Axel Piper

A parliamentary delegation, led by the Speaker, has commenced a significant study mission in Scotland aimed at deepening their understanding of the Scottish Parliament and its political processes. Engaging with Scottish Governance The delegation's first stop was a comprehensive introduction to the Scottish Parliament, facilitated by Trainer Ian Gill, setting the stage for an insightful exploration of Scotland’s legislative landscape. The delegation's schedule included a meeting with Sarah Boyack, a Scottish Labour MSP and former Minister for Devolution—Scottish/UK Relations. During this session, Boyack provided an in-depth analysis of Scottish devolution, highlighting key distinctions between the UK and Scottish Parliament voting…

Scottish Finance Secretary Shona Robison has condemned the UK government's offer of a £300 million increase in funding, describing it as “simply not good enough” to cover the rising costs of employer National Insurance contributions (NICs) for Scotland’s public sector. Insufficient Funding for Public Sector Staff Costs The UK government has proposed an additional funding package between £295 million and £330 million to assist with the increase in NICs, which are set to impact public sector employers across the UK. However, Robison has emphasized that Scotland will need over £500 million to cover the costs associated with direct public sector…

Scotland continues to endure the wrath of Storm Bert, with high winds, heavy rain, and lingering snow causing widespread disruptions. The storm, now in its third day, has prompted travel warnings, road closures, and a heightened risk of flooding across the region. Weather Warnings and Flood Alerts The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for rain in northwest Scotland, lasting until midnight on Monday. Gusts reaching 50 mph (80 km/h) are expected, alongside rainfall amounts of 50 to 70mm in the Highlands, with even greater totals over higher terrain. BBC Weather’s Helen Willetts noted the compounding risks: “Combined…

Harnessing Natural Resources for Livestock Farming Scotland’s red meat industry is leveraging its unique natural assets to pave the way for a sustainable future. With over 80% of Scotland's land classified as grass or rough grazing, the country is exceptionally suited for cattle and sheep farming. These landscapes provide more than 90% of livestock feed in the form of grass, silage, and brewer’s grain, minimizing reliance on soy-based feeds often associated with deforestation. Additionally, Scotland’s ample rainfall naturally irrigates pastures, ensuring that almost all water used in producing Scotch Beef and Scotch Lamb comes from rainwater, preserving vital freshwater resources.…

Scotland is currently experiencing significant disruption due to Storm Bert, which has blanketed central and southern parts of the country with heavy snow. Snowfall and Travel Disruptions The storm has caused widespread travel disruption, with snow accumulating across many areas. Roads, particularly those over higher ground, are expected to be deeply affected. The Met Office has issued weather warnings for Scotland, as well as central and northern England, due to ongoing snow, rain, and wind. In some regions, the snow is so intense that it has led to concerns over the accessibility of rural communities. With conditions so severe, there…

Scotland is bracing for a "weather bomb" as Storm Bert approaches, threatening to bring heavy snow, ice, and gale-force winds over the weekend. The storm, which is expected to cause significant disruption, has already prompted yellow and amber weather warnings for parts of the country. With temperatures plunging and the potential for travel chaos, Scots are being urged to stay informed and reconsider their weekend plans. This powerful low-pressure system is set to make landfall by 3am, first hitting the east coast before sweeping across the mainland over the next several hours. While it will bring milder temperatures after pushing…

An amber warning for snow has been extended across several regions of Scotland as Storm Bert continues to impact the country. The new alert now includes the Borders, Dumfries and Galloway, East Ayrshire, and South Lanarkshire. Previously, the warning had covered parts of the Highlands, Aberdeenshire, Perth and Kinross, and Angus. Weather Impact and Travel Disruptions The amber warning, which comes into effect at 07:00 on Saturday, is expected to severely disrupt travel, events, and power supplies in affected areas. Snow, wind, and rain have already created challenging conditions across much of Scotland. Police Scotland has advised against unnecessary travel,…

Glasgow's Burrell Collection, after undergoing an extensive £68.25 million refurbishment, has been named the winner of the prestigious Andrew Doolan Best Building in Scotland Award. This annual award, given by the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS), recognizes outstanding architectural achievements. The renovation, known as the Burrell Renaissance, was carried out by the firm John McAslan + Partners and has been hailed as a remarkable transformation. A Revitalization of an Iconic Museum The Burrell Collection, which houses the vast art collection of shipping magnate Sir William Burrell, opened in 1983. It has always been a standout example of modern…

An amber warning for snow and ice has been issued as Storm Bert approaches Scotland. The Met Office predicts significant travel disruption, with conditions expected to worsen throughout the weekend. Amber Warning Covers Large Areas The Met Office's amber warning will be active from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 23. It applies to regions north of Scotland's Central Belt, including Stirling, Perthshire, Angus, Aberdeenshire, and parts of the southeast Highlands. Beyond the amber zone, yellow warnings for snow, ice, and wind span across much of Scotland, with coastal areas particularly at risk. The yellow alerts will extend…

Scotland is bracing for a weekend of severe weather, as heavy rain and snow are expected to disrupt travel and pose risks to safety. The Met Office has issued its fifth yellow warning of the week, extending across large parts of the country, with the threat of flooding, icy conditions, and potential hazards on the roads. Continued Weather Warnings Amid Disruption The new alert, which covers 27 council areas across Scotland, warns of significant travel disruption and a “danger to life” due to heavy snow followed by a rapid thaw and heavy rain. The weather system is expected to intensify…