John Ross

Mar 2, 2025 | pressandjournal.co.uk | John Ross

“If it’s possible and it’s legal, we’ll do it”, says Steve Hales as he lists the type of requests he and his team try to accommodate. Many of the roles they perform daily will not be found in their job descriptions. Steve has driven brides to their wedding, been a celebrity minder, provided assistance to a heart attack victim and helped in a search and rescue. He has been called on to act as an emergency plumber, TV repair man, car valet and fire officer as well as giving tour guide advice.

Feb 25, 2025 | pressandjournal.co.uk | John Ross

After a delayed start to their dream venture, the team behind McBain’s Restaurant By the River are looking to the future. And the plans include continuing a family tradition in the kitchen. Husband and wife Paul and Corinna McBain took over the Bank Steet business in 2019. Coming from a long line of chefs, it fulfilled Paul’s long-held wish to run his own restaurant.

Feb 22, 2025 | pressandjournal.co.uk | John Ross

Hotel prices in Inverness are under the spotlight again after the city featured in the TV show Four in a Bed. But what is the reality? Are room rates in the Highland capital over the top? Or are often-quoted peak time prices giving an unfair picture? We took to the booking sites to see what it would actually cost to stay in the Highland Capital this weekend. (Spoiler alert: It’s not £400.)What’s the issue?

Feb 18, 2025 | pressandjournal.co.uk | John Ross

Alan MacPherson’s talent with a shinty stick earned him a number of honours in the ancient sport. But it’s his skills off the field that are not only keeping an endangered craft alive, but are also vital for the game itself. As Scotland’s only full-time maker of camans, or shinty sticks, the future of the sport is literally in Alan’s hands to a large extent. A craft at riskHis company Tanera Camans makes 1,200-1,400 sticks a year – that’s around 80% of the entire output in Scotland.

Feb 17, 2025 | pressandjournal.co.uk | John Ross

The River Ness will become even more of a focal point for the city this year as a series of attractions come on stream. A new-look Inverness Castle will open as a major tourist draw after a £36 million upgrade. More millions are being spent upgrading the Northern Meeting Park, Bught Stadium and Whin Park. Since 2022, the Highland Food and Drink Trail has drawn visitors to the riverside next to the cathedral and Eden Court Theatre. But what else is needed to maximise the potential of the river?