Local News

John OGroat News

£1m housing boost for Wick welcomed by provost

Wick’s provost has welcomed investment in the town’s housing stock after SSEN Transmission announced it was to spend £1 million upgrading homes.

Local messages

John OGroat News

Highland visitor levy would ‘disproportionately’ hit smaller operators and drive some out of business

Economic impact assessment also suggests less tourists would come north.

John OGroat News

Fresh from BBC airwaves: Local indie stars KATANES set for Thurso show

An upcoming hometown show from KATANES, a Thurso-based indie rock band, will be at the Central Hotel, Thurso, on Friday, February 28.

Get Weekly Updates

Get the headlines in your inbox every week.

John OGroat News

Wild and well wrapped up as wind continues to batter Wick

OUT AND ABOUT WITH RALPH: Spume and spray as weeks of wicked weather make life difficult for farmers and their sheep

John OGroat News

PICTURED: Highland Hospice’s Catwalk for a Cause raises £122,500 over just two nights

The event celebrates ‘stories of strength, hope, courage and inspiration’.

John OGroat News

Castletown community group celebrates 300th online singalong

A community singalong that went online as soon as Covid struck is looking forward to celebrating six years after marking its 300th online event.

John OGroat News

‘My side-hustle turned into a real business’ – Halkirk woman praises ‘invaluable’ HIE scheme

A programme that has supported more than 300 young entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses across the Highland and Islands has marked the end.

John OGroat News

The incredible suffering and courage of Sudanese men on walk to freedom in Caithness

NORTHERN DRIFT: Monique Sliedrecht spends an evening with Giel and John who were raising money for schools in the refugee camps in Chad

John OGroat News

WATCH: Caithness residents should check these warning signs of a hidden cannabis farm in their area

Would you know if a cannabis farm was operating in your part of Caithness? Five signs to look out for are highlighted in this article.

John OGroat News

Seven back in court over £7.1m cannabis farm discovery

Six men and a teenager have made their second appearance at court, in connection with a £7.1 million cannabis farm in Wick.

John OGroat News

Royal Academy honour for Caithness community music facilitator

A Caithness born composer and musician has been selected to be conferred the honour of “Associate of the Royal Academy of Music”.

John OGroat News

Which Highland areas saw biggest rise in house prices over the last 20 years?

House prices have nearly tripled in some areas of Highland over the last 20 years, new figures reveal.

John OGroat News

VOTE NOW for your Highland Heroes 2026 volunteer of the year!

Vote for your Heroes by midnight on Sunday, March 1

John OGroat News

Former Thurso drug dealer now living in Liverpool ordered to pay thousands in proceeds-of-crime cash

A man convicted of drug-dealing in Thurso is having to pay back money found on him when he was arrested.

John OGroat News

YOUR VIEWS: Castletown lights, respite for parents, gritting policy and safety in Wick

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

John OGroat News

Defence of Camps ‘loafers’, ‘Lady Courage’ on TV show and Passengers’ snowdrift ordeal

LOOKING BACK: News from the John O’Groat Journal of yesteryear

John OGroat News

VOTE NOW for your Highland Heroes 2026 health hero!

Vote for your Heroes by midnight on Sunday, March 1.

John OGroat News

PICTURES: Winter stroll leads to historic find: Thurso mother and daughter uncover ancient cross near St Mary’s Chapel

A casual winter stroll along the Caithness coast led a mother and daughter to discover an archaeological marvel hiding in plain sight.

John OGroat News

Do you know a Caithness person who deserves royal reward for their community efforts?

The King’s representative in Caithness is on the lookout for unsung heroes in the community who are deserving of recognition.

John OGroat News

VOTE NOW for your Highland Heroes 2026 green hero!

Vote for your Heroes by midnight on Sunday, March 1