John O' Groat Journal headlines for November 25

CAMPAIGNERS plan to travel to Inverness to attend a public meeting calling for health chiefs to reject recommendations to downgrade far north maternity services. Caithness Health Action Team is hiring a bus and asked as many people as possible, to attend the NHS Highland board meeting which will decide whether to approve recommendations to cut maternity services at Caithness General Hospital. The health authority's plans would see the unit become midwife led, with the axing of the 24-hour obstetrician cover.

PLANS are being firmed up to save the historic Soldiers Tower in Wick which is under threat of being levelled. The Wick branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland has made a proposal to Highland council to become trustees and responsible for the memorial on the town's North Head. It is looking to raise funds by obtaining grants and donations to bring the tower back to its former glory.

YOUNG people living in the most deprived areas of the Highlands, are more likely to suffer mental illnesses according to a new report. The detailed research into adult mental health services, carried out on behalf of NHS Highland, also showed there are gaps in treatment across the region making it difficult for patients to access services.

A CAITHNESS family has contacted all 129 MSPS in a bid to get an independent judicial inquiry into the death of 24-year-old Kevin McLeod. The body of the young Wick man was found in the town's harbour in February 1997. The police said his death was accidental and there were no suspicious circumstances.

WHEN Don Sinclair leaves his shoe shop in Thurso next week for the last time, he will be closing the door on more than 130 years of family history. His retiral from the long-established firm, will end an association with the town which first started in 1884 when his great grandfather George Sinclair set up the business.

SAM MACKAY hopes Wick can be "spot on" to create history, tomorrow, by making the fourth round of the Scottish Cup for the first time by defeating Stirling Albion. The midfielder has been on fire in his last three games in which has has scored nine goals, a haul which includes six penalties.