Latest news with #Dundee-based
The National
2 days ago
- Business
- The National
Dundee travel firm to auction off 10 buses after closing
The Dundee-based coach company, Fisher Tours, announced last week it would cease operating, with more than 20 staff members being made redundant. It has been reported that no formal liquidator or administrator has been named, and that drivers and mechanics with the now closed firm are still waiting for answers regarding unpaid wages, holiday entitlement, and redundancy settlements. Fishers Tours has now put 10 of its coaches on the auction website Sweeney Kincaid, which is due to go live in June. READ MORE: Labour has 'given up' on by-election amid SNP-Reform contest, says John Swinney Last Monday, drivers and mechanics were reportedly 'stunned' after they were informed that the company would cease trading on Friday, the same week. Fishers Tours had several long-standing contracts with local councils, including transportation agreements to take pupils to and from schools in Dundee and Angus, and is one of the biggest private coach hire companies in the area. According to The Courier, former staff at the firm were told pension payments had allegedly not been made by Fishers since the beginning of the year and that they were still waiting for answers regarding the company's liquidation. 'We're all still in limbo,' one driver told The Courier. 'We left on Friday with no paperwork and no replies to any of our emails asking for the information we need. 'This includes who the administrators are, what will happen to holidays and wages due, a letter of redundancy confirmation or pensions information. 'There are no case numbers yet, to apply for money owed. We were told there would be administrators by Tuesday morning. This hasn't happened. 'Now there are more than 20 lads all panicking. It's an absolute joke. 'All the buses were removed from the yard on Monday. 'How long do we have to wait? It's an absolute shambles.'
The Courier
2 days ago
- Business
- The Courier
EXCLUSIVE: Dundee University submits £100m rescue plea to government
Dundee University has submitted its formal request for a bumper £100 million cash bail-out to help reduced job losses and secure a stable future, The Courier can reveal. The request was received by the Scottish Funding Council (SFC) after weeks of discussions between the university, funding body and government. It includes £40 million over two years and access to a liquidity facility of between £40m-£60m to support day-to-day spending. Together, that means the government could be putting together a rescue package of £100m. This is all on top of a previous loan of £22m already provided in March. Insiders suggest some of this cash could come in the form of commercial loans from lenders, though negotiations on access to lending facilities have stalled. The money will help to reduce the total number of redundancies and work towards a more stable financial footing over the next two years. And while the sum is considerable, sources say that ensuring the region's educational future is secure is at the top of the government's priority list. It comes after First Minister John Swinney was quizzed on the drawn-out negotiations at Holyrood on Thursday. 'The figure shouldn't be a surprise,' one insider said. 'The university have been engaging with the funding council and ministers on the level of support. This step was really just a formality.' In an email to staff, interim principal Shane O'Neill confirmed the request for support. He said: 'This additional support is necessary as we continue to make our recovery. 'We are making a substantial ask, which is reflective of the level of support needed around the proposals for a reduction in our staffing of up to 300 FTE via a voluntary severance scheme. 'The SFC will now consider the request we have made and we will provide further updates in due course. 'While those discussions continue I am not in a position to give substantive details but I will share more information as and when I can.' Interim court chair Tricia Bey previously told MSPs that without the cash the university would likely have run out of money by the end of June. Dundee-based Labour MSP Michael Marra said the SNP government should now 'follow through' on its commitment to provide the financial support required. The MSP said: 'The financial costings of the government's target of 300 redundancies has now been completed. 'It has taken far too long and ministers must now ensure immediate action so university staff can begin to plan their lives again. 'The voluntary severance scheme can, should, indeed must be launched in the next week. 'That will help to slow the financial bleeding that has gone unchecked for seven months since the scale of the crisis was made known to the public.' The Scottish Funding Council confirmed it had received the university's request.
The Courier
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Courier
Michael Marra: Dundee's humble champion is fighting for fairness, community, family and lasting change
If there's one thread running through Michael Marra's life and politics, it's a deep-rooted belief in fairness, community and the quiet strength of collective action. The Dundee-based North East Scotland Scottish Labour MSP is currently the Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance. But long before Holyrood, he was marching for miners' rights as a child, raised in a household shaped by trade unionism, Catholic social teaching, and the melodic storytelling of his uncle – the legendary musician Michael Marra. Now 45, the MSP and former Lochee councillor speaks with the clarity of someone who has witnessed inequality firsthand – whether among the terraces at Tannadice, in Dundee classrooms where both his parents taught, or in the everyday struggles of his constituents. His politics embody practical socialism: less about slogans, more about delivering policies that make a 'real' difference. He's driven by putting money into people's pockets, investing in public services and rebuilding trust in a system many feel has left them behind. But when asked if he has ambitions to lead Scottish Labour, the self-described 'badly lapsed Catholic' and 'radical pragmatist' says it's not something he is 'actively pursuing'. 'Firstly, there's no vacancy at the moment – and I hope it stays that way,' he says in an interview with The Courier, speaking before Anas Sarwar was 'race baited' this week by Reform leader Nigel Farage. 'Anas (Sarwar) is a brilliant, charismatic, politically astute leader. 'Despite the current challenges – like the splintering of the anti-SNP vote – there's no one better placed to deal with them.' But while he doesn't rule out vying for party leadership in future, the father-of-three makes it clear he'd be reluctant to take on the role while his family are young. 'If it were to happen, it would be a long way off,' he adds. 'With my two youngest children at the ages they are, I couldn't do it. 'I've seen Labour leaders put in unbelievable work here in Scotland – often with little electoral reward, but with huge personal sacrifices. 'My children are in their early teens, and they need me now. Sometimes I don't feel I give them enough as it is.' Michael has strong views on international affairs, including the ongoing crisis in Gaza. But it's building a more equal society at home that truly drives him. That core motivator was powerfully reflected when he recently voted against assisted dying legislation at Holyrood. His decision wasn't influenced by his 'lapsed Catholic' faith, as some might assume. Instead, he explains, it stemmed from a deep concern that assisted dying could place a heavier burden on the poor and disabled. Until that fundamental imbalance is addressed, he cannot in good conscience support such a measure. This conviction underpins not only his stance on assisted dying but also his broader worldview, centred around what he calls 'Dundee first.' Born and bred in Dundee, Michael's roots run deep in the city's working-class and Irish immigrant history. His great-uncle was the secretary of the Labour Party in Dundee for 30 years. His great-uncle's father Nicholas Marra, meanwhile, founded both the Independent Labour Party in Dundee and the Jute and Flax Workers' Union. Growing up in a household where both parents were schoolteachers and active trade unionists, social justice and solidarity were lived realities. From marches organised by his dad during the miners' strike to organising holiday camps for children from Fife, activism and a belief in collective progress were part of his childhood. The Dundee of his youth was a city marked by economic hardship but also by community resilience and a fierce pride in local identity. Michael attended St Joseph's Primary and then St John's High School. He vividly remembers classmates who went on to be devastated by drugs and deprivation – a stark reminder of the city's persistent inequalities. He joined the Labour Party as a university student in Glasgow, initially hesitant due to New Labour's perceived shift to the right under Tony Blair. 'I wasn't a Blairite,' he admits. 'My sister joined before me.' But for Michael, Labour remains a vehicle for tangible improvements to ordinary people's lives. Asked if 'soft left' is an accurate description of his politics, he replies: 'I have a radical vision for a fairer economic future. 'I don't believe in the nationalisation of the top FTSE 500 kind of thing – I was never enamoured by Corbynism. I thought it was a pathway to electoral doom. 'But essentially I'm a socialist who wants to see significant progress on equality.' As Scottish Labour's Shadow Cabinet Secretary for Finance, he focuses heavily on financial inclusion. He is critical of what he calls 'chaotic' SNP budget management and 'waste'. On the relationship between Scottish Labour and the UK party, he highlights the autonomy of the Scottish branch while stressing shared interests. He works closely with Chancellor Rachel Reeves. Michael, who previously worked for Oxfam, supports a two-state solution and a free Palestine when it comes to the Israel-Gaza conflict. While acknowledging the trauma of the October 7 attacks on Israel, he describes recent Israeli state actions as 'completely unacceptable' and is sickened by the 'horrific' humanitarian crisis in Gaza. His family's ties to Palestine run deep. His father is active in Dundee's Nablus Twinning Association, and his late colleague Ernie Ross was a long-time supporter of Palestinian solidarity. On a lighter note, Michael is an avid Dundee United fan who's delighted to see the club back in Europe. A season ticket holder in the Eddie Thompson stand where he sits with his football 'fanatic' son and dad, he speaks warmly of the club's recent successes and the passionate atmosphere at matches. But the legacy of his late uncle Michael Marra, the celebrated musician, also looms large. 'Mick was a storyteller who captured the spirit of Dundee – its people and its struggles,' he says. 'We didn't always agree politically, but he was kind, caring, and proud when my sister entered politics.' Though he describes himself as a 'badly lapsed Catholic,' faith remains a cultural touchstone. Michael is deeply concerned about the rise of populism and right-wing politics globally. He links this shift to the atomising effects of social media, which promotes individualism over community. Locally, he takes pride in Dundee's strong community spirit and its tradition of female-led activism. Yet he remains worried about persistent challenges: child poverty, drug addiction, and economic decline. He also campaigns on issues close to Dundee's heart, such as supporting footballers with dementia. Asked about his hopes for the future, Michael is clear: 'I want more and better jobs in Dundee. I want schools to improve, young people to get work, and a more equal Scotland where people feel at ease with themselves. If politics can help make that happen, I'd be happy.' And his dream when that day comes? 'I'd be quite happy sitting at Tannadice with my grandchildren and not being recognised by anybody!'
The Courier
3 days ago
- Business
- The Courier
John Swinney responds to challenge over Dundee University rescue delay
John Swinney was challenged over when a rescue deal will be struck with Dundee University as it nears one month since an alternative recovery plan was published. The crisis-hit institution proposed to make 300 jobs redundant through a voluntary severance scheme to plug a £35 million deficit. On Thursday in Holyrood, the first minister said his government is yet to be approached as talks continue between officials, the university and the Scottish Funding Council. Mr Swinney responded to pressure over delays by saying he could not interfere in the drawn-out negotiations. It's feared the final bill required to bail out the struggling institution is likely to exceed £40 million. The Scottish Government has already provided £22 million in lifeline cash. North East Fife Lib Dem Willie Rennie, who challenged the first minister in Holyrood, said one employee had 'tears in her eyes' as she told him about the toll the jobs crisis has taken on her. 'This has been agonising for university staff,' he said. 'A cloud has been hanging over them since November. 'They simply cannot understand why we still have no financial agreement.' Dundee-based Labour MSP Michael Marra said one staff member told him: 'The endless delays and broken promises from management and government are leaving us all in despair.' The first minister was challenged to assure staff that the voluntary redundancy scheme would be open by the end of next week. Mr Swinney said: 'I can't give that commitment, because that would be me dictating to an independent institution.' The SNP leader said he had heard about the struggles of worried staff at meetings held in his own Perthshire constituency. He told MSPs: 'We are ready to consider any requests that are made to us. 'I'm encouraged by the university's commitment to minimise job losses, but it is vital the university consults on its revised plan. 'The University of Dundee is an autonomous institution. 'It has to take the initiative to come to the funding council and the government.' Mr Swinney insisted the university crisis will continue to have his 'most active engagement'. Dundee University initially proposed to axe 700 jobs before this was later scaled back. Staff went on strike this week in protest against compulsory redundancies in a leading forensic research hub at the institution.
The Courier
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Courier
The Dundee folk who go from everyday jobs to stage stardom by night
IT guy Paul Creegan is dressed in a mesh cropped top as he waits to practise his song. Nearby Robert Oakes is having his make-up done. He's dressed in a skirt and fishnet tights. Ellen Ryder, who works in a clothes boutique, is about to portray a drug addicted stripper. They are members of Dundee-based Thomson-Leng Musical Society who are about to present Rent. The rock musical follows a group of impoverished, artistic friends living in 1980s New York under the shadow of HIV and AIDS. A diverse group of amateur actors, singers and dancers will bring the show to Dundee from Wednesday. So we went along to a dress rehearsal to find out what it's like going from ordinary day jobs to stage stardom. Rachel Hogg, 31, from Newport, plays Maureen Johnson, a fiery and flirtatious performance artist. Her work environment as a PA at St Andrews University is, she says, 'straight-laced, reserved and calm'. 'Then I get to come here and roll about the stage!' It's 'liberating' playing a character like Maureen, she says. 'She likes to take the spotlight and does all the things you wouldn't dare do in public.' Rehearsals are in full swing in a small room in St Paul's Cathedral. Cast members are belting out the show's hits. Until their set is built at The Space Theatre a couple of tables pushed together suffice. Opening night is fast approaching. Despite having been involved in musical theatre from childhood, Rachel says that is 'exciting yet terrifying'. But excitement appears to be triumphing over terror. 'I think we're all just excited to get it on stage and get onto the set. 'We're going to have loads of steel deck and things to climb up and we don't get to play with any of that until we get to the theatre!' Also relishing her gritty part is Ellen, 32, from Dundee, who plays Mimi Márquez. 'Mimi is a drug addict and she's one of the characters that has AIDs,' she says. 'I normally play princesses so this is the other end of the scale! 'It's a challenge but I like a challenge. 'It's quite nice being a bit moody, I'm normally really smiley.' Ellen has been with Thomson-Leng Musical Society, which also puts on an annual pantomime, since she was 10 and is excited to get yet another show on the road. 'I love opening night, it's always such a buzz.' Robert's transformation into drag queen drummer Angel Dumott Schunard is the most visually arresting. Make-up done, he pulls on a black wig before he teeters in his high heels to join the rehearsal. Robert, 30, says: 'It's very interesting to play this kind of character because it's so far from who I am. 'There's a lot of heavy stuff in this show and Angel is a nice ray of positivity – very bubbly, very eccentric.' Robert lives in Dundee but is from Blairgowrie. He's no stranger to the stage, working as a visitor experience team member at Perth Theatre and Concert Hall and having done musical theatre since he was six years old. 'It's just exciting every single time,' he says. 'Everybody around you is there to have a good time, the audience is there to have a good time. 'The atmosphere is just something wonderful.' Ensuring everything goes to plan on the night is director and choreographer Donna Bustard. By day the mum-of-two from Forfar is a youth and employability worker for Barnardo's. But she's choreographed professional and amateur productions around the UK. While the cast have had months to prepare, the technical stuff happens only in the last couple of days. Donna says: 'Opening night is nerve-racking because you're bringing everything together, the sound, the set, lighting. 'You're just willing the whole thing to come together and just be a great, positive, fun experience.' So far she is feeling relaxed and confident. 'We're in a really good space, we're dead chilled.' And her work means people like Paul, 42, can focus on putting on a good show. Stepping onto stage in front of a audience is far cry from his job as an ICT technician in the NHS. 'The same amount of drama but absolutely, completely different!' he jokes. He plays several parts in the ensemble, including 'Steve' and 'The Cop'. Again he's been doing shows since he was a schoolboy. 'Whenever you're doing rehearsals you always feel you're not ready but you get to the theatre and it all comes together.' Tickets are on sale for Rent by Thomson-Leng Musical Society at The Space Theatre from May 28 to 31. Donations will be collected at shows for Waverley Care.
