Nwicker60
16-Nov-12, 19:59
John O' Groat Journal headlines: November 16
A DECISION to allow Highland Coouncil to take over an eyesore building in Thurso has been described as "a step forward but a long way from the end of the road." Don Smith, acting chairman of the town's community council, welcomed the Scottish Government's decision to let the local authority take over the private property at the corner of Princes Street and Sir John's Square. But he felt the long-running saga may have "a lot of mileage left yet".
CASTLETOWN freezer firm Icetech is "investigating every avenue" to keep the firm going but faces "a very rocky road" according to its managing director David Morrill. The company had to pay off around 30 of its staff earlier this month when its main customer, electrical retail giant, Comet, went into administration.
A PLAN
to create a residential cultural centre on the north Caithness coast has been backed by Scottish Education Secretary Mike Russell. He took the opportunity to get an update on the proposed facility at Ham during a visit to the county on Friday. Details of the plan were outlined to Mr Russell by Dr Graham Elliot, the executive director of North Highland Connections, one of the organisations behind the initiative.
THE
number of pupils attending schools in Caithness has fallen dramatically in the last two decades, strengthening claims that the young population is giving way to an older demographic. Figures released by Highland Council show there are almost 25 per cent fewer primary and secondary school pupils in the county since 1955. Over this period, the total has plummeted from 4375 to 3333.
THURSO
councillors are being accused of "trying to kill off the little bit of heritage that's left in the town." A group of local boat owners hit out this week, after councillors claimed a plot of ground at Harbour Court has become a dumping ground for abandoned vessels. The councillors want the site tidied up for the sake of nearby residents and have pledged to try and find out who owns the ground. But the boat owners argue that the site, given to fishermen years ago to maintain their boats over the winter, is used for that purpose and is well looked after.
THE
ambition of Caithness is its attempt to diversify its economy after being dependent on Dourneay for over 50 years has been described as impressive. Highlands and Islands Enterprise area manager for Caithness and Sutherland, Roy Kirk, said that the north Highlands is making the most out of the opprotunities it has to create a propserous future. His views came as HIE held a business breakfast in Thurso, on Wednesday, when representatives from 30 business and community groups discussed the area's future economic prospects.
A WATTEN
-based councillor is fighting against a dazzling phenomenon on a local road he believes is an accident waiting to happen. Landward councillor Willie Mackay has vowed to renew his efforts to secure major improvements to the road surface at the notorious sweeping tree-lined dip at Oldhall on the main road between Thurso and Wick.
TWO
parallel worlds will collide this weekend in a battle for the Highland League table top spot, with Wick Academy welcoming contenders Formartine United to Harmsworth Park. The 3pm kick-off has all the makings of a classic game as a win for Academy will prove they deserve to be in pole position but at the same time, United will be looking to topple the Scorries and claim it for themselves.
A DECISION to allow Highland Coouncil to take over an eyesore building in Thurso has been described as "a step forward but a long way from the end of the road." Don Smith, acting chairman of the town's community council, welcomed the Scottish Government's decision to let the local authority take over the private property at the corner of Princes Street and Sir John's Square. But he felt the long-running saga may have "a lot of mileage left yet".
CASTLETOWN freezer firm Icetech is "investigating every avenue" to keep the firm going but faces "a very rocky road" according to its managing director David Morrill. The company had to pay off around 30 of its staff earlier this month when its main customer, electrical retail giant, Comet, went into administration.
A PLAN
to create a residential cultural centre on the north Caithness coast has been backed by Scottish Education Secretary Mike Russell. He took the opportunity to get an update on the proposed facility at Ham during a visit to the county on Friday. Details of the plan were outlined to Mr Russell by Dr Graham Elliot, the executive director of North Highland Connections, one of the organisations behind the initiative.
THE
number of pupils attending schools in Caithness has fallen dramatically in the last two decades, strengthening claims that the young population is giving way to an older demographic. Figures released by Highland Council show there are almost 25 per cent fewer primary and secondary school pupils in the county since 1955. Over this period, the total has plummeted from 4375 to 3333.
THURSO
councillors are being accused of "trying to kill off the little bit of heritage that's left in the town." A group of local boat owners hit out this week, after councillors claimed a plot of ground at Harbour Court has become a dumping ground for abandoned vessels. The councillors want the site tidied up for the sake of nearby residents and have pledged to try and find out who owns the ground. But the boat owners argue that the site, given to fishermen years ago to maintain their boats over the winter, is used for that purpose and is well looked after.
THE
ambition of Caithness is its attempt to diversify its economy after being dependent on Dourneay for over 50 years has been described as impressive. Highlands and Islands Enterprise area manager for Caithness and Sutherland, Roy Kirk, said that the north Highlands is making the most out of the opprotunities it has to create a propserous future. His views came as HIE held a business breakfast in Thurso, on Wednesday, when representatives from 30 business and community groups discussed the area's future economic prospects.
A WATTEN
-based councillor is fighting against a dazzling phenomenon on a local road he believes is an accident waiting to happen. Landward councillor Willie Mackay has vowed to renew his efforts to secure major improvements to the road surface at the notorious sweeping tree-lined dip at Oldhall on the main road between Thurso and Wick.
TWO
parallel worlds will collide this weekend in a battle for the Highland League table top spot, with Wick Academy welcoming contenders Formartine United to Harmsworth Park. The 3pm kick-off has all the makings of a classic game as a win for Academy will prove they deserve to be in pole position but at the same time, United will be looking to topple the Scorries and claim it for themselves.