies. Chris Sutherland and Martin Banks scored in the first half and Martin scored again with 10 mins to go. Thurso sub Derrick Shearer was sent off mid-way through the 2nd half after sending Martin Banks about 4 feet in the air with a lunging tackle on the edge of the box.

The Wick Academy management team was watching as the Scorries had no match today.

Riding Club Winter Showing Bonanza

2011-11-13T10:54:00.000-08:00

The Caithness Riding Club held their Blargoans sponsored winter showing bonanza over the weekend in the Halkirk indoor riding school. I snapped the winners of the working hunter section this afternoon.

Overall champion was Bridget Holt on Meg and reserve champion was Hayley Florence on Crackerjack.

Caithness landscapes

2011-11-12T14:09:00.000-08:00

A cracking sky over Thurso last Saturday

A deep orange sunset over the Caithness hills on Monday at 5pm

A silouhette of Morven, the highest hill in Caithness - taken from Harpsdale hill, Halkirk

Halkirk Utd vs Golspie - cup final

2011-11-12T14:03:00.000-08:00

Halkirk Utd beat Golspie Sutherland 2-1 in the North Caledonian cup in Brora today in perfect weather. Golspie took the lead early in the first half with a strong low sun behind them and this seemed to affect the Halkirk defence. A scrappy first half ended 1-0 with hardly any goal attempts from either side. Halkirk took control early in the second half and a quick-fire double from Chris Sutherland settled the match.

The Golspie keeper had a couple of cracking full stretch saves to keep the score down. Golspie had a player sent off mid-way through the 2nd half as the game started to turn ugly and the yellow cards were flying around.

A first cup win for new manager Jock MacKay.

Halkirk Utd vs Muir of Ord Rovers

2011-11-05T14:52:00.000-07:00

Halkirk Utd beat Muir of Ord Rovers 3-1 today at the Recreation Park. Chris Sutherland scored 2 in the first half and Alan Larnach got the 3rd midway through the 2nd half (see 2nd pic). Rovers pulled one back with 15 mins left. There were plenty of bookings and Rovers had a player sent off early in the 2nd half.

Halkirk team:
1 - G Williamson
2 - G Sinclair
3 - S Florence
4 - A Sinclair
5 - C Davidson
6 - G Henderson
7 - A Larnach
8 - M Bremner
9 - C Sutherland
10 - G MacNab
11 - N McKenzie
Subs
12 - J Halliday (used)
14 - Martyn Cook (used)
15 - C Sinclair
16 - J Howden

Thurso lost 1-0 away to Alness. Golspie beat Clach 0-3. Dingwall beat Balintore 4-1.

Wick beat Nairn County 5-3 in Wick. I didn't go to the game.

Caithness RFC vs Mackie Academy FP

2011-11-05T13:53:00.000-07:00

Caithness lost to Mackie Academy FP at Millbank today 7-25. Evan Sutherland (who travelled up from Edinburgh in the morning) scored an early try which was converted by Liam Brims and the Greens were well on top for most of the first half. Mackie converted 2 penalties and got a converted try right on half-time (7-13). I left midway through the 2nd half with Mackie on top but with no more points on the board.

Grant Anderson played his first game after a long layoff with an injury.

Caithness RFC team:
1 - Sinclair Dunnett
2 - Hamish Coghill
3 - Tommy Sutherland
4 - John Miller
5 - Andy Morris
6 - Reece Coghill
7 - Micahel Duffy
8 - Evan Sutherland
9 - Gordon MacLeod
10 - Liam Brims
11 - Jamie MacDonald
12 - Graham Poke
13 - Norman Foubister
14 - Craig Spargo
15 - Martin Oswald
16 - Grant Anderson
17 - Roddy Gray
18 - Peter Nicolson

With five defeats in 8 games, the Greens are second bottom in the league, only 1 point above Aberdeen University.

The other results in the league can be seen via the link;

http://www.scottishrugby.org/community/index.php?option=com_joomleague&func=showResultsRank&p=303&Itemid=789

Halkirk Utd vs Alness

2011-10-29T13:41:00.000-07:00

Stuart Murray scores for Alness with a superb shot into the top corner

Gavin Henderson bursts the net with a 90th minute penalty to win the game

Grant MacNab is felled on the edge of the penalty box to win a 90th minute penalty

Halkirk Utd just scraped a 2-1 win against a plucky Alness at the Recreation Park today. A fair draw was on the cards until Gavin Henderson scored a 90th minute penalty. Halkirk misfired throughout the game which was littered with yellow cards and a sending off (Alness player) - even though it was not a "dirty" match.

Alness went 1-0 up after 8mins when Alness striker Stuart Murray blasted a superb shot into the top corner. Chris Sutherland equalised after 13mins by taking advantage of a defensive mix up and tapping into an empty net. Grant MacNab was felled on the edge of the penalty box in the 90th minute to win a penalty. The Alness players hotly disputed the decision. Gavin Henderson blasted the ball straight down the middle to win the game.

Sub Martin Banks was very lively and missed a sitter and a great chance at the very end of the match.

I haven't heard how Thurso got on versus Muir of Ord. Wick won 2-0 at Formartine Utd. Caithness RFC were not playing today.

Thurso vs Balintore

2011-10-22T15:00:00.000-07:00

I caught some of the first half action of the league match between Thurso and Balintore at the Dammies today. When I left for the Wick Academy game, it was 1-0 to Balintore, but Thurso went on to win 3-2.

Halkirk beat Clach 4-1 in Inverness. Caithness lost 32-14 away to Hillfoots.

Wick Academy vs Keith

2011-10-22T14:37:00.000-07:00

Wick Academy lost 1-0 to Keith in the Scottish cup today. Keith took advantage of playing downhill with a strong wind behind them and scored with a penalty near the end of the first half. It was a game of few chances. Stewart Ross nearly equalised in the last minute - his shot just whizzed past the post. Martin Gunn had to be carried off the pitch with a nasty ankle injury.

Venom Evil Quad Bike

2011-10-16T15:00:00.000-07:00

This fantastic looking Venom Evil quad bike is street legal. It is owned by Warren Gordon, Thurso and is up for sale. There are very few in the country.

Pics were taken overlooking Scrabster Bay, beside the Coastguard station. I used two off-camera flash guns and underexposed the sky to get the deep blue colour.

Caithness RFC vs Aberdeenshire

2011-10-15T15:32:00.000-07:00

Another very wet day at Millbank today, where Caithness lost to Aberdeenshire by 21-11. Blair MacIntosh was playing at fullback for the first time since he fractured his cheekbone earlier this year. Tempers flared a few times, but the referee took no action. There were lots of dropped balls and knock-ons due to the slippery conditions.

The Caithness Minis acted as ball boys for the first time.

Halkirk Utd vs Muir of Ord Rovers

2011-10-15T13:04:00.000-07:00

I caught the first half of the Halkirk Utd vs Muir of Ord Rovers cup semi-final match and it just stayed dry. Rovers were on top for the first 30 mins and went 1-0 up. Utd finally got into gear and Grant MacNab scored with a cracking volley in the 43rd minute (last pic). The Anglers streaked ahead in the 2nd half and won 5-1.

Utd play Golspie in the final after they beat Clach 3-1.

Super Series - Surfing at Sandside

2011-10-09T15:12:00.000-07:00

Managed to process some more pics of the surfing at Sandside last Tuesday afternoon. I snapped heats 4 to 8 of Round 1 in the UK Pro Surf Tour Scottish Open, sponsored by Relentless Energy Drink. It is very rare to get a fleet of nuclear reactors in the background of a surfing shot!

Caithness RFC vs Highland

2011-10-08T15:56:00.000-07:00

I caught the first half of the Caithness vs Highland match at a very wet Millbank. The Greens went in at half-time 10-6 up, but went onto lose 19-10.

Wick Academy vs Fraserburgh

2011-10-08T13:14:00.000-07:00

Wick lost 3-1 to Fraserburgh today at Harmsworth Park in the pouring rain. I missed all the goal as I arrived after 60mins was played (caught the first half of the Caithness RFC vs Highland match). There was virtually no goal mouth action in the last 30 mins.
Caithness were leading Highland by 10-6 at half-time, but lost 19-10. Halkirk Utd and Thurso had no games today, due to the Scotland International match.

Camera Club fashion photoshoot

2011-10-07T15:10:00.000-07:00

Professional photographer Steven Seymour, Inverness, (http://www.seymourphoto.co.uk/) gave an excellent talk and demonstration photoshoot about fashion photography to Thurso Camera Club on Monday evening. I and ten others got the opportunity to take some pics of local professional model Naomi Farquhar-Munro using Steve's lighting set up.

Steve has just set up a photographic company called Parallel57 and is in the process of kitting out a huge studio at Dochfour Business Park, Inverness. Steve is highly regarded and will be giving talks at the prestigious SWPP Convention in London next January.

September Photo Awards

2011-10-07T13:38:00.000-07:00

Gold - Caithness Motocross race in June

Silver - Graham Fryer, Caithness RFC vs Strathmore in September

Silver - BeBe Vox concert in St Peters & St Andrews church in September

Silver - Brent Dorrington, AUS at the O'Neill CWC in April

The results of The Societies' monthly competition for September are just out and I managed to be awarded a gold and 3 silvers for photos taken in and around Thurso this year. My pics of the motocross riders kicking up lots of dust has gone down well with the judges. June was actually very dry!

Super Series surfing final

2011-10-06T16:01:00.000-07:00

Tom Butler

Gordon Fontaine

Sam Lamiroy

Micah Lester

Some action shots from the final of the Relentless Energy Drink Super Series held at Thurso East on Wednesday afternoon.

The weather was very dull and it rained during the last 10 minutes of the 30 min final. This meant increasing the ISO setting to 2,000 at F5.6 and focal length 400mm in order to get a fast shutter speed of around 1/2000sec. A big thank you to Karen Munro for lending me her Canon 100-400mm F4-F5.6L IS lens, which enabled me to get good close-up shots of the action.

1st - Micah Lester, Australia (yellow)
2nd - Gordon Fontaine, France (blue)
3rd - Tom Butler, Newquay (red)
4th - Sam Lamiroy, Newcastle (white)

Relentless Energy Drink Super Series Surfing Event

2011-10-05T13:31:00.000-07:00

Winner Micah Lester, Australia and runner up Gordon Fontaine, France

Micah Lester in action in the final at Thurso East

Micah Lester in the final

Mark Boyd, Thurso, at Sandside with Dounreay in the background

Tom Butler, Newquay, was 3rd

Gordon Fontaine, France, was 2nd

Gordon Fontaine, France

Stuart Campbell

Jak Smith,

Toby Donachie

Jayce Robinson

The first ever Relentless Energy Drink Super Series surfing event in collaboration with the UK Pro Surf Tour, was held in Caithness this week. 32 surfers from the UK and around the world (Australia, France, Portugal, South Africa & Lanazarote), were invited to compete for £5,000 prize money.

Round 1 was held at Sandside harbour on Tuesday and round 2, the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final were held at Thurso East today (Wednseday). I caught most of the action at Sandside and the final itself. I was told that the waves on Wed morning were huge, clean and just perfect for good surfing. The off-shore wind changed direction and the latter stages had big "messy" waves, which made it difficult for the surfers.

Australia's Micah Lester won the £2,000 first prize. Micah is a full-time professional and is currently living in Thurso! He won the UK Triple Crown Championship in 2009. The other finalists were;

2nd - Gordon Fontaine, France
3rd - Tom Butler, Newquay
4th - Sam Lamiroy, Newcastle

The surfers are now heading for Wales this weekend and then next week onto Devon for the 2nd event in the tri series and then onto Cornwall in November for the 3rd and final event. More details can be found on the link;

http://www.ukprosurf.com/the-first-ever-relentless-energy-drink-super-series-i8186.html

Halkirk Utd vs Thurso

2011-09-24T15:55:00.000-07:00

I caught the first 30 mins of the Halkirk Utd vs Thurso match, before heading off to the rugby. It was 0-0 when I left, but Halkirk went on to win 4-0. The other league scores were;

Clach beat Balintore 5-2
Dingwall lost to Golspie 0-4
Muir of Ord beat Alness 6-0

All of the North's sporting news is on a new website, see; http://www.north-sport.co.uk/

Wick Academy vs Coldstream

2011-09-24T15:10:00.000-07:00

David Allan wins a penalty

Stevie Cunningham is congratulated by Gary Weir

Gary Weir leaps over Mark Walters and watches his effort go inches past the post

Stevie Cunningham scores his third with a simple tap in

Gary Weir scores his second

Gary Weir is congratulated on scoring his hat-trick

Wick Academy beat Coldstream 9-1 in the Scottish Cup today. It was 2-1 at half time and Wick turned it on in the 2nd half with Gary Weir and Stevie Cunningham scoring hat-tricks. Craig Shearer, David Allan & Richard MacAdie scored the others. It could have been a lot more but the Coldstream keeper was in fine form, saved a Gary Weir penalty and pulled off a lot of great saves.

That is 17 goals in the last 2 games for 'e Scorries. The Highland League teams cup results can be seen on the link;

http://www.ngrfoundation.co.uk/joomla/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=25734&Itemid=1

Caithness RFC vs Strathmore

2011-09-24T13:43:00.000-07:00

I caught most of the first half of the Caithness vs Strathmore game at Millbank today. The Greens were losing 5-20 (Evan Sutherland got the try) when I left and the final score was 19-30. Graham Fryer had a try disallowed for an infringement (5th pic).

Highland, Orkney, Aberdeenshire & Aberdeen University all won today. See the results;

http://www.scottishrugby.org/community/index.php?option=com_joomleague&func=showResultsRank&p=303&Itemid=789

Pics of Halkirk vs Thurso (4-0) and Wick vs Coldstream (9-1) coming up later. A busy afternoon!

Halkirk Cadets

2011-09-23T16:09:00.000-07:00

The Halkirk Cadets presented a cheque for £1,060 to Susan Somerset of the Help for Heroes charity, after a summer of fund raising activities.

On the same evening, they were inspected by the Lord Lieutenant Anne Dunnet, who also presented certificates to the cadets who passed their proficiency awards.

Professional Imagemaker magazine feature

2011-09-23T14:00:00.000-07:00

I'm chuffed to have my photos featured in the latest edition of the Professional Imagemaker magazine. The "Surf 'n Turf" article covers my surfing pics from the O'Neill Cold Water Classic events at Thurso and my pics from various international rugby matches. I have been featured in magazines before, but never with so many pics and it is the first time that I have written an article (covering my tips for taking surfing pics).

The magazine is not generally available in the shops. It is sent to the worldwide members of The Societies, a group of 8 photographic societies, including The Society of International Sport & Leisure Photographers (of which I am a member).

The magazine also features the work of top UK fashion photographer John Denton, who gave a talk to Thurso Camera Club two weeks ago.

Thurso Acks FC - Blood Donors

2011-09-23T13:40:00.000-07:00

Gemma Coghill, wife of Thurso Acks captain Murray, recently gave birth to Sam and days afterwards had complications that required urgent hospital treatment in Wick, including the need for 12 pints of blood. After some anxious moments, everything turned out fine.

The Acks players and officials decided to replace the 12 pints by donating their blood when the transfusion service visited Thurso recently. The blood transfusion service was so impressed that they wanted pics for a press article.

Ross County vs Celtic

2011-09-22T16:07:00.000-07:00

The Scottsh Communities League Cup match between Ross County and Celtic was played last night in Dingwall in front of the live TV cameras. There were 8 photographers at the ground, with all of the big daily papers represented. It poured rain throughout the whole of the first half and I had trouble keeping my lens and myself, dry. Celtic scored a goal in each half to win 2-0, so no repeat of the 2010 Scottish Cup fairytale
The park is very tight and I was only 5 feet from the edge of the pitch, which meant a danger of being hit! Celtic winger James Forrest flew into the advertising hoardings only 20 feet away from me.

A crowd of 5,300 watched the action, which included some smoke bombs. The Celtic supporters end was uncovered and they all (around 600) got totally soaked.

A big thanks to Neil Reid for giving me a lift to the match.

BeBe Vox in Wick

2011-09-17T16:47:00.000-07:00

Another amazing concert by BeBe Vox in Wick's Pulteneytown Parish church on Friday night in front of over 200 children and parents. I have tried to capture the energy and enthusiasm of the hour long gig.

Check out her website;

http://www.bebevox.com/BeBeVox/Home.html

Halkirk Utd vs Balintore

2011-09-17T15:42:00.000-07:00

I caught the first half of the Halkirk Utd vs Balintore match today. It poured rain during the whole 45 mins. Alan Sinclair scored for the Anglers (5th pic) but Balintore equalised in the 45th minute. I do not know the final score.

Wick Academy vs Fort William

2011-09-17T14:56:00.000-07:00

Wick Academy beat Fort William 8-1 today at a rain soaked Harmsworth Park. I caught the first half of the Halkirk vs Balintore match and arrived late in Wick and missed the first 3 of Wick's goals. It was 4-1 at half time. Thankfully the rain stayed away for the 2nd half.

David Allan scored 2 goals and got the man of the match award. Other scorers were; Stevie Cunningham (2), Martin Gunn, Gary Weir, Grant Steven & Richard MacAdie.

BeBe Vox Concert in Thurso

2011-09-17T11:59:00.000-07:00

The St Peter's & St Andrew's church in Thurso was bouncing on Thursday evening as around 400 primary school children plus dozens of mums and dads rocked to the amazing sound of popstar BeBe Vox.

The Caithness churches got together to bring christians BeBe & Chip Kendall up to tour the Caithness primary schools all last week. They went down a storm and the kids turned up in force for the concert. BeBe has had two singles in the UK dance charts and the concert was very professional with backing dancers, lighting set and a huge sound mixing desk. The loud music from the huge speakers plus 400 screaming kids must have shook the foundations!

The stampede for autographs lasted 45 mins and there was a huge scrum outside the front doors of the church.

I enjoyed the concert so much that I also went to BeBe's concert in Wick on Friday night, with the intention of trying to capture even better pics. The combination of constantly flashing lights and BeBe being always on the move, meant it was a challenge to get great pics. Pics from Wick to follow later.

Thurso vs Dingwall Thistle

2011-09-10T15:07:00.000-07:00

Thurso lost 2-0 to Dingwall Thistle at the Dammies today. The match had little excitement and was a dour midfield battle with lots of yellow cards being flashed. At least it stayed dry for the whole game.

Jamie McKenzie made a rare mistake at the back to gift the first goal in the first half. Mark Nichol's weak penalty in the 2nd half was easily saved. Dingwall scored the 2nd with 10 mins left after Thurso failed to clear a free kick on the edge of the box.

Halkirk drew 4-4 with Golspie in Golspie. Their second successive 4-4 draw.

The Ulbster Cup Final

2011-09-04T12:40:00.000-07:00

Thurso Golf Club's A team won the Ulbster cup this afternoon in a thrilling match vs Wick "A". Peter Sangster sank a 9 foot birdie putt on the last green to clinch the cup by one hole.

The Thurso team was Peter Sangster, Jim Sangster, Alan Swanson & Dougie Thorburn. The Wick team was Ron Taylor, John Harper, Nicky Klimas & Gordon Steven.

In the semi-finals Thurso A beat Thurso B by 6 holes. Wick A beat Reay A by one hole.

The win means that Thurso retain the Wilson Cup and the Ulbster cup for the second year in a row.

Caithness RFC vs Glenrothes

2011-09-03T15:50:00.000-07:00

In the first league game of the season Caithness beat Glenrothes 21-15 at Millbank today. I caught the first half and the Greens struggled after getting a flying start with a first minute try by Evan Sutherland (converted by Liam Brims). Glenrothes got stronger as the first half progressed, scored a try, but missed the conversion and a penalty to trail 7-5 at half time.

For the other scores in the league - see link;

http://www.scottishrugby.org/community/index.php?option=com_joomleague&func=showResultsRank&p=303&Itemid=789

Golf - The Ulbster Cup

2011-09-03T14:13:00.000-07:00

Thurso Golf Club is hosting the prestigious Ulbster Cup competition this weekend. All four golf clubs in Caithness enter two teams of 4 players for the fourball knockout event. I caught the teams at the first tee this morning. The results for the 1st round are;

Thurso A beat Reay B
Wick A beat Lybster B
Thurso B beat Wick B
Reay A beat Lybster A

The semi-final draw for Sunday (tomorrow) morning is;

Thurso A vs Thurso B
Wick A vs Reay A

The final starts at 2pm on Sunday afternoon.

Photography Awards

2011-09-02T14:16:00.000-07:00

Gold - Caithness Motocross race in June

Gold - Thurso's Mark Boyd in action at Thurso East in the semi-finals of the Scottish Championships in March

Silver - Chris Scruggs performing at the Northern Nashville Festival in Halkirk in April. I actually bought his album and listen to it in the car all the time!

Silver - My cousin's Aston Martin DB9 taken at Keiss Harbour last Saturday.

Silver - Aston Martin DB9 at Keiss harbour. Pure luck that the seagull was flying by.

The August awards for the Societies' monthly competition (that lead to the Photographer of the Year awards in London) have just been announced and it is my best ever month - with two golds and three silvers. All pics were taken in Caithness this year.

Gary Manson Testimonial - 2

2011-08-31T15:36:00.000-07:00

Davie Kirkwood, Wick Academy Manager

Gary and match sponsors

Gary and more match sponsors

Gary's Testimonial Committee

Some more pics of Gary Manson's testimonial game vs Inverness Caledonian Thistle

Gary Manson Testimonial - Wick vs Inverness Caley Thistle

2011-08-30T16:03:00.000-07:00

Gary Manson's testimonial game vs Inverness Caledonian Thistle was held at a rain soaked Harmsworth Park tonight. Thistle won 4-1 in front of a crowd that was very subdued. The weather probably dampened spirits and also persuaded a few to stay at home.

ICT totally dominated the first half and went in the dressing room 2-0 up. Halkirk's Shane Sutherland was ICT's captain for the match and he scored the third goal to make it 3-0. David Allan scored an excellent effort to make it 3-1, before ICT got a very late penalty to make the final score 4-1. Wick had a real go in the second half as the substitutes came on thick and fast.

Aston Martin DB9

2011-08-29T14:23:00.000-07:00

Took some pics of an Aston Martin DB9 at Keiss harbour on Saturday and also got to drive it. An Aston Martin has got to be the ultimate sports car. The 6L V12 engine produces 470BHP. DB stands for David Brown. More info about the DB9 on the link;

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aston_Martin_DB9

And the official pics on the Aston Martin website;

http://www.astonmartin.com/cars/db9-coupe

Scottish Cup 1st round draw

2011-08-29T13:14:00.000-07:00

1. Rothes v Clachnacuddin

2. Fort William v Bo'ness United

3. Edinburgh City v Brora Rangers

4. Nairn County v Selkirk

5. Fraserburgh v Civil Service Strollers

6. Wigtown and Bladnoch v Preston Athletic

7. Lossiemouth v Auchinleck Talbot

8. Huntly v Newton Stewart

9. Forres Mechanics v Irvine Meadow

10. Dalbeattie Star v Inverurie Loco Works

11. Wick Academy v Coldstream

12. Glasgow University v Cove Rangers

13. Vale of Leithen v Girvan

14. Gala Fairydean v Hawick Royal Albert

15. Culter v Burntisland Shipyard

16. Edinburgh University v Whitehill Welfare

17. St. Cuthbert Wanderers v Keith

Golspie Sutherland receive a bye into the second round.

All matches will be played on weekend of 24th September. A good home draw for Wick Academy.

Halkirk Utd vs Balintore

2011-08-28T05:25:00.000-07:00

Halkirk Utd started the defence of the league championship against Balintore yesterday and could only manage a 4-4 draw at home. Halkirk had 5 players missing and Balintore took a 1-0 lead early on before the Anglers got into gear and scored 3 before half-time (Paul Mackay, Chris Sutherland and Nigel MacKenzie). Balintore got one back early in the 2nd half, before Martin Bain restored the 2 goal cushion. Halkirk defence went to sleep and shipped two goals in the last 10 mins.

Halkirk could easily have scored 7 or 8, but just could not find the net.

Caithness Life Magazine feature

2011-08-26T16:53:00.000-07:00

The excellent Caithness Life magazine has a regular feature on local photographers and I am in the July/August 2011 issue. It is only posted to addresses in the KW1 (Wick & district) and KW14 (Thurso & district) postcode areas, so Halkirk misses out as it is covered by KW12.

More BHS show pics

2011-08-25T15:37:00.000-07:00

I have managed to go through all my many hundreds of pics taken at the BHS Show. Hope to update my website with the best ones tomorrow.

Blair Castle International Horse Trials

2011-08-23T16:17:00.000-07:00

Kelly Skinner with Megland Royal Pretence (Poppy) - 2nd in class

Jillian Gunn with Eddiston May-Bee (Basil) - 1st in class for hunter pony and Reserve Champion for in hand riding pony/hunter pony championship

James Adamson with Willoway Chatterbox

Blair Castle was celebrating 75 years open to the public. This was the view from our tent at night.

There were around 100 young riders competing in the very competitive Pony Club Games

We had great success at the Blair Castle International Horse Trials last weekend, with Basil winning the Reserve Championship for the in hand riding pony/hunter pony final. Our two ex-ponies were also competing. Kelly Skinner & Poppy were 2nd for the riding pony class and was up against Basil in the championship. 12 year old James Adamson & Chatterbox came all the way from Orkney and just missed out on a placing in the New Forest/ Connemara open ridden class.

I celebrated my 50th birthday on Saturday evening with the Caithness contingent by holding a BBQ at our tent which was pitched beside the Castle.

Managed to snap a few pics of the International Cross Country riders in action. GB won the 3 day event.

Halkirk Utd vs Inverness Caley Thistle

2011-08-22T16:19:00.000-07:00

Hand ball not given by the Ref.

Halkirk Utd lost 1-0 to Inverness Caledonain Thistle in the North of Scotland Cup semi-final which was played in Wick tonight in perfect warm weather. A big crowd watched ICT totally outplay Halkirk in the first half, but the score was held at 1-0 at half-time. Halkirk got a grip of the game playing down hill in the second half and were unlucky not to score. Halkirk goalie Graeme Williamson had some outstanding saves and won the man of the match award.

Halkirk Utd vs Clach

2011-08-17T15:55:00.000-07:00

Halkirk Utd beat Inverness Clachnacuddin on penalties in the quarterfinals of the North of Scotland Cup tonight at Harmsworth Park. Nigel McKenzie scored in the first half to put Halkirk 1-0 up. Unfortunatley I had to leave at half-time and missed all the excitement. They now play Inverness Caledonian Thistle in Inverness next Wed night. Could be a few travelling down for that one.

BHS Show

2011-08-14T13:43:00.000-07:00

Caitlin Bissett with James Gunn Photography cup for 13.2 hh & under ridden and Johnson Controls cup for showjumping Grand Prix

Some of the prize winners. A few left early due to the heavy rain!

Erin Hewitson on Eddiston Little Springtime with mum Liz. Lead Rein winners and Veteran Champions.

The trophies won by Erin Hewitson, who was too shy for a photo.

Ashley Miller with Littleton's Princess. Condition & Turnout champion and In hand champion. Reserve in hand champion was Lisa Kennedy. Reserve C&T champion was Alex Henderson.

Ridden champion was Ruth Sutherland on The Puzzlemaster (left). Reserve was Lisa Kennnedy on Stemster Millenium Bug.

Emma Gunn on Skellorn Royal Portrait (left) - best native small breed (ridden). Tracey Mason on Durris Golden Sovereign - best native large breed (ridden)

Winner in Working Hunter and Ridden classes - Caitlin Bissett on Eddiston May-Bee owned by M&J Gunn

Caitlin Bissett on Bradmoor Tess. Class winner in WH and winner of Showjumping Grand Prix

Ruth Sutherland and The Puzzlemaster

Nicola Kemp on Freespirit III, owned by Ashley Miller

The annual BHS Highland North summer show was held today at Northfield, Halkirk with 92 horses and ponies competing for an array of trophies and rosettes. I covered the ridden and in hand rings and Duncan MacLachlan coverd the working hunter ring. His website is;

http://www.studiograff-photo.co.uk/

Working Hunter Champion was Gillian McArthur on Supreme Diamond Edge. Reserve was Ruth Sutherland on Playboy II.

David Allan Shield Final

2011-08-13T16:13:00.000-07:00

In the David Allan Shield final at the Dammies tonight, Pentland Utd beat Wick Groats 2-0 in front of a sizeable crowd. Utd could have been 4-0 up at half-time but had to settle for 2-0. Utd tired in the second half (the league title celebrations on Thursday night may have caught up with them) and Groats piled on the pressure, but could not break down the defence.

Chris Sutherland of Castletown FC won the player of the year award. Martin Banks of Staxigoe Utd won the young player of the year award. Top Joes and Keiss shared the 2nd Division fair play award. Halkirk won the 1st Division fair play award.

Wick Academy vs Buckie Thistle

2011-08-13T15:37:00.000-07:00

Wick Academy beat league champions Buckie Thistle 3-1 today at Harmsworth Park. It was 1-1 at half-time. Sam Mackay, Stevie Cunningham and David Allan scored for The Scorries and Zander Sutherland scored for Buckie. It was a comfortable win against a young makeshift Buckie side and more goals should have been scored. Alan Farquhar was the man of the match.

It was warm and very sunny for a change.

Caithness Football Champions

2011-08-12T15:50:00.000-07:00

While I was away in Inverness, Pentland Utd beat Wick Groats 5-3 to clinch the Caithness Division One championship. By all accounts it was a humdinger of a match. They meet again tomorrow in the David Allan Shield final. KO is 6pm at the Dammies.

Halkirk vs Staxigoe Utd

2011-08-10T14:42:00.000-07:00

Halkirk beat Staxigoe Utd 3-2 tonight and so avoided the relegation battle. Lee Elder was Halkirk's hero with all three goals. The last one was in injury time. Halkirk were 2-1 down with approx 10 mins left. The Staxigoe players and officials surrounded the ref (Alec Jappy) at the final whistle and I think two players were red carded.

Swifts and Acks both won, so I think Castletown are in the relegataion play off with Thurso Pentland.

The league decider between Wick Groats and Pentland Utd was postponed due to the rain. They will play tomorrow night (Thursday). I will be in Inverness, so will miss the biggest game of the season. There will be a huge crowd for the match.

Thurso Gala Floats by Chris Gunn

2011-08-09T16:10:00.000-07:00

My 13 year old son, Chris, grabbed my spare camera and took the above photos with very little prompting from me. Quite a few are better than my pics! He cannot decide which is the best one for the Gala photo competition.

More Riding Club Show pics

2011-08-07T15:52:00.000-07:00

A few pics of some class winners at the Caithness Riding Club Show today.

Caithness Riding Club Show - winners

2011-08-07T12:06:00.000-07:00

In Hand champion (right) Perry Campbell with Archwood Flash Dance, Reserve - Nicola Kemp with Freespirit III, both owned by Ashley Miller

Working Hunter Pony Champion (right) Sophia Ramsoy on Blairs Cody, Reserve - James Adamson on Willoway Chatterbox

Working Hunter Horse Champion (right) Barbara Cowan on Ballyglass Boy, Reserve - Debbie Bowes on Mr. Orange. Judge - Sarah Swannie, Orkney

Ridden Horse Champion (left) Lisa Kennedy on Stemster Millenium Bug, Reserve - Ruth Sutherland on The Puzzlemaster

Ridden Pony Champion (left) Ashley Miller on Freespirit III, Reserve - Rhiana Angus on Eddiston May-Bee, owned by M&J Gunn

The Caithness Riding Club held its annual summer (!) show at Bylbtser today. It was postponed from June due to the rain and it was nearly postponed again. It rained during the night and during the whole show, apart from 45 mins when the midges came out and attacked everyone. The ground was a huge wet quagmire in places. Most cars with trailers struggled to get out of the exit gate, even with the ponies removed.

Entries seemed to be lightly down and the show finished very early at 1.30pm. Not the best of days for taking photos and I didn't get as many as usual - very hard to keep the camera and lens dry.