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Iona M.J. MacDonald


Community Reporter

Iona M.J Macdonald joined Highland News and Media aged 16 in 2022, as a trainee community reporter. By 18, Iona won Highlands and Islands Young Journalist of the Year, the Community News Project's Best Campaign Award, featured in the Young Women's Movement 30 Under 30 list and completed her NCTJ diploma in journalism. She is a Wester Ross native, and is passionate about telling the stories that would otherwise go unheard.

Iona M.J. MacDonald

Dingwall police launch search for Liam Long (29)

06 May 2025
Dingwall police launch search for Liam Long (29)

Dingwall police launch search for Liam Long (29)

06 May 2025

Dingwall police have launched a search for a missing person (29) who has not been seen since April 29.


RASASH shortlisted for Charity of the Year at Scottish Charity Awards

06 May 2025
RASASH shortlisted for Charity of the Year at Scottish Charity Awards

RASASH shortlisted for Charity of the Year at Scottish Charity Awards

06 May 2025

Highland charity, Rape and Sexual Abuse Service Highland (RASASH) has been shortlisted as a finalist for Charity of the Year.


Free travel for military, ex-military and cadets on VE Day

30 April 2025
Free travel for military, ex-military and cadets on VE Day

Free travel for military, ex-military and cadets on VE Day

30 April 2025

Stagecoach North Scotland is providing free bus travel on May 8, to serving military, veterans, and cadets across its services.


Highland partnership aims to ‘deliver quality affordable housing’ in region

29 April 2025
Highland partnership aims to ‘deliver quality affordable housing’ in region

Highland partnership aims to ‘deliver quality affordable housing’ in region

29 April 2025

A Highland partnership has announced its aim to “deliver high quality and affordable housing for residents” in a new ten-year strategy for the region.


New chief officer of education appointed for the Highlands

22 April 2025
New chief officer of education appointed for the Highlands

New chief officer of education appointed for the Highlands

22 April 2025

The Highland Council has appointed Bernadette Scott as chief officer education for primary and early years.


Highland bishop praises ‘generosity and love’ of late Pope Francis

22 April 2025
Highland bishop praises ‘generosity and love’ of late Pope Francis

Highland bishop praises ‘generosity and love’ of late Pope Francis

22 April 2025

The Most Reverend Mark Strange of Moray, Ross and Caithness has shared his message of condolence upon the death of Pope Francis yesterday.


Home bargains issue ‘urgent recall’ over Easter plushies

25 March 2025
Home bargains issue ‘urgent recall’ over Easter plushies

Home bargains issue ‘urgent recall’ over Easter plushies

25 March 2025

Home Bargains have multiple stores across the Highlands and Moray in Inverness, Tain, Dingwall, Aviemore, Nairn and Elgin.


Missing Inverness man (35) may have been travelling to Caithness

25 March 2025
Missing Inverness man (35) may have been travelling to Caithness

Missing Inverness man (35) may have been travelling to Caithness

25 March 2025

Police have launched a search for a missing Inverness man, who they believe may have travelled to Caithness via public transport.


Caithness woman dedicates award win to late best friend

16 March 2025
Caithness woman dedicates award win to late best friend

Caithness woman dedicates award win to late best friend

16 March 2025

A Caithness woman won Fundraiser of the Year at Highland Heroes for her project in tribute to her late best friend, Julie.


WATCH: Inverness High School ‘delighted’ about award win for well-deserving pupils

15 March 2025
WATCH: Inverness High School ‘delighted’ about award win for well-deserving pupils

WATCH: Inverness High School ‘delighted’ about award win for well-deserving pupils

15 March 2025

The headteacher of Inverness High School was “delighted” to win the School of the Year award at Highland Heroes on behalf of pupils.


‘I want to help make change’: Cromarty teenager scoops award

15 March 2025
‘I want to help make change’: Cromarty teenager scoops award

‘I want to help make change’: Cromarty teenager scoops award

15 March 2025

A Cromarty teenager with a relentless dedication to youth work has scooped a prestigious accolade at this year’s Highland Heroes awards.


How the Highland Council proposes to solve NC500 issues

13 March 2025
How the Highland Council proposes to solve NC500 issues

How the Highland Council proposes to solve NC500 issues

13 March 2025

The problems posed by the Highlands’ 516-mile NC500 route are undeniably tricky – and almost everyone has very strong opinions about it.


10 YEARS OF THE NC500: What impact has it had?

12 March 2025
10 YEARS OF THE NC500: What impact has it had?

10 YEARS OF THE NC500: What impact has it had?

12 March 2025

On one hand, tourism from the NC500 is vital to the Highland economy, but on the other hand, many communities feel they are at breaking point.


Parkinson’s nurse capacity to double for north Highlands

11 March 2025
Parkinson’s nurse capacity to double for north Highlands

Parkinson’s nurse capacity to double for north Highlands

11 March 2025

The new post has come about through the efforts of local people, who worked with the charity Parkinson’s UK to campaign for more support.


Scrabster to see introduction of cruise ship tax?

28 February 2025
Scrabster to see introduction of cruise ship tax?

Scrabster to see introduction of cruise ship tax?

28 February 2025

The government is seeking views on the proposed levy, which would give local authorities the power to introduce a tax on cruise ships in their area.


Highland Business Women choose RASASH as their charity of the year

29 January 2025
Highland Business Women choose RASASH as their charity of the year

Highland Business Women choose RASASH as their charity of the year

29 January 2025

Established in 2014, Rape and Sexual Abuse Service Highland (RASASH) provides specialised support to those aged 13 and over.


Only TWO Highland dog fouling fines issued since 2021

12 January 2025
Only TWO Highland dog fouling fines issued since 2021

Only TWO Highland dog fouling fines issued since 2021

12 January 2025

ONLY two fines for dog fouling have been issued since 2021 in the Highlands, prompting local politicians to call out “lazy and selfish” pet owners.


Met Office issues ice warning for Highlands and Moray

03 December 2024
Met Office issues ice warning for Highlands and Moray

Met Office issues ice warning for Highlands and Moray

03 December 2024

Beginning at 9pm today until 10am tomorrow, the yellow ice warning covers the whole east coast of Scotland.


Four Highland suicides in eight days: charity says ‘many people need support’

02 December 2024
Four Highland suicides in eight days: charity says ‘many people need support’

Four Highland suicides in eight days: charity says ‘many people need support’

02 December 2024

October saw four Highland suicides over just eight days — proving that Cromarty-based charity James Support Group is needed now more than ever.


‘It would be horrendous if we closed’: James Support Group faces funding crisis

01 December 2024
‘It would be horrendous if we closed’: James Support Group faces funding crisis

‘It would be horrendous if we closed’: James Support Group faces funding crisis

01 December 2024

The charity says that demand has grown for their services, yet resources and funding has only gotten thinner each year.


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