SCOTTISH RESORT TO STAGE FIRST EVER TASTE TURNBERRY SHOWCASE EVENT

Turnberry Resort in Ayrshire will be opening its doors to the very best in food and drink at its first ever Taste Turnberry showcase event to be held later this month.

On Sunday, 30th October the five star resort will hold an afternoon showcase between 2 and 4 pm featuring some of the best food and drink available in all the restaurants and bars throughout the resort from local, national and international producers.

Taste Turnberry, held in association with Champagne producer GH Mumm and Glenfiddich whisky, will feature a range of hands-on activities and tastings in all of Turnberry’s restaurants and bars, accessible to all entrants at a cost of £20 per person.

Offerings on the day will include a seasonal afternoon tea with a glass of champagne in The Grand Tea Lounge; Scottish style tapas served with Turnberry’s new Ailsa Amber Ale; a buffet with signature dishes and interactive cooking experiences served in 1906 with a glass of red wine; a sumptuous sustainable fish dish within The James Miller room with a glass of white; a specially prepared dish in The Chef’s Table with a glass of white and in partnership with Glenfiddich, The Duel in the Sun bar will be offering a flight of three Glenfiddich whiskies aged 12, 15 & 18 years.

Children over six years of age will gain a real insight into ingredients used by Turnberry’s award-winning chefs as they are invited to participate in The Junior Chef Academy, focusing on a sensory dining experience where they can see and taste different foods. Spaces are limited at £5 per child.

Jordi Tarrida, General Manager of Turnberry said:

“Taste Turnberry will feature some of the best food and drink that is on offer, with a wide range of engaging hands-on activities for all ages. Given our reputation for being a culinary centre of excellence, we believe Turnberry is ideally suited for this unique showcase.”

For additional information and to reserve, please call Turnberry Reservations on 01655 333 991 or email turnberry@luxurycollection.com

TURNBERRY ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF ‘AILSA AMBER ALE’

Turnberry, a Luxury Collection Resort, located on the rugged southwest coast of Scotland, continues in its bid to support nearby businesses and serve sustainable, locally grown and sourced food & drink, with the addition of Scottish artisan beers on the menu.

“Until now, almost 100% of the beers we offer at the resort have been mainstream,” commented Ralph Porciani, Director of Operations at Turnberry.

“However Turnberry has taken steps to reduce this number significantly with 80% of beers being replaced with local brews, providing guests with a quintessentially Scottish drinking experience.”

To launch this ‘initiative’, Turnberry is working with Craig Buchanan, a nearby brewer in Strathhaven, to produce The Turnberry Ailsa Amber Ale.

Turnberry went through a series of rigorous tasting tests before choosing this specific ale, believing it best reflects the Turnberry character. A pale and light ale, the taste is crisp and refreshing, echoing the great outdoors of the west coast of Scotland, and the perfect beer to enjoy throughout the seasons - much like the resort itself!

The new Ale will join a menu that currently stocks a handful of locally sourced drinks including St Mungos Beer, from the West brewery in Glasgow, which was introduced following the hotel’s restoration in 2009; Hendrix Gin, distilled just five minutes from the resort, and Turnberry’s very own Centenary Glenfiddich Private Vintage Single Malt Scotch Whisky, launched to celebrate the hotel’s centenary in 2006.

The Turnberry Ailsa Amber Ale will retail at £4.60 per ½ litre bottle and will also be available for purchase from the Turnberry gift shop and the golf clubhouse.

For additional information and to reserve, please call Turnberry Reservations on 01655 333 991 or email turnberry@luxurycollection.com

SCOTT + CO SCOTTISH LEGAL AWARDS 2012 OPEN FOR ENTRY

Scotland’s most prestigious awards programme is now open for entry with a promise to recognise and reward talented professionals and teams working in Scottish law.

CLICK HERE for information on categories, criteria, judges and sponsors.

Deadline for entries: Wednesday 30 November 2011 at 12 noon

JOHNSTON CARMICHAEL BOOSTS BUSINESS RECOVERY TEAM

One of Scotland’s most highly regarded insolvency practitioners has been hired by Johnston Carmichael as the firm continues to expand its business recovery division.

Donald McNaught has been appointed Business Recovery & Insolvency Director and joins the firm’s Glasgow office following a fourteen year career in major accountancy practices and most recently with a specialist insolvency firm.

The appointment brings the size of the Business Recovery & Insolvency team to 11 people, headed up in the central belt by Partner, Matt Henderson.

He commented; “Johnston Carmichael is very committed to investing in high quality expertise. Donald McNaught joins with an impressive track record having taken on many high profile cases in Scotland. Needless to say, he is very highly regarded in financial circles and he will no doubt make a very positive impact on our team.

Donald McNaught commented;

“I’ve long admired Johnston Carmichael, in particular the firm’s achievements in the central belt in the last few years. Business Recovery & Insolvency is a demanding job but the most encouraging part is finding solutions for directors and debtors to help them get them back on their feet.”

McNaught who was educated and trained in Glasgow also sits on the ICAS Insolvency Committee. He joins the firm on the 5 September 2011.

TURNBERRY RESORT REOPENS ITS DOORS THIS CHRISTMAS

Turnberry, a Luxury Collection Resort set on the rugged Ayrshire coastline of Scotland, will open its doors to welcome guests throughout the Christmas period. Boasting views of the Ailsa Craig and snow-capped mountains of Arran, Turnberry offers a unique and vibrant setting in which to welcome in Christmas and celebrate Hogmanay.

Promising a truly magical experience for the entire family, the hotel will see a surprise visit by Mrs. Claus on Christmas Eve who will meet the children and share stories of Father Christmas and his reindeer. Later in the evening guests will be invited to gather around the grand piano for pre-dinner carols and mulled wine, followed by a three course dinner served in signature restaurant 1906.

Following dinner, guests are warmly invited to attend midnight mass at a local church with transportation shuttles provided. Upon return there will be mince pies and hot chocolate waiting by the fire.

On Christmas Day, younger guests will wake to find personalised stockings hung in their rooms as a special gift from the hotel, and once presents have been unwrapped a hearty Scottish breakfast will be served in the dining room. Classic family films will be shown all day in the cinema room - with a break for the Queen’s Speech at 3pm - and board games will be available for those who prefer more old-fashioned fun. Celebrations will continue with a pre-lunch champagne reception in the Grand Tea Lounge followed by a sumptuous family roast served in1906.

Boxing Day is traditionally a time for families, and Turnberry has a vast array of leisure pursuits designed to appeal to both children and adults alike. From a stroll on the beach to ESPA spa treatments to more adventurous outdoor activities (such as off-roading, horse-riding, and clay pigeon shooting) the resort provides guests with top class entertainment. The evening will end with a drinks reception followed by a gala dinner with at-table entertainment provided by a magician.

Hogmanay at Turnberry will be the party of the year and what better way to start the celebrations than with a Champagne reception held in the Grand Tea Lounge.

Following the reception, guests will be invited to join in a black-tie epicurean dining experience presided over by Head Chef Justin Galea and his award-winning team. After dinner, dancing and live music will be provided to bid farewell to the old year and to welcome 2012 in style.

Turnberry prides itself on its luxury accommodation. Guests can now choose to stay in a range of family rooms within the 150 bedroom Luxury Collection hotel or opt to stay in the Lands of Turnberry self-catering apartments.

Two-night all inclusive Christmas packages start from £1180 per room based on two adults sharing classic accommodation and includes a full program of food and entertainment.

All inclusive Hogmanay packages start from £595 per room for a one night stay arriving on 31 December based on two adults sharing classic accommodation and includes a full program of food and entertainment.

For the ultimate flexibility, the resort’s Lands of Turnberry offer self-catering in 2 – 6 bedroom apartments from £795 per apartment for a 3 night weekend stay or a 4 night midweek stay.

Guests of Lands of Turnberry are welcome to join any aspect of the festivities with Christmas lunch at £125 per adult and Hogmanay reception and dinner at £175 per adult

CORPORATE INSOLVENCIES IN SCOTLAND HIT ALL TIME HIGH

The number of businesses in Scotland going bust has hit an all-time high, according to statistics released today (Friday 5 August 2011) by the Insolvency Service.

The number of corporate failures in Scotland in the year ending June 2011 was 1,365, the highest number of failures ever recorded and the equivalent of four companies a day hitting the wall.

The total number of Scottish companies failing on an annual basis has increased by 119% in the last four years. In 2008, the number was 622.

Matt Henderson, Business Recovery and Insolvency Partner at Scottish accountancy firm, Johnston Carmichael commented;

“This makes for truly miserable reading, particularly today when we see the stock markets in global meltdown.

“The statistics show that most of these companies went into liquidation and there has been a sharp increase in these appointments. Liquidations tend to reflect the outcome of court action for the recovery of debt and often affect smaller companies.”

The hardest hit businesses are in those in real estate, construction, hotels, bars and retail and the prospects for these businesses remain very challenging in the coming period.

Matt Henderson continued;

“There are some indications that with improved business lending the number of businesses being saved could increase, but the markets are very jittery and that could cause further uncertainty in banking in the months ahead.”

THE KEY HIGHLIGHTS

• The total number of corporate failures in the quarter ended 30th June 2011 was 418, which is 18.1% up on the first quarter of 2011, and 12.4% up from the same quarter last year.

• Of the 1,365 failures, 1,096 were liquidation appointments and 269 were administration and receivership appointments. in the same period which is a rise of 13.5%. The rate of increase in Liquidations is therefore greater than the other types of insolvency appointments which are designed to save businesses.

• Liquidations tend to reflect the outcome of court action for the recovery of debt and more often affect smaller companies. It would appear from this information that it is smaller companies that are making up the bulk of the corporate insolvencies in Scotland.

• The sectors that have been affected most have been property companies, construction companies, bars, restaurants and retailers.

NEW BOOM IN RUSTIC RETAIL AS FARM SHOPS TAKE OFF

Scotland’s farmers are cashing in on a new billion pound boom in rustic retail by opening farm shops at the fastest rate ever.

Growing demand for high quality food located at source, together with recent public fears over food safety have made the public more conscious about food quality and Scotland’s farmers are well poised to make generous returns.

Scotland’s largest firm of accountants, Johnston Carmichael, has a dedicated team of agriculture advisers, helping farmers on the financial responsibilities of a retail operation.

Business expansion also raises a number of questions and problems as farmers encounter new areas of VAT and other associated tax complications.  .

Neil Steven, Head of Agriculture for the South of Scotland at Johnston Carmichael, commented; 

“Farmers are recognising the additional revenue available from retail and with rising consumer demand for fresh produce bought at source; some cases are proving to be very lucrative.

“Their cost bases are low, and in many cases can charge a reasonable amount for produce rather than being driven down by mass retailers looking for volume product.”

According to FARMA, farm shops are opening at a faster rate than ever and across the UK there are over 4,000 farm shops with an estimated annual turnover of £1.5bn.  Neil Steven continues;

“Despite the recession, farm shops continue to do well and can therefore not be over looked by farmers as an option to grow or supplement the existing farming business. On speaking with one owner, the shop has helped grow the business turnover significantly and the shop can now account for in excess of 50% of the annual turnover.”

Despite the increase in demand for business advice from farmers, the value of farm shops to the Scottish economy is yet to be fully understood. 

David Lamb, of SAC Consulting, commented that there is no one organisation is compiling this data but indications are that farm shops are increasing in number.

“Our last survey completed in 2008 stated that the value of Scottish local food is worth £500million to the economy and this will be even higher today.  This includes farmers markets, farm shops and retail. 

“However, there is a lack of understanding about the exact number of farm shops in Scotland so we’re pleased to be starting a survey in the summer, working with the Scottish Government, to assess the size and scale of this area.

“Meanwhile, we know from dealing with food and drink suppliers in the agriculture market that this is an increasingly popular part of business, particularly in Scotland where the quality of produce can be first class.”

Rob Pollock from Ardross Farm Shop located near Elie in Fife, commented;

“Opening up a shop has made a phenomenal difference to our business.  We did require some investment up front, but we have already generated significant footfall both from locals and the tourist market, which is an important part of our market in Elie.

“We were originally a dairy farm and then changed to beef production which supplemented our arable crops. We produce a full range of crops over 1,000 acres including our own vegetables, potatoes, broccoli, parsnips, carrots, courgettes to name a few along with beef direct to the shop.  Our shop sales now account for over 50% of our overall revenue.”

Johnston Carmichael is Scotland’s largest firm of chartered accountants and business advisers with over 11,000 clients and 420 staff in 10 offices in Scotland and act for over 1,500 farming clients.

THE EXPERT VIEW

Neil Steven, Johnston Carmichael.

There is no overall magic wand to when it comes to developing farm shops; it can’t be done quickly, but the financial incentives are appealing.  Grant funding can be sought through the Scottish Rural Development Programme. This can assist by securing investment to renovate a suitable steading or building a new shop. At the same time, tax relief can be obtained through capital allowances for qualifying expenditure. You will need to keep detailed records to maximise any claim.  Up front tax planning is also needed to ensure that the business structure is appropriate to accommodate this new revenue stream and minimise any additional tax exposure. There is no one solution as the objectives of each business and owner will be different.

Finally, as mentioned the new farm shop owner must consider the nation’s favourite subject, VAT.  With most other farming supplies qualifying for zero rate VAT the farm shop introduces a new world of mixed VAT rates and mixed supplies.  However, discussing product lines and getting the VAT rate right from the start and possibly investing in new software may ensure no loss of profits through interest and penalty charges for getting it wrong.

TURNBERRY TRAINEE BEATS TOP CHEF TO NATIONAL TITLE  

A young commis chef, trained and working in Scotland, has been chosen by a panel of judges led by Heston Blumenthal as the Young Chef of the Year at the Academy of Culinary Arts (ACA) Annual Awards of Excellence 2011 held in London.

Dimitar Angelkovski, a trainee chef at the world famous Turnberry Resort, fought off competition from some of the most admired chefs in the business from restaurants such as Le Manoir aux Quat’Saison, The London Ritz and Claridges. 

The ten kitchen finalists also included Turnberry Sous Chef Ryan Murphy, and a senior chef from the Royal Household of Buckingham Palace.

Justin Galea, Head Chef at Turnberry, commented;

“We’ve always known that Dimitar and Ryan are incredibly talented guys and we’re delighted for them both to get this far.   For Dimitar, this is a spectacular win against the toughest competition he will ever have seen.  Dimitar has great composure in his cooking, clear technical ability and a deep passion for what he does.  We’re very proud to have him part of our team at Turnberry.”

The presentation made by Blumenthal, Chairman of the ACA, followed an intense period of cooking held earlier in the year.  Chefs had 4.5 hours to prepare a razor clam starter using mystery ingredients followed by venison Wellington with fondant potatoes; glazed carrots; stuffed cabbage; celeriac puree and a red wine jus and a modern interpretation of a lemon meringue dessert.

Dimitar was honoured as Best Young Chef of the year, at a gala presentation at London’s Claridges, as the candidate achieving the highest marks of all the finalists who gathered from across the UK.

The news is a further boost in the growing recognition of the quality of food at the Turnberry restaurant 1906, particularly under the stewardship of Head Chef, Justin Galea.  The kitchen has recently relaunched its chef’s table, a private dining space overlooking the pass which is personally hosted by the Turnberry chefs for regular groups of diners.

The Annual Awards of Excellence 2011 are judged by a panel of industry experts including John Williams MBE, Executive chef of The Ritz and Martyn Nail, Executive Chef of Claridges.   The event is sponsored by the National Skills Academy for Hospitality, City & Guilds, the Savoy Educational Trust, John Lewis, Maldon Salt, G.H.Mumm Champagne, Gressingham Foods, Allens of Mayfair and the Caterer & Hotelkeeper.

Also presented at Claridges were awards for Young Pastry Chef of the Year and Young Waiter of the Year.

TURNBERRY GOES TECH MAD FOR IPAD  

Turnberry Resort has become the first in Scotland to launch iPad menus in its bars and restaurants as growing evidence suggests that the technology boosts sales and improves the customer experience.

The increasing popularity for iPad menus in the USA was recently picked up in London by Gordon Ramsay’s Maze Restaurant.  Scotland will experience the latest technique in ordering a round for the first time this weekend.

Turnberry has invested in ten iPads which from today (Friday) will give guests a colourful and highly informed choice of wines, whiskies, beers and cocktails on offer in any of the resorts three bar areas. 

Ralph Porciani, Director of Operations at Turnberry, commented;

“We’ve seen this in the States for a while and it absolutely improves and enriches the experience of choosing from a menu.  The ability to combine images, with more colourful information on background to the product, be it the wine maker or the grapes, is incredibly satisfying for guests and gives them a far more informed choice than the traditional paper menu could offer.

“As with all of these things, we’re happy to trial it and should it be successful we would consider moving it into the restaurant areas too.   Personally, I believe that once this approach is available we will see growing popularity from customers and other endorsements from top end establishments in Scotland and throughout the UK.”

The news follows Turnberry’s recent launch of a range of famous golfer’s wines which will also feature on the new iPad menus.  These include the personal selection from players such as John Daly, Retief Goosen and Arnold Palmer. 

JOHNSTON CARMICHAEL CONTINUE SOLID GROWTH IN 75TH ANNIVERSARY YEAR

· Firm reports 4% growth to £27.9m in year ending May 2011
· Implements new LLP status as of this month

Scotland’s largest accountancy firm has overcome another tough year of business in financial results revealed today for the year ending 31 May 2011.

Johnston Carmichael, celebrating its 75th year of business in 2011, has posted 4% growth in revenues up from £26.9m to £27.9m.

The results makes the firm one of the largest professional advisory firms in Scotland with over 420 staff, 11,000 clients and places the firm in the Top 25 accountancy firms in the UK.

Sandy Manson, Chief Executive of Johnston Carmichael, commented;

“At a time when many professional firms are finding it difficult to experience any sort of improvement, our business has shown considerable robustness in achieving respectable growth in tough economic conditions.”

“We’ve gained a number of great clients and have also seen an increase in the level of tax planning and advisory work. While the level of transaction work remained subdued across the country, we believe the market will recover and have invested in that area accordingly.

“We also saw strong growth in the level of work in the renewable sector where we have developed a strong and experienced team. “

“Our clients tell us that they need our help to strengthen and develop their businesses to help them compete. So we’ll continue to grow and develop our business to meet the considerable opportunities which we see for supporting our clients in the period ahead.”

Johnston Carmichael has also seen good returns from the ongoing investment in the Glasgow and Edinburgh offices. Manson continued;

“Edinburgh and Glasgow posted a combined growth of 5% in the year and now account for a third of the national practice. However, we still see significant growth potential in both the central belt and across our other markets in Scotland. We have also made a number of important promotions and hires to assist us with our growth plans.”

“Our corporate finance team is now amongst the largest in Scotland available with the recruitment of Andrew Ewing and James Thompson in Edinburgh and Jamie Ritchie in Aberdeen. In Glasgow we have almost doubled the size of our practice in the last two years.

“We will continue to invest in the bench strength of our people at all levels as this is the key factor which will enable us to deliver our vision of being the accounting and business advisory firm of choice in our markets.”

The firm has also converted to a Limited Liability Partnership on 1 June 2011 in recognition of scale and size of the firm today.

“We have to ensure that our legal structure is appropriate for the scale and size of the firm today and the new LLP status allows us to do that.

“Most importantly, we are really encouraged by the firm’s continued progress in the last year. The ongoing uncertainties and issues in the wider economy will not dampen our enthusiasm or excitement about the prospects for our business across all our service lines and markets”.

In 1935 William Johnston started up his own Chartered Accountancy practice in Nairn and was joined in partnership by John Carmichael in 1936, creating the firm Johnston Carmichael. By the 1970’s the firm had an established foothold in the North East. The 1980’s and 1990’s were a time of rapid expansion for the firm with the acquisition of offices in Aberdeen, Huntly, Fraserburgh and Inverness. In 2002 the firm expanded into the central belt and opened an office in Edinburgh, followed by offices in Forfar and Glasgow in 2003. A merger in 2004 resulted in the first office to be opened in Perth.

The firm now represents 11,000 clients via a 46-strong partnership and over 420 staff.

Earlier this year, Johnston Carmichael was announced as the Scottish Accountancy Awards Firm of the Year for the fourth consecutive year.

MACTAGGART & MICKEL WINS HOUSEBUILDER OF THE YEAR 2011

Over 500 guests packed out the Edinburgh International Conference Centre last night (Thursday 9 June) to celebrate the Scottish Home Awards 2011.

Twenty five winners were announced with Mactaggart & Mickel collecting the ultimate award, the Gillespie Macandrew Housebuilder of the Year Award 2011, as well as achievement for Small Housebuilder of the Year.

Former Housebuilder of the Year winner, Miller continued their success by collecting two awards including Luxury House of the Year for the Playfair at Graysmill Gait, Edinburgh, and the highly coveted Large Housebuilder of the Year award.

In the most popular category, the Small Affordable Housing Association of the Year, Albyn Housing Society & Keppie Design colleceted the award for Plot 8 at Scotland's Housing Expo. The judges highly commended 3 other developments in this category including Port of Leith Housing Association for Coburg Street, Edinburgh; Lochalsh & Skye Housing Association for Pier Road, Ardvaser, Isle of Skye and Albyn Housing Society for Birchfield Court, Nethybridge.
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Gladedale Capital enjoyed a successful evening, with two awards going to the Quartermile Development in Edinburgh, one for their Sales and Marketing team and the other for City Apartment of the Year.

The popular House of the Year award went to Brennan and Wilson Architects for The Whole Life at Scotland’s Housing Expo, and Designer House of the Year was awarded to Gerry Goldwyre for his creative and unique property at Eskbank, Edinburgh.

The new categories in the 2011 programme, Environmental Excellence Award and Senior Housing Development of the Year went to HLM Architects for the Passive House Terrace at Scotland’s Housing Expo, and Albyn Housing Society for Birchfield Court, Nethybridge respectively.

The event was hosted by BBC Scotland’s Catriona Shearer and Dougie Vipond. A keynote address was delivered by the new Minister for Housing and Transport, Keith Brown MSP. Scottish comedian and actor, Jonathan Watson entertained guests after the award presentations.

The event raises funds for Children 1st - Scotland’s leading child welfare charity.

Apartment of the Year, sponsored by Ross + Liddell

WINNER: Maryhill Housing Association - Maryhill Primary School, Glasgow

Architectural Excellence Award, sponsored by EKCO

WINNER: WTArchitecture - The White House, Isle of Coll

City Apartment of the Year

WINNER: Gladedale Capital Ltd – Q16, High Meadows, Quartermile, Edinburgh

Community Partnership of the Year, sponsored by MCL

WINNER: Cruden Group & The City of Edinburgh Council – Evolution at Gracemount, Edinburgh

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Wates - North Lanarkshire Framework

Conversion of the Year

WINNER: Imagine Developments - Museum Hall, Bridge of Allan

Designer House of the Year, sponsored by What House?

WINNER: Gerry Goldwyre - RP9, Eskbank

Environmental Excellence Award sponsored by The William Tracey Group

WINNER: HLM Architects - The Passive House Terrace, Scotland’s Housing Expo

House of the Year sponsored by ros.gov.uk

WINNER: Brennan & Wilson Architects - The Whole Life House, Scotland's Housing Expo

Large Affordable Housing Development of the Year

WINNER: Bett Homes West Scotland - Richmond Gate, Glasgow

Large Housing Association of the Year, sponsored by NHBC

WINNER: Shettleston Housing Association

Luxury House of the Year, sponsored by Aareon UK

WINNER: Miller Homes - Playfair at Graysmill Gait, Edinburgh

Rural Development of the Year, sponsored by The Scotsman

WINNER: Lochalsh & Skye Housing Association - Burnside, Plockton, Ross-shire

Sales and Marketing Team of the Year, sponsored by Klaklak

WINNER: Gladedale Capital Ltd for Quartermile Edinburgh

Senior Housing Development of the Year

WINNER: Albyn Housing Society - Birchfield Court, Nethybridge

Small Affordable Housing Development of the Year, sponsored by First Display

WINNER: Albyn Housing Society & Keppie Design Limited - Plot 8, Scotland's Housing Expo

HIGHLY COMMENDED: Lochalsh & Skye Housing Association - Pier Road, Ardvaser, Isle of Skye
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Port of Leith Housing Association - Coburg Stree, Leith, Edinburgh
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Albyn Housing Society - Birchfield Court, Nethybridge
 

Waterside Development of the Year, sponsored by Scotland on Sunday

WINNER: Eildon Housing Association - Laidlaw Court, Galashiels

Small Housebuilder of the Year, sponsored by Elevate

WINNER: Mactaggart & Mickel

Large Housebuilder of the Year, sponsored by Space & Time Media Ltd

WINNER: Miller Homes

The Judges Award

WINNER: Springfield Properties

WINNER: Dumfries & Galloway Housing Partnership (DGHP) - Flats One & Two Municipal Terrace, Dumfries

Gillespie Macandrew Housebuilder of the Year:

WINNER: Mactaggart & Mickel

JOHNSTON CARMICHAEL WINS BEST FIRM FOR FOURTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR

Scotland’s largest independent firm of Chartered Accountants, Johnston Carmichael, has clinched the Best Medium Firm of the Year award for the fourth consecutive year at the Scottish Accountancy Awards.

Johnston Carmichael beat off stiff competition from Anderson Anderson Brown and Campbell Dallas to be named the winner of the prestigious award at the annual awards ceremony and dinner held in Glasgow last night (Thursday).

Johnston Carmichael was named Best Medium Firm of the Year at the inaugural awards in 2008 and retained the title in 2009 and 2010.

Johnston Carmichael’s chief executive Sandy Manson said: “To have achieved a hat trick last year in winning this prestigious industry award last year was a big thrill but to retain the title for a fourth consecutive year is a great honour and a huge testament to our people and clients, all of whom have made this possible. Johnston Carmichael is celebrating its 75th anniversary in business this year so it is a special year in which to win the award.”

“While we have grown considerably in the last 75 years we still have much to do as we continue to work on achieving our ambitious plans for the firm”

Johnston Carmichael has offices in Aberdeen, Inverness, Edinburgh, Fraserburgh, Elgin, Glasgow, Forfar, Huntly, Inverurie and Perth, and currently employs more than 450 people throughout the country.

The firm has specialist expertise across a number of sectors including construction, agriculture and rural property, energy services, engineering, fishing, food and food processing, hospitality, dentistry, pharmacy, medical, healthcare and professional services sector.

JOHNSTON CARMICHAEL NOMINATED FIRM OF THE YEAR

Scotland’s largest independent accountancy firm has been shortlisted as Firm of the Year 2011 in a prestigious awards programme which celebrates the best advisers in Scotland.

Johnston Carmichael has progressed as Firm of the Year in the Scottish Accountancy Awards along with one of their key tax experts, Craig Mathieson, VAT Director, nominated in the Tax Adviser of the Year category.

It’s the fourth year in a row that the firm has made the finals of the Scottish Accountancy Awards and are currently holders of the title Firm of the Year for the last three years. The firm is eligible in the medium sized category.

Sandy Manson, Chief Executive, commented;

“We are delighted to be shortlisted again for this prestigious award. In these challenging times it’s vital that professional advisers provide their clients with a growing range of services and advice which help our clients to build stronger businesses. The accountancy profession has a key role to play in helping our clients and the economy grow and that is why we need to be more responsive and client focussed than ever as a profession. The Scottish Accountancy Awards can only help to encourage excellence and innovation in our profession.

“Our entire team throughout Scotland continue to show tremendous commitment to supporting our clients and so we are all thrilled to make the final stages of these national awards.”

Craig Mathieson, the firm’s nominated VAT expert who also leads an adventurous life as Scotland’s greatest living polar explorer, commented;

“I’m absolutely delighted to hear this news and it’s a big boost to our entire tax team.”

The fourth annual Scottish Accountancy Awards ceremony and dinner will take place on May 19 2011 at the Hilton Hotel in Glasgow.

Johnston Carmichael has offices in Aberdeen, Inverness, Edinburgh, Fraserburgh, Elgin, Glasgow, Forfar, Huntly, Inverurie and Perth, and currently employs more than 450 people throughout the country.

The firm has specialist expertise across a number of sectors including financial services, construction, energy, fishing, food, hospitality, dentistry, agriculture, landed estates, healthcare and professional services sector.

Sixty companies from across Scotland have progressed to the finals of the largest ever Scottish Home Awards, the annual celebration of the best new build housing in the country.

Over 150 entries were received in the programme, a 20% increase on last year. 109 have made the finals and the winners will be announced in four weeks time at the industry’s annual black tie awards dinner.

Judges in the programme which is sponsored by ros.gov.uk, EKCO and Ross + Liddell, met last week to deliberate the merits of each entry with each one marked against a range of criteria.

The panel was chaired by Raymond Young OBE, former chair of Architecture and Design Scotland and judge in the Scottish Home Awards since 2009.

A spokesperson for the judging panel commented;

“The popularity of the Scottish Home Awards continues without question. There was a wide range of entries this year and we noticed particular growth in entries from the affordable housing sector.

“As with previous years, there was an excellent response from the private builders with many of the major brands represented. The entries showed some very good examples of those builders bucking the recessionary trend and these entries were positively recognised by the judges.

“Overall, proactive and determined teams have fared well as have entries showing innovative design or those which created a positive impact on a local area. There will be some surprises on the night, but we’re pleased with our decisions and confident that we have very worthy winners.”

The most popular category this year was the Small Affordable Housing Development and there was also a strong response in Architectural Excellence, the second year of this category. However, the judges decided to remove two categories in light of poor competition and these are Small Housing Association and Medium Housing Association.

To recognise special achievement, the judges have created a new category titled “The Judges Award” which will be presented to two companies which left a positive impression on the panel. These winners, along with the ultimate prize, the Gillespie Macandrew Scottish Housebuilder of the Year 2011, will be announced on the night.

The Scottish Home Awards dinner and ceremony takes place at 7pm on Thursday 9 June at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.

For table bookings, please contact Isla@kdmedia.co.uk or download a booking form from the top left corner of this page

The finalists in full:

Apartment of the Year, sponsored by Ross + Liddell
Bett Homes West Scotland - Kirktonholme Park, East Kilbride
Cruden Homes West - Govan Gateway, Glasgow
Maryhill Housing Association - Maryhill Primary School, Glasgow
Miller Homes - Crystal Gait, Glenrothes
Port of Leith Housing Association - Coburg Street, Leith, Edinburgh
Springfield Properties PLC - Edina Apartments, Edinburgh

Architectural Excellence Award, sponsored by EKCO
Bellway Homes & Yeoman McAllister - Forest Walk, Callander
Brennan & Wilson Architects - The Whole Life House, Scotland's Housing Expo E.C. Architectural Design - The Boat Lodge, Skye
Gladedale Capital Ltd - Quartermile, Edinburgh
GRS Homes/ ARKA-OMI Architects - Cairneymount Church, Falkirk
HLM Architects - The Passive House Terrace, Scotland’s Housing Expo
Red Door Cottages and McEachern MacDuff Architects - Hayford Lodge, Cambusbarron, Stirlingshire
WTArchitecture - The White House, Isle of Coll
Zone Architects - 32 Inverleith Terrace, Edinburgh

City Apartment of the Year
Bett Homes West Scotland - Stirling Waterfront
Cala Homes - East Fettes, Edinburgh
Chris Stewart Group - 8 North Bank Street, Edinburgh
Gladedale Capital Ltd - Quartermile, Edinburgh
Miller Homes - Plot 265, Varcity, Edinburgh
MNM Developments - Millar Crescent, Morningside, Edinburgh

Community Partnership of the Year
City Building (Glasgow) LLP - The Glasgow House, Bridge Street, Glasgow Cruden Group & City of Edinburgh Council - Gracemount, Edinburgh
Cruden Homes West - Govan Gateway, Glasgow
Rettie & Co - Resonance Funding Model, Moray Apartments Edinburgh
Wates - North Lanarkshire Framework

Conversion of the Year
Chris Stewart Group - 8 North Bank Street, Edinburgh
Chris Stewart Group - Elie House, Elie, East Neuk of Fife
Dumfries & Galloway Housing Partnership (DGHP) - Flats One & Two Municipal Terrace, Dumfries (part of block 1)
GRS Homes/ ARKA-OMI Architects - Cairneymount Church, Falkirk
Imagine Developments - Museum Hall, Bridge of Allan
Maryhill Housing Association - Maryhill Primary School, Glasgow Designer

House of the Year, sponsored by What House?
ARKA/OMI Architects - Ochilview House, Brightons, Falkirk
E.C. Architectural Design - The Boat Lodge, Isle of Skye
Gerry Goldwyre - RP9, Eskbank
goodburn baillie architecture ltd - Broomieknowe, Dean Path, Edinburgh
W Burrell Homes Ltd - 9B Hillcrest, Carmunock

Environmental Excellence Award sponsored by The William Tracey Group
City Building (Glasgow) LLP - The Glasgow House, Bridge Street, Glasgow HLM Architects - The Passive House Terrace, Scotland’s Housing Expo Keppie Design Limited - Plot 8, Scotland's Housing Expo
Lomond Timber Frame with Lomond Homes - Dynamic Breathing Wall, Lochgelly
MNM Developments - Millar Crescent, Morningside, Edinburgh
Springfield Properties PLC - Air Source Heat Pump Initiativ

 House of the Year sponsored by ros.gov.uk
Bellway Homes - The Glentress at Forest Walk, Callander, Stirlingshire
Brennan & Wilson Architects - The Whole Life House, Scotland's Housing Expo Cala Homes - The Colville at Kinnaird Gardens, Larbert
Merchant Homes - The Ash, Woodland Gait, Inverkip
Miller Homes - The Yeats at Kirkton Park, West Kilbride
Springfield Properties PLC - The Moy at Knockomie Meadows, Forres

Large Affordable Housing Development of the Year
Bellway Homes - Eastfields, Carntyne, Glasgow
Bett Homes West Scotland - Richmond Gate, Glasgow
Cruden Homes (East) Ltd & Taylor Wimpey - Stirling Bridge. R3
Cruden Homes West - Govan Gateway, Glasgow
Dumfries & Galloway Housing Partnership (DGHP) - Neighbourhood Renewal Project (North West Dumfries & South Central Stranraer)

Large Housing Association of the Year, sponsored by NHBC
Castle Rock Edinvar Housing Association
Dumfries & Galloway Housing Partnership
Hillcrest Housing Association
Shettleston Housing Association

Luxury House of the Year
AMA (New Town) Ltd - House Type D, Caer Amon, Cramond, Edinburgh Bett Homes East Scotland - The Diplomat, Rutherford Castle, West Linton
Cala Homes - The Paton at Marchfield, Milngavie
McLaren Murdoch & Hamilton - 11 West Coates, Edinburgh
Miller Homes - Playfair at Graysmill Gait, Edinburgh
Richmond Homes - The Oak, Plot 8, Wood of Coldrain, Perthshire
Scops Developments Ltd - Plot 3, Avenel Knockbuckle Lane, Kilmacolm Thomson Homes - The Bute, Rumbling Bridge

Rural Development of the Year, sponsored by The Scotsman
Bellway Homes - Forest Walk, Callander
Eildon Housing Association - Yarrowford Grazings, Selkirk
Lochalsh & Skye Housing Association - Burnside, Plockton, Ross-shire
OSA - Lower Blairish, Perthshire
Richmond Homes - Wood of Coldrain, Kinross
Stephen Country Homes - Clathymore, Perthshire

Sales and Marketing Team of the Year, sponsored by Klaklak
Bellway Homes
Gladedale Capital Ltd for Quartermile Edinburgh
Miller Homes

Small Housebuilder of the Year
Mactaggart & Mickel
S1 Developments
Springfield Properties PLC
Story Homes

Large Housebuilder of the Year, sponsored by Space and Time
Bellway Homes
Cala Homes
Miller Homes

Senior Housing Development of the Year
Albyn Housing Society - Birchfield Court, Nethybridge
Austin.Smith.Lord - Pearce Street, Govan
Bancon Homes/CHAP Homes - Woodland Grove, Aberdeen
Caledonian Retreats - Firhall Village, Nairn Dunedin Canmore – The Quarries, Edinburgh

Small Affordable Housing Development of the Year
Albyn Housing Society - Birchfield Court, Nethybridge
Assist Architects - St Andrews Road, Glasgow
Austin.Smith.Lord - Pearce Street, Govan Dunedin Canmore - Moray Apartments, Edinburgh
Eildon Housing Association - Yarrowford Grazings, Selkirk
Glasgow Housing Association - New Build phase 2, Glasgow
Horizon Housing Association and E&F McLachlan Architects - Malloy Court, Denny
Keppie Design Limited - Plot 8, Scotland's Housing Expo
Link Group Ltd - Beardmore Place, Dalmuir
Lochalsh & Skye Housing Association - Pier Road, Ardvaser, Isle of Skye Maryhill Housing Association - Botany Development, Maryhill Locks, Glasgow McTaggart Construction - Rathlin Street, Govan, Glasgow Oberlanders/Springside - Jack Martin House, Springside, Edinburgh
Oliver + Robb Architects & Kingdom Housing Association - Abbotsford Drive, Glenrothes
Port of Leith Housing Association - Coburg Stree, Leith, Edinburgh
Springfield Properties PLC - Linkwood East, Elgin
Stewart Milne Homes, in conjunction with Aberdeenshire Housing Partnership - Westhill Affordable Homes, Aberdeenshire

Waterside Development of the Year
Bett Homes West Scotland - Kip Village, Inverkip, Renfrewshire
Cala Homes - The Mooring at Ratho, Edinburgh
Eildon Housing Association - Laidlaw Court, Galashiels
Miller Homes - Ferry Village, Braehead

KEY TENANT KICK STARTS £45M DEVELOPMENT IN EDINBURGH’S OLD TOWN

Work will start this month on a £45m development on the edge of Edinburgh’s Royal Mile to bring a new hotel-led, mixed use development to the Castlehill area of the city.

Multi-sector property developers, Chris Stewart Group, have announced that they have completed the purchase of a 140,000 sq ft site and have agreed terms with Motel One, one of Europe’s fastest growing hotel groups, to anchor the development by opening their first UK hotel in the Scottish capital next summer.

Motel One, a luxury budget operator which has 32 hotels in Germany and two in development in Austria, have agreed terms for a 208 bedroom hotel located in the former buildings of Edinburgh City Council’s Economic Development department on Market Street.

The £25m hotel will form the cornerstone of the development which already has planning consent and will include 30,000 sq ft of residential space including self catering apartments, plus six office premises comprising 10,000sq ft each, and two new restaurants. The development site which stretches from Market Street towards Advocates Close off the Royal Mile will take three years to complete.

Chris Stewart, the award-winning property developer who has been converting historic buildings in Scotland for over 15 years, said that the agreement with Motel One was crucial in securing the future of the site. He commented;

“Bringing Motel One in to anchor the whole development kick starts the regeneration of a key part of the Old Town which will take place over the next three years. I am delighted that we can now start to physically move the project forward.

“Motel One were introduced to me by Scottish Development International at the annual International Investment Hotel Forum in Berlin and it was clear that they were actively looking at the UK.

“Edinburgh was high on their target list and although this site has been challenging for us due to its sensitive nature and historic context, we were sure it could provide Motel One with everything they were looking for. I hope that Market Street is the first of many projects which we do with Motel One.”

Anne MacColl, Chief Executive Officer, Scottish Development International, commented;

"On behalf of Scottish Development International, I am pleased to welcome the announcement of Motel One's first UK property in Edinburgh. SDI has been actively engaged since early 2008 to help them identify the right property to grow their European business as well as introducing them to the property's developer, Chris Stewart.

" UK hotels continue to be the most occupied in Europe, with Edinburgh showing the highest occupancy in the UK outside of London. Motel One's decision to locate in Edinburgh reinforces the fact that Scotland presents significant opportunities for hotel development and this project will help to generate additional tourism revenue for Scotland from increased international visitors."

Market Street will be the fourth major hotel development carried out by Chris Stewart Group in recent years. The company has successfully developed three other sites in Edinburgh City Centre, two on Waterloo Place now occupied by Apex Hotels and Travelodge, and one further site on Baxter’s Place which is due to move forward later this year.

Motel One’s arrival in the capital will bring the total number of hotel beds generated by Chris Stewart Group to over 700 in the past four years, making the company Scotland’s most successful hotel developer. Stewart continued;

“We are very busy on a number of developments and considering acquiring a number of new sites for multi-sector opportunities in prime locations. Most interestingly, we are in talks with a number of international brands who are keen to establish a presence in the Scottish market. We are in a strong cash position and have secured some financial backing to allow us to buck the trend in the market at the moment.”

Chris Stewart Group also includes a highly successful residential business which is currently selling Elie House in Fife and a collection of upper-end executive flats on the Mound in Edinburgh. A third Edinburgh residential project in the West End of the city will be announced shortly which will include a mixture of city loft apartments and office space.

Chris Stewart Group has developed from a niche residential developer 15 years ago into a multi-sector real estate development and investment business. The group of companies is owned by award winning property developer Chris Stewart who has been praised for redeveloping complicated city centre sites and listed buildings totalling over 30 projects since 1996. Chris Stewart was recognised for his achievements by the UK property industry with an award presented by Property Week in 2009.

• THOMPSONS SCOTLAND WINS FIRM OF THE YEAR 2011

• SIR DAVID EDWARD KCMG, QC, FRSE, PC PRESENTED WITH LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD



Over 450 guests packed out the Edinburgh International Conference Centre last night (Thursday 17 March) to celebrate the Scottish Legal Awards 2011. Fourteen winners were announced with Thompsons Scotland collecting the ultimate award, the DX Firm of the Year Award 2011.

Sir David Edward was honoured with the Scotsman Lifetime Achievement Award for his career as a lawyer, academic and former Judge of the Court of Justice of the European Communities.

Former Firm of the Year winner, Harper Macleod continued their success by collecting four awards including new for the 2011 programme, the Energy Team of the Year category; Support Team of the Year; Public Sector Law Team of the Year and individual recognition went to Susan Breen as Paralegal of the Year.

In the most popular category, the Litigation Team of the Year, Digby Brown were highly commended by the judges, but the ultimate winner went to Simpson & Marwick who collected the award .

Pagan Osborne enjoyed a successful evening, with three awards going to the East Coast firm including Private Client Team of the Year; Gillian Gibbons as Rising Star of the Year; and Colin Clark, agricultural specialist for Specialist Lawyer of the Year.

In the team categories, awards were presented to Biggart Baillie for Commercial Property Team of the Year; maloco + associates for the Residential Property Team of the Year; ros.gov.uk for Fundraising Achievement of the Year for their committed efforts for Alzheimer Scotland. Russel + Aitken won the Innovation Award for their property film trailers and the Law Society of Scotland were awarded Training Provider of the Year.

The event was hosted by Scottish comedian Jonathan Watson and BBC Scotland’s Catriona Shearer. Irish Comedian Keith Farnan entertained guests after the award presentations. The event also raises funds for Children 1st Scotland’s leading child welfare charity.

THE WINNERS IN FULL

Energy Team of the Year
• Harper Macleod
• Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie
WINNER: Harper Macleod

Law Society of Scotland Fundraising Achievement of the Year
• Inksters Solicitors
• McGrigors
• Ros.gov.uk
WINNER: Ros.gov.uk

LexisNexis Innovation Award
• Inksters Solicitors
• Pagan Osborne
• Russel + Aitken
• Young & Partners
WINNER: Russel + Aitken

Grant Thornton Litigation Team of the Year
• Andersons Solicitors
• Biggart Baillie
• Davidson Chalmers
• Digby Brown
• Halliday Campbell WS
• HBJ Gateley Wareing
• Simpson & Marwick
• Thorntons
• Young & Partners
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Digby Brown
WINNER: Simpson & Marwick

Scottish Paralegal Association Paralegal of the Year
• Susan Breen, Harper Macleod
• Brendan Kelly, Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie
WINNER: Susan Breen, Harper Macleod

Hotel Du Vin Private Client Team of the Year
• Archibald Campbell & Harley
• Brodies
• Pagan Osborne
WINNER: Pagan Osborne

MCL Public Sector Law Team of the Year
• Biggart Baillie
• Civil Legal Assistance Office - Highlands and Islands
• Harper Macleod
• Scottish Court Service - North Strathclyde
WINNER: Harper Macleod

Ros.gov.uk Residential Property Team of the Year
• maloco + associates
• Simpson & Marwick
WINNER: maloco + associates

Rising Star of the Year
• Gillian Gibbons, Pagan Osborne
• Erica Buchan, Ledingham Chalmers
• Philip Hannay, Macdonald Henderson
• Paul McNairney, Morisons LLP
• Anna Louise Christie, The Wood Group
WINNER: Gillian Gibbons, Pagan Osborne

Scottish Law Directory Specialist Lawyer of the Year
• Andy Drane, Davidson Chalmers
• Carol Fox, Fox Cross Solicitors Ltd
• Iain Nisbet, Govan Law Centre
• David Kaye, Harper Macleod
• Colin Clark, Pagan Osborne
• Iain Clark, Young & Partners
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Iain Nisbet, Govan Law Centre
WINNER: Colin Clark, Pagan Osborne

Millar & Bryce Support Team of the Year
• Harper Macleod
• First Scottish Group Ltd
WINNER: Harper Macleod

GP Wolffe Training Provider of the Year
• Central Law Training
• The Law Society of Scotland
WINNER: The Law Society of Scotland

DX Firm of the Year
• Davidson Chalmers
• Simpson & Marwick
• Thompsons Scotland
WINNER: Thompsons Scotland

Elevate Commercial Property Team of the Year

WINNER: Biggart Baillie

4TH ANNUAL SCOTTISH HOME AWARDS LAUNCH



The national awards programme for new build housing in Scotland has launched for a 4th year with a promise to recognise, reward and celebrate the best new homes in the country.

The Scottish Home Awards 2011 is open for entries in a range of categories covering city apartments, family homes to rural conversions. New build developers, architects and builders have until Thursday 21 April to complete their entries in any number of the 21 categories.

New categories this year include the category “Senior Housing Development of the Year” which will recognise the work to create new independent and assisted living space for the elderly.

This year there is also a new award for Environmental Excellence which will be presented to a company which is delivering a sustained and proactive approach to trailblazing new technology which assisted the environmental performance of new housing.

Housing Associations now have three categories to choose from with a new Medium sized category for associations managing upwards of 1000 units. These are joined by the usual favourites which together make up the 21 categories which cover the breadth of the industry.

Housing and Communities Minister Alex Neil, commented;

“Scotland a housing industry that boasts an abundance of talented, dedicated people. The Scottish Home Awards is a fitting platform to showcase and celebrate the industry’s reputation for building houses to high standards.”

Malcolm Macleod, Director of NHBC, and also a member of the judging panel, commented;

“It is evident from NHBC’s Scottish Housing Statistics for 2010 that it was a better year than 2009 for house builders, and whilst this is positive the output overall remains constrained, primarily due to lack of mortgage availability. House builders continue to produce quality homes and are achieving sales in quite challenging times, however branding and positive media marketing can assist further by adding value to these processes and the Scottish Home Awards is an excellent way to showcase new developments and recognise the valuable contributions made by your marketing, construction and sales teams.”

The full panel of judges consists of experts drawn from the housing, design, property and construction industries and will be revealed in The Scotsman next month.

After a period of judging the entries, finalists will gather at a black tie awards dinner which takes place in Edinburgh in June.

Guidelines for Entries

Entries are welcomed from house builders, housing associations, architects and developers. Entries should consist of a written entry of up to 1000 words and if appropriate, accompanied by location plan, floor plans, specification, marketing materials and photography or CGIs. All entries should be submitted before 12 noon on 21st April 2011. Nominated developments must be in Scotland and have commenced construction between September 2009 and February 2011. Businesses applying for any of the awards must have office premises in Scotland.

The key dates are:

Deadline for entries: Thursday 21 April
Judging Day: Thursday 28 April
Finalists Announced: Thursday 5 May
Awards Ceremony: Thursday 9 June

To review this year's categories, click on categories above.

For a copy of the entry guide email isla@kdmedia.co.uk

The finalists in the Scott + Co Scottish Legal Awards 2011 have been revealed as the countdown to the most prestigious event in the Scottish legal calendar continues.

In the largest event of its kind in Scotland, 29 firms and companies have progressed to the finals in the programme which recognises excellence in the legal profession and raises essential funds for charity.

The 12 judges in the programme deliberated on a high number of entries - a thirty percent increase on 2010 numbers - indicating that the awards celebration which takes place in March is on course for a sellout.

Judges considered entries in 13 categories this year, covering major aspects of commercial law in Scotland and made their decisions last week at an all day judging session held in Edinburgh.

The panel discussion, chaired by Margo MacDonald MSP, assessed each entry and scored them against a number of criteria including content, relevance, and presentation. Experts from business, law and politics including Sir Andrew Cubie, Robert Pirrie, Chief Executive of the WS Society, and Professor Robert Black of Edinburgh University participated in the judging.

The winners will be revealed at the awards ceremony to be held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre when for the first time in the history of the programme, the event will be a dinner and will also be celebrated on St Patricks Day, Thursday 17 March 2011. Guest speakers and entertainment will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tables for the event should be booked early by visiting www.thelegalawards.com or by contacting KDMedia on 0131 337 6232.

The finalists:

Energy Team of the Year
• Harper Macleod
• Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie

Law Society of Scotland Fundraising Achievement of the Year
• Inksters Solicitors
• McGrigors
• Registers of Scotland

LexisNexis Innovation Award
• Inksters Solicitors
• Pagan Osborne
• Russel + Aitken
• Young & Partners

Grant Thornton Litigation Team of the Year
• Andersons Solicitors
• Biggart Baillie
• Davidson Chalmers
• Digby Brown
• Halliday Campbell WS
• HBJ Gateley Wareing
• Simpson & Marwick
• Thorntons
• Young & Partners

Scottish Paralegal Association Paralegal of the Year
• Susan Breen, Harper Macleod
• Brendan Kelly, Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie

Hotel Du Vin Private Client Team of the Year
• Archibald Campbell & Harley
• Brodies
• Pagan Osborne

MCL Public Sector Law Team of the Year
• Biggart Baillie
• Civil Legal Assistance Office - Highlands and Islands
• Harper Macleod
• Scottish Court Service - North Strathclyde

RoS.gov.uk Residential Property Team of the Year
• Maloco + Associates
• Simpson & Marwick

Rising Star of the Year
• Gillian Gibbons, Pagan Osborne
• Erica Buchan, Ledingham Chalmers
• Philip Hannay, Macdonald Henderson
• Paul McNairney, Morisons LLP
• Anna Louise Christie, Wood Group

Scottish Law Directory Specialist Lawyer of the Year
• Andy Drane, Davidson Chalmers
• Carol Fox, Fox Cross Solicitors Ltd
• Iain Nisbet, Govan Law Centre
• David Kaye, Harper Macleod
• Colin Clark, Pagan Osborne
• Iain Clark, Young & Partners

Millar & Bryce Support Team of the Year
• Harper Macleod
• First Scottish Group Ltd

GP Wolffe Training Provider of the Year
• Central Law Training
• Law Society of Scotland

DX Firm of the Year
• Davidson Chalmers
• Simpson & Marwick
• Thompsons Scotland

A former Royal Mail sorting office in Edinburgh City Centre has been sold for £4million in a deal funded by a merchant bank specialising in property finance.

Close Property Finance has funded the acquisition of the 4 acre development site by Attila Asset Management who will progress a mixed scheme of residential and commercial space.

The deal is one of a number of property deals which the Scottish based outfit has funded thanks to its willingness to lend on development projects, a sector still largely off limits for the High Street Banks.

Stuart Anthony, Director of Close Property Finance, commented;

“Brunswick Road is a good funding proposal for Close Property Finance thanks to its strategic location and excellent local amenities. This particular management team has a strong track record and despite the lack of finance from High Street banks for land development, we can see the potential and have the ability to lend.”

Close Property Finance are part of one of the UK’s oldest merchant banks and has been lending in Scotland for the last two years.

Anthony continued;

“We are happy to talk to any developers and are looking at a number of large scale projects at the moment. Close Property Finance has now provided funding in excess of £30m in Scotland for around 20 projects ranging from residential development to pre-let commercial schemes”.

The former Royal Mail sorting office site occupies an enviable location for a residential builder. Located between Leith Walk and Easter Road and alongside a number of public parks, there is a playground and a Primary School in walking distance.

James Aumonier, Director of Attila Asset Management, commented:

“Finding funding for residential planning plays and development is difficult at the moment so were delighted Close Property Finance supported us. It’s refreshing to work with people who see potential in the longer term, and are willing to move quickly. We look forward to reviewing other opportunities with Close and adding to our portfolio in the near future.”

Close Property Finance operates from an office in Edinburgh’s Melville Street and is a team of three executives. The business is part of the Close Brothers Group plc, a diversified group of specialist financial services businesses operating in banking, asset management and securities.

How to Keep Your Child Benefit
By Mark Houston, Johnston Carmichael

If you earn marginally over £44k and have children then you could be badly affected by the news that child benefit will be cut to higher income families in 2013.

At the worst end of the scale will be the single working parent with a number of children, for example a working mum with three children earning £45k could lose benefits of £2500.

If you are in a two income household and both earning under the higher tax band then you could escape the cut. As long as your individual income doesn't exceed £44k then you could retain the benefit, according to the latest announcement from the government.

Borderline earners might now be thinking about how to reduce taxable income in exchange for some other benefit from their employers.

The most extreme reaction could be to request a pay cut as it may be more efficient. For example, a parent with two children earning £45k could be over £1,100 better off by reducing their salary below the £44k threshold.

Flexibility with your employer will be essential if you are to make changes. The ability to sacrifice salary for either pension contributions or childcare vouchers may prove efficient. You could also try to negotiate unpaid holiday leave into your contract in exchange for a lower salary.

If you run an owner managed business, you could reduce salary and dividends leaving any surplus cash in the company. If you currently operate your business as a sole trade or partnership, incorporating your business or introducing a corporate partner at this time may allow you to control your marginal rate of tax more effectively in the future.

Other measures could include transferring investments into a spouse's name if they are earning at lower marginal rates of tax or by giving gift aid contributions to a charity. Individual savings accounts are also great for tax breaks if saving or investing as any income is exempt from income tax.

However, great care must be taken at this time. The government has not yet defined "earnings" and also plan to reduce the higher rate tax threshold from £44k to £42k. Therefore, it would be wise to await further news before making any changes to your circumstances. With further tax changes likely to come, taking professional tax advice is always recommended.

Mark Houston is a partner with Johnston Carmichael.
www.jcca.co.uk