Politics

That equates to a five fold rise over six years for those getting £60k or more a year.

That has delayed crews by a total 14,544 hours last year – the equivalent of 606 days.

Helen Crawford says it is a ‘good day for democracy’ as she sought to keep communities informed of the wave of projects planned for the region.

A Highland MSP has raised concerns over the Scottish Government downplaying the impact of chronic pain in people’s lives.

Transport secretary Fiona Hyslop says she has her ‘foot to the floor’ and is determined to see it through.

Holyrood Notebook by Edward Mountain

Cllr Ron Gunn opened up about the health issues that led to the hard decision to stand down from chairing the Caithness Committee.

It is understood Alness Academy, Wick High, Inverness Royal Academy and Charleston Academy have gender neutral toilets.

MSP Maree Todd urges the UK Government to reverse its damaging social security reforms, which risk pushing many Caithness residents into poverty.

LibDem candidate David Green fears the council is ‘effectively driving business away’ from local operators.

The recent figures show how much was spent by each new Westminster representative since the general election.

A far north councillor has hit out at the toll taken on elected politicians by people who carry out misinformed, corrosive social media attacks.

Jamie Stone described North Sea oil and gas workers as “immensely valuable” to the UK and insisted their skills must not be allowed to go to waste.

Holyrood Notebook By Ariane Burgess

Bower could regain its community voice by merging with a neighbouring area.

Scottish Government is slammed for leaving ‘frontline NHS staff dangerously overstretched and more prone to making mistakes’.

Leading rural organisations say muirburn licensing delays could risk exacerbating the growing threat of wildfires across Scotland.

With government moves to save British steel production, Far north MP Jamie Stone highlighted its importance to Caithness at a House of Commons debate.

The campaign for a vital railway project that could sharply improve train reliability on the Far North Line has won the backing of a Holyrood hopeful.

Halkirk has ended its reputation for having the worst internet connection in the UK, claims a broadband provider.