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Niall Harkiss

@niallfh.bsky.social
2.8K followers 417 following 299 posts

News editor (Highland News & Media) by day and historian/writer when I can, delving into Highland football and community. In sport, I am the long-serving chair of St. Duthus FC and current president of the North Caledonian FA. Dundee United fan. Dad.

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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
Life continues to throw up new lessons. Nothing prepares you for taking your son along to support United, years as season ticket holders, euro nights, trophy lifts, celebrating on the pitch, mascot days, countless journeys. Then he hits 14 and starts supporting Celtic. There’s no words.
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
What a performance from Norway though. Haaland effectively just the icing on the cake for them after 102 minutes of dominance and patient, smart football. Hope they go the whole way.
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
Thing is, we should all be shocked and boycotting the rest of it, teams should be refusing to play - especially Belgium - but we all knew something like this was going to happen. That’s what so bad. It isn’t a shock.
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
About to captain Scotland in the World Cup, in the midst of a huge move to Spurs and he still finds the time to send school kids a good luck message. A proper legend is Andy Robertson.
ross-shirejournal.co.uk
World Cup bound Scotland captain Andrew Robertson sends message to Tain Campus pupils as they move to new school
Scotland captain Andrew Robertson has taken the time to offer some words of encouragement to pupils in Tain.
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 03/05/2026
My message to those seeking election this week - ‘Families of children with autism shouldn’t be at the point of crisis before they get the support they need’ Please have a read. www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/familie...
inverness-courier.co.uk
‘Families of children with autism shouldn’t be at the point of crisis before they get the support they need’
Families of young people with additional needs should not have to be at a point of “crisis” before they can access the support they need.
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St Duthus Football Club @stduthusfc.co.uk · 02/05/2026
The club continues to move forward into a new era. We are now on the lookout for proactive volunteers who can offer their time and ideas. There is a lot happening just now, and we'd be more than happy to have a chat with anyone who might be keen to get involved.
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
Keep up the north-west theme, I had a good chat with Lochinver FC manager Ally Macleod this week on the responsibility his side are now carrying as the only amateur team on the west coast, as the region continues to suffer the effects of depopulation.
northern-times.co.uk
‘We’re always trying to build’ – Lochinver boss Ally Macleod on keeping football alive on the west coast
Lochinver manager Ally Macleod believes his side have a “duty to sustain” football in their local area.
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 02/05/2026
A fantastic couple of working days in Kinlochbervie this week, in beautiful weather. On Wednesday I met with Murdo Macpherson who opened my eyes to the transformational community hydro scheme he helped set up in the village. It has now raised £100k for local groups. Please watch my interview below.
northern-times.co.uk
WATCH: ‘Community energy can be done’ – KLB hydro scheme raises over £100k for village
A community in north-west Sutherland is proving that renewable energy profits don’t have to leave the area.
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Football Heritage @footballheritage.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
New Podcast: Nairn County FC We're joined by Head of Marketing Michael Bochel and club committee member Graeme Macleod to talk about Nairn County FC, one of Scotland's most exciting community-centred football clubs. Listen on your preferred platform here ⬇️ linktr.ee/footyheritage
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Football Heritage @footballheritage.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Building works take place to increase the size of the North Terracing at Tannadice Park, home of Dundee United, July 1961. Photo Credit: The Courier
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Nick Pettigrew @nick-pettigrew.bsky.social · 08/02/2026
I'm convinced AI is our generation's radium - a discovery with genuinely useful applications in specific, controlled circumstances that we stupidly put in everything from kid's toys to toothpaste until we realised the harm far too late where future generations will ask if we were out of our minds.
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
One of the brilliant things about having a Mini Me is being able to relive some of the classic TV shows of your youth with the benefit of incredible sculpts and action figures to make it even more vicariously exciting.
Ace (played by Sophie Aldred) and an imperial dalek, from Remembrance of the Daleks. 1988.Davros, voiced by the excellent Terry Molloy in the 80s, again from the Remembrance of the Daleks. 1988.Two renegade daleks, the enemies of the white and gold imperials. Remembrance of the Daleks. 1988.Although not released as a part of the Remembrance of the Dalek series, Sylvester McCoy as the Seventh Doctor in the same garb appeared with two cybermen in this set up. Also roughly from around 1988-89.
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 08/02/2026
What is the typical best before date on a football chairman anyway?
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
When my days are up, I'd like the slideshow at my funeral to be a Top 100 of my best digital banking face verification screenshots.
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 29/12/2025
A Casio graphic calculator was the technological peak for me as far as devices I took into school during the 1990s goes. I've never understood why smartphones have ever been allowed in schools, and it seems the majority agree with me.
johnogroat-journal.co.uk
Ban on mobile phones to begin in January at Thurso High School
Pupils at a Caithness secondary school risk having their devices confiscated by teachers under a new policy.
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 29/12/2025
It was great to be able to share a happy story on the front of our Christmas edition of the Groat - a shining example of the type of support many areas of the Highlands could benefit from for some of its most vulnerable young people. Please share with someone you know who is looking for inspiration.
johnogroat-journal.co.uk
‘A welcome relief’ – Families of neurodivergent young people to benefit from new sensory rooms in Wick
A “long-held wish” to offer meaningful support for families with neurodivergent children and young people in Caithness has been realised.
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Oldfirmfacts @oldfirmfacts.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
"If I'd known I'd have to sit through an hour of Gianni Infantino I'd have just played a square ball" - Kieran Tierney
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
I caught up with the most passionate Scotland supporter I know, Dale Finlayson from Tain. For a different perspective on THAT qualification match and the nation's chances after tonight's draw please have a read.
ross-shirejournal.co.uk
Tartan Army member from Tain who celebrated Scotland’s World Cup qualification in Danish baggage claim ready for challenge of Brazil, Morocco and Haiti
Dale Finlayson hopes to make it the World Cup after having to watch Scotland’s qualification triumph from a Danish airport.
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
Infantino said next year's World Cup will be "the greatest event in human history, the greatest event that humanity will ever witness". Ironically, tonight's live draw was the worst.
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
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.
northern-times.co.uk
‘Football at its purest and community driven’ in the north of Scotland takes centre-stage in new book
A “groundhopper” who has visited almost 230 football clubs across the grassroots divisions of Scottish football has released a new book.
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Danny Robins @dannyrobins.bsky.social · 26/10/2025
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
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Matthew J I Wood Design & Illustration @matthewjiwood.com · 22/10/2025
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
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 24/10/2025
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.
johnogroat-journal.co.uk
PICTURES: 6-foot shark found ‘washed up’ at Wick North Head
The stranded animal, which was deceased when discovered, has been reported to marine authorities.
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No Score Draws ✍🏻⚽ @noscoredraws.com · 16/10/2025
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
theguardian.com
‘My name is Manchester United’: the superfan who fought to change his identity
There are supporters and then there was the Bulgarian Marin Levidzhov, who died this week aged 62
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Anon Opin @anonopin.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
Anyone who owns a building with a clock on it should be legally obligated to ensure it tells the correct time.
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St Duthus Football Club @stduthusfc.co.uk · 25/09/2025
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.
stduthusfc.co.uk
Adam Allan: 'Work hard and take every opportunity'
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 02/09/2025
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. ❤️🗞
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 04/07/2025
That last set of Andy Murray’s Wimbledon win against Djokovic still gives you goosebumps. What a moment it was.
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
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-herald.co.uk
‘Having someone to talk to is so important in life’ – Strathspey Thistle boss Ryan Esson puts faith in striker and club chaplain Daniel Whitehorn with one-year extension
Strathspey Thistle striker Daniel Whitehorn is aiming to hit double figures in front of goal next season.
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The Football Times @footballtimes.co.uk · 22/04/2025
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.
strathspey-herald.co.uk
Strathspey Thistle boss Ryan Esson puts faith in striker and club chaplain Daniel Whitehorn with one-year extension
Strathspey Thistle striker Daniel Whitehorn is aiming to hit double figures in front of goal next season.
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The Athletic | Football @theathleticfc.bsky.social · 13/04/2025
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.
nytimes.com
The Englishman who founded AC Milan and the people keeping his legacy alive
Herbert Kilpin was a figure of relative obscurity but his legacy is now receiving the treatment it deserves
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
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.
ross-shirejournal.co.uk
PICTURES: 5 fascinating objects you can see on display at Tain Museum as part of its 2025 exhibits
Tain & District Museum opens its doors to the local community and far beyond for its 2025 season on Tuesday.
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 23/03/2025
Someone forgot to charge the cordless mics.
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 21/03/2025
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...
inverness-courier.co.uk
OPINION: I worked as a carer during Covid and that “bonus” didn’t even touch the bank account
Our journalist Rachel Smart shares her story of working as a carer during Covid.
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Press Gazette @pressgazette.co.uk · 21/03/2025
Google says experiment shows news has ‘no measurable impact’ on its ad revenue
pressgazette.co.uk
Google says experiment shows news has 'no measurable impact' on its ad revenue
Google says it has found news has "no measurable impact" on its ad revenue following a test carried out in eight European countries.
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St Duthus Football Club @stduthusfc.co.uk · 19/03/2025
The future of Tain football is in great hands at the moment!
ross-shirejournal.co.uk
Teenage football coach from Tain lands job as manager of amateurs after chest surgery curtailed youth career
Alex McDonald was just 16 when he was forced to put sport on hold – but after three years developing his coaching career he is now the man in charge.
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 13/03/2025
Over 2000 photos relating to my hometown of Tain alone. Incredible.
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Helen Spencer @helspencer.bsky.social · 13/02/2025
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...
historicenvironment.scot
Unlock Scotland’s past with trove.scot | HistEnvScot
Explore millions of records online as Historic Environment Scotland (HES) unveils new website to access its collections, archives, images and information
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
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.
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International Centre for Sports History and Culture @icshc.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
#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
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 12/03/2025
With every second worldwide news piece covering Trump or Musk, do you feel yourself subconsciously shying away from reading the news in general?
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 07/03/2025
Calling all the budding actors in the Highlands...
inverness-courier.co.uk
Spooky goings on at the Old High in Inverness and LGBTQ-themed school dramas – can you answer Eden Court Just Film’s latest casting call?
Aspiring actors across the Highlands are being invited to audition for roles in two forthcoming short films.
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
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.
ross-shirejournal.co.uk
Driving force behind evolution of independent newspaper publishing in Highlands and Moray, Peter Fowler MBE, dies at 86
Peter Granville Fowler MBE, a visionary newspaper publisher who played a pivotal role in the evolution of regional news across the north has died.
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Martyn Ziegler @martynziegler.bsky.social · 06/03/2025
Mad scoop by @tariqpanja.bsky.social
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 05/03/2025
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?
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
Tickets secured for Uncanny Live in November. Canny wait. @dannyrobins.bsky.social
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
Outstanding read from @ahenderson96.bsky.social complemented by a great video piece. Please take a look.
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Federica Stefani @nescaphe.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
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...
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 04/03/2025
It’s the small pleasures in life. Great time at Aberdeen Comic Con on Sunday, meeting my fair share of legends.
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Niall Harkiss @niallfh.bsky.social · 01/03/2025
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?
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