Local News

John OGroat News

Caithness news review of 2025: January to March

We take a look back at some of the stories that hit the headlines in the John O’Groat Journal and Caithness Courier over the past 12 months.

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John OGroat News

Dounreay Substation delivery team raises over £3000 for Caithness FM toy appeal

The team delivering a new substation at Dounreay has raised over £3000 for Caithness FM’s Christmas Toy Appeal.

John OGroat News

Christmas covid restrictions a ‘hammer blow’, Wife pays tribute to lorry driver, and Wick heating scheme hope

LOOKING BACK SPECIAL: What we reported at Christmas 5, 10 and 15 years ago

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John OGroat News

Ghosts of Castle Sinclair-Girnigoe speak through Brora filmmaker’s haunting animation project, Curse o’the Myre

A Brora filmmaker breathes life into Caithness castle ghosts with his new animation film, Curse o’the Myre.

John OGroat News

‘Excellent news for our region’ – return of flights to Wick is widely welcomed

The return of scheduled flights between Wick and Aberdeen has brought some “Christmas cheer” as the announcement was welcomed with open arms.

John OGroat News

Caithness public thanked for foodbank donations as volunteers add ‘Christmas extras’

Christmas is a time for giving and there is no shortage of generosity when it comes to Caithness Foodbank.

John OGroat News

Voices of hatred and misinformation stirring up anger, says Bishop in Christmas message

As I attended my first Carol Service of the season, it was a traditional nine lessons and carols at St Peter and the Holy Rood, Thurso.

John OGroat News

Would Santa save millions by switching to an electric sleigh?

How much would Santa save by ditching a petrol sleigh for an electric one on Christmas Eve?

John OGroat News

East Mainland Young Farmers take top honours in Highland cook-off

East Mainland Young Farmers came out on top at the Highland eliminations of the SAYFC Ready Steady Country Cooks competition.

John OGroat News

UPDATE: 1 person in hospital following A9 crash

The person was taken to Caithness General Hospital following the two-vehicle crash at Georgemas shortly before midday on Christmas Eve.

John OGroat News

UPDATE: A9 reopens following 2-vehicle crash

The A9 has reopened more than two hours after a crash blocked it both ways in Caithness.

John OGroat News

A9 closed after two-vehicle crash at Georgemas

Emergency services are in attendance and an air ambulance is understood to have flown to the scene after a crash closed the A9 both ways at Georgemas.

John OGroat News

Thurso reminder over grit bin supplies

Householders in the far north are being reminded that they can request a supply of grit to help clear paths in their neighbourhood during freeze-ups.

John OGroat News

‘Incredible’ historic Caithness guest house for sale for £620,000

Pentland Lodge House in Thurso, which boasts glowing customer reviews on TripAdvisor and Booking.com, is for sale for offers over £620,000.

John OGroat News

PICTURES: Caithness Young Farmers’ Christmas tractor run sets new record

The latest Christmas tractor run organised by Caithness Young Farmers set a new record with a convoy of more than 90 vehicles on Tuesday evening.

John OGroat News

Thurso man makes no plea to rape charges

A 19-year-old Thurso man has appeared in private at Wick Sheriff Court to face two charges of rape.

John OGroat News

420 children across county to be helped by Caithness FM Toy Appeal

A record number of underprivileged children in Caithness will wake up to a gift on Christmas Day.

John OGroat News

Proposed workers compound could become permanent housing scheme as Murphy enter talks with Tulloch Homes

Tulloch Homes has confirmed it has been in talks with Murphy's about a future development.

John OGroat News

Sacrifices made at Christmas are valued by us all

Holyrood Notebook by Edward Mountain

John OGroat News

Watten Primary kids shine in spectacular pantomime performance of Ali Baba and the Bongo Bandits

The children of Watten Primary School delivered an outstanding performance of their panto, ‘Ali Baba and the Bongo Bandits’.