Local News

John OGroat News

A99 driver banned after nearly causing head-on crash

An Englishman’s risky overtake which almost caused a head-on crash on the A99 near Freswick has cost him a three-month ban.

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Crofting Commission aims to help public stay informed with new alerts service

A new service for crofters is expected to improve awareness and engagement over land use and other changes in their area.

John OGroat News

A ‘big moment for this small community’ – Lesley Riddoch celebrates 25th anniversary of special far north woodland

Around 100 people gathered to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Scotland’s only Gaelic tree spiral, which was planted at the Millennium.

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John OGroat News

Bower Young Farmers debate hot topics at ‘Matter of Opinion’ night

Bower Young Farmers will be holding a Matter of Opinion night on Thursday, December 11, in Bower Hall.

John OGroat News

PICTURE SPECIAL: Ho-Ho-Hospice! Charity shop wins ‘Best Window Display’ as Thurso buzzes with festive cheer

Thurso was buzzing with festive excitement for its Christmas Fun Day on Saturday, with colourful costumes and window displays bringing joy to all.

John OGroat News

‘Welfare unit’ fire sparks police vandal hunt

Witnesses are being sought after a welfare unit was set alight in Thurso.

John OGroat News

Major blow to Alba Party as Thurso councillor Karl Rosie returns to Independents and leaves it with no Highland elected members

Thurso and Northwest Caithness councillor Karl Rosie has left the Alba Party to become a Highland Independent.

John OGroat News

Thurso pervert persuaded underage girls to perform sex acts

A 28-year-old man who preyed on underage girls has been remanded in custody until the new year after a sheriff heard about his perverse behaviour.

John OGroat News

New era for Screen Machine after funding victory

A £1.49m funding win guarantees a new Screen Machine, securing mobile cinema for rural and island communities.

John OGroat News

North ferry services battered by Storm Bram

Ferry services in the north are facing severe disruption as a result of Storm Bram’s high winds.

John OGroat News

NHS Highland issues face mask call for staff and hospital visitors amid rising flu numbers

Rising flu case numbers have sparked the introduction of face mask procedures for staff and visitors to all hospitals in the Highlands.

John OGroat News

Wick hotel is venue for LeJog classic car rally ceremony

Wick’s Norseman Hotel was the venue this week for the annual LeJog (Land’s End to John O’Groats) endurance classic car rally dinner and awards.

John OGroat News

‘Changes made’ to Thurso workers’ village plans

Updated plans for a temporary village to house power line workers in Thurso are to go on display in the town next week.

John OGroat News

Planning system must be ‘transparent and accountable’, say Highland architects

Architects in the Highlands and Islands are backing calls for an “urgent review” of renewable energy planning across the region.

John OGroat News

Highland Council is asked to take a major role in protecting care home residents after a series of scandals

But the move proposed by an NHS doctor could prove controversial with the health board.

John OGroat News

Jamie Stone condemns digital ID scheme as ‘illiberal and un-British’

Jamie Stone declared he “cannot support a mandatory digital ID” after it emerged that thousands of his constituents had signed a position against it.

John OGroat News

Councillor questions why just 50% of planned Highland road works were completed

He was told that workload got in the way of recording finished jobs.

John OGroat News

Wick weather watcher issues alert as Storm Bram barrels towards far north

Wick weather watcher Keith Banks has issued a stark warning for Caithness as a rapidly intensifying ‘weather bomb’ barrels towards the far north.

John OGroat News

Highland Heroes 2026: Nominate before the deadline on December 14!

Don’t miss the chance to nominate your Highland Heroes 2026 – nominations close at midnight on Sunday, December 14!

John OGroat News

PICTURE SPECIAL: Gonks, gifts and good vibes all around as Caithness crafters raise thousands for charity at Christmas fair in Thurso

Generosity from the Caithness crafting community was overwhelming at a special Christmas fun day fair event held in Thurso on Saturday.