Axel Piper

Scotland’s UEFA coefficient has taken a hammering in recent years, and the repercussions are about to hit home. Celtic, likely to win the Premiership, will no longer enjoy an automatic place in the Champions League group stage. Instead, they will have to battle through a play-off round, while the league’s runners-up face an even steeper climb with three qualifying rounds. And that's just the beginning of the pain Scottish clubs will feel. How Scotland Lost Its Edge For years, Scotland punched above its weight in European football. The country’s position in UEFA’s top 10 meant guaranteed group-stage places in the…

EDINBURGH, Scotland – Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s longest-serving first minister and a central figure in the independence movement, has stepped down after nearly three decades in politics. Her resignation marks the end of an era for the Scottish National Party (SNP) and raises crucial questions about the future of the independence campaign. A Political Powerhouse’s Rise Born in 1970 in Irvine, Sturgeon was drawn to politics at an early age, joining the SNP in the late 1980s. She quickly ascended through party ranks, securing a seat in the newly formed Scottish Parliament in 1999. Her breakthrough came in 2004 when she…

Tributes are pouring in for Scottish boxing icon Dick McTaggart, who has passed away at the age of 89. The legendary athlete, widely regarded as one of the greatest amateur boxers in British history, left an indelible mark on the sport. A Champion Remembered McTaggart, the only Scottish boxer to ever win an Olympic gold medal, died on Monday, March 9, 2025. His legacy extends far beyond his achievements in the ring, influencing generations of boxers and sports enthusiasts alike. Commonwealth Games Scotland expressed deep sadness over his passing, releasing a heartfelt statement: “Everyone at Commonwealth Games Scotland was saddened…

France's head coach Fabien Galthié has begun reshaping his squad ahead of the Six Nations title decider against Scotland, grappling with both the absence of captain Antoine Dupont and growing frustration over the circumstances of his injury. Despite the setback, confidence remains high as France edges closer to a record-equalling seventh title. Injury Blow to France's Captain France held a narrow 5-0 lead over Ireland when Dupont suffered a severe knee injury in the 29th minute of Saturday's match at Dublin's Aviva Stadium. The loss of the 2021 World Player of the Year could have been devastating, but Maxime Lucu…

A guitar player on an empty stage, a quirky road sign, and breathtaking landscapes—Scotland’s charm shines through in this week’s reader-submitted photos. From cityscapes to remote highlands, these images tell their own stories. A Stage Set for Dreams Andrew Dickson shared a moment of quiet anticipation as his son Harry stood alone on the stage of Glasgow’s famous Barrowland Ballroom. The empty seats stretched before him, a silent promise of the crowds that might fill them in the future. “Hopefully another 1,900 people there the next time,” Andrew said, capturing the essence of aspiration and performance in one frame. A…

LONDON – Pro-Palestinian activists vandalized former U.S. President Donald Trump’s Turnberry golf resort in Scotland, spray-painting political messages in response to his controversial remarks about Gaza’s future. The resort, a luxury destination in southwest Scotland, became the latest target in global protests against Trump’s proposed resettlement of Palestinians. Protesters Leave Their Mark The incident unfolded overnight as activists from the group Palestine Action entered the grounds of the historic golf course. By morning, the phrase “Gaza Is Not For Sale” was sprawled across the pristine lawn in massive white letters, while red spray paint covered the clubhouse’s exterior wall. Police…

Pro-Palestinian activists defaced former President Donald Trump’s Turnberry golf course in Scotland on Saturday, protesting his recent comments and proposals regarding Gaza. The demonstrators left a bold message, “Gaza is not 4 sale,” in large white letters on the course while also spray-painting parts of the resort and digging up sections of the greens. Activists Leave Bold Message on Turnberry Course In the early hours of Saturday morning, a group of activists from Palestine Action targeted Trump’s luxury golf resort in Scotland. The phrase “Gaza is not 4 sale” was painted in massive white capital letters, each measuring approximately three…

Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland delivered a heartfelt message on Commonwealth Day, emphasizing the strength of unity, shared values, and the future of the 56-nation family as she prepares to leave office. A Celebration of Unity and Purpose Marking Commonwealth Day 2025, Patricia Scotland KC reflected on the endurance and evolution of the Commonwealth. She described the organization as a "living testament to the strength of connection, the power of friendship, and the possibilities that arise when nations and people come together." Spanning every continent and ocean basin, the Commonwealth is bound not only by history and language but by a…

Falkirk Council has approved Scotland’s steepest council tax increase, raising bills by 15.6% in an effort to close a significant budget shortfall. The decision has sparked strong reactions from residents, with concerns over affordability and the future of local services. The Biggest Tax Hike in Scotland Councillors in Falkirk voted in favor of the unprecedented 15.6% rise, surpassing the previously highest increase of 15% set by Orkney Islands Council. The move pushes the annual Band D council tax bill to £1,576.77, the largest jump seen in the country this year. Independent councillor Laura Murtagh proposed the increase, gaining support from…

Women across Scotland are voicing frustration over continued struggles to access essential healthcare services, despite the Scottish Government's Women’s Health Plan. The initiative, which ran from 2021 to 2024, aimed to improve care for conditions like menopause and endometriosis. However, recent findings indicate that many feel left behind, battling long wait times and dismissive attitudes from healthcare providers. A new survey by McKeown Medical reveals that almost 90% of respondents are worried about the availability of health screenings for conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and gynecological issues. Many also report feeling unheard, particularly in cases involving menopause and chronic…