Fit's in 'e Coorier, e' day (March 30, 2011)

THE paper leads on the front page with the story that the controversial windfarm development at Burn of Whilk got the go-ahead, despite concerns that it would blight one of the best-preserved archaeological sites in the country. The application by RWE npower renewables was approved at a meeting of the Caithness Sutherland Easter Ross planning committee at a meeting in the Assembly Rooms Wick, following a site visit. The meeting heard arguments for and against the construction of the nine turbines and had the support of council officials.

New bin collections start next week. (See separate story).

INSIDE, Ignis Energy Ltd which is due to take over the troubled Wick heating scheme, from Caithness Heat and Power Ltd, next month, has applied for planning permission to extend the network of pipes to an area behind South Road. If approved, the company would provide heating at Wick High School and Pulteneytown Primary. Ignis Energy directo,r Craig Ibbetson, said that if the proposal gets the go-ahead, the two schools could use renewable power as their heat sources. The extension could also incorporate other properties in the area.

THE operator of a diving company at Wick harbour, admitted the firm got off lightly after its premises were at the centre of a propane cyclinder emergency on Monday afternoon. A fire at the building used by diving and salvage company, Fathoms Ltd, led to explosion fears after a nearby cyclinder started to leak gas. The emergency services quickly swung into action at around 3.30pm. Firefighters extinguished the flames and the outer harbour area was sealed off from the public for several hours to allow a cooling-off period during which personnel constantly monitored the situation and sprayed the cyclinder with water.

VOLUNTEERS are being sought to help launch a new rowing venture in the county. The Wick Community Rowing Project is hoping to open a branch at the Scottish Coastal Rowing Association, in the town. If successful, it is planned to build a 22 ft St Ayles rowing skiff that takes four rowers and a helm. This boat will then be used by group members and different teams in the community, to race against other St Ayles skiffs around the Scottish coast, at regattas, for fun sailing on local waters and for fitness training.

CASTLETOWN’s VIP this week was none other Jaminza Harms who understandably had some difficulty getting the candles on her cake...No wonder-she’s 105. Minna, as she is affectionately known, received that special birthday communication, from the Queen. Mother-of –three Minna, who boasts a family of nine grandchildren, 22 grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren, was born in Flotta in 1906, and worked in Kirkwall for many years, as a housemaid before moving south to take up similar employment in Edinburgh and London. Asked what her secret for longevity was, she replied “getting on with thinsg”, meaning not letting things getting on top of you.

PLOCKTON stole the show at the SCDA Highland divisional final of one-act plays, held at the Assembly Rooms, Wick, on Saturday night. The amateur drama club proved the runaway success in the final, taking home first place with its gripping performance of modern war drama, Billy’s Coming Home by Ann Maclaren. Thurso Players came third but picked up two awards for their performance of Chinaman, lifting the Alexander MacRae Trophy for their third place and the James Weir Trophy for best comedy.

A NORTH teenager just missed out on claiming the top prize in a regional sports competition. Tanya Cowie, 17, of Thurso claimed silver in the ladies’ single badminton tournament at the Scottish Colleges Sport National Finals, held in Aberdeen. The annual contest featured 300 students from 15 colleges across the country.

Wick Academy took a lot of heart from their visit to Princess Royal Park, despite being defeated 2-1 by Deveronvale. Co-manager, Ian Munro said it was another fine display by his players who had shown “a lot of spirit” and had put in a good 90 minutes, but were unfortunate to come away with nothing. Academy, who were six players missing, went in 1-0 up at halftime but the home side countered with goals in the 62nd and 79th minutes. Munro said that his team needs to maintain their leads if they hoped to end the season on a high.

FINALLY.. two local photographers have had success with their competition entries. James Gunn has been short=listed for the Sports Photographer of the Year accolade at the Scottish Press Awards. One of the images in his portfolio was a picture of a surfer which featured on the Courier’s front page. Katie Budge might well be competing at that level, some day..the primary six pupil at Hillhead school has been commended in a national photographic competition. Her entry of Noss Head Lighthouse was one of only 14 pictures which received recognition from the judges in the Photoarch competition organised by the Scottish Civic Trust.