Caithness Courier headlines for November 16

THE first power from what will become the world's largest tidal energy venture farm, has been successfully generated in the Pentland Firth. Atlantis Rescources, operators of the MeyGen project which plans to install 269 turbines on the seabed between the Caithness coast and Stroma, has announced its first turbines on the seabed between the Caithness coast and Stroma, has announced its first turbine has produced electricity.

THE spectre of charges for car parking in the far north has re-emerged, as Highland Council explores new ways of generating income to help the authority deal with its looming budget crisis. Thurso and Wick have been exempt from charges which have been introduced in Inverness, Fort William and Portree. But that could change if councillors opt to add to the 19 of its 224 car parks where charges are applied.

PLANS to change the route of the daily bus service between Caithness and Inverness making for longer journeys for passengers in the west of the county, are to be discussed at a public meeting next week. Stagecoach plans to withdraw the section of the X99 route from Thurso via Halkirk and the Causewaymire. The firm wants all journeys from Thurso to go through Castletown and Wick before continuing south to Inverness on the A99 and A9.

THE 15 applications that will be asking the public to give them their vote for a share of £30,000 at Your Cash Your Caithness, have been revealed. Representatives from good causes from across the county will try to convince audience members why they should receive funding for their cause on Saturday.

REMEMBERING the lives of those who never came back and those who are still serving their county in conflicts today, ceremonies took place across Caithness to mark Remembrance weekend. In Wick, three ceremonies were held over three days with hundreds of people taking part to pay respects to those who service in the armed forces.

PEOPLE are being called on to help researchers build a map of where seagrass can be found around northern Scotland. The flowering plant lives under the waves in shallow, sheltered areas of the county's coastlines and is an important home for a variety of species was well as providing shelter to others.

MEMBERS of the Elise Lall School of Dance are hard at work preparing for their annual bumper, public performance which showcases the talent and versatility of the Wick-based troupe. The pre-Christmas shows are always very popular with relatives and friends of the young dancers and members of the public.

Gordon Connelly praised Sam Mackay's outstanding form in recent games which has been a major factor in Academy turning their season around. The midfielder has now scored nine goals in three games including an incredible six from the penalty spot which have helping Wick move up to fifth place in the SHFL as well as secure a place in the Scottish Cup third round.