High illness rates at two schools

Two primary schools in the Inverness have been experiencing what are said to be unusually high absence rates.

About one third of the 239-pupil roll and some staff members have been off with flu-like symptoms at Muirtown.

Meanwhile, 35 of the 57 pupils at Farr have also been off ill. Highland Council has told parents the schools will remain open.

Dr Ken Oates, of NHS Highland, said viruses such as swine flu were "circulating" around the Highlands.

The interim director of public health added that for the majority of people swine flu was a mild illness and most recovered quickly from it.