Nwicker60
07-Sep-11, 19:51
Caithness Courier review: September 7, 2011
THE paper leads with the accusation that local health officials have been telling lies, at a meeting which discussed the future of the Dunbar Hospital, in Thurso. The claim was made by retired Caithness minister, the Rev. Ronnie Johnstone, who also accused North Highland Community Health Partnership Committee chairman Coilin Punler, of “hiding behind the rule book”. However, Mr Punler and NHS Highland yesterday strongly rejected the allegations. Meanwhile, plans to close the inpatient beds at the Dunbar and reduce the opening hours at the minor injuries unit, have been branded “a cost-cutting exercise”. Speaking at a meeting of the Castletown and District Community Council, on Thursday night, John Crowden maintained the controversial proposals are about saving money. He added: “They are not about patient care”.
A WOMAN who lost her husband and father when their fishing boat sank off Caithness, has made an emotional visit to the scene of the tragedy. Jeannie Ritchie was one of three family members taken to the spot where the Peterhead-registered trawler, Trident, sank almost 40 years ago. Seven men died when the vessel went down off Wick in October in 1974. The relatives were taken out to the scene on Saturday, on board Wick lifeboat and returned a lamp, which had been removed five years ago during an underwater survey of the boat, prior to a public inquiry into the sinking. Mrs Ritchie says the fight to prove that the Trident was unstable, goes on and indicated she might petition the European Court of Human Rights.
It was the biggest fundraising event Caithness has ever seen. Now, it is on its way to being the biggest fundraiser of its kind in the country this year. Caithness Relay for Life 2011, defied all expectations when over £125,000 was raised for Cancer Research UK. Charity bosses say that with cash still coming in, it is on target to collect the most money from any Relay for Life event in Britain.
CALLS are being made to change the traffic restrictions in Wick town centre because motorists are constantly ignoring the rules. Members of the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council have suggested opening up the area to all traffic, or closing it off completely. They are asking for clarification on the rules regarding traffic restrictions in the High Street, from the foot of Shore Lane to the traffic lights and Market Square.
NOW one of the brightest stars on American television, Ashley Cowie has come a long way since driving around Caithness, selling fish, 10 years ago. The 38-year-old symbologist, originally from Wick, is heading to Los Angeles to hold talks about a second series of his hit television show. Legend Queen, which has just finished its first season in the US, has earned rave reviews from American audiences.
A THURSO bakery has been recognised for its product innovation and success on the international market. Reids of Caithness will be the county’s only representative at the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards, next month. Recognising excellence and achievement in the food and drink industry, the awards are organised by the Highlands and Islands food and Drink Forum and supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
A CALL for more power to be returned to the people of Caithness, has been backed by Castletown Community Council. Members agreed, at their meeting on Thursday night, to support local MSP Rob Gibson’s bid for more decision-making responsibilities to be transferred from Highland Council to Caithness. Mr Gibson accused the local authority of being “distant” from the Far North and said people in the country, were “hungry for local control”.
THURSO’s outdoor bowling green once again provided a first-class venue for the North of Scotland Junior Masters at the weekend. With the surface back in pristine condition, the event went off without a hitch. Organisers were delighted to get the rub of the green, weather-wise after waking up to heavy rain on Saturday morning. The showers relented, to allow play to get under way as scheduled, and conditions gradually improved for the qualifying group matches.
WICK ACADEMY manager Davie Kirkwood was far from happy with his team after they they failed to hold onto a second half lead to lose the match 2-1 to Deveronvale at Harmsworth Park. Kirkwood said: “We are magnificent going forward, but our defence, at times, is shambolic. It’s not just defenders who are to blame, as the midfield and forward line have also to be held to account.. If they are not going to do what they are told, they are not going to be here.”
THE paper leads with the accusation that local health officials have been telling lies, at a meeting which discussed the future of the Dunbar Hospital, in Thurso. The claim was made by retired Caithness minister, the Rev. Ronnie Johnstone, who also accused North Highland Community Health Partnership Committee chairman Coilin Punler, of “hiding behind the rule book”. However, Mr Punler and NHS Highland yesterday strongly rejected the allegations. Meanwhile, plans to close the inpatient beds at the Dunbar and reduce the opening hours at the minor injuries unit, have been branded “a cost-cutting exercise”. Speaking at a meeting of the Castletown and District Community Council, on Thursday night, John Crowden maintained the controversial proposals are about saving money. He added: “They are not about patient care”.
A WOMAN who lost her husband and father when their fishing boat sank off Caithness, has made an emotional visit to the scene of the tragedy. Jeannie Ritchie was one of three family members taken to the spot where the Peterhead-registered trawler, Trident, sank almost 40 years ago. Seven men died when the vessel went down off Wick in October in 1974. The relatives were taken out to the scene on Saturday, on board Wick lifeboat and returned a lamp, which had been removed five years ago during an underwater survey of the boat, prior to a public inquiry into the sinking. Mrs Ritchie says the fight to prove that the Trident was unstable, goes on and indicated she might petition the European Court of Human Rights.
It was the biggest fundraising event Caithness has ever seen. Now, it is on its way to being the biggest fundraiser of its kind in the country this year. Caithness Relay for Life 2011, defied all expectations when over £125,000 was raised for Cancer Research UK. Charity bosses say that with cash still coming in, it is on target to collect the most money from any Relay for Life event in Britain.
CALLS are being made to change the traffic restrictions in Wick town centre because motorists are constantly ignoring the rules. Members of the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council have suggested opening up the area to all traffic, or closing it off completely. They are asking for clarification on the rules regarding traffic restrictions in the High Street, from the foot of Shore Lane to the traffic lights and Market Square.
NOW one of the brightest stars on American television, Ashley Cowie has come a long way since driving around Caithness, selling fish, 10 years ago. The 38-year-old symbologist, originally from Wick, is heading to Los Angeles to hold talks about a second series of his hit television show. Legend Queen, which has just finished its first season in the US, has earned rave reviews from American audiences.
A THURSO bakery has been recognised for its product innovation and success on the international market. Reids of Caithness will be the county’s only representative at the Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards, next month. Recognising excellence and achievement in the food and drink industry, the awards are organised by the Highlands and Islands food and Drink Forum and supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise.
A CALL for more power to be returned to the people of Caithness, has been backed by Castletown Community Council. Members agreed, at their meeting on Thursday night, to support local MSP Rob Gibson’s bid for more decision-making responsibilities to be transferred from Highland Council to Caithness. Mr Gibson accused the local authority of being “distant” from the Far North and said people in the country, were “hungry for local control”.
THURSO’s outdoor bowling green once again provided a first-class venue for the North of Scotland Junior Masters at the weekend. With the surface back in pristine condition, the event went off without a hitch. Organisers were delighted to get the rub of the green, weather-wise after waking up to heavy rain on Saturday morning. The showers relented, to allow play to get under way as scheduled, and conditions gradually improved for the qualifying group matches.
WICK ACADEMY manager Davie Kirkwood was far from happy with his team after they they failed to hold onto a second half lead to lose the match 2-1 to Deveronvale at Harmsworth Park. Kirkwood said: “We are magnificent going forward, but our defence, at times, is shambolic. It’s not just defenders who are to blame, as the midfield and forward line have also to be held to account.. If they are not going to do what they are told, they are not going to be here.”