Approval Expected for 7,000 New Homes on Outskirts of Scottish City
Proposals for 7,000 new homes and two schools are set to be presented to councillors this week. The project, spearheaded by Drum Property Group and overseen by Cairn Energy founder Sir Bill Gammell, will feature 300 student flats and a hotel. This £2 billion development, named West Town, is touted as one of the most significant and sustainable urban expansions in Edinburgh in recent memory, located near the city’s airport. The plans for this phase have received a recommendation for approval and are up for consideration on Wednesday.
Emirates Brings Forward Daily A350 Service from Scottish Airport
Emirates Airlines has announced the advancement of its daily Airbus A350 service between Edinburgh and Dubai, now commencing on January 3. This move underscores the airline’s dedication to enhancing customer travel experiences and comfort onboard. The introduction of the A350 aircraft has been highly anticipated since Emirates resumed its operations in the Scottish capital on November 5. The airline currently serves eight destinations in the UK, including Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Owner of Glasgow’s Horseshoe Bar Flags £100m Cost Hit
Mitchells & Butlers, the company behind Glasgow’s iconic Horseshoe Bar, has disclosed a significant cost impact of £100 million this year. This financial strain is primarily attributed to increased employer national insurance contributions and the national living wage set to commence in April. The company anticipates further cost challenges, projecting a rise to approximately £100 million for the fiscal year 2025, representing over 5% of the cost base. These measures were introduced in Labour’s recent Budget under Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
Around the Greens: Mar Hall Prepares to Unveil Major Changes
Mar Hall, located on the banks of the River Clyde in Bishopton, is undergoing significant transformations following its acquisition by Dubai-based Dutco Group in December 2023. The five-star resort, supported by asset management firm Align Partners, has embarked on a £15 million renovation program. Chris McQueen, appointed as head of golf in April, is leading extensive improvement works at the course alongside head greenkeeper Andrew Eckford, formerly of Cameron House and Loch Lomond. The resort is gearing up for a grand reveal ahead of the annual charity golf day in July, with notable personalities like actor Martin Compston and former footballer Frank McAvennie expected to attend.
