Emma Reid, Author at Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce

Two local bus drivers have been named among the top 3 of the UK’s best bus drivers in this year’s UK Bus Driver of the Year Finals held in Blackpool at the weekend.

Gary Black (Lothian Buses) and Thomas Gilhooley (East Coast Buses) finished second and third respectively, with Gary also scooping prizes for Best Driver from a Scottish Depot and Best Placed Finisher by an ALBUM (Association of Local Bus Company Managers) Member.

Drivers from all over the UK participated in a series of tests on Sunday 3 September, including a two-mile road drive through the iconic seaside town, and a highway code and theory test.

Lothian held its own local competition in May of this year at Ingliston, with Gary, Thomas and John O’Hara (from Lothian’s Longstone depot) going through to the national final where they took on the best of the best from other operators across the country.

Willie Hamilton, Operations Director for Lothian, said: “We are thrilled that two of our drivers have finished in the top three at the UK Bus Driver of the Year Finals.

“The final is a fiercely contested affair, with the competition fought in the best possible spirit between all the drivers. I would like to congratulate Gary, Thomas and John for their excellent performances over the weekend.

“Their success is a testament to their talent and skill, but also our amazing driving teams and incredible in-house training school.”

The Capital is once again searching for a worthy recipient of the coveted Edinburgh Award, with nominations for the 2023 now open.

To broaden the range of nominees it has been agreed to widen the eligibility criteria to include people who have ‘a substantial association with Edinburgh’. The update was approved at a meeting of the City of Edinburgh Council last week (Thursday 31 August).

Previously, some nominations received have been excluded due to an individual not having been born or lived in Edinburgh. Consequently, the Edinburgh Award Panel agreed unanimously to reflect this by adding in ‘substantial association with Edinburgh’ and the panel is particularly keen to welcome nominations which reflect the diversity of the city.

Since 2007, the Edinburgh Award has celebrated an individual who has made a truly unique contribution to the city. With the new criteria it means that someone can now be nominated – whether or not they were born or lived in Edinburgh – if they have gained national and international recognition for Scotland’s Capital through their work.

The 2022 recipient was Sir Geoff Palmer, in recognition of his ground-breaking contributions to academia, his indefatigable defence of human rights in Edinburgh and beyond, and most recently his work heading up the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Group. Sir Geoff was presented with an engraved Loving Cup from the Lord Provost and had his handprints set in stone at the City Chambers quadrangle.

Edinburgh has four weeks to cast nominations for this year’s award, before a recipient is selected by a panel chaired by the Lord Provost.

The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge, has urged individuals and businesses in the Capital to nominate someone for the Award:

“I am delighted that common sense has prevailed and someone who clearly has a substantial association to Edinburgh will be eligible to receive the Edinburgh Award.

“Edinburgh has been a global force in many fields, for over two centuries and this is down to the character, achievement, and excellence of our citizens. The Edinburgh Award represents an opportunity to celebrate exceptional individuals who make Edinburgh the fantastic city we see today and have enhanced the city’s reputation nationally and internationally.

“By nominating someone you can help us showcase these people and give that person the recognition and praise they deserve.

“From outstanding individual feats to the work of community groups, as Lord Provost I am consistently inspired by the ways in which the citizens of Edinburgh calmly persevere and look out for one another. This speaks to the very heart of our capital city and is a source of huge personal pride. If this reminds you of someone, I urge you to put forward a nomination.

“Edinburgh, its reputation, and its enduring global appeal is down to its people. Now looking for its 17^th recipient, The Edinburgh Award needs the help of our communities, citizens and businesses to come together and find a worthy winner.”

Nominations opened yesterday (September 4) and close at 5pm on October 2, 2023.

More details about the criteria for the Edinburgh Award 2023 and to submit a nomination can be found here.

Five years after it was signed by the Prime Minister and First Minister, the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal has helped 15,000 people secure employment, and improved the skills and knowledge of over 103,000 of the region’s citizens.

The delivery milestones are captured in the Deal’s latest annual report – Read here.

Significant progress has been made on delivering 3,500 new homes in Winchburgh. Over 540 mid-market rent homes have been delivered by Edinburgh Living, and nine new industrial units have opened in Fife, with more on the way in the Scottish Borders.

£3 million has been secured to improve regional bus services, and over 700 small to medium-sized businesses have been supported.

Some of the Deal’s impacts are captured in a video series, highlighting the people and organisations behind the projects. Featured projects include data skills in primary schools, circular economy and low carbon in the Fife Innovation Zone, and a construction academy for members of the region’s Ukrainian community.

With an investment of £1.5 billion over 15 years, the UK and Scottish governments, along with regional stakeholders, are committed to enhancing transportation, housing, culture, skills, employability, and innovation across the region. This investment, in the region with more than 24% of Scotland’s population, is one of the most ambitious deals in the UK.

At the fifth anniversary, 18 out of 20 business cases are approved and either in their implementation or delivery phase. Project milestones in the last 12 months include opening the National Robotarium in September 2022, launch of the Usher Innovation Community in November 2022, and completion of the Edinburgh Innovation Park A1 grade separated junction in May 2023.

Councillor Euan Jardine, Convener of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Joint Committee, said:

“The Edinburgh and South-East Scotland City Region Deal is a triumph of regional collaboration in delivering jobs, skills, opportunities, well-being and prosperity. It demonstrates what can be achieved when central and local government, higher and further education, and the business, social enterprise and third sectors work strategically and collectively. We are on track to significantly exceed the benefits anticipated through this transformative Deal and have exciting plans to maintain and enhance the region’s global reputation, become the Data Capital of Europe and to deliver sustainable and inclusive growth for the benefit of all who live in this diverse region.”

UK Government Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord said:

“The Edinburgh City Region and South East Scotland deal has reached some remarkable milestones in the five years since its signing. We are already seeing the benefits the projects are bringing to the region through the breakthroughs in science and innovation and developments in infrastructure.

“The UK Government’s £300 million investment continues to support the deal to deliver sustainable economic growth in South East Scotland, part of more than £2.4 billion to level up right across Scotland.”

Scottish Government Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray said:

“I welcome great progress since the Scottish Government’s commitment to invest £300 million in the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Deal in 2018. These projects build on the strengths of the region’s economy, delivering improvements in innovation, housing, culture and critical infrastructure plus a new skills programme; unlocking opportunities for communities across the area.”

Read the full annual report here.

The firm’s Corporate Group has advised Legatics on its latest funding package to boost growth and support expansion plans into the US

The Corporate Group at independent UK law firm Burges Salmon has advised Legatics, a legal project management platform that simplifies and automates legal processes, on its £4 million investment from FINTOP Capital and Gresham House Ventures.

The investment will support Legatics as it targets further growth and expansion into US markets whilst also allowing for the further development of its platforms with new project management capabilities and AI-powered add-ons.

The Burges Salmon team acting for Legatics was led by Corporate partner Alex Lloyd and solicitor Elena Kaltsas-Walker.

Alex Lloyd comments: “It has been a pleasure to work with the Legatics team to secure this important investment which promotes and supports innovation and technology in the legal sector. As lawyers we understand the importance of investing in technologies to enhance the client experience, something our firm is very much committed to, and so we’re excited to see Legatics go from strength to strength as it embarks on the next phase in its growth journey. “

Daniel Porus, Chief Commercial Officer at Legatics, adds: “We’d like to thank Alex and the team at Burges Salmon for getting our financing round over the line. The firm is commercially-minded, has supported us through two successful fundraisings and understood from the get-go what was needed to get the deal done.”

Burges Salmon has a strong Corporate practice in the UK, acting on high value and complex transactions, and supporting fast growing companies with their growth ambitions. Over the past year, the team has advised on over 110 transactions for domestic and international clients, particularly in the energy, healthcare, life sciences and financial services sectors.

The delivery milestones are captured in the Deal’s latest annual report.

£3 million has been secured to improve regional bus services, and over 700 small to medium-sized businesses have been supported.

Councillor Euan Jardine, Convener of the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region Joint Committee, said:

UK Government Minister for Scotland Malcolm Offord said:

Scottish Government Wellbeing Economy Secretary Neil Gray said:

Tales of magic, mystery and spectacular sorcery are set to storm the capital this winter, as Castle of Light conjures a charming start to the festive season.

Returning to transform the city’s skyline for a fourth fantastic year, Castle of Light promises to bring even more unmissable moments to Edinburgh Castle as the iconic landmark is illuminated with extraordinary light and sounds displays.

An enchanting experience for all ages, guests can uncover the secrets of Scotland’s past in the unique after-dark walking trail as a tapestry of all-new storytelling projections dance across the castle walls.

Brought together by a consortium of the finest digital and visual talent in Scotland, in partnership with Historic Environment Scotland, the larger-than-life installations are set to bring magic to locals and visitors alike throughout the festive season.

Andy McGregor, creative director of Castle of Light, said: “As Edinburgh’s summer season draws to a close and the darker evenings begin to creep in, the countdown to this year’s Castle of Light event can officially begin.

“This year’s theme of ‘Magic and Mystery’ allows us to bring tales from years gone by back to life through spectacular displays of visual ‘sorcery’ designed to brighten up the winter months. This year’s immersive trail will include interactive elements and unique experiences which truly bring the magic of Scotland’s history alive.”

A limited run of discounted early bird tickets will be available until midnight on Saturday 30 September for the popular light trail. Running for six weeks throughout the festive season, on select dates from Friday 24 November 2023 to Wednesday 3 January 2024, let immersive illuminations and enchanting installations guide you through the castle grounds in a sea of twinkling lights and colourful displays, with help from Rex, the beloved lion.

Ticketed entry slots will run every 15 minutes between 4.30pm and 7.30pm each evening, with last entry between 7.30pm and 7.45pm. The event closes at 9pm. Visitors can also enjoy bespoke offerings from a variety of local vendors who will be on site throughout the event run.

Adult early bird tickets cost £19.80 (using the promo code: COLSM23 at checkout). Concession rates, family tickets and discounts for Historic Scotland members are also available.

For more information and to get your tickets, visit www.CastleofLight.scot. Advance booking required.

Sir Chris Hoy, Val McDermid, Alexander McCall Smith, Barbara Dickson, Dame Prue Leith, Mary Contini and Sue Lawrence are just some of the names featured in a new fundraising cook book published this week (7 September) in aid of Scottish charity St Columba’s Hospice Care.

The stars have joined with other names, chefs, local restaurants and bars to contribute one of their favourite recipes to Generous, a cook book developed by St Columba’s Hospice Care to raise money to help the Edinburgh-based charity provide care to patients with life-limiting illnesses, as well as their families and loved ones. Generous is also published in recognition of the local community and hospitality industry who have supported the work of the hospice over many years.

Mouth-watering dishes that readers will be able to recreate at home include Sir Chris Hoy’s BBQ Pulled Pork Buns, a Normandy Tart by Dame Prue Leith, Carlo Contini’s Pasta E Fagioli courtesy of Carina and Victor Contini, Val McDermid’s Corned Beef Stovies as well as recipes for Moroccan Chicken and Lebanese Lamb from former Scotland rugby players, Sean Lineen and Mike Blair.

Alexander McCall Smith has contributed a recipe for Dauphinoise Potatoes, a favourite of one of the characters in his Isabel Dalhousie novels, Sue Lawrence has included a Clapshot Soup with Haggis Croutons that’s always a hit with her grandchildren, while Barbara Dickson has added her Chicken, Fennel and Potato Traybake, an easy, hearty dish that’s perfect for a chilly night’s supper.

Other recipes featured in Generous include Quiche Comtoise from Morningside deli Chez Roger, Scottish Mackerel with Girolles and Courgette Chutney from the Harvey Nichols’ Forth Floor Brasserie Bar, Treacle Tart from Leith bistro The Walnut as well as cocktail recipes including The Alchemist’s Next-Spresso Martini. Delicious Fruit Scones from St Columba’s Hospice’s own Iona Café are also included, along with some Peanut Butter Pup Cakes, a nod to the charity’s Therapy Dogs, whose regular hospice visits help to reduce anxiety, depression and feelings of loneliness among patients.

Jackie Stone, St Columba’s Hospice Care CEO said; “Generous is both a fundraising cookbook and a celebration of the many wonderful people who give their time and effort to the hospice to raise funds and awareness for our vital work. We chose the title in recognition of the many wonderful ways in which all of them support us, from the pet owners whose dogs become much-loved visitors through our Therapy Dogs programme to the members of our Compassionate Neighbours scheme who bring friendship and light into the lives of patients living at home. Cooking gives us a chance to nurture those we care for, so as well as raising funds for St Columba’s Hospice Care, we hope that by cooking some of the delicious recipes from the book, readers will create some lovely memories with families and friends.”

Generous is a 128-page paperback featuring 35 recipes and retails at £15. It is available to pre-order directly from St Columba’s Hospice Care and will also be available from bookshops including Waterstones and Amazon. Generous is published by Meze.

Participants who have kindly donated recipes for inclusion in Generous are:

Alexander McCall Smith, Barbara Dickson, Carina and Victor Contini, Charles MacLean, Sir Chris Hoy, Mary Contini OBE, Mike Blair, Dame Prue Leith, Sean Lineen, Sue Lawrence, Val McDermid, Anna Deacon, Dariusz Wedge, David Coates, Fiona Burrell, Gaby Soutar, George McIvor, Paul Dodds, The Alchemist, Bakery Andante, Bonnie and Wild’s Scottish Marketplace, Chez Roger, Cocorico, Harvey Nichols, Herringbone, Highland Fine Cheeses, Honeycomb & Co, Iona Café, Ka Pao, Lewis & Clarke, The Montpeliers Group, The Little Chartroom, The Rutland Hotel, South Loch, Tempo Perso, The Walnut and The Witchery.

Aberdeen, 31 August 2023 – Marks & Clerk, a leading international intellectual property firm, was pleased to announced the promotion of Tomas Karger as partner within its Aberdeen office. With degrees in Mathematics and Engineering from Queen’s University, Ontario and in Intellectual Property Law from the Munich Intellectual Property Law Centre, and being a qualified practitioner in North America, the UK and Europe, Tomas brings significant experience to the leadership team and clients at Marks & Clerk. Tomas has significant experience across multiple sectors, particularly in energy, wireless power, and telecommunications.

While Aberdeen’s reputation is firmly established as a global energy leader, its rapid trajectory towards sustainable innovation is also gaining increasing attention. Spearheaded by world-renowned research institutes, bolstered by a fast expanding life sciences sector and driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, the potential for breakthroughs in various industries is endless. Marks & Clerk is proud to support Aberdeen’s position at the forefront of this evolution. With expertise spanning diverse sectors, including medical devices, clean technologies, electronics, software, and AI, the firm is actively supporting innovation across Aberdeen’s burgeoning landscape.

Tomas commented: “I transitioned to Aberdeen from Marks & Clerk’s Toronto office in 2019 and I am delighted to be taking up this role at such an exciting time for the North East of Scotland and beyond. Local companies are dealing with significant transition and need a professional adviser who understands the challenges they face. I look forward to working closely with innovative businesses to develop and implement IP strategies to best achieve their commercial goals.”

Andrew Docherty, Office Managing Partner in Aberdeen and head of the firm’s Energy & Environment group said: “I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Tomas on his appointment to partner in an office that has been at the heart of some incredible technological advances over recent years. We have an enviable reputation in the Energy space which we have worked very hard to achieve. Tomas is a significant addition to our management team and we are confident that his expertise will be invaluable for our clients as well as continuing to drive forward our own growth strategy and ambitions.”

Dan Purkis, an award winning inventor and Technology Director at Well-Sense Technology Ltd commented: “I have worked with the Marks and Clerk Energy team in Aberdeen for many years and always found them to be excellent. When Tomas moved from Toronto to Aberdeen, he became our new point of contact at Marks and Clerk. We take our IP portfolio very seriously and were concerned that Andrew Docherty’s exacting standards may not be maintained. Tomas’s knowledge, diligence and attention to detail has dispelled all such thoughts. Our portfolio has grown under Tomas’s guidance and the service we receive is simply excellent. Congratulations on your promotion Tomas and we look forward to working with you for many years to come”.

Scotland’s only luxury floating hotel has launched its first proprietary gin brand in partnership with the award-winning Lind & Lime Distillery in Edinburgh.

Permanently berthed in the historic port of Leith, Fingal has teamed up with the neighbouring distillery to create a new gin exclusively for guests visiting the ship’s Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar.

Distilled and bottled locally in a small batch, Fingal Gin is a classic London Dry Gin with refreshing aromas of juniper, pine, orange blossom and a unique blend of Fingal tea.

The flavour combination includes candied fruit, subtle grapefruit peel and rich notes of tea leaves. There is a lasting impression of summer fruit iced tea and cinnamon.

Fingal Gin is contained in a 70cl darted glass bottle, which was specially designed to reflect the glass fresnel lenses in the lantern room of lighthouses. The own label branding is complete with Fingal’s ‘seafoam’ pantone, distinctive trident logo and blue ocean waves motif as a nod to the ship’s nautical past.

To celebrate the launch of the new spirit, the ship’s mixologists have also created a Fingal Gin-based Lighthouse Martini cocktail, including Fingal Gin and The Wermod Great British Vermouth, which is created within the Dalmeny Estate near Edinburgh. The vermouth is made using 24 different herbs, roots, and flowers from the estate.

Fingal’s Jennifer Campbell, said:

“We’re really excited to be raising a glass to Fingal’s first own brand gin thanks to our talented friends and neighbours at the Lind & Lime Distillery.

“We wanted to create a classic London Dry Gin with our own unique twist, so with a new distillery right on our doorstep, we’re perfectly placed to work closely together and create a spirit exclusively for our guests in the ship’s Lighthouse Bar & Restaurant.

“Fingal Gin has been handcrafted in a small batch. Refreshing aromas of juniper, pine, orange blossom and unique Fingal blend tea make it the perfect option to serve over ice with a splash of tonic. We’ve also used our new gin to create a Lighthouse Martini cocktail.”

Michael Kaplan from Great British Vermouth Ltd, added:

“We’re delighted to be featured alongside the new Fingal Gin as part of the ship’s signature Lighthouse Martini. Visitors to Edinburgh and Fingal’s renowned bar can now enjoy so much of what makes this country special – in a glass!”

Edinburgh began its long association with gin back in the 1700s. The Netherlands was a key trading partner for Scotland and as a result, juniper berries and a ready supply of spices and botanicals were imported in vast quantities into the port of Leith.

Ian Stirling is Founder and Co-CEO of Muckle Brig Ltd, which owns the Lind & Lime Distillery and The Port of Leith Distillery, a new single malt whisky distillery which is due to open to the public in autumn 2023. He added:

“Edinburgh’s historic port of Leith has a remarkable maritime and distilling heritage; for centuries this was Scotland’s gateway to the world. Our relationship with Fingal celebrates this unique story and draws on some of the traditions of the past.

“Today, we’re positioned right in the heart of Edinburgh’s vibrant waterfront and are both breathing new life into the port with our remarkable new vertical distillery and Fingal’s luxury floating hotel.

“We’re confident that the unique gin we’ve created for Fingal exemplifies the incredible glamour and style of the ship.”

As part of the ongoing partnership between these two iconic Leith venues, Fingal’s overnight guests are also being offered special VIP tickets for guided tours of The Port of Leith Distillery and the Lind & Lime Gin Distillery on Coburg Street from autumn 2023.

Bottles of Fingal Gin are expected to be made available for guests to purchase onboard and take home as a souvenir. There are also plans to add Fingal Gin to the ship’s exclusive online shop later in the year.

Launched in 2019, the former Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) tender was developed by the award-winning team at The Royal Yacht Britannia. Fingal is now a world-class foodie destination with all the glamour and style of a superyacht, but with an air of old-world Art Deco luxury ocean liner elegance.

Open to non-residents for Afternoon Tea, dinner and cocktails, Fingal’s Lighthouse Restaurant & Bar offers a choice of self-contained private dining booths for small pre-booked groups. Fingal’s 22 luxury cabins are each named after Stevenson lighthouses, inspired by Fingal’s rich maritime heritage. The ship is now the ultimate in luxury accommodation and dining with a nautical twist.

Fingal is located opposite the new Port of Leith tram stop, which offers a direct and quick transport link between Leith and Edinburgh city centre.

For more information on Fingal, visit www.fingal.co.uk and follow on social media, including Facebook www.facebook.com/fingaledinburgh, Twitter https://twitter.com/fingaledinburgh and Instagram https://www.instagram.com/fingaledinburgh

For more information on The Lind & Lime Distillery, visit www.lindandlime.com and follow on social media, including Facebook www.facebook.com/lindandlimegin, Twitter https://twitter.com/lindandlime and Instagram www.instagram.com/lindandlime

For more information on The Port of Leith Distillery, visit www.leithdistillery.com and follow on social media, including Facebook www.facebook.com/leithdistillery, Twitter https://twitter.com/leithdistillery and Instagram www.instagram.com/portofleithdistillery

The BCC has called for action to improve the availability of finance for SMEs as accessibility, awareness and a lack of competition continue to hold firms back.

In written evidence submitted to the Treasury Select Committee, the BCC said many smaller firms are no longer seeking finance as they consider it too limited and costly.

The committee has launched an inquiry into the challenges faced by small and medium sized firms (fewer than 250 employees) when seeking finance.

Using feedback from the thousands of businesses within its unique network of 53 chambers across the UK, the BCC told MPs:

Current economic conditions are some of the most difficult seen in generations – and rising interest rates have left an increasing number of firms worried about borrowing costs
Many businesses feel locked into their current financial provider and are fearful of shopping around
A lack of competition due to poor awareness of options outside the traditional banking route is holding back progress
Unlocking alternative finance options, increasing the flexibility of funding and a comprehensive drive to increase awareness are all needed to shift the dial.

Jonny Haseldine, Policy Manager at the BCC, said:

“Research has highlighted that in 2022 almost half of smaller firms (48%) did not borrow any funds. But among those that are currently using finance, half are using more than pre-pandemic and becoming more concerned about their ability to pay.

“This is an especially acute issue after many firms were forced to take on much higher debt burdens during the pandemic in order to survive.

“The continuing tough economic conditions also mean many SMEs have a huge amount on their plates and don’t have the time or expertise to find the finance options that work for them.

“More needs to be done to help firms find the right solutions. We also need to see the British Business Bank given more resources, greater support for social enterprise lenders, and improved flexibility in funding criteria.

“The system desperately needs to change. With investment in the UK economy continuing to toil in the doldrums, we must widen the pool of financial options available to firms to kick-start the growth we need.”

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