Latest news with #KateForbes
The Independent
8 minutes ago
- Business
- The Independent
Grangemouth closure hits Scottish economy, figures show
The closure of the Grangemouth oil refinery has hit the Scottish economy hard, new figures show. Statistics released by the Scottish Government show a drop-off of 0.4% in GDP growth in the three months up to May – effectively wiping out the 0.4% increase seen in the first three months of the year. In May, estimates by the Government found GDP contracted by 0.2%, following a boost of 0.1% the month before. The biggest drop-off in the three months up to May was seen in the manufacturing sector, which was hit by the closure of the refinery. Owner Petroineos announced last year the refinery would be turning into an import terminal, leaving Scotland without its own refinery and posing one of the first major tests of both the UK and Scottish governments in their push for a just transition away from oil and gas. Repeated attempts to halt the closure ultimately failed, with the loss of around 100 jobs, though plans for future use of the site have been put in motion as both governments seek external investment. As a result of the closure, manufacturing output in Scotland reduced by 4.1% in May. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes – who also has responsibility for the economy – said the figures show the UK economy to be 'less productive and more unequal than independent European countries comparable to Scotland'. 'While Scotland's GDP growth of 0.4% in the first quarter shows a positive start to the year, like the rest of the UK we have been affected by ongoing global challenges, including more difficult trading conditions,' she said. 'The latest monthly figure demonstrates the cessation of oil refining at Grangemouth has contributed to a reduced output in the manufacturing sector. 'Ministers are working closely to provide a just transition for the workforce and we have so far committed around £87 million to support the industrial cluster, including the £25 million Grangemouth just transition fund and up to £450,000 to support affected workers to transition into new roles. 'By pursuing new investment opportunities and supporting entrepreneurship, the Scottish Government is taking steps to grow Scotland's economy. 'But these and other economic statistics increasingly show that the UK's economy is less productive and more unequal than independent European countries comparable to Scotland. 'Ultimately, only the powers of independence will allow us to create a wealthier and fairer nation for everyone in Scotland.'
The National
17 minutes ago
- Business
- The National
Grangemouth closure hit Scottish economy hard as manufacturing plunges
THE closure of the Grangemouth oil refinery has hit the Scottish economy hard, new figures show. Statistics released by the Scottish Government show a drop-off of 0.4% in GDP growth in the three months up to May – effectively wiping out the 0.4% increase seen in the first three months of the year. In May, estimates by the Government found GDP contracted by 0.2%, following a boost of 0.1% the month before. The biggest drop-off in the three months up to May was seen in the manufacturing sector, which was hit by the closure of the refinery. READ MORE: Labour respond as 400k demand repeal of Online Safety Act Owner Petroineos announced last year the refinery would be turning into an import terminal, leaving Scotland without its own refinery and posing one of the first major tests of both the UK and Scottish governments in their push for a just transition away from oil and gas. Repeated attempts to halt the closure ultimately failed, with the loss of around 100 jobs, though plans for future use of the site have been put in motion as both governments seek external investment. As a result of the closure, manufacturing output in Scotland reduced by 4.1% in May. (Image: Andrew Milligan) Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes (above) – who also has responsibility for the economy – said the figures show the UK economy to be 'less productive and more unequal than independent European countries comparable to Scotland'. 'While Scotland's GDP growth of 0.4% in the first quarter shows a positive start to the year, like the rest of the UK we have been affected by ongoing global challenges, including more difficult trading conditions,' she said. 'The latest monthly figure demonstrates the cessation of oil refining at Grangemouth has contributed to a reduced output in the manufacturing sector. READ MORE: Scottish Labour silent on support for Sandie Peggie after racist jokes made public 'Ministers are working closely to provide a just transition for the workforce and we have so far committed around £87 million to support the industrial cluster, including the £25m Grangemouth just transition fund and up to £450,000 to support affected workers to transition into new roles. 'By pursuing new investment opportunities and supporting entrepreneurship, the Scottish Government is taking steps to grow Scotland's economy. 'But these and other economic statistics increasingly show that the UK's economy is less productive and more unequal than independent European countries comparable to Scotland. 'Ultimately, only the powers of independence will allow us to create a wealthier and fairer nation for everyone in Scotland.'
The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Grangemouth oil refinery blow hits Scottish economy
Scottish onshore GDP is now calculated to have risen by 0.1% in April, having previously been estimated to have declined by 0.2%. UK GDP fell by 0.1% in May, after declining by 0.3% in April. The Scottish Government chief economist directorate said of today's figures for Scotland: 'In May, the largest negative contribution to headline GDP was in manufacturing, which contributed -0.4 percentage points to headline GDP. This was partly due to the cessation of oil refining activity at the Grangemouth oil refinery.' Crude oil processing at Grangemouth ended on April 29, owner Petroineos confirmed at the time. Read more In the three months to May, Scotland's economy is estimated to have contracted by 0.4% compared with the December to February period. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes said: 'While Scotland's GDP growth of 0.4% in the first quarter shows a positive start to the year, like the rest of the UK we have been affected by ongoing global challenges, including more difficult trading conditions. 'The latest monthly figure demonstrates the cessation of oil refining at Grangemouth has contributed to a reduced output in the manufacturing sector. Ministers are working closely to provide a just transition for the workforce, and we have so far committed around £87 million to support the industrial cluster, including the £25 million Grangemouth Just Transition Fund and up to £450,000 to support affected workers to transition into new roles' She added: 'By pursuing new investment opportunities and supporting entrepreneurship, the Scottish Government is taking steps to grow Scotland's economy. 'But these and other economic statistics increasingly show that the UK's economy is less productive and more unequal than independent European countries comparable to Scotland. Ultimately, only the powers of independence will allow us to create a wealthier and fairer nation for everyone in Scotland.'
Scotsman
5 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
West Lothian charity secures new base by buying former library for £1
A West Lothian charity has been awarded more than £60,000 to build a new home in its former library base. 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... Craigshill based Spark took control of the former Almondbank Library for just £1 in a Community Asset Transfer from West Lothian Council earlier this year. Now grant funding secured from the Scottish Land Fund will enable the charity to refurbish the building to create a permanent home for a community group which has spread from its neighbourhood roots to help thousands across the county. Kate Forbes, the Depute First Minister meets staff and volunteers at Spark's Craigshill base in Livingston. | Spark Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Chair of Spark, the former long serving Craigshill councillor Frank Anderson, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: 'It is great to finally see the aspirations of our organisation reach a conclusion with the award of this grant funding. It has been a daunting task but one which will see our organisation go from strength to strength. 'Our community will continue to benefit from the many and varied activities we provide and will continue to provide. There will be no change to our activities and the fabulous atmosphere generated at Spark.' He continued: 'Whilst this award secures our ambition to take community ownership of the building, securing our future, we are already seeking funding to bring the building to a higher standard and become more energy efficient. We know that the improvements will enhance the Mall area and secure the building for future generations to enjoy.' Alex Fleming, Chief Officer at Spark, said: 'Spark are deeply thankful to the Scottish Land Fund for supporting us in taking this vital step toward community ownership of our building in the heart of our community. This funding means we can secure a long-term home where we can continue to grow, create opportunities, and make a real difference for those who live, work and visit our community.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The SLF grant will help the charity with the initial costs of taking on ownership of the former council property including legal fees for ownership and the decoupling of utilities. The council's Community Asset Transfer Committee agreed to the transfer of the library building in March after hearing that a measure of just part of the work the charity does suggested its social value was in excess of £500,000. Spark's membership and volunteer numbers have grown significantly over the last 18 months, as has the number and type of activities and events it delivers. Events such as our inaugural Spark in the Park, last year which saw approx. 3,000 people attend a free family event in Craigshill. The charity has been awarded a total of £63, 961 to fund the transformation of the building that has long been its home. Spark was founded as the Craigshill Good Neighbour Network almost 40 years ago. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Cara Gillespie, the chair of the Scottish Land Fund Committee said: 'The focus of this round of SLF funding has been on providing groups with the funds to secure spaces where they can come together as communities in both rural and urban locations, forging social ties and helping to meet local needs.'
The National
6 days ago
- The National
Harry Potter inspired Glenfinnan bus service launches to tackle overtourism
The new weekend 934 service – inspired by the famous Platform 9 ¾ the boy wizard catches the Hogwarts Express from – is being introduced to encourage more of the 600,000 annual visitors to leave their cars behind and travel more sustainably. The community-led initiative will aim to plug a gap in public transport provision to the Highland hamlet, where the lives of residents have been increasingly impacted by the tourists visiting to see the Jacobite Steam Train cross the viaduct. West Coast Railways – which runs The Jacobite steam train that crosses the viaduct - provided the steam engine and carriages used as the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films and the viaduct features in the famous flying car scene in the Chamber of Secrets. READ MORE: Calls for 'farcical' North Berwick parking plans to be shelved Villagers have previously told The National how their daily lives have been taken over by tourists, who often behave irresponsibly as the fight to get a glimpse of the train to share on their social media accounts. The bus will initially be a pilot scheme to gauge public appetite for a car-free day out and help relieve pressure on car parks, which are usually all full by around 10am. This has led to hazardous kerbside parking and traffic congestion along the famous Road to the Isles. Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes, who represents the area as an MSP, has been chairing a taskforce over the last few years to try and resolve some of the issues the village has been facing. She said she hopes the bus will be 'transformational'. (Image: Kate Forbes) Forbes (above) said: "Glenfinnan has become an iconic destination for visitors, with thousands of visitors every year. This has created pressures on local infrastructure, which I have been working to resolve with local residents. 'A few years ago, the community successfully built a much larger carpark. However, this has quickly become too small. As such, I have been chairing a task force to identify solutions over the last few years. 'I am delighted to see a new solution to get more people out of their cars. This will hopefully be transformational, as more visitors choose to share transport. 'I am enormously grateful to all the key stakeholders – The Highland Council, HITRANS, Shiel Buses, National Trust for Scotland and every local resident that has been helping drive this forward.' With Glenfinnan's visitor numbers continuing to rise year-on-year, it is hoped this new bus will relieve pressure on what has become a bucket list location in Scotland. The NTS Visitor Centre welcomed 14% more visitors between January and June 2025 than during the same period in 2024. READ MORE: Scottish community-owned island announces boycott of Israel The summer weekend bus service will run four times a day between Fort William and Glenfinnan up until Sunday, September 7. It is just one of many train and bus services that travel to Glenfinnan seven days a week. The NTS, Glenfinnan Community Council, Glenfinnan Community Facilities Charitable Trust (SCIO), Glenfinnan Station Museum and HITRANS have each contributed to the cost of the buses. Councillors have also backed the project by supporting an application to The Highland Council's Discretionary Budget, while local bus company Shiel Buses will operate the service. The weekend bus service pilot is part of a wider community action plan to address the long-standing challenges facing the village, which has become a bucket list destination in Scotland. In 2024, bollards and double yellow lines were introduced along the carriageway to physically discourage illegal roadside parking. This was reinforced in summer 2025 when Highland Council gained enforcement powers on the A830 around Glenfinnan. Parking enforcement officers are set to visit Glenfinnan regularly through the summer season, helping to educate drivers or issue penalty charge notices as required. While seeking to dissuade anti-social behaviour, the community is passionate about encouraging responsible and sustainable tourism has produced a simple 'Guide to visiting Glenfinnan without a car.' This combines timetable information for ScotRail trains, local buses and The Jacobite service in one place for the first time and aims to help visitors plan their visit by public transport. Glenfinnan businesses are also offering 'green rewards' as a thank you to those visitors who show them a valid bus or train ticket instead of using their car. These include the NTS Visitor Centre offering a complimentary hot drink and two-for-one on climbing Glenfinnan Monument. Visitors will be able to get on the Glenfinnan weekend bus at Fort William bus station, Lochaber High School – where there is free parking available at weekends – Kilmalie Hall in Corpach and Linnhe Caravan Park. Times for the new service, along with timetables and prices for all other buses and trains, can be found in the 'Guide to visiting Glenfinnan without a car.' This can be viewed and downloaded here.
