John O' Groat Journal headlines for May 19, 2017


MARGARET Viscountess Thurso, who died this week at the age of 98, was yesterday described as "a lovely lady" who was totally dedicated to the county. "The Viscountess died, peacefully, on Wednesday after a short illness which was valiantly borne", her family said in a brief statement.

A COMPLAINT has been made against far north SNP Westminster candidate, Paul Monaghan, over an alleged misuse of his constituency office. It is claimed the office, in Brora, was used for an SNP campaign meeting before the dissolution of parliament in a potential breach of the rules.

A PLANNED union of four Caithness churches could take place by the end of the year. The proposal involves churches at Keiss, Canisbay, Dunnet and Olrig and would give them more stability and a better chance of attracting a permanent minister. At present, locums provides the cover there.

COASTGUARD volunteers were yesterday evening set to abseil down an important seabird nesting site in north-east Caithness, to clear up a a trail of household debris which had been dumped over the cliff face. Last month, old carpets and assorted other rubbish were tipped over Duncansby Head, at a part of the headland known at the Glupe. As earlier reported by the Groat, passers-by were horrified by what they saw.

STRIKE action by lecturers has impacted on North Highland College in Thurso according to principal Donald MacBeath. He said yesterday the action by EIS Fela members, has affected a range of subjects including engineering business and hospitality classes.