Axel Piper

Kevin Pietersen, the former England cricket captain, has taken a step into the world of luxury spirits with the launch of Dram Bell, a premium Blended Scotch Whisky. The product, bottled in Scotland, was unveiled at an exclusive event held in Mumbai on February 5, 2025. The Exclusive Launch Event The glittering event, hosted at Imara – Turf Club, Mumbai, was an invitation-only affair attended by key industry players and whisky enthusiasts. The launch event also featured Kevin Pietersen, who is not only a marquee investor in Ardent Alcobev but also a passionate advocate for the brand. As one of…

Scotland's rail network has now fully reopened following the widespread damage caused by Storm Eowyn, which struck the country last week. The storm, which hit on January 24, left significant destruction in its wake, including widespread disruption to transport infrastructure. Final Route Reopened The last remaining closed route—the Girvan to Stranraer line in South Ayrshire and Dumfries and Galloway—was restored overnight on Friday, marking the final step in Network Rail Scotland's extensive recovery efforts. The company had worked tirelessly to clear debris, including hundreds of fallen trees, which caused extensive damage and blocked tracks across the region. Praise for Network…

A sharp drop in temperatures is expected across the UK later this week, with the potential for snow, ice, and hazardous weather conditions, according to the Met Office. A cold snap is set to bring freezing temperatures, while parts of Scotland are already experiencing severe weather with warnings for heavy rain and coastal gales. A Cold Snap on the Horizon The UK's weather will take a turn for the colder this weekend, as high pressure moves in, bringing plummeting temperatures and wintry conditions. Met Office Chief Meteorologist Frank Saunders advised that although the coming week may start off relatively mild,…

In a statement that has put to rest speculation surrounding potential restrictions on cat ownership in Scotland, First Minister John Swinney confirmed there will be no ban on cats. This decision follows a report from the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission (SAWC), which had suggested that stricter measures be considered to mitigate the impact of domestic cats on wildlife. The Controversy Over Cats and Wildlife The SAWC’s report, which was commissioned to explore the issue of responsible cat ownership, raised concerns about the significant impact cats have on wildlife populations. Experts estimated that domestic cats kill up to 700 million birds,…

Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes never fail to impress, and over the past week, locals and visitors alike have captured some truly spectacular moments. From frosty lakes to curious Highland cows, these snapshots showcase the country’s natural beauty in all its glory. Highland Cows Soak Up the Sunshine A drive through the scenic countryside near St Andrews and Crail led Allison McMahon to a charming sight—three Highland cows basking in the sunshine. The iconic shaggy-haired cattle stood proudly in the grass, all facing the camera as if posing for their moment in the spotlight. With their thick coats and calm demeanor, they…

Scotland is unveiling a new visa pathway aimed at international graduates who wish to stay and work in the country after their studies. The proposed ‘Scottish Graduate Visa’ is designed to ease the transition for students into the workforce while tackling Scotland’s ongoing demographic and economic challenges. What the Scottish Graduate Visa Offers The Scottish Graduate Visa, which would be valid for up to two years, aims to bridge the gap between the Study/Graduate visas and the Skilled Worker visa. Graduates would be required to live and work in Scotland during this period, linking them to a Scottish tax code.…

In a significant move aimed at reducing prison overcrowding, the Scottish Government has announced that up to 390 prisoners will be released early, beginning in February. This controversial decision follows the passing of emergency legislation last year, allowing eligible inmates to be released after serving 40% of their sentence, rather than the previous 50%. The change, which is set to take effect on 11 February, has sparked debates on its impact on public safety, the justice system, and victim support. Aiming for Overcrowding Relief The decision to release prisoners early comes as part of the Scottish Government's efforts to alleviate…

Scotland's ambitious goal to reduce car use by 20% by 2030, set five years ago, is now deemed “unlikely” to be met, according to a recent report from public spending watchdogs. Despite strong climate commitments, including a declaration of a climate emergency in 2019, progress toward this target has been minimal, with the Scottish government failing to create a cohesive plan to reduce car use and cut emissions. Minimal Progress and Lack of Leadership Audit Scotland, the body responsible for overseeing government spending, and the Accounts Commission, which monitors local government spending, reported that Scotland has made little progress in…

Scotland is taking bold steps toward becoming a key player in the global hydrogen market, with plans to export green hydrogen to Germany. This initiative, which includes a potential £2.6 billion pipeline project, aims to address a significant portion of Germany's energy needs by 2030 and could create up to 300,000 jobs in Scotland. The Green Hydrogen Plan: A Game-Changer for Scotland and Germany The Scottish Government is fast-tracking its plans to export green hydrogen, with initial shipments set to be transported by ship before a proposed hydrogen pipeline is developed. This project forms part of a broader strategy to…

India continued their dominant run in the U19 Women's T20 World Cup, securing a massive 150-run victory over Scotland in their final Super Six encounter. Trisha Gongadi was the standout performer, marking a historic day with both bat and ball. Gongadi became the first-ever player to score a century in the tournament's history, smashing an incredible 110 runs off 59 balls. To top off her all-round performance, she also claimed three wickets for just six runs in her two overs, helping India rout Scotland in their chase. Gongadi's Record-Breaking Century Sets the Tone After losing the toss, India was put…