Caithness Courier headlines for October 5, 2016

SWIMMERS are 'drowning' their sorrows after it was revealed Thurso's public pool will not reopen until the start of next year. A fresh delay in its £2.7 million refurbishment is causing further incovenience and expense to families of club competitors who have been having to make the 40-plus mile round trip to the pool in Wick for their regular early morning sessions.

DOUNREAY police officers are "very concerned" about a plan which could result in changes to their pensions and mean they will be unable to retire at 60. A ruling the London High Court means the Civil Nuclear Constabulary officers will have to work until they are 65 or even 68, as from April when changes to the Pu,blic Services Pension act come into effect.

CAITHNESS Rugby Club's battle with the taxman is finally over after Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs opted against appealing a decision in favour of the club not having to pay a whopping £50,000 of VAT for the construction of its community pavilion.

A SEAWEED firm in Wick is gearing up to increase production this autumn by hiring a team of casual workers to gather supplies from beaches in North Caithness. New Wave Foods has been operating from its base at the town's industrial for six months and is looking to employ up to nine staff within three years.

THE pupils of Crossroads Primary School were star bakers when they put their culinary skills to the test to help raise funds for Macmillan Cancer support. They made their own pancakes and shortbread, enjoyed a fruit fondue and took part in some Macmillan-related activities too, such as wearing green to school.

THURSO Rotary Club's annual speech-making contest took place in the town's West Church. The event, which has been running since 1971, gives Thurso High School third and fourth year pupils a chance to speak for about six minutes on a topic of their choice.

WICK Academy's impressive away form is set to be severely tested, tonight, with a number of regulars missing for the Highland League clash with Forres Mechanics.