The Orcadian Features - 2003 review of the year

A look back at events of 2003

July

MS sufferer Biz Ivol furthered the drama of her cannabis trial, when she took a drug overdose just hours before the charges against her were dropped. The unsuccessful suicide attempt came at the end of a long and stressful legal campaign, which Mrs Ivol claimed led to a serious deterioration in her health.
The Pickaquoy Centre announced this month that it was to cut opening hours from July 12 in an attempt to save cash. The “reluctant” decision was taken so the leisure centre could remain within the council deficit of £300,000. Management said that the reduced times would save the centre £15,000, adding they hoped it would be a short term sitiuation.
Orkney’s Island Games competitors returned home with their heads held high, despite only securing one medal at the 2003 tournament in Guernsey. Jim Middlemas, of East Glower, Birsay took home the lone medal after winning bronze in the archery event. The hosts of the competiton won the tournament with 128 medals.
Four teachers at Kirkwall Grammar School, who put in over 100 years service between them, retired when the school summer term ended in July. The teachers – Jim Burton, Dennis Walls, Jack Omand and Tom King – were presented with plaques commemerating their lengthy services to the school.
A five-year operation to upgrade the Kirkwall Hotel to three star status was announced by the owners. Colin and Debbie Low said they were investing tens of thousands of pounds in the plan, with the help of Orkney Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
The Stromness Shopping Week Committee announced that in a tribute to Cameron Stout Orkney’s own representative in Big Brother, there would be a ‘Big Brither Hoose’ in this year’s festival. Ten housemates would spend a whole day in the house, taking part in tasks and evictions, like the TV equivalent. Lee Seator eventually went on to win the contest.
Three Orcadian TA soldiers in Iraq were able to keep an eye on events at home after The Orcadian sent out copies of the paper to the men. The soldiers, Colin Budge, Les Irvine and Alex Findlater, were helping to keep the peace in Iraq, as part of the King’s Own Scottish Borderers.
A mysterious montage appeared in Stromness, on a property formerly owned by one of Orkney’s most colourful, eccentric characters. The building of 41-43 Victoria Street used to belong to Hugh Yorston, but a collage emerged there, a mixture of photos from past and present. The building seemed to be renamed ‘Yorston’s Folly’.
The annual Stromness Shopping Week kicked off again this year, with the usual array of entertainment and fun. Shopping Week Queen Briony Hourston made a speech along with Councillor James Stockan and Community Council Chairwoman Linda Lennie at the opening ceremony. There was an extra element to the festival this year, with the presence of local man Cameron Stout in Big Brother.
Orkney rejoiced this month after Cameron secured victory in the Big Brother house. He received two million votes, and defeated Ray, Scott and Steph on the last night of the popular programme, to win the £70,000
prize.

Hundreds of Orcadians gathered at the pier head in the town – where a large video screen had been set up – to watch the shy Orcadian being announced as the winner of the hit TV show.
A man died in a blaze at his home this month. Mr Stewart Ritchie, 34, was rushed to Balfour Hospital where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Four fire engines from Kirkwall, Stromness and St Margaret’s Hope attended the scene and fought the flames for more than two hours.