Axel Piper

Scotland has introduced updated guidelines for the use of biometric technology in schools, addressing both the potential benefits and significant privacy concerns associated with these systems. The document provides a framework for education authorities, underscoring ethical considerations, data protection, and civil liberties as central to decision-making. Biometric Systems in Education Biometric technologies, which use physical or behavioral traits to identify individuals, are being explored for various school applications, such as: Attendance Management Cashless Meal Transactions Automated Library Services While these systems offer convenience and efficiency, they also raise ethical and social concerns. Biometric data, categorized as "special category data" under…

Scotland Faces Growing Housing Crisis as Homelessness Increases Over the festive period in 2023, more than 17,000 children in Scotland found themselves homeless, according to figures obtained by the Scottish Liberal Democrats. This revelation paints a stark picture of Scotland's housing crisis, highlighting a significant rise in homelessness applications across the country. Alarming Statistics on Homelessness The figures, sourced from the Scottish Government, reveal that on December 25, 2023, there were 30,557 live homelessness applications, affecting 35,361 adults and 17,002 children. This marked a troubling increase of over 2,000 applications compared to the previous year. The rise in homelessness has…

Andrew Carnegie’s story is one of grit, ambition, and immense success—transforming from a poor boy in Scotland to the richest man on Earth. His rise from poverty to prosperity is legendary, and his legacy as both a tycoon and philanthropist continues to capture imaginations today. A Humble Start in Scotland Born in 1835 in the small town of Dunfermline, Scotland, Carnegie’s early life was filled with hardship. His family struggled to make ends meet, and at just 12 years old, Carnegie made the bold decision to leave his home and head to America with his family, seeking better opportunities in…

Adam Golebiewski has achieved a remarkable milestone, walking again with prosthetic legs and returning home just in time for Christmas. This achievement follows a life-altering car crash that led to the amputation of both his legs. A Life-Changing Incident Adam’s journey took a dramatic turn in Macduff, Aberdeenshire, just weeks before his 18th birthday. The car crash left him severely injured, ultimately resulting in the loss of both his legs. Despite the overwhelming challenges, Adam has shown incredible resilience and determination throughout his recovery. "I was determined to try new things in life," Adam told BBC Scotland News. His story…

NFU Scotland is pushing for the Scottish Government to finalize its consultation on Cattle Identification and Traceability and establish a firm timeline for the introduction of Ultra-High Frequency (UHF) Bovine Electronic Identification (bEID) tags by January 2026. NFU Scotland’s Call for a Clear Action Plan The National Farmers Union (NFU) Scotland is calling on the Scottish Government to take decisive action regarding cattle identification. The union is urging the government to announce the results of its ongoing consultation on Cattle Identification and Traceability and provide a clear roadmap for introducing UHF bEID technology across the country. UHF bEID is seen…

When your job title is “Head of Whisky Outreach,” it’s not just work—it’s a way of life. Ewan Morgan, born in Dufftown, Scotland, the so-called Malt Whisky Capital of the World, knows this better than anyone. With a family legacy steeped in whisky production, Morgan’s journey through the world of Scotch has been nothing short of extraordinary. A Legacy of Whisky Morgan’s roots in whisky run deep. His father worked as the maltings manager at Tamdhu Distillery, while his grandfather brewed at Cardhu Distillery. Morgan himself began as a maltman before rising to become one of the industry’s most respected…

Scotland's landscapes have never looked so enchanting as they do this winter. From mist-covered bridges to frosty mornings, the beauty of the country has been captured in a stunning array of photographs. Here's a selection of your photos sent in between December 14-21, showcasing the icy charm and vivid colors of Scotland. Kingfisher Amid Frozen Reeds Pamela Agnew's photo of a Kingfisher standing proudly on a frozen reed in a frosty riverbank perfectly encapsulates the serene winter beauty of Scotland. The bird, small and vibrant, features striking blue and yellow feathers, its eyes dark and intense, with an insect in…

Stonehenge, one of the most iconic Neolithic monuments in the world, continues to intrigue researchers, with new studies shedding light on its purpose and significance. A recent analysis published in Archaeology International provides fresh insights into the enigmatic structure, revealing its role in uniting diverse communities across ancient Britain. Scientists now believe that Stonehenge was rebuilt not just for religious reasons, but also as a political monument, symbolizing alliances formed over vast distances. The Altar Stone: A Key Piece of the Puzzle One of Stonehenge's most distinctive features, the Altar Stone, has been at the center of this new research.…

How Reintroducing Wolves, Lions, and Leopards Could Help Scotland’s Ecosystem Scotland, renowned for its majestic landscapes, has long been missing a key element from its ecosystem: large predators. Once home to wolves, lynx, and bears, the country now faces a biodiversity crisis. But could reintroducing these apex predators help restore the country’s fragile ecosystems and provide new opportunities for farmers and local communities? If it can work in India and Kenya, why not in Scotland? The Scottish Highlands, with their sweeping hills and vast, untouched wilderness, offer an almost surreal landscape—one that, at first glance, could easily resemble the wild…

Police Scotland has revealed alarming statistics on the rising number of dangerous and illegal e-bikes being used on Scottish roads. Between January and September 2024, officers seized almost 300 e-bikes, many of which had been illegally modified to exceed speed limits and pose serious risks to public safety. A Growing Concern The figures, obtained by BBC Scotland News, highlight an escalating issue with electric bikes being ridden at dangerously high speeds, often on pavements. Police have reported a growing number of incidents in city centres, where these modified bikes, some reaching speeds of up to 40mph, are being used recklessly.…