John O' Groat Journal headlines for April 15, 2016

THE funeral takes place next week of a young Caithness fisherman who lost his life when a crab boat sank off the Western Isles. Martin Johnstone (23) was one of two crew members who died when the Louisa went down off Mingulay in the early hours of Saturday morning.

A FORMAL complaint is to be made to the Care Inspectorate about the lack of a warden at a sheltered housing complex in Thurso. Meg Mackenzie is taking the action on behalf of her 95-year-old father, Bob Thorne, who lives in the amenity homes in Oldfield Court and also for tenants at Angus Court and Queen's Court.

THE enterprise area at Scrabster harbour is expected to be operational within the next two to three years says harbour trust manager Sandy Mackie. He explained that Scrabster was granted enterprise area status by the Scottish Government in 2012, with the focus on low carbon renewable activity and the Caithness port is beginning to reap the dividends from the investment made in recent years.

A CHARITY fundraiser which is now held in memory of a Caithness man who died suddenly at the age of 53, has raised over £35,000 in the past five years. Gary Macangus was born and brought up in Scarfskerry but lived latterly in Dornoch with his wife Cath and son Ross until his untimely death in December 2013.

THE school bell rang at Wick's new primary for the very first time as pupils took their seats at their new home on the first day of term. Noss Primary school opened on Wednesday as teachers welcomed the children to class after the Easter break.

PLANS are well under way for an activity day and dance to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the North Coast Leisure Centre this month.