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Organised crime is ‘alive and well’ in the Highlands - illegal tobacco crackdown

The council’s trading standards team has had to buy stab proof vests for staff following safety concerns.

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Thurso campus plans could see two primaries merged in bid to transform education

Two Thurso primary schools could be merged as part of plans to create a new campus and community complex in the town.

John OGroat News

New MSP backs nuclear industry at Dounreay meeting

Newly elected far north MSP David Green has underlined his full support for the nuclear industry in the far north.

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John OGroat News

A99 overnight closures planned as resurfacing works scheduled

The A99 south of Wick is due to be closed overnight for two weeks later this month while resurfacing works take place.

John OGroat News

No quick fix: Red tape blamed for slow repairs at vandal-hit Wick toilets and councillors call for police foot patrols

Wick Community Council has defended the slow repair timeline for Whitechapel toilets, citing complex procedures amid a police vandalism probe.

John OGroat News

New Stonehenge research reveals details of epic journey from Caithness or Orkney to Salisbury Plain

Stonehenge’s Altar Stone was transported from either Caithness or Orkney to Salisbury by humans in a complex journey that required careful planning.

John OGroat News

Groat columnist Dan Mackay survives without a sting after finding a wasp’s ‘byke’ on his bike

The Wick biker could have had a nasty surprise if he stuck his finger in the wasp’s nest under his handlebars while on the road.

John OGroat News

Wick business owner wins prize at national awards

Darren Campbell from Highland Gift Shop was recognised at Scotland’s national LGBTQ+ awards ceremony.

John OGroat News

Council consistently late in paying bills

The data is due to be discussed by councillors at a meeting tomorrow.

John OGroat News

New skills grants up to £10k for Caithness and north Sutherland businesses

Businesses across Caithness and north Sutherland can apply for a new funding initiative designed to strengthen workforce skills and support growth.

John OGroat News

Wick dancer earns Pre Championship title at Aberdeen dance contest

Eleven-year-old Grace Miller from Wick is delighted to have achieved her Pre Championship title in Highland dancing.

John OGroat News

‘Mum’s not facing this alone’: Runner sets off from John O’Groats for 42-marathon run to Land’s End

A 25-year-old runner set off from John O’Groats on Monday aiming to raise £50,000 to help support his mother who is living with advanced MS.

John OGroat News

Light at the end of the tunnel: Wick town centre temporary traffic lights to come down as major project enters final stretch

Temporary traffic lights in Wick town centre are set to be removed this week as the major street design project enters its final stages.

John OGroat News

Highland councillor salaries and expenses hit £2.2 million for the first time

A pay uplift and rising costs saw claims and salaries spike by more than £376k in the last year.

John OGroat News

Tragic coincidence: Second dog dies in identical cliff fall at Caithness castle within two days

An urgent warning has been issued after two dogs tragically fell to their deaths from the exact same cliff at Girnigoe Castle within a couple of days.

John OGroat News

Theft from house sparks witnesses plea

Police have appealed for information after a theft from a house in Wick.

John OGroat News

Caithness Music Festival to celebrate platinum anniversary

The Caithness Music Festival will be celebrating its platinum anniversary in Wick next week with a five-day celebration of music, speech and drama.

John OGroat News

Retired vets set off on coast-to-coast trek with over £9000 raised already

The “Twa Auld Vets” have set off on their fundraising hike across northern England – bringing a pebble that will become a symbol of their journey.

John OGroat News

More than £3m available for Highland community projects as funding opens

A new online system will be used to identify Highland community projects eligible for more than £3m in funding.

John OGroat News

Coastguard helicopter evacuates injured motorcyclist after road crash near Thurso

A female motorcyclist has been airlifted to hospital from a road near Thurso after a crash this morning.