Nwicker60
13-Apr-12, 09:40
John O’ Groat Journal review: April 13, 2012
POWER from the Pentland Firth could be used for a research and development project to look at ways of using algae to produce biodiesel. This was said yesterday by Bill Mowat, who is the chairman of Gills Harbour Ltd. He said that plan could involve North Highland College, in Thurso, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Mr Mowat pointed out that in the early 18th century, around 50 people were employed in the Gills Bay area producing soda ash from seaweed – a form of algae which was used for making textiles, glass and soap at the time of the industrial revolution. He said: “Algae is regarded as being a more efficient way of producing biofuels than American maize or Brazilian sugar cane.”
A FUNDRAISING event in memory of a young Caithness teacher, who died earlier this year, is expected to generate in excess of £8000 for Cancer Research UK. Dianne Allan was only 25 when she lost her battle with the disease in January. Her death devastated her mother, Ann Flett, and stepfather, Robbie Flett, and her partner Steven Morris, as well as friends and colleagues. Steven’s team-mates at Thurso Swifts FC decided to do something in her memory and came up with the idea of a 12-hour relay which got under way at Sir George’s Park at 8am last Saturday. A host of other entertainment music and activities were staged as part of the event.
A RENEWABLE energy developer is claiming a plan to erect four new turbines near its wind farm in Caithness, would affect its productivity. US-based Ellis Hall Consultants has objected to the application submitted by Caithness Power Ltd, to build four 800 KW wind turbines at Upper Smerral, Houstry. The proposed development lies 1.5km from the existing Buolfruich Wind Farm, six mIles north of Dunbeath. The proposal will go before the North planning applications committee, on Tuesday.
TIME is running out for a new Tesco development in Thurso, according to the town’s Highland council Labour candidate. Roger Saxon claims the community’s suspicions the supermarket giant is “landbanking” are true. He said Tesco has had planning permission for a new store at the Ormlie Road site for long enough and its chance should now be up. He told the John O’ Groat Journal: “It’s time we told them their planning permission has passed its sell-by date”.
SIGNIFICANT interest has been expressed by companies involved in the oil, gas and renewable energy industries, in establishing bases at Scrabster. William Calder, Scrabster Harbour Trust chairman, this week revealed talks have been held with firms about locating to the port as part of its £20 million redevelopment – moves which could lead to hundreds of new jobs. It comes as the Scottish Government finance secretary, John Swinney, announced measures to encourage investment in key economic areas of Scotland. These include offering tax breaks and fast-tracked planning approval for firms in four new enterprise areas, at 14 different sites of which Scrabster is one.
THE Thurso cast of a Shakespeare-inspired play is hoping it can make as much of an impact on the national stage as it has already made in the Highlands. Thurso Players will be competing against the best amateur dramatic talent in Scotland when they battle it out in the national final of the SCDA festival of one-act plays, in Stirling, at the end of the month.
THE 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic will have particular significance for Wick man John Henderson. He grew up listening to tales about the tragic events of Sunday April 14, 1912. The stories were related to him by his grandfather, John Cargill, who was on board the Carpathia which helped in the rescue of many passengers. Mr Henderson, who lives in Henrietta Street with his wife Janice, has fond memories of his grandfather whom he described as “a real character”.
THE six-goal demolition of Brora Rangers has shown how far Wick Academy have come under the stewardship of Davie Kirkwood, according to Rab Mulheron. The coach said the squad showed that after struggling in the bottom half of the table, last season, the Scorries are a cut above the lower-league teams. He now wants the side’s confidence to carry on next season and said if it happens, the Caithness men will have a realistic shot of challenging for the title.
POWER from the Pentland Firth could be used for a research and development project to look at ways of using algae to produce biodiesel. This was said yesterday by Bill Mowat, who is the chairman of Gills Harbour Ltd. He said that plan could involve North Highland College, in Thurso, and Highlands and Islands Enterprise. Mr Mowat pointed out that in the early 18th century, around 50 people were employed in the Gills Bay area producing soda ash from seaweed – a form of algae which was used for making textiles, glass and soap at the time of the industrial revolution. He said: “Algae is regarded as being a more efficient way of producing biofuels than American maize or Brazilian sugar cane.”
A FUNDRAISING event in memory of a young Caithness teacher, who died earlier this year, is expected to generate in excess of £8000 for Cancer Research UK. Dianne Allan was only 25 when she lost her battle with the disease in January. Her death devastated her mother, Ann Flett, and stepfather, Robbie Flett, and her partner Steven Morris, as well as friends and colleagues. Steven’s team-mates at Thurso Swifts FC decided to do something in her memory and came up with the idea of a 12-hour relay which got under way at Sir George’s Park at 8am last Saturday. A host of other entertainment music and activities were staged as part of the event.
A RENEWABLE energy developer is claiming a plan to erect four new turbines near its wind farm in Caithness, would affect its productivity. US-based Ellis Hall Consultants has objected to the application submitted by Caithness Power Ltd, to build four 800 KW wind turbines at Upper Smerral, Houstry. The proposed development lies 1.5km from the existing Buolfruich Wind Farm, six mIles north of Dunbeath. The proposal will go before the North planning applications committee, on Tuesday.
TIME is running out for a new Tesco development in Thurso, according to the town’s Highland council Labour candidate. Roger Saxon claims the community’s suspicions the supermarket giant is “landbanking” are true. He said Tesco has had planning permission for a new store at the Ormlie Road site for long enough and its chance should now be up. He told the John O’ Groat Journal: “It’s time we told them their planning permission has passed its sell-by date”.
SIGNIFICANT interest has been expressed by companies involved in the oil, gas and renewable energy industries, in establishing bases at Scrabster. William Calder, Scrabster Harbour Trust chairman, this week revealed talks have been held with firms about locating to the port as part of its £20 million redevelopment – moves which could lead to hundreds of new jobs. It comes as the Scottish Government finance secretary, John Swinney, announced measures to encourage investment in key economic areas of Scotland. These include offering tax breaks and fast-tracked planning approval for firms in four new enterprise areas, at 14 different sites of which Scrabster is one.
THE Thurso cast of a Shakespeare-inspired play is hoping it can make as much of an impact on the national stage as it has already made in the Highlands. Thurso Players will be competing against the best amateur dramatic talent in Scotland when they battle it out in the national final of the SCDA festival of one-act plays, in Stirling, at the end of the month.
THE 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic will have particular significance for Wick man John Henderson. He grew up listening to tales about the tragic events of Sunday April 14, 1912. The stories were related to him by his grandfather, John Cargill, who was on board the Carpathia which helped in the rescue of many passengers. Mr Henderson, who lives in Henrietta Street with his wife Janice, has fond memories of his grandfather whom he described as “a real character”.
THE six-goal demolition of Brora Rangers has shown how far Wick Academy have come under the stewardship of Davie Kirkwood, according to Rab Mulheron. The coach said the squad showed that after struggling in the bottom half of the table, last season, the Scorries are a cut above the lower-league teams. He now wants the side’s confidence to carry on next season and said if it happens, the Caithness men will have a realistic shot of challenging for the title.