Talks on setting up new coalition

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Detailed discussions are being held between two groups of councillors on forming a new ruling administration for Highland Council.

The Lib Dems agreed on Monday night to negotiate with the Independents following the Independents' split with the SNP.

The groups hope to finalise arrangements before Thursday's full meeting of the council.

Highland's Labour group may also be asked to join the new coalition.

Last week, the local authority was facing political uncertainty after the SNP pulled out of the administration.

The Nationalists had earlier forced the Independent group into demanding the resignation of one of its leading members, Councillor Isobel McCallum.

The Independents are the largest single political grouping on the council.