Local News
Scottish budget leaves councils £1.1 billion short and NHS Highland running at a ‘financial loss’
According to the local authority umbrella body Cosla the budget ‘reality’ is stark while the health board only got cash for pay increases.
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Thurso Beavers book a new venue for meeting!
Thurso Beavers Scouts had a change of venue for their first meeting of 2026 – when they headed to their local library.
Highland investment opportunities to be showcased in London during Scottish Cities Week
Council leader Raymond Bremner will be there to talk about ‘clean energy, digital technologies, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing’.
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WEATHER WATCH: Mild December for Wick before the snow hit
Wick weather watcher Keith Banks takes a look at the latest stats for the town after a look at the patterns leading to droughts
Tea, cake, and cinema: Dunnet Forest to host special outdoor film screening
Nature lovers and art enthusiasts are invited to a special outdoor screening in Dunnet later this month to celebrate the work of local volunteers.
Thanks for snow clearing efforts and Support for veterans
YOUR VIEWS: Readers of the John O’Groat Journal and Caithness Courier have their say on the latest topics
Praise for gallant constables in Wick, Supporters pool resources and Fight to stop vet lab closure in Thurso
LOOKING BACK: News from the John O’Groat Journal of yesteryear
Call made for improved funding, training and equipment for Highlands firefighters
A call has been made for better funding, training and equipment for firefighters across the Highlands and Islands.
Caithness dancers celebrate year of success and fun
A long-established dance school in Caithness is celebrating a year of major accomplishments with a collection of competitive successes.
Caithness councillors asked to approve Wick raised crossings despite objection
One objection remains to traffic-calming measures in Wick town centre that are part of a £2.1 million revamp of the area.
Holey moly! over 90% of Caithness roads left unrepaired
A council report shows that it will only be able to complete 51 out of 643 road maintenance jobs required by the end of the financial year.
Caithness campaigner claims AI data centres threaten rural landscapes
A campaigner has identified what he sees as a potential new threat to landscapes in the north – this time from a projected boom in AI data centres.
Police crackdown on Wick shoplifting spree and Lybster drug supply: Battle to clean up Caithness streets highlighted in report
An update from Police Scotland’s local division shows a variety of crimes officers have been busy tackling across Caithness.
Highland hotels and restaurants join national hospitality campaign
Highland Coast Hotels and Turas Hotels are among Highland venues joining the UK-wide Help Out Hospitality campaign.
Wick patient left waiting nearly two years for hearing aids
Some patients are waiting nearly two years for hearing tests and hearing aids, with Highland waits more than triple the national target.
‘Hard working’ volunteers benefit from ‘generous legacy’ of Baxters family
More than £100,000 has been donated by a charitable organisation in the north and north-east.
‘Lifeline’ Wick air route vital for boosting tourism and attracting workers, says far north business leader
Trudy Morris emphasised that flights to and from Caithness bring “key connectivity” as she welcomed this week’s return of the Wick/Aberdeen service.
Obituary: John MacRae, piper, photographer and family man
With the passing of John MacRae, Caithness, and Thurso in particular, lost a well-known figure who had key roles in many public and private events.
‘We are absolutely committed to the cause’: Highland Council leader praises teamwork as scheduled flights return to Wick
Raymond Bremner highlighted the team effort that has resulted in Air Charter Scotland becoming the new operator of the Wick/Aberdeen PSO route.
Almost half of under 25s accessing support for cocaine use charity data reveals
Figures show 43 per cent of under 25s contacting a Highland help service over the past four months sought help for cocaine use.