Axel Piper

Scotland, the birthplace of golf, boasts some of the world's most legendary courses. But not all of them live up to their reputations—or their hefty price tags. While some are truly world-class, others feel more like tourist traps, capitalizing on history and exclusivity rather than providing an exceptional golfing experience. Here’s a look at a few that might not be worth your time and money. High Prices, Underwhelming Returns Many golfers dream of teeing off on Scotland’s most famous greens, expecting a premium experience that justifies the sky-high fees. Unfortunately, the reality can be quite different. Some courses charge upwards…

The potential benefits of reintroducing wolves to the Scottish Highlands have captured the attention of environmental researchers, suggesting that these predators could play a pivotal role in expanding native woodlands and significantly contributing to carbon storage. A new study from the University of Leeds models how reintroducing wolves could reduce red deer populations, allowing for natural tree regeneration and capturing approximately one million tonnes of CO₂ annually. Wolves and Red Deer: A Natural Solution for Woodland Regeneration Researchers have long observed that the burgeoning red deer populations in Scotland have been preventing the regeneration of native trees, as these deer…

Secretary General of Commonwealth Nations, Patricia Scotland, recently visited Heartfulness International School in Hyderabad, where she emphasized the importance of instilling environmental consciousness in students at an early age. A Sustainable Focus for Future Leaders On February 17, 2025, Patricia Scotland visited the Heartfulness International School at Kanha Shanti Vanam, Hyderabad, as part of the two-day ‘Sustainability in Classroom’ initiative. The event, hosted by Heartfulness Institute, highlights the school’s commitment to training students to think critically about sustainability and environmental issues from an early age. The visit, which was accompanied by Anna Rajkumar, the principal of Heartfulness International School, included…

A Scottish entrepreneur is taking agriculture to new heights—literally. James Braid, founder of Sky-Pin Drones Ltd, has secured £48,000 in funding to introduce state-of-the-art drone technology for crop spraying and land management, marking a major first for Scotland’s farming sector. Operating out of Melrose, Braid will use the funds, granted by the Investment Fund for Scotland, to deploy a 110kg drone with a wingspan of over two meters. This supersized aircraft is capable of spreading up to 150kg of material per minute, offering farmers a precision tool to improve sustainability and efficiency. From Finance to Farming Innovation Braid’s journey into…

A groundbreaking report on Hinduphobia in Scotland has drawn significant attention, shedding light on the systemic challenges faced by the Hindu community. The study, presented by the Gandhian Peace Society (GPS), marks a pivotal moment in the recognition and discussion of anti-Hindu discrimination in the UK. Historic Report Gains Parliamentary Attention On February 14, 2025, the Scotland Holyrood’s Cross-Party Group (CPG) on Challenging Racial and Religious Prejudice officially accepted the comprehensive report titled “Hinduphobia in Scotland: Understanding, Addressing, and Overcoming Prejudice.” This marks the first UK parliamentary-recognized study addressing Hinduphobia, a term that encapsulates anti-Hindu prejudice and discrimination. The report…

A group of talented pooches has been lining up for the chance to make their stage debut at the Glasgow International Comedy Festival (GICF). With wagging tails and eager eyes, they are all competing for a coveted role in Walking Shadows, a play set to be performed at Websters Theatre on March 21, 22, and 23. A Canine Casting Call Like No Other Finding the perfect dog for the production isn’t just about obedience. The director, Michael Lewis, wants a show-stealer. “The cute factor definitely comes into it,” Lewis admitted. “We need a dog that will have a real impact…

Theatre enthusiasts and Shakespeare aficionados are in for a treat as Lees-McRae College’s Theatre Arts department stages a gripping production of The Tragedy of Macbeth. The show will run from Thursday, Feb. 27, through Sunday, March 2, at the Hayes Auditorium, promising an unforgettable experience of ambition, fate, and supernatural intrigue. A Timeless Tale with a Fresh Perspective For over four centuries, Macbeth has mesmerized audiences with its intense drama and dark themes. Murder, witches, betrayal—this story has it all. While the core narrative remains unchanged, each adaptation brings a fresh interpretation, and this production is no exception. The student-led…

Hoho Entertainment and Wild Child Animation are set to bring a beloved British classic to the big screen. Their CG-animated adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind In The Willows is moving forward with the support of Screen Scotland, marking an exciting expansion for both studios. A Fresh Take on a Timeless Tale The adaptation will stay true to the heart of the original novel, featuring cherished characters like Toad, Mole, Badger, and Ratty. However, the film will introduce new female characters—Hedge, Tinker, Heron, and Adder—adding fresh perspectives to the classic story. Writing duo Ciaran Murtagh and Andrew Barnett-Jones, known as…

Storm Éowyn has rewritten the record books, leaving a devastating trail across Scotland. As the fifth named storm of the 2024/25 season, it has been classified as an ‘extremely powerful and record-breaking extratropical cyclone.’ With winds tearing through densely populated areas and insurance claims soaring to historic levels, the storm has become a once-in-a-generation catastrophe. The Central Belt Takes the Brunt The storm's path was particularly destructive, striking Scotland’s central belt where 80% of the population resides. The severity of the impact was evident in insurance claims, which peaked at three times normal levels. Loss adjusters continue to receive new…

A group of feral pigs spotted roaming the Cairngorms National Park has been captured and humanely culled, according to Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS). The incident has sparked concern over illegal animal releases in the area, following a similar case involving lynx just weeks earlier. The Discovery Near Uath Lochans The pigs were first seen on Monday near Uath Lochans, a picturesque woodland area with small lochs near Kingussie, south of Aviemore. Their presence raised alarms among conservation authorities and local land managers. The Cairngorms National Park Authority (CNPA) stated that the pigs appeared to be "relatively domesticated" and had…