Local News
YOUR PICTURES: Wonderful wintry settings across the Highlands on a snowy Sunday
Blankets of snow have covered the Highlands this weekend with the promise of more as we head into the first full week of the new year.
Local messages
Far North Line and Inverness to Aberdeen rail services ‘likely to be affected’ until Monday at least, say Network Rail
Disruption to rail services is expected to continue into Monday until at least midday.
Police urge motorists to only travel ‘if necessary’ after confirming A9 and A99 have reopened between Sutherland and Caithness
Police Scotland has confirmed that the A9 and A99 have been fully re-opened.
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CAITHNESS ROADS: A99 closed AGAIN after snow drifts between Latheron and Thrumster, police say
The A99 is closed once again due to snow drifts as fresh snowfall continues to cause problems in Caithness.
Dounreay site and Thurso offices closed to ‘non-essential’ staff tomorrow amid amber snow and ice alert
NRS Dounreay has confirmed its site and Thurso offices will close to non-essential personnel tomorrow (Monday) due to adverse weather.
Rural communities ‘could be cut off’ Met Office warns after fresh Amber alert for frequent heavy snow from 6pm until Monday
The Met Office says travel delays are likely, with rural communities at risk of being cut off due to power outages or loss of mobile signal.
CAITHNESS ROADS: A9 reopens between Helmsdale and Latheron under police convoy, Traffic Scotland confirms
The A9 has reopened in both directions between Helmsdale and Latheron under a police convoy operation.
Good advice to next generation from Thurso care home residents: ‘Be kind’, ‘Be honest’ and ‘Play darts!’
“Be kind”, “Help when you can” and “Read books” are among the words of wisdom offered to younger people by residents of a Caithness care home.
From Nazi wedding band at Watten to German death camp survival and Piper Alpha disaster: The extraordinary story of the Cukrowski family
A couple reunited in death at Watten told the final chapter of an incredible wartime story, including a Nazi POW band playing music at their wedding.
Highland Council issues snow warning: ‘Only travel if it is absolutely necessary’
Highland Council has warned against unnecessary travel as the region braces itself for another day of heavy snowfall and travel disruption.
Toy-factory grandfather once made furniture set in my name
Northern Drift by Monique Sliedrecht
Snow plunges Inverness flights into chaos as Loganair offers passengers flight adjustments ‘without charge’
Flights scheduled to arrive and fly out of Inverness have been plunged into a state of disruption amid snow chaos.
A9 and A99 trunk roads remain closed as heavy snow warnings set to continue into Monday
Trunk roads in the far north remain closed in both directions this morning as gritter work continues and rail inspections take place.
Far north primary school earns its second eco flag
Melvich Primary School was awarded its second Eco-Schools Green Flag, recognising the pupils’ commitment to environmental learning and action.
Is your journey necessary? Experts advise as Caithness braced for more snow
Caithness is enduring a punishing Arctic blast, with weather watchers and road experts warning that the conditions will persist into next week.
Time to come together for Thurso
YOUR VIEWS: Readers of the John O’Groat Journal and Caithness Courier share their views
PICTURES: Heavy snow falls as weather warnings continue
The heavy snows blanketing large parts of the region have made for some lovely scenes.
Christmas Day trading in Wick, Busy time for Wick Radio and Exiles log on for New Year
LOOKING BACK: News from the John O’Groat Journal of yesteryear
5ft snow drifts ‘filling back in as quickly as they’re cleared’
Drifts in the north are filling back in as quickly as they’re being cleared, Highland Council has warned Caithness and Sutherland motorists.
PICTURES: Who needs relatives? Dutch scientist spends Boxing Day at Caithness quarry with 375-million-year-old fish instead
For one Dutchman, a remote Caithness quarry was all he wanted for Christmas, as it was filled with a treasure trove of rare fish fossils.