Nwicker60
22-Jun-12, 19:03
John O’ Groat Journal review: June 22, 2012
A WICK bed-and-breakfast owner is threatening to sue Transport Scotland as a “deep-seated flaw” halts a quarter-of-a-million pound upgrade of the town’s South Road. James Bremner, who runs The Clachan, spoke out, as work stopped on the resurfacing of the A99 trunk road after a hole in the ground appeared near the entrance to the cemetery. The cause of the hole is now being investigated which has put a spanner in the roadworks being carried out by Scotland TranServe. Mr Bremner alleged the trunk operator has repeatedly ignored local residents over the past decade who claim a water channel has collapsed under the road and that flooding is continuing to be an issue.
A CAST-IRON pledge is to be given by the council today, to support the upgrading of a stretch of the A9 at the Berriedale Braes. The Highland Council will launch its programme for administration in Inverness, committing to support improvements on the notorious stretch of road as well as upgrades at other sections on the A9. No timescale has been given for the projects, but the authority will announce its intention to work closely with the Scottish Government to improve the road. It has identified Berriedale as a top priority.
A WICK woman whose brother died in a car accident, has said that an annual football tournament held in his memory, was once again a fitting tribute. The town’s Bignold Park was the venue for the Scott Mackenzie Memorial Tournament when 54 teams took part in the festival of football. Players from nine football clubs from Caithness and Orkney were involved in the day of good-natured competition. At the final whistle, they were all winners when they shared over £3000 that was raised to help run their clubs.
A MAJOR multi-million pound development is being planned at Gills harbour to attract companies involved in tidal marine projects in the Pentland Firth. Bill Mowat, chairman of the community-owned Gills Harbour Ltd, spoke publicly about the plans for the first time, yesterday. He described the development as “ambitious, but cost-effective”. Speaking exclusively to the Groat, Mr Mowat revealed the plan involves an extension of the main breakwater by over 70 metres and new facilities in the harbour’s inner basin to accommodate 25-metre support vessels.
A THURSO musician is to appear with an Edinburgh-based band at a gig in London with such famous names as Tom Jones, Stereophonics, Snow Patrol, Duran Druan and Paolo Nutini. Michael Barry plays keyboards and Synthesizer with six-piece band The Asps who will be appearing at the BT London Live concert in Hyde Park on August 4. They will be playing three gigs over the course of the day, starting on the main stage in Victoria Park at 1pm before going on to Hyde Park on August 4.
THE agricultural show season kicked off in Caithness on Saturday with the Canisbay Show. The event drew farming enthusiasts from across the Far North as well as those pulled in by a number of popular attractions. Organisers said around 1,500 people turn up –down on last year’s record-breaking figure of 2000. However, they said the number of visitors still managed to exceed their expectations. Secretary Avril Henderson said the event was judged a success by those who attended.
WICK Groats and Pentland United each scored battling wins to maintain their unbeaten records at the top of the Caithness division one championship. Groats served up their poorest display of the season, while still managing to edge to victory at home to John O’ Groats. The home team faded badly after a bright start, with only some desperate defending and slack finishing maintaining their advantage.
A WICK bed-and-breakfast owner is threatening to sue Transport Scotland as a “deep-seated flaw” halts a quarter-of-a-million pound upgrade of the town’s South Road. James Bremner, who runs The Clachan, spoke out, as work stopped on the resurfacing of the A99 trunk road after a hole in the ground appeared near the entrance to the cemetery. The cause of the hole is now being investigated which has put a spanner in the roadworks being carried out by Scotland TranServe. Mr Bremner alleged the trunk operator has repeatedly ignored local residents over the past decade who claim a water channel has collapsed under the road and that flooding is continuing to be an issue.
A CAST-IRON pledge is to be given by the council today, to support the upgrading of a stretch of the A9 at the Berriedale Braes. The Highland Council will launch its programme for administration in Inverness, committing to support improvements on the notorious stretch of road as well as upgrades at other sections on the A9. No timescale has been given for the projects, but the authority will announce its intention to work closely with the Scottish Government to improve the road. It has identified Berriedale as a top priority.
A WICK woman whose brother died in a car accident, has said that an annual football tournament held in his memory, was once again a fitting tribute. The town’s Bignold Park was the venue for the Scott Mackenzie Memorial Tournament when 54 teams took part in the festival of football. Players from nine football clubs from Caithness and Orkney were involved in the day of good-natured competition. At the final whistle, they were all winners when they shared over £3000 that was raised to help run their clubs.
A MAJOR multi-million pound development is being planned at Gills harbour to attract companies involved in tidal marine projects in the Pentland Firth. Bill Mowat, chairman of the community-owned Gills Harbour Ltd, spoke publicly about the plans for the first time, yesterday. He described the development as “ambitious, but cost-effective”. Speaking exclusively to the Groat, Mr Mowat revealed the plan involves an extension of the main breakwater by over 70 metres and new facilities in the harbour’s inner basin to accommodate 25-metre support vessels.
A THURSO musician is to appear with an Edinburgh-based band at a gig in London with such famous names as Tom Jones, Stereophonics, Snow Patrol, Duran Druan and Paolo Nutini. Michael Barry plays keyboards and Synthesizer with six-piece band The Asps who will be appearing at the BT London Live concert in Hyde Park on August 4. They will be playing three gigs over the course of the day, starting on the main stage in Victoria Park at 1pm before going on to Hyde Park on August 4.
THE agricultural show season kicked off in Caithness on Saturday with the Canisbay Show. The event drew farming enthusiasts from across the Far North as well as those pulled in by a number of popular attractions. Organisers said around 1,500 people turn up –down on last year’s record-breaking figure of 2000. However, they said the number of visitors still managed to exceed their expectations. Secretary Avril Henderson said the event was judged a success by those who attended.
WICK Groats and Pentland United each scored battling wins to maintain their unbeaten records at the top of the Caithness division one championship. Groats served up their poorest display of the season, while still managing to edge to victory at home to John O’ Groats. The home team faded badly after a bright start, with only some desperate defending and slack finishing maintaining their advantage.