Local News

John OGroat News

UPDATE: Bull dies during Wick farm blaze

The blaze at Lower Milton Farm just outside Wick that fire crews tackled for over three hours yesterday (March 25) claimed the life of a bull.

Local messages

John OGroat News

Elaine Kirby says governments ‘tax hard working people and then spend what they take as they wish’

So the Conservative Caithness, Sutherland and Ross candidate believes the economy must come first.

John OGroat News

Future towns take shape in Caithness classrooms as part of Minecraft education project

Caithness pupils have been reimagining what Wick and Thurso might look like in the future

Get Weekly Updates

Get the headlines in your inbox every week.

John OGroat News

Explained: The pre-election period known as Purdah

Why does it exist and what it means for the public at large leading up to the Holyrood vote.

John OGroat News

‘You get your life back - cry freedom!’ - reflections on kicking the cigarettes as the smoking ban turns 20

It’s 20 years since Scotland introduced the smoking ban and for reporter Alan Beresford it signaled the end of life as a smoker.

John OGroat News

‘Come and have a chat with us’: Befriending Caithness video seeks to attract new volunteers

The vital work carried out by Befriending Caithness in tackling loneliness in the far north has been showcased in a new promotional video.

John OGroat News

Jamie Stone in new call for Dounreay to become fusion energy hub

UK industry minister Chris McDonald told local MP Jamie Stone that he hopes the far north workforce “will play a part in Britain’s nuclear future”.

John OGroat News

‘Come and join us’: CHAT invitation to Nicola Sturgeon over maternity comments from 2001

CHAT members who have been campaigning for years on maternity issues believe they have found an unexpected ally in the former First Minister.

John OGroat News

UPDATE: Caithness farm blaze extinguished after 3-hour effort by firefighters

A blaze that started at a farm in Caithness has been successfully extinguished by fire crews.

John OGroat News

Bars could be granted extended hours for World Cup games

The decision is set to be made at a meeting next week.

John OGroat News

BREAKING NEWS: Fire crews currently attending blaze at Wick farm

Fire crews from three areas of the county are currently tackling a blaze at a farm just outside Wick.

John OGroat News

Cafe to the rescue – Thurso Community Cafe steps in to save the spirit of Messy Nessy

A late lamented play centre for young children in Thurso is set for a new lease of life thanks to a community initiative in the town.

John OGroat News

675 Highland public sector airport workers get 7.5 per cent pay boost after deal struck with unions

Almost 700 airport workers in the Highlands and Islands have secured a 7.5 per cent pay rise over next two years.

John OGroat News

Lorna battles headwind to start £50K charity challenge

More than £50,000 has been raised in a charity challenge by a team of around 150 people that began with a Thurso woman’s run from John O’Groats.

John OGroat News

How to make friends and influence people at Holyrood

Holyrood Notebook: Outgoing MSP Edward Mountain has some advice for the new cohort of MSPs who will step into Holyrood for the first time in May

John OGroat News

Police in Caithness search for 40-year-old woman missing for many weeks

Police in Thurso want help from the public in finding a 40-year-old woman not seen since January.

John OGroat News

‘It’s not the end, it’s goodbye for now’ - Moray MSP reflects on political career spanning almost 20 years

From young councillor to party leader, the last 20 years have been a rollercoaster ride for Douglas Ross as he now steps down from Holyrood.

John OGroat News

Blade lifter will carry Golticlay turbine components through Wick

Turbine blades more than 70m in length will tower over the rooftops of Wick on their way to a wind farm being built inland from Lybster.

John OGroat News

New ‘friendship’ contract with Ukrainian region to be debated

The decision on whether or not to approve a Memorandum of Understanding will be made at a Highland Council meeting later this week.

John OGroat News

24/7 gym for Caithness community gets the green-light

An empty shop at a tourist hot spot will be transformed into an all-hours gym, after it was given the green light.