Local News

John OGroat News

Scottish Government ‘honesty’ questioned after u-turn on independent maternity review

That is despite SNP ministers voting in Holyrood to commission a probe into Caithness services.

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Caithness Young Farmers gearing up for Christmas tractor run fundraiser

Young Farmers in Caithness are gearing up for their annual Christmas tractor run and hoping to build on the success of last year’s event.

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Bin collection changes over Christmas

Changes to bin collection dates, as well as other key information over council services this festive season, have been released.

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Slap-up festive feed at Thurso Community Cafe thanks to Unite the Union generosity

Those visiting the Thurso Community Cafe were treated to a special Christmas dinner thanks to a £500 donation from Unite the Union.

John OGroat News

Award-winning café asking price drops to £495,000

Less than £500,000 is now being sought for an award-winning and very popular harbour-front café and B&B, after its asking price was reduced.

John OGroat News

‘Patchy and confusing’: Uncertainty continues over future of Highland domestic abuse services

Concerns have been raised over short-term contracts and unclear funding for Highland domestic abuse services beyond 2026.

John OGroat News

‘SSEN is spreading like a cancer’ – objectors are pleased that substation is refused

Members of the North Planning meeting today (17 December) voted to refuse Scottish Hydro’s Carnaig Substation after hearing objectors concerns.

John OGroat News

Festive focus: Local optician donates £1000 to keep Wick’s Christmas lights shining

Wick is set to sparkle a little brighter this festive season thanks to a generous donation from an optician in the town.

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Daughter finds mum’s smartphone in Flow Country wilderness almost a year after being lost – and it still works

A smartphone lost by a Thrumster woman in miles of Flow Country land for almost a year was found by her daughter and is working again.

John OGroat News

Dounreay apprentices raise over £2400 for Caithness Rural Transport

Fundraising by fourth-year Dounreay apprentices has resulted in more than £2400 being handed over to Caithness Rural Transport.

John OGroat News

Highland nurse takes starring role in UK charity’s new film

A Highland nurse who dedicated almost three decades to improving the lives of people with Parkinson’s has a starring role in a new charity film.

John OGroat News

Caithness man banned from contacting woman in Orkney

A sheriff has banned a Caithness man from contacting or approaching an Orkney woman whom he harassed.

John OGroat News

Major blow to SSEN’s plans as huge Sutherland substation refused planning by Highland Council

The decision comes just one day before crunch meeting on Fanellan substation near Beauly.

John OGroat News

Hearing and Sight Care stalwarts recognised at Christmas get together in Wick

A group of long-standing volunteers and supporters have been thanked for their contribution to Hearing and Sight Care.

John OGroat News

Agency advises Caithness pensioners not to lose out on new benefit

More than 22,000 applications from Scots for a new benefit worth up to £441 a month have been processed in the year since it opened, new figures show.

John OGroat News

‘This is the future’ – Wick Business Park extension aims to lay foundations for growth

A massive extension proposed at Wick Business Park will help to show that Wick is open for business, according to Highlands and Islands Enterprise.

John OGroat News

Caithness campaigner says 50 mph speed limit would have been ‘catastrophic’

Caithness campaigner Iain Gregory admitted he was lost for words when the Scottish Government’s speed-limit proposals – now dropped – were announced.

John OGroat News

Orkney bike trip makes me miss lost Caithness passenger ferry

OUT AND ABOUT WITH RALPH: Transport links north are much better than south, so it’s over the Pentland Firth to explore the southern Orkney islands

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Hitachi awarded first major contract for Banniskirk Hub converter station at Spittal

The first major contract has been awarded on the recently approved Banniskirk Hub substation at Spittal.

John OGroat News

Flights to Edinburgh included in open tender for Wick PSO flights from April 2026

Highland Council is in talks to extend air connectivity from Wick to Edinburgh.