Highland Council

From the picture archive of the Northern Times.

Councillors hoped to take advantage of the lucrative North Coast 500 route, using the funds raised to improve services along the route.

A voluntary scheme to get campervan owners to pay towards upkeep of facilities has raised just £20,000 - against an annual target of £500,000.

Pupils at Helmsdale Primary School were challenged to create pictures and artwork about the Flow Country.

Local councillor Jim McGillivray is offering a £100 reward for information leading to the identification of the vandals.

The problems posed by the Highlands’ 516-mile NC500 route are undeniably tricky – and almost everyone has very strong opinions about it.

As the North Coast 500 marks its 10th anniversary, our podcast discusses the issues that the popular route have brought, as well as the benefits.

Inspectors said that Kinlochbervie High School was in need of additional support and more time to make necessary improvements.

The public conveniences at South Bonar have been closed since December 28 due to “significant ongoing vandalism and arson”.

The first new broch in two millennia could be “the symbol of Caithness to the world”, those behind it said after lodging their planning application.

Feedback over the region’s new 20mph limits is now being examined by Highland Council ahead of a vote which could make them permanent this spring.

Opposition plans for education reforms, free primary school meals and lower hikes in council tax were rejected.

Details of what specifically was proposed were scant while the Greens ‘hail influence’ on securing £500k investment.

But senior Highland Council official Malcolm Macleod insists the local authority’s ears are open on thorny questions like VAT.

The Liberal Democrats want to place an emphasis on attainment in schools amid flagging results for north youngsters.

Council leader Raymond Bremner says there are 3000 not claiming pension credit and for me that is half the town of Wick’

A further £8m will be invested in renewable energy projects that have been touted for years.

Highland Council says 3000 more people could claim pension credits and therefore get winter fuel payments.

The government is seeking views on the proposed levy, which would give local authorities the power to introduce a tax on cruise ships in their area.

The idea is to create a sixth form college accessible online to all pupils in the Highlands to ramp-up learning and attainment.