Local News

John OGroat News

South-North adventuring foursome still ‘waiting for the weather’ in Thurso to complete charity marathon

The final leg of a unique charity marathon between the south and north extremities of the UK remains on hold.

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John OGroat News

Highland Council ready to shun the bright lights with ‘dark skies’ policy

Highland Council could adopt a new ‘dark skies’ policy if proposals in front of a key committee are endorsed.

John OGroat News

Wind farm funding from RWE will make ‘long-term difference’ to Caithness

Funding from renewable energy company RWE to support Caithness communities will rise to more than £900,000 a year from 2027.

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John OGroat News

‘We recognise it will be frustrating’: Wick street design work delayed until mid-July

Street design work in Wick is to continue until the middle of July after Highland Council announced another delay to the £2.1 million project.

John OGroat News

John Swinney puts Maree Todd in pole position to chair maternity review sparking fury

Critics slam the choice after she lost the far north seat and they demand ‘fully independent’ review.

John OGroat News

Highland Council ‘continuing to engage with developer’ after concerns over Achavanich track

Highland Council has responded to concerns raised by Matthew Reiss over the planning status of a newly built track beside the A9 on the Causewaymire.

John OGroat News

‘Stop ignoring us’: Highland Council urged to fix ‘horrendous’ Caithness road

Highland Council is being urged to repair an “absolutely horrendous” rural road in Caithness where some motorists are choosing to drive on the verge.

John OGroat News

Wick museum is new home for memorial to 190 lost sailors of HMS Exmouth

Wick Heritage Museum is now the home for a memorial to 190 sailors who lost their lives in a German U-boat attack off Caithness in January 1940.

John OGroat News

Highland Council hopes to have Wick toilets open again by first week of June

Wick’s Whitechapel Road public toilets are on course to be opened up again at the start of next month following the latest outbreak of vandalism.

John OGroat News

Second home owners blast ‘disgusting’ treatment by council

Second home owners are doubling down on their attempts to see a pause on the imposition of a 300 per cent rise to council tax.

John OGroat News

Freemasons’ Travelling Trowel brings £400 boost to Home-Start Caithness

Freemasons in the county have again demonstrated their support for community groups by donating £400 to Home-Start Caithness.

John OGroat News

‘We cannot allow the rug to be pulled out from under vulnerable people and businesses’ – MPs call for urgent action on reinstating banking services

Highland MPs have urged the UK government to change the rules relating to basic banking service provision.

John OGroat News

Survey launched to gauge community support for Wick river lighting

Wick Development Trust is asking for feedback on a proposal to improve lighting along the town’s riverside.

John OGroat News

Historic north Highland pub reopens with aim to become ‘social hub’ for the community

A historic pub on the north coast has officially reopened in Tongue, as part of ongoing efforts to support year-round tourism and community life.

John OGroat News

Thurso set for crowds as cruise ship expected to boost community events

Thurso will be abuzz with activity on Saturday May 30, with several events planned for the town centre.

John OGroat News

Renewables compensation plan for impacted communities is not enough, MPs warn

Greater compensation must be paid to communities near renewable power sites than is being proposed by the UK government, a new report has argued.

John OGroat News

Reay Golf Club’s new £241,000 facility ‘underlines commitment to excellence’

The newly opened training and greenkeeping facility at Reay Golf Club is something “to be proud of” for everyone involved in making it happen.

John OGroat News

RBS signals commitment to Thurso with major branch facelift plans

The Royal Bank of Scotland has signalled a commitment to its Thurso town-centre presence by lodging plans for a major building upgrade.

John OGroat News

Phantom gets going in the nick of time to prevent a double for Argo

Wick Model Yacht Club’s race day 16 was another day for the big yachts at Sarclet Loch. Eight yachts entered, with three of them 5ft class.

John OGroat News

Organisers of Caithness ASN parent support group to mark first year with event in Wick

A support group for families of autistic and neurodivergent people in Caithness is preparing to celebrate its first anniversary.