Two people were injured in a crash that closed the A9 south of Wick for almost three hours.

Far north roads managers are being blamed for thwarting progress with efforts to improve safety at an accident blackspot west of Thurso.

Questions are being asked about the reasons why a councillor was “told or advised” to leave a meeting at which Banniskirk Hub was on the agenda.

Marc Macgregor has been described as “the complete package” after reaching a double century of appearances for Wick Academy.

Scotland’s environmental watchdog has taken regulatory action over a liquid radioactive leak at Dounreay which was discovered last summer.

More than £2700 has been raised following a month-long fitness challenge in memory of a boxer from Wick who died last year aged 23.

A crash has closed the A9 in both directions 20 miles south of Wick.

Prize lambs from Thurso were pick of the flock at Dingwall Mart’s Christmas show and sale held on Wednesday.

Thurso Players are gearing up to “sleigh” their audiences with this year’s seasonal offering The Snow Queen – A Pantomime by Tracy Rogers.

A letter was sent by Caithness resident and objector Kathrin Haltiner following the council decision last week.

A Caithness author has been shortlisted in an international book competition for her anthology of gothic horror.

The annual Christmas show and sale at the Caithness Livestock Centre at Quoybrae saw the champion bullock from Clyth Mains achieve the top price.

The community celebration at Borgie Woods takes place this weekend.

Thirty teams competed for the Ian McLean Memorial Shield, Forss Bowling Club’s annual open triples competition sponsored by Peter Mackay.

A Caithness nurse is among a group of 18 community nurses who have been awarded the prestigious title of Queen’s Nurse.

A musician who was born and bred in Bower is one half of a duo hoping their newly released festive song will be a Christmas hit.

Competitive football is enjoying a resurgence at Wick High School with an emphasis on inclusion across different age groups.

Competitive football is enjoying a resurgence at Wick High School with an emphasis on inclusion across different age groups.

The volunteers who organise Wick’s Christmas lights switch-on have been praised for their efforts in creating a “fantastic buzz” in the town centre.

The Anglers travel to Evanton this weekend to take on Clach “A” in the North Caledonian League, while Thurso are at home to Inverness Thistle.

Community representatives from Wick are urging Transport Scotland to carry out improvements on “perilous” sections of the A9 in the far north.

Highland Council is welcoming Scottish Government moves that would allow greater flexibility in introducing the controversial Visitor Levy Scheme.

Thurso Netball Club has two teams – the Selkies and the Vikings – competing in the Highland and Moray league this season.

Caithness United U16s were taught “an extremely tough lesson” when they lost 5-4 to Fort William after being 4-2 up with a quarter of an hour to go.

There will be a train ride for children to visit Santa in his grotto after Mr and Mrs Claus have made a suitably festive arrival by lifeboat.

Seaforth Highlanders’ Club hosted the annual Wick and District Darts League pairs competition, with victory going to a home duo.

Round three of Caithness Small Bore Rifle Association’s winter league had three shooters with maximum scores: D Simpson, D Bremner and S Henderson.

People who live, work or study in Thurso are being asked to share their views and ideas on a planned £100m project that could transform the town.

Holyrood Notebook by Ariane Burgess MSP

Far north surfers have reclaimed Scotland’s inter-club title by winning the Gathering of the Clans championship for the seventh time in eight years.

Holyrood Notebook by Rhoda Grant MSP

A £47m hole in Highland Council’s finances has sparked calls for the public to help shape its next budget - amid warnings of “tough decisions” ahead.

Highland Council says more information will be provided “once the regulatory procurement process is complete and the contract has been awarded”.

Long after resurfacing, some sections of road still haven’t had their markings repainted – causing concern to the community council chairman.

Talks are due to take place next week to “explore all avenues” on the potential community use of Wick’s historic Carnegie library.

Back-to-back victories have given a much-needed pre-festive boost to the Krakens, while the Greens are eyeing the National League play-offs.

Contractors have reported “generally positive” feedback from the public after the first month of work on Wick’s £2.1 million street design project.

A Thurso charity champion has been recognised after more than five decades of dedication in which more than half a million pounds has been raised.

OUT AND ABOUT WITH RALPH: The old house that was once a remote and rarely-visited bothy will soon have new neighbours in the form of 200m turbines

The electricity transmission company behind the Banniskirk Hub project has promised “substantial economic benefits for communities in Caithness”.

The list includes northern stations such as those previously situated in Lairg, Bonar Bridge, Brora, Dornoch and Castletown.

Subsea works on the pioneering MeyGen tidal array in the Pentland Firth are due to take place in December.

The hero of heroes will be chosen from among your winners. Nominate your local Heroes now for their chance to become the ultimate hero of heroes

The minister for public finance Ivan McKee signals a new Bill will be tabled to change the legislation early next year.

Stores at Wick Retail Park have been targeted by shoplifters, members of the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council were told at their latest meeting.

Community representatives in Thurso have reminded people in the town that “words matter” after a voluntary group quit over online criticism.

Organisers of Wick’s festive lights switch-on said they “couldn’t have asked for more” as the countdown to Christmas began in the town centre.

A second-year Dounreay apprentice has been rewarded for her academic and commercial efforts at a new awards event for the region.

Gary Manson found it “bizarre to say the very least” that his Wick Academy players were denied even a 15-second warm-up at Keith on Saturday.

Santa helped to switch on the lights during the annual Christmas fun day at John O’Groats – and then treated himself to an ice cream.