Local News

John OGroat News

Large emergency response to reports of person in river

A ‘casualty was recovered’ by a large multi-agency emergency response team after reports of a person in the River Naver shortly after midnight.

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Spittal SWI’s fundraising boost for Alzheimer Scotland

Members of Spittal SWI raised £435 for Alzheimer Scotland by holding a whist drive and they handed the cheque to dementia advisor Isobel Stevenson.

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Promises ‘mown down’ – Noss Head switching station faces ecological backlash

Promises for nature at Noss Head have turned into a ‘cautionary tale’ of reversal, with claims that local biodiversity has been sacrificed.

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New LibDem MSP David Green declares maternity care ‘immediate priority’

New Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP declares maternity care ‘immediate priority’.

John OGroat News

Donnie gearing up for mobility scooter ride from John O’Groats to Thurso

A retired Dounreay worker is preparing for a 20-mile mobility scooter ride along the north coast from John O’Groats to Thurso in June.

John OGroat News

Newly elected Black Isle MSP Morven-May MacCallum vows to keep Highland Council seat

She says has ‘unfinished work’ including efforts to improve protections against drink spiking.

John OGroat News

Could you help steer the Highlands’ leading mental health charity? Call for Caithness voices to join board

A charity with a presence in Wick offers Caithness residents a chance to shape the future of mental health support in the Highlands.

John OGroat News

Bunker down for a gin with a blast: Skye’s Three Chimneys spirits find shelter in Forss Cold War bomb shelter

The Three Chimneys, the world-renowned Isle of Skye restaurant, has partnered with North Point Distillery at Forss to launch a custom-label gin.

John OGroat News

Wick community staff nurse raises more than £6700 after marathon run

A community staff nurse from Wick has handed over more than £6700 to good causes after battling against injury to complete the London Marathon.

John OGroat News

Popular inn and camping park’s asking price is cut

A profitable award-winning inn and touring park which is up for sale has had its asking price cut.

John OGroat News

Exhibition of works by distinguished Thurso artist Barrogill Keith next month

An exhibition dedicated to the works of the late Thurso artist ‘Barrogill Keith’ will take place at the North Coast Visitor Centre next month.

John OGroat News

Questions raised after Highlands and Islands results declared last in Scotland

North elects MSPs from Reform UK, Greens, Conservatives, LibDems and SNP.

John OGroat News

Maree Todd ‘proud to be part of a strong group of SNP women’ representing the Highlands

Former far north MSP Maree Todd has said she is delighted to be returning to Holyrood despite a big defeat in the constituency battle.

John OGroat News

PICTURES: The summer of ‘love bugs’ – Millions of shiny black flies descend on Caithness in mating frenzy

After the recent invasion of heather beetles across the far north, millions of shiny black flies have now descended on Caithness in a mating frenzy.

John OGroat News

The Queen Mum’s old fridge at the Castle of Mey has finally packed in – after 70 years!

One devoted Royal servant has finally retired after more than 70 years in service.

John OGroat News

‘A totally unacceptable state of affairs’: Wick toilets are vandalised again

Vandals have struck again at Whitechapel Road – leaving a trail of destruction that included an apparent attempt to set fire to a sanitary bin.

John OGroat News

FilmG shortlists see abundance of Highland youngsters nominated

An abundance of Highland youngsters and schools have been nominated in the 2026 instalment of the ‘Gaelic Oscars’, FilmG.

John OGroat News

Yachtsman rescued by Thurso Lifeboat after falling unwell off Dunnet Head

A yachtsman who became unwell and confused off Dunnet Head was escorted safely back to Scrabster by Thurso RNLI.

John OGroat News

Highland Council will ‘respond directly’ to Wick complaint about £750,000 project

Highland Council will not be responding publicly to criticism from Wick about its handling of a £750,000 Scottish Government funding programme.

John OGroat News

Retirement for one of Wick’s long-serving firefighters praised for his ‘dedication and resilience’

Hugo Ross – one Wick’s longest serving fire fighters – has retired after over 40 years of service.