Local News

John OGroat News

PICTURE SPECIAL: Highlights of the 2026 County Show in Thurso – It’s a 'brilliant crack,' said MSP David Green

As MSP David Green praises the ‘brilliant crack’ of the Caithness County Show, we highlight some of the events in this picture special.

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John OGroat News

PICTURES: Paws and applause as canine champions take to the ring at Saturday’s County Show in Thurso

See a selection of the canine competitors in this picture special highlighting Saturday’s dog show held at the 2026 County Show in Thurso.

John OGroat News

‘It’s marvellous’: Sixty-year celebration for Caithness flower show

Apprentices at JGC made a diamond-shaped structure on which a spectacular floral dispay was created to mark the flower show’s first 60 years.

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John OGroat News

Northern Isles MP says farming and food must never be taken for granted

Caithness is “still a community that is serious about food production”, according Alistair Carmichael, the Lib Dem MP for Orkney and Shetland.

John OGroat News

Younger members are maintaining the SWI tradition in Caithness

There are 13 SWI branches in Caithness and younger members are ensuring that the tradition remains strong, as could be seen at the County Show.

John OGroat News

Wick childhood memories inspire musician’s new single

A musician who grew up in Wick is turning his memories into a collection of songs inspired by his hometown.

John OGroat News

Winners across the livestock classes at 183rd County Show

UPDATED: A list of livestock winners from Caithness Agricultural Society’s 183rd County Show held at Thurso East on Saturday.

John OGroat News

‘A great day’: 183rd County Show brings the community together at Thurso East

UPDATED: The 183rd County Show again succeeded in bringing the community together by offering “something for everyone”, president Fiona Swanson said.

John OGroat News

Champion of champions title goes to commercial sheep group from Sibmister and Stainland

Crossbreeds were the last two standing of the 1000-plus livestock entries forward for Saturday’s County Show at Thurso East.

John OGroat News

Standard ‘just keeps climbing’ in County Show open industrial tent

The future is bright for the open industrial section of the County Show, with youngsters playing their part alongside the more experienced entrants.

John OGroat News

NHS Highland says rise in bookings shows ‘significant contribution’ made by patient lodges

NHS Highland has stressed that its patient lodges beside Raigmore provide “a supportive place to stay” for those who need to be close to services.

John OGroat News

Magical family fun at Thurso enchanted garden day, with two more to come

A family fun day hosted by Thurso Community Development Trust was based on the theme of an enchanted garden – and it proved to be a magical success.

John OGroat News

Three cruise ships bring more than 3500 visitors to Caithness

Scrabster Harbour enjoyed one of its busiest weeks of the cruise season.

John OGroat News

‘We will create something magical’ — family shares dream plan to build children’s hospice in memory of beloved daughter

An Inverness family has shared their dream to open a children’s hospice in the Highlands in memory of their daughter.

John OGroat News

Caithness supermarket unveils new self-service check-outs

Caithness’s biggest supermarket has added several new self-service-style tills.

John OGroat News

Caithness County Show is the friendliest, says long-serving commentator

The Caithness County Show was praised for its “fabulous atmosphere” by the man who has been providing commentary at the event for 30 years.

John OGroat News

YOUR VIEWS: Fun day Sunday, long-lost friends, rail v air and the derision of democracy

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

John OGroat News

Notable Caithness novel, poll result ‘not convincing’ and new visitor centre proposed

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

John OGroat News

WATCH: Gates open at revamped play park in Caithness village

The wait was finally over on Wednesday evening as the eagerly-anticipated opening of new Caithness play park took place.

John OGroat News

Watersports clubs unite to boost safety, skills and participation in Thurso Bay

A group of watersports clubs that regularly use Thurso Bay have joined forces this year to create the Thurso Bay Community Watersports Hub.