Local News

John OGroat News

Jamie Stone condemns digital ID scheme as ‘illiberal and un-British’

Jamie Stone declared he “cannot support a mandatory digital ID” after it emerged that thousands of his constituents had signed a position against it.

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‘Changes made’ to Thurso workers’ village plans

Updated plans for a temporary village to house power line workers in Wick are to go on display in the town next week.

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Councillor questions why just 50% of planned Highland road works were completed

He was told that workload got in the way of recording finished jobs.

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Wick weather watcher issues alert as Storm Bram barrels towards far north

Wick weather watcher Keith Banks has issued a stark warning for Caithness as a rapidly intensifying ‘weather bomb’ barrels towards the far north.

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Highland Heroes 2026: Nominate before the deadline on December 14!

Don’t miss the chance to nominate your Highland Heroes 2026 – nominations close at midnight on Sunday, December 14!

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PICTURE SPECIAL: Gonks, gifts and good vibes all around as Caithness crafters raise thousands for charity at Christmas fair in Thurso

Generosity from the Caithness crafting community was overwhelming at a special Christmas fun day fair event held in Thurso on Saturday.

John OGroat News

Dame Margarita and Nutty Nick pay a visit to Wick panto sponsors

Cast members from Wick Players’ eagerly awaited pantomime have been calling in at local businesses to thank them for their sponsorship.

John OGroat News

Canisbay road conditions ‘as bad as they were more than two centuries ago’

Road conditions in part of north-east Caithness are in as poor a state as they were in the 1790s, says campaign group Caithness Roads Recovery.

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Brandon ‘so honoured’ as song about his grandad goes to number one

Brandon McPhee’s song My Grandad has reached number one in the Joyce Ramgatie country music chart, based on radio airplay.

John OGroat News

Health, housing and jobs are three biggest issues for rural residents in Highlands

Access to health services, housing availability and employment opportunities are the three most pressing concerns for rural residents in the Highlands

John OGroat News

‘Phenomenal’ support from community at Wick RNLI festive fundraising event

Wick RNLI’s second Santa on the Sea event attracted a crowd of around 1000, with around 160 youngsters taking a train ride to Santa’s grotto.

John OGroat News

Dounreay staff raise over £5000 for CHAS

Workmates at Dounreay have raised more than £5000 for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland in support of a staff member.

John OGroat News

Public views sought on Scotland’s clean water future

Scotland’s environmental watchdog is seeking views on how to tackle major issues affecting water management as it seeks to address climate change.

John OGroat News

Highland councillors want local authority to look into ‘quieter or silent’ fireworks at displays

Cllr Alex Graham has concerns about ‘distress and anxiety’ caused to ‘people, domestic pets, farm livestock, and wildlife’

John OGroat News

Storm damage cost Highland Council more than £2.2 million since 2019

Storm Bram set to push those numbers even higher amid yellow and amber warnings.

John OGroat News

‘One of the hardest posts we’ve ever written’: Sad news for beloved play centre

A beloved soft play centre may be forced to close after its home was put up for sale.

John OGroat News

New venue for Wick concert after ‘major decision’ following closure of St Fergus Church

Wick Choral Society will stage its Christmas concert in a new venue this year.

John OGroat News

North Coast 500 launches 10-year impact survey

A new study into the impact of the North Coast 500 promises to look at the good, the bad and the ugly of the tourism venture’s first 10 years.

John OGroat News

Met Office issues Yellow weather warning as Storm Bram set to hit

A yellow weather warning is in place from December 9.

John OGroat News

Flat plan for former pharmacy shop

A former pharmacy in Wick could be converted into a flat.