First Minister arrives in China

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First Minister Alex Salmond will arrive in Beijing today  to convene a 30 company trade delegation focused on increasing trade in the oil and gas and construction sectors and deepening the friendship between Scotland and China.

The First Minister will begin talks in the Chinese capital on Monday, meeting State Councillor Yang Jie Chi, the Chinese Government’s principal foreign minister, before undertaking a Scotland innovation showcase that will demonstrate Scotland’s expertise in a range of industry sectors.

On Tuesday, Mr Salmond will carry out education talks with Hanban, the body responsible for promotion of Chinese learning and language teaching across the globe, before undertaking a keynote economic speech at Tsinghua University. During the Beijing leg of the visit, the First Minister and trade delegation will also hold senior-level industry talks with Chinese companies.

The First Minister will then transfer to Hong Kong, undertaking a full day of business in the region on Wednesday that will include education research and development talks focused on life sciences and energy and meetings with energy industry representatives.

The visit will conclude on Thursday with a keynote speech to the Financial Times International Financial Centers Forum, focused on financial services and Scotland’s place in the global economy.

Speaking ahead of the visit, the First Minister said:

“It is hugely important that, in an increasingly global economy, Scotland is able to engage with international economic giants such as China, identifying further opportunities for our innovative companies to export their expertise and high-quality products and drive sustainable economic growth at home.

“The trade mission I will convene in China this weekend will focus on two crucial industry sectors, with high-level government, education and trade talks examining opportunities for Scotland in the oil and gas and constructions sectors as well as wider opportunities around strengthening education links that are already bringing great benefits to both countries.

“During the visit I will also promote the excellent food and drink produce that China already adores, with notable successes for Scottish salmon and Scotch whisky contributing to a hugely encouraging rise in overall exports to China from £265m to £498m, between 2007 and 2012.

“And I will deliver two keynote economic speeches, examining Scotland’s place in the world and the challenges nations in the east and west face in building a sustainable and balanced economic recovery.”

New government investment in women’s prisons

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A range of projects across Scotland are to share in £3 million to help women offenders turn their lives around.

Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill announced the funding ahead of updating Parliament about progress made towards the recommendations of the Commission on Women Offenders.

The money will support the creation or expansion of community justice centres for women offenders in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Dundee, as well as seven other projects to support women offenders elsewhere in Scotland.

In Edinburgh, the successful Willow project is being expanded to increase the range of activities and to support women at an earlier stage in their involvement with criminal justice services than before.

A new Women’s Justice Centre is being set up in Glasgow to enable offenders to engage with a range of support services, working in partnership with existing services, including the 218 Centre. In Aberdeen, the city’s services for women offenders will be moving into a new dedicated centre. And in Dundee, the women offenders team will be expanded to enhance their work on early intervention and to develop their advice and guidance on mental health, housing, employment and finance.

Seven further projects across Scotland have been given funding to develop and improve their work with women offenders, in line with the recommendations of the Angiolini commission. Each will deliver expanded or improved services and guidance to women offenders, responding to the commission’s recommendations in ways that match local need, whether in urban or rural areas.

Mr MacAskill will also tell Parliament that good progress has been made towards meeting the recommendations of the commission since it reported 18 months ago.

He said: “I am extremely pleased with the progress we have made, together with our partners, in meeting the recommendations of the Commission on Women Offenders.

“The funding I am announcing today will help transform services for women so that we can help them break the cycle of reoffending and start making a positive contribution to society.

“The commission recognised that women offenders have very different needs to those of their male counterparts and require very specific support. We have set about meeting those needs to provide a better future for women offenders, their families and communities.

“We are not complacent, however – there is still a considerable amount still to do to help women avoid the vicious circle of reoffending and imprisonment and lead meaningful and productive lives.”

The Commission on Women Offenders, headed by former Lord Advocate Dame Elish Angiolini, examined how the Scottish Government, in partnership with agencies like the Scottish Prison Service, could improve opportunities for women offenders.

To help meet the recommendations of the commission, the Scottish Government is also supporting mentoring schemes for female offenders, as well as working with the Scottish Prison Service to develop HMP Inverclyde as a ‘custom made’ national prison for women offenders, a new regional unit for women in Edinburgh and a unit for women at the new HMP Grampian. The existing facility at Cornton Vale is also being upgraded while the new facilities are developed.

The seven other new projects receiving a share in the £3 million are:

North Lanarkshire – funding to enhance and enable the existing women’s team to be located together to co-ordinate their work and share expertise and good practice.
South Lanarkshire – funding to develop a new groupwork programme for women offenders in the community working with them to recognise and deal with their problems.
Falkirk & Forth Valley – funding to support the further development of women offender services across the region – by adding mental health resources to enhance their women offender services
Fife – funding to support the further development of women offender services across the region. Also helping support a team of workers who will work with women in the region, with “one stop shops” in three towns working with individuals across the region.
Angus – funding to create new women offender services working across the region in three locations and with individuals
Renfrewshire – support for the region’s women offender services and funding a volunteering co-ordinator to develop the work of the existing women justice team/centre
Ayrshire / SW Scotland – funding for a co-ordinator to develop improved early intervention and justice services for women in the region.

Aberdeen is the next target for ExecSpace

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Jess Atkinson

 

Emma Little’s booming conference and business accommodation vehicle ExecSpace is announcing a further expansion into Aberdeen by a significant appointment of a new director today.

Edinburgh based ExecSpace, Scotland’s leading conference and business accommodation agent, has announced its expansion into the North of Scotland with the pivotal appointment of Jess Atkinson, as Regional Account Director based in Aberdeen.

A finalist at the 2013 Highland Business Woman Awards, Jess was previously Business Development Manager for Macdonald Aviemore Resort, the flagship conference and leisure resort of the UK’s largest privately owned hotel group.  Whilst there, she was responsible for developing and implementing highly successful strategies to drive revenue and attract a broad mix of new clients.

 

Prior to that, she spent approximately 17 years with multi award-winning local radio station Moray Firth Radio (part of the Bauer Media Group “BMF”) rising from Advertising Account Executive to a Senior Account Manager.  In 2009, Jess won the accolade of BMF’s top salesman in Scotland, becoming an ambassador for Bauer Media’s Rainmaker Programme.

 

Emma Little, Managing Director of ExecSpace said:-“I am delighted that Jess has agreed to join ExecSpace to lead our offering in Aberdeen and the highlands and islands.  This is an important step for us, expanding ExecSpace’s footprint outside of the central belt where we began, into the North of Scotland and into Aberdeen which leads the way in Europe’s energy generation. Not only does Jess have fantastic experience but her high personal values are totally aligned with those values which underpin ExecSpace, ensuring that we offer our clients the best possible customer experience every time. I am very much looking forward to working with Jess as ExecSpace continues to grow.”

 

Jess Atkinson commented: -“I am thrilled to be joining ExecSpace at this exciting time.  I believe that there is a huge opportunity for us to make a real impact on the conference and business accommodation market in Aberdeen and the North of Scotland, as customers understand what differentiates us from our competitors – namely our guarantee to provide outstanding standards of customer service. I am very much looking forward to being part of the future for this dynamic company and to working with Emma and her team.”

 

ExecSpace currently looks after 100 blue chip clients ranging from private companies to Stock Exchange listed businesses looking to host external events across the UK. It currently has annual revenues in excess of £5m.

The company sources appropriate meeting rooms. These can vary from conference and meeting style venues to seminars and training rooms and often come complete with AV equipment and catering functions.

Alongside this, ExecSpace offers business accommodation booking services, negotiating the most competitive rates.

 

The ExecSpace team places substantial importance on differentiating itself from its competitors in the current economic climate. It has achieved this by consistently going the extra mile for its loyal customer base and focusing on building strong, long lasting business relationships.

 

In July of this year, ExecSpace announced its first senior management appointment as Natalie Maynard joined the team as Regional Account Director for the West of Scotland.

In May 2013, ExecSpace received a substantial six figure investment from Bradenham Partners LLP and confirmed its plans to expand its new accommodation booking service in parallel with the company’s already well established conference and events business.

 

Barnardo’s Shoe Appeal begins today

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NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOEBUSINESS

A-list actress Brenda Blethyn has teamed up with singing icon Dame Shirley Bassey to ask women across Scotland to put their best foot forward for Barnardo’s Shoe Appeal starting Saturday 16 March.

The dynamic duo have joined the mass shoe de-clutter event, aimed at encouraging people all over Scotland to free themselves from their unworn or good condition shoes, and help raise thousands for the most vulnerable children.

We need shoes that will cover every occasion; to protect from rain, sleet and snow; that finishing touch to an interview outfit; or even finding the perfect ‘baffies’ to relax in.

Brenda Blethyn OBE, star of the hit TV crime drama ‘Vera’ and ‘Mary and Martha’, said: “As a confirmed shoe-devotee, this is a great opportunity to donate pre-loved shoes and help children and young people throughout the UK. Dame Shirley Bassey and I share a strong desire to support Barnardo’s and the Shoe Appeal is a fun way to do just that.”

The double Oscar-nominated actress, and Barnardo’s Ambassador has donated a stunning pair of gold sandals worn on the red carpet.

Fellow celebrity Shoe Appeal signatory Dame Shirley Bassey, a Barnardo’s supporter, said: “Like most women I have shoes that I certainly don’t wear anymore. By giving them to the stock appeal, it’s given me the perfect chance to clear out my shoe rail, donate the forgotten footwear and support a great cause. I’m urging everybody to ‘step up’ for the Shoe Appeal and donate their shoes to Barnardo’s.”

The international singing star has donated ten pairs of her favorite footwear, including elegant Emporio Armani sandals, glamorous chunky cowboy boots, peep toe Stuart Weitzman shoes and vintage style TTxTT evening shoes.

Companies, retailers and individuals are encouraged to donate; please dig deep into your cupboards, lofts, and dust off that shoe rack! All proceeds go toward supporting disadvantaged children in your area.

All profits from the charity’s stores go towards helping their services to support and transform the lives of vulnerable children in local services.

 

Aberdeenshire man fined for environment offences

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Brian Watson (48) was today fined £11,250 at Aberdeen Sheriff Court for allowing controlled waste to be deposited on his land and for failing to remove it.

He had previously pled guilty to the contraventions of sections 33(1)(a) and 59(1)(a) and (5) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 on 8 October 2012. The offences occurred between February and November 2011 at Coneyhatch Farm, north of Stonehaven.

Brian Watson trades as E Watson and Son and is in the business of groundwork, plant hire, haulage, skip hire, site clearances and tipper hire.  He allowed several thousand tonnes of waste to be deposited at Coneyhatch Farm which included plastics, metal, wood, paint tins, tyres, electrical equipment, demolition waste, general waste and green waste.

In September 2011, after months of attempting to assist Watson, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) required him to clear the waste up.  Instead of complying, Watson allowed more waste to be deposited at the site.

Craig Harris, Procurator Fiscal, Wildlife and Environment said

“Brian Watson repeatedly failed to adhere to the requests of the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency to meet the legal standards required of him.  He allowed thousands of tonnes of waste to be dumped at his site.

“Today Mr Watson has been brought to justice for his complete disregard of his duty towards the environment.”

Inverurie man’s assets seized

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£187,300 CONFISCATED FROM MAN WHO EMBEZZLED FROM ABERDEEN CITY COUNCIL

At Aberdeen Sheriff Court today, a Confiscation Order for £187,300 was made against Jack Downie under the Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA).

Downie, of Inverurie, pleaded guilty on 16 February 2012 to embezzling £386,004.12 from Aberdeen City Council between 2 August 2006 and 7 September 2010. He was sentenced to 2 years imprisonment on 22 March 2012.

Lindsey Miller, Head of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service’s Serious and Organised Crime Division, and the current POCA champion, said:

“Jack Downie embezzled hundreds of thousands of pounds from the public purse for over four years. This was a significant breach of trust where he betrayed the responsibility of his position and stole from the public he was supposed to be serving.

“We are satisfied that this £187,300 confiscation order represents the amount of money available to us at this time, on the basis that is the total value of his assets he can sell to pay the order.

“This money will be added to the £60 million already gathered from Proceeds of Crime and will be re-invested by Scottish Ministers through the CashBack for Communities programme.”

Scottish Parliament to meet at traveller site

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Gypsy/Traveller site near Aberdeen to host parliamentary meeting

Clinterty Gypsy/Traveller’s site near Aberdeen will host a meeting of the Equal Opportunities Committee on Monday 4 February 2013 as part of its inquiry into Where Gypsy/Travellers Live.

The committee has already visited sites in Perth and Kinross, Argyll & Bute, Edinburgh and the Lothians as part of the inquiry. It also heard evidence from Gypsy/Traveller Liaison Officers, site managers, community councils, voluntary organisations, the police, the NHS and local authorities.

Committee Convener Mary Fee MSP said:

“It is fitting that we hold our committee meeting at Clinterty Gypsy/Traveller’s site as it gives us the opportunity to see where the community lives, in an area of Scotland that has already generated a lot of public interest on the subject.

“Equally important is the ‘Dialogue Day’ session which will allow us to bring together people who hold mixed views on issues such as facilities, cultural differences, policing and unauthorised sites. Our aim is to pool all our evidence to date and look at the solutions going forward.”

The Equal Opportunities Committee will take part in an informal ‘Dialogue Day’ session hosted by Grampian Regional Equality Council (GREC) on Monday 4 February. Representatives from Clinterty Gypsy/Traveller site, Aberdeen Council, Aberdeenshire Council, the NHS and Grampian Police will also participate.

Port of Ardersier to become offshore wind hub

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The Port of Ardersier on Scotland’s Moray Firth, once the centre of the early oil industry, has today moved centre stage as one of the key manufacturing and port facilities for the UK’s fast-growing offshore wind sector.

Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond today announced a memorandum of understanding between Highland and Islands Enterprise and the Port of Ardersier which recognises the port’s capacity to become a major UK manufacturing, construction and installation hub.

With 138 hectares (340 acres) of vacant land and a deep water quay, the former oil rig fabrication yard is ideally placed to capture a slice of the estimated £70-80 billion UK offshore wind construction market.

Welcoming the memorandum of understanding, Port of Ardersier CEO Capt. Stephen Gobbi said:

“There are few other locations in the UK, or indeed Europe, which can offer this quality and quantity of vacant land, a 1000 meter deep water quay and proximity to major offshore wind development zones.

“It complements other sites in Scotland and offers offshore wind developers and manufacturers the opportunity to site their operations close to the first-generation deep water sites at Beatrice and Moray Firth.

“This memorandum recognises this potential, and commits the Port of Ardersier and Highlands and Island Enterprise to work together to develop the port and bring new jobs and economic activity to this corner of
Scotland.”

Alex Paterson, Chief Executive of HIE, said:

“Port of Ardersier offers significant potential to offshore wind developers. Given the scale of offshore renewables activity, the sheer size of the site means it is ideally placed to meet the range of needs for manufacturing and assembly. HIE is delighted to work with Port of Ardersier to bring the site back into commercial use and help it secure new tenants.”

Scotland’s First Minister Alex Salmond said:

“We are working hard with our enterprise agencies both to secure overseas investment into our world-leading renewable energy industry and to support Scottish businesses to seize the huge opportunities available, working in partnership with inward investors and the rest of the supply chain to create jobs and help re-industrialise communities right across Scotland.

“These ports are ideally-positioned to become key hubs for the deployment of offshore wind, wave and tidal energy – across manufacturing, assembly, operations and maintenance – and the new Memorandums of Understanding with Highlands and Islands Enterprise underpin the importance that we attach to ensuring that all of Scotland wins from the renewables revolution.”

This would be a second lease of life for the specialist port. Formerly the McDermott Fabrication Yard, it was built on land reclaimed from the
foreshore in the 1970s for the fabrication and construction of North Sea oil and gas platforms. At its height, the yard employed 4500 people. It has lain dormant since 2001.

The port’s next step is to submit planning applications to Transport Scotland, Highlands Council and Marine Scotland to secure full consent as an offshore wind manufacturing port, with the goal of securing permission by the Autumn. The site’s current consent relates to oil and gas only.

The Port of Ardersier was identified within Stage 1 of the Scottish Government’s National Renewables Infrastructure Plan as a key integrated
manufacturing facility. The plan’s goal is to enable Scotland to accelerate the development of offshore wind and capture a major slice of the supply chain and jobs potential.

Stage 2 of the National Renewables Infrastructure Plan involves the development of detailed investment plans for identified sites. The
memorandum of understanding forms part of stage 2 for the Port of Ardersier and commits the two parties to work together to secure planning consent and maximise the economic and social potential of the port.

Councils use technology to keep residents on the move

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As forecasters predict plummeting temperatures across Scotland, three Scottish local authorities have opened up data to technology companies to improve services for commuters and councils services to help keep citizens on the move and local services functioning.

Glasgow City Council, along with a collaboration between Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire councils, received funding from independent innovation foundation, Nesta, to work with technology partners to open up data they hold to improve travel in poor weather.

Glasgow City Council in partnership with IRISS, has developed Glasgow Gritting which uses real-time data from the authority’s gritting vehicles to show local citizens which streets have already been gritted and are safer to use. It also shows the routes gritting vehicles are taking. This will not only help ordinary citizens to plan their journeys, but will also help other Council services to plan their work to ensure vulnerable people can still be reached and helped.

In the north-east of Scotland, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire councils have joined forces with technology company Swirrl to develop Smart Journey. This web and mobile app service shows all current traffic problems in the Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire areas as well as any reports of ice, snow or other weather issues affecting the roads.

Commuters are being asked to provide feedback to Smart Journey through the mobile-enabled website or Android or iPhone App.

A key feature of both projects is to allow local people to contribute to make the information presented more accurate. In addition, all of the code for these applications will be made publicly available so that Councils from across Scotland and beyond can develop their own, similar, digital services.

In Glasgow this could mean local people requesting additional gritting of an area where one treatment may not have been enough or highlighting additional poor conditions in other areas, helping the Council’s roads team to prioritise its future work schedule.

Jackie McKenzie, Head of Nesta’s Innovation Programmes in Scotland said:- “We all know that when cold weather strikes, councils are under enormous pressure to keep towns and cities moving, helping people get to work and reaching the most vulnerable in society.

“The fantastic work being done by Glasgow, Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire councils shows how open data can be used to develop new services for citizens and, by encouraging them to provide additional information, to make that service even better. Local authorities have shown the amazing results that can be achieved through the excellent partnership they have developed with digital companies.

“Nesta hopes that other councils across Scotland and beyond will take advantage of the fact that all of the information and code for these initiatives is open source helping others to develop services for future years.”