John O' Groat Journal headlines for March 10, 2017

PARAMEDICS in Caithness are being pushed beyond their limits with cover, especially at nights and weekends, overstretched to respond to emergencies it is being claimed. The GMB Scotland Union says its members are "fatigued" from working long shifts and transferring an increasing number of patients to Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.

THE measures announced in this week's budget, will do very little for the far north, according to Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross MP, Paul Monaghan. DR Monaghan described Chancellor Philip Hammond's budget as" very disappointing".

A FAMILY who have been waiting over six months to have a landline installed at their newly- built home in Canisbay, say they feel they've been classed as "not important" because they live in an isolated rural local location. Leanne Mackay said her family feel socially disconnected, as their calls for BT to install a telephone line at their newly built home at Hillburn, near Gills Harbour have not been answered.

A CAITHNESS couple have vowed to continue their fight for justice after being told their son's death 20 years ago, is not to be re-investigated. Hugh and June Mcleod were given the news this week by a senior officer from Police Scotland.

WORK on a huge switching station on the outskirts of Wick, is expected to get under way next year after an application was approved in principle by Highland councillors on Tuesday. They backed the proposal from Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission, to build a high voltage direct current switching station on land between Wick John O Groats airport and Noss Farm.

PEOPLE in the Highlands are not claiming support they are entitled to, because they feel embarrassed and are scared that their benefits will be stopped, it has been claimed. North MPs have said so many constituents are seeing their cash frozen when they report a change of circumstances, that they don't apply for their benefits.

A CAITHNESS distillery has embarked on a major expansion plan which will increase production, add to the area's tourist attraction and help secure local jobs. Dunnet Bay Distillery which was formed in 2014, hopes the extended premises will boost its international sales and turnover and create at least one job.

A MEETING of the Sutherland Monitor Farm, taking place next week, will focus on ewe management over the lambing period and also discuss which grass mixes could be sown to maximise grazing potential.

CAITHNESS band Neon Waltz are taking part in a new project which provides an alternative platform for up-and-coming music talent. The band will be playing at the launched of Salute, a music competition which aims to provide an alternative to mainstream talent show like the X Factor.