John O' Groat Journal headlines for March 3, 2017


A NEW £14 million ferry has been ordered by Pentland Ferries Ld and will operate between Caithness and Orkney next year, the John O’ Groat Journal can exclusively reveal. Community and economic development representatives yesterday welcomed the investment as giving a shot in the arm to tourism in the north, as well as being good news for the future of Gills harbour.

TWO new post offices in Wick have received the stamp of approval as a deal to create branches in the town centre and Hillhead have been signed, sealed and delivered to open later this month. It has been confirmed two new post offices will open at Keystore More at Bridge Street and Hillhead Food Store at Hilllhead Road.

A PLAN to allow more local control over Highland Council decisions would be “a huge plus” for Caithness. That was said yesterday by civic leader Gillian Coghill who welcomed the proposal to have “a significant shift” in decision-making at local level.

THE £48.5 million Wick Community Campus is still on course to open after the Easter holidays as final preparations are being made to the building so it is ready to welcome staff and pupils Highland Council has confirmed the opening date of the campus will be on Wednesday April 26.

CHARGES should be introduced to try and resolve parking problems in Thurso. That was said at a meeting of the local community council this week after members again expressed their frustration at the ongoing situation.

A WELL-known Caithness cattle breeder has scooped a top award for the performance of its continental herd. The Mill family's Charolais herd at Forsie, near Westfield, has picked up this year's Harman Genetic Improvement Award for making the greatest genetic progress amongst the breed's Scottish herds, during the last 12 months.