Axel Piper

Private businesses in Scotland are showing strong optimism for growth this year, with 94 percent confident in their prospects amid investments in technology and market expansion. This comes from a recent mid-year survey by a major professional services firm, highlighting how firms are adapting to economic challenges as of August 2025. Rising Confidence Levels in Scottish Private Sector Business leaders across Scotland have reported a notable increase in growth confidence since the start of 2025. The survey, which checked in with 128 Scottish firms out of a national sample of 1,500, shows confidence rising from 90 percent earlier this year…

Scotland has launched a major survey in 2025 to track agritourism growth, focusing on farms and estates in the Highlands. This effort aims to boost the sector to 250 million pounds by 2030 and create nearly 10,000 jobs, transforming rural economies through farm-based tourism. Survey Launch and Participation Call A nationwide survey kicked off in August 2025, inviting farms, crofts, and estates across Scotland to share details on their agritourism activities. Organizers stress the importance of Highland participation, where land-based businesses play a big role in local life. This anonymous survey asks about everything from farm stays and guided tours…

Scotland faces growing criticism for slow progress on lung cancer screening, with experts and campaigners warning that delays could cost lives and strain the health service. As of August 2025, the Scottish government plans a pilot program, but full rollout might take up to ten years, even as England and Wales push ahead with their schemes. Background on Lung Cancer Screening Needs Lung cancer remains a major killer in Scotland, claiming thousands of lives each year. Recent data shows about 5,000 new cases annually, with most detected at late stages where treatment options shrink. Health leaders point to strong evidence…

US Vice President JD Vance wrapped up a private family holiday in Scotland on Sunday, departing from Prestwick Airport aboard Air Force Two. The four-day visit included golfing at Donald Trump's Turnberry resort and time at a luxury estate in East Ayrshire, blending relaxation with ties to his Scottish roots. Holiday Highlights in Scotland Vance arrived in Scotland last Wednesday, landing at Prestwick Airport with his wife and three children. The family chose the peaceful Carnell Estates near Kilmarnock for their stay. This 2,000-acre property boasts a historic 14th-century tower and a grand 10-bedroom mansion, offering a quiet escape from…

A historic 18th-century farmhouse in Scotland's scenic Tweed Valley has listed for $1.2 million, drawing attention from buyers seeking charm and countryside living. Located near the village of Innerleithen, this renovated property blends old-world appeal with modern comforts, making it a standout in the current real estate market. History and Renovations of the Property This farmhouse dates back to the 1700s and first became a home in 1805 when an Edinburgh candlemaker named Thomas Bell transformed it. Over the years, owners have updated the space while preserving its character, with the latest buyers taking over in 2011. Scotland's national heritage…

Scotland's natural beauty shone through in a fresh batch of reader submitted photos from August 8 to 15. Highlights include a striking sunrise scene with a heron on Ardentinny beach in Argyll and a playful dog amid blooming heather near Galashiels, showcasing the country's diverse landscapes during peak summer. Iconic Sunrise Captures Wildlife Moment Photographers across Scotland shared their best shots this week, focusing on serene mornings and vibrant flora. One standout image came from Eloise Smith, who caught a heron perched on driftwood at Ardentinny beach. The photo features an orange tinted sky that silhouettes the bird and wood…

The King slipped into Aberdeenshire for a clan ceremony and local meetings just days before his summer stay at the royal estate begins. A Low-Key Stop with Historic Echoes In a move that caught even some royal watchers off guard, King Charles III appeared in the village of Ballater on August 12, just a short drive from Balmoral Castle. His visit wasn’t for leisure — at least not officially. The 76-year-old monarch was there to inspect the newly commissioned banner of Clan Farquharson at Victoria Hall. This wasn’t a random choice of clan. Back in 1852, it was the Farquharsons…

Each spring, the North Sea comes alive. Shoals of herring move like liquid silver along Scotland’s coast, following the tiny, fat-rich Calanus copepods that drift south on coastal currents. And for generations, a second migration followed — not of fish, but of people. Behind the fishermen who hauled in the catch came the women who would make the herring business possible. Known as the Herring Lassies, they gutted, salted, packed, and travelled the length of Britain, carving out a place in industrial history — and defying expectations of what women’s work could be. Following the Fish Herring were never a…

US Vice-President JD Vance has arrived in Scotland for the second leg of his UK trip, settling into a secluded Ayrshire estate under heavy police presence and airspace restrictions. Air Force Two touched down at Prestwick Airport on Wednesday evening, before Vance’s motorcade made the short drive to Hulford. The stay marks the start of a five-day visit — matching the length of President Donald Trump’s recent Scottish holiday. Prestwick Arrival Draws Attention Vance stepped off the blue-and-white jet wearing an open-neck white shirt and a navy suit. His arrival at Prestwick, a familiar gateway for US political figures, was…

LONDON/EDINBURGH — England and Scotland are setting the pace in reshaping how young people access education, employment, and social opportunities, using free bus travel as a lever for greater mobility and inclusion. The push is clear: remove the cost barrier, and a world of options opens up. Scotland’s Head Start Scotland has been running its free bus travel scheme for residents aged 5–22 since January 2022, a move widely credited with boosting youth travel, linking rural and urban communities, and cutting transport-related exclusion. Transport Scotland data shows a steady increase in bus usage among younger passengers, reversing a pre-2022 decline.…