NEWS

£250k Caithness fund boost offers hope for more graduate and apprenticeship roles in far north

A quarter of a million pounds has been pledged to help create further jobs and training opportunities in the far north.

Spending watchdog warns of Highland Council ‘challenges’ in delivering vision on roads, transport, buildings and digital

A public spending watchdog says Highland Council faces “challenges” in delivering ambitious infrastructure improvements in the next 20 years.

Caithness badminton quartet feature in trial event ahead of Island Games

Shona Mackay, Chloe Mackenzie, Mark Mackay and Mark McCoustra travelled to the Pickaquoy Centre for the R Clouston Orkney Championships 2025.

Call for inheritance tax changes to be paused during farm profitability review

A farming union leader is urging the UK government to call a halt to changes to inheritance tax until a review into farm profitability is complete.

Wick Ladies’ Day Tipsy Tea Party raises almost £2400 for charity

The annual Ladies’ Day Tipsy Tea Party organised by MS People Caithness raised almost £2400 as guests gathered in their stylish outfits.

From historic cars to holiday memories as Halkirk centre opens for season

Summer holiday mementoes and plastic suits created for the nuclear industry are among the exhibits at Halkirk Heritage and Vintage Motor Centre.

History-making moment is highlight of school pupils’ football careers to date

The North of Scotland senior boys’ team were presented with the Scottish Cup trophy at Ross County’s stadium.

All aboard as vintage mini bus set to arrive at John O’Groats!

A trio of passengers are set to arrive in John O’Groats on Friday - on a tiny vintage bus.

Wick and Thurso members take Navcommsta honours at Reay

Reay hosted the ladies’ Navcommsta Open on Saturday, with Hannah McLean taking the overall handicap prize while Laura Durrand was the scratch winner.

Violin triumph for Thurso teen at National Youth Orchestra of Scotland concert

A Thurso teenager, taught violin by her mother, was delighted to play in a concert with the National Youth Orchestra of Scotland.

Promotion is the target for Acks after ‘ideal start’ to league campaign

Promotion is the goal for Thurso Acks this season – and the early signs are promising, after two wins and back-to-back clean sheets.

Wellbeing centre to open in Thurso offering pilates, massage and sauna

Based at Ormlie Industrial Estate, Revival has been founded by Oonagh Corcoran.

Community-owned solutions can ‘offer hope’ for future

Holyrood Notebook By Ariane Burgess

Trunk road in Caithness to close overnight for 2 weeks as works carried out

The A99 will be closed overnight for a two-week spell next month while works are carried out to improve the road surface.

Brora benefactor envisages stronger links with Wick Academy if Cattachs go up

Brora Rangers benefactor Ben Mackay believes it will be “massive for football in the north” if the Cattachs succeed in stepping up to the SPFL.

GRAPE SCOT! Former Wick couple raise a glass to new vineyard venture

A former Wick couple have popped the cork on a new wine-making business in England.

Scarlet throws first jack at St Fergus Bowling Club

St Fergus Bowling Club’s 2025 season was officially opened on Saturday when eight-year-old Scarlet Hutton threw the first jack.

Third successive Scottish men’s title is ‘super-special’ for McLachlan

Scottish surfing champion Craig McLachlan is looking ahead to international competitions in Portugal and possibly Central America later this year.

North Apex gymnasts’ hard work is rewarded

A busy year of competitions for Wick-based North Apex Gymnastics Club began with two floor and vault events.

Update on details of fire at former shop in Thurso town centre

The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service issued an update on the incident in Thurso yesterday when a fire broke out at the former M&Co shop.