CAITHNESS Chamber of Commerce is "not getting the full story" from Tesco on its plans to develop a supermarket on the old mart site in Thurso.

THE peace and quiet at one Thurso sheltered housing complex is being shattered by youngsters doing bike stunts.

TWENTY new jobs have been created by Icetech as a major revamp of its freezer factory in Castletown starts to pay dividends.

A LANCASHIRE-based company is to take over the empty Woolworths stores in Thurso as well as the one in Wick.

CAITHNESS fans were among those caught up in the traffic chaos after the Westlife concert held at Cawdor Castle on Saturday.

A LOCAL group which provides a much-needed service for young people with additional support needs may fold if new funding is not secured.

TRADE union representatives remain trenchantly opposed to the drive to cut beds in Far North hospitals.

A MULTI-million-pound plan to transform the area around the former John O'Groats hotel has taken a significant step forward with the lodging of a planning application with the Highland Council.

A GOVERNMENT-funded high-tech surveillance van may soon be patrolling towns and villages in Caithness in a bid to crack down on speeders.

A YOUNG Caithness athlete's dream of representing Scotland at an international level is set to become a reality later this year.

Cyclist John Paul, originally from Lybster, will join the international sporting elite in Delhi, India, later in the year to take part in the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

MOTORISTS face further delays at the notorious hairpin bend on the Berriedale Braes as replacement of the safety barrier - extensively damaged in a road accident over three months ago - finally gets under way.

STAFF at a Caithness dental practice continue to face an uncertain future although it emerged yesterday that an unnamed benefactor has offered to underwrite the owners' personal debt to HM Revenue and Customs.

DOUNREAY'S operators have moved a step closer to facing criminal proceedings over a radiation scare at the plant towards the end of last year.

VISITORS to John O'Groats this week may have noticed an unusually-looking "boat" grounded on the beach.

The vessel, constructed with pebbles, rocks and other beach debris, is the work of George, a homeless man who goes by the persona of Dr Geebers, the pebble man.

THE proposed major makeover of Scrabster harbour is "the only show in town" to spark the hoped-for regeneration of the Far North economy, port bosses claim.

SCOTTISH health minister Nicola Sturgeon is being asked to intervene in the controversy over moves to axe inpatient beds at Thurso's Dunbar Hospital.

A JANITOR has stepped into the breach and offered to carry out crossing patrol duties at a Wick primary following a claim the Highland Council was "putting financial considerations ahead of road safety".

CLEANLINESS at the maternity unit at Caithness General has been criticised in a report by an infections control watchdog.

CASTLETOWN is in mourning after the victim of a weekend motorcycle accident died in hospital on Monday.

A DISCOUNTED brand retailer has confirmed its interest in securing property in Wick.

A WICK councillor has welcomed plans to site a mobile speed camera on a stretch of the A99 at Mid Clyth.

NHS Highland has been warned that its bed closure programme in the Far North risks leaving vulnerable elderly and dying patients in the lurch.

The health authority is decommissioning beds in hospitals throughout the Highlands as it seeks to plug a black hole in its finances.

THE possible closure of a Thurso dental practice and the loss of 10 jobs was yesterday described as "a deeply worrying development" by Far North MSP Jamie Stone.

YOUTHFUL inspiration is being canvassed by Castletown Youth Club as the group decides how to spend a government grant.

STAFF at a Thurso dental practice were said to be "absolutely stunned" yesterday when they were told the business is facing closure.

PEOPLE in Caithness are being urged to make their views known on moves to make savings on NorthLink's ferry service across the Pentland Firth.

DOUNREAY Site Restoration Ltd workers have just pocketed their annual bonus which is twice the size of last year's award.

TWO brothers who literally put Scotland on the map will be remembered at a special church service in Caithness this weekend.

PRINCE Charles, the Duke of Rothesay, will enjoy a musical performance from pupils of Keiss Primary School on Sunday as they showcase songs from their recently-released CD.

The youngsters have been invited to sing at Canisbay Church and will even present His Royal Highness with the album which features a selection of 12 tracks - including one written by the youngsters and sung to an old Scottish tune.

THE plan to create a £10 million community centre on the site of the former Viewfirth social club in Thurso looks set to be shelved.

PUBLICANS in the Thurso area are getting tough with customers who cause trouble or take drugs into their premises.

WICK'S colourful first-time entry into the Beautiful Scotland competition will be judged on Tuesday.