Fringe season is upon us, bringing its usual mix of creativity, drama, and international crowds to the Scottish capital.
Speaking of the festival, did you know you can catch Ferret co-editor Karin Goodwin at the Fringe tomorrow?
Following our June event on sharing your lived experience of trauma on the public stage, she will join writer, commentator, and performer Darren McGarvey, along with documentary filmmaker Stephen Bennett and journalist Stephen Stewart, in a conversation about the ethics of reporting trauma. Don’t miss out – book your tickets here.
But that’s not all! Our July has been packed with impactful journalism. Read on to find out more about our achievements this past month and how our work is making a difference in Scotland and beyond.
Reviving local journalism
Last week, The Guardian published an in-depth exploration of the evolving landscape of local journalism, highlighting how independent ventures are driving innovation. Starting from Mill Media, they highlighted numerous examples of such innovators, including our community newsroom. Opened in partnership with Greater Govanhill, it’s the first of its kind in the UK.
Have you had the chance to check it out yet? Come and say hi at 82 Bowman St in Govanhill, Glasgow. Our newsroom is also open for desk rentals and venue hire.
You helped us raise £10k
Back in June, we joined Indie News Week, a campaign designed to connect communities with their local journalists, offering a glimpse into the people behind independent publications and the dedication required to cover local stories accurately and fairly.
During the campaign, anything we earned would be doubled up to £5,000. Thanks to your incredible support, we not only met our target but exceeded it, thus raising a total of £10,000 — and we even snagged an extra £200 bonus! This will fully be reinvested in our journalism.
Our work sparked change
Last month, The Norwegian salmon farming multinational Mowi withdrew a controversial application for an industrial feeding system for a fish farm in a marine protected area, following a Ferret expose revealing the firm allegedly “lied” to locals”.
The plan would have seen a large vessel allowed onto Loch Broom to feed thousands of salmon at a fish farm. But dozens of people objected to the planning application and Loch Broom residents claimed Wester Ross Fisheries misled them over its plans.
Our stories made some noise
In early June, we revealed that the SNP had been accused of spreading ‘misinformation’ over its key election claim that Labour’s plans for the North Sea oil industry could cost 100,000 Scottish jobs. This story not only was discussed by our journalist Paul Dobson on BBC Radio 4’s More or Less programme, but was also referenced in an article by Full Fact.
Earlier this year, we uncovered that sitka spruce, a North American tree that kills native species and threatens protected habitats vital in the fight against climate change, now makes up nearly half of Scotland’s forests.
Our investigation was followed up by The Herald, in an article about the state of Scottish forests, both online and in print. They also mentioned our investigation revealing that Scottish investment giant Abrdn increased its shares in several U.S. fossil fuel firms last year while also claiming millions of taxpayer dollars for a carbon offsetting scheme to plant trees in the Highlands.
Meanwhile, the Express and Scottish Daily Express mentioned our fact check on the two-child benefit cap.
