Local News

John OGroat News

Caithness school launches appeal for old photographs ahead of 150th anniversary

Castletown Primary is preparing to mark an important milestone in 2025 as the school reaches its 150th year.

Local messages

John OGroat News

New operator expected to be announced soon for Wick/Aberdeen flights

Prospective operators of the Wick/Aberdeen service have less than 72 hours to apply for an emergency tender on the “lifeline” air link.

John OGroat News

Rejected wind farm proposal for site near Thurso returns under a new developer

A previously rejected wind farm plan for an area near Thurso is now being proposed under the banner of another company.

Get Weekly Updates

Get the headlines in your inbox every week.

John OGroat News

Thurso fish supper named best in the north west for second year running

Thurso fish and chip van the Highland Haddy scooped the award for best fish supper.

John OGroat News

Loganair ‘looking at the numbers’ on Wick/Aberdeen PSO route

Hopes are rising that Loganair may be able to take over the flights between Wick and Aberdeen that came to a sudden halt nearly three weeks ago.

John OGroat News

Wick man makes no plea over drink-driving charge in town

A Wick man is facing charges of driving a car in the town carelessly and while over the alcohol limit.

John OGroat News

Thurso Beavers get first ‘closed doors’ tour of North Coast Visitor Centre

Beaver Scouts in Thurso were the first to tour the North Coast Visitor Centre following the decision to close the facility over the winter months.

John OGroat News

Two far north ScotRail services cancelled as train crew shortages bite

Two of ScotRail’s far north services will be cancelled today (Thursday) because of train crew shortages.

John OGroat News

Keiss businesswoman sets up free mentoring scheme for teenage animal lovers

An animal care professional from Keiss has launched a new mentorship programme to help animal-loving teenagers learn about careers in pet care.

John OGroat News

Recognition for Wick River Campsite in UK-wide awards scheme

Wick River Campsite has been named as a runner-up in the best campsite category of the Camping and Glamping Awards for the Highlands and Argyll.

John OGroat News

‘Megan was an inspiration’: Fundraising challenge is tribute to Wick boxer

A month-long fundraising challenge is under way in memory of Megan Mackay, a valued member of Caithness Boxing Club who died last year aged 23.

John OGroat News

Thurso lifeboat coxswain hailed as ‘true leader and inspiration’ after 40 years of service

A Thurso lifeboat stalwart was hailed as “a true gentleman” and a “consummate professional” as he was honoured for four decades of service.

John OGroat News

Thurso man assaulted woman in house

Sentence has been deferred on a Thurso man for his assault on a woman.

John OGroat News

Prime lambs ‘significantly sharper’ at Caithness sheep sale

Quoybrae, Aberdeen and Northern Marts sold 2864 prime, store, breeding and feeding sheep on Monday.

John OGroat News

Castletown man maintains innocence over Castletown ‘siege incident’

A Castletown man is to go to trial accused of sparking a siege in his home village at the end of last year.

John OGroat News

2026 Caithness Calendar is a showcase of the county

The 2026 Caithness Calendar, published by the John O'Groat Journal and Caithness Courier, is now available to buy.

John OGroat News

‘This is not progress:’ Wick town centre road-narrowing is ‘madness’, says shop owner

Work to reshape the junction of High Street and Bridge Street has been branded “a backward step” by the co-owner of one of Wick’s busiest shops.

John OGroat News

PICTURES: Caithness remembers war fallen with services around the county

Communities across Caithness came together on Sunday to mark Remembrance, honouring those who gave their lives in service.

John OGroat News

Caithness stone festival carves a route to success across the county

Cally Maxwell from local charity Sìdh C Art was busy with the latest Caithness Art and Stone Festival 2025 held at the Ross Institute in Halkirk.

John OGroat News

Arrest warrant issued for Altnabreac couple – just minutes after they appear in court

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of a couple involved in a long-running spat with Network Rail over access to the station where they live.