Axel Piper

Scotland's richest man, Anders Povlsen, has taken a major financial hit from his investments in the north. Recent company accounts show his firm Wildland Limited posted a £33 million loss last year, driven in part by a £12.1 million write down on the SaxaVord Spaceport project in Shetland. This setback highlights the risks of ambitious ventures in remote areas. Povlsen, a Danish billionaire worth about £10 billion, continues to pour money into Highland estates and tourism, but ongoing losses raise questions about long term viability. Who is Anders Povlsen and His Scottish Empire Anders Povlsen built his fortune as the…

Scotland burst into the new year with breathtaking images shared by locals and visitors. From snowy wildlife shots to festive landscapes, people captured the beauty of the region between December 26 and January 2, highlighting winter charm and natural wonders. Winter Wildlife Takes Center Stage Photographers across Scotland turned their lenses to animals thriving in the cold. A standout image showed a mountain hare with its white fur blending into the snowy rocks of the Cairngorms. This furry creature stared right at the camera, showcasing how wildlife adapts to harsh weather. Another photo featured cows and sheep enjoying a festive…

Much of the United Kingdom faces severe weather this weekend as snow and ice warnings remain active across several regions. The Met Office has issued yellow alerts for snow and ice until Monday, with heavy snowfall hitting Scotland hardest and causing widespread disruptions to travel and daily life. Current Weather Warnings Across Regions Yellow warnings for snow and ice cover Scotland, parts of England including the south-west, north-west, and east coast, as well as Wales and Northern Ireland. These alerts started earlier this week and will last through Monday afternoon, bringing risks of power cuts and isolated communities. In Scotland,…

Heavy snow and ice have led to travel warnings across northern Scotland, causing major disruptions to roads and trains. Officials urge caution as yellow warnings remain in effect until midday on Monday, January 5, 2026, following the expiration of amber alerts. Current Weather Conditions and Warnings Snowfall has blanketed much of northern Scotland since the start of the new year, with some areas seeing up to 10 centimeters of accumulation. The Met Office reports that cold arctic air continues to grip the region, leading to icy roads and reduced visibility. Yellow weather warnings cover most areas north of Edinburgh and…

A Labour MP claims the Scottish National Party's firm stand against new nuclear power plants is draining millions in investments and thousands of jobs from Scotland. Gregor Poynton, representing Livingston, has urged Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes to rethink the policy, warning it leaves the nation behind in energy progress. MP Calls Out SNP Policy as Costly Barrier Gregor Poynton sent a letter to Kate Forbes, pressing for a shift in the Scottish Government's view on nuclear energy. He argues the opposition blocks major funds and work chances at old sites like Hunterston and Torness. This comes amid UK plans…

A historic silver coin from the 1130s, believed to be the first ever minted in Scotland, has been discovered by a metal detectorist and now preserved for the public. This rare find from King David I's reign, unearthed in 2023 near Penicuik in Midlothian, offers fresh insights into Scotland's early economy and has been acquired by National Museums Scotland after a legal process. Discovery in Midlothian Woods In 2023, a metal detectorist stumbled upon the ancient silver coin while exploring a wooded area near Penicuik, a town in Midlothian just south of Edinburgh. The finder followed Scottish law by reporting…

Paul John, founder of John Distilleries, claims Scottish whisky makers have long bluffed the world into believing only they can produce top-quality spirits. In a recent interview, he highlighted how Indian single malts are now gaining global acclaim, driven by unique advantages like faster maturation in tropical climates. The Rise of Indian Single Malts Indian single malt whiskies have surged in popularity over the past few years. Brands like Paul John, Amrut, and Indri have won major international awards, proving they can compete with established Scotch producers. This growth ties into broader trends in the global spirits market. In 2025,…

Scotland, Connecticut, is pushing forward with major bridge rebuilding projects after severe flooding in 2023 wrecked key crossings over Merrick Brook. Town leaders, including First Selectman Dana Barrow Jr., have secured state and federal funds to restore these vital links, aiming for completion by late 2026 to boost safety and local economy. The 2023 Flooding Crisis Heavy rains in July 2023 caused Merrick Brook to overflow, damaging several bridges in Scotland. This tributary of the Shetucket River turned into a raging force, washing out roads and isolating parts of the town. Residents faced immediate hardships, with emergency services struggling to…

John Robertson, the beloved Nottingham Forest and Scotland football star, passed away at age 72 on Christmas morning after a long illness. He died peacefully at home with his family, leaving behind a legacy of triumphs including back-to-back European Cup wins. This news has shaken the football world, with tributes pouring in from clubs, players, and fans. Robertson's skill on the wing and key roles in major victories made him a true icon. Early Life and Rise in Football John Robertson was born on January 20, 1953, in Uddingston, Scotland. He started his professional career with Nottingham Forest in 1970,…

Scotland's leading first aid charity has launched a fresh push to close dangerous gaps in lifesaving skills among minority ethnic communities. New research from St Andrew's First Aid, released on December 26, 2025, shows stark differences in CPR and defibrillator knowledge, urging quick action to save lives across the nation. Key Findings from the Latest Study The study paints a clear picture of first aid inequalities in Scotland. It surveyed people from various backgrounds and found big differences in basic emergency skills. Just 26 percent of those in minority ethnic groups said they had learned CPR, compared to almost 40…