Local News

John OGroat News

Councillors narrowly vote NOT to ask for more roads cash

Highland councillors tied on a vote to acknowledge a £233 million road works backlog figure and request more funding from the Scottish Government.

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Highland Council bus service ‘success’ could see a Lothian Buses model adopted

Passenger numbers almost doubled and savings of almost £2m.

John OGroat News

‘Huge blow’: Hopes fade for ‘high-value’ jobs as Orbex faces uncertain future

MSPs and local councillors have described the threat of administration facing the firm as a “huge blow”.

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John OGroat News

EXCLUSIVE: NHS Highland patients ‘denied timely treatment for life or limb threatening’ conditions

The health board kept a warning that a key service was facing collapse secret for years.

John OGroat News

Easter Ross SNP activist and teacher Peter Newman’s Caithness maternity claims spark backlash

He says campaigners cause staff and expectant mothers fear leading to biting responses from the public.

John OGroat News

Glasgow-based rocket manufacturer declares interest in assets of troubled Spaceport firm Orbex

Orbex has filed its intention to appoint administrators after failing to secure sufficient funding.

John OGroat News

Caithness nursing home applauded for ‘compassion, dignity and respect’ in care for elderly by industry watchdog

A Caithness nursing home has earned a glowing praise from inspectors for delivering high standards of care with “compassion, dignity and respect”.

John OGroat News

Slight increase in roads budgets set against £233 million repairs backlog

A 2.15 per cent increase to the roads budget for 2026/27 is set to be agreed by councillors at a meeting on Thursday.

John OGroat News

Coastguard called out after empty liferaft on Freswick beach sparks concern

Caithness beach cleaners, out salvaging rubbish from the coastline, were concerned to come across an empty liferaft at Freswick beach on Tuesday.

John OGroat News

Caithness pair among three livestock operations graduates in Scotland

Two Caithness-based livestock professionals are among only three people in Scotland to graduate from a renowned auctioneering scheme this year.

John OGroat News

‘This is a game-changer’: Highland MSP says Local Power Plan will allow communities to ‘take back control’

Rhoda Grant has hailed a “transformative” UK government plan that will give communities a chance to own and run their own renewable power schemes.

John OGroat News

Highland MP holds urgent talks with UK Government Minister on future of banking in rural communities

Highland MP Jamie Stone has raised concerns about access to banking services in rural communities with the UK’s Economic Secretary to the Treasury.

John OGroat News

Check your pay: Young Caithness workers could be missing out on cash boost

Young workers in Caithness are being urged to check they are not being underpaid ahead of wage hikes coming into force.

John OGroat News

Sutherland Spaceport firm Orbex prepare for administration after unsuccessful ‘fundraising, merger and acquisition’ opportunities

Orbex has filed a notice of intention to appointment administrators.

John OGroat News

Calls for Caithness travellers to be compensated for injustices of the ‘Tinker Experiment’

A landmark report calls for financial reparations and ‘transformative’ redress for Caithness families subjected to the ‘Tinker Experiment’.

John OGroat News

‘Serious offence’ – Thurso man ordered to pay £12K fine over illegally dumped waste in Caithness

A Thurso man who illegally dumped waste on land at Weydale has been slapped with a £12,000 fine.

John OGroat News

Snow and ice warning issued for Caithness by Met Office

Up to 10cm of snow is forecast locally on higher routes, but accumulations will also be possible even to low levels where showers hit.

John OGroat News

Queen’s Hotel boss slams ‘predatory’ fraudster targeting Wick and Thurso hospitality

A serial fraudster has left a trail of debt after a crime spree targeting hotels and guesthouses in Wick and Thurso.

John OGroat News

£3677 handed over from Stemster House ladies’ day in memory of Isobel

A ladies’ day at a popular Caithness wedding venue has resulted in more than £3600 being handed over to help the work of Macmillan Cancer Support.

John OGroat News

Encompass Caithness one-day information event seeks to ‘remove barriers’ in finding support

Encompass Caithness is hosting a one-stop information shop this month aimed at giving the right guidance and support to individuals and families.