Harvey Smart

Sep 17, 2024 | scottishbeacon.com | Harvey Smart

Last Friday, it was revealed the Finnart oil terminal will close with the loss of 20 jobs. The announcement came in the wake of the news that the Grangemouth refinery – connected to Finnart via a pipeline – would close with the loss of hundreds of jobs. Last November Petroineos said that the terminal on Loch Long would remain open regardless of Grangemouth’s potential closure, being converted into a diesel import facility.

Sep 11, 2024 | scottishbeacon.com | Harvey Smart |Greater Govanhill |Devon McCole

It’s an overcast, warm and muggy day and the River Guardians volunteer group is down at the Millburn burn, a tiny stream running down from the hills above the Vale, through Renton, before entering the Leven just behind the Vale Academy. At first glance, it might not seem special, but this small waterway is a habitat for a huge variety of creatures, big and small.

Jun 5, 2024 | scottishbeacon.com | Fiona Grahame |Harvey Smart

Reusing church buildings for the wider community supports their preservation and provides a space where events can be held. In Deerness, Orkney, community organisation The Friends of St Ninian’s is able to achieve both of these important aims in a building with a fascinating history. Deerness, which its residents describe as  ‘almost an island’, is joined to Mainland  by a narrow stretch of land, and like all Orkney’s parishes has its own distinctive character.