Andrew Thomson

A stretch of a Covid-era cycle lane in central Inverness has been removed, prompting safety concerns from cycling campaigners who say the change leaves riders uncertain on a busy dual carriageway. The lane near Eastgate shopping centre has been shortened without prior notice, according to the Highland Cycle Campaign, whose convener Emily Williams warns it now feels unsafe for families. Highland Council says the section was a temporary measure removed after a review to simplify a complex access point, while affirming its support for active travel and future improvements.

A three-year University of Aberdeen project will examine how honey bees and rare Hebridean bumblebees, including the great yellow bumblebee and the moss carder bee, share or compete for food resources across the Hebrides. Researchers will conduct field observations and pollen analysis to determine foraging patterns and assess potential impacts from honey bee apiaries, including competition and disease transmission. The work aims to provide evidence to guide future conservation decisions for vulnerable bee populations.