When I spoke to author Bruce Walker this week, he had some lovely things to say about the warm welcome he has received from football clubs in the north of Scotland. Football "at its purest" indeed.

Spooky season is about to get a whole lot scarier... 👀 On 31 October, Uncanny is BACK with a brand new season of ten terrifying episodes. Listen... if you dare. Uncanny | Listen on BBC Sounds

2010 Scottish Cup Winners & The Champions 23/24 Get 10% off until midnight with the discount code: THE-TERRORS Shop now: matthewjiwood.com/subbuteo-tea... Prints available in A4, A3, A2 & A1 with optional framing #terrors #arabs #DundeeUnited @shedheds.bsky.social @niallfh.bsky.social

A few to pick from during a busy week in the north Highlands, but this one is just a fin ahead of the rest for story of the week.

If you had to legally change your name to that of a football team, which one would you choose? I could live with being Mr Rapid Vienna

Anyone who owns a building with a clock on it should be legally obligated to ensure it tells the correct time.

Be consistent, work hard and take every opportunity — that was the message from Adam Allan to the next generation of St Duthus stars as he marked his 100th appearance with a win on Saturday.

I have very fond memories of pushing the printer in my Dad's office to its absolute limit in a bid to make sure our first edition of "Endeavour", the school newspaper, made it out. Today I begin my new role as News Editor with Highland News & Media. Never give up on what you really want to do. ❤️🗞

That last set of Andy Murray’s Wimbledon win against Djokovic still gives you goosebumps. What a moment it was.

Earlier today I spoke to Daniel Whitehorn, who as well as stepping up with some goals for Strathspey Thistle this year, has been performing the role of club chaplain! He shared some inspiring words about the importance of having someone who will listen: www.strathspey-herald.co.uk/sport/strath...

Strathspey Thistle striker Daniel Whitehorn has committed to another year with the club – and is aiming to hit double figures in front of goal next season. The 30-year-old forward, who also serves as the club’s chaplain, has become a key presence both on and off the pitch at Seafield Park.

This is the story of the Englishman who founded AC Milan — and the people keeping his legacy alive. Herbert Kilpin’s story was relatively obscure until a dedicated group of people brought it back to the fore. @nickmiller79.bsky.social on his & their story.

Tain & District Museum is preparing to welcome history buffs and lovers of local heritage from the Tain community and much further beyond for its 2025 season – with a fresh line-up of artefacts and curiosities on display to whet the appetite.

Someone forgot to charge the cordless mics.

If you open one link today, take a moment to read Rachel Smart's opinion piece in the Courier as she reflects on her time as a support worker during Covid. Harrowing and heart-wrenching barely describe it. www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/opinion...

Google says experiment shows news has ‘no measurable impact’ on its ad revenue

The future of Tain football is in great hands at the moment!

Over 2000 photos relating to my hometown of Tain alone. Incredible.

Good to see trove.scot finally launched! Although, the press release says it ‘unlocks 5000 years of History’ which seems to sell itself short. Missing at least another 7000 years of the human story in Scotland! www.historicenvironment.scot/about-us/new...

Disney+ app design team if you are listening. I don’t want films similar to the one the kids just watched, I want the one they just watched, over and over until I’m sickened of it.

#OnThisDay in 1881, Andrew Watson made history as the first black player to play international association football by captaining Scotland to a 6-1 victory against England at the Oval Cricket Ground in London. #sportshistory #football #footballhistory #blackhistory

With every second worldwide news piece covering Trump or Musk, do you feel yourself subconsciously shying away from reading the news in general?

Calling all the budding actors in the Highlands...

Peter Fowler MBE, a visionary newspaper publisher who played a pivotal role in the evolution of regional news across the north, has passed away. The driving force behind the grouping together of independent news titles across the Highlands and Moray, Mr Fowler died on February 25, 2025, aged 86.

Mad scoop by @tariqpanja.bsky.social

So, one for anyone who follows me and happens to see this. The initial Bluesky burst on the back of the US election has undoubtedly created something cool here - but has the buzz tapered off? I have over 2500 followers here - but how many are still active and engaging with others?

Tickets secured for Uncanny Live in November. Canny wait. @dannyrobins.bsky.social

Outstanding read from @ahenderson96.bsky.social complemented by a great video piece. Please take a look.

It only took me 32 years but I finally got round to becoming a blood donor, and I'm so happy that I got this opportunity through our #GiveBloodSaveLives campaign. Super chuffed to have joined the blood donors club ❤️ www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/i-hones...

It’s the small pleasures in life. Great time at Aberdeen Comic Con on Sunday, meeting my fair share of legends.

Watching Trump and his VP sit there and browbeat another nation’s leader in front of the world was something else. When did we become so comfortable with this that it’s just another day?

RIP Henry Kelly

DIGITAL NEWS OFFER! Take advantage of a BUMPER news offer from Highland News & Media in the month of March by using our specially generated code FOOTBALLTIMES to access 12 months of Digital+ content for all of their Highland and Moray news titles for just TEN POUNDS.

Should the use of VAR in the Scottish top tier be suspended until its effectiveness is fundamentally improved?

Fearless and independent investigative journalism is needed more than ever in these times. Attempts to suppress this story on Trump and the KGB demonstrate this ⬇️ To help fund the stories you won't read in the established press, and to keep honesty alive, subscribe: subscribe.bylinetimes.com

Historians Politely Remind Nation To Check What's Happened In Past Before Making Any Big Decisions theonion.com/historians-p...

A fantastic picture gallery of the grounds of clubs playing in the Midlands League (ERJFA). Source: @midlands_fitba (X)

Should heading the ball be banned in football? Football-daft Thurso man Brian Mackay thinks so. He is calling for a ban at all levels of the sport amid a fundraising drive to support dementia research.

Big moves afoot at Tier 6 of the North football pyramid as the North Region JFA and East Region JFA (Midlands League) explore full autonomy as senior leagues under the SFA banner.

Saw the tweet and immediately assumed typo or something else. But no! What a fantastic read from @lewismcblane.bsky.social. www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/kanye-w...

Member clubs of the North Caledonian FA decided last June to adopt a new requirement that all clubs must attain the Scottish FA Quality Mark before the start of the 2025-26 season.

Just picked up a free EPL sticker album for the boy. Might have started something I can’t finish. Did you ever complete a sticker album?

Am I going crazy or did there used to be a cheese flavoured Nik Naks?

Re-sharing our Highland News & Media starter pack for news around the Highlands and Moray. A mix of journalists and contributors creating content for the John o'Groat Journal, Northern Times, Ross-shire Journal, Inverness Courier, Northern Scot, Strathspey Herald, Forres Gazette and more.

This week I spoke with Lauren Selkirk, a parent who has been left distressed and "extremely concerned" after weeks of not knowing the details of an incident involving her non-verbal five-year-old daughter at an Inverness primary school.

Excellent article from @niallfh.bsky.social You have to feel for the parents. Anyone in their shoes would want to know what's happening. www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/parents...

Just listened to Coldplay's version of Sunshine on Leith. Tune in next week on the BBC 2 Piano Room to hear Paloma Faith tackle Beautiful Sunday.

Please sign up for our local club's Lotto and I'll be your friend forever.

Mission accomplished ✅️ @northcaleyfa.com @stduthusfc.co.uk