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The National
29-06-2025
- General
- The National
Rule-breaking mega farms in Scotland revealed as polluters told to pay
MEGA farms in Scotland, including some with more than a million animals, have repeatedly leaked excrement and failed to monitor contamination, putting humans, wildlife and the environment at risk, The Ferret can reveal. By failing to responsibly contain or dispose of slurry, wastewater and harmful air particles, these industrial-sized farms were responsible for 126 breaches of green regulations between May 2022 and November 2024. The rule-breaking is revealed in inspection reports compiled by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (Sepa), which The Ferret obtained under Freedom of Information law. Campaigners and an MSP argued that polluters should face greater penalties for allowing more serious breaches to occur. Scotland's megafarms 'pollute rivers, degrade soils, fail to deliver nutritious food and drive biodiversity loss,' according to wildlife charity WWF. READ MORE: 'Completely unprecedented': BBC cuts live feed for Kneecap Glastonbury performance In reply, Sepa said intensive farms are 'regulated closely' and repeat rulebreakers face 'enforcement' from the environmental regulator. Farming sites that have the capacity for more than 40,000 poultry birds, or either 2000 pigs or 750 sows, must obtain a permit from Sepa and face inspections. Smaller operations, and beef and dairy farms, do not require such permissions, despite being major polluters, although they are subject to other rules. Some 114 intensive pig and poultry farms currently have permits and are collectively allowed to keep nearly 19 million birds and 109,000 pigs, according to Sepa's data. HOOK2SISTERS THE worst offending intensive farm company was Hook2Sisters (H2S). The Oxfordshire-based firm, which is permitted to keep nearly 7.5 million birds at its 19 Scottish sites, was responsible for more than a quarter of all intensive farm environmental breaches. At its poultry complex, near Eccles, Berwickshire, H2S polluted the environment with 'chicken litter and dirty water' in 2022, and was not treating surface water to remove pollutants. Around two years later, Sepa found that operators were failing to check whether the site was contaminating soil and groundwater. Polluted groundwater can threaten drinking water supplies, according to Sepa's English counterpart. No pollution monitoring was taking place at the H2S intensive farm near Balado, Kinross in 2022. In each of the two years that followed, the firm contaminated ground via cracked concrete at the site. Further monitoring failures were discovered at the H2S mega farm, near Meikleour, Perthshire, in 2023. More cracked flooring and a lack of drainage systems designed to prevent water pollution were found at its poultry complex near Broxburn, West Lothian, in both 2022 and 2024. The Broxburn site is allowed to hold nearly 1.3 million birds. (Image: Archant) At Balado, a 'significant build-up of dust and mud' had formed under the fans ventilating four chicken sheds in 2023. Poultry farm dust contains faeces and other pollutants, which can harm humans, according to a 2023 study published in the Science Of The Total Environment journal. At its Gogarbank poultry complex in western Edinburgh, dirty water was not being properly contained and 'waste material' and rubbish littered nearby woodland in 2022. H2S had also not adequately concreted the ground to stop pollution. An H2S spokesperson said: 'As of June 2025, we can confirm remedial action has been taken at all farms and all locations as listed are compliant. We remain committed to upholding the highest environmental standards and continuing to invest in our Scottish farming base.' The Ferret previously revealed that between 2015 and 2017, H2S sites at Alloa, Balado and Broxburn were among the biggest polluters of ammonia. The harmful gas combines with other pollutants in cities and creates a deadly form of air pollution called PM2.5. 2 Sisters Food Group, a separate entity which runs chicken abattoirs, also has a history of flouting Scotland's environmental regulations, as we have previously revealed. It has received millions of pounds in taxpayer subsidies from the Scottish Government. OTHER BREACHES FACTORY farms that flouted environmental rules included those run by PD Hook, which acts as a supplier to H2S and other firms. PD Hook's Helensfield Poultry Farm near Clackmannan, which houses 133,000 birds, failed to monitor soil and groundwater in 2022. Cracked concrete flooring was discovered at PD Hook's Mossbank Farm, near Cowdenbeath, in 2022. PD Hook said that this and all other environmental issues discovered by Sepa had since been resolved. At pig producer DW Argo's Ellismoss Farm near Kinellar, Aberdeenshire, which can hold up to 4277 pigs, slurry was found to be leaking into surface water in 2023 – an issue that Sepa officers had 'raised at several previous inspections'. DW Argo declined to comment. In 2022, Sepa found that Welsh poultry firm Annyalla Chicks allowed dirty wastewater to flow on to land neighbouring its Addinstone complex, near Earlston. Operators of the site – which can house up to 382,000 chickens – put soil and groundwater at risk due to the 'exceptionally poor condition' of concrete surfaces, and allowed dust to accumulate beneath chicken shed ventilation fans. The farm also lacked a suitable way to store dead chickens and the liquid waste produced by their corpses. In 2024, Sepa found that York-based Warrendale Eggs Ltd was releasing dust and particulate matter – air pollution which is harmful to humans – via exhaust fans from its chicken sheds at Swinton Poultry Farm near Greenriggs, Duns. Sepa also found a blocked and broken drain, ground surfaces in poor condition and large cracks in a drainage channel, both of which risked pollution to soil and groundwater. Poor drainage and cracked and worn surfaces were also found in 2022 at Warrendale's Cottage Wood farm near Earlston. Fragments of polystyrene were discovered in blocked drains on the site and in nearby water. Meanwhile, 'significant quantities of dust and feathers' had formed on fans, outside surfaces and nearby vegetation. CALL FOR POLLUTERS TO PAY CAMPAIGNERS and an opposition MSP argued that polluters should be made to pay for environmental breaches, or have public funds clawed back. Kirsty Tait, Scotland director of the Food, Farming and Countryside Commission, an independent charity, said: 'The challenges of avoidable pollution highlighted in this investigation are ones that citizens involved in The Food Conversation, the UK's largest public dialogue about food, want addressed. 'Notably, there was frustration from citizens in the Lothians about the lenient treatment of polluters, and support for making serious ecosystem damage a crime was high.' Tait added: 'Citizens want government and industry to be accountable for their actions and to protect people and planet.' Jenny Hawley, policy and advocacy manager at Plantlife, also called for Sepa to charge polluters 'for the devastation they are inflicting on our natural environment and to extend the permitting system to smaller poultry units and intensive beef and dairy farms'. She claimed that 'uncontrolled air and water pollution from this kind of intensive livestock farming is driving Scotland's wildlife ever-closer to the edge of extinction'. WWF Scotland branded the rise of intensive farming 'a warning sign that our food system is heading in the wrong direction'. 'We've built a system where the most harmful forms of agriculture are also the most profitable – megafarms that pollute rivers, degrade soils, fail to deliver nutritious food and drive biodiversity loss,' said Ruth Taylor, WWF's agriculture and land use policy manager. She added: 'What we urgently need to see is farming with nature, through nature-friendly methods that restore ecosystems, build resilience and ensure farmers stay profitable.' The Scottish Greens spokesperson for rural affairs, Ariane Burgess MSP, said: 'These industrial-scale operations, which cram millions of animals into confined spaces, are clearly failing in their responsibilities' 'The fact that these firms continue to ignore basic environmental protections while raking in taxpayer money is completely unacceptable. There must be consequences for those who break the rules, and that includes the removal of public funding and the suspension of operations until environmental practices are improved.' Sepa expects 'all regulated operators to understand their impact on the environment and to comply with their obligations in legislation, and conditions set out in authorisations'. 'Intensive agriculture is regulated closely due to the potential risks it poses to the environment,' said a spokesperson. 'Our experience is that most of those we regulate respond to our advice and guidance and come into compliance, preventing repeated patterns of behaviour. 'However, when necessary, we will escalate our enforcement response, and have served enforcement notices and final warning letters as required. This has already led to compliance being restored at some sites. 'All sites that are currently non-compliant are scheduled for inspections in 2025.' Every intensive farming company named in this article was asked to comment.
Scottish Sun
06-06-2025
- Scottish Sun
Cops foil ‘Lee Rigby-style' plot to behead British paratrooper as families on airbase told ‘protect your kids'
It comes twelve years after the harrowing death of Lee Rigby PLOT FOILED Cops foil 'Lee Rigby-style' plot to behead British paratrooper as families on airbase told 'protect your kids' COPS have reportedly uncovered a plot to behead a British paratrooper, with army families warned to be "vigilant". An image of the suspect was circulated by security at a base in Essex, and military personnel were told to protect their kids. Advertisement 2 Pictured is the Colchester Garrison, in Essex Credit: Archant 2 The plot comes years after the harrowing death of Lee Rigby Credit: PA:Press Association Bases in Colchester, where the two Parachute Regiment battalions are stationed, have tightened their security. According to the Mail, the instructions to gate security staff read: "Urgent. All, please disseminate to all your people in camp. "We have received warning that a man has made threats against members of the Para Regt and wants to carry out a 'Lee Rigby' style attack. "The SCC [Security Control Centre] and main gate have been informed but ensure no Para Regt/military clothing is worn outside camp and remain vigilant." Advertisement Nottinghamshire Police intercepted online messages and are looking into the threat. It is not yet known whether anyone has been detained. Military staff at the Colchester base have been warned not to wear any army uniforms or clothing. There are around 3,500 troops and 750 civilian workers at the base, and both personnel and their families have been warned to be careful. Advertisement The MOD confirmed it is aware of an "online threat". The Sun understands the plot is now being investigated by by Nottingham Police. An Army spokesperson said: "The safety and wellbeing of our personnel is our top priority. "We are aware of an online threat, which is being investigated by the civilian police. Advertisement "Personnel are always advised to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to the Royal Military Police." Lee Rigby was beheaded outside a Royal Artillery barracks in London twelve years ago. His death in Woolwich, South East London, sent shock waves across the nation. The 25-year-old was a drummer in the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers. Advertisement He was returning to Woolwich barracks after working at the Tower of London when he was spotted by his killers in Wellington Street at around 2.20pm. Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale had circled the barracks in a blue Vauxhall Tigra for an hour hunting for a victim. As Lee crossed the road, the pair spotted his Help 4 Heroes hoodie and mowed him down in the car. The killers then leapt out of the vehicle and began stabbing and hacking at Lee's body with knives and a meat cleaver in an assault so fierce they almost decapitated him. Advertisement Then they dragged his body into the road, where brave passer-by Ingrid Loyau-Kennett tried to shield him from further blows. Adebolajo told onlookers to call the police and urged them to film him as he launched into a rant, his hands soaked in Lee's blood. The pair waited for armed cops to arrive, then charged at the patrol car hoping to be martyred. They were both shot and injured. His family paid tribute to him on what would have been his 30th birthday on July 4 2017. Advertisement Mum Lyn Rigby previously said she misses him "every hour, every day". She said: 'My heart still bursts with pride at every minute of his life. 'My flesh and blood and my adored and only son."
The Herald Scotland
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Supermarket chain Lidl seeks Scots voice for its self-checkouts
People who think their voice may be a good fit for phrases such as 'unexpected item in the bagging area' are being invited to send in an recording of their voice. The supermarket chain will also be hosting an 'audition booth' at stores in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen and Inverness. New self-checkouts are set to be installed in all Lidl stores in Scotland by October 2025. A panel of Lidl judges will review the entries, with the winning voice set to become the official sound of Lidl's Scottish self-checkouts. The investment of almost £3 million in the rollout of self-service tills across all Lidl stores in Scotland is in response to data showing that Scots value easy and convenient checkouts for their regular trips to the discounter. In a recent survey, 81% of Scots said they prefer a choice between staffed tills and self-checkouts, while 74% say they choose self-checkouts for speed and convenience. Lidl is rolling out the check-outs across its stores (Image: Archant) Want to be the voice of Lidl's checkouts? Here how to apply To audition, all budding voiceover artists need to do is text the word 'audition' to +447 4183 97936 via WhatsApp, where they will be guided through a simple audition process. Customers can enter The Lidl Audition Booth between 10am-7pm at the following locations and dates: Aberdeen, Hutcheon Street, AB25 3TB - Thursday 8th & Friday 9th May Kingsway Dundee, 19 New Craigie Rd, Dundee DD4 7FF - Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th May Inverness Telford, Inverness, Telford Street, IV3 5LU - Monday 12th & Tuesday 13th May Anniesland, 868 Crow Road, G13 1HU - Sunday 18th & Monday 19th May Corstorphine, 1-17 Glasgow Road, Edinburgh EH12 8HW - Tuesday 20th May & Wednesday 21st May The winning voice will become the voice of Lidl's Scottish self-checkouts and also scoop £500 worth of Lidl vouchers. Jassine Ouali, Chief Customer Officer, Lidl GB: 'We're committed to continually enhancing the customer experience throughout our stores and are constantly looking for ways to make the shopping experience even better. 'With around two-thirds of our customers choosing self-checkouts where already available, this investment further reinforces the steps we're taking to respond to demand from our customers. 'But this isn't about replacing one experience with another – it's about offering greater flexibility and choice. By expanding self-service alongside ongoing improvements to our staffed tills, we're ensuring customers can shop in the way that suits them best.' READ MORE: Marco Ivone, Regional Director for Scotland at Lidl GB, said: 'Our search for 'the voice of Lidl's self-checkouts' in Scotland is a fun way to celebrate the roll out. 'As the Regional Director for Scotland, I am proud that a member of our Lidl community in Scotland will become the voice of our check-outs and add a Scottish charm to our customers' daily shops.'
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Rivers Trust responds to open water swim company's closure
Henley Swim said it was forced to close due to "relentless publicity" over water quality in the River Thames causing a drop in numbers entering its swims (Image: Archant) The chief executive of a conservation charity has responded to the closure of an open water swimming events firm. Henley Swim had been running events on the River Thames for more than 20 years before it was forced to close down at the start of the month after "relentless publicity" over water quality in the river led to a drop in numbers entering its swims. Responding to the news, Mark Lloyd, chief executive of The Rivers Trust, said: "We are incredibly sorry to hear the news that Henley Swim has stopped trading and that their events this year will not go ahead. "Since we were the official charity partner for Henley Swim Festival in 2022, The Rivers Trust has attended the event every year and we were due to attend again in July 2025. ADVERTISEMENT "We have also worked year-round with their team to advocate for increased environmental awareness and safe river swimming." Mr Lloyd said the closure of Henley Swim shows there is "much more to do both to address river pollution and to help the public make informed decisions about swimming". He added: "Despite the immense challenges our rivers are facing, The Rivers Trust firmly believes that safe river swimming is possible in the UK, but swimmers must be aware of the risks and take necessary precautions when doing so. "We will continue to fight for our vision of wild, healthy, natural rivers that can be enjoyed by swimmers and river users alike."
