Edinburgh Wire is an independent UK digital news publisher founded by Sliema Media Limited to close a gap in clear, practical local journalism for Edinburgh, the Lothians and Scotland. We deliver straightforward coverage of politics, councils, business, crime and community affairs, written by named journalists and checked against rigorous editorial standards.
Why did Sliema Media Limited launch Edinburgh Wire?
Sliema Media Limited identified a shortage of local news that explains how public decisions affect everyday life without spin or oversimplification. Many residents and businesses in Edinburgh lacked a reliable source that connected council meetings, planning applications and budget changes directly to the city’s streets and homes. Edinburgh Wire was created to fill that space with trustworthy, practical reporting.
The company registered in Malta with company number C 84217 and operates from Level 3, Tower Business Centre, Tower Street, Swatar, Birkirkara BKR 4013, Malta. The site’s editorial mission is built on transparency, accountability and a commitment to serving the local communities it covers.
What is our editorial philosophy?
Under Editor-in-Chief William Ashby, Edinburgh Wire’s philosophy is that local journalism must be steadfastly impartial, fact-based and accessible. We do not chase clicks with sensational headlines. Instead, every article is designed to help readers grasp how council decisions, Scottish Government policies and devolved institutions affect their daily lives.
William Ashby oversees all publication decisions, editorial standards and corrections. He can be contacted at william.ashby@edinburghwire.co.uk or +44 20 4587 9485. The editorial team operates with a clear chain of responsibility, ensuring that every story is authored, edited and fact-checked before it appears on the site.
Who is responsible for what we publish?
Editor-in-Chief William Ashby bears final responsibility for everything published on Edinburgh Wire. The reporting and editing desks are structured to cover distinct beats, each led by an experienced journalist who reports directly to the managing editor.
Sarah Mills, Managing Editor (sarah.mills@edinburghwire.co.uk), runs the daily newsroom, reviews headlines and commissions stories. Kieran Doherty, Local Politics & Council Editor (kieran.doherty@edinburghwire.co.uk), covers councils, planning, transport and devolved institutions. Lucy Hartley, Community & Crime Correspondent (lucy.hartley@edinburghwire.co.uk), reports on crime, courts and community issues. Oscar Friel, Business & Property Correspondent (oscar.friel@edinburghwire.co.uk), handles local business, housing and jobs. Diane Forbes, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead (diane.forbes@edinburghwire.co.uk), manages source verification, corrections and fact-checking processes. A full list of the team can be found on the Our Team page.
What you can expect from us
Readers can expect every article to carry a named writer, a clear indication of sourcing and a record of any corrections if they are made. We believe transparency builds trust. All editorial content adheres to our Editorial Policy and is supported by published Sources & Standards that explain how we verify information and handle anonymous tips.
Where we use AI-assisted tools – for example in research, formatting or transcription – those tools never replace human editorial judgement. Every piece is approved by a human editor. We do not fabricate quotes, sources, interviews or bylines. Our Fact-Checking Policy and Corrections Policy are publicly available to demonstrate how we maintain accuracy.
How is Edinburgh Wire funded?
Edinburgh Wire is funded through display advertising, affiliate links, commercial partnerships, sponsored content, newsletter sponsorships, content licensing and event partnerships. All commercial material is clearly labelled, and affiliate links are disclosed. Commercial relationships never determine editorial conclusions.
A detailed breakdown of our funding sources, ownership structure and any potential conflicts of interest is provided on the Ownership & Funding page. We also maintain a separate Advertising & Affiliate Disclosure to ensure readers always know the nature of any commercial arrangement.
How can I stay informed or contribute?
If you want to receive Edinburgh Wire’s stories directly, subscribe to our free newsletter via the Newsletter page. For readers who come across a story idea, a public record or a potential lead, we encourage you to send tips securely through the Tip Us page. All tips are treated confidentially and reviewed by the relevant desk.
Questions or concerns?
If you have a question, complaint or correction request, please direct it to the appropriate desk. For general enquiries use info@edinburghwire.co.uk. For editorial matters contact the Editor-in-Chief or the managing editor. For fact-checking or standards issues, reach Diane Forbes at factcheck@edinburghwire.co.uk. The full contact details for each team member and function can be found on the Contact page. We take every feedback seriously and respond promptly.