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A look back at events of 2004
December
- Leaking pipes almost caused the Flotta Oil terminal to grind to a
halt in December. The discovery of a corroded gas pipe meant the terminal
had to use thousands of litres of diesel fuel a day to ensure production
was continued.
It was also revealed that if the diesel supply had run out, the terminal
would have been forced to close while the gas pipe was mended - an operation
which could have taken two weeks.
- The outgoing chairman of the Orkney tourist board expressed his fears
for the future, following the restructuring of the industry, which will
bring an end to local tourist boards.
Speaking in December, John Hinckley said: "We will be subject to
our centralised control of policy and how budgets are allocated for
production of of our brochure, our website and our tourist information
centres.
"VisitScotland is currently saying that we should be allowed to
retain our local branding, ie that we should have our own brochure,
website and VisitOrkney identity.
- In a new initiative in December, Kirkwall police clocked vehicles
going at "homicidal" speeds throughout the town. Orkney's
police community safety officer, PC Dave Dawson stressed that the results
were alarming.
He said: "Based upon statistics obtained at a number of rural locations
and, more worryingly, on certain streets within Kirkwall, it is evident
that a significant number of motorists are failing to adhere to speed
limits.
"Speeds in excess of the limits have been recorded from as little
as 5 mph to 40 mph, the latter figure not being confined to the 60 mph
limit on open roads, but also within 30 and 40 mph zones in built-up
areas."
- Beds at Balfour Hospital reopened following high demand. The hospital
was close to bursting point, with admissions higher than usual. The
stretched nursing staff were praised for their efforts in coping with
the high patient numbers.
- Second home owners will be paying more council tax, it was decided
following an OIC decision in December. At the OIC's general meeting,
members recommended reducing the amount of council tax discount given
to second home owners from the current 50 per cent to ten per cent on
second homes and empty properties, in the New Year.
- Orkney GP, Dr Paul Kettle, warned that the "socially acceptable"
drinking culture among youths in Orkney could potentially claim a life.
Dr Kettle was speaking after police in the county unveiled a huge haul
of illicit alcohol taken from youngsters making their way to a dance.
- A new Orkney beer was launched in perfect time for Christmas. Rob
Hill's new business venture Highland Brewery Company launched the new
Scapa Special which is a classic pale ale .
- December was the month that the old Phoenix Cinema building was finally
demolished. Although the cinema had been closed since 1998, the building
had stood empty for six years. The site will eventually be home to the
women's refuge, which will be run by Women's Aid Orkney.
- The last month of 2004 proved to be an interesting one on the sporting
front, with Orkney's county football coach stepping down after more
than four years in charge. Pat Tully - who was in charge of the Milne
cup-winning team - said that changes in his family and working life
had lead to the decision.
- There was good news for the Orkney rugby club who won another match
in their BT League division four campaign, with victory over Cumnock.
Following their win over Lenzie the week before, Orkney's confidence
helped them take a 26-11 victory Ayrshire side.
- The year ended with another Uppie victory in the Christmas Day Men's
Ba. The win, the Uppies' 13th consecutive victory, saw Andrew Currie
lift the trophy.
Meanwhile, the Boys' Ba' went to doonie Jon Tait after an epic battle
lasting five and a half hours.
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