Latest news with #Scots-born
Scotsman
13-08-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Pinsent Masons: Legal giant with 550 Scottish staff unveils revenue rise and makes Glasgow pledge
'Our latest set of positive results affirm that our strategy is setting us in excellent stead as we unlock the next phase of our growth' – Laura Cameron 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... Pinsent Masons, the multinational legal giant with some 550 staff north of the Border, has posted a 4.7 per cent rise in revenue as it gears up to move its Glasgow base into a landmark office building. The latest results, for the year to the end of April 2025, show that firm-wide revenue topped £680 million, while profit per equity partner reached £797,000, an increase of 0.5 per cent. Bosses said the firm had seen continued growth within its core sectors and across its jurisdictions. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad During the year, a strong commitment to the firm's presence in Glasgow was made with the securing of 31,000 square feet of Grade A office space at the city's flagship Aurora building in Bothwell Street. Occupation is anticipated to be in early 2026. Laura Cameron, managing partner, Pinsent Masons. Laura Cameron, the Scots-born managing partner of Pinsent Masons, which has Scottish operations in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow, said: 'In the last 12 months we have seen the work of our clients and markets committee come to fruition as we've focused on deepening our client relationships, enriching our understanding of their strategic challenges and supporting on their most significant instructions. Our latest set of positive results affirm that our strategy is setting us in excellent stead as we unlock the next phase of our growth, internationally.' In Scotland, the firm's corporate and employment teams were bolstered with the appointment of former EnQuest general counsel Chris Sawyer as a partner, and seasoned employment specialist Gillian Harrington as a partner, both based in Aberdeen. In Edinburgh, financial services expert Walter Clark was appointed as a partner, joining from rival Burness Paull, while Gillian Frew was appointed head of office, and in the most recent round of promotions four Scottish lawyers joined the partnership, while seven were promoted to legal director. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Transactions involving Scottish lawyers included advising Ithaca Energy on its £754m combination with Italian operator Eni, advising Motor Fuel Group on the £2.5 billion acquisition of petrol courts and EV charging sites from supermarket giant Morrisons, and ongoing support for Winchburgh Development's £1bn residential project in West Lothian. Cameron added: 'We know that clients value our ability to make the right connections across our global platform and thanks to investment in new offices in Shenzhen and Riyadh, we can look forward to continuing to build our seamless cross-border offering and deepening client relationships in new geographies.' The firm has more than 490 partners and 3,500 people operating from 27 offices around the world. Katharine Hardie, partner and chair of Pinsent Masons in Scotland, added: 'It has been another strong year for the firm in Scotland in which we have acted for global corporates on some of the largest transactions of their kind, while recruiting highly experienced lawyers to the partnership and promoting young talent which will form the backbone of our next generation of leaders. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Scotsman
30-07-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Scaling new heights: Eyes of the world turn on flagship Scottish investment summit
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... Scotland's pivotal role within the 'superpower' that is the UK's financial services sector will be at the fore in just a few weeks time when a flagship global investment summit comes to Edinburgh. The event, set to take place on October 6 and 7, is supported by both the UK and Scottish governments and hosted by industry body Scottish Financial Enterprise (SFE) and the venerable City of London Corporation. Organisers say the high-profile summit will focus on providing international investors with 'unique insight and connections' to investible projects worth tens of billions of pounds in the key areas of life sciences, energy and renewables, and financial services. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The main event will be staged at NatWest's Gogarburn campus following a launch at Edinburgh Castle on October 6, with some peripheral locations still to be confirmed. Alastair King, Lord Mayor of the City of London. It holds the promise of being a landmark gathering and one with some pretty bold aims, but Alastair King, the Scots-born Lord Mayor of the City of London, is confident that the 'big international names' will be in the room on the day. The upcoming Scottish event comes off the success of a UK global investment summit staged last October south of the Border. 'I wanted to do something similar for Scotland during the course of my mayoral seat,' says King, who is the 696th person to hold the title and the first Scot in more than three decades to do so. 'We are looking at investment opportunities particularly in the scale-up area - companies seeking to raise between £5 million and £30m in their next fundraise. We are trying to attract all the big international names by way of the big funds from around the world. I think we have a good chance of getting those investors in the room. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We really are a services superpower here in the UK and it's something we should be shouting about,' asserts King, who hails from Aberdeenshire, and serves as a global ambassador for the UK's financial and professional services industry during his period in office. Sandy Begbie, chief executive of Scottish Financial Enterprise. The summit forms a key part of his vision to unleash growth across the UK and will shine a spotlight on Scotland's investment proposition, focusing on indigenous sector strengths including professional services, green energy and space. The primary audience for the event will be capital and foreign direct investors and, as well as showcasing examples of successful investments and the long-term attractiveness of Scotland as a location, it aims to demonstrate the strengthening bond that exists between industry and academia. King is keen to highlight his wide-ranging remit, acknowledging that the title Lord Mayor of the City of London is something of a misnomer. 'It's a nationwide role to represent around the world the 2.5 million people serving in those sectors,' he stresses. 'It doesn't matter where those services are rendered, whether that's Edinburgh, Glasgow or London or Belfast. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'However, the City of London plays a totemic role in two ways - one is to attract foreign direct investment into those sectors and also to try to encourage British businesses in the financial services arena to be more ambitious and look for new horizons around the world.' The Lord Mayor also points to the growth in overall headcount seen in the wake of Brexit, amid concerns that Britain, and London in particular, would suffer a brain drain as the UK parted its way with the EU. 'At the time of the Brexit referendum there were around 525,000 employed in the core financial district of London,' he notes. 'Last time we counted at the back end of 2024 we were at 678,000. There has been a substantial increase. If you add in financial areas such as Canary Wharf and the west end you get up to an extraordinary figure of 883,000 people. There are a greater number of people working in financial and related professional services in Greater London than there are people in Frankfurt.' King believes the summit will present a good opportunity to discuss artificial intelligence (AI), with the UK looking to capitalise on its head start over the rest of Europe. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'It always has to be seen as an opportunity,' he says. 'People have been suspicious of every wave of new technology over the centuries and I don't think this is going to be any different. If AI can handle an awful lot of the mundane stuff it would leave people to focus on the high-value and creative work.' A recent study showed that Scotland had further strengthened its position as a top European financial and related professional services hub, supporting more than 150,000 people. Industry body TheCityUK said the sector contributed £17.7 billion to the national economy - 10.5 per cent of Scotland's gross value added (GVA) - in 2023, based on the latest available data. Some 151,000 people are employed in banking, financial and related professional services in Scotland, according to the organisation's latest findings. Partnership Scotland is also rapidly becoming a leader in fintech - or financial technology - with more than 200 related companies based there - a density of fintech firms around 60 per cent greater than the UK average outside London. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad SFE chief executive Sandy Begbie said: 'It is fantastic to be working in partnership with the City of London Corporation on what will be a unique and impactful event for Scotland and our economy. 'Scotland has a global reputation for innovation and expertise but against a backdrop of increasing global competition, we must continue to work hard to demonstrate the appeal of our leading industries as a destination for investment.
Daily Mirror
15-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Sycamore Gap case cracked by 'fantastically famous' tree video
Police forensic experts took pitch black footage bearing the sound of a chainsaw and uncovered irrefutable evidence of who had felled the world famous tree The detective who led the Sycamore Gap probe knew he had cracked the crime when he saw the 'fantastically famous outline of the tree' on a video uncovered on Daniel Graham's phone. Police forensic experts took the pitch black footage with the sound of the chainsaw on it and uncovered a lone figure wielding the chainsaw and the irrefutable evidence of the tree falling to earth. Today, Det Insp Calum Meikle saw Adam Carruthers and Daniel Graham imprisoned for the senseless act of destruction. The shocking crime attracted more worldwide coverage than any other inquiry he has worked on, including serious crimes such as murder. And the discovery of the video footage on Graham's phone provided the vital breakthrough once it was established that it had been filmed on his handset and was not sent to him. Today both men were jailed or four years and three months, with judge Mrs Justice Lambert condemning them for destroying the tree she described as part of the landscape and our "natural heritage". She said it was a landmark for Northumberland and a "symbol of the untamed beauty" of the landscape around Hadrian's Wall and had great personal significance for many people. The judge says she could not be sure what the men's motive was but believed "bravado" and "thrill seeking" were a major factor. Looking back on the video footage which helped nail the pair, DI Meikle recalled: "You could hear the sound of the chainsaw. Once we had that enhanced it provided us with shocking images. "It was obviously time stamped and date stamped. You hear a chainsaw and to get that enhanced was so important. It was the original media, it was not sent to them. "The video itself then showed this fantastically famous outline of the tree. You see the stem move to the right. "It was undoubtedly the Sycamore Gap." It was then that he knew they had cracked the case, adding: "I am just happy to have delivered the two people that I know are responsible." But he still struggles to comprehend why they carried out one of the most infamous crimes of recent times. And exactly why they set off on their 'moronic' mission remains a mystery. As Carruthers, 32, and Graham, 39, finally faced justice, he told how that infuriated Nature lovers around the world. The universal repulsion to the felling of the tree meant colleagues all told him that they 'wouldn't want that job'. He revealed that the pair could not be charged with destruction of the tree because the stump was still growing, despite the Sycamore having been in place for 150 years. But the Scots-born detective, whose dad used to work in forestry, felt satisfaction at the pair finally being brought to justice on the charge of criminal damage - which carries the same 10-year maximum sentence as the charge of destruction. Former mountaineering instructor DI Meikle, 51, who was born near the Isle of Skye, said: "I've been lucky enough to work in quite a number of elements of policing now. "But in the 21 years I've been with the force, this has been unique. I tried to put external pressures to one side and make sure that I focused upon the task in hand. There is a personal pressure. There's also a personal pride. "At a family event or social event when you say you're working on the Sycamore Gap, people say it is an incredible case. "And within the force you would get people saying: 'I wouldn't want that job'. "None of us really anticipated just how big this was to become. "I certainly don't think that they fully understood the enormity of their actions." He told how he had been asked to do the job because of his upbringing and knowledge of forestry. He was called in to examine the tree within hours of it being cut down. And he admitted: "The first question people ask is why? "That's something that we still don't fully understand. I know that there are a lot of suggestions and theories about this. But there are only two people that really will potentially ever know. "That is the biggest frustration. If there was an obvious grudge, as you say, then people could understand it. "And there's normally a driver behind crime, but we don't know what the purpose of this was, what the reason was. "I would say that the community, especially the local community, are increasingly frustrated. "I am just happy to have delivered, the two people that I know are responsible." There was 'intelligence' provided to police two weeks after the tree was felled in September, 2023, led to Graham and Carruthers being named as the men responsible; the intelligence indicated that they still had a trophy from the scene. That then led to the identification of Graham's vehicle in the area on the night. And seizure of his phone uncovered the vital video evidence of the tree being felled. The jury was shown the footage during dramatic opening days of evidence at Newcastle crown court, and DI Meikle knew that was pivotal in bringing the successful prosecution. He recalled: "The video recovered from Daniel Graham's mobile phone and when we first found it, it was just a black video with sound, the sound of the chainsaw. "However, once we had that enhanced, that then provided us with shocking images. It was very satisfying to have found that as a result of the arrest, and take that to a point of credible evidence. "I'm always impressed with what the digital forensic units are able to achieve. "That was the key moment for us."
Scottish Sun
01-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Lewis Capaldi breaks silence on emotional Glastonbury return after taking a break from music
The star has announced new UK and Ireland tour dates LEWIS Capaldi has opened up about his poignant return to music after a two-year hiatus. Superstar Lewis took a much-needed break away from the spotlight, but has now come back stronger than ever. Advertisement 6 The singer has admitted he needed the two-year break due to pressure Credit: Instagram 6 Looking back to 2023's Glastonbury, Lewis revealed how unhappy he was Credit: Instagram The Scots-born singer, 28, made a triumphant return to the Glastonbury stage over the weekend. In a heart-warming video posted on his social media, he revealed his true feelings surrounding the burn-out. Speaking from the heart, he told fans: "One word to describe how I'm feeling now is... spectacular." Looking back over his Glastonbury experience in 2023, he admitted: "This should be like, a really happy moment, and it isn't. Advertisement "I'm like, achieving my dream here. If there was a film about being a singer, and starting as a kid, and they'd be like, Oh, I'd love to be a singer one day and perform in front people, I've done it. "I've got to the end of the film and it's not how I thought it was going to be. "And all these people are singing at me and I feel 1,000 miles away there, and I watch it back and actually feel sad. "Second song in, I was probably just thinking, this has to be it, like... I can't keep doing this to myself. Advertisement "As far as I was concerned, it was like, I'm done. I didn't take a break to just focus on getting better. "I took a break because I needed a break and to sort of release the pressure valve a little bit." Lewis Capaldi makes emotional Glastonbury return two years after heartbreaking set Within the montage, Lewis added pictures and home-filmed clips of himself performing as a youngster, full of hopes and dreams. He captioned the tear-jerking montage: "Been mad looking back at it all. Thank you so much for still being here." Advertisement Fans commented: "You have no idea how good it is to see you back! We've b****y missed you Lewis!" A second praised: "I feel like you left us as a boy and have returned as a man. I didn't think you could get any better, but you've gained this very endearing mature charisma and I AM HERE FOR IT!!" A third agreed: "Lewis Capaldi for the nation's sweetheart." "Aaaaaand I'm crying again. We were never going anywhere Lewis, I would have waited 20 years. We told you we'd be right where you left us when you were ready to come back and we were. We love you and want you to succeed, whatever that looks like for you," penned a fourth. Advertisement "We've missed you so much. You're incredible, talented, brave and a beautiful human being," commended another fan. As he took to the stage on June 27, 2025, Lewis was met with chants of his name from 100,000 fans and experienced a very different sense of emotions. He introduced his new song Survive to the Glastonbury crowd and told them: "My name's Lewis Capaldi and I'm f****** back baby!" His victorious set came exactly two years after he broke down on the same stage at Worthy Farm. Advertisement Lewis had ended his 2023 performance early due to repeated tics caused by Tourettes. Lewis is now hitting the road in September for a string of huge arena gigs. He will be performing in Sheffield, Aberdeen, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham, Cardiff and Dublin from September 7 to September 29. 6 The musician was forced to stop his set early at Glastonbury in 2023 Credit: Instagram Advertisement 6 The star came on stage at Glasto 2025 while thousands of fans chanted his name Credit: AFP 6 Lewis told fans he is back - bigger and better than ever for his new tour Credit: The Mega Agency
Scottish Sun
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Lewis Capaldi announces new UK and Ireland tour after Glastonbury return
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LEWIS Capaldi has sent fans into a spin after announcing a new UK and Ireland tour following his Glastonbury comeback. The Scots-born singer, 28, made a triumphant return to the festival on the weekend, two years after he was unable to finish his set due to his Tourettes. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 7 Lewis Capaldi has announced he is going on tour Credit: Alamy 7 The news comes after his big Glastonbury comeback on Friday Credit: Alamy 7 Lewis will be touring the UK and Ireland in September Credit: Instagram / @lewiscapaldi Lewis has now revealed he is hitting the road in September for a string of huge arena gigs. Taking to Instagram, Lewis shared a video montage of himself performing on stage with the caption: "About time I got back to work… hope to see you out there." The clip revealed a string of dates across England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland and Lewis added: "Will be my only shows in the uk, ireland or europe this year! would love to see ya there 🌸 x." Fans have gone wild for the news, with one replying: "I cannot wait 😍🔥 ready to fight like the hunger games for tickets!" READ MORE ON LEWIS CAPALDI CAPALDI'S RETREAT Lewis Capaldi wins permission to build huge extension at £1.6m farmhouse Another added: "The hero the UK needs right now." And a third said: "Can't wait! Simply cannot wait xxx." Nottingham Arena also posted: "We can't wait to have you back ❤️." Lewis will be performing in Sheffield, Aberdeen, Glasgow, London, Manchester, Birmingham, Nottingham, Cardiff and Dublin from September 7 to September 29. On Friday, Lewis made a big comeback on the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury Festival. His surprise set came exactly two years after he broke down on the same stage at Worthy Farm. Lewis had ended his 2023 performance early due to repeated tics caused by Tourettes and he then went on a two-year hiatus. But as he took to the stage on June 27, 2025, Lewis was met with chants of his name from 100,000 fans. The popstar, who is from Bathgate in West Lothian, told fans the past two years had been 'difficult' but admitted he had unfinished business to resolve. Lewis said to the crowd: "Glastonbury, it's so good to be back. I'm not gonna say much up here today because if I do, I think I'll probably start crying. "But I said it's just amazing to be here with you all, and I can't thank you all enough for coming out and coming and seeing me.' Making light of his 2023 performance, he added: "Second time's a charm on this one, everybody. "It's just a short set today, but I just wanted to come and finish what I couldn't finish the first time.' Festival-goers in Somerset teared up and chanted 'Oh Lewis Capaldi' as he treated them to the surprise 35-minute set with hits like Before You Go and Hold Me While You Wait. Introducing his new song, Survive, which dropped on Thursday, Lewis said: "I released a new song. The last two years haven't been the best for me. It's been quite difficult at times. "I wanted to write a song about overcoming that stuff and getting to the other side of it. "This has been my f****** goal to get here. This song's about that." Capaldi rounded off his set with a rendition of Someone You Loved. Holding back tears, he said: "I've got one more song to play before I leave. I think we all know what song it is. "I've really missed doing this over the last two years. It's been really difficult to think this wouldn't ever happen again. "Genuinely from the bottom of my heart, it means the f****** world. "I struggled to sing this song two years ago for a different reason. Tonight, I think I'll struggle to sing it for another one. This time it's a good one. "My name's Lewis Capaldi and I'm f****** back baby!" 7 Lewis had to cut short his 2023 Glastonbury set Credit: Alamy 7 The Scots-born singer was suffering with his Tourettes Credit: Getty 7 Lewis then took a two-year hiatus Credit: Getty
