Axel Piper

The wife of the Scottish Ambulance Service chairman, Tom Steele, tragically passed away after a student was dispatched as the first responder during a 999 emergency call. Gillian Steele collapsed in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire, and despite the emergency call, a student technician was sent to the scene without a fully trained paramedic. This incident has raised serious concerns about the staffing and resource allocation within the Scottish Ambulance Service. Emergency Response Under Scrutiny The incident occurred when Gillian Steele collapsed and an ambulance was called. Instead of a fully qualified paramedic, a student technician was sent as the first responder. The…

The Greenock Ocean Terminal in Scotland has recently undergone a significant infrastructure upgrade, marking a major milestone in its modernization efforts. The project, which involved the removal and replacement of quayside crane rails, was completed on time and within budget. This upgrade is part of a broader initiative to introduce two new £25 million ship-to-shore cranes at the port, enhancing its capacity and efficiency. The project was managed by Deans Civil Engineering, a part of the RSK Group, in collaboration with Peel Ports. Enhancing Operational Efficiency The completion of the crane infrastructure upgrade at Greenock Ocean Terminal is expected to…

Scottish hydrogen technologies firm Logan Energy has secured a multi-million-pound contract to support the Czech Republic’s largest hydrogen project. This initiative aims to power a fleet of zero-emission buses using hydrogen generated from a nearby hydroelectric scheme. Logan Energy will supply critical equipment to Czech contractor ČEZ ESCO, enabling ten hydrogen buses to transport passengers around the town of Mníšek pod Brdy by the end of 2025. This project marks a significant milestone in the Czech Republic’s journey towards sustainable transport solutions. Logan Energy’s Role in the Project Logan Energy, based in Edinburgh, has been selected to provide essential technology…

The infamous “Ice Cream Wars” of Glasgow in the 1980s left an indelible mark on the city and its residents. One witness, Brian Anderson, who was just 14 at the time, remains haunted by the horrific events that unfolded. The conflict, which involved rival gangs vying for control of lucrative ice cream van routes, culminated in a devastating arson attack that claimed the lives of six members of the Doyle family. Decades later, Anderson’s memories of that tragic night continue to affect him deeply. The Night of the Tragedy On April 16, 1984, the Doyle family’s home was set ablaze…

Bladnoch Distillery, Scotland’s southernmost whisky producer, is set to host an immersive theatre experience this autumn. The event, titled “Bladnoch Tasting Notes,” will bring over two centuries of whisky-making history to life. Created by actress and voice artist Debora Weston, the production will feature professional actors and offer guests a unique opportunity to explore the distillery’s rich heritage. Running from September 27th to 29th, the experience will also include tastings of Bladnoch’s renowned single malt whiskies. A Journey Through Whisky-Making History The immersive theatre experience at Bladnoch Distillery promises to be a captivating journey through the history of whisky-making. Guests…

Prime office rents in Edinburgh are experiencing their fastest growth since 2015, according to a recent analysis by Knight Frank. In 2023, rents for prime office spaces in the Scottish capital increased by 8%, rising from £40 per square foot to £43 per square foot. This significant rise, driven by high demand and limited supply, marks the largest annual increase since 2015. The trend highlights the ongoing attractiveness of Edinburgh’s prime office market despite challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the shift towards hybrid working. Factors Driving Rent Increases The surge in prime office rents in Edinburgh can be…

Glasgow’s East End is set to welcome a new Aldi store following the recent approval of planning permission by the Glasgow City Council. The new store, which will be located on Boghall Road between Broomhouse and Baillieston, promises to bring a range of benefits to the local community, including job creation and improved retail options. This development marks a significant investment in the area and has been met with both excitement and some concerns from residents. Community Benefits and Job Creation The new Aldi store is expected to create 35 jobs, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy. The…

Scotland’s prison system is facing a critical challenge with overcrowding, which is hindering efforts to rehabilitate inmates and maintain public safety. The number of inmates has been steadily rising, exacerbating the strain on already limited resources. This issue has been highlighted by the Chief Inspector of Prisons for Scotland, Wendy Sinclair-Gieben, who has called for urgent reforms to address the overcrowding crisis. The situation is further complicated by outdated facilities and staffing shortages, which are impacting the overall effectiveness of the prison system. The Overcrowding Crisis Scotland’s prisons are currently operating beyond their capacity, with the inmate population projected to…