Matthew Reiss Independent Councillor for Thurso and Northwest Caithness

08/06/2026

They keep coming.....

The council has repeated its urge to raise no objection to what could be the 12th renewable development near two villages in Caithness.

Read more in the comments 👇

08/06/2026

04/06/2026

Thurso High School, 2030

Highland Council’s Education Committee has today agreed to launch a statutory consultation on proposals to transform education provision in Thurso.

The decision marks an important step in shaping future investment in Thurso’s schools, giving pupils, parents, staff and the wider community the opportunity to help influence how modern, high quality education provision is developed for the town.

Full story in the comments below 👇

04/06/2026

Light at the end of a long tunnel......

22/05/2026

Sometimes"nothing" can tell you a lot.....this official Highland Council post has been up for two days. There have been zero "likes", shares or comments.
At the risk of getting pounced on but what might this be saying??

Highlights from today’s Climate Change Committee ⬇️

📈 Members welcomed progress in delivering our Net Zero Programme, with new measures to improve carbon reporting, strengthen investment decisions, and secure funding for projects across the Highlands.

💡 We are progressing the next phase of our climate adaptation work following the launch of the Highland Climate Change Risk and Opportunity Assessment on 4 March 2026 through the Highland Adapts partnership.

22/05/2026

The A9 at the Kessock Bridge is closed in both directions and emergency services are in attendance.

Link to article in comments below.

22/05/2026

Wind Turbines over 150m require red aviation lighting. Most of the new wind farms are well over 150m, Golticlay near Lybster is the most recent example and the replacement Causewaymire ones are reported to be around 200m.
Dark sky accolades and Wind farms do not mix.
Caithness has/had the very best big sky landscapes.....ironic but sad.
Wind Energy's Absurd

Councillors will consider the introduction of a 'Dark Skies' planning policy when they meet next week. The policy would provide a clear and consistent framework for managing lighting in new developments and could support communities wishing to bid for 'Dark Sky' status 🌃

📣 “Highland is home to some of the darkest skies in Europe that score low on the Bortle scale (measurement of light pollution). Highland is already recognised internationally, and communities across the region are increasingly interested in achieving formal 'Dark Sky' status. This will not only enable people to enjoy Highland’s stunning scenery in daytime but our amazing skies and glorious Northern Lights at night," - Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans.

If agreed, Highland would become the first local authority in Scotland to introduce a new-style local development plan policy specifically on light pollution.

📸 Shaiith on Envato. The Milky Way over the Old Man of Storr, Skye.