Axel Piper

Scotland faces a growing flood threat, with watchdogs warning that many at-risk homes may not get needed protection due to funding and leadership failures. A new report from the Auditor General and Accounts Commission highlights how the current system fails to deliver on time, leaving communities vulnerable as climate change worsens flooding. Report Reveals System Flaws The joint report, released on August 28, 2025, states that the way money is allocated for flood defenses in Scotland is not fit for purpose. This means projects meant to safeguard homes could be delayed or scrapped altogether. Experts point out that existing flood…

Scotland has taken a bold step in aquaculture by approving the nation's first semi closed containment salmon farm. The Scottish government gave the green light to Loch Long Salmon's project on Loch Long near Arrochar, overturning a local planning refusal in a move that highlights innovative technology already successful in Norway, Canada, and the Faroe Islands. Project Details and Timeline The approval came on August 26, 2025, after a lengthy review process. Loch Long Salmon plans to invest 40 million pounds in this facility, which will use semi closed systems to farm salmon more sustainably. This decision follows years of…

Scottish Labour has slammed the SNP government for letting affordable home completions drop sharply, worsening the nation's housing emergency. Official figures reveal a steady decline in new builds over recent years, prompting calls for urgent action from Housing Secretary Mairi McAllan. Labour Blasts SNP Over Housing Failures Scottish Labour leaders point to a clear pattern of decline in housing supply that has left thousands without affordable options. They argue that the government's inaction has only made the crisis worse, especially after Scotland declared a national housing emergency in 2024. Mark Griffin, Scottish Labour's housing spokesman, stated that the drop in…

Apex Traffic Management Limited, a key player in road signage and barriers, has entered administration and ceased trading, resulting in 119 job losses across Scotland and England. The Uddingston-based company made this move on August 22, 2025, after directors petitioned Hamilton Sheriff Court amid mounting financial pressures. Company History and Operations Apex Traffic Management started as a small operation in Scotland and grew into a major supplier of traffic control services. The firm handled roadworks equipment for big clients like Transport Scotland and Highways England. Over the years, Apex expanded its reach. It provided services for events such as horse…

Italy is teaming up with Croatia, Scotland, and Greece to boost nostalgication, a fresh travel trend that lets GenZ travelers dive into the past through vintage rail journeys and cultural heritage sites. Set for a big rise in 2026, this movement helps young people escape modern stress by reliving simpler times in Europe's stunning spots. What Is Nostalgication and Why GenZ Loves It Nostalgication mixes old school charm with today's ease, drawing GenZ who want real connections over quick trips. This trend popped up as people seek comfort in a busy world, with surveys showing over 70 percent of young…

In the scenic glen of Glenisla in Angus, Scotland, a master thatcher recently traveled hours to fix a hole in what experts believe is the country's last remaining thatched roundhouse. This unique lodge house on the Knockshannoch estate highlights the fading tradition of thatched roofs while showcasing the area's abundant wildlife, drawing attention on August 22, 2025. The Unique Roundhouse in Glenisla Nestled at the edge of the Cairngorms, Glenisla serves as a gateway between lowlands and highlands. The roundhouse, with its circular design and reed thatch, stands as a testament to Scotland's rural past. Built on the Knockshannoch estate,…

A woman from Texas named Kaura Taylor, who was reported missing by her family, has turned up living in a remote forest in Jedburgh, Scotland. She now lives with a group called the Kingdom of Kubala, which claims to be a lost African tribe reclaiming ancient land. The Surprising Discovery Taylor vanished from her home in Texas, sparking worry among her loved ones who filed a missing person report. Recent reports show she was located in the Scottish Borders area, about 41 miles south of Edinburgh, after locals noticed an unusual camp in the woods. Authorities confirmed her identity through…

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…

Edinburgh-based broadband provider GoFibre has secured £125 million in fresh funding to speed up high-speed internet rollout in rural Scotland. Announced on August 18, 2025, this boost supports two major contracts under the UK's Project Gigabit program, aiming to connect hard-to-reach areas with gigabit-capable broadband by 2026. The funding comes at a key time as Scotland works to close the digital gap between urban and rural spots. With this cash injection, GoFibre plans to reach over 130,000 homes and businesses in regions like the Scottish Borders, East Lothian, Angus, Aberdeenshire, and the Moray coast. Breaking Down the Funding Deal GoFibre's…

Private businesses in Scotland are showing strong optimism for growth this year, with 94 percent confident in their prospects amid investments in technology and market expansion. This comes from a recent mid-year survey by a major professional services firm, highlighting how firms are adapting to economic challenges as of August 2025. Rising Confidence Levels in Scottish Private Sector Business leaders across Scotland have reported a notable increase in growth confidence since the start of 2025. The survey, which checked in with 128 Scottish firms out of a national sample of 1,500, shows confidence rising from 90 percent earlier this year…