Axel Piper

Scotland could soon roll out mobile drug consumption units to combat its ongoing drug death crisis. A new report from MPs highlights these smaller, movable facilities as a cost-effective way to reach more users and save lives, building on the success and lessons from Glasgow's Thistle center, which opened in early 2025. What Are Mobile Drug Consumption Units? These units are vans or portable setups where people can use drugs like heroin or cocaine under medical watch. They aim to cut down on overdoses by providing clean spaces and quick help from trained staff. Unlike fixed sites, mobile units can…

Scotland's housing emergency shows no signs of easing, with experts warning that the situation has deteriorated further since the Covid pandemic. John Mills, head of housing at Fife Council and co-chair of the Association of Local Authority Chief Housing Officers, stated on a recent broadcast that demand for homes has surged due to rising relationship breakdowns, putting immense pressure on an already broken system. Expert Highlights Broken System John Mills delivered a clear message during his appearance on a national program. He explained that homelessness was already climbing before the pandemic hit in 2020, but conditions have only worsened since…

Scotland's tourism industry is set for a major lift as VisitScotland Connect 2026 heads to Glasgow. This key event on April 15 and 16 at the Scottish Event Campus will link local businesses with global buyers to spark new partnerships and growth. Event Details and Location VisitScotland Connect 2026 marks a fresh chapter for Scotland's travel trade. It brings together tourism suppliers, destination groups, and international buyers in one spot. The event runs for two days in Glasgow, a city known for its vibrant culture and easy access. Organizers expect hundreds of participants from around the world. This is the…

Icelandair kicked off its new direct flights between Edinburgh and Reykjavik on September 13, 2025, turning what started as a seasonal route into a year round service due to high demand. This move boosts travel links between Scotland and Iceland while making it simpler for people to reach North America through Icelandair's broad network. The airline first planned the route for winter only, but strong interest from travelers pushed them to extend it all year. With flights running three to four times a week on a Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, passengers can now enjoy a quick two and a…

A Scottish court has ordered the eviction of a self-styled African tribe from private woodland near Jedburgh in the Scottish Borders. The group, known as the Kingdom of Kubala, includes three members who claim they are reclaiming ancestral land stolen centuries ago, but local authorities say their camp breaks the law. Background of the Kingdom of Kubala The story began in the spring of 2025 when Kofi Offeh, a 36-year-old from Ghana, and Jean Gasho, 42, originally from Zimbabwe, arrived in the Jedburgh area. They declared themselves King Atehehe and Queen Nandi, setting up a camp on a hillside above…

Scotland's beauty shines through in a fresh batch of user-submitted photos shared by BBC Scotland News. From 29 August to 5 September 2025, people across the country captured stunning scenes, including a fiery Viking festival and colorful flowers, highlighting why these weekly galleries draw so much attention. Top Highlights from This Week's Gallery Viewers got a treat with images that mix history, nature, and fun. One standout photo shows a Viking long ship burning bright against the night sky at Portsoy, snapped by Chris Rowe during the local festival. This event draws crowds every year, blending Scotland's past with lively…

Scotland has recorded its lowest drug death toll since 2017, with 1,017 fatalities in 2024, yet it remains Europe's overdose leader amid a growing threat from potent synthetic opioids called nitazenes. Experts warn that these drugs, often mixed into heroin and other substances, are driving a sharp rise in overdoses, with 38 deaths linked to them in the first three months of 2025 alone. Drug Deaths Drop but Crisis Persists Scotland's drug misuse deaths fell by 13 percent last year, down from 1,172 in 2023 to 1,017 in 2024. This marks the lowest figure in seven years, according to official…

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney faces growing backlash after announcing a boycott on public funding for arms companies supplying Israel. Critics, including nearly 3,000 petition signers, claim his strong words on Gaza and policy moves put Jewish people at risk and stir up hate. Background on Swinney's Announcement John Swinney made headlines on September 3, 2025, when he spoke in Edinburgh. He called Israel's actions in Gaza a genocide and outlined steps to cut ties. His government plans to stop new public money going to defense firms linked to Israel. This includes freezing funds from the Scottish National Investment Bank…

Scotland's National Library has reversed its choice to exclude a gender-critical book from its centenary exhibition. The move follows public outcry and talks with the book's editors on September 4, 2025, highlighting debates over free speech and gender issues. Background of the Controversy The National Library of Scotland faced backlash after deciding not to feature "The Women Who Wouldn’t Wheesht" in its Dear Library exhibition. This book, a collection of essays by over 30 women including author JK Rowling, details the fight against Scotland's gender recognition laws. Public nominations had secured the book's spot. Yet, concerns from the library's LGBT+…

Scotland continues to lead the UK in social care by offering free personal and nursing care to those who need it, based on assessments regardless of income or assets. As of September 2025, recent government reports highlight ongoing expansions and challenges, answering key questions for families and caregivers across the nation. What Free Personal and Nursing Care Means in Scotland This policy started in 2002 under the Community Care and Health Act, making Scotland unique in providing certain care without charges. It covers essential daily needs for adults of all ages, helping people stay independent or in care homes. Local…