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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

North Kessock car park campfire leaves fellow motorhome drivers ‘enraged’

16 October 2024
North Kessock car park campfire leaves fellow motorhome drivers ‘enraged’

North Kessock car park campfire leaves fellow motorhome drivers ‘enraged’

16 October 2024

On October 12, a motorhome and a car were understood to have parked, set up an awning and started a campfire at Ord Hill car park in North Kessock


Actors Connor Swindells and Amber Anderson hold traditional wedding at Boath House near Nairn

11 October 2024
Actors Connor Swindells and Amber Anderson hold traditional wedding at Boath House near Nairn

Actors Connor Swindells and Amber Anderson hold traditional wedding at Boath House near Nairn

11 October 2024

The celebrity couple got married at the Auldearn Georgian-era mansion, Boath House — near where Anderson grew up in Forres.


Vital Highland charity’s opportunity for donations to be doubled in value

07 October 2024
Vital Highland charity’s opportunity for donations to be doubled in value

Vital Highland charity’s opportunity for donations to be doubled in value

07 October 2024

Running from October 10-17, the fundraising initiative aims to raise £10k to support crucial services for women and girls affected by sexual violence.


Fortrose girl (12) scoops award after fundraising for charity close to her heart

05 October 2024
Fortrose girl (12) scoops award after fundraising for charity close to her heart

Fortrose girl (12) scoops award after fundraising for charity close to her heart

05 October 2024

A Fortrose Academy pupil (12) has scooped a prestigious national award for her fundraising work for a charity close to her heart.


Munro’s Nurseries in North Kessock has everything you need for your garden this autumn

26 September 2024
Munro’s Nurseries in North Kessock has everything you need for your garden this autumn

Munro’s Nurseries in North Kessock has everything you need for your garden this autumn

26 September 2024

Award-winning North Kessock garden centre, Munro’s Nurseries, have everything your garden needs this autumn season.


How Highlands Blood Bikes transported ‘urgent medication’ 448 miles in four hours

25 September 2024
How Highlands Blood Bikes transported ‘urgent medication’ 448 miles in four hours

How Highlands Blood Bikes transported ‘urgent medication’ 448 miles in four hours

25 September 2024

On September 18, the charity was tasked with one of its most ambitious challenges to date — transporting medication from Birmingham to Inverness.


‘Precious memories’ made as ‘remarkable’ young volunteers recognised at awards

23 September 2024
‘Precious memories’ made as ‘remarkable’ young volunteers recognised at awards

‘Precious memories’ made as ‘remarkable’ young volunteers recognised at awards

23 September 2024

The hard work of four “remarkable” Black Isle young people has been recognised at an awards ceremony, which became “a precious memory” for everyone.


UPDATE: Two casualties after A9 Tomich road accident

23 September 2024
UPDATE: Two casualties after A9 Tomich road accident

UPDATE: Two casualties after A9 Tomich road accident

23 September 2024

The two-vehicle crash at Tomich on the A9 has seen two casualties, according to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service.


A9 at Tomich closed in both directions after road accident

23 September 2024
A9 at Tomich closed in both directions after road accident

A9 at Tomich closed in both directions after road accident

23 September 2024

The A9 at Tomich closed in both directions after road accident


Inside the former Avoch church converted into ‘spectacular’ £500k home

22 September 2024
Inside the former Avoch church converted into ‘spectacular’ £500k home

Inside the former Avoch church converted into ‘spectacular’ £500k home

22 September 2024

A former Black Isle church, converted into a “spectacular” 4-bedroom home, is now on the market and looking for offers over £500,000.


‘Highlands being left behind’ says charity after 164hr mental health shortfall

22 September 2024
‘Highlands being left behind’ says charity after 164hr mental health shortfall

‘Highlands being left behind’ says charity after 164hr mental health shortfall

22 September 2024

The figures have pushed a local charity to call for investment to prevent “the Highlands from being left behind” for mental health services.


‘Highlands being left behind’ says charity after 164hr mental health shortfall

21 September 2024
‘Highlands being left behind’ says charity after 164hr mental health shortfall

‘Highlands being left behind’ says charity after 164hr mental health shortfall

21 September 2024

The figures have pushed a local charity to call for investment to prevent “the Highlands from being left behind” for mental health services.


Can you spot yourself in these Black Isle Calling pictures?

17 September 2024
Can you spot yourself in these Black Isle Calling pictures?

Can you spot yourself in these Black Isle Calling pictures?

17 September 2024

The Ironworks Venue, band Elephant Sessions and Black Isle Brewery teamed up to launch Black Isle Calling – Live at the Brewery.


Muir of Ord photoshoot that turned into a surprise wedding ‘shocked’ friends and family

16 September 2024
Muir of Ord photoshoot that turned into a surprise wedding ‘shocked’ friends and family

Muir of Ord photoshoot that turned into a surprise wedding ‘shocked’ friends and family

16 September 2024

Family and friends gathered together for what they thought would be a wedding-themed photo for local clothing rental shop, Ashlia.


WATCH: What’s it like to volunteer for Highland and Islands Blood Bikes?

01 September 2024
WATCH: What’s it like to volunteer for Highland and Islands Blood Bikes?

WATCH: What’s it like to volunteer for Highland and Islands Blood Bikes?

01 September 2024

The charity, which is entirely run by volunteers and funded by public donations, provides a rapid response service 365 days a year.


UPDATE: A9 Cromarty Bridge disruption followed motorbike and car crash

26 August 2024
UPDATE: A9 Cromarty Bridge disruption followed motorbike and car crash

UPDATE: A9 Cromarty Bridge disruption followed motorbike and car crash

26 August 2024

According to eyewitnesses, it is understood that the bridge has been unrestricted since 10.45am.


A9 Cromarty Bridge restricted following road traffic accident

26 August 2024
A9 Cromarty Bridge restricted following road traffic accident

A9 Cromarty Bridge restricted following road traffic accident

26 August 2024

The bridge became restricted in northbound and southbound directions at around 9.54am this morning, according to Traffic Scotland.


‘Dog-daft’ Black Isle girl (10) spends summer holidays fundraising for animal charity

22 August 2024
‘Dog-daft’ Black Isle girl (10) spends summer holidays fundraising for animal charity

‘Dog-daft’ Black Isle girl (10) spends summer holidays fundraising for animal charity

22 August 2024

Culbokie Primary pupil, Abbey Ross (10) spent her summer holidays fundraising for local charity, Munlochy Animal Aid.


PICTURES: Honours shared at Cromarty Regatta on Black Isle

17 August 2024
PICTURES: Honours shared at Cromarty Regatta on Black Isle

PICTURES: Honours shared at Cromarty Regatta on Black Isle

17 August 2024

A brilliant day of rowing and camaraderie amongst rowers from across Ross-shire and well beyond.


WATCH: Aurora Borealis captured from Fortrose golf course

14 August 2024
WATCH: Aurora Borealis captured from Fortrose golf course

WATCH: Aurora Borealis captured from Fortrose golf course

14 August 2024

The northern lights have been spotted dancing above Fortrose in a new clip taken by a Ross-shire Journal reader.


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