Social isolation in the Highlands, migrant mothers facing charges and cuts to ASN education in Edinburgh
And the conversation that got me fired up this week
This week, in The Community Newsroom, Greater Govanhill hosted a community conversation on the future of local democracy. It was part of a Scottish Government consultation on the shifting of power to communities.
It was a really fascinating conversation with local residents on the issues that matter to them. We talked about what worked in our community, what didn’t, and what could be done about it.
One topic that came up again and again was the need for - and value of - good local information. It highlighted the benefits that a community-based public interest news publication can bring on so many different levels.
It’s so important when you work in journalism and local news to speak to folk outside the industry to get a better perspective on the work that you do. And when people value it, it can really light a fire to do more, do better.
Up and down Scotland there are people working hard (often for no pay) to provide community news and information - because it matters.
If you value independent community news, please consider supporting independent media where you are or become a member of The Scottish Beacon here.
-Rhiannon
Founder, Greater Govanhill / Scottish Beacon
Latest on our website
Relentless, embarrassing & cruel’: Report highlights social isolation faced by young women in Highlands
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The Edinburgh Reporter: Edinburgh Council denies services for children with additional support needs are being cut
The City of Edinburgh Council denies that it is making changes or cuts to places in schools for children with additional support needs (ASN).
Migrant Women Press: The struggle of migrant mothers: escaping abuse and confronting international abduction charges
Many migrant mums escaping domestic violence now face international child abduction charges. In this feature, Ana Dutra Tagliati shares their stories, addressing the challenges of abuse and a complex international legal fight.
Shetland News: Viking Energy bond well worth waiting for says Shetland council chief executive
The long-awaited and overdue financial bond for the Viking Energy wind farm has finally been signed, three and half years after it should have been in place.
News from our partners
A huge congratulations to Ileach, our partner covering Islay and Jura, who won ‘Community Newspaper of the Year’ at the Highlands & Islands Press Ball & Media Awards
Also congratulations go to The Edinburgh Reporter who have been shorlisted for ‘Community Newspaper of the Years’ in the Newspaper Awards UK.
Elsewhere in local news…
The Community Newsroom run in collaboration by Greater Govanhill and The Ferret received a mention in the Guardian today in a piece by the Public Interest News Foundation CEO, Jonathan Heawood, entitled Local news in the UK is in deep trouble. But this band of radicals could change everything.
We were featured in the Press Gazette this week in an How Scottish Beacon aims to promote local independent journalism – There is an appetite for local journalism according to work done by The Scottish Beacon.