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Niall Harkiss


Rural communities reporter

Niall Harkiss is our rural communities reporter, mostly covering stories for the Northern Times, Ross-shire Journal and Strathspey and Badenoch Herald titles. An experienced writer and publisher covering sport and community news, Niall joined the company in 2021.

Niall Harkiss

‘More than a quick stop’ – Scottish content creator Ruth Aisling enjoys ‘friendly’ welcome in Thurso for latest video

07 May 2025
‘More than a quick stop’ – Scottish content creator Ruth Aisling enjoys ‘friendly’ welcome in Thurso for latest video

‘More than a quick stop’ – Scottish content creator Ruth Aisling enjoys ‘friendly’ welcome in Thurso for latest video

07 May 2025

Thurso has been given fresh perspective this week after a popular Scottish travel video creator showcased the town.


Wick veteran prepares to blend faith, fitness and support for fellow soldiers on historic cycling tour in the Netherlands

03 May 2025
Wick veteran prepares to blend faith, fitness and support for fellow soldiers on historic cycling tour in the Netherlands

Wick veteran prepares to blend faith, fitness and support for fellow soldiers on historic cycling tour in the Netherlands

03 May 2025

Kev Stewart, from Papigoe near Wick, is no stranger to endurance, both physical and emotional.


Wick Academy under-18 boss Derek Shearer hails league win as ‘highlight’ as he calls time on four-year spell in charge

02 May 2025
Wick Academy under-18 boss Derek Shearer hails league win as ‘highlight’ as he calls time on four-year spell in charge

Wick Academy under-18 boss Derek Shearer hails league win as ‘highlight’ as he calls time on four-year spell in charge

02 May 2025

Wick Academy under-18 manager has called time on his tenure as manager of the team.


Caithness Ladies ‘extremely disappointed’ after table-top clash with leaders Buckie is called off due to lack of referees

01 May 2025
Caithness Ladies ‘extremely disappointed’ after table-top clash with leaders Buckie is called off due to lack of referees

Caithness Ladies ‘extremely disappointed’ after table-top clash with leaders Buckie is called off due to lack of referees

01 May 2025

The club said it was “extremely disappointed” after learning that the game had been postponed.


Pentland United co-manager Michael Gray hails defensive showing after 3-1 win over Wick Groats

01 May 2025
Pentland United co-manager Michael Gray hails defensive showing after 3-1 win over Wick Groats

Pentland United co-manager Michael Gray hails defensive showing after 3-1 win over Wick Groats

01 May 2025

United go three points clear in the CAFA First Division after beating Groats 3-1 on Wednesday.


Victory in Stannergill Cup is bittersweet for John O’Groats manager after injury to star man

01 May 2025
Victory in Stannergill Cup is bittersweet for John O’Groats manager after injury to star man

Victory in Stannergill Cup is bittersweet for John O’Groats manager after injury to star man

01 May 2025

Four more sides have secured their place in the second round of the Stannergill Cup with matches played on Tuesday and Wednesday evening.


Police launch witness appeal after 18-year-old man killed in collision involving car and motorcycle near Wick

01 May 2025
Police launch witness appeal after 18-year-old man killed in collision involving car and motorcycle near Wick

Police launch witness appeal after 18-year-old man killed in collision involving car and motorcycle near Wick

01 May 2025

Police Scotland have launched an appeal for witnesses following a fatal crash near Watten last night.


Family affair for Wick Groats assistant boss Stewart Ross in Stannergill Cup first round win over Watten

29 April 2025
Family affair for Wick Groats assistant boss Stewart Ross in Stannergill Cup first round win over Watten

Family affair for Wick Groats assistant boss Stewart Ross in Stannergill Cup first round win over Watten

29 April 2025

Wick Groats were too strong for Watten last night in the first round of the Stannergill Cup.


Thurso Swifts, Wick Groats and Castletown victorious in first round of Stannergill Cup

29 April 2025
Thurso Swifts, Wick Groats and Castletown victorious in first round of Stannergill Cup

Thurso Swifts, Wick Groats and Castletown victorious in first round of Stannergill Cup

29 April 2025

First round matches in the new Stannergill Cup were played last night.


Highland Council urges public to respond to BT consultation on proposed removal of 13 phone boxes across Caithness

28 April 2025
Highland Council urges public to respond to BT consultation on proposed removal of 13 phone boxes across Caithness

Highland Council urges public to respond to BT consultation on proposed removal of 13 phone boxes across Caithness

28 April 2025

Highland Council is now urging residents to submit comments highlighting the potential impact the closures could have.


Highland Council announce new partnership with charity Thriving Families to ensure ‘continuity in provision’ of autism information services for Highland parents

25 April 2025
Highland Council announce new partnership with charity Thriving Families to ensure ‘continuity in provision’ of autism information services for Highland parents

Highland Council announce new partnership with charity Thriving Families to ensure ‘continuity in provision’ of autism information services for Highland parents

25 April 2025

Highland Council say information services for parents of children with autism will continue as part of a new project.


Concert in aid of funds for Highland Cathedral repair to welcome 25 strings players from across the north Highlands

21 April 2025
Concert in aid of funds for Highland Cathedral repair to welcome 25 strings players from across the north Highlands

Concert in aid of funds for Highland Cathedral repair to welcome 25 strings players from across the north Highlands

21 April 2025

Dornoch Cathedral will be the setting for an “exceptional” evening of classical music on May 10.


‘Valuable’ lemons were luxury in elite Roman households

20 April 2025
‘Valuable’ lemons were luxury in elite Roman households

‘Valuable’ lemons were luxury in elite Roman households

20 April 2025

Beautiful Botanicals by Joanne Howdle


Cliffs and beaches of Caithness set to feature in BBC special on Scotland’s coasts this week

18 April 2025
Cliffs and beaches of Caithness set to feature in BBC special on Scotland’s coasts this week

Cliffs and beaches of Caithness set to feature in BBC special on Scotland’s coasts this week

18 April 2025

Caithness is set to feature in a BBC special on Scotland’s coasts which airs later this week.


‘Sleepwalking into a heightened wildfire risk’ — Rural organisations warn that muirburn licensing delays could heighten the danger of devastating wildfires

18 April 2025
‘Sleepwalking into a heightened wildfire risk’ — Rural organisations warn that muirburn licensing delays could heighten the danger of devastating wildfires

‘Sleepwalking into a heightened wildfire risk’ — Rural organisations warn that muirburn licensing delays could heighten the danger of devastating wildfires

18 April 2025

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


Arrival of copper stills marks ‘defining moment’ in renovation of 19th-century Castletown Mill turned whisky distillery

16 April 2025
Arrival of copper stills marks ‘defining moment’ in renovation of 19th-century Castletown Mill turned whisky distillery

Arrival of copper stills marks ‘defining moment’ in renovation of 19th-century Castletown Mill turned whisky distillery

16 April 2025

The transformation of the historic Castletown Mill into a “world-class” whisky distillery reached a new milestone this week.


Arrival of copper stills marks ‘defining moment’ in renovation of 19th-century Castletown Mill turned whisky distillery

16 April 2025
Arrival of copper stills marks ‘defining moment’ in renovation of 19th-century Castletown Mill turned whisky distillery

Arrival of copper stills marks ‘defining moment’ in renovation of 19th-century Castletown Mill turned whisky distillery

16 April 2025

The transformation of the historic Castletown Mill into a “world-class” whisky distillery reached a new milestone this week.


UPDATE: A9 reopens at Helmsdale after three are taken to hospital in one-vehicle crash

15 April 2025
UPDATE: A9 reopens at Helmsdale after three are taken to hospital in one-vehicle crash

UPDATE: A9 reopens at Helmsdale after three are taken to hospital in one-vehicle crash

15 April 2025

Police Scotland has confirmed that the A9 has been reopened


Energy support scheme provided ‘significant financial relief’ for Highland social housing tenants of almost £200k

15 April 2025
Energy support scheme provided ‘significant financial relief’ for Highland social housing tenants of almost £200k

Energy support scheme provided ‘significant financial relief’ for Highland social housing tenants of almost £200k

15 April 2025

The Affordable Warmth Highland scheme has secured £194,268 in total financial gains for tenants.


Highland Council assistant chief-exec says ‘alternative ways’ to fund autism information service were offered in bid to prevent closure

14 April 2025
Highland Council assistant chief-exec says ‘alternative ways’ to fund autism information service were offered in bid to prevent closure

Highland Council assistant chief-exec says ‘alternative ways’ to fund autism information service were offered in bid to prevent closure

14 April 2025

Assistant chief-exec Kate Lackie says the local authority had continued to fund the service ‘without fail’ and would have continued to do so.


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