That is despite a large increase in Scottish Government funding announced in the draft budget.
Tourism groups welcome the move saying if it is ‘well-implemented’ it could ‘bring significant benefits to our region’
The move to ‘better serve’ the north follows Kate Forbes’ call to dismantle the local authority.
Lib Dem leader Alex Cole-Hamilton called on First Minister John Swinney for action but was told ‘clinical safety’ was paramount.
The change comes after the former group leader resigned from the Conservatives two months ago.
More cash will come north but the jury is out on whether finance secretary Shona Robison delivered for the north.
Fergus Ewing says recent NI hikes risk the service that offers patients dignity and saves the NHS millions.
One of them was told to attend a meeting for an interview with council investigators ‘under caution’.
The bureaucratic blunder emerged because the local authority was not checking ‘to confirm the existence of its staff’.
New figures show the north is behind the national average in 13 out of 15 areas.
They relate to charges and their implications for both residents staying locally and small operators.
Community Land Scotland chairwoman Ailsa Raeburn warns ‘availability of homes now at crisis level’.
Hospitality fears it could put people off visiting but others question why locals foot the bill for mass tourism.
MP Angus MacDonald warns impacts will also be felt by ‘many care homes, pharmacies, doctors surgeries and dentist clinics’.
The council’s ‘thanks, but no thanks’ approach was dubbed ‘heavy handed’ by one councillor
The council is issuing a call for views covering almost all transport options in the north.
Cameron Barracks and 7 hotels as well as MoD properties were all used to accommodate displaced persons.
Or has Rachel Reeves devastated Highland farming, whisky, business and employment?
But what does that mean for the Highlands including vital sectors like the whisky industry?
That is part of a larger £278,000 annual bill to keep the public fully informed including training for community councils.