John O' Groat Journal headlines for January 6, 2017

NHS Highland has responded to 3ears that there is not enough respite provision in Caithness to cope with a fast increasing demand from an ageing population. The concerns were sparked by the revelation that just three beds are earmarked in the county for the temporary care of people with health issues, to give their carers a break.

A PROJECT to increase protection at Wick harbour against violent storms that have caused significant damage at the port in the past, is estimated to cost over £3 million. Wick Harbour Authority has confirmed it is working towards obtaining the financial package that will go towards installing a high water protection gate at the port.

THE model Highland Council uses to determine additional support needs in schools is "flawed" and does not reflect the requirements of the pupils. That is the view of Wick High school parent council which would like to see more flexibility in the system and more decisions about the needs of the youngsters being made by head teachers.

WATTEN said goodbye to 2016 in style as around 100 people packed the village hall to see in the new year. Dancing the night away, generations of families, who live in the village, as well as those who came home for the festive season, were together for the start of 2017.

RIDING the waves of success Thurso racer Duncan Johnstone capped off a memorable 2016 when he landed his third national jet-ski title. The world number 28 clinched victory in the P1 AquaX Pro/AM 200 Class championship beating his nearest competitor by just one point, over four races during the season.

A NEW display at Strathnaver Museum in Bettyhill will juse tools and objects from the museum's collection to tell the story of peat cutting.

LEADING Highland economist Tony Mackay has added to growing groundswell of opinion in favour of retaining the board of HIghlands and Islands Enterprise. The Scottish Government's intention to axe it and install a nationwide board overseeing HIE and three other enterprise and training bodies, has led to a chorus of disapproval from politicians and business repreentatives in the north.