Caithness Courier headlines for September 28, 2016

A £7 million contract to build a new waste plant at Dounbreay is the first to oblige the winning bidder to deliver socio-economic benefits to the far north. The landmark move follows long-term concern among unions that the area has not seen enough spin-offs from large construction projects carried out as part of the site's £1 billion-plus clean-up.

SPECIALIST divers are in the far north this week to carry out further work in efforts to tackle the widespread problem of so-called "ghost fishing". They have arrived at Scapa Flow where they will clear lost lobster pots, fishing nets and rope from the seabed as well as studying the impact of the water and trying to reduce it.


PARENTS in Bower are calling on Highland Council to reinstate free bus travel for Thurso High School pupils. The local authority previously gave children in the village, situated halfway between Thurso and Wick, a free bus pass to attend either Wick or Thurso High schools.


AN extra £58,000 has been promised by Highland Council to pay for equipment in the new Wick High School but community representatives feel the total being offered, is still not enough. Outgoing chairman of the school parent council, Iain Baikie, is calling on the local authority to contribute an amount that can be considered respectable.


FARMERS in Caithness whose livestock has been hit by raven attacks, are being urged to take part in a consultation to help push through legislation which will allow them greater powers to shoot the birds. The Calling for Raven Control campaign is looking for support from local farmers to add the common raven to the general licence after reports of attacks on sheep in Caithness and other parts of the UK.


STAFF at a Thurso hotel wanted to make sure a small felt dog completed her journey from Land's End to John O' Groats after her owners accidentally left her behind. Sybil, who hitched a lift from Cornwall as part of a cyclist's LEJOG challenge was posted to the Park Hotel after the cyclist forgot to take her with him from a previous hotel.


A LURCHER proved the star at an annual event in Bower at the weekend which has turned into a rescue dogs' re-united day. Five-year-old Bryn won the overall title in the sixth show staged by KWK9 at the weekend.


A STALWART of the Wick Society will be remembered for years to come now an inscribed flagstone bench has been placed outside the room where he spent many hours. Donald Sinclair was involved in the Society for more than 40 years, nine of them as chairman and his work there became his life.


GORDON Connelly was delighted with the character of his side who braved foul weather in south-west Scotland and an early pounding on their goal to claim their place in the second round of the Scottish Cup. The Academy manager was also pleased they were able to reward the small band of Wick fans who made the trip with victory over Lowland League outfit Dalbeattie Star. The final score was 3-1.