Fish Processing Sector Set For Brexit Hammering

 Aberdeenshire, Opinion  No Responses »
Feb 022017
 

Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson

With thanks to Banffshire & Buchan Coast SNP.

Fish processors in the North East of Scotland would be disproportionately hammered by reckless Tory plans to slap a £1,000 levy on EU workers in the UK following a hard Brexit.

The seafood processing sector employs thousands of EU citizens,
with the workforce largely
concentrated at individual sites in the North East. 

Immigration Minister Robert Goodwill suggested that firms could be charged £1,000 each year for every EU worker they employ.

The anti-business plans have been labelled xenophobic by former Belgian Prime Minister Guy Verhofstadt who is one of the EU’s chief Brexit negotiators and even criticised by senior Tory Anna Soubry who blasted the proposals as a “tax on successful businesses”. 

Figures reveal that individual businesses could be stung particularly hard by the proposed tax. Buchan’s Macduff Shellfish, for example, has a workforce of around 500 people – with 79 per cent of them non-UK EU citizens. That would mean a £395,000 annual levy imposed by the Tory government on this single business.

Around 3,000 EU citizens work in the seafood processing sector alone – with thousands more in the wider food and drink industry. The misguided Tory attack on foreign workers would mean a multimillion pound bill imposed on businesses in the North East. 

Commenting, Banffshire & Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson (pictured) said:

“The Tories are moving further and further to the right at an alarming rate.

“Their plans to tax firms an excess based on the number of European workers they have on the books are discriminatory, deeply disturbing and potentially crippling in terms of business. 

“But sadly that comes with the territory of a hard Brexit, characterised by xenophobia and Tory politicians finally peeling back the mask to reveal a dangerous and divisive agenda. 

“In my constituency alone, firms could face charges up to half a million pounds just for having the ‘audacity’ to hire workers with the right set of skills who have chosen to make Scotland their home. Many firms would face the very real consequence of cutting jobs or even facing closure. 

“It’s incumbent upon Ruth Davidson to distance herself from these comments and to make the case to her bosses at Westminster that Scotland shouldn’t suffer as a result of a Tory hard Brexit led by the loony right-wingers in her own party. 

“Before and after the referendum last year she championed Scotland remaining in the single market. It’s time she proved she’s a politician of her word.” 

Further Info:

European and External Relations Committee – The EU referendum and its implications for Scotland – Written submission from Macduff Shellfish http://www.parliament.scot/S5_European/General%20Documents/CTEER_Macduff_Shellfish.pdf

–    “As well as being an important employer in and around Mintlaw (employing in excess of 350 people in the area, and a further 150 people across our other sites and fishing fleet)”
–    “Moreover, 79% of our employees originate from other European Member States. The European labour market is a vital resource to Macduff and our continued success will be dependent upon the future flow of European workers.”

BBC News – Minister hints at £1,000 fee for EU workers: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-38581873

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City Accountancy Firm Produces Top Scoring Student

 Aberdeen City, Articles  No Responses »
Feb 022017
 

With thanks to Eoin Smith, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

Hall Morrice employee Andrew Laurie, who received the Ronald Ison Medal for the candidate with the highest mark in the Taxation of Individuals paper

An Aberdeen-based accountant has emerged as the top-scoring student in a national Chartered Institute of Taxation exam.
Andrew Laurie from independent firm Hall Morrice LLP was awarded the Ronald Ison Medal for the candidate with the highest mark in the Taxation of Individuals paper – an exam that he hopes will eventually help him achieve Chartered Taxation Advisor (CTA) status.

Andrew (30) was one of over 200 candidates from around the UK to pass the exam, and did so with distinction.

He has previously passed all his CTA exams at the first attempt, and will sit his final test in May.

He joined Hall Morrice as a graduate trainee in the audit and accounts team and qualified as a Chartered Accountant (CA) with the support of the firm. Director of tax Stuart Watson saw that he had a natural aptitude for the subject, and Andrew joined the tax department over three years ago.

Andrew, who is employed as a senior tax analyst with Hall Morrice, says,

“With Stuart’s encouragement, I decided to study for my CTA qualification and was delighted when the firm provided a study package to help me achieve this.

“I had hoped that I had performed well in the exam, but to learn that I had passed with the highest mark on the paper came as a real surprise. I’m very pleased as it was the result of a lot of studying, but more than that shows the effort that Hall Morrice has made in training me and mentoring me over the years.”

Students studying towards the CA qualification sit a paper which covers taxation, but at a relatively basic level compared to the knowledge required for the CTA exams. CTA is seen as the gold standard for advisors and is absolutely essential for anyone wishing to specialise at a high level in taxation.

Hall Morrice, which employs around 50 members of staff, has a long and successful track record as a training firm, and consistently develops graduates to very high levels. It has invested heavily in bespoke training programmes aimed at improving the learning process for its graduates, and the approach has seen exam pass rates soar.

Last year, the firm was shortlisted in two categories in Scotland’s Employer of the Year Awards in recognition of its efforts to develop staff and invest in young people. Hall Morrice accepts new graduates every year, and is also committed to offering placements to accountancy students.

Stuart, who has worked in taxation for over 40 years says,

“We are immensely proud of Andrew’s achievement. To perform better than any other CTA student in the country underlines not only how hard he has worked on his studies, but also the opportunities that he has had to put his learning into practice in his day to day role here at Hall Morrice.

“As the tax department is relatively small, our team has to be able to advise on a wide range of tax issues and not specialise in any one particular area. Andrew covers the whole scope of our service provision, from personal taxation and tax returns to share valuations and tax planning.

“It has always been the firm’s aim to recruit the best and in terms of technical ability, Andrew’s success in this paper has shown that he has a very bright future ahead of him.”

Founded in 1976, Hall Morrice is one of Scotland’s leading independent firms of chartered accountants and has offices in Aberdeen and Fraserburgh. Based at 6 and 7 Queens Terrace in Aberdeen, Hall Morrice can be contacted on 01224 647394 or at accounts@hallmorrice.co.uk

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City Achieves Fourth Consecutive Purple Flag Award

 Aberdeen City, Articles  No Responses »
Feb 022017
 

With thanks to Ross Anderson, Senior Account Manager, Citrus:Mix

Aberdeen city centre has been hailed as a shining example to the rest of the country after securing the prestigious Purple Flag accreditation for the fourth year in a row.

Led by business organisation Aberdeen Inspired, with support from Aberdeen City Council, Police Scotland, Unight, Street Pastors and other key stakeholders, the city has achieved the coveted standard in recognition of its commitment to promoting a safe and secure night time economy.

Aberdeen became the first city in Scotland to be awarded the accreditation in 2014 and has now been re-accredited for the fourth time, receiving praise for its strong partnership working alongside its lively mix of evening entertainment.

Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, welcomed the award and praised the ongoing work which goes into making this continued success possible.

He said:

“Securing the Purple Flag award for a fourth year is a great achievement and the result of a concerted effort by a number of organisations working in partnership to enhance Aberdeen city centre’s offering over a number of years.

“The assessors remarked that Aberdeen is a shining example to other cities across the country for all of the work that goes in to improving the city centre, which a fantastic acknowledgement of what has been achieved so far.

“We have developed strong relationships with our many partners over the years and this success is testament to the hard work that goes on, often behind the scenes, to create a better city for residents and visitors.

“The city’s night time economy has an integral part to play in helping us meet our goal of increasing footfall within the city centre and a safe and enjoyable environment is key to this continued success.

“If the city centre is to truly thrive, then fundamentally it must be seen to be safe. It is for all the partners to ensure that we continue to sustain this partnership approach, even through these challenging financial times.”   

The Purple Flag scheme is a town and centre award managed by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) which looks at the wellbeing, movement, appeal and sense of place within a city centre.

Cities are rewarded for their ability to showcase a variety of initiatives aimed at attracting visitors to the area during the evening.

This year’s application was strengthened by a number of projects aimed at fostering a sense of pride within the city, with Aberdeen Inspired’s Summer of Art, the Painted Doors project and the Aberdeen Comedy Festival, Police Scotland’s Operation Oak campaign and the successful Aberdeen Christmas Village all playing a part.

Aberdeen City Council Leader Councillor Jenny Laing, said:

“Receiving Purple Flag accreditation for the fourth year is a testament to the strong partnership work undertaken by the Community Safety Partnership, Aberdeen Inspired, Police Scotland and number of other agencies.

“Aberdeen City Council works closely with a range of partners to deliver initiatives such as Unight, Best Bar None and the taxi marshals which play a huge role in creating a safe and welcoming night time experience.

“I would like to thank all involved for their hard work in making Aberdeen an even safer place to live and visit.”

Area Commander Chief Inspector Graeme Mackie, said:

“Police Scotland is delighted that Aberdeen has once again been awarded the Purple Flag for excellence in managing the night-time economy – an accolade that is testament to the well-embedded partnership working that exists to ensure your city-centre is safe.

“Our officers also work hard to make sure that the city is a safe and welcoming place live, work and visit and we continue to record reductions in crime figures year-on-year.

“A great deal of progress has been made throughout the years thanks to the willingness of organisations to work together, and initiatives like Operation Oak and the Best Bar None awards play a huge part in creating this safer and more enjoyable environment.

“Every city-centre comes with its own unique challenges, so we take great pride in achieving this recognition for a fourth consecutive year and maintaining our position as one of the UK’s safest city centres.

“We look forward to continuing this work alongside our partner agencies to support the great progress that has already been made.”

Stuart McPhee, general manager of Siberia Vodka Bar and chairman of Unight Aberdeen, said:

“Unight are delighted to be a partner involved in working towards and achieving Purple Flag accreditation for the fourth consecutive year.

“Through all the partnership working that goes into achieving this we have created a safe and welcoming environment throughout our city centre.

“All of our venues work tirelessly to ensure they are the safest they can be, so to know that this is a small part in achieving this award is a great satisfaction to our members.”

Graham Watson, Owner of the Grill Bar, said:

“It is thoroughly well deserved and I am delighted that Aberdeen inspired and partners have achieved this recognition for their hard work over the piece.

“Over the past several years, the city centre seems to be a much safer place and that makes it more appealing for people to visit.

“The city centre needs to see this type of nationally leading thinking and we are delighted to support the continued progress.”

Aberdeen Inspired is the banner under which the Aberdeen BID (Business Improvement District) operates.

It is a business-led initiative within the city centre in which levy payers within the BID zone contribute. Proceeds are used to fund projects designed to improve the business district and drive footfall to the zone.

More information about Aberdeen Inspired is available online at: www.aberdeeninspired.com

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VisitAberdeenshire Appeals To Stavanger Holidaymakers

 Aberdeenshire, Information  No Responses »
Feb 022017
 

With thanks to Eoin Smith, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

VisitAberdeenshire’s business development manager Jenni Fraser.

Over 6,000 Norwegian holidaymakers will have the chance to learn all about the north east of Scotland when VisitAberdeenshire heads to the Stavanger Travel Day this weekend. The tourism body will exhibit at the top travel event held in the Clarion Hotel Stavanger on February 4.

VisitAberdeenshire’s business development manager Jenni Fraser and tourism executive Raeanne Farquhar will attend the event, which will allow them to speak directly with Norwegian travellers to reveal everything Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire have to offer.

With multiple airlines operating direct flights between Stavanger and Aberdeen, including SAS and Wideroe, there has never been a better time for Norwegians to visit the north east of Scotland.

Exhibition attendees will even have the opportunity to win a weekend in the Granite City with flights provided by Wideroe. The lucky winners will stay at the Macdonald Norwood Hall Hotel, and will receive tickets to any Aberdeen Festival which coincides with their visit.

Jenni says,

“Norway has long been an important market for tourism in the north east of Scotland, and at just over an hour’s flight time it’s easy to see why. The region is appealing for Norwegians looking for a weekend city break or to explore some fantastic countryside.

“Historic castles and traditional whisky distilleries remain a big draw for Norwegian tourists. From Slain’s Castle in Cruden Bay, which inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula, to the regal Royal Lochnagar Distillery, nestled in the hills beneath Balmoral Castle, the north east of Scotland certainly isn’t a disappointment.

“But whisky and castles aren’t the only reason that Norwegian travellers make the journey to visit Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. The fact that there are over 50 golf courses, including impressive links courses along the Aberdeenshire Coast, is a real attraction – the Norwegian Golf Federation, the country’s fourth largest sporting organisation, boasts over 103,000 members.

“World-class outdoor activities in Royal Deeside and wider Aberdeenshire, and a growing reputation for fine food and drink, mean that more and more holidaymakers are considering the north east as a holiday destination. And our cultural offering – including festivals like True North and the Aberdeen International Youth Festival – also provides a unique programme of entertainment that can’t be found anywhere else in the world.

 “We look forward to meeting the Norwegian public in Stavanger, and showing them all that Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire have to offer.”

For more information about Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, visit www.visitabdn.com

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New Barber Venture Launches In Aberdeen

 Aberdeen City, Featured, Information  No Responses »
Feb 022017
 

Owner of Hunstman barbers, Kyle Ross. Huntsman PR images.

With thanks to Gemma Setter, PR Account Executive, Frasermedia.

A young entrepreneur has invested a five-figure sum to land a new barber venture in Aberdeen.

Huntsman, a new luxury gents barbers based in the city’s Union Street, has officially opened its doors after a month-long renovation on the city centre property.

Established by managing director, Kyle Ross, the business has committed to a ten-year lease and has created three jobs, with plans to increase this in the future.

Mr Ross, 27, has almost ten years of industry experience and has worked in some of Aberdeen’s top hair salons. He now hopes to bring the innovative barbering trends that are taking bigger cities by storm to the Granite City through his new business venture.

The barbers, which is based between Union Street and Albyn Place, offers a wide range of services for the modern day man, including everything from precision cutting, hot towel shaving, beard trimming and styling, to massage treatments and waxing.

It also provides in-depth consultations to its customers, which allows them to decide on the cut and style that will best suit their face shape and hair type.

Named after the inventor of the straight razor, Huntsman is the only barbers in Aberdeen to stock stylish Hanz de Fuko hair products and is the only one north of Glasgow to offer the distinctive Brighton Beard Company products to its clients.

The 950 sq ft premises has an additional 500 sq ft basement for possible expansion. It features a stylish, contemporary interior, with a black and copper colour scheme, and has a 50” plasma TV screen dedicated to playing Sky Sports.  

Managing director of Huntsman, Kyle Ross, said:

“It was always part of my career plan to open my own place, so I’m thrilled that all the hard work has paid off and my dream has become a reality.

“I realised I had a flair for the barbering side of hairdressing and I enjoy following gents trends. It is certainly an exciting time for barbers, as there has been a dramatic change in behaviour in regards to male grooming over the past few years. Men tend to be much more image conscious and it is now all about slick haircuts and facial hair.

“I wanted to create an environment that was completely different to the walk-in barbers that most men are used to. Guys can relax in the knowledge that we will spend as much time that is needed on their hair, rather than just a quick five-minute job. We talk customers through the entire process and give them guidance on what styles would suit them best.  

“My team and I are dedicated to providing a high-quality service to everyone that walks through the door. We will be focusing on regular training, so that we can provide our clients with the most up-to-date industry knowledge.”

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Burns Night Debut For Special Ae Fond Kiss

 Aberdeen City, Featured  No Responses »
Feb 022017
 

Scottish soprano Jillian Bain Christie

With thanks to Ian McLaren, PR account manager, Innes Associates.

A specially arranged version of a classic Robert Burns love song received its Burns Night debut in Aberdeen.
Local soprano Jillian Bain Christie treated guests at Malmaison Aberdeen’s annual Burns Supper to a version of Ae Fond Kiss that has been specially written for her by renowned north-east composer Professor Paul Mealor FRSA.

The song forms part of Jillian’s debut album, Ae Spark o’ Nature’s Fire, a compilation of 14 works penned by Scotland’s national bard, including some of his best-known love songs.

Jillian, who as well as being an acclaimed singer is also a talented visual artist, was taught by Professor Mealor while studying for a music degree at the University of Aberdeen and also sang the soprano solo in his Symphony No 1: Passiontide. 

To thank Jillian for her involvement in some of his previous musical projects he chose to compose this arrangement of Burns’ most recorded love song to appear on her first album.

Professor Mealor is an admired composer whose works include Ubi Caritas, which premiered at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and the 2011 Christmas number one hit Wherever You Are, which was performed by the Military Wives choir.

Ae Spark o’ Nature’s Fire was released last year by independent Aberdeen record label Luckenbooth Music. The album, which also features pianist Catherine Herriott, is a collection of Burns songs that are sung to arrangements by contemporary and 20th century Scottish composers including Rory Boyle and John Maxwell Geddes.

Tracks include Ye Banks and Braes o’ Bonnie Doon, The Deil’s awa’ wi’ the Exciseman and Bonnie Wee Thing. Alongside the specially arranged version of Ae Fond Kiss, other highlights of the album include unaccompanied versions of A Red, Red Rose and John Anderson, My Jo.

Frances Milne, co-founder of Luckenbooth Music, said:

“Robert Burns is revered around the world and many of his songs have achieved iconic status.  Ae Spark o’ Nature’s Fire presents 14 of his songs in a refreshed and new way, providing an album that appeals to fans of both traditional Scottish and classical music

“This new version of Ae Fond Kiss is a beautiful arrangement that illustrates the skill of composer, singer and pianist.  Those attending the Burns Supper at Malmaison will be left in no doubt about the brilliance of Paul Mealor’s arrangement and Jillian’s recital of it.

“Jillian’s unaccompanied, pared-back version of A Red, Red Rose showcases her vocal ability.  The melody was originally written as a fiddle tune and features great leaps in range, which are normally technically difficult for the voice.  However, Jillian’s trained voice copes with the melody with ease.  It is one of the stunning highlight of the album.”

Ae Spark o’ Nature’s Fire is on sale now and can be purchased directly from Luckenbooth Music and Amazon, in selected retailers, or as a download via iTunes and Google Play.  Notes accompanying the CD give a comprehensive insight into Burns as a songwriter and song collector, while a glossary provides an understanding to the many Scots words used in the songs.

Born and raised in Aberdeen, Jillian Bain Christie studied fine print making at Glasgow School of Art, before gaining a masters degree in illustration at Edinburgh College of Art. The former Mile End Primary and Aberdeen Grammar pupil worked as an artist for a number of years before embarking on a music degree at the University of Aberdeen, graduating in 2012 with a first-class honours degree. 

She then studied in London at the Trinity London Conservatoire of Music and Dance, gaining a masters degree in fine art in creative performance practice.

Luckenbooth Music is an independent Scottish record label. Based in Aberdeen, it was established in 2016 by Frances Milne and her brother John Milne. The label’s first release was Ae Spark o’ Nature’s Fire, a collection of songs by Robert Burns which were performed by Aberdeen soprano Jillian Bain Christie and accompanied by pianist Catherine Herriott. 

A luckenbooth is a traditional Scottish wedding brooch given to a bride by her groom on their wedding day. For more information visit www.luckenboothmusic.co.uk or telephone 01224 311468.

A preview of the tracks can be listened to via SoundCloud by visiting https://soundcloud.com/luckenbooth-music

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Training Provider Plea To Save Future Workforce

 Aberdeen City, Featured  No Responses »
Feb 022017
 

With thanks to Gemma Setter, PR Account Executive, Frasermedia.

Ace Winches Apprentices.

A specialist training company is calling on employers to adopt an apprentice after a number of young learners were made redundant from a deck machinery company.
ITCA Training, which is based at the Kirkhill Industrial Estate in Dyce, is urging businesses to consider taking on one of the apprentices and providing them with the opportunity to complete their apprenticeship qualifications.

A group of ten apprentices are now looking for employment after being made redundant from Ace Winches in Turriff earlier this month.

The boys, who are aged between 17 and 20, were all working as apprentice engineers, with the exception of one fabricator/welder.

The head count reduction at the firm is another major blow for vulnerable apprentices in the region, as it comes just seven months after 17 apprentices were made redundant from the now defunct Enterprise Engineering Services (EES).

ITCA is hoping that a £5000 incentive from the Scottish Government will encourage employers to recognise the benefits of training young talent. The incentive is part of the Adopt an Apprentice scheme, which aims to get redundant apprentices back into work as quickly as possible.

Recent figures show that the North-east currently has the highest number of redundancies for apprentices in Scotland. As well as this, the number of new apprenticeship starts in 2016 dropped by 40% in Aberdeen and 14% in Aberdeenshire compared to the year before.

June Jones, managing director of ITCA, said:

“It is very alarming that another business is shedding a large number of apprentices that have yet to complete their training.

“The figures indicating the high percentage of apprenticeship redundancies in the North-east, as well as the drop in the number of new starts, are extremely concerning. If this carries on much longer then it will result in a skills gap and a severe shortage of skilled workers in the future.

“We appreciate that the market is incredibly tough at the moment, but it is the responsibility of businesses to employ and grow their own talent.

“We hope that employers will come forward to claim the £5000 incentive by taking on an apprentice. By doing so, they will enable a young learner to complete their apprenticeship and will help to safeguard the future of home-grown talent in the North-east.”

ITCA Training, which is one of the largest engineering apprenticeship-training firms in Scotland, is situated at Howe Moss Drive in the  Kirkhill  Industrial Estate, Dyce. The base, which spans almost 22,000sq feet, includes offices, classrooms, a storage yard, and workshop space. The company has been in operation in the  North-east  since 1989, and provides training for young employees in various sectors including welding, fabrication, mechanical engineering, business administration and logistics.     

To find out more about ITCA visit www.itca-training.com

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Shelter Scotland Seeks Volunteers

 Aberdeen City, Charity  No Responses »
Jan 272017
 

By Wendy McEwan

Shelter Scotland is a charity that supports many people who are struggling with homelessness and bad housing.

We offer advice and support through our online services and face to face in our many advice centres.

We campaign to make homelessness a thing of the past.

If you would like to be part of this charity, we are looking for volunteers to help in our charity shops in Aberdeen.

No experience is needed as we will provide all necessary training until you are confident with the work involved. All that we ask is that you give us a few hours of your free time on a regular basis.

Although we are looking for general helpers, we are actually in great need of Volunteer Supervisors. People who will be willing to take on that little bit extra and be trained up on everything from opening the shop, all till procedures including refunds and voids, sorting donations, pricing stock, displays, cashing up at the end of the day and just general supervision of the shop.

As we are a charity who only employs a Manager, we count on our volunteers to keep the shop running smoothly and would never manage without them.

They are the heart of the shop and all contribute towards the charity with their gift of time.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or would like to find out more information then please pop into our shop at 179 George Street, Aberdeen and speak to Wendy or email Abergeorgeshop@shelter.org.uk

Thank You, I look forward to meeting you.

UK Govt Must Come Clean On Failed Missile Test

 Aberdeenshire, Opinion  No Responses »
Jan 272017
 

With thanks to Kenneth Hutchison, Parliamentary Assistant to Dr. Eilidh Whiteford.

The SNP MP for Banff and Buchan, Eilidh Whiteford, has called for the UK Government to come clean to Parliament following the revelations that the Prime Minister knew of a failed Trident test just weeks before a vote on renewal of the UK’s WMDs last year.
PM Theresa May refused four times on Sunday’s Andrew Marr Show to answer the presenter’s question on whether she knew about the test failure before the vote was taken.

Parliament voted to renew the deterrent, which experts believe could cost more than £200bn.

SNP MPs opposed the renewal, while Labour were divided. Each missile is estimated to cost £17m, and only five tests have been carried out since the year 2000.

During an Urgent Question to the Defence Secretary yesterday, Michael Fallon MP refused to confirm the details of the failed test, whilst a US Official confirmed the information to CNN.

Dr Whiteford said:

“Whilst the Defence Secretary was refusing to confirm any information during today’s Urgent Question, a US official briefed news channel CNN on the details of the failed test mission.

“It is simply not acceptable that the UK Government has not come clean on the facts of this failure, but US press outlets have received an update from officials in the White House.

“The Prime Minister has real questions to answer about why parliament has not learned about this failure until now, despite knowing the about the failure when she came to Parliament to force a vote on the renewal of the deterrent.

“Notwithstanding the immorality and expense of weapons of mass destruction, capable of incinerating cities, the Government’s stonewalling of legitimate questions about whether the system is working properly only fuels concerns about Trident.”

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Aberdeenshire Welcomes Global Geocaching Treasure Hunt

 Aberdeenshire, Articles  No Responses »
Jan 272017
 

With thanks to Eoin Smith, Senior Account Executive, Tricker PR.

A high-profile treasure hunt expected to attract over 3,000 visitors is to be held in Aberdeenshire in 2019. Thanks to support from VisitAberdeenshire, the UK Mega geocaching event will welcome participants – known as cachers – from across the UK, Europe, USA and Canada.

The week-long geocaching event will take place from 5-11 August 2019, with camping and entertainment at Deeside Activity Park as well as organised activities including Munro climbing and watersports.

This allows visitors the chance to explore Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire’s stunning landscape by searching for caches – hidden containers which house secret messages, log books and sometimes prizes – before the main event on Saturday 10 August at Kincardine Castle.

Cachers use GPS and other navigation tools to aid them in their quest: a modern-day treasure hunt that has captured the imagination of thousands of outdoor enthusiasts across the globe.

Aberdeenshire won the bid to hold the 2019 UK Mega event, beating strong competition from Sussex. UK Mega has been running high-profile geocaching events since 2008, changing location each year to allow enthusiasts the opportunity to travel the country. This year’s event will be held in Devon, while the 10th anniversary event will take place in Yorkshire in 2018.

Julie Buckingham, chair of Aberdeenshire Mega 2019, says,

“We are delighted to have been successful in bidding for the Geocaching UK Mega to come to Aberdeenshire in 2019. Cachers travel from all over the world to take part in the UK Mega, so this is a fantastic opportunity to showcase the incredible scenery and attractions in the north east. VisitAberdeenshire has supported us through the process, and we look forward to continuing to work with them in the run-up to the event.”

UK Mega has been brought to the north east with the help of tourism body VisitAberdeenshire. Business development manager Jenni Fraser (pictured) says,

“Geocaching has become incredibly popular in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, and there are dozens of caches across the region – both in the countryside and in the city centre.

“Royal Deeside is a real focal point for the region’s geocaching community and is home to Scotland’s only GeoTour – which takes in 20 locations – so it is an ideal choice to host the UK’s highest-profile geocaching event. We are delighted that UK Mega has chosen Aberdeenshire to host its 2019 event, and we look forward to welcoming the global geocaching community to the region.”

For more information about the Aberdeenshire Mega 2019, visit www.mega2019.org.uk

For more information about geocaching in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, visit www.visitabdn.com/what-to-do/royal-deeside/geotours

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