Local News

John OGroat News

Historic north Highland pub reopens with aim to become ‘social hub’ for the community

A historic pub on the north coast has officially reopened in Tongue, as part of ongoing efforts to support year-round tourism and community life.

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John OGroat News

RBS signals commitment to Thurso with major branch facelift plans

The Royal Bank of Scotland has signalled a commitment to its Thurso town-centre presence by lodging plans for a major building upgrade.

John OGroat News

Phantom gets going in the nick of time to prevent a double for Argo

Wick Model Yacht Club’s race day 16 was another day for the big yachts at Sarclet Loch. Eight yachts entered, with three of them 5ft class.

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John OGroat News

Organisers of Caithness ASN parent support group to mark first year with event in Wick

A support group for families of autistic and neurodivergent people in Caithness is preparing to celebrate its first anniversary.

John OGroat News

Short breaks and respite facility in Thurso hailed as ‘warm’ and ‘welcoming’ space

The facility, which provides respite for families with neurodivergent children reopened on May 12 after nearly five years of closure.

John OGroat News

Pentland Canoe Club joins coastal clean-up effort

Working in partnership with Caithness Beach Cleans, members of Pentland Canoe Club took part in this year’s Big Paddle Cleanup.

John OGroat News

Dreaming of a self-build? Take inspiration from these Highland homes

SPONSORED CONTENT: Across the Highlands, more people are choosing to build homes that suit how they want to live.

John OGroat News

Highland Council defends ‘worst in Scotland’ compensation bill as pothole purgatory blows a £580k hole in the roads budget

Highland Council insists it is “investing significantly” in tackling potholes despite facing the highest compensation bills of any Scottish council.

John OGroat News

Reiss beach road ‘a disgrace’ as Highland Council raises priority level

Highland Council has raised the priority level of the Reiss beach road, with Caithness Roads Recovery condemning the potholes there as “a disgrace”.

John OGroat News

Community councillors ‘increasingly concerned’ over state of Reiss beach road

Community councillors in the Sinclair’s Bay area have called on Highland Council to prioritise the badly potholed single-track road to Reiss beach.

John OGroat News

Highland lifeline charity for survivors of sexual violence scoop prestigious award

A lifeline charity for survivors of sexual violence has scooped a prestigious national award in recognition of their specialist support.

John OGroat News

NHS Highland director of public health calls for urgent action in landmark early years report

NHS Highland’s director of public health is calling for bold collective action to give more children a better start in life.

John OGroat News

Land plea for new Caithness disc golf course

A new group is looking to provide a free community sport venue for a “sustainable, low-impact sport”.

John OGroat News

Caithness folk encouraged to join in artistic ‘Carnival of Plants’

A multitude of special events this weekend will be the culmination of a six-week festival of health-centred artworks.

John OGroat News

BHSI Performance Coach qualification for owner of Castle View Stables

British Horse Society qualified instructor and local business owner Ashleigh Campbell has achieved the BHSI Performance Coach qualification.

John OGroat News

Not quite the Fred Whitton – but Lake District MTB ride is challenge in itself

OUT AND ABOUT WITH RALPH: Attempting to escape the crowds, this e-bike adventure has plenty of ups and downs of its own

John OGroat News

‘Thank you, Caithness’ – Overwhelmed Thurso family praises community as Caitlin fundraiser hits £11.6k

The family of a Thurso woman fighting life-threatening anorexia thank the Caithness community for its support and contributing to the fundraiser.

John OGroat News

Council still spraying ‘probably carcinogenic’ weedkiller eight years after discussing ban

A council committee is set to discuss a new plan for controlling weeds across the region.

John OGroat News

Thurso pharmacy safe despite parent company collapse – Buyer sought after Amiry & Gilbride report £2.2m loss

A question mark hangs over a Thurso pharmacy after its holding company recently collapsed into administration and a new owner is sought.

John OGroat News

New far north MSP peppers Scottish Government with Caithness maternity service questions

David Green looks to make good on the LibDems manifesto promise.