Rob McLaren

Dundee

Business Editor at The Courier and Evening Telegraph (Dundee)

Business Editor at @thecourieruk Contact me at [email protected]

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Articles

Wallace Hospital in Dundee invests £2.2 million on its facilities

1 week ago | thecourier.co.uk | Rob McLaren

A Dundee private hospital has invested £2.2 million on expanding its facilities. Wallace Hospital, on Americanmuir Road, provides specialist high dependency complex care. Its clients include people with learning disabilities, with autistic spectrum disorder or who have mental health difficulties. Owned by Cygnet, the next phase of an extensive renovation and expansion has been completed. The latest multi-million-pound investment has seen eight new beds added to the provision.
Eden Project attraction will be 'economic dynamo' for Dundee

1 week ago | thecourier.co.uk | Rob McLaren

Eden Project Dundee has the potential to be an “economic dynamo” that will bring billions of pounds into the region, according to its chief executiveEden Project Scotland, on the site of the old gasworks on East Dock Street, is still several years away from opening the eco attraction. Before building can begin, designs need finalised and a main contractor appointed. And then there’s the small matter of raising tens of millions of pounds.
New Perth shop to sell vintage rugs for thousands of pounds

1 week ago | thecourier.co.uk | Rob McLaren

A successful sale of vintage rugs through Gumtree was the start of a flourishing business that will open a new Perth shop this weekend. Vintage Wool Rugs will sell second-hand and new rugs from its city centre premises at Cutlog Vennel. Mohammad Arshad said frequent visitors from Perth and Dundee to his similar Edinburgh shop gave him confidence about the second location.
Dundee firm Ace Aquatec secures £10m to create 15 jobs

2 weeks ago | thecourier.co.uk | Rob McLaren

Dundee firm Ace Aquatec, which produces high-tech equipment for the fish farming industry, has completed a £10 million funding round. Based at Water’s Edge in City Quay, the firm said the investment will mean it can add to its workforce as it targets growth internationally. The funding round, which was oversubscribed, was led by investment firm Stolt Ventures, with participation from Scottish Enterprise and Aqua-Spark. It consists of £7.5m in equity funding and a £2.5m debt facility.
Carnoustie man raises £1.5m for ‘Tinder for jobs’ app

2 weeks ago | thecourier.co.uk | Rob McLaren

An Angus man who founded a successful Dundee recruitment firm has now raised £1.5 million to launch a jobs app. Former Glasgow Warriors rugby player Chris Black was one of the founders of JAB Recruitment. Established in 2000, it now has 40 staff across offices in Dundee, Aberdeen, Glasgow, Houston and Calgary. He said the background of running this business, which specialises in energy jobs, has given him the credibility for his new tech venture, Moblyze.
Dundee tech firm Brightsolid acquires English IT specialist Synergi

3 weeks ago | thecourier.co.uk | Rob McLaren

Dundee cloud computing specialist Brightsolid has added 59 staff with the acquisition of an English IT firm. Brightsolid has purchased the entire shareholding of Gateshead-based Synergi for an undisclosed sum. Based at Dundee Technology Park and with a second site in Aberdeen, Brightsolid offers a variety of cloud computing and cyber security solutions. Owned by DC Thomson, publisher of The Courier, its customers include several local authorities, Shell and the University of Dundee.
New owner's vision for historic Stirling hotel The Golden Lion

3 weeks ago | thecourier.co.uk | Rob McLaren

The Golden Lion hotel in Stirling has been acquired by an experienced hotelier who wants to “raise standards and expectations”. The 66-bedroom property was built in 1786 and is the oldest building on King Street. Scotland’s national bard Robert Burns stayed in the hotel twice the following year. New owner Gary Atkinson purchased the hotel, bar and restaurant from Flagship Hotels. Pledge to improve every aspect of businessMr Atkinson has owned and operated several hotels.
Inside Crieff Hydro after £5m bars and restaurants investment

3 weeks ago | thecourier.co.uk | Rob McLaren

Crieff Hydro has spent in excess of £5 million refurbishing its eating and drinking areas as it seeks to win more business from locals and couples. The investment is the largest in the history of the family business. The hotel’s ballroom has been transformed into an elegant day-to-night bar. There’s a new speakeasy cocktail bar, as well as an Asian-inspired small plates restaurant. Chief executive Stephen Leckie describes the finished results as “stunning”.
From life at sea to creating hundreds of jobs at Montrose Port

3 weeks ago | thecourier.co.uk | Rob McLaren

As the son of Scotland’s last lighthouse keeper, Tom Hutchison’s life has always revolved around the sea. Aged 16, he left the Orkney Islands to become a deckhand, and at the age of 25 he achieved his life’s dream – to become captain of a vessel. Since 2000, Tom has been based in Montrose, first working as a harbour pilot and, since 2019, chief executive of Montrose Port Authority. Tom, 58, recounts his passion for the sea and ambition to create hundreds of jobs for Angus.
EXCLUSIVE: Famous Simpsons Golf Shop of Carnoustie under new ownership

1 month ago | thecourier.co.uk | Rob McLaren

Iconic Simpsons Golf Shop has been acquired by Carnoustie Golf Links. Simpsons is the second oldest golf shop in the world, having been located in Links Parade since 1905. With an iconic multi-coloured dome, reminiscent of a 1920s cotton golf umbrella, it attracts visitors worldwide. Inside, its roof beams display thousands of bag tags from golf clubs around the globe.