Columnist

Pineapple sage is a perennial in the mint family Lamiaceae, which has 900 members with a long history as culinary, medicinal, and spiritual plants.

A look back at the stories making the news in the Journal in 1923, 1973 and 1998.

Northern Drift by Monique Sliedrecht

He says 'the promised autumn update on a new timescale has been missed – as if we’re not already used enough to missed SNP A9 deadlines.'

Ringing changes on part of our shared history

Holyrood Notebook by Ariane Burgess

Trudy Morris, chief executive of Caithness Chamber of Commerce, reflects on the importance of providing young people with real-life work experience

I always enjoy the weather, whatever it may be doing, but admit that some days are better for some activities rather than others!

Thurso's Heritage by A Thirsa Loon

The popular series continues with Let's Remember Caithness Volume 5 now available in time for Christmas

Making Space for Nature by Fiona MacLean

Thurso voters opt for No-Change in 1923, Sideshows to stay at riverside in 1973 and Upgrade for Thurso town centre in 1998

She says 'if there are not enough jobs, not enough houses, unreliable transport and public services in these communities, people will not stay.'

The 2024 Caithness Calendar, published by the John O'Groat Journal and Caithness Courier, is now available to buy.

At school my only dream career was to be a Blue Peter presenter.

Holyrood Notebook by Edward Mountain

With Christmas coming I’m sticking to tradition and using this space to encourage everyone to shop locally. Boring? No! Keeping trade local is vital.

Wick magistrates too 'tender hearted', Extra holidays for council staff and Heritage focus at college.

‘The first year had been the worst. Many had died. A great number had perished on the sea.'

"Shop local this Christmas. Use it or lose it. I consider myself warned."