Local News
Wick firefighter moves on after 21 years with service
A long-serving firefighter at Wick has retired from the service after a promotion at his work led to a move away from the town.
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The ordinary things in Caithness are far from everyday
OUT AND ABOUT WITH RALPH: Familiar places are often of huge significance, and hidden ways can open up new worlds in the wild corners of the county
New life for ‘The Marine’ – Family unveils vision for iconic Thurso seafront hotel
A young Scottish family has revealed ambitious plans to breathe new life into one of Thurso’s most recognisable seafront buildings.
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Highland Council’s chief social work officer elected convenor of Social Work Scotland
Highland Council’s chief social work work officer has been elected convenor of Social Work Scotland.
Hogmanay cut-off to ensure cheaper energy payments
Householders in the north are being urged to submit meter readings before the New Year when the energy price cap rises.
Caithness news review of 2025: April to June
Continuing our look back at some of the stories that hit the headlines in the John O’Groat Journal and Caithness Courier over the past 12 months.
Victorian-style photo sessions at New Year open day in Wick museum
Visitors will again be able to have their pictures taken in Victorian-style finery when Wick Heritage Museum hosts its New Year open day.
Highland specialist teachers each responsible for 81 ASN pupils, figures show
Pupils with additional support needs (ASN) are being abandoned by the Scottish Government, says a Highland MSP.
Only legacy of Thurso site is ‘for Inverness house builder’
YOUR VIEWS: Readers of the John O’Groat Journal and Caithness Courier share their views in our letters section
Drop kerb problems in Thurso, what troubles residents after Banniskirk approval
YOUR VIEWS: Letters to the Editor of the Caithness Courier and John O’Groat Journal
Seasonal snow at Christmas, committee to fight airline cuts and arts body is put out of business
LOOKING BACK: Stories from the Caithness Courier and John O’Groat Journal of yesteryear
PICTURES and VIDEO: ‘A blue egg with a skeleton hand inside’? What on earth was on the shore at Freswick Castle?
A call from a friend about a ‘blue egg with a skeleton hand inside’ took us on a journey to Freswick Castle to investigate the unusual sighting.
Bothy nights to bikepacking trips – a year of adventure in the Highlands
ACTIVE OUTDOORS: John Davidson looks back on another year of adventures across the Highlands and beyond
‘Utterly galling’ - MSP blasts SNP as thousands of hours of community service remain uncompleted
A “soft touch” approach to justice is selling communities short, an MSP has claimed.
Ban on mobile phones to begin in January at Thurso High School
Pupils at a Caithness secondary school risk having their devices confiscated by teachers under a new policy.
‘It is so fitting’: Iolaire film to be shown on TV on New Year’s Day
A short film written by Colin MacDonald about the Iolaire disaster will be shown on TV at New Year – exactly 107 years on from the 1919 tragedy.
Farm bird count ‘crucial’ for conservation efforts
Farmers and crofters in Caithness are being called upon to take part in a UK-wide farmland bird survey next year.
Thurso woman awaits sentence for assaulting police officer and abusive behaviour
Sentence has been deferred for reports on Carol Cowie for causing a violent disturbance with police at her home in Thurso.
Clean blue energy systems and sustainable aquaculture in the Highlands is focus of HIE bid for £20m research fund
Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) is leading the region’s bid to the UK Government’s Local Innovation Partnership Fund (LIPF).
DEBATE: Why did Highland Council only start the school holidays just before Christmas Eve – as dates through to 2028 revealed?
A Highland councillor is questioning why schools throughout the region only closed for the holiday just before Christmas Eve.