News

Shining a light on local stories of change

January 30, 2025

The Scottish Beacon’s mission to empower community-based media
By Rhiannon J Davis, founder of The Scottish Beacon

 

Just like our climate, local news is in crisis. Old models based on commercial advertising are no longer viable in today’s digital age. News publishers compete with sophisticated algorithms for the attention of their audiences. Polarising rhetoric dominates the conversation, driving wedges into communities. ‘News deserts’ expand as local titles dissolve or get swallowed up by media conglomerates. All but one of Scotland’s national newspapers are owned by companies based in other countries. The gulf between the people who produce the news and those who consume it is growing.

Yet, journalism remains a cornerstone of democracy. Locally produced, public-interest journalism is more vital than ever. Across Scotland, independent, community-based media outlets serve as beacons of hope – run by people who are deeply invested in the stories they tell.

The Birth of The Scottish Beacon

In response to these challenges, we launched The Scottish Beacon in 2023 – a collaborative network of 24 independent, community-driven local news publishers. No two outlets are alike. Some operate as for-profits, others as non profits or sole traders. Some are digital-only, while others maintain print editions. They cover everything from small villages to major cities. What unites them is a shared commitment to impact and community engagement rather than profit.

Our mission is twofold:

  1. Strengthening independent local media – Through collective ad sales, funding partnerships, and collaborative reporting projects, The Beacon helps sustain and amplify its member organisations.
  2. Amplifying community storiesThe Beacon serves as both a network and a platform, elevating stories from across Scotland, facilitating collaborative journalism, and fostering cross-community learning.

Collaborative Reporting: The Green Transition

Since launching, we’ve led several collaborative reporting projects including about the loss of community spaces, increased food bank use and the visitor levy. Ahead of the last General Election, we asked our readers to tell us which issues mattered most. The results were clear: climate change and green energy topped the list. It became evident that the green transition needed to be at the heart of our reporting.

These findings led us to partner with the Local Storytelling Exchange, a non profit dedicated to uncovering and sharing stories of the green transition across the UK,  for 100 Days of the Green Transition: a project exploring community-driven climate action from September to November last year.

Insights from the Field

Local Storytelling Exchange Scotland Lead, Clare Harris, reflects on the experience:

“Working with the Beacon members – everywhere from the Glenkens in Dumfries and Galloway to north Lewis – has been a brilliant insight into the range and diversity of independent news publications, as well as how important they are to represent and report on communities.

“It’s fair to say that there’s activity happening just about everywhere to help tackle the climate crisis; whether that’s from families ditching the car and cycling to school instead, or groups of local people banding together to grow their own food and nurture green spaces.

“Whether these efforts are led by a concern for the climate, or simply are a way to come together, save money, and improve health – the end result is the same. It’s a sense of getting things done and making lives better for our neighbours.

“That’s not to say that the move towards a more sustainable future doesn’t present challenges. There are major questions in most, if not all the communities represented by Beacon members around how we ensure people are at the heart of our renewables boom, for example. And it is clear that those in power must do a whole lot more to support people who are already working for a better future.”

Stories That Inspire Action

Many standout articles emerged from this partnership. I invite you to take a look through them either here on the Scottish Beacon website, or over on Local Storytelling Exchange’s story map.

Perhaps this piece from Ryan Nicolson writing for the Shetland News sums it up – highlighting ordinary people taking meaningful action in the face of government inaction. It’s a testament to the power of local journalism in amplifying voices that might otherwise go unheard.

By continuing to spotlight these stories, we hope to inspire more people to take action in their own communities. After all, real change often begins at the local level.

Case Studies

Greener Kirkcaldy Active Travel exchange visit to Forth Environment Link

Finding out about the operation of e-bike library schemes and active travel projects.

A group of people using a range of e bikes.

We learned a lot about the trackers they use for their bikes (Power Unity Bike Trax modules) which we had hands on experience of how easy they are to fit and how useful the app is for accessing usage data for the e-bikes . This will be invaluable for monitoring and evaluation of our own scheme as well as being able to more accurately plan servicing and repair of the e-bikes in future.

We also had the added benefit of finding out more about FEL’s wider Active Travel Projects, in particular their work is anchored in various secondary schools in the Forth valley area which are bases for a whole range of community engagement, not just active travel.

Of special interest to us was their Bike Buddies, Community Skills Academy and Healthy Minds projects which engage with and support children and families in the communities around each secondary school to have access to active travel opportunities and resources as well as engaging with wider environmental, health and wellbeing opportunities through food, growing, walks, bushcraft and many other outdoor activities. This kind of cross organisation work is a great example and would be a great fit for Greener Kirkcaldy to bring together our Food, Community Engagement, Outdoor and Active Travel work in a more joined up way.

Learning Outcomes

  • Be better positioned to secure funding to expand our own e-bikes for NHS scheme- find out how their e-bike hire management for NHS system works
  • Better understand the materials, knowledge and staffing required to run a larger scheme- find out the costings for running a scheme of similar scale.
  •  Share learning to understand which e-bike systems work well in long term and which to avoid
  • Find out how their e-bike delivery and maintenance processes work and are staffed

"Our main aim was to find out more about the operation and background of their e-bike library scheme. We learned a huge amount, especially the behind-the-scene admin of the various parts of the scheme and how they have found their booking system (Hub Tiger) to be better than the system they previously used (Bike Rental Manager) and which we are also currently using with our own Fife Easy E-Bike subscription scheme. This has helped us make a more informed decision to switch to Hub Tiger for our own purposes following the upcoming end of our current contract with Bike Rental Manager."

Case Studies

SCOTO and Community Led Tourism

SCA network to network digital exchange

Dumfries town centre showing a row of shops and cafes with two women in conversation on a bench.

SCOTO is a rapidly growing network seeking to grow, develop and raise awareness of community led tourism and secure added value from tourism for Scotland’s people and places. Community Led Tourism in the 3rd sector is a about visitor facing experiences which are delivered by the local community via social or other enterprise models which are not for profit and deliver social, economic and/or environmental benefits for the community.

This learning exchange offered networks the opportunity to identify which communities they are working with who are providing visitor services, facilities and experience and how those communities can develop, manage and promote their community as a destination.

The outcome was increased partnership opportunities between SCOTO and Traditional Arts and Culture Scotland to measure impacts of events and festivals on local tourism and with Scottish Island Federation to share expertise on the impact of cruise ships in Orkney – how the community are shaping tourism around this on their terms.

Learning Outcomes

  • To deliver positive impacts for people, places and planet: measuring impact – what difference is tourism making in communities?
  • To prioritise the common and shared interests of visitors, businesses and residents – send of place and place branding for locals and the host community.
  • To deliver enduring benefits for the whole community beyond the more limited short term interests of the tourism and hospitality industry – things that matter to our communities in place planning and action planning to recalibrate tourism.

"Responsible tourism is a collaborative approach which places an onus on all tourism players to take responsibility for their actions. It seeks to protect our people, places and the planet by reducing negative impacts and ensuring as an absolute minimum they are no worse off. COMMUNITY LED TOURISM goes further. CLT seeks added value from all tourism players and activity ensuring our people and our places are better off as a consequence of tourism – and in a way that matters to that specific community."

Case Studies

Get Growing Scotland Digital Exchange

SCA network to network exchange

A birds eye view of a community garden, with raised beds and polytunnels for food growing,

There are live and urgent opportunities for food security and our future. Community growing groups prefer and choose to secure use and share, not own land. The learning exchange gave an opportunity to discuss these potential policy conflicts and look at the ways planning systems can provide both blockages and pathways for working together.  Increased support for the roll out of the National Planning Framework 4, particularly in relation to Community Owned Land Banks.

Learning Outcomes

  • Capturing and sharing knowledge and experiences, from communities, partners and landowners across Scotland.
  • Help@ service is unique and valuable, saving time, money and aggravation, and helps navigate policy.
  • It also gives insights on other topics and structural, system challenges and opportunities.
  • SCA networks have insights to share, partnerships to develop to make the most of combined knowledge.

"Places and people will not be left behind if there is more awareness, and opportunities to provide earlier and long-term support. Community led food growing, and nature and climate activities, are relatively low-cost and risk, and often kickstart other community led developments. The movement continues to grow."

Case Studies

FEL Scotland Climate Action community group exchange

Sharing climate mitigation and adaptation practices

The banks of the River Goil on a bright day.

This exchange explored how to build and create habitats to replicate in other areas of work. It highlighted the need for adaptation practices such as river revetments along banks to help with bank erosion, including native tree planting and green revetments methods, which has led to an increase in the salmon and trout population over the last few years.

Learning Outcomes

  • Identification of local areas that require assistance with flood management – local flood resilience group able to identify areas that natural flooding techniques could be replicated, especially burn flow coming off the Ochil Hills
  • Identify need for training or assistance in setting up flood management systems in local area, possible funding to help manage this and organisation who are able to help – problem identified by local council about funding natural technique projects. This is where charity organisations such as Forth Rivers Trust come in. Charites should be able to supplement council work
  • Education on nature based solutions for flood management that increases biodiversity – Houses at Pool of Muckhart have had flooding problems for a long time. The FRT project has changes the path of water flow from the hill, slowed it down and created a pond space for it to flow into. this stops the houses from being flooded and creates a microclimate at the bottom of the Ochil Hills. Natural techniques used include: overflow channels, scrapes, living willow leaky dams.

"Continuation of River Goil as well as other locations within the local area require funding and keen volunteers to continue the work!"

Case Studies

Screen Argyll exchange visit to Dunoon

Making enterprising connections in cinema venues

A balcony view showing people standing chatting on the theatre floor, with a stage set up in the background,

Dunoon Burgh Hall trust is a community lead cultural charity that runs a large community venue, delivering multi arts program of events and activities for local people and visitors to the area. Dunoon Burgh Trust has developed and delivered the Dunoon film festival as a central part of this program over nine additions to 2023 over this time the local audience for independent film has grown. Dunoon Burgh hall want to develop their film festival and a year round film offer including establishing a family programme. They are an organisation that we know through regional conversations. They want to show us their venue, and also the Studio Cinema and Dunoon, share ideas on programming and share what they do in their venue.

Some things that have gone well across the network:

Heritage screenings /Local archive film /Cult films with events / Local film club: programming their own films / Youth film clubs (i.e. Into Film Club in Tiree)/ Screenings for young audiences

Learning Outcomes

  • Programming for Young Audiences – Invited some other community cinemas in our area to join, including Campbeltown Picture House, to hear about their Can Film Festival, the Pyramid to hear about their work with young audiences
  • Making venues accessible on a small budget – Dunoon Burgh hall on their Dementia Screenings and sharing results of an access report done for our festival and how it can be used by other venues
  • Audience Development for Film in our region – Shared our resources for working with younger audiences, including voluntary run community cinemas joined us. The day provided a chance for peer to peer learning, to share what how to show films to rural communities and learn what support is required.

"The main issue for everyone is attendance and the cost of heating halls. Mark from the Studio Cinema in Dunoon shared the issues that they are facing as a full-time cinema with staff to pay and the awareness campaign that they are starting, to encourage audiences to use the cinema. Various options were discussed, including diversifying programmes and creating an Argyll wide campaign to tell the story of the brilliant cinemas and film activity that we have going on here."

Case Studies

Exchange visit to Out of the Blue Drill Hall

Celebrating 30 Years!

A group of people smiling on a mezzanine level, with the lower floor and art spaces in the distance.

Since 2004, this historic venue has served as the beating heart of Out of the Blue, deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of Leith with its rich historical significance. Thanks to careful and sustainable restoration, this former military building has been reimagined as a dynamic arts and cultural centre. It now features artists’ studios, rehearsal and performance spaces, exhibition areas, and a popular café, offering a welcoming environment where contemporary arts thrive. Visitors can experience a vibrant mix of creative innovation, enjoy the unique atmosphere, and connect with others through art, conversation, and food.

As part of the exchange, we also visited Out of the Blueprint, a thriving social enterprise. This creative hub blends print production for trade with workshops, training, and artistic projects, supporting exhibitions and publications—a truly inspiring fusion of creativity and commerce.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understanding Cultural Preservation and Regeneration: Learn how historical buildings like the Drill Hall can be sustainably restored and repurposed into thriving contemporary arts and community hubs, maintaining their cultural significance.
  • Exploring Creative Social Enterprises: Gain insight into how Out of the Blueprint successfully integrates print production, workshops, and creative training to support both local artists and commercial ventures.
  • Appreciating Community-Driven Arts Initiatives: Discover the role of Out of the Blue Drill Hall as a participatory and inclusive space that fosters artistic expression, collaboration, and engagement within the Leith community.

"The Out of the Blue Drill Hall serves as a vibrant, community-centre hub in Leith, dedicated to fostering artistic expression, collaboration, and social engagement. Its participatory approach ensures that the space remains inclusive and accessible to all, reflecting the diverse needs and voices of the community. We got the feel while on the exchange that the Hall served as a safe and judgement-free space for artists and creatives to manage their own time and create work that improves the area they live in."

Case Studies

Clackmannanshire Community Wealth Building Partnerships

A Community Wealth Building Approach to a Wellbeing Economy

A piece of flip chat paper at an angle with numerous yellow post-its stuck to it showing people's ideas written in black pen.

This Community Learning Experience (CLE) delved into the practical application of community wealth building in Clackmannanshire, one of Scotland’s pioneering regions and one of the five pilot areas selected by the Scottish Government.

Clackmannanshire Council recognises that achieving their ambitious, long-term goals requires collaboration. The council, together with the Clackmannanshire Planning Partnership (Clackmannanshire Alliance), is committed to a shared vision as outlined in the Local Outcomes Improvement Plan. This plan seeks to address the inequalities that have arisen in Clackmannanshire due to poverty and socio-economic challenges, with the active participation of all community members, organisations, and institutions.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understanding Community Wealth Building (CWB) in Clackmannanshire: Clackmannanshire has embraced CWB as a strategy to develop an inclusive economy rooted in public values. The region has implemented 21 actions, across five key pillars plus an additional geographic pillar, to address local socio-economic challenges. The strategy is focused on strengthening local suppliers, improving employment practices, and fostering local partnerships​.
  • Community Assets and Ownership: Clackmannanshire’s approach to tackling socio-economic issues includes advancing community ownership of key sites like the Tullibody Civic Centre and Community Garden. These assets serve as examples of how plural ownership and active community involvement are central to the area’s efforts to address inequalities​.
  • Gender Justice in Business: In Clackmannanshire, the focus on gender justice is reflected in efforts to create equitable work environments. Initiatives like the Good Employer Charter and collaborations through the Clackmannanshire Anchor Partnership aim to ensure fairness in both the workplace and business sectors, promoting empowerment for women in local enterprises​.

"The visit to Clackmannanshire was truly inspiring, offering a first-hand look at community wealth building (CWB) in practice. A key takeaway was the critical role of collaboration and partnership working across the public, private, and third sectors. It was clear that these sectors are coming together with a shared purpose to enhance the local area, tackle inequalities, and create a more inclusive economy. The collective efforts and integrated approach demonstrated how cooperation can drive tangible change, benefiting the entire community."

Case Studies

A social enterprise member visit to Move On Works

Innovative waste management and upcycling solutions.

A Move On Wood Recycling sales tag attached to a rounded wooden candle holder on a wooden shelf.

Move On Works offer a waste wood collection service across Edinburgh and the Lothians, collecting from small businesses and residential properties, right up to large construction sites on behalf of national and multinational building companies. The wood collected is taken to the workshop to be cleaned up and sorted to be sold as timber, or upcycled into quality furniture. They also use reclaimed timber to build, supply and fit larger scale projects for residential, commercial, and third sector projects.

The Community Learning Exchange deepened participants appreciation for the role of social enterprises in building resilient, sustainable, and thriving communities.  It brought together community activists, academics, practitioners and professionals to coalesce around making Granton a thriving place where people want to come live, work and be engaged members of their community.

Learning Outcomes

  • Learn about the role of social enterprises in community regeneration.
  • Understand sustainable business practices.
  • Explore innovative waste management and upcycling solutions through Move On Works’ waste wood collection and transformation services, promoting environmental sustainability and skills development.

"The hands-on experience at Move On was incredibly inspiring. Their upcycling model, which transforms waste wood into quality furniture and construction materials, highlighted how circular economy practices can generate employment opportunities and reduce environmental impact. The visit reinforced my understanding of how waste management can evolve into a profitable, skills-driven initiative that benefits both people and the planet."

Case Studies

G3 Growers and Glasgow Community Food Network exchange

G3 Growers mission to cultivate a community of gardeners who come together to share and learn from each other.

A group of adults and children chatting inside a polytunnel.

Glasgow Community Food Network brings together practitioners and organisations in the private, public and 3rd sector to develop a flourishing food system in Glasgow. The exchange allowed the exploration of their approach for the benefit of local food growing networks and climate.

Learning Outcomes

  • Sharing food growing techniques
  • Gardening foundations targeted for new members around seasonality and soil
  • How to make the most of produce, fermentation, pickling and cooking with food waste.

"The exchange gave us a chance to learn about food growing techniques with local community gardens and an opportunity to learn from others to discover new methods of growing food. It was great to work together with people from the community and share ideas about how to grow and cook nutritious, healthy food."