The North Coast 500 has joined Bali and Mount Everest as one of the top fifteen tourist destinations to avoid.
The route has been a boon to the Highlands in terms of increased revenue, but problems with a lack of infrastructure to support it have caused controversy with locals.
Fodor’s Travel, who compiled the list, described the downsides to the NC500 as ranging from the inconvenient to the downright disgusting.
Trades people and businesses across the region are invited to apply for membership of the new Highland Trusted Trader scheme.
The venture, part of the Trusted Trader network, aims to promote local businesses who trade fairly and to protect consumers from unfair trading practices and doorstep crime. It will be funded by an annual membership fee.
Further information and an application form can be found on the Trusted Trader website.
A fall in attainment levels through S4 to S6 has left Highland students at a disadvantage when applying to college or university.
Figures released recently showed a drop in 10 out of 15 standards in 2023/24, often reflecting lower results against the national average.
The chief officer for education said the issue would be addressed with the introduction of Raising Attainment Boards and consultation with schools.
Inverness Caledonian Thistle has been joined in administration by Dumbarton.
Dumbarton has suffered a fifteen-point penalty and are now officially bottom of League One, four points behind Caley Thistle.
The team finishing the season bottom of the league will be relegated to League Two automatically, while the team in second bottom place will play off with a team from League Two for the right to play in League One next year.
Whichever league they play in, both teams will start next season with an additional five-point deduction.
