The Old Pulteney distillery in Wick says it is 'cheered' by this week's Budget announcement of an alcohol duty freeze.
Councillor Karl Rosie insisted the Highlands can be "one of the richest regions in Scotland" after he announced his decision to join the Alba Party.
Spring is trying its hardest to break through. The slightly warmer weather and longer days give an air of positivity and hope.
Politicians are being warned that Caithness could be "heading for terminal decline" without action on key services such as healthcare and roads.
The Labour MSP says 'local benefit from these developments has not improved and communities are losing out.'
Unison has 'grave concerns' about violence in schools and the EIS has lashed out at proposals to cut 70 principal teachers.
Highland Greens MSP Ariane Burgess is calling for a Far North Line station closed last year to be reopened.
The agreed proposals are branded 'nebulous, vague, hazy, obscure, indistinct, unclear, indefinite, murky, blurred, formless and featureless.'
Council leader Raymond Bremner says it 'allows for significant investment to take place and protect jobs across our communities.'
Staff at the University of the Highlands and Islands hit the picket line this morning amid ongoing strike action over pay and job losses.