Hi ,

As 2024 draws to an end, we wish to offer a heartfelt thanks for your support this year because without our members The Ferret simply wouldn’t exist. We can only pursue investigative journalism with your help and that’s been the case since we launched in 2015.

I’m Billy Briggs, co-founder of The Ferret, and recall that we used to sit for hours in Rob Edwards’ kitchen discussing our ideas and ambitions, while eating pizza. The big question then was ‘would people pay for investigative journalism?’ — and here we are, nearly ten years on, firmly established as Scotland’s only media organisation dedicated to investigative journalism. 

Next year marks our 10th anniversary, a monumental achievement, I think, given the increasing financial pressures that the media have faced over that period. While other news organisations have cut jobs, we’ve grown thanks to your help, and our aim is to keep expanding and producing high quality journalism in the public interest.

In 2025, we have major plans to celebrate our 10th anniversary and our members will play an important part, so please read our newsletters for more information.

As for 2024, The Ferret stayed true to its mission: digging into the issues that matter to you, amplifying voices that need to be heard, and holding those in power to account. Thanks to your support — including an incredible response to our crowdfunder — we were able to keep independent journalism alive and thriving.

Shining a light on hidden issues

In 2024, we published a raft of impactful stories that hopefully informed debates. We revealed plans for the US military’s first site in Scotland in decades, sparking public discussions about transparency and decision-making. At Coulport, we reported concerns about radioactive pollution, pushing environmental safety back into focus. We also highlighted record levels of microplastics in Scotland’s waters, showing just how urgent the fight against plastic pollution has become.

Our stories resonated far and wide, gaining follow-ups in countless media outlets, including The National, The Telegraph, The Times, and The Sun. Together, we sparked important conversations and pushed for accountability where it matters most.

Supporting local communities

Our reporting gave voices to local communities. We covered the tough conditions faced by tenants on Ulva, helping to bring their struggles to the attention of policymakers. Our Open House meetings allowed readers to guide our journalism, ensuring we focus on the issues that matter most to you.

We also continued our partnership with Stirling University, which involves mentoring five students. One student, Jennifer Alexander-Jones, investigated the dark side of the cosmetics industry and its devastating impact on young women. Another, Kai Ford, followed former Scotland international rugby union player Iwan Tukalo's journey to Ukraine.

Tackling environmental challenges

Scotland’s natural world was at the heart of many of our stories. We dug into the environmental impacts of fish farming and corporate pollution, looking at both problems and solutions. By highlighting these challenges, we contributed to the growing conversation about protecting our environment and holding industries accountable.

Fighting misinformation

With disinformation on the rise, our Ferret Fact Service worked hard to separate fact from fiction. We fact-checked claims, corrected misleading narratives, and gave readers reliable, clear information they could trust. Your feedback and questions were key in helping us tackle the topics that matter most.

Holding power to account

We kept a close eye on those in charge. Our reporting exposed gaps in the Scottish Government’s transparency, including failures to record key meetings. 

Our investigation into Reform UK exposed hateful comments by two Scottish general election candidates, leading to their suspension and a party investigation. This story, published with the Daily Record, gained attention from national outlets, underscoring the importance of accountability in politics.

Your support made it possible

This year, we launched a crowdfunder to support our work, and your response was incredible. It’s a powerful reminder that independent journalism only works when people believe in it and stand behind it. Your support means we can keep investigating, reporting, and making a difference.

We’re now gearing up to release Who Runs Scotland? in 2025 — a new series that will shine a spotlight on the individuals and entities shaping the country’s decisions. 

What’s next?

As The Ferret approaches its 10th anniversary, we’re looking ahead to another year of impactful stories. With your continued support, we’ll keep asking tough questions, amplifying unheard voices, and tackling the issues that matter most. Thank you for being part of our community. Together, we’re proving that independent journalism has the power to make a difference. Join us today — become a member, make a one-off donation, or subscribe to our free newsletter.

Yours,
Billy Briggs