Caithness Courier headlines for June 26, 2013


JUST one person in Caithness has been fined for failing to clear up dog dirt in the last year despite increased enforcement measures aimed at tackling the messy issue. This comes despite it being announced by the Highland Council administration, which was elected last year, that it would be introducing a zero-tolerance approach to litter and dog mess.
NURSERY staff were left in tears when the toddlers they care for asked why their play equipment had been destroyed in a mindless act of vandalism. Now parents are demanding that those who caused the damage are caught, and made to carry out and pay for the repairs themselves.

A MARINE centre and re-opening Old St Peter's Kirk were among the top suggestions to emerge from a new-style public consultation exercise to help guide the development of Thurso over the next decade. Investment in tourism and job opportunities are the two main areas which need to be concentrated on, to ensure the town has a bright economic future according to feedback from the charette process, run by consultants on behalf of Highland Council.

BAKED in the far north and set to be enjoyed in the Far East, a Caithness baker has secured three lucrative international contracts worth over £1 million. The new contracts, clinched by Reids of Caithness, which will see its products being exported to Canada, Japan and Russia, could lead to the company creating new jobs at its Thurso headquarters.

HIGHLAND COUNCIL has set aside £1.2 million of its five-year £470 million capital spending plan to complete major repairs to Thurso Library. A building programme with spending of almost £1 billion over the next 10 years, was unveiled last week and it will be presented to the full council tomorrow.

HELPING to prevent one of the biggest maritime disasters in history 14 years ago, a former coastguard has been recognised for his part in saving lives and for his years of dedication to the service. Former Wick coastguard sector manager Sandy Taylor was at the heart of operations during one of the UK's biggest maritime alerts when emergency services fought to prevent the drifting tanker Ascania, carrying 1,800 tonnes of a highly flammable liquid, from turning into a floating bomb in the Pentland Firth.

A TEACHERS' union leader has backed a move to axe controversial musical instrument fees for older pupils in the Highland because it would ease the financial burden on hard-pressed parents. Highland Council currently generates £75,600-a-year by charging 300 teenagers an annual £252 each for instruction and the use of instruments like the bagpipes, piano and fiddle.

THIS year's Halkirk Gala proved a winner with many people turning out to take part in the fun activities held throughout the week. The celebrations climaxed with the crowning of gala queen Rachel Gunn and the carnival parade of floats and foot collectors along Bridge Street.

HIGH school pupils from the far north, interested in a career in the caring professions, have been given an insight into some of the options open to them at a major careers event in Thurso. Around 30 from Thurso High, Wick High and Farr High attended the "So You Want to Work in Care?" frorum, part of a programme of vocational events aimed at S4-S6 throughout the Highlands.