Local News

John OGroat News

Have a heart and snap up tickets for Wick group’s Wizard of Oz show!

If you’re off to see the wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz – then now’s your chance, as tickets for the Wick performance of the musical go on sale.

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John OGroat News

PICTURES: More than £9000 raised for Thurso RNLI lifesavers at popular summer fayre

Thurso lifeboat’s summer fayre raised more than £9000 for the local crew’s lifesaving activities.

John OGroat News

UPDATE: Two more councillors resign in row over rapist taxi driver's licence decision

Two more Highland councillors have quit the licensing committee that controversially allowed a convicted rapist to retain his taxi operating license.

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John OGroat News

New York date as Thurso parkrun stalwart clocks up the miles for 5K runs

Dounreay worker Donna Stewart will continue her remarkable parkrun career next week when she takes part in the Brooklyn Bridge event in New York.

John OGroat News

Woman charged after Bilbster crash this afternoon

A woman has been charged after a crash involving two vehicles at Bilbster this afternoon (Friday, July 3).

John OGroat News

King’s garden party ‘honour’ for Thurso volunteer who helps children

A Thurso woman who volunteers her time to help make decisions on behalf of vulnerable children was “honoured” to have been recognised for her efforts.

John OGroat News

Can you give Caithness rescue cats Kali and Orion their forever homes?

Caithness Cats Protection is looking for forever homes for Kali, a friendly cat who had to be fully shaved, and six-year-old ginger Orion.

John OGroat News

Care report finds ‘weak’ leadership at Thurso nursery

A Care Inspectorate report about Mount Pleasant Nursery says weak leadership must be improved and the pace of change is too slow.

John OGroat News

Call for 'local bobbies' as police launch summer recruitment drive in Caithness

Police Scotland launches its summer recruitment drive in Caithness, seeking local people for rewarding policing careers close to home.

John OGroat News

Thurso plea for affordable rents at new high school community complex

Grassroots sports and arts groups should not be “priced out” of using Thurso High after its current base is replaced by a new campus.

John OGroat News

MSP calls for High Life Highland to review decision to withdraw leisure lifeline for disabled

The move has meant some users are facing a 450 per cent increase to access HLH-run facilities.

John OGroat News

‘The Groat taught me how to proofread’ – Wick-born writer releases a new novel and remembers working at the paper in the 1960s

Dorothy Miller, who writes under the pen-name Dorothy Stewart, has just released her latest murder mystery novel, ‘In Plain Sight’.

John OGroat News

PICTURES: ‘Enthusiasm and excitement’ for the ENABLE Caithness mid-summer buffet dance

The voluntary-run charity, which supports adults with learning disabilities, held the event at the Norseman Hotel.

John OGroat News

Caithness Councillor Willie Mackay embroiled in jailed rapist getting to keep taxi operator licence

Source reveal reason behind the decision and claims officials could have acted earlier.

John OGroat News

‘A golden goose to benefit from’: Thurso workers village could be built by next summer

The company behind plans to build temporary housing in Thurso for up to 500 incoming power line workers has confirmed the scheme remains live.

John OGroat News

PICTURES: First-time success for Bowermadden cattle exhibitor at Canisbay Show

A Bowermadden cattle exhibitor took the top honour at this year’s Canisbay Show.

John OGroat News

Search begins for new CEO to lead major Caithness mental health service

Could you lead the charity behind Wick's Discovery College? Centred Scotland begins its search for a CEO.

John OGroat News

PICTURES: Historic Faroese fishing smack 'Westward Ho!' makes emotional return to Wick after 30 years

The historic and beautifully preserved Faroese fishing smack Westward Ho! is berthed at Wick harbour and welcomes visitors to come on board.

John OGroat News

Housing estates ‘missing out’ on repairs over Thurso potholes ‘safety issue’

The parlous condition of many of the roads in Thurso’s Pennyland scheme has been spotlighted by the town’s community councillors.

John OGroat News

Caithness-Orkney ferry firm in bid for new shoreside building for passengers and staff

Passengers using a key ferry service between Caithness and Orkney could benefit from new waiting areas and other facilities which are being planned.