Axel Piper

The United Kingdom is shifting from a harsh cold snap to milder but stormy weather, with wet and windy conditions taking over after Storm Goretti caused widespread chaos. As of January 12, 2026, forecasters report the end of freezing temperatures, but warn of heavy rain, strong winds, and potential flooding across many regions. Storm Goretti's Lingering Effects Storm Goretti struck hard last week, bringing heavy snow, ice, and winds up to 99 miles per hour in southwest England. This led to major disruptions, including power cuts for tens of thousands of homes and school closures nationwide. In Cornwall, officials described…

Heavy rain and melting snow have caused widespread flooding across Scotland, leading to road closures and travel chaos on January 12, 2026. The Scottish Environment Protection Agency issued warnings for multiple areas, urging people to stay safe as water levels rise and disrupt daily life. Flood Warnings Reach Critical Levels The agency has put out flood warnings for 18 spots across the country, with some marked as severe. These warnings cover places like Dalry and Kilwinning in North Ayrshire, Aberfoyle in Stirling, and Newton Stewart in Dumfries and Galloway. Alerts also span much of Scotland, now up to 12 in…

Scotland residents and visitors captured breathtaking images of snowy landscapes and New Year celebrations from January 2 to 9, 2026. These user-submitted photos, shared through outlets like BBC Scotland News, highlight the beauty of winter weather gripping the nation during a week of heavy snow and storms. User Photos Showcase Winter Wonders People across Scotland sent in photos that paint a vivid picture of the early 2026 winter. From frosty sunrises to colorful fireworks, these images reflect the mix of joy and challenge brought by the season. One standout photo shows four sheep standing calmly in a snowy field near…

Scotland's most vulnerable children are the focus of a groundbreaking study that just received a major funding boost. Led by the University of Stirling, the Permanently Progressing? project has been awarded £700,000 to track looked after young people through their teen years and into early adulthood, starting in 2026. This new phase builds on years of research that has already shaped policies on child care in Scotland. Researchers aim to uncover long-term outcomes for these kids, offering insights that could improve support systems across the country. Background on the Permanently Progressing? Study The study began in 2014 and follows a…

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has openly criticized some of his own party's MPs as idiotic for secretly pushing to replace UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer ahead of the May 2026 Holyrood election. With polls showing Labour slipping to fourth place behind the SNP, Reform UK, and the Scottish Greens, Sarwar is urging Starmer to stay away from the campaign trail in Scotland to avoid further damage. This move highlights growing tensions within Labour as the party grapples with Starmer's unpopularity and government missteps, which have eroded support north of the border. The election on May 7, 2026, could reshape…

In a dramatic showdown on the high seas, Russian naval forces, including a submarine and warships, moved in to escort the oil tanker Marinera as United States forces pursued it across the North Atlantic near Scotland. This incident, unfolding on January 7, 2026, highlights escalating tensions over U.S. sanctions aimed at cutting off oil revenues for Venezuela and Iran, with Russia stepping in to protect what it calls its legitimate maritime interests. The chase began weeks ago when U.S. Coast Guard cutters identified the Marinera, formerly known as Bella 1, as part of a shadow fleet evading sanctions. Officials claim…

NHS Scotland is facing a major crisis as delayed discharges cost the health service an estimated £440 million each year, with one in nine hospital beds taken up by patients ready to leave but stuck due to various barriers. This issue, highlighted in a recent watchdog report, stems from social care shortages and other delays, affecting patient care and hospital efficiency across the country as of early 2026. The Growing Crisis in Hospital Beds Hospitals in Scotland are under immense pressure, with delayed discharges leading to over 700,000 lost bed days in the past year. These delays mean patients who…

Pupils at Gryffe High School in Houston, Renfrewshire, endured lessons in freezing classrooms after a major heating system breakdown on the first day back from holidays. The issue, caused by a leak, dropped temperatures below the legal minimum of 16 degrees Celsius, sparking concerns from parents, staff, and unions about health and safety. What Led to the Heating Failure The heating problems started early this week when a leak in the school's system caused boilers to fail. School officials noticed the issue as students returned from winter break amid a cold snap across Scotland. Renfrewshire Council acted fast by providing…

Spar Scotland has launched a fresh value campaign in early 2026 to help shoppers save on daily basics amid rising costs. The push, which runs until the end of February and possibly longer, focuses on fair prices for key items across stores in Scotland. Campaign Overview and Goals Spar Scotland kicked off the year with this initiative to support customers facing tight budgets. The retailer aims to keep everyday essentials affordable without cutting quality. This move comes as household expenses continue to climb due to inflation and economic pressures. Recent data from the Office for National Statistics shows UK grocery…

Scotland's under-19 cricket team has named a strong squad for the 2026 ICC Men's U19 Cricket World Cup, starting January 15 in Zimbabwe and Namibia. Led by captain Thomas Knight, the team aims to build on their solid qualifier run and make a mark in Group B against tough rivals like England and West Indies. Squad Breakdown and Key Selections The Scotland U19 squad blends experience from recent qualifiers with fresh talent ready to shine on the global stage. Officials announced the 15-player team last month, focusing on balance between batting, bowling, and all-round skills. Thomas Knight takes the captain's…