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Iona M.J. MacDonald


Community Reporter

Iona MJ 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

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.


‘I want to help make change’: Cromarty teenager scoops award

15 March 2025
‘I want to help make change’: Cromarty teenager scoops award

‘I want to help make change’: Cromarty teenager scoops award

15 March 2025

A Cromarty teenager with a relentless dedication to youth work has scooped a prestigious accolade at this year’s Highland Heroes awards.


Tain care home set to see £2.2 million expansion

15 March 2025
Tain care home set to see £2.2 million expansion

Tain care home set to see £2.2 million expansion

15 March 2025

Parklands Care Homes has unveiled plans for a £2.2 million two-storey extension at a Tain care home.


How the Highland Council proposes to solve NC500 issues

13 March 2025
How the Highland Council proposes to solve NC500 issues

How the Highland Council proposes to solve NC500 issues

13 March 2025

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


10 YEARS OF THE NC500: What impact has it had?

12 March 2025
10 YEARS OF THE NC500: What impact has it had?

10 YEARS OF THE NC500: What impact has it had?

12 March 2025

On one hand, tourism from the NC500 is vital to the Highland economy, but on the other hand, many communities feel they are at breaking point.


Parkinson’s nurse capacity to double for north Highlands

11 March 2025
Parkinson’s nurse capacity to double for north Highlands

Parkinson’s nurse capacity to double for north Highlands

11 March 2025

The new post has come about through the efforts of local people, who worked with the charity Parkinson’s UK to campaign for more support.


Ullapool restaurant retains Michelin Guide listing — for third year running

07 March 2025
Ullapool restaurant retains Michelin Guide listing — for third year running

Ullapool restaurant retains Michelin Guide listing — for third year running

07 March 2025

The Dipping Lugger, led by head chef David Smith, has won a number of accolades over the years for their restaurant and hotel.


Ullapool’s highly-anticipated new bar announces opening date

06 March 2025
Ullapool’s highly-anticipated new bar announces opening date

Ullapool’s highly-anticipated new bar announces opening date

06 March 2025

A highly-anticipated new bar in the heart of Ullapool has announced their opening date.


Ullapool £17.5m estate bought by charity after huge private donation

03 March 2025
Ullapool £17.5m estate bought by charity after huge private donation

Ullapool £17.5m estate bought by charity after huge private donation

03 March 2025

The private donation was the largest ever-seen in the Scottish Wildlife Trust’s 60-year history.


MSP says changes to Employers National Insurance in care sector are ‘devastating’

01 March 2025
MSP says changes to Employers National Insurance in care sector are ‘devastating’

MSP says changes to Employers National Insurance in care sector are ‘devastating’

01 March 2025

Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick has called out the impact of changes to Employers National Insurance contributions.


Ullapool and Invergordon to see introduction of cruise ship tax?

28 February 2025
Ullapool and Invergordon to see introduction of cruise ship tax?

Ullapool and Invergordon to see introduction of cruise ship tax?

28 February 2025

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.


Tain out of school club evaluated as ‘weak’

27 February 2025
Tain out of school club evaluated as ‘weak’

Tain out of school club evaluated as ‘weak’

27 February 2025

TRACC Out of School Club in Tain has a capacity of up to 30 children aged between four-and-a-half and 14.


Ullapool art students to open new exhibition celebrating ‘glisk’

25 February 2025
Ullapool art students to open new exhibition celebrating ‘glisk’

Ullapool art students to open new exhibition celebrating ‘glisk’

25 February 2025

Students from internationally-acclaimed art school, Bridge House Art, will be hosting a final exhibition of their artwork from their course


New Ullapool High headteacher ‘thrilled’ with role starting next month

24 February 2025
New Ullapool High headteacher ‘thrilled’ with role starting next month

New Ullapool High headteacher ‘thrilled’ with role starting next month

24 February 2025

The Angus man says he is “delighted” with his new post at the Wester Ross school, which will officially begin in March.


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