Notices by The Ferret (theferret@mastodon.scot)

Experts warn that lithium extraction in places like Chile’s Atacama Desert has caused an “irreversible” loss of water, damaged flora and hit flamingo populations. They argue Scotland must “examine the entire supply chain” behind its energy transition
https://bit.ly/4iIFjFR

“It is far too easy for the true owners of property to hide behind secret trusts and offshore structures.”

Our latest investigation shows how an oligarch praised by Putin controls UK property, including in Scotland’s biggest town
https://www.theferret.scot/russian-oligarch-paisley/

Campaigners warned of a “culture of negligence” at “high risk” sites threatening public safety and the environment. They said the pollution dangers were “serious”, and demanded greater scrutiny of waste operations at Coulport.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa) has told the Royal Naval Armaments Depot at Coulport on Loch Long twice in the last year to get rid of a backlog of “substantial quantities” of waste “as soon as possible”

The Ferret reported in August that Loch Long was polluted in 2019 after floodwater was contaminated by radioactive waste at the site: https://theferret.scot/radioactive-waste-pollution-nuclear-plant/

In May 2025 we disclosed there had been 12 incidents that could have leaked radioactivity at the nearby Faslane nuclear submarine base since 2023. They included one event in the first four months of 2025 that was given the navy’s worst risk rating: https://theferret.scot/nuclear-incidents-radioactivity-faslane/

We can also now reveal there was an incident in 2017 at Coulport when a waste handling agreement was breached, causing the Royal Navy to conduct a major review of procedures.

🔴 NEW: The Scottish Government’s green watchdog has been urging the Royal Navy to remove potentially radioactive waste from the UK nuclear bomb base on the Clyde to reduce the risk of leaks and pollution.

Find out more: https://theferret.scot/navy-told-to-remove-radioactive-waste-from-nuclear-bomb-base/

"It should not need freedom of information requests for the public to gain clear insights into the Marine Directorate’s decision-making processes"
https://theferret.scot/shetland-fishing-boat-abandoned-nets-month/

🔴 NEW: Five freshwater lochs in the Highlands and Islands have been damaged by pollution from fish farms, a scientific study found — but the names were kept secret. Now, after a freedom of information battle, they’ve been revealed.

Find out more: https://theferret.scot/fish-farms-five-lochs-pollution/

SNP under fire for ‘exaggerated’ oil jobs claim

The SNP has been accused of spreading ‘misinformation’ over its claim that Labour’s plans for the North Sea oil industry could cost 100,000 Scottish jobs.

https://theferret.scot/snp-under-fire-for-exaggerated-oil-jobs-claim/?pk_campaign=feed&pk_kwd=snp-under-fire-for-exaggerated-oil-jobs-claim

Aberdeen University condemns Israel’s ‘systematic destruction of Palestinian educational institutions’

Aberdeen University’s senate has condemned Israel’s “systematic destruction of Palestinian educational institutions”.

https://theferret.scot/aberdeen-university-condemns-israel/?pk_campaign=feed&pk_kwd=aberdeen-university-condemns-israel

Auld Reekie: coal fires still burning in Scotland’s historic parliament

Scotland’s court service is burning hundreds of kilograms of coal each winter – despite Scottish Government pledges to make public sector buildings friendlier to the environment.

https://theferret.scot/coal-fires-burning-scotland-historic-parliament/?pk_campaign=feed&pk_kwd=coal-fires-burning-scotland-historic-parliament