Axel Piper

A British-Indian nurse named Naijil Paul has been sentenced to seven years and nine months in prison for raping a colleague and sexually assaulting two other women at a care home in North Lanarkshire, Scotland. The 47-year-old from Kerala admitted to the crimes in October 2025, and a Glasgow high court handed down the punishment on December 9, 2025, after he fled to India to avoid trial but was later extradited. Details of the Crimes Paul worked as a manager at the care home when the incidents happened in 2018. He targeted vulnerable colleagues, using his position of power to…

Strong winds battered parts of Scotland in late November 2025, leaving nearly 1,000 homes without electricity across the Highlands, Islands, and west coast areas. Power companies worked quickly to fix the damage, restoring service to all affected properties by Friday afternoon, mainly on the Isle of Mull and around Lochinver. This event highlights ongoing weather challenges in the region, with gusts reaching up to 83 miles per hour in the Western Isles and 75 miles per hour on Mull. Crews faced faults on overhead networks, a frequent issue during such storms, but managed to reconnect everyone safely. Winds Cause Widespread…

Scotland's ambitious Acorn carbon capture project in Aberdeenshire faces growing uncertainty as key backer Storegga plans to sell its stake, raising questions about the nation's role in fighting climate change. With site closures and funding hurdles piling up, experts debate if carbon capture and storage can still drive Scotland toward net zero by 2045. What Is the Acorn Project? The Acorn project aims to capture carbon dioxide from industrial sites and store it under the North Sea. Based in St Fergus, Aberdeenshire, it uses existing pipelines to transport emissions, making it a low-cost option for decarbonizing heavy industry. Launched with…

Scotland's First Minister John Swinney issued a stark warning to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer about an existential threat to the nation's energy sector during a key meeting. The discussion happened ahead of the British-Irish Council summit in Wales on December 7, 2025, amid growing job losses and policy concerns in oil, gas, and renewable industries. Urgent Meeting Highlights Energy Woes John Swinney met Keir Starmer to address mounting pressures on Scotland's energy industry. He stressed the need for immediate UK Government action to prevent irreversible damage. Recent events have fueled these concerns. ExxonMobil announced cuts at its Mossmorran plant,…

Scotland's breathtaking landscapes and vibrant scenes have once again taken center stage as people share their snapshots from November 28 to December 5. From snowy highlands to colorful sunsets, these user submitted images highlight the natural beauty of the country during early winter, drawing attention from locals and visitors alike. Top Highlights from Recent Submissions Community members across Scotland sent in a variety of photos that capture the essence of the season. One standout image shows a winding road around a hill with snow capped mountains in the distance, taken in Tyndrum along the West Highland Way. Another features a…

A new report reveals that planned hyperscale data centers in Scotland could require between 2 and 3 gigawatts of electricity, nearly matching the nation's winter peak demand of 4 gigawatts. Released in early December 2025 by the non-profit research group Foxglove, this finding highlights growing concerns over energy use as tech giants eye Scotland for major expansions. Key Findings from the Report The report stems from a detailed scan of local planning websites conducted in November 2025. It uncovers 11 proposed data center projects that could transform Scotland's tech landscape. These facilities vary in size, with power needs ranging from…

Scotland's natural beauty shines through in a fresh batch of user submitted photos from November 28 to December 5. Photographers across the country captured everything from snowy mountains to colorful sunsets, sharing their work with major outlets like the BBC to highlight the region's winter charm. These images come at a time when Scotland sees a surge in tourism due to its picturesque landscapes, especially during the colder months. With recent weather bringing early snow and clear skies for aurora sightings, people are flocking to capture and share these moments online. Highlights from the Week's Best Shots One standout photo…

Edinburgh City Football Club revealed on November 28, 2025, the hiring of Stefano Pieraccini as its new Commercial Director in a fresh role aimed at boosting business ties and growth. This move comes as the club pushes for stronger finances and community links in Scottish League Two, with Pieraccini bringing his skills from hospitality and marketing to drive sponsorships and fan involvement. Stefano Pieraccini's Background and Expertise Stefano Pieraccini stands out as a young leader in Scotland's business scene, especially in restaurants and hospitality. At 29 years old, he has built a strong track record running the Rocca Group, which…

Edinburgh played host to a major gathering as IPPR Scotland marked its tenth anniversary with a conference focused on the nation's future. Leaders like First Minister John Swinney and Scottish Labour's Anas Sarwar shared insights on devolution, poverty challenges, and rebuilding public trust, drawing experts and community voices to discuss Scotland's path ahead in 2025. This event came at a pivotal time, just months after the UK general election shifted power dynamics, and as Scotland grapples with ongoing economic pressures from inflation and austerity measures. Attendees explored how devolution has evolved since 1999, while highlighting gaps in addressing poverty and…

Scotland has seen a surge in new towns over the past decade, with 33 former villages reclassified due to population growth from housing booms and urban expansion. This shift, highlighted in recent data from Understanding Scottish Places, affects areas across the country, including Tarves in Aberdeenshire, where residents enjoy a blend of rural charm and modern amenities. The Surge in Scotland's New Towns Recent reports show Scotland now boasts 509 towns, up from 479 in 2014, driven by housing developments and people moving to commuter-friendly spots near cities. This growth reflects broader trends in population shifts, with more than half…