Local News

John OGroat News

Drawback of wind power, Spend on locum GPs and Plea over fees for rescues

YOUR VIEWS: Readers of the John O’Groat Journal and Caithness Courier have their say

Local messages

John OGroat News

New Wick house open for inspection, Thurso club denied drinks licence and Dangers of downgrading

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

John OGroat News

Far north MP calls for ‘sustainable British workforce’ to meet sheep shearing demand

Jamie Stone has called for a long-term plan over seasonal visa rules for overseas sheep shearers who are seen as vital to the farming sector.

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John OGroat News

Modern-day saints make the world a better place – and us better people

Northern Drift by Monique Sliedrecht

John OGroat News

PICTURES: Pentland View partners with Pennyland Primary P7 class to get quizzical

The competitive spirit was alive and well in Thurso last week as residents of Pentland View Care Home joined forces with Pennyland Primary’s P7 class.

John OGroat News

Full charge ahead on Wick castle explorer

ACTIVE OUTDOORS: John Davidson takes a walk around the South Head at Wick, visiting the Castle of Old Wick among some spectacular clifftop scenery

John OGroat News

Fundraising campaign to keep Maggie the mannequin in Caithness

A mannequin known as Maggie is on display at Waterlines Heritage Museum and Visitor Centre – offering an inspiring message about mental health.

John OGroat News

Thurso business scoops cash prize in Highland entrepreneurial competition

An Inverness business has scooped the top prize in an entrepreneurial-funding competition, with Thurso and Dornoch teams also scooping cash awards.

John OGroat News

Police encourage Highlanders to lock up oil tanks and install CCTV

Police are warning of the impact of oil theft, as they encourage Highland residents to lock up their tanks and install CCTV.

John OGroat News

Chair of planning committee resigns after ‘error’

Skye and Raasay Councillor, Drew Millar chaired his last meeting on Wednesday.

John OGroat News

£350m potholes pledge is good – but won’t fix roads ‘crisis’ in Caithness

Campaigners have welcomed a pledge to increase spending on pothole repairs – but warned the plan from Scottish Labour still does not go far enough.

John OGroat News

Conference looks at ‘transformational’ steps to tackle loneliness and social isolation epidemic in Highlands

Moves to tackle loneliness and social isolation in the Highlands gained focus at a conference in Inverness this week.

John OGroat News

From eyesore to boutique hotel: New owner unveils ambitious vision for run-down Wick property

A prominent Wick "eyesore" is set for a dramatic transformation by its new owner into a luxury retail store and a seven-bed hotel.

John OGroat News

WATCH: Police raids hit 15 County Lines drugs bases in ONE day

We got the chance to go behind the scenes on County Lines police busts.

John OGroat News

Scottish Government accused of ‘defying the wishes of parliament’ over Caithness maternity review

John Swinney was told by Scottish Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton that it is “no wonder” mums from the far north feel “really let down and unsafe”.

John OGroat News

‘No Scotland, no party!’ Highland Council officials warn World Cup holiday plan would cost £150,000

Highland councillors are being asked to reject calls to give council staff a day off after Scotland play their FIFA World Cup 2026 opener in June.

John OGroat News

‘It’s part of our Scottish heritage and our culture’: Brandon delighted to win Jimmy Shand award

Caithness entertainer Brandon McPhee has been honoured for his commitment to promoting the legacy of legendary Scottish musician Sir Jimmy Shand.

John OGroat News

‘Unfair to care’ – Caithness charity reveals £3800 pay gap for local support workers

Social care support workers in Caithness are being paid nearly £4000 less per year than their NHS counterparts for equivalent work, it was revealed.

John OGroat News

Council object to 5km overhead line

The decision was made at a meeting of the north planning committee.

John OGroat News

Highland primary school cooking competition launches with over 600 entries

A celebration of creativity, food and community is back as the Primary Schools Menu Competition will be culminating in a gala lunch later this month.