Historic Scottish bridge reopens after specialist repair work

The bridge is taken into account an “important and rare example” of its form, with Historic Environment Scotland including: “Swing bridges present tangible evidence of the rapidly expanding industrial landscape of mid to late 19th century Scotland, a period when maritime, canal and dockland commercial enterprises were at their height.”

The Victoria Swing Bridge was designed by Alexander Rendel and opened in 1874 to offer an environment friendly street and railway route for the port following the completion of development of Albert Dock in 1869. The bridge was initially B listed however was upgraded to an An inventory in 2014. It is constructed of riveted wrought iron, timber and metal and initially carried a double rail observe alongside its central deck (offering entry for each trains and street autos) and options pedestrian walkways on both aspect. (Image: Jamie Simpson)

Forth Ports stated the bridge is the “largest counterweighted swing bridge in Scotland”. The six-figure funding within the refurbishment of the 150-year-old construction was undertaken by Forth Ports.

The official reopening was marked with a “walk-over procession and a colourful community flag parade”, Forth Ports stated.

Read Ian McConnell’s story here

‘Bittersweet’ deal as household sells five-star resort

Balmoral Group, the Aberdeen-based conglomerate based by Sir Jim Milne in 1980, is increasing into the hospitality sector with the acquisition of the five-star Marcliffe Hotel.

Balmoral Group’s Sir Jim Milne (left) and Marcliffe managing director Ross Spencer. Balmoral has pursuits in engineering options for the offshore sector, water storage, and property growth. (Image: Balmoral Group)

Marcliffe managing director Ross Spence – who took cost of the favored Aberdeen wedding ceremony and convention venue when his father Stewart retired in 2021 – stated Balmoral is a “perfect fit” for the resort going ahead. The sale is anticipated to finish by the tip of this month with no modifications to staffing or occasion and resort bookings. “While it’s bittersweet to think we may soon be handing over the keys to The Marcliffe, we know that Balmoral are the perfect fit to continue its legacy,” Mr Spence stated.

Read Kristy Dorsey’s story here

Hotel poised for bumper summer season as Open involves city

Costley & Costley, the Ayrshire hospitality group led by outstanding chef Bill Costley and household, is wanting ahead to a bumper summer season after the sale of a flagship resort and wedding ceremony venue dented turnover throughout its most up-to-date monetary yr.

New accounts for Costley & Costley present the agency turned over £6.09 million for the yr ended September 30, 2023, down 26% on the earlier yr, with the autumn attributed to the sale of Brig O’Doon in October 2022. Pre-tax earnings dipped to £772,909 from £1.03 million. (Image: Costley & Costley)

The firm, which owns the massively widespread Lochgreen House Hotel in Troon, bought Brig O’Doon in Alloway to the RAD Hotel Group as preparations are made to go the enterprise on to Mr Costley’s son Andrew, additionally a chef and long-standing director. Costley & Costley has additionally put Souter’s Inn, a luxurious bar and restaurant within the coronary heart of Robert Burns nation in Kirkoswald, in the marketplace. The agency finally goals to deal with two properties, Lochgreen and Highgrove House Hotel, additionally within the Troon space. Highgrove is at present being refurbished.

Read Scott Wright’s story here

BRIEFING 📈

Green gentle for Edinburgh’s largest purpose-built indoor live performance bowl

This article appeared within the Business Briefing.

A plan to construct a Scottish metropolis’s largest devoted indoor live performance area has been authorized.

The agency says it’s on the forefront in delivering worldwide excursions with world-renowned artists together with Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber. AEG Europe, the proprietor and promoter of London’s O2 area, submitted the planning software for the world to the City of Edinburgh Council in February. The 8,500-capacity venue will make use of 1,350 folks every year as soon as up and working. (Image: AEG Europe)

It is anticipated that 700,000 folks a yr will go to the purpose-built Edinburgh Park area to see “the world’s best artists on the Scottish stage”. Construction on the privately funded area is proposed to start in 2025 and can proceed over the course of two years, with the purpose of delivering the primary occasion in 2027. The 8,500-capacity venue will make use of 1,350 folks every year as soon as up and working.