Axel Piper

The mother of Conner Cowper, an 18-year-old tragically murdered by Scotland’s youngest female killer, is calling for urgent action to protect young people from escalating violence. Conner was brutally stabbed to death by 17-year-old Jolene Doherty at a party in Holytown, North Lanarkshire, in 2018. Since then, his family has been advocating for stronger measures to prevent such tragedies. They are now backing the Daily Record’s “Our Kids … Our Future” campaign, urging the government to implement stricter policies and increased support for at-risk youth. A Mother’s Plea for Change Linda Fraser, Conner’s mother, has been vocal about the need…

In a controversial move, the UK government has announced significant cuts to the Winter Fuel Payment, a benefit that has long helped pensioners manage their heating costs during the cold months. The decision, spearheaded by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will see the payment restricted to only those on pension credit, leaving millions of pensioners without this crucial support. The cut, expected to save the Treasury £1.4 billion, has been met with widespread criticism from both political opponents and the public. Government’s Justification and Public Backlash The government has defended the cuts as a necessary measure to address the country’s financial…

The recent Scottish Association of Meat Wholesales (SAMW) conference highlighted both the challenges and opportunities facing Scotland’s beef sector. Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) presented a comprehensive overview of the current state of the industry, emphasizing the economic potential and the pressing issues that need addressing. With a focus on stabilizing the beef herd, boosting productivity, and reversing the decline in cattle numbers, the conference underscored the importance of collective action to ensure the sector’s future success. Economic Opportunities in the Beef Sector The Scottish beef sector holds significant economic potential, as highlighted by QMS at the SAMW conference. The sector…

The 2024 Scottish University League Tables have been released, showcasing the rankings of universities across Scotland and the UK. This year, Glasgow’s universities have made significant strides, with the University of Glasgow, University of Strathclyde, and Glasgow Caledonian University all achieving notable positions. These rankings are based on various factors, including teaching quality, student experience, research quality, entry standards, graduate prospects, and more. The results highlight the strengths and areas of improvement for these institutions, providing valuable insights for prospective students and academic professionals alike. University of Glasgow’s Impressive Climb The University of Glasgow has seen a remarkable improvement in…

In a surprising twist, the Commonwealth Games tartan, a cherished element from the 1970 Edinburgh tournament, is making a grand return. As Glasgow awaits the final decision on hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games, this iconic fabric has been rediscovered and transformed into luxury fashion accessories. The tartan, found as ‘deadstock’ in Dumfries, is now being used to create eco-friendly tote bags and laptop cases, highlighting a blend of heritage and sustainability. Rediscovery of a Forgotten Treasure The Commonwealth tartan, designed for the 1970 Edinburgh Games, had been forgotten for over five decades. Recently, 100 meters of this fabric were found…

In a significant move to enhance road safety and infrastructure, essential resurfacing work is scheduled to take place on the southbound M74 at Junction 8 later this month. The project, managed by Amey on behalf of Transport Scotland, will span five days from September 12 to September 17. This critical maintenance aims to improve the condition of the carriageway, ensuring a smoother and safer journey for daily commuters. The work will involve various traffic management measures, including contraflow systems, road closures, and lane closures, to facilitate the resurfacing process. Traffic Management and Diversions The resurfacing work will necessitate several traffic…

Glasgow commuters are set to face significant disruptions as no trains will run on the East Kilbride and Barrhead railway lines during the last weekend of September. This interruption is part of the next phase of the £140 million East Kilbride Enhancement Project. Network Rail will be undertaking extensive engineering works, including the demolition and replacement of bridges, installation of new overhead line equipment, and other critical infrastructure improvements. The works aim to support the electrification of the routes and enhance service reliability. Extensive Engineering Works Planned The upcoming works are a crucial part of the East Kilbride Enhancement Project.…

In an extraordinary feat of endurance and determination, three Scottish brothers have shattered the world record for the fastest row across the Pacific Ocean. Ewan, Jamie, and Lachlan MacLean, hailing from Edinburgh, completed the grueling 9,000-mile journey from Peru to Australia in just 120 days. Their remarkable achievement not only highlights their physical and mental resilience but also underscores the innovative design of their custom-built boat, which played a crucial role in their success. The Journey Begins The MacLean brothers embarked on their ambitious journey with a clear goal: to break the existing record for the fastest row across the…

In a move that has ignited widespread debate, John Swinney has proposed significant cuts to the NHS and social care budgets in Scotland. The proposal comes as part of a broader effort to address the country’s financial challenges. Swinney’s plan has drawn criticism from various quarters, with many expressing concerns about the potential impact on healthcare services and vulnerable populations. The proposal is set to be a major point of contention in the upcoming parliamentary sessions. The Proposal and Its Rationale John Swinney’s proposal aims to reduce spending on the NHS and social care by a substantial margin. The cuts…