Local News

John OGroat News

Beltex lambs from Thurso steal the show at Dingwall

Prize lambs from Thurso were pick of the flock at Dingwall Mart’s Christmas show and sale held on Wednesday.

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John OGroat News

Thurso Players set for icy panto with The Snow Queen – tickets on sale now

Thurso Players are gearing up to “sleigh” their audiences with this year’s seasonal offering The Snow Queen – A Pantomime by Tracy Rogers.

John OGroat News

‘You have a hard job to do’ – Banniskirk Hub objector calls for rethink on energy and planning policies

A letter was sent by Caithness resident and objector Kathrin Haltiner following the council decision last week.

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John OGroat News

International book award selects Caithness author among finalists

A Caithness author has been shortlisted in an international book competition for her anthology of gothic horror.

John OGroat News

Caithness Christmas sale sees £5000 bullock sold to Wick hotel

The annual Christmas show and sale at the Caithness Livestock Centre at Quoybrae saw the champion bullock from Clyth Mains achieve the top price.

John OGroat News

Land reform campaigner Lesley Riddoch’s ode to the far north ahead of A’Chraobh Gaelic spiral 25 year anniversary

The community celebration at Borgie Woods takes place this weekend.

John OGroat News

Queen’s Nurse title for Caithness community nurse after nine-month training programme

A Caithness nurse is among a group of 18 community nurses who have been awarded the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse.

John OGroat News

Our new song is ‘seasonal story with a twist’, says retired chartered engineer from Caithness

A musician who was born and bred in Bower is one half of a duo hoping their newly released festive song will be a Christmas hit.

John OGroat News

Christmas switch-on volunteers praised for creating ‘fantastic buzz’ in Wick

The volunteers who organise Wick’s Christmas lights switch-on have been praised for their efforts in creating a “fantastic buzz” in the town centre.

John OGroat News

Wick plea for improvements to ‘perilous’ sections of A9

Community representatives from Wick are urging Transport Scotland to carry out improvements on “perilous” sections of the A9 in the far north.

John OGroat News

Highland Council welcomes ‘tourist tax’ legislation changes pledged by Scottish Government

Highland Council is welcoming Scottish Government moves that would allow greater flexibility in introducing the controversial Visitor Levy Scheme.

John OGroat News

Santa to arrive by lifeboat for Wick RNLI festive fundraiser

There will be a train ride for children to visit Santa in his grotto after Mr and Mrs Claus have made a suitably festive arrival by lifeboat.

John OGroat News

Your chance to shape future of Thurso with £100m investment

People who live, work or study in Thurso are being asked to share their views and ideas on a planned £100m project that could transform the town.

John OGroat News

ARIANE BURGESS: Putting Scotland’s Nature and Land Back in Our Hands

Holyrood Notebook by Ariane Burgess MSP

John OGroat News

RHODA GRANT: Caithness maternity services review u-turn took ‘relentless pressure’ from opposition

Holyrood Notebook by Rhoda Grant MSP

John OGroat News

‘Tough decisions’ warning as council faces £47m budget hole

A £47m hole in Highland Council’s finances has sparked calls for the public to help shape its next budget - amid warnings of “tough decisions” ahead.

John OGroat News

Highland Council ‘continuing to work through procurement process’ over Wick flights

Highland Council says more information will be provided “once the regulatory procurement process is complete and the contract has been awarded”.

John OGroat News

Wick road markings need to be reinstated ‘as a matter of urgency’

Long after resurfacing, some sections of road still haven’t had their markings repainted – causing concern to the community council chairman.

John OGroat News

‘Nothing will be off the table’ in talks over community use of Carnegie library in Wick

Talks are due to take place next week to “explore all avenues” on the potential community use of Wick’s historic Carnegie library.

John OGroat News

Contractors report ‘positive feedback’ from public over Wick town centre revamp

Contractors have reported “generally positive” feedback from the public after the first month of work on Wick’s £2.1 million street design project.