Local News
‘Nowhere near enough’ - Thurso roads still in parlous state despite extra funding
Community representatives in Thurso claim extra funding does not seem to have made any inroads on the backlog of potholed and rutted roads in the area
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New tax on EV drivers ‘will hit rural residents hardest’
People living in rural areas should be given relief from a newly announced tax on electric vehicle drivers, according to a north MSP.
Castle of Old Wick open to visitors again after inspections and repairs
The Castle of Old Wick is open to visitors again, almost four years after access restrictions were imposed so that survey work could take place.
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‘Such a special night’ as musicians from Caithness feature in Scottish celebration in Ottawa
Fiddle player Karen Steven, who had a leading role in a St Andrew’s Night concert in the Canadian capital, said “we couldn’t have been happier”.
Woodland activities to mark 25 years of A’Chraobh spiral tree walk in Borgie Forest
A full day of woodland activities next weekend will mark the 25th anniversary of a spiral tree walk in north Sutherland.
‘They were shamed into silence’: Caithness councillor ‘profoundly depressed’ over Banniskirk Hub decision
A Caithness councillor was left feeling “profoundly depressed” by the way the massive Banniskirk Hub substation was given planning consent.
Caithness lodge owner accused of rape further remanded in custody after bail refused
Kevin Booth has made his second appearance in private at Wick Sheriff Court where he faces 21 charges, including eight of rape.
Caithness mart gears up for Christmas show and sale
The annual Caithness Christmas show and sale will return to Quoybrae auction mart on Monday and Tuesday.
SSEN Transmission hail Banniskirk Hub approval as ‘important milestone’
SSEN Transmission has welcomed the approval of plans for the Banniskirk Hub, hailing it as an “important milestone”.
Caithness and Sutherland Women’s Aid group warns Highland Council funding cuts could have ‘devastating impact’ on women experiencing high-risk abuse
CASWA has warned that cuts amounting to around £55,000 could be ‘devastating’ for women in the far north.
Fallen tree blocks railway line between Helmsdale and Kildonan as high winds continue
A tree is blocking the railway, causing cancellations and delays on services between Helmsdale and Kildonan.
80 homes between Wick and Thurso without power as gales strike overnight
A power cut has hit 80 homes between Wick and Thurso.
Thurso’s new £100m school won’t become ‘free-for-all’ for public services
A Highland Council official has pledged that the £100m redevelopment of Thurso High School will not turn into a hotchpotch of public bodies relocating
‘Heartbreaking and horrendous’: Community ‘ripped apart’ over Banniskirk Hub
Huge energy infrastructure projects in the Halkirk and Spittal area are having a “heartbreaking” impact on the community, councillors have been told.
Caithness family history talk on Brora’s £5m Old Clyne School development
The £5 million redevelopment of Old Clyne School in Brora will be the focus of Caithness Family History Society’s December meeting.
North of Scotland hit hard by UK budget that hammers whisky, social care, hospitality, jobs and travel
That is according to the emerging cross-party consensus over the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement.
Contempt expert outlines ‘unique scenario’ as Altnabreac pair appear at Inverness court after arrest
A Caithness couple who are accused of making a video recording of civil proceedings they were involved in have appeared at Inverness Sheriff Court.
Tide Lines to be headline act at Tunes By the Dunes 2026 with tickets on sale next week
Tide Lines will be the headline act at Tunes By the Dunes 2026, with the organisers of the Dunnet festival promising “a really strong line-up”.
Wind and rain to spark rail and ferry misery
Blanket speed restrictions will be introduced on Highland rail lines later today due rough weather, and ferries face disruption too.
Thurso lights group ‘overwhelmed’ by support after criticism from ‘armchair warriors’
The volunteers in charge of Thurso’s Christmas lights display are intent on calling it a day after being worn down by snide sniping from the sidelines