Tag Archives: Aberdeen News

Aberdeen Council to reject multi-million offer

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KevinStewartMSP20110507Commenting on the report on the BBC that the offer of a £50 million gift by businessman Sir Ian Wood to assist in the redevelopment of Aberdeen city centre – which was on the table until the end of the year to help fund a “transformational” project – is set to be rejected by the Labour/Tory council administration, SNP MSP for Aberdeen Central Kevin Stewart said:

“This is extraordinarily inept behaviour, and the Labour/Tory council coalition should apologise to the people of Aberdeen. They have let local people down, and a golden opportunity for Aberdeen has been missed.

“The Council had an obligation to work with Sir Ian to ensure that the £50 million was used wisely to invest in positive change for the city centre – but they have squandered the chance, ignored a referendum vote by local people, and ended up with nothing for Aberdeen.”

Report on policing shows decrease in youth crime

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A report on the work of police forces across Scotland before they joined together to form Police Scotland suggests that confidence and satisfaction in police is high, detection rates are up and crime continued to fall sharply in 2012-13.

The Scottish Policing Performance Framework Annual Report, 2012-13 covers all aspects of policing in Scotland over the year to 31 March 2013. While the government admit that comparisons over time depend on the data available, they say that main findings show:

 

  • Detected youth crime is down by 52 per cent since 2008-09
  • Confidence in police is high and public satisfaction levels are at 84 per cent
  • Detection rates are up 3 percentage points since the report began in 2007-08
  • Police complaints are down 8.3 per cent since 2009-10
  • The number of 999 calls answered within 10 seconds are up 5 percentage points since 2007-08

 

Commenting on the report, Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill said:-“This report shows that police are continuing to exceed expectations while working hard to cut crime and keep our communities safe.

“Public confidence and satisfaction in police is high and the number of emergency calls answered promptly is continuing to rise, while detection rates are up and complaints are down. It is especially encouraging to see significant decreases in crimes which can have a negative impact on communities such as youth offending – down by over half since 2008-09.

“This is backed by the lowest rates of recorded crime in almost 40 years and over 1,000 extra officers in communities, coming at a time of the biggest changes to policing for a generation.

“I would like to thank the police service, including officers, staff and organisations for their continued dedication to keeping communities safe and for providing an even better service to our people while making efficiencies in the face of significant financial challenges we continue to face due to budget cuts imposed by Westminster. These are strong foundations for Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority to build on in the future.”

Vic Emery, Chair of the Scottish Police Authority, said:-“It was a top priority for the SPA to ensure that there was a smooth transition to the new police structures and this report adds to the weight of evidence that the public continued to receive a quality policing service through the merger. Our focus now is on the next phase of reforms. Scrutinising the results of how police time and resources are used is vital so that we can ensure that police priorities and performance are aligned, and that we continue to test the quality of policing outcomes against the necessary reductions in cost that must be made.”

Deputy Chief Constable Rose Fitzpatrick of Police Scotland said: -“We want communities to gain the maximum level of service and benefit from effective and efficient policing. That’s why Police Scotland has a robust focus on strong performance – to keep people safe.

“Through consultation across the country, Police Scotland has identified national and local priorities which recognise the differing needs and issue of communities across Scotland and we are committed to delivering on those priorities through the 14 Local Divisions.

“The service is already performing well at a national level in its first year, with violent crime down, and robust action against organised crime groups. This strong performance can also be seen at a local level, with reductions in anti-social behaviour and disorder.

“The performance framework enables us to be confident that each individual division is making good progress against those all those priorities and to report back to communities at a local level. This is a year of changing processes and new ways of working against a backdrop of financial savings, so the performance to date is encouraging.”

Top casinos… one is in Aberdeen…..

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geograph-2401681-by-Thomas-Nugent

Scotland’s Top casinos

Genting Casino, Leith

Described as less focused on glamour but also a friendly casino, particularly for novices, this guarantees the best night out in Leith. Friendly dealers are more than happy to chat to you and help you understand the games, so it doesn’t matter how experienced you are.

There’s a smart casual dress code and a very relaxed vibe. The usual table games, including poker, roulette and slots are on offer and there are also great seasonal promotions so if you’re visiting over Christmas or New Year you could be in for a treat.

If you’re heading to Scotland on holiday and you’d like to have a bit of gamble while you’re there then you’re in luck. Along with the fantastic scenery, varied and vibrant cities and all round excellent experience tourists have when they go to Bonnie Scotland, there are plenty of great casinos around as well.

Edinburgh Maybury Casino, Edinburgh

This is also a small casino but hugely popular with the locals. It offers a limited number, but high quality, slot machines and 12 live gaming tables, so there is plenty going on at all times. You can play poker, blackjack and roulette and there are cash tables for Texas hold ‘em which makes the casino popular with poker lovers. You can also enjoy playing or watching poker tournaments, which is always great fun. Slots are available from midday till 5am and the live games during the same timeframe and you can start playing cash poker at 8pm.

 

The Alea, Glasgow

This is owned by Caesars Entertainment and as you’d expect brings a touch of Vegas glamour to Scotland’s second city. It’s billed as an elegant, ultra modern casino and that’s exactly what it is. No seediness here, just glitz, glam and a great night out.

 

You can game every day of the week from 2 in the afternoon to 6 the next morning and there are plenty of bars and restaurants for when you need a break from the tables. Book out the VIP gaming room or just hit the main tables, whichever you prefer. There are also lots of different packages for parties if you want to book a very special stag do or hen night, for example.

 

A wide range of games including blackjack, poker and roulette means there’s something for everyone. Entry is free and you don’t have to become a member, so you can just go out if you wish – staff are friendly and a good time is promised!

 

Soul Casino, Aberdeen

This casino is on the small side, so is great if you just want to pop in for a few games of poker or you’re put off by large crowds or loud evenings. As well as a few slot machines there are all the classics like roulette and blackjack, however, the casino doesn’t offer cash games for poker so that’s something to bear in mind. If you are in Aberdeen, but you could always get your fix online at somewhere like Lucky Nugget Casino if you want to bet for money on poker. There are only 15 land based casinos in Scotland so it’s possible you might be out of range and this is where online casinos can come in very useful!

Photo of Maybury Casino
Creative Commons Licence [Some Rights Reserved]   © Copyright Thomas Nugent and
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Energy Minister raises renewables concern

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Minister raises grave concerns in letter to Ed Davey.

Scotland’s Energy Minister, Fergus Ewing, has warned that the UK Government’s Electricity Market Reform proposals could undermine Scotland’s renewables sector and supply chain, while threatening security of supply across the UK, and further price increases on consumers bills as a result.

In a letter to Secretary of State Ed Davey, Mr Ewing has highlighted the threat which the current proposals pose to Scotland and the UK’s shared renewables ambitions. This warning extends to concerns – also raised by Ofgem and the National Grid – about the ever tightening gap between maximum generating capacity and peak electricity demand across the UK, and the need to preserve thermal generation in Scotland to help keep the UK’s lights on.

Mr Ewing has also challenged Mr Davey to explain a last minute amendment to the UK Energy Bill that will remove the Scottish Government’s existing powers and discretion over support for renewable technologies across Scotland. The UK Government’s amendment is to be debated by the House of Lords on Monday November 4, 2013.

Mr Ewing said:

“We have examined the UK Government’s proposals carefully, discussing them in detail with the industry and other stakeholders. I believe beyond doubt that the current proposals risk failing Scotland and the UK in a number of vital areas, and present a huge risk to UK security of supply as well as to investor confidence and our low carbon ambitions.

“The Scottish Government will not support an outcome which sacrifices our renewable ambitions in preference to discredited, expensive and imported nuclear technology.

“Nor should thermal generation in Scotland – vital to maintaining grid stability here, and to providing security of supply across the UK – be placed at risk through a failure to take Scottish issues properly into account.

“Both Ofgem and National Grid have expressed deep concern regarding the risks that the UK faces both this winter and in the years ahead due to tightening capacity margins. It would be extremely unwise to ignore the vital and combined contribution of Scotland’s renewable and thermal generation to keeping the lights on across the UK.

“Unless serious and considered steps are taken to address these matters, and which supports investment in thermal generation across the whole of the UK, then the threat of blackouts will crystallise rapidly. The failure to secure a proper margin of capacity over peak demand will inevitably see further price rises on energy bills – resultant from UK energy policy failure over the past decade, as a result of the laws of supply and demand.

“We now know that the UK Government has also proposed a last ditch amendment to the Energy Bill, which will allow UK ministers to close the Renewables Obligation in Scotland. I find it extraordinary that the UK Government has chosen to act in this way, and to strip Scottish Ministers and the Scottish Parliament of their powers and discretion in an area of such vital importance.

“The UK Government has produced this amendment with no consultation or explanation. We are deeply concerned about this summary removal of the Scottish Government’s discretion in an area of such vital importance to our people and economy.

“As a matter of urgency the UK Government must provide a detailed justification for its action.”

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.”

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.”

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.