John O’ Groat Journal headlines for August 1

STAFF at a Thurso supermarket claim they have been given an ultimatum to work extra hours or face being sacked. Co-op workers at the chain’s Meadow Lane store were left stunned after apparently being told by management they would be asked to work more hours –above what they were already said they are available to do – and if they didn’t, they would be dismissed from the company payroll.

THE Forss Business and Technology Park has been put up for sale with a price tag of over £400,000.That emerged this week after the sale was advertised in a national newspaper. The development comes more than two years after parent company, New Park Highland, which operated the site for a decade, was placed in administration.

PUTTING on a stethoscope to check a dog’s heart rate and watching how students are learning to control the fox population was how Prince Charles spent his visit to a state-of-the-art college centre in Caithness. The Duke of Rothsay began his annual public engagements in Caithness yesterday when he toured North Highland College UHI’s land-based centre of excellence at Dale Farm, Halkirk.

THE likelihood of Wick harbour playing a key role in servicing a major offshore windfarm development was yesterday described as “a major boost” for the Caithness economy. Local MP John Thurso said it was “fantastic news” the port is to become the operation and maintenance base for Beatrice Offhore Wind Farm Ltd.

A FAR north man has hit out at the lack of time contractors were given to tender for work to reinstate a tract of the Flow country damaged by commercial tree planting. Andrew Mackay from
Forsinard, told the John O’ Groat Journal he could not understand why the timescale was so short.

THE poor condition of white lines on roads in Thurso was slammed this week as “an absolute disgrace”. The accusation was made by community councillor Thelma Mackenzie who felt action should be taken to address the problem.

WICK Academy have made their third addition of the season with the capture of Steven Anderson from Lybster FC who has signed a professional contract. Andreson has been one of the top players in the Caithness County League, helping last year’s division two play-off to become this year’s surprise and win the Bain Mackintosh Cup.