Psychic predictions from Scotland's 'seers', and protecting future generations
Discover the history of seers and second sight, and find out what happened when journalists from around the UK descended upon Glasgow
The clocks may have gone back but here at The Scottish Beacon we are pushing forward with our latest project: 100 Days of the Green Transition.
It’s been a real learning experience looking into what local change-makers are doing in Scottish communities to drive the green transition at home. From river guardians to community composters we’ve been sharing positive stories of community action on climate change.
We hope you’ve had the chance to read some of our stories from this project and felt a bit more hopeful when it comes to tackling climate change – often we can’t see all the fantastic work that goes on behind closed doors, or in the hidden green spaces in our neighbourhoods.
If you like what you see, you can share this week’s newsletter with your network, or with your friends and family using the pink button at the bottom of the post!
And, as always, I hope you enjoy the read ☕
-Devon
Latest from our website
Seers and “second sight” 🔮
A seer and a person with second sight have different skills. A seer is able to control the visions, while for a person with second sight, these can come to them unexpectedly and unbidden…
The Highland Seer, Swein MacDonald 🔮
Swein MacDonald rose to fame in the 1970s for his mystical predictions, fuelled by alcohol, darkness, and fiery emotions. MacDonald mesmerised audiences with his extraordinary gift of ‘second sight’ and a flair for controversy…
SSE Renewables earns £5.5m in constraint payments in just three months ♻️
But none were paid during a planned shutdown earlier in October…There had been concern that SSE was being paid for the outage, but it said this week that was not the case…
Glen Fruin oil leak: Clean-up now under way 🛢️
The clean-up of an oil leak in Glen Fruin, discovered in January 2024, has finally begun after months of delays…
100 Days of the Green Transition
Over the course of three months, our members are sharing 50 stories of how local people are making a big difference when it comes to tackling issues around climate change…Here’s the latest from our publishing partners:
Bonar Bridge Community Kitchen Garden 🥬
It will grow fruit and veg to supply the community café…
The Engine Shed in Stirling – preserving Scotland’s built heritage ♻️
A hub of innovation and champion in preserving Scotland’s architectural heritage by sharing knowledge and training future craftspeople…
Recycle, renew, reuse – transitioning to the green economy ♻️
Discover the sprouting idea of sustainable living is emerging in Highland Perthshire in an exclusive interview with Carol Aitkin, one of the founding directors of the Sprout, an an idea generated in the Pitlochry Climate Café…
The Daily Record republished one of our stories
They shared this article originally featured in the Glenkens Gazette:
Ex-army medic fights for two years to get solar defibrillator installed in Scots village
Jamie Rose, 50, led a crusade to install the life-saving kit in remote hamlet Kendoon in Dumfries and Galloway…
Elsewhere in local news…
A couple of weeks ago, journalism charity, the Public Interest News Foundation (PINF) held their third annual forum.
Journalists from independent publisher up and down the UK travelled to Glasgow Caledonian University to join PINF in discussing the future of journalism in the UK. The event was hosted by PINF, while Rhiannon Davies, founder of Greater Govanhill and The Scottish Beacon, was there to chair the event.
It was a chance for journalists and industry experts to connect and bounce ideas off of one another. The lively discussions ranged from funding journalism, to how AI and tech is changing the landscape (and what we as journalists can do to adapt), as well as how we can better serve our communities.
It’s always exciting to bring people to the same space and share our ideas and insights with fellow journalists, and it’s encouraging to fill a room full of passionate people who want to make a difference.
You can find out more about the event here: