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John OGroat News

Questions raised after Highlands and Islands results declared last in Scotland

North elects MSPs from Reform UK, Greens, Conservatives, LibDems and SNP.

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John OGroat News

Maree Todd ‘proud to be part of a strong group of SNP women’ representing the Highlands

Former far north MSP Maree Todd has said she is delighted to be returning to Holyrood despite a big defeat in the constituency battle.

John OGroat News

PICTURES: The summer of ‘love bugs’ – Millions of shiny black flies descend on Caithness in mating frenzy

After the recent invasion of heather beetles across the far north, millions of shiny black flies have now descended on Caithness in a mating frenzy.

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John OGroat News

The Queen Mum’s old fridge at the Castle of Mey has finally packed in – after 70 years!

One devoted Royal servant has finally retired after more than 70 years in service.

John OGroat News

‘A totally unacceptable state of affairs’: Wick toilets are vandalised again

Vandals have struck again at Whitechapel Road – leaving a trail of destruction that included an apparent attempt to set fire to a sanitary bin.

John OGroat News

FilmG shortlists see abundance of Highland youngsters nominated

An abundance of Highland youngsters and schools have been nominated in the 2026 instalment of the ‘Gaelic Oscars’, FilmG.

John OGroat News

Yachtsman rescued by Thurso Lifeboat after falling unwell off Dunnet Head

A yachtsman who became unwell and confused off Dunnet Head was escorted safely back to Scrabster by Thurso RNLI.

John OGroat News

Highland Council will ‘respond directly’ to Wick complaint about £750,000 project

Highland Council will not be responding publicly to criticism from Wick about its handling of a £750,000 Scottish Government funding programme.

John OGroat News

Retirement for one of Wick’s long-serving firefighters praised for his ‘dedication and resilience’

Hugo Ross – one Wick’s longest serving fire fighters – has retired after over 40 years of service.

John OGroat News

Thurso gaming entrepreneur among UHI business competition winners for 2026

A Thurso gaming entrepreneur is among several aspiring entrepreneurs from across the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) to win awards.

John OGroat News

Heat and cold can impact outdoor work: Wick’s weather stats for April

Weather Watch by Keith Banks

John OGroat News

Small Blue Day celebration – Dunnet Forest to host special day celebrating endangered small blue butterfly

All are invited to Dunnet Community Forest on May 30 for a special event celebrating the endangered small blue butterfly.

John OGroat News

LibDems ALMOST pick-up clean sweep in the Highlands

A round-up of the Highland and Island results in the 2026 Scottish General Election.

John OGroat News

‘Life-changing’ theatre show The Light House comes to Caithness

Writer and performer Alys Willams is bringing her ‘witty’ one-woman-show The Light House to Staxigoe Hall on May 19.

John OGroat News

Thurso Bridgend traffic confusion, expectations of transparency, Deaf Awareness Week

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

John OGroat News

Workers down tools for general strike, ‘Halibonanza’ for Wick fishing boat and Crazy golf course ‘the worst’

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

John OGroat News

Bikers rev up at Thrumster for first ever Caithness leg of international Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride

A 100-strong group of Caithness bikers are joining an international cavalcade of dapper dudes to raise money for men’s health.

John OGroat News

Caithness drivers over 70 could face mandatory eye tests under new proposals

Older motorists across Caithness could soon face mandatory formal eyesight tests to keep their driving licences, under new UK government proposals.

John OGroat News

BREAKING: Highlands and Islands list is last result declared in Scotland after 17 hour wait

Reform UK and Greens get 2 seats each, Tories, LibDems and SNP get 1 each.

John OGroat News

David Green says people ‘feel forgotten’ as LibDem unseats SNP minister Maree Todd

David Green says people ‘feel forgotten’ as takes a major scalp by unseating government minister Maree Todd.