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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.

Comedians go on tour to stand up for mental health charity

02 June 2025
Comedians go on tour to stand up for mental health charity

Comedians go on tour to stand up for mental health charity

02 June 2025

Ten nights. Ten venues. Ten different areas. That is the adventure awaiting seven comedians set to go on tour for mental health charity, Mikeysline.


Firefighters from Elgin and Forres at scene of wild fire near Lossiemouth

12 April 2025
Firefighters from Elgin and Forres at scene of wild fire near Lossiemouth

Firefighters from Elgin and Forres at scene of wild fire near Lossiemouth

12 April 2025

Firefighters are tackling a wild fire near Lossiemouth.


WATCH: ‘I sometimes pinch myself and say I really survived covid’ - but five years on former care worker is still battling Long Covid

22 March 2025
WATCH: ‘I sometimes pinch myself and say I really survived covid’ - but five years on former care worker is still battling Long Covid

WATCH: ‘I sometimes pinch myself and say I really survived covid’ - but five years on former care worker is still battling Long Covid

22 March 2025

Former care home worker Sarah MacDougall was one of the first patients in the Highlands to survive Covid 19 - but it has had a life-changing impact.


Rock legend Bryan Adams to perform in Inverness

24 February 2025
Rock legend Bryan Adams to perform in Inverness

Rock legend Bryan Adams to perform in Inverness

24 February 2025

The rock legend is set to appear in Inverness this spring.


Major disruption for train services in Highlands continues in wake of Storm Eowyn

25 January 2025
Major disruption for train services in Highlands continues in wake of Storm Eowyn

Major disruption for train services in Highlands continues in wake of Storm Eowyn

25 January 2025

Train services across the Highlands and Moray continue to be affected today in the wake of Storm Éowyn.


Met Office issues yellow warning for snow and ice in north of Scotland

06 January 2025
Met Office issues yellow warning for snow and ice in north of Scotland

Met Office issues yellow warning for snow and ice in north of Scotland

06 January 2025

Further wintry showers may lead to some travel disruption in the Highlands amid a yellow weather warning for snow and ice.


First Minister to chair emergency meeting as heavy rain warning upgraded to amber on Hogmanay

30 December 2024
First Minister to chair emergency meeting as heavy rain warning upgraded to amber on Hogmanay

First Minister to chair emergency meeting as heavy rain warning upgraded to amber on Hogmanay

30 December 2024

​​The ​Scottish Government Resilience Room (SGORR) has activated as weather warnings for rain were upgraded to amber.


Disruption for train passengers between Inverness and Elgin

04 November 2024
Disruption for train passengers between Inverness and Elgin

Disruption for train passengers between Inverness and Elgin

04 November 2024

Rail passengers are being advised of disruption to train services today between Inverness and Elgin.


Inverness to Amsterdam flight cancelled

28 September 2024
Inverness to Amsterdam flight cancelled

Inverness to Amsterdam flight cancelled

28 September 2024

This morning’s flight from Inverness Airport to Amsterdam has been cancelled due to a technical reason.


Inverness airport passengers continue to experience delays going through security

27 August 2024
Inverness airport passengers continue to experience delays going through security

Inverness airport passengers continue to experience delays going through security

27 August 2024

Air passengers flying from Inverness are still being advised to arrive early as work continues to resolve a technical issue with a security scanner.


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.


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