Scottish Beacon
@scottishbeacon.bsky.social
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
Visit our website: scottishbeacon.com
Our Newsletter: thescottishbeacon.substack.com
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Introducing: The Power Shift – a collaborative investigation into impact of Scotland’s green energy boom - The Scottish Beacon
The Power Shift is a major new collaborative journalism project from the Scottish Beacon which will be investigating how Scotland’s green energy transition is reshaping land, communities, and power d...
www.scottishbeacon.com
📢Announcing: #ThePowerShift – a major new collaborative journalism project which will be investigating how Scotland’s green energy transition is reshaping land, communities, and power dynamics across the country.
Read more: www.scottishbeacon.com/regions/intr...
Read more: www.scottishbeacon.com/regions/intr...
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...
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...
From market days to hydropower: Community Wealth Building in Balerno - The Scottish Beacon
On the second Saturday of April 2025, the main street of Balerno was unrecognisable. Where cars usually rush through to the Pentland Hills, stalls crowded the road. The sun shone, and over the course ...
www.scottishbeacon.com
January 9, 2026 at 4:40 PM
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...
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
This is Community Wealth Building in action: local people taking ownership of their land and their future
Rebuilding community wealth through land ownership: the story of Tarras Valley Nature Reserve - The Scottish Beacon
On the ridge line of Whita Hill, overlooking the River Esk, there are stone cairns that have stood silent witness to centuries of history. Every year, for over 250 years, the people of Langholm have r...
www.scottishbeacon.com
January 9, 2026 at 4:09 PM
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
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:
This is how Glenfarg rebuilt its bus service – and its future:
How Glenfarg rebuilt its bus service – and its future - The Scottish Beacon
“You’re regularly told that ‘this bus has changed my life’.” Drew Smart is one of the founders and Chairman of the Glenfarg Community Transport Group (GCTG). He’s speaking from the front seat of one o...
www.scottishbeacon.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:41 PM
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:
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.
Tiree: Powering Community Wealth Building with renewable energy - The Scottish Beacon
Approaching the wind-buffeted island of Tiree after a four-hour ferry journey, visitors and residents alike are greeted by the sight of Tilley – the community-owned wind turbine that rises fifty metre...
www.scottishbeacon.com
January 9, 2026 at 3:11 PM
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...
www.scottishbeacon.com/news/tiree-p...
Tiree: Powering Community Wealth Building with renewable energy - The Scottish Beacon
Approaching the wind-buffeted island of Tiree after a four-hour ferry journey, visitors and residents alike are greeted by the sight of Tilley – the community-owned wind turbine that rises fifty metre...
www.scottishbeacon.com
January 9, 2026 at 2:38 PM
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...
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...
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...
Community Wealth Building isn’t new – Scotland’s communities have been doing it for years - The Scottish Beacon
Across Scotland, people are quietly transforming their local economies. They’re running bus services, opening community spaces, regenerating town centres and creating jobs. Whether they use the term o...
www.scottishbeacon.com
January 8, 2026 at 10:12 AM
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...
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...
Reposted by Scottish Beacon
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👇
Here, Netty Sopata, from Fios, the newspaper for North Lewis, looks at community developers👇
November 19, 2025 at 2:24 PM
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👇
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-...
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-...
The Scottish Beacon: A Collaborative Approach to Telling Scotland’s Local Stories - The Scottish Beacon
As someone who founded an independent, hyperlocal publication – Greater Govanhill magazine – I know how challenging it is to build and sustain local journalism on your own. The old commercial model no...
www.scottishbeacon.com
November 17, 2025 at 2:30 PM
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-...
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...
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 - The Scottish Beacon
Published in partnership with The Herald As the world leaders gather in Brazil, to discuss the climate catastrophe facing us at COP 30, communities here in Scotland are trying to navigate the path of ...
www.scottishbeacon.com
November 17, 2025 at 1:48 PM
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 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...
Reposted by Scottish Beacon
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
The Power Shift: Renewables, Communities and the Question of Who Really Benefits from Scotland’s Green Energy Revolution - The Scottish Beacon
Published in partnership with The Herald As the world leaders gather in Brazil, to discuss the climate catastrophe facing us at COP 30, communities here in Scotland are trying to navigate the path of ...
www.scottishbeacon.com
November 17, 2025 at 1:26 PM
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.
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.
Carsphairn Seeks Balance Between Renewable Development and Rural Life - The Scottish Beacon
Published in partnership with The Herald Tucked between the Rhinns of Kells and Cairnsmore of Carsphairn, the parish of Carsphairn is the most northerly community in the Glenkens area of Dumfries & Ga...
www.scottishbeacon.com
November 17, 2025 at 1:10 PM
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.
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.
Reposted by Scottish Beacon
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
@shetnews.co.uk is a founding member of the Scottish Beacon project
@greatergovanhill.com @lochsidepress.bsky.social
Kinlochbervie wind farm row raises questions over transparency – not turbines - The Scottish Beacon
Locals insist they’re not against renewables, but say their voices were silenced over how the project was handled. “Nobody was allowed to ask a question.” David was talking me through the Kinlochbervi...
www.scottishbeacon.com
October 28, 2025 at 10:19 AM
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
@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.
This week, The Herald is joining forces with @scottishbeacon.bsky.social - a journalism network that brings together community-based news publications to work on shared projects - to shine a light on how the shift to green energy is impacting communities across Scotland 🏴
MORE 👇
MORE 👇
November 17, 2025 at 1:06 PM
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.
Reposted by Scottish Beacon
The first of our articles in the #PowerShift series by the @scottishbeacon.bsky.social www.heraldscotland.com/life_style/2...
Who really benefits from Scotland’s green energy revolution?
Across Scotland, communities question who profits from the green energy boom as foreign ownership rises and local benefits fail to materialise.
www.heraldscotland.com
November 17, 2025 at 11:24 AM
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: @theorkneynews.bsky.social
www.scottishbeacon.com/news/local-d...
The Great Energy Heist - The Scottish Beacon
Orkney has a long history in the use of renewable sources of energy. In 1955 a wind turbine erected on the summit of Costa Head was connected up to the Orkney Grid. People in Orkney had been using wi...
www.scottishbeacon.com
November 7, 2025 at 2:35 PM
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: @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...
- Chair of the Independent Workers' Union GB
www.scottishbeacon.com/news/communi...
Protests held after Rockstar games accused of ‘union busting’ - The Scottish Beacon
Edinburgh-based game developers, Rockstar Games, have been accused of ‘union busting’ after over 30 members of staff were fired last Friday, leading to a protest yesterday outside their Edinburgh offi...
www.scottishbeacon.com
November 7, 2025 at 1:01 PM
“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...
- 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...
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...
November 7, 2025 at 12:33 PM
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...
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-...
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-...
Energy in Shetland: what’s next for the islands? - The Scottish Beacon
People will get the rare chance to hear from a range of energy developers in the same room in what is being described as Shetland’s first collaborative engagement session on future projects. Represent...
www.scottishbeacon.com
September 1, 2025 at 10:25 AM
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-...
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.
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.
Fringe 2025: new crime thriller at Edinburgh Deaf Festival – also for hearing audiences - The Scottish Beacon
Audiences for BBC’s The Reunion and ITV’s thriller Code of Silence were intrigued by these British Sign Language dramas and the insight into life as deaf person. Now a new crime thriller performed by ...
www.scottishbeacon.com
August 7, 2025 at 3:59 PM
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.
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...
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...
July 23, 2025 at 4:28 PM
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...
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...
Publication: The Bellman
Full story here 🔗
www.scottishbeacon.com/news/solutio...
July 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM
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...
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
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
July 10, 2025 at 2:14 PM
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
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...
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...
Concerns over oil firm’s involvement in teaching science to Shetland pupils - The Scottish Beacon
Companies making money from oil should not be allowed to teach children about the environment, a Green MSP has claimed. Ariane Burgess has raised serious concerns about an initiative which sees Norweg...
www.scottishbeacon.com
July 10, 2025 at 1:14 PM
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...
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...
Reposted by Scottish Beacon
This has potential consequences for the #PowerShift @scottishbeacon.bsky.social
A consultation on making the Community Right to Buy more effective has just been launched. It is important that it results in effective change and enables more community ownership so plese respond. www.gov.scot/news/communi...
Community Right to Buy
Consultation on community ownership powers.
www.gov.scot
July 8, 2025 at 7:17 AM
This has potential consequences for the #PowerShift @scottishbeacon.bsky.social
Reposted by Scottish Beacon
Pioneers of Europe's Citizen-led Solar Revolution Sound Alarm Over 'Corporate Capture' sgq.io/wZU9Pm2 via @DeSmog #PowerShift @scottishbeacon.bsky.social
Pioneers of Europe's Citizen-led Solar Revolution Sound Alarm Over 'Corporate Capture'
This story was developed with the support of Journalismfund Europe. For decades, advocates of renewable energy have argued that solar panels and wind turbines can be so much more than clean sources o...
sgq.io
July 9, 2025 at 12:23 PM
Pioneers of Europe's Citizen-led Solar Revolution Sound Alarm Over 'Corporate Capture' sgq.io/wZU9Pm2 via @DeSmog #PowerShift @scottishbeacon.bsky.social