Sarah Bruce

2 weeks ago | pressandjournal.co.uk | Sarah Bruce

When Eilidh Carr went to study in Aberdeen, there were more people living in her student halls than were resident on her home island. She enjoyed her time there studying photography – and crucially it gave her the skills to start a business she loved (more on that later). But the stark population factoid was one of many reasons she ended up returning to her childhood home. Since then, Eilidh has carved an island life for herself that sounds like a dream.

2 weeks ago | pressandjournal.co.uk | Sarah Bruce

It’s a brave move to make, given our weather – but the UK’s most northerly Forest School nursery is making a success of itself. Jen Wall manages Earthtime’s Forest School Nursery on the Duffus Estate, and is convinced being outside, rain or shine, is invaluable for children. She also believes learning should be led by the kids themselves.

2 weeks ago | pressandjournal.co.uk | Sarah Bruce

It might not be obvious yet, but 20-odd acres of something amazing is about to come to Aberdeenshire. Inclusive Farm Scotland at MacRobert is its full, Sunday name. And founder and CEO Mike Duxbury says it’s a place where hundreds of people with disabilities, disadvantages and challenges can come to change their lives.

Nov 22, 2024 | pressandjournal.co.uk | David Love |Sarah Bruce

The Highlands’ most experienced working journalist has died suddenly at his home in Inverness. Neil MacPhail was 76 and had spent almost six decades working in newspapers. He was held in high regard by anyone who met him, whether it be professionally or personally, interviewing personalities and politicians. Many of his colleagues, clearly shocked at his unexpected death, have queued to pay tribute to him. Brought up in Campbelltown in Argyll, his father was a farm manager and his mum a teacher.

Nov 14, 2024 | pressandjournal.co.uk | David Love |Sarah Bruce

The woman who played a vital role in bringing Renee and Andrew MacRae’s killer to justice has died. Retired nurse Val Steventon was Renee’s best friend and confidante – and when the Inverness mum and her boy disappeared, Val knew a crucial secret. She told police the building company owner’s estranged wife was having a secretaffair with her husband’s company accountant. Decades after the 1976 disappearance, Val’s evidence helped convict and jail double murderer Bill MacDowell in 2022.