Nicola McAlley: The Trusted Voice of STV News in Scotland’s Highlands and Islands

Nicola McAlley is one of the most respected regional journalists in Scotland, best known for her long-standing work with STV News. For more than two decades, she has been a familiar and trusted presence across the Highlands, Islands and Moray, reporting on everything from breaking news and court cases to human-interest stories and community events.

Her career reflects dedication, resilience and an authentic connection to the communities she serves. In an era where local journalism matters more than ever, Nicola McAlley has built a reputation for accuracy, warmth and professionalism.

Nicola McAlley STV News Career: Over Two Decades of Reporting Excellence

Early Career and Entry into Journalism

Nicola began her journalism career in the late 1990s, joining North Scottish News Services in June 1998. During this period, she gained essential newsroom experience, developing skills in research, interviewing, writing and reporting under tight deadlines.

This early foundation prepared her for a career that would soon become deeply embedded in Scottish regional journalism.

Joining STV News

In January 2000, Nicola McAlley joined STV, where she has remained ever since. Her role as Highland Reporter quickly expanded in scope and responsibility, covering a vast and diverse geographical area that includes:

• The Scottish Highlands

• The Islands

• Moray

Her longevity at STV News is a testament to her credibility, consistency and deep understanding of regional issues.

Life as a Highland Reporter: What Nicola McAlley Covers

Breadth of Reporting

As a Highland reporter, Nicola McAlley covers a wide spectrum of stories, including:

• Politics and local government

• Court and legal reporting

• Community affairs

• Sports

• Human-interest and feature stories

Her reporting style balances factual precision with empathy, particularly when covering sensitive or community-impacting issues.

Unique and Challenging Assignments

Throughout her career, Nicola McAlley has taken on extraordinary assignments that highlight both her courage and versatility, including:

• Spending a full week reporting from St Kilda

• Being transferred from a SeaKing helicopter onto a moving RNLI lifeboat

• Boarding a nuclear submarine off the coast of Skye

These experiences underscore her commitment to immersive journalism and storytelling from some of the most challenging environments in the UK.

Nicola McAlley Education and Background

Academic Journey

She completed her education in the Scottish Highlands, attending:

• Inverness Royal Academy

• Inverness College

Her local education helped ground her understanding of the region she would later report on extensively, contributing to her authentic voice and community-focused journalism.

Public Persona and Social Media Presence

Instagram and Personal Interests

Under the handle nicmca76, Nicola shares glimpses of her life beyond journalism. Her posts reflect a personality that is warm, humorous and relatable.

Her interests include:

• Live music

• Wordplay and puns

• Fashion, often with a sparkle

• Dogs and outdoor walks

• Scottish landscapes and travel

While her social media content is light-hearted, it complements her professional image by showing the human side of a respected journalist.

Professional Tone

Despite her approachable online presence, Nicola maintains clear boundaries between her professional and personal life, choosing not to overshare private details.

Nicola McAlley Partner: What Is Publicly Known

Nicola McAlley keeps her personal relationships largely private. However, it is publicly known that she is in a relationship with Scottish artist Michael Forbes.

Beyond this confirmation:

• She has not publicly disclosed marital status

• There is no confirmation of marriage

• She has chosen to keep further relationship details out of the public spotlight

This measured approach reflects her professionalism and respect for personal privacy.

Nicola McAlley Age

Nicola McAlley has not publicly disclosed her exact age or date of birth. None of her official profiles list this information.

Estimated Age Based on Career Timeline

Based on her career history:

• She began professional reporting in the late 1990s

• She joined STV News in 2000

• Journalists typically enter the profession in their early twenties

From this, her estimated age range is mid-40s to early-50s.

It is important to note that this is an informed estimate, not a confirmed fact.

Why Nicola McAlley Is Respected in Scottish Media

Trust and Longevity

Remaining with one major broadcaster for over 25 years is rare in modern media. Nicola McAlley’s longevity demonstrates:

• Audience trust

• Editorial reliability

• Deep regional expertise

Community Connection

Her reporting is rooted in genuine engagement with local communities. Viewers recognise her not just as a reporter, but as a consistent voice representing their concerns.

Versatility Beyond Reporting

In addition to journalism, Nicola McAlley also:

• Hosts charity events

• Presents corporate functions

• Provides voice-over work

These roles further reflect her confidence, communication skills and public trust.

Nicola McAlley’s Contribution to STV News

Nicola McAlley’s contribution to STV News extends beyond individual stories. She represents continuity, experience and institutional knowledge that strengthens regional broadcasting in Scotland.

Her work ensures that communities outside major cities continue to receive high-quality, relevant news coverage.

Quick Info

Final Thoughts

Nicola McAlley stands as a strong example of what regional journalism can and should be. With over two decades at STV News, a deep connection to the Highlands and Islands, and a balanced approach to public life, she remains one of Scotland’s most dependable and respected journalists.

Her career is defined not by headlines alone, but by consistency, trust and a genuine commitment to telling the stories that matter most to local communities.

FAQs

1. Who is Nicola McAlley?

Nicola McAlley is a Scottish journalist and long-serving reporter for STV News, covering the Highlands, Islands and Moray. She has worked with STV since January 2000 and is widely respected for her regional reporting and community-focused journalism.

2. What does Nicola McAlley do at STV News?

Nicola McAlley works as a Highland Reporter for STV News. Her role includes researching stories, conducting interviews, writing and editing reports, and presenting news across a wide range of topics such as politics, courts, sport and local affairs.

3. How long has Nicola McAlley worked for STV News?

She has been with STV News for over 26 years, having joined the broadcaster in January 2000 after previously working at North Scottish News Services.

4. Who is Nicola McAlley’s partner?

Nicola McAlley is publicly known to be in a relationship with Scottish artist Michael Forbes. She keeps most aspects of her personal life private and has not publicly shared further details.

5. What is Nicola McAlley’s age?

Nicola McAlley has not publicly disclosed her exact age or date of birth. Based on her career timeline, she is estimated to be in her mid-40s to early-50s, though this is not officially confirmed.

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