A woman from Texas, reported missing by her family, has turned up living with a self-proclaimed lost African tribe in the woodlands near Jedburgh, Scotland. Kaura Taylor, now going by the name Asnat, was discovered in an off-grid camp set up by the group known as the Kingdom of Kubala, and she has asked everyone to leave her alone.
This surprising find happened in the forests about 65 kilometers south of Edinburgh, where the small group has built a makeshift kingdom. Authorities and locals got involved after reports of the unusual settlement, leading to Taylor’s identification.
The Discovery and Initial Reaction
Local police in the Scottish Borders region responded to tips about people living in the woods near Jedburgh in early August 2025. What they found was a small camp with tents, basic shelters, and a few residents who claimed the land as their ancestral home.
Taylor, who vanished from her Texas home months ago, was among them. Family members had filed a missing person report, sparking a search that went cold until this breakthrough. When approached, she told officials and media to back off, saying she chose this life freely.
Her family expressed relief mixed with confusion. They had no idea how she ended up over 7,000 kilometers away in Scotland. Social media buzzed with theories, from adventure gone wrong to a deliberate escape.
The camp’s setup includes solar panels for power and gardens for food, showing a commitment to self-sufficiency. Neighbors reported seeing the group for weeks before authorities stepped in.
Background of the Kingdom of Kubala
The Kingdom of Kubala describes itself as descendants of an ancient African tribe, with roots tied to Hebrew history. Led by a man calling himself King Atehene and his partner Queen Nandi, the group says they are reclaiming land stolen from their ancestors centuries ago.
They arrived in Scotland in recent months, setting up in the Jedburgh forests without permission. This has led to legal issues, including eviction notices from landowners who say the camp is on private property.
Experts on fringe communities note that such groups often form around shared beliefs in lost heritage or spiritual missions. In this case, the kingdom rejects modern laws and aims to live off the grid.
- Key claims by the group: Land in Scotland belongs to their ancestors due to historical displacements.
- Population: Only a handful of members, including Taylor as a handmaid.
- Daily life: Focus on communal living, rituals, and avoiding outside contact.
Taylor’s role seems central, as she helps with camp duties and supports the kingdom’s mission. Reports suggest she joined after traveling abroad, drawn by online posts about the group.
How Taylor Ended Up in Scotland
Taylor’s journey from Texas to Scotland remains partly a mystery, but pieces are coming together. Friends say she showed interest in alternative lifestyles and spiritual groups before disappearing.
Travel records indicate she flew to Europe in spring 2025, possibly seeking a break from everyday stresses. Somehow, she connected with the Kingdom of Kubala, which promotes itself on social media as a haven for those reclaiming heritage.
Her family tried tracking her through phone signals and credit cards, but she went silent. The breakthrough came when a local hiker spotted the camp and alerted authorities, who cross-checked missing persons databases.
This story echoes other cases of people joining remote communities, like the 2023 incident in Canada where a missing hiker was found with a survivalist group. Such events highlight how digital connections can lead to real-world adventures.
Legal and Social Challenges Ahead
The Scottish authorities are handling the situation carefully. The group faces possible removal from the land, as it violates camping and property laws. Police have issued warnings but no arrests yet.
Community reactions vary. Some locals find it intriguing, while others worry about safety and environmental impact. The forests near Jedburgh are popular for hiking, and the camp has drawn curious visitors.
For Taylor, the focus is on her well-being. Mental health experts suggest checking if she is there willingly, given her plea to be left alone. Her family hopes for a reunion but respects her choices.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Jedburgh forests, Scottish Borders |
| Group Size | 3-5 members |
| Main Claim | Reclaiming ancestral land from 400 years ago |
| Legal Status | Facing eviction; rejecting local laws |
| Taylor’s Status | Alive, well, wants privacy |
International attention has grown, with media from the US and UK covering the story. It raises questions about personal freedom versus family concerns.
Broader Implications for Missing Persons Cases
Stories like this shine a light on how missing persons investigations can span continents in our connected world. In 2024, global databases helped solve over 10,000 cases, according to Interpol reports.
Technology plays a big role, from social media tips to facial recognition. Yet, challenges remain when people choose to vanish intentionally.
For families, the emotional toll is huge. Support groups recommend patience and professional help in such situations.
This case also touches on cultural identity and land rights debates. Groups like the Kingdom of Kubala challenge traditional views, sparking discussions on heritage and migration.
What do you think about Taylor’s choice? Share your thoughts in the comments and pass this story along to spark conversations.
