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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.

Cardboard boxes with peace and anti-war slogans in a protest setting by cottonbro studio

Sharing Scotland’s stories of anti-war activism and peace campaigning

A Professor of International Law is in Orkney exploring the role local people have made …
Two kids playing with toys and colourful boxes indoors by Kindel Media

Big payment increase agreed for foster carers in Inverclyde to attract Scots to the role

The amount of money foster carers for Inverclyde Council receive is to increase in a …

Grasping the opportunity of Scotland’s renewable revolution

The Power Shift is a new project connecting independent media outlets to share knowledge and …
Holyrood by Jorge Franganillo

Holyrood event announces launch of Scottish Public Interest Journalism Institute

A parliamentary reception held at Holyrood this week spotlighted the ongoing efforts to protect and …
Decorative blue and white bunting hanging in the sky creating festive outdoor atmosphere by Alexey Demidov

Festival season in Argyll and Bute: Rhinns Lighthouse Festival and Book Festival this August

With festival season in full swing across the UK and Scotland, including popular music festivals …
'After the Flood' photographed in Scotland © Copyright Richard West

Retreat From the Sea: a last resort or a very real vision of the future?

Aberdeenshire Council took its first steps towards understanding how our communities should adapt to increasing …
Wind turbines generating renewable energy under grey skies by Sam Forson

Call for new wind farms to be community-owned

All new wind farm developments should be community-owned, a Scottish Parliament committee heard this week. …
Hands signing with a blue pen, close-up view by Kindel Media

Open letter to John Swinney calls for immediate moratorium on wind farm developments

Local campaign group Sustainable Shetland is one of the signatories of this open letter to …
View 745ft (225m) above Achintoul in Altass, with the proposed sites for several wind farm developments, from left to right: Inveroykel, Strathoykel, Collie Beith, Allt an Tuir and Invercassley. Of the 88 turbines projected in these sites, some have a height of about 225m. Photo © Gregor Laing

Is the current planning system for renewables sidelining communities?

“It seems [Scottish Ministers Alastair Allan and Gillian Martin] are completely detached from the reality …
Sri Lankan decor in Kofi Kade, one of Glasgow's two Sri Lankan food spots. Credit: John Bowden

Sri Lankan cuisine finds a home on Glasgow’s food map

Often mistaken, people think of Sri Lankan food as either “Indian or Pakistani food, but …
Ramatu Umar Bako, photographed for the Scottish Beacon by Andy Johnston

A Nigerian heart in a Scottish home: exploring what it means to belong

I grew up as a third culture kid – a term that describes children who spend …
Photo: Street pole with stickers including 'Refugees Welcome', a message of acceptance and solidarity. Credit: Markus Spiske

Refugee Week: The facts and myth-busting lies around refugees and asylum seekers

What is a refugee? Refugees are people who have fled their countries to escape conflict, …

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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