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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

Tartan Army supporter Craig Ferguson reaches Dunnet Head to complete 400-mile walk in support of men’s mental health charity

04 July 2025
Tartan Army supporter Craig Ferguson reaches Dunnet Head to complete 400-mile walk in support of men’s mental health charity

Tartan Army supporter Craig Ferguson reaches Dunnet Head to complete 400-mile walk in support of men’s mental health charity

04 July 2025

Craig Ferguson began his fundraising walk at the Mull of Galloway on June 14.


PICTURES: Noss Primary youngsters bring cheer to care home residents during special end of term visit

02 July 2025
PICTURES: Noss Primary youngsters bring cheer to care home residents during special end of term visit

PICTURES: Noss Primary youngsters bring cheer to care home residents during special end of term visit

02 July 2025

There was no shortage of sunshine inside Seaview Care Home on Tuesday as Primary 7 pupils from Noss Primary School received a warm welcome.


PICTURES: Sun shines for Canisbay Show as crowds return for 32nd annual event

01 July 2025
PICTURES: Sun shines for Canisbay Show as crowds return for 32nd annual event

PICTURES: Sun shines for Canisbay Show as crowds return for 32nd annual event

01 July 2025

The 2025 event, the 32nd annual show, saw a strong turnout of livestock exhibitors.


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.


Pharmacy-led fundraiser for chest, heart and stroke charity in Wick promises ‘community atmosphere’

30 June 2025
Pharmacy-led fundraiser for chest, heart and stroke charity in Wick promises ‘community atmosphere’

Pharmacy-led fundraiser for chest, heart and stroke charity in Wick promises ‘community atmosphere’

30 June 2025

A special night of live music and “community atmosphere” is set to take over the Wick Assembly Rooms next Saturday.


Lybster exhibition shines spotlight on role of women in herring industry

28 June 2025
Lybster exhibition shines spotlight on role of women in herring industry

Lybster exhibition shines spotlight on role of women in herring industry

28 June 2025

A new exhibition in Lybster is set to shine a light on the women who helped shape the fortunes of the fishing industry.


Returning Thurso boss Ross Sutherland hails ‘inspirational’ Ross County CEO as he aims to create ‘positive vibe’ at Vikings

26 June 2025
Returning Thurso boss Ross Sutherland hails ‘inspirational’ Ross County CEO as he aims to create ‘positive vibe’ at Vikings

Returning Thurso boss Ross Sutherland hails ‘inspirational’ Ross County CEO as he aims to create ‘positive vibe’ at Vikings

26 June 2025

Ross Sutherland makes his return to the Thurso dugout for the first time since 2007.


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


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