John O' Groat Journal headlines for April 26, 2017

HEALTH campaigners are considering backing a candidate to stand in June's general election to highlight the reduction of health servicew in Caithness. Caithness Health Action team will discuss at a meeting in Thurso, if it will go forward with plans to support a candidate to stand for the Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross seat.

PEOPLE campaigning against cuts to local health services said they got their message across by showing how many people in the far north would need to be transferred if health services are reduced. Caithness Health Action Team members were pleased with their visual impact protest held at Wick's Bignold Park to highlight the number of people who have relied on treatment locally.

AFTER 25 years of being part of Thurso town centre, the owner of a sports shop is looking for a new buyer as he says the time has come for him to sell up and retire. Sol Makhouli has been the friendly and popular face behind the counter at Atlanta Sports in High Street, having served customers their sport clothing and equipment needs since he opened the store.

STAFF at a Thurso care home are "caring and supportive" and residents are happy with the service provided. That was the finding of a report which was carried out at the Pentland view home in Burnside by the Dundee-based Care Inspectorate.

A HIGHLAND woman is gearing up to take on the Lands End to John O Groats challenge in aid of the Scottish SPCA to help animals. Beth Osborne from Lairg will experience the 13-day cycle which will see her pass through some of the most stunning and remote scenery in Scotland while supporting the country's unwanted, abandoned and neglected animals, starting on May 20.

AFTER a career spanning 14 years and pulling on the Scorries shirt 443 times, Gary Weir stepped out of the tunnel for the final time as a Wick Academy Player. The 29-year-old, a fans favourite at the club where he first made his debut at just 15 years old, scored 168 goals for the team, making him the second top scorer in the club's SHFL history.