But there are concerns about the otherwise welcome development related to recruitment, financing and centralisation of maternity care.
Highland MSP Kate Forbes was a strong contender in the First Minister leadership race, winning more respect. Here she reflects on a 'weighty year'.
With a new year, always comes new hope but who are likely to be among the individuals to keep tabs on in 2024? Here are our ones to watch in politics.
Police chief speaks out to reassure residents.
Chf Supt Rob Shepherd hopes 'my officers don't have to attend anything that's life-changing for them or the people' involved.
After months of blistering criticism, Fergus Ewing says ‘we have to be ready in life to accept victory’ but he still has questions.
He says 'the government is proposing to stop you selling your home and perhaps even living in it' adding: 'we need some realism in this policy.'
Vowing to finish dualling by 2035, he tells the people of the Highlands 'I can give you that promise, that cast iron guarantee'.
Transport secretary Mairi McAllan is currently delivering a statement on the renewed programme.
Finance secretary Shona Robison promised a budget that would ‘reaffirm Scotland’s social contract.’
Kate Forbes hails ‘good news’ as finance secretary Shona Robison says Highland economy 'needs' the A9 dualling.
The cabinet secretary for transport Mairi McAllan is expected to deliver the ministerial statement to Holyrood.
Civil servants warned the transport secretary in 2018 that '2025 deadline would not be met' if it was privately financed.
Starting in 2012 and ending in February 2023 it charts the lack of progress, secrecy and when it became ‘unachievable’
Campaigner Laura Hansler says the government ‘knew they could never deliver and they refused at every turn to give the electorate the truth.’
Scottish Government figures show Highland Council has the worst school estate and curriculum for excellence performance in Scotland.
Cabinet papers show the earliest completion dates were 2032 for private finance and 2034 for traditional capital finance.
Frustrated campaigners slam ‘disrespectful’ Scottish Government ‘prevarication’ after voting down move securing an announcement.
MSP Edward Mountain asked when there would be a statement with Geroge Adam conceding 'details' would emerge 'in the coming days.'
Inshes and Milton of Leys fear the potential risks to residents of the development near Fairways business centre.
