Local News

John OGroat News

Wick drag artist to co-host and perform on main stage at Caithness Pride 2026

Caithness drag performer Miss Scarlett Ruby is set to take centre stage this summer as a performer and co-host at Caithness Pride 2026.

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John OGroat News

Spittal SWI members are shown around St John’s Pool Bird Reserve

Members of Spittal SWI had a summer outing to St John’s Pool Bird Reserve, followed by a meal in the Northern Sands Hotel.

John OGroat News

New children's book to be given to every Highland primary school and library

A new children's book designed to help young people better understand autism and hidden disabilities is to be distributed free of charge.

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John OGroat News

20MW battery energy storage plans withdrawn

Plans for a 20MW battery energy storage site in Caithness have been withdrawn.

John OGroat News

Springwatch creatures can all be found in Caithness – let’s celebrate them!

OUT AND ABOUT WITH RALPH: The popular BBC TV show has been on our screens but there is plenty of chance to spot the same wildlife in the far north

John OGroat News

‘Charles Kennedy would have been proud of what we achieved’

Jamie’s Journal: Lib Dem MP Jamie Stone looks at changing fortunes as he fondly remembers his well-loved friend and colleague Charles Kennedy

John OGroat News

‘Winning really boosted my credibility’: North Highland business awards aim to showcase young entrepreneurial talent

A leading north Highland business organisation is looking to showcase the entrepreneurial spirit that helps the area thrive.

John OGroat News

‘There is always a buzz’: Caithness Music Festival volunteers are praised

Volunteers have been thanked by secretary Audrey MacKinnon for helping to make the 70th anniversary Caithness Music Festival so successful (updated).

John OGroat News

Savage weather led HMS Hampshire into tragic route at Orkney

Weather Watch: Keith Banks looks at the impact of the changing weather conditions that led to HMS Hampshire’s fateful journey on June 5, 1916

John OGroat News

Beach raid for Thurso Beaver Scouts

Youngsters in the Thurso Beavers enjoyed a sleepover with a visit to Thurso beach.

John OGroat News

Reflections from Warsaw: Are lessons from ghettos of the past being ignored by populist politics?

International charity worker Chris McIvor, from Wick, considers the central role the Polish capital has played throughout our modern history

John OGroat News

Thurso UHI college to host new courses as part of enhanced programme across region

New science, engineering and social care courses are being introduced by the University of the Highlands and Islands in Thurso.

John OGroat News

‘I feel completely failed’ over death of my son: Family hit out at sentencing discrepancies for driving offences

YOUR VIEWS: Letters to the editor of the John O’Groat Journal and Caithness Courier

John OGroat News

End of historic Wick building, Racialism in Thurso and Divers discover wreck of boat

LOOKING BACK: News from the John O’Groat Journal of yesteryear

John OGroat News

Wick driver gets six penalty points for driving without insurance

Wick Sheriff Court heard on Thursday that a Wick man had pleaded guilty to driving without insurance.

John OGroat News

SNP opposition to new nuclear sends Dounreay staff message ‘their future lies elsewhere’

MSP David Green has secured a commitment from Scottish Government energy minister Stephen Gethins to visit Dounreay amid concerns for the workforce.

John OGroat News

‘Gobsmacked and honoured’: Two Caithness women become MBEs in King’s birthday honours

One of the country’s longest serving special constables has been made an MBE in the official King’s Birthday Honours List.

John OGroat News

Urgent plea for Caithness farms and crofts to give feral cats a new life

Caithness Cats Protection is urgently looking for farms, crofts, stables or anyone with outhouses that can accommodate one or more feral cats.

John OGroat News

Meet the man behind Dounreay’s drive to a net zero future

Dounreay is on a mission to wean itself off its long-time dependence on fossil fuels.

John OGroat News

Art meets eco-action: New artistic board unveiled as Caithness Beach Cleans hits massive 83-ton milestone

Caithness Beach Cleans has unveiled a vibrant new artistic board to celebrate a massive milestone, removing over 83 tons of coastal plastic waste.