News snippets for Caithness and Sutherland from Chatgpt

17th September 2025

A few items using Chatgpt.com from local news stories. To get the full stories go to a search engine or the respective newspaper.

In Caithness, work on the A9 is drawing concern, particularly around a damaged bridge. Repairs are planned for November, but temporary traffic lights will remain in place until then.
JohnOGroat Journal

The Castle of Old Wick is also getting attention: there are plans this autumn for high-level masonry inspections, which locals hope is a first step toward making access safer.
JohnOGroat Journal

Meanwhile, artistic community life in Thurso is preparing for a new exhibition called “The Difference”, which promises works ranging from steampunk fish to “glass rockets” and more, as gallery organisers urge locals to support opening times that may be reduced.
JohnOGroat Journal

In politics and campaigning, there’s growing upset among Caithness farmers about proposed changes to inheritance tax legislation, with fears that new rules could “wreck family farms.”
JohnOGroat Journal

Also, a campaign has begun over the short deadline being given for public feedback on the Spittal-to-Beauly 400 kV overhead power line project — locals say the consultation period is too tight to allow meaningful input.
JohnOGroat Journal

On the Sutherland side, there was a rescue operation after a hillwalker slipped on Ben Stack, in north-west Sutherland. The Assynt Mountain Rescue Team, with help from local estate workers, responded.
Northern Times

A business boost is coming to Golspie: a deal worth £3.5 million is in motion to build a series of business units that may help attract new employers to the area.
Northern Times

Also, at Embo village, two of its oldest residents (aged 95 and 93) played starring roles at a local flag-raising ceremony, demonstrating strong community pride and involvement.
Northern Times

In sport & community:

The East Caithness Community Sport Hub in Wick is operating with 11 clubs and 939 participants, bringing together clubs and local partners to expand access to sport, wellbeing, and physical activity.
High Life Highland

The Caithness Amateur Football Association continues with its two-division amateur structure, involving 15 clubs across Caithness.
Wikipedia

A more leisurely event: horse riders from both Sutherland and Caithness took part in a fundraising forest ride at Culrain, in aid of Culrain Hall and horse welfare.
Northern Times

A few more
Motorhome fire at John O’Groats car park
Fire crews in Caithness responded to a motorhome fire in the “end of the road” car park at John O’Groats.
JohnOGroat Journal

Spittal-to-Beauly overhead line consultation deadline criticised
A local group in Caithness has spoken out, saying the consultation time for the proposed Spittal to Beauly 400 kV overhead line is far too short, calling it “nothing short of shocking.”
JohnOGroat Journal

Pavement-parking ban not yet fully adopted by some drivers
In Caithness, some motorists are still not complying with the recent pavement-parking ban; fines have been issued, and concerns raised that non-compliance is leading people to take riskier walks on the roads.
JohnOGroat Journal

Caithness pupils to study Film & Screen curriculum
Schools in Caithness will now offer a Film and Screen curriculum, enabling students to formally study film production and related media subjects.
JohnOGroat Journal

Pupils get new playground equipment
A primary school in Caithness welcomed new playground equipment, improving outdoor recreation facilities for children.
JohnOGroat Journal

‘Creative healing’ exhibition in Thurso
An exhibition of artwork by those affected by domestic abuse will be held in Thurso, using art as a form of recovery and raising awareness.
JohnOGroat Journal

Concerns over visitor levy & motorhome charges
Highland councillors are calling for a pause in the introduction of a proposed visitor levy, and are also considering charges or regulation for motorhomes over concerns around waste, parking, and local infrastructure impact.
JohnOGroat Journal

Highland Council’s social care crisis
There are acute pressures in social care in the Highlands, including Caithness & Sutherland, with large vacancy rates among social workers and many unmet hours of care at home.
JohnOGroat Journal

Heritage damage fears from pylon project
Historians and heritage groups in Caithness are alarmed at the likely damage to irreplaceable heritage sites from the proposed Spittal-to-Beauly super pylon line, and some are urging the government to halt the project.
JohnOGroat Journal

Sports: local football & athletics updates

Brora runner wins a Hungarian six-day championship, covering ~500 miles.
Northern Times

Bonar Bridge sits top of the North Caledonian League and takes things “one game at a time.”
Northern Times

Brora Rangers have signed a third loan player from Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
Northern Times