Local News
Scottish Government approves controversial battery storage plan near late Mother’s Castle of Mey home despite wild bird concerns
A large battery energy storage scheme (BESS) for Caithness been approved by the Scottish Government against warnings from a bird charity.
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Watten woman admits assaulting a police officer
A woman has pleaded guilty to kicking a policeman, acting aggressively towards another man and damaging a TV.
‘Wholly out of context’: Row over ‘permitted’ turbine plan close to Reay golf club
Highland Council is being accused of unfairly fast-tracking planning for a wind turbine in the back garden of a house overlooking Reay golf course.
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Mystery of Wick car wash – is it open or not?
The manager of a new hand car wash in Wick said it was forced to close by the council weeks after opening but awaits a final decision next week.
Caithness faces risk of afternoon thunderstorms as 'suction mechanism' moves across north
Caithness may experience thundery showers later today (Friday, July 10), though the overall risk currently remains low.
Former Highland licensing chairman admits he ‘knew’ about sex offender’s past but says ‘he couldn’t bring it up’
Sean Kennedy, the former chairman of Highland Council's licensing committee, was the only councillor to back a short-term let licence for sex offender Kevin Booth.
Claims sex offender’s crimes ‘not presented’ as part of holiday home licence application
Councillor Kennedy has defended his decision not to refuse the sex offender’s short term let licence.
EXCLUSIVE: Ex-chairman Sean Kennedy brands licensing a ‘poison chalice’ in his only interview
We challenge him on rapist David Brown and decision in the licensing committee.
‘You lost your temper, simple as that’: Young man pleads guilty to assaulting his neighbour
A Lybster man admitted losing his temper by hitting a woman with a paint roller.
Lybster cyclist Kenny Gunn passes £10k milestone for ‘chopper charity’ after gruelling May challenge
Lybster cyclist Kenny Gunn has raised £3003 for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance after completing a tough 241-mile local bike challenge during May.
Man admits assaulting two police officers and using a fire extinguisher to damage property at a hospital in Wick
A Wick man who used a fire extinguisher to smash panes of glass at Caithness General Hospital has pleaded guilty to five offences.
End of an era: Dunnets Garage to cease core operations after more than a century in Thurso
Dunnets Garage in Thurso is closing its core non-fuel operations after more than a century, though its self-service fuel pumps will remain open.
‘A complex and rewarding journey’: Whisky production begins at £5m Castletown Mill
Whisky production has officially begun at the newly transformed Castletown Mill, which opened for tours and tastings earlier in the year.
Exclusive: Former Highland licensing committee chairman was ONLY PERSON on group to back sex attacker Kevin Booth’s short-term let licence bid
Despite a police objection, Sean Kennedy argued Caithness millionaire Kevin Booth was a “fit and proper person to hold a short-term let licence.”
Highlands’ university toasts top marks as one of Scotland’s best performers for student satisfaction
The University of the Highlands and Islands is again celebrating status as one of Scotland's highest-performing universities for student satisfaction.
‘It is about bringing our community together’: Action-packed programme at Latheron Show
A collection of life-size safari animals and the equine star of a Netflix series are among the family-friendly attractions at the 2026 Latheron Show.
‘Great feedback’ for Wick Flowers as new volunteers come forward
The volunteers of Wick Flowers have been heartened by the response from the public to their efforts in brightening up the town this summer.
Drink-driver caught in the middle of the road in Thurso with no headlights on
A dangerous drink-driver was stopped in the centre of Thurso in the middle of the road with no headlights on.
New Thurso Men’s Shed gets underway with first community project
A new community initiative is rapidly taking shape in Thurso, aimed at bringing local men together, sharing practical skills, and combating isolation.
Community council chairman says Newton Park should be proud of gold award
Pupils and staff at a Wick primary school have been told they should be proud of their achievement in gaining gold Rights Respecting School status.