Edinburgh set to be the first city to impose the Visitor Levy
Including: Islay’s whisky boom might hit a snag; Scotland’s population projected to grow; Chinese New Year celebrations in the Highlands; and much, much more!
In this week’s newsletter we’re diving into some of the more pressing stories shaping Scotland right now. From Edinburgh’s landmark decision on a visitor levy to the uncertainty surrounding Islay’s whisky boom, there’s plenty of news that’s got everyone talking.
Including: plenty of updates on dogs; from the unanimous support for the Welfare of Dogs Bill to the Paws on Plastic dog litterpicking challenge. To rising charges on water services; ongoing financial strain on councils; and Greater Govanhill receives funding for a new data journalism project.
Scroll to find out more!
And don’t forget to follow us on social media if you haven’t done so already:
BlueSky & X: @scottishbeacon Instagram: @scottishbeacon Facebook: @scottishbeacon
Last chance to fill out the survey and win £100!
Our friends at the Public Interest News Foundation (PINF) are conducting a survey to find out what the public thinks about local news.
For ten minutes of your time, you can help guide PINF's vital research into public interest news – and, you'll be in with a chance of winning £100 in a prize draw (though if that's not your thing, you can of course opt out).
PINF will share responses anonymously with your news provider (hello!) and publish results in a UK-wide report on their website. On behalf of them and us, thanks for your time, and your continued support.
Latest from our website
Edinburgh city agrees details of new visitor levy
The meeting was held online due to Storm Éowyn but all councillors had ample opportunity to put forward their various positions…
City of Edinburgh Council leader writes to government about Visitor Levy
Is Islay’s whisky boom about to hit a snag?
Is the island's golden goose on a break, or are we witnessing the first signs of a brewing storm in Scotland’s whisky capital…
News from our partners
Shetland News: Water charges in Scotland are set to rise by nearly ten per cent in 2025/26
Midlothian View: Scotland’s population projected to grow to 5.8 million people by 2047
Orkney News: Unanimous Support for the Welfare of Dogs Bill
The Lochside Press: Scotland’s councils continue to face ‘severe financial pressures’, a new report has said
Greater Govanhill: Greater Govanhill receives funding for a ‘Digging Into Data’ journalism project
Inverclyde Now: Two former professional footballers get the go-ahead for plan to create coaching and dog exercise fields on derelict land in Greenock
Forres Local: Chinese New Year celebrations at Macleans Highland Bakery welcomes year of the Snake
The Bellman: Paws on Plastic litterpicking dog challenge beats January blues