Local News
John Swinney elected unopposed as new SNP leader
John Swinney has been crowned the new leader of the SNP after winning the support of potential contender, Highland MSP Kate Forbes.
Wick primary pupils take part in British finals of First Lego Challenge
A group of Wick pupils put their Lego skills to the test when they took part in the British finals of a global educational competition.
John Swinney should focus on fixing Caithness healthcare issues, says MP Jamie Stone
Scotland’s new first minister has been urged to focus on the Highlands, with a lack of dentists in Caithness among the issues raised by MP Jamie Stone
Wick clean-up organiser praises ‘amazing’ efforts by over 150 volunteers
More than 150 volunteers took part in a series of clean-up events in and around Wick, filling almost 250 black backs with rubbish.
PICTURE SPECIAL: Spectacular vintage lorry convoy rolls into Thurso
Thurso was not only buzzing with cruise ship tourists at the weekend but also a huge convoy of colourful historic lorries and commercial vehicles.
Caithness donation for Irish Rovers’ vintage tractor challenge
Caithness Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club has supported a group from Ireland who are travelling the length of the UK mainland in vintage tractors.
Strong entry as sheep keenly bid for at Quoybrae mart
Quoybrae, Aberdeen and Northern Marts sold 76 store cattle and 1207 prime, store and feeding sheep on Monday.
Active travel and road safety work get green light by Highland Council
Plans to boost road safety and encourage more people to cycle or walk have passed their latest milestone.
PICTURES: Tourist bonanza for Thurso after gigantic cruise ship visits
Thurso was well-prepared to welcome the AIDAsol cruise ship contingent when the huge vessel berthed at Scrabster harbour on Saturday.
Flow Country’s World Heritage Status bid at heart of ‘very positive’ biodiversity efforts in Highlands
Habitat restoration efforts and work to boost biodiversity in the Highlands are “very positive and encouraging”, a senor councillor believes.
Wick Community Hub gets £50k loan to expand youth services
A Wick community centre that has been helping people from across Caithness for more than 50 years has secured money to expand its services.
Castletown man fined for punching sister outside Thurso pub
A Castletown man who assaulted his sister outside a Thurso pub was fined £200 at Wick Sheriff Court.
Plans for Swarclett wind turbines prompt ‘misery and strife’ warning
Plans for a wind farm at Bowertower have led to a warning about what can happen when communities become divided over renewable energy schemes.
COMMENT: ‘A change in SNP leader will do nothing more than put icing on a burnt cake’
Lib Dem candidate David Green says he is not hopeful the government will  fix ‘its broken relationship with rural Scotland.’
Thurso looks to improve ‘atrocious’ town centre
Thurso town centre is in an “absolutely atrocious” state, according to a community councillor.
Wick memorial will be a focal point on National Fishing Remembrance Day
Wick is to take part in the first National Fishing Remembrance Day, with the Seafarers Memorial as a focal point almost a year after it was unveiled.
Weydale man tried to send drugs through post
A post office worker put a package aside after she got a strong smell of cannabis from it, Wick Sheriff Court heard last week.
Caithness art group has change of secretary
The Society of Caithness Artists recently held its AGM in the Pentland Hotel in Thurso and saw a good turnout of members of the public.
Highland housing shortage discussed at Holyrood
A Highland MSP says rural communities in the region are facing an “acute housing shortage”.
Driver with drugs in car asked police in Wick for directions – to nearest KFC!
A Glasgow driver stopped police in Wick to ask for directions to the local Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet.