John O' Groat Journal headlines for May 20, 2016

THE sister of two men who lived in Wick and whose deaths have been blamed on so-called legal highs has made a public heartfelt plea, warning people of the dangers of using the drugs. Melanie Downie spoke out after the funeral of her second brother Simon McGaugh who died on Friday May 8. Three years ago the body of her other brother William Mcgough wass recovered from Wick River.

Caithness Family History Society has launched a new appointment system for people looking for advice on things like how to begin their family tree, outside of the group's normal opening hours.

STAGECOACH is to reintroduce part of a bus route it scrapped less than a month after the firm's drivers complained they were unable to negotiate the area due to parked cars. At the start of the month, the bus operator said the 79A/79C service would no longer go through the Pennyland estate as a result of congestion.

A BARRIER is to be erected around Dounreay Castle which was badly damaged in a storm. Its north wall collapsed after the medieval coastal stronghold was battered by the elements in February 2015.

CAITHNESS is looking to pull its weight on the national tug o' war scene as the first county team has been established. Caithness Tug O' War might be the new kids ont he block but they are looking to make a real impact at the national championships next month.

CAITHNESSIANS have officially been given the right to use the design of the county flag however they wish. While it was made clear from the start, that the design was copyright free, there had been an issue over whether the new standard is subject to the rules of coats of arms or emblems which carry restrictions.

ROBERT and Sally Ann James may have only established their bed and breakfast business in Caithness two years ago but it has already been ranked as one of the best in the north. Their establishment, at Mey House, earned five-star status two months after opening.