Politics

The Inverness and Nairn MSP leaves door open to run as an independent but says he ‘simply cannot defend the record of the SNP Government’.

Could an energy bill rebate for Highland residents be a step closer? That’s the hope of a local MP after a meeting with a UK government minister.

A Highland MSP condemned the “dangerous” rhetoric around disability payments during a Holyrood debate on planned UK welfare cuts.

Feedback over the region’s new 20mph limits is now being examined by Highland Council ahead of a vote which could make them permanent this spring.

Opposition plans for education reforms, free primary school meals and lower hikes in council tax were rejected.

Highland MPs have welcomed a decision not to change the definition of English single malt whisky after a heated debate on its impact on Scotch.

More than 19,000 responses were received over proposals to cut the speed limit from 60mph to 50mph - the biggest response to Transport Scotland ever.

Details of what specifically was proposed were scant while the Greens ‘hail influence’ on securing £500k investment.

But senior Highland Council official Malcolm Macleod insists the local authority’s ears are open on thorny questions like VAT.

The Liberal Democrats want to place an emphasis on attainment in schools amid flagging results for north youngsters.

Scotland reaches target for the first time as wellbeing minister and far north MSP Maree Todd hails ‘encouraging’ figures.

Council leader Raymond Bremner says the move sparked by ‘eye-watering’ £70m in unclaimed benefits.

A further £8m will be invested in renewable energy projects that have been touted for years.

The Nationalists are cock a hoop the polls still have them ahead despite running Scotland so badly

The idea is to create a sixth form college accessible online to all pupils in the Highlands to ramp-up learning and attainment.

Business leaders across the Highlands have united to back calls for changes to planned tourist levies.

But despite being ordered to make a number of improvements - including on infection outbreak reporting - the inspectors also reported many strengths.

Local authorities such as Highland Council are being called upon to review ASL provision processes.

Top councillors recognise ‘people are under severe financial pressure’ but say taxpayers will see their money’s worth

The £818m draft budget will be debated - and likely agreed - at a full meeting of the local authority next week.