Environment

Households whose bin collections have been missed due to disruption from the recent heavy snows & gales have been given an update by Highland Council.

The red warning, which was issued shortly before midnight, covers areas around the Moray Firth.

The amber warning will remain in place until 6am on Monday.

The Bonaparte's gull was listed on the Rare Bird Alert website.

The public are being warned to prepare for a 12-hour spell of 'very strong, damaging winds'.

A 13-strong group spent three hours picking up various items of rubbish from the beach.

The force has also advised against travelling between south Highland and north Highland as many key routes remain blocked by drifting snow.

Police confirm 'multiple' vehicles are stuck in the snow on the A9 north of Helmsdale and have warned that it is unclear when conditions will improve.

'Several vehicles' have become stranded on the busy A9 trunk road due to heavy and drifting snow, Traffic Scotland has warned.

Police have urged motorists to take extra care, after heavy snow and drifting left some roads in such poor condition even ploughs have had trouble.

"Do you really need to travel?", Highlanders have been asked amid a heightened amber snow alert and Met Office warnings of "significant" fresh totals.

A heightened amber warning has been issued amid forecasts of even heavier snowfalls and drifting snow.

Avalanche risks on Highland peaks are now "considerable", mountain-goers have been warned in the wake of heavy snowfall.

Russell Chittenden began his journey six months ago.

Motorists have been urged to take extra care and consider if journeys are necessary amid "challenging" ongoing wintry conditions on Highland roads.

Ben Gibson, mountain safety adviser at Mountaineering Scotland, encourages people who are planning to head to the hills this winter to think ahead

A snow and ice warning has been issued for the Highlands this weekend.

A new toilet block and 71 new car parking spaces are to be constructed at Achmelvich beach, which is considered a "hot spot" for visitors.

Expressions of interest have been made by at least five local communities in Highlands

Now that festive decorations have been taken down residents have been urged by Highland Council to recycle their Christmas trees.