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Niall Harkiss


Rural communities reporter

Niall Harkiss is our rural communities reporter, mostly covering stories for the Northern Times, Ross-shire Journal and Strathspey and Badenoch Herald titles. An experienced writer and publisher covering sport and community news, Niall joined the company in 2021.

Niall Harkiss

Samantha Kane slashes asking price for Carbisdale Castle as ‘iconic’ property returns to market

25 April 2025
Samantha Kane slashes asking price for Carbisdale Castle as ‘iconic’ property returns to market

Samantha Kane slashes asking price for Carbisdale Castle as ‘iconic’ property returns to market

25 April 2025

Carbisdale Castle was returned to the market today — but at a much reduced asking price.


Sutherland councillor’s motion offers hope for survival of Edderton Primary School earmarked for mothballing by Highland Council

25 April 2025
Sutherland councillor’s motion offers hope for survival of Edderton Primary School earmarked for mothballing by Highland Council

Sutherland councillor’s motion offers hope for survival of Edderton Primary School earmarked for mothballing by Highland Council

25 April 2025

Edderton Primary School, which has seen numbers dwindle to just two expected pupils for next year’s term, had been earmarked for closure.


Highland Council announce new partnership with charity Thriving Families to ensure ‘continuity in provision’ of autism information services for Highland parents

25 April 2025
Highland Council announce new partnership with charity Thriving Families to ensure ‘continuity in provision’ of autism information services for Highland parents

Highland Council announce new partnership with charity Thriving Families to ensure ‘continuity in provision’ of autism information services for Highland parents

25 April 2025

Highland Council say information services for parents of children with autism will continue as part of a new project.


Embo coach asks for ‘more of the same’ ahead of Stafford Cup clash with Helmsdale

24 April 2025
Embo coach asks for ‘more of the same’ ahead of Stafford Cup clash with Helmsdale

Embo coach asks for ‘more of the same’ ahead of Stafford Cup clash with Helmsdale

24 April 2025

Embo assistant Leigh Mcaffer has championed the club’s inclusion of young players.


Highland MSP Rhoda Grant ‘appalled’ by Sutherland care at home level of service in wake of Care Inspectorate probe

24 April 2025
Highland MSP Rhoda Grant ‘appalled’ by Sutherland care at home level of service in wake of Care Inspectorate probe

Highland MSP Rhoda Grant ‘appalled’ by Sutherland care at home level of service in wake of Care Inspectorate probe

24 April 2025

Labour MSP Rhoda Grant is calling for ‘more respect’ for local care providers.


Family affair for singer-songwriter Grace Morton after ‘warm welcome’ at Doll Community Hall

24 April 2025
Family affair for singer-songwriter Grace Morton after ‘warm welcome’ at Doll Community Hall

Family affair for singer-songwriter Grace Morton after ‘warm welcome’ at Doll Community Hall

24 April 2025

It was a family affair for singer-songwriter Grace Morton at Doll Community Hall in Brora.


PICTURES: Organisers of Marty Mackay Memorial Cycle ‘overwhelmed’ by turnout for 13th annual event

23 April 2025
PICTURES: Organisers of Marty Mackay Memorial Cycle ‘overwhelmed’ by turnout for 13th annual event

PICTURES: Organisers of Marty Mackay Memorial Cycle ‘overwhelmed’ by turnout for 13th annual event

23 April 2025

Organisers of the 13th annual memorial cycle and walk in honour of Marty Mackay were left “absolutely overwhelmed”.


Dornoch food and drink markets set to ‘come to life’ this weekend with special launch event

23 April 2025
Dornoch food and drink markets set to ‘come to life’ this weekend with special launch event

Dornoch food and drink markets set to ‘come to life’ this weekend with special launch event

23 April 2025

Dornoch’s food and drink markets will be launched on Saturday.


‘If single malt whisky made a noise, it would sound like this’ - Folk duo celebrate launch of new album with concert at Rosehall

23 April 2025
‘If single malt whisky made a noise, it would sound like this’ - Folk duo celebrate launch of new album with concert at Rosehall

‘If single malt whisky made a noise, it would sound like this’ - Folk duo celebrate launch of new album with concert at Rosehall

23 April 2025

Rosehall hosts ‘Birl-Esque’ - a night with “dazzling duo” Eilidh Shaw and Ross Martin this weekend.


UHI lecturer to host Battle of Carbisdale talk at Culrain Hall

23 April 2025
UHI lecturer to host Battle of Carbisdale talk at Culrain Hall

UHI lecturer to host Battle of Carbisdale talk at Culrain Hall

23 April 2025

A lecture marking one of Sutherland’s most significant battles will take place this weekend at Culrain Hall.


Oil spill at Lochinver Harbour had ‘minimal’ impact, officials say after large quantity of MGO is recaptured

22 April 2025
Oil spill at Lochinver Harbour had ‘minimal’ impact, officials say after large quantity of MGO is recaptured

Oil spill at Lochinver Harbour had ‘minimal’ impact, officials say after large quantity of MGO is recaptured

22 April 2025

Highland Council say the impact on operations at Lochinver Harbour was “minimal”.


Concert in aid of funds for Dornoch Cathedral repair to welcome 25 strings players from across the north Highlands

21 April 2025
Concert in aid of funds for Dornoch Cathedral repair to welcome 25 strings players from across the north Highlands

Concert in aid of funds for Dornoch Cathedral repair to welcome 25 strings players from across the north Highlands

21 April 2025

Dornoch Cathedral will be the setting for an “exceptional” evening of classical music on May 10.


Lord-Lieutenant’s tribute to Sutherland BEM awardee and dry walling master craftsman who works ‘for the love of the land, people and craft’

21 April 2025
Lord-Lieutenant’s tribute to Sutherland BEM awardee and dry walling master craftsman who works ‘for the love of the land, people and craft’

Lord-Lieutenant’s tribute to Sutherland BEM awardee and dry walling master craftsman who works ‘for the love of the land, people and craft’

21 April 2025

Master craftsman, author and folk musician Dave Goulder was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King’s New Year’s Honours List for 2025.


Dornoch antique shop put up for sale for offers around £375k after ‘immensely enjoyable’ 40 years for retiring owners

21 April 2025
Dornoch antique shop put up for sale for offers around £375k after ‘immensely enjoyable’ 40 years for retiring owners

Dornoch antique shop put up for sale for offers around £375k after ‘immensely enjoyable’ 40 years for retiring owners

21 April 2025

An antique shop in Dornoch has hit the market after its owners have decided to retire.


Cliffs and beaches of Caithness set to feature in BBC special on Scotland’s coasts this week

19 April 2025
Cliffs and beaches of Caithness set to feature in BBC special on Scotland’s coasts this week

Cliffs and beaches of Caithness set to feature in BBC special on Scotland’s coasts this week

19 April 2025

Caithness is set to feature in a BBC special on Scotland’s coasts which airs later this week.


‘Helmsdale is the best!’ – Booth hails support of village ahead of Highland Amateur Cup opener against Embo

18 April 2025
‘Helmsdale is the best!’ – Booth hails support of village ahead of Highland Amateur Cup opener against Embo

‘Helmsdale is the best!’ – Booth hails support of village ahead of Highland Amateur Cup opener against Embo

18 April 2025

Helmsdale United boss Josh Booth says his young squad can play “without pressure” this year as he embarks on his first season at the helm.


‘Sleepwalking into a heightened wildfire risk’ — Rural organisations warn that muirburn licensing delays could heighten the danger of devastating wildfires

18 April 2025
‘Sleepwalking into a heightened wildfire risk’ — Rural organisations warn that muirburn licensing delays could heighten the danger of devastating wildfires

‘Sleepwalking into a heightened wildfire risk’ — Rural organisations warn that muirburn licensing delays could heighten the danger of devastating wildfires

18 April 2025

Leading rural organisations say muirburn licensing delays could risk exacerbating the growing threat of wildfires across Scotland.


UPDATE: A9 reopens at Helmsdale after three are taken to hospital in one-vehicle crash

15 April 2025
UPDATE: A9 reopens at Helmsdale after three are taken to hospital in one-vehicle crash

UPDATE: A9 reopens at Helmsdale after three are taken to hospital in one-vehicle crash

15 April 2025

Police Scotland has confirmed that the A9 has been reopened


Highland Council assistant chief-exec says ‘alternative ways’ to fund autism information service were offered in bid to prevent closure

14 April 2025
Highland Council assistant chief-exec says ‘alternative ways’ to fund autism information service were offered in bid to prevent closure

Highland Council assistant chief-exec says ‘alternative ways’ to fund autism information service were offered in bid to prevent closure

14 April 2025

Assistant chief-exec Kate Lackie says the local authority had continued to fund the service ‘without fail’ and would have continued to do so.


Could the next Angel di Maria be playing in Easter Ross? European football giants set to host ‘prestigious’ training session in Tain

13 April 2025
Could the next Angel di Maria be playing in Easter Ross? European football giants set to host ‘prestigious’ training session in Tain

Could the next Angel di Maria be playing in Easter Ross? European football giants set to host ‘prestigious’ training session in Tain

13 April 2025

Up and coming footballers in Tain are being asked to register for an opportunity to sample a taste of top-level European training.


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