Local News
PICTURES: New P1 pupils start life at schools across Caithness and north Sutherland
See the latest images in our 2025 gallery of new primary 1 pupils at schools in the far north
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Council of the Year shortlist honour for Highland Council
It is the first time the local authority has been shortlisted for the coveted prize - and it will find out if it was successful next month.
North Sutherland neighbours invited to learn more about Strathy South progress
A £400 million wind farm in north Sutherland is holding a public information event for people to learn more about the project.
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£20m funding and 400 green jobs boost for peatland restoration sector
Peatland projects in Caithness and Sutherland are set to benefit from the highest-ever round of restoration funding this year.
Wick man denies kicking and throwing his dog against a wall
A Wick man intends to contest an allegation that he ill-treated a dog.
£120,000 a year community benefit pledge if 200m Olrig turbines go ahead
The energy company behind proposed wind farm near Olrig Hill has said “we believe it is important to be open and transparent with our neighbours”.
Work ‘nearing completion’ on Wick town centre’s rising bollards
Work is “nearing completion” on the rising bollards in Wick and it is likely that a public meeting will be held before the system gets under way.
PICTURES: Hundreds join successful Summer Sessions events at Wick
Edwyn Collins was among those entertaining audiences at this year’s Summer Sessions which saw more than 1000 visit Rosebank Playing Fields in Wick.
RNLI will benefit from fitness class at John O’Groats signpost
The John O’Groats signpost is to provide the backdrop for a morning fitness class next month that will benefit the lifeboat service.
Shoulder and knee fracture hospital fall sparks NHS Highland apology
Health chiefs have been ordered to apologise after a patient broke their shoulder and knee after falling in a Highland hospital.
Supply chain award for Ayre wind farm developer
An offshore wind farm developer behind a project north of Caithness has been rewarded for its supply chain programme.
Rural broadband claims, ‘monstrosity’ jibe at Olrig Hill turbine bid and calls for change
YOUR VIEWS: Readers of the John O’Groat Journal and Caithness Courier speak out on the latest news
Boost for pool repair fund, Vandals break into vault and New threat to maternity unit
LOOKING BACK: News from the John O’Groat Journal of yesteryear
War ships should be put to better use with humanitarian aid for Gaza
The Real Mackay by Dan Mackay
New Parent Hub will boost ‘positive impact’ Planet Youth is having in Caithness
A programme that aims to reduce risk-taking and encourage healthy life choices in young people in Caithness has launched a new website.
Highland Council plan to drug test staff ‘with cause’ of ‘reasonable suspicion of impairment’
Examples were offered of ‘slurred speech, impaired movement, erratic or unusual behaviour’.
IN PICTURES: Highland Business Women Awards 2025 is opportunity to reflect on 30 years of ‘nurturing’ organisation
The Highland Business Women Awards drew 260 attendees and presented nine awards.
Noss bike train returns as 78 cycle to school after first week back
Noss Primary School’s bike train is gathering momentum again, with the head teacher saying he is thrilled by the numbers taking part.
Groats drink-driver hit with fine and ban
A John O’Groats man who drove while more than twice the legal alcohol limit was fined £300 at Wick Sheriff Court this week.
Caithness residents warn turbine plans show ‘contempt for nature and landscape’
Fears have emerged that plans for separate wind energy schemes in Caithness could result in a “sprawling” set of turbines “by stealth”.