Fit's in 'e Groat 'e day

[Nwicker60]

John O’ Groat Journal April 25 headlines

A MAJOR offshore wind farm off the Caithness coast, which could create over 100 local jobs, has taken “a big step forward”. That was the view expressed yesterday by local business leaders and politicians after the Uk government gave it s backing to the Beatrice Offshore Windfarm Ltd development. The decision means the company will get a guaranteed price for the energy produced for a fixed period and is expected to boost the project’s chances of going ahead.

A CANADIAN cartoonist living in Wick uses a local pub as his office to focus and find inspiration for his art, over a morning Americano. Hamish Macdonald (45) is from Prince Edward Island on the Canadian east coast but has lived in Scotland for the past 13 years, initially in Edinburgh before moving to Wick’s Argyle Square with his partner, four years ago.

DOUNREAY police officers have been accused of putting lives at risk by driving through Thurso town centre at more than double the speed limit. The Civil Nuclear Constabulary yesterday confirmed its officers have this week been undergoing driver response training in vehicles with their emergency lights flashing. A spokesman insisted the programme is carried out in “a safe and controlled” manner.

Caithness Pro Wrestling promoter David Hobbs is keen to allay any fears over the nature of his outfit after a recent BBC documentary showcased a more violent side to the sport. More than a million people watched the BBC’s Insane Fight Club and while Mr Hobbs welcomes an increased focus on wrestling, he wants to clarify that his shows are “fun, family entertainment”.

A CAITHNESS student is keen to fly the flag for Caithness – literally. Alan Macdonald claims the county is a distinctive part of the Highlands and deserves to have its own standard. The North Highland College environmental science student suggested the proposal while blogging on an online forum and has been encouraged by the feedback has received.

A LYBSTER man is set to complete the ultimate fitness test this weekend by taking part in four major races – including a marathon and half marathon – in just six weeks. Mark Hendry (45) who works for Kongsberg Maritime Ltd at Wick, will be running in both the 5k and 10k races at Run Balmoral – just two weeks after he ran the London Marathon in three hours 54 minutes.

HOTEL handyman Phil Asdhead is repeating his marathon charity challenge of last year when he climbed Ben Nevis five times in 24 hours. Only this time, Phil is aiming to go one better and make it to the top six times with the same timescale.

And finally...the Captain’s Galley Seafood Restaurant at Scrabster has joined the UK’s fish-frying elite by scooping the prestigious Fish and Chip Qualify Award.