Edinburgh Wire’s fact-checking policy sets out what we verify before publication, how we handle unverified claims, and the process for correcting mistakes. Every article published by Sliema Media Limited is subject to a multi-step check that includes source verification, editorial review, and, where required, specialist scrutiny by our Standards Lead. This page explains the rules that govern our editorial fact-checking.
What do we verify?
We verify all factual claims that appear in our reporting, including names, dates, statistics, quotations, and descriptions of events or policies. For each article our writers must trace every factual assertion to a named source or publicly verifiable record. We maintain a hierarchy of source reliability, detailed on our Sources & Standards page, which prioritises primary documents (court judgments, council minutes, official data releases) over secondary or anonymous accounts. If a claim cannot be independently verified we either remove it or clearly label it as unconfirmed, with an explanation of why the evidence is incomplete.
How do we label rumours and unverified claims?
Rumours, leaks, or allegations that have not been independently confirmed are always marked with explicit language such as “according to sources who spoke on condition of anonymity” or “a claim that has not been substantiated by official records.” We never present speculation as fact. When we report third-party accusations we state who made them and what, if any, corroborating evidence exists. The label “unverified” is used only after we have attempted reasonable checks and documented the gaps; it is not a substitute for proper sourcing.
What you can expect from us
Our fact‑checking is thorough but proportionate. For daily local news – council decisions, planning applications, crime briefs – we require at least two independent sources or a single, authoritative public document. For investigative pieces or stories with significant public interest, the Standards Lead reviews every element before publication. We do not publish corrections in batches; each correction is handled individually and linked from the original article. If an error is found after publication, we update the article and publish a correction notice on the same page, detailing what was wrong and when it was fixed. Our full approach to corrections is set out in the Corrections Policy.
Who reviews sensitive articles?
Diane Forbes, our Standards & Fact-Checking Lead, reviews any article that involves allegations of criminal conduct, disputes involving named individuals, health or safety risks, or potential legal liability. Diane works directly with the Editor‑in‑Chief, William Ashby, to decide whether additional expert input or legal review is needed before publication. Her contact details are listed on our Our Team page, and she can be reached directly at diane.forbes@edinburghwire.co.uk for any pre‑publication concerns.
How can readers report a potential error?
Readers who spot a factual mistake, missing context, or a potential breach of our editorial standards should email factcheck@edinburghwire.co.uk. That inbox is monitored by the Standards team and is separate from general editorial queries. We aim to acknowledge every report within one business day and to resolve it within five working days. Reports that involve potential legal issues are escalated to the Editor‑in‑Chief. We do not remove articles because of disagreement over interpretation, but we correct errors promptly and transparently. For more detailed guidance on how we handle reader complaints, see our Editorial Policy.
How do we handle corrections?
All corrections are recorded on the article itself and summarised in a public log linked from the Corrections Policy page. A correction notice states the original error, the date it was introduced, the date it was corrected, and the name of the editor who approved the change. Minor typographical or formatting fixes are not considered corrections unless they affect meaning. If we publish a story that is later found to be substantially inaccurate, we retract it and publish an explanation. No correction is made without the explicit approval of the Editor‑in‑Chief or the Standards Lead.
Questions or concerns?
If you have a question about how we verify facts, wish to dispute a specific check, or need to report a concern confidentially, please contact the editorial team at factcheck@edinburghwire.co.uk. For general inquiries about our funding, commercial relationships, or legal matters, see our Ownership & Funding page. We take accuracy seriously and welcome scrutiny from our readers.