Hundreds of protected areas are under pressure from Scotland’s massive deer herd. Most agree deer numbers must be controlled to protect the environment, but are split on what should be done.
Edinburgh University students were “interrogated” by police at their desks over posters featuring Palestinians killed by the Israeli military, prompting dozens to complain.
Unsafe levels of faecal bacteria were recorded at dozens of Scotland’s best beaches this summer. Swimmers and paddlers could be at risk, but officials insist water quality remains high.
Plus, a snapshot of the impact our journalism has had over the past month.
It’s been a month since our reader survey was launched and we’re thrilled to share that over 110 readers have already responded! This valuable feedback is helping us chart the next steps for The Ferret, and we’re incredibly grateful to everyone who’s taken the time to share their thoughts with us.
With one month left, we’re only halfway there — which means there’s still time for you to add your view and join us in shaping the next decade for Scotland’s leading investigative journalism outlet. Whether you’ve been with us for years or just discovered The Ferret, this is your chance to influence the stories and issues we tackle next.
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While we wait for more of your thoughts, here’s a quick look at some of the impact we’ve made just this past month.
Earlier last month, Mowi Scotland COO Ben Hadfield was questioned by the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Affairs and Islands Committee regarding a row in Loch Broom about a feed barge, as we reported this summer.
The company was accused of misleading the public over plans for a fish farm in a protected area, but following our investigation it withdrew its controversial application for an industrial feeding system. Mowi denied misleading people and said there had been a misunderstanding.
And it wasn’t the only story making waves this month.
Our investigation revealing that nearly 60 percent of Scotland’s most popular wild swimming spots were polluted with high levels of faecal contamination at least once this summer was followed up by The Times.
Meanwhile, Mail Online referenced our report on a far-right activist posing with weapons and performing the Nazi salute. And The National covered our story on an Angus community councillor and Homeland Party member accused of “abhorrent racism” after claiming that Black politicians and footballers are “clearly not” British.
Our fact-checking also gained attention, with the Scottish Daily Express quoting two of our recent fact checks: one on the claim that nearly half of crimes went unsolved last year, rated Mostly True, and another on claims that crime levels are currently at 40-year lows, rated Mostly False.
According to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, Rural Affairs Secretary Mairi Gougeon was briefed with two Ferret articles ahead of her visit to a Chilean fish farming facility known for its high animal welfare standards.
The producer is an example of what the Scottish Government expects from its own fish farming sector, Gougeon said.
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Hundreds of protected areas are under pressure from Scotland’s massive deer herd. Most agree deer numbers must be controlled to protect the environment, but are split on what should be done.
Edinburgh University students were “interrogated” by police at their desks over posters featuring Palestinians killed by the Israeli military, prompting dozens to complain.
Unsafe levels of faecal bacteria were recorded at dozens of Scotland’s best beaches this summer. Swimmers and paddlers could be at risk, but officials insist water quality remains high.
Footage of farmed trout suffocating, haemorrhaging, and being beaten with batons in a slaughterhouse has prompted an official complaint to a government regulator.
