A new neighbourhood is proposed for Leith dock as part of the continued regeneration of the area.

Plans have been submitted by landowner Forth Ports to develop a 10-acre waterfront site known as Harbour 31 close to the new FirstStage film production studios.

It includes up to 800 residential apartments, a hotel, retail, flexible workspaces and offices and leisure facilities. The site sits on a dockside location, served from next year by the tram, and is said to fit with the City Council’s Local Development Plan.

Carole Cran, chief financial officer of Forth Ports, said: “At Harbour 31 we plan to create a vibrant new quarter to live and work, as new creative and green jobs come to Leith.

“With the option to walk to work or an easy tram ride into the city centre, this new neighbourhood will be a focal point of Leith’s continued regeneration.”

An online public consultation will take place on 23 June 2022 from 3.00pm – 7.00pm via www.harbour31.com, where further details of the proposed development can be found.

Following the outcome of the public consultation, a full planning application will be submitted.

DM Hall is inviting offers for an 8.47-acre residential development site with planning for 24 homes on an elevated position above Garelochhead in Argyllshire.

The site is in Station Road, Garelochhead, G84 0DB, the principal road leading towards Garelochhead railway station to the east of the town, with the site occupying an elevated position on its eastern side with views across the Gare Loch.

The site has mixed gradients, extending to around 3.43 hectares 3.43 hectares (8.47 acres).

Planning permission is in place under reference 19/02328/PP for residential development and the construction of 24 homes. Plans for the consented development are available upon request.
Garelochhead is a town of almost 3,700 residents located on the northern tip of the Gare Loch, within the Argyll and Bute region, around 8 miles north of Helensburgh and 42 miles northwest of Glasgow, via the A814.

The HMNB Clyde (Faslane) and RNAD Coulport bases are located nearby as is Loch Lomond, around 12 miles east.

Journey time to Glasgow is one hour and there are currently up to ten services a day to Glasgow’s Queen Street station.
Anthony Zdanowicz, an Associate at DM Hall who is overseeing the sale, said: “This site, with full planning permission, represents an outstanding opportunity for a developer to undertake an exciting residential project in a beautiful part of the country and we expect to see lots of interest.

“Anyone interested should contact me on 07768 031297 or at Anthony.Zdanowicz@dmhall.co.uk”.
DM Hall, with 24 offices and over 250 members of staff including 24 Partners, is one of Scotland’s leading independent firms of chartered surveyors and this year celebrates 125 years, since its foundation in 1897.

Dentons has launched its previously announced combination with leading Vietnamese law firm, LuatViet, which has more than 40 legal professionals serving clients from offices in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

The launch of Dentons LuatViet in Vietnam marks a critical milestone for a longstanding partnership between the two firms, positioning the combined firm to serve clients in a key emerging economy of the ASEAN region. It is a testament to Dentons’ focus on institutionalizing growth to scale the Firm in priority markets.

Dentons LuatViet’s outstanding reputation as a leading firm in Vietnam, coupled with Dentons’ worldwide reach, will enable the combined firm to help clients Grow, Protect, Operate, and Finance what is important to them in Vietnam and around the world and continues the trajectory for Dentons to become the leading global law firm in the ASEAN region.

In the New Dynamic Decade, clients will continue to be confronted with constant, accelerated change and want to work with a purpose-driven law firm that has the experience and confidence to help them thrive wherever they are located. The launch of Dentons LuatViet will help clients to navigate change in five of the 10 ASEAN countries, and across more than 200 locations across more than 80 countries around the world.

“LuatViet and Dentons share the vision of leading the way for differentiated client service in ASEAN,” said Tran Duy Canh, Managing Partner of Dentons LuatViet. “Our clients now benefit from service by lawyers with essential knowledge of the local market, while also having access to an unrivalled global talent pool.”

“We are pleased to launch Dentons LuatViet and to welcome our talented new colleagues in Vietnam,” said Elliott Portnoy, Global CEO of Dentons. “Vietnam is a priority market for many of our clients, and the combined firm builds on years of significant collaboration to connect clients to leading talent in the ASEAN region, and around the globe.”

“We are committed to combining with firms like LuatViet, which have the talent, the knowledge and the confidence to help our clients navigate constant, accelerated change,” said Joe Andrew, Global Chairman of Dentons. “Dentons has emerged from the pandemic stronger than it went into it and this combination will position us to help our clients thrive wherever they are located by bringing together the leading talent of LuatViet and Dentons.”

Dentons LuatViet has an outstanding reputation as a leader in Litigation and Arbitration, Mergers and Acquisitions, and Corporate and Investment. It is now one of only a handful of global law firms capable of offering clients full-service legal counsel and business solutions in Vietnam. The combined firm will continue Dentons’ expansion in the ASEAN region and make it even more attractive to talented lawyers who wish to practice their skills at a global level, connecting clients to top-tier legal talent around the world.

“This combination builds on Dentons’ momentum in the ASEAN region where we continue to see strong growth in both our talent and business pipeline,” said Gerald Singham, Vice-Chair and CEO of Dentons’ ASEAN Region. “Once again, Dentons is able to maintain and improve its quality as it grows.”

With new offices in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, and previous combinations in the ASEAN region in Singapore, Myanmar, Indonesia and Malaysia, Dentons connects clients to leading talent in:

In 2022, Dentons has announced a combination with leading Tunisian law firm, Zaanouni Law Firm and Associates.

Canadian airline WestJet’s inaugural flight from Edinburgh has departed for Toronto as the three weekly service begins.

It’s the first time the airline has operated from the capital, with flights departing on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays on a Boeing 737 Max, with the seasonal service running until October.

The non-stop service means famous attractions like the CN Tower, the Distillery District and Niagara Falls (albeit a wee bit further!) are now just a flight away due to the direct connectivity. It also strengthens Edinburgh’s connectivity to North America, opening up other areas and destinations through hub connections.

Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said:

“Welcoming a new airline partner to our airport is always an exciting day and we are delighted to see the WestJet tailfin in Scotland’s capital city of Edinburgh.

“This new service will open up Canada and Scotland to travellers from both countries, whether that be seeing family and friends for the first time in a while, strengthening business connections with existing and new partners, or just experiencing the fantastic sights and culture that these two amazing cities have to offer.

“North America is one of our strongest markets and we hope that by making a success of this route it demonstrates the desire there is for greater direct connectivity and something we can work towards with our partners.”

John Weatherill, WestJet Chief Commercial Officer said:

“We are thrilled that Edinburgh is our final European connection to inaugurate this summer, rounding out the restoration of our network and strengthening our transatlantic offerings as demand for international travel continues to ramp up.

“Seamless connectivity between Europe and Canada is critical to the recovery of the travel and tourism industry and we look forward to welcoming our global guests on board this summer as we continue to restore our network to pre-pandemic levels.”

Minster for Transport Jenny Gilruth said:

“I welcome the launch of WestJet’s new service between Edinburgh and Toronto, which is real demonstration of confidence in the Scottish aviation market, as well as another significant milestone in the recovery of our international connectivity.

“Canada is a very important market to us when it comes to tourism and business, and this is also great news for passengers in Scotland who now have another option to connect directly to Toronto.

“The aviation industry has been severely impacted by COVID-19, so I’m pleased to see these signs of connectivity recovering given the vital role the sector plays in our economy. I wish Edinburgh Airport and WestJet every success with this service.”

Denise Hill, Head of Engagement VisitScotland said:

“Congratulations to Edinburgh Airport and WestJet on today’s inaugural flight which is warmly welcomed by Scotland’s tourism industry.

“Canada has long been one of our top international markets for visitors. We have worked hard to keep Scotland top of mind among Canadian travellers, and the return of direct connectivity -and in this case, new and additional capacity from Toronto- is vital in supporting the recovery of our industry post pandemic.

“VisitScotland enjoys a very positive partnership with WestJet, and the extension of their network demonstrates real confidence in Scotland as a destination. We look forward to continuing to work closely with them and Edinburgh Airport to support this new service.

“There has been considerable pent-up demand among Canadians hoping to travel to Scotland- not least those with family and friends here. With WestJet now serving the capital, Scotland is more accessible than ever. Our message and that of the Scottish tourism industry is simple, Scotland is ready and can’t wait to welcome back Canadian visitors.”

•Tuesday 14 June
•09:00 – 10:00 (UK time)
•Internal event for Trade teams within the Chamber Network

If your members are considering entering into – or expanding trading with – the vast Chinese market, then this fascinating and practical webinar is for you.

We’re joined by Tom Duke, HM Deputy Trade Commissioner for China & Hong Kong, who will talk through the support DIT can offer exporters in partnership with the British Chambers of Commerce in China, who are interested in entering or expanding their presence in the China market. Tom will also talk about the major trade opportunities emerging in both goods and services across China that your member businesses can benefit from.

More about the Chinese Market

China is the UK’s 3rd largest trading partner, accounting for 7.3% of total UK trade with exports in 2021 amounting to £27 billion. Appetite for UK goods and services continue to grow and develop despite the challenges thrown up by the pandemic. The latest polling indicate that 63% of Chinese consumers are buying more British products than they were five years ago – and that they are happy to pay a premium to do so. China is also a complex market, with unique regulator landscapes, linguistic and cultural differences, and currently strict Covid-19 international travel restrictions.

Get involved

Tom welcomes questions in advance so if you have a specific point you would like answers, please send them to Anne-Marie Martin.
Book Here.

Reacting to news of the deal, William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said:

“We welcome the first Memorandum of Understanding reached between the UK and a US state – the Hoosier state – Indiana.

“Traders in the UK will hope this is the first stage in a process, with both State Houses and the US Federal Government, that leads to a clear boost to UK exports.

“We want to see cuts to the costs and red tape for exporters, help for supply chain co-operation, new opportunities for green trade, secure mutual recognition of professional qualifications, wider services access and new business travel options.” 

A Scottish dental business has acquired its third practice in East Lothian to achieve its growth ambitions, with support from Bank of Scotland. Campbell & Gibson Dental and Implant Practice is a family-run dental practice, based across three sites in East Lothian.

The business is owned by siblings Rob and Rose Campbell, and their partner James Gibson. The trio purchased their first practice in Musselburgh from Rob and Rose’s parents, who established the business 30 years ago. Following the acquisition, their second practice in North Berwick was purchased in 2019.

In 2022, the business spotted a further opportunity to expand its footprint in East Lothian through the purchase of a two-surgery practice in Dunbar. To facilitate the acquisition, the business approached Bank of Scotland for support and received a six-figure funding package.

Since, the Campbell & Gibson team has been working through the backlog of appointments caused by Covid-19 restrictions. To help cope with this they have recruited a new dental hygienist and increased opening hours. Once the backlog is tackled, the business is hoping to welcome many new patients over the foreseeable future and further expand its team.

As well as continuing high quality routine dental care, Campbell & Gibson is now offering dental implants, orthodontics and anti-wrinkle treatments at the Dunbar Practice. These are all new treatment options to the patient base.
Dr. Rose Campbell, partner at Campbell & Gibson Dental and Implant Practice, said: “My parents ran our Musselburgh practice for more than 30 years and developed a fantastic local reputation.

“With the Dunbar practice being put up for sale, we knew there was an opportunity to expand on the great work our parents had done by acquiring the practice and further growing our footprint in the local area.
“Bank of Scotland’s support was a huge boost and enabled us to achieve our growth ambitions while still delivering a fantastic service for all of our patients.”

Scott Beaton, relationship director at Bank of Scotland, said: “The Scottish Dental Association recently stated that many practices across Scotland are still experiencing difficulties balancing the books, clearing backlogs and managing staff shortages as a result of the pandemic.

“Campbell & Gibson Dental and Implant Practice is a prime example of a Scottish dental firm that is working hard to prioritise the wellbeing of its patients in spite of these challenging conditions.
“We’ll continue to stand by the business over the coming months and years as it continues to make a positive local impact.”

Third 100-strong tech team shows continued commitment to develop digital capabilities in Scotland

Tech consultancy AND Digital announces the appointment of Fiona Burton as Club Executive of its third Scottish Club located in George Street, Edinburgh. The opening follows in the success of the company’s first Edinburgh Club, Club Somerville, launched in March 2020, and Club Almeida, launched in Glasgow last June.

In her new role, Fiona will be responsible for setting up and leading the second Edinburgh Club by building an 100-strong team of product analysts, software developers and designers across all levels over the next 12 months.
Previously a Board Director at The Leith Agency, Fiona brings considerable expertise in growing a successful client base and leading teams. In her 17 year advertising career she has created impactful advertising campaigns for clients including: Royal Bank of Scotland, Scottish Power, Whyte & Mackay, Disney-Pixar and WWF.

Paramjit Uppal, CEO and founder of AND Digital, said: “It takes the right people, set up in the right environment, to deliver, manage and continuously improve it.

“Fiona is switching lanes from a successful career in advertising to a new career in tech. She has a strong track record in building a client base and in developing high performing teams.
“She held a Board position in her previous role and was the recent Chair of the Marketing Society Scotland. We’re excited to have a strong leader for our latest club, leading our clients, our ANDis and making a positive contribution in the local community. We can’t wait to grow the new club under Fiona’s leadership.”

Commenting on her new role, Fiona Burton, added: “This is an incredible opportunity to lead a talented team of diverse people who’re passionate about solving our clients’ tech challenges.
“AND Digital has successfully established itself in Scotland and we have found a great appetite for digital acceleration across our customer base, as well as a rich pool of digital talent. We aim to support new clients in the building of innovative products and support them in developing their own in-house digital capabilities.”

AND Digital has been able to scale significantly due to its unique service model of Guide, Build and Equip. Created by founder Paramjit Uppal, its organisational structure is based on a network of autonomous Clubs, thereby offering small company responsiveness and big company clout – all in a rapidly repeatable formula which has powered remarkable organic growth.

Each Club is made up of teams of 80-100 which creates a perfect tight-knit community from which to nurture digital talent and provide outstanding client service, keeping costs low and focus high.
Since its inception in 2014, AND Digital has grown to 1,600 ANDis (the collective name it gives to its people), and now operates across 19 locations in the UK and Netherlands.

AND Digital’s second Edinburgh Club will be another step forward to its ambitious goal of having five Clubs in Scotland with over 500 Scottish ANDis by 2025.

Edinburgh, 1 June 2022 – Virgin Hotels, the luxury lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson, has opened in soft launch today for hotel guests and will open to the general public from 14th June. Phase two of the property and the official grand opening is scheduled for autumn.

This first phase of the launch is the soft opening of 54 Chambers, in addition to multiple dining and drinking outlets, all with their own unique space and distinct design. This includes Commons Club, Virgin Hotels’ flagship restaurant and bar that acts as a modern-day social club, and the Funny Library Coffee Shop, offering a selection of teas, coffees, house-made pastries and sandwiches creating a cosy communal space boasting a range of local literature to enjoy next to the roaring fire.

The second phase launch will bring guests even more Virgin charm and playfulness, when it officially opens in early autumn 2022. All 222 Chambers and Grand Chamber Suites will open, as well as the remaining dining and drinking outlets. This will include Eve, an all-day dining space, and Greyfriar’s Hall, a 19th century church that has been beautifully restored and repurposed as a special event venue and a rooftop sanctuary with unobstructed Edinburgh Castle views.

Virgin Hotels Edinburgh opens today in the landmark India Buildings in Edinburgh’s Old Town, just moments from Edinburgh Castle, joining several noteworthy local restaurants, music venues and boutique hotels. A collaboration between Virgin Hotels and Scottish architect studio Four-by-Two; the designers have worked to preserve notable elements of the original building while adding some sophisticated Virgin touches. The property promises a thoughtful mix of old and new to fully capture the character of the cultural city of Edinburgh.

Throughout the summer, guests will be able to enjoy 54 of the bright and airy Chambers. Guests can expect to be met with elegantly decorated rooms with warm textiles and locally sourced accessories and lighting, ranging from 23 to 75 square-metres. The Dressing Room includes a sit-down vanity unit with mounted illuminated mirror, and an extra-large shower with a bench. A sliding wooden door separates it from The Lounge, which features Virgin Hotels’ patented ergonomically designed bed with a channel-tufted headboard, Hypnos™ mattress, a red SMEG® mini-fridge generously stocked with a curated selection of local products, HD TV and a yoga mat. All Chambers feature custom lighting on sensors that automatically illuminate as guests move around the space, and ample outlets for smartphones and other devices.

Commons Club restaurant will also be open as part of the soft launch to hotel guests and starting the 14th of June the restaurant will take reservations for all visitors. Commons Club is designed to feel like a modern social club in a playful yet sophisticated environment. Under the direction of Edinburgh-born Executive Chef, Steven Wilson, the menu showcases contemporary Scottish seasonal cuisine using the freshest produce straight from Scotland’s local larder. Commons Club features a communal Chef’s Table overlooking the open kitchen, allowing guests a front row seat to all the action – The Kitchen at Commons Club. There will also be The Bar, featuring an impressive back bar which is home to all the best Scottish whiskies and liquors, along with an inventive selection of signature cocktails.

The hotel worked with Visto Artwork to curate the artworks on display throughout the hotel which includes numerous pieces created by local artists alongside works inspired by the unique character of Scotland and the Scots. Fashion photography with Scottish tartan, portrait galleries celebrating women from Scotland’s past and present, and a focus on female Scottish artists showcase women both in-front of and behind the lens in delightful and surprising ways.

The history of the location as well as Virgin the brand played a key role in developing the pieces, intertwining the heritage of the building with the contemporary character of the hotel. Illuminating the walls and ceilings throughout the restaurant, guests will find standout works including ‘Virgin Lips’; a custom commission by Edinburgh-based artist Wendy Helliwell which incorporates a full pair of old jeans, ‘747 Fuselage Wall Art’ giving a playful nod to Virgin Atlantic, and ‘Queen of Dreams’ by Alan Macdonald inspired by Mary Queen of Scots.

The hotel offers guests the chance to sign up for the brand-wide guest preferences and loyalty program ‘The Know’, which grants a personalised hotel experience that allows for access to room upgrades, member rates, special events and a complimentary cocktail hour in Commons Club – all when booking directly with Virgin Hotels. All Chambers and Suites have integrated tech capabilities, which can control lighting, thermostats, TVs, and order room service directly via the mobile app, Lucy which is exclusively available to Know members. Lucy also gives guests the ability to check in prior to arrival and can be used as an access key to their Chambers. Chambers are also pet friendly, with complimentary ‘pet-menities’ available, including dog beds and food and water dishes.

The hotel is also working with sister company Virgin Start Up to feature products from local Scottish companies that have been supported by the Start Up initiative. A selection of food, drink, clothing and skincare will be available for purchase from a centrally located honesty bar.

The hotel is now open, and reservations can be made directly on the hotel’s website www.virginhotels.com/edinburgh.

Commons Club Restaurant reservations can be made at www.commonsclub.com/edinburgh

An engineer who worked around the clock to keep people connected in the wake of Storm Arwen has been named Openreach’s Engineer of the Year 2022.

Luke Picken was nominated by colleagues for his efforts to restore broadband services across South West Scotland after the devastating storm in November.

The Maybole man has now picked up his distinctive prize – a brand new van with the personalised number plate OR22 ENG.

And Luke, 29, has even more good news to celebrate as wife Emma – also an Openreach network engineer – is expecting the couple’s first baby this winter.

He said: “When the winner’s details were being revealed, I was thinking ‘surely this person they’re talking about can’t be me?’.

“I’m very humbled that the company and my colleagues thought I deserved an award of such magnitude. I don’t see what I do as special – I just come to work and do the best I can for our customers and our team.”

What makes the recognition even more special for Luke is that he has achieved it despite being dyslexic. It’s a subject the specialist fibre engineer has spoken little about in the past.

He said: “I’ve always struggled with reading and writing, especially when I was younger, and I worried it would close doors to me. I hope my story shows other people with dyslexia that it doesn’t have to hold you back – you can get on despite it and achieve great things.”

Luke’s patch manager Alastair Gilroy said: “Luke is an absolute superstar so it’s brilliant to see him singled out from a UK workforce of 37,000 for the ultimate recognition.

“He worked tirelessly to sort out dozens of broadband faults after Storm Arwen battered the west of Scotland. The damage to our fibre network was unprecedented.

“Luke tracked down every fault location then co-ordinated our response to reconnect customers, often working into the night to find and fix an issue lurking somewhere in the network. His hard work and determination inspired his colleagues to pull out all the stops.

“That’s just one of the ways he’s an exceptional engineer.”

Luke was one of 160 UK finalists in the Openreach Shining Stars Awards 2022, shortlisted from 2,600 nominees put forward by their colleagues, which saw 20 recognised in categories for Exceptional Engineers; Safety, Inclusion and Environment Champions; Unsung Heroes; and Best Boss.