Axel Piper

Spean Bridge, Scotland — The Scottish Highlands have long been romanticized for their remoteness. But today, the region is being reimagined — not as a cultural hinterland, but as a testbed for the future of sustainable, off-grid living. In an unlikely twist of modernisation, the same landscapes once plagued by depopulation are becoming magnets for carbon-conscious entrepreneurs, tech-savvy relocators, and digital nomads in search of energy autonomy and high-speed internet. A Fibre-Optic Thread Through the Wild Hop on a train north from Fort William and you’ll quickly glimpse the paradox: ancient stone crofts now sporting sleek white fibre-optic terminals. Along…

The Prince and Princess of Wales are heading back to where it all began — Scotland. This time, it’s personal. As they celebrate 14 years of marriage, William and Kate will spend time on the Isle of Mull, rekindling both a royal legacy and a deeply personal connection to the land that shaped them. It’s not just a trip — it’s a symbol of endurance, love, and reflection. A Return to Roots — and Quiet Strength Scotland has always had a pull for the royal couple. William, heir to the throne, studied at the University of St Andrews — where…

Dundee is a city that keeps its secrets well. For centuries it’s been known for its three Js—jute, jam, and journalism—but lately it’s added a fourth: justice, or the lack thereof, as imagined by a wave of gritty Scottish crime writers. Long the underdog in Scotland’s urban pecking order, Dundee has emerged as an unlikely hub for the literary genre known as Tartan Noir. Crime fiction rooted in Scottish soil, it’s moody, morally grey, and often unforgiving—just like Dundee on a wet Tuesday. Victorian Shadows and Fog: Malcolm Archibald’s Dundee If you want to start at the beginning—well, the literary…

For the first time, the Scottish Parliament has formally acknowledged rising bias against Hindus, with a new motion tabled that’s already being hailed as a watershed moment in UK politics. Ash Regan, MSP for Edinburgh Eastern and a member of the Alba Party, brought forward the motion last week, highlighting systemic discrimination against Hindus. It's the first of its kind in Scotland — and across the European Union — to specifically recognise Hinduphobia as a serious societal issue. A Motion That Breaks New Ground in Europe This isn’t just a Scottish affair. Regan’s motion, inspired by a deeply researched report…

An Indian restaurant in Dunfermline has been named the finest in Scotland, clinching two top accolades at the prestigious 2025 Scottish Curry Awards, solidifying its place as a culinary destination far beyond Fife. Dhoom, located on New Row, took home the Street Food Restaurant of the Year award, while its owner, Dhaneshwar Prasad, was honoured with the Industry Choice Best Chef of the Year title, recognising both his innovative menu and tireless pursuit of authentic regional Indian cuisine. A Taste of India in the Heart of Fife Since opening in 2018, Dhoom has redefined the Indian dining experience in Dunfermline.…

EDINBURGH – In the debate over Scottish independence, currency isn’t just an economic tool—it’s a political lever, a trust mechanism, and a statement of sovereignty. As momentum builds behind renewed independence discussions, a critical question remains unresolved: What currency would an independent Scotland use, and how would it function in the real world? Over the next 18 months, I will be working under commission from the Scottish Currency Group to answer that question through an in-depth, evidence-led research project. The goal is to deliver a credible, practical, and politically coherent roadmap for the creation of a new Scottish currency. Why…

Scotland’s newly installed First Minister John Swinney has announced plans to fast-track his Programme for Government, moving the annual policy blueprint forward by four months in a bid to respond to what he called “undoubted economic challenges” looming over the nation. The SNP leader confirmed the government’s legislative and policy priorities will now be unveiled on May 6, replacing the traditional post-recess reveal in September. The move, Swinney said, is designed to offer “a full year of delivery” before the 2026 Holyrood elections. ‘Economic Straitjacket’ and a Year of Risk Speaking from Bute House, Swinney warned of a cocktail of…

When Sir Ian Wood transformed a family-run boat repair business in Aberdeen into a global engineering force, few would have predicted that five decades later, the company would be sold for a fraction of its former value — to a Dubai-based conglomerate. But that’s exactly where things stand today. The board of John Wood Group plc, once valued at over £5 billion and a flagship of Scotland’s industrial prowess, is now recommending a £242 million takeover offer from Sidara, a firm headquartered in the United Arab Emirates. Alongside the bid comes a promised £340 million capital injection. The two companies…

A sea of bright colours flowed into Daldowie Crematorium on Friday as friends, family, and colleagues gathered to say goodbye to Scottish Government minister Christina McKelvie. The 57-year-old SNP MSP, who died in March after a long illness, was remembered not just as a politician — but as a campaigner, a mother, a partner, and a woman deeply loved by her community. Her coffin, draped in a Saltire, was carried by her partner and SNP depute leader Keith Brown, who told mourners: “Christina was loved — not just by us, but by the public. That’s rare. Maybe unique.” “Human rights…

From golden mornings in Aberdeenshire to glowing sunsets in Wester Ross, Scotland’s natural beauty was out in full force last week — and locals didn’t miss the chance to capture it. The BBC’s latest reader-submitted gallery paints a vivid portrait of spring across the country, showcasing everything from daffodils and deer to pink-tinted lighthouses and mirror-like lochs. The photos, submitted between April 4 and April 11, show not just stunning landscapes, but also the emotional connection Scots have with their changing seasons — and with their surroundings. Wester Ross in Bloom Diane West from Burntisland caught one of those timeless…