Axel Piper

The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has approved six new drugs for use within NHS Scotland, including a breakthrough breast cancer treatment that could extend the lives of patients battling advanced forms of the disease. However, a promising Alzheimer’s medication was denied due to concerns over cost-effectiveness. New Hope for Breast Cancer Patients Among the newly approved treatments is Olaparib, a targeted therapy for adults with breast cancer linked to the BRCA1 gene or those with mutated HER2-negative advanced breast cancer. Marketed under the brand name Lynparza, the drug offers fresh hope for patients with limited treatment options. Claire Rowney, Chief…

A Scotland-based digital creator has been making waves online after immersing himself in India’s diverse street food culture. Hugh, an avid traveler, recently explored cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Kolkata, stepping beyond the usual tourist fare to try some of the country’s most beloved local dishes. A Culinary Adventure Across India Foreign tourists often stick to familiar Indian dishes like butter chicken and biryani. But Hugh took a different approach. From the delicate Daulat Ki Chaat in Delhi to the rich Sandesh of Kolkata, he indulged in the street food that defines India’s culinary landscape. Videos of his food…

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney has made it clear—lynx will not be legally reintroduced into the wild under his government. His statement comes after the illegal release of four of the animals in the Cairngorms last month, an incident that has reignited debate over balancing conservation efforts with rural concerns. A Contentious Debate Lynx once roamed Britain but were wiped out due to hunting and habitat loss between 500 and 1,000 years ago. Some conservation groups have been pushing for their controlled reintroduction, arguing that the species could help restore ecological balance. However, farmers and rural communities remain wary, fearing…

At its core, QTV’s success has been about amplifying Scottish sports. As Gareth Gordon, Chief Technology Officer at QTV, put it, “We have a deep passion for Scottish sports and a drive to increase visibility for these events.” This vision inspired a shift from single-camera streaming to a fully-fledged outside broadcast production company capable of servicing Tier 2 and Tier 3 sports alike. A Remote Production Model for Growth QTV’s strategy centred on a remote production model, connecting their events through a centralised hub at Clydesdale House. This “hive mind” approach improved operational efficiency and enabled their most experienced engineers…

Ithaca College students have a rare chance to experience Edinburgh, Scotland, in August 2025. The long-standing short-term study abroad program, organized by the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance, is open to students from all disciplines. Applications are due by February 15, and spots are expected to fill up fast. Why Edinburgh? Why August? August in Edinburgh isn’t just another summer month—it’s festival season. The city transforms into a cultural hub, drawing visitors from around the world. The renowned Edinburgh International Festival showcases top-tier theatre, opera, dance, and music. What started in 1947 as an invite-only event quickly grew when…

The Delhi High Court has scheduled to hear Congress leader and Lok Sabha MP Karti Chidambaram’s plea on April 16, 2025, regarding the fresh corruption case filed against him by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The case involves allegations of Chidambaram accepting illegal gratification from the alcoholic beverage company, Diageo Scotland. CBI Accuses Chidambaram of Receiving Bribe in 2005 The CBI has accused Karti Chidambaram of taking a bribe in exchange for lifting a liquor import ban imposed in 2005. This alleged exchange occurred during the tenure of his father, P Chidambaram, as Union Finance Minister. The bribery charges…

In a bold claim that sets it apart in the booming whisky industry, Mc'nean distillery has announced that it produces Scotland's only certified zero-carbon organic whisky. This declaration places Mc'nean at the forefront of a growing movement within the beverage industry to embrace sustainable practices while maintaining traditional craftsmanship. Pioneering Sustainability in Whisky Production Scotland is synonymous with whisky, and the country’s distilleries are known for their rich history and iconic spirits. But as the world increasingly demands more environmentally responsible practices, the whisky sector is starting to evolve. Mc'nean has made it clear that sustainability isn’t just a buzzword—it’s…

The Scottish government has recently found itself embroiled in controversy following reports that domestic cats could be a threat to wildlife. Amid growing speculation, the government has assured the public that there are no plans to impose a ban on cats. This reassurance comes after independent experts raised concerns about the environmental impact of cats, particularly on vulnerable bird populations. Clarifying the Situation In a press briefing, First Minister John Swinney strongly denied any intentions of banning cats. He acknowledged the concerns raised by wildlife experts but clarified that the government’s focus would be on finding practical, balanced solutions. Swinney…

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…