Latest news with #Skene
Press and Journal
21-05-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
Construction firm to open first UK base in Aberdeenshire creating 20 new jobs
A well-known Aberdeenshire businessman will create up to 20 new jobs by opening a construction firm branch in the north-east. Ian Skene will head up operations of Latvian company Rebarmat's new UK distribution and sales. The company manufactures glass fibre reinforced polymer rebar, a sustainable alternative to steel rebar. Its products will be available to the UK construction and onshore and offshore wind markets for the first time. The new base at Thainstone Business Centre will create the jobs by 2027 – starting with regional sales roles. Once becoming fully operational, Rebarmat UK will also add local manufacturing to the north-east. Managing director of Rebarmat UK Mr Skene feels the launch comes at a time 'when the construction industry is seeking smarter, longer-lasting solutions'. Mr Skene is known for 'his expertise in sustainable developments and environmental compliance'. He said: 'The opportunities are growing, there is a mature industry for the use of this material now. 'I know people in the industry in the north and north-east and am fully aware of the potential here. 'With offshore wind, harbour and port upgrades and floating wind, the material is perfect. 'I will train people up in the north and get them used to the product. This is a pretty unique material and people I speak to are immediately seeing the benefits.' Mr Skene founded sustainable technology firm, Recycl8, and waste to energy facility, Agile Energy Recovery Limited. Mr Skene said: 'Customers can achieve significant cost savings thanks to reduced material quantities, easier handling, and lower installation and shipping costs. 'The product's durability means structures require far less maintenance over time. 'Making it a highly economical choice for both public and private sector projects. To now be able to offer this opportunity will be game-changing for the regions. 'The material ticks all of the boxes.'
Press and Journal
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Press and Journal
All the best pictures from the Aberdeen Glee Challenge regional final
A champion school was crowned as Aberdeen's Glee Challenge regional final took place at the Music Hall last night. The winners from the previous rounds came together for one final performance to decide who would be crowned the city's best.. There have been some fantastic performances from all of the schools involved across the heats. But after a hotly-contested competition, those primary schools taking part in the final were Skene, Ashley Road, Fernielea, Elrick, and Seafield. The big winner, after a night of 'Scottish contemporary pop and rock' ended up being the youngsters of Fernielea. They will now go forward for the National Final, which will take place on June 22 at the Usher Hall in Edinburgh. The competition is organised by the Frisson Foundation, which works to encourage primary school kids to get involved with music and the arts. Our photographer Darrell Benns was there to capture all the action from the regional final.
Press and Journal
06-05-2025
- Press and Journal
Keith man who hurled homophobic abuse at constables handed unpaid work
A Keith man who called police officers homophobic and offensive names has been told to complete unpaid work. Jamie Skene, 28, had been collared by constables on July 24 last year when they spotted him and a group of young people in an area of Batchen Street in Elgin. They noted a smell of cannabis, which Skene indicated was coming from him, but when they moved to begin detaining those in attendance he launched into his tirade. 'The use of homophobic and degrading language' Fiscal depute Victoria Silver said his ranting soon turned to physical aggression, as he kicked and headbutted a dividing screen in the rear of the police vehicle. 'His behaviour is described as escalating and he's threatened to bite a police officer when he got out of the van,' she added. 'He's then struck his head again off the Perspex glass and shouted he was going to bite and harm them. 'He's obviously been instructed to desist. However, his behaviour has continued with the use of homophobic and degrading language.' Ms Silver said actions would continue at Elgin police station, where he was taken following his arrest. 'Completely lost his temper' Skene's defence solicitor, Megan Lee, told the court he had turned to 'substances' as a way of coping with his personal circumstances, which included lack of access to his child. 'Mr Skene was initially the cooperative member of this group. He did not run from law enforcement, he engaged with them, but he concedes he had completely lost his temper when a female member of the group was arrested,' she said. Ms Lee added Skene, whose previous convictions were not detailed in court, had completed his last two court orders. In addition to 100 hours of unpaid work, which Skene, of Den Crescent, will be made to complete over the next six months, Sheriff Olga Pasportnikov ordered him to fall under the supervision of the social work department for the next year and to engage with the Arrow programme. The Arrow programme helps provide advice and information to people with drug issues.
