Making the news... China and dog shows

THE introduction of a direct air service between Scotland and China has been welcomed as fantastic news for the Highlands.

Hainan Airlines will begin operating twice weekly direct flights between Edinburgh and Beijing from June.

It will also offer twice weekly flights via Dublin.

The direct link with China follows a campaign by Edinburgh hoteliers for a Scotland-China air route, a campaign endorsed by Grantown born businessman Willie Cameron.

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ANIMAL lovers and charities alike were on to a winner when a popular dog show was held at the weekend in aid of the Grantown Dog Rescue.

Some 90 dogs took part in the latest fun dog show organised by the Moray Firth Ringcraft Club.

Canine hopefuls from as far afield at Thurso and Wick in the north, and Aberdeenshire in the east, made the journey to the North Kessock Hall to see if they would be among the lucky winners.

The show raised £500 for Grantown Dog Rescue, while Macmillan Cancer Care staff – who catered the event – also enjoyed a very busy day.

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ABERNTHY Old Kirk will be the venue for its hugely popular annual photographic exhibitions. It will run from next Tuesday to Sunday April 8 inclusive.

Local photographers will be showing their work in the form of greetings cards, framed prints and much more. Open for sales plus tea, coffee and cakes from 1pm until 4.30pm – but closed Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Proceeds will help maintain the Old Kirk and to keep it weatherproof, heated and insured so that it can be used for weddings, funerals and concerts, organisers said.

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HIGHLANDS Labour MSP Rhoda Grant was "disappointed" by the transport minister’s response to her plea for financial help with road maintenance for the region’s vast road local road network.

Humza Yousaf maintained the Scottish Government was committed to working with local government to help improve the condition of all roads in Scotland, claiming all councils were treated fairly.

She said: "This is the same rhetoric from the Scottish Government that we have to consistently listen to. Basically it is the fault of the UK Government who are giving us less money."

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