John O' Groat Journal headlines for May 6, 2016


ANSWERS are being sought on diversions which will be needed for urgent repairs on a main road in Caithness. Community representatives claim they are being kept in th dark about the timescale and extent of the works due to be carried out on the long- time troublespot on the B876 Castltetown to Wick road at Killimister Moss.

PEOPLE are being invited to the launch of the John O' Groats Trail a walking route following almost 145 miles of coastline from Inverness to the Caithness village. The Friends of the JOGT, the people behind the trail, are encouraging walkers to complete the famouts Land's End to John O' Groat journey with a spectacular clifftop walk and impressive scenery, instead of what they regard as the dangerous trek along the A9.

PASSENGERS are fuming at a decision by a bus operator to withdraw its vehicles from a Thurso housing estate. Stagecoach has defended removing Pennyland from its 79A/79C service due to the number of cars on the street, which left buses struggling to negotiate the road.

REDUCING the number of casualties on rural roads, along with tackling drug problems and violence issues ,are the main targets for the newly-appointed north divisional commander of Police Scotland. Philip Macrae said the Force has the resources available, to make a huge difference in Caithness and other rural communities within the Highlands, to improve the standard of life along with drivers' behaviour which will lead to fewer accidents.

COMMUNITY councillors in Wick are fast losing patience with the state of the town's road network. Every street in the royal burgh has at least one pothole, it was claimed at their latest meeting earlier this week. Now, they are seeking a meeting with Highland Council roads officials in a bid to see some improvements.

X FACTOR Wick brought the house down with its 13 acts packed full of talent and enthusiasm, producting a memorable evening and raising money for good causes. The town's Assembly Rooms was full to bursting with a delighted audience enjoying all manner of singing acts, as well as dancing and even wrestling, performed by artistes of all ages.

THE drive to allow farmers to shoot ravens without a special licence is fast gathering momentum with campaigners yesterday stating their case to conservation officials in Caithness. During the lobby, Scottish Natural Heritage representatives were taken round farms which have recently lost lambs through attacks by the birds.