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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

Thurso Beaver group leaders recognised for 40 years of service to scouting

19 June 2025
Thurso Beaver group leaders recognised for 40 years of service to scouting

Thurso Beaver group leaders recognised for 40 years of service to scouting

19 June 2025

Two long-standing figures at 2nd Thurso Scout Group have been recognised for their outstanding commitment to local Scouting.


MBE for Ulbster mountaineer living with terminal prostate cancer who turned tragedy into a life of rescue service

16 June 2025
MBE for Ulbster mountaineer living with terminal prostate cancer who turned tragedy into a life of rescue service

MBE for Ulbster mountaineer living with terminal prostate cancer who turned tragedy into a life of rescue service

16 June 2025

Charlie Macleod (67) was named in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours list.


Caithness community councils join Highland-wide call for pause on major infrastructure developments

15 June 2025
Caithness community councils join Highland-wide call for pause on major infrastructure developments

Caithness community councils join Highland-wide call for pause on major infrastructure developments

15 June 2025

Representatives from Halkirk, Dunbeath and Dunnet were among those heard.


‘Take that to government, and crack on!’ – 53 community councils unite to demand pause on energy projects across Highlands

15 June 2025
‘Take that to government, and crack on!’ – 53 community councils unite to demand pause on energy projects across Highlands

‘Take that to government, and crack on!’ – 53 community councils unite to demand pause on energy projects across Highlands

15 June 2025

Over 350 community councillors and members of the public attended the convention in Beauly yesterday.


UHI North, West and Hebrides highlighted as ‘key player’ in transition to net zero during commission visit

13 June 2025
UHI North, West and Hebrides highlighted as ‘key player’ in transition to net zero during commission visit

UHI North, West and Hebrides highlighted as ‘key player’ in transition to net zero during commission visit

13 June 2025

The Just Transition Commission paid a visit to the UHI North, West and Hebrides campus this week.


Caithness wrestling promotion launches ‘urgent’ appeal for help to find Thurso home

11 June 2025
Caithness wrestling promotion launches ‘urgent’ appeal for help to find Thurso home

Caithness wrestling promotion launches ‘urgent’ appeal for help to find Thurso home

11 June 2025

Combat League Wrestling (CLW) says it urgently needs the support of the community to help it find a suitable venue in the town.


‘Academically excellent’ Thurso PhD student recognised for contributions to research in UHI North, West and Hebrides awards

09 June 2025
‘Academically excellent’ Thurso PhD student recognised for contributions to research in UHI North, West and Hebrides awards

‘Academically excellent’ Thurso PhD student recognised for contributions to research in UHI North, West and Hebrides awards

09 June 2025

Robert McHenry has been recognised as the institution’s Higher Education Student of the Year.


Highland bin lorries to collect mobile phone signal data to help boost accuracy of coverage checks

09 June 2025
Highland bin lorries to collect mobile phone signal data to help boost accuracy of coverage checks

Highland bin lorries to collect mobile phone signal data to help boost accuracy of coverage checks

09 June 2025

The initiative is being rolled out across the Highlands, Moray and Aberdeenshire.


‘Magical’ mural at Thurso primary to promote expression, mindfulness and teamwork

09 June 2025
‘Magical’ mural at Thurso primary to promote expression, mindfulness and teamwork

‘Magical’ mural at Thurso primary to promote expression, mindfulness and teamwork

09 June 2025

The mural is the result of months of hard work by the school’s Art and Wellbeing Nurture Group.


‘Morale high’ at Caithness football club after £18k funding windfall

06 June 2025
‘Morale high’ at Caithness football club after £18k funding windfall

‘Morale high’ at Caithness football club after £18k funding windfall

06 June 2025

The club has hailed the award as a ‘huge step forward’.


Thurso author prepares for debut fantasy novel release

05 June 2025
Thurso author prepares for debut fantasy novel release

Thurso author prepares for debut fantasy novel release

05 June 2025

Inquisitive – the first novel from author Stephen DG Frame – is due for release on June 28, 2025.


Helmsdale solstice festival to honour heritage of ‘Herring Girls’

04 June 2025
Helmsdale solstice festival to honour heritage of ‘Herring Girls’

Helmsdale solstice festival to honour heritage of ‘Herring Girls’

04 June 2025

A festival celebrating the contributions of women to Scotland’s fishing heritage will take place in Helmsdale later this month.


Gift from Spaceport firm Orbex is welcome boost for Tongue primary pupils

03 June 2025
Gift from Spaceport firm Orbex is welcome boost for Tongue primary pupils

Gift from Spaceport firm Orbex is welcome boost for Tongue primary pupils

03 June 2025

Pupils at Tongue Primary are over the moon after receiving a space-age boost to their digital learning resources


Wick man’s innovative ice-cream for cancer patients recognised with creative excellence award

03 June 2025
Wick man’s innovative ice-cream for cancer patients recognised with creative excellence award

Wick man’s innovative ice-cream for cancer patients recognised with creative excellence award

03 June 2025

An entrepreneur from Wick has been honoured with one of the world’s most respected creative accolades.


Reay primary pupils are ‘happy, engaged and highly enthusiastic’, report reveals

03 June 2025
Reay primary pupils are ‘happy, engaged and highly enthusiastic’, report reveals

Reay primary pupils are ‘happy, engaged and highly enthusiastic’, report reveals

03 June 2025

The report follows a snap inspection carried out in March.


Scottish Amateur FA set to rule on Culloden appeal this week as Wick Groats await cup clarity

03 June 2025
Scottish Amateur FA set to rule on Culloden appeal this week as Wick Groats await cup clarity

Scottish Amateur FA set to rule on Culloden appeal this week as Wick Groats await cup clarity

03 June 2025

Appeals have caused delays to this year’s Highland Amateur Cup.


BEAUTIFUL BOTANICALS: Rhubarb’s ancient medicinal qualities were used to cure all ills

01 June 2025
BEAUTIFUL BOTANICALS: Rhubarb’s ancient medicinal qualities were used to cure all ills

BEAUTIFUL BOTANICALS: Rhubarb’s ancient medicinal qualities were used to cure all ills

01 June 2025

Beautiful Botanicals by Joanne Howdle


Flow Country landscape inspires solo-exhibit of over 40 works from Caithness artist

31 May 2025
Flow Country landscape inspires solo-exhibit of over 40 works from Caithness artist

Flow Country landscape inspires solo-exhibit of over 40 works from Caithness artist

31 May 2025

‘The Flows and the Flora’ comprises over 40 pieces including drawings, etchings and paintings from Magi Sinclair.


Highland MSP Maree Todd calls for parents and young people to accept HPV vaccine amid drop in uptake across north

29 May 2025
Highland MSP Maree Todd calls for parents and young people to accept HPV vaccine amid drop in uptake across north

Highland MSP Maree Todd calls for parents and young people to accept HPV vaccine amid drop in uptake across north

29 May 2025

Highland MSP Maree Todd is calling on parents and young people to accept the offer of an HPV vaccine.


Highland Amateur Cup could be extended into September, cup officials warn amid appeals wrangle

25 May 2025
Highland Amateur Cup could be extended into September, cup officials warn amid appeals wrangle

Highland Amateur Cup could be extended into September, cup officials warn amid appeals wrangle

25 May 2025

Wick Groats are among several clubs facing an extended wait to discover when they’ll next be in action.


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