
Scottish Ministers call in hotel demolition decision
East Lothian councillors voted to approve plans to tear down the Golf Hotel, in North Berwick, and replace it with 14 flats at a meeting earlier this year.
The decision went against planning officers recommendations and objections from Historic Environment Scotland who are a statutory body.
In a letter to the local authority Scottish Ministers have confirmed they will consider the application themselves and issue a decision.
It comes after the Architectural Heritage Society of Scotland (AHSS) also called for Government intervention describing the unlisted building as 'architecturally distinguished' adding it occupies a 'key position in the North Berwick conservation area.
The Golf Hotel closed commercially in 2006 and had been used by its owners for staff accommodation until it was bought by its current owners during the pandemic.
However plans to demolish the building and build 14 flats on the site, on Dirleton Avenue, were recommended for refusal by planning officers who said it had not been proven that the hotel could not continue to operate as a commercial venture.
And Historic Environment Scotland (HES) objected to its demolition after describing the building as having historic and architectural significance in the town.
At a planning committee meeting in March East Lothian councillors heard the former hotel had initially been a house for a single family who used it in the last century as a holiday home evening bringing their own cattle with them so the children did not have to drink local milk.
Caledonian Heritable bought the building in 2021 and applied for permission to demolish it and build 14 luxury flats on the site.
Objectors to the demolition said the building should be given listed status and was an important part of the town's conservation area.
A council spokesperson said: 'Scottish Ministers have called in the application for the demolition of the former Golf Hotel meaning it will now be for them to determine.
'We have submitted the necessary information required to begin the process and made all local members, the community council and objectors aware of this action.'
By Marie Sharp Local Democracy Reporter
Like this:
Like
Related
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Herald Scotland
2 hours ago
- The Herald Scotland
Colleges must escape 'survival mode' to reach full potential
Prof Little, Digital Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Stirling, is a Futurist, someone who studies and prepares for the future. He said that Scotland's colleges could benefit from adopting this strategic perspective. 'Futurism is not about prediction, as there are no facts in the future. Instead, it is fundamentally all about preparation for possible futures. 'Futurism involves looking for signals of the future, identifying patterns, trends, and drivers. Then, exploring a range of possible futures that those elements may evolve into. 'Then planning for them.' He wrote that the economic landscape is changing rapidly, and innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) and other technologies are speeding up that evolution. 'Back in 2022, to an audience of Scottish skills educators and administrators, I cited a statistic suggesting that '85% of jobs that will exist in 2030 haven't been invented yet.'' In his report, he argued that colleges are best placed to be the source of learning for these future jobs, but identified several issues that he believes are holding colleges back, including a reduction in public investment, uneven engagement with businesses, unclear priorities from the Scottish Government, and little room for talk about colleges in discussions about higher education funding. Read more: He added that Scotland could face further challenges, including student dropout rates caused by rising mental health issues in young people and an increase in demand for additional support needs (ASN) across the country. Looking to the future, Prof Little argued that colleges in Scotland could become 'world-class' in vocational and technical education. Professor Joe Little, Digital Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Stirling, has written a new report calling for Scotland's colleges to be at the heart of future skills education. (Image: Prof Joe Little) In order to do so, he recommended that 'as much support as possible is afforded to Scotland's colleges politically, and that colleges work together closely, to achieve success and economies of scale in delivering results for students and society. 'Colleges have always played a vital role in Scottish civic life, and there is a bright future for Scotland's colleges if far more strategic ambition is put towards their success.' He wrote that the current 24 college structure leaves most colleges 'struggling to survive year-on-year' and 'almost no reward for innovation and commercial entrepreneurship within the institutions". 'My view is that a new model is needed for Scotland that will deal directly with the issues constraining the 24 colleges and provide a more hopeful future for the sector and indeed move from 'survival mode' to recognised as 'world-class.'' Writing exclusively for The Herald following the publication of his report, Prof Little said that urgent changes are needed for Scotland's colleges to take advantage of the opportunities he has highlighted. 'It starts with colleges being at the heart of government priorities – priorities which are set in consultation with employers to help connect what the economy needs to the education and training on offer. 'Countries that are doing well at providing great vocational training are often funding their colleges from their Economy portfolio, or equivalent departments. This instantly clarifies that colleges provide skilled workers who add to economic growth and enhance national prosperity.' Prof Little argued that Scotland's colleges have a chance to escape 'survival mode.' 'To do this, colleges need greater and more stable investment and stronger recognition politically for the work they do for individuals, families, employers and communities. The economic and social impact of colleges should also be much more highly recognised. 'I'm clear this future should include colleges at the heart of a world-class technical vocational education and training system in Scotland.' The Scottish Government has recognised the importance of skills training, and there are potential changes in the works for further education, particularly in terms of the funding structure. The Tertiary Education and Training (Funding and Governance) (Scotland) Bill being considered by the Scottish Parliament could see funding for national training programmes and apprenticeships consolidated within a redesigned Scottish Funding Council. Official statistics published by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) showed a record number of vocational and technical qualifications and awards in 2025. The total of 110,380 represents a 22.6% increase compared to 2024. In response to Prof Little's report, a Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'Colleges play a vital role which is why we have provided an uplift in funding for the sector in this year's budget. 'The Scottish Government accepts the premise of the key provisions set out in the independent review of skills delivery by James Withers, and work is underway to take forward the Post-School Education and Skills Reform Programme. 'We are clear about the importance and status of vocational pathways and it is very positive that the number of passes in vocational and technical qualifications reached a record high in this year's exam results.


Scotsman
8 hours ago
- Scotsman
How traditional Scottish food is causing stir on world stage, bringing tourists and trade
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... All around the world, food is becoming more than simply a fuel. It is a cultural experience rooted in place, heritage and story. Social media and increased travel for leisure have amplified this shift, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram thriving on vibrant, shareable content about food. Diners want meals that connect them with the culture and character of where they are or where they dream of going. As a result, under-explored cuisines and ingredients like Mayan sikil pak and Filipino banana ketchup are taking centre stage. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad With rich traditions and an enviable natural larder, Scottish food has the opportunity to thrive as a result of this growing appetite for exploring global food experiences. It is tough for food producers at the moment, so looking for a competitive edge is more important than ever. However, despite the challenges, it is also an exciting time for producers in Scotland; and the time is ripe for us to stand proudly on the world stage and turn local flavours into global fascination. Scotland's unspoilt landscapes and traditional Scottish ingredients like heather are part of the reason why global food tourists want to come here (Picture: Peter Thompson/Heritage Images) |Tapping into tradition The global culinary tourism market is growing, driven not just by food but by the stories behind it. According to Skyscanner, San Sebastian in northern Spain is rising in popularity partly because of travellers looking to try Basque cheesecake and pintxos – a Basque version of tapas – which are both rooted in regional identity. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This reflects a broader trend: consumers value food that connects to heritage. And this authenticity is something Scotland offers in spades. Our research found that if an item is identifiably grown, reared or produced in Scotland, it makes it more attractive to 87 per cent of UK tourists. And that enthusiasm isn't limited to people living overseas – just over half of Londoners say the same. Traditional Scottish ingredients like oats, seaweed, heather and barley are part of Scotland's story. There's a renewed interest in these ingredients, with many of them inspiring new and exciting products, such as Six Degrees North's Foraged Saison beer, made with foraged elderberries and heather. Scotland's sensory appeal Visual appeal dominates on social media as well as on our plate – as the old adage goes, we eat first with our eyes. And with regulatory pushback against artificial dyes in countries around the world, producers are exploring natural ways to appeal to consumers' senses. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad This shift is opening the door to other sensory experiences, particularly scent. Our sense of smell is not only central to flavour, but also closely linked with memory and emotion. Scottish cuisine is naturally rich in evocative aromas and colours: briny seaweed and green samphire evoke our coastline; purple heather and yellow-green juniper recall untamed countryside; and woodsmoke and peat offer a dark depth that contrasts with our open skies. These elements create a sensory landscape on our plates that resonate with visitors, locals and expats alike. For those who have visited, Scottish food brings back memories. For those planning a visit, it's a taste of what's to come. And for Scots abroad, it delivers a comforting sense of home. READ MORE: Our 4 favourite blended Scotch Whisky releases that are as good as any single malt Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Culinary curiosity As consumers search for authentic experiences, hybrid flavours are gaining ground – especially when they balance novelty with familiarity. We see this in crisps with globally inspired flavours like Manchego and olive or Thai red curry. Scottish producers are making their mark here, too, fusing international techniques with local ingredients to make something distinctly Scottish – such as Matugga, bringing African rum distilling techniques to a Scottish distillery. These reflect Scotland's long-standing openness and culinary curiosity, both parts of our culture. Products made in Scotland, by Scots or for Scots, are embraced as part of our identity. That sense of hospitality and inclusion is something to celebrate and is a strength as Scotland's food and drink sector continues to evolve for a global audience. Naturally nutritious Authenticity isn't the only thing driving consumer decisions. Wellness plays a central role in how people choose what to eat. Health is no longer a niche concern. Consumers are increasingly aware of the link between soil health and human health, and they're beginning to avoid ultra-processed foods in favour of naturally nutrient-rich options. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scotland is already well-suited to meet this demand. Our well-earned reputation for unspoilt landscapes, crystal-clear waters and open skies reinforces perceptions of purity and quality. Many traditional Scottish ingredients also align with contemporary dietary preferences, whether natural animal protein, gluten-free or nutrient-dense. They appeal to a broad and health-conscious market. Even trends like fermentation – despite their polarising flavours – are opening the door to more adventurous products with added health benefits. Scottish brands are well-placed to innovate here and use familiar local ingredients to create products that resonate globally and have functional value; consider Slow Sauce's miso made from fermented Aberdeenshire oats. A global presence Scottish cuisine has long been valued for its quality: just look at the £844 million of Scottish salmon and £5.4 billion of whisky exported last year as proof of the global appetite for our products. But there's more to share than seafood and spirits. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad From heritage grains and foraged botanicals to health-driven innovation and cross-cultural creativity, Scottish food is already delivering on the values that modern consumers want: authenticity, quality and nutrition. To fully embrace this momentum, Scottish producers must continue to pair innovation with approachability and lead with the compelling stories which show we deliver on the authentic, meaningful food experiences that consumers are looking for.


STV News
8 hours ago
- STV News
Scotland needs a 'nightlife minister' as industry faces critical challenges
Calls for the Scottish Government to appoint a 'nightlife minister' have been made as the industry continues to face critical challenges. The Night Time Industries Association believes Scotland is 'lagging behind' in supporting the hospitality industry with rising costs, restrictive policies, and insufficient government support, putting pressure on businesses. The organisation is calling for a nighttime economy strategy and for it to fall within the role of a specific minister Mike Grieve, who owns the Sub Club in Glasgow and chairs the NTIA, said the Covid pandemic has been a 'significant' factor in the challenges facing nightlife across the city. 'Younger people who aren't used to being out in nightlife, and older people who got used to staying in and watching TV,' he told STV News. However, he added, there is an 'appetite' for young people to go out and believes there always will be. 'It's part of the human psyche, you want to go out and socialise and party, that's part of the make-up of the human race. I just think some of the behaviour patterns have changed. 'It's a very significant contributor; hospitality businesses are the biggest employers for under-30s in the UK. So that gives you just a flavour for how valuable it is. 'The increases in wage cost, the national insurance hike and the lack of rates relief we're getting in Scotland are very significant for operators. 'With inflation, the cost base has grown significantly, and it's not a cost that we're able to pass on to our customers,' he added. The club owner added that transport out of Glasgow has affected the industry because people are unable to get home. 'It's become a problem across the whole of Scotland, not just Glasgow. But we lack a solid transport infrastructure going out of the city after midnight. It's easy to get in, but getting home is a concern for people. 'Really, what we are calling for is a nighttime economy strategy and for it to fall within the role of a specific minister. 'At the moment, it's spread between a few, so there's no direct responsibility in Scotland. 'Scotland needs a strategy so it can be adopted throughout local authorities, and then they can have their own strategy, and there's cohesion to the way it's approached.' The strategy would include solving issues such as planning and licensing, as well as issues around training and best practices. The group believes that Scotland is 'lagging very far behind' in terms of infrastructure for the night-time economy. 'Most places in Europe have an active nighttime economy strategy that works within the national governments; we don't need to look far for it. Ireland has eight local city nighttime economy managers,' he said. 'The UK has led the way in recent times with music and trends, and people take it for granted.' The Scottish Government said that it provided 40% business rates relief to hospitality premises – a relief that the NTIA says is not extended to small businesses. Business minister Richard Lochhead said it welcomes any 'realistic contributions' to grow and improve Scotland's economy and continues to call on the UK Government to reverse its decision to increase employers' national insurance contributions, which is having a detrimental impact on the night-time industry 'We are providing 40% rate relief in 2025-26 for hospitality premises, including music venues with a capacity of up to 1,500 people, which is benefiting night-time businesses,' he said. 'Scotland also continues to offer the most generous small business rates relief in the UK, with around half of properties in the retail, hospitality and leisure sectors being eligible for 100% Small Business Bonus Scheme relief.' 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