Nwicker60
01-May-13, 17:25
Caithness Courier headlines for May 1, 2013
THE tourism industry in Caithness has been damaged following the revelation that Scrabster could be without a ferry service for up to four weeks. Serco Northlink has confirmed no replacement vessel is in place after the Hamnavoe suffered a catastrophic engine failure. The news has been met with anger by politicians who claim the port's reputation has been dealt a massive blow. Critics are now asking the Scottish Government why Serco was awarded the £243 million contract when there was no clear contingency plan in place.
WORK on the new primary in the north of Wick is due to start six months later than the new combined primary and secondary on the south of the town but both schools are set to open to pupils in August 2015. On Monday Highland Council unveiled plans for the building to replace North and Hillhead schools claiming it would deliver a better standard of education in a safer environment. The new school to be built at the North site, is to have capacity for 387 pupils with construction scheduled to start next Easter.
STORMS which battered harbours on the east coast of Caithness at the end of last year have killed off big money lobsters and velvet crabs, costing creel boats thousands of pounds. The Scottish Creel Fishermens Federation say that prolonged cold weather has resulted in landing of lobster falling by 90 per cent as a result of the crustacieans being forced further out to sea to hibernate.
A MAJOR development in Castletown could be lost if the community council continues to complain about it. That was the warning made to members by village officer Innes Moodie at a meeting last Thursday. He is worried that concerns raised about road access, drainage and a footpath could lead to the developers Scotia Homes going elsewhere.
A CAITHNESS nursery has been given top marks by the Care Inspectorate. The voluntary-run Dunnet based Scallywags Nursery received high praise following last month's unannounced inspection. Its management and leadership, as well as its quality of care and support, were described as excellent while the quality of its staff and environment was very good.
Finally...a Wick florist is hoping to head back north with the best birthday pressent she has ever had, by claiming the top prize at the biggest event on the horticultural calendar. Amanda Coghill will turn 29 the day before the RHS Shelsea Flower Show begins its five day spectacular, on May 20. Having already achieved success in the competition two years ago, she is now hoping to do even better when she competes for the title of Florist of the Year.
THE tourism industry in Caithness has been damaged following the revelation that Scrabster could be without a ferry service for up to four weeks. Serco Northlink has confirmed no replacement vessel is in place after the Hamnavoe suffered a catastrophic engine failure. The news has been met with anger by politicians who claim the port's reputation has been dealt a massive blow. Critics are now asking the Scottish Government why Serco was awarded the £243 million contract when there was no clear contingency plan in place.
WORK on the new primary in the north of Wick is due to start six months later than the new combined primary and secondary on the south of the town but both schools are set to open to pupils in August 2015. On Monday Highland Council unveiled plans for the building to replace North and Hillhead schools claiming it would deliver a better standard of education in a safer environment. The new school to be built at the North site, is to have capacity for 387 pupils with construction scheduled to start next Easter.
STORMS which battered harbours on the east coast of Caithness at the end of last year have killed off big money lobsters and velvet crabs, costing creel boats thousands of pounds. The Scottish Creel Fishermens Federation say that prolonged cold weather has resulted in landing of lobster falling by 90 per cent as a result of the crustacieans being forced further out to sea to hibernate.
A MAJOR development in Castletown could be lost if the community council continues to complain about it. That was the warning made to members by village officer Innes Moodie at a meeting last Thursday. He is worried that concerns raised about road access, drainage and a footpath could lead to the developers Scotia Homes going elsewhere.
A CAITHNESS nursery has been given top marks by the Care Inspectorate. The voluntary-run Dunnet based Scallywags Nursery received high praise following last month's unannounced inspection. Its management and leadership, as well as its quality of care and support, were described as excellent while the quality of its staff and environment was very good.
Finally...a Wick florist is hoping to head back north with the best birthday pressent she has ever had, by claiming the top prize at the biggest event on the horticultural calendar. Amanda Coghill will turn 29 the day before the RHS Shelsea Flower Show begins its five day spectacular, on May 20. Having already achieved success in the competition two years ago, she is now hoping to do even better when she competes for the title of Florist of the Year.