Latest news with #TransPennineExpress
The National
3 days ago
- Business
- The National
Scotland bucks trend with 'substantial' games industry growth
Figures show employment in the sector in Scotland has doubled over the last 10 years. The statistics also show that there were 130 computer game enterprises in Scotland in 2024, compared to just 15 in 2010 – a 766.67% increase. READ MORE: Martin Compston says Unionist abuse made him stop independence posts In 2022 the industry had a turnover of £339.7 million, compared to profits of £38.1m made in 2010 – a 791.6% increase. The data also showed that there had been a 103.3% increase in the number of staff working in the industry (including additional PAYE units), up from 1,045 in 2015 to 2,125 in 2023. With the sector globally experiencing significant jobs losses and changes to job patterns, Scotland's computer game industry is bucking the trend. Commenting, SNP MSP for Dundee City West, Joe FitzPatrick, said: 'At a time when the computer games industry is struggling globally, thanks to SNP investment, Scotland is bucking the trend. 'Scotland was the first part of the UK to develop a video games strategy to support the industry and invests in exhibiting Scottish-built games across the world. 'Our world-leading computer game developers, including those based in Dundee, are thriving thanks to a unique blend of government support, creativity, innovation, and talent.' READ MORE: TransPennine Express to run up to 3 additional services during Edinburgh Fringe Rockstar North, a computer game studio based in Edinburgh and set up as DMA Design by Dundonian David Jones, is arguably the most notable firm in the Scottish industry. The company are behind the Grand Theft Auto series, including Grand Theft Auto V – the second-best selling video game and reportedly most profitable entertainment product of all time. FitzPatrick continued: 'From globally recognised studios to bold new start-ups, this is an industry that not only creates economic value but connects people across the world and brings opportunity to Scotland.'
The National
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The National
TransPennine Express to run extra trains during Edinburgh Fringe
TRANSPENNINE Express (TPE) is set to run up to three extra services a day for festivalgoers at this year's Edinburgh Fringe. The train operator will run the additional services from Saturday, August 2 until Friday, August 29 alongside its usual timetable to support those returning from Fringe shows. On weekdays, an evening service will depart Newcastle at 8:02pm, calling at Morpeth, Alnmouth, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Reston, Dunbar, and East Linton, before arriving at Edinburgh Waverley. READ MORE: The 'extraordinary' Neolithic village in Scotland that's older than the Pyramids A further service will leave Edinburgh Waverley at 9:56pm for Carlisle, stopping at Haymarket and Lockerbie. Andrew McClements, customer experience and transformation director at TransPennine Express, said: 'We are pleased to be able to offer these extra services for those travelling during the Fringe Festival and to support the city of Edinburgh during this popular event.' More than two million people are expected to travel the capital for the festival, with thousands of shows taking place across more than 250 venues in and around the city, so train services may be busier than usual. McClements added: 'We will be doing everything we can to help as many people as possible travel by rail during the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. 'We're asking our customers to plan ahead, expect services to be very busy and allow extra time for journeys.' For late-night travellers, a train will depart Edinburgh Waverley at 11:28pm, calling at East Linton, Dunbar, Reston, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Alnmouth and Morpeth, before arriving in Newcastle. On Saturdays, a service will run from Newcastle at 7:27pm to Edinburgh Waverley, calling at Morpeth, Alnmouth, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Reston, Dunbar, and East Linton. An additional evening departure from Edinburgh Waverley at 7:57pm will head to Carlisle, calling at Haymarket and Lockerbie. READ MORE: Why this 'breathtaking' and 'otherworldly' beach is named the best in Scotland A late service will also operate from Edinburgh Waverley at 10:02pm, calling at East Linton, Dunbar, Reston, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Alnmouth and Morpeth, before reaching Newcastle. Tom Thorburn, honorary president of Rail Action Group East of Scotland, said: 'We are delighted that TransPennine Express has positively responded to community requests and agreed to operate their late-night Edinburgh Festival trains during August again this year. 'With the addition of a late-night train on Saturdays this year in addition to the Monday to Friday trains which were very popular last year, these services are the answer to the travelling needs of people wishing to take in and enjoy the world's greatest festival in our area and beyond.'
BBC News
14-07-2025
- General
- BBC News
Railway cat Bolt to leave Huddersfield Station
You might have heard of Larry the cat, who lives at 10 Downing Street, but what about Bolt, the railway station cat? He's been carrying out the important job of keeping away rodents for the last six years, patrolling Huddersfield he's now set to retire from his important role as senior pest controller and will be given a new home with his "station mum" Jacqui and feline friend staff have promised they'll still keep giving updates on what he's been getting up to. During his time in the job, Bolt has grown a big fan following, who will be sure to miss seeing him at the station. He started out at Huddersfield Station as an apprentice, learning from another cat, Felix, who had patrolled there since feline friends had two bestselling books written about them, and Bolt was even nominated for a 'Make a Difference' award last year. A TransPennine Express spokesperson said he wasn't just popular in the local area either, with visitors from around the world even making special trips to Huddersfield station just to meet him. It seems that he'll now be able to enjoy a slower pace of life, with a post on social media saying he would now "enjoy the luxuries of being a normal cat who can explore gardens, enjoy the fresh country air and have his (mostly welcome) companion by his side". Why is Bolt retiring? Improvement work is taking place at Huddersfield Station, which won't be finished for several years. The station will be closed from 30 August to 29 September to allow some of the work to take place, while further upgrades are expected to be completed in early 2027.A station spokesperson said this meant it wouldn't be a good place for a cat to live, adding: "It simply would be too confusing and stressful for him".
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
TransPennine Express invests over £530k in new Glasgow depot
TransPennine Express (TPE) has officially unveiled its new Glasgow depot at Caledonian Chambers, following an investment of at least £530,000 ($721,627). Damian Briody, Head of Rail Delivery for Transport Scotland, formally opened the depot on behalf of the Scottish Government. The depot is strategically positioned just a short walk from Glasgow Central Station, where TPE operates ten daily services to Manchester, Manchester Airport, and Liverpool. The facility will have the capacity for 121 team members and marks a significant enhancement for the company's staff, offering a modern working environment. The new depot features refurbished office spaces, dedicated training and meeting rooms, and improved amenities including toilets, showers, and air conditioning. The facility also includes a mess room, quiet rooms, and a breakout area with a pool table. Briody added: 'It is a real pleasure to attend this event and see first-hand the improved facilities it provides for staff. It is a clear demonstration of the ways in which partnership working can bring benefits to the people who deliver frontline services on the railway every day.' The investment in Glasgow is part of TransPennine Express's ongoing commitment to upgrading its facilities across the network to provide excellent workspaces for its employees. TPE director for major projects & Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) Chris Nutton said: 'The move to Caledonian Chambers is more than just a new address—it's a bold commitment to our people and our future. 'By doubling our workforce capacity here, we're ensuring we have the space, environment, and infrastructure in place to support our team in Scotland to thrive and reap benefits of our partnership with Network Rail. By investing in our people, we enable improved services to customers' Additionally, the company is enhancing its Class 185 train fleet with the European Train Control System (ETCS) as part of the TRU project. In March, the government announced a new allocation of £415m to further the TRU project, which is set to improve rail connections between key cities and facilitate the future installation of ETCS. "TransPennine Express invests over £530k in new Glasgow depot" was originally created and published by Railway Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
TransPennine Express invests over £530k in new Glasgow depot
TransPennine Express (TPE) has officially unveiled its new Glasgow depot at Caledonian Chambers, following an investment of at least £530,000 ($721,627). Damian Briody, Head of Rail Delivery for Transport Scotland, formally opened the depot on behalf of the Scottish Government. The depot is strategically positioned just a short walk from Glasgow Central Station, where TPE operates ten daily services to Manchester, Manchester Airport, and Liverpool. The facility will have the capacity for 121 team members and marks a significant enhancement for the company's staff, offering a modern working environment. The new depot features refurbished office spaces, dedicated training and meeting rooms, and improved amenities including toilets, showers, and air conditioning. The facility also includes a mess room, quiet rooms, and a breakout area with a pool table. Briody added: 'It is a real pleasure to attend this event and see first-hand the improved facilities it provides for staff. It is a clear demonstration of the ways in which partnership working can bring benefits to the people who deliver frontline services on the railway every day.' The investment in Glasgow is part of TransPennine Express's ongoing commitment to upgrading its facilities across the network to provide excellent workspaces for its employees. TPE director for major projects & Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) Chris Nutton said: 'The move to Caledonian Chambers is more than just a new address—it's a bold commitment to our people and our future. 'By doubling our workforce capacity here, we're ensuring we have the space, environment, and infrastructure in place to support our team in Scotland to thrive and reap benefits of our partnership with Network Rail. By investing in our people, we enable improved services to customers' Additionally, the company is enhancing its Class 185 train fleet with the European Train Control System (ETCS) as part of the TRU project. In March, the government announced a new allocation of £415m to further the TRU project, which is set to improve rail connections between key cities and facilitate the future installation of ETCS. "TransPennine Express invests over £530k in new Glasgow depot" was originally created and published by Railway Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
