Building Briefs – April 17th

Patricia Gibson MP for North Ayrshire and Arran organised an Employment Fayre to provide opportunities for residents of all ages to have direct access to local employers actively recruiting staff.

James Frew Ltd was delighted to participate in the event, held at the Ardeer Community Centre in Stevenston, to attract and encourage local talent to apply to the company.

Training coordinator Elaine Kean and compliance & training manager Kevin Kidd attended the job fayre to talk to jobseekers about the opportunities available within James Frew and answer any questions.

Siobhan Northcote, a local 22 year old, attended the Job Fayre in hope for a new opportunity. After talking to Elaine & Kevin, Siobhan sent a CV to enquire if any suitable jobs were available. Siobhan was invited to attend a face-to-face interview and was successful in achieving a full time position as an admin assistant.

Patricia Gibson MP said: “I am delighted that James Frew Ltd - a well-respected local company - was able to attend my recent Employment Fayre in Stevenston and has now recruited a local jobseeker as a result.

“Employment Fayres are an excellent way for local jobseekers to meet and engage with employers and learn more about jobs and opportunities on offer in their area.

“Having had several Employment Fayres since I was first elected which have been very well attended with very positive feedback from both local employers and jobseekers; it is always good news to hear of successful outcomes.

“I wish James Frew’s newest recruit a long and successful career with the company.”

More than 95% of Scotland’s homes and businesses now connected to broadband

More than 95% of Scotland’s homes and businesses are now able to connect to fibre broadband.

The rollout has been delivered through the Digital Scotland Superfast Broadband (DSSB) project, with a total contribution of £280 million from across the public sector in Scotland.

Without the DSSB programme, it is estimated that only 66% of Scotland would be able to receive fibre broadband.

Oxgangs Primary pupils return to school

Pupils began their summer term at Oxgangs Primary School as normal today.

The building was given the all-clear following a full independent condition survey of the school, commissioned by the City of Edinburgh Council following the discovery of faults on the roof and in suspended ceilings.

Previous checks, prompted by incidents earlier this year involving loose roof flashing and internal ceiling tiles, revealed that the Edinburgh Schools Partnership (ESP), the body responsible for building, maintaining and operating the city’s 17 PPP1 schools on behalf of the council, had failed to carry out adequate repairs.

Remedial works were carried out by ESP last week and, following thorough and robust additional inspections, the council has confirmed that these have now been completed to a satisfactory standard.

The council further ordered precautionary checks on the remaining 16 PPP1 schools, which also opened as normal today.

Emtec Fire Systems awarded NSI gold certification

Emtec Fire Systems is delighted to announce it has been awarded NSI NACOSS Gold and Fire Gold certification of approval.

Now as an NSI approved company, Emtec said its clients can be assured that it is utilising the services of a Fire & Security company that trades to the highest industry standards.

Balallan Primary School undergoes £1.2m transformation project

A former primary school in the Western Isles is undergoing a £1.2 million transformation into a community hub to preserve the history of the Kinloch area.

Balallan Primary School on the Isle of Lewis is being redeveloped into a heritage centre and will be used to house a number of community-based projects and amenities, as well as museums and an archive.

The project is being brought forward by Kinloch Historical Society.

The £1.2 million development has been funded by a number of organisations including Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, the Scottish Government, LEADER, Big Lottery, Muaitheabhal Community Wind Farm Trust and Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE).

The work is scheduled to be complete by early December.

Improvement works begin on Ness Islands

Improvement works are being carried out on the Ness Islands in Inverness.

Features include alterations to the existing paths to remove lumps and bumps in order to improve access to the bridges for wheelchair users.

In addition, further bank erosion prevention work will also be carried out in line with a timescale agreed with the Ness Fishery Board.

Last summer, the Highland Council’s City of Inverness Area Committee approved £73,183 of Inverness Common Good funding to be allocated for improvement works on bridges, tree maintenance, pathways and bank erosion works.

The council said areas where works are being carried out will be cordoned off, however this should not affect the public too much and access around the Islands will remain open.

Plans approved for second platform at Dunbar railway station

Plans have been approved to develop a new second platform at Dunbar railway station in East Lothian.

New lifts and a footbridge are to be installed at the station, while listed building consent has also been granted to demolish the old goods shed attached to the main building.

Network Rail said a main contractor will be appointed later this year to develop the scheme in more detail, with a view to starting work on-site in 2019.