Karin Goodwin

2 months ago | theferret.scot | Karin Goodwin

Scotland’s most influential public relations companies are staffed by former politicians, government ministers, spin doctors and newspaper editors, The Ferret has found, exposing the “revolving door” between politics, the media and lobbying. These well-connected figures are now being paid to represent the interests of the UK’s largest businesses including fossil fuel and energy multinationals, big finance, and arms firms.

Feb 20, 2025 | theferret.scot | Karin Goodwin

Almost 600 incidents of self-harming were reported at Addiewell – Scotland’s only private prison – in less than four years, almost double that of any other Scottish jail. The number of incidents, revealed in a freedom of information request, were for self-harm by cutting, which is associated with emotional distress and poor mental health and wellbeing. In total Addiewell recorded 590 incidents from January 2021 until the end of August 2024, an average of 13 every month.

Feb 16, 2025 | theferret.scot | Karin Goodwin

The company which owns Scotland’s private Addiewell prison has paid more than £3m to shareholders in less than two years despite serious concerns over prisoner and staff safety amid high levels of deaths and violence, The Ferret has found. In total almost £20m has been paid out in dividends to shareholders since the prison opened in 2008. Yet in half of the years it has been open it has failed to meet agreed Scottish Prison Service standards, paying penalties as a result.

Feb 2, 2025 | theferret.scot | Karin Goodwin

Young people leaving care are still being left homeless and at risk, in unsuitable hostels surrounded by drugs, or too afraid to sleep at night despite a Scottish Government “promise” to ensure they are given a safe and loving home for as long as needed, The Ferret has heard. The failures are being highlighted by a new report – due to be released this week – which calls for urgent action to be taken to prevent homelessness for care leavers.

Jan 31, 2025 | theferret.scot | Karin Goodwin

Residents of Leith’s famous “banana flats” claim Edinburgh City Council is breaching their human rights after persistent issues with toxic black mould, faulty lifts, drug dealing, and problems with rats and mice. A new report by the campaign group residents have formed alleges that the council, which owns all but four of the flats, has failed to invest in the building, depriving those in the block of their human right to decent housing.