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👇

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-...

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...

The Power Shift: Renewables, Communities and the Question of Who Really Benefits from Scotland’s Green Energy Revolution www.scottishbeacon.com?p=7836 @scottishbeacon.bsky.social

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.

Shetland News shares this report from the northwest Highlands which was published in the @scottishbeacon.bsky.social last week. @shetnews.co.uk is a founding member of the Scottish Beacon project @greatergovanhill.com @lochsidepress.bsky.social

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.

The first of our articles in the #PowerShift series by the @scottishbeacon.bsky.social www.heraldscotland.com/life_style/2...

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in Orkney, households are facing rising fuel poverty and soaring electricity bills — a “great energy heist” driven by outdated grid systems and unbalanced energy markets.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...

“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...

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...

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-...

Fringe 2025: new crime thriller at Edinburgh Deaf Festival Publication: @edinreporter.bsky.social A tense new crime thriller premieres at the Edinburgh Deaf Festival during Fringe 2025, offering a fully accessible performance in BSL and English for both deaf and hearing audiences.

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...

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...

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

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...

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

Pioneers of Europe's Citizen-led Solar Revolution Sound Alarm Over 'Corporate Capture' sgq.io/wZU9Pm2 via @DeSmog #PowerShift @scottishbeacon.bsky.social

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?

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...

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

ViewPoint: We know how much money can be made from wind farm projects, says Alice Mathewson of North Yell Development Council @scottishbeacon.bsky.social @lochsidepress.bsky.social @bellacaledonia.bsky.social @ampaipear.bsky.social @bylines.scot @greatergovanhill.com #ThePowerShift

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

Retreat From the Sea: a last resort or a very real vision of the future? As coastal erosion threatens Stonehaven’s shore, could a managed retreat from the sea become the town’s only viable future? Find out more 🔗 www.scottishbeacon.com/news/local-d... #CoastalCommunities #Scotland

Shetland News publishes this article as part of our Power Shift project @scottishbeacon.bsky.social @lochsidepress.bsky.social @bylines.scot @greatergovanhill.com

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.

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...

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

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.

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)

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!

@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.

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 🔄

Misinformation is rising, news deserts are growing and trusted journalism is under threat. A new campaign calls on government to support a plan to revive local news — and you can help by signing the petition this Indie News Week! www.scottishbeacon.com/news/local-d... @publicinterestnews.org.uk

@lochsidepress.bsky.social: U-turn by Scottish Government halts Flamingo Land plan The Scot Gov reversed its stance, halting Flamingo Land's £40m resort plan for Loch Lomond. The development has faced mounting opposition due to environmental concerns and the potential impact on the national park.

We're working on The Power Shift – a collaboration with 9 other partners from @scottishbeacon.bsky.social , (community-based news publishers across Scotland) exploring the impact of the renewables industry on communities. Share your thoughts here: members.scottishbeacon.com/callouts/the...

📢Announcing: #ThePowerShift – a major new collaborative journalism project which will be investigating how Scotland’s green energy transition is reshaping land, communities, and power dynamics across the country. Read more: www.scottishbeacon.com/regions/intr...

A new report on the social value of the renewable energy boom in the Scottish Highlands and Islands has confirmed what most people living in the area had already suspected: there is a wide disparity in how host communities benefit from such projects. @scottishbeacon.bsky.social

From @edinreporter.bsky.social: Age Scotland launches Act Now, Age Better campaign With an ageing population, people are living longer but not exactly living longer in good health. Age Scotland stress that with the right choices in midlife, we can help ourselves to maintain a healthier later life.

From @greatergovanhill.com: Rent caps are gone—how can tenants can fight back? W/ Scotland’s rent cap scrapped last month, residents run the risk of being hit with unaffordable rent hikes, some as high as 100%. Housing campaigners warn of a deepening crisis and urge tenants/communities to organise

From @shetnews.co.uk: Shetland’s main foodbank has raised alarm over a growing number of residents seeking emergency support, citing limited access to services, and the cost of living crisis as key factors. The situation highlights the broader social challenges facing communities across Scotland.

The UK Supreme Court’s ruling that legal definitions of ‘man’ and ‘woman’ are based on biological sex has sparked fierce debate across Scotland. Trans rights advocates, politicians, community groups and legal experts warn the decision oversimplifies complex realities, putting trans people at risk 🔗

Measles cases are on the rise across the UK, including three confirmed in Govanhill this year. Despite a readily available and effective vaccine, uptake is falling. Why are people opting out, and how can you protect yourself and your children safe & healthy? www.greatergovanhill.com/latest/measles

From Glenkens Gazette: The Optimistic Environmentalist—Electric Cars A Glenkens couple share their real-world experience buying and running an electrtic car covering costs, range, towing, and practical tips for Scottish drivers with mobility needs and pets. www.scottishbeacon.com/news/solutio...

From @shetnews.co.uk: 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 posters put up in local shops accused the two of not backing the sector. www.scottishbeacon.com/news/local-d...

Forres Local: Local pubs in Scotland urged to adopt ‘lifeline’ codeword as part of licensing application Local pubs are being urged to adopt the nationally recognised 'Ask for Angela' scheme after a recent test revealed that several local venues didn’t understand the codeword. 📸 cottonbro studio

From @greatergovanhill.com: A community-led event in Glasgow shed light on the hidden impact of gambling. With fresh initiatives and a call for stronger regulation in Scotland, local voices are demanding action. Photo by Karen Gordon 📸 www.scottishbeacon.com/news/communi...

Writer 'Newbie' shares their opinions on proposals to lift the alcohol ban in Scottish football stadiums, weighing up the pros, the cons and sharing some personal insights from the last football match they attended at Hampden. www.scottishbeacon.com/news/opinion... (Photo: on Wikimedia by Goodreg3)

From MigrantWomenPress: How Milk is transforming migrant women’s lives in Glasgow Milk Café blossomed into a transformative community space for migrant women. Offering support and connection, it’s helping break down barriers for those in need. Here's how 👇 www.scottishbeacon.com/news/communi...