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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

Portmahomack man awarded prestigious Honorary Blue for commitment to university sport with UHI

11 July 2025
Portmahomack man awarded prestigious Honorary Blue for commitment to university sport with UHI

Portmahomack man awarded prestigious Honorary Blue for commitment to university sport with UHI

11 July 2025

A Portmahomack man has been awarded an Honorary Blue for his commitment to university sport.


‘Influence’ of late Jim Cunningham felt during 10k tribute run in Brora

11 July 2025
‘Influence’ of late Jim Cunningham felt during 10k tribute run in Brora

‘Influence’ of late Jim Cunningham felt during 10k tribute run in Brora

11 July 2025

Over a dozen runners took part this week.


PICTURES: Festivities set to continue into the weekend for Lairg Gala Week

11 July 2025
PICTURES: Festivities set to continue into the weekend for Lairg Gala Week

PICTURES: Festivities set to continue into the weekend for Lairg Gala Week

11 July 2025

More pictures from a fun-filled week in Lairg.


Sutherland councillor takes aim at Highland Council over service point changes in Dornoch

11 July 2025
Sutherland councillor takes aim at Highland Council over service point changes in Dornoch

Sutherland councillor takes aim at Highland Council over service point changes in Dornoch

11 July 2025

Cllr Jim McGillivray says the Dornoch public were not “meaningfully consulted” on the matter.


Roaring start for Lairg Gala Week beginning with crowning of firefighting Queen Olivia

11 July 2025
Roaring start for Lairg Gala Week beginning with crowning of firefighting Queen Olivia

Roaring start for Lairg Gala Week beginning with crowning of firefighting Queen Olivia

11 July 2025

Lairg Gala got off to a roaring start last Saturday.


WATCH: North-west Sutherland estates to be revitalised as part of 30-year ecological restoration project

10 July 2025
WATCH: North-west Sutherland estates to be revitalised as part of 30-year ecological restoration project

WATCH: North-west Sutherland estates to be revitalised as part of 30-year ecological restoration project

10 July 2025

A landmark regeneration project is set to breathe new life into the wild landscapes of the north-west.


Gordonbush scheme celebrates 10th year after enabling 40 apprenticeships across east Sutherland

10 July 2025
Gordonbush scheme celebrates 10th year after enabling 40 apprenticeships across east Sutherland

Gordonbush scheme celebrates 10th year after enabling 40 apprenticeships across east Sutherland

10 July 2025

An east Sutherland-based apprenticeship programme is marking a decade of supporting employment and enterprise in the local community.


Thistle reach seventh heaven against Melvich in weekend of one-sided wins

10 July 2025
Thistle reach seventh heaven against Melvich in weekend of one-sided wins

Thistle reach seventh heaven against Melvich in weekend of one-sided wins

10 July 2025

Liam Rostock grabbed a hat-trick as Tain overcame Melvich


Tain artist Archie MacArthur stages first solo exhibition in Dornoch

09 July 2025
Tain artist Archie MacArthur stages first solo exhibition in Dornoch

Tain artist Archie MacArthur stages first solo exhibition in Dornoch

09 July 2025

A Tain-based artist is showcasing his first ever solo exhibition in Dornoch this month.


Highland Council to introduce freephone facility after 50% drop in usage of in-person services at Dornoch service point

09 July 2025
Highland Council to introduce freephone facility after 50% drop in usage of in-person services at Dornoch service point

Highland Council to introduce freephone facility after 50% drop in usage of in-person services at Dornoch service point

09 July 2025

Highland Council has confirmed that services at Dornoch Service Point will be delivered differently from next month.


Billionaire Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates ‘made the day’ of golfers in Dornoch

09 July 2025
Billionaire Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates ‘made the day’ of golfers in Dornoch

Billionaire Microsoft co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates ‘made the day’ of golfers in Dornoch

09 July 2025

The tech pioneer and partner Paula Hurd “made the day” of several golfers as they took the time to pose for photos.


Woman (69) airlifted to hospital and man (76) charged after dog-attack near Lairg

08 July 2025
Woman (69) airlifted to hospital and man (76) charged after dog-attack near Lairg

Woman (69) airlifted to hospital and man (76) charged after dog-attack near Lairg

08 July 2025

The woman’s injuries have been reported as “serious”.


Dornoch cricketers score highest team total to go second in development league standings

08 July 2025
Dornoch cricketers score highest team total to go second in development league standings

Dornoch cricketers score highest team total to go second in development league standings

08 July 2025

Dornoch Cricket Club surged into second place in the North of Scotland Development League with a composed and clinical seven-wicket win.


PICTURES: Durness families mark end of school term with official opening of play park after £140k revamp

08 July 2025
PICTURES: Durness families mark end of school term with official opening of play park after £140k revamp

PICTURES: Durness families mark end of school term with official opening of play park after £140k revamp

08 July 2025

Families in Durness gathered last Thursday to mark the official opening of the village’s newly refurbished play park.


Police appeal for information on paddleboard found near Stac Pollaidh after owner could not be traced

08 July 2025
Police appeal for information on paddleboard found near Stac Pollaidh after owner could not be traced

Police appeal for information on paddleboard found near Stac Pollaidh after owner could not be traced

08 July 2025

Police say a significant multi-agency search was conducted, but “no person was traced”.


Sutherland Spaceport developers Orbex pre-selected for European Launcher Challenge

08 July 2025
Sutherland Spaceport developers Orbex pre-selected for European Launcher Challenge

Sutherland Spaceport developers Orbex pre-selected for European Launcher Challenge

08 July 2025

Developers of the Sutherland Spaceport, Orbex, has been pre-selected to take part in a prestigious European Launcher Challenge (ELC).


Artists finds inspiration in Strathnaver Museum’s collection with two-day boatbuilding skills exhibition

07 July 2025
Artists finds inspiration in Strathnaver Museum’s collection with two-day boatbuilding skills exhibition

Artists finds inspiration in Strathnaver Museum’s collection with two-day boatbuilding skills exhibition

07 July 2025

Joanne was appointed as one of three artists tasked with finding inspiration from the diverse objects in Strathnaver Museum’s collection.


Inverness economist reports ‘another disappointing month’ for Kinlochbervie fish landings

07 July 2025
Inverness economist reports ‘another disappointing month’ for Kinlochbervie fish landings

Inverness economist reports ‘another disappointing month’ for Kinlochbervie fish landings

07 July 2025

Tony Mackay believes Ullapool, who had an excellent month, could be benefitting from a drop in activity at Kinlochbervie.


Far North Line reopens after 3-week closure north of Dingwall to allow £11.5m track upgrade

30 June 2025
Far North Line reopens after 3-week closure north of Dingwall to allow £11.5m track upgrade

Far North Line reopens after 3-week closure north of Dingwall to allow £11.5m track upgrade

30 June 2025

Train services on the Far North Line north of Dingwall have resumed after three weeks of essential engineering work.


‘The next game is a big one’ - Dornoch cricket club chair hails impact of youngsters after win over Northern Counties 2nd XI

26 June 2025
‘The next game is a big one’ - Dornoch cricket club chair hails impact of youngsters after win over Northern Counties 2nd XI

‘The next game is a big one’ - Dornoch cricket club chair hails impact of youngsters after win over Northern Counties 2nd XI

26 June 2025

The chairman of Dornoch cricket club heaped praise on the club’s emerging young talent.


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