Latest news with #Lanarkshire-based
Daily Record
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Gillian Mackay announces her intent to run for election as Scottish Greens co-leader
The Lanarkshire-based MSP has pointed to her success delivering on campaigns. Gillian Mackay MSP has announced today that she is standing for the leadership of the Scottish Greens. The Lanarkshire-based Central Scotland Region representative is the first party member to declare their intention for the position. The election was sparked following the decision by Patrick Harvie to step down as party leader after 17 years; he is currently co-leader alongside Lorna Slater. Mackay, who is expecting a baby in the coming months, has had notable parliament success championing a number of Green policies including free bus travel for everyone up to 22 years old and the permanent scrapping of peak rail fares, announced recently. She also led the campaign to impose safety zones for women around abortion clinics. Her ambition to lead the party was revealed during a press call outside the People's Palace at Glasgow Green on Friday morning. Mackay said: 'Today, I'm really pleased to announce that I'm running for co-leader of the Scottish Greens. 'There was a lot to weigh up as we're expecting a baby, as well as all the other things that are going on in politics. 'For me, I feel it's the right time to step up, take charge and deliver for both the party and the communities across Scotland. 'Patrick's been co-leader of the Greens for my entire adult life. He's done a brilliant job to get us where we are but I feel that I'm one of the people who can help deliver on that, not just in terms of good electoral results but bring together communities like those I represent in Central Scotland." She added: 'A core part of Green politics is standing with minorities who need us and I'll be proud to continue to do that, whether that be as part of the party or as co-leader if I'm elected." The MSP believes there is much work to do to but the Greens can improve further on previous election results and deliver meaningful policies for people in Scotland. 'There's always a fear after you've had your best ever result, but I really think that what Scotland needs at the moment is some hope,' Mackay continued. 'A lot of the policies we have, from under-22s' free bus travel to scrapping peak rail fares, show that you can put money back into the pockets of people and that we're willing to make hard decisions to do that. 'Over the last four years I think I've shown that I can deliver on the campaigns that I've brought forward, such as safe access zones [around women's health clinics], and rolling back the cuts to free school buses in North Lanarkshire.' While the MSP will be taking time out in the coming months she is prepared for the hard work ahead with a Scottish Parliament election on the horizon. She said: 'I'm heading for maternity leave soon but I'll be handing things over to my colleagues for them to build on and I'll be back in six months with even more to do.' The MSP thoroughly enjoys being out helping whoever she can in the constituency and if she is successful in the leadership bid, that won't change. 'Bringing people together is one of my strong points and something I really enjoy as part of this job,' said Mackay. 'I really enjoy being in the communities I represent and while the region is changing [boundary changes] over the next wee while, it's absolutely my commitment to my constituents that they will continue to see as much of me, if not more.' The MSP who was raised in Grangemouth also spoke of her anger at the effects on the community there following the closure of the Ineos Oil Refinery. 'I'm raging at how the community has been left behind by multiple governments,' she admitted. 'There's far more that should have been done to make sure we aren't losing the jobs that we are. I'm really concerned for the own that I grew up in if some of these people leave. "I've been asking government recently, how do we retain those skills and keep them here in that short term when the refinery is not operating and people have been made redundant. And how do we ensure small businesses around the town that rely on them continue to remain open and thriving. "There's plenty of rhetoric coming out about the Grangemouth and Falkirk growth deal out but as far as I can see, not a lot to support those small businesses are a core and well-loved part of the community.'
Daily Record
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Record
Decision to scrap peak rail fares will be a huge win for Lanarkshire commuters
'Transport must be affordable, accessible and widely available' The Scottish Government's decision to scrap peak rail fares permanently has been welcomed by Gillian Mackay MSP. The Lanarkshire-based Scottish Greens MSP says the decision taken by the SNP to take forward her own party's policy and U-turn on peak rail tickets is a huge win for commuters and climate. The Scottish Greens first secured the pilot project for ending peak rail fares in 2023 while they were in government, but it was dropped by the SNP last year. Gillian Mackay, the Scottish Greens MSP for Central Scotland Region, said: 'Peak rail fares have always been an unfair tax on workers, students and regular travellers. They penalise people who often have no say on when and where they need to travel. 'It will make a huge difference to people in Lanarkshire, who will save hundreds, if not thousands of pounds per year from peak rail fares being scrapped for good. 'Travel shouldn't cost the earth. Transport must be affordable, accessible and widely available for people and planet. That is why we want Scotland's public transport to be financially and environmentally affordable for everyone. 'By making it easier for people to choose public transport rather than taking the car, we can protect our planet and make our roads and communities cleaner, greener and safer for everyone.' *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
Press and Journal
07-05-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
Future of Aberdeen Mozza plunged into doubt as Union Square location remains closed for a month
Mozza's future has been thrown into doubt. Image: DC Thomson The future of a pizza restaurant in Aberdeen has been thrown into doubt as it has not opened to customers for more than a month. Fans of Mozza have been left unable to book tables or order takeaway since it suddenly closed its doors at the beginning of April. Ever since, a bench has been placed in the entranceway of the Union Square unit to prevent anyone entering, and construction equipment can be seen scattered inside. The option to book a table for the Aberdeen location has also been completely removed from the company's website. The entranceway to the restaurant has been blocked. Image: DC Thomson. However, social media pages for Mozza Aberdeen remain active, posting pictures and advertising their loyalty programme. The opening hours section for the restaurant on Union Square's website displays the word 'closed' on each of the seven days of the week. Its Glasgow location also closed suddenly in June 2023. The Press and Journal has made several attempts to contact the business but the brand refused to confirm the unit's closure. Various equipment can be seen inside. Image: DC Thomson. Mozza Aberdeen doubts surface after Tony Macaroni ousting The closure of the Italian-inspired eatery, follows the recent end of Aberdeen's Tony Macaroni location. Both Mozza and Toni Macaroni were founded by Lanarkshire-based entrepreneur Giuseppe Marini. Tony Macaroni was forced out of its Marischal Square premises last December following a series of missed rent payments to Aberdeen City Council. Tony Macaroni closed in January. Image: Kenny Elrick/DC Thomson. A tenant is still being sought for Unit F in the Upperkirkgate development. Union Square has been contacted for comment. Tags
Daily Record
06-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Innovative Scots glassmaker honoured with prestigious Kings Award for Enterprise for fourth time
The East Kilbride firm, founded in 1981 and renowned worldwide for its iconic Glencairn Glass for whisky, was recognised for its excellence in the category of Innovation. Scotland's world leading crystal glassware company has been awarded The King's Award for Enterprise. This the fourth time in Lanarkshire-based Glencairn Crystal's history it has received the prestigious accolade - one of only a few select organisations nationwide to receive the award. The East Kilbride firm, founded in 1981 and renowned worldwide for its iconic Glencairn Glass for whisky, was recognised for its excellence in the category of Innovation. Glencairn Crystal Studio Ltd is a family-owned business employing over 70 people. The company specialises in premium crystal and glassware for both business and consumer markets, with unrivalled expertise within the spirits industry. Renowned for its pioneering design, craftsmanship and manufacturing, Glencairn Crystal creates luxury, high-end bottles and decanters featuring intricate metalwork, unique application processes and state-of-the-art engraving techniques. It has successfully scaled up artisan techniques for commercial production, blending hand-crafted artistry and ground-breaking technical innovation. By embedding world-leading invention and highly bespoke branding into its proprietary decanters and bottles, Glencairn works with spirits companies, globally, to elevate the value of their brands, showcasing, in the best possible light, the craftsmanship that has gone into every one. For over 20 years, Glencairn Crystal has also produced the iconic Glencairn Glass - the first glass designed specifically for whisky. Recognised as the official glass for whisky in the UK, and throughout the whisky industry internationally, it is the world's favourite whisky glass, used by millions of consumers and distilleries around the globe. The company first received the Queen's Award for Innovation in 2006 for the Glencairn Glass, followed by the Queen's Award for International Trade in 2012 and 2017. Scott Davidson, Glencairn Crystal's New Product Development Director said: "We are delighted to have been recognised for our work with The King's Award for Innovation. To be granted such a prestigious award for the fourth time in the past 20 years is incredibly special. "As a family run business for more than 40 years, we have a valued team of talented employees who have innovation at the core of everything we do. This award is a testament to the passion, creativity, and dedication of everyone here at Glencairn Crystal, and to our mission of pushing the boundaries of what's possible for our customers in crystal and glass." The King's Awards for Enterprise are the UK's most prestigious awards for businesses, recognising and encouraging outstanding achievements in four categories: innovation, international trade, sustainable development, and promoting opportunity through social mobility. The awards are given out annually and are a highly regarded mark of excellence for British businesses. The Award programme, now in its 59th year and previously known as The Queen's Awards for Enterprise, were renamed in 2023 to reflect His Majesty The King's desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II's by recognising outstanding UK businesses.
Daily Record
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Walk of Hope marks 10 years of Lanarkshire charity Chris's House helping people at crisis point
The annual event departs from the Glasgow Science Centre before dawn on Saturday, May 10 Chris's House will mark 10 years with its Walk of Hope next weekend when hundreds of people will gather to remember loved-ones lost to suicide. Chris's House (Centre for Help, Response and Intervention Surrounding Suicide) centre is situated in Belhaven Road, Wishaw. Founded by mum Anne Rowan in memory of her son Christopher, who died in 2011 at the age of 36, it is the first 24 hour, non-medical crisis centre in Scotland offering integrated support and has supported thousands of people over the years who have found themselves at crisis point and considered ending their lives. The Lanarkshire-based charity provides peer support, intervention and assistance to people who may be having suicidal thoughts. The annual Walk of Hope takes place in Glasgow, departing from the Science Centre. Participants sign up and receive a bright yellow t-shirt to wear during the event. Family members and friends of those who have lost children, siblings, parents, and other relatives or friends to suicide will gather in the darkness from 4am on Saturday, May 10, before the bright yellow procession sets off across the River Clyde from the Glasgow Science Centre and along its embankments on a 5km circular route returning as dawn breaks. The walk signifies the journey back from darkness into light for those who are struggling with their thoughts when at crisis point. The Soundsational Choir will provide entertainment before the block of yellow makes its way along the banks of the River Clyde in the twilight. A second Walk of Hope will also take place simultaneously in Lothian leaving from Danderhall Miners' Club, EH22 1QU. Anne Rowan said: 'We never thought that when we were first handing t-shirts out of the back of a van that we'd reach this point, having helped so many people during the last decade. 'I'd like to thank everyone who has supported us over the years. 'The Walk of Hope is a special celebration and I'd remind everyone coming along this year to bring a photograph of their loved ones with them.' Chris's House also has other events lined up later in the year including its annual fundraising ball and a charity zip slide. Over 140 people took part in the recent Glasgow Kiltwalk to raise vital funds for the organisation. *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
