Caithness Courier headlines for January 6, 2016

A TOURIST had to be rescued at the weekend when she was swept off the harbour at John O' Groats after being hit by a giant wave while taking photos of the storm-lashed sea. Fortunately someone was on hand, to quickly pluck her out of the water and drag her back onto the quay.

THE hole left by violent waves smashing onto Wick harbour and ripping out a giant chunk in its sea defences is getting bigger. Harbour chiefs have reported more damage has been caused to the outer quay wall by relentless storm conditions which are only expected to calm down tomorrow.

THE school bus to Staxigoe will be running again tomorrow after Stagecoach performed a u-turn and reinstated a service it had threatened to axe. The bus firm has listened to concerns raised by the public following recent changes to timetables.

A COMMUNITY event will set out what more needs to be done in Caithness to help people recovering from drug and alcohol problems. The Caithness Drug and Alcohol Forum is working with people in recovery to organise the event which is designed to provide stepping stones towards helping them become involved in activities to aid their recovery.

THE next generation broadband is spreading its way across the Highlands but a local IT specialist is keen to see it hit more areas of Caithness not yet covered. About 150,000 homes and businesses in the region now have access to superfast broadband and though William McGillligray is pleased with progress in the county, he says there is still work to be done.

THREE people in the KW postcode area are among more than 90000 households in the UK who still have a black and white TV licence. Figures released by Television Licensing, revealed the number of viewers who have apparently been immune to the change to colour sets, the switch-over to digital transmissions and the increase in the use of HD televisions as well as tablets and smart phones to access TV content.

THE Castle of Mey10k is fast approaching its eighth anniversary and the legacy each year continues to grow with more and more people taking part in running activities be it fun runs Tough Mudder events or joining North Highland Harries as either beginner or experienced runners. The race is taking place this year on May 29 as NHH aims to support another local running event, the Cape Wrath Challenge by avoiding a clash of dates.