Home   Authors   Author

Iona M.J. MacDonald


Trainee Community Reporter

Iona MacDonald is a trainee community reporter. She joined Highland News and Media in 2022. Iona is part of the Community News Project funded by Meta and receiving NCTJ training through Glasgow Clyde College.

Iona M.J. MacDonald

Red Squirrel Appreciation Day — and how to protect the adorable rodents

21 January 2025
Red Squirrel Appreciation Day — and how to protect the adorable rodents

Red Squirrel Appreciation Day — and how to protect the adorable rodents

21 January 2025

Lots of Scottish woodlands house some red squirrels but the pine forests and broadleaf woodlands of the Highlands offer some of the best chances.


Bad Girl Bakery named as best Scottish artisan bakery by The Times

21 January 2025
Bad Girl Bakery named as best Scottish artisan bakery by The Times

Bad Girl Bakery named as best Scottish artisan bakery by The Times

21 January 2025

The Muir of Ord-based business has been commended as a “brilliant” and one of the best Scottish artisan bakeries.


Wester Ross primary school may be permanently closed

20 January 2025
Wester Ross primary school may be permanently closed

Wester Ross primary school may be permanently closed

20 January 2025

The Highland Council have published a consultative paper proposing for Kinlochewe Primary, which was mothballed in the summer of 2022.


Lifelong RNLI friends reveal why they declined a Buckingham Palace invite

19 January 2025
Lifelong RNLI friends reveal why they declined a Buckingham Palace invite

Lifelong RNLI friends reveal why they declined a Buckingham Palace invite

19 January 2025

Ena Smith and Sheila Paterson, both aged 82, are Black Isle natives who have been good friends ever since their school days.


Black Isle author scoops prestigious Scottish Book Trust award

17 January 2025
Black Isle author scoops prestigious Scottish Book Trust award

Black Isle author scoops prestigious Scottish Book Trust award

17 January 2025

Seaonaidh Charity is a secondary school teacher who works in Inverness. He is originally from Lochbroom but now lives on the Black Isle.


‘Failure to respond’ sees EE Alness application refused by council

17 January 2025
‘Failure to respond’ sees EE Alness application refused by council

‘Failure to respond’ sees EE Alness application refused by council

17 January 2025

The application from WHP Telecoms on behalf of EE, proposed the erection of a lattice tower, ancillary development and installation of a wind turbine.


Could the Book of Kells originate from Portmahomack?

16 January 2025
Could the Book of Kells originate from Portmahomack?

Could the Book of Kells originate from Portmahomack?

16 January 2025

The Book of Kells contains the four gospels of the New Testament — and scholars are now rethinking the manuscript’s origin.


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.


Alness woman’s 10-year battle with Highland Council over flooding

11 January 2025
Alness woman’s 10-year battle with Highland Council over flooding

Alness woman’s 10-year battle with Highland Council over flooding

11 January 2025

Becky Davidson moved into her Alness home in Darroch Brae in February 2014 — but soon found there was an issue with flooding by the house.


Portmahomack four-bed bungalow hits the market — for nearly £1,000,000

10 January 2025
Portmahomack four-bed bungalow hits the market — for nearly £1,000,000

Portmahomack four-bed bungalow hits the market — for nearly £1,000,000

10 January 2025

A four-bedroom bungalow near Portmahomack has hit the market — and is looking for offers just under £1 million.


Balintore landscaping business extend Christmas spirit into New Year with fundraiser

10 January 2025
Balintore landscaping business extend Christmas spirit into New Year with fundraiser

Balintore landscaping business extend Christmas spirit into New Year with fundraiser

10 January 2025

An Easter Ross landscaping business has extended their Christmas spirit into the New Year by raising £600 for a local mental health charity.


Invergordon kids take to the slopes on another snow day

10 January 2025
Invergordon kids take to the slopes on another snow day

Invergordon kids take to the slopes on another snow day

10 January 2025

A reader has shared some pictures of Invergordon locals making the most of a snow day.


Dingwall is back on the UK ‘photographic map’ with stunning new exhibition

10 January 2025
Dingwall is back on the UK ‘photographic map’ with stunning new exhibition

Dingwall is back on the UK ‘photographic map’ with stunning new exhibition

10 January 2025

Dingwall Camera Club held their Annual National Digital Image Exhibition on Monday January 6, at the Castle Street church hall.


A835 ‘essential repairs’ to take place later this month

08 January 2025
A835 ‘essential repairs’ to take place later this month

A835 ‘essential repairs’ to take place later this month

08 January 2025

The works will see essential repair works to the south underpass beneath the A835, and a temporary footpath closure.


Dundonnell Mountain sharpen skills on first 2025 training day

07 January 2025
Dundonnell Mountain sharpen skills on first 2025 training day

Dundonnell Mountain sharpen skills on first 2025 training day

07 January 2025

The life-saving service, which relies on public donations, were at Bristow’s base at Inverness Airport to gain new skills.


Burst water pipe near Ullapool causes supply issues

07 January 2025
Burst water pipe near Ullapool causes supply issues

Burst water pipe near Ullapool causes supply issues

07 January 2025

The estimated time for completing the repair is 2pm.


CalMac warns of several Ullapool ferry cancellations

07 January 2025
CalMac warns of several Ullapool ferry cancellations

CalMac warns of several Ullapool ferry cancellations

07 January 2025

CalMac has issued yellow, amber and red warnings for the sailings, due to “strong northerly winds and associated sea and swell”.


CalMac announces Ullapool to Stornoway ferry cancellations

06 January 2025
CalMac announces Ullapool to Stornoway ferry cancellations

CalMac announces Ullapool to Stornoway ferry cancellations

06 January 2025

CalMac has announced that multiple ferries between Ullapool and Stornoway are cancelled, or at risk of cancellation.


Ross-shire Journal Quiz: Were you a top fan in 2024?

06 January 2025
Ross-shire Journal Quiz: Were you a top fan in 2024?

Ross-shire Journal Quiz: Were you a top fan in 2024?

06 January 2025

As we enter 2025, we've paused to take a look back at our files and pick out a few just-for-fun questions.


Dingwall’s illuminated charity tractor run sees ‘fabulous turnout’

05 January 2025
Dingwall’s illuminated charity tractor run sees ‘fabulous turnout’

Dingwall’s illuminated charity tractor run sees ‘fabulous turnout’

05 January 2025

The Illuminated Christmas Charity Tractor Run is organised by Rotary Clubs of Inverness Riverside and Dingwall alongside the InverRoss Young Farmers.


This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More