Axel Piper

Tracey Milton has spent the last two years fighting to remain at her smallholding in the Scottish Borders. This week, she finally won. Against all odds, she secured the right to stay on the land she purchased in 2023, despite an eviction battle that nearly forced her out. A Purchase That Came With Hidden Problems Four months after moving into her new home near Selkirk, enforcement officers arrived at her static caravan with bad news. The residential permission granted to the previous owner had expired, and she was expected to leave. Despite hiring a solicitor to handle the purchase, this…

A small town in northeastern North Carolina has been living in fear for nearly two years as a pack of wild dogs wreaked havoc on the community. But after a tense operation, authorities have finally made progress in bringing the chaos to an end. Residents on Edge as Wild Dogs Roam Free For the people of Scotland Neck, peace has been a rare commodity. The pack of dogs—once numbering around eight—became a daily menace. They tore through trash, broke into abandoned houses, and, most concerningly, hunted and killed small pets. “They’ve been a real problem for a lot of people…

A Visual Journey Through Scotland’s Beauty A breathtaking collection of photographs taken across Scotland between February 14 and February 21 has been shared by amateur photographers, showcasing the country’s diverse and dramatic landscapes. From historic cathedrals to serene lochs, each image captures the raw essence of Scotland’s natural and architectural splendor. The Tay Rail Bridge Through a Different Lens Richard Marsh’s striking black and white image of the Tay Rail Bridge in Dundee offers a dramatic perspective on this historic structure. The arches stretch across the water, their sturdy framework standing against a cloudy sky. The monochrome palette adds a…

An American anti-abortion group has pledged to comply with Scotland’s new buffer zone law after an arrest at a recent protest outside a Glasgow hospital. 40 Days For Life, which had planned demonstrations, confirmed it would remain outside the 200-meter exclusion zone. Protest Plans Adjusted After Arrest The group had initially intended to gather near the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital in Glasgow between March 5 and April 13. However, following the arrest of a 74-year-old woman last week, the organization has decided to avoid breaking the law. The arrested woman was the first person in Scotland to be detained under…

A powerful storm battered Scotland on Sunday, bringing winds of up to 70mph and torrential rain that triggered widespread travel disruptions. The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning covering Scotland, northern and western England, and Wales, while the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) placed flood warnings in key areas, including Aberfoyle in the Trossachs. Ferry Cancellations: CalMac and Western Ferries Impacted Scotland’s west coast ferry network faced severe disruptions, with CalMac Ferries canceling numerous sailings due to hazardous sea conditions. Major impacts included: Troon to Brodick (Arran) route – All sailings were suspended on Sunday and Monday. Glen Sannox…

Scotland’s ambitious pledge to reach net-zero emissions by 2045 is facing serious roadblocks. Official assessments now suggest the country could overshoot its climate targets by as much as 20 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent (MTCO2e), raising concerns about the feasibility of its green commitments. The Challenge of Meeting Net-Zero Successive Scottish leaders, from Nicola Sturgeon to current First Minister John Swinney, have consistently positioned Scotland as a global leader in tackling climate change. However, internal government reviews indicate that without significant changes, the country will struggle to meet its target. Experts highlight key areas where Scotland is falling short: Forest…

The chief constable of Police Scotland has raised concerns that an increase in national insurance contributions could make it difficult to maintain the current number of officers. Jo Farrell, speaking at a Scottish Police Authority (SPA) meeting on Thursday, said that "very few levers" remain to achieve savings without reducing workforce numbers. Employer national insurance contributions are set to rise to 15% in April. The Scottish Government estimates this will cost businesses an average of £850 per employee and impact public sector budgets. Farrell stressed that unless these costs are fully covered, it will be impossible to sustain the force's…

Loretto School, a historic institution in Scotland, has long been synonymous with academic excellence and a well-rounded student experience. Nestled in East Lothian, this prestigious school offers students a rich blend of British educational traditions and Scotland's cultural heritage, ensuring they leave not only with top-tier qualifications but also with a broader perspective on life. A Strong Academic Foundation Students at Loretto benefit from an academically rigorous environment that follows the British examination system. They can choose from GCSEs, A Levels, and BTECs, allowing them to tailor their education to their strengths and aspirations. This flexibility fosters high achievement, evident…

London, Feb. 21, 2025 – England captain Maro Itoje has praised Bath forward Ted Hill as a “man carved out of Greek stone” and likened him to Superman ahead of Saturday’s Six Nations clash against Scotland at Twickenham. Hill, who last represented England in 2021, has been called onto the bench after George Martin’s withdrawal due to a knee injury. Ted Hill Returns to England Squad Hill, 25, has been a standout performer at club level, first with Worcester Warriors and now with Bath. Despite his limited international experience—having earned only two caps since his Test debut against Japan in…

Confirmation that Scotland's rent caps will be lifted next month has sparked optimism in the private rented sector (PRS). Industry insiders believe the cap’s removal will unlock billions in investment, particularly in the build-to-rent market. But beyond large-scale projects, Scotland’s tax reliefs offer compelling advantages for smaller investors that are no longer available elsewhere in the UK. Scotland’s Unique Tax Benefits for Investors Unlike England and Northern Ireland, Scotland still provides tax reliefs that can make a significant difference for landlords and property investors. One of the most notable is Multiple Dwellings Relief (MDR), which allows buyers of multiple properties…