John O’ Groat Journal headlines for November 22, 2013
A PLAN to set up a commercial pharmacy in Castletown should be withdrawn “with immediate effect” until a review is carried out by the Scottish government. That is the plea from north MSPs Rhoda Grant and David Stewart and supported by Highland Council’s Caithness and Sutherland area committee convener Deidre Mackay. She said it would be “an absolute nonsense” to continue with the pharmacy bid given the level of local opposition and the review of the legal process.

A CAITHNESS woman yesterday said she would “like to see justice done” in the trial of a Canadian man accused of killing her 29-year-old nephew in a fight. Liz Cornwall, who lived in Wick for many years before moving to Norfolk with her husband Tom, spoke as the trial of Christopher Kameka got underway in a Canadian Court. He is facing a manslaughter charge after 29-year-old David Bain died outside a bar on July 31 last year.

PLANS by Highland Council to get an “eyesore” building in Thurso back into public use have been welcomed by local people. The council owns the B-listed property which comprises a house at 30 Princes Street and the adjoining former shop in Sir John’s Square. The building was the subject of a compulsory purchase order and a public inquiry which was held in Thurso in March last year. After a lengthy process, the council now owns the building and has confirmed it is assessing its future use.

CAITHNESS Justice of the Peace Court met for the final time, yesterday, as it officially closed its doors as part of a major shake-up of a the Scottish Court Service. Caithness was one of seven JP courts and 10 sheriff courts across Scotland closing this month as part of cost-cutting measures introduced in a bid to improve and maintain services.

FEARS that local government politicians in the Highlands may lack the skills needed to run large organisations delivering leisure, sports and arts provision for the public have been voiced. A watchdog has concluded there was “no evidence” that Highland Council could show that its members who help govern arms-length bodies, met guidance on the experience of skills required.

A NEW junior football club which has been formed in Thurso is “the way forward” for the sport in the town. That is the view of Donald Allan, the chairman of Thurso United which has been created following a merger of Thurso Junior Swifts, Pentland Boys Club and Thurso Youth Football Club.