Caithness Courier review: April 18, 2012

A NORTH tour operator has slammed a group of charity fundraisers who, he argues, put lives in danger by driving slowly and carelessly on the A9. Puffin Express owner, Sinclair Dunnett, claims he was recently subjected to a torrent of verbal abuse from a group raising money for a kids’ cancer charity after he stopped to speak to the fundraisers about the delays they were causing. Mr Dunnett said he has “no problem” with people raising money for a good causes, but he argues, slow-moving “comic” forms of transport, heading to and from Land’s End are going to get someone killed or seriously injured.

THREE former business premises in Wick are about to take on a new lease of life and give a boost to local retail trade in the town centre. Morag Mackenzie and her partner, Andy Bacon, who run Morag’s in High Street, are to take over Tuner’s shop and the premises which were occupied by Highland Law practice. The nearby former fish shop has been acquired by the DeVita family who run the town’s Italian pizzeria and cafe bar. Ms Mackenzie yesterday confirmed she and Mr Bacon plan to open their two new outlets within a month. They intend to relocate their cards and tools business – currently housed above the cafe – into the other buildings.

MONEY has been raised to help a man who was left severely injured in a two-car collision in Caithness. Kevin Morrice (37) was left fighting for his life when he was involved in an accident on the A836, near Murkle, on January 30. He was travelling in a VW Golf, as a back seat passenger, and was on his way home to Wick from his work at Dounreay with colleagues Grant Anderson (21) and Gordon MacLeod (21). Mr Morrice broke all of the ribs on the right side of his body and sustained a head injury which caused bleeding to his brain. On Friday he was transferred to Raigmore Hospital from Aberdeen Royal Infirmary to continue his treatment at a special rehabilitation unit – the next stage of his recovery before being allowed to return home. In an attempt to help him and his family through the recovery process, his friends and family recently raised 2,400 at a pool and darts competition held at the Commercial Hotel in Lybster.

A LOCAL candidate in next month’s Highland council elections hit out yesterday, after discovering his political posters had been pulled down and described what happened as “an attack on democracy”. Alex MacLeod, the SNP’s Landward Caithness candidate, explained that between 30 and 40 posters were put up in Castletown at the weekend but were pulled down within a short time. He said that some of the posters had their ties cut, while others were ripped in two. He replaced the posters on Monday, put up some additional ones and reported the matter to the police.

A RENOWNED potato breeder from Caithness was awarded an honorary degree by the Open University at a special ceremony in Glasgow at the weekend. Dr Jack Dunnett, who lives in John O Groats, received the honour for what was described as his “academic and scholarly distinction”. He told the Courier: “It came right out of the blue but I am just delighted to have received it.” He was notified about the award and travelled south to attend the event which was held in the music hall in the Open University in Glasgow on Saturday.

THE premier of a high-energy performance show is set to be staged in Farr High School, this weekend. Entitled Wee Jamp, it will showcase a blend of acrobatics, parkour, break dance and free-running. Glasgow-based Bright Night has been commissioned to bring the show north. Portskerra-based Alexandria Patience, who has been involved in organising the event along with promoter Melvich Hall. Committee, said: “I asked for this show but really didn’t thing we’d get it. The company is based in Glasgow so I went down to see the show being created in rehearsals.”

ACCIDENTS could be caused on the A9 between Latheron and Georgemas because of the poor condition of the road. That was the claim made this week by Landward Caithness councillor, Willie Mackay, who argues the state of that section of the road is “at an all-time low”. He said the 18-mile stretch of the Causewaymire is “breaking up” and is to press Scotland TranServe, the company which is responsible for its management and maintenance, to take action.

WICK ACADEMY manager Davie Kirkwood believes Saturday’s result “should have been a cricket score”. Kirkwood said that Cameron Bowden’s sending off in the first half should have allowed Acadedmy to dominate the game. However, speaking after the match, the manager said he felt the Scorries took their feet of the accelerator following the red card, instead of speeding up, and made some “crazy decisions”. Academy won the game against Turriff United, 2-1.

AND finally...a Tesco worker form Wick hopes to have people singing in the aisles next month but not at the local store where she works. For customer assistant Leah Sonander (36) will be taking her operatic voice from behind the shop’s customer help desk, to the UK capital after winning the regional final of Tesco’s Got Talent, in Inverness next month.