Beyond The Briefing

 Glen Earrach Energy proposes a 2GW output and 34GWh maximum storage pumped hydro plant utilizing Loch Ness and Loch nam Breac Dearga on the Balmacaan Estate. If approved, this would be among the largest pumped storage projects in the UK. While aligning with the government's net-zero environmental plan for 2045, the project has faced objections. Save Loch Ness, a community campaign group comp...

The papers have been signed and Alan Savage owns 100% of the Sarens PSG Stadium and the car park. In an exclusive interview by Andrew Henderson, Alan Savage is aiming to make the club commercially sound, increase fan engagement, and plans facility improvements, believing the team can succeed back into the championship. – This podcast was brought to you by Highland News and Media.  Hosted by:...

With the Camanachd Cup Final approaching and as we see through the final leg of the Shinty Season. We discuss the recent investment to the home of Shinty and how this could set the gears in motion for open more discussions between Camanachd Association and its members to protect the cultural sport and attract communities to get involved. – This podcast was brought to you by Highland News and Media...

Charlie’s Promise is a UK-based charity founded in memory of Charlie Cosser, a 17-year-old from Surrey who tragically lost his life due to knife crime in 2023. His dad, Martin, has made it his life mission to spread his story and tackle knife crime in the UK. In the Highlands we are lucky to see relatively little knife crime but education on this issue has made it important to Inverness Caley This...

With Ross Countyconfirming Don Cowie's exit by mutual agreement, just weeks into the Championship campaign, we break down what Cowie’s departure means for Ross County’s season. We take a closer look at how supporters are reacting to the news and what they want to see next as well as hearing from the Staggies interim manager John Robertson, who shares his thoughts on stepping into the role and guid...

In 2023, the Highlands was the third most visited region in Scotland with 8.4 million overnight visitors while 1.6 million people visit the Inverness and Loch Ness area each year. Bust despite this, there are also concerns within the region's tourism industry over the possible introductionof a visitor levy by the Highland Council which has been carrying out public consultation. But with councillor...

First Minister John Swinney faced tough questions in Moray this week after his recent visit, not just about the future of the A96, but about roadworks dragging on in Keith, and a financial crisis threatening NHS Grampian. Today, we break down what was said, what wasn’t, and what it means for the people living in Moray. – This podcast was brought to you by Highland News and Media.  Hosted by:...

The Bare All Protest in Inverness documents a protest against the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and Supreme Court rulings impacting trans rights. Multiple speakers address the erosion of trans rights, the protest highlights specific instances of discrimination, including hate crimes on trans people and access to public facilities. Speakers also emphasise the historical context of tra...

This week, Dingwall is home to a new centre for neurodivergent children that is changing lives, not just through what it offers, but where it’s based. For families raising children with autism or complex support needs, access to the right help can feel miles out of reach, because often, it is. This new space promises something different: care that’s close, custom-built, and community-led. This pod...

This year, there’s a buzz at Belladrum around local music and headliner acts, one name in particular is Texas is making their return, with their only Scottish date this summer. To find out why, we’re joined by Rachel Smart, who caught up with Sharleen Spiteri ahead of the festival. – This podcast was brought to you by Highland News and Media.  Hosted by: Shannon Marvell Produced by: Christoph...

The Highland Green Freeport has a £890 million investment aiming to kickstart generational jobs in the Highlands. But amid the optimism, we have to ask: What has the Freeport ever done for us? From securing seed funding and landing manufacturers like Sumitomo, to tapping into North Sea renewables, there’s plenty on the table, but what does it mean here and now? – This podcast was brought to you by...

In this episode, we’re breaking down the big return of the Highland Games to Bught Park and the return of some heavyweight guests. With me is our newest reporter to the team, Lauren Cameron, who's been digging into what makes this year's Games special. – This podcast was brought to you by Highland News and Media.  Hosted by: Shannon Marvell Produced by: Christopher Dixon Journalist: Lauren Ca...

Overlooking the River Ness, the Old High Church has stood at the heart of Inverness for centuries — steeped in Highland history, Jacobite connections, and even Outlander fame. Now, the landmark faces an uncertain future. The community group Save the Old High Inverness is campaigning to buy and transform the building into a public space for culture and heritage. With expert backing and a reduced as...

Ward 4's uncertain future at Dr Gray’s Hospital in Elgin was recently revealed after a document, presented at a Moray Integration Joint Board (MIJB) meeting, revealed that Ward 4 "can no longer be maintained as an inpatient service" . During a recent visit, Scotland’s Health Secretary  said he could not make any “firm commitments” to keep Ward 4 open.  We walk through what was said, why...

A heart wrenching story that no one would wish to experience. Listen to Chrissie Noble's sons discuss the life altering effect that can happen when the appropriate care has not been finalised. -- This podcast was brought to you by Highland News and Media.  Hosted by: Shannon Marvell Produced by: Christopher Dixon Journalist: Scott MacLennan Get notified for every episode and subscribe. Apple...

It's Inverness and Nairn, or nothing. SNP Fergus Ewing has announced that he will be running in the 2026 Scottish Elections. And in his well-known style, he has announced that he will be running as an independent while not resigning from the SNP. -- This podcast was brought to you by Highland News and Media.  Hosted by: Shannon Marvell Produced by: Christopher Dixon Journalist: Scott MacLenna...

After the relegation news looms over the pitch, Ross County's Chari, Roy MacGregor, and Cheif Executive, Steve Ferguson speaks about what is next for The Staggies. -- This podcast was brought to you by Highland News and Media.  Hosted by: Shannon Marvell Produced by: Christopher Dixon Journalist: [Journalist] -- Get notified for every episode and subscribe. Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.ap...

From Inverness to the front line of Ukraine, "Nessie the Nissan", a well-worn X-Trail has completed a 2800 mile journey. Behind the wheel was local mechanic Danny Ward, who gave up his annual leave, loaded Nessie with humanitarian aid and drove across Europe to deliver support to Kramatorsk. Packed with Highland kindness - from food to a bottle of single malt - this mission proves what many here a...

On June 28 1969, police raided Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village, New York. Since 1970, the world has taken the month of June to protest for equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community.  Recent months have brought both frustration and changes in the legal understanding of the trans community. However, this period also presents an opportunity for broader learning and discussion for every...

Just over seven months of Caley Jags not knowing if Inverness Caley Thistly will recover from administration. As of today, the future looks bright again as the company voluntary agreement (CVA) is agreed. Listen to the full press conference exclusively on Beyond the Briefing. -- This podcast was brought to you by Highland News and Media.  Hosted by: Shannon Marvell Produced by: Shannon Marvel...

Cancer is a life-altering diagnosis. While many cancer stories focus on inspiring events and challenges, Rachel's "Life After Cancer Series" highlights another crucial aspect: life continues beyond cancer. We hear the powerful journeys of five individuals from the Highlands who have transformed their lives following cancer diagnoses. -- Read more on their stories here: https://www.inverness-courie...

In light of a 13 year-old boy's letter to the Highland Council pleading for his support to be reinstanted was a heart wrenching story to hear. No child should feel left out of an education. It' is crutial for the right needs to be put in place at the start of a child's education. We spoke to Federica Stefani who tells us about what criteria a child has to meet to recieve additional support needs (...

We're diving into the heartwarmng initiative that swept across the Highlands and Moray: the 'Give Blood, Save Lives' Campaign. Launched by Highland News & Media and the Scottish Nation Blood Transfusion Service in November 2024, this collaborative effort aimed to collect 5,000 vital blood donations by Easter 2025 to combat critical shortages and encourage regular donations. We are joined by Gr...

Inverness has everuything from History to wild lanscapes - but despite this image, crime ios still an issue. We are jouined by Political Reporter, Scot Maclennan and Highlands and Island MSP, Edward Mountain, to discuss his recent walk with Police Scotland and his recent visit to HMP Inverness and HMP Highland. Mountain discusses his fustration of the lack of implimentation of a database that woul...

Prescribed £34 Million in Patient Compensation – What Went Wrong? The NHS is a service many of us rely on often with the quiet reassurance that it is there when we need it most. For some it's more than just reassurance, it's a lifeline But when this lifeline fails the cons can be deeply traumatic and, in some cases, life altering. Over the past 5 years NHS Highland and Grampian have paid out a com...