A former Scotland leader of Nigel Farage’s previous party has been under scrutiny over pro-Russian statements since an explosive court case. The Ferret analysed what David Coburn said about Russia – and Ukraine – throughout his political career.
Mohammed was 17 years old when he was shot by an Israeli sniper in Bethlehem. Two years on, his family say there is no accountability for his death. Their story is one of dozens from across the West Bank, it is claimed, with human rights organisations calling for child rights to be upheld.
Reform UK's Malcolm Offord claimed one million people came to the UK in the 20th century, and seven million people have come to the UK since 2000. This is not accurate.
The millionaire family of Kate Middleton’s sister owns the 10,000-acre Glen Affric estate in the Highlands via a series of companies registered in offshore tax havens, The Ferret can reveal.
David Matthews, Pippa Middleton Matthews’ father-in-law and former racing driver, reportedly became the Laird of Glen Affric when he bought the estate for £7m in 2008.
There is no suggestion Matthews or companies associated with him have broken tax laws, but tax campaigners warn that entities registered in tax havens contribute to global tax loss and poor financial transparency.
His son James, also a former racing driver and hedge fund manager, married Middleton, the sister of the Princess of Wales, in 2017, and will inherit his father’s estate and title.
The estate is owned by Beaufort Entreprise SA – a company registered in the tax haven of the Seychelles.
SNP MP Tommy Sheppard deemed it “an absolute scandal that so much Scottish land and property ownership can be traced to opaque offshore tax havens”.
He added: “The pressing need for further land reform to ensure that land-based power is transferred to the communities that live and work sustainably on our land has never been more urgent.”
It is an absolute scandal that so much Scottish land and property ownership can be traced to opaque offshore tax havens.
Tommy Sheppard, SNP MP
Beaufort was required to reveal its beneficial owners in light of the introduction of the Register of Overseas Entities (ROE), which aims to provide greater land ownership transparency. A wealth management firm, Equiom (Isle Of Man) Limited, was named as the beneficiary.
However, Matthews’ ownership of the estate, which also acts as a luxury hotel, has been widely reported.
Media reports have claimed it costs anywhere between £11,880 to £25,000 for a party to stay at the lodge, and take part in deer stalking, partridge shooting, and a range of other outdoor activities. The estate’s website advertises accommodation, but does not publicly state the fee.
Beaufort owns a property called the North Steading at Athnamulloch in Glen Affric separately, according to the ROE. However, the property entry lists Beaufort Entreprise SA as being registered in Monaco – a tax haven for the super rich. David Matthews has reportedly been a Monaco resident.
Equiom also owns a retail unit on Glasgow’s Ingram Street, the Corseyard Tower – better known as the Coo Palace – at Borge, near Kirkcudbright in Galloway, and land at Tigh Mor in the Trossachs national park.
The Ferret attempted to contact James and David Matthews via Glen Affric estate and their Eden Group company, but did not receive a response.
Main image credit: Credit: Mike Pennington/Brian Bollen
Scotland’s secret owners is a Ferret investigation exclusively produced in partnership with The Herald. The Ferret is a media-coop, which works with its members to produce investigations in the public interest. Sign up to our newsletter to find out more or become a member at theferret.scot/subscribe
A former Scotland leader of Nigel Farage’s previous party has been under scrutiny over pro-Russian statements since an explosive court case. The Ferret analysed what David Coburn said about Russia – and Ukraine – throughout his political career.
Reform UK's Malcolm Offord claimed one million people came to the UK in the 20th century, and seven million people have come to the UK since 2000. This is not accurate.
Airbnb’s business practices in the West Bank have long been in the spotlight, prompting criticism from human rights campaigners. We can now reveal that the firm has lobbied the Scottish Government 52 times since 2018.
A Russian oligarch praised by Vladimir Putin has amassed a UK property portfolio under the veil of secretive offshore trusts, The Ferret can reveal. Anti-corruption campaigners say our investigation is a “shocking indictment” of the UK’s “dirty money” defences.
