John O' Groat Journal headlines for August 26, 2016

A CAITHNESS business leader is deeply concerned by Highland Council's plans to share procurement services with Aberdeenshire and Aberdeen City councils. Trudy Morris, chief executive of Caithness Chamber of Commerce, is worried the proposal will lead to more goods and services being purchased from outwith the Highlands. That, she said yesterday, would have an obvious impact on local supplies.

TRAFFIC lights at the Toll in Thurso should be replaced by a roundabout according to local Highland councillor Donnie Mackay. Trunk road contractor BEAR Scotland is receptive to the idea and has agreed to discuss it at its next scheduled meeting with councillors and their officials.

THE work on the major upgrade of the National Grid between Caithness and Moray is supporting the equivalent of nearly 5000 years of employment in Scotland a new study has shown. The new onshore link-ups, buildings reinforcements and other preparations for the cable beneath the Moray Firth, is also injecting £265.5 million into the Scottish economy.

BEFRIENDING Caithness is appealing for more volunteers, especially men, to help provide friendship to combat loneliness, to older isolated adults in the county. The charity has had a very busy year and although it has more than 60 volunteers, it is desperate for more, because it has a waiting list of 21 people seeking friendship.

CASTLETOWN was buzzing on Sunday afternoon as people and children turned out for the official opening of the new playpark area. A marquee was erected on the adjacent ground while a bucking bronco, a magician, face painting, baking cakes and refreshments were all laid on to mark the occasion.

WICK Groats will be seeking to extend the Midas touch they have had in cup finals in recent years in tomorrow's Highland Cup showdown at Brora's Dudgeon Park. Standing in their way, to secure a third triumph in four years are Orkney heavyweights, Kirkwall Thorfinn.