Latest news with #JamesScott
Scotsman
12-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
£10.3 million boost for Japanese-inspired capsule hotel and rooftop bar in heart of Edinburgh
'Capsule hotels are becoming increasingly popular in major European cities like London, Paris and Amsterdam' Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. 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... Plans for a Japanese-inspired capsule hotel and rooftop bar in the heart of Edinburgh are on track after a £10 million-plus loan was secured for the project. Digital bank OakNorth said it was providing a £10.3m facility to Tarka Edinburgh to fund the acquisition and development of the 242-pod hostel and rooftop bar on the capital's South St Andrew Street, next to St Andrew Square. The project will introduce the Tarka brand, which is said to blend 'upscale pod accommodation with a Japanese-inspired food and beverage offering'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Developers said the scheme would transform a six-storey vacant property comprising more than 18,000 square feet into a 'tech-enabled' capsule hostel with a rooftop bar and restaurant. A CGI of the planned new hotel off Edinburgh's St Andrew Square. Upon completion, the property will trade under two new brands: Tarka, the capsule hotel element, and Nana Kai rooftop bar and restaurant. The hotel will use the latest tech to enable guests to check-in, and obtain guest information via a multi-lingual mobile app. The app will also allow guests to book event tickets, make restaurant reservations and arrange dry cleaning. The operational team behind the ambitious proposals, including former leadership from Generator Hostels, is said to bring a 'wealth of experience' to the project, which is backed by entrepreneur James Scott. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Tarka team, including its chief operating officer (COO) Karen Richardson, worked for Generator during the period when it was owned by Patron Capital. Patron purchased the brand in 2007 when it had just two properties, and over the next ten years, as its COO, Richardson helped Generator grow to become the second largest hostel group in the world. It was sold in 2017 for some €450m (£380m). Fraser McPhail, director of debt finance at OakNorth Bank, said: 'Capsule hotels are becoming increasingly popular in major European cities like London, Paris and Amsterdam. The traditional hostel market has been established for some time but it's the micro-hotel segment which has driven substantial growth, with property count expanding on average by 16.4 per cent per annum since 2012. 'Together with leaner cost structures driven by a rooms-driven product, this is allowing capsule hotels to generate higher relative profits on a per-square-foot basis than their traditional peers.' He added: 'We are delighted to be supporting James and his team on this maiden project from Tarka - the combination of an excellent site, a differentiated offering, and a strong management team made this a compelling opportunity for OakNorth.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scott, chief executive of Tarka, who was advised by Moxa Hospitality on the financing, said: 'We're creating a fresh take on the hostel experience - one that blends style, technology and affordability in a way we believe will resonate strongly with our target audience. OakNorth's belief in our vision, as well as their collaborative approach made this a genuinely delightful experience. 'Our team has worked with a range of banks over the years, and I can say that OakNorth is a cut above the rest.' he added.
The Herald Scotland
09-05-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Work begins on seven-storey capsule hotel in Edinburgh
The project, developed by TARKA Hotels in collaboration with award-winning architect Studio LBA, involves retrofitting a vacant mixed-use building that previously housed a job centre, office space, and retail. The new hotel will feature 242 beds over seven stories, including a rooftop Japanese restaurant and bar with views of Calton Hill, Edinburgh Castle, and the Firth of Forth. With construction already underway, completion is expected in Summer 2026. READ MORE: Pubs giant lodges plan to convert city centre landmark into 195-room hotel Hotel near fifth oldest golf course in the world goes on market Famous Scottish hotel re-opens after £20million facelift Lynsay Bell, Managing Director of Studio LBA, commented: 'TARKA's vision is to redefine hospitality with an innovative Japanese capsule offering, positioned in the heart of Edinburgh. This design-led project seeks to repurpose a redundant building, transforming it into an authentic and cutting-edge destination that not only invigorates the urban landscape but also creates employment opportunities. Creating a draw for both locals and tourists alike. 'In our design approach, we have made a point of celebrating the building's new rooftop addition. The façade is adorned with folded, origami-inspired metalwork – a bold reference to contemporary architectural aesthetics and Japanese culture. This intricate, yet elegant, feature serves as a bridge between the new and the old. Paying subtle homage to the building's original character while introducing a fresh, modern identity. 'Nestled within the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage Site, the New Town Conservation Area, and the New Town Gardens Designed Landscape, the project's location offers breathtaking views from the historic Calton Hill to the iconic Edinburgh Castle. Providing guests with a unique blend of tradition and modernity, where they can relax and indulge in an authentic Japanese dining experience amidst the charm of Edinburgh's rich heritage.' James Scott, founder of TARKA Hotels, added: 'TARKA was born from our experiences staying in capsule hotels during visits to Japan—trips that sparked a real passion to bring this modern, affordable accommodation concept to the UK. 'We aim to redefine the traditional hostel by offering quiet, private pods that strike the perfect balance between the cost-efficiency of hostels and the comfort and design of modern hotels. TARKA is built with urban travellers, tourists, and business guests in mind—prioritising affordability, central locations, and sleek, smart design.'
Scotsman
09-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
New 7 storey Japanese-inspired capsule hotel with rooftop bar to open in Edinburgh next year
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now Work has begun on an exciting new seven-story capsule hotel in the heart of Edinburgh. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, 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... Situated just off the St Andrew Square and directly adjacent to Edinburgh's iconic Princes Street, the new hotel will feature 242 beds over seven stories, and include a rooftop Japanese restaurant and bar with breathtaking views of Calton Hill, Edinburgh Castle, and the Firth of Forth. Taking inspiration from Japan's popular capsule hotel concept, the project is a collaboration between TARKA Hotels and award-winning architect Studio LBA. The project is expected to be completed by the summer of 2026. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad TARKA Hotels promises to deliver an innovative alternative to traditional hotel accommodations. It is set to open next summer | TARKA Hotels Lynsay Bell, managing director of Studio LBA, said: 'TARKA's vision is to redefine hospitality with an innovative Japanese capsule offering, positioned in the heart of Edinburgh. This design-led project seeks to repurpose a redundant building, transforming it into an authentic and cutting-edge destination that not only invigorates the urban landscape but also creates employment opportunities. 'In our design approach, we have made a point of celebrating the building's new rooftop addition. The façade is adorned with folded, origami-inspired metalwork – a bold reference to contemporary architectural aesthetics and Japanese culture. This intricate, yet elegant, feature serves as a bridge between the new and the old. Paying subtle homage to the building's original character while introducing a fresh, modern identity.' The project involves retrofitting a vacant mixed-use building that previously held various uses, including a job centre, office space, and retail. Developers say initiative represents a bold step forward in transforming the numerous underused buildings in Scotland's major cities into purposeful spaces for visitors. James Scott, founder of TARKA Hotels, said: 'TARKA was born from our experiences staying in capsule hotels during visits to Japan - trips that sparked a real passion to bring this modern, affordable accommodation concept to the UK. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We aim to redefine the traditional hostel by offering quiet, private pods that strike the perfect balance between the cost-efficiency of hostels and the comfort and design of modern hotels.' Mr Scott added: 'TARKA is built with urban travellers, tourists, and business guests in mind - prioritising affordability, central locations, and sleek, smart design.'
Edinburgh Live
09-05-2025
- Business
- Edinburgh Live
New Edinburgh seven-storey city centre hotel 'inspired by Japanese capsule' craze
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 Construction has kicked off for a futuristic seven-storey capsule hotel in the heart of Edinburgh, spearheaded by TARKA Hotels in collaboration with architectural visionaries at Studio LBA. Set to transform a disused building just off St Andrew Square, this innovative hotel project draws from the efficient and minimalist design of Japanese capsule hotels, adding a dash of luxury with 242 snug sleeping pods, an exclusive rooftop restaurant and bar. Breaking away from previous incarnations as a job centre, offices and retail space, the property's transformation is well underway, aiming to welcome guests by the upcoming summer season. Founder of TARKA Hotels, James Scott expressed his vision: "We aim to redefine the traditional hostel by offering quiet, private pods that strike the perfect balance between the cost-efficiency of hostels and the comfort and design of modern hotels." Overseeing project management and quantity surveying is Axiom Project Services, with S+CO as the interior design guru, Narro handling civil and structural engineering expertise, Derek Scott Planning consulting on planning, plus contributions from Parrish Consultancy, OFR Consultants, and RMP, reports the Insider. Studio LBA's managing director, Lynsay Bell, shed light on the distinctive design features: "In our design approach, we have made a point of celebrating the building's new rooftop addition." She further detailed the bold aesthetic choices: "The façade is adorned with folded, origami-inspired metalwork – a bold reference to contemporary architectural aesthetics and Japanese culture. "Providing guests with a unique blend of tradition and modernity, where they can relax and indulge in an authentic Japanese dining experience amidst the charm of Edinburgh's rich heritage."
Malay Mail
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Malay Mail
Joseph Nye is gone – but his ideas are more urgent than ever — Phar Kim Beng
MAY 9 — Power comes in many guises. As political anthropologist James Scott insightfully argued, even the seemingly powerless are not wholly devoid of agency. Power is not merely the domain of tanks and treaties—it is also about influence: the ability to affect outcomes, shape preferences, and steer decisions, even subtly, without force. In this regard, the work of Professor Joseph Nye, who passed away recently at the age of 88, has never been more relevant. Nye, a titan in the field of international relations, gave the world a language to describe non-coercive forms of influence. His term, soft power, has since become a staple in both academic and policy circles, though few wield it with the nuance and intellectual clarity Nye brought to bear. As the global order experiences new forms of fragmentation, and as American leadership is increasingly questioned, the world mourns not only the loss of a great thinker — but also the loss of one of the last architects of a more optimistic, cooperative international order. Nye's academic career took flight in the early 1970s. Alongside fellow scholar Robert Keohane, he co-authored Power and Interdependence (1977), a foundational text in international political economy. Their concept of complex interdependence broke with the realist orthodoxy that dominated Cold War thinking. Rather than seeing states as isolated actors pursuing zero-sum interests, Nye and Keohane emphasized the dense webs of economic, political, and institutional connections that made war among developed powers increasingly costly and irrational. This was, in essence, a revival of liberal internationalist thought — what some scholars later termed commercial liberalism. But Nye's most impactful contribution emerged in 1991, with the publication of his book Bound to Lead: The Changing Nature of American Power. At the time, Paul Kennedy, a British-born historian at Yale, had shaken the American strategic community with his thesis of 'imperial overstretch.' Kennedy warned that the United States, like previous empires, was burdening itself with unsustainable military commitments. Nye challenged this view head-on. He argued that the US was not in decline, but rather in a unique position to lead the world through its capacity to attract rather than coerce. Joseph Nye coined the term 'soft power' and advised multiple presidents. — Picture via Facebook/Harvard Kennedy School Soft power, as Nye conceptualized it, was not about manipulation. It was about admiration. When other nations or peoples adopt your values, emulate your institutions, or seek to be associated with your way of life, they are being influenced — not because they are compelled, but because they are inspired. American democracy, popular culture, technological innovation, and educational institutions served as examples of this appeal. In a post-Cold War world, soft power offered a new strategic grammar — one rooted in the power of ideas, culture, and legitimacy. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, followed by the dissolution of the Soviet Union, gave credence to Nye's optimistic vision. What Charles Krauthammer famously described as the 'unipolar moment' was not only defined by overwhelming US military dominance but also by the widespread adoption of American-style governance and markets. For a time, it seemed as though the American model had won. Yet Nye was also clear-eyed about the limits of soft power. In his later writings — most notably Soft Power: The Means to Success in World Politics (2004) — he emphasised that influence built on attraction must not be tainted by what he called the 'three Cs': coercion, corruption, and co-optation. If any of these are involved, the power ceases to be 'soft' and becomes something more insidious. This moral dimension is what set Nye apart. He did not merely seek to describe international behaviour; he sought to provide a framework for ethical leadership. Nye also remained committed to policy impact. As Dean of Harvard's Kennedy School and later as Assistant Secretary of Defense under President Clinton, he worked to combine soft and hard power into what he termed smart power — a strategy that leverages both attraction and strength in appropriate balance. Together with his former colleague Richard Armitage at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Nye advocated for a pragmatic and principled US foreign policy grounded in legitimacy and alliances. Tragically, both Nye and Armitage passed away within weeks of each other. Their deaths come at a time when the United States appears to be moving away from their vision. Under President Donald Trump, now the 47th President of the United States, America's role as a convener, moral leader, and institutional anchor has eroded. What Nye called 'convenor power' — the ability to rally diverse actors toward common solutions — has diminished. In its place is a more transactional and confrontational posture, one that mistakes volume for vision. The irony is striking. Nye passed away at a moment when his ideas are most needed. The world is increasingly sceptical of American benevolence. The credibility of the US as a democratic beacon and global leader has been called into question, not just by adversaries but by long-time allies. Yet perhaps that is precisely why his legacy matters more than ever. Nye taught us that true leadership rests not on dominance, but on trust and persuasion. In a fragmented world longing for cooperation, his vision of soft — and smart — power remains a guiding light. * Phar Kim Beng, Professor of Asean Studies at IIUM, was a former Head Teaching Fellow of Historical Studies HS 12 originally pioneered by Professor Joseph Nye and Stanley Hoffmann. HS 12 is a major part of the Core Curriculum of Harvard on 'World History from 15th century to Post Cold War.' ** This is the personal opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of Malay Mail.
