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Val Sweeney


Senior reporter

Val Sweeney is an award-winning and experienced journalist. Having worked on several newspapers in the north of England in various roles as a reporter and feature writer, she joined the Inverness Courier in 2001.

Tribute paid to former Buckie Thistle legend Johnnie Cowie who has died aged 81

18 April 2024
Tribute paid to former Buckie Thistle legend Johnnie Cowie who has died aged 81

Tribute paid to former Buckie Thistle legend Johnnie Cowie who has died aged 81

18 April 2024

Fond memories have been recalled of a former Inverness Thistle legend who has died aged 81.


Roads in Highlands still affected by fallen trees following Storm Isha as another weather warning issued

22 January 2024
Roads in Highlands still affected by fallen trees following Storm Isha as another weather warning issued

Roads in Highlands still affected by fallen trees following Storm Isha as another weather warning issued

22 January 2024

Several roads in the Highlands remain affected by fallen trees and debris following fierce winds as Storm Isha hit the UK last night.


Explained: Why I wear my red poppy – former soldier recalls the grandfather who was gassed in World War I

10 November 2023
Explained: Why I wear my red poppy – former soldier recalls the grandfather who was gassed in World War I

Explained: Why I wear my red poppy – former soldier recalls the grandfather who was gassed in World War I

10 November 2023

As a 16-year-old, David Taylor joined the Army following in the footsteps of his grandfather who had served during World War I.


EXPLAINED: Why I wear a poppy badge crafted from a shell recovered from a World War I battlefield

09 November 2023
EXPLAINED: Why I wear a poppy badge crafted from a shell recovered from a World War I battlefield

EXPLAINED: Why I wear a poppy badge crafted from a shell recovered from a World War I battlefield

09 November 2023

As I wear my red poppy for Remembrance in reflection of those who have died in conflict, alongside it is a tiny pin badge.


'I thought I was going to die' – 16-year-old in Nairn sea drama thanks rescuers

27 June 2023
'I thought I was going to die' – 16-year-old in Nairn sea drama thanks rescuers

'I thought I was going to die' – 16-year-old in Nairn sea drama thanks rescuers

27 June 2023

A teenager and her family have thanked rescuers for saving her life after she was swept out to sea at Nairn.


999 calls: New SNP leader Humza Yousaf 'open' to decentralisation

28 March 2023
999 calls: New SNP leader Humza Yousaf 'open' to decentralisation

999 calls: New SNP leader Humza Yousaf 'open' to decentralisation

28 March 2023

Issue raised in leadership debate.


BREAKING NEWS: Humza Yousaf wins SNP leadership race

27 March 2023
BREAKING NEWS: Humza Yousaf wins SNP leadership race

BREAKING NEWS: Humza Yousaf wins SNP leadership race

27 March 2023

Humza Yousaf has won the SNP leadership contest after an intense five week election following the shock resignation of Nicola Sturgeon in February.


Inverness Airport named best in Europe for third year running

07 March 2023
Inverness Airport named best in Europe for third year running

Inverness Airport named best in Europe for third year running

07 March 2023

Site wins four different categories at industry awards.


Three in hospital after crash near airport

06 March 2023
Three in hospital after crash near airport

Three in hospital after crash near airport

06 March 2023

A96 junction closed after four-vehicle accident.


Inquiries ongoing after two police officers hurt in A9 crash

16 January 2023
Inquiries ongoing after two police officers hurt in A9 crash

Inquiries ongoing after two police officers hurt in A9 crash

16 January 2023

Two of force's motorcyclists hospitalised.


Cromarty Firth chosen as Green Freeport

13 January 2023
Cromarty Firth chosen as Green Freeport

Cromarty Firth chosen as Green Freeport

13 January 2023

Scottish and UK governments promise millions of funding.


Police appeal following serious assault at Belladrum festival

01 August 2022
Police appeal following serious assault at Belladrum festival

Police appeal following serious assault at Belladrum festival

01 August 2022

Friday evening attack appeared to be unprovoked.


Search begins for new chief executive at Eden Court

17 August 2021
Search begins for new chief executive at Eden Court

Search begins for new chief executive at Eden Court

17 August 2021

Salary of up to £95,000 a year.


Inverness Castle developer: 'I think we’re going to surprise a few people'

26 July 2021
Inverness Castle developer: 'I think we’re going to surprise a few people'

Inverness Castle developer: 'I think we’re going to surprise a few people'

26 July 2021

£18m plans to create tourist attraction.


Police launch awareness campaign after number of vehicles stolen rises amid easing of coronavirus restrictions

13 July 2021
Police launch awareness campaign after number of vehicles stolen rises amid easing of coronavirus restrictions

Police launch awareness campaign after number of vehicles stolen rises amid easing of coronavirus restrictions

13 July 2021

A rise in the numbers of vehicles being stolen has prompted Police Scotland to launch an awareness raising campaign.


Inverness veterinary practice worker left with life-changing injuries thanks well-wishers

06 April 2021
Inverness veterinary practice worker left with life-changing injuries thanks well-wishers

Inverness veterinary practice worker left with life-changing injuries thanks well-wishers

06 April 2021

'Kindness has been overwhelming' since accident last month.


Four people treated at scene of fire near Nairn

22 March 2021
Four people treated at scene of fire near Nairn

Four people treated at scene of fire near Nairn

22 March 2021

Farm buildings badly damaged.


Smallest-ever badger rescued on Valentine's Day

26 February 2021
Smallest-ever badger rescued on Valentine's Day

Smallest-ever badger rescued on Valentine's Day

26 February 2021

'Lavender' being cared for by Scottish SPCA.


World-renowned chef Albert Roux who had close links with the Highlands dies aged 85

06 January 2021
World-renowned chef Albert Roux who had close links with the Highlands dies aged 85

World-renowned chef Albert Roux who had close links with the Highlands dies aged 85

06 January 2021

Internationally-renowned chef and restaurateur Albert Roux has died at the age of 85.


Ghostly goings-on since Highland bar put on the market

07 December 2020
Ghostly goings-on since Highland bar put on the market

Ghostly goings-on since Highland bar put on the market

07 December 2020

'Presence' felt at well-known venue


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