Shetland Folk Festival celebrates 40th anniversary
The Shetland Folk Festival will celebrate its 40th anniversary in style this spring.
Islands
Islanders urged to help save local air service
A plea has gone out to the 200 islanders on Coll to step forward and help save the local air service by taking safety jobs at the airport.
Orkney alcohol counselling service to disappear – but islanders promised help is still available
The Orkney Alcohol Counselling and Advisory Service is to close at the end of this month due to a lack of funding.
Multi-million-pound upgrade for North Uist pier
More than £10 million worth of upgrade works are being carried out at Lochmaddy Pier in North Uist.
Investment plans for South Uist will help communities prosper in 2020
New fuel tanks will help a community company on South Uist to capitalise on the island's growing harbour.
Golf club gets top shot at national award thanks to eagles
An island golf club that has become home to a white-tailed sea eagle nest has been shortlisted for an environmental award.
Owner left heartbroken after two cats shot in island village
Police are investigating after two cats were shot in the quiet village of Tobermory.
Frustration as freight ferry brought in for Orkney route
Disappointment has been voiced that a freight ship will once again be used while Orkney ferry HM Hamnavoe is being refitted.
Call for urgent review into Orkney ambulance cover
An urgent review into ambulance cover in Orkney is being demanded by MSP Liam McArthur.
Orkney hermits have been excommunicated from church after branding Pope Francis a ‘heretic’
Three Orkney hermits believe they are the first group to be excommunicated from the Catholic church since the reformation.
Stunning beach-front house with world-class views could be yours for offers over £575,000
With views like this, the first thing you’d want to do in the morning is leap out of bed and pull back the curtains.
Tourist tax would be ‘entirely inappropriate’ for Shetland says tourism body
Shetland’s tourism industry has reiterated its opposition to the introduction of a local tourism tax.
Send your favourite snaps to the moon as part of Hebridean Dark Skies Festival
People are being asked to submit photographs to be sent to the moon during the Hebridean Dark Skies Festival next month.
Blessing for new statue of St Magnus of Orkney in Inverness
A new sculpture of St Magnus of Orkney has been unveiled at St Mary's Church in Inverness.
New Year Honours: Former minister honoured for role in revival of Harris Tweed
An islander who has played a big part in the resurgence of Harris Tweed has been made a CBE for services to business.
Funding boost for Uist Gymnastics Club
Uist Gymnastics Club has received a donation from The Scottish Salmon Company (SSC).
Lightning strike reveals reveals secrets of ancient stone circles
New evidence of a massive lightning strike at the centre of a hidden stone circle in the Western Isles could shed light on the mystery of why such monuments were created.
Christmas shopping fever in Lerwick town centre
As Christmas shoppers bustled in Lerwick town centre yesterday the best window in Shetland's main town was announced.
Orkney Leader blasts ‘blatant discrimination’ over ferries
The leader of Orkney Islands Council has accused the Scottish Government of "blatant discrimination" in the funding of local ferry services.
New campus to provide health and council services under one roof for Barra and Vatersay
A new-build community campus for Barra and Vatersay will combine health, social care, learning and community facilities under one roof.
The most popular baby names in the Highlands and islands in 2019
Scottish place names seem to be popular inspiration for parents in the Highlands.
Peat and Diesel in bid for Christmas number one with ‘Fairytale of Stornoway’
Western Isles music sensation Peat and Diesel are making a bid for Christmas number one with their take on Fairytale of New York.
Alistair Carmichael: People know that when they need help they will find me
Liberal Democrat Alistair Carmichael has been re-elected to represent Orkney for the sixth time since 2001.
Nearby churches support South Uist church renovation fund
A historic kirk in the Outer Hebrides will be repaired with the help of a £10,000 donation from two Catholic congregations.
Western Isles village believed to be first in the country to convert to LED
A village in the Western Isles is believed to be the first in the country to have converted to LED lighting.
Shetlands covered by massive ice sheet thousands of years ago
The Shetland Islands and surrounding seafloor were covered by a massive ice sheet around 21,000 years ago, it has emerged.
Bullied NHS Highland health worker was accused of ‘flaunting her sexuality’ on the Isle of Mull
A bullied health worker has received a five-figure payout after being discriminated against because of her sexuality.
Scottish rock legends Texas to headline HebCelt Festival
Scottish rock legends Texas will headline the award-winning Hebridean Celtic Festival's 25th anniversary celebration next summer.
Island athletes to get help with travel costs
Elite athletes from the islands are being given the opportunity to benefit from a scheme to support them with travel costs.
Plans to replace ageing Lismore passenger ferry
Plans are being organised to replace the ageing Lismore passenger ferry as it will fail to meet new safety regulations being introduced in coming years.
Stranded whale was discovered full of plastic
A sperm whale which washed up in the Western Isles had a staggering 16 stone of plastic in its belly.
Questions over condition of ferry fleet after yet another failure
A call is being made for a public inquiry into the condition of CalMac's vessels after another ferry experienced problems straight after coming out of dry dock.