Local News

John OGroat News

End of the line for Far North fare dodgers as new £10 rail rule kicks in

Far North Line passengers boarding trains without a ticket face a flat £10 minimum fare starting on Wednesday (July 1).

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John OGroat News

More than 6.5 million free bus journeys made by young people in Highlands

Young people in the Highlands have made more than 6.5 million free bus journeys since the launch of Scotland’s under-22s bus pass scheme.

John OGroat News

Caithness residents urged to submit meter readings ahead of energy price cap change

Caithness households are being reminded to submit meter readings to their energy supplier ahead of the new Ofgem price cap coming into force.

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John OGroat News

‘Lovely atmosphere’ at Castletown Primary School for 150-year anniversary open afternoon

Castletown Primary School marked 150 years since its opening with a special open day.

John OGroat News

Many Caithness households at risk of heating and hot water disruption as RTS meters switched off

Caithness householders are urged to contact their energy suppliers to avoid disruption as the Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) has been switched off.

John OGroat News

Escape from apartheid: Lybster author releases gripping memoir of 1960s African childhood

A Lybster author has celebrated a major literary milestone this week following the release of her debut book about her childhood in 1960s Africa.

John OGroat News

Top marks for Caithness libraries as Wick and Thurso celebrate National Excellence Award

Wick and Thurso libraries are celebrating after the Highland library network was awarded the Customer Service Excellence Standard.

John OGroat News

Championing tourism and hospitality is a win-win for everyone

Sponsors praise awards for celebrating excellence in tourism and its positive impact beyond the sector

John OGroat News

How times have changed: Wick High Street as it used to be

A nostalgic look at four archive photos of High Street in Wick from bygone decades, as work on the street design project nears completion.

John OGroat News

Thurso youngsters earn top Beaver Scouts award

Four Beaver Scouts from 2nd Thurso Scout Group have achieved the highest award that Beavers can achieve.

John OGroat News

‘Nothing is left of the communities we once belonged to’: Ukraine refugees who cannot return home

This time in Ukraine: Wick charity worker Chris McIvor returns to Lviv where he previously spent a few months close to the start of the war

John OGroat News

Fancy becoming a serving police officer in Caithness? Special events planned to give advice

If you fancy a career in the local police and want to know more about joining up there are special events planned that will give advice.

John OGroat News

Young Thurso man avoids prison after struggling with four police officers

A Thurso man has pleaded guilty to resisting, obstructing or hindering four police officers as they attempted to search him.

John OGroat News

NHS researchers heading to Wick and Thurso to get insight into neurodegenerative care

People with lived experience of neurodegenerative conditions are being invited to meet researchers keen to represent those in under-served areas.

John OGroat News

‘A lovely community feel’ at Pulteney Distillery 200th anniversary open day

An open day celebrating the 200th anniversary of Pulteney Distillery was described as “a very special day for Wick”.

John OGroat News

Message of gratitude at Armed Forces Day service in Wick

A short service was held on Saturday outside Caithness General Hospital, with the flags of the armed forces flying above the nearby war memorial.

John OGroat News

Thurso schools plan, libraries for democracy and ‘too much’ World Cup?

Letters to the editor of the John O’Groat Journal and Caithness Courier

John OGroat News

Unique games at Wick and Thurso, leisure projects rivalry and lightning in Caithness

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

John OGroat News

John O’Groats Mill restoration is RICS project of the year for Scotland

John O’Groats Mill was hailed as an “exceptional” restoration project after coming out on top in a Scotland-wide award scheme run by RICS.

John OGroat News

Life as army reservists helps Highland brothers continue family tradition

Two Highland brothers who are continuing a proud family tradition of military service have shared their story to mark Armed Forces Day today.