Local News

John OGroat News

Caithness Pride confirm 2027 date after ‘electric’ event

Preparations are already under way for next year’s celebration just days after Thurso was turned rainbow for 2026.

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John OGroat News

Intense thunderstorms forecast sparks yellow warning for Caithness and Sutherland

Although not everywhere will catch one, forecasters have warned that up to 50mm of rain could fall in three hours in places where they do strike.

John OGroat News

Tribute paid to council’s first chief executive who has died aged 78

Tribute has been paid to Highland Council’s first chief executive, Arthur McCourt, who has died aged 78.

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John OGroat News

Caithness parents urged to check school meal support for summer holidays

Caithness parents are being urged to check if they are eligible for extra payments in the school holidays to cover the cost of children’s meals.

John OGroat News

Wick River Campsite named in UK ‘outstanding’ list for second year

Wick River Campsite has been named in a list of 150 outstanding UK camping, glamping and touring sites for the second year in a row.

John OGroat News

Lochend residents ‘pleasantly surprised’ by much-needed road repairs

Residents at Lochend Holdings have welcomed much-needed resurfacing work on their road, saying: “What a difference it has made.”

John OGroat News

The Caithness Broch Project needs your help this Sunday

The Caithness Broch Project has issued a call for volunteers to assist with a community tidy-up of the Nybster Broch site this Sunday, June 28.

John OGroat News

PICTURES: Wick swimmers celebrate another summer solstice at the Trinkie outdoor pool

The KW1 Swimmers - Kool Water Sw1mmers group celebrated the summer solstice last Sunday in what has become an annual tradition.

John OGroat News

Burger restaurant to start serving alcohol

The decision to grant the application was made by Highland Council on Tuesday.

John OGroat News

Evening talks throughout the summer at St John’s Church in Wick to help fund roof repairs

This summer, St John’s Church on Moray Street in Wick will host three evening talks to help raise funds for roof repairs.

John OGroat News

City of Culture bid announces Julie Fowlis and Katie Gregson-MacLeod as first ambassadors

The pair are the first two ambassadors to be announced as the Inverness-Highland UK City of Culture bid seeks to boost support.

John OGroat News

Motorcyclist taken to hospital after crash on A9 road

A motorcyclist was taken to hospital following a crash on the A9 road north of Dunbeath.

John OGroat News

Thurso High School praised by inspectors after ‘good’ ratings and safeguarding action

Inspectors have praised Thurso High School’s “capacity to continue to improve” after rating the school good in two key areas.

John OGroat News

Wick band named ‘worthy winners’ as they secure Belladrum main stage slot

Caithness indie band Socialites will kick off Belladrum's main stage line-up after winning this year's BBC ALBA talent search.

John OGroat News

Highland Council warns domestic and international risks to £100m Thurso PoD mean changes

Officials will strive to keep £2.1 billion Highland Investment Plan in schools and facilities on track.

John OGroat News

New honour for women leaders across the Highlands and Islands

A major new award has been created to highlight the growing importance of women to the Highlands and Islands economy.

John OGroat News

Trial hears Altnabreac couple refused to get off train tracks because it was ‘their land’

The trial of a couple accused of risking lives on the rail line finally got under way on Tuesday despite a further attempt to delay proceedings.

John OGroat News

Watchdog found that health board “failed to provide adequate care” to child after mental health crisis

NHS Highland was asked to apologise to a child and their parent after failing “to provide them with reasonable care and treatment” after a crisis.

John OGroat News

Air ambulances dispatched after crash closes A9 near Dunbeath

The A9 is closed at Dunbeath in both directions following a crash involving a motorbike and a van.

John OGroat News

Caithness LibDems still demand SNP honours vote for an independent far north maternity review

They want Highland Council to push for one that is ‘outwith’ NHS Highland and free of ‘Scottish Government oversight’.