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Iona M.J. MacDonald


Community Reporter

Iona MJ 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

OPINION: ‘Too many know diddly squat’: Far North line upgrades sparks debate

05 April 2025
OPINION: ‘Too many know diddly squat’: Far North line upgrades sparks debate

OPINION: ‘Too many know diddly squat’: Far North line upgrades sparks debate

05 April 2025

Our readers took to social media to share their thoughts on the planned upgrading works for the rail line north of Dingwall.


Lodges on ‘edge of NC500’ near Dingwall given the green light

05 April 2025
Lodges on ‘edge of NC500’ near Dingwall given the green light

Lodges on ‘edge of NC500’ near Dingwall given the green light

05 April 2025

A proposal for three lodges “on the edge of the NC500”, near Dingwall, have been granted approval by the Highland Council.


How 134,000 cups of tea made Dingwall a cornerstone in WWI

31 March 2025
How 134,000 cups of tea made Dingwall a cornerstone in WWI

How 134,000 cups of tea made Dingwall a cornerstone in WWI

31 March 2025

To celebrate Women’s History Month, Dingwall Museum have shared an interesting piece of history that can be seen in Ross-shire’s county town.


‘Get stuffed, take your wind turbines somewhere else’

29 March 2025
‘Get stuffed, take your wind turbines somewhere else’

‘Get stuffed, take your wind turbines somewhere else’

29 March 2025

Our readers have shared their opinions on news stories from the last week.


Highland 4-bed off-grid coastal cottage hits market — for just £125,000

28 March 2025
Highland 4-bed off-grid coastal cottage hits market — for just £125,000

Highland 4-bed off-grid coastal cottage hits market — for just £125,000

28 March 2025

A traditional off-grid four-bedroom cottage located on the shores of Loch Carron has hit the market — for just £125,000.


A9 collision between van and car near Invergordon sparks police appeal

28 March 2025
A9 collision between van and car near Invergordon sparks police appeal

A9 collision between van and car near Invergordon sparks police appeal

28 March 2025

Police are appealing for information following a collision between a van and a car on the A9 last Sunday (March 23).


Visitor levy ‘will affect everyone, not just tourists’ say Ullapool locals

27 March 2025
Visitor levy ‘will affect everyone, not just tourists’ say Ullapool locals

Visitor levy ‘will affect everyone, not just tourists’ say Ullapool locals

27 March 2025

Our readers have shared their thoughts in a letter to the editor.


Invergordon Academy’s ‘amazing’ pupils secure £3000 for local charity

27 March 2025
Invergordon Academy’s ‘amazing’ pupils secure £3000 for local charity

Invergordon Academy’s ‘amazing’ pupils secure £3000 for local charity

27 March 2025

Three Invergordon Academy pupils have secured £3000 for a local charity, who say the donation “means the world” to them.


Wester Ross shinty club’s 25-mile bed push raises much-needed funds

26 March 2025
Wester Ross shinty club’s 25-mile bed push raises much-needed funds

Wester Ross shinty club’s 25-mile bed push raises much-needed funds

26 March 2025

A Wester Ross sports club have raised much-needed funds after pushing a bed for 25 miles.


Chanonry Point’s plea after reports of toilet waste and overflowing bins

26 March 2025
Chanonry Point’s plea after reports of toilet waste and overflowing bins

Chanonry Point’s plea after reports of toilet waste and overflowing bins

26 March 2025

Chanonry Point, near Rosemarkie on the Black Isle, is a popular scenic point known for its views across the Moray Firth and regular dolphin activity.


Alness 2-bed B-listed cottage hits market for £315,000

26 March 2025
Alness 2-bed B-listed cottage hits market for £315,000

Alness 2-bed B-listed cottage hits market for £315,000

26 March 2025

An Alness 2-bedroom B-listed cottage, which previously served as a “coach house”, has hit the market and looking for offers over £315,000.


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.


Highland police dog hailed a ‘hero’ after tracking down suspects

25 March 2025
Highland police dog hailed a ‘hero’ after tracking down suspects

Highland police dog hailed a ‘hero’ after tracking down suspects

25 March 2025

An Inverness police dog has been praised for his persistence in tracking down suspects.


Scottish singer Nathan Evans opens up about mental health battle

25 March 2025
Scottish singer Nathan Evans opens up about mental health battle

Scottish singer Nathan Evans opens up about mental health battle

25 March 2025

A Scottish singer has opened up about his own battle with mental health, as he shares words of wisdom promising “light at the end of the tunnel.”


Star of BBC’s Still Game set to visit the Highlands

25 March 2025
Star of BBC’s Still Game set to visit the Highlands

Star of BBC’s Still Game set to visit the Highlands

25 March 2025

Actor, comedian and producer, Jane McCarry — best known to millions as Isa from the legendary sitcom, Still Game — is headed to Inverness.


Ross County praised for kindness after hosting party for school pupils

25 March 2025
Ross County praised for kindness after hosting party for school pupils

Ross County praised for kindness after hosting party for school pupils

25 March 2025

A Dingwall school have shared a “huge thank you” to Ross County Football Club, after they kindly hosted an Easter party for the pupils.


St Clement’s school pupils treated to local farm visit

24 March 2025
St Clement’s school pupils treated to local farm visit

St Clement’s school pupils treated to local farm visit

24 March 2025

Dingwall school pupils were treated to a visit to a local farm, to learn all about what life is like on a farm.


Volunteer ‘brought love to darkest days’ for over 11 years

23 March 2025
Volunteer ‘brought love to darkest days’ for over 11 years

Volunteer ‘brought love to darkest days’ for over 11 years

23 March 2025

A Black Isle woman, praised for her “warmth, humour and coffee-making skills”, retires from charity work after over a decade of service.


Change Mental Health awarded title of Best Wellbeing Service

20 March 2025
Change Mental Health awarded title of Best Wellbeing Service

Change Mental Health awarded title of Best Wellbeing Service

20 March 2025

A Highland mental health charity, with branches in Invergordon and Inverness, has been named as the Best Wellbeing Service at an awards ceremony.


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