Home   Authors   Author

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

Rural health charity launches new survey seeking up to date picture of wellbeing in the agricultural industry

01 October 2024
Rural health charity launches new survey seeking up to date picture of wellbeing in the agricultural industry

Rural health charity launches new survey seeking up to date picture of wellbeing in the agricultural industry

01 October 2024

A survey aiming to find out how farmers and crofters in Scotland are feeling has been launched today.


Far North Line afternoon service between Inverness and Wick cancelled due to illness

30 September 2024
Far North Line afternoon service between Inverness and Wick cancelled due to illness

Far North Line afternoon service between Inverness and Wick cancelled due to illness

30 September 2024

The afternoon train from Inverness to Wick has been cancelled.


Highland MSP Maree Todd welcomes funding to tackle depopulation in north-west Sutherland

25 September 2024
Highland MSP Maree Todd welcomes funding to tackle depopulation in north-west Sutherland

Highland MSP Maree Todd welcomes funding to tackle depopulation in north-west Sutherland

25 September 2024

MSP Maree Todd has welcomed funding from the Scottish Government aimed at tackling depopulation in north-west Sutherland.


Businesses in Sutherland invited to attend web-based ‘Talking Tourism’ Series

14 September 2024
Businesses in Sutherland invited to attend web-based ‘Talking Tourism’ Series

Businesses in Sutherland invited to attend web-based ‘Talking Tourism’ Series

14 September 2024

An online series exploring tourism topics affecting local businesses and communities is set to return to Caithness and Sutherland this month.


Melvich players ‘excited’ ahead of Mackay Cup summer season finale

12 September 2024
Melvich players ‘excited’ ahead of Mackay Cup summer season finale

Melvich players ‘excited’ ahead of Mackay Cup summer season finale

12 September 2024

Saturday will see north-west Sutherland league contenders Melvich lock horns with guest club Mallard FC of Dingwall in the final of the Mackay Cup.


Public invited to share pandemic experiences at UK Covid Inquiry event in Inverness

31 August 2024
Public invited to share pandemic experiences at UK Covid Inquiry event in Inverness

Public invited to share pandemic experiences at UK Covid Inquiry event in Inverness

31 August 2024

A nationwide series of community events inviting the public to share their pandemic experiences is coming to Inverness this week.


Finalists announced for Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards 2024

28 August 2024
Finalists announced for Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards 2024

Finalists announced for Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards 2024

28 August 2024

Finalists in this year’s Highlands and Islands Food and Drink Awards (HIFAD), supported by Highlands and Islands Enterprise, have been announced.


Young Dornoch cricketers set pace for Highland junior cricket in match with Northern Counties

23 August 2024
Young Dornoch cricketers set pace for Highland junior cricket in match with Northern Counties

Young Dornoch cricketers set pace for Highland junior cricket in match with Northern Counties

23 August 2024

A group of aspiring young Dornoch cricketers flew the flag for junior cricket in the Highlands earlier this month.


Thurso film fans to benefit from Merlin Cinema special offers

21 August 2024
Thurso film fans to benefit from Merlin Cinema special offers

Thurso film fans to benefit from Merlin Cinema special offers

21 August 2024

Mainland Britain’s most northerly cinema in Thurso is preparing to welcome filmgoers with a range of special offers between now and October.


PICTURES: ‘Love and kindness’ at Helmsdale dog show

14 August 2024
PICTURES: ‘Love and kindness’ at Helmsdale dog show

PICTURES: ‘Love and kindness’ at Helmsdale dog show

14 August 2024

Over 30 dogs took part in the competitions


Brora filmmaker hails ‘rich and creative’ film workshops across Sutherland

13 August 2024
Brora filmmaker hails ‘rich and creative’ film workshops across Sutherland

Brora filmmaker hails ‘rich and creative’ film workshops across Sutherland

13 August 2024

Uptake in the July workshops has been very positive.


Police appeal after mountain bike stolen from outside Brora property

13 August 2024
Police appeal after mountain bike stolen from outside Brora property

Police appeal after mountain bike stolen from outside Brora property

13 August 2024

The lime green mountain bike is believed to have been stolen from a location near Station Square on Monday evening.


Consultation events planned for proposed ‘commercial scale wind farm’ north of Evanton

10 August 2024
Consultation events planned for proposed ‘commercial scale wind farm’ north of Evanton

Consultation events planned for proposed ‘commercial scale wind farm’ north of Evanton

10 August 2024

Plans for up to 20 wind turbines at Ceislein will be on display.


Helmsdale United take League 2 trophy with seven-goal blitz at Couper Park

06 August 2024
Helmsdale United take League 2 trophy with seven-goal blitz at Couper Park

Helmsdale United take League 2 trophy with seven-goal blitz at Couper Park

06 August 2024

Helmsdale United beat Brora Wanderers 7-2 to take the mini-league title.


Cosplayers and comic fans unite as travelling Comic Con event prepares for Inverness return

06 August 2024
Cosplayers and comic fans unite as travelling Comic Con event prepares for Inverness return

Cosplayers and comic fans unite as travelling Comic Con event prepares for Inverness return

06 August 2024

Last year’s event attracted over 3500 attendees.


Award-winning Ullapool restaurant to feature in new TV series

06 August 2024
Award-winning Ullapool restaurant to feature in new TV series

Award-winning Ullapool restaurant to feature in new TV series

06 August 2024

The new series will air on Saturday.


WATCH: ‘Scientific banter at the highest level’ as King Charles visits Forsinard Flows

01 August 2024
WATCH: ‘Scientific banter at the highest level’ as King Charles visits Forsinard Flows

WATCH: ‘Scientific banter at the highest level’ as King Charles visits Forsinard Flows

01 August 2024

His Majesty was welcomed by project leaders and local politicians upon his arrival.


WATCH: King Charles’ visit to Flow Country went ‘fantastically well’

31 July 2024
WATCH: King Charles’ visit to Flow Country went ‘fantastically well’

WATCH: King Charles’ visit to Flow Country went ‘fantastically well’

31 July 2024

His Majesty was noted for his knowledge of peatland restoration techniques.


PICTURES: King Charles welcomed by large crowd for unveiling at Forsinard Flows

31 July 2024
PICTURES: King Charles welcomed by large crowd for unveiling at Forsinard Flows

PICTURES: King Charles welcomed by large crowd for unveiling at Forsinard Flows

31 July 2024

His Majesty met with scientists, politicians and members of the community.


King Charles unveils plaque to commemorate The Flow Country’s UNESCO World Heritage bid success

31 July 2024
King Charles unveils plaque to commemorate The Flow Country’s UNESCO World Heritage bid success

King Charles unveils plaque to commemorate The Flow Country’s UNESCO World Heritage bid success

31 July 2024

His Majesty The King made his first visit to RSPB Forsinard since becoming a patron for the royal society.


This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More