Axel Piper

Scotland is facing a ‘deep crisis’ as the government’s targets to end fuel poverty by 2040 are at risk of being missed, according to campaigners and experts. The rising energy prices, the cost of living crisis, and the slow progress on green heating and home insulation are putting more pressure on households struggling to pay their bills. Fuel poverty affects almost a third of Scottish households Fuel poverty is defined as when a household spends more than 10% of its income on heating and electricity. Extreme fuel poverty is when this figure exceeds 20%. According to the latest Scottish House…

Scottish Government accused of ‘sitting on’ £1.2bn of pandemic funds The SNP housing minister has denied that the Scottish Government is ‘sitting on’ £1.2bn of Covid cash that could be used to tackle the housing crisis. Paul McLennan said the money was already allocated to various sectors and could not be redirected to boost the affordable homes budget, which was cut by 26% in the latest draft budget. McLennan was responding to a question from Scottish Labour’s housing spokesperson Pauline McNeill, who challenged him to explain why the Government was holding back the funds while thousands of people were homeless…

The Grand Ole Opry’s Flag Debate The Grand Ole Opry in Glasgow has become the epicenter of a heated debate over the use of the Confederate flag. A symbol that has long been associated with the American South’s history of slavery and racism, the flag’s presence has sparked outrage and division within the club’s community. Members are torn between tradition and the growing recognition of the flag’s offensive nature. Emergency Meeting Called In response to the backlash, an emergency general meeting has been scheduled for November 27. The outcome could potentially lead to the flag’s reinstatement as part of a…

The Bergisel Ski Jump in Innsbruck, Austria, is not only a world-class sports venue, but also a thrilling attraction for visitors who want to experience the thrill of flying through the air. I decided to challenge myself and try out the ski jump simulator, which lets you feel what it’s like to be a ski jumper without actually jumping. Here’s how it went. The Bergisel Ski Jump: a modern masterpiece The Bergisel Ski Jump is a striking landmark that towers over the city of Innsbruck. It was designed by the famous architect Zaha Hadid, who created a futuristic structure that…

The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) has saved 22 people from a boat that was taking on water near the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The incident happened on Sunday, March 3, 2024, around 2:30 pm, when the RNLI received a mayday call from the vessel. The boat was carrying tourists and crew members According to the RNLI, the boat was a passenger vessel that was carrying 19 tourists and three crew members. The boat was on a sightseeing tour around the Isle of Skye, a popular destination for visitors. The boat had left Portree harbour earlier that day and…

A Scottish soldier who died of heatstroke while serving in Iraq has been remembered as a “hero” and a “gentle giant” by his family and friends. Corporal Josh Hoole, 26, collapsed during a fitness test in temperatures of over 40°C in July 2023. His death has raised questions about the adequacy of the training and equipment provided to British troops in hot climates. A loving son, brother and fiancé Corporal Hoole, from Ecclefechan in Dumfries and Galloway, was a member of The Rifles regiment and had served two tours in Afghanistan. He was due to marry his fiancée Rachael McKie…

A 73-year-old former taxi driver from Exeter has fulfilled his dream of moving to the Scottish Highlands after winning £1m in the Lotto draw. Steve Glover, who has survived two heart attacks, bought a Bentley and a motorhome with his winnings and plans to invest in some prime Scotch whisky. A lucky break Steve Glover was watching the darts on TV when he decided to check his lottery tickets, which he had bought the night before at his local shop. He was stunned to discover that he had matched five numbers and the bonus ball in the Lotto draw on…

A former detective who worked on the Emma Caldwell murder case has criticised the police for their ‘shambolic’ handling of the investigation, which led to the wrong suspects being charged and the real killer escaping justice for almost 19 years. Iain Packer found guilty of killing Emma Caldwell in 2005 Iain Packer, 51, was convicted of murdering Emma Caldwell, a 27-year-old sex worker, in a remote woodland near Biggar, South Lanarkshire, in April 2005. He was also found guilty of 32 other charges of rape, sexual assault, and indecent assault against 22 women, many of whom were also sex workers,…