Axel Piper

John Raven, son of renowned psychologist John Carlyle Raven, opens up about growing up with his father in a new reflection timed for the 90th anniversary of the famous Raven Progressive Matrices test in 2026. The non verbal intelligence tool, created by his dad and used by millions worldwide, marks a milestone as John turns 90 too, offering fresh insights into the legacy of Scotland's greatest psychologist. Wartime Days and Family Survival Life during World War II shaped young John Raven's early years with his father in a rural spot near Colchester, England. The family set up a small farm…

Clare Johnston, an Edinburgh journalist, has sparked a movement by helping her 82-year-old mother and 81-year-old father rebuild muscle strength through simple barbell exercises. This personal story from early 2024 now inspires millions worldwide and shows how Scotland can pioneer a healthy aging revolution to fight frailty and boost independence. A Family's Bold Step into Strength Training Clare Johnston shifted from mainstream media to creating content on aging well seven years ago. Her YouTube channel, The Honest Channel, started with product reviews but grew into deep dives on science-backed ways to stay vital. A key interview with Dr. Chris Reis,…

New research uncovers £3.2 billion in Scottish property tucked away in secret offshore trusts, sparking fears that hidden owners could dodge new land reforms. As Scottish lawmakers push the Land Reform Bill into its final debate stage this October 2025, experts warn these shadowy setups might let corruption slip through the cracks and weaken efforts to make land ownership fairer for communities. The Scale of Hidden Scottish Land Assets Transparency groups have dug deep into public records and found a big chunk of Scotland's property market stays out of sight. Out of £9.1 billion in properties linked to offshore spots,…

Ed Miliband, the UK Energy Secretary, announced plans to build a new nuclear power station in Scotland if Labour wins the Holyrood election next year. This move aims to boost jobs and energy security, targeting sites like Torness and Hunterston, but it hinges on ousting the SNP government that blocks such projects. The announcement came during a London event on October 23, 2025, where Miliband stressed Scotland's nuclear past and the need to revive it for clean energy growth. Labour's Push for Nuclear Revival in Scotland Miliband made it clear that a Labour victory in the May 2026 Holyrood election…

London Mayor Sadiq Khan stands accused of ignoring grooming gangs after Scotland Yard announced plans to reopen 9,000 child sex abuse cases from the past 15 years. Critics claim his past denials allowed predators to evade justice while victims suffered in silence. Scotland Yard Launches Massive Case Review The Metropolitan Police, known as Scotland Yard, revealed this week that it will review thousands of old files tied to child sexual exploitation. This move comes amid a national push to tackle grooming gangs, groups that target vulnerable young people for abuse. Officers aim to dig into cases spanning 2010 to 2025,…

Thrill seekers around the world gear up for Halloween 2025 with ghost tours that blend history and horror in the most haunted spots. These nighttime walks reveal tragic tales and eerie encounters from Edinburgh's dark vaults to New Orleans shadowy streets, offering chills just in time for October 31. Ghost tours draw crowds each year, but 2025 sees a big jump in bookings as people seek safe thrills amid rising interest in paranormal adventures. Experts note that tours in historic cities like these provide deep dives into past events, from witch hunts to civil war battles, making them perfect for…

Millions of travelers chase the magic of changing leaves each fall, turning simple drives and hikes into unforgettable adventures. In 2025, four standout destinations beyond the usual US spots offer vibrant displays of reds, oranges, and golds, perfect for anyone seeking fresh ways to enjoy autumn's beauty from now through early December. Quebec, Canada: Sugar Maples and Scenic Rides Quebec bursts with color as sugar maples light up the landscape, drawing visitors who want a quieter alternative to crowded New England routes. The province stretches vivid hues from the Laurentians mountains to the rolling Eastern Townships, where forests transform into…

Ireland secured a thrilling victory over Scotland in the Mowi shinty hurling international on October 25, 2025, at Bught Park in Inverness, marking their third win in a row. The men's team triumphed 12-10, while the women's side dominated with an 18-6 score, retaining the Mowi Quaich Cup and strengthening ties between the Celtic sports. Thrilling Men's Match Unfolds The game kicked off with Scotland taking an early lead just two minutes in, as Ruaraidh Anderson scored a three-point goal to put the hosts ahead. Ireland quickly responded, but Scotland built a 7-0 advantage with another goal from Anderson and…

More than one million pounds of public money has gone towards sending staff from Scotlands ferry operators to Turkey to watch over new vessel builds. This spending covers work done since 2022 by teams from CalMac and CMAL as they keep an eye on four key ferries under construction at a shipyard there. The figures come from a freedom of information request and highlight ongoing efforts to fix issues in the nations ferry services. Island communities have waited years for better boats amid delays and rising costs elsewhere in the fleet. Breaking Down the Spending Details The total cost reached…

Edinburgh's dark alleys and wild Scottish moors fueled Mary Shelley's 1818 novel Frankenstein, shaping its tale of horror and humanity. In 2025, Guillermo del Toro's new film adaptation brings that eerie legacy to the screen, with filming in Scotland capturing the gothic essence that inspired the original story. Mary Shelley's Scottish Roots Shape a Horror Classic Mary Shelley spent key years in Scotland before penning Frankenstein, drawing from the nation's rugged terrain and folklore. Born in London, she arrived in Dundee at age 14 in 1812, living there for nearly two years with a family tied to local industry. The…