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Rachel Smart


Business reporter

I studied my undergraduate degree in politics and international relations at the University of Aberdeen and I completed my Masters in Journalism at RGU this year. I have always been interested in people and how society works. It's great when your passions align with your job.

Rachel Smart

Housing demand survey launched as council housing applications rise 13 per cent in 5 years

02 November 2025
Housing demand survey launched as council housing applications rise 13 per cent in 5 years

Housing demand survey launched as council housing applications rise 13 per cent in 5 years

02 November 2025

The number of applicants for Highland Council houses has grown by 13 per cent over the past five years.


EXPLAINED: Who is defined as an asylum seeker as 300 individuals set to arrive in Inverness

30 October 2025
EXPLAINED: Who is defined as an asylum seeker as 300 individuals set to arrive in Inverness

EXPLAINED: Who is defined as an asylum seeker as 300 individuals set to arrive in Inverness

30 October 2025

Who is an asylum seeker? And who qualifies as a refugee compared to an undocumented migrant?


Man threatened to stab his friend on Christmas Eve

17 October 2025
Man threatened to stab his friend on Christmas Eve

Man threatened to stab his friend on Christmas Eve

17 October 2025

A man threatened to stab a friend who was letting him spend Christmas Eve at his home.


STORM AMY: Compensation and where to get hot food as 4900 properties still without power

06 October 2025
STORM AMY: Compensation and where to get hot food as 4900 properties still without power

STORM AMY: Compensation and where to get hot food as 4900 properties still without power

06 October 2025

Thousands of people in the north of Scotland remain without power after Storm Amy.


US tourist caused collision on A9 at Daviot after pulling in front of oncoming car

26 September 2025
US tourist caused collision on A9 at Daviot after pulling in front of oncoming car

US tourist caused collision on A9 at Daviot after pulling in front of oncoming car

26 September 2025

A tourist from the US caused a collision on the A9 after he pulled out in front of a car.


Highland Council to get £20m from UK Government for regeneration projects

25 September 2025
Highland Council to get £20m from UK Government for regeneration projects

Highland Council to get £20m from UK Government for regeneration projects

25 September 2025

The Prime Minister has announced that Highland Council is set to receive £20million for regeneration projects from the UK Government.


STV plans to axe north news bulletin as 60 staff to be made redundant

25 September 2025
STV plans to axe north news bulletin as 60 staff to be made redundant

STV plans to axe north news bulletin as 60 staff to be made redundant

25 September 2025

STV is planning to axe its regional news bulletin that covers the north of Scotland.


SSEN Transmission invites local businesses to tender for up to £5.5m worth of contracts

25 September 2025
SSEN Transmission invites local businesses to tender for up to £5.5m worth of contracts

SSEN Transmission invites local businesses to tender for up to £5.5m worth of contracts

25 September 2025

SSEN Transmission says it is offering up to £5.5m worth of contracts over five years for small businesses in the north of Scotland.


Housebuilder plans to construct homes to rent to meet demand as jobs boom expected in Highlands

17 September 2025
Housebuilder plans to construct homes to rent to meet demand as jobs boom expected in Highlands

Housebuilder plans to construct homes to rent to meet demand as jobs boom expected in Highlands

17 September 2025

Springfield Properties is to capitalise on the green energy boom in the region


Pensioner suffering from food poisoning was hit and killed by car on A9 by Newtonmore

09 September 2025
Pensioner suffering from food poisoning was hit and killed by car on A9 by Newtonmore

Pensioner suffering from food poisoning was hit and killed by car on A9 by Newtonmore

09 September 2025

Court told accused took no evasive action to avoid 90 year old who had stepped out of his vehicle


IN PICTURES: Highland Business Women Awards 2025 is opportunity to reflect on 30 years of ‘nurturing’ organisation

22 August 2025
IN PICTURES: Highland Business Women Awards 2025 is opportunity to reflect on 30 years of ‘nurturing’ organisation

IN PICTURES: Highland Business Women Awards 2025 is opportunity to reflect on 30 years of ‘nurturing’ organisation

22 August 2025

The Highland Business Women Awards drew 260 attendees and presented nine awards.


Winners of Highland Business Women Awards 2025 revealed

21 August 2025
Winners of Highland Business Women Awards 2025 revealed

Winners of Highland Business Women Awards 2025 revealed

21 August 2025

The Highland Business Women Awards 2025 took place tonight at the Kingsmills Hotel.


Highland Business Women Awards set to be ‘magical’ according to the organisers

13 August 2025
Highland Business Women Awards set to be ‘magical’ according to the organisers

Highland Business Women Awards set to be ‘magical’ according to the organisers

13 August 2025

Sponsored by SJ Highland Construction, female entrepreneurs and business leaders across the region will be celebrated at an awards ceremony.


Finalists announced for the Highlands & Islands Prosper Business Excellence Awards

07 August 2025
Finalists announced for the Highlands & Islands Prosper Business Excellence Awards

Finalists announced for the Highlands & Islands Prosper Business Excellence Awards

07 August 2025

Businesses from across the Highlands and Islands have been named as finalists in the 25th annual Prosper Business Excellence Awards.


Highland businesswomen to be celebrated at Inverness hotel with very special reception

06 August 2025
Highland businesswomen to be celebrated at Inverness hotel with very special reception

Highland businesswomen to be celebrated at Inverness hotel with very special reception

06 August 2025

The Highland Business Women Awards 2025 are just around the corner, with a prestigious ceremony taking place at the Kingsmills Hotel.


IN PICTURES: Second day of Belladrum 2025

01 August 2025
IN PICTURES: Second day of Belladrum 2025

IN PICTURES: Second day of Belladrum 2025

01 August 2025

Day two of Belladrum has seen mostly dry weather and the atmosphere is very relaxed.


PICTURES: All the festivities from the first day at Belladrum

01 August 2025
PICTURES: All the festivities from the first day at Belladrum

PICTURES: All the festivities from the first day at Belladrum

01 August 2025

Our photographers have been busy snapping festival highlights on the opening day of Bella.


PICTURES: Thousands descend at Belladrum for music festival

31 July 2025
PICTURES: Thousands descend at Belladrum for music festival

PICTURES: Thousands descend at Belladrum for music festival

31 July 2025

Thousands of festival-goers are in the process of arriving at Belladrum Estate.


Meet the finalists of the Highland Business Women Awards 2025

30 July 2025
Meet the finalists of the Highland Business Women Awards 2025

Meet the finalists of the Highland Business Women Awards 2025

30 July 2025

The shortlist for the Highland Business Women Awards has been selected by the judges.


Aviemore-based firm wins award as it reduces the cost of project by £2.1m

28 July 2025
Aviemore-based firm wins award as it reduces the cost of project by £2.1m

Aviemore-based firm wins award as it reduces the cost of project by £2.1m

28 July 2025

Energy infrastructure contractor, McGowan Infrastructure, won the accolade.


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