Local News

John OGroat News

Amateur dramatics clubs in Caithness prepare to mark 100 years of community theatre

All eyes will be on the Highland Division Final in Wick as one of the key dates celebrating a century of community drama.

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John OGroat News

Following in the footsteps of the Caithness Patagonian pioneers

IAN LEITH reports on a trip to Argentina where a Caithness group met descendants of the families who made new lives for themselves in Patagonia.

John OGroat News

‘It takes all the dirtiness away’: Wick campsite to install new cleaning station

Wick River Campsite will be able to offer a new cleaning facility to visitors this summer as it looks to build on the success of the 2025 season.

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John OGroat News

Self-catering business to get non-domestic rates relief after SNP-Lib Dem budget deal

Trade body the ASSC welcomed the deal but hopes for further reform to help the sector.

John OGroat News

Report shows that 93 per cent of businesses surveyed experiencing ‘significant challenges’ in the Highlands

Businesses said they were experiencing significant challenges, with increased cost of doing business being cited most frequently.

John OGroat News

Smartened-up shop fronts could make ‘massive difference’ in Wick town centre

Business owners in the centre of Wick are to be encouraged to smarten up their shop fronts to help improve the overall look of the town.

John OGroat News

Met Office yellow warning for snow issued for all parts of Highlands

A snow and ice warning has been issued for all parts of the Highlands overnight.

John OGroat News

PICTURES: Selfless Wick Paths Group volunteers clear ‘eyesore’ riverside route

Wick Paths Group took advantage of the good weather last Thursday morning to clear the new tarred path from the boating shed to the Coghill bridge.

John OGroat News

Police operation finds public ‘clearly at risk’ from rule-breaking lorries and vans

Vans and lorries which break the law are putting the public “clearly at risk”, a police officer has said.

John OGroat News

Entries open to food & drink awards — as special guest announced as event host

An internationally-renowned Scottish baker is set to host a popular Highland food & drink industry awards night — with entries now officially open.

John OGroat News

Short film inspired by Caithness selected for Palermo International Film Festival

A short film based around a poem by actress Glenna Morrison, from Wick, has been chosen as a semi-finalist at an international festival in Italy.

John OGroat News

From stable floor to national stage: Wick rider’s 600-mile journey with ‘miracle’ pony

Miracle comeback for Wick woman’s pony at death’s door to qualify for six national classes and undertake 600-mile trip.

John OGroat News

Wick Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star hands out £400 donation to local groups

Two Caithness community groups welcomed a £400 boost thanks to the Wick Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star.

John OGroat News

There’s more to the humble grape than wine

Beautiful Botanicals by Joanne Howdle

John OGroat News

PICTURES: Anglers hope for signs of recovery as Forss River officially opened

Around 20 anglers were piped down to the riverbank for the opening of the Forss River on Wednesday morning.

John OGroat News

Energy Consents Unit ‘restricts democracy’, healthy relationships, ADHD and autism, and the essential role of libraries

YOUR VIEWS: Readers of the John O’Groat Journal and Caithness Courier share their opinions on the news

John OGroat News

Ex-SNP MP Angus MacNeil will lead Alba’s ‘Highland charge’ at the Holyrood elections

A9 campaigner Laura Hansler joins him in aiming to secure Highlands and Islands list seats.

John OGroat News

Councillors walk out in electricity row, Wick choir members on TV and Harbour development at Lybster

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

John OGroat News

Warming of stratosphere can cause severe cold weather events

Weather Watch by Keith Banks

John OGroat News

PICTURES: Keiss kids bring joy to the community with special Burns lunch and ceilidh

See the picture selection showing staff and children of Keiss Primary School and Nursery as they organised a Burns lunch and ceilidh celebration.