Axel Piper

The kitchens of HMP Perth are alive with the clatter of pots and the low murmur of focus as inmates complete their morning work. Among them is Andy, a Liverpool man serving more than five and a half years for a crime committed in Scotland. Today, like many days recently, he’s sharpening more than just knives — he’s sharpening his chances of a better future. Cooking Up a Second Chance Andy is one of a small group of prisoners enrolled in a ten-week training programme led by hospitality giant Greene King. The course, held inside the prison kitchen, teaches professional…

In an astonishing feat of determination, three brothers from Cheshire have completed an epic journey from Land's End to John O'Groats, driving a miniature bus originally built for children's seaside rides. A Tiny Bus, A Big Journey James, Andrew, and Will Emerton embarked on a journey that is anything but ordinary. They drove a vintage, petrol-powered bus, no taller than 1 meter (3 feet) and no longer than 2.5 meters (8 feet). Built in the 1940s, this quirky little vehicle, once used for seaside children's rides, became the vehicle for an incredible adventure across the United Kingdom. The bus has…

Scotland is home to some of the most iconic museum cafes in the UK, with a few receiving recognition for their charm, atmosphere, and culinary offerings. Featured in The Guardian's top 50 list of the best museum cafes across the country, these Scottish spots are not only ideal for art lovers but also perfect for those seeking a memorable dining experience while exploring some of Scotland’s finest cultural landmarks. The Scottish Café and Restaurant, Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh Tucked beneath the Scottish National Gallery, The Scottish Café and Restaurant has earned a reputation as an "Edinburgh institution." With a vibrant…

This year’s Refugee Festival Scotland is alive with colour, symbolism, and meaning, thanks to a powerful new artwork created by two artists whose stories are deeply rooted in themes of migration, identity, and community. Shatha Altowai, a Yemeni-born artist, and Jude Abu Zaineh, a Palestinian creative, collaborated to design the official artwork for the 2025 festival. Their piece responds to the theme “Milestones”—a celebration of progress, resilience, and the journeys that shape refugee communities in Scotland. Both artists bring not only bold creative vision but lived experience to the work. In a joint interview, they spoke about how their personal…

Scotland’s cruise tourism sector is booming, with a significant £130 million boost to the economy in 2024. This impressive figure highlights the vital role cruise tourism plays in supporting local businesses, particularly in rural and island communities. A Significant Economic Contribution Scotland’s cruise industry has made a remarkable impact in 2024, with an estimated 1.1 million cruise passengers arriving in the country. This influx has provided a substantial economic benefit, contributing around £130 million to local businesses and communities, according to the latest figures from Cruise Scotland. Cruise Scotland, the body representing Scotland’s cruise tourism industry, has been actively promoting…

More than 132,000 pupils across Scotland are opening their exam booklets this month. But the real pressure? That’s sitting squarely on the desks of Scotland’s education ministers. Last year’s results were a letdown. The government knows it. The teachers know it. And the pupils — especially the ones getting ready for those dreaded Highers and Advanced Highers — definitely know it too. A Decade of Promises, Still No Narrower Attainment Gap You can’t say the warnings weren’t there. Year after year, ministers promised action on the educational attainment gap — the stubborn divide between pupils from wealthier areas and those…

Learner drivers across rural Scotland are facing significant delays when trying to book their driving tests, with some individuals waiting up to five months to sit their exams. This backlog, exacerbated by the pandemic, has raised concerns about the mobility and employment prospects of young people, particularly in rural areas. The situation has become so dire that some learners are being forced to look for test dates in other regions, while others are left in limbo, unsure of when they will be able to take the next step toward gaining their independence on the road. Frustration in Rural Scotland Dylan…

GRANGEMOUTH, Scotland – April 23, 2025 – In a bold stride toward Scotland’s green economy ambitions, biotech innovator MiAlgae has officially submitted plans for a large-scale microalgae production facility in Grangemouth. The facility, which repurposes whisky industry byproducts to grow omega-3-rich algae, is expected to create more than 100 green jobs in its first phase. The project puts MiAlgae at the heart of Scotland’s clean tech transformation, particularly as the region looks to retrain and re-employ workers from declining oil and gas sectors. Whisky Waste Fuels a Greener Future MiAlgae’s unique value proposition lies in its closed-loop biotechnology model. By…

One of Scotland’s most vital children’s charities is teaming up with the Royal Bank of Scotland in a nationwide push to raise £100,000 — and lift spirits — for families grappling with the unimaginable. From city centres to rural villages, this partnership promises to do more than just gather donations. It’s about giving time, showing up, and making sure no family walks this path alone. An emotional mission, not just a fundraiser This isn't some polished corporate stunt. It’s a cause built on heartbreak, resilience, and community. CHAS — short for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland — provides palliative care to…

The Scottish government has confirmed it will not revive its controversial gender recognition reforms following last week's landmark Supreme Court judgment, signalling a significant policy shift away from Nicola Sturgeon's once-flagship equality agenda. In a statement to Holyrood on Tuesday afternoon, Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said the government “fully accepts” the court’s ruling and will now amend guidance to reflect the decision, which clarified that the legal definition of "woman" under the Equality Act 2010 does not include transgender women with Gender Recognition Certificates (GRCs). The unanimous ruling, delivered by five judges, represented a major victory for campaign group…