Axel Piper

More American students than ever are choosing the University of St Andrews — and while royal connections help, there’s a lot more to the story. The Prince and Princess Effect You’d be hard-pressed to find a modern fairy tale quite like Prince William meeting Kate Middleton at St Andrews.That single chapter in the university’s 600-year-old history holds real sway. Americans — and not just the ones obsessed with The Crown — find the idea of studying where royalty once strolled downright irresistible. The result? Nearly 20% of St Andrews’ student body now comes from the U.S., the biggest share of…

Firefighters in the Scottish Highlands are facing another tense night as they work to contain wildfires that have scorched miles of woodland near Grantown-on-Spey. Alarm Bells And Abandoned Camp Chairs It all began just before six on Saturday evening. In the quiet woods near Loch Allan, someone spotted flames crackling through dry underbrush. Within hours, the fire grew into a massive front, devouring trees and brush, sending plumes of smoke billowing skyward. One local who tried to snuff out the first sparks told BBC Scotland News that the fire’s heart was a simple ring of stones — evidence of a…

Scotland is betting big on hydrogen. But it’s not just about clean fuel — it’s about future-proofing an entire economy. As net zero deadlines loom, the country is eyeing green hydrogen as both a climate solution and industrial revival. Grangemouth in the Spotlight The Scottish Parliament’s Net Zero, Energy and Transport Committee has been holding hearings in May 2025 focused on the industrial powerhouse of Grangemouth — a critical site for both current hydrogen production and future ambitions. Grangemouth is already home to hydrogen manufacturing via steam methane reforming (SMR) — a carbon-intensive process classified as grey hydrogen. But policymakers…

A new chapter is about to begin for Scotland’s most remote island link. The Shetland Islands Council has officially awarded a £5.6 million construction contract to Parkol Marine Engineering to build a replacement ferry for the Good Shepherd IV, the lifeline vessel that’s served Fair Isle since 1986. It’s taken years of planning, lobbying, and a sizable chunk of "levelling up" cash from Westminster — but locals are finally getting the green light on a more modern, more resilient connection to the mainland. A Long-Awaited Lifeline for Fair Isle Let’s be honest — the Good Shepherd IV has had a…

Scotland’s biggest local authority has been hit hard by a cyber attack that’s left digital services in tatters and sparked serious fears about the security of citizen data. Glasgow City Council confirmed the breach late Thursday, triggering a multi-agency probe and pushing critical online systems offline for tens of thousands of users. The council’s public-facing services ground to a halt, residents were redirected to jammed phone lines, and the full scale of potential data theft remains unclear. Major services grind to a halt, phones overwhelmed It wasn’t just a blip. The cyber hit on Glasgow City Council appears both targeted…

Cruising through the Scottish islands in a floating boutique hotel might sound like fantasy. But aboard the Emma Jane, it’s real — and apparently even fit for royalty. When whispers emerged that William and Kate marked their 14th wedding anniversary with a quiet escape to Mull, locals weren’t surprised. The Hebrides aren’t just breathtaking — they’re discreet, untamed, and gloriously under-the-radar. The kind of place where even the future King can blend into the sea mist. The Emma Jane Is Not Your Average Cruise Ship You won’t find 2,000 passengers queuing for buffet shrimp here. The Emma Jane — part…

Scotland’s salmon farming sector just scored a big win for sustainability, with global agribusiness giant Cargill securing certification for its aquafeed plants under the tough new ASC Feed Standard. It's a move that could ripple across the seafood supply chain. The certification means that all of Cargill’s EWOS-branded feed operations for salmonids — including those in Scotland — now meet the stringent benchmarks set by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council. It’s not just about fish anymore. It’s about traceability, ethics, and the climate footprint of everything that goes into that feed bag. A First for Scotland, a Signal to the Industry…

The monsoon doesn’t just bring rain. It brings drama, color, renewal—and in some parts of the world, it turns already-beautiful places into something unforgettable. For travelers who don’t mind getting a little wet, countries like India, Indonesia, Vietnam, and even Scotland offer some of their most magical moments during the rainy season. Rain polishes waterfalls until they thunder. It greens the hills, mists the valleys, and hushes the crowds. In the following seven countries, the monsoon isn't a downer—it's a spectacle. Kerala, India: The Emerald State in Full Bloom In Kerala, monsoon isn't an inconvenience—it’s a season of rebirth. As…

Princess Kate touched down in Scotland solo ahead of a key royal event alongside Prince William—drawing fresh attention to her growing role in ceremonial duties. The couple are set to reunite at the HMS Glasgow naming ceremony later today, but for now, she’s gone ahead alone. William had already arrived north of the border a day earlier, focusing on community outreach in Edinburgh. Their separate arrivals stirred quiet buzz, but the real spotlight is on the Royal Navy’s newest anti-submarine warship and Kate’s ceremonial role in its future. A Symbolic Solo Arrival by the Princess of Wales Kate’s solo journey…

There’s something magical about exploring Scotland in summer — longer days, gentler skies, and the promise of adventure around every bend. But what if you could skip the stress of driving, the scramble for parking, and the stop-start pace of traffic? Instead, picture this: panoramic windows, comfortable seats, and a front-row view of some of the world’s most breathtaking landscapes. This is the ScotRail experience — and this summer, it’s your ticket to hundreds of unforgettable destinations. Discover More, Stress Less ScotRail’s Inspiration Hub is designed to help you plan easy escapes, whether you’re craving a beachside break, a mountain…