Local News

John OGroat News

Proposal to seek help from Murphy with Thurso potholes backlog ‘at an early stage’

The firm has been approached about making a dent in the fast-growing backlog of potholes in roads in and around Thurso.

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Medical practice ‘glitch’ sends Thurso women to breast screening appointments in Wick

A number of women in and around Thurso are finding they are having to make a trip to Wick for a breast screening appointment.

John OGroat News

Communities affected most by major renewables ‘should be directly benefiting’

The Scottish Government says is vital that communities seeing the most renewable energy developments “should be directly benefiting from them”.

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John OGroat News

Anti-social late night drivers turning Thurso harbour into ‘race track’, community councillors fear

Concerns were raised this week after a social media video clip emerged of a group of drivers near the town's harbourfront last weekend.

John OGroat News

Education committee sidesteps primary attainment lagging behind Scottish numbers but S3 catches up

While a Wick school illustrates how the poverty-related attainment gap is being tackled head-on.

John OGroat News

MRI scans in Kirkwall ‘easier in many cases’ for patients in Caithness

People in the far north could be offered the chance to go for a MRI scan in Kirkwall rather than Inverness.

John OGroat News

Highland Salvation Army clothes banks to be removed amid ‘textile oversupply’

Highland Salvation Army textile banks are being removed, as the charity reports an “oversupply of textiles and a decline in quality”.

John OGroat News

Thurso police appeal for information after January collision

Thurso police are appealing for information after a collision in January.

John OGroat News

Highland business women offered fully-funded development programme opportunity

Highland business women are being encouraged to apply for a fully-funded development programme aimed at boosting growth.

John OGroat News

‘We were blindsided’ over Thor House reopening announcement, say Thurso councillors

Community councillors in Thurso are unhappy their Highland Council counterparts have been ‘blindsided’ by the latest decision to re-open Thor House.

John OGroat News

Thurso police carrying out ‘targeted patrols’ after antisocial driving reports

Caithness police are carrying out “targeted patrols” in Thurso after reports of antisocial driving in the area.

John OGroat News

A9 resurfacing works to take place between Thurso and Mybster

A9 resurfacing works are set to take place between Mybster and Thurso next month.

John OGroat News

Caithness residents urged to back Bishop Brian’s appeal after hillside struggle with kitchen sink

A Catholic leader has braved the elements to deliver a stark message to the people of Caithness this Lent.

John OGroat News

Courage of Caithness mums praised as CHAT campaign goes national

The push for improved maternity services in Caithness and elsewhere in Scotland has become national news thanks to the efforts of local campaigners.

John OGroat News

‘The town has been very good’: Wick shop set to close as owners retire

One of the most long-established shops in Wick town centre is set to close this spring, with the husband-and-wife owners preparing to call it a day.

John OGroat News

‘Pause the lunacy’: Caithness councillor says communities are up against ‘ludicrously impenetrable’ planning system

A councillor has warned that Caithness is being “utterly swamped” by renewable energy schemes, with “money and profit” put above the public interest.

John OGroat News

Three venues in Caithness to take part in 2026 World Day of Prayer

Venues in Thurso, Wick and Canisbay will be among those taking part in the 2026 World Day of Prayer by holding services on Friday, March 6.

John OGroat News

Police launch appeal to trace missing Wick man Sean Beales (31)

Police have launched an appeal for information to help trace a man missing from Wick.

John OGroat News

Thurso caravan and camp site closes permanently due to ‘external factors’

The sudden closure of a popular Thurso camping and caravan site has left a letting business and holidaymakers facing uncertainty.

John OGroat News

Leanne’s 38-marathon challenge for her Caithness gran

A Portlethen woman is running 1000 miles for Alzheimer Scotland, inspired by the resilient spirit of her 84-year-old granny, Dinah Forbes of Forse.