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Edinburgh Reporter
7 hours ago
- Edinburgh Reporter
Solar farm officially opened at Edinburgh Airport
A solar farm has been constructed right next to the runway at Edinburgh Airport and it was officially opened by Deputy First Minister, Kate Forbes on Wednesday. The farm extends to 11 acres and will provide more than a quarter of the airport's electricity. Edinburgh Airport has been using the power source since last year and has run solely on solar power on several occasions during the daytime. This is the first project of its kind in Scotland supported by the Scottish Government who funded it with a £2.1 million grant to decarbonise the business. The airport bosses say they are working hard to reduce emissions from the airport in line with their own net zero by 2030 goal. Emissions have been reduced by 90% since 2019. Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said: 'Making sure we have a sustainable future is one of our most important goals, and it's important that we innovate and harness technology that can help deliver that for the airport. 'The introduction of the UK's first airfield solar farm is a key part of our Greater Good sustainability strategy, delivering almost 27% of our energy needs and diversifying our energy mix – and we are proud to be an airport that continues to look to innovative solutions to meet our goals. 'It also demonstrates how government and the private sector can work together to help deliver a more sustainable Scotland alongside, in our case, the benefits of air travel and connectivity to the economy.' Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: 'The Scottish Government is committed to working with the private sector to accelerate Scotland's transition to a net zero future. Edinburgh Airport's solar farm is a fantastic example of how government support, combined with private sector appetite and expertise, can deliver real and lasting change. 'By generating clean energy on site, this pioneering project is not only helping one of the country's most important transport hubs cut emissions but also supporting green jobs, energy resilience and sustainable economic growth. I am proud that Scottish Government funding has played a part in making this vision a reality and showing the kind of leadership we need on the journey to net zero.' The airport worked with solar experts AMPYR Solar Europe (ASE) to develop, fund and operate the project. Tarun Agrawal, CEO of AMPYR Solar Europe said: 'In constructing this solar park, ASE is pleased to have partnered with Edinburgh Airport in support of its 'Greater Good' sustainability strategy. 'The Edinburgh Airport project is the first of 6 major solar, BESS and on-shore wind investment projects that AMPYR shareholders have made in Scotland, making them one of the most significant inward investors into the Scottish renewables sector. The commitment shown by Scottish Government has critically provided certainty and confidence, and we look forward to contributing further to Scotland's energy transition. 'The Edinburgh Airport solar farm further strengthens ASE's PV and BESS asset footprint in the UK, and reflects our continuing growth as a leading European IPP with world class assets in the UK, Germany and the Netherlands.' Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes during a visit to the solar farm at Edinburgh Airport. PHOTO Lesley Martin Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes during a visit to the solar farm at Edinburgh Airport. PHOTO Lesley Martin Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes during a visit to the solar farm at Edinburgh Airport. PHOTO Lesley Martin Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes during a visit to the solar farm at Edinburgh Airport. PHOTO Lesley Martin Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes during a visit to the solar farm at Edinburgh Airport. PHOTO Lesley Martin Like this: Like Related


Glasgow Times
7 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
Opening date of Scotland's first Haribo store in Glasgow
The candy giant announced that the shop, at Glasgow's Silverburn Shopping Centre, will open at 10am on Tuesday, September 9. Visitors are invited to a special ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the iconic mascot, Goldbear. The first 75 customers will also receive a free goodie bag and, for the first hour of opening, people will receive a free treat if they take a picture in front of the in-store Goldbear and upload it to their socials, tagging #HARIBOSilverburn. (Image: Supplied) READ NEXT: Primark to celebrate 50th birthday of first Scottish store We previously reported that the 2500 sq ft store will be equipped with an exclusive 'Pick Your Mix' with over 40 varieties of Haribo and Maoam treats. The store will also feature bespoke products, including a Goldbear plush toy sporting a Scotland flag shirt. The store will also feature a diverse Haribo range from around the world – including Haribo Favoritos and Watermelon from Spain, Haribo Dragibus and Tagada from France, and Haribo Lakritz Schnecken from Germany. The new shop will be the firm's twelfth retail store in the UK and the most northern Haribo store in the world. Rebecca Fox, head of retail, said: 'After months of anticipation, we are thrilled to be just weeks away from the opening of Haribo Silverburn. It's been a fantastic year for our expanding retail footprint, and our first Scottish store marks a significant milestone in Haribo UK's success story. "Preparations are well underway ahead of opening day to make sure all shoppers at Haribo Silverburn will experience moments of childlike happiness in a unique and special way at our new store.' READ NEXT: Major global brand to open first Scottish store in Silverburn (Image: Supplied) (Image: Newsquest) David Pierotti, general manager at Silverburn, said: "The imminent opening of Haribo's first store in Scotland marks another special milestone for Silverburn as we continue to deliver a best-in-class retail experience by enhancing our offering and bringing globally recognised brands to our community. "Haribo's playful spirit and iconic treats complement that perfectly. With its exclusive 'Pick Your Mix' station and Scotland-inspired products, we know the store will be popular with our guests, bringing moments of childlike happiness and a sense of fun and joy for all ages."


Glasgow Times
7 hours ago
- Glasgow Times
'Fabulous' and exciting new business opens in Motherwell
A brand-new Guinot franchise salon opened in the North Lanarkshire town on August 14. The venue revealed residents in the area joined franchisee Linsey Broadhurst to celebrate the official opening. Following the event, Guinot described it as a 'huge success', saying: "The event was a huge success with Linsey being joined by her family, the Guinot Franchise team and Lesley Blair, CEO of BABTAC, to cut the ribbon, done by Linsey's daughter Maya and officially open the new salon." READ MORE: Loads pictured queuing outside new Glasgow restaurant ahead of its opening The firm added: "Linsey, friends, family and existing clientele all turned out to show their support and celebrate the opening. "The Guinot team were well represented with Managing Director of Guinot UK & Ireland, Myriam Welsh; Franchise Manager, Ellie Tidy QFP; Franchise Development Manager, Angela Miller QFP, and Franchise Marketing Coordinator, Shelby Myers, on hand to showcase their support. "On the night, beauty-loving guests were treated to drinks along with delicious treats and enjoyed complimentary skin consultations from the salon team, performed by the Guinot Motherwell team, Emily Stuart. "The first 100 guests took home an exclusive goody bag worth over £40, along with all clients hoping to claim an extravagant hamper worth over £300, brimming with gorgeous skincare goodies from the French skincare brand." READ MORE: 'Globally recognised' retailer to open Glasgow city centre store in August 'Fabulous' and exciting new business opens in Motherwell (Image: Supplied) The 'state-of-the-art' new salon, previously known as LB Aesthetics, is described as a 'fabulous addition to Motherwell'. It features two 'luxurious treatment rooms'. Speaking after the event, Linsey said: 'It was such a privilege to see so many family, friends, and clientele come along to support me, and I am excited to see what the future holds as part of the Guinot franchise network. "I feel extremely honoured and lucky to have this chance of being Guinot's first Scottish franchisee.' Shelby Myers, Franchise Marketing Coordinator at Guinot UK, added: 'Each new opening allows us to bring Guinot to clients across the country as we provide destinations for skincare excellence. "Welcoming Linsey into the Franchise UK and Ireland family is a huge milestone as we celebrate the expansion into Scotland. "Linsey's drive and passion for skin is something that her clients can first-hand experience and can have confidence in their skin.'