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Iona M.J. MacDonald


Community Reporter

Iona M.J Macdonald joined Highland News and Media aged 16 in 2022, as a trainee community reporter. By 18, Iona won Highlands and Islands Young Journalist of the Year, the Community News Project's Best Campaign Award, featured in the Young Women's Movement 30 Under 30 list and completed her NCTJ diploma in journalism. She is a Wester Ross native, and is passionate about telling the stories that would otherwise go unheard.

Iona M.J. MacDonald

Scene is set for Peat and Diesel’s Black Isle Belter 2025

01 May 2025
Scene is set for Peat and Diesel’s Black Isle Belter 2025

Scene is set for Peat and Diesel’s Black Isle Belter 2025

01 May 2025

The scene is set ahead of the 2nd instalment of the Black Isle Belter festival set to take place this weekend.


Free travel for military, ex-military and cadets on VE Day

30 April 2025
Free travel for military, ex-military and cadets on VE Day

Free travel for military, ex-military and cadets on VE Day

30 April 2025

Stagecoach North Scotland is providing free bus travel on May 8, to serving military, veterans, and cadets across its services.


Ullapool’s Oak and Grain open new pizzeria in former Costcutter building

30 April 2025
Ullapool’s Oak and Grain open new pizzeria in former Costcutter building

Ullapool’s Oak and Grain open new pizzeria in former Costcutter building

30 April 2025

A new Ullapool pizzeria has officially opened for business, after renovating a derelict eyesore into a sleek new eatery.


Inverness to Aberdeen services cancelled after train breakdown

29 April 2025
Inverness to Aberdeen services cancelled after train breakdown

Inverness to Aberdeen services cancelled after train breakdown

29 April 2025

Faults and a broken down train have sparked the cancellation of five services between Aberdeen and Inverness today (April 29).


Highland partnership aims to ‘deliver quality affordable housing’ in region

29 April 2025
Highland partnership aims to ‘deliver quality affordable housing’ in region

Highland partnership aims to ‘deliver quality affordable housing’ in region

29 April 2025

A Highland partnership has announced its aim to “deliver high quality and affordable housing for residents” in a new ten-year strategy for the region.


Tributes flood in for ‘forever-loved’ Tain teenager Liam Cowie (17)

23 April 2025
Tributes flood in for ‘forever-loved’ Tain teenager Liam Cowie (17)

Tributes flood in for ‘forever-loved’ Tain teenager Liam Cowie (17)

23 April 2025

Tributes have been shared following the death of a 17-year-old former Tain Royal Academy pupil, described as a “quiet and gentle young man”.


Kind-hearted couple clear Lochcarron fly-tipping mess

22 April 2025
Kind-hearted couple clear Lochcarron fly-tipping mess

Kind-hearted couple clear Lochcarron fly-tipping mess

22 April 2025

A kind-hearted couple have cleared a fly-tipping mess in Lochcarron that left locals feeling “so angry”.


New chief officer of education appointed for the Highlands

22 April 2025
New chief officer of education appointed for the Highlands

New chief officer of education appointed for the Highlands

22 April 2025

The Highland Council has appointed Bernadette Scott as chief officer education for primary and early years.


Highland bishop praises ‘generosity and love’ of late Pope Francis

22 April 2025
Highland bishop praises ‘generosity and love’ of late Pope Francis

Highland bishop praises ‘generosity and love’ of late Pope Francis

22 April 2025

The Most Reverend Mark Strange of Moray, Ross and Caithness has shared his message of condolence upon the death of Pope Francis yesterday.


West coast communities benefit from over £60k towards affordable housing and campsite projects

21 April 2025
West coast communities benefit from over £60k towards affordable housing and campsite projects

West coast communities benefit from over £60k towards affordable housing and campsite projects

21 April 2025

Two Wester Ross communities are celebrating after being awarded grants to support development in the rural areas.


Ullapool Sea Savers say funding boost will ‘make a huge difference’

17 April 2025
Ullapool Sea Savers say funding boost will ‘make a huge difference’

Ullapool Sea Savers say funding boost will ‘make a huge difference’

17 April 2025

Ullapool eco-champions have been awarded funding to continue their marine conservation and education work.


Best-selling author to host talk at Ullapool Bookshop

11 April 2025
Best-selling author to host talk at Ullapool Bookshop

Best-selling author to host talk at Ullapool Bookshop

11 April 2025

Ullapool Bookshop is set to host a talk from a best-selling author next month.


OPINION: ‘Too many know diddly squat’: Far North line upgrades sparks debate

06 April 2025
OPINION: ‘Too many know diddly squat’: Far North line upgrades sparks debate

OPINION: ‘Too many know diddly squat’: Far North line upgrades sparks debate

06 April 2025

Our readers took to social media to share their thoughts on the planned upgrading works for the rail line north of Dingwall.


Highland 4-bed off-grid coastal cottage hits market — for just £125,000

28 March 2025
Highland 4-bed off-grid coastal cottage hits market — for just £125,000

Highland 4-bed off-grid coastal cottage hits market — for just £125,000

28 March 2025

A traditional off-grid four-bedroom cottage located on the shores of Loch Carron has hit the market — for just £125,000.


A9 collision between van and car near Invergordon sparks police appeal

28 March 2025
A9 collision between van and car near Invergordon sparks police appeal

A9 collision between van and car near Invergordon sparks police appeal

28 March 2025

Police are appealing for information following a collision between a van and a car on the A9 last Sunday (March 23).


Home bargains issue ‘urgent recall’ over Easter plushies

26 March 2025
Home bargains issue ‘urgent recall’ over Easter plushies

Home bargains issue ‘urgent recall’ over Easter plushies

26 March 2025

Home Bargains have multiple stores across the Highlands and Moray in Inverness, Tain, Dingwall, Aviemore, Nairn and Elgin.


Missing Inverness man (35) may have been travelling to Caithness

25 March 2025
Missing Inverness man (35) may have been travelling to Caithness

Missing Inverness man (35) may have been travelling to Caithness

25 March 2025

Police have launched a search for a missing Inverness man, who they believe may have travelled to Caithness via public transport.


Ullapool Sea Savers help raise awareness of littering near drains

18 March 2025
Ullapool Sea Savers help raise awareness of littering near drains

Ullapool Sea Savers help raise awareness of littering near drains

18 March 2025

The child-led environmental activism group began the campaign in 2022, after they found shocking information about the impact of cigarette butts.


Caithness woman dedicates award win to late best friend

16 March 2025
Caithness woman dedicates award win to late best friend

Caithness woman dedicates award win to late best friend

16 March 2025

A Caithness woman won Fundraiser of the Year at Highland Heroes for her project in tribute to her late best friend, Julie.


WATCH: Inverness High School ‘delighted’ about award win for well-deserving pupils

15 March 2025
WATCH: Inverness High School ‘delighted’ about award win for well-deserving pupils

WATCH: Inverness High School ‘delighted’ about award win for well-deserving pupils

15 March 2025

The headteacher of Inverness High School was “delighted” to win the School of the Year award at Highland Heroes on behalf of pupils.


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