International space companies have won the opportunity to develop an ambitious project that will see Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) collaborate with the UK’s pioneering space sector to boost knowledge sharing, technology transfer, trade and investment on both sides. The ambitious venture will lay the foundations for a new “Space Channel” that has the wider potential to inspire further UK international space collaboration across the region.

UK-headquartered AstroAgency has partnered with Dubai-based counterparts, AzurX, to spearhead a programme aimed at harnessing the UK’s world-leading Earth Observation (EO) expertise – the gathering of information about the planet from space.

Secured through the UK Space Agency’s International Bilateral Fund (IBF), the firms have been awarded £75,000 after proposing EO, data and analytics solutions that include water resources management, urbanisation and infrastructure planning, monitoring carbon credit allocation to support ESG initiatives, oil and gas leak detection, and natural disaster monitoring.     

The UK Space Agency is committed to developing a strong partnership with the Middle Eastern countries with the prospect of a burgeoning market appealing to local space firms.

Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency said,“Working with other space agencies and organisations across the globe through our International Bilateral Fund allows us to draw on skills that enhance our homegrown expertise and capabilities, drive up investment in the UK, and support world-class science and discovery.

“AstroAgency’s work on Earth observation data analytics with partners in the Middle East Projects highlights the many ways in which we can collaborate with the global space community to help humanity push the boundaries of space innovation and unlock commercial opportunities that will benefit our economy now and in the future.”

Space based Earth Observation is an area in which UK companies have considerable expertise, notably around supporting sustainability and the transition towards net zero, and can be a key driver in strengthening the UK space sector’s partnerships with the strategic and emerging space nations of the UAE and Bahrain, at the core of the IBF.

The project aims to develop new initiatives to harness EO, AI and machine learning capabilities with Bahrain and UAE, so that they can benefit from working with the UK’s fast-growing space sector. A potential outcome could see the partners secure up to £1.5 million to implement the developed concept with match funding potential from the Gulf.         

Daniel Smith, founder of AstroAgency, stated, “The UK Space Agency’s IBF initiative represents an incredibly exciting opportunity for international space sector collaboration. Our project will showcase the UK’s impressive Earth Observation capabilities to new markets, promoting commercialisation opportunities, sharing knowledge on all sides and supporting the protection of the environment. As a company already promoting the role of space in unlocking a more sustainable future across multiple countries, we couldn’t be more excited to drive this forward.”

AstroAgency and AzurX have collaborated previously to build new relationships between the regions, with the companies completing contracts to support a Scottish Development International delegation of space companies to take part in the UK Pavilion’s Space Week during Expo2020 in Dubai, providing programming and content for ‘Space Day’ in the UK Pavilion.

That event also saw the launch of Scotland’s inaugural space strategy, co-authored by Smith, aligned with the UK’s National Space Strategy. Together the two firms represent close to sixty of the biggest names in space, including Blue Origin, Spire Global, the UK Space Agency, Euroconsult and ClearSpace. With this newly announced project supported by the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) in Dubai and National Space Science Agency of Bahrain (NSSA), the two firms’ impressive list of global connections is further enhanced.

Anna Hazlett, founder of AzurX, added: “The UAE has one of the fastest growing space programmes in the world whilst Bahrain’s space programme is quickly unfolding, this international collaboration offers an opportunity for UK space companies to enter and service the GCC region,whilst creating strong international trade and investment ties for years to come.”

As one of its economic drivers to diversify its economy; the UAE intends to invest up to £800 million in its space capabilities, as it looks forward to developing a close relationship with space companies across the UK.

Adnan AlRais, Assistant DG – Space Operations and Exploration Sector, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre said: “We are immensely proud to embark on this international collaboration, which signifies a monumental leap for the space industry. Partnering with Bahrain and the UK to drive innovation and development in space technology is a distinguished honour for the UAE. As we unite our resources, knowledge, and innovative capacities, we are setting the stage for a transformative trajectory in space innovation. This endeavour is not just about the immediate outcomes but the strategic blueprint it lays for the future of space exploration and commercialisation. We are confident in the potential of this project and eagerly await the pioneering milestones it promises to achieve.”

The Director General of MBRSC, His Excellency Salem Al Marri reiterated he stands committed to supporting collaborations between UAE-based specialists like AzurX, and other country specialists, acknowledging that working together can yield highly effective contributions to the global space community. Reaffirming the future of space exploration and research hinges on efforts such as this.

A Statement from The National Space Science Agency from the Kingdom of Bahrain highlighted the organisation’s delight at working with AzurX and AstroAgency on the UK Space Agency initiative. It added: “The project, which is focusing on Earth Observation and Data Analytics, aims in its first phase to investigate the national priorities of Kingdom of Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, then matching it with the United Kingdoms’ capabilities in the field of monitoring and attempting to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the Gulf region. We believe that having Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre from the UAE as a regional partner is an excellent opportunity to serve the regions’ needs and further strengthen the international partnership and collaboration in the space sector between the three participating countries.”

During 2021’s World Satellite Business Week, AstroAgency and AzurX announced an MOU to seek new opportunities to bring the UK together with the UAE. The IBF initiative strengthens the partners track record of working on projects that have focused on international knowledge sharing, raising awareness of the benefits of space technology to Earth’s environments and the exploration of trade and inward investment opportunities. The current phase of the project will end in November.

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A RENOWNED accountancy programme that can put a young candidate without a university background on the path to becoming a fully-fledged accountant is celebrating its fifth year.

Douglas Home & Co’s Professional Development Programme has so far helped nine young accountants from Hawick to Edinburgh forge a career in the industry.

The programme has now welcomed its sixth generation of trainee accountants and has been praised for giving young people their start in the accountancy sector, especially those who don’t feel that higher education is a path that suits them.

Since its establishment in 2018, all nine traineeship graduates have worked across various teams in the firm while undertaking further professional qualifications with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT).

Jake Kerr, one of Douglas & Co’s former trainees who now works in the firm’s Accounts Department said: “Upon leaving school, I was really unsure of what career path I planned to pursue but joining the traineeship scheme was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made – it made sense right away.

“I’ll likely be qualified at a similar time than if I had opted to go into further education but this way I’ve been able to earn and get really important workplace experience, which I’m confident will stand me in great stead.

“From the get-go, I was given all the right tools to learn the new trade and have been supported with advice and learnings ever since. The programme has given me an excellent foundation to grow into the industry and get fully qualified.”

The programme has been plauded for presenting trainees with the opportunity to embark on the first step on the accountancy career ladder, providing training in VAT and Bookkeeping, Account Preparation, and Tax Returns.

Another ex-trainee, Jody Cree was one of the first to go through DH&Co’s Professional Development programme. She has since risen through the ranks, now applying her expertise in the firm’s Trust and Estate compliance team.

Jody said: “I’m very grateful that Douglas Home & Co gave me the opportunity to be a part of their first trainee programme, I’ve never looked back.

“I’m personally very happy I took this route as opposed to further education. I’ve been able to learn new skills at my own pace and create bonds with the brilliant team here at Douglas Home & Co – it has been a brilliant experience so far.”

Applicants to the scheme are expected to be educated to National 5 or Higher level, but there is no requirement for higher education experience or qualifications. The scheme has supported on average two trainees per year since its inception.

Twoof the current company directors rose through the ranks in Douglas Home & Co, having started out as juniors in the firm.Darren Thomson and Sheryl Macaulay are both now Directors at Douglas Home & Co, carrying out their training while working at the company.

Sheryl, who joined as a junior at the firm in 2002, said: “I know first-hand the benefits of training in-house; it opens so much opportunity for daily learnings and provides an incredible support system and career stepping stone. It offered me an important career route into financial services without completing a degree.

“We’re very pleased that the Professional Development Programme continues to go from strength to strength as it celebrates its fifth anniversary this year, it’s rewarding to watch a breadth of young talent come through the system and add fresh-thinking to the firm.

“As we expand further, it’s important that we keep offering young adults these opportunities. The scheme embodies our belief in nurturing local talent, which is at the core of the Douglas Home & Co’s culture.”

As well as the Professional Development Programme, Douglas Home & Co also takes on Graduate Trainees, who gain professional qualifications with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) through an alternative professional development pathway.

Douglas Home & Co was founded in the 1983 in the Scottish Borders, where it remains headquartered. The firm has since expanded to set up offices in Edinburgh, East Lothian, Cumbria, and Northumberland. It prides itself on being a fast growing, forward thinking, local company which provides excellent career prospects.

To find out more about Douglas Home & Co, visit: https://www.douglashomeandco.co.uk/

To apply to the Professional Development Programme, visit: https://www.douglashomeandco.co.uk/careers/

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MACKIE’S of Scotland scooped up an impressive 37% increase in export sales for its luxury ice cream during the last financial year.

The family-run business saw its highest ever international sales in 2022/23 with export revenue hitting £2.8m, up from £2.05m in 2021/22.

Currently, the Aberdeenshire farm exports to 13 countries around the world including the USA and the Gulf States of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain and Dubai.

However, Mackie’s enjoys its strongest showing in east Asia: with Taiwan, South Korea, China, Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan amounting to 95% of its total export sales.

Taiwan sits atop the rest, taking the title as Mackie’s largest overseas customer. Last year, Consumers in Taiwan alone purchased over one million of Mackie’s Traditional tubs, which if laid in a straight line would stretch from Mackie’s Aberdeenshire farm to Edinburgh.

Managing Director of Mackie’s of Scotland, Stuart Common, said: “Since we first started exporting to a handful of family run ice cream parlours in Seoul in 2002 for the FIFA World Cup hosted in South Korea, we have seen steady growth in overseas demand for our products.”

“The quality and consistency of Scottish food and drink products generally has helped create a “Made in Scotland” brand in and of itself, which has found strong support from consumers across the world.

“This most recent burst in export sales comes as countries and international supply chains begin to recover from the pandemic, and consumers are eager to taste and try foods they have not necessarily had access to for some time.

“To bolster this, Mackie’s have widened the scope of products which we offer to our overseas customers – providing them with new flavours like our Honeycomb, which they might not have in their national markets.

“This has resulted in a terrific uplift in sales worldwide and our partnerships with our international distributors has never been stronger. We’re optimistic that this trend will continue over the years to come, as Mackie’s and Scottish food and drink both further cement their place in international consumer’s minds as simple, consistent and of the highest quality.”

The family-run brand’s biggest seller abroad is its Traditional ice cream tub, followed by its Honeycomb flavoured ice cream.

Stuart added: “Our ambition is always to grow, while still delivering quality to our consumers, and we are working on creating new relationships with distributors to reach more customers around the world.

“We have set ourselves challenging targets for the upcoming year to maintain this upward trajectory and are looking forward to sharing Mackie’s with more ice cream lovers around the world.”

The exports success follows a flurry of new listings within the UK with the brand securing its Honeycomb ice cream tubs in 245 Waitrose stores in a deal anticipated to be worth around £500,000 in retail sales.

Mackie’s has also secured a renewal in its UK-wide Sainsbury’s listing, with its Honeycomb flavoured ice cream being sold in over 500 stores around England and Wales.

This, combined with its decision to resist price increases, has led to Mackie’s adding half a million customers across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland to its significant existing share in Scotland, where it occupies over 20% of the ice cream market.

As well as being the largest independently owned ice cream manufacturer in the UK, Mackie’s is one of the UK’s top ice cream brands, with its one litre Traditional tub among the best-selling premium ice cream products in the UK.

The company produces all its ice cream using fresh milk and cream from the dairy herd at its fifth-generation family farm, Westertown, near Inverurie in Aberdeenshire.

To find out more about Mackie’s of Scotland, please visit: www.mackies.co.uk

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A CHARITY with ambitious plans to create a flagship £28 million complex-needs facility has signed an exclusivity agreement for land at Bertha Park Village, delivered by leading home builder, Springfield.

Disability charity, Capability Scotland, has moved a step closer in building its new Bertha Park facility, replacing the existing Upper Springland development in Perth.

The agreement sets out a joint responsibility to negotiate a development plan to construct the facility.

It marks a key milestone in the venture – which has been named Our Inclusive Community Project (OICP). The development will look beyond simply building new housing but will develop facilities and initiatives that give residents and wider service users greater opportunities to participate and flourish as part of a growing, new community.

Springfield– which recently became the first UK housebuilder to complete the Next Generation Core Sustainability Benchmarking Initiative – has grand ambitions for the site.

Innes Smith Springfield Chief Executive, said: “Our vision for Bertha Park has always been to include everything a community needs to thrive. It is already home to around 500 houses, across a range of tenures, a Microsoft flagship high school, a local shop and destination playpark. The village has been recognised for a prestigious national sustainability award and has been named the best development in Scotland.

“Now, working with the great team at Capability Scotland, it’s our shared plan to introduce one of the most sophisticated care sites in the entire country to the Bertha Park community.

“Already we have had a number of ideas for the care facility, and we hope to secure an agreement very soon to take this project to the next step.”

It’s hoped that once a development plan has been successfully negotiated, ownership of the site will transfer to Capability Scotland upon handover of the completed site by Springfield.

The partnership aims to submit a planning application to the local council by the end of this year.

Brian Logan, Capability Scotland Chief Executive, said: “Agreeing to sign this land exclusivity agreement is a significant milestone in making OICP at Bertha Park a reality for Capability Scotland and the people we support.

“There is much work ahead of us as we move towards a detailed planning application, but it is great to have this piece of the jigsaw in place.

“Such opportunities to develop services and facilities from a blank canvas are rare, and we look forward to the next steps, working with the people we support, their families, our colleagues and our strategic partners to bring about an exemplar facility which will deliver first-class care and support for disabled people.”

Residents from Capability Scotland’s existing facility at Upper Springland – all of whom will be relocated to the new site at Bertha Park – attended workshops alongside family members, staff and the wider community to co-produce how the facility will look, and what it will offer to its service users.

Aside from integrating disabled people into their local communities, other strong concepts identified in the workshops included: accessibility, greater deployment of assistive technologies to enhance people’s lives, more training and staff development, creating useable outdoor spaces and the importance of good natural light, air quality and temperature.

Renowned Scottish architects Anderson Bell + Christie launched their vision for Bertha Park last month, sharing the progress made to date and unveiling the masterplan for the exciting new facility.

The Upper Springland campus, on Isla Road, has three registered care homes and offers residential and respite care to 60 adults with physical disabilities and learning disabilities. There is also a day service – as well as a hydrotherapy pool, theatre and walled gardens.

Located just over four miles from Upper Springland, Bertha Park is a major expansion of Perth, with new homes, community facilities, workplaces, landscaped open ground and integrated infrastructure including footpaths and cycle routes.

Capability Scotland is a charity delivering care, support, and education for disabled children and adults across Scotland. It has a range of facilities and services across the country which helps its customers achieve the best outcomes in their lives, no matter their needs.

Springfield recently picked up two accolades at The WhatHouse? Awards for its flagship villages in Perth and Dundee.

For more information on OICP, visit: https://oicp.capability.scot/

For more information on Capability Scotland, visit: https://www.capability.scot/

For more information on Springfield, visit: https://www.springfield.co.uk/

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Vital funding given to charity and college as part of water saving projects

GLASGOW Kelvin College and charity Glasgow Life have benefitted from a donation by one of the UK’s largest water retailers to help fund their water efficiency projects.

The charity has received a share of £7,000 to implement urinal control upgrades across various sites, while the college has been awarded £3,500 to conduct a water efficiency audit and update its water saving devices, promoting environmental and financial savings.

Edinburgh-based Business Stream set up its annual Public Sector Scotland (PSS) Water Efficiency Fund to help institutions such as councils, schools and charities all around the country.

The Glasgow firms are set to benefit from up to 20% of the overall fund from Business Stream – which is donating a total of £50,000 to likeminded ventures.

In addition to providing funding, Business Stream will also support the delivery of each project.

Chief Executive of Business Stream, Jo Dow said: “It’s important to us that we do everything we can to help organisations become more water efficient. We’re delighted that our fund is supporting the public sector throughout Scotland to generate environmental and financial savings for the fourth year running.

“Our fund provides an opportunity for forward thinking organisations to implement steps that will directly benefit their bottom line and support their sustainability goals.”

The fund allocation process was overseen by a judging panel comprising of representatives from Business Stream, the Advanced Procurement for Universities and Colleges (APUC), public sector bodies and Scottish Procurement.

A representative from Glasgow Life, said: “As a responsible organisation, we’re passionate about finding ways to operate more sustainably. This funding and the support from Business Stream to deliver the upgrade will help us to achieve this goal”.

Funding has also been awarded to South Lanarkshire College to invest in water saving devices and a rainwater harvesting apparatus. Midlothian Council has received funding to replace taps within two primary schools.

Scottish Fire and Rescue has been awarded funding for a water efficiency audit across nine stations, and East Ayrshire Council is hoping the investment will improve its urinal flow facilities.

Business Stream recently announced it had saved Scotland’s public sector a record £2.85million over the course of the last year, taking total savings over three years to £6.4million. As a result of the retailer’s activities, the sector has also saved more than 1.365 billion litres of water over the past year, equivalent to the volume of 546 Olympic swimming pools.

Headquartered in Edinburgh, with a presence in Worthing, West Sussex and in Bradford, West Yorkshire, Business Stream is guided by its ambitious vision to make a positive difference (MAPD) to its customers, its people, the environment and local communities.

Since launching that vision in 2019, the UK’s second largest water retailer has introduced more than 30 initiatives, several of which have contributed to its latest reduction of 50% in carbon emissions over the past year.

While the company achieved a 25% reduction in 2021-22, the 2022-23 figure, which has been externally verified, is a significant step toward Business Stream becoming net zero by 2030 – well ahead of the Scottish Government’s 2045 target.

In recognition of its efforts to operate as a responsible business, the retailer was awarded a Gold rating by global sustainability assessors, EcoVadis, in November 2022, placing it within the top 5% of companies measured across four key sustainability areas – the environment, sustainable procurement, labour and working conditions and ethics.

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FROM trainee to Director of Customer Experience, Tracey Howatt looks back on a career spanning almost four decades as part of Scottish Housing Day celebrations.

Beginning her career with Bield at the age of 17, Tracey has amassed an impressive 37 years with the housing and care provider.

Joining the organisation as a housing trainee in 1986, her vast experience covers all aspects of supporting applicants and tenants, from Housing Officer to Housing Services Manager for regions across Scotland.

Appointed as Director of Customer Experience in early 2022, Tracey is now responsible for implementing Bield’s customer portal, as part of their digital strategy, as well as working with communities to transform how the 5000+ tenants interact with and access Bield’s services.

Tracey said: “This year’s theme for Scottish Housing Day is celebrating housing as a career, and I know first-hand how rewarding that can be. Working at Bield has given me so many fantastic opportunities for personal and professional growth.

“When I joined Bield after leaving high school, I didn’t know what to expect. I had the choice between a trainee role in support services or housing, choosing housing is a decision I’ve not regretted.

“I’ve helped hundreds of people across Scotland access suitable housing, there is nothing better than the joy on people’s faces when you’ve helped someone to find housing which can allow them to live the life they want.”

The Edinburgh based charity facilitates independent living with around 180 developments across Scotland. In her time as Housing Services Manager, Tracey worked with developments in Fife, Tayside, Stirling, Falkirk, Edinburgh, Lothian, the Borders and North and South Lanarkshire.

Tracey continued: “Working with tenants is, and always has been, my favourite part of my job. Listening to how our services impact their lives is vital to ensuring we provide the best possible experience.

“Bield has transformed significantly since I first joined. In the 90s we implemented Bield’s first computerised system, which was so new and exciting back then.

“Now we’re working to launch our new online customer portal, My Bield, and using innovative technology in our digital hub in Linlithgow.”

Last year, Bield secured £75k of funding from the Technology for our Ageing Population: Panel for Innovation (TAPPI) project which aims to improve the way technology is used in housing and care for older people. Bield has used some of this funding to open the digital hub at its West Port development.

Dr Lynne Douglas, CEO at Bield, added: “Tracey has been an indispensable member of the Bield team for years and it is no surprise that she has risen through the ranks and is continuing to innovate and add value to us as an organisation.

“We truly believe in providing opportunities for our colleagues to develop their personal and professional skills.

“A career in housing is so rewarding, and has a positive impact on so many people; Tracey is living proof of that. She has played a pivotal role in delivering a number of exciting projects, and we’re excited to see what the future brings.”

Scottish Housing Day is celebrated across Scotland on 13 September, and this year celebrates housing as a career, raising awareness of the different routes into the sector and why it is such an impactful profession.

Bield is a registered charity dedicated to providing flexible and high-quality housing solutions and support for older people. Bield Housing and Care is one of the largest housing and support providers in Scotland, has around 180 developments.

To find out more about Bield and its developments, visit https://www.bield.co.uk/ or follow on Facebook @bieldhousingandcare and Twitter @BieldScotland

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ONE of Scotland’s largest centres of performing arts is putting its best foot forward as it ushers in the new era of students with the opening of its brand new campus.

The newly renovated 30,000 sq ft campus in Livingston marks a significant expansion for the MGA Academy of Performing Arts.

This expansion will enable the academy to triple its student enrolment and broaden its educational offerings to include 11 BA degrees and two post-graduate Master’s degrees, while also providing accommodations for 18 state-of-the-art studios.

The new campus, based in the former tax office in Almondvale, Livingston, received a multi-million pound investment and will feature one of Scotland’s largest sprung dance floor which spans 347 sq ft.

Established in 2015 to address a demand for an innovative performing arts academy outside of London, MGA has produced a wealth of talented graduates who have appeared on stage and screen in major productions, including Disney’s Descendants, Wicked, Gossip Girl, Six! The Musical, Outlander and Frozen.

Giles Auckland Lewis, Chief Executive of The MGA Academy, said: “It’s a very exciting time for the academy as we open the doors of our brand new campus. There has been a great buzz with new and returning students as they explore all the exceptional facilities.”

“Being part of this chapter of the academy’s story has been incredibly rewarding, and as we’re now located almost exactly half way between Edinburgh and Glasgow it’s much more convenient for students and staff.

“We’ve worked hard to ensure the new campus can offer our talented students the opportunity to advance their skills in singing, dance and acting and achieve their full potential within the industry.”

Included in the new campus is seven rehearsal studios for acting and musical theatre, seven fully sprung dance studios, four singing rooms and a TV production suite. Other features include a student welfare and physiotherapy room, a learning resource centre and library, IT suites, study areas and a cafe and social areas, as well as 130 parking spaces.

The MGA Academy’s Balgreen campus will continue to be an integral part of the academy’s facilities, serving as a central hub for junior age groups.

Mr Auckland-Lewis added: “The new campus in Livingston is truly state of the art, we’re in a great position to continue to develop our reputation as a leading international competitor to the world’s most successful arts education institutions.

“The platform we’re providing for aspiring performers allows them to remain in Scotland while studying at a level equivalent to other prestigious UK colleges. We also now have the ability to attract even more students and world class tutors from across the world.”

The MGA Academy is approved by the Scottish Qualifications Agency, the Imperial Society for the Teachers of Dance, and is Scotland’s only fully accredited college with the UK’s Council for Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre.

Learn more about The MGA Academy and how to enrol for courses here: https://www.themgaacademy.com/

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Climate Action Strathaven (CAS) first launched its bus service in October 2022 after concerns of poor transport links isolating elderly community members and impacting student’s university commute.

The service in 2022 received £19,500 in Grant Funding from renewables firm Banks Renewables and £21,500 from the national walking charity Paths for All’s Smarter Choices, Smarter Places (SCSP) Open Fund. The 3C bus service has expanded to offer twice as many services between Strathaven, Stonehouse & Glasgow.

The bus service travels between Strathaven in South Lanarkshire to Glasgow and has seen around 42,000 tickets issued from the 10th October 2022 to the end of June 2023. It is estimated that the buses have saved 510,000 car miles taking approximately 235 tonnes of C02 off the road.

Alison Harley, Programme Manager for Climate Action Strathaven said: “The impact the bus service has had on our community cannot be understated, it has been genuinely transformative.

“There has been a need for this service for a very long time in South Lanarkshire and we are really pleased we were not only able to set up a bus service but now be in the position to expand.”

“We’ve extended our service’s timetables in direct response to local demand. Before the bus, young people studying in Glasgow couldn’t get public transport to classes and some elderly people were really struggling with loneliness and a lack of independence – we’re certain the bus service has supported people in those tough circumstances.

“Like everything we do at Climate Action Strathaven, a massive element of this project is to cut emissions, promoting active travel in the area. Those values align perfectly with Banks Renewables and Paths for All, so we’re over the moon to be getting such important support from them both.”

Until the bus service, Strathaven students studying in Glasgow could not get public transport, a lot of which were forced to find accommodation in Scotland’s biggest city – adding financial pressures to themselves and their families.

Climate Action Strathaven is a community led climate action group who look to raise awareness about the climate crisis as well as creating a more sustainable future for the people of Strathaven.

The project was supported by national walking charity Paths for All which aims to give everyone the opportunity to walk to create a happier, healthier, greener Scotland.

Graham McQueen, Manager of the Smarter Choices, Smarter Places programme at Paths For All said: “Climate Action Strathaven have gone from strength to strength since the launch of their bus service and it is clear there is a demand for more accessible and sustainable modes of travel. The bus service is a lifeline to their local community. “Supporting communities through initiatives like the bus service is crucial to helping people thrive, especially in rural areas. We are delighted to support them throughout this journey.”

The project received funding through Banks Renewables’ Kype Muir Community Fund (KMCP), which was set up to provide financial assistance to community groups, voluntary organisations and communities local to the areas surrounding its Kype Muir wind project.

Robin Winstanley, sustainability, and external affairs manager at Banks Renewables said: “It’s really encouraging to see how much of an impact the bus service has had on the community of Strathaven, and we’re all delighted to hear that it’s been such a success.

“The bus project is a great example of what our funding grants are aiming to achieve, which is to invest in local communities to help them build and improve on vital services, creating better communities.”

For additional information about Climate Action Strathaven, please visit: https://castrathaven.org/

For more information on Paths for All, please visit https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/

To find out more about Banks Renewables, please visit https://www.banksgroup.co.uk/renewables/

To find out more about the SCSP Open Fund, please visit https://www.pathsforall.org.uk/active-travel/scsp/open-fund

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A WORLD-RENOWNED ingredients manufacturer is celebrating its longest-serving staff member reaching 40 years of service at the company.

Joining straight from university, Elaine Marshall has gone on to create some of Macphie’s famous sauces and has been pivotal in the firm’s evolution for four decades.

A Home Economics graduate, Elaine has played a crucial role developing the firm’s sauce range, developing expertise in new product development (NPD) and ultra-high temperature (UHT) processing.

The Banff-local started off in the firm’s Quality Control department and has since led on the creation of some of Macphie’s most popular sauces like its Bechamel with Butter sauce – more than 1,300 tonnes of which is sold by Macphie per year.

Elaine, who is a Product Designer at the major food firm, said: “I honestly never thought I’d be at Macphie for 40 years, so to have reached this milestone is a bit crazy. It really is an incredible place to work and every day has offered its own rewards and challenges.

“I had initially planned to go into teaching after university, but at that time there was a shortage of roles. I accepted a role at Macphie, thinking it would be for a few years but 40 years later, I am still here, and love it.

“Originally, I was working with a Bunsen burner and a wooden spoon which has now become a whole development branch. Around 30 years ago we had a UHT plant installed, which was a first of its kind at the time and really changed the company’s trajectory.

“From the get go, Macphie has been an employer with such strong family values and ultimately that’s why so many staff are committed to their roles. It really is a unique, rewarding place to work and I’m very lucky to have spent my career here.”

As well as playing a key role in developing recipes for Bechamel and Hollandaise sauces, Elaine has spent time in Macphie’s commercial team, driving growth through its sales channels with major restaurant chains.

When Elaine first started at Macphie, there were around 60 employees – there are now 250.

The firm is known for its commitment to its employees, setting up an Employee Trust 40 years ago which is used to better the lives of employees and their families – supporting with everything from student bursaries to leisure subsidy schemes.

The 40-year celebrations come at a poignant time for Macphie – which is also celebrating 50 years at its Glenbervie base in Aberdeenshire after moving its operations from Glasgow.

Andy Stapley, Macphie’s CEO said: “Elaine has played a significant part in some of Macphie’s top products, so we’re very lucky to have her here at Glenbervie. It is most definitely a year of milestones at Macphie and its important for us to look back on the successes of staff and the wider business.

“Committed, talented staff like Elaine are at the heart of all of Macphie’s success. We pride ourselves on creating a positive staff environment where people can be proud of their work.”

Macphie is an internationally renowned ingredients manufacturer established in 1928, which manufactures a wide range of products including cake mixes and savoury sauces, as well as offering plant-based and gluten-free options.

It was among Scotland’s first businesses to achieve B Corp status in 2015, having successfully evidenced an unwaveringly high standard of social and environmental performance.

Its vision is to be the go-to partner for food brands around the world, turning ideas and creativity into practical solutions. Its passion for making life easier for chefs and bakers is reflected in its “simply clever” strapline.

To find out more about Macphie, please visit: https://www.macphie.com/

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ONE of Scotland’s most luxurious care homes will open its doors to the public this week with an exclusive tour around its facilities.

Located in north Edinburgh, Cramond Residence is offering people the chance to view its high-end care home on Friday 15 September from 3pm.

Fronted by a guided tour, guests will able be able to enjoy home baking and a ‘cuppa’ as they learn more about the benefits of the home; from its care package offerings to its bespoke digital care systems – ensuring that all residents have their individual needs met.

Client Liaison Manager Christian Daraio said: “This Open Day offers a unique opportunity for individuals and families to explore the top-notch care and facilities offered by the residence.

“If you or a loved one are considering residential, respite, or recuperative care, the Cramond Residence Open Day is a must-attend event.

“Visitors can expect to immerse themselves in the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the residence, enjoying a cup of tea and sampling delightful home baking, while also having the chance to ask any questions they might have.

“This event also provides a chance to meet the dedicated team as well as engage in conversations with our current residents.”

Cramond Residence is divided into nine individual homes, each named after an area of Edinburgh, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among residents.

With private dining and living rooms in each home, socialising and forming lasting connections are a natural part of life at Cramond Residence.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the main communal areas, including a spacious dining rooms, a well-stocked library, a private ‘fine dining’ room, a cinema, a physiotherapy area, and a hairdressing salon.

Additionally, Cramond Residence offers cutting-edge facilities, such as high-tech therapy baths, to cater to the diverse needs of its residents.

The stunning gardens and summer house also invite attendees to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Cramond Residence is proud of its commitment to providing a high quality of life to its residents and invites the community to witness it firsthand. There is no need to book in advance; simply come along on the day.

For further information about Cramond Residence, call 0131 336 1064 or visit the care home’s website at cramondresidence.co.uk.

To get in touch directly, please email enquiries@cramondresidence.co.uk.

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