Bonnie & Wild brings Highland dancing to St James Quarter as Scottish Marketplace launches its “White Heather Club” ceilidh nights
Polish up your brogues, dust off the sporran and gie yon bonnie dress a press because Scottish Highland dancing is coming to Edinburgh’s Bonnie & Wild.
Kicking off amid the excitement of the Edinburgh Festival, leading food and drink venue Bonnie & Wild is hosting a series of ceilidh nights that’ll have dancers whirling and twirling in popular dances such as the Dashing White Sergeant, Gay Gordons, and the much-loved Strip the Willow.
Inspired by the White Heather Club, the iconic BBC TV show of the 1960s, the Scottish country dances will take place on the last Thursday of every month at Bonnie & Wild, on Level 4 of the St James Quarter, Edinburgh.
The renowned musician Charlie Kirkpatrick and his band will perform at the launch night on Thursday, August 25th, with Charlie taking dancers through the moves of traditional dances, from the Highland Schottische to the Military Two-Step and other ceilidh favourites.
Charlie, a regular presence on the BBC show Take the Floor, said: “We’re all excited and looking forward to bringing a bit of Scottish country dancing and ceilidh culture to Bonnie & Wild. These dances are for anyone and everyone. Even if you don’t know the dances we’ll call the steps and make sure everyone enjoys themselves and has a good night!”
Charlie added: “Although critics mocked its kitsch tartanry, the White Heather Club was an iconic BBC show of the 1960s that broadcast ceilidh music and dancing into people’s living rooms and made household names of the likes of Jimmy Shand and Andy Stewart. Our own ambitions aren’t quite so lofty! We just want to see folk coming to Bonnie & Wild and having a great time.”
Kate Russell, General Manager, said: “I can’t wait for our White Heather Club ceilidh nights to kick off with Charlie Kirkpatrick and his band! We’re looking forward to welcoming locals keen for a hoolie as well as overseas visitors to Edinburgh wanting to experience the unique atmosphere only a traditional Scottish ceilidh can bring!”
Ms Russell added: “Like the best ceilidhs I’ve ever been to, entry to Bonnie & Wild’s White Heather Club is free, although dancers are of course welcome to use the Scottish Marketplace for a bite to eat from one or more of our fabulous concessions, or a drink from one of our three bars.”
Bonnie & Wild has fast made an impact on the Scottish food scene, with renowned chefs such as Gary Maclean, Tony Singh and Jimmy Lee all with their own food concessions, joined by the likes of award-winning burger eaterie El Perro Negro, and local favourites east PIZZAS, Joelato and Stack & Still.
With a firm focus on Scottish produce, the Food Hall also houses a boutique bottleshop run by Scottish drinks wholesaler Inverarity Morton, and is expecting to open its Scottish deli Soup & Caboodle in the next few weeks.
Ms Russell said: “Bonnie & Wild has one of the best food and drink offers in Scotland, but we’re much more than a food court. We’ve amazing collaborations going on, corporate events, private parties, book launches, bagpiping workshops, food tastings, plus regular live music every Friday with local musicians, DJs, and singer-songwriters, and now these White Heather Club dances every month.”
Ms Russell added: “We’ve all had a few hard years, and although things are far from easy for people, now that Bonnie & Wild has truly established itself with a stronger line-up than ever before we feel it’s time to celebrate, kick off our shoes and throw a party. What better way to do that than with some ceilidh dancing with family and friends.”
Steve Black, Programme Director at Agenor Technology reflects on his approach to delivering Digital Transformation Programmes in the FE Sector over the past 2 years …
Delivering successful Digital Transformation Programmes undoubtedly requires a flexible project management approach to meet Client requirements and review Supplier capability.
I’m not talking about Agile or Waterfall in this article – let’s leave that for another Blog – this about the value of ‘Experience’.
Many years ago, I recall a seasoned CIO telling me what the keys to successful project management were:
- Deliver to Scope
- Deliver on Time
- Deliver within Budget
… and of course, let’s not forget Quality throughout all of the above.
This is great in principle, but disruption and variance must be expected across the project life cycle, and hence my opening statement referring to adopting a flexible approach.
However, I’m also a very strong believer in structure and discipline and it’s my view that these are the real qualities that will ‘gain and maintain’ Client confidence.
With this in mind, I have developed a simple, repeatable project delivery approach that does 3 things:
- Listens to the current Client pain-points and challenges
- Builds an improvement path based on Client requirements and Strategic Objectives
- Delivers successful outcomes
I’ve labelled this approach: ‘3-Ds’, which is derived from a commitment to essential Programme Phases: Discovery, Definition and Delivery.
The Table below describes the ‘3-D’ Programme Phases and Deliverables for each:
| Programme Phase | Description | Deliverables |
| Phase 1 – Discovery | Due diligence is a critical phase of the Programme.
Definition of the current baseline is vital to understand, in order to state a desired end point. |
Phase 1 is not:
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| Phase 2- Definition | To articulate a clear view of the desired end state and establish a commitment to sponsorship, deliverables, resource, timescales and budget. |
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| Phase 3 – Delivery | To deliver IT and Business change across prioritised areas of the Client Organisation.
Clearly, until Discovery and Definition Phases have completed it is not possible to commit to Delivery objectives. |
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It has been challenging and exciting to work within the Scottish FE Sector over the past 2 years and extremely rewarding to see the positive business change achieved through the delivery of a Digital Transformation Programme.
It starts with a Client Vision and Ambition for Digital Transformation, which leads to the adoption of a Programme underpinned by ‘my 3-Ds’ … it really is as easy as 1-2-3-D!
A final testimony to this approach is articulated by the Vice-Principal of a FE College who held the vision and sponsorship of a Digital Transformation Programme I recently delivered:
“This has been an extraordinary Transformation Programme conducted under extraordinary conditions, during a Global Pandemic. Excellent team working and collaboration has been critical and with Agenor providing the strategic leadership for our digital transformation we’ve achieved our desired outcomes on time and on budget. I truly believe you have achieved something quite incredible”
For more information about Agenor’s Digital Transformation Services or to get in touch to arrange a chat about how we might help you, please visit our website here.
About Agenor – Delivering Change, Managing Risk
When considering Digital Transformation choose a partner who has a proven methodology and industry experience, understands the value of your business and can mitigate the risks and disruption that transformational change can bring for your organisation.
Having delivered hundreds of successful business-critical technology projects for medium-sized and large enterprises for over 15 years, Agenor is an ideally positioned partner to support organisations throughout both the public and private sectors to implement modern, cost-effective digital solutions.
From initial scoping, through to proof of concept, design, testing, go-live and on-going support our expert consultants advise you at every stage of the transformation journey to ensure your chosen solution meets your business requirements, now and in the future.
Steve Black, Programme Director
Forth Green Freeport will act as a catalyst for the re-industrialisation of Scotland, creating economic development for the whole of the country
- Delivering a just transition to Scotland’s net zero targets
- Potential to create 50,000 new green jobs
- 550 hectares of development land
- Local jobs in communities of high deprivation will support levelling up
- A Skills Accelerator Fund focused on skills development for young people and harder to reach communities
- Unlocking £6 billion of private and public investment into productive and resilient industries
- Generating a £4 billion boost in GVA (Gross Value Add)
- Built on a collaboration by committed partners who share the vision for a green growth corridor in the Forth Estuary. All partners are committed to the Fair Work principles and pay Real Living Wage.
A visionary bid for a Forth Green Freeport for Scotland which will re-industrialise the nation and create large scale economic development has been submitted by a public and private sector consortium led by Forth Ports Limited. The bid has the potential to generate 50,000 new green jobs and act as a catalyst for new green technologies and renewable energy manufacturing, unlocking £6 billion of private and public investment for Scotland.
A Forth Green Freeport will encourage global companies to continue to choose Scotland as a place to invest at scale through the economic incentives offered to businesses within the Green Freeport. The bid encompasses three key ports on the Forth (Grangemouth, Leith and Rosyth); industrial facilities and logistics centres along the north and south shores of the Firth of Forth; and Edinburgh Airport. Together they create an ambitious and attractive green investment zone which is focused on the Forth but will have a much broader impact across Scotland.
Led by Forth Ports, the bid consortium comprises both private and public organisations who together can deliver the bid’s vision, alongside leading further and higher education providers. The bid consortium include:
- Babcock
- Edinburgh Airport
- Falkirk Council
- Fife Council
- INEOS
- Scarborough Muir Group
- The City of Edinburgh Council.
Scotland has 20 years to deliver national decarbonisation to achieve net zero by 2045 and a credible plan to reduce the current emissions intensity of the Forth is vital. Investment is required to reduce emissions across the country through innovations in offshore wind manufacturing, alongside biofuels and hydrogen manufacture. The Forth Green Freeport can drive growth in two major areas of advanced manufacturing: the manufacture of offshore wind turbines and the innovative shipbuilding and energy systems modular manufacturing at the Babcock sites in Rosyth which, together, will have a far-reaching positive impact across the whole of Scotland.
The bid’s partners are confident that a Forth Green Freeport can be the driving force of this plan and will deliver this radical transformation for the Firth of Forth and Scotland.
The bid identifies strategically located tax and customs sites, which span 550 hectares in Grangemouth, Leith, Rosyth, Burntisland and Edinburgh Airport. This will increase trade through Scotland’s sea and air gateways and support the growth of trading businesses across the Firth of Forth and at sites spread north, south and west of the estuary. These locations are the heart of Scotland’s international trade, with goods representing 30% of Scotland’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) flowing through Grangemouth alone.
The sites are connected through excellent transport links, including five bridges (Kincardine Bridge, Clackmannanshire Bridge, Queensferry Crossing, Forth Road Bridge, and the iconic Forth Bridge), 138 rail routes, and motorways which link the three tax sites – Grangemouth, Rosyth, and Leith – with other strategically important areas in Scotland.
Charles Hammond OBE, Chief Executive of Forth Ports Group, said: “The Forth is Scotland’s most prized trading and industrial asset and a Forth Green Freeport enables Scotland to reduce emissions while creating technologies and jobs for the future. It will attract billions of investment for renewable offshore wind and hydrogen manufacture, enabling industrial decarbonisation and a reliable, clean energy supply with rapid distribution and export potential. Scotland has just over 20 years to deliver national decarbonisation and our bid provides an unmissable opportunity to deliver this in support of the country’s net zero ambitions.
“Our vision is for the Forth Green Freeport to reindustrialise Scotland and spread the benefits of trade widely into the communities that need it the most, through the establishment of a green growth investment corridor creating 50,000 jobs in renewable energy, green manufacturing and alternative fuels. These jobs will not just be in Grangemouth, Leith and Rosyth, but in Glasgow and Edinburgh; the Lothians, Stirling and Falkirk; and Dunfermline and Kirkcaldy.
“This is a true partnership of private and public sector organisations who share the vision for the Forth with a bid that will benefit the whole of Scotland. It will help establish the Forth as the key industrial site for supporting offshore wind deployment in the North Sea, then build on these strengths to service demand for renewable energy technologies in global markets.
“Our team already has a track record of successfully delivering a freeport in England; we have unlocked large, undeveloped industrial sites; and we have credible investors lined up to deliver the innovation required for inclusive and sustainable growth in Scotland’s economy.”
The bid is supported by Falkirk Council, Fife Council and the City of Edinburgh Council who will all continue to play an integral part in the preparation of the Forth Green Freeport and, if successful, its eventual delivery.
Commenting on this Cllr Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council, said: “The Forth Green Freeport has the aims and objectives of regeneration, high-quality job creation, decarbonisation, a just transition, trade and investment, and innovation at its heart. It presents an opportunity for the governments to bring forward transformational change to the communities along the Firth of Forth. These are communities that have long felt the impact of carbon intensive industries and the decline of traditional industries, and we, along with our partners are committed to ensuring that this transformation occurs as a priority.”
Cllr Altany Craik, Spokesperson – Finance, Economy & Strategic Planning, Fife Council said: “The work undertaken to date ensures that once more, Fife is being promoted as a prime investment location within Scotland. This is consistent with the work we continue to do within our local communities to realise regeneration and investment in our communities. I welcome that Rosyth, Burntisland and other strategic sites within the proposed Green Freeport outer boundary including Longannet, support the bid for this important economic designation. The areas identified provide scope for inward investors to locate and for existing businesses to expand or to diversify. The outer boundary area identified to support the proposed Green Freeport sites provides within Fife, important links via the M90, A92 and Fife Circle rail network into Mid Fife. Highlighting this and aligning investment activity with the 2021 Mid Fife Economic Action Plan and Mid Fife Economic Prospectus will ensure that together, we maximise benefits from the prospective Forth Green Freeport designation.”
Cammy Day, Council Leader, the City of Edinburgh Council said: “This is about pushing for sustainable, inclusive growth in the North of Edinburgh and our economy as a whole. Our long-term investment in the tram extension to Newhaven is already unlocking swathes of north Edinburgh for development and regeneration. Our £1.3 billion green regeneration of Granton is creating a brand new waterfront community and cultural hub, with jobs and thousands of net zero homes.
“If a Green Freeport to Leith and a customs site at the airport are brought forward, we will continue to work to make sure North Edinburgh benefits from a whole East to West corridor of net zero economic growth. We want to see this deliver transformative change for local communities with a strategy that substantially drives forward our net zero ambitions while providing pathways into work and learning for disadvantaged young people from the area. Fair work and fair opportunities are central to this bid and it is important that they continue to be central to delivery.
“I am committed to the Council continuing to play an active and supportive role if the bid is successful. Let’s work together to propel the Firth of Forth into a global hub of innovation, renewable technology and high-quality job creation which helps us tackle our city’s poverty challenge as well as the climate crisis.”
About the Strategic sites of the Forth Green Freeports bid:
Grangemouth
- The Port of Grangemouth, Scotland’s largest port and principal export hub (handling 30% of Scottish GDP) and is home to its major petrochemical cluster. The INEOS Grangemouth site has a long-standing track record of strength in petrochemicals.
- Grangemouth is Scotland’s busiest port, with the shortest direct freight link to Europe, handling 9m tonnes of global cargo every year. The Grangemouth tax site includes 226 hectares of under-developed land which will help to transform the port into a major logistics, manufacturing, renewable energy hub and R&D centre for the Scottish and UK economies.
Leith
- At the Port of Leith, Forth Ports has already started work on a £50 million investment in nation’s largest offshore renewable energy hub alongside energy giant, bp and EnBW. The Leith tax site features 167 hectares of Forth Ports-owned, under-developed land. The tax incentives will support the redevelopment of the current port structure into the Leith Renewables Hub: an offshore wind manufacturing and marshalling site; supported by a cluster of offshore wind SMEs and a start-up incubator.
Rosyth
- The Port of Rosyth, Scotland’s largest agri bulks hub, has the capacity to expand and create new trade routes to continental Europe. The Rosyth site comprises 168 hectares of underdeveloped land from landowners Forth Ports, Babcock and Scarborough Muir Group. The tax incentives will support Rosyth to become a hub for innovation in advanced modular manufacturing in offshore wind, shipbuilding and energy systems.
Burntisland
- 19 hectares of land at Burntisland on the northern bank of the Forth Estuary has been ringfenced for designation as a customs site, extending the Leith Renewables Hub across the north and south shores of the estuary. This marks a deliberate ‘twinning’ of the Leith and Burntisland Forth Green Freeport propositions and supports the intra-authority nature of this bid. Together, this creates the largest offshore wind development area in Scotland.
Edinburgh Airport
- A 13 hectares customs zone at Edinburgh Airport’s Global Air Park is designated for air-related logistics and warehousing expansion targeted at the growth markets of e-commerce, pharmaceuticals and perishables. Edinburgh Airport is the largest freight handling airport in Scotland and the largest mail handler, managing 50% of all the nation’s air mail. Edinburgh Airport is an ideal location for growing trade with the USA due to shorter flight distances.
Edinburgh-based Event and Marketing Agency Set to Exceed £2M Turnover
Edinburgh-based YOURgb Events is delighted to share key business news related to company growth – including new client wins, an award win, and new hires.
Rewarding Award Win: At this year’s Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce Annual Business Awards, YOURgb received ‘Highly Commended’ for Mid-Sized Business of the Year. The team were honoured to be recognised for their dedication, passion, and ambition to plan and produce the best events throughout Scotland, the UK, and the world.
This comes after a phenomenal end to 2021 where the agency exceeded the £1M annual turnover mark – reaching £1.3M+, more than doubling turnover from the previous year (2020) and are set to exceed their £2M target in 2022.
History in the Baking: YOURgb has won the event planning and production for Ooni Pizza Ovens 10th Birthday Party. Gilly Bain, Creative Director and CEO, YOURgb, says, “We have been long-term fans of Ooni Pizza Ovens not only for their deliciously baked pizzas, but also for their shared values of innovation, ambition, passion, and kindness.” Being the World’s No. 1 Pizza Oven Company, the event will surely be full of pizza-zz!
Party of the Century: Well, 120 years to be more exact! YOURgb are honoured to have been chosen to lead on the event planning and production for the 120th Anniversary of the iconic Balmoral Hotel, part of the Rocco Forte Hotels. The company looks forward to helping the 5 star luxury Edinburgh landmark celebrate with world recognised performers during this festive fete.
Additionally, as part of a series of new business wins, YOURgb has expanded its team this month with four senior new hires:
- Katy Fowler commences a new role as the company’s first Senior Logistics Manager. With vast experience in large-scale logistics, Fowler has overseen operations and production for T in the Park, Edinburgh’s Hogmanay, the European Championships at Glasgow Green, and the Glastonbury Pyramid Stage. Previously, as Head of Production at UK Live Ltd, she delivered 17 festivals across the UK over a 15-week period for audiences of 10,000 to 20,000.
- Hilary Brodie returns to YOURgb as its Culture, Talent and Operations Manager bringing with her senior-level experience in coaching, creativity, people management and interpersonal skills. Brodie was previously with lululemon specialising in team development.
- Maya Vuckovic joins as Senior Event Producer with a wealth of experience in production, online events, and live events. As part of her role, she will be spearheading a game-changing new online event platform for YOURgb. Prior to joining, Vuckovic held the position of Event Producer & Head of Experience and Engagement with one of the UK’s biggest production companies, Metro Production Group.
- Hollie Jaques comes onboard as Senior Content & Events Producer bringing with her expertise in managing international events within the health, finance, tech, arts, and charity sectors. Skilled in online events, content creation and design, Jaques has worked on event partnerships with high-profile organisations including The Canadian Government, The World Bank, Starbucks, Amazon, and Harvard University.
Gilly Bain, Creative Director and CEO, YOURgb, says, “YOURgb’s client list is ever-growing and continues to be eclectic – which is what we love. These wins are all down to our incredible team and their commitment to YOURgb – through Covid and beyond. We are set to produce an agency-record number of events in 2022 which has led to speedy team expansion with four recent senior new hires, and a total of seven brilliant new hires this year alone.”
The University of Edinburgh’s first-class hospitality and events portfolio, previously known as Edinburgh First, has transitioned to a new identity closely aligned to the strong, globally recognised University brand.
The sleek rebrand includes the relaunch of the brand’s enviable accommodation offering. The new Hospitality and Events Collection now includes The Scott Hotel, a boutique hotel with 36 stunning suites and spacious bedrooms, perfectly positioned to appeal to those business and leisure travellers who are looking for a five star luxury experience. The hotels rebrand also includes KM Hotel & Apartments in Edinburgh’s old town, a mix of stylish, modern bedrooms and apartments and, finally, The Scholar Hotel, located in the beautiful grounds of the Pollock estate. This hotel now has a contemporary bar and restaurant, as well as rooms that have been designed to ensure maximum comfort and the best possible night’s sleep.
The conference and events portfolio has always been a core part of The University of Edinburgh’s Hospitality and Events Collection, and the rebrand will further strengthen this connection to the University. The University’s conference venues have always helped to attract global conferences and events with large delegate cohorts to the City of Edinburgh, and the team will work closely with academics and researchers to ensure that this grows even further.
The rebrand represents the growth of the University of Edinburgh’s commercial arm and further positions The University of Edinburgh Hospitality and Events Collection as a major player in the hospitality and business tourism industry.
Carina Svensen, Director, Accommodation, Catering and Events at The University of Edinburgh said: “The rebrand has been years in the making and our expert team has spent a lot of time analysing the market and exploring changing customer demands. Our transition has been expertly executed at every level to reflect the new hospitality, conference, and events landscape.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming guests old and new into our hotels, apartments, and unique event spaces.”
For more information, please visit: www.uoecollection.com
UK and leading Scottish law firm, Brodies LLP, has added to its family practice with the appointment of Jacqueline Stroud, who joins the firm as partner.
With more than 30 years’ experience in family law, Jacqueline will be based in Brodies’ Edinburgh office. Whilst specialising in financial provision work, and in mediation – expanding the team’s existing credentials in that area – she will work with clients on a broad spectrum of family law matters.
This latest appointment underpins Brodies’ commitment to the individuals its family practice supports and, following the recent promotions of Inverness-based Sarah Lilley, and Susie Mountain in Aberdeen, brings the number of specialist family partners to five.
Brodies managing partner, Nick Scott, said: “Our clients will benefit from Jacqueline’s experience. Her appointment further strengthens our family team, which, following the promotions of Sarah and Susie, now sees partners in all our offices – Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Inverness and Glasgow – delivering on the objectives we set ourselves in our 2021 – 2024 strategic plans. We welcome Jacqueline to the firm and look forward to her contribution.”
Brodies has the largest family law practice in Scotland. With dedicated specialists in all of its locations – Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Highlands & Islands, and Glasgow – the firm supports clients on a range of family law matters including, divorce and separation; family law and children; dispute resolution; cohabitation, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and international personal matters.
We are delighted to invite you to our collaborative Gypsy, Roma and Traveller History Month event – showcasing and celebrating the work of Scotland’s Gypsy/Traveller Community.
Date: Thursday 23rd June 2022
Time: 10:00 – 15:00 (drop-in event)
Venue: Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh
About
This event is an informal ‘come as you please’ event. You don’t have to stay for the full event – even for a few minutes is great! You can come for as long as you wish.
- The event aims to celebrate and recognise the work of Gypsy/Traveller communities and national and local partners in improving the lives of Gypsy/Travellers and tackling discrimination.
- It will be a chance to come together to collectively stand against racism and prejudice showing solidarity with the diverse Gypsy/Traveller and Roma community we have in Scotland.
- Event speakers will include representatives from the Scottish Government, COSLA and influential members of the Gypsy/Traveller community.
Gypsy/Traveller community members and partners such as the Minority Ethnic Carers of People Project (MECOPP), Progress in Dialogue and the Scottish Travellers Education Programme (STEP) will be showcasing their work in improving the lives of Gypsy/Travellers. They would be extremely grateful for councillors to come along to have a chat and show your support.
Sign up: To take part and attend, please sign up using this link: GRT History Month – Celebration Event Tickets, Thu 23 Jun 2022 at 10:00 | Eventbrite
Any questions please do not hesitate to email: Race-Equality-Team@gov.scot
Dragon Boat Racing for St Columba’s Hospice is back for 2022, bigger and better than ever before and they need YOU! Dragon Boat racing is an amazing team activity that requires great communication to be successful! No experience is required as crew briefings and training will be provided on the day. Each team of 16 rowers and 1 drummer will compete in a minimum of 3 races to record the fastest time. The fastest 3 teams overall will battle it out in the final to claim the coveted first-place trophy!!
Saturday 20th August, 9am-4pm
Port Edgar Marina, South Queensferry
Early Bird offer: Sign up before the 30 June and your drummer goes FREE!!!
Food and refreshments will be available on the day and there are some great places to get a bite to eat at Port Edgar should you wish to continue the day into the night!
The cost of registration is £20 per team member and we ask for a fundraising target of £100 per person (£1700 per team).
Register Now lpryde@stcolumbashospice.org.uk
£1000 could fund a Hospice at Home service for a day, enabling the team to provide up to 15 home visits to patients in the community.
All participants will receive a medal and there will be prizes on the day for Best Fancy Dress, Best Team Name and not so shabby Wooden Spoons for the team bringing up the rear!
To register your team please e-mail lpryde@stcolumbashospice.org.uk by Monday 1st August. Early reservation is advised.
Scottish GP practice managers have the chance to gain valuable legal insights at a free webinar in June.
With many GP practices under unprecedented pressure, Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie (WJM) is offering supportive legal guidance so practices can concentrate their time and efforts on patient care, removing some of the stresses of legal research.
The webinar will answer the most frequently asked questions that the legal firm has received over the last twelve months from practice managers.
Some of the firm’s most senior solicitors will host the webinar, including partner Colin Millar and their head of healthcare, Michael Dewar.
With over twenty-five years’ experience in healthcare law, Colin will advise on GP partnership agreements, whilst Michael will share guidance on the key information practices need to know regarding the new Scottish land transparency register.
Only recently, Michael led a successful campaign representing general practitioners against a local health board, challenging the size of service charge reimbursement payments.
There will also be guest speakers Carly Millan and Derek Goodwin, independent financial advisers at Chase de Vere, informing on effective pension planning for GPs.
The event takes place on Tuesday, June 21, from 12noon-1.15pm. Places must be booked in advance. For more information or to book, email events@wjm.co.uk.
Openreach, the leading digital network business in Scotland, has appointed a new Service Delivery director.
Jenni Macfarlane will lead a field force of around 1,200 engineers whose role is to keep people connected across the whole of Scotland, on behalf of more than 600 providers who use Openreach’s network to provide services to their customers. Jenni also joins the Openreach Scotland board chaired by Katie Milligan.
Openreach operates Scotland’s largest broadband network, used by customers of companies like BT, Sky, TalkTalk, EE, Vodafone and Zen.
The appointment comes as Fraser Rowberry, the previous Service Delivery director, becomes Chief Engineer for Scotland, leading Openreach’s build of rural broadband to more than 200 towns and villages across Scotland. He will also oversee delivery of the company’s Reaching 100% (R100) contracts with the Scottish Government to bring fast broadband to more than 100,000 of the nation’s most difficult-to-reach properties.
Jenni Macfarlane, from Dundee, said: “I am extremely proud to be appointed as the director for service delivery in Scotland. It is such an exciting time to lead an industry-leading team through our ongoing transition to full fibre broadband. We have big ambitions that also come with big challenges and I am looking forward to guiding our Scottish team on this journey, continuing to deliver a world-class customer experience across the board.
“I will work to champion a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and contribute to a bright future for both Openreach and our customers in Scotland.”
Fraser Rowberry, from Musselburgh, East Lothian, said: “I look forward to getting stuck into my new role as Chief Engineer for Scotland. While I’m under no illusions about the scale of our ongoing delivery task, I also know it represents a huge opportunity to secure Scotland’s digital future. Better rural broadband brings myriad benefits to communities across the nation, and I’m constantly inspired by examples of our skilled engineers going above and beyond to deliver transformative full fibre in some of the hardest-to-reach locations imaginable.”
Katie Milligan said: “These new appointments strengthen our fantastic team who work tirelessly to keep people connected across Scotland, opening up new opportunities and ultimately building community wealth. Both Jenni and Fraser bring with them considerable experience and expertise as we continue our important work to roll out full fibre across the nation.”
Jenni is a former pupil of Craigie High School. She previously led a 250+ strong workforce of engineers across the North of Scotland. Fraser went to Musselburgh Grammar School before starting out as an apprentice engineer. He has held a series of senior management roles with Openreach and also sits on the company’s Scotland Board.
Openreach’s £15bn fibre investment aims to reach 25 million premises by December 2026, including more than six million in the hardest-to-serve parts of the country defined by industry regulator Ofcom. More than 7.2m homes and business can already order a service over the new network, including 620,000 across Scotland so far. One in four of the Scottish homes and businesses now passed by the new network has upgraded.
The Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr) estimates that connecting everyone in Scotland to full fibre would create a £4.5 billion boost to the economy. You can find out more about the Full Fibre build programme, latest availability and local plans here.
