Caithness Courier headlines for March 11 2015

NURSERY staff have pleaded for clarification on the future of their jobs as the opening of the new primary schools in Wick could have a major impact on pre-school provision in the town. Norlin and Playbox play groups are to close when children are transferred to new nursery accommodation at the new Noss Primary School - due to open before the end of the year.

A WEBSITE launched by Thurso Heritage Society has achieved "really astounding" success in its first fortnight. The Thurso Interactive site has already attracted 50,000 hits from all over the UK as well as countries such as Ireland, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Israel and China.

THE far north line is set to be branded one of Scotland's "Great Scenic Railway Journeys" with tourist-friendly carriages and VisitScotland-trained ambassadors, in a bid to boost passenger traffic. Abellio which takes over the Scotrail franchise from First Group, next month, has announced plans to upgrade carriages over the next three years, to make them more attractive for tourists visiting the north Highlands.

MEGAN Mcadie loves the beach and going to the forest. Being confined to a wheelchair meant it was always difficult for her and family to push her chair along rough ground But thanks to a charity which helps youngsters across the Highlands, the Wick teenager will no longer have any problems going to the seaside, the woods or any of her other favourite haunts in Caithness. MFR's Cash for Kids ha paid for a £3,900 all-terrain buggy which was imported from Australia and is set to make a huge difference to the 19-year-old and her family's life.

A CLAIM that investment in oil-related traffic in Shetland is being made at the expense of Caithness, is wide of the mark, according to Highlands and Islands Airport Ltd. It was replying to a grievance aired by Wick-based local businessman, Andy Bruce, who runs Far North Aviation with his wife Moira.