The charity Edinburgh Leisure, which operates over 50 sports and leisure facilities across the Scottish capital, has made four new board appointments.

Welcoming Gosia (Malgorzata) Paterson, Rachel Ducker, John Evans and Gavin Munn to the Board, Scott Haldane, Chairperson for Edinburgh Leisure’s Board said: “Edinburgh Leisure is delighted to welcome our new Board members. A key element of Edinburgh Leisure’s governance is having a non-executive Board of Directors, who have the collective responsibility of directing Edinburgh Leisure, ensuring the charity operates in accordance with its Memorandum and Articles of Association and meets all its legal responsibilities. The Board give their time and expertise on a voluntary basis to support June and her team in leading the organisation. Edinburgh Leisure is very fortunate to have a Board of Directors, who come from a variety of industries, business and specialisms and give their time and expertise willingly.”

June Peebles, Edinburgh Leisure’s Chief Executive said: “COVID-19 has changed all our lives and the leisure industry, like many industries, suffered because of the various lockdowns and venue closures. However, Edinburgh Leisure, with support from the City of Edinburgh Council, has weathered the storm. And while the impact of the pandemic is diminishing, other national and world events are impacting on us. However, the Board and I remain confident that Edinburgh Leisure will adapt and overcome the challenges and continue to make a positive contribution to the health and wellbeing of the citizens of Edinburgh. Indeed, never has the importance of being and staying active been more important to people’s health and wellbeing.”

For more information: www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

Gleneagles presents the new and exclusive ‘Ultimate Jubilee Package’, in celebration of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, marking the 70th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth’s reign. This five-day itinerary whisks travelers from the Scottish capital of Edinburgh to the rolling hills and glens of Perthshire, while providing the Scottish charm and exceptional hospitality that is synonymous with the Gleneagles brand. The package will immerse you into the fascinating life of the Royals, with Gleneagles’ own in-house Blue Badge guide offering privately guided tours of the Palace of Holyrood House – the official residence of Her Majesty the Queen in Scotland – and Glamis Castle, the ancestral home of Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother.

The royal journey begins with a stay at Gleneagles Townhouse, Gleneagles’ first urban hotel in the heart of the city, officially opening in June 2022, located within walking distance to all the major attractions. Visitors will spend the days exploring Scotland’s capital, walking 16th Century streets teeming with history or paying a visit to Edinburgh Castle, one of the UK’s most iconic attractions. No visit is complete without seeing the city from all the best vantage points, whether it’s from the glass-fronted rooftop bar Lamplighters at Gleneagles Townhouse, the 60m high Scott’s Monument on Princes’ Street or the summit of Arthur’s Seat. Before heading to a private tour of the Palace of Holyrood House, visitors can stroll down the Royal Mile towards the Scottish National Gallery, housing one of world’s best collections of fine art. Back at Townhouse, guests will be treated to a dinner at The Spence, featuring the best of Scotland’s natural larder.

Following two days in Edinburgh, a chauffeur service will sweep guests away to Perthshire, where 850 acres of hills, fields, streams, and adventures await. Upon arriving at Gleneagles, travelers will head straight to the Glendevon for a luxury Champagne Afternoon Tea, featuring a seasonal selection of pastries, cakes, and savory dishes, with views over the perfectly manicured Scottish lawns. The Glorious Playground offers guests a pursuit of choice – including a visit to The Falconry School for an introduction to the ancient sport, a horse-riding lesson at the Gleneagles Equestrian School, or an exciting, true-to-life clay pigeon shooting experience at The Shooting School. After a day of activity, a delicious dinner in The Dormy awaits, to be followed by an obligatory trip to The Century Bar for a cheeky nightcap. The following day, visitors will tuck into the legendary breakfast at The Strathearn before getting ready to explore Glamis Castle with their private guide. Back at Gleneagles, guests will enjoy time to relax on the lawn with some traditional games or explore the estate further using the hotel’s fleet of Pashley bikes. A pre-dinner cocktail in the intimate American Bar is a must before heading through to their final fine-dining experience at The Strathearn. After a trip fit for a Royal, will check out of The Glorious Playground, leaving with fond memories of a truly remarkable experience.

The Queen’s Jubilee package at Gleneagles is available from May to October subject to availability, with rates starting at £5,200 (currently approx. $6,543) based on two adults sharing a House Room for two nights and an Estate Room for three nights. Rates include dinner one evening in The Spence, dinner one evening in The Strathearn and in the Dormy, guided tours of the Palace of Holyrood House and Glamis Castle, a choice of activity and a champagne afternoon tea in the Glendevon. Transfer between Townhouse and Gleneagles included.

Gleneagles Townhouse, the first venture beyond the Perthshire hills for Gleneagles Hotel in its almost 100-year history, today announces its much-anticipated opening date.

The 33-bedroom hotel, members’ club and all-day restaurant, based at 39 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, will officially open its doors from Monday 6th June.

The Townhouse and its all-day restaurant, The Spence, will open exclusively to members and hotel resident guests for the opening period before the wider public is invited to experience the venue in early summer.

Set to welcome visitors from across the world, as well as those based locally to the capital, the Townhouse will be home to some of the most vibrant dining and drinking experiences in the city, glorious guest accommodation, and lively members’ club with a yearlong calendar of cultural events and experiences.

Marking a new chapter in the listed building’s history, the Townhouse was originally home to the British Linen Company before later becoming the Bank of Scotland. Over the last five years, Ennismore Design Studio has painstakingly restored the building, creating 33 unique rooms and suites, some of which overlook the bustling St Andrew Square.

At the heart of this notable building lies The Spence – an airy, social space which will offer modern style brasserie-dining, from Bloody Mary breakfasts all the way through to dynamic dinners.

Led by Head Chef Jonny Wright, who returns to his native Scotland with over 16 years’ experience, it is Jonny’s own enthusiasm for Scotland’s natural larder, the old Scots word from which The Spence takes its name, which is set to make the offering really stand out.

Signature dishes, which Jonny describes as “rooted in classics with a modern twist” will include Wild Mushroom Tart with Goats Curd and Hazelnuts, Whole Roasted Turbot with Fennel & Chilli and Scotch Baba with Praline Sauce and Mascarpone for two to share.

Within The Spence, a central bar sits underneath an extraordinary glass-domed ceiling serving up a seasonally rotating, locally inspired list of cocktails, local whiskies, beers, spirits, and wine curated by bar manager, Stefanie Anderson.

Down in the bank’s former vault, Townhouse resident guests and members will have access to a dedicated training, treatments and therapies space – The Strong Rooms – which will open later in June. With curated experiences for holistic wellness and innovative technologies including a cryotherapy chamber and infrared sauna, alongside the gym and wellness studios, which aim to enhance individual wellness journeys through movement, restoration, and recovery.

The Members’ Lounge and Members’ Snug offer two exclusive spaces designed for breakfast meetings, catch up brunches and long, leisurely lunches, as well as relaxing lounge space and a help-yourself pantry. Evenings at Townhouse promise to be lively, social and a place for friends and colleagues to gather at the end of the working day, with more cosy, intimate and relaxed wine tasting events for those who enjoy a slower pace.

The roof terrace bar Lamplighters, open exclusively to members, offers impressive views of the city’s medieval Old Town to the left and New Town to the right – the perfect spot to watch the sun set and see the city lights sparkle.

Applications for membership at Gleneagles Townhouse are now open. Accommodation bookings can be made by calling 0800 917 4655 or emailing reservations@gleneaglestownhouse.com.

“Today’s Queen’s Speech had some welcome measures for business, but unless the Government takes immediate action on the economy, they will come too late to help many firms.

“An emergency budget is needed to provide firms with the breathing space they need to raise productivity and strengthen the economy.

“The costs crises facing firms and people in the street are two sides of the same coin. If we can ease the pressure on businesses then they can keep a lid on the price rises being driven by surging energy bills, staff shortages and higher taxes.

“Only after an emergency budget will some of the legislation set out in the Queen’s Speech have a chance to drive our economy forward.

“Businesses will then be able to focus on supporting the missions set out in the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill, as well as reaping the benefits from the infrastructure programmes outlined today. However, to really speed up delivery of infrastructure projects, much wider reform of the planning system is needed to speed up the process and reduce complexity.

“The Higher Education Bill gives a welcome commitment to create a flexible lifelong loan entitlement that allows adults to upskill and reskill for the changing workplace. Funding for modular learning is crucial to help people gain technical skills and ensure employers can access a skilled workforce. 
  
“The Brexit Freedoms Bill has the potential to unlock innovation and expansion in a range of new and developing technologies, especially the expanding world of Net Zero products and services.

“We will want to look closely at how any changes will help business domestically but also their impact on our trade links and exports with the EU.

“What we don’t want to see is deregulation for its own sake. We should not complicate our trading relationship by diverging so far it makes UK goods and services unsellable into Europe.

Leading carbon dioxide removal (CDR) specialists are calling for a radical update on UK biochar policy to help ensure net zero targets can be met.

The plea was made by the Future Forest Company following its participation at an AIMday® (Academic Industry Meeting day) event hosted by Edinburgh Innovations, the University of Edinburgh’s commercialisation service, which links academia with industry.

Biomass contains carbon dioxide absorbed from the atmosphere through photosynthesis. Turning biomass into biochar, by heating it in the absence of oxygen, prevents it breaking down so that carbon can be usefully stored in the soil for hundreds or thousands of years. Current regulation permits biochar to be produced from biomass such as agricultural and forest wastes.

The Future Forest Company is now calling on the UK Government and carbon standards agencies to embrace biochar production from complex feedstock. These feedstock include waste streams where residual plastic limits their end-use. The CDR specialists say that a change in policy to include these materials has the potential to transition a high-cost value chain to one where companies can monetise waste removal as part of the biochar equation.

Simon Manley, Head of Carbon at The Future Forest Company, said: “One of the University of Edinburgh’s recent studies showed that biochar from plastic-containing feedstock can still meet international material standards for quality so that it can go into things such as concrete, asphalt, and into the construction industry. Producing biochar from waste can potentially address environmental challenges around plastic pollution and energy recovery.

“We want to explore this further. We believe establishing these materials as eligible feedstock for biochar could have huge impact on pushing biochar production into the mainstream and unlocking its full CDR potential. The potential for biochar to help the UK achieve its net zero commitment is established, but not currently on to full realisation.

“Government and most importantly Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Department for Business, Industry & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) urgently need to review their policies around biochar production and use. Including this category of feedstock as an eligible material for biochar production will allow the biochar production process to become much more economically viable and therefore optimise its chances of fulfilling its full CDR potential.

“Radically updating and amending policy on biochar production and use in the UK will see it fulfil its potential as a CDR technology – until the government does that nothing is going to change.”

Dr Saran Sohi is Senior Lecturer in Soil Science and Biochar at the School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh. He said: “Discussion of updated regulation is underway in Government, and in the light of the urgency around climate change, these changes must be strategic, comprehensive and integrated in policy. Waste materials account for about half of the CDR opportunity presented by biochar. Industry can help shape the frameworks that allow biochar CDR to progress in ways that are clean, economically viable and swift.”

Dr Ondřej Mašek is Reader in Engineering Systems at the School of Geosciences, University of Edinburgh. He said: “Plastic contamination, often in form of microplastics, is now ubiquitous in a wide range of biomass resources and this can present challenges to their uses. However, our work has shown that rather than being a hindrance, small amounts of plastic contamination improve the energy content in biochar co-products, without negatively impacting quality of resulting biochar.”

The Queen’s Speech took place on Tuesday 10 May. Download the overview 22-05 BCC Queen’s Speech Summary. The grid inside provides an overview of the key Bills announced for the reference of the Accredited Chamber of Commerce Network. Whilst much more detail will come into the public domain over time, the Government’s briefing note is 22-05 BCC Queen’s Speech Summary.

ScottishPower and Storegga, the firm behind the Acorn carbon capture project, have formed a partnership to develop green hydrogen production plants across Scotland.

The first project to be progressed will be the Cromarty Hydrogen Project, located just north of Inverness.

The project is designed to deliver up to 20 tonnes of green hydrogen per day from 2024 and has, subject to customer demand, the potential to scale to 300MW in a series of modular expansion phases.

It will displace existing fossil fuel sources and enable the supply of green hydrogen into the heating processes of distilleries, with additional potential application to other local manufacturing, food production, and industrial heating applications.

The Cromarty Hydrogen Project follows a successful feasibility study by ScottishPower and Storegga, undertaken in collaboration with major distillers Diageo, Glenmorangie, and Whyte & Mackay – all of which have operations in the Cromarty region.

As part of meeting ambitious carbon reduction targets set by one of Scotland’s most valuable exporting sectors, the use of green hydrogen will decarbonise production processes, helping make Scotland’s national drink greener.

Discussions on similar projects for other customers and industries are also underway.

Being ‘home-made’, green hydrogen has clear benefits in terms of security of energy supply.

As well as accelerating the potential for cleaner industrial heating processes, green hydrogen is poised to transform the heavy transport sector across the country, with clean fuel potentially powering vehicles such as refuse collection trucks, buses, and HGVs.

Green hydrogen is also a suitable alternative clean fuel for rail, air and shipping.

Barry Carruthers, Hydrogen Director at ScottishPower said: “This is a really exciting milestone in our ambitions to support the growth of green hydrogen production across the country and the decarbonisation of heavy industry.

“We can now get to work on turning plans on paper into tangible and deliverable projects that will transform industry in the Highlands – making a long and lasting difference for people, businesses and communities.

“We’re excited to be working with Storegga to help create a clean energy future for this stunning and vital economic region of Scotland.”

Andrew Brown, Head of Hydrogen at Storegga said: “The Cromarty Green Hydrogen Project is expected to be the UK’s largest green hydrogen facility when it commences operations in 2024, and is expected to rapidly expand thereafter.

“Storegga has been working with the distilling sector on the energy transition since 2014. In 2019, the Scotch Whisky Association’s Pathway to Net Zero report identified that hydrogen would play a key role in enabling Net Zero for the distilling sector.

“Phase 1 of the Cromarty Hydrogen Project is expected to be the first of many as we develop a broader green hydrogen manufacturing capacity in Scotland this decade. Storegga is proud to be working with ScottishPower and the distillers on this groundbreaking project.”

Harvey Nichols Edinburgh is inviting its patrons to celebrate history in the making as the nation prepares to commemorate Her Majesty’s 70 years of service. To mark the Platinum Jubilee, the Forth Floor kitchen has prepared a feast fit for a queen and is delighted to announce a special dinner event. For one night only, guests can dine like royalty whilst enjoying spectacular views of Edinburgh Castle and the New Town from the Forth Floor Brasserie, where attendees are invited to indulge with a 7 course tasting menu (one course to mark every 10 years of the Queen’s reign).

Each delicious dish is a tribute to the Great British larder, featuring only the finest and freshest of ingredients. Every course is a celebration of British produce from both the land and the sea. Quintessentially classic British cuisine features in dishes such as roasted lamb served with smoked bacon croquette, British asparagus, mint and caper salsa, whilst a further nod to Scotland is evident in courses like the cullen skink, which is served with St Andrew’s cheddar and truffle chives. The menu also shines the spotlight on the seasonal ingredients enjoyed in the British summer season with dishes like Eton mess served with strawberries, vanilla cream, meringue and strawberry coulis.

An alternative vegetarian menu is also available, which further highlights Britain’s extensive variety of vegetables, and includes dishes such as baked field mushroom served with celeriac remoulade, piccalilli and toasted sourdough, as well as roasted spiced cauliflower served with pont neuf potatoes, curry sauce and spinach.

Guests wanting to dine in true stately fashion can further elevate their experience with matched drinks on request at the evening event.
The Harvey Nichols Platinum Jubilee Dinner is available to book both instore and online at Eventbrite.

HARVEY NICHOLS PLATINUM JUBILEE DINNER
Thursday 2nd June 2022
Forth Floor Brasserie
Harvey Nichols, Edinburgh
7 course tasting menu, £70 per person.
7 course tasting menu with matched drinks, £110 per person

After a competitive selection process, six social enterprises from across the country have been announced as the latest participants on LaunchMe, Scotland’s social enterprise accelerator.

The selected enterprises operate across sectors and geographies, and include EnableNet, the UK’s first social enterprise internet service provider, and Animalia CIC, a sportswear brand that manufactures world-class fitness and fight wear gear. All the enterprises were selected based on their potential to scale, secure investment and generate social impact in their communities.

LaunchMe, which is delivered by social enterprise start-up agency Firstport, supports ambitious social enterprises to achieve scale by getting them investment ready and directly connecting them with investors looking for social as well as financial returns. In addition to initial seed funding, selected participants have the opportunity to apply for grant funding as co-investment to match any private and institutional investment they secure during the programme.

The programme is funded by the Scottish Government and supported by Barclays bank. LaunchMe alumni include well-known social enterprises including letting agency Homes for Good; art retailer the Scottish Design Exchange; and tour company Invisible Cities.

Beth Morrison, founder of Just Breathe O2, said: “I am absolutely delighted to have secured a place in LaunchMe, as I cannot fault the support received from Firstport from the start of my journey with Just Breathe O2 and am super excited at where this next phase will take the business. Over the coming months, I would like to see the organisation flourish, with a second multi place chamber in place, a growing team and operating at 70% capacity.”

Josiah Lockhart, Chief Executive of Firstport, said: “The ambition and drive of social enterprises continue to impress us. Despite facing incredible challenges over the last two years, these six social enterprises have demonstrated that they have robust and resilient business models with the potential to scale and achieve greater social impact.

With the cost-of-living crisis, Brexit uncertainties and Covid still lingering, now more than ever social enterprises have an important role to play in making our communities fairer, healthier, and more prosperous. We can’t wait to support these enterprises to achieve their ambitions.”

Shona Robison MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice, Housing and Local Government, said: “The Scottish Government is delighted to continue our support for the Firstport LaunchMe programme. Our support for LaunchMe demonstrates, not only our commitment to the programme, but our commitment to ensuring Scotland retains its position as a world class social enterprise country. I wish each of the six successful social enterprises good luck, and look forward to hearing how they progress, and continue to support our communities.”

Archangels, the world’s longest running business angel investment syndicate, based in Edinburgh, has appointed Ian Macleod as the new chair of its board.

The former investment analyst and fund manager takes over the helm from Eric Young, who has held the position since 2014. Eric will continue to sit on the Archangels board.

Ian Macleod worked in London and Paris for many years as an analyst, specialising in the electronics and telecoms industries, initially with ANZ Capel Cure Myers and longer spells at both NatWest Markets and Jeffries.

Later in his career, Ian focussed on smaller tech, cleantech and biotech companies, moving into fund management with 360 Asset Managers and more recently Accessible Clean Energy. Returning to Edinburgh in 2016, Ian joined the Archangels board in 2018.

Founded in 1992, Archangels is a leading business angel syndicate investing in early-stage Scottish life sciences and technology companies.

Archangels comprises around 120 members and a five strong full time executive team. In 2021, the syndicate invested £11.8m to reach a total of £23.6m including co-investment from Scottish Government agencies and other partners. There are currently 20 companies within the portfolio.

Ian Macleod, chair at Archangels, said: “The Scottish angel investment sector is helping to make Scotland a power house in the life science and technology industries. Archangels are at the forefront of that effort and it’s an honour to take on the role of chair”.

“While there may be challenging economic conditions ahead, by providing funding and a wealth of other support to our dynamic portfolio companies we can be optimistic about good outcomes for all our stakeholders”.

“Under Eric’s chairmanship, Archangels has gone from strength to strength over the last eight years and I’m glad to keep his senior counsel on the board.

“I’m looking forward to supporting our portfolio businesses and investors, supporting entrepreneurialism and positively contributing to the Scottish economy.”

Eric Young, board member at Archangels, added: “With Ian’s long and highly successful career comes a great deal of experience and wisdom, all of which he will bring to the role of chair. Having worked with Ian since he joined the board in 2018, I am entirely confident that he is the right person to lead Archangels into the next exciting chapter of its growth.”

For further information on Archangels, please visit: https://archangelsonline.com/