Courier review: August 17, 2011

CAITHNESS county’s latest and much-publicised lottery win takes pride of place on the front page and features a photo of Thurso couple Glenn and Sandra Swanson with the bumper cheque for £250,000 they won on a scratchcard.

On the right side of the page is the news that the Royal Hotel in Thurso could close its doors over the winter. The business, owned by Oxford Hotels, may cease trading from November until March next year. It is understood by the paper that around 30 fulltime and part-time staff at the hotel have received letters informing them of the position. However, general manager, Hamish Mackinnon, stressed that nothing has been confirmed.

PLANS to close the inpatient ward at the Dunbar Hospital and reduce the opening hours at the primary car emergency centre, have been deferred. That was agreed at a meeting of the North Highland Community partnership, in Thurso, following a number of concerns which were raised by members. Thurso Highland Councillor John Rosie said he would be “failing in his duty” if he accepted the proposals. It was decided to look again at five key issues and report back to the next CHP meeting. The issues are the vision for the Dunbar, the provision of palliative care in Thurso, the opening hours for the primary care emergency centre, the workforce transition plan, and transport.

There’s picture spread on page two on the annual Keiss Mini Gala which is going from strength to strength and attracted hundreds of people.

THE lead story on the next page reports that a campaign to put new drivers under a probationary period, has earned the backing of a Wick family. The Sensible Driving Campaign was promoting the message of careful driving, at the Caithness General Hospital fete which took place at the weekend. Claire Mackenzie and her mother, Eleanor, from Seaforth Av. are fronting the bid locally. They became involved after their son and brother Scott, 17, was killed in a road accident in 2008. He was a back-seat passenger in the vehicle which crashed on the A882 at Whitefield. Since the incident, his family have worked tirelessly to help promote road safety in the Far North and have raise thousands of pounds for good causes.

AN internationally renowned craftsman has spent three days in the Far North, showing a local group of enthusiasts the traditional method of making baskets. Tim Johnson who comes from the Isle of Wight, travels the world studying and teaching his art. He recently made a return trip to the Castlehill Heritage Centre, where around 25 students reaped the benefit of his experience.

SCRABSTER this week attracted its largest ever cruise liner with the visit of the 43,,537 tonne Balmoral. The vessel was too big to come alongside, instead it anchored in Thurso Bay before its 1300 passengers were taken ashore by tender.

THURSO GALA drew to a close at the weekend and went out with another big show. For over 60 years the festival has been one of the most anticipated and enjoyed events in the town calendar and this year did not disappoint, as a variety of activities offered something for everyone. Highlights on the closing weekend included the annual ceilidh in the Royal British Legion clubrooms where people packed the hall and dance the night away on Friday. Saturday night saw the fishing competition take place on Thurso beach followed by a performance by indie group The London Gentlemen at the Holborn Hotel. Sunday saw the Dammies play host to a fun-filled family day out, with a seven-a-side football tournament, it’s a Knockout and a baby show.

NO prizes for guessing what the lead story on the sports page is...yes Wick Academy’s first win in the new Highland League season, a shock 3-1 triumph over reigning champions, Buckie Thistle. Take a bow boys and manager!