Scottish Beacon
The Scottish Beacon is a collaborative journalism project, showcasing quality journalism from independent community-based local news publishers.
Visit our website: scottishbeacon.com
Our Newsletter: thescottishbeacon.substack.com
- As a community, Balerno risks becoming a dormitory village – a place where people sleep, but don’t really live. But, by taking control of their energy Balerno is ensuring that it remains a place where people don’t just sleep, but truly live. www.scottishbeacon.com/regions/loth...
- For the people of Langholm, the Tarras Valley has always been theirs. So when the land came on the market, they rallied to do the impossible and pulled off a 10,000-acre community buy-out. This is Community Wealth Building in action: local people taking ownership of their land and their future
- When Glenfarg’s last commercial bus service vanished, it risked the viability of the village. So residents built their own. The result is a thriving community-run network – and a clear example of Community Wealth Building in action. This is how Glenfarg rebuilt its bus service – and its future:
- Approaching the wind-buffeted island of Tiree visitors and residents are greeted by the sight of Tilley – the community-owned turbine that rises fifty metres above the Atlantic. More than a landmark, Tilley has become a symbol of what happens when a community takes its future into its own hands.
- On Tiree, a community-owned wind turbine has powered a decade of local investment, funding essential infrastructure and services. As Scotland debates how to embed Community Wealth Building in law, the island offers a glimpse of what that future could look like. www.scottishbeacon.com/news/tiree-p...
- Community Wealth Building isn’t new – Scotland’s communities have been doing it for years From rebuilt transport services to revitalised energy, Scotland need only look to its communities to see what becomes possible when people are given the power to act. www.scottishbeacon.com/news/communi...
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- Scotland needs strong, connected local news. That’s why Scottish Beacon links 25 grassroots outlets, sharing resources to tell deeper, fairer stories. If you’re building local media or care about informed communities, there’s a place for you in the Beacon. 🔗 www.scottishbeacon.com/regions/the-...
- Who really wins in Scotland’s green energy revolution? The Scottish Beacon asks the hard question: as renewables boom, are communities getting left behind? “Our beautiful unspoiled land has been destroyed bit by bit. The benefits to locals are negligible.” www.scottishbeacon.com/news/local-d...
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- Carsphairn Seeks Balance Between Renewable Development and Rural Life With 80 percent of its land given over to forestry and wind farms, Carsphairn is carrying more than its share of Scotland’s net-zero ambitions – and locals say it’s time to find a fairer balance between energy and everyday life.
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- We're delighted to be partnering with The Herald to shine a light on how the shift to green energy is impacting communities across Scotland.
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- Despite over-abundant renewable energy in Orkney, households are facing rising fuel poverty and soaring electricity bills — a “great energy heist” driven by outdated grid systems and unbalanced energy markets. Publication: @theorkneynews.bsky.social www.scottishbeacon.com/news/local-d...
- “Grand Theft Auto VI is expected to make upwards of $10 billion. Such a flagrant attack on workers’ rights...sends a very clear and shocking message to the world, that money matters more than people.” - Chair of the Independent Workers' Union GB www.scottishbeacon.com/news/communi...
- Edinburgh charity launches Christmas Card Campaign to curb loneliness this winter From: @edinreporter.bsky.social Vintage Vibes invites you to spread festive cheer and tackle loneliness by sending a personalised card to someone living alone in the city. www.scottishbeacon.com/news/communi...
- Energy in Shetland: what's next for the islands? Publication: @shetnews.co.uk Shetland’s first ever energy-development drop-in session invites residents to learn about future energy proposals and help shape Shetland’s energy landscape on 9 September. 🔗 www.scottishbeacon.com/news/social-...
- Fringe 2025: new crime thriller at Edinburgh Deaf Festival Publication: @edinreporter.bsky.social A tense new crime thriller premieres at the Edinburgh Deaf Festival during Fringe 2025, offering a fully accessible performance in BSL and English for both deaf and hearing audiences.
- Explore low-carbon futures at Orkney International Science Festival The programme includes visits to Burgar Hill to learn directly from the skilled efforts of communities – past and present – in building a sustainable and resilient Orkney. Find out more 🔗 www.scottishbeacon.com/news/environ...
- Campaigners and communities across Scotland, including Stonehaven, banded together to pressure governments into taking action against plastic pollution ahead of the #GlobalPlasticsTreaty negotiations in August. Publication: The Bellman Full story here 🔗 www.scottishbeacon.com/news/solutio...
- The best stand up acts at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2025 Publication: Midlothian View The Midlothian View shares its top picks for comedy acts performing at this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival. 📷 Marc Jennings photo by Rebecca Need-Menear
- Concerns over oil firm’s involvement in teaching science to Shetland pupils Publication: @shetnews.co.uk “It’s not fair for companies that make money from oil to have a significant say in what kids learn about energy and the environment.” Find out more 🔗 www.scottishbeacon.com/news/environ...
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- Sharing Scotland’s stories of anti-war activism & peace campaigning "The project is about the many and varied experiences of peace work from across Scotland and its island communities" Do you have stories to tell about your ancestors’ that might shed light on local contributions to global events?
- Scotland is in the throes of a massive expansion of onshore renewables. But the level of community-owned onshore wind is way behind the Scottish Government's own targets. The Power Shift explores how we can maximise this renewables revolution. Read here 🔗 www.scottishbeacon.com/news/communi...
- Across Scotland there has been an increase in the number of children needing foster care at the same time as a fall in the number of foster carers. Now Inverclyde Council are offering more money for foster carers in a bid to attract Scots to the vital role. 📸 Two kids playing by Kindel Media
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- Rhinns Lighthouse Festival and Book Festival this August From stories by the sea to celebrations of coastal heritage, two unique festivals on Islay — Rhinns Lighthouse Fest and Islay Book Festival — shine a light on Islay's cultural scene this summer. Publication: The Illeach 📸: Alexey Demidov
- Retreat From the Sea: a last resort or a very real vision of the future? As coastal erosion threatens Stonehaven’s shore, could a managed retreat from the sea become the town’s only viable future? Find out more 🔗 www.scottishbeacon.com/news/local-d... #CoastalCommunities #Scotland
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- Sri Lankan cuisine finds a home on Glasgow’s food map Publication: Migrant Women Press A blend of tradition with a modern twist, Kofi Kade and Ceylon Tea Bar in Glasgow are more than just Sri Lankan restaurants. They are a celebration of Sri Lankan culture and a fusion of flavours in every bite.
- Refugee Week 2025 runs from 16 to 22 June, with World Refugee Day being observed on 20 June. In light of that, here are some illuminating facts about refugees and asylum seekers to bust the harmful myths surrounding those seeking refuge in Scotland & the UK. www.scottishbeacon.com/news/refugee...
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- Ramatu Umar Bako, shares her journey growing up as a third culture kid across four continents. From feeling disconnected from her Nigerian roots to finding belonging in Scotland, she explores how multiculturalism shaped her identity, values and deep commitment to building inclusive communities.
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- Huge congratulations to our publishing partner @greatergovanhill.com and the writers who scooped two awards at the Refugee Festival Media Awards 2025 🎉 demonstrating the value of independent media!
- @shetnews.co.uk: Marine litter concern as tangled gannets found dead in Shetland A fresh call has been made to keep the seas and environment tidy after more gannets were spotted over the last few days tangled in marine debris – with two dead.
- Read our latest newsletter now live and don't forget to subscribe if you haven't done so already! 🩷 Find anything interesting inside? Why not spread the word 🔄
- Misinformation is rising, news deserts are growing and trusted journalism is under threat. A new campaign calls on government to support a plan to revive local news — and you can help by signing the petition this Indie News Week! www.scottishbeacon.com/news/local-d... @publicinterestnews.org.uk
- @lochsidepress.bsky.social: U-turn by Scottish Government halts Flamingo Land plan The Scot Gov reversed its stance, halting Flamingo Land's £40m resort plan for Loch Lomond. The development has faced mounting opposition due to environmental concerns and the potential impact on the national park.
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