John O' Groat Journal headlines for February 3

TEACHERS are "losing faith" on whether they will be able to move into their new school later this month due to the opening date being changed three times. Wick High School rector Fiona Grant and Newton Park Primary School head teacher Lilian Wark said staff are unsure whether to start packing to relocate to the new £48.5 million Wick community campus which is due to open on Monday February 27.


A FILM about human trafficking, which has just been released, features a young Caithnes actress. Karyn Johnston, who comes from Halkirk but moved to the Phillipines over four years ago described her part in Across the Crescent Moon, as her "most challenging"role so far.


A PLAN to build a £7 million luxury hotel complex overlooking Thurso Bay, will be decided later this month. But according to businessman Raymond Taylor whose family is behind the project, it will be "dead and buried" if the site between the Thurso caravan park and the Weigh Inn Hotel is not backed.


PLANS to replace a 124-year old footbridge in Wick have been thrown into doubt after the estimated cost escalated to more than half a million pounds. Highland Council has revealed the cost of replacing Coghill Bridge in Wick has increased from the original estimate of £170,000 to £500,000.


COMPUTING pupils at Wick High have been given an "eye catching" present by a firm to help them come up with new technology ideas. Engineer and project management consultancy firm Vector 4 Energy donated a state of the art eye-catching headset to the school.



OVER 1200 people have signed a petition to save Caithness Citizens Advice Bureau if Scottish Government funding cuts are approved. It is predicted CAB offices throughout the Highlands will see their grant funding slashed which could result in a reduction in its benefits and advice service.


PULLING investment from tobacco and arms companies could lead Highland Council down a slippery slope of ethics, it was been warned. The council holds shares in the controversial companies through its pension scheme and this was criticised by councillors this week.


A THURSO actress has received her big break on the silver screen after landing a major role in a new Scottish film. Former Thurso Players favourite, Donna Swanson, has been cast in crime thriller Isolani where she plays the wife of a Glasgow drug dealer.


SCRABSTER harbour bosses are reporting continues strong trading with more than £2.95 million taken in revenues last year from increased port activity. Throughout 2016, Scrabster saw more than 2248 vessel arrivals up 1.5 per cent from the previous.