Local News

John OGroat News

New instalment in murder mystery series by Wick-born author

Wick-born author Dorothy Stewart (née Miller) is hoping local readers will enjoy the third volume in her latest murder mystery series.

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YOUR VIEWS: ‘Thurso is too small for an influx of 500 people’

Letters to the editor of the John O’Groat Journal and Caithness Courier

John OGroat News

Watten goes ‘dry’, factory expansion plans in Castletown and what the future holds for Lucy the monkey

Looking Back – news from the John O’Groat Journal of yesteryear

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From Caithness to Colombia – communities are leading the way with change

Long-time international charity worker and Wick man Chris McIvor reflects on how change happens after a visit to Colombia with HelpAge International

John OGroat News

North Highland businesses want a Budget that ‘unlocks unique potential’ of region

The North Highland Chamber of Commerce is calling for a fair deal from next week’s Budget. Trudy Morris says businesses need confidence to invest

John OGroat News

Opportunity for budding animators in the far north

A new early animation talent development opportunity called Wee Wonders Scotland is looking for budding animators in the far north.

John OGroat News

‘It’s brilliant for a small town like Wick’ – local opticians celebrate award win

A team of optometrists in Wick has been recognised at a prestigious awards ceremony in Glasgow.

John OGroat News

Caithness Chamber meeting sees call to cut VAT on hospitality and energy bills levy in budget

Caithness, Sutherland and Ross Lib Dem MSP candidate David Green says the Budget must drive growth for rural businesses.

John OGroat News

Wick mother slams B&M for selling high-caffeine energy drinks to 13-year-olds

A Wick mother criticised a local shop for selling high caffeine content energy drinks to her 13-year-old daughter and other schoolchildren.

John OGroat News

'Last thing any parent should face' – Wick family rages over waterlogged graves and tilting headstones

A family in Wick is taking the council to task after family plots were found waterlogged and a headstone tilted at the local cemetery.

John OGroat News

Thurso town centre parking changes coming in December

Christmas shoppers in Thurso are being given some extra leeway through an easing of parking restrictions in the town’s main street.

John OGroat News

Caithness law firm ‘thankful for all the local support’ over first 15 years

Law firm BBM Solicitors has said it remains “deeply rooted in Caithness and the Highlands” as it celebrates its 15th anniversary.

John OGroat News

Wick gardening club members hear about Frank’s coastal trek fundraiser

Members of Wick and District Gardening Club heard about Frank Stephen’s 14-day fundraising walk along the John O’Groats Trail.

John OGroat News

Thirty days not enough for communities ‘swamped’ with major energy plans, says Highland MSP

North MSP Edward Mountain is calling for a fairer deal for communities that are being “swamped” with plans for major renewable energy developments.

John OGroat News

Fresh yellow weather warning issued for Highlands

Weather warnings in the Highlands have been extended into Friday amid a continued wintry blast that has brought snow and ice to many parts.

John OGroat News

Highland Council’s ‘toxic positivity’ scuppers education debate on declining attainment

Administration attacks opposition for ‘struggling’ to see positives in worse numeracy and literacy than last year.

John OGroat News

Sheriff’s ‘disgust’ at Caithness man who had sordid child abuse images

A Caithness man couldn’t explain why he had taken an interest in child abuse and said it had cost him his family and repercussions from his community.

John OGroat News

What Highland schools are closed or opening late today?

Adverse weather continues to affect schools across the Highlands today, with almost 30 schools and nurseries closed across the region.

John OGroat News

Train fault sparks disruption on Far North Line

A train fault has prompted disruption to services on the Far North Line this morning, ScotRail has confirmed.

John OGroat News

'Not the road's end' for sick seal pup – Kit Kat saved at ironic John O'Groats sign

He may have appeared at ‘the end of the road’ in John O’Groats, but one lucky seal pup was saved from certain death thanks to a local animal charity.