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Martyn McLaughlin

@martynmcl.bsky.social
7.2K followers 1K following 187 posts

Investigations correspondent & columnist The Scotsman & Scotland on Sunday. Personal account. Views my own. www.martynmclaughlin.com

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Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 11h
EXCL: Nearly 500 high-level incidents which led to deaths, falls, and the sudden deterioration of patients in maternity and neonatal services have been recorded across Scotland over the past three years. www.scotsman.com/news/scotlan...
scotsman.com
Scotland's Maternity Crisis: Nearly 500 serious adverse events over past three years
Health secretary says cases identified by The Scotsman are ‘deeply concerning’
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Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
EXCL: Nearly 2,000 complaints have been made against Scotland’s health boards over maternity and neonatal services over the past three years, with the number soaring by 40 per cent, according to data obtained by @scotsman.com www.scotsman.com/news/scotlan...
scotsman.com
Scotland's Maternity Crisis: Surge in complaints about maternity care
Commissioner says ‘sustained’ rise in complaints must be dealt with ‘systemically’
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Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
I wonder if Mr Robertson would read this tweet aloud in front of the families I've interviewed who watched their babies and loved ones die due to failings in maternity care, yet summon the fortitude and courage to campaign for change in the hope of helping others? His 'truth' is not theirs.
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Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
The husband of a woman who died in childbirth has condemned a decision to take no further action against a midwife who administered a drug overdose during the delivery. The latest story in @scotsman.com Scotland's Maternity Crisis series: www.scotsman.com/news/scotlan...
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Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
EXCL: Half of Scotland’s health boards have been forced to turn away expectant mothers from hospitals after closing maternity or neonatal services to new admissions over the past three years. Day three in my Scotland's Maternity Crisis series for @scotsman.com www.scotsman.com/news/scotlan...
scotsman.com
Scotland's Maternity Crisis: Hundreds of women turned away from hospitals
Concerns over ‘no clear picture’ of how women and babies are impacted by diversions
153
Reposted by Martyn McLaughlin
Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
EXCL Nearly 40,000 midwifery shifts were left unfilled across Scottish maternity and neonatal services over the past three years, with staffing shortfalls more than doubling at some health boards. Day 2 of @scotsman.com Scotland's Maternity Crisis series. www.scotsman.com/news/scotlan...
scotsman.com
Scotland's Maternity Crisis: Nearly 40,000 midwifery shifts unfilled across Scotland
Extent of crisis described as ‘staggering’ by senior health figure
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Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
EXCL Nearly 40,000 midwifery shifts were left unfilled across Scottish maternity and neonatal services over the past three years, with staffing shortfalls more than doubling at some health boards. Day 2 of @scotsman.com Scotland's Maternity Crisis series. www.scotsman.com/news/scotlan...
scotsman.com
Scotland's Maternity Crisis: Nearly 40,000 midwifery shifts unfilled across Scotland
Extent of crisis described as ‘staggering’ by senior health figure
021
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Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Today marks the start of Scotland's Maternity Crisis, a week-long series in @scotsman.com exposing myriad problems across the nation's maternity and neonatal services.
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Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Today marks the start of Scotland's Maternity Crisis, a week-long series in @scotsman.com exposing myriad problems across the nation's maternity and neonatal services.
143
Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 04/04/2026
Delighted to again make the shortlist for the Wincott Foundation's annual awards for financial journalism via my stories on: US govt spending at Trump Org's Scottish firms: Fettes College; and Carnoustie links. Well done to the @theferret.scot team & other nominees. wincott.co.uk/wincott-shor...
wincott.co.uk
Wincott shortlists – winners to be announced at awards lunch on May 21 - Wincott
The Wincott Foundation received almost 150 entries for its 2025 awards with a host of great videos and podcasts, detailed written investigations, and data analysis. The entries covered all aof 2025's ...
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Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 29/03/2026
EXCL: Lookalike audiences, data collection, and detailed targeting of interests including activism, Palestine, and musical theatre. How Scotland's political parties are using Meta and Google to reach voters in the run up to May's election: www.scotsman.com/news/politic...
scotsman.com
How SNP, Labour and others are using Meta and Google to target voters ahead of May
Digital politics expert says SNP appears to be ‘experimenting’ with new social media approach
020
Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 28/03/2026
"He’s a f****** nuisance, and he’s ignorant, he’s so f****** ignorant about what’s going on in the world." My excl interview with Brian Cox and Nicole Ansari-Cox on Trump, Iran, independence, and the SNP." www.scotsman.com/news/intervi...
scotsman.com
Interview: Brian Cox on Holyrood election, 'deadbeat' Trump and 'hideous' Farage
In an exclusive interview with The Scotsman, the acclaimed actor discusses politics, war, and his hopes for the future
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Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 08/03/2026
30 years ago this Friday, Rachael Irvine lost her eldest brother, Ross, at Dunblane, the UK's deadliest firearms atrocity. She's spoken for the first time about her grief and love for that beautiful wee boy who'll be forever five. My longread for Scotland on Sunday: www.scotsman.com/news/grief-l...
scotsman.com
Grief, love, and remembrance - a sister's tribute to the brother killed at Dunblane
Ahead of the 30th anniversary of the UK’s deadliest firearms atrocity, Rachael Irvine tells her story for the first time
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Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 08/03/2026
30 years ago this Friday, Rachael Irvine lost her eldest brother, Ross, at Dunblane, the UK's deadliest firearms atrocity. She's spoken for the first time about her grief and love for that beautiful wee boy who'll be forever five. My longread for Scotland on Sunday: www.scotsman.com/news/grief-l...
scotsman.com
Grief, love, and remembrance - a sister's tribute to the brother killed at Dunblane
Ahead of the 30th anniversary of the UK’s deadliest firearms atrocity, Rachael Irvine tells her story for the first time
0146
Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 25/01/2026
EXC: Rockstar, the Scottish video game firm behind the Grand Theft Auto series, has now claimed more than £500m in tax relief through a UK Gov scheme while paying out £400m+ in dividends, prompting calls for reform of what one MP called a 'Grand Theft Tax' www.scotsman.com/news/anger-o...
scotsman.com
Anger over 'Grand Theft Tax' as game firm's tax relief tops half a billion pounds
UK government urged to review scheme’s use by ‘union busting’ firm
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Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 02/11/2025
My Insight interview with Dugald McArthur, a former KPMG executive and great grandson of the Barras Queen, Maggie McIver, who has taken the helm of the family business at the famous Glasgow market and Barrowland ballroom. www.scotsman.com/news/a-sourc...
scotsman.com
'Source of wonder': Meet the ex-KPMG chief behind the Barras market and Barrowland Ballroom
How the fourth-generation member of a thriving family business has grand plans for a Scottish institution
020
Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 05/10/2025
EXCL: The US Secret Service spent nearly £2.8m during Donald Trump's visit to Scotland in July, according to records obtained by @scotsman.com under US FoI laws, with Trump's hotels among the recipients. An ethics watchdog condemned the payments as "shocking" www.scotsman.com/news/scottis...
scotsman.com
The multi-million pound bill for Donald Trump's Scotland visit revealed
The payments linked to Donald Trump’s Scotland visit have been described as ‘shocking’ by ethics group
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Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 14/09/2025
EXCL: Parts of Donald Trump’s flagship Scottish golf resort will be locked down overnight in the wake of a security review. www.scotsman.com/news/scottis...
scotsman.com
Parts of Donald Trump's Turnberry resort to be 'locked down' after security review
Bolstered protocol at US president’s property designed to reduce risk of ‘malicious damage’
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Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 07/09/2025
EXCL: Donald Trump's Scottish resorts received more than £20,000 from the US government for accommodation for Secret Service agents assigned to protect his son, Eric, during a visit to Scotland earlier this year. www.scotsman.com/news/scottis...
scotsman.com
Donald Trump's Scottish resorts paid nearly £25,000 by Secret Service for son's trip
Ethics watchdogs condemn payments to US president Donald Trump’s firms.
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Reposted by Martyn McLaughlin
Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 31/08/2025
EXCL: The chief exec of the Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service has warned its independence risks being undermined by politicians calling for contentious terror laws not to be enforced & stressed the prosciption of Palestine Action doesn't prevent Gaza protests www.scotsman.com/news/crown-o...
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Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 31/08/2025
EXCL: The chief exec of the Crown Office & Procurator Fiscal Service has warned its independence risks being undermined by politicians calling for contentious terror laws not to be enforced & stressed the prosciption of Palestine Action doesn't prevent Gaza protests www.scotsman.com/news/crown-o...
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Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
EXCL: Scottish taxpayers reimbursed one of Donald Trump’s Scottish golf resorts for rooms used by First Minister John Swinney and his officials during the US president’s high-profile visit to Scotland last month. www.scotsman.com/news/taxpaye...
scotsman.com
Taxpayers foot bill for John Swinney's stay at Donald Trump's resort
First minister and entourage charged by Trump International Scotland for stay
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Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 26/08/2025
EXCL: The Church of Scotland has been accused of “turning its back” on Palestinian Christians after a senior group of trustees unveiled proposals to hive off its luxury hotel in Israel. www.scotsman.com/news/fury-in...
scotsman.com
Fury and resignations over Church of Scotland's plans for its Israel hotel
Controversial hotel scheme has been running at a loss in recent years requiring ‘significant cash injection’
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Reposted by Martyn McLaughlin
The Scotsman @scotsman.com · 26/08/2025
Good morning - here is today's front page of The Scotsman: Kirk hit by resignations over plans for Israel hotel, via @martynmcl.bsky.social
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Reposted by Martyn McLaughlin
The Scotsman @scotsman.com · 20/08/2025
Good morning - here is today's front page of The Scotsman: Ambulance service in total breakdown, says surgeon, via @martynmcl.bsky.social
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Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
"The most beautiful place in the world." Fair Isle, the most remote inhabited island in Britain, is looking for a nurse to play a key role in its “forward thinking” and “hard-working” community. www.scotsman.com/news/nurse-w...
scotsman.com
Nurse wanted for Scotland's most remote inhabited island
Island keen to secure hard-working and sociable new resident
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Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 17/08/2025
EXCL: Hundreds of thousands of people across Scotland are being excluded from serving on a jury due to problems with the current “outdated” system used by the nation’s courts service. www.scotsman.com/news/hundred...
scotsman.com
Hundreds of thousands 'excluded' from jury service due to 'bonkers' system woes
Scottish Government cuts forced plans for new system to be put on hold
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Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 14/08/2025
As revealed by @scotsman.com yesterday, JD Vance visited the golf resort owned by his boss today. Trump's Scottish businesses have received hundreds of thousands of US taxpayers' $, with previous visitors including the former US ambassador to the UK. www.scotsman.com/news/uk-news...
scotsman.com
JD Vance plays golf at Trump Turnberry on Scotland leg of UK holiday
US vice president plays round at Donald Trump’s South Ayrshire resort
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Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 13/08/2025
EXCL: US vice president JD Vance is expected to visit Donald Trump’s Turnberry resort when he visits Scotland later this week, reigniting questions over how the US president’s private business is able to generate revenue via his government. www.scotsman.com/news/jd-vanc...
scotsman.com
JD Vance expected to visit Donald Trump's resort during Scotland visit
US president’s resort at centre of longstanding ethics concerns
311
Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 07/04/2025
Chuffed to be shortlisted at this year's Wincott Awards for my stories on Rockstar North's taxes, ScotWind's Russia ties, and how a sprawling Scottish estate was bought by the son of a fugitive Hong Kong billionaire. Thanks to Lionel Barber & the judges. wincott.co.uk/wincott-shor...
wincott.co.uk
Wincott shortlists -winners to be announced at Mansion House awards lunch on May 8 - Wincott
The Wincott Foundation received more than 150 entries for its 2024 awards with a host of podcasts, videos, data analysis and written submissions which…
291
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Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 06/04/2025
EXCL: A former Conservative politician who helped run the leadership campaign of Boris Johnson in Scotland has secured a new job with one of Donald Trump’s golf resorts. www.scotsman.com/news/scottis...
scotsman.com
Former Scottish Conservative MP and MSP lands new job with Donald Trump's firm
Former MSP and MP appointed to corporate role at US president’s golf resort
51810
Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 06/04/2025
EXCL: A former Conservative politician who helped run the leadership campaign of Boris Johnson in Scotland has secured a new job with one of Donald Trump’s golf resorts. www.scotsman.com/news/scottis...
scotsman.com
Former Scottish Conservative MP and MSP lands new job with Donald Trump's firm
Former MSP and MP appointed to corporate role at US president’s golf resort
51810
Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 27/03/2025
Nice to learn today that I've been shortlisted in two categories at the Scottish Press Awards alongside talented colleagues from @scotsman.com and further afield. Journalism matters more than ever. It's good to reaffirm that now and then. www.scotsman.com/business/the...
scotsman.com
The Scotsman is nominated for a host of honours in annual Scottish Press Awards
The oustanding work of our journalists has been recognised across several categories
161
Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 24/03/2025
ICYMI: Rape survivors have condemned a pilot scheme introduced by the Scottish Govt to help victims obtain free High Court transcripts, warning that delays & “insensitive” engagement left them feeling “fobbed off” and “treated like a number.” www.scotsman.com/news/rape-su...
scotsman.com
Rape survivors condemn 'shoddy' transcript SNP Government pilot scheme
Calls for independent external evaluation of scheme extended by ministers until 2026
030
Reposted by Martyn McLaughlin
Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 23/03/2025
EXCL: Three women who were raped by a controlling domestic abuser have criticised a “shoddy” and “insensitive” pilot scheme rolled out by the Scottish Government that left them waiting a year for a transcript of their court cases. www.scotsman.com/news/rape-su...
scotsman.com
Rape survivors condemn 'shoddy' transcript SNP Government pilot scheme
Calls for independent external evaluation of scheme extended by ministers until 2026
022
Reposted by Martyn McLaughlin
Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 23/03/2025
EXCL: Rape survivors have condemned a pilot scheme introduced by the Scottish Govt to help victims obtain free court transcripts, warning that delays & “insensitive” engagement left them feeling “fobbed off” and “treated like a number.” Thread 👇 www.scotsman.com/news/rape-su...
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Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 23/03/2025
EXCL: Three women who were raped by a controlling domestic abuser have criticised a “shoddy” and “insensitive” pilot scheme rolled out by the Scottish Government that left them waiting a year for a transcript of their court cases. www.scotsman.com/news/rape-su...
scotsman.com
Rape survivors condemn 'shoddy' transcript SNP Government pilot scheme
Calls for independent external evaluation of scheme extended by ministers until 2026
022
Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 23/03/2025
EXCL: Rape survivors have condemned a pilot scheme introduced by the Scottish Govt to help victims obtain free court transcripts, warning that delays & “insensitive” engagement left them feeling “fobbed off” and “treated like a number.” Thread 👇 www.scotsman.com/news/rape-su...
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Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
Another addition to the recent run of fine covers in @privateeyenews.bsky.social
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Jeff (Hot Type) Jarvis @jeffjarvis.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
"I’m the Canadian who was detained by Ice for two weeks. It felt like I had been kidnapped" www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025...
theguardian.com
I’m the Canadian who was detained by Ice for two weeks. It felt like I had been kidnapped
I was stuck in a freezing cell without explanation despite eventually having lawyers and media attention. Yet, compared with others, I was lucky
13524681062
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Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
EXCL: The guardians of the home of golf at St Andrews have been warned by golfers in the Fife town that its historic courses are being overplayed, with calls for the number of visitors to be scaled back. Me for @scotsman.com's Business of Golf series. www.scotsman.com/news/scottis...
scotsman.com
St Andrews: Guardians of the home of golf warn historic courses are 'overplayed'
Questions over sustainability of rising number of visitor rounds at revered St Andrews courses
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Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 19/03/2025
EXCL: The guardians of the home of golf at St Andrews have been warned by golfers in the Fife town that its historic courses are being overplayed, with calls for the number of visitors to be scaled back. Me for @scotsman.com's Business of Golf series. www.scotsman.com/news/scottis...
scotsman.com
St Andrews: Guardians of the home of golf warn historic courses are 'overplayed'
Questions over sustainability of rising number of visitor rounds at revered St Andrews courses
144
Reposted by Martyn McLaughlin
Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
EXCL: The investors in charge of Carnosutie, one of Britain’s iconic golf courses, include a private investment firm that manages an offshore fund, the son of an Austrian count, and one of the most powerful figures in British tennis. Thread 👇 www.scotsman.com/news/scottis...
scotsman.com
Inside the investor group vying to control Carnoustie golf links for the next century
Investors linked to offshore funds among those in control of historic Open Championship venue
254
Reposted by Martyn McLaughlin
Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
EXCL: Carnoustie, one of Scotland’s prized sporting venues, could be controlled by private investors for the next century amid contentious plans to transform the historic links into a “world leading” tourism destination. Me for @scotsman.com Thread 👇 www.scotsman.com/news/scottis...
scotsman.com
Revealed: Private investors take control of famous Scottish golf club hit by funding woes
Plans could see financiers remain in charge of prized public asset until 22nd century
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Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
Another punt for my excl follow up on the investment consortium now in charge of Carnoustie, one of Scotland's great golf links - an eclectic international group with ties to offshore funds in the Caymans, and an Austrian zoo at the centre of a criminal trial. www.scotsman.com/news/scottis...
scotsman.com
Inside the investor group vying to control Carnoustie golf links for the next century
Investors linked to offshore funds among those in control of historic Open Championship venue
086
Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 18/03/2025
EXCL: The investors in charge of Carnosutie, one of Britain’s iconic golf courses, include a private investment firm that manages an offshore fund, the son of an Austrian count, and one of the most powerful figures in British tennis. Thread 👇 www.scotsman.com/news/scottis...
scotsman.com
Inside the investor group vying to control Carnoustie golf links for the next century
Investors linked to offshore funds among those in control of historic Open Championship venue
254
Reposted by Martyn McLaughlin
Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
One more punt for my exclusive on how private investors have taken control of Scotland's famous Carnoustie links, an eight-time host of The Open. This is already the most-read story among @scotsman.com subscribers in March, and there's *much* more to come tomorrrow. www.scotsman.com/news/scottis...
scotsman.com
Revealed: Private investors take control of famous Scottish golf club hit by funding woes
Plans could see financiers remain in charge of prized public asset until 22nd century
021
Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
One more punt for my exclusive on how private investors have taken control of Scotland's famous Carnoustie links, an eight-time host of The Open. This is already the most-read story among @scotsman.com subscribers in March, and there's *much* more to come tomorrrow. www.scotsman.com/news/scottis...
scotsman.com
Revealed: Private investors take control of famous Scottish golf club hit by funding woes
Plans could see financiers remain in charge of prized public asset until 22nd century
021
Reposted by Martyn McLaughlin
Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
Another punt for part 1 in my series in @scotsman.com on the Business of Golf in Scotland - a little known consortium of private investors has gained control of the world-renowned Open venue at Carnoustie links, and wants to extend the deal until the 22nd century. www.scotsman.com/news/scottis...
scotsman.com
Revealed: Private investors take control of famous Scottish golf club hit by funding woes
Plans could see financiers remain in charge of prized public asset until 22nd century
033
Martyn McLaughlin @martynmcl.bsky.social · 17/03/2025
Another punt for part 1 in my series in @scotsman.com on the Business of Golf in Scotland - a little known consortium of private investors has gained control of the world-renowned Open venue at Carnoustie links, and wants to extend the deal until the 22nd century. www.scotsman.com/news/scottis...
scotsman.com
Revealed: Private investors take control of famous Scottish golf club hit by funding woes
Plans could see financiers remain in charge of prized public asset until 22nd century
033