John O'Groat Journal

North of Scotland Newspapers (NOSN) operates as the brand for Scottish Provincial Press, which releases two weekly publications: the John O'Groat Journal and the Caithness Courier. Both newspapers cater to the Caithness region within Scotland's Highland council area and share a single website. Typically, the John O'Groat Journal is released on Fridays, while the Caithness Courier comes out on Wednesdays.

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‘Brilliant effort’ as Acks progress to Highland Amateur Cup second round

2 days ago | johnogroat-journal.co.uk | Alan Hendry

Player/manager Kyle Innes hailed a “brilliant effort” by Acks after their comeback victory over Lochinver in the Highland Amateur Cup. The Thurso side twice came from behind at the Dammies on Saturday to win 4-2 and secure a second-round trip to Orkney where they will face Kirkwall Accies. “Overall it was a really hard-fought game against a very tough Lochinver side,” Innes said.
Deadline for RTS switch-off is unrealistic, insists Maree Todd

2 days ago | johnogroat-journal.co.uk | Alan Hendry

Maree Todd has issued a renewed plea over a nationwide switch-off affecting certain types of electricity meters, arguing that a deadline of the end of next month is “unrealistic”. She pointed to new figures showing that 13,825 homes in the Highland region are still using Radio Teleswitch Service (RTS) meters, with only about six weeks to go until the planned change. RTS uses a radio signal to tell some older meters when to switch between peak and off-peak rates.
PICTURES: Wick event honours fishermen lost at sea and the families left behind

2 days ago | johnogroat-journal.co.uk | Alan Hendry

The dangers faced by generations of fishermen, and the emotional consequences for families after tragedies at sea, were underlined at a service in Caithness at the weekend. The Seafarers Memorial at Wick’s Braehead again provided a focal point for National Fishing Remembrance Day, a UK-wide commemoration launched in 2024 to honour those who have lost their lives while working in the industry. The service was led by Jackie Dodds, mission officer for Orkney and Caithness at the Fishermen’s Mission.
Songs, cakes and reminiscences at Thurso care home VE Day tea party

2 days ago | johnogroat-journal.co.uk | Alan Hendry

A Thurso care home played its part in the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe by hosting a 1940s-style tea party. Pentland View was decorated patriotically in red, white and blue and residents and staff dressed up for the occasion. They enjoyed an afternoon with a local primary school class and visiting emergency services. Head chef Sumit Dhar whipped up a selection of freshly baked cakes which residents helped to decorate with VE Day logos.
Caithness shop enjoys ‘marvellous’ VE Day celebrations

2 days ago | johnogroat-journal.co.uk | Gregor White

Published: 16:07, 12 May 2025 A shop near Thurso held its own VE Day celebrations last week. Community newsBusiness newsOur Wee Shop at Westfield travelled back in time to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe last Thursday.
Halkirk show fighting spirit in Highland Amateur Cup comeback

2 days ago | johnogroat-journal.co.uk | Alan Hendry

Eight Caithness teams made it through to round two of the Highland Amateur Cup after an action-packed Saturday that included a dramatic comeback from two goals down, a late winner in a seven-goal thriller, a penalty shootout – and a runaway victory for the holders. Halkirk found themselves 2-0 down at half-time in their clash with Lochbroom at Recreation Park. But they came storming back to win 3-2, with Ally Mackintosh sealing the victory with a late penalty – his second goal of the afternoon.
Caithness schools take gold for sporting efforts

2 days ago | johnogroat-journal.co.uk | Gregor White

Reay and Halkirk primary schools have been recognised for outstanding achievement in the area of sport and physical activity. Both schools have received the sportscotland Gold School Sport Award. Education newsCommunity newsFunded by the National Lottery it recognises schools that make sport a core part of school life and celebrates their strong commitment to quality physical education, school sport and giving pupils chances to lead and stay active for life.
Less than 50 days to go until mass energy meter switch-off, Caithness residents warned

3 days ago | johnogroat-journal.co.uk | David G. Scott

Caithness households with ageing energy meters are being urged to act now to avoid disruption to their heating or hot water systems, with less than 50 days to go until a mass deactivation begins. Advice Direct Scotland (ADS), which runs the national energy advice service energyadvice.scot, is warning those affected that “time is running out” to replace their old meters.
Caithness residents issued with key advice as new heating systems roll out

3 days ago | johnogroat-journal.co.uk | David G. Scott

Advice Direct Scotland (ADS), which operates the national energy advice service energyadvice.scot, is urging consumers to familiarise themselves with heat networks, also known as district heating, which deliver warmth from a central source to multiple homes. More than 1000 heat networks are already operating across Scotland, supplying over 34,000 homes, including council and housing association blocks, student flats, and care homes.
1970s psychological thriller shot in Caithness to be screened in Thurso

3 days ago | johnogroat-journal.co.uk | Alan Hendry

A rarely seen psychological thriller made in Caithness almost half a century ago is to be screened in Thurso at the end of this month. Eclipse, written and directed by Simon Perry, was filmed on location at the House of the Northern Gate, at Dunnet Head. Starring Tom Conti and Gay Hamilton, it tells the story of a man who is troubled by memories of his dead twin.