Local News

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Wick’s damaged roads run contrary to the ‘Safer Routes to School’ initiative, says community council

The local community council discussed how the rate of deterioration of Wick’s roads has been exacerbated by the recent snow and ice.

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Inverness-Dublin flights to return

Direct flights to and from Ireland’s capital will return to Inverness Airport from May, it has been announced.

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Border Force ‘obstacle’ means seven-seater plane will be used on Wick/Aberdeen route

Scheduled flights will take off from Wick again from Wednesday – but with room for only seven passengers on the plane after an “unexpected” setback.

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‘This is about hope for a generation’: South Sudan duo heading for Caithness on 730-mile fundraising walk

Two friends from South Sudan are walking the length of the British mainland, raising money to build a school in a refugee camp.

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‘Our complete focus is on making this route work’: Air Charter Scotland pledge over Wick/Aberdeen flights

Air travellers have been given an assurance that the new operator of the Wick/Aberdeen service will not “cancel flights at the drop of a hat”.

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Isobel retiring from Thurso paint shop after more than 40 years of dedicated service

Isobel McCarthy began working a couple of days a week, intending it to be short-term, but four decades on she was still loyally serving the public.

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‘We Were Stuck’: Caithness snow crisis reignites fight for medical autonomy and infrastructure

The recent snowstorms highlighted how isolated Caithness can become and exposed its vulnerabilities regarding food, travel and health.

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‘4000 miles, 25,000 hours …’ – Highland Council hails ‘tireless’ roads effort by gritting teams as last snow-hit route reopens

Highland Council has applauded gritting teams who worked “tirelessly” through 25,000 hours to keep the Highland roads open in severe winter weather.

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Highland drug and alcohol charity first of its kind in the UK

A new Highland drugs and alcohol charity is providing support through a fully virtual approach.

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Council management shake-up complete as new face joins top team

A new face has joined the senior management team at Highland Council following a shake-up aimed at streamlining its management structure.

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Spittal to Peterhead subsea cable works to begin in Caithness

Work to prepare for the Spittal to Peterhead subsea cable is expected to get under way in Caithness later this month.

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£50,000 up for grabs for Highlands entrepreneurs

Highland entrepreneurs can apply for up to £50,000 through the Scottish EDGE competition.

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‘Lives on hold for years’ as Highland patients face five-year waits for knee and hip surgery

Highland patients face over five years of pain waiting for knee and hip surgery - the longest delays in Scotland.

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‘A real opportunity’ as Pentland Floating Offshore Wind Farm wins UK deal for power price

A pioneering floating wind farm proposed for the Pentland Firth looks set to go ahead after it secured a government-backed contract for its energy.

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From Facebook viral fame to furry forever homes: The Thurso resident championing ‘misunderstood’ dog breeds

For one Thurso woman, the New Year has already brought a digital explosion and a vital mission to save some of the UK’s most misunderstood dogs.

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Stone calls for COBRA meeting to address ‘ill-prepared’ Scottish Government after Caithness cut off

Far north MP Jamie Stone has called for a COBRA meeting to discuss his concern that the Scottish Government was ill-prepared during severe weather.

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Red-light jumpers fuelling Wick traffic chaos and hospital tailbacks

A local contractor explained why major traffic tailbacks have been forming as Wick town centre improvements take place.

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Cast ewes in high demand at Caithness Livestock Centre

Quoybrae, Aberdeen and Northern Marts on Monday sold 1869 sheep.

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‘We take A9 safety extremely seriously’: BEAR responds to criticisms from Caithness councillor

The road maintenance and management firm responsible for the A9 has emphasised that it takes safety on the route “extremely seriously”.

John OGroat News

Lyth Arts Centre set to be most northerly venue for UK-wide grassroots music festival

For the first time, Caithness is taking part in Independent Venue Week, a UK-wide celebration of the grassroots venues that keep live music alive.