John O’ Groat Journal headlines for June 21, 2013
THE far north economy has received a much-needed boost with a Wick-base manufacturer’s expansion south of the border, set to create 20 jobs over the next 18 months. Kitchen and bedroom specialist, Ashley Ann’s new dealerships, have boosted its turnover by £2m and consolidated its position as one of the biggest private sector employers in the area, outwith Dounreay.
CALLS for all objectors’ addresses to controversial planning applications, to be provided, have been made, after it emerged the bulk of hostility to a controversial wind turbine close to Prince Charles’s summer residency in Caithness, came from outwith the county. More than 59 objections were sent to Highland Council in relation to farmer Barrogill Angus’s bid to construct the 18.9 metre high turbine next to the Castle of Mey in Caithness, the late Queen Mother’s former home,
TEENAGE pregnancy rates in the Highlands have reached their highest since 2007 and are well above the figures for any other western European country. But compared to the rest of Scotland, the region has the lowest figure for pregnancies under the age of 16 and the third lowest between 16 and 18-year-olds.
A CAITHNESS businessman yesterday claimed he has lost a £600,000 contract because his firm was put into administration. John Sutherland, who formed Caithness Stone Industries Ltd with Patrick Mackay in 1999, said the company was told it had landed a contract just two days after being put into administration. However it has now been lost, Mr Sutherland told the John O’ Groat Journal.
TWO Caithness women are undertaking a sponsored run next weekend in memory of “a special friend” they lost to cancer. Lindsay Foubister (31) and 35-year-old Tina Smith will be running from Thurso to Watten, on Sunday, morning to raise money or the charity Melanoma Doing it for Diane. Local teacher Dianne Allan was only 25 when she lost her battle with the disease in January, last year.
TEN Highland dancers from the Caithness-based Elise Lyall School of Dance, will soon be jetting off to Canada to compete against teams from around the world. The dancers will be taking part in the ScotDance Canada championship Series from July 3-7 at the Palais des Congres and Le West in Montreal.
A CAITHNESS artist who started her own gallery and studio in Aberdeen last year has won two awards at a prestigious event in the city. Shelagh Swanson, from Tister Farm, Halkirk, set up her own visual arts and glass studio, Oil and Glass last May. She was delighted when she won the Best New Business and Creative Minds trophies at the Trend Magazine awards last Thursday.