3+ day, 17+ hour ago   (282+ words) Strath MP Graham Leadbitter has urged the Chancellor to provide a ‘much-needed boost’ for hospitality businesses in the area by slashing VAT. In a House of Commons chamber debate earlier this week, the Moray West, Nairn and Strathspey MP told…...

6+ day, 15+ hour ago   (281+ words) Highland Council has launched a public consultation survey on the proposal for a visitor levy, or tourist tax, in the region. The proposal is for a tiered fixed-amount levy, rather than a percentage of cost, for those staying in hotels…...

1+ week, 4+ day ago   (611+ words) The Scottish Government has fired the starting gun on the quango apocalypse with bodies headquartered or based in the Highlands in the firing line. In the programme for government First Minister John Swinney confirmed his intention to bring “our environment…...

1+ week, 5+ day ago   (280+ words) North of Scotland Cup First Round Strathspey Thistle 1 Inverness Caledonian Thistle 0 Strathspey Thistle are through to the quarter finals of the North of Scotland Cup after beating Inverness Caledonian Thistle at Grantown-on-Spey. The hosts had the opportunity to take the…...

2+ week, 5+ day ago   (529+ words) The number of births in Scotland has reached its lowest levels since records began more than 170 years ago. Latest figures from Scotland’s Registrar General reveal there were 45,067 live births registered in 2025 - 696 fewer than in 2024 and the fewest since 1855 when records…...

2+ week, 5+ day ago   (433+ words) Hotel owners have urged Highland Council to press pause on a proposed visitor levy for the region. The Highland Hotel Association (HHA) has spoken out ahead of a special council meeting to be held today, where councillors will be asked…...

2+ week, 6+ day ago   (631+ words) Highland Council’s £5-a-night tourist tax proposals are being attacked from all sides, with criticism that political bosses have “no vision whatsoever” on how to improve life for residents. At a special meeting today seeking the go-ahead for a consultation on…...

2+ week, 6+ day ago   (284+ words) A Highlands teenager has hailed her ‘incredible experience’ after making it to the finals of hit national television talent competition The Piano. Nairn’s Sophie Boyne (14) was one of the finalists of the latest series of Channel 4 search for a star,…...

3+ week, 2+ day ago   (486+ words) The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is inviting residents in Badenoch and Strathspey to take part in a public consultation on a draft Local Fire and Rescue Plan for the Highlands. The 29 page report outlines the SFRS’ proposed priorities and…...

3+ week, 4+ day ago   (439+ words) Draft plans for a tourist tax will be discussed at a special meeting of Highland Council next week. The draft ‘Visitor Levy’ proposal will be on the agenda at the meeting next Tuesday (August 25). No decision is being sought at…...