Axel Piper

For seven years, Jagtar Singh Johal has been trapped in an Indian prison, facing allegations of terrorism that his family and legal representatives have consistently denied. The 38-year-old Scottish activist from Dumbarton was arrested in Punjab in 2017 while celebrating his wedding. Now, after a prolonged legal battle, he has been acquitted in one of the nine cases against him, raising fresh questions about his detention and the Indian justice system. A Wedding Trip That Turned Into a Nightmare On November 4, 2017, Johal was walking through the crowded streets of Jalandhar when police officers suddenly surrounded him. His family…

A new report has raised concerns over children being detained for excessive periods in police cells in Glasgow, with some held overnight or for several hours beyond what inspectors deem necessary. Watchdogs are calling for stricter oversight to prevent such occurrences in the future. Inspectors Find Unjustified Detention of Children A joint review conducted by HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) and Healthcare Improvement Scotland (HIS) examined three police custody centres in Glasgow. Inspectors scrutinized a sample of 90 cases involving minors and found that five children had been held for longer than necessary, sometimes without sufficient justification. At…

Archaeologists in Scotland have unearthed a rare 2,000-year-old Roman brooch at an Iron Age settlement, sparking fresh debate about its origins and significance. Found beneath a distillery in Ayrshire, the artifact may have been buried as a ritual offering or taken from Roman soldiers as a war trophy. An Unexpected Discovery Beneath a Scottish Distillery The brooch, an enamelled bronze piece believed to date back to the second century AD, was discovered at the William Grant & Sons Girvan Distillery in 2020. It was found in the foundations of a fortified roundhouse, a defensive structure built atop a rocky plateau,…

A mysterious dark mass has been spotted beneath the surface of Loch Ness, reigniting speculation about Scotland's legendary creature. This marks the first reported sighting of 2025, drawing fresh attention to the myth of Nessie. Eyewitness Captures Unusual Movement in Loch Ness An unnamed onlooker reported seeing a large black shape moving beneath the water near Dores Beach. The sighting lasted several minutes, during which the weather and water conditions were ideal for visibility. The Loch Ness Centre in Drumnadrochit confirmed the report, adding that the witness managed to capture a photograph of the strange formation beneath the surface. Nagina…

The largest battery energy storage system in Europe is now online. Wärtsilä has successfully delivered a 200 MW / 400 MWh facility to Zenobē in Blackhillock, Scotland, marking a major milestone in the UK's transition to a cleaner, more stable power grid. A Breakthrough for Grid Stability in Scotland The Blackhillock site is the first of its kind, offering stability services to the National Grid Electricity System Operator (NESO). By providing short-circuit level and synthetic inertia, the system fills the gap left by the phasing out of fossil fuel power plants. This means a stronger, more resilient electricity grid that…

Scotland is grappling with a surge in synthetic opioids, with fatal consequences. A recent report reveals a 12% rise in drug-related deaths, reversing two years of decline. Public health officials and law enforcement warn that potent substances like nitazenes and xylazine are fueling this crisis, calling for urgent action. A Growing Crisis: The Alarming Rise of Synthetic Opioids Synthetic opioids are wreaking havoc in Scotland. These man-made substances, designed to mimic heroin and other natural opioids, are often far deadlier. Unlike traditional drugs, their potency is unpredictable, increasing the risk of fatal overdoses. Public Health Scotland’s RADAR system has flagged…

EDINBURGH – With just days to go before their crucial Six Nations clash against Wales, Scotland have made late additions to their squad following injuries to key loose forwards. Matt Currie returns to the team, while Nathan McBeth and Ben Muncaster have been called up to bolster the lineup. Late Changes Ahead of Wales Showdown Scottish Rugby confirmed on Monday that Matt Currie, after recovering from a concussion, is back in the squad. His return couldn’t have been better timed—just days ago, he made a statement with a hat-trick of tries for Edinburgh against Munster in the United Rugby Championship.…

Scotland is shining a spotlight on the contributions of women to its tourism and cultural heritage this International Women’s Day. From historic figures like Mary Queen of Scots to contemporary leaders in arts, food, and adventure, the country is embracing the achievements of women who have shaped its identity. With exhibitions, guided tours, and special events, Scotland is celebrating the stories of pioneering women who left an indelible mark on its past and present. Honoring Mary Queen of Scots: A Royal Legacy Mary Queen of Scots remains one of Scotland's most fascinating historical figures. Her reign, filled with political intrigue…

Major Energy Storage Milestone for Scotland’s Renewable Sector Apatura, a renewable energy storage specialist, has secured planning approval for a 400 MW battery energy storage system (BESS) in Denny, near Plean, just five miles southeast of Stirling, Scotland. This project marks a major step forward in supporting the UK’s transition to a stable and sustainable energy grid. Expanding Apatura’s Storage Portfolio This latest approval brings Apatura’s total consented pipeline to 1.4 GW across seven projects in the past year alone. The Denny site, covering 112,000 m³, underscores the company’s commitment to delivering grid-scale storage solutions that align with Scotland’s renewable…

The Task Force for Music & Arts (TaFMA) has announced the successful participation of renowned Naga musician Bethel Tsuzu at Showcase Scotland 2025, a prestigious music industry event held in Glasgow as part of Celtic Connections on February 26. A Global Stage for Naga Talent Tsuzu, an accomplished pianist, vocalist, and music educator, represented India as an ambassador and delegate at the event, joining 171 professionals from over 23 nations. Her participation provided a valuable opportunity to engage with international music professionals and explore Scotland’s vibrant music scene. Expressing her experience at the event, Tsuzu stated, “The level of professional…