Nwicker60
19-Jul-13, 09:01
John O' Groat Journal headlines for July 19
A RENEWABLE energy firm yesterday knocked back claims it had reneged on its obligations after getting permission to develop a wind farm in part of east Caithness renowned for its archaeology. RWE npower renewables was granted planning permission by Highland Council to install nine turbines 116 metres high at the Burn of Whilk, near Thrumster, subject to 25 conditions. One of them required an aerial survey to be undertaken on the development site and at the Loch of Yarrows and Warehouse Hill. Islay MacLeod, of Thrumster Estate, claimed the LIDAR survey did not include the area of the proposed development and was undertaken before trees were felled.
A PROPOSED pay rise of 9.26 per cent for MPs would be "unacceptable" at a time when public sector workers are having their wages capped or getting increases of around 1 per cent. So say Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross MP John Thurso, following the outcry about the plan to put up MPs salaries by £6269 to £74,000 by 2015.
THE loans provided by the North Highland Regeneration Fund have benefitted a number of local businesses. That was said this week by NHRF chairman John Thurso - although he acknowledged there have also been some failures. But he stressed the organisation was set up in 2006 to take risks and provide loans to firms which are starting up or expanding.
DISGUSTED at finding over 50 bags filled with dog mess scattered across one of the most beautiful areas of the Caithness coastline, a resident has blasted the inconsiderate attitude shown by pet owners. Ulkike Zywietz was so ashamed to find dozens of plastic bags filled with dog dirt on the rocks at Scrabster, she collected them all up and disposed of them herself. She is no calling on dog owners to be more considerate of their surroundings and to clean up after their pets.
THE next generation of north entrepreneurs is being encouraged by a new partnership aiming to boost the economy. Stimulating entrepreneurship is at the heart of an agreement signed between Inverness College UHI and Highland Opportunity. Up to 15 budding entrepreneurs will be given mentoring as part of the Create-a-Business inititative led by Create , the college's centre for innovation and enterprise and Highland Opportunity's Business Gateway service.
THE Castle of Mey was buzzing with visitors as the venue opened up its garden to help raise money for those affected by life-threatening illness. Scotland's Gardnes Open Day saw 150 visitors arrive at the late Queen Mother's holiday home on Wednesday when 40 per cent of the profits went directly to Marie Curie Cancer Care.
A YOUNG fisherman's dream of making a success of his own business has been blocked by boulders preventing him from launching his boat. Ewan Norburn has followed in his grandfather's footsteps in setting up his own shellfish operation from Freswick harbour, the first fisherman to be based at the port in years.
A RENEWABLE energy firm yesterday knocked back claims it had reneged on its obligations after getting permission to develop a wind farm in part of east Caithness renowned for its archaeology. RWE npower renewables was granted planning permission by Highland Council to install nine turbines 116 metres high at the Burn of Whilk, near Thrumster, subject to 25 conditions. One of them required an aerial survey to be undertaken on the development site and at the Loch of Yarrows and Warehouse Hill. Islay MacLeod, of Thrumster Estate, claimed the LIDAR survey did not include the area of the proposed development and was undertaken before trees were felled.
A PROPOSED pay rise of 9.26 per cent for MPs would be "unacceptable" at a time when public sector workers are having their wages capped or getting increases of around 1 per cent. So say Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross MP John Thurso, following the outcry about the plan to put up MPs salaries by £6269 to £74,000 by 2015.
THE loans provided by the North Highland Regeneration Fund have benefitted a number of local businesses. That was said this week by NHRF chairman John Thurso - although he acknowledged there have also been some failures. But he stressed the organisation was set up in 2006 to take risks and provide loans to firms which are starting up or expanding.
DISGUSTED at finding over 50 bags filled with dog mess scattered across one of the most beautiful areas of the Caithness coastline, a resident has blasted the inconsiderate attitude shown by pet owners. Ulkike Zywietz was so ashamed to find dozens of plastic bags filled with dog dirt on the rocks at Scrabster, she collected them all up and disposed of them herself. She is no calling on dog owners to be more considerate of their surroundings and to clean up after their pets.
THE next generation of north entrepreneurs is being encouraged by a new partnership aiming to boost the economy. Stimulating entrepreneurship is at the heart of an agreement signed between Inverness College UHI and Highland Opportunity. Up to 15 budding entrepreneurs will be given mentoring as part of the Create-a-Business inititative led by Create , the college's centre for innovation and enterprise and Highland Opportunity's Business Gateway service.
THE Castle of Mey was buzzing with visitors as the venue opened up its garden to help raise money for those affected by life-threatening illness. Scotland's Gardnes Open Day saw 150 visitors arrive at the late Queen Mother's holiday home on Wednesday when 40 per cent of the profits went directly to Marie Curie Cancer Care.
A YOUNG fisherman's dream of making a success of his own business has been blocked by boulders preventing him from launching his boat. Ewan Norburn has followed in his grandfather's footsteps in setting up his own shellfish operation from Freswick harbour, the first fisherman to be based at the port in years.