Latest news with #Livingston-based
Scotsman
26-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Circular economy: The Scottish start-up behind ‘simple solution' for recycling plastic
'Plastics are an essential part of our world, but so far, the industry has failed to provide workable solutions at-scale to deal with the impact they have on our environment' – Tom Rose, ReVentas 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... A Scottish start-up has secured international investment to scale up its ground-breaking plastic recycling technology. Livingston-based ReVentas is looking to go from pilot plant to commercial operation over the next three years. The funding round has been backed by venture capitalists Orlen VC and Beiersdorf Venture Capital, and economic development agency Scottish Enterprise. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dealing with plastic at end-of-life remains a challenge for society, with recycling rates of only around 9 per cent globally. This is due to the complex composition of materials, their colour and the contamination they have picked up, resulting in the majority being incinerated. Any plastic that is recycled is often being downcycled into low value applications. Livingston-based ReVentas' pilot plant for plastic recycling. ReVentas' recycling technology aims to solve this problem, tackling two of the most common plastics in use today, polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), making up more than half of the plastic produced. The firm's unique tech uses a chemical solvent to rapidly dissolve PE and PP, filtering the plastic of all contaminants including colour and odour, and producing a natural 'like-new' plastic which can be sold directly to end customers, replacing virgin plastic. The technology operates at low temperatures and pressures, which is said to cut the cost of production making recycling more economically viable, while achieving an 80 per cent reduction in carbon emissions over new plastic production. Tom Rose, chief executive of ReVentas, said: 'This investment marks a major milestone for ReVentas and in moving the recycling of plastic forward. Plastics are an essential part of our world, but so far, the industry has failed to provide workable solutions at-scale to deal with the impact they have on our environment. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'ReVentas are providing a simple solution which can change this, ensuring the waste we produce today, can and will be directly used in the products we buy tomorrow.' Derek Shaw, director of entrepreneurship and investment at Scottish Enterprise, said: 'Our investment support is focused on helping Scotland's most innovative and ambitious companies to grow and scale, creating impactful economic change. 'ReVentas is a shining example of this, by working in an area where Scotland has global strengths to develop innovative solutions for one of the biggest global environmental challenges we face right now.' Beiersdorf Venture Capital and Orlen VC will join LG Chem and others as strategic partners of ReVentas to support the scale up of the technology. With the funding secured, the goal is to accelerate the development of the company's first commercial 10,000-tonne-per-annum plant, planned for operation in 2027, with an additional 140,000 tonnes planned to be brought online by 2031. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Marek Garniewski, president of the management board of Orlen VC, said: 'EU regulations mandate that 10 per cent of packaging materials must come from recycled sources by 2030. However, Europe faces significant shortages of high-quality secondary raw materials suitable for reuse in production.
Edinburgh Live
21-05-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
Touching tribute for West Lothian teen who left 'lasting legacy' after sad passing
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 MSP has paid tribute to a West Lothian teen who left a 'lasting legacy'. Angela Constance MSP was joined by Scotland's Secretary for Health and Social Care Neil Gray MSP as they praised the work of Livingston-based charity Jak's Den. Jak Trueman was just 15 years old when he tragically died in 2015 following a fight with delta T-cell lymphoma, reports The Daily Record. He passed away less than two weeks after being told his cancer was untreatable. He hoped to provide a place for young people suffering with cancer to meet and chat, relax and listen to music. Team Jak Foundation was launched six days before his death and Jak's Den followed soon after. There are now five dens throughout Scotland. Angela Constance, MSP for Almond Valley and Scotland's Justice Secretary, said: 'I was pleased to visit Jak's Den in Livingston with Neil Gray MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, as part of their 10-year anniversary to discuss how best we can continue to support the charity as they look forward to the future. 'Jak's dream to bring the community together in such a positive way has demonstrated what a remarkable young man he was. Jak's legacy has touched so many lives, thanks to his remarkable vision for improving services for others. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. 'Jaks mum Allison has shown incredible strength in making Jak's dream a reality'. Both have inspired so many people to support their work and over the course of a decade have supported more than 500 families with bespoke emotional, social, and practical support, all borne through lived experience. (Image: Team Jak Foundation) 'I have been particularly impressed with the determination and drive of staff and volunteers to make Jak's Den a reality. "With five pop-up Dens now throughout Scotland, Jak's legacy has reached many more young people and families to ease the fear, confusion and loneliness of a cancer diagnosis or bereavement and ensure no-one feels isolated or alone' Allison Barr, Chief Executive at TEAM JAK Foundation, said: 'It was an honour and privilege to have a very special visit from Neil and Angela to mark our Ten Year OSCR registration. 'It meant the world to have the recognition from such prestigious MSPs. 'Having created our charity at the request of my inspirational 15-year-old son Jak before he died it has been a privilege and honour to watch it grow and see all the amazing services we now provide as a result of one young person lived experience and backed up by the Scottish Government's Childhood Cancer plan and identified gap in emotional support, alongside social and practical.' The charity has a schools outreach programme which initially supported a small number of schools when one of their children was sadly dying. Now it not only provides support to schools with children who are dying or have died, but also those children affected returning to school. Team Jak's Bag of Worries and Bag of Hope programmes also provide bespoke wellbeing support. Allison added: 'Here's to Jak and his amazing legacy – and to all our superhero warriors' siblings and angels, now and always." You can find out more about Team Jak Foundation here.
Daily Record
20-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Praise for West Lothian teenager Jak's lasting legacy from cabinet secretaries
There are now five pop-up dens across Scotland thanks to the teenager's vision Angela Constance MSP paid tribute to a Livingston-based charity as she was joined by Scotland's Secretary for Health and Social Care Neil Gray MSP as it marked a decade of helping others. The MSPs, both cabinet secretaries, were visiting Jak's Den in Livingston to mark 10 years as a registered charity in Scotland. Jak Trueman was just 15 years old when he tragically died in 2015 following a fight with delta T-cell lymphoma. The teenager from Mid Calder in West Lothian passed away less than two weeks after being told by his cancer was untreatable. His vision was to provide a place for young people with cancer to gather where they could listen to music, relax and chat. Six days before his death Team Jak Foundation was launched and Jak's Den followed. There are now five dens throughout Scotland. Angela Constance MSP for Almond Valley who is Scotland's Justice Secretary, said: 'I was pleased to visit Jak's Den in Livingston with Neil Gray MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, as part of their 10-year anniversary to discuss how best we can continue to support the charity as they look forward to the future' 'Jak's dream to bring the community together in such a positive way has demonstrated what a remarkable young man he was. Jak's legacy has touched so many lives, thanks to his remarkable vision for improving services for others.' 'Jaks mum Allison has shown incredible strength in making Jak's dream a reality'. Both have inspired so many people to support their work and over the course of a decade have supported more than 500 families with bespoke emotional, social, and practical support, all borne through lived experience.' 'I have been particularly impressed with the determination and drive of staff and volunteers to make Jak's Den a reality. With five pop-up Dens now throughout Scotland, Jak's legacy has reached many more young people and families to ease the fear, confusion and loneliness of a cancer diagnosis or bereavement and ensure no-one feels isolated or alone' Allison Barr, Chief Executive at TEAM JAK Foundation, said: 'It was an honour and privilege to have a very special visit from Neil and Angela to mark our Ten Year OSCR registration. 'It meant the world to have the recognition from such prestigious MSPs. 'Having created our charity at the request of my inspirational 15-year-old son Jak before he died it has been a privilege and honour to watch it grow and see all the amazing services we now provide as a result of one young person lived experience and backed up by the Scottish Government's Childhood Cancer plan and identified gap in emotional support, alongside social and practical.' The charity also has a schools outreach programme which initially supported a small number of schools when one of their children was sadly dying. Now it not only provides support to schools with children who are dying or have died, but also those children affected returning to school. Team Jak's Bag of Worries and Bag of Hope programmes also provide bespoke wellbeing support. Allison added: 'Here's to Jak and his amazing legacy – and to all our superhero warriors' siblings and angels, now and always.' More info on Team Jak Foundation at:
Daily Record
19-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Partnership project in West Lothian could be implemented in communities across Scotland
The pilot programme, run jointly by West Lothian Youth Action Project (WLYAP), Almond Housing Association and Spark – a Livingston-based social enterprise dedicated to tackling social isolation and loneliness – has been praised for its innovative approach to tackling social issues while exploiting the added value of pooling resources and expertise. A ground-breaking partnership project in West Lothian could be implemented in communities across Scotland after demonstrating its effectiveness in fostering community spirit, promoting environmental sustainability, and combating loneliness. The pilot programme, run jointly by West Lothian Youth Action Project (WLYAP), Almond Housing Association and Spark – a Livingston-based social enterprise dedicated to tackling social isolation and loneliness – has been praised for its innovative approach to tackling social issues while exploiting the added value of pooling resources and expertise. Scotland's Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes visited the project last year and was hugely impressed by what she saw, highlighting its potential for other communities across Scotland to follow its example. Funded by the Scottish Government's Investing in Communities programme, Growing Together has helped to empower local residents, equipping them with the tools and resources to create a thriving community. As well as helping to revitalise green spaces and implement community clean-up initiatives, it has also delivered a series of diverse community events and activities, catering to a wide range of interests and age groups. The project supports five community gardens in Craigshill, providing green spaces for growing, relaxation, and social interaction. A creative writing programme, led by local author Laura Farrell, engaged community members in creative writing, particularly poetry, and a pre-employability project helped to deliver practical skills training for young people. Another project helped to provide support for young people struggling in traditional education. Organised by the WLYAP, it offered practical skills training and supportive mechanisms to help them transition to positive destinations like college or employment. Growing Together co-ordinator David Tatton said: 'The benefits of the project are multi-fold for the area of Craigshill. 'The money that is invested by the Scottish Government through a partnership such as ours pays out in much more dividends than if it had just been paid to one of the organisations involved. 'We're able to tap into much larger portions of the community and ensure that more people benefit from that money coming into the community and it stays in the community as well.' Alex Fleming, chief officer of Spark, said: 'We've seen incredible progress in bringing people together and instilling a sense of ownership over our shared spaces. Through collaborative efforts, we're fostering stronger bonds and building a more resilient community.' She added: 'We firmly believe that the model of collaboration established through Growing Together has the potential to be replicated and scaled up. The shared learning and collective impact have been truly remarkable.' John Davidson, CEO of Almond Housing Association, said: 'We're thrilled to be part of this initiative that aligns perfectly with our commitment to building thriving communities. The positive impact of Growing Together is undeniable.' Beyond its formal partnerships, Growing Together also collaborates with various local groups, including schools, community organisations, and service providers. This network allows the project to reach a broader audience and connect individuals with relevant resources, ensuring the project's impact extends beyond its direct reach. A cornerstone of the programme is its focus on environmental sustainability. The WLYAP employs two dedicated gardeners and a coordinator and it has been instrumental in spearheading clean-up efforts, revitalising green spaces, and promoting environmental awareness. 'Witnessing the transformation of our green spaces has been incredibly rewarding,' said Mr Tatton. 'It's not just about beautification; it's about creating spaces where people feel connected to their environment and each other.' Spark has played a pivotal role in tackling social isolation and promoting mental well-being. The social enterprise has organised a diverse range of activities, including creative writing workshops, community cinema screenings, employability programmes for youth, and outdoor events, all aimed at connecting residents and fostering a sense of belonging. 'Our partnership with Almond Housing Association has been invaluable in reaching a wider audience,' said Alex Fleming. 'Their expertise in community engagement and administration has ensured the smooth running of the project.'
Scottish Sun
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Fraud probe launched after Scots school goes bust while boss flaunts luxury lifestyle online
Pictures on social media showed him rubbing shoulders with music stars 'SMOKE & MIRRORS' Fraud probe launched after Scots school goes bust while boss flaunts luxury lifestyle online Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) COPS have launched a fraud probe into a drama school that took thousands of pounds of students' fees while facing collapse. Raging parents accused the Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film and Television of using 'smoke and mirrors' to attract youngsters dreaming of showbiz careers. 5 Andy Egan ran the Scottish Institute of Theatre, Dance, Film and Television 5 He rubbed shoulders with opera singer Russell Watson 5 He also met music stars like soul group The Real Thing And we can reveal the arts hub's boss Andy Egan, 61, was flaunting a luxury lifestyle on social media just hours before it shut on May 6 with the loss of around 20 staff jobs. Pictures showed him rubbing shoulders with music stars including opera singer Russell Watson, 58. Wannabe stage stars revealed they had continued to pay their dues with no warning of the school's looming liquidation — after directors were hauled before a law chief over cash owed to a property firm. One furious mum revealed her daughter unknowingly paid £750 from her student loan to Livingston-based 'SI' on the day it folded. She told The Scottish Sun: 'My daughter will now need to pay that loan back out of her own money. 'And she has nowhere else to go for her education.' I don't know if my degree means anything or if I can continue. I've lost all that work and he's on social media acting like it's no big deal Skyla Legal documents show the institute faced a winding-up order at Livingston Sheriff Court on March 28. The petition was granted on May 6 because it was 'unable to pay debts' — and it closed immediately. Meanwhile, SI president Egan was urging friends in online posts to visit a luxury holiday home with no mention of the financial woes. He showcased his celeb-spotting social life in rural Ireland, meeting pop stars such as disco legends Odyssey, Hot Chocolate's Kennie Simon and soul group The Real Thing. Moment dealer poses with wads of cash while claiming benefits - landing him in jail Wearing a bow-tie, he was also seen beaming alongside singer and I'm a Celeb contestant Watson. We told how students arriving for classes were initially told the school had closed due to a power outage. They later learned courses had been axed via a bizarre TikTok post featuring Crystal Waters' song Gypsy Woman (She's Homeless). Third-year dance student Skyla Kelly, 19, yesterday revealed she had been left in limbo after sitting two exams before finding out her course had been scrapped — despite paying £10,000-a-year fees. Skyla, of Bathgate, West Lothian, slammed the college supremo. It's heartbreaking... she's devastated. He sold us this big dream, but it was all smoke and mirrors Neil She said: 'I don't know if my degree means anything or if I can continue. "I've lost all that work and he's on social media acting like it's no big deal.' Meanwhile a cleaning firm boss told The Scottish Sun he spent months chasing a £3,000 payment for work at the SI. The contractor, named Neil, said: 'From April, May, and June, nobody got paid. His excuse was that he was waiting on a tax rebate from HMRC. 'I stopped cleaning for him, but I still wanted my money. Eventually, I got paid, as did other people.' My daughter will now need to pay that loan back out of her own money. And she has nowhere else to go for her education One furious mum Meanwhile his daughter's hopes of completing a musical theatre degree have been dashed. Neil, of Linlithgow, West Lothian, said: 'It's heartbreaking. She came bouncing down the school corridor, and she's devastated. 'He sold us this big dream, but it was all smoke and mirrors.' Egan refused to divulge any details about the school but said: 'I'll just have to take this one on the chin.' A notice posted on the SI's website revealed Katie McLachlan, of Edinburgh-based firm Middlebrooks Business Recovery, had been appointed liquidator. Cops confirmed they launched a probe after students complained. A Police Scotland spokesman said: 'On May 11 we received a report of fraud involving a business in Livingston. Enquiries are at an early stage.' 5 He rubbed shoulders with singer Errol Brown
