Once again Living Wage Scotland will be celebrating their Living Wage network and employers who have gone the extra mile by supporting, not only their employees, but the wider Living Wage movement.

They would love to hear from accredited employers who have made an impact. This could be by encouraging others to accredit as Living Wage employers, by working in communities to tackle in-work poverty or by actively promoting their Living Wage status in a range of forms.

There are 7 categories, including a new Voice of the Year Award which is open individuals (workers, employers & advocates) who stand out in their commitment to the Living Wage movement. This could be by speaking about the Living Wage at events, in the media, or by spreading the Living Wage message among their networks.

Find out more at Living Wage Scotland Awards 2023

Applications can be submitted via the link below – you have until 1^st September 2023.

https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/F3TXV6C

The awards ceremony will be held in the evening of the 9^th of November at the stunning V&A in Dundee.

If you have any questions about the Living Wage Scotland Awards, you can contact Rachel Morrison-McCormick rachel.morrison-mccormick@povertyalliance.org.

Bookings are now open for W Hotels’ debut in Scotland, bringing distinct dining, cutting-edge design and an extraordinary view to the city of Edinburgh.

W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott Bonvoy’s portfolio of 31 extraordinary brands, prepares to debut in Scotland this November with the opening of W Edinburgh. W Edinburgh brings a playful twist on Scottish culture with always-on programming and passionate service. Located in the city’s newest neighbourhood, the hotel is in the heart of the St James Quarter, a stylish lifestyle district where guests can benefit from world-class retail on their doorstep.

Bookings are now open for this hotly anticipated, unique and city-defining hotel. This new luxury destination offers visionary design, eclectic gastronomy and a socially-driven spirit drawn from its creative surrounds. From the Ribbon Building to James Craig Walk and the Quarter House, each of the 199 rooms and 45 suites, many with outdoor terraces, offer a new perspective on the city. Interior designers, Jestico + Whiles, have reimagined the best of Scotland with locally-rooted influences and creative collaborations throughout the design.

“With an unrivalled wealth of culture and vibrant arts scene, Edinburgh matches W Hotels legacy of embracing local creativity and talent. This property is set to be a stand-out destination hotel unlike anything else in the city, igniting guest’s curiosity and attracting locals drawn to the unique energy of the W brand.” said Agnieszka Rog-Skrzyniarz, Vice President Luxury Brands, Europe, Marriott International.

The hotel’s top floors will bring energy and flair to Edinburgh’s lively social scene. Highlights include a buzzing W Lounge, SUSHISAMBA restaurant, Joao’s Place cocktail bar and terrace, chef’s table and outdoor terrace, offering locals, visitors to the city and hotel guests incredible 360-degree panoramic views of the historic skyline. W Lounge reimagines Gaelic cuisine throughout day and night, and the unique rooftop W deck rewards visitors with the finest unfettered 360-degree views of Edinburgh and beyond.

“W Edinburgh does more than put you at the centre of Scotland’s historic and culturally rich capital city – it immerses you in the spirit of the festival capital of the world.  We can’t wait to introduce our new, luxury offering to guests and locals alike as we open the hotel for bookings” said Ken Millar, General Manager, W Edinburgh.

The state-of-the-art event spaces are the perfect platform for inspiration and the world-class Sound Suite empowers musicians, podcasters, to take a stance and be heard, creating a buzz that’s right here, right now.  With more details to be announced over the coming months, W Edinburgh is anticipated to become an evolutionary heartbeat of the city with detail-driven design and impactful programming, coupled with an Away® Spa and FIT® fitness centre.

To book now visit wedinburgh.com or follow on Instagram for further pre-opening updates.

For more information, please contact kate.chesshyre@marriott.com

Lothian buses has today announced that it has been awarded the prestigious Gold Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Award from the Ministry of Defence for its support of the Armed Forces community in Scotland.

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme encourages employers to support defence and inspires others to do the same. The Gold Award recognises organisations who have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and actively encourage a positive cultural environment with the demonstration of forces-friendly credentials.

Lothian employ many individuals who serve in the Reserves or are ex-Armed Forces personnel with established policies and procedures which offer support to these employees, including its Reservist Policy developed in partnership with the Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets Association (Lowland RFCA).

 

Previously awarded the Silver award in 2018, the bus operator was named Employer of the Year at the 2021 Scottish Veteran Awards.

Sarah Boyd, Managing Director for Lothian said: “I’m thrilled that Lothian have received the Gold Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, the highest badge of honour available. We are very proud that a number of our people from across the Lothian business have either served in the Armed Forces or currently serve as Reservists.  As a business we continue to take steps to improve our offering of support to these employees. We look forward to further developing our partnership with the Armed Forces Covenant and continuing to strengthen our commitment to the wider armed forces community.”

Minister for Defence People, Veterans and Service Families, Dr Andrew Murrison said: “I would like to thank all the organisations that have been recognised in this year’s awards. I’m delighted that we have seen so many organisations recognised with a gold award. Their continued support demonstrates the unique benefits and strengths that our Armed Forces community can bring to the workplace.”

 

Kate Johnston, Head of Communications, Lowland Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association said: “Lothian Buses has shown itself to be an employer who doesn’t just talk the talk, but walks the walk. As well as implementing generous HR policies that reflect a commitment to Defence people, Lothian Buses has creatively partnered with the Royal Marines Reserve to assist them with their recruitment. Working with the RMR, Lothian Buses created a bus advert that has been designed to catch the attention of Edinburgh locals and to champion the Armed Forces. This is an ideal partnership given both organisations’ commitment to prospering and growing excellent people within their ranks. Lothian Buses has truly exemplified what it means to be a supportive Defence employer and thoroughly deserves this Gold ERS Award.”

With five kitchens, three bars and seating for 500 guests, Bonnie & Wild is serving up Scotland’s Biggest Breakfast

Edinburgh Food Hall Bonnie & Wild has unveiled a bold new breakfast and brunch offer that promises guests “Scotland’s Biggest Breakfast”.

The exciting offering will see pop-up kitchen The Breakfast Club taking over the venue’s events space, joining four other kitchens that all now offer breakfast and brunch options.

The Breakfast Club is the latest in a series of new brand and start-ups to get their first footing in Bonnie & Wild, the premium Scottish Food Hall in Edinburgh’s St James Quarter.

The concept kitchen will be serving up its high quality “Full Scottish Breakfasts” every weekend, alongside the likes of El Perro Negro and Scottish deli Soup & Caboodle who have also brought out new breakfast menus, as well as Stack & Still and Cairngorm Coffee, ticking the box for fans of muffins and buns, pancakes, pastries, teas and coffees.

On the drinks side, Bonnie & Wild’s three bars will be serving guests a selection of smoothies and breakfast mocktails, on top of Bloody Mary’s and Mimosa from 11am.

Colin Campbell, Communications Director at Bonnie & Wild, said: “With seating for almost 400 guests and five kitchens serving up a variety of breakfast and brunch menus for all tastes, we’re confident in saying that Bonnie & Wild’s Food Hall is now home to the country’s biggest breakfast.

“Every weekend, our new pop-up The Breakfast Club will be serving up the Full Scottish, while El Perro Negro, Soup & Caboodle, Stack & Still and Cairngorm Coffee will have their own unique menus containing everything from bowls of superfoods to breakfast muffins to coffees and teas. We’ve also perfected a breakfast drinks menu containing various smoothies, and breakfast mocktails and cocktails.

“Just as in for lunch and dinner, there really is something for everyone at Bonnie & Wild, including vegan and gluten-free options, superfoods and smoothies for the health conscious, quick bites and light pastries, bacon rolls, breakfast muffins, and to top it all, the Full Scottish breakfast, all using ingredients sourced from some of the best suppliers in Scotland.”

Bringing their own Breakfast Club to Bonnie & Wild following a successful launch in Glasgow, El Perro Negro will be offering a selection of breakfast muffins and buns, while Scottish deli Soup & Caboodle will offer guests a range of breakfasts including Scotch porridge and bacon rolls.

Bonnie & Wild’s new breakfast offer comes as Edinburgh prepares for its busy summer season with tens of thousands of visitors streaming into the city and staying at many of the city’s hotels and apartments.

Colin added: “We’re looking forward to welcoming guests who’re coming to St James Quarter for a spot of early morning shopping, or for the thousands of city visitors keen to start their day with nourishing breakfast in heart of the city centre.”

Bonnie & Wild has fast established itself as one of the city’s leading hospitality venues since it opened two years ago. Following its launch amid the Covid pandemic, the Food Hall has been home to a variety of new brands and start-ups, including Creel Caught by Gary Maclean, Chooks, Leith Woks, Soup & Caboodle and the latest concept, The Breakfast Club.

Colin said: “We love working with start-ups and smaller brands. We love their energy and passion, and we’re proud to support these small businesses to grow by giving them a city centre base and access to the tremendous foot fall by way of the St James Quarter. This latest pop-up follows the launch of the South East Asian street food kitchen Okanda a few weeks ago, and we’ve plans for more food, drink and retail pop-ups further down the line.”

The Breakfast Club at Bonnie & Wild is open every weekend from 08.30am-11.30am.

Today, the University of Edinburgh Hospitality & Events Collection has announced the appointment of a new Group General Manager, Gavin MacLennan.

Equipped with over 30 years of experience, Gavin will become the strategic lead of hotel operations across the University’s four hotels and serviced apartments: The Scott, The Scholar, KM Hotel, and KM Apartments. His role will focus on developing a culture of continuous improvement, guest experience and employee satisfaction, furthering the success of the collection.

Commenting on his new position as Group General Manager, Gavin said: “The University of Edinburgh is a globally renowned brand synonymous with excellence, which is also mirrored through its commercial activities. I am thrilled to be part of its hospitality collection and have the opportunity to contribute to its success. One of my key priorities is to deliver outstanding customer service and foster a culture of staff engagement and empowerment to ensure that every guest interaction is a memorable one. I am looking forward to being part of a team that places such a strong emphasis on customer engagement and we will continue to enhance our services and exceed guest expectations

Lyndsay Wilkie, Director of Business Development, said: “Gavin’s appointment as Group General Manager marks another major step in our plans to elevate our hotel operations after our recent rebrand and refurbishment work on our multiple properties.

“Gavin comes into the position with decades of valuable experience and a proven track record in delivering exceptional customer service and we are excited to see how he will further develop the brand and our hotels.” 

Gavin embarked on his career in hospitality in the early 1990s and progressed through a multitude of roles with prestigious hotels such as The Balmoral Hotel and Marriott Dalmahoy.  Working his way through the hotelier ranks, he went on to hold positions such as Global Brand Marketing Director and Associate Director at Starwood Hotels & Resorts in the USA and Belgium respectively.

Gavin’s most recent position was closer to his roots, as the Cheval Collection’s Complex General Manager in Edinburgh. The experience of managing three properties throughout Edinburgh lends itself to his new position, where he will leverage his extensive experience, excellent relationship-building skills and keen eye for detail to drive success and implement first-class guest service.

 

 

Deloitte in Scotland has announced the promotion of Paul Hazelton to audit partner alongside the promotion of 15 of its people to directors across five business practices.

Paul first joined Deloitte’s audit team in 2005 after graduating from Strathclyde University with a degree in accounting and finance. A qualified chartered accountant, throughout his career at Deloitte he has held a variety of roles in the audit team including manager, senior manager, director and most recently associate partner.

Throughout his career at Deloitte, Paul has also played a leading role in the firm’s recruitment and development of early career professionals, having been heavily involved in its many student and graduate programmes, as well as its BrightStart apprenticeship programme.

Paul’s promotion comes alongside that of 15 of Deloitte’s people in Scotland to director. The appointments are part of a nationwide round of promotions which has seen 101 new partners promoted across the UK in the last month.

40% of Deloitte’s new partners in the UK are women, up from 35% in 2022, while 18% are from ethnic minority backgrounds.

Angela Mitchell, senior partner for Scotland at Deloitte, said: “I’d like to congratulate Paul on his promotion to partner – he’s made a tremendous contribution to our audit practice and to our wider business. I’d also like to extend my congratulations to our 15 colleagues in Scotland who have been promoted to director.”

Paul Hazelton, audit partner at Deloitte in Scotland said: “I’m really pleased to be taking up the role of partner, and I’d like to thank Angela and the rest of the senior team for their belief in me the whole way through my career here at Deloitte. I’m passionate about our people, especially about making sure we’re attracting and retaining talented individuals and fostering their skills – whether that be through our BrightStart apprenticeship scheme or more traditional recruitment channels. I’m excited to meet the new generation of Deloitte people that will come out of the growth we’re planning in Scotland in the next few years, and I look forward to working with them to develop their skillsets and progress their careers.”

Air Canada has opened its brand-new Maple Leaf Lounge at San Francisco International Airport (SFO), the airline’s 28th lounge worldwide, and its third Maple Leaf Lounge in the U.S. The modern and exclusive respite, located in Terminal 2, features Air Canada’s first outdoor lounge terrace, together with a range of premium amenities, food and beverages, making the travel experience for eligible customers even more comfortable and convenient before their flights to Canada and beyond.

“We’re thrilled to bring our Maple Leaf Lounge experience to San Francisco International Airport, giving our Bay Area customers a way to enjoy Air Canada’s award-winning product and glowing hearted hospitality from the moment they arrive,” said Jacqueline Harkness, Managing Director, Products and Services at Air Canada. “It’s one more way we’re investing to become San Francisco’s favourite way to travel internationally.”

In addition to the range of services and amenities the airline’s Maple Leaf Lounges are known for, the newest Lounge features an expansive outdoor terrace with aircraft and runway views. The 165-seat, 8168 square ft. (761 square metre) airport retreat elevates Air Canada’s flight and airport experience for customers travelling from California to Canada or through to Europe, Asia and Australia via three of the airline’s main hubs: Toronto Pearson, Montreal Trudeau, and Vancouver International Airports.

The new Maple Leaf Lounge at SFO will pay homage to its California location both through its design and decor, and the food and beverage selections presented, which highlight local makers and flavours. Unique seafood offerings, including the iconic San Francisco fish stew cioppino, will be on offer alongside a selection of California wines, and beer from Sierra Nevada Brewing Company and Anchor Brewing—America’s first craft beer.

Additional details include:

Premium Food and Beverage Offerings

• Self-serve (hot and cold) buffet, showcasing local flavours
• Bar with bartender serving a selection of wines (including from Canada and California), in addition to local craft beers, a curated cocktail menu, and espresso

Amenities and Space

• The Lounge, designed with San Francisco-based architectural firm Gensler, is the first of its kind with an outdoor terrace, featuring two vapor fireplaces produced by Canadian company CF + D
• 165 seats (135 interior + 30 exterior)
• E-Gates and biometric identification for seamless, hands-free lounge entry
• Showers with heated towel racks
• VIP room for up to 10 people
• Collection of multidisciplinary art that reflects and pays homage to California and Canada
• Artists featured include Canadian painter Shawn Evans, and a custom mural from California artist Amos Goldbaum

The new space is Air Canada’s latest addition to its growing lounge network. Air Canada has also re-introduced Newark Liberty International Airport to its roster of lounges with the opening of the new United Club^SM location in Newark Terminal A. In this new location, Air Canada will be uniquely co-located within the United Club, offering a dedicated Air Canada customer service desk and an access policy consistent with Air Canada’s Maple Leaf Lounges.

Air Canada’s Maple Leaf lounges, including San Francisco and the new United Club^SM in Newark Terminal A, are available to Air Canada customers who are Aeroplan 50K, 75K, and Aeroplan Super Elite Status members, Star Alliance Gold members, Aeroplan premium co-brand cardholders, and customers departing on a business class ticket with Air Canada or another Star Alliance member.

 

Air Canada’s Global Lounge Offering

As a leading global carrier, Air Canada offers lounges in 19 airports worldwide including at New York’s LaGuardia and Newark airports and at Los Angeles and San Francisco airports in California. Eligible customers travelling in International Business Class from the carrier’s global hubs at Toronto Pearson or at Vancouver also have access to exclusive, award-winning Air Canada Signature Suites located at those respective airports. Eligible customers travelling abroad may also enjoy Maple Leaf Lounges at London Heathrow and Frankfurt.

Year-Round Daily Flights from SFO to Canada

Air Canada, in partnership with United Airlines, offers up to 21* daily flights from San Francisco to Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto and Montreal, representing up to approximately 21,000* seats weekly. Select flights between San Francisco and Toronto are operated onboard wide-body aircraft offering Air Canada’s lie-flat pods.

^{*One-way flights (SFO to Canada) operated by Air Canada or United Airlines– based on peak week travel in September 2023.}

About Air Canada

Air Canada is Canada’s largest airline, the country’s flag carrier and a founding member of Star Alliance, the world’s most comprehensive air transportation network. Air Canada provides scheduled service directly to more than 180 airports in Canada, the United States and Internationally on six continents. It holds a Four-Star ranking from Skytrax. Air Canada’s Aeroplan program is Canada’s premier travel loyalty program, where members can earn or redeem points on the world’s largest airline partner network of 45 airlines, plus through an extensive range of merchandise, hotel and car rental rewards. Its freight division, Air Canada Cargo, provides air freight lift and connectivity to hundreds of destinations across six continents using Air Canada’s passenger and freighter aircraft.  Air Canada has committed to a net zero emissions goal from all global operations by 2050. Air Canada shares are publicly traded on the TSX in Canada and the OCTQX in the US.

As part of St James Quarter’s commitment to putting the local community at its heart, Health in Mind and Edinburgh Women’s Aid have been named as the Quarter’s charity partners for 2023 – 2025.

Throughout the two-year partnership, St James Quarter will work closely with the charities, putting a spotlight on their important work, raising awareness of their services and the support they offer, hosting fundraising activities and events, and dedicating time to volunteering, to make a difference in the local community and beyond.

Edinburgh Women’s Aid provides support and refuge to women and children affected by domestic abuse, helping over 2,000 women and 250 children each year. Through the partnership, St James Quarter aims to raise awareness of issues relating to domestic violence and the incredibly valuable services the charity offers, including, employability support, legal support, safe refuge and support groups to promote positive wellbeing and recovery.  

Health in Mind is a leading Scottish mental health charity based in Edinburgh, with a vision that everyone in Scotland should have positive mental health and wellbeing, and can access high-quality support if, when and how they need it. Recognising the far-reaching impact of mental health, St James Quarter hopes that this partnership will shine a light on the many resources and support services that Health in Mind offer, and the real difference they can make to people’s lives.

Alex McGinness, Technical Services Director and Corporate Social Responsibility Chair at St James Quarter says, “St James Quarter is committed to supporting charities that do incredible and valuable work in the city and beyond and we’re extremely proud to be partnering with Health in Mind and Edinburgh Women’s Aid for the next two years.

“We will support each organisation’s charitable initiatives and work together on exciting events and activations to raise awareness or funds. The partnerships will also open up training opportunities for our employees on important matters relating to mental health and domestic abuse. The charities are truly doing transformative work and it’s a privilege to be partnering with them”.

Wendy Bates, Chief Executive of Health in Mind says, “Health in Mind has been promoting positive mental health and wellbeing in communities across Edinburgh since 1982 and we’re pleased that now includes the St James Quarter community – from its staff to those who visit. 

“St James Quarter is a key venue in Edinburgh and our partnership will have a lasting impact in raising awareness for mental health and wellbeing and our available Health in Mind support.”

Linda Rodgers, Chief Executive Officer at Edinburgh Women’s Aid says, “In our 50th anniversary year, we are absolutely delighted to be partnering with St James Quarter.  Both Edinburgh Women’s Aid and St James Quarter are key actors in life in Edinburgh. 

“This amazing partnership creates an opportunity for us to jointly signal that supporting women and children to live safely and free from abuse is at the heart of Edinburgh’s community values.”

Both charities will also provide guidance and training to enhance the skills of the St James Quarter team, equipping them to identify and sensitively deal with issues surrounding domestic violence or mental wellbeing in the workplace. St James Quarter will also leverage its existing partnership with retail and hospitality academy, FUSE, to offer support and to individuals who benefit from the charities and are looking to get into work.

To keep up to date with the latest news and events, download the St James Quarter app here.

Scotland has been preparing for the introduction of Low Emission Zones (LEZs) into Scotland’s most populated cities. From sole traders with one vehicle, to larger businesses with varied transportation, we analyse some impacts of the LEZs.

The long awaited LEZs are now operating in Scotland. With the primary goal of improving urban air quality, LEZs prevent vehicles which are considered to be the highest polluters from entering a specified area. In Scotland, the rules governing enforcement, standards and exemptions can be found within the Low Emission Zones (Emission Standards, Exemptions and Enforcement) (Scotland) Regulations 2021.

On 1 June 2023, Glasgow paved the way with the first LEZ enforcement area. Dundee is set to follow in Glasgow’s footsteps from 30 May 2024, with both Edinburgh and Aberdeen doing the same from 1 June 2024.

This means that vehicles which do not meet the minimum standards set out below, will automatically incur a penalty fine of £60 by entering into the LEZ.

• Euro 4 standard (generally registered from 2006) for petrol cars and vans;
• Euro 6 standard (generally registered from September 2015) for diesel cars and vans; or
• Euro 6 standard (generally registered from January 2013) for buses, coaches and HGVs.

For those who pay within 14 days, the fine will be decreased by 50%. However, for repeat offenders, the fine will double each time a subsequent breach of the rules is committed within 90 days of the previous violation. Enforcement will be 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

So, what does this mean for your business?

Companies which conduct business, utilise the roads for deliveries or travel within the LEZ, may require a change of transportation strategy. For example, it is not possible for a non-compliant vehicle to obtain a permit to enter the LEZ, meaning businesses will need to consider if their company vehicles meet the minimum standards, or if they can avoid penalty charges by identifying alternative routes.

First and foremost, we recommend checking that vehicles comply with the required standards. It is important for businesses to familiarise themselves with the LEZ boundaries to be able to identify the risk of penalties. Maps of each LEZ are available on the relevant local authority’s website. However, if access is unavoidable, businesses will need to consider the potential amount they would be liable to pay by evaluating how often company vehicles are likely to use the LEZ.

It may also be worth noting that the value of non-compliant vehicles could be decreasing, so switching to LEZ compliant vehicles may be an option to consider. Yet, the current standards are set with a view towards banning the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles by 2050, so compliance with current standards does not guarantee certainty for the future.

With supply chain challenges continuing within the transport sector, compliant vehicles are taking time to be delivered and as such, planning is key.

If you require any advice to understand more about compliance with these regulations, please contact Caroline Colliston or your usual DWF contact.

Edinburgh Leisure, the largest provider of sport and leisure facilities across the city, is launching an exciting competition next week, The Edinburgh Leisure Pin Drop, so that wherever you’re at in the city, you could be in with the chance to win a year’s membership with Edinburgh Leisure.

The Edinburgh Leisure Pin Drop competition runs from 17^th – 28^th July. They will be giving away six free Edinburgh Leisure memberships. To be in with the chance of winning, all participants must do is to find the pin (a branded box featuring a pink geolocation), which will be ‘dropped’ somewhere in Edinburgh and take it to their nearest venue.  The first person to do this will win a year’s membership and can choose from Full Fitness, Climb, Golf or Single Child Soft Play membership.*

Over the duration of the competition, Edinburgh Leisure will be ‘dropping a pin’ in six different locations around the city and sharing some clues and photos on their social media channels, on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Pins will be dropped at 11am on the following days during the competition:

• Monday, 17^th July 2023
• Wednesday, 19^th July 2023
• Friday, 21^st July 2023
• Monday 24^th July 2023
• Wednesday, 26^th July 2023
• Friday, 28^th July 2023

Participants will have two hours to find the box from 11am when the clue is posted on social media. The person who finds the box then has until Edinburgh Leisure’s participating venues close on the same day to redeem their prize. Venue closing times vary, so people should check closing times of their closest venue.

Participants are encouraged to tag Edinburgh Leisure in their Edinburgh Leisure Pin Drop posts on social media and use the hashtag #WhereverYoureAt.

As the biggest club in town, wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure is here to help the people of Edinburgh enjoy a healthier, happier, and more active life. In the heart of communities, they’re the largest provider of sports and leisure facilities across the city.

*Competition information, terms and conditions and participating Edinburgh Leisure venues can be found by visiting:  rb.gy/qbh9o