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Sarah McArthur

@smcarthurreports.bsky.social
66 followers 67 following 52 posts

Research and Journalism | Climate, Conflict and all things Edinburgh

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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 11/05/2026
Tomorrow, Edinburgh council will decide whether to tear up a quiet route for pedestrians, wheelchairs and cyclists which has been in place for five years- why? Read below www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/low-traffi... @edi.bike @spokes.org.uk
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
Low traffic streets: Five years, two censured councillors, and endless uncertainty
Why is the local authority set to tear up traffic filters which councillors voted to keep?
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
I do love making a map these days - and thankfully the boundaries commission provided me a fabulous excuse to map out the contest for Edinburgh's constituencies this year... www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/your-seat-...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
Your seat by seat election guide to Edinburgh
Plus: Your Capital cultural highlights for the week ahead
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 27/04/2026
This is my first of several election articles - the polls are a couple of weeks old now but the race for this seat is still just as close... @lornaslater.bsky.social @angusrobertson.bsky.social @scottishlabour.bsky.social @scottishgreens.org @snp.org www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/inside-the...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
Inside the battle for Edinburgh Central
Can the Greens make history, dump an SNP Cabinet Minister and scupper one of Labour’s best city hopes?
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
This was, without a doubt, the loveliest article I have written in a while. Say what you like about local journalism, we all need an ancient tree or two to give us some perspective. #trees #ancienttrees #rgbe #botanical #Edinburgh www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/in-search-...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
In search of Edinburgh’s oldest tree
Untangling the legends and enjoying the wonder of the city's ancient living trees
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 27/03/2026
Edinburgh's health and social care partnership leadership say it is "in a better place than last year" - but are continuing with a yearly programme of funding cuts #NHS #socialcare #Edinburgh www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/social-car...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
Social care faces further damaging cuts in the Capital
But disastrous slashing of services provided by Third Sector will not be repeated
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Reposted by Sarah McArthur
Bikes for Refugees (Scotland) @bikes4refugees.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
PROPERTY WANTED URGENTLY! Our charity finds itself having to identify a new community hub/workshop in Edinburgh (& funds) ASAP due to an eviction notice with other charities. We are reaching out to our wonderful community of supporters- plz contact if you have any leads admin@bikesforrefugees.scot
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
Another oldie! Back on New Years Day, my article about @bikes4refugees.bsky.social made for the perfect uplifting start to 2026: Thanks Steven for taking the time to show me around! #refugeeswelcome #edinburgh www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/how-one-ge...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
How one generous bike mechanic helped change thousands of lives
The transformational work of Bikes for Refugees in Scotland
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
It's good to be reporting again! Next week, Edinburgh is expected to move one step closer to opening its own safe drug consumption facility; my article on it went out this morning in the Edinburgh Inquirer @nhslothian.bsky.social @scottishdrugsforum.bsky.social open.substack.com/pub/edinburg...
open.substack.com
The ‘positive' case for an Old Town safe drug consumption room
Social care chief believes opening UK's second such facility 'will benefit the people of Edinburgh'
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Catch up post 1 : At the end of last year, the Edinburgh Poverty Commission met after five difficult years to take stock and plan ahead. Some of the expert attendees of the meeting had surprising hope about Edinburgh's progress #Edinburgh #poverty #economy open.substack.com/pub/edinburg...
open.substack.com
Poverty in Edinburgh: what’s changed in the last five years?
Plus your cultural highlights for the week ahead
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
I’ve gone a little quiet recently, thanks to a 3-month research contract somewhere with warm sun and sweet mangoes. I’m now back with renewed energy to dig into the big stories in Edinburgh and Scotland- this week, I'll start with a recap of some of my stories which were published while I was away!
the sun rises over a small hill on the horizon, reflecting orange onto the tarmac road. A person is silhouetted walking ahead of the photographer on the road.
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
The NHS has an impressive and robust system for ensuring everyone has access to the same medication. But when it comes to new drugs, and rare conditions, things could be improved. @cajardinemp.bsky.social told me what she's doing on the issue www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/swimming-c...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
Swimming champion's fight for time highlights life and death struggle
High achieving Archie Goodburn helps carry the fight over access to cancer drugs to Scotland's medical authorities
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
Who's afraid of getting old? Not these folks. And, after chatting with them, not me either. www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/were-not-v... #zeroto50 #art #edinburgh
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
“We’re not vanilla” - creativity driving new lives
The exhibition aiming to smash perceptions about age and artistry
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
Everyones been writing about firework control zones and police helicopters. They're important- but what about everything else? @edinburghcouncil.bsky.social @cajardinemp.bsky.social www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/what-went-...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
What went so right on Bonfire Night?
How months of work culminated in one of the city's quietest 5 Novembers in years
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 06/11/2025
This is, hands down, the cutest subject I ever researched for an article. I love my job! www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/no-selfies... @n-t-s.bsky.social @seabirdcentre.bsky.social
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
'No selfies': A spotters guide to the east coast's seal pups
Plus: A surreal homecoming at the Filmhouse for playwright David Ireland
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
#Scottish communities could see £90 million each year in #communitybenefitfunds from #windfarms. Where does it actually go though? www.thenational.scot/news/2558939... #windenergy #Scotland #communitybenefit @scotnational.bsky.social @invenergy.bsky.social
thenational.scot
What benefits can wind farms unlock for communities?
In the last year, more than £29 million in community benefit funding has been committed by onshore wind farms developers in Scotland
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Reposted by Sarah McArthur
Simon Holledge @holledge.bsky.social · 01/11/2025
***Recommended article on CITY CENTRE LIFE***: @ntbcc.bsky.social @edoldtowncoco.bsky.social @finlaymcf.bsky.social @cllrcmiller.bsky.social @cllrjomo.bsky.social @spurtle.bsky.social @edinburghwh.bsky.social @pgkeady.bsky.social @smcarthurreports.bsky.social
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 27/10/2025
Have you tried reading smut? Seems everyone else has... www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/where-ther...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
Where there’s smut there’s brass
The wonderful success of the UK’s first romance bookshop
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 20/10/2025
What do you do with an endless stream of unwanted pianos? Build an amphitheatre, obviously... www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/like-a-hug...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
‘Like a huge, walnut, mahogany, musical hug’
Welcome to the (new) Pianodrome
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 16/10/2025
Anyone who's tried climbing #Arthur'sSeat in the rain or finding a patch of grass on #CaltonHill in the summer knows- we have an #erosion problem. But just how big is the issue? www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/are-the-ca... #Edinburgh @caltonhill.bsky.social @holledge.bsky.social
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
Are the Capital’s green spaces as green as they used to be?
As volunteers returf one city park, blaming the council for dragging its feet - how big a problem is erosion in Edinburgh?
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
I got new subscribers, restacks, comments and even emails telling me how much people liked this article. I'm just delighted to know that there are so many map nerds like me out there! www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/mapping-th...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
Mapping the radical changes in the way we use the city's roads
From the 'traffic-light' city centre to the cycle route that has proved a surprise hit
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 10/10/2025
If Helsinki can go a year without road deaths, why can't Edinburgh? www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/helsinki-j...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
Helsinki just had a year with no road deaths
What can Scotland’s second most deadly city learn from the Finnish capital?
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 24/09/2025
Almost everyone is professional and helpful. HOWEVER, some people got pretty pissed off with the questions I asked them for this article- does that mean I'm doing my job properly? www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/checking-u...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
Checking up on the work of our Lothian list MSPs
Plus: Tory-turned-Independent Jeremy Balfour declares his plan for next May’s election
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
Another week, another insight into Edinburgh's fabulous cultural world: www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/how-polish...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
How Polish artists are shaping the Capital's next generation
Unique cross-cultural collaboration taking new art into city classrooms
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 12/09/2025
There are always lots of opinions flying around when roads close in #Edinburgh, but what did the locals think of Cowgate's closure this summer? www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/was-closed... @stephenjenkinson.bsky.social
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
Was ‘traffic-free’ Cowgate the pedestrian paradise we dreamed of?
Bars and music venues were bursting at the seams but the traffic closure experiment was not without its issues
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 12/09/2025
It's been a tumultuous parliamentary term in Holyrood- but what's been going on behind the politics? And what have our Edinburgh MSPs got to do with it all? www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/what-your-...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
What your MSPs have prioritised since they were elected
Tracking the performance of your local representatives ahead of next year's election
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 01/09/2025
As someone who adores greenspace and cycle routes, I have to confess I'm torn over the proposed new tram routes. What do you think? www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/battery-po...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
Battery-powered trams, cycling squeezed and a cash conundrum
The Capital tries to plot a route to a bigger tram network
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 25/08/2025
A free event? In #Edinburgh? In August?! www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/rules-ther...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
Rules? There are no rules. Just turn up and play
Big Beach Busk founder Paul Lambie on creating an alternative to Edinburgh's commercially-driven festivals
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
From the perspective of damp, boggy Scotland, it seems ludicrous to be afraid of #wildfires... was the massive blaze on Arthur's Seat a freak accident, or the beginning of a new trend? @scottishfirerescue.bsky.social www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/are-wildfi...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
Are wildfires the new normal for Edinburgh and the Lothians?
Blazes are on the rise and our assumptions about 'soggy Scotland' are not helping
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 09/08/2025
I will be sad to see Kafe Kweer shut its physical doors, but it was very exciting sitting down with @mystikaglamoor.bsky.social to learn about what's coming next for the business! www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/dazzling-o...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
Dazzling on stage is harder after getting up at 7am to make coffees all day
Drag star Oskar Kirk Hansen on combining a stage career and running hit LGBTI+ venue Kafe Kweer
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
Part 4: a deep dive into the scary world of Fringe finances @joznorris.bsky.social @barryferns.bsky.social @comedylopez.bsky.social @freefringe.bsky.social @freefringefestival.bsky.social @monkeybarrelcomedy.bsky.social @standcomedyclub.bsky.social www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/the-fringe...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
The Fringe venues putting more money in the pockets of new comedians
Prefer your laughs from performers who aren't risking bankruptcy? Try these Festival spots
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
The big link catch-up part 3: checking in on our Edinburgh MPs a year into the new government @cajardinemp.bsky.social @ianmurraymp.bsky.social @chrismurraymp.bsky.social @drscottarthurmp.bsky.social @tracygilbertmp.bsky.social www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/first-year...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
First year report cards on your city MPs
What the Capital's representatives at Westminster have been up to since the General Election
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
Link dump part 2: getting some hefty inspiration from the greatest Scottish adventurer you've never heard of www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/the-girl-w...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
The girl who became one of Britain's great Arctic adventurers
How quiet explorer Isobel Wylie Hutchison continues to inspire down the years
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
Link dump part 1: gathering thoughts and images at Edinburgh #Pride 2025 Is Pride a party or a protest for you? www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/party-prot...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
Party, protest and no politicians please
Thoughts from the street at Edinburgh Pride 2025
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 04/08/2025
I've had a busy few weeks accidentally coming second female in an ultra marathon and trying to pitch an article on why women seem to be breaking long distance records every second day (still looking for a commission, hmu!) Prepare for a link dump...
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 11/07/2025
On Wednesday, 5000 people and over 120 organisations came to Westminster this week to push for stronger action on climate and nature. I asked @carolinelucas.bsky.social @richardburgon.bsky.social and @sioldridge.bsky.social what this might mean for the #CANBill : the-european.eu/story-48636/...
the-european.eu
UK climate lobby 2025 in a Decade Calls for Urgent Action in Westminster
Over 5,000 people gathered in Westminster for the UK climate lobby 2025 in 10 years, urging MPs to support the Climate and Nature Bill.
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 07/07/2025
I think this is my fifth bike-related article for a single newspaper... can you tell I am a bit into cycling? www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/bikes-brea...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
Bikes, breakfast beer, midnight chips and 'no dickheads'
The incredible 100-mile, all-night ride to watch the sunrise at Cramond
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
Excited to be getting into some more of my own photography on this article about #Scotland 's first ever #breastcancersupport centre www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/how-one-wo...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
How one woman's battle for Hope can help support tens of thousands
Scotland’s only breast cancer support centre opens in Edinburgh
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 09/06/2025
It's only since writing local news that I have discovered how rich and cool Edinburgh's creative scene is. Thanks to @hiddendoorarts.bsky.social for doing to much work to keep the grassroots arts scene thriving! #festival #hiddendoor2025 #music www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/a-beginner...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
A beginner's guide to the Hidden Door festival
How to get the most out of Edinburgh's upstart celebration of grassroots arts
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 04/06/2025
The UK's greatest rail disaster happened just outside Gretna- but it shook the Leith community to the core. One fourth generation Leither shared her family's history with me... prepare yourself for some heavy reading. www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/she-never-...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
'She never married because all the good men died there'
The greatest rail tragedy in UK history and how it helped shape the unique Leither identity
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 19/05/2025
Think you smell garlic? Think again. Think it doesn't matter? Think again! @wolct.bsky.social #Edinburgh #biodiversity www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/the-impost...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
The imposter invading the Water of Leith's banks
Invasive plants and their long-term risks to our beloved river
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 14/05/2025
Leith is well on it's way to gentrification, with all the tourism and tensions that brings. Can its newest tourist attraction bring value to all Leithers, old and new? www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/creating-s... @shbt-charity.bsky.social #CustomHouse #Leith #Edinburgh #tourism
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
Creating Scotland's first fully digital museum on Leith's Shore
Ambitious Custom House redesign hopes to attract Visitor Levy funding
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 06/05/2025
I am a huge fan of trad fusion, but I had no idea how much the genre owes to one fabulously contradictory human: #martynbennett #trad #music www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/the-edinbu...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
The Edinburgh schoolboy who revolutionised trad music
From Broughton High to dance fusion pioneer: celebrating Martyn Bennett
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
A perfect storm is brewing for elderly care in #Edinburgh - but the third sector is determined to weather it. @nhslothian.bsky.social www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/third-sect...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
'Third sector organisations are remarkably resilient and adaptable'
Even in the midst of a deepening funding crisis, care providers in the Capital are finding some hope
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 21/04/2025
It caused uproar when it arrived, but almost a year on, there are early signs of success for Edinburgh's LEZ. @stephenjenkinson.bsky.social www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/revealed-l...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
Revealed: LEZ is pushing us towards healthier commutes
First impact study shows signs of early success for climate and public health
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
Somebody once told me that FE colleges are a government's best ally for achieving a #justtransition. The more I write about #greenjobs, the more I believe them. @scotnational.bsky.social #grangemouth www.thenational.scot/news/2503057...
thenational.scot
What options are out there for Grangemouth oil refinery workers losing their jobs?
PETROINEOS announced in September last year that it would close the Grangemouth oil refinery in the second quarter of 2025, laying off 400 staff in…
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 31/03/2025
“The idea of over tourism is more complicated than how many feet are on the Royal Mile." With #over-tourism dominating discourse across major international destinations, it was great to chat with a certified positive #tourism company in #Edinburgh #BCorp www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/making-tou...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
Making tourism a force for good in the Capital
The history walks for tourists that help to bring locals together
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
This article was a dream- covering exciting sports, smart local business, *and* getting to go out on my bike and call it work! This summer I'm keen to publish my favourite corners of Scotland, and how to get there by foot or bicycle. Editors, hit me up! www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/if-the-cyc...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
‘If the cyclists weren't coming to us, we wouldn't be here’
As the Tour de France picks Edinburgh, we talk to a tasty rural business that’s tapping into cycling culture, and how to get there yourself
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
77% of Scots are in favour of onshore wind farms- but new developments still face local opposition. Will this ever change? @scotnational.bsky.social www.thenational.scot/business/249...
thenational.scot
Wind farms are popular but they will never be free from opposition
Onshore wind energy is the largest component of Scotland’s renewable energy supply, contributing up to 62 of Scotland’s electricity.
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
Fed up of "reckless" Deliveroo cyclists on the roads? It's not as simple as you'd think- through the Workers Observatory, cycle delivery courriers are shedding light on their gruelling and unsafe working conditions. Believe me, they're fed up too. www.edinburghinquirer.co.uk/p/you-can-ma...
edinburghinquirer.co.uk
‘You can make as little as £3 in an hour’: Inside Edinburgh's gig economy
The delivery riders facing dangerous conditions for low pay in the Capital
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Sarah McArthur @smcarthurreports.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
One last nostalgia post before we start on the current publications- I had an excellent time writing for @foresight-ce.bsky.social last year, covering everything from climate innovations on remote Scottish islands, to decarbonising whisky, to green jobs: foresightmedia.com/story/sVewyz...
foresightmedia.com
Bridging the gap: Connecting the UK’s green jobs potential with reality
In the UK, the new government’s GB Energy power company suggests increased investment in the clean energy sector but concerns over whether the skills are available
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