Axel Piper

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…

Scotland has launched a major survey in 2025 to track agritourism growth, focusing on farms and estates in the Highlands. This effort aims to boost the sector to 250 million pounds by 2030 and create nearly 10,000 jobs, transforming rural economies through farm-based tourism. Survey Launch and Participation Call A nationwide survey kicked off in August 2025, inviting farms, crofts, and estates across Scotland to share details on their agritourism activities. Organizers stress the importance of Highland participation, where land-based businesses play a big role in local life. This anonymous survey asks about everything from farm stays and guided tours…

Scotland faces growing criticism for slow progress on lung cancer screening, with experts and campaigners warning that delays could cost lives and strain the health service. As of August 2025, the Scottish government plans a pilot program, but full rollout might take up to ten years, even as England and Wales push ahead with their schemes. Background on Lung Cancer Screening Needs Lung cancer remains a major killer in Scotland, claiming thousands of lives each year. Recent data shows about 5,000 new cases annually, with most detected at late stages where treatment options shrink. Health leaders point to strong evidence…

US Vice President JD Vance wrapped up a private family holiday in Scotland on Sunday, departing from Prestwick Airport aboard Air Force Two. The four-day visit included golfing at Donald Trump's Turnberry resort and time at a luxury estate in East Ayrshire, blending relaxation with ties to his Scottish roots. Holiday Highlights in Scotland Vance arrived in Scotland last Wednesday, landing at Prestwick Airport with his wife and three children. The family chose the peaceful Carnell Estates near Kilmarnock for their stay. This 2,000-acre property boasts a historic 14th-century tower and a grand 10-bedroom mansion, offering a quiet escape from…

A historic 18th-century farmhouse in Scotland's scenic Tweed Valley has listed for $1.2 million, drawing attention from buyers seeking charm and countryside living. Located near the village of Innerleithen, this renovated property blends old-world appeal with modern comforts, making it a standout in the current real estate market. History and Renovations of the Property This farmhouse dates back to the 1700s and first became a home in 1805 when an Edinburgh candlemaker named Thomas Bell transformed it. Over the years, owners have updated the space while preserving its character, with the latest buyers taking over in 2011. Scotland's national heritage…

Scotland's natural beauty shone through in a fresh batch of reader submitted photos from August 8 to 15. Highlights include a striking sunrise scene with a heron on Ardentinny beach in Argyll and a playful dog amid blooming heather near Galashiels, showcasing the country's diverse landscapes during peak summer. Iconic Sunrise Captures Wildlife Moment Photographers across Scotland shared their best shots this week, focusing on serene mornings and vibrant flora. One standout image came from Eloise Smith, who caught a heron perched on driftwood at Ardentinny beach. The photo features an orange tinted sky that silhouettes the bird and wood…

The King slipped into Aberdeenshire for a clan ceremony and local meetings just days before his summer stay at the royal estate begins. A Low-Key Stop with Historic Echoes In a move that caught even some royal watchers off guard, King Charles III appeared in the village of Ballater on August 12, just a short drive from Balmoral Castle. His visit wasn’t for leisure — at least not officially. The 76-year-old monarch was there to inspect the newly commissioned banner of Clan Farquharson at Victoria Hall. This wasn’t a random choice of clan. Back in 1852, it was the Farquharsons…