Local News

John OGroat News

Heritage trail launch is ‘just the first step’ for Caithness At War project

The launch of a World War II heritage trail has been described as “just the first step” in commemorating the county’s role in the conflict.

John OGroat News

RAF pilot says Caithness trail ‘will inform next generation of wartime sacrifices’

A Royal Air Force pilot has praised Caithness At War for raising awareness of the sacrifices that were made during the conflict of 1939 to 1945.

John OGroat News

THE WAY I SEE IT: Scottish Government dropped the ball on climate change - here’s what must happen now

David Green has some inside knowledge on climate policy and heard the alarm bells ringing many years ago.

John OGroat News

Wick-based North Apex Gymnastics Club celebrates with haul of medals and ribbons

Last month saw Wick-based gymnastics club members attend their first competitions of 2024 and achieve great success.

John OGroat News

Council celebrates World Earth Day with tree planting in Wick and Thurso

Highland Council has been working to improve biodiversity in Caithness by embarking on ambitious tree-planting projects in Wick and Thurso.

John OGroat News

Wick club members enjoy trip to Lybster garden

Members of Wick and District Gardening Club visited Christine Mackay’s garden in Lybster and were amazed at the variety of daffodils in bloom.

John OGroat News

Man who had 5-inch knife in Wick street avoids jail

Members of the public were concerned when they observed a Wick man holding a knife in a local street and contacted the police.

John OGroat News

Caithness cadets volunteer recognised for 25 years of service

An Army Cadet volunteer has been recognised for his quarter of a century of service to the young people of Caithness and the Highlands.

John OGroat News

ARIANE BURGESS: Green voice is essential despite Scottish Government setback on 2030 net zero targets

Holyrood Notebook by Ariane Burgess

John OGroat News

PICTURE SPECIAL: Search for ancient Caithness tower continues with new archaeological dig

The archaeological dig at Sarclet for the remains of a 15th-century stronghold called Thurster Tower has started up again this year.

John OGroat News

War trail shows how Wick area became ‘formidable fortress’

The new World War II heritage trail shows how Wick was transformed from “a sleepy little town” into having a key role in the fight against the Nazis.

John OGroat News

Parkinson’s group bowled over by support from Thurso club

Bowling club members in Thurso have raised hundreds of pounds to help people with Parkinson’s in Caithness.

John OGroat News

Thurso first offender fined after ‘verbal exchange’ led to fight

A Thurso resident contacted the police when he saw two men 'grappling' with each other next door.

John OGroat News

John O’Groats Trail: Loth Burn bridge plans backed by mystery donor

A mystery donor is helping to build bridges in the north of Scotland after pledging thousands of pounds to a Caithness trail group.

John OGroat News

Highland Council announces a major senior management restructure after the departure of education boss

The council claims it will save £310,000 with the new structure which aims to strengthen strategic and operational delivery.

John OGroat News

Police say Dunnet beach bone is around 1500 years old – but is it human?

Police have closed their investigation of a possible human bone found on Dunnet beach after it was established to be around 1500 years old.

John OGroat News

Swarclett group in ‘mutiny’ claim over Caithness energy projects

Wind farm objectors have claimed that if Caithness was a ship the crew would be plotting a mutiny because of the number of renewable energy schemes.

John OGroat News

Network Rail silence on ‘vital’ passing loop worries Highland rail campaigners

Vital infrastructure improvements that could transform the reliability of trains in the northern Highlands appear to be in limbo.

John OGroat News

Highland Council’s education boss Nicky Grant leaves £105,487 a year job after two months on ‘approved leave’

The local authority claims she would be leaving the role after just under three years ‘to pursue other interests’.

John OGroat News

Blaze in Thurso brought under control by fire services

Thurso Community Fire Station was called out last night (April 18) to the tower blocks around Stainland Street to deal with a house fire.