John O' Groat Journal headlines for July 24, 2015

THE nuclear submarine test facility at Vulcan was shut down for the last time this week making a historic milestone for Caithness. The official shutdown of the shore test facility on Tuesday night, means that, for the first time in almost 60 years, there will be no functioning nuclear reactors in the far north.

CALLS to suspend the planned closure of the police control room in Inverness are growing after it was announced a review will be carried out of all call-handling operations within Police Scotland's contract command and control centres. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabularly in Scotland has launched the review following the deaths of John Yuill (28) and Lamara Bell (25) who were not found for three days after they crashed their car off the M9 in Stirling on July 5.
A MEETING to discuss traffic management problems in Thurso was "positive and worthwhile". But the turnout was described as "very disappointing" as only around 20 people turned up to the event which was held at the Pentland Hotel in Thurso on Wednesday night.

WICK Youth Club meant a lot to Donald Mackenzie when he was growing up, as it was a place where he first learned how to break dance while experiencing a troubled childhood. Little did he know he would be learning skills which would lead to him becoming a professional break dancer performing at high-profile events and even in front of royalty.

THIRTY per cent of enquiries to Caithness Sutherland and East Ross MP, Paul Monaghan have come from people in Wick. That statistic was revealed by the SNP far north representative in response to a claim he has not held a surgery in the town since being elected on May 7.

AN exhibition of Johnston Collection photos, showing the faces and lives of the county's past, has gone on show and time is running out to see it. The Wick Society's Johnston section regularly holds shows of selections of it tens of thousands of photograph and this year had chosen to feature early cycling in Caithness, classic town scenes and a section on the ill-fated Stevenson's breakwater in Wick Bay.

A SERIES of appointments have been made to Wave Energy Scotland as the new research and development organisation sets up an advisory group. WES received over 50 applications from interested parties keen to be involved in the group. There was a wide range of experience amongst the applicants, demonstrating the level of interest in the organisation.

MICHAEL Steven kept his cool under extreme pressure, to score the winning penalty for Wick Academy who caused a major upset to dump the Highland League champions out of the North of Scotland Cup. Scenes of unbridled joy erupted from the Acadmey players after the fullback sent Joe Malin the wrong way to place his spot-kick in the top, right-hand corner of the net to earn the Scorries their first win against Brora Rangers in nine games.