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Rachel Smart


Business reporter

I studied my undergraduate degree in politics and international relations at the University of Aberdeen and I completed my Masters in Journalism at RGU this year. I have always been interested in people and how society works. It's great when your passions align with your job.

Is splitting up Highland Council the solution to improving public services?

22 July 2024
Is splitting up Highland Council the solution to improving public services?

Is splitting up Highland Council the solution to improving public services?

22 July 2024

The public has been having their say on whether or not they agree Highland Council has the worst public services in mainland Scotland.


Highland Council react to being ranked the worst local authority in mainland Scotland

22 July 2024
Highland Council react to being ranked the worst local authority in mainland Scotland

Highland Council react to being ranked the worst local authority in mainland Scotland

22 July 2024

Highland Council has said an analysis that ranks it as the worst local authority in Scotland ‘does not reflect the true picture of Highland’.


MSP says GB Energy being based in Highlands would ‘right a wrong that has existed for generations’

21 July 2024
MSP says GB Energy being based in Highlands would ‘right a wrong that has existed for generations’

MSP says GB Energy being based in Highlands would ‘right a wrong that has existed for generations’

21 July 2024

Highland MSP Rhoda Grant has backed calls for GB Energy to be based in the Highlands.


Highland Business Women Awards’ shortlist selected

19 July 2024
Highland Business Women Awards’ shortlist selected

Highland Business Women Awards’ shortlist selected

19 July 2024

Over the coming weeks, each category will be revealed – with an array of cutting-edge businesses and leaders making it to the finals.


Wick John O'Groats Airport not impacted by worldwide IT outages

19 July 2024
Wick John O'Groats Airport not impacted by worldwide IT outages

Wick John O'Groats Airport not impacted by worldwide IT outages

19 July 2024

Wick John O'Groats Airport has not been impacted by the current worldwide IT outage.


Highland Council has the worst public services in Scotland, analysis reveals

19 July 2024
Highland Council has the worst public services in Scotland, analysis reveals

Highland Council has the worst public services in Scotland, analysis reveals

19 July 2024

A new Sunday Times analysis has revealed Highland Council has the worst public services in Scotland.


Highland Business Week: Region has a chance to build on business strengths and grow

19 July 2024
Highland Business Week: Region has a chance to build on business strengths and grow

Highland Business Week: Region has a chance to build on business strengths and grow

19 July 2024

A Highland Business Award is a highly coveted recognition of achievement.


Deputy First Minister discusses her experience with postnatal depression in candid new podcast series

18 July 2024
Deputy First Minister discusses her experience with postnatal depression in candid new podcast series

Deputy First Minister discusses her experience with postnatal depression in candid new podcast series

18 July 2024

Deputy First Minster Kate Forbes has spoken about her experience with postnatal depression on the new series of the podcast, Speaking of Suicide.


‘Dearth’ of childcare in rural areas hitting jobs hopes

17 July 2024
‘Dearth’ of childcare in rural areas hitting jobs hopes

‘Dearth’ of childcare in rural areas hitting jobs hopes

17 July 2024

A lack of flexibility over childcare rules in rural areas is hampering efforts to get people into work and reduce depopulation, it has been claimed.


Family taking on NC500 cycle challenge for Cancer Research ‘blown away’ by support from Highlanders

12 July 2024
Family taking on NC500 cycle challenge for Cancer Research ‘blown away’ by support from Highlanders

Family taking on NC500 cycle challenge for Cancer Research ‘blown away’ by support from Highlanders

12 July 2024

A brave team is currently cycling the NC500 in aid of Cancer Research.


Business leaders call on UK government to base GB Energy headquarters in the Highlands

11 July 2024
Business leaders call on UK government to base GB Energy headquarters in the Highlands

Business leaders call on UK government to base GB Energy headquarters in the Highlands

11 July 2024

A group of business and organisation leaders is calling on the new Labour UK Government to locate the headquarters of the proposed GB Energy.


Highland Business Awards: recognising community impact and young employees

05 July 2024
Highland Business Awards: recognising community impact and young employees

Highland Business Awards: recognising community impact and young employees

05 July 2024

This year’s prestigious Highland Business Awards are now open for entries.


One week left to enter Prosper’s Highlands & Islands Business Excellence Awards

03 July 2024
One week left to enter Prosper’s Highlands & Islands Business Excellence Awards

One week left to enter Prosper’s Highlands & Islands Business Excellence Awards

03 July 2024

The awards celebrate the positive impact that businesses in the region have on their communities and the wider economy.


PICTURES: Over 750 people take part in Highland Cross event as it marks 40 years

24 June 2024
PICTURES: Over 750 people take part in Highland Cross event as it marks 40 years

PICTURES: Over 750 people take part in Highland Cross event as it marks 40 years

24 June 2024

Over 750 people participated in a gruelling challenge at the 40th Highland Cross this weekend.


Enter the Highland Business Women Awards and make your business shine

15 June 2024
Enter the Highland Business Women Awards and make your business shine

Enter the Highland Business Women Awards and make your business shine

15 June 2024

It’s almost that time of year again as the Highland Business Women Awards is making a return.


Is there an outstanding woman on your team that could be nominated for the Highland Business Women Awards?

08 June 2024
Is there an outstanding woman on your team that could be nominated for the Highland Business Women Awards?

Is there an outstanding woman on your team that could be nominated for the Highland Business Women Awards?

08 June 2024

It’s almost that time of year again as the Highland Business Women Awards is making a return.


Highland Council announce plans for strategic fund so benefits of renewable energy are ‘equitable’

05 June 2024
Highland Council announce plans for strategic fund so benefits of renewable energy are ‘equitable’

Highland Council announce plans for strategic fund so benefits of renewable energy are ‘equitable’

05 June 2024

Highland Council leader Raymond Bremner has announced plans for a Strategic Partnership Fund.


Scotland’s ‘tourist tax’ welcomed by Highland Council but tourism body fears for ‘hard-pressed sector’

29 May 2024
Scotland’s ‘tourist tax’ welcomed by Highland Council but tourism body fears for ‘hard-pressed sector’

Scotland’s ‘tourist tax’ welcomed by Highland Council but tourism body fears for ‘hard-pressed sector’

29 May 2024

The ‘tourist tax’ approved by the Scottish Government yesterday has been welcomed by Highland Council.


Bill on 'tourist tax' backed by Highland Council approved at Holyrood

28 May 2024
Bill on 'tourist tax' backed by Highland Council approved at Holyrood

Bill on 'tourist tax' backed by Highland Council approved at Holyrood

28 May 2024

MSPs have voted in favour of introducing a tourist tax in Scotland.


Do you know an inspiring woman in the Highland business community?

25 May 2024
Do you know an inspiring woman in the Highland business community?

Do you know an inspiring woman in the Highland business community?

25 May 2024

It’s almost that time of year again as the Highland Business Women Awards are making a return.


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