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Inverness Courier's happier highlights of 2023: February





Some media may focus on doom and gloom but we like to share positive stories about people in our communities.

Here's a selection from February:

An evening of aromas, flavours and laughter was on offer at an event celebrating the Inverness Courier’s digital subscribers.

With 100 people in attendance, the night saw an exclusive appearance from MasterChef finalist Sarah Rankin and Drumossie Hotel’s executive chef Euan Walker showcase some of their recipes.

They discussed their work with presenter Nicky Marr and interacted with the audience at the Inverness hotel.

Sarah Rankin. Picture: James Mackenzie
Sarah Rankin. Picture: James Mackenzie

A series of features shining the spotlight on the LGBT+ sporting community has won a Highland News and Media journalist a top award.

Sports writer Andrew Henderson was named Feature Writer of the Year in the annual Highlands and Islands Media Awards.

He was presented with his prize at the Highlands and Islands Press Ball held at the Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness.

Andrew Henderson, of Highland News and Media, receives his award as Feature Writer of the Year. Picture: Alison White.
Andrew Henderson, of Highland News and Media, receives his award as Feature Writer of the Year. Picture: Alison White.

A young litter-picking legend has been recognised by his community for his dedicated efforts in clearing up a beach by Loch Ness.

Jamie Forrester (14), of Dores, has taken it upon himself to gather rubbish regularly from the nearby beach with its world-famous view down the loch.

The inspirational teenager has now been awarded the inaugural Citizen of the Year Award by Dores and Essich Community Council whose members unanimously agreed he should be the first recipient for his volunteer work.

Community councillor Ella Macrae presents the Citizen of the Year Award to Jamie Forrester watched by proud parents Alison and John.
Community councillor Ella Macrae presents the Citizen of the Year Award to Jamie Forrester watched by proud parents Alison and John.

UHI Inverness students can now help themselves to free food, including ingredients for a series of online cookery lessons, from a food store known as The Larder that launched this week.

The Larder is two open stocked food cupboards in the main campus building and is the latest in a series of initiatives by the college to help ensure students are able to sustain their studies and do not go hungry as a result of the cost-of-living crisis.

Kelly Mackenzie stocking up The Larder Pictue: UHI Inverness
Kelly Mackenzie stocking up The Larder Pictue: UHI Inverness

The first three days of this year’s Inverness Music Festival saw performers in the spotlight for the first batch of competitions.

This year, the festival is entirely in-person at Inverness Methodist Church in Huntly Street for the first year since the pandemic.

Isabelle Bremner (Inverness Royal Academy), Angela Nankivell (Dingwall Academy, winner) and Myfanwy Treacy Plain (Gordonstoun). Picture: Callum Mackay
Isabelle Bremner (Inverness Royal Academy), Angela Nankivell (Dingwall Academy, winner) and Myfanwy Treacy Plain (Gordonstoun). Picture: Callum Mackay

A Ukrainian teenager – who moved to Scotland only nine months ago – has won a contest to create ‘Scotland on a cake’.

Tetiana Potapko's design included Nessie in a tam-o-shanter with detailed hand painted heather around the sides.

The 19-year-old moved to the Highlands from war-torn Ukraine with her family, but her father had to remain there.

Leah Scott, Jaimie Walker, Lorraine Wormald, winner Tetiana Potapko, Ashley Chapman and Louise Robertson. Picture: Callum Mackay..
Leah Scott, Jaimie Walker, Lorraine Wormald, winner Tetiana Potapko, Ashley Chapman and Louise Robertson. Picture: Callum Mackay..

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