John O' Groat Journal headlines for August 19, 2016

JUST get it done - that is the angry response from politicians and parents to the announcement that the new school campus in the grounds of Wick High School has been hit by another delay. The replacement secondary and the new Newton Park primary will not now open after the October holideays as scheduled with Highland Council yesterday unable to give a revised date.

THE Beatrice offshore wind farm has been hailed as a major boost for the Scottish and British economy by a UK minister who was visiting the area to check on preparations to build 84 turbines off the east Caithness coast.
Lord Dunlop the Under Secretary of State for Scotland visited Nigg Energy Park on Tuesday to get a progress report from developers Beatrice Offshore Ltd.

THE existing swimming pool and library in Wick will not close before the town's new community campus opens to the public. High Life Highland said they will remain open, as it emerged the complex on the grounds of Wick High School will not be ready for its scheduled October opening.

THOSE behind a proposed new large electrical switching station on the outskirts of Wick would build a new access road during its construction, if they were given the green light for the venture. Scottish Hydro Elecreic Transmission is keen to ensure traffic disruption is kept to a minimum during the project which is expected to provide work for 200.

AN Audit Scotland progress update report into superfast broadband for Scotland has revealed broadband speeds in the north fall far below the average. Highlands and Islands MSP Rhoda Grant said the report contains no surprises when the more remote and challenging areas of the country are looked at, with six council areas falling below the contractual level of coverage.

AN entrepreneurial visit to Orkney organised by Caithness Chamber of Commerce has been hailed a success. A wide range of local businesses had the chance to meet and build connections with their counterparts in Orkney as well as the opportunity to hear from Sheila Fleet one of Scotland's most successful entrepreneours.

TWO North Highland College UHI students have been recognised in this year's Highlands and Islands Students Association awards. HND computers science student, Ryan Gow, from Lybster picked up the prize for the Best Engagement with the Student Voice. It recognises exceptional practice in seeking and acting upon student feedback and putting the student voice at the heart of learning and teaching.

WICK ACADEMY are facing a selection crisis ahead of tomorrow's encounter at Clachnacuddin with a number of key players set to miss the trip to Inverness.