Highlands & Islandscounty

Colin Evans, a writer from Taynuilt, has earned high recognition at the International Jay Yes short story contest and the Southam Book Festival short story competition.

The Oban Times reports that Rubicon Yuzu & Pink Grapefruit 1L Tetra Cartons are being recalled over allergen concerns. Food Standards Scotland found that the product may contain undeclared sulphites, which pose a health risk for people with sensitivity to sulphur dioxide or sulphites. Four batches are affected, with best before dates ranging from July to September 2027.

North Ayrshire Council is hosting an online survey to engage residents on its 2027/28 budget. The Oban Times reports that the proposals include cuts to teaching and sports, along with increases in costs.

A scooter driver has been jailed after dangerous driving lasting less than one minute caused life-changing injuries to a victim, an Oban court heard. The Oban Times reports the incident but provides no further details about the driver, the victim, the sentence length or the location where the dangerous driving occurred.

The Oban Times reports that many shops on Tarbert harbour front were still closed a week after a storm, with full sandbags stacked up outside in case another surge hits. The community is counting the cost of the damage and calling for flooding protection measures.

Alasdair Henderson, pipe sergeant with Inveraray and District Pipe Band, has won the Glenfiddich championship. Henderson, who lives in Edinburgh but has close ties with Argyll, secured the title after winning the Piobaireachd competition and placing third in the March, Strathspey and Reel.

Cllr Ruraidh Stewart of Skye has called on Highland Council to scrap a proposed tourist tax. Stewart also criticised the council for proceeding with consultation before publishing an independent economic impact assessment.

The Oban Times reports that community councillors in Oban are inviting M&D Green chemists' leadership to explain why the company is delaying the town's plans for a third pharmacy. This marks another delay to the proposal.

North Ayrshire Council's planning department is considering an application to build a new house on Machrie Moor Road. The application follows the withdrawal of a previous plan for a larger development on the same site.

Argyll and Bute Council held a private discussion about potentially moving its headquarters, according to the Oban Times. The decision to explore relocation comes after the council invested £400,000 in relatively recent renovations of the current headquarters. The move has faced opposition.

The Oban Times reports that Lochaber High School pupils have celebrated their literary talents at a special Royal Society of Edinburgh event. The workshops formed part of the RSE's Young People's Programme, which supports young people to develop their confidence, curiosity and critical thinking through learning experiences.

Chef John Coghill has opened Araich, a 'pay what you can' whole food cafe in a former woollen mill in Portree on Skye. The community interest company, whose name means 'nurture' in Gaelic, provided free lunches to over 90 school pupils at Portree High School in late September before opening to the public in October. Coghill said there is no obligation to pay but customers are asked to contribute, whether financially or through help in the cafe, and he hopes those able to will pay enough to make the venture sustainable.

A new partnership has been established to help families across Highland, Orkney and Argyll and Bute find and access the support they need more easily.

The Oban Times reports that pupils are planning to dish out smiles and chat at another community lunch scheduled for the new year. Details of the timing and location were not provided in the report.

Police have warned of fraudulent QR codes placed on parking meters in Oban following the discovery of a fake code stuck to a meter in Rockfield car park. The fraudulent QR codes appear designed to direct users to payment links that do not lead to legitimate parking services.

The Oban Times reports that South Kintyre councillor John Armour has expressed hope that a united front against proposed convoy arrangements at the Rest and Be Thankful will influence the Scottish Government's final decision, following talks with the Transport Secretary.

Plans have been submitted for a new tourism development of six lodges at Barnacarry, near Strachur on Loch Fyne. The Oban Times reports the proposal for the beauty spot, though further details about the scheme are not yet available.

Nicky McGovern, a midwife from Lochgilphead, has been appointed Lead Midwife for Argyll and Bute. The Oban Times reports she brings years of local experience to the region-wide role.

Arran Community Council will object to a proposed wind farm on the Kintyre peninsula, citing concerns about negative impacts on the North Arran National Scenic Area.

The Dunadd Community Council is launching a micro grants scheme with £30,000 available over five years to support projects across its area. The Oban Times reports that £6,000 will be available annually for community initiatives.

Police Scotland is investigating a housebreaking to a property on the B8074 at Glen Orchy between 3pm on 22 October and 12pm on 27 October. The Oban Times reports that it was a busy week for police in the area, who also arrested an 18-year-old male driver for drink driving after a collision on the Kilmore back road on 31 October, and issued a recorded police warning to a 25-year-old man found in possession of cannabis on Lorn Road on 29 October.

A woman has been charged with four counts of assaulting police officers. The Oban Times reports that other incidents involving the woman include vandalism, speeding, an assault in Saddell and a collision on the A83.

The Oban Inn in Oban reopened on 4 November 2016 after nine years of being closed. According to The Oban Times, the pub's revival generated considerable interest at the time, and that enthusiasm has persisted over the subsequent decade.

The Scottish Government has approved An Càrr Dubh Wind Farm, a 13-turbine wind farm near Inveraray by Loch Awe. The Oban Times reports it can generate enough power for 95,000 homes.