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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

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.


Highland ‘hidden gem’ bar best known for hosting Billy Connolly and The Proclaimers, now up for sale

05 August 2024
Highland ‘hidden gem’ bar best known for hosting Billy Connolly and The Proclaimers, now up for sale

Highland ‘hidden gem’ bar best known for hosting Billy Connolly and The Proclaimers, now up for sale

05 August 2024

The iconic bar in the Highland Capital is now listed for sale


Police reveal individual was spiked at Belladrum 2022 — here are the signs you’ve been spiked

24 July 2024
Police reveal individual was spiked at Belladrum 2022 — here are the signs you’ve been spiked

Police reveal individual was spiked at Belladrum 2022 — here are the signs you’ve been spiked

24 July 2024

The warning follows from an inquiry which reveals a report of the “horrific” crime was made to the police in relation to the 2022 event.


Caithness BDMLR teaches life-saving skills to volunteers at ‘fantastic’ training day

21 July 2024
Caithness BDMLR teaches life-saving skills to volunteers at ‘fantastic’ training day

Caithness BDMLR teaches life-saving skills to volunteers at ‘fantastic’ training day

21 July 2024

Life-saving skills were learnt at a BDMLR training day, which saw “stunning weather” and volunteers from across the Highlands taking part.


Parents’ plea to find daughter (29) missing in the Highlands and ‘very vulnerable’

19 July 2024
Parents’ plea to find daughter (29) missing in the Highlands and ‘very vulnerable’

Parents’ plea to find daughter (29) missing in the Highlands and ‘very vulnerable’

19 July 2024

Mary Sweetman from west Wales, is autistic “very vulnerable” according to her parents. Contact was last made with Mary on July 2.


Highland voters ‘frustrated and angry’ over ‘inability to vote’ after postal ballot delays

28 June 2024
Highland voters ‘frustrated and angry’ over ‘inability to vote’ after postal ballot delays

Highland voters ‘frustrated and angry’ over ‘inability to vote’ after postal ballot delays

28 June 2024

“Frustrated and angry” Highlanders have spoken out about the delays in receiving their postal vote, meaning they won’t get a say in the election.


Wick-born singer to play gig at ‘legendary’ Glastonbury Festival

26 June 2024
Wick-born singer to play gig at ‘legendary’ Glastonbury Festival

Wick-born singer to play gig at ‘legendary’ Glastonbury Festival

26 June 2024

Born in Wick and raised on the Black Isle, Tamzene Allison-Power (27) is preparing to play at one of the world’s most renowned musical event.


Dingwall to host general election hustings focusing on energy

25 June 2024
Dingwall to host general election hustings focusing on energy

Dingwall to host general election hustings focusing on energy

25 June 2024

Organisers say the event is an opportunity for constituents concerned about energy in the local area, to question the candidates on the topic.


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