Nwicker60
29-Aug-14, 09:41
John O’Groat Journal headlines for August 29, 2014
COMMUNITY representatives in Thurso are up in arms after confirmation that two of the town’s children’s services bases are to close, with staff being relocated to Wick. Local Highland councillors yesterday appeared unaware of the move which includes social workers and health visitors who have been operating out of the offices in Davidson’s Lane and High Street.
RESIDENTS IN Reay, who oppose the wind farm earmarked for forested land to the immediate south of the village, have described being involved in “a David and Goliath” struggle. The analogy was drawn by Jillian Bundy. who was among those who gave evidence at last night’s session of the local public inquiry in Reay. She is opposed to the Infinergy plan to build 24 turbines with a maximum height of 139 metres, at Limekiln.
UP to 100 jobs could be created in Caithness and Sutherland following the launch of a new venture to provide round-the-clock care and support to adults with extra needs, within their own home. White Heather Homecare is the idea of local dentist and businessman, Dr John Barry, and Margaret McAllister, a woman with 15 years experience in the care sector having been managing director of a company called Home Support Scotland which provided support in the home for the Inverness area.
A CAITHNESS mother has won an apology from Highland Council after two of her three children were taken from her for five months. The local authority apologised after investigating the case brought by Thurso woman Susan Ross. Highland Council upheld most of the complaints made by the 40-year-old mother.
A ROW has broken out, after council workers were told to remove “Yes” and “No” campaign stickers from their cars and keep their views on Scottish independence to themselves. Council bosses warned staff that displaying stickers on their own cars, during office hours, was strictly forbidden and a breach of conduct – prompting a union leader to step in. One employee, who didn’t want to be named, said he was told to peel the “yes” stickers off his car which was parked in a public car park during work hours.
A PETITION with 134 signatures, has been gathered to try to bring attention to a Caithness village’s fight to stop speeding motorists. Traffic regularly goes racing past Forss on the A836 and residents are desperately concerned about the safety of people and especially children walking along the road. Luckily there have been no accidents at the spot in recent years but fears there could be one, have made people call for a reduced speed limit on the 60mph road, along with a stretch of no overtaking as some dangerous manoeuvres have been watched by locals over the years.
A BID to turn a disused building in Thurso into a dance studio is being opposed by the local community council. Chairman Bob Earnshaw stresses he is not against the plan in principle but it unhappy with the location. Rush Dance wants planning permission to turn a former car showroom in Shore Street into a dance studio but the community council is concerned about the idea.
A FAR north dog trialler has won the Kennel Club’s Pointer and Setter champion stake for the fifth time. Richard MacNicol beat the previous record at this year’s event which was held at the Duke of Roxburghe’s Byrecleugh Estate in the Borders, on August 10 and 11.
FARM-GATE prices for beef cattle hit record levels last November but have tumbled dramatically by almost £250 per head in the past eight months. Current prices mean those finishing cattle for market are likely to be struggling to break even, according to the National Farmers; Union Scotland.
COMMUNITY representatives in Thurso are up in arms after confirmation that two of the town’s children’s services bases are to close, with staff being relocated to Wick. Local Highland councillors yesterday appeared unaware of the move which includes social workers and health visitors who have been operating out of the offices in Davidson’s Lane and High Street.
RESIDENTS IN Reay, who oppose the wind farm earmarked for forested land to the immediate south of the village, have described being involved in “a David and Goliath” struggle. The analogy was drawn by Jillian Bundy. who was among those who gave evidence at last night’s session of the local public inquiry in Reay. She is opposed to the Infinergy plan to build 24 turbines with a maximum height of 139 metres, at Limekiln.
UP to 100 jobs could be created in Caithness and Sutherland following the launch of a new venture to provide round-the-clock care and support to adults with extra needs, within their own home. White Heather Homecare is the idea of local dentist and businessman, Dr John Barry, and Margaret McAllister, a woman with 15 years experience in the care sector having been managing director of a company called Home Support Scotland which provided support in the home for the Inverness area.
A CAITHNESS mother has won an apology from Highland Council after two of her three children were taken from her for five months. The local authority apologised after investigating the case brought by Thurso woman Susan Ross. Highland Council upheld most of the complaints made by the 40-year-old mother.
A ROW has broken out, after council workers were told to remove “Yes” and “No” campaign stickers from their cars and keep their views on Scottish independence to themselves. Council bosses warned staff that displaying stickers on their own cars, during office hours, was strictly forbidden and a breach of conduct – prompting a union leader to step in. One employee, who didn’t want to be named, said he was told to peel the “yes” stickers off his car which was parked in a public car park during work hours.
A PETITION with 134 signatures, has been gathered to try to bring attention to a Caithness village’s fight to stop speeding motorists. Traffic regularly goes racing past Forss on the A836 and residents are desperately concerned about the safety of people and especially children walking along the road. Luckily there have been no accidents at the spot in recent years but fears there could be one, have made people call for a reduced speed limit on the 60mph road, along with a stretch of no overtaking as some dangerous manoeuvres have been watched by locals over the years.
A BID to turn a disused building in Thurso into a dance studio is being opposed by the local community council. Chairman Bob Earnshaw stresses he is not against the plan in principle but it unhappy with the location. Rush Dance wants planning permission to turn a former car showroom in Shore Street into a dance studio but the community council is concerned about the idea.
A FAR north dog trialler has won the Kennel Club’s Pointer and Setter champion stake for the fifth time. Richard MacNicol beat the previous record at this year’s event which was held at the Duke of Roxburghe’s Byrecleugh Estate in the Borders, on August 10 and 11.
FARM-GATE prices for beef cattle hit record levels last November but have tumbled dramatically by almost £250 per head in the past eight months. Current prices mean those finishing cattle for market are likely to be struggling to break even, according to the National Farmers; Union Scotland.