logo
Work to transform Hielanman's Umbrella set to begin

Work to transform Hielanman's Umbrella set to begin

STV News01-05-2025

Work to transform Hielanman's Umbrella at Central Station is due to start in August with a new look on the way, harking back to the 1950s.
The historic area under the railway bridge on Argyle Street will see shopfronts being improved, new lighting and possible neon art installations inspired by signs displayed during that decade.
The Central Station sign is also to be replaced with a new font and additionally the Gaelic word for umbrella 'An Sgàilean' may be displayed or instead Scotland's Railway'.
The font would possibly resemble that seen in 1950. LDRS The Hielanman's Umbrella refurbishment LDRS
A statement on the plans said the designs would also be sympathetic to homeless people who use the space after feedback during a consultation.
Network Rail is to deliver the project after a contractor is hired with the council to make a financial contribution.
Councillors were given an update on the revamp at a committee last week as part of a report on the city centre strategy.
Councillor Anthony Carroll asked how the work would tie in with the Argyle Street Avenues project at last week's economy, housing, transport and regeneration city policy committee
An official said: 'Work on the Hielanman's Umbrella are due to begin around August this year. The work on the Avenues are due to finish around the same time. We are cognisant of the dependences of both projects. '
The committee was given a progress report on the city centre strategy – laying out work taking place.
Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Network Rail under fire as it snubs British steelmakers in contract
Network Rail under fire as it snubs British steelmakers in contract

Daily Mail​

timea day ago

  • Daily Mail​

Network Rail under fire as it snubs British steelmakers in contract

State-owned Network Rail has snubbed UK steelmakers for a major contract, despite promises by the Chancellor to support the struggling industry. In last week's Spending Review, Rachel Reeves mentioned the UK steel sector no less than 13 times and pledged that huge amounts of Government investment would give it a 'proud future'. She boasted that UK steel would be used in nuclear power, submarines and a third Heathrow runway. But the message may not have reached some areas of the public sector. The Mail on Sunday can reveal that Network Rail put out a £140 million order for steel on the open market without favouring UK suppliers. The Government-owned company, which looks after Britain's 10,000 miles of railway track and infrastructure, last month launched a 'preliminary market engagement' for the contract. It is seeking contractors for an order of steel piling, masts and girders for overhead electric equipment over six years from October 2026. A formal tender for the contract, worth £23 million a year, is due to be issued in August. However, the preliminary notice is open to suppliers anywhere in the world. Master Cutler Philip Rodrigo called on the Government to use UK steel for the contract. He leads the Company of Cutlers in Hallamshire – a trade guild representing 255 companies with a combined revenue of £2 billion and tens of thousands of employees in South Yorkshire. 'I urge Network Rail to consider its support for the UK's economic prosperity by using suppliers from within the British Isles,' he said. 'This contract with National Rail should also consider the long-term growth of our nation.' Clive Betts, Labour MP for Sheffield South East who sits on the Public Accounts Committee, asked for an 'across the board review' of public sector procurement to maximise support for British firms. The Government, which is preparing a steel strategy, has pledged to spend £2.5 billion of public money on supporting the industry over the next five years. This includes funds for Britain's last two blast furnaces at Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire. A further £500 million has already been pledged to help Tata Steel build an electric arc furnace at Port Talbot in South Wales. Nigel Farage pledged last week that his Reform UK party would re-open blast furnaces at Port Talbot and resume mining for coking coal in Wales. Betts, whose constituency includes several steelmakers, said it was 'entirely right and proper' that firms spending public money 'should first of all look at how they should source from British suppliers and support British jobs'. Network Rail said the notice had been issued in line with standard procedures under the Procurement Act 2023. The legislation aimed to make public sector procurement 'more flexible and transparent' post-Brexit, but does not prioritise British suppliers over those from other countries. The Departments for Transport and Business and Trade were approached for comment. Sources said a major announcement on top of Reeves' Spending Review is set to be made in the coming weeks involving major rail projects and UK steel – but would provide no further details. Steel magnate Sir Andrew Cook said: 'UK taxpayer cash should be spent exclusively on UK-produced goods. To risk importing dumped foreign steel is crazy.' A Government spokesman said: 'Network Rail's procurement process remains at an early stage, and we welcome and encourage bids from British steel suppliers. 'We're determined to support the bright future steelmaking has in the UK, which is why we've committed up to £2.5 billion of investment to rebuild the industry.'

Scottish Government backing ‘engines of innovation' at colleges and universities
Scottish Government backing ‘engines of innovation' at colleges and universities

STV News

time2 days ago

  • STV News

Scottish Government backing ‘engines of innovation' at colleges and universities

The Scottish Government is 'fostering and supporting' entrepreneurial talent at colleges and universities, the Deputy First Minister has said, with £4.4m of funding announced for schemes to help convert research projects into new businesses. Kate Forbes said Scotland's universities and colleges were 'the engines of innovation' as she revealed details of three new projects which aim to turn their research into 'high-growth businesses' that will create jobs and boost the economy. Scotland's chief entrepreneur Ana Stewart welcomed the move, saying: 'This is an ambitious package which positions Scottish institutions as drivers of start-up creation and growth.' As part of the work, £2.9m will go to a proof of concept fund, which will explore the commercial potential of research projects. There will also be £800,000 for a spinout pipeline project, to be led by the University of Strathclyde, which will share expertise across universities, culminating in a summit where innovators will pitch to investors. The Scottish Government is also providing £700,000 for an entrepreneurial campus blueprint initiative to help college students develop business skills and link up with investors. Ms Forbes said: 'The Scottish Government is fostering and supporting entrepreneurial talent as part of strategic investment to capitalise on Scotland's reputation as a start-up nation.' She added: 'The economic opportunities presented by this are enormous. 'Our universities and colleges are the engines of innovation. They are known the world over as the home of some of the greatest ideas and inventions ever made, and can present real solutions to the challenges we face. 'This new investment underlines our commitment to realising the economic potential of the incredible work taking place across Scottish universities and colleges.' Ms Stewart said: 'The world's leading entrepreneurial economies are often powered by universities with strong entrepreneurial cultures.' She added: 'I look forward to collaborating with universities to maximise the impact of this funding.' Professor Sir Jim McDonald, the principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Strathclyde, said the new proof of concept fund would 'help to translate academic innovation into real-world economic and social impact'. He added: 'As the lead institution for the spinout pipeline project, and a leading entrepreneurial campus, the University of Strathclyde is also pleased to continue to play a central role in strengthening Scotland's entrepreneurial ecosystem. 'By harnessing the collective expertise of our universities, we aim to accelerate the journey from breakthrough ideas to market-ready ventures – creating high-value jobs, attracting investment, and supporting the next generation of innovators.' Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country

Beloved Edinburgh shop Ali's Cave to close after 40 years
Beloved Edinburgh shop Ali's Cave to close after 40 years

STV News

time2 days ago

  • STV News

Beloved Edinburgh shop Ali's Cave to close after 40 years

An Edinburgh shop that has served customers for more than 40 years is set to close this summer. Ali's Cave describes itself as a one-stop shop for everyday household items and DIY products. Despite surviving a recession, the Covid pandemic and years of the cost of living crisis, the Edinburgh institution has made the decision to close in August. Anwar Ulhaq opened the Lothian Road shop with his brothers in 1988 after seven successful years of trade on Edinburgh's South Bridge. Anwar son and co-owner Adnan Ulhaq said the decision to close was based on a drop in footfall. 'We very much relied on local community, local businesses and office worker, but the area has become a bit of a transient area where office workers are coming intermittently and a lot of the local community have probably moved out, so it's left a lot of void spaces for us. 'Online has definitely had an impact but I think we've always focussed on what we're doing. 'With our rates going up, with staff wages going up, with the national insurance impact, with the cost of living crisis, we couldn't provide the service that we've always done, a true value for shop. So that's what helped us make the decision of closing down.' The news has come as a shock to many in the community, particularly those who avoid online shopping. One customer, Jane, said: 'I'm really going to miss them. I mean I just can't be bothered with the internet, I'd rather come here, I get a laugh with the staff, what I need is actually here.' Marketing Lecturer Dr Ashleigh McFarlane says the convenience of online shopping has created tough competition for local independent shops The Edinburgh Napier University lecturer said: 'It's this ease of access and ease of obtaining products to their own home that puts people off leaving their home but I do really feel that it's a shame to lose the local high streets. 'For a lot of people that person in the local shop might be the only interaction they have in a day and I think that the High Street have to work differently, more socially, to get people in and get people involved and the retailers really need to think about if they can't invest in technology then what strategies will work for them.' While the loss of Ali's Cave will undoubtedly be felt across the community, they're encouraging their loyal customers to keep shopping locally. Adnan said: 'If you don't support local businesses, they won't be there anymore. You'll miss them when they're gone. 'Thank you very much to all of our regular customers, to all the people who have popped in, you've made my father and myself very happy. We truly feel valued in Edinburgh.' The shop will be having a half price sale from Monday in preparation for its closure in early August. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store