Caithness Roads - Promises Stitched Together, But the Fabric Keeps Tearing

9th January 2026

Caithness has long been the forgotten corner of the Highlands when it comes to road investment. Councillors and communities have heard pledge after pledge: resurfacing programmes, capital budgets, "priority works." Yet when the tar cools and the winter rains return, the fabric of those promises begins to tear.

The Patchwork Problem
Roads across Caithness are patched like an old quilt. Potholes are filled, edges are shored up, but the underlying fabric remains weak. Each season brings fresh cracks, new holes, and another round of temporary fixes. The result is a patchwork network that looks repaired but drives dangerously.

Short-term repairs: Quick fixes dominate, leaving roads vulnerable to the next frost.

Drainage failures: Waterlogged verges and poor culverts accelerate damage.

Neglect: Compared to other Highland regions, Caithness has seen less capital investment, despite its vast rural network.

Promises vs. Facts
Promise - Reality
"Capital programme will improve Caithness roads" Only selected stretches scheduled for resurfacing in 2025-26
"Ongoing maintenance will keep roads safe" Patchwork repairs reappear within months

"Parity across the Highlands" Caithness still feels neglected compared to Inverness and Skye
"Community concerns are heard" Residents still face crumbling verges and dangerous winter driving

The Human Cost
Safety: Drivers face daily hazards, with potholes causing accidents and damage to vehicles.

Economy: Poor roads deter tourism and raise costs for local businesses.

Trust: Each broken promise erodes confidence in Highland Council's ability to deliver.

Caithness roads are stitched together with promises, but the seams keep splitting. Each patch is a reminder not of progress, but of neglect. The fabric of trust between council and community is fraying, leaving residents to wonder whether their corner of the Highlands will ever be treated as equal.

Citizen Checklist
What can Caithness communities do to keep pressure on?

Document damage: Share photos of potholes and accidents to highlight the scale of neglect.

Push councillors: Demand transparency on capital budgets and timelines.

Mobilize business voices: Show the economic cost of poor roads in lost trade and higher transport bills.

Keep the story alive: Use local media to ensure Caithness is not forgotten in Highland planning.

The roads of Caithness are more than tarmac. They are the threads that bind communities together. But when those threads are patched with promises instead of proper investment, the fabric keeps tearing — leaving drivers, families, and businesses exposed to the cold reality of neglect.

Caithness Roads Recovery Campaign