Scotland’s First Minister
and South Ayrshire Provost
unveil Homecoming programme

By: Murdoch MacDonald

FIRST MINISTER of Scotland Alex Salmond has unveiled the nationwide programme of celebration for Homecoming Scotland 2009 that has been inspired by the 250th anniversary next year of the birth of Scotland’s national Bard, Robert Burns.

Scotland’s Homecoming celebrations will run from Burns Night (25 January) to St Andrew’s Day (30 November) 2009 across more than 50 locations. A programme of more than 100 events has been organised around the five main themes of the Homecoming, these are the Bard himself, Whisky, Golf, Great Scottish Minds and Innovations and Scotland’s culture and heritage.


South Ayrshire will be the focal point for the Burns 250th Anniversary Weekend that starts the 2009 activities. The official Homecoming Burns Supper being held at the Brig O’ Doon in Alloway forms the central feature of the world’s biggest virtual Burns Supper Celebration, and marks a full weekend of exciting activities taking place in and around Ayr over the weekend of 24 and 25 January 2009.

South Ayrshire Council will be working closely with a wide range of partners, community and voluntary organisations and local businesses to ensure that visitors to South Ayrshire enjoy a really special welcome with a range of exciting events planned throughout the year.


South Ayrshire Council Provost Winifred Sloan (pictured above) said: “As the birth place of Robert Burns and the Open Golf Championship, South Ayrshire attracts visitors from all over the world, and I can think of no better year to visit than in 2009, the 250th anniversary of the birth of our national Bard, when South Ayrshire will be at the epicentre of Homecoming 2009.

“I would encourage people who were born or grew up in this area to come home during this very special time. Likewise for Scottish people who live abroad, have Scottish ancestors, business connections or simply those who love all things Scottish - make a commitment to yourself to come to South Ayrshire in 2009.

“Many international sports stars, inventors, artists, academics and business people are Scottish, and know the importance of their heritage and culture.

“Come and visit South Ayrshire and we can promise you lots to see and do and a very warm welcome.”

Many events are being planned across Ayrshire during Homecoming 2009 including:

January 24 – 25 2009: Burns 250th Anniversary Weekend

March 29 2009: Mauchline Plough Match. www.mauchlineburnsclub.com

April 24 – 27 2009 REME Association Reunion Scotland 2009.

May 2009: Mauchline Holy Fair. www.mauchlineburnsclub.com

May 16 – 24 2009: Burns an ‘a’ That! 2009. www.burnsfestival.com

June 1 – 30 August 2009 – The Whole in One Exhibition Maclaurin Galleries www.themaclaurin.org.uk

July 13 – 18 2009: The Open Golf Championship. www.opengolf.com

July 24 – 26 2009: Mauchline Homecoming Marquee. www.mauchlineburnsclub.com

August 7 - 30 2009: Ayr Flower Show. www.ayrflowershow.org

January – November 2009: North Carrick Burns Celebration. www.may-tag.com

February – May 2009: Creative Burns. www.futuremuseum.co.uk

May – September 2009: Ayrshire Innovators.

* * *

AND First Minister Alex Salmond (pictured below) has called for all Scots to invite Scotland’s international friends and family to join the year of Homecoming 2009.


Unveiling the nationwide programme for 2009 of over 100 new and enhanced events, designed to celebrate Scotland’s first ever year of Homecoming, the First Minister launched an e-card to help all Scots spread the word.

Inspired by the 250th anniversary of the birth of Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns, Homecoming 2009 will be a celebration of the great contributions Scotland has made to the world. It is also a chance for Scots around the world to reconnect and engage with their heritage.

Alex Salmond said: “With so many exciting events taking place across the country, 2009 will be a fantastic year to invite people around the world, with either an ancestral link or affinity for Scotland, to come home.

“Already we are seeing success, with Forbes Magazine announcing plans to return to Scotland for the first time in nearly 100 years to host their annual European CEO Forum. This will be an influential business conference and an opportunity to show global business leaders that Scotland is a dynamic nation, with an exciting future.

“I want to urge everyone in Scotland to play their part in what will be the biggest ever celebration of Scotland's achievements and culture, and our ties of family and friendship around the world.

“Whether by using your guid Scotch tongue, writing, or sending an e-card - I hope everyone across Scotland will join the call.”

Highlights of the events planned across Scotland include:

* A Burns 250th anniversary weekend, including a campaign to create the world’s biggest virtual Burns Supper celebration.
* A Homecoming theme for Aberdeen’s Word 09 literary festival.
* An exhibition of contemporary art inspired by Burns, to be held in Glasgow’s Mitchell Library, featuring works by John Byrne, Tracy Emin, Graham Fagen and David Mach.
* A celebration of the Caledonian Canal, with a flotilla travelling the length of the canal from Fort William to Inverness.
* The Open Golf’s return to Turnberry.
* The first ever Whisky Galore festival, to be held on Barra.
* One of the largest clan gatherings in history, to be held in Edinburgh.

The programme will further develop over the coming months. For a full events listing and to register for programme updates go to www.homecomingscotland2009.com

www.scotland.gov.uk

www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk

* * *

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* * *

Turnberry golf resort and hotel’s
new owners plan £28m refurbishment

By: Murdoch MacDonald

TURNBERRY, the historic Ayrshire golf resort that will host next year’s Open Championship, has been purchased by one of the Middle East’s biggest sovereign wealth funds.


[Pictured: Ayrshire's Turnberry Golf Resort and Hotel. CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD FULL-SIZE VERSION.]

Dubai World, the state-controlled investment firm that owns the QE2 and Tilbury and Southampton docks, has announced that it has agreed to acquire the Scottish venue from its present American owners Starwood Hotels & Resorts for £55 million.

It is buying Turnberry through Leisurecorp, which was set up two years ago as an offshoot of Dubai World to acquire and develop a portfolio of investments in the sports and leisure sector.


Leisurecorp expects to complete the deal by the end of October and plans to close the hotel for an upgrade costing around £28 million. The reopening is scheduled for next May, in time for the Open Championship in July.

Under the terms of the sale, Starwood will continue to run the resort under a 30-year-plus management contract, although the investment programme will lead the hotel to be rebranded from Westin to Starwood’s Luxury Collection.

Turnberry boasts two 18-hole Championship courses – the Ailsa, which has hosted the Open Championship three times, and the Kintyre. There is also the nine-hole Arran Course and the Colin Montgomerie Links Golf Academy.

Leisurecorp’s chief executive of golf David Spencer said the firm was aware how important the resort was to Scotland, and pledged to maintain and improve its high standards.

“I think that anyone who has an understanding of the history of golf sees Turnberry as a must-play destination at some stage in their life. It holds a very special place in the history of golf and also the history of Scotland.

“Our agreement with Starwood to acquire Turnberry is something we have been working on for a long time.

“In our investment in the game of golf, we are very patient about it and very respectful of the role Turnberry has played in the heritage of golf.”

He said he was aware of Donald Trump’s proposed golf course in Aberdeenshire, but expected the two resorts to be very different. He added that the firm would be liaising with the locals and the acquisition was likely to create a number of jobs.


Leisurecorp’s chief executive Alan Rogers said that he saw an opportunity to “create something really special and extraordinary” and to transform Turnberry into “the ultimate golf resort”.

He said that there was an opportunity to profit from the “huge untapped potential of Scotland as a tourist destination” and to broaden the site’s facilities so that it is not reliant solely on golf. “Gleneagles is a good model,” he said.

Mr Rogers said that the refurbishment of the main 130-room hotel - it has a further 79 rooms in cottages and lodges - would be the first phase of a five-year redevelopment of the 800-acre resort.

Starwood has previously highlighted the potential of 300 acres of undeveloped land, which could be used for construction of exclusive villas.

Dubai World chairman Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem said he was “delighted” at the acquisition of the “world-class destination”.

The parent group owns a vast and varied portfolio which is split into transport and logistics; dry docks and maritime; urban development; and investment and financial services.

LINKS:

Turnberry

Leisurecorp

Starwood Hotels

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Scottish house prices on the rise once more

AFTER pausing for breath in the previous quarter, Scottish house prices are once more on the rise, according to the latest Scottish House Price Monitor from Lloyds TSB Scotland.


[Pictured: Lloyds TSB Scotland chief
economist Professor Donald MacRae.]

In the three months to 30 April 2008, the quarterly price index for the average domestic property in Scotland rose by 2.3 per cent to give an average mix adjusted Scottish house price of £163,639. On an annual basis, Scottish house prices have risen by 11.6 per cent. The gain this quarter combined with the fall in the previous quarter gives an average price change over the last six months of +1 per cent.

The north of the country is leading the rise with Aberdeen reporting an annual increase of +19 per cent and the North excluding Aberdeen a very strong +26 per cent.

Though Dundee is the only area to report a fall this quarter at -5.2 per cent, the figure for the last twelve months demonstrates the underlying strength of the market at +18 per cent. With Central/Fife/Perth and Tayside reporting a robust annual rise of +13 per cent and Edinburgh +12 per cent, any slowdown in the Central Belt looks modest.

Only in Glasgow, the South West and South East are annual figures somewhat lower. However, with all three areas reporting rises in the quarter ranging from +1.4 to +9.4 per cent, the Scottish housing market is portraying a more positive picture than elsewhere in the UK. Prices are not falling, but the rate of rise is slowing.

The price movement across Scotland is composed of price changes in different property types. Flats are showing an increase of 4.1 per cent in the quarter, detached properties an increase of 3.2 per cent and semi-detached properties an increase of 1.0 per cent. Only terraced houses show a fall in the quarter of 2.4 per cent.

Lloyds TSB Scotland chief economist Professor Donald MacRae said: “Following last quarter’s pause for breath after seven years of house price increases, the average Scottish house price is again on the rise. However, the rate of increase has slowed substantially to a much more sustainable rate.

“The latest quarterly gain has more than compensated for the last quarterly fall, to give an average price change over the last six months of +1.0 per cent.”


Steven Miller and his wife Jacqueline (pictured above) are directors of leading Ayrshire estate agents Donald Ross. Steven commented: “In general the Ayrshire market has had a good start to 2008, however the market has slowed somewhat as buyers and sellers wait to see the outcome of the recent publicity.

“The local market is much more buoyant than the press is reporting nationwide. South Ayrshire is a very robust market and still continues to offer buyers excellent value for money coupled with some of Scotland’s finest amenities, including championship golf courses, sailing, fishing and an excellent selection of award winning restaurants and hotels.

“Contrary to some predictions of a fall in prices, we would expect house price inflation to slow to between 2-5% per annum, outlining South Ayrshire’s highly desirable residential benefits.”


Bob Cherry (pictured above) is a partner in property consultants CKD Galbraith, based in their Ayr Office. Looking at the latest figures from an Ayrshire perspective, Bob commented: "The market in Ayrshire has been quieter and slower in the first part of 2008, although we are seeing a pick-up in sales this month with the better weather.

"Our experience is that properties of quality and individuality continue to sell well, provided they are marketed at a realistic guide price.

"Viewers are plentiful - but more cautious,selective and discerning as prospective buyers than in previous years.

"There is life in the market yet - professional marketing and sensible pricing is the key."

www.ckdgalbraith.co.uk

* * *

Scotland economy grew faster than the UK’s in last quarter

By: Murdoch MacDonald

SCOTTISH GDP growth exceeded the UK growth rate in the last quarter of 2007 but still lags behind over the year, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth John Swinney has announced.


Latest GDP figures, published this week, show that:

* Scottish GDP rose by 2.2 per cent in 2007 and by 0.9 per cent in the fourth quarter of 2007.

* In comparison, UK GDP rose by 2.9 per cent in 2007 and by 0.6 per cent over the final quarter of 2007.

John Swinney (pictured above) said: “The Scottish economy grew at a faster rate than the UK in the last quarter of 2007, a welcome and positive piece of news in the current climate. The financial services sector was buoyed by the highest ever quarterly growth in banking.

“But overall growth over the year lags behind the UK growth rate, highlighting the important focus of the Scottish Government on increasing sustainable economic growth.

“Scotland is not isolated from global conditions. Looking ahead, we know the labour market in Scotland remains resilient and performs better than the UK, with a lower unemployment and higher employment rate. Business survey evidence suggests GDP growth may slow in the first quarter of 2008.

“It brings into sharp relief the urgent need to make Scotland a more competitive environment to put us on the course for long-term success and achieve our target of matching the UK growth rate.

“We are already delivering - we have saved millions of pounds for 150,000 small businesses by reducing business rates at a time when costs are rising. The is money that can be reinvested in improving small business.

“We have refocused enterprise networks and our Government Economic Strategy puts increasing sustainable economic growth at the heart of everything we do. We must push ahead with these reforms and make Scotland better able to withstand the pressures the future may bring.”

www.scotland.gov.uk

* * *

Ayr Racecourse all set for the Scottish Grand National Festival

By: Iain Ferguson

SCOTLAND’S premier jumps meeting, the Coral Scottish Grand National Festival takes place at Ayr racecourse on Friday 18 April and Saturday 19 April, with 15 races over the two days.


Prize money for the meeting is at an all-time high of £563,000 and on Saturday there are two races counting for the BHA Order of Merit Series - the Coral Scottish Grand National which carries a prize fund of £200,000 and the £100,000 Samsung Electronics Scottish Champion Hurdle.


[Pictured: Hot Weld, winner of the Scottish Grand National 2007.]

Other major races over the two days include on Friday 18 April the £30,000 Coral Supporting Poppyscotland Mares Only Handicap Hurdle over two miles and the Hillhouse Quarry Handicap Chase, also with £30,000 in prize money, over two miles four furlongs.

On Coral Scottish Grand National Day, the Ashleybank Investments Future Champion Novices’ Chase over two miles four furlongs has £50,000 on offer, while the Albert Bartlett & Sons Handicap Chase over two miles has £30,000 in prize money.

There are many other attractions over the two days, including a live appearance after racing on Friday by Irish folk rock band The Saw Doctors. Always popular with the racing fraternity, this five-piece band will play in the new £4.5 million Grandstand Bar which will open for the first time that day.

While The Saw Doctors are playing in the Grandstand Bar, the Horseshoe Bar will have a disco blasting out the latest sounds. And on both days the party mood will be obvious as soon as the doors open and the samba sounds of Beats of Brazil will be heard in the paddock area.

On Saturday, the Criterion Jazz Band will also be playing during the afternoon, and on both days racegoers will arrive to the sounds of traditional Scottish music played by pipers. And after racing on Saturday, Reload will play in the Horseshoe Bar.

Another splendid new facility opening on Friday 18 April is the Owners Bar situated on the ground floor of the Princess Royal Stand. This luxurious Bar will not only cater for owners and trainers but also Owners Bar members who pay a special premium rate to join. In addition to bar and restaurant facilities there is also an exclusive betting shop.

To book, log on to www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk or by telephone 0870-8505666.

Ayr Racecourse and the associated Western House Hotel are members of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle.

* * *

Scotland economy continues to expand,
but more slowly - outlook brighter

THE latest Lloyds TSB Scotland Business Monitor, now in its tenth year, shows the Scottish economy continuing to grow, albeit at a slower rate.


[Pictured: Lloyds TSB Scotland chief economist
Professor Donald MacRae.]

This latest edition for the three months ending February 2008 shows 36 per cent of firms surveyed reporting an increase in turnover, 36 per cent reporting static turnover and 28 per cent reporting a decrease, giving a net balance of +8 per cent, down from the previous quarter and less than a third of that recorded for the same quarter one year ago.

The slowdown in growth is affecting both manufacturing and service businesses, with manufacturing reporting a net balance of +5 per cent and services +9 per cent. Although both sectors are experiencing a slowdown, both continue to grow.

In contrast, expectations of increasing turnover in the next six months have improved, reversing the trend of falling expectations of the previous two quarters. The overall balance for turnover for the next six months is +23 per cent, up on the +17 per cent of last quarter, but still well short of the +39 per cent of the same quarter one year ago.

With a net balance of +26 per cent for production businesses compared with +21 per cent of services, there is a higher level of optimism in the manufacturing sector. Expectations are now close to the long-term 10 year trend of the Business Monitor.

Over the ten years of the Business Monitor there has been a general trend increase in the importance attached to staff availability projected for the following three months. However, for the second quarter in succession, these concerns have reduced amongst all types of business.

Despite the “credit crunch”, respondents anticipate little change overall in the risk of a fall in credit availability, while the risk of increasing credit costs is assessed as unchanged overall though slightly up by production businesses.

Lloyds TSB Scotland chief economist Professor Donald MacRae said: “Scottish economic growth is slowing from the latest annual underlying growth rate of 2.1 per cent. However, consumer confidence remains robust as evidenced by the latest annual increase in retail sales of 7.1 per cent. Claimant unemployment at 2.5 per cent is the lowest for 33¼ years. House prices in Scotland continue to increase year-on-year, but at a reduced rate.

“Although this Business Monitor has recorded a slowing in the Scottish economy at the end of last year and the beginning of 2008, business expectations for the next six months have improved. There is no evidence of restriction in credit or rising levels of concern about credit costs. Costs overall are however a concern for most Scottish businesses. After above trend growth in 2007, the Scottish economy is facing reduced growth in 2008 nearer to its long-term growth rate.”

* * *

Elite Ayrshire Business Circle debates Alistair Darling’s first Budget

By: Murdoch MacDonald

THE next breakfast meeting of the Elite Ayrshire Business Circle will take place at 8.30am on Friday 14 March 2008.


It will be an up-to-the-minute and extremely topical symposium on the implications of Alistair Darling’s first Budget, presented by Andrew Sinclair (pictured below) of Sinclair Scott Chartered Accountants.


Budget Day is just two days earlier on Wednesday 12 March, so Andrew’s analysis of what promises to be the most interesting Budget for some time will be literally hot from the press.

The meeting will be held in the Board Room of the Clydesdale Bank Financial Solutions Centre, Alloway Street in Ayr, and Managing Partner Willie Mackie (pictured below) will also briefly enlighten members about the current economic situation in general. (Credit crunch? What credit crunch?).


Sustenance and refreshment will be provided in the form of the Clydesdale’s unbeatable bacon butties, and ample tea and coffee will be on tap to keep intellects at full throttle.

The meeting is scheduled to end at 10am.

Guests of honour include John Scott, MSP for Ayr, South Ayrshire Provost Winifred Sloan and South Ayrshire Council deputy leader Margaret Toner.

The Elite Ayrshire Business Circle is now on Facebook. Visit:
www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=10685231500

Sinclair Scott Chartered Accountants
3 Wellington Square
Ayr KA7 1EN
Ayrshire, Scotland

Contact: Andrew Sinclair
Tel: 01292 288999
Fax: 01292 272150
E-mail: andrew@sinclairscott.com
Web: www.sinclairscott.com

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Derek Richardson joins MacKay Corporate Insurance Brokers

THE Directors of MacKay Corporate Insurance Brokers are delighted to announce that Derek Richardson (pictured below) has joined the company as an Account Executive with effect from Monday 25 February 2008. Derek brings with him a wealth of experience, and is a well respected figure within the broking community.


[CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD FULL-SIZE VERSION.]

MacKay’s are in fact welcoming Derek back to Ayr, where he was based a number of years ago. Derek retains a strong connection with the area, and he is looking forward to getting back into the local community to meet old and new faces.

Derek is particularly experienced in the construction industry, and MacKay’s are delighted to have secured his services.

MacKay Corporate Insurance Brokers
38 Miller Road
Ayr KA7 2AY

Contact: David MacKay
Tel: 01292 611028
Fax: 01292 611179
E-mail: d.mackay@mackaycorporate-brokers.com
Web: http://www.mackaycorporate-brokers.com/

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Western House Hotel named as Wedding Hotel of the Year

By: Murdoch MacDonald

AN Ayr hotel has scooped a hotel industry Oscar for the second year in a row - less than three years after opening!

Western House Hotel at Ayr Racecourse has been voted Scottish Wedding Hotel Of The Year 2008 at the prestigious Scottish Hotels Of The Year Awards held at Prestonfield House Hotel, Edinburgh on Sunday evening.


[Picture shows: Western House Hotel Conferencing and Banqueting Manager Jane McRoberts, left, and Wedding Co-ordinator Jean Kerr with the Wedding Hotel of the Year Award. CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD FULL-SIZE VERSION.]

The four-star hotel was chosen by a panel of more than 20 judges including representatives from leading Scottish magazines, VisitScotland and the Scottish Press. More than 500 Scottish hotel industry professionals attended the event.

Now in their 5th year, the Scottish Hotel of the Year awards is the largest event of the year and is hailed as the ‘Oscars’ of the Scottish hotel industry. The event was hosted by BBC presenter Sally Magnusson and attended by guest of honour Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth, John Swinney MSP. The evening featured a surprise performance from Pop Idol winner Michelle McManus.

Designed to encourage, recognise and reward excellence in hotels and staff in Scotland, the Scottish Hotels of the Year awards are administered by Scottish hotel review website HotelReviewScotland.com (HRS).

Nominations are made by consumers, industry and HRS reviewers. Final award winners are selected by a proportional combination of online public votes, an Awards Panel made up of well-known industry experts and critics, and finally, a four-strong panel of Award Judges, including renowned food writer Wendy Barrie. The 2008 awards attracted votes from over 20,000 people worldwide.


William Gorol (pictured above), General Manager of Ayr Racecourse, owners of the Western House Hotel, was naturally proud of the award, and said: “The success is down to having a great team from our wedding co-ordinator through to the hotel management and chefs, restaurant staff and bar staff.

“I was fortunate enough to be here when Western House Hotel opened, and was given the task of hand picking my staff and I can’t be happier with what we have achieved in so short a period of time.”

Chairman of the Scottish Hotel of the Year awards Gary McLean remarked: “We are delighted to award Western House Hotel with a Wedding Hotel of the Year – Large for their consistent excellence and innovation in the dynamic and demanding weddings market. We are especially delighted to have awarded Western House Hotel’s Jean Kerr with a Special Commendation – Wedding Coordinator for her dedication to excellence.”


In 2007 Western House held more than 150 weddings, and that figure looks certain to be topped this year. Last October Western House also won a coveted VisitScotland Thistle Award for Customer Care – Service Accommodation.

The 49-bedroom destination was formerly the meeting place and offices of the Western Meeting Club, owners of Ayr Racecourse until 2003. It opened as a hotel on 3 June 2005.

Visit the Western House Hotel website: CLICK HERE

And the Ayr Racecourse website: CLICK HERE

Ayrshire Scotland Business News....
- where Ayrshire business news breaks first!
* * *

Ayrshire to host international heritage
motoring event the Culzean Autoclassica

By: Murdoch MacDonald

AFTER a successful launch last September, Ayrshire is to be the venue for a major annual international heritage motoring event starting this year.


[CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD FULL-SIZE VERSION]

Organised by Autospirit in partnership with the National Trust for Scotland, the first Culzean Autoclassica will take place on Bank Holiday weekend 23-24 August 2008 at Culzean Castle & Country Park.

One of Scotland’s five-star international tourist attractions, the grandeur of the castle and spectacular scenery makes it an inspired choice of venue.

Early forecasts indicate that the first Culzean Autoclassica weekend will be one of the top heritage motoring events in the country, with clubs and owners of vehicles from throughout the UK and Ireland already applying to attend.


Aimed at all marques of transport with particular emphasis towards top or significant marques, the Autoclassica not only features the history of the automobile and motorcycle, but also its associated lifestyle and service-related industries.

It revisits the golden ages of motoring by bringing together on display some of the finest and exotic vehicles in the country that embrace almost a century of motorised transport.


All forms of vehicles will be on display around the castle and estate grounds throughout the weekend, and by inviting all participants and the visiting public to arrive in period dress reflecting the eras of the vehicles present, a surreal atmosphere will be created.

Activities and attractions will include heritage racing and special marque displays, international and street concours d’elegance, classic and auto memorabilia displays, club and single entry enclosures, manufacturers and dealers enclosures, trade village, classic vehicle auctions, fashion shows, hog roast barbecues and live music.

Action events will include a Soap Box Grand Prix, an inter-club driving challenge, and motoring nostalgia with historic racing car demonstration runs, all to be held within the estate grounds.

Other park facilities include a visitors’ centre, shops, restaurants, gardens, children’s play area, deer park and castle with spectacular views over the Firth of Clyde to Arran and Kintyre.

To encourage participation from both manufacturers and dealers, a selection of events will take place both before and after the weekend. These include the Culzean Autoclassica Golf Classic played round the Westin Turnberry Ailsa Championship course, possible historic and modern vehicle demonstration runs at the old Turnberry circuit and scenic drives around the Ayrshire countryside and coastline.

For further information about the 2008 Autoclassica and to check out video clips and the photo album from the September 2007 launch event please check out the website at www.culzeanautoclassica.com or e-mail info@culzeanautoclassica.com

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Status Quo will rock the Burns Festival at Ayr Racecourse

ROCK icons Status Quo are to headline the 2008 Burns Rock At The Racecourse concert at Ayr Racecourse, one of the main events of the Burns an’ a’ that Festival.


As the legendary band announced the prestigious gig, founder member and guitarist Francis Rossi said: “The boys are delighted we have been asked to headline Burns Rock At The Racecourse. Normally the furthest south we are in Scotland is Glasgow, so its good to be playing Ayr.

“I’m not too familiar with the works of Burns, but I’ve plenty of time to read up before the concert, and who knows I might even recite something form his works.”

Burns Rock At The Racecourse will be staged on Saturday 24 May and follows a successful first ever Rock At The Racecourse in May 2007 which featured Deacon Blue and The Saw Doctors.

Burns Festival director Michael McDaid said: “This is great news for the Burns an’ a’ that Festival. Rock At The Racecourse was a huge success last year, and to be able to announce that a band of Status Quo’s standing will be playing next year is brilliant.

“The racecourse is a perfect venue for concerts of this type, and everyone who attended earlier this year recognised that.

“Status Quo have a huge following, and by bringing a band of this magnitude to Ayr we are sure will be build on last year’s audience of 5,000 people. The Burns an’ a’ that Festival is all about attracting visitors to this wonderful part of Scotland, and I am sure we will achieve that with this concert.”

Status Quo is one of the most successful bands in the history of rock. They formed in 1966, and have sold tens of millions of albums and singles all over the world. The band is currently on tour promoting their latest album “In Search Of The Fourth Chord”.

Tickets for the concert priced £27.50 are now on sale from Ayr Racecourse and Ticketmaster.

www.statusquo.co.uk

www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk

Ayrshire Modern Apprentices win top community prize

A TEAM of young Kilmarnock engineers has secured an impressive community award for the design of a new aviary in Dean Country Park.

Three Modern Apprentices from drinks giant Diageo in Kilmarnock designed and built the structure to house the park’s exotic birds.


[Photograph shows left to right: Scottish Enterprise manager of skills and learning Joe Hoolaghan with the three winning Diageo Modern Apprentices Michael Webb, Stewart Aitken and Christopher Differ with Fiona Stewart of Scottish Enterprise. CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW FULL-SIZE VERSION.]

Working with the park ranger, the small team agreed that improving the park’s pet corner would benefit the community. The area was very popular among visitors to the park - however, the existing aviary was old and damaged.

The apprentices had sole responsibility for planning, budgeting, sourcing funding, managing resources and project management.

The project took top prize in the Ayrshire Modern Apprenticeship Community Challenge, organised by Scottish Enterprise and Ayrshire Business in the Community. More than 20 Modern Apprentices from Ayrshire companies formed five teams to compete for the prize (see picture below).

[CLICK ON IMAGE TO VIEW FULL-SIZE VERSION.]

The Community Challenge invited company apprentices to dedicate their time and skills to put something back into their local communities.

Each group completed a community project which they selected themselves after consulting their local community. A panel of independent business representatives judged the completed projects.

The quality of entrants was very high, and the judges faced some tough decisions.

A team from North Ayrshire Council upgraded an area within the grounds of James McFarlane Primary School, a special need school in Ardrossan. The apprentices designed and built a sensory garden for the children to enjoy. They had to take into account the special needs of the children, health and safety legislation to ensure that all the features were suitable for the pupils to touch and feel safely.

GE Caledonian’s team project greatly improved an area in Lainshaw Woods. Working with Stewarton Woodland Action Trust, the project team constructed benches, bird boxes and foot scrapers to enhance the experience for walkers.

A team from Goodrich Corporation worked with Stewarton Woodland Action Trust to provide a safe and secure seating place for the friends and families of a young boy, Dean McGregor, who died tragically last year. The team built a commemorative bench in the woodland area.

East Ayrshire Council created a memorial to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the Kames Colliery Disaster in the small village of Muirkirk. Modern Apprentices from the council’s Building and Work department designed and produced a memorial bench that is in a prominent position within Muirkirk Cemetery.

Scottish Enterprise manager of skills and learning Joe Hoolaghan said: “The five entries were first-class. The decision-making process was tough, and it took a series of site visits for us to differentiate between some excellent projects. Ayrshire Modern Apprenticeship Community Challenge is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the calibre of young people working in Ayrshire.

“The Modern Apprentices, who are still learning their trades, have delivered some great projects that will mean a lot to their communities, while contributing significantly to their own personal development.”

Lesley Craig of Ayrshire Business in the Community said: “The Ayrshire Modern Apprenticeship Community Challenge promotes mutual benefits between employers and local communities, in addition to increasing the confidence and skills of the modern apprentices. The project sponsors and the modern apprentices thoroughly enjoyed their time together during the planning and installation phases and this also promotes citizenship within local communities.”

The winning team was presented with its award at a special ceremony at the Park Hotel, Kilmarnock on 4 February 2008.

Ayrshire Scotland Business News -
where Ayrshire business news breaks first!

Excellent prize money on offer at
Ayr Racecourse’s February meeting

By: Murdoch MacDonald

AYR Racecourse's next meeting takes place on Saturday 9 February with the seven race card offering a healthy £51,000 in prize money.


The Valentine's Raceday will be the first of two held in February (there is also a meeting on 21 February) and there is some great racing in prospect.

Feature race is the Book Now For The Coral Scottish Grand National Handicap Chase at 4.25pm with £16,500 in prize money and a first prize of £10,333.

This Class 2 event is run over three miles one furlong and is sure to attract some top chasers.

First race is at 1.45pm, The Dawn Developments Handicap Hurdle over two miles, and the last race, the Princess Royal Suite For Parties Handicap Chase is due off at 4.55pm.

Advance bookings can be made online at www.ayr-racecourse.co.uk or by calling 0870-8505666. Discounts are available on bookings made seven or more days in advance.

Aerospace company Slingsby Advanced Composites
announces new operation in Prestwick

By: Murdoch MacDonald

SLINGSBY Advanced Composites has announced plans for expansion to its design, manufacturing and marketing operations for structural composite and metal structures for the defence, aerospace, marine and rail industries by opening a new facility in Prestwick, Ayrshire, Scotland. Driven by the increased demand for commercial and consumer air travel boosting aircraft production worldwide, Slingsby intends to seize this opportunity to further develop its already expanding aerospace portfolio.


Advanced composite materials such as carbon and glass fibre enable air frames to be lighter, stronger, more cost effective and kinder to the environment than equivalent metal airframes. Demand for composite fuselage airliners, such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner (pictured above) has increased by 15% in the last year.

Managing director Steven Boyd, a former apprentice of British Aerospace, Prestwick said: “It’s an exciting time for Slingsby as we embark on a venture that will not only complement, but enhance technology in the local community. Having spent over ten years working for BAe, it is testimony to the skill set, reputation for innovation and capabilities of the people in the area that we as a company chose Ayrshire.”

Finance director Stuart Brown added: “We are growing as a business and strengthening our market position. Many new projects are under discussion with current customers, and we anticipate them coming to fruition in the not too distant future. Hence it will necessitate the need for skilled people across many disciplines. The expansion will create 28 new jobs at the company’s Prestwick base, and the new investment is being supported by a Regional Selective Assistance grant of £250K.”

Announcing the support, Enterprise Minister Jim Mather MSP said: “Slingsby’s plan to invest in this new facility at Prestwick brings welcome jobs to the area and demonstrates Scotland’s clear strengths in the manufacturing industry sector.

“Having had another lengthy dialogue with the aerospace sector again this week, it is encouraging to have a company aiming to strengthen Scotland’s aerospace engineering portfolio, which will undoubtedly contribute to achieving increased sustainable economic growth.”

Scottish Enterprise chief operating officer Lena Wilson said: “This announcement is tremendous news for Prestwick, and will bolster Scotland’s excellent reputation in the global aerospace industry.

“Build rates for civil aircraft are accelerating, and new types of aircraft are regularly being introduced, with the amount of composites used increasing rapidly. We should be proud that aircraft that will be flying throughout the world in years to come will have ‘made in Scotland’ stamped on their airframes.”

Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire is also supporting the company’s plans with a £350k Training Plus grant. The training programme, which will last until 2010, is to develop the composite manufacturing skills of the new employees the company will recruit.

Scottish Enterprise aerospace and defence team leader Jan Reid said: “The Scottish workforce is already recognised by the aerospace industry for its flexibility and adaptability to develop new skills, and composite materials technology presents a great opportunity for Scotland to build its expertise in this globally important sector.

“The technology also draws on a number of strengths in Scotland including our chemicals and textiles industries, and we are working to embed composite skills in Scotland, which will have an impact across Scotland.”

About Slingsby Advanced Composites

Slingsby Advanced Composites, founded in 1939, employs 120 people at its Kirkbymoorside, North Yorkshire facility. A leading company in the design, development, manufacture and support of Advanced Composites structures and assemblies for aerospace and defence systems across air, land and sea platforms, Slingsby specialises in Unmanned Airframe Vehicle aerostructures, Fixed and Rotary Wing Helmets, Civil Aerospace Aerostructures, Emergency Door Systems and Stealthy Structures for Naval Defence applications.

www.slingsby.co.uk

Proven case for investment in Ayrshire wind turbine manufacturer

By: Murdoch MacDonald

A WIND TURBINE manufacturing scheme in Ayrshire is among the latest projects to be supported by Scottish Government Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) cash.


The RSA quarterly report includes a £250,000 grant to Proven Energy Ltd based in Stewarton to create 29 new jobs in the development, manufacture and installation of small-scale wind turbine systems.

Enterprise Minister Jim Mather said: “Wind turbine projects such as Proven Energy’s can play an integral role in ensuring that Scotland becomes a world leader in green energy, while helping to substantially cut carbon emissions.

“This is exactly the kind of investment project that will help this Government move towards its aim of increased, sustainable economic growth. We will be publishing our consultation on the Scottish Climate Change Bill this month. That will outline the Government’s commitment to tackling emissions and will provide more opportunities for green jobs.

“Regional Selective Assistance, in the absence of tax varying powers, is a scheme which stimulates job creation, enables business to flourish and helps create a greener and wealthier Scotland.”

Proven Energy chief executive Andrew McMullan said: “Proven Energy started up over 25 years ago as a small family-run business with a big mission - to make a greener world and a healthier environment.

“A number of external and environmental factors have presented huge opportunities for Proven Energy. We knew that we had to adapt in order to scale up and meet these challenges.

“Assistance from the Scottish Government has helped us to build an environment that is fit for growth.”

About Regional Selective Assistance

Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) is the main national scheme of financial assistance to industry. It provides discretionary grants for investment projects that will create or safeguard jobs in Assisted Areas - areas designated for regional aid under European Community law. The scheme is administered by the Innovation and Investment Grants (IIG) unit of the Scottish Government.

Payments of RSA are made in instalments, typically over several years, provided that job and project expenditure targets are met.

The amounts quoted here and in the report therefore represent the maximum grant potentially payable if the project is satisfactorily completed, and not the amount actually paid to date.

All job numbers are based on firms' forecast figures at the time a grant is offered, and are subject to change depending on future economic conditions and other factors affecting the business concerned.

About Proven Energy

Stewarton-based Proven Energy is a Scottish-based manufacturer and distributor of small-scale wind turbines for use in domestic and commercial environments.

After starting up 25 years ago, the company now has a global footprint with 1,500 turbines installed across the globe which are currently generating green energy from Antarctica to the Sahara Desert.

Proven Energy Ltd
Wardhead Park
Stewarton
Ayrshire
KA3 5LH
Scotland

Telephone: +44 (0)1560 485570

Website: www.provenenergy.co.uk

Ayrshire Scotland Business News -
where Ayrshire business news breaks first!

Clydesdale Bank sponsors Ayrshire Business Awards 2008

By: Murdoch MacDonald

CLYDESDALE BANK is to sponsor the Ayrshire Business Awards 2008. Willie Mackie, (pictured below), managing partner at the Clydesdale Bank Financial Solutions Centre in Ayr, made the announcement this week. >>>


Yes, it’s that time of year again.

The glitzy gala night that showcases the best in Ayrshire business takes place in Kilmarnock next month.

The Ayrshire Business Awards recognise and reward the area’s regional champions of business excellence. It is the premier occasion on the Ayrshire business calendar.

Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire director of business skills Jim Reid says the event is a chance to celebrate everything that is positive about the Ayrshire economy.

He added: “So much has changed in Ayrshire in recent years that it’s important we recognise and reward the companies and the people who are at the heart of that change.

“Scottish Enterprise Ayrshire is focused upon supporting more local companies to realise their growth potential and achieve greater success, so we are delighted that the Ayrshire Business Awards will once again shine a light on the companies that have realised their ambitions in any of the award categories in the last year.

“The level of support that we receive from our sponsors is really important, and I am delighted that such a high profile main sponsor as Clydesdale Bank has signalled its support. In addition, I’m really pleased to see that we have some new key sponsors this year.”

Willie Mackie, managing partner at the Clydesdale Bank Financial Solutions Centre in Ayr said: “These awards are a celebration of the best that the Ayrshire business community has to offer, and we are delighted to be supporting them as the main sponsor for the first time.

“The broad sweep of award categories means that there is the opportunity for all sizes of companies across a range of disciplines to enter and have their achievements recognised.”

The awards dinner and ceremony will take place at the Park Hotel, Kilmarnock on Thursday 7 February 2008.

The awards are once again supported by the Ayrshire Post, Irvine Herald and Kilmarnock Standard.

Judging is already under way, with a panel sifting through nominations to come up with the top three finalists in each category.

To reserve tickets for the awards dinner, contact event organisers Stratagem Ltd on 0141 331 2991.

Clydesdale Bank
Financial Solutions Centre
43 Alloway Street
Ayr KA7 1SP

Contact: Willie Mackie, Managing Partner
Tel: 01292 272072
Fax: 01292 280202
E-mail: william.mackie@eu.nabgroup.com
Web: http://www.cbonline.co.uk/

Scottish house prices continue rising while those in UK fall

HOUSE PRICES in Scotland rose by 2.4% in the final quarter of 2007, compared with a 0.8% fall in prices across the UK as a whole.


The annual rate of house price inflation in Scotland at the end of last year was 13.1%, the strongest price rise in the UK and well above the UK average increase of 5.2%.

But Scottish housing continues to be the most affordable in the UK. The average price of a house in Scotland is currently £144,897. This is 26% less than the UK average of £197,071.

Cumnock in Ayrshire is the most affordable town in Scotland with an average house price of £111,269.

Bank of Scotland expects a slowdown in the Scottish housing market in 2008 and predict house price growth of 4%.

Bank of Scotland chief economist Martin Ellis commented: “The Scottish housing market is the best performing market in the UK. Scottish house price inflation is 13.1%, well above the UK average increase of 5.2%.

“A key factor driving the increase in house prices in Scotland has been its relative affordability. Scottish house prices continue to be the most affordable in the UK. At £144,897, the average price of a house in Scotland is 26% less than the UK average of £197,071.

“We expect a slowdown in the Scottish housing market in 2008 and predict house price growth of 4%. This would be the smallest rise in Scottish house prices in eight years.

“A large numbers of Scottish borrowers who took out fixed rate mortgages in 2005 and 2006 at very low rates will move onto higher rates as their mortgage term expires this year. Higher food and energy prices will also take up more of Scottish homeowners’ income, reducing the amount many householders have to spend on housing. These factors are likely to lead to slower house price growth in Scotland in 2008.”

The average price of a house in South Ayrshire is now £177,858 compared to £162,215 a year ago - a rise of 10%.

In North Ayrshire the average house price has risen 14% from £123,532 at the end of 2006 to £140,535 in December 2007.

The lowest rise was recorded in East Ayrshire, where the average house price has risen just 6% in the past year from £129,050 to £136,711.


Director of Donald Ross Estate Agents in Ayr Steven Miller (pictured above with his wife and fellow-director Jacqueline) commented: "2007 was a challenging market place. However, this latest survey shows the Ayrshire housing market to be extremely robust with strong growth compared to elsewhere in the UK.

"We feel that 2008 will be an excellent year whether you are buying or selling, albeit at a lower level of house price inflation compared with previous years. Overall we feel the medium-term forecast in the local market is reasonably stable with modest growth."

Donald Ross Estate Agents
11 Beresford Terrace
Ayr KA7 2ER
Ayrshire
Scotland

Contact: Steven Miller, Managing Director
Tel: 01292 288222
Fax: 01292 280083
E-mail: office@donaldross.co.uk
Web: http://www.donaldross.co.uk/

Scottish businesses are more confident than their UK counterparts

BUSINESS confidence may have been dented by the tougher conditions of recent months, but Scottish firms are facing 2008 with confidence, according to the Business in Britain survey from Lloyds TSB Commercial.