8th August 2026
A busy week for Caithness, with a tragic incident at Dunnet Head, major council decisions, a Wick/East Caithness by-election and continuing debate over vital local services. Some of these have been reported in more detail on our pages over the past few days.
1. Tragedy at Dunnet Head
A 60-year-old woman died after falling from the cliffs at Dunnet Head on Thursday evening. Emergency services, including Thurso RNLI, attended and the woman's body was recovered from the sea. Police said the death was not being treated as suspicious.
2. Wick and East Caithness by-election announced
The timetable for a Highland Council by-election in Ward 3 Wick and East Caithness has been confirmed following the resignation of Councillor Willie Mackay. The formal election notice is due on 14 August, with nominations closing on 31 August.
3. £231,000 for Caithness community projects
The Caithness Committee approved more than £231,000 of Community Regeneration Fund investment for four local projects. The funding is intended to improve facilities, accessibility, infrastructure and opportunities for residents and visitors.
4. Housing and winter preparations examined
The Caithness Committee also considered housing performance, Environmental Health activity and the Winter Service Plan for 2026/27. With winter weather capable of creating major problems across the far north, preparations for roads and services are particularly important for rural communities.
5. Fresh pressure over Caithness maternity services
Campaigners and Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP David Green have renewed calls for the independent Scottish maternity services review to properly examine the loss of consultant-led maternity services in the Far North and its impact on families.
6. Wick air links secured for another year
Although announced at the end of July, the continuation of Wick's air services remains one of the week's most important developments for the local economy. Almost £1.8 million of Scottish Government funding will support the Aberdeen and Glasgow Public Service Obligation routes from 15 August 2026 to August 2027.
The new contract provides four flights a week to Aberdeen and three to Glasgow, giving Caithness a direct scheduled connection with both the north-east and central Scotland.
7. The King returns to Caithness
The Castle of Mey again featured in the Royal family's Scottish summer programme. On 7 August, King Charles received Bernard Flannery at the Castle of Mey and invested him with the insignia of a Lieutenant of the Royal Victorian Order. Earlier in the week, the King had also met representatives of the Assynt Mountain Rescue Team and Aberdeen-Angus Cattle Society at the Castle.
8. Caithness businesses encouraged to enter Highland Business Awards
Local businesses have been among those being encouraged to put themselves forward for the Highland Business Awards, with nominations closing on 7 August. The awards provide an opportunity to highlight the contribution of businesses across the Highlands, including Caithness.
9. Strong interest in engineering and construction work
Current recruitment activity continues to highlight the importance of engineering, construction and energy-related employment around Caithness. Recent vacancies include a Thurso site service engineer position offering £60,000–£70,000 and construction work advertised around Halkirk. While individual vacancies do not constitute a jobs trend on their own, they underline the continuing demand for specialist skills in the area.
10. Tormsdale wind farm planning process continues
The proposed Tormsdale Wind Farm, around 8.5km south of Halkirk, remains within the Scottish Government's planning process. The proposal involves ten turbines, with a maximum turbine height of almost 150 metres. An updated timetable was issued on 4 August, keeping the project firmly on the Caithness renewable-energy agenda.