# The Ferret
> Investigative journalism for Scotland. 
Public Ghost content for AI and LLM tooling. Use `/llms-full.txt` for consolidated page and post context.
Append `.md` to any post or page URL to get the content in Markdown (for example, `/example-post.md`).

## Pages
- [About us](https://www.theferret.scot/about.md) - Our journalism changes things. The Ferret is an independent, investigative journalism co-operative based in Scotland and owned by its members, not by billionaires or corporations. We dig into corruption, environmental harm, political influence and human rights abuses. Since 2015, our small team has…
- [Advanced User Settings](https://www.theferret.scot/advanced-settings.md)
- [Archive](https://www.theferret.scot/archive-2.md)
- [Buy a Group Subscription](https://www.theferret.scot/buy-group-subscription.md)
- [Complaints](https://www.theferret.scot/complaints.md) - This policy sets out how The Ferret will respond to complaints. We are regulated by Impress and strive to ensure that our content is accurate and of the highest standard, while adhering to the law. We have a rigorous editorial process in place which means our stories are checked by experienced jour…
- [Contact us](https://www.theferret.scot/contact.md) - If you want to get in touch with us, there are several ways to do so. The best way to send us a message is by email, via contact@theferret.scot You can contact us via WhatsApp or Signal. Our number is 07345 208161. Our standard working hours are 10am to 6pm on weekdays. Please note that we’re a sma…
- [FAQs](https://www.theferret.scot/faqs.md) - These are some commonly asked questions about The Ferret. If you have any other questions, please contact us at contact@theferret.scot. Contents * How do I become a member of The Ferret? * Can I give a Ferret subscription as a gift? * How do I cancel my membership? * How can I change my account det…
- [Funding](https://www.theferret.scot/funding.md) - We are part-owned by our members, who help to shape our investigations and decide the future direction of The Ferret. As of October 2025 we had more than 2,500 members. Without this support, we would not exist. Sometimes we also work with other media organisations, who pay us to co-publish our inve…
- [Group Subscriptions](https://www.theferret.scot/group-subscriptions.md)
- [Impact](https://www.theferret.scot/impact.md) - Our journalism changes things. The aim of our journalism is not to generate clicks. Change that comes when we hold the powerful to account – whether that’s to government policy or positive impacts on people’s lives – is what we’re all about. So tracking the impact of our investigations is crucial t…
- [Join us](https://www.theferret.scot/joinus.md) - Join today
- [Membership](https://www.theferret.scot/membership.md)
- [Newsletters](https://www.theferret.scot/newsletters.md) - Our Ferret Underground newsletter is available to readers free of charge. It's a weekly email round-up of what we've been investigating, as well as some of the best investigative reporting from around the world. Signing up to the Ferret Underground email also gives you access to five free stories e…
- [Privacy](https://www.theferret.scot/privacy.md) - The Ferret is committed to maintaining your privacy and collects only the minimum information we need about you to provide our services effectively. We will collect and use individual user details only if we have your permission or where we need to do so in order to manage your membership, for mark…
- [Stories](https://www.theferret.scot/stories.md)
- [Tip Jar](https://www.theferret.scot/tip-jar.md)
- [Tip-offs](https://www.theferret.scot/tip-offs.md) - Tip-offs from our readers, and insiders in organisations – ranging from government workers to company employees – have been the catalyst for many important public interest stories. If you want to highlight an issue or expose wrongdoing, but are worried about doing so, there are ways in which you ca…
- [Transparency](https://www.theferret.scot/transparency.md) - The Ferret is committed to doing things differently, and we believe that transparency should be at the heart of journalism. We want to be as open as possible with our readers and members about how we do stories, where we get funding, and the decisions we make. Funding The Ferret is currently 37 per…
- [Welcome to The Ferret!](https://www.theferret.scot/welcome-gold.md) - Thanks so much for signing up as a Gold member of The Ferret. You are now a vital part of Scotland’s only independent investigative journalism co-operative, owned by members like you – not billionaires or corporations. As a gold member, your extra commitment helps power journalism that changes thin…
- [Welcome to The Ferret!](https://www.theferret.scot/welcome-paid-member.md) - Thanks so much for signing up as a paid member of The Ferret. You are now a vital part of Scotland’s only independent investigative journalism co-operative, owned by members like you – not billionaires or corporations. Your contribution helps us produce journalism that changes things – and we canno…

## Posts
- [The UK is targeting firms linked to illegal Israeli settlements. One is still receiving millions from North Sea oil](https://www.theferret.scot/the-uk-is-targeting-firms-linked-to-illegal-israeli-settlements-one-is-still-receiving-millions-from-north-sea-oil.md) - Ithaca Energy announced a major dividend on the eve of UK sanctions against companies operating in illegal Israeli settlements. A few weeks later it paid out £100m to a shareholder the UN says has ‘direct links’ to the occupied territories.
- [Police assessing whether Reform UK Holyrood candidates broke campaign spending laws](https://www.theferret.scot/police-assessing-whether-reform-uk-holyrood-candidates-broke-campaign-spending-laws.md) - Prospective MSPs are legally required to evidence their election spending and confirm the records are correct. Following an investigation by The Ferret, Police Scotland is examining whether nine Reform UK candidates failed to do so.
- [Oil watchdog faces 'conflict of interests' row over directors’ Shell and BP shares](https://www.theferret.scot/oil-watchdog-conflict-of-interest.md) - Board members at the North Sea oil regulator hold Shell and BP shares. Critics say the investments raise questions about the body's independence.
- [New salmon farmers scheme condemned as “greenwashing opportunity”](https://www.theferret.scot/salmon-farmers-scheme-greenwashing.md) - A new scheme to penalise salmon farmers when fish escape has been launched. But we found it is controlled by the industry prompting criticism.
- [The Tory treasurer, an offshore company and Scotland’s biggest data centre plan](https://www.theferret.scot/scotland-data-centre-graham-edwards.md) - Scotland may be set to host one of the world’s most powerful data centres. The Conservative Party’s money man stands to benefit.
- [Dundee University taxpayer bailout refused after probe into £80m cash balance](https://www.theferret.scot/dundee-university-refused-taxpayer-bailout-after-80m-cash-balance-investigation.md) - The Scottish Funding Council has determined that the university has too much cash to receive a taxpayer bailout. Unions say it shows the level of cuts at Dundee is unnecessary.
- [Ministry of Defence under pressure on Trident balloon accident](https://www.theferret.scot/trident-balloon-accident.md) - Local people filmed a large balloon meant to provide last-ditch communications in a nuclear war deflating and crashing. But the Ministry of Defence won’t say anything about it.
- [Scotland’s abandoned buildings leave communities to bear the burden](https://www.theferret.scot/scotland-abandoned-buildings.md) - Derelict buildings across Scotland are creating a plethora of problems. Local communities are bearing the brunt.
- [Fines for entering offshore marine protected areas don't go far enough, say critics](https://www.theferret.scot/fines-for-entering-offshore-marine-protected-areas-dont-go-far-enough-say-critics.md) - A total of 36 boats have been fined £140,000 in the last 10 months for entering Scotland's marine protected areas. But campaigners claim the fines are too small and may not be a sufficient deterrent.
- [Dundee university might have too much cash to qualify for its taxpayer bailout](https://www.theferret.scot/dundee-university-might-have-too-much-cash-to-qualify-for-its-taxpayer-bailout.md) - The university has continued to argue staff cuts are needed to make ends meet. But a growing cash balance has raised questions about the need for more redundancies, and whether it qualifies for millions in public support.
- [Scotland has apologised for the 'Tinker Experiment'.  So why do some Gypsy Travellers say it’s still going on?](https://www.theferret.scot/scotland-has-apologised-for-the-tinker-experiment-so-why-do-some-gypsy-travellers-say-its-still-going-on.md) - Gypsy Travellers have been persecuted for centuries. But despite a Scottish Government apology last June for the Tinker Experiment – which tried to assimilate them into settled culture – some claim their cultural rights are still being denied.
- [Boss of SNP-backed wind firm named in bribery scandal](https://www.theferret.scot/boss-of-snp-backed-wind-firm-named-in-bribery-scandal.md) - The Scottish Government has continued to back Ming Yang’s proposed investment at Ardersier despite national security concerns. It’s now being accused of a “staggering” failure of due diligence on the firm.
- [Revealed: Scotland and Northern Ireland's rapidly expanding anti-immigration network](https://www.theferret.scot/scotland-northern-ireland-rapidly-anti-immigration-network.md) - This summer we revealed that convicted loyalists from Belfast travelled to Glasgow for a far right protest. Further digging has unearthed a rapidly expanding anti-immigration network between Scotland and Northern Ireland.
- [The unremarkable Glasgow building linked to a fake news-peddler selling business schemes beloved by money launderers](https://www.theferret.scot/glasgow-business-schemes-money-launderers.md) - Authorities tightened the rules around this Scottish business scheme after years of exploitation for financial crime. Moscow entities – and a man accused of facilitating child sex abuse – are still selling it to clients seeking “financial privacy”.
- [Sepa branded ‘toothless’ after salmon farm accused of 15 environmental breaches](https://www.theferret.scot/sepa-toothless-salmon-farm-breaches.md) - The Scottish Government’s green watchdog sent seven letters over three years alleging multiple breaches at a fish farm – and then issued a final warning letter.
- [Revealed: 'dark' money pressure group helped man Scots anti-asylum protests](https://www.theferret.scot/great-british-pac-anti-asylum-protests.md) - This US-style right-wing political pressure group keeps its funders a secret. Its members have helped man Scotland’s anti-migrant and asylum demonstrations.
- [Adult adoptees are taking desperate measures to obtain their family ‘health histories’](https://www.theferret.scot/adult-adoptees-health-histories.md) - Adult adoptees are calling for access to genetic testing to address the ‘health gap’ caused by their lack of information about genetically inherited conditions.
- [More than 50 rivers polluted by toxic chemicals used to treat fleas on pets](https://www.theferret.scot/more-than-50-rivers-polluted-by-toxic-chemicals-used-to-treat-fleas-on-pets.md) - Wildlife is under threat from water pollution caused by pesticides which are hazardous, widespread and persist for years.
- [Three-quarters of 'sustainable' salmon farms broke environmental rules. None lost their accreditation.](https://www.theferret.scot/three-quarters-of-sustainable-salmon-farms-broke-environmental-rules-none-lost-their-accreditation.md) - We looked at inspection reports from the body which certifies “highest standard” farms with a public-facing ‘green tick’ — and found there have been breaches of its rules at dozens of fish farms.
- [Just three per cent of Scotland’s most fragile natural environments are monitored by the agency charged with protecting them](https://www.theferret.scot/just-three-per-cent-of-scotlands-most-fragile-natural-environments-are-monitored-by-the-agency-charged-with-protecting-them.md) - Threats facing our mountains, forests and national parks are increasing, but the level of monitoring of our “protected sites” has almost halved in five years, Scottish Environment LINK has found.
- [What makes a data centre 'green'? One major developer has lobbied for its own definition](https://www.theferret.scot/what-makes-a-data-centre-green-one-major-developer-has-lobbied-for-its-own-definition.md) - The Scottish Government has been supportive of controversial green data centres and is liaising with the industry. But critics argue there are environmental considerations and companies must not be allowed to “write the rules”.
- [Loyalist terrorist and neo-Nazi flags displayed at Edinburgh anti-immigration protest](https://www.theferret.scot/loyalist-terrorist-and-neo-nazi-flags-displayed-at-edinburgh-anti-immigration-protest.md) - Loyalist paramilitary groups in Northern Ireland murdered hundreds of people during The Troubles. But far right activists flew their flag at an anti-immigration rally despite terror laws banning public support for terrorists.
- [Salmon farms broke the law by letting fish suffer, say government regulators](https://www.theferret.scot/salmon-farms-broke-law-fish-suffer.md) - Two salmon farming companies have been accused of allowing fish to die in pain at three farms in Scotland, after the release of covert video footage.
- [At Scotland’s major summer music festivals, four in five headliners are men](https://www.theferret.scot/scotlands-music-festivals-headliners-male.md) - Only one in eleven major summer festivals analysed by The Ferret has a 50/50 gender split, with representation across all festivals declining at headline level.
- [Highland trout firm accused of animal welfare abuses](https://www.theferret.scot/highland-trout-firm-accused-of-animal-welfare-abuses.md) - Covert filming of farmed trout apparently suffering at an abattoir last year led to a firm being formally warned. New footage has prompted a fresh complaint.
- [Families are being left without support after a suicide – and it’s causing more deaths](https://www.theferret.scot/mental-health-place-called-here-glasgow.md) - Those bereaved by suicide have a 65 per cent increased risk of taking their own lives. So why is there not more funding for support after tragedy strikes?
- [AI flooded the Scottish Government with wind farm objections. So they stopped accepting emails](https://www.theferret.scot/ai-ban-emailed-objections-energy-projects.md) - The Scottish Government says the move was needed to tackle the "burden" caused by the growth in AI-assisted objections to energy projects. Critics say it is a way to mute public opposition.
- [Scotland’s wind industry is booming. China and Wall Street are cashing in](https://www.theferret.scot/scotland-wind-china-wall-street.md) - An investment vehicle managed by JP Morgan and state-backed firms from France, Norway and China own Scottish wind farms which have paid tens of millions in dividends this decade.
- [Loyalist killer and former Ulster Volunteer Force member attended Glasgow anti-immigration protest](https://www.theferret.scot/glen-kane-mark-sinclair-glasgow-protest.md) - An anti-immigration protest in Glasgow that turned violent last weekend attracted several hundred people. Those attending included loyalists from Northern Ireland with criminal convictions.
- [The ex-BNP ‘Christian patriot’ raising international funding for Scottish ‘vigilante’ night patrols](https://www.theferret.scot/jim-dawson-funding-vigilante-scotland.md) - Far right organisation Knights Templar International, whose frontman Jim Dowson has a long history of involvement with extremist groups, is now supporting Scotland’s new wave of night patrols.
- [This Russian depot supplies Putin’s war in Ukraine. Its boss has a Scottish property portfolio](https://www.theferret.scot/this-russian-depot-supplies-putins-war-in-ukraine-its-boss-has-a-scottish-property-portfolio.md) - A string of central Glasgow properties are owned by a company belonging to the head of an investment firm behind a Russian shipping hub. Researchers say the port sustains Moscow’s illegal invasion of Ukraine.
- [Non-native trees dominate Scotland’s national woodlands. Experts are concerned](https://www.theferret.scot/non-native-trees-dominate-scottish-woodlands.md) - Thousands of species rely on Scotland’s indigenous trees to survive. In our public woodlands, they’re vastly outnumbered by non-native timber plantations.
- [Scottish Government accused of courting “genocide-profiteers” at Farnborough Airshow](https://www.theferret.scot/scottish-government-farnborough-airshow.md) - Last September Holyrood voted for sanctions against Israel due to the genocide in Gaza. This week the government was in England promoting arms dealers who sell products to Israel’s military.
- [Alarm over bid to keep cracked reactors running by cutting nuclear safety margins](https://www.theferret.scot/torness-bid-cracked-reactors-safety.md) - The company that runs Scotland’s ageing nuclear power station wants to weaken safety standards to keep it running for at least four more years. But the nuclear safety watchdog has its doubts.
- [Claim Glasgow City Council put up posters of ‘high risk’ areas for sexual assault is False](https://www.theferret.scot/glasgow-city-council-posters-sexual-assault.md) - Posters appeared on social media purporting to be from the local authority, but they are fake.
- [School absence rates are reaching crisis point. How can we help young people facing ‘extreme’ social isolation?](https://www.theferret.scot/school-absence-scotland-crisis-point.md) - Academics are raising concerns that an increasing percentage of young people, unable to cope with school, are withdrawing into their bedrooms, while families claim support is “woefully inadequate”.
- [Children in care die at twice the rate of others. Why are so few of their deaths reviewed?](https://www.theferret.scot/scotland-children-care-die-prematurely.md) - A disproportionate number of children and young people growing up in care are dying prematurely, prompting calls for preventative action.
- [Thousands of patients’ data exposed in NHS Scotland data breaches](https://www.theferret.scot/nhs-scotland-data-breaches.md) - Everyone’s medical history and records should be confidential and secure in the hands of the NHS. But there have been serious privacy breaches resulting in dozens of staff being disciplined and police investigations.
- [Anti-immigration activists from England due to travel to Glasgow for protest, claims "patriot" group](https://www.theferret.scot/glasgow-immigration-protest-activists-travel-england.md) - Tensions are high in Glasgow following a series of protests over alleged sex crimes by migrants. Police and anti-racism groups fear extremists could inflame the situation.
- [Women of colour marginalised by "male dominated" election coverage](https://www.theferret.scot/women-colour-scottish-election-coverage.md) - Academics investigated the representation of women of colour in media coverage of the Scottish Parliament election. They said their findings were "incredibly disappointing" given the current hostility towards migrants.
- [The Guga Hunt: Why a centuries-old Hebridean tradition is facing renewed scrutiny](https://www.theferret.scot/guga-hunt-controversy.md) - The Ferret did a deep dive to explain why a bird cull on Lewis dating back centuries is causing outrage amid claims it's a "blood sport"
- [Councils were given millions to tackle the nature crisis. Some spent it on office costs](https://www.theferret.scot/environmental-funding-misspent-councils.md) - The Scottish Government gave local authorities £20m to tackle a "nature emergency". But we found that around £4m of that sum was spent on fixing cars and office equipment, among other non-environmental spending
- [This Trump donor has snapped up a slice of Scotland’s wind](https://www.theferret.scot/trump-donor-scotland-wind-farm.md) - A company founded by US media mogul John Malone has bought an Ayrshire wind farm.
- [A spaceport plans to dump tonnes of rocket junk into the sea north of Shetland, posing a risk to tourism and fishing](https://www.theferret.scot/spaceport-shetland-risk-tourism-fishing.md) - Tourism and fishing associations in Shetland have voiced alarm and concern about the plans, while campaigners condemn space companies as “litter louts".
- [Did Scottish ministers “rewrite history” over Israel meeting?](https://www.theferret.scot/scottish-ministers-israel-meeting.md) - The Scottish Government changed key parts of the official record of Angus Robertson’s controversial Israel meeting after a backlash, raising questions about government secrecy.
- [Over 30,000 Scots in mental health crisis turned to A&E last year. Two thirds were not admitted](https://www.theferret.scot/mental-health-crisis-not-admitted-nhs.md) - Lives are being lost because people are failing to get mental health support when they most urgently need it, a Ferret investigation has found.
- [Reform UK activist claimed to know that Northern Ireland migrants would be targeted](https://www.theferret.scot/reform-uk-northern-ireland-migrants-targeted.md) - Concerns have been raised after a Reform UK campaigner claimed he knew in advance that migrants in Belfast would be targeted following the heinous attack on Stephen Ogilvie. Reform UK said it has “repeatedly and unequivocally condemned violence, intimidation and criminal damage”.
- [Hundreds of offshore landowners are illegally flouting Scotland's land control register](https://www.theferret.scot/offshore-landowners-scotland-land-control-register.md) - Offshore companies which own Scottish land are breaking the law by failing to reveal who they really represent. Authorities aren't bothering to check.
- [Israeli diplomat offered country's 'world-leading technology' to NHS Scotland at Robertson meeting](https://www.theferret.scot/israeli-diplomat-offered-countrys-world-leading-technology-to-nhs-scotland-at-robertson-meeting.md) - The revelations come as the Scottish Government finally publishes full details of its meeting with Daniela Grudsky, after an FoI battle by The Ferret.
- [Children's commissioner calls for end to ‘dangerous’ homeless accommodation for children](https://www.theferret.scot/children-commissioner-homeless-accommodation.md) - Politicians and advocates call for action due to “serious concerns” that children are still being placed in “dangerous environments” when their families are homeless.
- [The ‘kayak vigilante’ accuses Norwegian salmon firm of trying to privatise Scotland’s public waters](https://www.theferret.scot/don-staniford-mowi-salmon-legal-action.md) - Don Staniford is a prominent campaigner who targets Scotland's farmed salmon industry. But companies like Mowi claim his activism risks the safety of staff and legal action has been taken to stop him entering fish farms.
- [Homeless accommodation could put babies at risk. Why aren’t Scottish councils doing more to reduce the dangers?](https://www.theferret.scot/homeless-accommodation-babies-risk.md) - Scottish babies and toddlers are being put at risk due to unsafe sleeping conditions and a lack of basic necessities in homeless accommodation, it is claimed.
- [How an Iranian drone strike could impact thousands of Scottish pensions](https://www.theferret.scot/how-iranian-drone-strike-scottish-pensions.md) - Four Scottish council pension funds are invested in an oil facility targeted by Iranian drones.
- [Scots political activist who performed the Nazi salute will remain a member of Restore Britain](https://www.theferret.scot/james-munro-nazi-salute-member-restore-britain.md) - James Munro was a member of a now defunct neo-Nazi group in Scotland. He was told his involvement with Restore Britain "is not good for the party's values” but remains a member.
- [Is this former Viking outpost a model for a fairer Scotland?](https://www.theferret.scot/is-this-former-viking-outpost-a-model-for-a-fairer-scotland.md) - The tiny Danish island of Bornholm was the site of one of the world’s first offshore wind turbines back in the 1940s. Now its citizens are fighting to build one of the largest community wind farms ever, and raise the benchmark of what’s possible for locally owned energy.
- [Glasgow college spent £14k on Tartan Week – including a limousine trip – while staff at home were refused PPE](https://www.theferret.scot/glasgow-city-college-spent-14k-on-tartan-week-including-a-limousine-trip-while-refusing-staff-at-home-ppe.md) - A freedom of information request has revealed that City of Glasgow College spent almost £14k on a trip to Tartan Week. Meanwhile, staff at home raised concerns about being refused protective equipment to do their jobs.
- [Scotland’s night patrol groups say they are protecting women and children. Critics claim they are ‘vigilantes’](https://www.theferret.scot/scotlands-night-patrol-groups-protecting-women-children-vigilantes.md) - Our investigation indentified more than a dozen groups across Scotland claiming to provide 'street patrols'.
- [The police force protecting our nuclear sites keeps losing classified stuff](https://www.theferret.scot/the-police-force-protecting-our-nuclear-sites-keeps-losing-classified-stuff.md) - Three years ago we revealed a "litany" of security incidents within the police force which guards nuclear plants. They haven't reduced much since.
- [Thousands of Scots don’t have a home. Some new MSPs have more than one](https://www.theferret.scot/scotland-msp-homes-properties.md) - Several of Holyrood’s newest politicians have property portfolios. Campaigners claim they are “profiting” from Scotland’s housing emergency.
- [Wealthy landowners are making millions from Scottish wind farms. You’re subsidising them](https://www.theferret.scot/landowners-making-millions-wind-farms-scotland.md) - Our latest investigation has found the financial rewards of Scotland’s energy transition are being unevenly distributed. The money earned by landowners often dwarfs the payments that wind farm developers make to local communities.
- [Claim SNP government only increased teacher numbers by 75 is Mostly True](https://www.theferret.scot/claim-snp-government-only-increased-teacher-numbers-by-75-is-mostly-true.md) - Conservative candidate Meghan Gallacher made the claim in a special education debate hosted by the BBC.
- [Businessmen and wealthy donors are bankrolling Scottish politics. Who are they?](https://www.theferret.scot/meet-the-donors-funding-scottish-politics.md) - The Ferret did a deep dive into the Electoral Commission’s donation records to find out who was funding Scotland's political parties.
- [Luxury hotels and dinner dates: Who is lobbying our politicians?](https://www.theferret.scot/luxury-hotels-and-dinner-dates-a-ferret-guide-to-lobbying-a-government-minister.md) - High end dinners are a fraction of over 29,000 lobbying meetings in the last parliamentary term. But campaigners argue that because the lobbying spend is not declared, their significance is underplayed.
- [Claim Scottish GP numbers are at record levels is Half True](https://www.theferret.scot/claim-scottish-gp-numbers-are-at-record-levels-is-half-true.md) - First Minister John Swinney made the claim in an SNP election leaflet
- [Starmer plan to relax nuclear regulation opposed by Holyrood](https://www.theferret.scot/starmer-nuclear-regulation-holyrood.md) - UK Government plans which could “weaken” oversight of nuclear safety in Scotland have been rejected by the Scottish Government.
- [The Scottish Government wanted to keep parts of its Israeli meeting secret. We’ve forced transparency](https://www.theferret.scot/the-scottish-government-wanted-to-keep-parts-of-its-israeli-meeting-secret-weve-forced-transparency.md) - Scotland's information watchdog has ordered the release of hidden details of Angus Robertson’s meeting with an Israeli diplomat after a lengthy freedom of information battle.
- [Big tech should be held accountable in court for threats of violence against women, say campaigners](https://www.theferret.scot/violence-against-women-social-media-scotland.md) - Women supporting refugees have been abused, followed and threatened by men in anti-immigration groups who claim they want to protect women. Now there are calls for big tech to do more.
- [These women were abused by far right groups who claimed to want to protect them. But they fought back](https://www.theferret.scot/women-abused-far-right-scotland.md) - Women have been leading the fight against the far right in Scotland but anti-racism activism has come at a high personal cost with at least 14 having been publicly abused and threatened. But they are resolute in the face of intimidation and say they will continue defending human rights.
- [Trident problems hidden in ‘more volatile world’](https://www.theferret.scot/trident-problems-hidden.md) - The UK Information Commissioner is facing criticism for endorsing the Ministry of Defence’s insistence on concealing issues with nuclear weapons because of growing threats from other countries. Secrecy allows “fake news” to fester, say campaigners.
- [$1bn and counting: blacklisted Israeli company raking it in from North Sea oil](https://www.theferret.scot/1bn-and-counting-blacklisted-israeli-company-raking-it-in-from-north-sea-oil.md) - A firm linked by the UN to West Bank settlements has received the sum through its stake in a North Sea oil company.
- [Claim Scotland is ahead of UK in emissions reductions is True](https://www.theferret.scot/claim-scotland-is-ahead-of-uk-in-emissions-reductions-is-true.md) - The SNP election manifesto contained a claim about the performance of the Scottish Government in reaching 'net zero' emissions.
- [Scottish Government ‘rolling out red carpet’ for UAE despite human rights record](https://www.theferret.scot/scottish-government-uae-sudan-human-rights.md) - Documents show deputy first minister did not raise human rights once on trip to Gulf state accused of fuelling Sudan’s brutal war.
- [Sepa gave 400 Scottish lochs 'good' environmental status but only checked 54 of them](https://www.theferret.scot/scandal-sea-lochs-scotland.md) - Lochs are classified as having a “good” environmental status based on samples from other lochs many miles away – and as much as a decade old – prompting concerns that environmental regulation isn’t “fit for purpose”.
- [Revealed: Deer management cost public purse at least £135m in a decade](https://www.theferret.scot/deer-management-cost-public-135m.md) - Deer overpopulation in many parts of Scotland is harming the environment. Attempts to tackle the longstanding issue are costing taxpayers tens of millions of pounds.
- [Dozens charged for supporting loyalist paramilitary groups banned under terror laws](https://www.theferret.scot/loyalist-paramilitary-groups-terror-laws.md) - A freedom of information response revealed there have been 193 charges in Scotland under the Terrorism Act 2000. The alleged offences link to banned groups like the Ulster Volunteer Force, Ulster Freedom Fighters, the IRA, and neo-Nazi group, National Action.
- [Over 100 Scottish terrorism charges have been linked to Palestine Action. That's more in seven months than all other groups faced in 25 years](https://www.theferret.scot/more-palestine-action-supporters-charged-terrorism.md) - The number of Scottish terrorism charges in relation to Palestine Action in the last seven months is more than all the other charges put together since the 2000 Terrorism Act came into force, new figures reveal
- [Named: the salmon farms rapped over animal welfare](https://www.theferret.scot/salmon-farms-rapped-over-animal-welfare.md) - In the past the UK Animal and Plant Health Agency kept secret the salmon farms it censured on animal welfare grounds. Now it has changed its mind.
- [This 'natural' golf course could help shape the future of the sport](https://www.theferret.scot/natural-golf-course-could-help-shape-future-sport.md) - The Ferret visited a Scottish golf course that's won plaudits for its eco-friendly management to learn about the relationship the industry can have with nature and the environment.
- [Trump golf resort the only one among Scotland’s top courses to breach environmental rules](https://www.theferret.scot/trump-golf-scotland-environmental-rules.md) - We asked about the environmental records of Scotland’s 25 best golf courses. The US president’s resort in the north east was the only one to breach its licence in recent years.
- [Claim 'abortion to birth' is now legal in the UK is Mostly False](https://www.theferret.scot/claim-abortion-to-birth-is-now-legal-in-the-uk-is-mostly-false.md) - Changes to abortion law in England and Wales have been misrepresented on social media.
- [Scotland's disappearing golf courses](https://www.theferret.scot/scotlands-disappearing-golf-courses.md) - Climate change is causing rising sea levels and coastal erosion and 109 Scottish golf courses are at risk. We examined the issue as part of Green drive: Golf and the environmental crisis – a special Ferret series on golf and the environment.
- [Reform UK knew its candidates had supported far right influencers, spread Covid-19 conspiracies, and made ableist slurs. The party selected them again.](https://www.theferret.scot/reform-uk-knew-its-candidates-had-supported-far-right-influencers-spread-covid-19-conspiracies-and-made-ableist-slurs-the-party-selected-them-again.md) - The Ferret exposed the extreme views of Reform UK’s Scotland’s candidates before Nigel Farage promised to improve his party’s “poor” vetting processes, but many of them have been re-selected to fight the Holyrood election.
- [Scottish Labour donation linked to ‘astroturf’ nuclear campaign](https://www.theferret.scot/scottish-labour-astroturf-nuclear.md) - Anas Sarwar's party accepted over £7,000 from Stonehaven, a lobbying firm which represents the owner of Scotland's last nuclear power station. Scottish Labour has sought to make nuclear power a battleground in the May election.
- [This pro-nuclear group claims to be 'grassroots'. So why are its directors industry lobbyists?](https://www.theferret.scot/britain-remade-links-industry-lobbyists.md) - Britain Remade has appointed two directors from a lobbying firm which represents EDF, the owner of Scotland’s last nuclear power station.
- [Claim Scottish Labour built six houses in government is False](https://www.theferret.scot/claim-scottish-labour-built-six-houses-in-government-is-false.md) - Online claims questioned Scottish Labour's house building in government between 1999 and 2007.
- [Revealed: Shop where Glasgow fire started had not registered to sell vapes or paid business taxes](https://www.theferret.scot/revealed-company-behind-vape-shop-fire-had-not-paying-business-rates-or-registered-to-sell-vapes.md) - A Ferret investigation has found there was no registration to sell vapes at the Union Street premises in Glasgow where a major fire started - and we can reveal the name of the company behind the shop.
- [‘Sickening’ videos of damaged salmon at highland farm](https://www.theferret.scot/videos-damaged-salmon-bakkafrost.md) - Campaigners complained to a government animal welfare watchdog, with videos of badly injured salmon at a fish farm. This prompted a review, but should more have been done?
- [More than half a million tonnes of sewage sludge spread on Scotland's fields](https://www.theferret.scot/tonnes-sewage-sludge-scotland-farmland.md) - Huge volumes of sewage sludge have been used to fertilise Scottish farmland. Studies show it contains microplastics, forever chemicals and cancer-linked pollutants.
- [Has the Scottish Government changed its stance on oil and gas?](https://www.theferret.scot/has-the-scottish-government-changed-its-stance-on-oil-and-gas.md) - With a decision on the Rosebank oil field imminent – and lobbying around the windfall tax at fever pitch – some are questioning whether the Scottish Government's current stance on oil and gas is in step with their ambition to be a world leader in climate action.
- [‘Fighting age males’ and coded swastikas: How the far-right is using gaming to recruit the next generation of Nazis](https://www.theferret.scot/far-right-using-gaming-to-recruit.md) - Far right actors have used gaming to recruit youngsters for some time but experts say they are increasingly using codes and imagery to avoid moderation.
- [‘Weak’ salmon farm watchdog: 100 investigations and just two warning letters](https://www.theferret.scot/weak-salmon-farm-watchdog-100-investigations-and-just-two-warning-letters.md) - Investigations into allegations of poor fish welfare at salmon farms by the UK Animal and Plant Health Agency have risen by more than ten times in six years, while site inspections have decreased.
- [No evidence of viral Richard Tice quote on Reform's plans for Scotland](https://www.theferret.scot/richard-tice-viral-quote-fact-check.md) - A quote attributed to Reform UK's Richard Tice has gone viral in recent weeks.
- ['Culture of fear': allegations of mismanagement keep coming at scandal hit heritage agency](https://www.theferret.scot/intimidation-and-discrimination-allegations-keep-coming-at-scandal-hit-heritage-agency.md) - New allegations at Stirling Castle dating back eight years have emerged following a string of complaints about its custodians, Historic Environment Scotland, in recent months.
- [Does Sharia law have an influence in Scotland?](https://www.theferret.scot/does-sharia-law-have-an-influence-in-scotland.md) - Sharia law is a contentious issue in the UK. Some question whether it is compatible with so-called British values while claiming it's a separate legal system operating parallel to UK laws. In our latest De-noiser, we look at the facts.
- [Edinburgh Uni staff are losing their jobs. Their boss has two](https://www.theferret.scot/edinburgh-job-loss-mathieson.md) - Sir Peter Mathieson appears to have confirmed he is being paid for a board role at a university spin-off at the same time as many staff face uncertainty about their futures.
- [‘Backroom’ lobbying on Coul Links golf plan under fire](https://www.theferret.scot/backroom-lobbying-on-coul-links-golf-plan-under-fire.md) - Scottish ministers have been privately urged to back plans for a golf course on a coastal wildlife site. This has been condemned as “backdoor lobbying that tries to bypass the rules”.
- [Communities were promised a share of Scotland’s wind boom. Some are being sold short](https://www.theferret.scot/communities-were-promised-a-share-of-scotlands-wind-boom-some-are-being-sold-short.md) - More than 20 wind farms are failing to pay an agreed amount to locals. That could cost Scottish communities over £50m.
- [Self-styled nightwatchmen patrol a Scottish village. Their leader is a Nazi](https://www.theferret.scot/self-styled-nightwatchmen-patrol-a-scottish-village-their-leader-is-a-nazi.md) - John Carroll says his nighttime rounds are protecting the community. Critics say his “abhorrent” views on Hitler, the Holocaust and race are incompatible with his adopted role.
- [Claim John Swinney stayed at Peter Mandelson's   residence is Mostly True](https://www.theferret.scot/claim-john-swinney-stayed-at-peter-mandelsons-residence-is-mostly-true.md) - The first minister has been criticised online for staying with Mandelson on a trip to the US last year. We looked at the truth behind the claims.
- [CCA to be investigated over financial governance concerns](https://www.theferret.scot/cca-to-be-investigated-over-financial-governance-concerns.md) - The Scottish charity regulator has announced it will investigate Glasgow's Centre for Contemporary Arts, which folded last month, due to concerns raised about its "historic financial management".
- [Books are being challenged in Scottish schools. Librarians fear a 'chilling effect' on freedom of speech](https://www.theferret.scot/books-scottish-schools-librarians.md) - Dozens of complaints about reading material in school libraries have been received, with campaigners warning that "book bans" could increase.
- [Could AI misinformation sway the Scottish election?](https://www.theferret.scot/could-ai-misinformation-sway-the-scottish-election.md) - Persuasive AI assistants, deepfakes and bots are now commonplace. But could they be used by bad actors to influence Scotland’s elections?
- [Salmon company lashes out at own industry over ‘honesty’ on lice](https://www.theferret.scot/salmon-company-lashes-out-at-own-industry-over-honesty-on-lice.md) - A well known salmon farming company was told by Scottish Government inspectors to cut lice numbers at three of its sites in Sutherland. It responded by suggesting that other salmon farmers were failing to report lice numbers accurately.
- [Inside House 88: The former home of the SS officer who ran Auschwitz](https://www.theferret.scot/house-88-auschwitz-counter-extremism.md) - The Ferret visited Poland to visit House 88, the former home of Rudolf Höss, the SS officer who ran the Auschwitz-Birkenau extermination camp. The house is being transformed into a global centre to fight extremism.
- [Poland's Jewish revival: In the shadow of Auschwitz](https://www.theferret.scot/polands-jewish-revival-in-the-shadow-of-auschwitz.md) - We visited the Polish city of Krakow ahead of Holocaust Memorial Day which is held to remember the millions murdered by the Nazis – including six million Jews. Krakow's Jewish population was decimated then but the city is now home to one of the fastest-growing Jewish communities in the world.
- [Political parties took thousands from lobbying groups in Scotland. Campaigners say they are buying access to power](https://www.theferret.scot/political-parties-lobbying-groups-scotland.md) - Political parties have accepted thousands of pounds from lobbyists in recent years. Anti-corruption campaigners claimed donations buy lobby firms “privileged access” to politicians for their wealthy clients.
- [Why can’t I get an appointment with my GP?](https://www.theferret.scot/why-cant-i-get-an-appointment-with-my-gp.md) - The pressing need to address difficulties the Scottish public reports in getting an appointment with their GP was raised in last week’s budget. So will new funding and proposals for walk-in surgeries help? What are the underlying reasons for the issue?
- [Concern over bid to exempt organic food certification from public scrutiny](https://www.theferret.scot/organic-food-certification-scrutiny.md) - Campaigners asked for inspection reports on organic salmon farms in Scotland. It led to an appeal which could limit the public right to access environmental information.
- [The UAE is accused of arming a genocidal militia in Sudan. The Scottish Government wants closer ties](https://www.theferret.scot/uae-arming-genocidal-militia-scottish-government-closer-ties.md) - The Scottish Government's "courting" of the Gulf state comes as human rights groups raise allegations about its role in Sudan’s devastating war.
- [Scotland’s prisoner transport provider is linked to Trump’s ICE migrant hunters](https://www.theferret.scot/scotlands-prisoner-transport-provider-is-linked-to-trumps-ice-migrant-hunters.md) - Scotland’s prison transport operator has been condemned for performance failures. It’s co-owned by a US corporation supplying bounty hunters for Donald Trump’s mass deportation initiative.
- [Farmed salmon were treated with a lot more drugs than the industry said](https://www.theferret.scot/farmed-salmon-were-treated-with-a-lot-more-drugs-than-the-industry-said.md) - The credibility of the salmon farming industry has come under attack after it admitted underestimating by 66 per cent the amount of antibiotics used to treat diseased fish in 2024.
- [This Highland estate took £1.5m in taxpayer cash but let deer run riot across protected areas](https://www.theferret.scot/this-highland-estate-took-1-5m-in-taxpayer-cash-but-let-deer-run-riot-across-protected-areas.md) - Scottish authorities had to intervene to keep deer numbers down at a Sutherland estate after the overpopulated animals damaged protected areas. Meanwhile, the landowner has received vast sums of public money.
- [Claim that video shows bagpiper playing over call to prayer in Scotland is False](https://www.theferret.scot/video-bagpiper-muslim-prayer-scotland-false.md) - A video showing a man playing bagpipes during a Muslim call to prayer was widely shared on social media this week, after being boosted by accounts critical of Islam. The short clip was posted on X numerous times, with accounts stating it showed a call to prayer in Scotland. “The Scottish have start…
- [Seven million lice-eating fish have died at Scottish salmon farms](https://www.theferret.scot/million-lice-eating-fish-died-at-salmon-farms.md) - A campaigner has made the first estimate of the total number of cleaner fish that have died while grazing lice on farmed salmon. It’s condemned as a “colossal waste of life” that should cease.
- [Here's what former Brexit party MEP David Coburn has said about Russia and Ukraine](https://www.theferret.scot/heres-what-former-brexit-party-mep-david-coburn-has-said-about-russia-and-ukraine.md) - 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.
- [It’s Christmas in Bethlehem. But children in the West Bank face violence and fear](https://www.theferret.scot/its-christmas-in-bethlehem-but-children-in-the-west-bank-face-violence-and-fear.md) - 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.
- [Lord Offord's historical immigration claim is Mostly False](https://www.theferret.scot/lord-offords-historical-immigration-claim-is-mostly-false.md) - 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.
- [Scotland's first minister backed Israeli sanctions, but met Airbnb while it promoted West Bank 'occupation tourism'](https://www.theferret.scot/first-minister-backed-israeli-sanctions-airbnb-west-bank-occupation-tourism.md) - 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.
- [Her husband was killed in West Bank settler violence. Now authorities are trying to bulldoze her family’s village](https://www.theferret.scot/awdah-hathaleen-death-eviction.md) - The residents of Umm al-Khair in the West Bank were already reeling from the loss of community leader and English teacher Awdah Hathaleen. Now they are fighting a mass demolition order on their homes. Human rights organisations say it’s become a symbol of the struggles of life under occupation.
- [A fish farm breached animal welfare rules. The regulator still took firms there on a PR tour](https://www.theferret.scot/aquaculture-stewardship-council-bakkafrost.md) - The Aquaculture Stewardship Council monitors standards at Scottish fish farms to help consumers choose “environmentally and socially responsible” farmed seafood. But it showcased a farm that had breached its rules on sea lice 11 times.
- [Why are Scottish wind farms paid billions to switch off?](https://www.theferret.scot/why-are-scottish-wind-farms-paid-billions-to-switch-off.md) - Despite Scotland’s booming wind sector, turbines are still routinely paid not to spin. The Ferret unpacks why this happens, what makes it so costly, and what it means for your bills.
- [SNP claims about Rachel Reeves ‘chaos budget’ are Mostly True](https://www.theferret.scot/snp-claims-reeves-budget-mostly-true.md) - Ferret Fact Service looked at SNP claims about the UK Government budget on energy bills, taxes and unemployment.
- [A multinational says a battery site in rural Kintyre will help tackle climate change. Locals claim it will spoil a "unique environment"](https://www.theferret.scot/battery-storge-kintyre-spoil-environment.md) - There have been hundreds of applications for battery energy storage schemes (BESS) across Scotland. They are part of the Scottish Government’s drive to meet net zero targets but some communities oppose them including villagers in Kintyre.
- [Fort William food bank faces down £24k bill from energy giant](https://www.theferret.scot/fort-william-food-bank-faces-down-24k-bill-from-energy-giant.md) - The Lochaber food bank in Fort William claims energy multinational SSE tried to "rip them off". After a year of fighting – and questions from The Ferret – it has received an apology. But it's still being charged more than £10k.
- [Far-right agitators stand accused of stirring up trouble at asylum hotel protests. But anti-racists are standing firm](https://www.theferret.scot/far-right-agitators-are-attending-asylum-hotel.md) - Following a sharp rise in far right activity, we’ve spent the last three months attending protests, speaking to activists under threat, and tracking anti-asylum seeker demonstrations across Scotland.
- [‘Nousferatu’: the notorious consultancy advising Edinburgh uni amid 'huge' cuts](https://www.theferret.scot/consultancy-advising-edinburgh-huge-cuts.md) - Scotland’s largest university has turned to Nous Group at the same time as it is making savings that could lead to nearly 2,000 job losses. Staff say they were misled about the extent of its work.
- [Is there a link between migration and crime?](https://www.theferret.scot/is-there-a-link-between-migration-and-crime.md) - Migration's alleged link to increased crime has been back in the spotlight in recent years, so we looked at the evidence.

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