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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.

SIC leader Emma Macdonald and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar with the council’s recently launched political engagement document Shetland’s Future. Photo: Hans J Marter/Shetland News

Route to net zero goes through oil and gas, Labour leader hears on visit north

Sullom Voe Terminal operator EnQuest has painted a stark picture of the oil and gas …
In the picture are, left to right, LETS team Manja Hannon and Brant Bamberry with member Sam Young posting a LETS cheque. Source: Forres Local

Revived cashless trading system helps communities work together

A community-driven currency that once thrived in Forres has been relaunched. LETS, or Local Exchange …
MILK Photo by Eoin Carey

Where the Magic Lies: How Milk is transforming migrant women’s lives in Glasgow

Milk began as a lifelong dream for two friends. The cafe-turned-community space has transformed the lives …
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon at St Andrew’s House 2 March 2020 PHOTO ©2020 The Edinburgh Reporter

Nicola Sturgeon announces her retirement from politics at the 2026 election

Former First Minister – and the first woman to hold the office – Nicola Sturgeon …

The Scottish Beacon seeks investigative journalist and podcast producer for green energy reporting project

The Scottish Beacon is excited to announce The Power Shift – a major new collaborative journalism …
Salmon

Norway firm exploring idea of salmon farm miles off Shetland’s east coast

A Norwegian company is exploring the idea of an “exposed” salmon farm off the east …
From left to right: ETA co-founders Mark Glasgow and Andrew Lamond with Barry Sharp of Renewable Heat. Source: The Midlothian View

ETA launch landmark course to help plug renewables skills gap

The Energy Training Academy (ETA) is stepping up its bid to close the renewables skills …
A white ferry by Arefin Shamsul

Chance for young people to get on board with CalMac

CalMac is a recognised leader of seagoing apprenticeships, named by the Merchant Navy Training Board …
Photo: A close-up shot of clear water dripping from a tap. Credit: Nithin PA

Industrial action to hit Scottish Water

Workers at publicly owned Scottish Water will be taking industrial action in a dispute over pay.  In …
Photo: A discarded cup in a puddle at the side of the road. Credit: urbanalistic

On ‘plogging’: an opinion piece on litter and the socially conscious act of picking it up on your morning jog

I run – sadly not at the level of Jacob Kiplomo (who smashed the half …
Photo: Stonehaven's C-listed building in much need of repair. Source: The Bellman

Giving a building back its youth after years of neglect

A building on Stonehaven’s High Street, first constructed as an Episcopal school, will have extensive …
Photo: Conic Hill path closure: Source: The Lochside Press

Climate change is ‘undeniable’ says national park leader

Storm Eowyn earning itself a very rare red weather warning in the Scotland showed that …

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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