Fit's in 'e Coorier 'e day

[Nwicker60]

Caithness Courier headlines for August 27, 2014

A CAITHNESS firm has won a multimillion-pound contract to work on the MeyGen tidal energy project in the Pentland Firth. JGC Engineering and Technical Services Ltd will provide the steel structures for the underwater turbines in the Inner Sound between Stroma and the mainland. The contract will result in additional staff being recruited by the firm and give a major boost to the local economy.

REDUCING rubbish bin collections to once every three weeks, could redouble recycling efforts, according to a Highland Council officer. A new study reveals on average, householders in Highland are throwing almost half of all recyclable material into the green refuse bin. Dr Colin Clark, the local authority’s head of environmental services, believes there is capacity in the blue bins to allow residents to cope with three-weekly collections.

ONLY weeks after a Caithness farmer revealed his anguish at the number of speeding motorists who have come to grief after crashing opposite his holding, the issue as again come to the fore. James Miller who works land at Newport, near Berriedale, has been beset by the problems over the years with motorists on the A9 failing to negotiate the sharp corner at Catburn, Borgue.

“AN historic Caithness first in marine energy” is how local MP John Thurso described the MeyGen development. He is delighted the £50 million funding has been secured for the project which will result in the world’s largest tidal array being deployed in the Pentland Firth.

A CAITHNESS woman who was awarded the British Empire Medal in this year’s Queen Birthday Honours, is to be presented with it at a special ceremony in the far north next month. Carolyne Poulton from Lyth, founded Labrador Retriever Rescue Scotland and has helped rehome thousands of dogs over the past 15 years. She will receive her BEM from Anne Dunnett, the Lord Lieutenant of Caithness, at Thrumster Estate on September 27.

A FORMER Caithness councillor has stepped down after a 34-year stint as a member of the board of Albyn Housing Society. Jim Oag, the longest standing board member in the society’s history, received a nautical clock in recognition of his service.

SATURDAY’S spirited away win over Formartine United is just what Academy need in the midst of a tough run of fixtures. They now prepare to entertain Highland League leaders Fraserburgh, and then face the first far north derby of the season, at home to Brora Rangers in the semi-final of the North of Scotland Cup.

And finally...Wick woman Alice More celebrated her 100^th birthday on Sunday with afternoon tea in the town’s Mackays Hotel. Caithness Lord Lieutenants Anne Dunnet presented her with the birthday card from the Queen and helped her to cut her cake.