The Ferret

theferret.scotDeparting Edinburgh uni boss says he’s committed to the job – but still won’t say what his second role paysAs staff at Scotland’s largest university continue strikes over sweeping cuts, their boss still won’t say what his second job pays on top of his £425,000 salary.

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“Many of us have to work multiple jobs outside the university, but that is because we aren’t paid enough to make rent otherwise”

theferret.scotMore than one million animal experiments in Scotland since 2021Scientists argue that research using animals is vital for the treatment and cure of human diseases like cancers. But experimenting on dogs and monkeys is controversial and critics say alternative methods should be used.

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“[Institutions] must move with the times and embrace state-of-the-art, human-relevant methods that harm nobody, improve potential outcomes for patients, and end tests on animals for good”

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🔴 NEW: As staff at Scotland’s largest university continue strikes over sweeping cuts, their boss still won’t say what his second job pays on top of his £425,000 salary. Our latest: https://www.theferret.scot/p/44b38656-86f3-48ce-bb56-deec3ed0f060/

theferret.scotMore than one million animal experiments in Scotland since 2021Scientists argue that research using animals is vital for the treatment and cure of human diseases like cancers. But experimenting on dogs and monkeys is controversial and critics say alternative methods should be used.

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OneKind says animal testing is declining but remains widespread. Its latest report records more than 1.14 million procedures in Scotland over five years, prompting renewed calls for non-animal alternatives

theferret.scotMore than one million animal experiments in Scotland since 2021Scientists argue that research using animals is vital for the treatment and cure of human diseases like cancers. But experimenting on dogs and monkeys is controversial and critics say alternative methods should be used.

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“It is appalling to think that the bulk of these tests are being carried out at universities that receive public funding”

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Scientists argue that research using animals is vital for the treatment and cure of human diseases like cancers. But experimenting on dogs and monkeys is controversial and critics say alternative methods should be used. Our latest: https://www.theferret.scot/p/aa38b28f-ac80-4829-acfb-d19729db02b9/

theferret.scotPiloted flights protecting Scotland's waters from illegal fishing have more than halved due to cutbacksThe Scottish Government is selling surveillance planes to save money and says drones are used to prevent illegal fishing. But critics argue that losing experienced pilots could mean criminality goes unchecked.

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“Our fishermen have been badly let down by a government that does not take this issue seriously”

theferret.scotPiloted flights protecting Scotland's waters from illegal fishing have more than halved due to cutbacksThe Scottish Government is selling surveillance planes to save money and says drones are used to prevent illegal fishing. But critics argue that losing experienced pilots could mean criminality goes unchecked.

Scotland's two fisheries surveillance aircraft were bought in 2008 and 2009 and equipped to record illegal marine activity. The government is now seeking to sell them as part of cost-saving changes

theferret.scotPiloted flights protecting Scotland's waters from illegal fishing have more than halved due to cutbacksThe Scottish Government is selling surveillance planes to save money and says drones are used to prevent illegal fishing. But critics argue that losing experienced pilots could mean criminality goes unchecked.

Environmental charity Open Seas says fisheries enforcement can already arrive days after reports of illegal activity, raising questions about the effectiveness of Scotland's marine surveillance system

🔴 NEW: The Scottish Government is selling surveillance planes to save money and says drones will be used to prevent illegal fishing. But critics argue that losing experienced pilots could mean criminality goes unchecked. Our latest: https://www.theferret.scot/p/bcadd4c5-b1bc-4b67-9139-9929c7073c75/

Prospective MSPs are legally required to evidence election spending and sign off their records. Following an investigation by The Ferret, police are examining whether nine Reform UK candidates failed to do so https://tinyurl.com/4f9xwtjf

🔴 NEW: One of the biggest players in North Sea oil paid out nearly £100m in profits to an Israeli firm linked by the UN to illegal settlements just weeks after the UK Government announced new sanctions on projects in the West Bank. Read the full story 👉 https://bit.ly/4i3Utpm

Four Reform UK candidates apparently did not disclose how much they spent during their Scottish election campaigns and the value of their donations. Five more seemingly failed to sign off their spending. https://tinyurl.com/4f9xwtjf

theferret.scotOil watchdog faces 'conflict of interests' row over directors’ Shell and BP sharesBoard members at the North Sea oil regulator hold Shell and BP shares. Critics say the investments raise questions about the body's independence.

“It is outrageous that people who are supposed to be regulating the oil and gas industry also have a direct financial interest in companies that are subject to that regulation”

theferret.scotOil watchdog faces 'conflict of interests' row over directors’ Shell and BP sharesBoard members at the North Sea oil regulator hold Shell and BP shares. Critics say the investments raise questions about the body's independence.

Two new directors at the North Sea Transition Authority hold shares in companies operating in the sector it regulates. The NSTA says the holdings are not significant enough to impair independent judgement

theferret.scotOil watchdog faces 'conflict of interests' row over directors’ Shell and BP sharesBoard members at the North Sea oil regulator hold Shell and BP shares. Critics say the investments raise questions about the body's independence.

“It is almost impossible to see how the organisation can remain impartial when directors continue, after appointment, to hold shares in the very industry they regulate and licence”

🔴 NEW: Two board members at the North Sea oil regulator hold Shell and BP shares. Critics say the investments raise questions about the body's independence. Our latest: https://www.theferret.scot/p/6c6b99bb-e206-4f6d-93fe-c1ee40d794ab/

theferret.scotNew salmon farmers scheme condemned as “greenwashing opportunity”A new scheme to penalise salmon farmers when fish escape has been launched. But we found it is controlled by the industry prompting criticism.

"Escapes should not be a ‘greenwashing opportunity’ for salmon farm firms"

theferret.scotNew salmon farmers scheme condemned as “greenwashing opportunity”A new scheme to penalise salmon farmers when fish escape has been launched. But we found it is controlled by the industry prompting criticism.

Nearly 87,000 farmed salmon escaped into Scottish waters last year. A new industry-backed scheme aims to fund conservation following escapes, but critics question its independence and effectiveness

theferret.scotNew salmon farmers scheme condemned as “greenwashing opportunity”A new scheme to penalise salmon farmers when fish escape has been launched. But we found it is controlled by the industry prompting criticism.

“This arrangement is a major step backwards for wild salmon conservation in Scotland”

A new scheme to penalise salmon farmers when farmed fish escape is wholly controlled by the industry, The Ferret can reveal, prompting claims it is “a major step backwards for wild salmon conservation in Scotland”. Our latest: https://www.theferret.scot/p/9f6a4ddf-47dc-4e8b-a216-3dae39faf794/

theferret.scotThe Tory treasurer, an offshore company and Scotland’s biggest data centre planScotland may be set to host one of the world’s most powerful data centres. The Conservative Party’s money man stands to benefit.

“The public rightly question what donors to political parties expect in return for their cash”

theferret.scotThe Tory treasurer, an offshore company and Scotland’s biggest data centre planScotland may be set to host one of the world’s most powerful data centres. The Conservative Party’s money man stands to benefit.

“The ultimate beneficial owners of CX Tech Ltd should clarify how and where they plan to pay tax on income and gains from their Chapelcross proposal”

The Ferret reposted

🔴 NEW: Scotland may be set to host one of the world’s most powerful data centres. The Conservative Party’s money man stands to benefit. Our latest: https://www.theferret.scot/p/4a1b1815-87fe-4c9b-89b8-af75e5f15378/

🔴 NEW: Scotland may be set to host one of the world’s most powerful data centres. The Conservative Party’s money man stands to benefit. Our latest: https://www.theferret.scot/p/4a1b1815-87fe-4c9b-89b8-af75e5f15378/

🔴 Last week, we revealed that Dundee university’s £80m cash balance was being examined to decide if it qualified for further taxpayer support Now its next £7m bailout has been refused. But the uni says there will be no pause to job cuts. Full story 👉 https://bit.ly/473PkbL

A £6.5m redevelopment of a Gypsy Traveller site near Perth has left some residents fearing for their cultural rights. They say new fixed homes and restrictions on sleeping in caravans threaten their way of life. Read the full story: www.theferret.scot/scotland-has...

theferret.scotMinistry of Defence under pressure on Trident balloon accidentLocal 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.

“If this backup communications system relies on a single balloon, the public deserves to know what happened in this incident”

theferret.scotMinistry of Defence under pressure on Trident balloon accidentLocal 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.

A former nuclear submarine commander has warned the MoD that its silence over the reported Trident communications balloon accident “leaves conspiracy theorists a clear field”

theferret.scotMinistry of Defence under pressure on Trident balloon accidentLocal 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.

“We’re not commenting on this.” That’s the MoD’s response to questions about the reported crash of a balloon designed to provide emergency communications with Britain’s nuclear-armed submarines

🔴 NEW: 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. Our latest: https://www.theferret.scot/p/41255087-05fe-460d-a1a4-0f73e4552d87/

theferret.scotScotland’s abandoned buildings leave communities to bear the burdenDerelict buildings across Scotland are creating a plethora of problems. Local communities are bearing the brunt.

From fire-ravaged Victorian hospitals to abandoned industrial sites, dereliction affects communities across Scotland. We looked at why so many buildings remain empty and the obstacles to giving them another life

theferret.scotScotland’s abandoned buildings leave communities to bear the burdenDerelict buildings across Scotland are creating a plethora of problems. Local communities are bearing the brunt.

Scotland’s abandoned buildings aren’t just a heritage problem. Experts argue reusing existing buildings can also avoid the carbon emissions associated with demolition, construction and new materials

theferret.scotScotland’s abandoned buildings leave communities to bear the burdenDerelict buildings across Scotland are creating a plethora of problems. Local communities are bearing the brunt.

“History happens in and around buildings.” An architecture professor says saving Scotland’s derelict buildings can preserve cultural memory while avoiding some of the carbon associated with building replacements

🔴 NEW: Derelict buildings across Scotland are creating a plethora of problems. Local communities are bearing the brunt. Our latest: https://www.theferret.scot/p/be1a0988-cb69-47a2-8c23-48b19109cc83/

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. Read the story in full: https://bit.ly/46SD5Pe

🔴 800 jobs have gone at the University of Dundee since 2024, with redundancies continuing. Management says the cuts are needed to make ends meet So why is PwC investigating if they have too much cash to get £27m in taxpayer bailouts? Full story 👉 https://bit.ly/4iSUO0a

The Ferret reposted

NEW: Audit firm PwC is examining whether the University of Dundee has too much cash to be eligible for £27m in taxpayer bailout funding. The university had £85m in cash at the end of June, we understand. Read the full story 👉 https://bit.ly/4iSUO0a

NEW: Audit firm PwC is examining whether the University of Dundee has too much cash to be eligible for £27m in taxpayer bailout funding. The university had £85m in cash at the end of June, we understand. Read the full story 👉 https://bit.ly/4iSUO0a

theferret.scotBoss of SNP-backed wind firm named in bribery scandalThe 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.

The Scottish Government's years-long support of Ming Yang is under renewed scrutiny after we unearthed a court judgement from a 2015 corruption trial in China.

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. https://shorturl.at/FUXpV

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. https://www.theferret.scot/boss-of-snp-backed-wind-firm-named-in-bribery-scandal

theferret.scotRevealed: Scotland and Northern Ireland's rapidly expanding anti-immigration networkThis 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.

As Belfast experienced riots this summer, tensions were also rising in Glasgow. The Ferret has investigated the activists, online groups and street patrols connecting anti-immigration movements in Scotland and Northern Ireland

theferret.scotRevealed: Scotland and Northern Ireland's rapidly expanding anti-immigration networkThis 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.

Researchers identified at least 75 anti-immigration Facebook pages across Scotland and Northern Ireland. They found groups sharing content and similar tactics, including street patrols and propaganda focused on women’s safety

theferret.scotRevealed: Scotland and Northern Ireland's rapidly expanding anti-immigration networkThis 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.

“Our concern is therefore not about policing people's political opinions or opposition to immigration policy. It is about recognising patterns early enough”

After anti-immigration riots left dozens of Belfast households homeless this summer, we travelled to the city to investigate links between Northern Ireland’s anti-immigration movement and groups operating in Scotland. Our latest: https://www.theferret.scot/p/750961d9-452e-476b-9abf-f6cadc2e1700/

21 Sept

Applications close TODAY! We’re looking for an Income Generation Lead & Business Manager to help grow and diversify The Ferret’s income and support our long-term strategy. Find out more and apply: https://goodmoves.org/vacancy/a4sP1000001ug7FIAQ/income-generation-lead-business-manager

theferret.scotThe unremarkable Glasgow building where a fake news-peddler sells business schemes beloved by money launderersAuthorities 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”.

21 Sept

“Criminals don’t launder money without facilitators. If those facilitators face no meaningful consequences, all the political promises about tackling kleptocracy ring hollow”