Axel Piper

In the quiet market town of Forfar, eastern Scotland, family run Guild Homes faces shutdown after years of battling for land to build on. The firm, which has supplied most new houses there since 2012, says planning delays and tight rules leave no room for growth, spotlighting a national shortage that worsens homelessness across the country. This crisis, declared an emergency 18 months ago, shows no signs of easing as new home builds drop amid regulatory hurdles and staff shortages in local councils. Experts warn that without quick changes, small builders like Guild will vanish, leaving rural areas starved for…

Scotland's Railway has launched a £7.7 million project to upgrade braking systems on over 70 ScotRail trains, targeting the slippery leaves that disrupt services each autumn. This move aims to boost safety, cut delays, and ensure smoother rides for passengers across Scotland starting this season. The Autumn Challenge for Scottish Trains Leaves falling on railway tracks turn into a major headache for train operators every year. When crushed under wheels, they form a slick layer much like black ice on roads, making it tough for trains to grip the rails properly. This leads to wheel slip during acceleration and longer…

NatureScot has expanded its annual road safety campaign to cover a longer section of the A9 in Sutherland to cut down on deer vehicle crashes. The move comes after new data showed higher risks in the Navidale area north of Helmsdale, with electronic signs set to warn drivers from November 1 to 29. Reasons Behind the Autumn Risk Surge Red deer in Scotland start moving from high moorland to lower pastures in fall, which raises the chance of road collisions. This seasonal shift happens as stags seek better food after the rutting season, often crossing busy routes like the A9…

Duncan Forgan, a Scottish father living in Bangkok, shares in a new essay how 15 years in Asia have left him feeling disconnected from his homeland. He worries his young son, raised in Thailand, will face the same challenges when visiting Scotland. Forgan left Scotland for Asia in 2010 and built a life in the bustling city of Bangkok. Now, simple triggers like old songs spark deep nostalgia, but he knows returning home would feel foreign. This story highlights the growing issue of reverse culture shock among long-term expats in 2025. Nostalgia Hits Hard on the Road Home Forgan describes…

The Horticultural Trades Association launched its Scottish Environmental Horticulture Manifesto on October 29, 2025, at Pentland Plants near Edinburgh. This bold plan outlines how the sector can double its economic impact to £5.1 billion by 2030, creating greener jobs and supporting Scotland's net zero goals through practical policy changes. The manifesto comes at a key time as Scotland debates the Land Reform Bill, stressing the role of horticulture in land use and community prosperity. Industry leaders see it as a roadmap to tackle rising costs and boost competitiveness in the green economy. Sector's Current Strength and Future Potential Scotland's environmental…

Scotland released a groundbreaking report today that highlights its role as a pioneer in funding efforts to tackle the devastating effects of climate change. The document draws from real world projects funded by over 10 million pounds to show how nations can better support communities hit hardest by the crisis. Scotland's Bold Commitment to Climate Justice Scotland has stepped up in ways few countries have when it comes to climate finance. Over the last five years, the Scottish Government poured more than 10 million pounds into its Climate Justice Fund. This money went straight to locally led projects aimed at…

John Raven, son of renowned psychologist John Carlyle Raven, opens up about growing up with his father in a new reflection timed for the 90th anniversary of the famous Raven Progressive Matrices test in 2026. The non verbal intelligence tool, created by his dad and used by millions worldwide, marks a milestone as John turns 90 too, offering fresh insights into the legacy of Scotland's greatest psychologist. Wartime Days and Family Survival Life during World War II shaped young John Raven's early years with his father in a rural spot near Colchester, England. The family set up a small farm…

Clare Johnston, an Edinburgh journalist, has sparked a movement by helping her 82-year-old mother and 81-year-old father rebuild muscle strength through simple barbell exercises. This personal story from early 2024 now inspires millions worldwide and shows how Scotland can pioneer a healthy aging revolution to fight frailty and boost independence. A Family's Bold Step into Strength Training Clare Johnston shifted from mainstream media to creating content on aging well seven years ago. Her YouTube channel, The Honest Channel, started with product reviews but grew into deep dives on science-backed ways to stay vital. A key interview with Dr. Chris Reis,…

New research uncovers £3.2 billion in Scottish property tucked away in secret offshore trusts, sparking fears that hidden owners could dodge new land reforms. As Scottish lawmakers push the Land Reform Bill into its final debate stage this October 2025, experts warn these shadowy setups might let corruption slip through the cracks and weaken efforts to make land ownership fairer for communities. The Scale of Hidden Scottish Land Assets Transparency groups have dug deep into public records and found a big chunk of Scotland's property market stays out of sight. Out of £9.1 billion in properties linked to offshore spots,…

Ed Miliband, the UK Energy Secretary, announced plans to build a new nuclear power station in Scotland if Labour wins the Holyrood election next year. This move aims to boost jobs and energy security, targeting sites like Torness and Hunterston, but it hinges on ousting the SNP government that blocks such projects. The announcement came during a London event on October 23, 2025, where Miliband stressed Scotland's nuclear past and the need to revive it for clean energy growth. Labour's Push for Nuclear Revival in Scotland Miliband made it clear that a Labour victory in the May 2026 Holyrood election…