FirstGroup, the leading private sector transport operator, today announces that its popular open access rail service Lumo is in discussions with Transport Scotland and Network Rail to extend some of its London-Edinburgh trains to and from Glasgow.
Having identified opportunities to extend a number of daily journeys to and from Glasgow in the timetables for 2025 and beyond, work will now continue with Transport Scotland and track infrastructure manager Network Rail to agree final route options and timings ahead of an application for access rights to the Office of Rail and Road (‘ORR’), the industry regulator.
If successful, the new services could be in operation from next summer.
Lumo’s proposed new offering will improve links for customers travelling between Newcastle and Glasgow, giving people a choice of services without needing to change trains. In addition, a significant number of users of Lumo’s current London-Edinburgh trains go on to travel through to Glasgow via other connections, and through this move, Lumo aims to offer a direct through service for these customers.
These new proposals build on the success of Lumo’s all-electric services which launched in October 2021 between London and Edinburgh. Lumo’s popularity has grown over the past two years thanks to its low fare model and strong environmental credentials, and it has carried more than two million customers since launch, playing a significant part in encouraging modal shift from air to rail, bringing substantial environmental benefits and a positive impact on the economy.
FirstGroup plc Chief Executive Officer Graham Sutherland, said: “We are very pleased to be looking at options to grow our popular Lumo train service by extending the service from Edinburgh to Glasgow from next year. We have seen the level of growth and opportunity that is possible with new open access connections, including the significant environmental benefits of passengers switching to rail. We will be working closely with stakeholders as we refine this opportunity and our case for this new offering.”
Once preferred route options and timings have been agreed, discussions will continue with Network Rail and the ORR to secure the required approvals. The journeys would be operated within the existing Lumo fleet of all-electric trains and it is anticipated that the additional services could begin in summer 2025.
The former established Holyrood Hotel has relaunched today as Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood, marking the completion of an extensive £10m refurbishment. The hotel, which has been a long-standing fixture in Edinburgh’s historic old town as a Macdonald Hotels’ property, has been seamlessly integrated into Marriott’s global portfolio of over 30 extraordinary hotel brands.
Located in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic old town, the hotel, under new ownership, has been brought up to Marriott Hotel standards with an extensive refurbishment. Marriott’s signature style is found throughout all facets of the property and guests can now enjoy an enriched experience with modern, inviting spaces.
With nearly 600 hotels and resorts in over 65 countries and territories around the world, Marriott Hotels continues to elevate the art of hospitality and the new look Holyrood property is synonymous with Marriott’s commitment to delivering enriching experiences, modern design, heartfelt service and timeless hospitality.
The guest journey begins with a heartfelt welcome into the new Greatroom lobby, known as the pulse of every Marriott Hotel. With space to connect, work, or unwind, this is a key feature of the refurbishment, a relaxed and sophisticated lifestyle space, bar, dining area and welcoming lobby. Perfect for guests and local residents alike to catch up over coffee or cocktails or dine from a carefully curated, locally sourced lunch and dinner menu as well as grazing and sharing platters. Afternoon tea is also served in the Greatroom.
The hotel’s Spa and Fitness Centre, with its 14m-heated pool, infrared Sauna, and fully equipped state-of-the-art gym has also been fully renovated and upgraded for guests and members to enjoy.
The 160 sophisticated and inviting guest bedrooms include Junior Suites, Deluxe and King Rooms with sleek wooden floors, and drench walk-in showers amongst other facilities. All rooms boast spacious en-suites, comfortable beds, cosy armchairs and 55-inch wall mounted flat screen TVs as standard.
The city’s vibrant arts scene is reflected in the art on display and carpet designs throughout; inspired by the late Scottish artist, Edinburgh-born Sir Eduardo Luigi Paolozzi CBE RA, known for his sculpture and graphic work and widely considered to be one of the pioneers of pop art. The local influence combines with Marriott’s modern design aesthetics, with interiors based on a cool neutral palette featuring intricate multidimensional patterns and layered textures of natural materials such as marble, sand, onyx and water with rich patterns, an intriguing design tension that provides visual interest and invites reflection.
Media and event spaces have been redesigned and fully equipped to offer excellent new meeting facilities in the city. Marriott’s renowned M Club Lounge also adds a new dimension to the hotel and is designed to recognise and reward Marriott Bonvoy’s Elite members. Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite and Ambassador Elite status members are able to enjoy 24/7 complimentary access to a private and exclusive space for every stay. Located on the first floor, the space is light and modern with an air of relaxed formality designed to facilitate productivity, relaxation and creativity.
Michael Falla, General Manager of Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood, commented:
“The relaunch of Edinburgh Marriott Hotel Holyrood is an exciting development for the City and the Marriott brand. It is incredible to see the refurbishment nearing completion; bringing the aesthetic of the property and quality of service up to Marriott standards is testament to the hotel team’s hard work and commitment to take the Hotel on the next stage of its journey. Edinburgh is such a vibrant city bursting with history and culture, we’re looking forward to welcoming our new and returning guests to enjoy an elevated and enriched Marriott experience with all that the city has to offer.”
Enjoying a prime location in the heart of Edinburgh’s historic old town, within the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Edinburgh Marriott Hotel is situated directly opposite the Scottish Parliament building, Dynamic Earth and Royal Holyroodhouse, the official residency of the monarchy in Scotland. Holyrood is not only a short walk from Edinburgh Waverley, it’s minutes from the historic Royal Mile, Arthur’s Seat and Holyrood Park so the ideal place to enjoy all that the City has to offer from its world-class visitor attractions to great shopping, walking and cycling routes in and around Edinburgh.
Marriott Hotels is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments, and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the programme, visit marriottbonvoy.com.
Standard rooms at Marriott Edinburgh Hotel Holyrood start from £209. The Holyrood Spa & Leisure membership is priced from £35.00 pp per month. For more information visit www.marriott.com/edimh
Scotland’s largest independent marketing agency group, The Union Group, has succeeded in winning not one, but two highly competitive pitches, to be named as ScottishPower’s lead creative agency. Responsible for Strategic Advertising, Direct, Data and Digital Marketing, this is a major integrated win for the group, with the work sitting across both The Union and Union Direct arms of the business.
The three-year contract will see The Union and Union Direct focus on promoting ScottishPower’s energy products and services to both business and consumer audiences. The appointment will cover strategic planning, data segmentation, customer journey planning, above-the-line advertising, direct and digital marketing. The partnership begins with a UK-wide integrated campaign, spotlighting ScottishPower’s green energy technology products, from EV chargers, heat pumps and solar panels to 100% green tariffs.
Made up of five components all under one roof, the breadth of services and specialist expertise offered by The Union Group, across all key marketing disciplines has played a pivotal role in new business success. Recent wins include Lost Shore Surf Resort, which will be Europe’s largest inland surfing centre and resort. Set to open in Edinburgh in the autumn of 2024, The Union helped develop the brand and is delivering the phased rollout of the resort’s new e-commerce website.
Other wins recent include the design and build of three websites for the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), a complex project bringing to life the charity’s new vision and 2030 strategy. The Union Group works with over 50 clients including Scottish Widows, Halifax, Spire Healthcare, PodFather, Police Scotland, Edinburgh Zoo, VisitScotland, Elivia Homes, Worldwide Cancer Research, The Scottish Government, Business Stream and Cigna Healthcare.
Ian McAteer, Founder and Chairman, Union said: “Winning not only one but two successful competitive pitches for ScottishPower is an absolute business highlight of the year. As a group, over the last 18 months, we have been working hard to improve our internal integration, which has helped us to reinvigorate, innovate and enhance our client services and extend our offering. This includes developing our own in-house research and consultancy services. We aim to use data, insight, strategy and creativity to engage people with our clients’ brands to turn their audiences into advocates.”
“We are thrilled to be working with ScottishPower, a major new client, and proud of the excellent standard of work, commitment and creativity our brilliant team is already demonstrating in the delivery of our first of many ScottishPower campaigns.”
Mark Bowen, Sales and Marketing Director said: “We are delighted to welcome The Union Group on board as ScottishPower’s lead creative agency. The significant benefits of the integrated approach from The Union and Union Direct are already clear with the delivery of our first campaign ‘Let’s change to greener living’, and we look forward to continuing to work together in 2024.” focusing on the switch to greener living, and we look forward to continuing to work together in 2024.”
For more information visit: www.union.co.uk
As Christmas approaches, Cruden has launched its annual appeal in support of local UK foodbank charity, The Trussell Trust (Scotland), to collect much-needed food items and cash contributions for communities across the central belt of Scotland.
This marks the fourth year of the successful campaign, which aims to give back to local people and bring winter joy to families and individuals at a time which can be particularly challenging for many.
Last year, the generosity of Cruden’s staff, partners, suppliers and friends saw over six tonnes of food items collected and distributed to local food banks, and an incredible £11,000 cash donation raised to support people in need. £5000 worth of donations were gifted by the developer’s registered sister charity, The Cruden Foundation.
This Christmas, Cruden is encouraging even more people to show their support and help to provide household items for those who may be struggling. In particular, they are asking anyone who can spare an extra gift this year to kindly donate toiletries and non-perishable food items, such as long-life milk, fruit juice, tinned food, pasta, breakfast cereals, biscuits and festive goodies.
To support Cruden’s 2023 foodbank appeal, please drop off any items to your nearest Cruden site, sales suite or office. Cash donations are also welcome and can be made at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/cruden
Colin Kennedy, Construction Director of Cruden, said: “Christmas is a wonderful time of year for many, but it can also be an extremely difficult and stressful time for those less fortunate. Our team is delighted to once again be working closely with The Trussell Trust to touch the lives of those in need this holiday season.
“The kindness and generosity that we have seen in previous years has been amazing and we hope that we can bring even more happiness to vulnerable people this year. Christmas is all about giving and adding just one extra item to your shopping list could make an enormous difference to someone. We’d encourage anyone who can to help spread some joy this Christmas to join us in supporting local communities by donating to our foodbank appeal.”
Reacting to news of plans for a fresh trade deal with South Korea, William Bain, BCC Head of Trade Policy, said:
“An improved trade deal with South Korea would be very welcome. It could deliver for the UK’s food and drink sector, manufacturing companies and services providers, as well as locking in record inward investment into the UK.
“South Korea is a vital export market for our Chamber Network, but also a key source of semi-conductors for the UK manufacturing sector, as well as many everyday consumer goods – such as cars, electrical goods and electronics.
“The BCC has been at the forefront of campaigns to expand and simplify digital trade for services as well as goods. Building on the ideas in our Trade Manifesto, these negotiations can create a new bespoke agreement which fires up online trade and e-commerce between our countries.
“We have clear interests to defend too. This includes continuing flexibility for manufacturing exports, preferential tariff treatment in the South Korean market, and trading terms for data flows and intellectual property.
“But we enter this process with hope and optimism. If Government works closely with business, throughout these negotiations, we can produce the best trading terms for economic growth with a key partner. This would benefit small, medium and large firms, across the UK.”
Pictured at Oriam in Edinburgh: Rachel Corsie, Scotland Women’s National Team captain with Robin Mitchell, real estate partner in the Edinburgh office of Shoosmiths.
Rachel Corsie, Scotland Women’s National Team captain recently met Robin Mitchell, real estate partner at leading law firm Shoosmiths as the Scottish FA and law firm celebrated the impact of their four-year partnership.
Statistics from the Scottish FA reveal that since 2019 there has been a marked increase in the number of female coaches enrolling on Level 1 courses across Scotland. In 2022 alone, 622 individuals participated, an increase of almost 200 based on a yearly average. In addition, support from law firm Shoosmiths has helped drive the increase in the number of female referees in Scotland, with over 100 introduced into the game since January 2019.
These figures far exceed the initial target Shoosmiths set itself of supporting the training in women’s youth and senior football of 200 new coaches and 20 new referees over the 2019-2023 period.
Rachel Corsie, Scotland Women’s National Team captain, commented: “Our increased enrolment levels of female coaches and referees over the past four years has underlined the significant contribution of a number of factors, including the commitment Shoosmiths has made to the development of the women’s game north of the border.”
Robin Mitchell, real estate partner at Shoosmiths in Edinburgh, added: “Equality, diversity and inclusive working practices are embedded in our culture. We feel very privileged to have had the chance to further apply these values in women’s football through our four-year partnership with the Scottish FA.
“Shoosmiths is very proud to have supported the training and resourcing of hundreds of female coaches and 100 female referees in the women’s game since 2019. Looking to the future, we are confident that our contribution will serve to further strengthen the grassroots structure of the sport and ensure more young women can play football and enjoy being active throughout Scotland.”
As part of its support of the women’s game, during Shoosmiths partnership with the Scottish FA, a total of 650 match-day tickets for a dozen of Scotland’s home international women’s football fixtures were distributed to schools, soccer centres and grassroot girls football clubs throughout the country. The lucky recipients of tickets included young players from Westerton United, Heston Utd, Glenburn & Houston Utd in Glasgow.
Edinburgh Leisure’s soft play parties are back this festive season at Clambers, Scrambles and Tumbles soft play. From rocking around the Christmas tree to burning off all that Christmas excitement across the city’s soft play venues, there’s plenty to keep kids active.
Children can dance and prance to the jolly disco, make new friends with the preppy party games and unwrap their creativity with Christmassy arts and crafts. And at Edinburgh Leisure’s Christmas parties, you won’t find the Grinch present – each child will leave with a celebratory gift.
In preparation for burning off all those mince pies, Santa Claus will be consuming this Christmas, he’s been seen on the climbing wall at Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA) Ratho, perfect for practising descending all those chimneys. He’s also been making a splash at The Royal Commonwealth Pool and practising his jumps at Tumbles at Portobello, in preparation for leaping from roof-top to roof-top.
Tumbles at Portobello, 20 Westbank Street, Edinburgh EH15 1DR
What: Tumbles Christmas Party with soft play included, a jolly disco, peppy party games, and a gift for every child.
When: Friday, 15 December 2023 – 15.00–17.00 hrs
Monday, 18 December 2023 – 16.00 – 18.00 hrs
Scrambles at EICA: Ratho, South Platt Hill, Newbridge, Edinburgh EH28 8AA
What: Scrambles Christmas Party, with soft play included, arts and crafts and a gift for every child.
When: Friday, 22 December 2023 – 15.00 – 17.00 hrs
Clambers at the Royal Commonwealth Pool, 21 Dalkeith Road, Edinburgh EH16 5BB
What: Clambers Christmas Party, with soft play included, a jolly disco, peppy party games, and a gift for every child.
When: Thursday, 14 December 2023 – 16.00 – 18.00 hrs
Thursday, 21 December 2023 – 16.00 – 18.00 hrs
Cost: Non-members – £13.00 per child / Members – £9.00/ Free – 0 – 11 months –
To book: Book at reception at the respective venues.
More information: https://www.edinburghleisure.co.uk/soft-play-christmas-parties
Performers from across the firm showed off their talent at a sold-out event to support Bristol and Edinburgh charities
Independent UK law firm Burges Salmon was amongst the very first to perform at Bristol’s new iconic venue, Bristol Beacon, in a mammoth charity event aimed at raising funds for the firm’s charitable theme, No Child Goes Hungry.
Burges Salmon’s Got Talent saw partners, lawyers and business professionals perform at the newly renovated Lantern Hall, in front of a packed audience of almost 300 people with over 100 people also watching the live stream. They treated the crowd to a series of exceptional music, singing, dancing and stand-up comedy acts with the firm’s choir also belting out some iconic tunes including a moving rendition of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.
The sold-out event raised more than £23,300 through ticket sales, donations, auctions and a raffle. Funds will be distributed to a number of charities across Bristol and Edinburgh, who are working to tackle the issue of food justice for children and young people in different ways, including Feeding Bristol, the Trussell Trust and the Edinburgh Food Project.
Burges Salmon has been supporting the charitable theme of No Child Goes Hungry for almost four years. In that time, the firm has supported over 30 different groups through its fundraising and has also worked in partnership with many organisations to provide pro-bono advice, volunteering and in-kind support to help them tackle food poverty and support vulnerable children lacking access to food.
The talent show also marked a celebration of Burges Salmon’s long term partnership with the Bristol Beacon, with the firm supporting the charity on its once-in-a-generation transformation.
Jamie Cameron, director in the Employment team and head of community engagement at Burges Salmon, says: “Our talent show was a roaring success and we’re so proud to have raised such a phenomenal amount for our charity partners in Bristol and Edinburgh and play our part in supporting the all-important work they do in our communities to end food poverty and ensure no child goes hungry. Responsible business sits at the heart of our culture and values and is core to our ambition to being a sustainable and inclusive firm to ensure our clients, people and communities flourish. On behalf of the whole firm, I would like to thank our brave and talented singers, dancers, musicians and comedians for treating us to such a fantastic show, to our supportive audience for being so generous in their donations, and of course huge thanks to Bristol Beacon for giving us the unforgettable opportunity to be amongst the very first to perform at its new impressive venue.”
Alice Honeywill, partner in the Pensions team and chair of Burges Salmon’s charity committee, adds: “The event was a real display of Burges Salmon’s culture at its best, working together to put on a fantastic event and supporting our hugely talented performers with great encouragement. It was a fabulous and fun evening, all in support of our local communities.”
Rosa Corbishley, development director at Bristol Beacon, comments: “We were thrilled to host Burges Salmon’s talent show as one of the first events to take place in our newly transformed spaces. The ongoing support from Burges Salmon means that we have been able to deliver on our promise to build one of the best, most accessible performance and music education venues in Europe. The partnership we have built together will ensure that many more people in our community will benefit from life changing musical experiences.”
Earlier this month, Burges Salmon was named the Overall Leader 2023 in the Lamp House Strategy Responsible Business Annual Report, recognising the impact of the firm’s overall ESG strategy to advance its people, protect the planet and preserve good governance. With a robust Responsible Business Framework and a 2026 Responsible Business Ambition, Burges Salmon’s initiatives are based upon five core objectives which deliver on the firm’s ESG priorities.
The Chancellor must take bold steps to unlock the untapped potential of UK business if the economy is to weather continued global headwinds.
BCC research shows less than a quarter of firms are investing, as fears over high inflation and interest rates, alongside concerns around trade barriers and skills shortages, continue to bite.
The BCC Autumn Statement submission has 23 recommendations and includes five major policy calls that could put the economy on the best footing possible to absorb further shocks. They are:
- Reforming the planning system to speed up infrastructure projects and give businesses much needed room to grow.
- Introducing a rolling five-year guarantee for the continuation of the full expensing tax break, to increase take up.
- Upgrading the energy grid to unlock new business development and investment.
- Extending business rates relief for hospitality and retail businesses, freezing the multiplier, and looking at reforming the system to better reflect firms’ ability to pay.
- Introducing tax breaks to encourage firms to offer Occupational Health benefits that keep people in work.
Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC, said: “Businesses are holding onto their money as inflation remains stubbornly high and fears over further interest rate rises continue.
“With the ongoing war in Ukraine and the awful new developments in the Middle East there is real concern over oil prices and further turmoil in the wider financial markets.
“This is likely to further impact the Chancellor’s headroom to provide any fiscal stimulus. But we think there are some options open to him that could make a real difference without breaking the bank.
“Businesses have told us they have billions of pounds in private investment waiting to be pumped into the UK economy, but our creaking planning system and overloaded grid are holding that back.
“It’s vital we unlock this money and take steps to put British business in the best place possible to remain competitive in the global marketplace and weather any further shocks.
“Business confidence is in a much better place than it was a year ago. But the pandemic, the energy costs crisis and higher interest rates all mean firms are less resilient than they were.
“If we invest more in our energy grid network then private funds will follow and there will be a multiplier effect that will ripple out across the UK’s supply chains.”
The Edinburgh Chamber of Commerce today welcomed the New Deal for Business implementation plan announced by the Scottish Government. This plan aims to address the concerns that the Chamber has been voicing for a while now, particularly those related to the individual and cumulative effects of new legislation on businesses.
The plan also proposes to enhance consultation processes and introduce opportunities for earlier-stage consultations. In addition, it promises to keep Non-Domestic (business) Rates under constant review. The Scottish Chambers of Commerce represents the Chamber network on the New Deal for Business Group.
Neil Gray, the Cabinet Secretary for Wellbeing Economy, Fair Work and Energy, announced that this plan would offer “certainty and consistency” by establishing a forum to monitor the impact of regulations on industry and conducting a comprehensive review of policy development to ensure improved consultation at all stages.
Joanne Davidson, Policy Director at Edinburgh Chamber, commented: “This is a positive move that seems to address some significant concerns that we have been raising on behalf of our members for quite some time. It’s reassuring to know that these concerns have been acknowledged. However, businesses will watch with interest to see how the implementation plan works in practice.”