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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

As political division deepens and scapegoating is increasingly commonplace, Dr Tunde Dipo-Lawuyi argues that the key to building a more compassionate and understanding society lies in our willingness to embrace discomfort @passthemic.bsky.social www.scottishbeacon.com/news/social-...

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OPINION: We need to embrace discomfort to overcome division - The Scottish Beacon

In May, elections took place across the UK – local in England and for the devolved parliaments in Scotland and Wales. In Scotland, 129 seats were up for elections, and while the SNP were able to retai...

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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

It has been two decades since Sakchai Makhao was taken from his home in Lerwick and threatened with deportation to Thailand. As we look back on the case, it remains clear that at the heart of the story was Shetland’s community spirit From @shetnews.co.uk www.scottishbeacon.com/news/communi...

scottishbeacon.com

Twenty years on: How Shetland fought to stop islander's deportation - The Scottish Beacon

“I can remember it like yesterday. I don’t think you ever forget it, to be honest.” It was 20 years ago to the day that Sakchai Makhao was awoken from his sleep by immigration officials in his Lerwick...

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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

Communities could generate millions from stakes in local wind and solar projects, but a new report warns that delays to government action and a lack of support risk leaving many unable to take part in Scotland's renewable energy boom. www.scottishbeacon.com/news/environ...

scottishbeacon.com

Communities could miss out on millions from Scotland's renewables boom, new report warns - The Scottish Beacon

Communities across Scotland risk missing out on a share of the wealth generated by renewable energy projects unless governments move quickly to strengthen support for shared ownership schemes, accordi...

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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 09/01/2026

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...

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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 ...

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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 09/01/2026

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

scottishbeacon.com

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...

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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 09/01/2026

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:

scottishbeacon.com

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...

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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 09/01/2026

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.

scottishbeacon.com

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...

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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 09/01/2026

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...

scottishbeacon.com

Tiree: Powering Community Wealth Building with renewable energy - The Scottish Beacon

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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 08/01/2026

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...

scottishbeacon.com

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...

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The Herald @heraldscotland.bsky.social · 19/11/2025

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👇

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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

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-...

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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...

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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

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...

scottishbeacon.com

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 ...

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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

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.

scottishbeacon.com

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...

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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 17/11/2025

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.

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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

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...

scottishbeacon.com

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...

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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

“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...

scottishbeacon.com

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...

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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 07/11/2025

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...

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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 01/09/2025

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-...

scottishbeacon.com

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...

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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

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...

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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

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...

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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 10/07/2025

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

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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 10/07/2025

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...

scottishbeacon.com

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...

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Mike Small @bellacaledonia.bsky.social · 08/07/2025

This has potential consequences for the #PowerShift @scottishbeacon.bsky.social

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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 04/07/2025

Sharing Scotland’s stories of anti-war activism & peace campaigning "The project is about the many and varied experiences of peace work from across Scotland and its island communities" Do you have stories to tell about your ancestors’ that might shed light on local contributions to global events?

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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 04/07/2025

Scotland is in the throes of a massive expansion of onshore renewables. But the level of community-owned onshore wind is way behind the Scottish Government's own targets. The Power Shift explores how we can maximise this renewables revolution. Read here 🔗 www.scottishbeacon.com/news/communi...

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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 04/07/2025

Across Scotland there has been an increase in the number of children needing foster care at the same time as a fall in the number of foster carers. Now Inverclyde Council are offering more money for foster carers in a bid to attract Scots to the vital role. 📸 Two kids playing by Kindel Media

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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 27/06/2025

Rhinns Lighthouse Festival and Book Festival this August From stories by the sea to celebrations of coastal heritage, two unique festivals on Islay — Rhinns Lighthouse Fest and Islay Book Festival — shine a light on Islay's cultural scene this summer. Publication: The Illeach 📸: Alexey Demidov

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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 19/06/2025

Sri Lankan cuisine finds a home on Glasgow’s food map Publication: Migrant Women Press A blend of tradition with a modern twist, Kofi Kade and Ceylon Tea Bar in Glasgow are more than just Sri Lankan restaurants. They are a celebration of Sri Lankan culture and a fusion of flavours in every bite.

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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 19/06/2025

Refugee Week 2025 runs from 16 to 22 June, with World Refugee Day being observed on 20 June. In light of that, here are some illuminating facts about refugees and asylum seekers to bust the harmful myths surrounding those seeking refuge in Scotland & the UK. www.scottishbeacon.com/news/refugee...

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Pass The Mic Scotland @passthemic.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

Ramatu, a member of our writing group, has published her first article! Read below:

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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 18/06/2025

Ramatu Umar Bako, shares her journey growing up as a third culture kid across four continents. From feeling disconnected from her Nigerian roots to finding belonging in Scotland, she explores how multiculturalism shaped her identity, values and deep commitment to building inclusive communities.

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Bylines Scotland @bylines.scot · 17/06/2025

We along @scottishbeacon.bsky.social and partners @shetnews.co.uk @greatergovanhill.com @lochsidepress.bsky.social @ampaipear.bsky.social, Kyle Chronicle, Forres Local, Glenkens Gazette and The Bellman are involved in #ThePowerShift (1)

houses with solar panels and turbines in the field representing transition to green energy

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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 13/06/2025

Huge congratulations to our publishing partner @greatergovanhill.com and the writers who scooped two awards at the Refugee Festival Media Awards 2025 🎉 demonstrating the value of independent media!

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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

@shetnews.co.uk: Marine litter concern as tangled gannets found dead in Shetland A fresh call has been made to keep the seas and environment tidy after more gannets were spotted over the last few days tangled in marine debris – with two dead.

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Scottish Beacon @scottishbeacon.bsky.social · 11/06/2025

Read our latest newsletter now live and don't forget to subscribe if you haven't done so already! 🩷 Find anything interesting inside? Why not spread the word 🔄

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The Scottish Beacon on Substack

In this week’s newsletter: Indie News Week 2025, sign the petition to support local and independent news, who owns the news and more! 🗞️

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