Tag Archives: local news

First Minister addresses AAM annual conference

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The First Minister today contrasted the Scottish Government’s “Welcome in Scotland” approach with the approach being taken by the UK government.

Nicola Sturgeon set out her determination to keep Scotland in the Single Market even if the rest of the UK leaves, following the Brexit vote.

The First Minister addressed 200 investors at Aberdeen Asset Management’s annual investment conference in London on the themes of growth, empowerment, and the importance of investing in an inclusive economy.

Ms Sturgeon said:

“Scotland voted very strongly to remain in the European Union – by 62% to 38%. Every local authority area in Scotland voted to retain EU membership.

“It is my job, and the job of the whole Scottish Government, to protect our vital national interests. We are currently exploring all options that will enable us to do that.

“More than anything else our long-term economic success will depend on nurturing the talent of those already in Scotland and of those who believe ours is the kind of welcoming country that allows ambition to flourish.

“That’s why I am so personally committed to reducing the attainment gap in Scotland’s schools. Education and skills will always be at the heart of how individuals’ fulfil their potential.

“We also believe freedom of movement helps to enhance and enrich our country. It creates opportunity for those born here and for those who move here.

“The position of the UK Government and some others is very different. From the refusal to guarantee the status of fellow EU nationals living in Scotland and the UK, to the threat to draw up lists of foreign workers, the UK Government seems intent on sending out a “not welcome here” message.

“I am determined that we send out a different message: one that says to all those living, working and studying in Scotland that they are most definitely welcome.

“We want to trade as freely as possible with our EU partners; to continue to welcome people from across the EU and around the world; to maintain ties which have enhanced our prosperity and enriched our society.

“And we want to ensure that Scotland remains an open, internationalist country. Our relationship with Europe has become part of Scotland’s sense of itself. So we will argue for an approach to Brexit which retains as much of that relationship as possible.”

You can read the whole speech here. 

Flybe reopening Aberdeen base next year

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Chief Commercial Officer of Flybe, Paul Simmons was at Bute House this morning to announce his good news along with the First Minister’s news about falling unemployment numbers in Scotland.

The airline which had to close down its operations has now found a way to increase routes from Scotland to London City and other regional airports in England. This means that four Bombardier Q400 aircraft will be based in Aberdeen to serve these routes.  The fourth aircraft will be used for a further shuttle route but they are keeping the details of that under wraps right now. It will be a UK route but the base allows the airline to connect to Scandinavia and other destinations.

Simmons was keen to point out that Flybe is now back in the black financially: “I am pleased to report that the success of the actions we were forced to take to return the airline to profitability and stimulate demand has brought us to the point where it now makes commercial sense to re-open our Aberdeen base. It is a testament to a year of recovery, turnaround and the ultimate re-birth of our airline.

“We are really delighted to be able to do this. It is good for the economy and good for Flybe. This is a long term venture for us and a strong new beginning. We are firmly wedded to Aberdeen and the rest of Scotland.”

The First Minister said: “I launched the new Flybe flight to London City last month with the Spirit of Aberdeen aircraft. These new aircraft have increased capacity as well as flying faster and the airline has already increased the number of flights from two to three. The reopening of Flybe’s Aberdeen base will mean 100 direct jobs for Aberdeen and it is extemely good news for Scottish connectivity to London. It establishes Flybe as Scotland’s main aviation partner. As a North Eastern MSP I welcome the news.”

As far as Air Passenger Duty is concerned the First Minister said that we want to have as much connectivity to London as possible, but that all of this would be assisted by devolution of APD which remains one of the Scottish Government’s main objectives.  The First Minister asserted that this would help relieve the congestion in the south east of England too.

Flybe reported strong results to the Stock Market this morning prior to the announcement.

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.