Local News

John OGroat News

Fun family session in Wick part of ‘Vision 26’ children’s plan for Highland

Families and professionals in childcare and the wider support sector are being invited to an awareness-raising event in Wick on Friday.

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John OGroat News

RSPB looks to public to flag moorland burning on peatlands

RSPB Scotland is urging the public to report moorland burning on peatlands.

John OGroat News

Apprentice award for employee at HRN Tractors’ Watten base

Jack Macdonald from HRN Tractors at Watten was presented with the John Telfer Memorial Shield as best agricultural apprentice engineer.

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John OGroat News

WICK WEATHER WATCH: Can technology help control the effects of climate change?

Keith Banks looks at so-called ‘geoengineering’ solutions which are being mooted as potential solutions to global climate problems

John OGroat News

Spooky selkies and witches brave Big Dip at Staxigoe to raise £500 for Fishermen's Mission

The Fishermen’s Mission charity was delighted to receive support from Caithness selkies and witches who partook in the Big Dip and raised £500.

John OGroat News

‘There was a string of absolute characters:’ Ron reflects on life as last Caithness county clerk

Ron Stevenson, former chief executive of Highland Regional Council, has been looking back on his time at Caithness County Council over 50 years ago.

John OGroat News

New instalment in murder mystery series by Wick-born author

Wick-born author Dorothy Stewart (née Miller) is hoping local readers will enjoy the third volume in her latest murder mystery series.

John OGroat News

YOUR VIEWS: ‘Thurso is too small for an influx of 500 people’

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

John OGroat News

Watten goes ‘dry’, factory expansion plans in Castletown and what the future holds for Lucy the monkey

Looking Back – news from the John O’Groat Journal of yesteryear

John OGroat News

From Caithness to Colombia – communities are leading the way with change

Long-time international charity worker and Wick man Chris McIvor reflects on how change happens after a visit to Colombia with HelpAge International

John OGroat News

North Highland businesses want a Budget that ‘unlocks unique potential’ of region

The North Highland Chamber of Commerce is calling for a fair deal from next week’s Budget. Trudy Morris says businesses need confidence to invest

John OGroat News

Opportunity for budding animators in the far north

A new early animation talent development opportunity called Wee Wonders Scotland is looking for budding animators in the far north.

John OGroat News

‘It’s brilliant for a small town like Wick’ – local opticians celebrate award win

A team of optometrists in Wick has been recognised at a prestigious awards ceremony in Glasgow.

John OGroat News

Caithness Chamber meeting sees call to cut VAT on hospitality and energy bills levy in budget

Caithness, Sutherland and Ross Lib Dem MSP candidate David Green says the Budget must drive growth for rural businesses.

John OGroat News

Wick mother slams B&M for selling high-caffeine energy drinks to 13-year-olds

A Wick mother criticised a local shop for selling high caffeine content energy drinks to her 13-year-old daughter and other schoolchildren.

John OGroat News

'Last thing any parent should face' – Wick family rages over waterlogged graves and tilting headstones

A family in Wick is taking the council to task after family plots were found waterlogged and a headstone tilted at the local cemetery.

John OGroat News

Thurso town centre parking changes coming in December

Christmas shoppers in Thurso are being given some extra leeway through an easing of parking restrictions in the town’s main street.

John OGroat News

Caithness law firm ‘thankful for all the local support’ over first 15 years

Law firm BBM Solicitors has said it remains “deeply rooted in Caithness and the Highlands” as it celebrates its 15th anniversary.

John OGroat News

Wick gardening club members hear about Frank’s coastal trek fundraiser

Members of Wick and District Gardening Club heard about Frank Stephen’s 14-day fundraising walk along the John O’Groats Trail.

John OGroat News

Thirty days not enough for communities ‘swamped’ with major energy plans, says Highland MSP

North MSP Edward Mountain is calling for a fairer deal for communities that are being “swamped” with plans for major renewable energy developments.