Inverness, Highlands & Islands

The men of peace, or Daoine Shi, have been described as “the most beautiful and perfect branch of Highland mythology”.

A map of Scotland’s varying habitats is being created for the first time, including the rich coastal meadows known as machair.

There is nothing like learning a new language to exercise your mind and impress your friends.

Scotland’s mountain bike racing community has received a major boost after a Highlands race consolidated its reputation as one of the best in the world.

The fate of an island beach hut which has played a key role in the success of two of Scotland’s young surfing stars has been left hanging in the balance.

Perthshire has lost a second major festival in the space of a week after singer-songwriter Dougie Maclean confirmed he was shelving his annual event.

It is rare good news in what has been an otherwise grim year for Scottish music festivals.

The family of a teenager missing from Inverness has been informed after a body was discovered on the Aberdeenshire coast.

A health board has apologised for “past failings” after an investigation following the deaths of five babies at one hospital found evidence of sub-optimal care.

Proposed boundary changes to Westminster constituencies will have a disproportionately negative impact on communities in the Highlands and islands, critics have warned.

The bizarre true-life story of a German scientist and his ill-fated attempts to launch a rocket-based postal service in the Western Isles in 1934 is to be brought to the stage by the National Theatre of Scotland.

The Scottish Government has come under fire over its “shameful” decision to establish a joint board for skills and enterprise agencies, with opposition politicians warning the move will be the “death knell” for Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

Scottish judo star Stephanie Inglis has urged youngsters to think twice before they get on the back of a motorcycle after she was left for dead at the side of a road in Vietnam.

Beavers are to remain in Scotland and be listed as a protected species after a successful reintroduction.

Around 450 Highland pre-schoolers as well as children in the Highlands and Islands branch of Down’s Syndrome Scotland are set to enjoy fun and educational music workshops over the next school year, thanks to funding just announced by Creative Scotland for Inverness-based charity Artsplay Highland.

We’ve picked out nine stunning island locations - some well-known, others not so much - that you should add to your bucket list.