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Iona M.J. MacDonald


Community Reporter

Iona MJ Macdonald joined Highland News and Media aged 16 in 2022, as a trainee community reporter. By 18, Iona won Highlands and Islands Young Journalist of the Year, the Community News Project's Best Campaign Award, featured in the Young Women's Movement 30 Under 30 list and completed her NCTJ diploma in journalism. She is a Wester Ross native, and is passionate about telling the stories that would otherwise go unheard.

Iona M.J. MacDonald

Caithness woman dedicates award win to late best friend

16 March 2025
Caithness woman dedicates award win to late best friend

Caithness woman dedicates award win to late best friend

16 March 2025

A Caithness woman won Fundraiser of the Year at Highland Heroes for her project in tribute to her late best friend, Julie.


WATCH: Inverness High School ‘delighted’ about award win for well-deserving pupils

15 March 2025
WATCH: Inverness High School ‘delighted’ about award win for well-deserving pupils

WATCH: Inverness High School ‘delighted’ about award win for well-deserving pupils

15 March 2025

The headteacher of Inverness High School was “delighted” to win the School of the Year award at Highland Heroes on behalf of pupils.


‘I want to help make change’: Cromarty teenager scoops award

15 March 2025
‘I want to help make change’: Cromarty teenager scoops award

‘I want to help make change’: Cromarty teenager scoops award

15 March 2025

A Cromarty teenager with a relentless dedication to youth work has scooped a prestigious accolade at this year’s Highland Heroes awards.


How the Highland Council proposes to solve NC500 issues

13 March 2025
How the Highland Council proposes to solve NC500 issues

How the Highland Council proposes to solve NC500 issues

13 March 2025

The problems posed by the Highlands’ 516-mile NC500 route are undeniably tricky – and almost everyone has very strong opinions about it.


10 YEARS OF THE NC500: What impact has it had?

12 March 2025
10 YEARS OF THE NC500: What impact has it had?

10 YEARS OF THE NC500: What impact has it had?

12 March 2025

On one hand, tourism from the NC500 is vital to the Highland economy, but on the other hand, many communities feel they are at breaking point.


Parkinson’s nurse capacity to double for north Highlands

11 March 2025
Parkinson’s nurse capacity to double for north Highlands

Parkinson’s nurse capacity to double for north Highlands

11 March 2025

The new post has come about through the efforts of local people, who worked with the charity Parkinson’s UK to campaign for more support.


Scrabster to see introduction of cruise ship tax?

28 February 2025
Scrabster to see introduction of cruise ship tax?

Scrabster to see introduction of cruise ship tax?

28 February 2025

The government is seeking views on the proposed levy, which would give local authorities the power to introduce a tax on cruise ships in their area.


Highland Business Women choose RASASH as their charity of the year

29 January 2025
Highland Business Women choose RASASH as their charity of the year

Highland Business Women choose RASASH as their charity of the year

29 January 2025

Established in 2014, Rape and Sexual Abuse Service Highland (RASASH) provides specialised support to those aged 13 and over.


Only TWO Highland dog fouling fines issued since 2021

12 January 2025
Only TWO Highland dog fouling fines issued since 2021

Only TWO Highland dog fouling fines issued since 2021

12 January 2025

ONLY two fines for dog fouling have been issued since 2021 in the Highlands, prompting local politicians to call out “lazy and selfish” pet owners.


Met Office issues ice warning for Highlands and Moray

03 December 2024
Met Office issues ice warning for Highlands and Moray

Met Office issues ice warning for Highlands and Moray

03 December 2024

Beginning at 9pm today until 10am tomorrow, the yellow ice warning covers the whole east coast of Scotland.


Four Highland suicides in eight days: charity says ‘many people need support’

02 December 2024
Four Highland suicides in eight days: charity says ‘many people need support’

Four Highland suicides in eight days: charity says ‘many people need support’

02 December 2024

October saw four Highland suicides over just eight days — proving that Cromarty-based charity James Support Group is needed now more than ever.


‘It would be horrendous if we closed’: James Support Group faces funding crisis

01 December 2024
‘It would be horrendous if we closed’: James Support Group faces funding crisis

‘It would be horrendous if we closed’: James Support Group faces funding crisis

01 December 2024

The charity says that demand has grown for their services, yet resources and funding has only gotten thinner each year.


How I became an award-winning teenage journalist — and you can too

25 November 2024
How I became an award-winning teenage journalist — and you can too

How I became an award-winning teenage journalist — and you can too

25 November 2024

Our reporter, Iona MacDonald (18) shares how she got a head start in journalism — and how you can too.


Vital funding for Highland rape and sexual abuse charity’s support service

22 November 2024
Vital funding for Highland rape and sexual abuse charity’s support service

Vital funding for Highland rape and sexual abuse charity’s support service

22 November 2024

Rape and Sexual Abuse Service Highland (RASASH) provides confidential specialist support and advocacy to people affected by sexual violence and abuse.


‘Downright disgusting’: NC500 named as over-tourism ‘no travel’ destination

18 November 2024
‘Downright disgusting’: NC500 named as over-tourism ‘no travel’ destination

‘Downright disgusting’: NC500 named as over-tourism ‘no travel’ destination

18 November 2024

Fodor’s Travel states that the route is one of 15 global tourist hotspots “collapsing under the burden of their own prominence”.


Vital Highland charity’s opportunity for donations to be doubled in value

07 October 2024
Vital Highland charity’s opportunity for donations to be doubled in value

Vital Highland charity’s opportunity for donations to be doubled in value

07 October 2024

Running from October 10-17, the fundraising initiative aims to raise £10k to support crucial services for women and girls affected by sexual violence.


UPDATE: Two casualties after A9 Tomich road accident

23 September 2024
UPDATE: Two casualties after A9 Tomich road accident

UPDATE: Two casualties after A9 Tomich road accident

23 September 2024

The two-vehicle crash at Tomich on the A9 has seen two casualties, according to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.


A9 at Tomich closed in both directions after road accident

23 September 2024
A9 at Tomich closed in both directions after road accident

A9 at Tomich closed in both directions after road accident

23 September 2024

The A9 at Tomich closed in both directions after road accident


‘Highlands being left behind’ says charity after 164hr mental health shortfall

22 September 2024
‘Highlands being left behind’ says charity after 164hr mental health shortfall

‘Highlands being left behind’ says charity after 164hr mental health shortfall

22 September 2024

The figures have pushed a local charity to call for investment to prevent “the Highlands from being left behind” for mental health services.


WATCH: What’s it like to volunteer for Highland and Islands Blood Bikes?

01 September 2024
WATCH: What’s it like to volunteer for Highland and Islands Blood Bikes?

WATCH: What’s it like to volunteer for Highland and Islands Blood Bikes?

01 September 2024

The charity, which is entirely run by volunteers and funded by public donations, provides a rapid response service 365 days a year.


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