Axel Piper

Scotland's avalanche forecasting service kicks off its new season on December 11, covering six key mountain regions to help outdoor enthusiasts stay safe. The Scottish Avalanche Information Service will provide daily reports from mid December through mid April, focusing on risks in areas like Lochaber and the Cairngorms amid changing winter conditions. Key Areas Monitored This Season The forecasting covers popular spots where snow sports and hiking draw crowds each winter. These regions include Lochaber, home to Ben Nevis, the UK's highest peak, and Glen Coe, known for its dramatic scenery and challenging terrain. Creag Meagaidh offers rugged landscapes for…

Scotland secured a thrilling 4-2 victory over Denmark at Hampden Park in Glasgow on November 18, 2025, clinching their spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 for the first time in 28 years. The dramatic win, featuring three spectacular goals, propelled the Scots to the top of Group C with 13 points, leaving Denmark to face playoffs despite their higher ranking. A Night of High Drama at Hampden Park The match kicked off with electric energy as over 50,000 fans packed the stadium, sensing history in the air. Scotland needed a win to overtake Denmark, who only required a draw…

Communities across Scotland grapple with a massive push toward renewable energy as the nation shifts from fossil fuels to wind and solar power over the past two decades. This green energy boom promises net zero goals and climate action, but many locals feel sidelined by corporate planning applications that ignore their voices and deliver uneven benefits. The Rapid Rise of Renewables in Scotland Scotland leads the UK in renewable energy with over 17.7 gigawatts of operational capacity as of early 2025, mostly from onshore and offshore wind farms. In the first quarter of this year alone, renewables generated 10,938 gigawatt…

Diageo, the global drinks giant behind brands like Johnnie Walker and Lagavulin, has committed up to £5 million over five years to restore up to 3,000 hectares of degraded peatlands in Scotland. This initiative, announced on November 12, 2025, partners with Caledonian Climate and Wetlands International to boost carbon storage, biodiversity, and water management in these vital ecosystems. Why This Pledge Matters Now Scotland's peatlands cover about 1.5 million hectares, making up a huge chunk of the country's land. They act as natural sponges, holding vast amounts of carbon and helping control floods by slowing down water flow. But years…

Scotland's community based reuse and repair network now supports 2600 jobs and 8400 volunteer spots while generating 138 million pounds in turnover. This growth highlights a key shift toward a circular economy as shown in the latest impact report from Circular Communities Scotland released this month. The sector also delivers nearly 1 billion pounds in social value and saves 131772 tonnes of CO2 equivalent each year. Experts celebrated these milestones at the annual conference in Glasgow on November 14 where leaders discussed how reuse builds community ties and fights waste. Sector Growth Drives Economic and Environmental Wins The reuse and…

A first time visitor to Scotland discovered key packing lessons during a recent fall trip to Edinburgh and the Highlands. Layers and rain gear proved vital against the unpredictable weather that shifted from sunny spells to sudden downpours. Travelers often face surprise showers and chilly winds in Scotland. This guide draws from real experiences and expert advice to help you prepare for your own adventure in 2025. Scotland's Weather Demands Smart Preparation Scotland's climate keeps visitors on their toes with its rapid changes. In November 2025, temperatures in Edinburgh hovered around 8 to 12 degrees Celsius during the day, but…

A serving Police Scotland officer named Alan Sharp has admitted to serious breaches involving firearms after he took seized shotguns to his home instead of destroying them. The 52-year-old faces at least five years in prison following his guilty plea in Glasgow High Court on charges under the Firearms Act and neglect of duty. Alan Sharp's Role in Firearms Licensing Alan Sharp joined Police Scotland in 2001 and became a qualified Firearms Enquiry Officer in 2015. By late 2020, he transferred to the Firearms and Explosive Licensing Unit in Perth, where he handled applications for gun certificates, renewals, and the…

ScotRail kicked off the procurement for 69 new electric and battery powered suburban trains on November 5, 2025, in Scotland. This move aims to modernize the rail network and cut carbon emissions by replacing old stock with eco friendly options set to run in the early 2030s. Boosting Scotland's Rail Network The new fleet procurement marks a big step for ScotRails efforts to update its aging trains. Two thirds of the current trains need replacement in the next 15 years, and this project targets suburban routes in busy areas like Glasgow and Edinburgh. Officials say it will make rail travel…

Scotland faces a pressing need to spark economic growth and lift productivity to secure better public services and prosperity for all. A new report by economist Sir Anton Muscatelli, commissioned by Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar, outlines bold steps to tackle regional underperformance and build a stronger national economy. Report Background and Commission Sir Anton Muscatelli, the former principal of the University of Glasgow, took on this task in February 2025 at the request of Anas Sarwar. The goal was clear: examine why some Scottish regions lag behind and find ways to unlock their potential. After nine months of independent…

Legal experts in Scotland have called out First Minister John Swinney for claiming he cannot discuss the ongoing court fight with For Women Scotland over transgender prisoners. This challenge came after Swinney refused to comment during a recent radio interview, citing contempt of court rules that experts say he has misunderstood. The dispute centers on whether biologically male inmates who identify as women should stay in female prisons, a policy the Scottish Government plans to defend in court despite a key Supreme Court ruling this year. The Ongoing Legal Fight For Women Scotland, a group pushing for women's rights based…