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Hector MacKenzie


Senior News Editor

Hector MacKenzie is a senior news editor with the Highland News and Media group and has 30-plus years’ experience in journalism. Raised in Ross-shire, he’s content editor for the Ross-shire Journal. A graduate of Glasgow University, he spent four years working in the media in Beijing and his work has appeared in publications and online in the UK, China and United States. He firmly believes everyone has a story to tell.

Hector MacKenzie

Meet Tiny Tom Stoltman - smaller than a matchhead

19 April 2025
Meet Tiny Tom Stoltman - smaller than a matchhead

Meet Tiny Tom Stoltman - smaller than a matchhead

19 April 2025

Its uniquely talented creator said: ‘Tom, I know you’re going to be the greatest strongman in history, no question about it.’


First of 150,000 cruise line passengers set to arrive at Easter Ross port today

15 April 2025
First of 150,000 cruise line passengers set to arrive at Easter Ross port today

First of 150,000 cruise line passengers set to arrive at Easter Ross port today

15 April 2025

More than 150,000 passengers will arrive at the port in 2025, with 97 cruise ship calls scheduled.


‘Bodies, bagpipes and brutality’: Ullapool show breathes new life into old traditions

15 April 2025
‘Bodies, bagpipes and brutality’: Ullapool show breathes new life into old traditions

‘Bodies, bagpipes and brutality’: Ullapool show breathes new life into old traditions

15 April 2025

It explores rituals, traditions and Scottishness, offering a space for young people engaged in these areas to connect to.


Balintore’s Seaboard Centre ‘so grateful’ for funding lifeline from auction

12 April 2025
Balintore’s Seaboard Centre ‘so grateful’ for funding lifeline from auction

Balintore’s Seaboard Centre ‘so grateful’ for funding lifeline from auction

12 April 2025

The event hosted by the Seaboard Centre in Balintore has also thrown light on the tough financial climate faced by Third Sector groups.


Scene set for Easter weekend Foulis Castle daffodil day

11 April 2025
Scene set for Easter weekend Foulis Castle daffodil day

Scene set for Easter weekend Foulis Castle daffodil day

11 April 2025

An eagerly anticipated Easter Ross daffodil day will bring a welcome seasonal boost to two much-loved local charities.


A835 re-opens after wildfire near Stac Pollaidh as crews standby over ‘extreme’ risk of blazes in Highlands

07 April 2025
A835 re-opens after wildfire near Stac Pollaidh as crews standby over ‘extreme’ risk of blazes in Highlands

A835 re-opens after wildfire near Stac Pollaidh as crews standby over ‘extreme’ risk of blazes in Highlands

07 April 2025

A key trunk road in Ross-shire has reopened after being closed yesterday due to a wildfire near an iconic peak visited by thousands every year.


Ullapool Stonehouses trailblazers warn ‘second home tax’ change will hammer tourism innovation

04 April 2025
Ullapool Stonehouses trailblazers warn ‘second home tax’ change will hammer tourism innovation

Ullapool Stonehouses trailblazers warn ‘second home tax’ change will hammer tourism innovation

04 April 2025

A Ross-based tourism development expert is calling on Labour to refine Jeremy Hunt’s UK tax on second homes before it damages innovation in tourism.


Maiden visit makes waves in Ullapool

02 April 2025
Maiden visit makes waves in Ullapool

Maiden visit makes waves in Ullapool

02 April 2025

Most passengers took guided tours of the village, giving local businesses a welcome boost.


Timetable for looming A9 roadworks on Cromarty Bridge revealed

01 April 2025
Timetable for looming A9 roadworks on Cromarty Bridge revealed

Timetable for looming A9 roadworks on Cromarty Bridge revealed

01 April 2025

The timetable for roadworks to a key A9 link in Ross-shire has been outlined before it starts next month.


Veteran Highland councillor in shock resignation

01 April 2025
Veteran Highland councillor in shock resignation

Veteran Highland councillor in shock resignation

01 April 2025

‘I’m not an angel I’m just a woman and any time we make mistakes as a politician we are hung, drawn and quartered by social media.’


Is this the perfect pass for 24 hours in London?

31 March 2025
Is this the perfect pass for 24 hours in London?

Is this the perfect pass for 24 hours in London?

31 March 2025

Live music lures Hector MacKenzie to a quirky London venue - and sparks the challenge of making the most of a day in the capital with his son.


Tain showroom and warehouse sale flagged at Travis Perkins site

31 March 2025
Tain showroom and warehouse sale flagged at Travis Perkins site

Tain showroom and warehouse sale flagged at Travis Perkins site

31 March 2025

An Easter Ross trade counter investment opportunity is being flagged as a potential beneficiary of the Cromarty Firth’s freeport status.


Rallying call over £36m Fearn biogas plant appeal as deadline looms

30 March 2025
Rallying call over £36m Fearn biogas plant appeal as deadline looms

Rallying call over £36m Fearn biogas plant appeal as deadline looms

30 March 2025

Campaigners want to ensure objections to the controversial proposal are properly reflected.


Tumbling Paddies ready to thrill sold-out Strathpeffer Pavilion crowd

28 March 2025
Tumbling Paddies ready to thrill sold-out Strathpeffer Pavilion crowd

Tumbling Paddies ready to thrill sold-out Strathpeffer Pavilion crowd

28 March 2025

An iconic Ross-shire venue will be buzzing tonight with a sell-out crowd for an eagerly anticipated debut from Irish stars.


Tain fence damage triggers police appeal to public

27 March 2025
Tain fence damage triggers police appeal to public

Tain fence damage triggers police appeal to public

27 March 2025

Local police are hoping someone with relevant information will come forward.


Harrison Ford makes a dram big impression on Highlands in latest shoot

25 March 2025
Harrison Ford makes a dram big impression on Highlands in latest shoot

Harrison Ford makes a dram big impression on Highlands in latest shoot

25 March 2025

The latest rib-tickling episode sees the Star Wars icon listening to his inner voice on a challenging shoot in the Highlands.


‘The search for Finn has concluded and we as a family have started our healing journey’

25 March 2025
‘The search for Finn has concluded and we as a family have started our healing journey’

‘The search for Finn has concluded and we as a family have started our healing journey’

25 March 2025

The much-loved father, son and husband was last seen alive in Sutherland three years ago and his disappearance sparked a determined search effort.


Tain Post Office flit proposal prompts public concerns in community

21 March 2025
Tain Post Office flit proposal prompts public concerns in community

Tain Post Office flit proposal prompts public concerns in community

21 March 2025

‘Post Offices successfully operate in a wide range of shops including phone shops, vape stores, newsagents and convenience stores.’


Tain £1.6m innovation campus secures up to £450K from Highlands and Islands Enterprise

19 March 2025
Tain £1.6m innovation campus secures up to £450K from Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Tain £1.6m innovation campus secures up to £450K from Highlands and Islands Enterprise

19 March 2025

Planning permission has been secured for the development, which ‘will also serve as a vital tourism hub along the North Coast 500 route’.


WATCH: RuMac leaves Highland Heroes crowd Thunderstruck

19 March 2025
WATCH: RuMac leaves Highland Heroes crowd Thunderstruck

WATCH: RuMac leaves Highland Heroes crowd Thunderstruck

19 March 2025

RuMac puts a Highland twist on Yes Sir, I Can Boogie star turn for home crowd.


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