@scottishbeacon
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...
The Herald is this week joining forces with nine hyperlocal Scottish news titles - through @scottishbeacon.bsky.social - to look at the impact the transition to green energy is having on communities.
Here, Netty Sopata, from Fios, the newspaper for North Lewis, looks at community developers👇
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-...
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 www.heraldscotland.com/news/2562372...
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...
The Power Shift: Renewables, Communities and the Question of Who Really Benefits from Scotland’s Green Energy Revolution www.scottishbeacon.com?p=7836 @scottishbeacon.bsky.social
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.
Shetland News shares this report from the northwest Highlands which was published in the @scottishbeacon.bsky.social last week.
@shetnews.co.uk is a founding member of the Scottish Beacon project
@greatergovanhill.com @lochsidepress.bsky.social
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.
The first of our articles in the #PowerShift series by the @scottishbeacon.bsky.social www.heraldscotland.com/life_style/2...
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...
Publication: midlothianview.com
“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...
Paddy, who was a champion go-carter, said: “Vintage Vibes is almost like having another family. Getting the Christmas cards helps people feel remembered.”
Vintage Vibes Friendships Coordinator, Emma, said: “Loneliness isn’t just at Christmas...Being part of Vintage Vibes makes a huge difference.”
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-...
Find out more 🔗
www.scottishbeacon.com/news/sports-...
📸 by cottonbro studio
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...
Find out who made the cut 🔗
www.scottishbeacon.com/news/sports-...
#EdinburghFestivalFringe #FringeFestival #Comedy #Arts
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...
This has potential consequences for the #PowerShift @scottishbeacon.bsky.social