Caithness Courier headlines for March 4, 2015

THE threat of junior doctors being removed from Caithness General Hpsital has been lifted following a review by an independent body. But it has called for new arrangements to be put in place for the training of the doctors, improved supervision and follow-up visits.

A CAITHNESS voluntary group reaches a notable milestone today when it celebrates its 25th anniversary. The Monday Club was launched on March 4, 1990 to help people with learning disabilities and chairman Hugh Millar sees no reason why it cannot continue for another 25 years.

A PLAN by Highland Council to appoint a commercial manager at a cost of £90,000 over two years was yesterday dubbed "ill-advised" and "tactless". Brenda Herrick, who chairs Castletown and District Community Council, is unimpressed by the proposal and said it would "create another layer of management".

THE lack of volunteers willing to help make their community a better place along with impending cuts in lcoal authority services, will make Wick a "dirty" town to live in. That is the fear of Wick community councillor Wendy Campbell who is particularly worried about the outlook for the royal burgh's public gardens and other open areas.

THREE Caithness polling stations which were due to be axed by Highland Council have been given a reprieve. Britannia Hall in Dunnet, Canisbay Hall and Bower Community Centre will be used for the UK general election in May.

COMMUNITY councillors in Castletown are concerned they are not being nofitfied about local meetings on health and transport issues. They were not informed about a meeting relating to the redesign of health servies in Caithness which is taking place in Thurso today. It will also give an update on what is happening regards out-of-hours cover at Caithness General Hospital in Wick.

A NORTH tourism initiative focused on expansion, has added a new business to its list of supporters. Local entrepreneur Nicola Dreaves who has set up NJDinspired - an events planning service - is helping Venture North with its promotional activities.

FROM snakes to astronomy, this year's Caithness International Science Festival is gearing up to be one of the biggest in the events 12-year history. Its popularity has again attracted a wealth of entertainers, all with a focus on science and the intent to make learning as much fun as possible for the hundreds of children and adults who attend every year.