Local News
Anglers and ghillies hope water will keep flowing at ‘treasured’ River Thurso
The River Thurso reached 5ft as the opening of the 2026 season was celebrated – with anglers and ghillies hoping for much more water than last year.
Local messages
‘Lives on hold for years’ as Highland patients face five-year waits for knee and hip surgery
Highland patients face over five years of pain waiting for knee and hip surgery - the longest delays in Scotland.
Dounreay nuclear police praised for efforts in ‘genuinely challenging’ conditions
Members of the Civil Nuclear Constabulary at Dounreay have been thanked for their resilience and commitment during recent severe winter conditions.
Get Weekly Updates
Get the headlines in your inbox every week.
Caithness and Sutherland flood alert to continue for another day
A flood alert for Caithness and Sutherland is expected to continue for the rest of Monday and through Tuesday.
Desperate disabled Thurso resident offers £50 Facebook bounty to clear snowbound car park
A disabled Thurso resident was so desperate to get the car park cleared outside his house that he offered a £50 incentive in a Facebook post.
Forth Bridge gathering for Monte Carlo rally drivers ahead of John O’Groats start
Scotland’s most famous railway crossing provided the backdrop for a group rally drivers who will be setting off from John O’Groats to Monte Carlo.
Met Office issues yellow warning for ice
Thawing snow and rain are liable to freeze overnight tonight, the Met Office has warned after issuing a yellow warning for ice.
‘Serious assault’ in Caithness nightclub sparks police appeal
Police investigating a “serious assault” in a Caithness nightclub have appealed for witnesses to come forward.
Trio arrested and charged after three thefts in Lybster area
Two men and a teen were charged after the theft of cattle feed on January 8. They have also been charged over two other incidents in December.
Widespread rail disruption as thaw and heavy rain hit train network
More than a dozen trains have been cancelled and multiple others will be terminated mid-journey amid a thaw and heavy rain.
Rate of A9 closures in north shows ‘worrying lack of resilience’
A freedom of information request has revealed a significant increase in north A9 closures – from nine in 2016 to a peak of 33 in 2023 and 28 in 2025.
Three local charities benefit from Wick panto funds
A total of £2550 has been divided among three good causes following Wick Players’ recent pantomime, Robinson Crusoe and the Pirates.
Fresh challenge to get out, never mind about, in Caithness
OUT AND ABOUT WITH RALPH: From flat-calm Christmas kayaking trips to skiing down country roads, the county has had it all in recent weeks
BEAUTIFUL BOTANICALS: Holy Grass - the Rare vanilla-fragranced Holy Grass found on the banks of Thurso River
COLUMN: Beautiful Botanicals by Joanne Howdle
Motorist scarpered from police in Wick after abandoning car
A motorist did a runner after attracting the attention of police in the centre of Wick, the town’s sheriff court heard on Wednesday.
Last chance for Thurso drug dealer to prove cash was legitimate
A Merseyside man is being given a final chance to prevent cash found on him during a drugs search in Thurso being viewed as proceeds of crime.
‘Election bribe’ over broken maternity promise and Energy debate continues to cause sparks
YOUR VIEWS: Readers of the John O’Groat Journal and Caithness Courier have their say
Bonfire welcomes in the new year 1926, Clan projects bring jobs boost and Wick fluoride fears dismissed
LOOKING BACK: News from the John O’Groat Journal of yesterday
Points on licence for driver caught by temporary Forss speed cameras on A836
Mark Cannop has become one of the few motorists to be prosecuted following last summer’s deployment of average speed cameras on the A836.
Met Office extends yellow weather warning for snow and ice
More snow and ice is expected in Caithness.