Politics
Scottish Government breaching freedom of information law, says watchdog
The Scottish Government has been condemned by its freedom of information watchdog for breaking the law by blocking requests from journalists and MSPs.
Freedom of Information
Finance, Politics
Revealed: £56m cuts to disability payments hit Scotland’s poorest hardest
Many of Scotland's poorest communities have been hit hardest by cuts to disability benefits with over £56 million lost in annual payments, The Ferret can reveal.
Nuclear weapons
Safety mishaps during nuclear bomb convoys rise to record high
Safety problems plaguing the nuclear bomb convoys that regularly crisscross the country by road have risen to a record high, according to new figures from the Ministry of Defence.
Environment
Wildlife in Scotland under less legal protection than in England
Wildlife in Scotland has weaker protection against damaging developments than wildlife in England and Wales, according to emails released by the government’s conservation agency, Scottish Natural Heritage.
Environment
Scottish Government bid to exempt fish farming from US ban on seal killing
The Scottish Government has been secretly trying to wriggle out of a proposed US ban on imports of salmon from fish farms that shoot seals, according to documents published by The Ferret.
Environment, Human rights
We planned to avoid freedom of information law, says council
A senior planning official has admitted circumventing freedom of information law, by receiving vital environmental data from fish farmers “face to face”.
Education, Politics
Critics allege “strong arm” tactics by Scottish Government over Named Person Bill
Scottish Government officials contacted organisations after they had submitted written evidence but before they gave oral evidence on the Named Person Bill to a Holyrood committee.
Human rights
Watchdog probes freedom of information failings by Scottish Government
The new Scottish Information Commissioner has launched an investigation into allegations that the Scottish Government has blocked or delayed freedom of information requests.
Nuclear weapons
MoD under fire over new nuclear facilities on the Clyde
Revelations that the Ministry of Defence is planning 14 new developments at the Trident nuclear bases on the Clyde have sparked criticism.