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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

Mental health support charity Mikeysline prepares to mark 10-year anniversary with ‘10-for-10’ challenge

18 January 2025
Mental health support charity Mikeysline prepares to mark 10-year anniversary with ‘10-for-10’ challenge

Mental health support charity Mikeysline prepares to mark 10-year anniversary with ‘10-for-10’ challenge

18 January 2025

Mikeysline, first established in 2015, has been offering confidential and non-judgmental support for almost a decade.


Internationally renowned musician Edwyn Collins debuts new track recorded and filmed at Helmsdale home ahead of release of 10th solo album

17 January 2025
Internationally renowned musician Edwyn Collins debuts new track recorded and filmed at Helmsdale home ahead of release of 10th solo album

Internationally renowned musician Edwyn Collins debuts new track recorded and filmed at Helmsdale home ahead of release of 10th solo album

17 January 2025

Internationally renowned singer-songwriter Edwyn Collins has put Helmsdale at the heart of his 10th solo album with the release of its first track.


‘Life is for living, whatever is in front of you’ - Family leads tributes to ‘remarkable’ Stefan Mauger after five-year battle with cancer

16 January 2025
‘Life is for living, whatever is in front of you’ - Family leads tributes to ‘remarkable’ Stefan Mauger after five-year battle with cancer

‘Life is for living, whatever is in front of you’ - Family leads tributes to ‘remarkable’ Stefan Mauger after five-year battle with cancer

16 January 2025

Stefan’s family led tributes this week, noting the 20-year-old for his bravery as an ‘inspiration to many’.


SEPA issue flood warnings for Strathcarron and Strath Oykel amid alerts across Highlands of snow melt and forecast rain

13 January 2025
SEPA issue flood warnings for Strathcarron and Strath Oykel amid alerts across Highlands of snow melt and forecast rain

SEPA issue flood warnings for Strathcarron and Strath Oykel amid alerts across Highlands of snow melt and forecast rain

13 January 2025

Flood warnings are in place for Strathcarron and Strath Oykel.


Bowel cancer survivor and record-breaking marathon runner Adele Roberts urges fundraisers to sign up for Race for Life Inverness in 2025

07 January 2025
Bowel cancer survivor and record-breaking marathon runner Adele Roberts urges fundraisers to sign up for Race for Life Inverness in 2025

Bowel cancer survivor and record-breaking marathon runner Adele Roberts urges fundraisers to sign up for Race for Life Inverness in 2025

07 January 2025

More than £70,000 was raised in total at last year’s event.


PICTURES: Rotary clubs combine to fund Dornoch Firth Christmas lunch

31 December 2024
PICTURES: Rotary clubs combine to fund Dornoch Firth Christmas lunch

PICTURES: Rotary clubs combine to fund Dornoch Firth Christmas lunch

31 December 2024

Tain and Easter Ross, and East Sutherland branches agreed to jointly fund the cost of ‘foodstuffs’ for the community lunch.


Police in Tain launch witness appeal after ‘hit and run’ collision in supermarket car park

30 December 2024
Police in Tain launch witness appeal after ‘hit and run’ collision in supermarket car park

Police in Tain launch witness appeal after ‘hit and run’ collision in supermarket car park

30 December 2024

Police are appealing for witnesses of a “hit and run” which took place in the car park of Home Bargains in Tain on Friday, December 27.


Brora wildlife rehabilitation charity issues food and fluids reminder after otter casualty

30 December 2024
Brora wildlife rehabilitation charity issues food and fluids reminder after otter casualty

Brora wildlife rehabilitation charity issues food and fluids reminder after otter casualty

30 December 2024

A Brora-based animal rescue charity has issued advice to well-meaning rescuers to avoid offering food or water to wildlife casualties.


Short film produced with help from Golspie pupils set for Screen Machine premiere

27 December 2024
Short film produced with help from Golspie pupils set for Screen Machine premiere

Short film produced with help from Golspie pupils set for Screen Machine premiere

27 December 2024

A short film made with the help of pupils from Golspie High School will make its premiere next month via the digital mobile cinema, Screen Machine.


Lord Lieutenant’s passion inspires turkey gift for Helmsdale community Christmas lunch

26 December 2024
Lord Lieutenant’s passion inspires turkey gift for Helmsdale community Christmas lunch

Lord Lieutenant’s passion inspires turkey gift for Helmsdale community Christmas lunch

26 December 2024

Two turkeys were donated to the Helmsdale Community Christmas lunch.


Kinlochbervie fish landing stats ‘best in the country’ after 25 per cent increase in value

26 December 2024
Kinlochbervie fish landing stats ‘best in the country’ after 25 per cent increase in value

Kinlochbervie fish landing stats ‘best in the country’ after 25 per cent increase in value

26 December 2024

The harbour has been ranked first in Scotland for the changes in 2024 to date.


Tain youth volunteers give ‘disheartening’ underpass a spruce up ahead of Spring makeover

26 December 2024
Tain youth volunteers give ‘disheartening’ underpass a spruce up ahead of Spring makeover

Tain youth volunteers give ‘disheartening’ underpass a spruce up ahead of Spring makeover

26 December 2024

A group of young people in Tain has given one of the town’s most iconic sites a makeover.


PICTURES: Christmas party for Birichen children a ‘big success’

26 December 2024
PICTURES: Christmas party for Birichen children a ‘big success’

PICTURES: Christmas party for Birichen children a ‘big success’

26 December 2024

Birichen was treated to a visit from Santa Claus at the weekend.


‘It’s always been more than a job’ – University Dean’s fond farewell after ‘transformative’ 21 years with UHI

22 December 2024
‘It’s always been more than a job’ – University Dean’s fond farewell after ‘transformative’ 21 years with UHI

‘It’s always been more than a job’ – University Dean’s fond farewell after ‘transformative’ 21 years with UHI

22 December 2024

One of the people involved in the “transformative” establishment of UHI will be moving on to new challenges after the new year.


Brora Rangers sign midfielder from Wick Academy ahead of Formartine trip

20 December 2024
Brora Rangers sign midfielder from Wick Academy ahead of Formartine trip

Brora Rangers sign midfielder from Wick Academy ahead of Formartine trip

20 December 2024

The title contenders have made the addition ahead of their away trip to Pitmedden.


PICTURES: St Duthus volunteers serve up ‘special’ night with soup kitchen in Tain

20 December 2024
PICTURES: St Duthus volunteers serve up ‘special’ night with soup kitchen in Tain

PICTURES: St Duthus volunteers serve up ‘special’ night with soup kitchen in Tain

20 December 2024

The football club served up a "special" night of free soup and sandwiches in Tain last night.


Mulled wine, mince pies and Christmas carols as Melvich and Portskerra turn on tree lights

18 December 2024
Mulled wine, mince pies and Christmas carols as Melvich and Portskerra turn on tree lights

Mulled wine, mince pies and Christmas carols as Melvich and Portskerra turn on tree lights

18 December 2024

The communities of Melvich and Portskerra were in festive spirit on Sunday, December 8 with their annual Christmas Tree Lights Turning-On event.


‘Exterminate!’ – Life-size Dalek finds new home in Brora ahead of museum launch next summer

18 December 2024
‘Exterminate!’ – Life-size Dalek finds new home in Brora ahead of museum launch next summer

‘Exterminate!’ – Life-size Dalek finds new home in Brora ahead of museum launch next summer

18 December 2024

The Brora museum, along with its new alien resident, is set to become a year-round visitor hotspot on the NC500.


Inverness councillor slams ‘arrogant’ rejection of motion to consider splitting up Highland Council

15 December 2024
Inverness councillor slams ‘arrogant’ rejection of motion to consider splitting up Highland Council

Inverness councillor slams ‘arrogant’ rejection of motion to consider splitting up Highland Council

15 December 2024

Inverness Central councillor Dr Michael Gregson branded as “arrogant”.


Heavy frost claims three Highland League fixtures ahead of further pitch inspections

14 December 2024
Heavy frost claims three Highland League fixtures ahead of further pitch inspections

Heavy frost claims three Highland League fixtures ahead of further pitch inspections

14 December 2024

Three Highland League games have been postponed so far.


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