Warning of rise in unemployment

An economist has warned there are increasing signs of the financial crisis having an effect on the economy of the Highlands and Islands.

Inverness-based Tony Mackay said in his monthly report that the latest jobless figures in the area indicated a downturn was under way.

His figures show numbers of unemployed were 400 higher than last year.

The latest unemployment figures for Scotland to be released on Wednesday are also expected to show a rise.