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Iona M.J. MacDonald


Community Reporter

Iona M.J 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

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.


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.”


Survivor speaks out about sexual abuse committed by sports coach

18 March 2025
Survivor speaks out about sexual abuse committed by sports coach

Survivor speaks out about sexual abuse committed by sports coach

18 March 2025

The survivor said: “Robbie Paulin was my coach, he was my best friend… he is my sexual assaulter.”


WATCH: Inverness High School ‘delighted’ about award win for well-deserving pupils

15 March 2025
WATCH: Inverness High School ‘delighted’ about award win for well-deserving pupils

WATCH: Inverness High School ‘delighted’ about award win for well-deserving pupils

15 March 2025

The headteacher of Inverness High School was “delighted” to win the School of the Year award at Highland Heroes on behalf of pupils.


Inverness’ new Falcon Square RBS branch is now open

12 March 2025
Inverness’ new Falcon Square RBS branch is now open

Inverness’ new Falcon Square RBS branch is now open

12 March 2025

The branch on the upper floor of the Eastgate Centre closed on February 20 of this year, as well as the Harbour Road branch set to close on March 14.


Met Office issues ice warning for Highlands and Moray

03 December 2024
Met Office issues ice warning for Highlands and Moray

Met Office issues ice warning for Highlands and Moray

03 December 2024

Beginning at 9pm today until 10am tomorrow, the yellow ice warning covers the whole east coast of Scotland.


How I became an award-winning teenage journalist — and you can too

25 November 2024
How I became an award-winning teenage journalist — and you can too

How I became an award-winning teenage journalist — and you can too

25 November 2024

Our reporter, Iona MacDonald (18) shares how she got a head start in journalism — and how you can too.


‘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.


Parents’ plea to find ‘very vulnerable’ daughter (29) missing in Highlands

19 July 2024
Parents’ plea to find ‘very vulnerable’ daughter (29) missing in Highlands

Parents’ plea to find ‘very vulnerable’ daughter (29) missing in Highlands

19 July 2024

Mary Sweetman is autistic and has not been in touch with parents since July 2.


Highland voters ‘frustrated and angry’ over ‘inability to vote’ after postal ballot delays

28 June 2024
Highland voters ‘frustrated and angry’ over ‘inability to vote’ after postal ballot delays

Highland voters ‘frustrated and angry’ over ‘inability to vote’ after postal ballot delays

28 June 2024

“Frustrated and angry” Highlanders have spoken out about the delays in receiving their postal vote, meaning they won’t get a say in the election.


Peat and Diesel Belladrum performance in jeopardy as flight cancelled

29 July 2023
Peat and Diesel Belladrum performance in jeopardy as flight cancelled

Peat and Diesel Belladrum performance in jeopardy as flight cancelled

29 July 2023

Peat and Diesel's Belladrum performance is in jeopardy after their flight from Shetland has been cancelled due to fog.


North politicians respond to halted Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMA) plans

29 June 2023
North politicians respond to halted Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMA) plans

North politicians respond to halted Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMA) plans

29 June 2023

North politicians, MP Jamie Stone and MSP Maree Todd have responded to the Scottish Government’s decision to drop the controversial plan.


Going social – The Inverness Courier leadership debate from a young journalist's perspective

18 March 2023
Going social – The Inverness Courier leadership debate from a young journalist's perspective

Going social – The Inverness Courier leadership debate from a young journalist's perspective

18 March 2023

Iona MacDonald joined Highland News and Media last summer. Here, the 17-year-old shares her experience of the debate as part of the social media team


RMT Network Rail strikes underway as more action announced over Christmas

13 December 2022
RMT Network Rail strikes underway as more action announced over Christmas

RMT Network Rail strikes underway as more action announced over Christmas

13 December 2022

ScotRail services will be significantly disrupted this week during the latest round of strike action by RMT members of Network Rail.


"Even in darkness there is always light" - Mikeysline mark World Mental Health Day

14 October 2022
"Even in darkness there is always light" - Mikeysline mark World Mental Health Day

"Even in darkness there is always light" - Mikeysline mark World Mental Health Day

14 October 2022

For World Mental Health Day, mental health charity, Mikeysline, gathered at Ness bridge in Inverness, lit up with Mikeysline’s colours.


NHS 24 advice on treating bites and stings this summer

02 August 2022
NHS 24 advice on treating bites and stings this summer

NHS 24 advice on treating bites and stings this summer

02 August 2022

NHS 24 offers advice on how to treat bites and stings, while enjoying the outdoors this summer.


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