Latest news with #Ellon-based
The Herald Scotland
31-07-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Thousands raised after death of Scots baker and family man
Aberdeenshire native Steven Buchan, who founded the bakery in 2019, died earlier this week at the age of 33, leaving behind his wife Zoe and three young children. An outpouring of support for the family has seen thousands of pounds raised via JustGiving. As of 2.40 PM on Thursday, £15,045 had been donated, in less than one day. Zoe Buchan said: "I lost my beautiful husband Steve suddenly and unexpectedly this week. As most of you will know he was the Vegan Bay Baker. He leaves behind myself and our three beautiful children. "I am hoping to raise enough money to give him the funeral he deserves and to have for our children. I am so overwhelmed by all the offers of support and help, all the lovely messages I've had. "I really appreciate everyone who has been so kind, sharing stories of him, how wonderful he was, he was the best daddy to our kids and husband to me. We already miss him so much." Childhood friends Steven and Zoe grew up in the small town of Balmedie, ten miles north of Aberdeen. The couple set up Scotland's first vegan craft bakery from their kitchen table, eventually expanding to brick and mortar locations in Aberdeen, Balmedie, and Peterhead. In 2022, the shop was honoured at the Scottish Bakers Awards, winning top prize for their sourdough bread. Five hundred people have contributed to the fund, including fellow Aberdeen pastry shop Bandit Bakery, who donated £200, as did Ellon-based pizza restaurant The Gaff and Peterculter artisans Crust Bakery. Anna Smith said on Facebook: "I am so sorry to hear this sad news. Steven kindly delivered us some delicious food during lockdown and really made my little boy so happy he could enjoy croissants and cakes for the first time with his dairy allergy." Rebekilla Duncan added: "My family and I met Steven in the Banchory food market a few years ago and he was so wonderful. It was the first time my daughter who has severe allergies could eat a croissant, he made her so happy and we ended up talking to Steven for a while about his business and how wonderful his products were."
Press and Journal
22-07-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
First ever BrewDog bar to shut as brand announces wave of closures
BrewDog's first ever bar, which is located in Aberdeen and described as 'the flagship' by brewers, is due to close its doors for good. BrewDog Gallowgate in Aberdeen has been open since 2010 and in that time has 'introduced thousands of people' to the company and its craft beer. However, a strategic review by the Ellon-based global firm has decided it is now the end of the road for the city centre bar. The company describes the venue as being 'woven into our history'. It is one of 10 across the UK to close, in which BrewDog described as being a 'difficult decision'. Their first bar in London, located in Camden, is also set to go, in a decision that was not 'taken lightly'. The company acknowledged the 'best efforts' and 'hard work' of the teams in the affected bars. However, they conceded they had not been able to 'find a formula to make these bars viable'. Size, location and other 'limiting factors' were put down as major sticking points. An email seen by The Press and Journal to BrewDog staff said: 'Following much consideration, we have sadly concluded that there is no realistic prospect of making these venues commercially viable. 'Keeping them open would put pressure on the wider business, making it harder to invest where we know we can grow. 'This decision is not simply a response to the challenging UK hospitality market, but a proactive decision to redefine the bar division's focus.' Staff have been reassured by the business they 'expect to redeploy affected team members across the BrewDog network'. For those leaving, the company has promised to 'provide as much support as possible'. The consultation process for affected staff will last no less than 14 days and will be extended if necessary to complete a 'meaningful consultation'. A spokesman for BrewDog said: 'We can confirm that following a review of our bars business we have made the difficult decision to close ten bars, which reflects a more focused strategy and a rationalisation of our bar footprint. 'Despite our best efforts and the hard work of our teams, it has simply not been possible to make these bars commercially viable.'
The National
25-06-2025
- Business
- The National
Aberdeenshire housebuilding firm to axe up to 25 jobs
Scotia Homes, based in Ellon, said the decision to make some of its workforce redundant is due to 'significant challenges' facing the housebuilding sector. It's the second time in two years that Scotia Homes, which employs around 168 people, has been forced to make redundancies. Joint managing director Richard Begbie said the redundancies were in response to 'current market conditions', the Press and Journal reported. READ MORE: Closure of Alexander Dennis would be 'catastrophic' for Falkirk area, MSPs told Begbie said the decision for the latest round of job cuts was not taken lightly and will predominantly be made at their head office and not from its team of trades. He said: 'As widely reported, the housebuilding sector is currently facing significant challenges due to a range of external factors. 'In response to these market conditions, we are taking proactive steps to ensure the continued strength of our business. 'As part of this strategy, we are proposing changes to our workforce structure. We deeply value the contributions of our team, and this decision has not been made lightly. 'Scotia Homes remains dedicated to delivering quality homes and building vibrant communities, and these changes will help position us for future growth and continued success in a rapidly evolving market. 'It is anticipated that those affected by redundancy will be less than 25 employees.' The firm has been building homes in the north and north-east of Scotland for more than 30 years and has current developments in Kintore, Tarves, Aviemore, Arbroath, Blairgowrie and Brechin. Scotia Homes acquired fellow Ellon-based firm timber kit manufacturer Caledonia Homes for nearly £4.2 million in 2022. The firm was previously controlled by the Bruce family, but the firm is now 95% owned by Camlin Group, a joint venture of property entrepreneurs Bruce Linton and David Cameron, who took over Scotia Homes in 2020.
Edinburgh Live
03-06-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh pub launches 'first Guinness garden in city' with self-pour machine
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An Edinburgh pub is launching the city's 'first Guinness garden' with a self-pour machine. Malones in Leith is offering free pints to 50 of the first customers through the door on June 6 to celebrate, from 3pm. The 'lively' terrace is decorated with Guinness inspired planters and promises a 'laid-back vibe'. A new summer sun spot for the area, their self-pour machine claims to be the first of its kind in the city, allowing punters to pour their own perfect pint. Malones Leith General Manager Charlie Douglas, said: "This is a game-changer for Guinness lovers. It's all about the experience - pulling your own pint and enjoying it in the sunshine with friends." The garden will be open from 10pm throughout the summer, and opens just in time for the jazz festival. (Image: Malones Pub Group) A spokesperson for Malones added: "It comes as West Ham United fans are set to receive free and discounted beer throughout the pre-season after signing a major multi-year deal with Scottish brewing giant BrewDog. "The former European Conference League winners announced the new partnership on their social media accounts last month. As part of the deal, the Ellon-based brewery has agreed to support grassroots football teams across Essex and East London by providing brand-new kits to several of them ahead of the new season." Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
The National
28-05-2025
- Business
- The National
BrewDog launches new partnership with West Ham and London Stadium
In typical BrewDog fashion, the Ellon-based drinks firm has got people scratching their heads with another PR disaster-class, this time announcing a multi-year deal with the Premier League side and the London Stadium. The 'totally punk trailblazers' said the deal is a 'bold new chapter in fan experience' by offering the poor punters at the London Stadium BrewDog's 'finest beers'. READ MORE: I followed the SNP campaign trail in Hamilton – here's what I found out West Ham fans will soon be poured pints of Lost Lager, Punk IPA, Hazy Jane, Cold Beer, Wingman – a line-up which would struggle in the Sunday Leagues of your average boozers. With London having the highest average price for a pint, you do have to feel that the partnership with BrewDog does feel a bit like adding insult to injury for the poor Hammers fans. You would think, after their team's abysmal season in the Premier League last season, they would be hoping for some better signings over the summer transfer window. But don't worry, West Ham fans, you won't be the only ones who can enjoy a nice pint of 'Punk IPA', as the deal has been sealed ahead of Sam Fender, Iron Maiden, and the London Athletics at the stadium. The good news doesn't stop there as the firm plans to 'underline their commitment to football in East London' by kicking off the partnership by kitting out a number of grassroots teams with BrewDog-branded kits. Lauren Carrol, chief operating officer at BrewDog, said the firm is all about creating 'unforgettable moments with great beer', which is honestly somewhat true. (Image: Awakening) Who could forget the plethora of gaffes by the firm, many by their former leader James Watt, now trading his CEO days for more Elon Musk-style entrepreneurship? The announcement added that the collaboration is focused on 'transforming the stadium into a next-level destination for fans', with BrewDog on the taps. I fear that destination will be at another pub down the road.
