Axel Piper

A significant decline in the number of international students choosing Scotland for higher education has been recorded, marking a stark shift from previous years. According to the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), the academic year 2023/24 saw nearly 9,380 fewer foreign students enrolling compared to the previous year. Postgraduate Enrollment Takes a Major Hit The most substantial drop occurred at the postgraduate taught level, with enrollment numbers plummeting by 25.7% between 2022/23 and 2023/24. Undergraduate enrollments saw a comparatively smaller decline of 3.8%, bringing the overall reduction in international students across all levels to 20%. Different institutions across Scotland experienced…

Scotland is at a turning point in its digital journey. With the Scottish Government's Digital Strategy, A Changing Nation: How Scotland Will Thrive in a Digital World, laying out the roadmap, the focus now shifts to execution. Global technology firms, including Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), are offering insights drawn from successful digital public infrastructure (DPI) implementations worldwide—most notably in India, which is currently leading the way through its G20 presidency. The Case for a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) Stack DPI serves as the backbone of modern digital economies. It includes key components such as digital identity systems, real-time payment platforms,…

Scotland assistant coach John Carver has praised teenage call-ups Lennon Miller and James Wilson, insisting they are more than just squad fillers. Meanwhile, Carver remains committed to Scotland despite a busy week that saw him put Newcastle United celebrations on hold and deal with turmoil at Lechia Gdańsk. Scotland's Teenage Prospects Earn Their Spot Motherwell’s Lennon Miller and Hearts forward James Wilson have both earned their first senior Scotland call-ups at just 18 years old. But Carver is adamant they are not there simply to make up the numbers. “These boys are here on merit,” Carver said. “They've shown their…

United Trust Bank (UTB) has announced the promotion of Fran Arnold to the role of Business Development Manager (BDM) for the North and Scotland. She steps into the position following her tenure as team manager in the bank’s underwriting division for the region. Transition from Underwriting to Business Development Arnold’s move to business development marks a strategic shift for UTB as it looks to strengthen its presence across the North of England and Scotland. She brings with her years of experience in underwriting, a skillset that is expected to add value to mortgage intermediaries she will be working with in…

The UK Government is pressing ahead with reforms to Personal Independence Payment (PIP), reshaping how health and disability benefits are assessed and distributed. While these changes will primarily impact England and Wales, the ripple effects on Scotland are significant, particularly for funding and future policies. Changes to PIP and Their Timeline Reforms to PIP are set to take effect after April 2026, by which point Scotland's transition to Adult Disability Payment (ADP) should be complete. With 433,050 people already on ADP and just 35,420 remaining on PIP in Scotland as of January 2025, the shift is well underway. The key…

Three newly opened restaurants in Scotland have earned a place among the best in the UK, according to the prestigious travel magazine Condé Nast Traveller. Recognized alongside standout eateries in Birmingham and London, these Scottish spots are turning heads with their distinctive concepts, bold flavors, and intimate settings. If you're looking to explore Scotland's latest culinary gems, here are the top picks making waves. Fallachan Kitchen - A Unique Dining Experience in Glasgow Tucked away in a candlelit railway arch in Finnieston, Fallachan Kitchen brings a fresh approach to fine dining. It's an experience that redefines luxury with an intimate…

The Glen Sannox ferry, a vessel that took nearly a decade to enter service, has been pulled from operation due to a crack in its hull. The ship, already infamous for delays and cost overruns, now faces fresh scrutiny as investigators assess the damage and determine the next steps. Ferry Pulled from Service After Crack Discovered Passengers traveling between Troon and Brodick faced unexpected cancellations after CalMac, the ferry operator, confirmed a fault in the vessel’s hull. The issue was detected near the waterline, forcing the company to halt sailings until a dive team could assess the damage. The disruption…

Seaton House has officially opened in St Andrews, bringing a blend of elegance, comfort, and top-tier dining to Scotland’s historic golf capital. The new luxury hotel offers opulent accommodations and an immersive experience that celebrates local culture and tradition. A Grand Addition to St Andrews The hotel features 42 meticulously designed rooms, including six expansive suites and three junior suites. Each space is adorned with classic Scottish elements, ensuring a balance of heritage and contemporary sophistication. Dining at Seaton House is an experience in itself. Chef Patron Roy Brett curates menus for its signature restaurants, The Board Room and Ondine…

Ticket touts hoping to profit from Euro 2028 matches in Glasgow could be hit with hefty fines under a proposed law at Holyrood. The legislation aims to protect the integrity of the tournament and prevent illegal resales, with penalties reaching up to £20,000—or even more for serious offences. New Law Targets Ticket Resales and Event Zones Scottish ministers have put forward the UEFA European Championship (Scotland) Bill, which will give courts the power to issue significant fines to those caught reselling tickets for profit. The bill is part of broader efforts to ensure Scotland meets its obligations as a host…

Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney, held what was described as a "warm" meeting with Eric Trump in Edinburgh on Thursday. The discussion centered around the Trump family’s golf investments in the country, just days after protesters vandalized the Turnberry course. The visit comes at a time of strained relations between the UK and the Trump administration over issues including tariffs and Ukraine. Business Talks in Edinburgh Eric Trump met Swinney at Bute House, the First Minister’s official residence in Edinburgh’s New Town. The meeting was framed as a business discussion, focusing on the Trump Organization’s interests in Scotland. Scottish officials…