Local News

John OGroat News

Wick woman finally home from hospital after 450 days – but only thanks to private care

A woman who was kept in hospital for well over a year due to a lack of social care support available in Caithness has finally made it home.

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John OGroat News

Council to decide on AI ‘digital sidekick’ rules

A new draft policy has been written up in a bid to ensure proper use of AI tools for council staff and councillors.

John OGroat News

Maree Todd backs Scottish Government support on heating oil after ‘shameful’ UK aid package

A UK government support package for householders hit by a steep rise in the cost of heating oil has been condemned as “pathetic” by Maree Todd.

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John OGroat News

‘A Boy Stands On A Headland’: Caithness literary giant George Gunn celebrates 70th year with new memoir

One of the far north’s most formidable and "fierce" voices is set to mark a major personal milestone this April with the launch of a new book.

John OGroat News

Popular Sutherland microbakery that trades in Caithness wins regional EDGE Award

Sutherland microbakery LOAF, which trades in Thurso, has been named a regional winner at the Highland and Islands EDGE Regional Final.

John OGroat News

Double award hope for ‘proud’ team at John O’Groats gift shop

A John O’Groats gift shop is hoping to celebrate five years in business with its first ever award, after making the finals of a national awards event.

John OGroat News

£4.6 million help with heating oil bills ‘far too little’

Highland politicians have criticised the support offered by the UK government for those facing huge hikes in heating oil bills.

John OGroat News

New funding package until August offers ‘a real opportunity’ for Wick/Aberdeen route

Scottish ministers say they recognise the importance of the Wick/Aberdeen PSO and want Highland Council to increase use of the service further.

John OGroat News

Atoms and Art: Jack Dunnett explores the ‘layered history’ of Caithness in new Lyth residency show

A new exhibition at Lyth Arts Centre explores Caithness’ past and future with a particular focus on the decommissioning of Dounreay.

John OGroat News

Key dates you need to know ahead of May’s Scottish election

The countdown to this year’s Scottish parliament election has officially begun in the Highlands, with the publication of the Notice of Election.

John OGroat News

DEANS of Dounreay lead the charge for Thurso’s Big Spring Clean

Spring is officially in the air – and that means it is time to give one of Thurso’s most scenic spots a much-needed spruce-up.

John OGroat News

Helen Crawford says ‘your readers’ manifesto is not a wish list. It is a warning’

As the Conservative Highland list candidate believes ‘politics is shifting’.

John OGroat News

Home-Start Caithness praised for ‘stepping in at the hardest moments’

A Caithness charity has been praised by a Scottish Government minister for the “extraordinary role” it plays in supporting kinship families.

John OGroat News

Stay safe at sea, Caithness boaters told ahead of season

Recreational boaters are being urged to upskill ahead of the busy boating season and prepare their vessel for safe travels.

John OGroat News

Nuclear and tidal energy among low-carbon options to feed planet’s future

WEATHER WATCH: Keith Banks looks at some low-carbon fuel options before assessing the last month of weather in Wick

John OGroat News

‘Blatant profiteering?’ – Caithness households urged to join Martin Lewis ‘fair play’ fuel probe

Caithness residents are being urged to join a nationwide ‘dossier of evidence’ against heating oil and LPG suppliers.

John OGroat News

‘The forgotten frontier’: Caithness potholes are out of this world

Caithness Roads Recovery has likened the county’s crater-like potholes to the surface of a planet that might be visited by the Starship Enterprise.

John OGroat News

‘We all have a job to do’: Wick litter-pick events are part of annual campaign to clean up Scotland

Politicians are being urged to join in with Spring Clean Scotland 2026 – which will, as in previous years, involve events in and around Wick.

John OGroat News

Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure: Rare breed foals complete 289-mile Highland odyssey to Wick

Two young Exmoor ponies have swapped the remote peaks of Scorraig for the flatter pastures of Wick, after a 289-mile cross-country journey.

John OGroat News

Drawback of wind power, Spend on locum GPs and Plea over fees for rescues

YOUR VIEWS: Readers of the John O’Groat Journal and Caithness Courier have their say