Tag Archives: Aberdeen

Commonwealth Water Polo Championships this week

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THOUSANDS SET TO FLOCK TO WORLD CLASS AQUATICS CENTRE FOR
COMMONWEALTH LAUNCH EVENT

Prior to the public opening on 5 May, Aberdeen Sports Village (ASV) is hosting the third Commonwealth Water Polo Championships at the newly completed £22million, world-class Aquatics Centre this week.

The event is sponsored by BP and Waterfly, and supported by Aberdeen Sports Village, Aberdeen City Council, Homecoming Scotland, Commonwealth Games Scotland, Scottish Swimming and British Swimming.

The competition, running from tomorrow until 12 April, marks the inaugural event at the first-class facility, and is predicted to draw more than 7,000 visitors across the eight days.

David Beattie, Chief Executive of ASV said: “We are thrilled the Aquatics Centre is complete and are delighted that we are able to host such a high profile competition as our first event. It will truly showcase our ability to accommodate such a prestigious occasion, and a great chance for the people of the North East to enjoy a Commonwealth Games Federation endorsed event in the heart of the city.”

“ASV has worked closely with all partners during each phase of the building process and securing high calibre competitions such as this goes to highlight the capabilities of the Centre. The Centre will prove to be a fantastic facility for the people of the North East, and we look forward to attracting many more international competitions.”

Forbes Dunlop, CEO of Scottish Swimming, said: “Scottish Swimming, as the governing body for all aquatic sports in Scotland, is looking forward to welcoming eight Commonwealth Nations to this world-class facility in Aberdeen. We are delighted that the event has the full endorsement from the Commonwealth Games Federation and Commonwealth Games Scotland. Commonwealth Games Scotland support also includes investment towards the cost of the event.”

As part of the Homecoming 2014 celebrations the competition will also be streamed live on 11 and 12 April at the Scottish Swimming website and will feature the eight challenging nations. Seven men’s and five women’s teams will compete at the new Aquatics Centre ahead of its official public opening on 5 May 2014.

Mr Beattie continued: “The Aquatics Centre will officially open in a month’s time, which gives us the opportunity to go through the snagging phase, commonplace in every new development. During this period we will be working hard to ensure staff are trained to the highest standard, and carry out further test events to guarantee the Centre is 100% ready for the eager public to enjoy the impressive facilities early next month.”

The Aquatics Centre will be one of only two Olympic standard aquatics facilities in Scotland, making it a real asset to the people of Aberdeen and the North East.

The Championships follow the successful events held in Manchester in 2002 and Perth, Australia in 2006. Scotland, England, Wales, South Africa, Singapore, New Zealand and Malta will be represented in the men’s competition, while the women’s competition will welcome Scotland, Canada, England, Wales and South Africa.

Scottish water polo player Mark Speed, part of the 13 player-strong Scottish Men’s Team competing is looking forward to such a high-profile event to accelerate the development of water polo in Scotland.

Mark said: “With the Commonwealth Games only four months away, the excitement and buzz around these Championships is fantastic. Being the first to experience and compete in such a world class facility as the Aquatics Centre is a fantastic honour. It really is an Olympic standard facility, and is a great addition to the city.”

Ken Fussell, Chair of Scottish Water Polo and Championship Director said: “This is a tremendous boost for the sport in Scotland, showcasing some of the world’s best water polo players. The Aquatics Centre is a fantastic centre of excellence, and will help hone the impressive local talent to reach their true potential.

“All stakeholders have invested significantly in these Championships and we’re delighted with the fantastic interest from the public to be part of such an exciting event. It truly is a milestone in further establishing the sport in the Commonwealth Games programme in the future.”

Remaining tickets can still be reserved here, where the tickets for the finals on 12 March can be purchased for £5/£3. More information about the event can be found on the Scottish Swimming website and the event can also be followed on social media with the hashtag #cwpc2014.

Aberdeen firm fined for health and safety breach

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An Aberdeen-based demolition firm has been fined for safety failings after a worker was seriously injured by falling cast iron guttering.

Valentin Taljanov, 61, broke his right arm, seven ribs, and a vertebra; punctured his lung and cut his head in the incident at disused buildings at Aberdeen Harbour on 16 July 2009.

His employer, Lawrie [Demolition] Limited, was prosecuted after an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Crown Office Health and Safety Division.

Peterhead Sheriff Court heard that Mr Taljanov, along with colleagues, was working in the vicinity of a substantial piece of cast iron guttering that had been left unsupported for two days at roof height during the demolition of old offices and warehousing at the former Craig Group Buildings at the harbour. Mr Taljanov was moving roofing materials from a platform onto the ground when the guttering gave way and struck him.

After the event one witness expressed surprise that the guttering had stayed up as long as it did.

The HSE investigation found that Lawrie [Demolition] Limited failed to put in place a suitable system to identify hazards that might arise as works progressed, and failed to adequately plan and implement exclusion zones in areas where materials could fall.

Lawrie [Demolition] Limited, of Rigifa, Cove, Aberdeen, was fined £40,000 after pleading guilty to breaching Regulation 29 of The Construction [Design and Management] Regulations 2007. Following the case, HSE Inspector Liz Hunter, said:

“This incident was wholly preventable by taking down the guttering in one go and it was probably only Mr Taljanov’s hard hat that prevented him from being killed.

“Lawrie (Demolition) Limited failed to review the constantly changing risks that are created during demolition work. Exclusion zones were not enforced to keep staff out of areas where materials could fall, despite there being two supervisors on site and regular site visits by management. I want demolition firms to learn from this incident. There is no room for complacency and regular risk reviews are essential for site safety.”

Lawrie [Demolition] Limited are part of the Leiths Group that operates quarries, road re-surfacing and plant hire companies in the north east of Scotland.

For more information about safe construction work visit this website.

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
licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

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.