Local News

John OGroat News

Your chance to shape future of Thurso with £100m investment

People who live, work or study in Thurso are being asked to share their views and ideas on a planned £100m project that could transform the town.

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John OGroat News

ARIANE BURGESS: Putting Scotland’s Nature and Land Back in Our Hands

Holyrood Notebook by Ariane Burgess MSP

John OGroat News

RHODA GRANT: Caithness maternity services review u-turn took ‘relentless pressure’ from opposition

Holyrood Notebook by Rhoda Grant MSP

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John OGroat News

‘Tough decisions’ warning as council faces £47m budget hole

A £47m hole in Highland Council’s finances has sparked calls for the public to help shape its next budget - amid warnings of “tough decisions” ahead.

John OGroat News

Highland Council ‘continuing to work through procurement process’ over Wick flights

Highland Council says more information will be provided “once the regulatory procurement process is complete and the contract has been awarded”.

John OGroat News

Wick road markings need to be reinstated ‘as a matter of urgency’

Long after resurfacing, some sections of road still haven’t had their markings repainted – causing concern to the community council chairman.

John OGroat News

‘Nothing will be off the table’ in talks over community use of Carnegie library in Wick

Talks are due to take place next week to “explore all avenues” on the potential community use of Wick’s historic Carnegie library.

John OGroat News

Contractors report ‘positive feedback’ from public over Wick town centre revamp

Contractors have reported “generally positive” feedback from the public after the first month of work on Wick’s £2.1 million street design project.

John OGroat News

‘She’s just amazing’ – Sheila’s 54 years of fundraising helps Thurso charity group raise £500K

A Thurso charity champion has been recognised after more than five decades of dedication in which more than half a million pounds has been raised.

John OGroat News

From wild to wind farm – An eyewitness to the transformation of Strathy South

OUT AND ABOUT WITH RALPH: The old house that was once a remote and rarely-visited bothy will soon have new neighbours in the form of 200m turbines

John OGroat News

Banniskirk Hub will bring ‘substantial economic benefits for Caithness communities’

The electricity transmission company behind the Banniskirk Hub project has promised “substantial economic benefits for communities in Caithness”.

John OGroat News

Far north community policing buildings among 180 ‘lost’ since creation of single police force

The list includes northern stations such as those previously situated in Lairg, Bonar Bridge, Brora, Dornoch and Castletown.

John OGroat News

Scottish Government visitor levy ‘u-turn’ to allow fixed or percentage rate charges

The minister for public finance Ivan McKee signals a new Bill will be tabled to change the legislation early next year.

John OGroat News

Works at MeyGen tidal site in Pentland Firth to take place in December

Subsea works on the pioneering MeyGen tidal array in the Pentland Firth are due to take place in December.

John OGroat News

Highland Heroes 2026: Who will be the ultimate hero of heroes?

The hero of heroes will be chosen from among your winners. Nominate your local Heroes now for their chance to become the ultimate hero of heroes

John OGroat News

Police tell of shoplifting offences at Wick Retail Park

Stores at Wick Retail Park have been targeted by shoplifters, members of the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council were told at their latest meeting.

John OGroat News

‘Respect and kindness are essential’ – Thurso Community Council calls for town to come together after festive lights fall-out

Community representatives in Thurso have reminded people in the town that “words matter” after a voluntary group quit over online criticism.

John OGroat News

‘We couldn’t have asked for more’: Wick joins together for Christmas Fun Day

Organisers of Wick’s festive lights switch-on said they “couldn’t have asked for more” as the countdown to Christmas began in the town centre.

John OGroat News

Dounreay apprentice first to win new Highlands and Islands award

A second-year Dounreay apprentice has been rewarded for her academic and commercial efforts at a new awards event for the region.

John OGroat News

Ice cream for Santa after Christmas switch-on at John O’Groats

Santa helped to switch on the lights during the annual Christmas fun day at John O’Groats – and then treated himself to an ice cream.