Axel Piper

Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, has called on the UK Government to extend its industrial support beyond England and ensure that vital Scottish industries, such as the Grangemouth refinery, are safeguarded amid ongoing economic challenges. A Unified UK Strategy for Industrial Support Swinney is set to warn that UK industrial support “cannot stop at the border,” emphasizing that Scotland must be included in a nationwide strategy to secure and grow its industrial base. His comments come as the UK faces significant global uncertainty and shifting economic landscapes. In a speech scheduled for the Scottish Trades Union Congress (STUC) Annual Congress…

The battle against child poverty in Scotland is intensifying, with more voices urging immediate action. As the stark realities of poverty grip vulnerable children, calls for change are growing louder. Is Scotland prepared to act before it's too late? The Harsh Reality of Child Poverty in Scotland Scotland is facing a crisis that is both pressing and heartbreaking: child poverty. Every day, thousands of children across the nation are growing up in conditions that stunt their potential. Whether it's going to school on an empty stomach or trying to focus in classrooms without a proper place to study, these children…

In a significant move for international travel, Hainan Airlines has announced that its direct flight service between Edinburgh and Beijing will now operate year-round. Previously, the service was limited to the peak travel season from March to October, but the new schedule offers regular connections throughout the year. This expansion highlights the growing demand for direct flights between Scotland and China, and strengthens Edinburgh Airport’s position as a key international hub. A Strategic Move for Enhanced Connectivity The decision to operate this route year-round is a major achievement for both Hainan Airlines and Edinburgh Airport, which is part of the…

Fredericton, New Brunswick – The 2025 World Mixed Doubles Curling Championship continued its thrilling action on Sunday, April 27, with five teams maintaining perfect records after Day 2 of competition. Among them, Canada, Scotland, and Italy stood out, each securing victories to sit atop their respective groups. Canada Shines in Comeback Victory Over Sweden Jocelyn Peterman and Brett Gallant led Canada to an 8-6 victory over defending champions Sweden, keeping their round-robin record spotless at 3-0. The match started with an early setback for the Canadians, as Sweden’s Anna Hasselborg executed a double take-out in the first end, earning three…

The kitchens of HMP Perth are alive with the clatter of pots and the low murmur of focus as inmates complete their morning work. Among them is Andy, a Liverpool man serving more than five and a half years for a crime committed in Scotland. Today, like many days recently, he’s sharpening more than just knives — he’s sharpening his chances of a better future. Cooking Up a Second Chance Andy is one of a small group of prisoners enrolled in a ten-week training programme led by hospitality giant Greene King. The course, held inside the prison kitchen, teaches professional…

In an astonishing feat of determination, three brothers from Cheshire have completed an epic journey from Land's End to John O'Groats, driving a miniature bus originally built for children's seaside rides. A Tiny Bus, A Big Journey James, Andrew, and Will Emerton embarked on a journey that is anything but ordinary. They drove a vintage, petrol-powered bus, no taller than 1 meter (3 feet) and no longer than 2.5 meters (8 feet). Built in the 1940s, this quirky little vehicle, once used for seaside children's rides, became the vehicle for an incredible adventure across the United Kingdom. The bus has…

Scotland is home to some of the most iconic museum cafes in the UK, with a few receiving recognition for their charm, atmosphere, and culinary offerings. Featured in The Guardian's top 50 list of the best museum cafes across the country, these Scottish spots are not only ideal for art lovers but also perfect for those seeking a memorable dining experience while exploring some of Scotland’s finest cultural landmarks. The Scottish Café and Restaurant, Scottish National Gallery, Edinburgh Tucked beneath the Scottish National Gallery, The Scottish Café and Restaurant has earned a reputation as an "Edinburgh institution." With a vibrant…

This year’s Refugee Festival Scotland is alive with colour, symbolism, and meaning, thanks to a powerful new artwork created by two artists whose stories are deeply rooted in themes of migration, identity, and community. Shatha Altowai, a Yemeni-born artist, and Jude Abu Zaineh, a Palestinian creative, collaborated to design the official artwork for the 2025 festival. Their piece responds to the theme “Milestones”—a celebration of progress, resilience, and the journeys that shape refugee communities in Scotland. Both artists bring not only bold creative vision but lived experience to the work. In a joint interview, they spoke about how their personal…

Scotland’s cruise tourism sector is booming, with a significant £130 million boost to the economy in 2024. This impressive figure highlights the vital role cruise tourism plays in supporting local businesses, particularly in rural and island communities. A Significant Economic Contribution Scotland’s cruise industry has made a remarkable impact in 2024, with an estimated 1.1 million cruise passengers arriving in the country. This influx has provided a substantial economic benefit, contributing around £130 million to local businesses and communities, according to the latest figures from Cruise Scotland. Cruise Scotland, the body representing Scotland’s cruise tourism industry, has been actively promoting…

More than 132,000 pupils across Scotland are opening their exam booklets this month. But the real pressure? That’s sitting squarely on the desks of Scotland’s education ministers. Last year’s results were a letdown. The government knows it. The teachers know it. And the pupils — especially the ones getting ready for those dreaded Highers and Advanced Highers — definitely know it too. A Decade of Promises, Still No Narrower Attainment Gap You can’t say the warnings weren’t there. Year after year, ministers promised action on the educational attainment gap — the stubborn divide between pupils from wealthier areas and those…