A few Snippets from the John O'Groat Journal 31 October 2025

31st October 2025

‘Drunken bet' endurance athlete hits his target - Land's End to John O'Groats and back again — What started as a "drunken bet" became a 2,000-mile endurance journey raising funds for mental-health charities.

‘Zero tolerance' vow over concerns at 500-strong workers' camp beside Thurso estate — Local residents have voiced concerns about a proposed 500-bed workers' camp; the authority has pledged a zero-tolerance approach.

MPs demand ‘alternative carrier' for flights serving Caithness and Shetland — Two Liberal Democrat MPs are calling for an alternative airline to replace the troubled current carrier.

Give Blood, Save Lives campaign is up for national award — The local blood and plasma donation campaign has been shortlisted for a national "Making a Difference" award, with a public vote to follow.

A99 closed after 2-vehicle crash between car and small van — A crash near Mid Clyth forced the closure of the A99 in both directions while emergency services dealt with the scene.

88 deer seen on stretch of A9 near Caithness boundary on one night — Authorities have identified a specific stretch of the A9 near the Sutherland-Caithness boundary as a high risk for deer collisions.

‘Full internal review' to be carried out after GB Cup turmoil in Thurso — GB Surfing has announced a full internal review following issues at the GB Cup event in Thurso, reaffirming its commitment to inclusivity.

Cup final will mean a trip to Invergordon for Halkirk United — The first Jock Mackay Cup final since reinstatement will see Halkirk United effectively playing "away" in Invergordon.

Spooky fun at Thurso care home's community Halloween party — A community Halloween event was held at Pentland View Care Home (Thurso) with lots of ghoulish goings-on.

Councillors appeal for Christmas ‘amnesty' on Thurso parking limits after backlash — Following public backlash, local councillors in Thurso are calling for a temporary parking-amnesty in the run-up to Christmas.

Labour candidate: ‘Wick/Aberdeen route is a lifeline for the community, not a luxury' — The Scottish Labour candidate for Caithness, Sutherland & Ross argues the Wick-Aberdeen air service is essential for the region.

Charities to benefit from festive market and grotto in Thurso — A festive market and grotto event at the Pentland Hotel will raise funds for two local charities.

Just one in three Highland dentists registering new NHS patients — Only about a third of dental practices in the Highlands are currently taking on new NHS patients, recent figures show.

‘Open mind' pledge by Highland Council leader after conflict of interest claim over renewables — Raymond Bremner pledges that all planning applications will be approached with an open mind after he was challenged over renewables.

Scrabster fish landings among ‘worst falls in tonnage’ across Scotland after ‘disappointing’ year — The fishing industry in Scrabster suffered one of the biggest drops in tonnage across Scotland in 2024.

Caithness United U16s reach ‘really high standard’ in eight-goal victory — Caithness United U16 ran out 8-0 winners against Balloan United; their U14s also secured a 2-1 victory in Easter Ross.

Three-figure fine after Caithness woman’s homophobic abuse towards police — A 28-year-old woman was handed a fine after slipping her hand out of handcuffs and threatening police officers.

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