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Independent Journalism from across Scotland.

Scottish Beacon is a collaborative
network of independent local and hyperlocal newsrooms serving urban and rural communities.

Together we’re working to strengthen the voice of the community-based media sector and bring to light real stories from Scotland’s communities.

Close-up of an electric car being charged by Mike Bird

The Optimimistic Enviromentalist: Electric Cars

Just over two years ago, we (my husband Richard and I) bought an electric car. …
Sullom Voe terminal sign

Politicians sign oil and gas jobs pledge after open letter from isles businesses

Shetland’s MP and MSP have signed a pledge to protect oil and gas jobs after …
Bar setting by cottonbro studio

Local pubs in Scotland urged to adopt ‘lifeline’ codeword as part of licensing application

Protecting women from unwanted attention or harassment in bars and licensed premises could get a …
Edinburgh's Wild West, by Graeme Pow

The Wild West in Morningside is one of Edinburgh’s most unusual attractions

Tucked away in one of Edinburgh’s suburbs is a time capsule transporting you back in …
Editor in Chief and Founder of Greater Govanhill, Rhiannon J Davies hosting the Driving Change Together event in Glasgow. Photo by Karen Gordon.

“We must ensure the protection of public health before the interests of private betting companies”

At the end of March, our publishing partner Greater Govanhill hosted an event in the …
Hampden Park, 2024. Courtesy of Wikimedia: Goodreg3

Opinions on the alcohol ban in Scottish football stadiums and Scotland’s “alcohol emergency”

Scotland is not healthy. I went to see Scotland versus Greece on 23 March and …
Wind turbines generating renewable energy under grey skies by Sam Forson

Questions over community benefit and turbines at first public event for Neshion Energy Park in Shetland

Ten turbines, each stretching 200m high, and a 25MW battery energy storage system are being …
Exterior of modern multistory tower block by Yehor Gor

New fund to speed-up assessing and replacing of unsafe cladding in Scotland

Housing Minister in the Scottish Government Paul McLennan, has announced that people with concerns about …
Photo: Christina McKelvie Source: The Edinburgh Reporter

The Minister for Drugs and Alcohol Policy has died: Christina McKelvie 1968–2025

The First Minister, John Swinney has issued a statement. Mr Swinney said: “I am devastated …
Photo of Shahid Choudhary a-top a munro, Scottish Saltire in hand. Courtesy of Shahid Choudhary.

Meet Shahid Choudhary, a Glasgow-based printshop owner and trailblazing mountaineer

Shahid Choudhary, a printshop owner from Govanhill, Glasgow is the first Scottish Pakistani Muslim to …
Making a deal, by Sora Shimazaki

Rural Growth Deal signed by Scot and UK governments

The Scottish and UK governments have signed a £70m growth deal for Argyll and Bute, …
Bottles picked up during a litter pick

Keep Scotland Beautiful’s annual spring clean starts on Friday

Environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful’s annual Spring Clean takes starts this Friday and runs until …

Our latest project…

In this project, we aim to shift the dial on how issues relating to the green transition are covered. It follows our Citizens Agenda project, which asked people to define the issues that mattered most to them in the run-up to the General Election. Climate change and green energy were the top two issues that emerged. Over 100 days, we aim to collectively publish more than 50 stories that highlight community solutions that are already making a difference in this area.

scottish beacon 100 days of the green transition

Real stories from across Scotland.

Scottish Beacon is a collaborative network of independent local and hyperlocal newsrooms serving urban and rural communities. Together we’re working to strengthen the voice of the community-based media sector and bring to light real stories from Scotland’s communities.

Learn more
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