Axel Piper

Scotland's most vulnerable children are the focus of a groundbreaking study that just received a major funding boost. Led by the University of Stirling, the Permanently Progressing? project has been awarded £700,000 to track looked after young people through their teen years and into early adulthood, starting in 2026. This new phase builds on years of research that has already shaped policies on child care in Scotland. Researchers aim to uncover long-term outcomes for these kids, offering insights that could improve support systems across the country. Background on the Permanently Progressing? Study The study began in 2014 and follows a…

Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has openly criticized some of his own party's MPs as idiotic for secretly pushing to replace UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer ahead of the May 2026 Holyrood election. With polls showing Labour slipping to fourth place behind the SNP, Reform UK, and the Scottish Greens, Sarwar is urging Starmer to stay away from the campaign trail in Scotland to avoid further damage. This move highlights growing tensions within Labour as the party grapples with Starmer's unpopularity and government missteps, which have eroded support north of the border. The election on May 7, 2026, could reshape…

In a dramatic showdown on the high seas, Russian naval forces, including a submarine and warships, moved in to escort the oil tanker Marinera as United States forces pursued it across the North Atlantic near Scotland. This incident, unfolding on January 7, 2026, highlights escalating tensions over U.S. sanctions aimed at cutting off oil revenues for Venezuela and Iran, with Russia stepping in to protect what it calls its legitimate maritime interests. The chase began weeks ago when U.S. Coast Guard cutters identified the Marinera, formerly known as Bella 1, as part of a shadow fleet evading sanctions. Officials claim…

NHS Scotland is facing a major crisis as delayed discharges cost the health service an estimated £440 million each year, with one in nine hospital beds taken up by patients ready to leave but stuck due to various barriers. This issue, highlighted in a recent watchdog report, stems from social care shortages and other delays, affecting patient care and hospital efficiency across the country as of early 2026. The Growing Crisis in Hospital Beds Hospitals in Scotland are under immense pressure, with delayed discharges leading to over 700,000 lost bed days in the past year. These delays mean patients who…

Pupils at Gryffe High School in Houston, Renfrewshire, endured lessons in freezing classrooms after a major heating system breakdown on the first day back from holidays. The issue, caused by a leak, dropped temperatures below the legal minimum of 16 degrees Celsius, sparking concerns from parents, staff, and unions about health and safety. What Led to the Heating Failure The heating problems started early this week when a leak in the school's system caused boilers to fail. School officials noticed the issue as students returned from winter break amid a cold snap across Scotland. Renfrewshire Council acted fast by providing…

Spar Scotland has launched a fresh value campaign in early 2026 to help shoppers save on daily basics amid rising costs. The push, which runs until the end of February and possibly longer, focuses on fair prices for key items across stores in Scotland. Campaign Overview and Goals Spar Scotland kicked off the year with this initiative to support customers facing tight budgets. The retailer aims to keep everyday essentials affordable without cutting quality. This move comes as household expenses continue to climb due to inflation and economic pressures. Recent data from the Office for National Statistics shows UK grocery…

Scotland's under-19 cricket team has named a strong squad for the 2026 ICC Men's U19 Cricket World Cup, starting January 15 in Zimbabwe and Namibia. Led by captain Thomas Knight, the team aims to build on their solid qualifier run and make a mark in Group B against tough rivals like England and West Indies. Squad Breakdown and Key Selections The Scotland U19 squad blends experience from recent qualifiers with fresh talent ready to shine on the global stage. Officials announced the 15-player team last month, focusing on balance between batting, bowling, and all-round skills. Thomas Knight takes the captain's…

Scotland's richest man, Anders Povlsen, has taken a major financial hit from his investments in the north. Recent company accounts show his firm Wildland Limited posted a £33 million loss last year, driven in part by a £12.1 million write down on the SaxaVord Spaceport project in Shetland. This setback highlights the risks of ambitious ventures in remote areas. Povlsen, a Danish billionaire worth about £10 billion, continues to pour money into Highland estates and tourism, but ongoing losses raise questions about long term viability. Who is Anders Povlsen and His Scottish Empire Anders Povlsen built his fortune as the…

Scotland burst into the new year with breathtaking images shared by locals and visitors. From snowy wildlife shots to festive landscapes, people captured the beauty of the region between December 26 and January 2, highlighting winter charm and natural wonders. Winter Wildlife Takes Center Stage Photographers across Scotland turned their lenses to animals thriving in the cold. A standout image showed a mountain hare with its white fur blending into the snowy rocks of the Cairngorms. This furry creature stared right at the camera, showcasing how wildlife adapts to harsh weather. Another photo featured cows and sheep enjoying a festive…

Much of the United Kingdom faces severe weather this weekend as snow and ice warnings remain active across several regions. The Met Office has issued yellow alerts for snow and ice until Monday, with heavy snowfall hitting Scotland hardest and causing widespread disruptions to travel and daily life. Current Weather Warnings Across Regions Yellow warnings for snow and ice cover Scotland, parts of England including the south-west, north-west, and east coast, as well as Wales and Northern Ireland. These alerts started earlier this week and will last through Monday afternoon, bringing risks of power cuts and isolated communities. In Scotland,…