Local News

John OGroat News

Heavy snow showers expected to cause disruptions in Caithness over next few days

An Amber Warning is in place for Caithness tomorrow and Saturday for frequent and prolonged snow showers and ice that will lead to disruption.

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John OGroat News

‘Excellent turnout’ at Wick’s Bignold Park as New Year bonfire beats the weather

The traditional bonfire in Wick’s Bignold Park defied the weather as it went ahead as scheduled on Hogmanay, following last year’s 12-hour delay.

John OGroat News

Caithness news review of 2025: July to September

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.

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John OGroat News

‘She was gushing with blood’: Dog owner’s mission to pick up smashed glass from Wick riverbed

A dog owner is on a one-man mission to pick up broken bottles from Wick’s riverbed after his young collie was badly injured by a shard of glass.

John OGroat News

Editor’s choice: 7 of the top Caithness stories from 2025

Highland News & Media’s John Davidson picks out some of the top stories from around Caithness from the last 12 months

John OGroat News

Can you get 100% in our Caithness quiz of 2025?

Test your knowledge on news and events across Caithness from the last 12 months

John OGroat News

Former MFR favourite Jodie McCluskey to return to airwaves next week with STV Radio

Aviemore presenter did not know if she would work in radio again but now can’t wait to start late night show

John OGroat News

What does 2026 have in store for your star sign? Your horoscopes for the year ahead - Part 1: Aries to Virgo

What does 2026 have in store for your star sign?

John OGroat News

Reliable wraparound childcare is at the heart of keeping families in the far north

Holyrood Notebook by Ariane Burgess

John OGroat News

Nails ‘deliberately’ dumped on NC500 junction, police warn

Police are investigating after nails and other debris was found deliberately dumped at the junction between the A836 and Strathy Point road.

John OGroat News

Police investigate break-in and thefts from Caithness recycling centre

Police are investigating a break-in and thefts from the offices of a Caithness recycling centre.

John OGroat News

Hogmanay storm to bring 70mph gales to Caithness

A yellow weather warning for gales of up to 70mph has been issued for Caithness on Hogmanay ahead of extended warnings for snow from January 1 to 4.

John OGroat News

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS ROW: Highland Council defends late finish for Christmas break

Highland Council has defended its decision to break up schools for the Christmas holidays on December 23.

John OGroat News

‘A culture of neglect and decay’: Caithness councillor hits out over A9 in far north

Highland councillor Matthew Reiss has spoken out over the “abject lack of maintenance” on the A9 in the far north, calling it “simply unacceptable”.

John OGroat News

Life of Thurso RNLI fundraiser and volunteer Helen Pearson celebrated with guard of honour

The life of a longstanding fundraiser for the RNLI was celebrated with a guard of honour at a special service in Scrabster.

John OGroat News

Masonic donation for Dunbar Hospital palliative care

Provincial Grand Master James Moodie and Right Worshipful Master Ian Mackay handed over £450 to benefit palliative care at Dunbar Hospital in Thurso.

John OGroat News

Late-night vandalism spree sparks police hunt in Caithness town

Police in Caithness are appealing for information after homes and vehicles were damaged in a vandalism spree.

John OGroat News

Ho-Ho-UFO? Strange lights over Thurso spark ‘Santa’s sleigh’ theory

A Facebook picture showing strange lights over Thurso, a couple of days before Christmas, had one local wit wondering if it was Santa’s sleigh.

John OGroat News

From a hotel toilet to a Caithness home: The bizarre story behind Thurso man's new musical treasure

After playing the ‘boxie’ of legendary accordionist Jimmy Blue in a hotel toilet in 1989, a Caithness man had no idea he would become its proud owner.

John OGroat News

PICTURES: Santa and the Grinch spread Christmas cheer around Wick

Santa and the Grinch were busy in Wick at Christmas thanks to the efforts of two big-hearted locals.