Scottish Business Briefing – Friday 5 October, 2012
ENERGY & UTILITIES
Buccleuch plans for coal mine in the south-west
BUCCLEUCH Estates has applied for a licence to develop a surface coal mining scheme near Canonbie in south-west Scotland. The Duke of Buccleuch’s property company has teamed up with Keir Minerals, which operates the Greenburn coal mine in Ayrshire, to determine if the coal field is commercially viable. (Scotsman)
Shipbuilder refocuses on renewables
THE chairman of Lithgows has said the former stalwart of the Scottish shipbuilding industry is geared up for a prosperous future in its new guise as a renewable energy specialist. (Herald)
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Edinburgh trams fail to derail return to profit for Valvona & Crolla
VALVONA & Crolla, the Italian deli and restaurant group, has returned to profit despite highlighting the impact of tramworks across Edinburgh on already difficult trading conditions. (Scotsman)
Firm eyes new overseas markets
An Aberdeenshire bottled-water company said yesterday it was eager to tap into Scotland’s reputation for quality produce as it looked to international markets. Deeside Water Company (DWC) already exports its water but is now targeting the Middle East and Far East for future growth. (P & J)
MEDIA & LEISURE
Julian Assange blamed for Canongate’s losses
CANONGATE Books, the Edinburgh-based publisher, has blamed Wikileaks founder Julian Assange’s “failure to deliver” the book he was contracted to produce for plunging into operating loss. (Herald)
TRANSPORT
New car sales drive higher in September
CAR sales accelerated last month as buyers snapped up the new 62 number plates, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said today. Scotland’s new car market continued to outpace the rest of the UK last month as consumers snapped up more fuel-efficient vehicles. (Scotsman)