Fits in 'e Coorier

Caithness Courier headlines for February 17
A PLAN to increase the cost of Highland burials by more than £300 was yesterday described as “an absolute disgrace”. Thurso community councillor Don Smith hit out at the proposal which would also mean it would take almost twice as long to bury the dead.

FULL-TIME carers in the Highlands are being offered cut-price admission to the region's leisure facilities run by High-Life Highland. A tie-up between HLH,NHS Highland and Connecting Carers Highland, has paved the way for anyone who cares for a loved one for more than 35 hours a week, to get into swimming pools and fitness centres for 50 pence.


PLANS were yesterday approved for a new fast-food takeaway in the centre of Thurso despite objections from some nearby householders. Bulgarian Kolyo Zarbov was given the green light to redevelop the former site of the Hydro Electric store at 35 Princes Street.


A FUND which helps young people and adults get work, could be cut by £440,000 in the coming financial year. It is one of the proposals Highland Council is considering as it tries to make massive savings in its budget.


ONE of the hotels in Caithness is to reopen after the new he has agreed a deal to take it over. Kevin Ellis is in the process of carrying out final refurbishments on the Portland Arms and is starting a recruitment drive to find new staff to open the once popular establishment in Lybster within the next few months.


A FORMER Thurso HighSchool pupil is appearing on television screens across Scotland as he is now part of the team which delivers the STV six-oclock news. Colin Stone has started work as a news reporter for STV News in Glasgow as part of its main news shows which broadcast at 6pm and 11pm on weekdays and early evening bulletins at the weekend.


WIND turbines tower are set to reach heights of up to 170 metres according to a leading industry consultant. K2 Management believes new construction techniques and materials will see the height of the structures, which have become an increasingly common sight in the Caithness countryside, continue to grow to meet demand.


A MAJOR cycling eventis to return to north Sutherland in a bid to increase the number oftourist visiting outwith the traditional summer holiday period. Cycling in the Straths offers a three-day programme of activities that will encourage riders to get on their bikes and pedal of the most breathtaking scenery in Scotland.