ONE of the most spectacular views in the county can now be appreciated in greater comfort.

Latheron, Lybster and Clyth Community Council upgraded the benches at the Lybster harbour viewpoint for both tourists and locals to enjoy.

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The project was completed by local contractor Donnie Mackay in time for the start of the tourist season and funding was received from SSE’s Beatrice Caithness fund.

Andrew Gunn, who developed the project, said: “Hopefully this improvement will be welcomed by our community – the benches are for everyone to enjoy. It’s great that the Beatrice Caithness fund gave us the funding we needed."

Andrew said that the three benches provide a "well-used vantage point" enjoyed by both locals and the many tourists dropping by as they travel along the North Coast 500 route.

The original cast-iron bench was installed in July 1962 by the Lybster Harbour Society, with two others being installed by Caithness District Council in the early 1980s. All three benches were in poor condition and unsafe.

"The plaque dedicated to Major Mowat, a prominent local gentleman, is the only original piece that remains. Everything else is new, including the bases they sit on – the old ones were cracked and presented a trip hazard."

Andrew added a note of thanks to Mark and Herjit Sutherland for their support, David Mackay of Signs and Designs, and contractor Donnie Mackay.

"These new benches should last us a good few years now."

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