Launching: 100 Days of the Green Transition!
We're excited to launch a new project, sharing local stories on the green transition and the local people and groups driving the change
The Scottish Beacon launches new collaborative reporting project:
100 Days of the Green Transition
This comes on the heels of 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.
At The Scottish Beacon, we believe in the power of community-driven solutions. We aim to amplify these stories to show that a greener, fairer Scotland is possible – and already taking shape.
Through this collaboration, we’re bringing attention to local actions that are shaping Scotland’s future, offering inspiration and practical examples of how progress is being made.
Over 100 days, we aim to collectively publish more than 50 stories that highlight community solutions that are already making a difference.
Publications hoping to participate include: Greater Govanhill, Broughton Spurtle, Glenkens Gazette, Forres Online, Shetland News, Fios, Bylines Scotland, Kyle Chronicle, Crail Matters,The Clydesider, C&B News, Lochside Press, The Bellman, Midlothian View.
Stories we’ve already published…
Greater Govanhill: Tackling carbon footprint through community composting
Composting can seem challenging for those in tenements with limited space, but GALLANT’s Compost Co-Lab is changing that. Through hands-on workshops participants gain practical composting skills and help reduce Glasgow’s carbon footprint.
The Orkney News: From Orkney to Japan: Lessons on sustainable underwater development
Japanese pro-diver Masanobu Shibuya shared his insights on ocean conservation and sustainable fishing with an Orkney audience, highlighting lessons learned from Orkney’s kelp forests.
Doon Valley Gazette: New active travel trail in Doon Valley
The Doon Valley Trail, a new walking and cycling route, will link Ayr to the Doon Valley via several local towns.
The Lochside Press: Mums snapped up prizes in better journeys competition
Helensburgh mum wins prize for 'Better Journeys' photography competition which challenges residents to rethink just one small journey a week.
Glenkens Gazette: Kendoon’s lifesaving solar solution
The small hamlet of Kendoon overcame challenges in installing a defibrillator, with power supply issues proving more difficult than fundraising. Now, with community support and a solar-powered solution, they have a state-of-the-art device in place.
Clydesider: River Guardians: Guarding the Leven
Meet the River Guardians. Read all about their latest project, guarding the River Leven. And find out more about the forms of life that live in the small but diverse ecosystem their volunteers have been studying for this citizen science project.
Also on our website
Shetland News: “We can all play a part in changing the culture” – call to tackle stigma around alcohol use
NHS Shetland alcohol and drug development officer, Wendy Henderson, said there remains stigma against people …
The Edinburgh Reporter: MSPs call for action on ADHD healthcare
The letter highlights various critical issues, including what they describe as “ongoing” shortages of medication …
The Lochside Press: Finnart oil terminal closure announced with job losses expected
Last Friday, it was revealed the Finnart oil terminal will close with the loss of 20 jobs…
Elsewhere in local news…
The Scottish Beacon was set up following inspiration by similar initiatives in the US. So we were interested to see a new report by the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University highlighting key characteristics of permanent journalism collaboratives. The research stems from an ongoing effort to differentiate between short-term, project-based collaborations and more permanent partnerships in journalism.
The research found that journalism collaboratives are generally:
Predominantly small- to medium-scale operations with stable partner relationships.
Led by dedicated project managers, who are typically white and female.
Most collaborations maintain a permanent set of partners and operate with shared governing agreements.
Financial sustainability is a key concern, with most collaboratives saying they are only stable for the short term.
The vast majority of collaboratives reported philanthropy or major donors being key contributors to revenue.