Axel Piper

Scotland's population reached a record high of 5.55 million in mid 2024, marking the first time it topped this level despite deaths outnumbering births for over a decade. The key factor driving this growth is net migration, with more people moving in than out, especially from overseas, helping to offset the natural decline in the population. Record Population Milestone Achieved The National Records of Scotland reported that the population stood at 5,546,900 by mid 2024, an increase of 40,900 people or 0.7 percent from the previous year. This milestone comes after years of steady growth, fueled largely by people choosing…

Archaeologists unearthed a rare 13th century hair styling tool at Eilean Donan Castle in the Scottish Highlands during recent excavations. This gravoir, carved from red deer antler, offers a glimpse into medieval daily life and has been acquired by National Museums Scotland as part of a larger collection of artifacts. The Unique Discovery of the Gravoir The gravoir stands out for its detailed design. It features a small hooded figure holding a book, making it not just functional but also artistic. Experts note that such tools originated in France and spread across Europe in the 1300s, helping people create precise…

Storm Amy, the first named storm of the 2025 season, has been upgraded to an amber warning by the Met Office for strong winds battering north and west Scotland as well as parts of Northern Ireland. This escalation comes as the storm barrels toward the UK, promising gusts up to 95 miles per hour and heavy rain that could disrupt travel and daily life starting Friday evening. Storm Amy: An Early Season Powerhouse Experts describe Storm Amy as a potent weather event for so early in autumn. It formed from a deepening low pressure system over the Atlantic, pulling in…

Cricket Scotland launched the Catching History project on September 30, 2025, to spotlight the women who built the national team in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This initiative uncovers personal stories from that era, helping preserve the sport's legacy as Scotland's women cricketers gear up for their 150th anniversary in 2028. Celebrating the Roots of Scottish Women’s Cricket The Catching History project dives deep into the years from 1998 to 2002, a time when women's cricket in Scotland took its first official steps. Back then, a small group of dedicated players and coaches worked hard to form what became…

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney met with U.S. President Donald Trump in recent weeks to urge the removal of tariffs on Scotch whisky exports. These talks aim to protect Scotland's key industry amid ongoing trade tensions between the UK and the US. Background on Scotch Whisky Tariffs The 10 percent tariff on single malt Scotch whisky was imposed by the US in 2019 as part of a broader trade dispute over aircraft subsidies. This levy has hit Scotland's whisky sector hard, with exports to the US making up about 20 percent of the industry's total overseas sales. Industry leaders report…

A grieving wife in Scotland is pushing for clarity on how her husband died alone in a public toilet at Edinburgh City Chambers, with his body remaining unnoticed for six days. Sean Stephen, 38, entered the building on July 1, 2025, feeling unwell, and his remains were found on July 7, sparking outrage over building safety and oversight. Timeline of the Tragic Events Sean Stephen vanished after a routine visit to the council's customer support hub. His wife, Julie Stephen, reported him missing the same day, but searches failed to locate him right away. Reports show Sean was last seen…

Top executives from the video games world gathered in Scotland this week for the DICE Europe conference in Edinburgh and Dundee. The event highlights how this small nation with 500 gaming studios aims to claim a larger share of the $189 billion global market. Scotland's Thriving Gaming Scene Scotland has built a strong presence in the video games industry over the past decade. The country now hosts hundreds of studios that create everything from mobile apps to blockbuster titles. This growth comes from talented developers and smart investments that draw companies from around the world. Local leaders point to the…

Scotland's diverse landscapes continue to inspire photographers from near and far. This week, from September 12 to 19, everyday people shared their favorite shots with news outlets, highlighting everything from rugged coasts to majestic wildlife under the autumn sky. These images showcase the timeless appeal of Scotland's natural wonders. As the season shifts, more visitors flock to capture moments that reflect the country's raw beauty and changing colors. Featured Coastal and Island Scenes Visitors and locals alike turned their lenses toward Scotland's stunning shorelines during this period. One photographer from Cumbria ventured to South Ayrshire and snapped a golden field…

Stirling Castle in Scotland has just opened new Secret Stirling Tours, giving visitors rare access to hidden areas closed to the public for years. These guided experiences started on September 15, 2025, and let people explore forgotten chambers, secret stairs, and spots tied to famous kings and queens, all for an extra 15 pounds on top of regular admission. What Makes These Tours Special The tours shine a light on Stirling Castle's rich past, a key site in Scottish history where battles were fought and royals lived. Experts say the castle dates back to the 12th century, with major builds…

Scotland could soon roll out mobile drug consumption units to combat its ongoing drug death crisis. A new report from MPs highlights these smaller, movable facilities as a cost-effective way to reach more users and save lives, building on the success and lessons from Glasgow's Thistle center, which opened in early 2025. What Are Mobile Drug Consumption Units? These units are vans or portable setups where people can use drugs like heroin or cocaine under medical watch. They aim to cut down on overdoses by providing clean spaces and quick help from trained staff. Unlike fixed sites, mobile units can…