Politics

A Highland MSP condemned the “dangerous” rhetoric around disability payments during a Holyrood debate on planned UK welfare cuts.

The number of people purchasing rail tickets from stations in Inverness, Nairn and Elgin has declined in the past year according to recent figures.

The chambers of commerce in both Inverness and Elgin made strong representations for the need to provide safer roads by duallling the A9 and A96.

Feedback over the region’s new 20mph limits is now being examined by Highland Council ahead of a vote which could make them permanent this spring.

Opposition plans for education reforms, free primary school meals and lower hikes in council tax were rejected.

Highland MPs have welcomed a decision not to change the definition of English single malt whisky after a heated debate on its impact on Scotch.

More than 19,000 responses were received over proposals to cut the speed limit from 60mph to 50mph - the biggest response to Transport Scotland ever.

Details of what specifically was proposed were scant while the Greens ‘hail influence’ on securing £500k investment.

The Liberal Democrats want to place an emphasis on attainment in schools amid flagging results for north youngsters.

Scotland reaches target for the first time as wellbeing minister and far north MSP Maree Todd hails ‘encouraging’ figures.

Council leader Raymond Bremner says the move sparked by ‘eye-watering’ £70m in unclaimed benefits.

A further £8m will be invested in renewable energy projects that have been touted for years.

Highland Council says 3000 more people could claim pension credits and therefore get winter fuel payments.

The idea is to create a sixth form college accessible online to all pupils in the Highlands to ramp-up learning and attainment.

Columnist Colin Campbell says what he think a US President and First Minister John Swinney meeting would look like.

Business leaders across the Highlands have united to back calls for changes to planned tourist levies.

Work to transform Inverness Castle into a major visitor attraction will cost Highlands and Islands Enterprise an extra £863,000.

But despite being ordered to make a number of improvements - including on infection outbreak reporting - the inspectors also reported many strengths.

Local authorities such as Highland Council are being called upon to review ASL provision processes.

Top councillors recognise ‘people are under severe financial pressure’ but say taxpayers will see their money’s worth