Nwicker60
25-Apr-12, 11:04
Caithness Courier review: April 25, 2012
A CAITHNESS farmer, who found over a dozen lambs dead in a horrific scene in his field near Watten, is blaming the irresponsible actions of a dog owner for the devastation. Fourteen of John Swanson’s lambs were killed in an attack which is estimated to have taken place within the space of three hours, last Wednesday. The farmer, who has been working in the agricultural industry for over 50 years, claimed a dog, or dogs, not under proper control, was responsible. Northern Constabulary confirmed, yesterday that DNA samples taken by a vet, proved a canine was responsible for the attack but its breed is still unknown.
THE latest act of vandalism at a Catholic church in Thurso, may have been cause by someone “angry with God”. That’s the view of Father John Allen who spoke out after St Anne’s Catholic Church became a victim of vandalism for the third time since February. The incident occurred on Friday, between 3pm and 5.30pm when the culprit attempted to break into the tabernacle at the church, based in Sweyn Road. A window was smashed when a small boulder was thrown through it and candlestick holders were also destroyed.
PLANS to build a new Tesco store in Thurso may be scraped as the company has revealed it is considering its options for the site. The firm told the Caithness Courier this week, it is looking into the possibility of selling the land at Ormlie Road where it had planned to build a new store to replace its current branch at Millbank. The controversial development, which included a new supermarket with a four-pump petrol station, as well as a car park and new access, was granted planning permission by Highland Council in August 2009. However, the planning permission is only valid until January 17, 2013. Now it has emerged the company is considering whether to go ahead with building the new supermarket at all.
LANDWARD Caithness councillor, Robert Coghill, has been accused of making “highly misleading” claims and living in “a council bubble”. The criticism was made by SNP MSP, Rob Gibson who took issue with a letter Mr Coghill wrote to the Groat on Friday, in which he responded to comments made by SNP Landward Caithness candidate, Alex MacLeod. But yesterday, Mr Coghill defended his remarks and said the SNP is “grasping at straws”. According to the Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP, Mr Coghill –an independent councillor – claimed credit for enterprise zone status being awarded to Scrabster harbour.
CLAIMS that a group of fundraisers shouted abuse at a bus tour operator have been slammed by the event’s organiser. Sir Brian Burrows said that none of the 53 participants involved in a charity moped ride between John O Groats and Lands End subjected Puffin Express owner Sinclair Dunnett to verbal abuse, as alleged by the businessman in last Wednesday’s Caithness Courier. Sir Brian claimed the alleged abuse, directed towards Mr Dunnett, never took place and countered he was the only person who was actively abusively.
DISABLED access in Caithness needs to improve – now. That’s according to the chair person of the Caithness Disability Panel, Helen Budge. Mrs Budge has been working recently to get action over some key issues affecting disabled people in the county such as overcoming steps into shops and banks. However, she said before any changes happen, attitudes have to change. She said: “Most people in wheelchairs or with other disabilities don’t have anyone to help them. Businesses say just chap on the door and we will come out and help – but we don’t want that. We want to keep our independence.”
AN Eric Clapton tribute band will be making its first-ever appearance in Caithness this week when it plays in Wick. After Midnight, who take their name from Clapton’s first solo album will be performing some of his best-known material when they take to the stage at the Blackstairs Lounge, on Friday night. Fans will hear songs such as “Layla”, “Cocaine”, “I shot the sheriff”, “Lay down Sally”, “Tears in heaven”, “Crossroads” and “Wonderful Tonight”.
A CAITHNESS farmer, who found over a dozen lambs dead in a horrific scene in his field near Watten, is blaming the irresponsible actions of a dog owner for the devastation. Fourteen of John Swanson’s lambs were killed in an attack which is estimated to have taken place within the space of three hours, last Wednesday. The farmer, who has been working in the agricultural industry for over 50 years, claimed a dog, or dogs, not under proper control, was responsible. Northern Constabulary confirmed, yesterday that DNA samples taken by a vet, proved a canine was responsible for the attack but its breed is still unknown.
THE latest act of vandalism at a Catholic church in Thurso, may have been cause by someone “angry with God”. That’s the view of Father John Allen who spoke out after St Anne’s Catholic Church became a victim of vandalism for the third time since February. The incident occurred on Friday, between 3pm and 5.30pm when the culprit attempted to break into the tabernacle at the church, based in Sweyn Road. A window was smashed when a small boulder was thrown through it and candlestick holders were also destroyed.
PLANS to build a new Tesco store in Thurso may be scraped as the company has revealed it is considering its options for the site. The firm told the Caithness Courier this week, it is looking into the possibility of selling the land at Ormlie Road where it had planned to build a new store to replace its current branch at Millbank. The controversial development, which included a new supermarket with a four-pump petrol station, as well as a car park and new access, was granted planning permission by Highland Council in August 2009. However, the planning permission is only valid until January 17, 2013. Now it has emerged the company is considering whether to go ahead with building the new supermarket at all.
LANDWARD Caithness councillor, Robert Coghill, has been accused of making “highly misleading” claims and living in “a council bubble”. The criticism was made by SNP MSP, Rob Gibson who took issue with a letter Mr Coghill wrote to the Groat on Friday, in which he responded to comments made by SNP Landward Caithness candidate, Alex MacLeod. But yesterday, Mr Coghill defended his remarks and said the SNP is “grasping at straws”. According to the Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP, Mr Coghill –an independent councillor – claimed credit for enterprise zone status being awarded to Scrabster harbour.
CLAIMS that a group of fundraisers shouted abuse at a bus tour operator have been slammed by the event’s organiser. Sir Brian Burrows said that none of the 53 participants involved in a charity moped ride between John O Groats and Lands End subjected Puffin Express owner Sinclair Dunnett to verbal abuse, as alleged by the businessman in last Wednesday’s Caithness Courier. Sir Brian claimed the alleged abuse, directed towards Mr Dunnett, never took place and countered he was the only person who was actively abusively.
DISABLED access in Caithness needs to improve – now. That’s according to the chair person of the Caithness Disability Panel, Helen Budge. Mrs Budge has been working recently to get action over some key issues affecting disabled people in the county such as overcoming steps into shops and banks. However, she said before any changes happen, attitudes have to change. She said: “Most people in wheelchairs or with other disabilities don’t have anyone to help them. Businesses say just chap on the door and we will come out and help – but we don’t want that. We want to keep our independence.”
AN Eric Clapton tribute band will be making its first-ever appearance in Caithness this week when it plays in Wick. After Midnight, who take their name from Clapton’s first solo album will be performing some of his best-known material when they take to the stage at the Blackstairs Lounge, on Friday night. Fans will hear songs such as “Layla”, “Cocaine”, “I shot the sheriff”, “Lay down Sally”, “Tears in heaven”, “Crossroads” and “Wonderful Tonight”.