As wind farms, pylons and battery sites multiply across Scotland, rural communities say the green energy rush is leaving them sidelined. Scottish Beacon readers tell us about the impact on landscapes, livelihoods and trust – and what they think needs to change.

Crossmichael Community Council will have the latest draft of the Local Place Plan available to view at Crossmichael Gala 2025 on Saturday 30th August!

Following a drop-in session in February and the circulation of a questionnaire, the Community Council has considered all the responses submitted, and now wants to hear the community's views on the draft Action Plan and Community Objectives.

Saturday 23rd August was a big day in Corsock, with the 2025 Great Corsock Show!

Lightsource bp will be outlining their proposal to fund and develop a 100MW/400MWh (4-hour duration) energy storage project connected into the local electricity network on 21 acres of land to the east of the A762. The project will facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the grid, helping to support low-cost electricity and the enhanced reliability of the electricity grid.

Through the school summer holidays a programme of ‘Coastal Woodland Adventures’ events have been delivered along the Solway Firth. Aimed at a wide range of ages, these were based in five of our most special woodlands. Topics covered varied from tree ID and bug hunts through to bushcraft and survival skills.

Carsphairn Heritage Initiative needs volunteers to stewards in Heritage Centre which is an important resource for Carsphairn and has been for many years.

The Galloway & Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership will be competing with other UNESCO Biospheres in the British Isles to collect the most wildlife and nature records in a special ‘BioBlitz’ event on 23rd August, and is inviting local people to take part.

Dumfries and Galloway Council have notified residents of two road closures in coming weeks.

After a review of bus network contracts, SWestrans and Dumfries and Galloway Council have announced updated arrangements for the region’s buses. The new timetables and in some cases routes, will begins on Thursday 7th August 2025.

July sees the launch of the 2025/26 Dumfries & Galloway Tree Planting Grant Scheme, offering support to small scale tree planting projects across the region.

Community Benefit Fund to provide long term benefit and create positive impact in local communities in the Glenkens and East Ayrshire.

Carsphairn SWI has discussed over recent years, a visit to The Great Tapestry of Scotland in Galashiels. On 17th July, this came to fruition when a minibus of members and friends set off from Dalry at 9am.

You may be eligible for the Education Maintenance Allowance of £30/week if you’re staying on at school. It's paid every 2 weeks, during term time (not in school holidays) and you’ll need to apply each academic year.

Saturday 23rd of August is a date for the calendar, with the return of the Great Corsock Show. This Galloway institution is now approaching its 20th year!

The annual Glenkens Food Month is a fantastic partnership of local organisations and businesses celebrating the amazing food and drink of the Glenkens and runs throughout September featuring a range of food-related events and activities from local producers, establishments and communities.

Balmaclellan Community Council wants to hear from all residents about what is good and what could be better about Balmaclellan.

The Chief Executive of the Glenkens Community and Arts Trust, Helen Keron, has decided to step down from her role as after three and a half years in post, following nine years as a Board member.

Over the past 18 months, significant work has been undertaken within the Glenkens to explore the future of education and learning in the area. This work, led by the Community Action Plan Steering Group and supported by the Glenkens Community and Arts Trust (GCAT), has reaffirmed what previous commissioned research has shown: a strong educational provision is vital to supporting thriving rural communities and sustaining population levels.

Loch Ken Trust are launching the Glenkens Community Cardiac Responders Group, in association with the Scottish Ambulance Service.