Thanks to £188,000 of funding from Innovate UK, Omnitool are now working with the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) to implement a new upgrade that will boost production and aid expansion into new markets.

Irvine-based Omnitool provide precision engineering services to oil, gas, renewable and nuclear centres across the country.

The business hopes that its new digital upgrade will see machine idle time cut in half, with production capacity increased by 10%.

Family run since 2005, Omnitool hope that by boosting its production capacity the company will be able to expand into new markets, create new jobs and reduce emissions.

The digital upgrade will see Omnitool implement offline programming techniques and train employees on coding skills.

Omnitool engineers will use digital twins, computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) to program machines offline – minimising disruption and increasing efficiency.

One of the most technically capable machining facilities in the UK, Omnitool recently invested over £2.5m in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines to produce high-value products for a range of sectors, such as aerospace and energy.  

Mark McKell, operations director at Omnitool, said: “The previous online programming approach meant there was significant idle time while the machines were being set up, but this project allowed us to adopt a high-tech digital approach.

 “The increased capacity will enable us to grow the business and target new sectors such as aerospace.

“We’ll be using the new strategy to transform our entire manufacturing processes in the years ahead.”

 “Over the next three years, Omnitool hopes to gain the skills required across the company to introduce the new digital approach across 90% of its production centres and anticipates 10 new roles will be created as a result.

“As well as boosting capacity, the switch to offline programming will also have sustainable benefits for the company, helping to reduce waste and cut emissions by up to 12 tonnes of CO₂e per year”.

Daniele Marini, supply chain and operational transformation lead at NMIS, added: “Omnitool has embraced the opportunity to integrate new digital processes.

By sharing the results of its transformation, alongside how-to guidelines, we hope to inspire other manufacturing businesses to unlock additional capacity in a similar way.”

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Jessica Hannah is forced to park on residential streets in Edinburgh whilst at work due to allegedly not being permitted to use the hospital car park, and no other parking measures aiding her.

The 22-year-old ended her shift at the hospital in Edinburgh’s Little France district to find a hostile memo pinned under her windscreen wiper.

Newly-qualified nurse Jessica was left stunned as the note warned her off parking there again – despite her claiming that she was not blocking any driveways or entrances.

An image shows Jessica holding the note, scrawled on blank white paper, which bluntly reads: “You are blocking my entrance to my parking.

“If this situation happens again, the car registration number will be reported to the relevant office with photo documentation.”

NHS Lothian has introduced a number of measures to combat staff parking issues, with car parking permits issued on a points-based system which takes account of a range of eligibility criteria.

These criteria include the distance someone lives from the site, caring responsibilities they may have in their personal life, the shifts they work and any disabilities.

NHS Lothian also grant staff working nightshift at weekends and bank holidays use of the staff car parks regardless of whether they have a permit due to demand for parking being significantly reduced.

Staff are also given access to one of the hospital’s car parks without the need for permits – but only from 11:30am each day.

Jim Crombie, Deputy Chief Executive Officer for NHS Lothian, also sanctioned 250 new parking spaces at the hospital complex.

Despite these measures, Jessica has been left both bemused and frustrated, saying today: “I was on a normal stretch of road, not blocking any driveways.

“I came back from my 13-hour shift to find a nasty note on my windscreen. I don’t know what house did it. I know I wasn’t covering anyone’s drive.

“I have to park ten minutes away from the hospital. I’m not allowed to park my car there even though I’m staff.”

“It’s a public street. They should take it up with the hospital.”

Jessica claimed: “You can’t park in the staff car park unless you have a permit – which you need to live over 30 miles away to qualify for.

“They have wardens standing at the entrance to the car park every morning. They turn me away even with my staff badge.

“If I was to get the bus from the other side of Edinburgh it would add over an hour travel each way to my already 13-hour shift – when am I meant to sleep?

“It already adds more time to my day. It makes my blood boil”.

Jessica alleges: “They built a whole new hospital but no new staff car park.

“Now the permit rule is in place, half the car park sits empty. There’s plenty of space in the visitor’s car park as well.

“Finding that note at the end of my day has just left me so upset. I’m at a complete loss. Where else can I go?

“I wish the hospital would just let us park somewhere. Even if it meant I had to pay for a staff permit, I definitely would.

“It’s such a problem – I wish they’d prioritise sorting it”.

Morag Campbell, Director of Estates and Facilities, NHS Lothian said today: “The staff parking permit scheme at the Little France campus was reintroduced in early 2022 because the site had become seriously congested.

“This posed a danger to staff, patients and visitors and compromised the ability of emergency blue light vehicles to access the hospitals.

“Recognising the increased demand for car park access, we made an additional parking facility available, providing 250 parking spaces and boosting the number of permits we could issue.

“This opened in July 2022.

“We also have a range of other measures to help support staff who would not be eligible for a permit including; providing all staff access to car park 2C from 11.30am each day, without the need for a parking permit; the availability of a fully funded Staff Shuttlebus service between the Little France campus and the Sheriffhall Park and Ride; which is very popular with staff and the reintroduction of the car-share scheme.

“We actively discourage staff from parking in nearby residential areas, recognising the impact this can have on both local residents and businesses.”

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Stephen Flynn, Leader of the SNP in the House of Commons, hit out at the controversial new proposals for Scottish football fans following an open consultation published by the government.

The plans have since been met by backlash and concerns from fans, as well as the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL) and the Scottish Football Association (SFA).

Flynn, 34, is the latest to criticise the proposals, which have previously been branded “draconian” and “an attack on civil liberties”.

The proposals, which appear to only apply to football and no other sports or large-scale events, include imposing limits on how many fans buses can carry and restricting where they can stop.

The proposals suggest that anyone running a bus would have to inform a “dedicated football officer” (DFO) 48 hours before the match of the number of supporters expected to travel.

Buses would also not be allowed to stop within ten miles of the venue either enroute to, or on departure from the event without prior agreement from a DFO.

Vehicle operators would also be expected to notify DFOs of offensive chanting which had taken place during the journey to the ground.

Flynn, MP for Aberdeen South, took to social media yesterday in reaction to the proposals, writing: “Unworkable, unmanageable, unenforceable. Get in the bin.

“The clubs these fans support can be a huge force for good and more folk attend matches in Scotland than anywhere else in Europe. Celebrate them, don’t punish them.”

Flynn’s post has since received over 2,300 likes and more than 130 comments from Scots left in agreement.

One user said: “Why would UK Gov have any say over Scotland on this. I’m genuinely confused.”

Another replied: “Hear hear.”

A third commented: “Whether it’s workable or not is beside the point. What’s it actually for? What problem is it fixing? Was there research done on the impact to football adjacent businesses?”

Another wrote: “The attitude to football supporters comes through loud and clear in this. Disgraceful!”

A fifth added: “I used to think we were in danger of becoming a nanny state by stealth but now it’s absolutely blatant. What a disgrace.”

In addition to reaction from fans, the UK Government has faced cross-party criticism from Holyrood, with Conservative MSP Douglas Ross writing: “These ludicrous plans are completely disproportionate.

“The proposals make no sense for the Scottish game and should be scrapped immediately. I’ve made that clear to the UK government.”

SNP’s Maree Todd added: “ScotGov was not consulted prior to publication of the proposals. I will ensure that the vast majority of law-abiding fans are heard.”

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Ryan from Ayr, South Ayrshire couldn’t believe his eyes as he snapped a photo of the bird, which appeared to be accompanied by its handler.

Ryan Capperauld was on a connecting flight from Abu Dhabi to Doha on his way back home to Scotland yesterday when he spotted the unusual flyer.

With the falcon blinkered and seemingly calm despite being in an airborne plane, journalist Ryan called the moment something that he “doubts he’ll see again”.

An image shows the falcon sitting in a seat towards the front of the business class section of the plane, seemingly amongst other passengers, whilst perched on the gloved arm of its handler.

Tethered by a short rope, the white-and-brown falcon and its handler seem to be enjoying the row of seats to themselves.

The falcon appears unflustered as it sports a leather hood – often used in falconry to prevent the bird becoming stressed in situations that may frighten it – over its head.

Ryan shared the image to social media yesterday with the caption: “Flying back home and went business between Abu Dhabi and Doha and there was an actual live falcon on my flight.

“Something I doubt I’ll see again!”

The post has since received dozens of likes and comments from users who were left bewildered by the bird’s cameo appearance.

One user wrote: “I loved that about flying back and forth in India, you were never quite sure what you were going to see next! Happy travels.”

Another simply said: “Wow.”

A third however, commented: “Cruelty.”

Another asked “Is it wearing a hat?” to which Ryan explained: “Blinkers mate, in case it goes mental I think.”

This prompted a reply from the user who joked: “Makes sense, I don’t think you would want it kicking off mid-flight.”

Falcons are an important cultural symbol of the United Arab Emirates thanks to their skill and unique personalities.

The bird of prey played a vital role in nomadic Arab life by hunting other birds like bustards and curlews as well as other animals for food.

Whilst this particular bird appears to have opted for a cruise in a plane, falcons in flight are very fast, with the peregrine falcon in particular recording diving speeds of over 200mph.

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Speed – real name Darren Watkins – has gained notoriety over the past two years through streaming video games, where he showcases his over-the-top personality and infatuation with Cristiano Ronaldo.

The 18-year-old has since gained a cult following and was in the UK to take part in the Sidemen Charity Football Match alongside fellow YouTubers, but stopped off in Edinburgh for a visit first.

In his whirlwind tour of the Scots capital yesterday, the streamer from Cincinnati, Ohio kitted himself out in a full kilt, before playing the bagpipes for swathes of his clamouring Scottish fans.

Speed’s livestream video begins with him stopping off at a kiltmaker on the Royal Mile to get suited and booted, before setting off to see the sights.

Clad in a black jacket and red tartan kilt, Speed can subsequently be seen making his way down to North Bridge, where he is quickly swarmed by fans looking for selfies.

Stopping outside Waverley Station, he joins a group of buskers to showcase his rapping skills, dancing alongside tourists and admirers who formed an audience just off Edinburgh’s Princes Street.

As he makes his way back up the Royal Mile, Speed makes for Edinburgh Castle, generating a huge group of fans following his every move.

Seduced by the sound of music, Speed careers to the side of the street to take in the atmosphere provided by one of Edinburgh’s many kilted pipers.

In an incredible twist, Speed shocks his fans by taking out his own set of bagpipes and beginning to play amongst the crowd.

Despite his best efforts, the American can’t quite get the hang of the pipes, blaming the untuned performance on a “hole” in the instrument.

Lasting nearly 90 minutes in total, Speed’s whirlwind tour of the city soon comes to a close, as he hops in a car to leave the capital.

In a grim turn of events though, Speed’s young fans soon become a problem, hammering on the side of his vehicle and opening the doors in an attempt to climb in.

As he eventually manages to pull away, groups of fans can be seen following his car, with some even jumping on top of the car.

Despite this, the teen seems unfazed, ending his livestream as he laughs: “I never knew Scotland was this lit.”

Speed currently boasts over 20 million youTube subscribers, and was named Breakout Streamer of the Year in 2022 at the 12th Streamy Awards.

Last month however, he racked up 5.8 million views on a video he shared of himself in a Tokyo hospital, where he was admitted after he “almost died” following a sinus infection and “deadly headache”

After undergoing a “spinal tap procedure” for his cluster headaches, Speed appears to have bounced back, and is set to feature at the Sidemen Charity Match on Saturday.

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Taking place last month, Perthshire Pride hosted thousands at North Inch, and boasted of being Perth’s “biggest ever” pride event.

The event also saw throngs of police officers on the beat – two of whom were questioned by SFP leader Richard Lucas on their support of the event.

The video shows the two officers, sporting their hi-vis police vests, each of which have pride badges and stickers on them, already mid-debate with Lucas.

The former UKIP member questions the duo: “You’re telling me which side you’re on. Where’s the police on our side?”

In response, the officers argue back: “We’re smack bang in the middle. There’s no sides”.

Lucas disagrees, saying: “You’re not in the middle.”

The officers then reason: “We’ve got a badge on. It’s a bit of fun, nothing else.”

Lucas then continues: “If I had a sticker, would you put a sticker on with our point of view? It’s not a matter of bothering me, it’s a matter of the police shouldn’t be politicised. The police should be neutral.”

The police officers continue to disagree, before Lucas makes a comparison, adding: “It’s like going to police a football game with a Rangers scarf on or something.

“Is it not really obvious that there’s different points of view and you’re showing you’re on one side?”

During the clip, a woman can be heard interrupting the conversation, videoing the confrontation on her phone and stating: “I don’t think this is appropriate for a pride march.”

Whilst one of the officers turns his attention to the woman to assure her that they are handling the conversation, his colleague continues to engage with Lucas.

He explains: “We’re wearing a badge, my personal views have no point of reference in regards to it.

“If I’m being asked to wear a badge and somebody’s handed it to me, I choose to wear it, then I will wear it. It doesn’t have any bearing on anything else.”

Lucas continues to criticise the officers, stating: “You’re supposed to be a police officer, not a political campaigner.

“You’re not even beginning to answer my point. Transgenderism – that’s a controversial political issue, and you’re showing that you’re on one side.

“You’re supposed to be a police officer and you’re showing by your badge that you’re on one side of the debate – that’s just wrong.”

The Scottish Family Party uploaded the clip to social media last week with the caption: “How difficult is it to understand?

“The police should be politically neutral. Our chat with pride/trans badge-wearing police officers in Perth.”

The post has since received over 310 likes and more than 50 comments from users left divided by the debate.

One user said: “Exactly right – Police Scotland should not be seen to be taking sides by wearing a political movement’s colours.”

Another added: “What a disgrace. They are clearly politicised, and they make no attempt to keep each side apart. Police Scotland are just awful.”

A third commented: “Why is this politicisation of the police being encouraged by Police Scotland ?”

Another reasoned: “Debates have two arranged sides, you were simply there to make marginalised people uncomfortable and you should be ashamed of yourselves.

“The way people choose to live is none of your privileged business.”

A fifth replied: “He wants to wear a pride badge, fine, but not on a police uniform, it’s not difficult.”

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A 2023 report by the UK’s biggest housebuilder, Barrats Developments PLC, has revealed that 31% of prospective buyers in Scotland are considering buying and renting out a room for additional income.

Barrats’ research showed a trend towards shared homeownership as consumers struggle to buy solo.

Additionally, the report found that of those already on the property ladder, 50% would consider downsizing to a cheaper home to save money on bills.

The ‘Tackling the Cost of Living Crisis’ report highlighted how the squeeze in peoples finances is changing the criteria set by home-buyers in Scotland, with clients sharpening their focus on long term income.

To help ease the financial burden of purchasing a new home, Barratt Developments recently announced a deposit or mortgage contribution scheme, offering homebuyers up to £30,000 towards their deposit or mortgage repayments.

According to the House Builders Federation, Barrat homes are up to 64% more energy efficient than others, potentially saving new buyers money on household bills.  

Doug McLeod, regional managing director for Barratt Developments Scotland, said: “There’s no doubt that the cost-of-living crisis has changed the way people are buying homes.

“Worries around rising interest rates, inflation and energy bills have seen people consider new ways to generate income, including renting out a spare room.

“Despite this, our research shows that people are still confident in the UK housing market.

“With this in mind, we have launched a variety of schemes to support those looking to invest in property, including mortgage contributions and deposit help for first time buyers.”

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Launched in January 2023, hosts Hannah Lloyd and Charlotte Gilfillan aim to shine a light on the lives of inspiring women working and living in rural Scotland.

Each episode, Women in Wellies are joined by guests who share their stories, experiences and lessons, including the personal and professional challenges they have faced and overcome.

The new sponsorship agreement marks a milestone for the podcast, enhancing its mission to amplify the voices of remarkable women in the rural sector.

The fascinating stories shared by the Women in Wellies has nurtured a growing fanbase among Scotland’s rural community.

Episodes so far have featured women from who work in farming, forestry, country sports and veterinary, all of whom give an honest and authentic insight into the women behind the wellies.

One of the most popular features on the podcast is a question Hannah and Charlotte ask all their guests: What advice they would give to the next generation of rural women in Scotland?

Guests have included partner in A Milne & Son farming enterprise, Alison Milne MBE, wildlife photographer, writer and author Linda Mellor, and Chloe Forbes, a country sports enthusiast living in rural Perthshire.

Sponsors Henderson Loggie have specialised in advising farmers and the managers of landed estates and rural businesses across Scotland for over 100 years.

Lucy Crow, head of Henderson Loggie’s Landed Estates and Rural Business team said: “Charlotte and Hannah have struck a chord within our community.

“Women in Wellies gives a voice to the women shaping rural business life, in an engaging format which offers inspiration and support to others whose livelihoods are rooted in rural Scotland.  

Women in Wellies co-founder Hannah Lloyd commented: “We have been overwhelmed by the response we have had to the podcast so far and are delighted a national firm like Henderson Loggie wants to support the valuable contributions women are making across the rural sector.’’

Women in Wellies co-founder Charlotte Gilfillan added: “Securing support from Henderson Loggie is a significant achievement for us.

“Women in Wellies grew from our shared love of rural Scotland and passion for inspiring and supporting the next generation. 

“The stories and themes not only resonate with a broad spectrum of listeners but also raise awareness of some important causes and initiatives.”

Women in Wellies can be accessed on all major streaming platforms, with episodes released fortnightly.

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The whisky-loving writer behind the globally successful Karen Pirie book series has admitted that when it comes to drinking, she much prefers a good single malt.

While writing the books, McDermid was impressed by the growing Scottish gin industry and thought it would be interesting to make Pirie’s drink of choice a gin and tonic.  

During a conversation with The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) for its Whisky Talks podcast, McDermid confessed that she’s unable to drink Pirie’s favourite tipple due to an ill-fated night when studying at university.  

McDermid is a long-time member of the world’s largest whisky club, the SMWS, which specialises in rare, one-of-a-kind whiskies selected by their expert tasting panel. 

This year the Society is celebrating its 40^th anniversary with a series of events, including supporting McDermid’s recent appearance at the Edinburgh International Book Festival.

Kind-hearted readers, the author says, often assume that she must have made her cold case-solving protagonist a gin drinker because of her own appreciation of the spirit.  

McDermid explained: “I do feel that I made a tactical error in making Karen a gin drinker.

“I still think it suits her personality, but as a result, I’ve generously been given quite a few bottles of gin. 

“I still think it suits her personality, but as a result, I’ve generously been given quite a few bottles of gin. 

“My partner and her colleagues assure me these are lovely, but I can’t drink any as I over-indulged to the point of being sick for three days back when I was a student.

“The very smell still makes me faintly queasy.” 

She continued: “I’ve always enjoyed a dram, so I missed a trick by not making Karen like our national spirit.

“When I was developing my new series, 1979 and 1989, I took the opportunity to correct this by making the main character Allie Burns a malt whisky drinker.” 

The latest Karen Pirie instalment, Past Lying, will be released in October.

The podcast featuring McDermid’s full conversation with The Scotch Malt Whisky Society is available to listen to now.

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The new partnership will see Loganair’s fleet fitted with FLYHT-WVSS-II atmospheric water vapour sensors to measure weather data for the Met Office.

Readings are set to improve weather-based flight planning and real-time updates, helping the Met Office better predict extreme weather events.

A key benefit of the initiative is its potential to increase understanding of the non-CO2 effects of aviation, which are estimated to contribute to around 48% of the environmental impact of flying.

Adverse weather presents one of the biggest challenges for aircraft operations and can disrupt flights as well as ground-crew operations.

Loganair’s partnership with the Met Office and FLYHT Aerospace Solutions aims to improve the accuracy of forecasts and reduce flight emissions.

Newly fitted sensors will monitor environmental conditions around the aircraft during flight, gathering meteorological information via the Embraer 145 fleet which flies the airline’s unique UK routes daily.

Improved weather observations will enable the aircraft’s avoidance of severe weather and turbulence, as well as improve local forecasting for thunderstorms, fog, and showers.

The initiative will also help airlines understand the formation and potential reduction of contrails, the ice clouds trailed behind a flying aircraft, which has been identified as a sustainability goal within the airline industry.

Loganair chief executive Jonathan Hinkles said: “Loganair is resolutely committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2040.

“This partnership signifies our dedication to confronting the environmental challenges posed by aviation head-on.

“As the project progresses, we anticipate groundbreaking insights into weather patterns, contrail formation, and their cumulative effects on the environment.

“Equipped with this knowledge, Loganair hopes to drive further transformative change within the industry and to continue setting an example for sustainable aviation practices.”

Murray Skelton, FLYHT’s VP Business Development and Weather, added: “We look forward to installing our FLYHT-WVSS-ll hardware on Loganair’s aircraft over the coming months and to providing end-to-end program project maintenance and support for this innovative program.”

Met Office Associate Director of Technical Services, Bruce Truscott, said: “I am delighted to be working with FLYHT and Loganair to further improve our ability to observe and forecast the weather.”

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