AN EDINBURGH venue is highlighting its diverse workforce after one employee helped spark the founding of a new division of the business.
With a wide portfolio of businesses including a luxury hotel and city centre cafe, Surgeons Quarter, the commercial arm of The Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh (RCSEd), launched its own travel agency assisted by the skillset of one of its employees.
Justin Mackenzie began his career with Surgeons Quarter as a receptionist in its flagship hotel, Ten Hill Place Hotel, and worked his way up to Guest Services Manager before spearheading the opening of the organisation’s travel agency, SQ Travel after highlighting his previous experience in the sector.
Surgeons Quarter prides itself on providing unparalleled hospitality, as well as inspiring its employees to make a positive difference in and outside of the workplace.
As well as being a Living Wage Employer, it is the first hospitality venue to be a Living Pension Employer, with Surgeons Quarter placing a strong focus on the satisfaction and well-being of its workforce.
Commenting on his time at Surgeons Quarter, Justin said: “Working with people has always been something I love, and Surgeons Quarter recognised my skill set. I didn’t think when I started as a receptionist at Ten Hill Place Hotel, I would end up as a manager of a brand-new travel agency.
“In one of our regular team meetings, we were discussing our careers and what we are interested in. I mentioned that I previously worked at a travel agency when I left school and really enjoyed it. It was always something I considered getting back into.
“They recognised this and two days later I sat down with our Managing Director Scott Mitchell who asked me if I was interested in being part of the setup of a new venture they were considering, which was SQ Travel.
“We are now growing our team at SQ Travel, it’s an exciting time and knowing I have played such a big part in the formation of the agency is very rewarding.”
Hailing from the Northeast of England, Justin began his career at Hays Travel as a Travel Consultant, seeing the business double in size. Although, always having a keen interest in travel, Justin’s career took him to the hospitality sector across the UK and Spain.
Justin added: “I admire Surgeons Quarter’s ethos around all profits being invested back into funding research for surgeons, which drew me into the job originally. It makes everything feel very rewarding knowing I am helping to contribute to such a worthy cause.
“I would encourage people to consider a career in hospitality, you never know where it will take you!”
Initially set out to streamline travel for surgeons, and now arranging travel and holidays for all, SQ Travel was founded in 2020 and is affiliated with Hays Travel Independence Group.
Surgeons Quarter, Cafe 1305
Scott Mitchell – Managing Director
Scott Mitchell, Managing Director of Surgeons Quarter said: “Our staff are the centre of everything we do. We always aim to showcase their strengths and provide them with a platform so they can thrive in their career.
“Justin was the perfect person to be the driving force behind setting up and pushing forward SQ Travel, he had experience, passion and was eager to get the business started. We wouldn’t be here today without him.
“We take great pride in the passion our employees have for the work they do and services they deliver. We know that a career in hospitality can be challenging, which is why we’re committed to doing everything we can to support our people.”
Surgeons Quarter employs around 200 people across its venues, the majority of which hold operations-based in person roles.
Surgeons Quarter promotes, sells and manages all commercial activities held within the RCSEd campus. It includes facilities for conferences, meetings, private events, parties, weddings and its own four-star hotel Ten Hill Place as well as Café 1505 and SQ Travel.
Profits from the Surgeons Quarter portfolio go towards the advancement of surgery and the improvement of patient outcomes worldwide.
With New Year celebrations taking place over the next few days and many travelling across the country for festivities it’s important drivers feel prepared for their journey.
Richard Evans, head of technical services at webuyanycar comments: “As the year draws to a close, many may be driving to celebrate the new year with friends and family across the country.
“The roads are likely to be very busy and many will be doing all they can to make sure they arrive safely to their festivities. Our research shows that 38% of drivers travel by car during bank holidays, and with the new year the last one of the year many are likely to be getting ready to celebrate.
“For those that have plans to travel throughout the holidays, there are some important things to stay aware of to make the journey as easy as possible.
“Forward planning can help drivers to avoid congested roads or peak travel times, which can in turn help with reducing their fuel consumption.
“Drivers should also check their tyre pressure and oil levels to avoid any unnecessary stops or breakdowns along their way.
“It’s important to stay mindful of driving by taking breaks when needed and making sure to be well rested. Our tips for travelling will ensure drivers are ready to get around to New Year celebrations safely.”
RECORD BREAKING YEAR FOR BARRHEAD TRAVEL CAMERON TOLL
Barrhead Travel Cameron Toll is set to close 2023 as its “best ever” trading year as demand for travel continues to soar.
The Glasgow-headquartered travel agency group has celebrated 11 consecutive record-breaking months since January 2023 and has forecast that the month of December will also conclude with record sales. Year to date bookings for the group are up by 26 percent, compared with 2019 sales which, before 2023, was the company’s best trading year.
Barrhead Travel’s performance is bucking the trend on the high street. Despite recent ONS figures indicating that October retail sales fell to the lowest levels since the 2021 lockdowns, the travel group says its retail network is “busier than ever” with sales in-store growing by more than 25 percent. The group attributes its strong retail performance to the continued demand for travel as well as consumers returning to reputable travel agents to book their holidays.
Forward bookings for 2024 are performing particularly well with the agency reporting that customers have been securing their annual holiday plans earlier than usual. Last-minute bookings for winter holidays remain a popular option with around 25 percent of new bookings travelling across the 2023/24 winter period.
Earlier this year, Barrhead Travel confirmed it would pursue further expansion during 2024 with multiple store openings planned for the year ahead. Investment will also be channelled into existing stores for refurbishments, additional full and part time roles, and new technology.
Victoria Dodds, Manager at Barrhead Travel Cameron Toll said:“Over the last year, we prioritised smart and sustainable growth, which has seen us deliver record breaking results. This year, we will have recorded our highest ever sales and we expect to continue that pace in 2024.
“Holidays remain a spending priority for consumers of all ages. The demand for a reputable travel agent is at an all-time high which is why we believe that now is the time to move ahead with further expansion throughout the UK.
“Retail travel is thriving, and communities across the country are benefiting from busy travel agency stores. Our commitment to investing in retail has never wavered and we’re excited to be bringing new jobs and opportunities as our expansion progresses over the coming 12 months.
“We are in the process of reviewing our new locations and we expect to announce details in the first quarter of 2024.”
Barrhead Travel has also announced the addition of a USA specialist division which will be launching in early 2024 as part of its wider plans for organic growth.
A meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Room (SGoRR) – chaired by Justice Secretary and Minister for Resilience Angela Constance and attended by a number of Ministers – was held last night to ensure appropriate measures are in place to deal with the impacts of Storm Gerrit.
Met Office yellow warnings for rain, wind and snow were live until midnight across much of Scotland last night and a warning for wind and snow remained in place across Shetland until 06:00am today (Thursday 28 December).
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have also issued a number of flood alerts and warnings across the country.
Some train services and ferry services were cancelled and a major incident was declared by Police Scotland on the A9 at Dalnaspidal, which is now fully reopened between Inverness and Perth.
Winter weather response plans are in full effect with teams working hard across the transport network to restore services and routes as far as possible – with improvements in weather conditions anticipated today.
The storm has also left some homes across Scotland without power and Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) are working to restore power where it is safe to do so.
Ms Constance said:“Following a combination of rain, wind and snow across the country, I have chaired a meeting of SGoRR to ensure that we’re acting as quickly and safely as possible to mitigate the impacts of Storm Gerrit.
“We know that there are areas across the country where people are without power and SSEN are working to restore this where they can. Due to the strong winds, flooding and snow, it is not always safe for SSEN to access areas for repair. Local resilience partnerships are working to put in place welfare support for individuals who may be without power overnight.
“There have already been a number of disruptions across the transport network. It’s good to see that the incident on the A9 has been cleared and the road has now reopened but people should pass with care.
“Some roads remain closed with operatives working to reopen them as quickly as possible.
“Some railway lines will remain closed tomorrow (Thursday) morning as they require safety inspections within daylight hours. People should be mindful that there will still be areas where surface water continues to cause disruption – so we would urge everyone to plan their journeys in advance, exercise caution on the roads by driving appropriately to the conditions, and follow the latest travel advice at traffic.gov.scot.
“The Scottish Government’s resilience committee will continue to monitor the situation overnight and into Thursday, and keep Ministers fully updated.
“Advice and information for the public is available at Ready.Scot and the Scottish Government will continue to work with all relevant agencies to closely monitor the storm and its impacts and ensure support is provided to those affected.”
Joanne Maguire Scotrail’s Chief Operating Officer said:“ScotRail and Network Rail teams have been working flat out to keep people moving where possible, but we have faced extreme conditions in different parts of the country which has resulted in significant disruption. The safety of our staff and passengers is our top priority.
“We will be working overnight and early in the morning to inspect the railway and restore services, but disruption is expected to continue into Thursday. Our advice to passengers is to check before travelling via the ScotRail website or app.”
On brand new tours of Ireland, Rabbie’s takes its guests off the well-worn paths to discover the lively villages, ruined strongholds and unforgettable views that tell the real story of the Emerald Isle. For the first time, tours depart from Killarney, the best point from which to explore the wild and unforgettable southern coast.
In 2024, the small coach tour company will be offering three brand new tours of Ireland, with departures beginning in May and continuing until October. Tours range in length from one-day trips to weeklong Celtic adventures and are available to book now.
Rabbie’s brand new tours of Ireland include:
Portmagee & Skellig Ring one-day tour from Killarney
The Ring of Kerry is a world class road trip, and its winding roads are a haven for raw, wild scenery and dreamlike landscapes. A Rabbie’s tour of the ring visits the 1,400-year-old Cahergall Stone Fort, the thundering Torc Waterfall, and includes a stop at the beautiful fishing village of Portmagee for a spot of lunch.
The 18km Skellig Ring is a stretch of road often overlooked by travellers and too small for larger coach trips. Rabbie’s tours will enjoy the quiet roads and guests can indulge in the sweet treats at the Skellig Chocolate Factory as well as the views of St Finans Bay.
From April to October 2024, this one day tour departs several times a week and costs from €70 per adult.
The Wild Coast of Dingle Peninsula & Slea Head one-day tour from Killarney
Visit glorious Inch beach, popular with local anglers and surfers, before embarking on a road trip through Irish history. Embark on the Sea Head Drive and call at Ireland’s famous huts of Tóchar Maothaithe, built by prehistoric hermit monks, before visiting Gallarus Oratory, and an ancient church built from rocks by Ireland’s earliest Christians.
A leisurely afternoon is best spent exploring the bustling town of Dingle. Several Irish pubs provide cool drinks and good company, while local distilleries offer visitors the chance to learn the secrets of Irish whiskey.
Join this one-day tour on any departure between April and October 2024, with prices starting at €70 per adult.
Ireland’s South−East five-day tour from Dublin
The full magic of Ireland can only really be experienced on an extended adventure. Rabbie’s guests embark on the ultimate tour of southern Ireland travelling south from Dublin, calling at Viking landing sites at the Rock of Dunamase, the eerie Drombeg Stone Circle, and Blarney Castle for a chance to kiss the fabled Blarney Stone.
At Mizen Head, Ireland’s southernmost point, those brave enough can cross the bridge to view the iconic cliff view and visit the Signal Station. Every bottle of the famous Jameson Whiskey hails from the town of Midleton, and guests will tour the remarkable distillery.
Evenings on this tour are spent in some of Ireland’s most charming fishing villages and seaport towns, all offering hearty meals and bustling pubs, allowing all guests to truly experience a flavour of Ireland.
Join this five-day tour throughout 2024, with prices starting from €581 per adult.
In addition to its regular guided tours, this winter Rabbie’s is offering a special offer on Private Tours departing from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, or Aberdeen.
A 16-seat mini-coach can be secured for £560 per day, when quoting ‘Winter Offer’ at time of booking and travelling before 29 February 2024*.
For more information about Rabbie’s and to book, visit www.rabbies.com.
Celebrating the Year of The Coast 2023, englandscoast.com is the clever tool that offers you the chance to browse over 2,000 coastal businesses – including hotels, B&Bs, self-catering properties, activity and attraction operators, transport companies, restaurants and much more.
The nights may be drawing in, the trees looking barer, and the rain lashing the windows, but there’s never been a cosier time to wrap up in your fleece and waterproofs, lace up those hiking boots, and prepare for an all-weather break on the coast. Think windswept cliff walks, flasks of hot chocolate on the beach, stargazing on beautifully clear night skies, and tucking into hearty fare and warming red wines and ales by the fireside at a cosy pub.
The Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria coasts offer a plethora of ways to enjoy the fresh air and seaside this winter, from stargazing to storm watching. Explore some of the cosiest options below:
Dark Sky Stargazing in the North York Moors National Park With some of the lowest light pollution in the country, the North York Moors National Park is the perfect entry point for Dark Sky gazing.
The North York Moors scooped the coveted International Dark Sky Reserve accolade in 2020, one of only 21 in the world, and in the darkest areas of the National Park you can see up to 2,000 stars at any one time.
Amazingly the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) are also visible from the North York Moors, good displays have recently been seen on the coast. Best bet is to sign up for the AuroraWatchUK app which gives a few hours’ notice. From meteor showers to the Andromeda Galaxy (2.5 million light years away!) and the International Space Station that passes overhead throughout the year – if you want to expand your horizons, have your mind blown by the North York Moors Dark Skies.
While the Dark Skies Festival takes place 9-24 February, you can enjoy the area’s unrivalled stargazing at any time, with winter being an ideal time because of the lack of light pollution. Book a stay-and-gaze package spending a night at a dark skies friendly business who offer telescopes or binoculars, reclining chairs and blankets so you can snuggle down for hours of heavenward gazing, such as The Fox & Hounds in Ainthorpe, from £295 per weekend.
History and Myth in Whitby Famous for its connections to Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Whitby has always embraced its association with Gothic culture which is reflected in the town’s quirky streets, shops and the Whitby Abbey ruins. This atmospheric town, full of quirks and curios, is the ideal spot for a cosy coastal weekend.
Start off at the Whitby Abbey ruins, sitting majestically on the East Cliff overlooking the North Sea. This seventh century Christian monastery later became a Benedictine abbey and has since then continued to be used by sailors as a landmark at the headland.
The Captain Cook Memorial Museum, a 17th century house on Whitby’s harbour, housed the great explorer when he was an apprentice seaman, and the rich collections include many of Cook’s letters, original paintings and drawings from the voyages, ship models and maps, and curious objects from newly discovered lands. In the heart of Whitby Harbour, climb aboard the replica of Captain Cook’s HM Bark Endeavour and dive into her history as a discovery vessel on the high seas with interactive features and displays.
Refuel with food and drink at one of Whitby’s many top notch independent eateries; try the Whitby Brewery Courtyard in the shadow of Whitby Abbey, for Yorkshire ales and sourdough pizza with stupendous views, or award-winning fish & chips by the family-run Quayside.
Rugged Coastal Walks & Birdlife in East Yorkshire Explore East Yorkshire’s ruggedly beautiful coastline on a clifftop walk from Bempton to Sewerby, taking in the dramatic cliffs at Bempton – home to around half a million seabirds. The coves of Flamborough Head is a Special Area of Conservation, a scenic nature reserve nearby are two ancient lighthouses and the historic town of Bridlington with its wide-open bays. The Filey to Bridlington stretch of the England Coast Path is now open to walkers, with the southern section of the East Yorkshire Coast walk to open in the near future.
Getting Active Along the North West Coast The North West coast offers so many opportunities to get active in the colder months. Explore the region on two wheels via the spectacular 81-mile Bay Cycleway, which starts on Walney Island near Barrow, taking riders through the Arnside & Silverdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The relatively flat route hugs the spectacular coastline of Morecambe Bay along quiet roads, greenways, canal towpaths and promenades – great family fun! Move along at your own pace, stopping off for incredible views and hearty food and drinks at welcoming pubs en route.
Get back to nature on the North West coast with a visit to one of the many nature reserves and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, including Walney Island which is home to two nature reserves, spot wild fallow deer at Holker Hall and Gardens, or spy seabirds at St Bees Cliffs, home to an RSPB reserve with one of the largest seabird colonies on the west coast of England.
For more ideas on all-weather coastal breaks visitenglandscoast.com.
VisitScotland and DFDS unveil latest partnership marketing campaign to help encourage year-round travel
The beauty and benefits of a holiday in Scotland during autumn, winter and spring are being showcased to visitors from the Netherlands and Germany, as part of a new marketing partnership between VisitScotland and DFDS Seaways.
The new digital campaign aims to inspire potential visitors to Scotland by ferry, using DFDS Seaways routes connecting mainland Europe to the UK, by highlighting the unique sights and experiences on offer at this time of year.
Visitors travelling during the traditional off-season months can enjoy a stunning array of colours as the seasons change, clear dark skies and cosying up by the fireside after a long day exploring.
The campaign plays on a sense of adventure, appealing to those thinking of Scotland for a touring holiday with their car, motorbike or motorhome with the call to action to travel to Scotland with DFDS on their Amsterdam to Newcastle service.
Inspirational videos have been running across social media platforms Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram since the end of August. The campaign is taking advantage of automated technology media buying platforms Quantcast and Dentsu Programmatic to target and reach potential consumers more effectively with relevant online display advertising. The aim is to ensure Scotland and DFDS are front of mind with those booking a last-minute trip in 2023 and those thinking ahead to spring 2024.
The campaign has included regional imagery from across Scotland, including the South of Scotland, Edinburgh & the Lothians, Aberdeenshire, Arran, and Loch Lomond & the Trossachs, based on insights that show German and Dutch visitors like to tour far and wide when they travel to Scotland.
The initial campaign came to an end on 22 October. It will be followed up by two additional campaigns, delivered in partnership with Visit East Lothian and the South of Scotland Destination Alliance that will run until November.
These smaller campaigns will take advantage of the warmed-up audience to drive further regional spread off the earlier activity.
This latest activity continues a decade-long partnership with DFDS Seaways and aims to build on the success of previous joint campaigns to help support the continued and responsible recovery of the industry.
In 2022, Scotland welcomed 236,000 German visitors, who generated £171m tourism spend that year, as well as 212,000 Dutch visitors who generated £135m spend that year.
VisitScotland Director of Marketing & Digital Vicki Miller said: “Last year record numbers of international visitors chose the October to December period to travel to Scotland, so we know the appetite for our lochs, glens and historic landmarks is strong right across the year.
“Partnership working is at the heart of what we do and our collaboration with DFDS Seaways will help drive international tourism from these key European markets.
“Our marketing aims to connect with visitors, drawing on their emotions and showing them what a visit to Scotland’s diverse regions can feel like year-round. We want all destinations to benefit from tourism and this is reflected in our marketing activity promoting responsible travel in Scotland, including practical information and advice to visitors travelling by caravan and motorhome.”
“International visitors are absolutely key to bringing in revenue for businesses during the remainder of 2023 and into 2024, helping to build on the shoots of recovery in tourism and events, one of Scotland’s most valuable industries.”
Philipp Päper, DFDS Seaways Head of Route Marketing North Sea said: “Our partnership with VisitScotland is a perfect match thanks to DFDS’ presence in the Netherlands and Germany, and VisitScotland’s expertise on Scotland’s beautiful destinations.
“The Amsterdam-Newcastle route provides continental travellers the ideal way to get to their Scottish travel destinations stress-free year-round. Passengers are set to benefit greatly from our partnership campaign, as welcoming them to our DFDS ferries means that they can start their holiday the moment they step aboard.
“They can count on a best-in-class service, with a variety of restaurants, entertainment options and even Duty Free shopping onboard”
David Hope-Jones OBE, Chief Executive of the South of Scotland Destination Alliance (SSDA), said: “The South of Scotland is an unmissable destination 365 days a year and we’re really eager to get the word out about how much there is to see, do and experience in the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway in every season.
“The SSDA is delighted to be working with VisitScotland and DFDS Seaways on this collaboration to highlight our incredible region to overseas visitors and show them that Scotland really does start here.”
Elaine Carmichael, on behalf of Visit East Lothian said: “East Lothian is ideally placed for visitors arriving by DFDS Seaways to the North of England and, as well as being a base for holidays, makes the ideal start or end point for their trip to Scotland.
” This campaign sits well with our key markets, and we know from attending trade shows and our work with the travel trade industry that there is a real appetite from German and Dutch visitors for all that East Lothian has to offer.
“We are delighted to be taking part in this initiative in partnership with VisitScotland and the South of Scotland Destination Alliance to showcase our regions and bring benefits to our businesses over the autumn and winter months.”
The adverts drive traffic to custom in-language landing pages on:
Travel in 2024 is set for a year of evolution, with new research showing how people in the UK are reshaping the definition of the ‘modern traveller’ by prioritising experiences, changing booking behaviours and reframing wellness and relaxation.
The research comes as Hilton releases its 2024 Trends Report – a global study unpacking how traveller behaviours and interests are changing. Supported by a UK travel map which pinpoints the regional differences of travellers and trends across the UK, from the rise of holiday streaming and solo travel to increasingly evolving booking habits.
EXPERIENCE OVER EVERYTHING
Travellers are prioritising new experiences (85%), with many looking forward to exploring the unknown (81%), trying the local cuisine (64%) and learning about local customs and traditions (48%) when on holiday.
And people are saving the pennies to make it happen, with more than half (52%) reducing spending in other areas to prioritise travel. Hilton’s global trends report found over half (56%) of people in Britain plan to spend more on travel in 2024 than in 2023.
Some are going further to immerse themselves into local traditions, with 25% looking for locally sourced food while away. However, when it comes to staycations, Brits can’t get enough of the comfort classics with a ‘posh fish finger’ sandwich currently the top choice on Hilton’s UK bar menu1.
SOCIAL INFLUENCE
The increasing influence of social media is no surprise, and it’s even affecting holiday planning. In fact, a third of Gen Z travellers select their destination based on what’s trending on social media (34%), popular culture (36%) and live events or festivals (34%) driven by leading artists who have been performing this year.
However, when it comes to enjoying their holiday, many are pulling the plug on technology, with three in ten taking a break from social media to disconnect from life back home (31%).
EVOLVING BOOKING BEHAVIOURS
The new research revealed people in the UK are starting to plan ahead with a majority of travellers (55%) booking a holiday 3 – 6 months in advance, and 6% even booking their holidays for the whole year in January.
GOING SOLO
People are craving some ‘me time’ with 16% of people having taken a solo trip in the last year. And this is increasing, with nearly a quarter (24%) considering a break on their own in the next three years, liking the independence (42%), flexibility (46%) and self-discovery (20%) that comes with it.
Northern Ireland leads the way, as a third (33%) are considering a solo trip in the next three years, the highest in the UK. It is also no surprise that 18 -24yrs olds are the most likely to consider solo travel, rising to 40%.
Solo travellers on Hilton.com are keen to relax while away, with searches for indoor pools by people travelling on their own doubling since last year.
A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO WELLNESS AND RELAXATION
Hilton data shows many in the UK are seeking out wellness when planning breaks – with spa searches up 82% from last year.
However, self-care isn’t all about spas and swimming, with a quarter of people (25%) using online streaming services in their hotel rooms to relax – amassing to an average of 14 hours of TV over a week-long stay. Londoners are most likely to use streaming services on holiday (38%), while on average, guest data use in Hilton hotels has increased by 23% since 2022.
Patricia Page-Champion, senior vice president & global commercial director at Hilton, said: “Our research highlights an increasing focus on experiences, the influence of social media and entertainment on choosing breaks, and the reframing of wellness and relaxation in travellers’ minds.
“And underlying these evolving trends, one constant we continue to see is the importance of holidays to people in the UK, who say they plan to travel more in 2024 even if this means cutting back spending in other areas.
“With travel such a priority for so many, our focus is on delivering a genuinely great stay in the best locations around the world.”
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have warned communities to stay vigilant as the weekend of severe weather continues across Sunday evening and into Monday morning.
Multiple Flood Warnings and Alerts are in place across Scotland, with the focus remaining on the Spey and Tay catchments.
While local Flood Warnings in some areas of Scotland may start coming off over the evening as rivers fall, others will stay in force as some waters continue to rise and the agency continues to warn of likely impacts as communities count the cost of the weekend’s flood damage.
Ruth Ellis, SEPA’s Flood Duty Manager, said: “Today the focus turned to communities across the North, with a particular concern for severe flood impacts to communities along the Spey and Tay rivers.I want to be clear that communities in these areas should stay alert over the evening as some rivers will continue to rise over the course of the evening. The risk to life remains.
“It’s been a difficult weekend across Scotland, with severe weather causing widespread travel disruption to road and rail networks and impacts in communities all over Scotland. Across many areas of the country there is still some deep standing water and it’s really important people understand the danger.
“Hazards can be hidden, so please don’t walk or drive into flood water. Remember that not only is flood water likely to be dirty, 30 cm of fast flowing water can move an average family sized car, and just 15 cm of fast flowing water could be enough to knock you off your feet.
“Our teams have been working around the clock with partner agencies, including Scottish Government, the Met Office, emergency services and local authorities across this major weather event. We will continue to provide information and support in the coming days and weeks to ensure Scotland recovers from this event and becomes more resilient to future flooding.
“We’ll be continuing to issue further updates across the evening to communities across northern Scotland and our advice remains for people to keep up to date with information from sepa.org.uk and follow guidance from emergency services.”
Update 9am, Sun 8th Oct – Flooding focus turns north as SEPA warn communities to stay alert
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) have warned communities to stay vigilant as the weekend of severe weather continues across Sunday.
Multiple Flood Warnings and Alerts are in place across Scotland as the agency continues to warn of likely impacts on Sunday and communities count the cost of Saturday’s flood damage.
Vincent Fitzsimons, SEPA’s Flood Duty Manager, said: “It’s been a rough weekend across Scotland, with severe weather causing widespread travel disruption to road and rail networks and impacts in communities from Greenock to Aviemore.
“Our teams have been working around the clock with Scottish Government and the Met Office in the lead into and across this major weather event. We have been issuing Alerts and Warnings to communities at risk and supporting first responders.
“Today the focus continues to turn to communities across the North, with a particular concern for severe flood impacts to communities along the Spey and Tay rivers. It’s a day to stay alert, not stand down. The risk to life remains.
“We’ll be issuing further updates across the day to communities across northern Scotland and our advice remains for people to keep up to date with information from sepa.org.uk and follow guidance from emergency services.”
People are being urged to avoid travel by road in Argyll and Bute and to consider carefully travel in other areas most impacted by the weekend’s severe rainfall.
SEPA has indicated up to a month’s worth of rain could fall in some areas over the course of the weekend. Rainfall is causing significant disruption in parts of Scotland, including road closures and rail service cancellations.
https://twitter.com/i/status/1710746869255520617
On Saturday afternoon the Met Office issued an Amber Warning for rain extending across Angus, Perth and Kinross, Aberdeenshire, Moray and Highland until 2pm on Sunday.
In Argyll and Bute, the Local Resilience Partnership has established a Care for People Sub-Group, led by the local Health and Social Care Partnership, which is working to identify and reach vulnerable people that may be difficult to reach, with assistance from the voluntary sector. Argyll and Bute Council is assisting by contacting community groups in affected areas with a view to initiating local support, such as opening up community halls.
On Friday the Met Office issued an amber warning for rain, covering Inverclyde, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, East and West Dunbartonshire, Argyll and Lochaber, parts of Stirling, Perthshire, Aberdeenshire and the Highlands. It is in place until 6 am on Sunday. Yellow warnings for rain remain in place for other large parts the country and are updated on the Met Office website.
The greatest impacts earlier on Saturday were experienced in Inverclyde, Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire, Glasgow, North Lanarkshire, East and West Dunbartonshire, Argyll and Lochaber, parts of Stirling, Perthshire, Aberdeenshire and the Highlands. In Argyll and Bute, several roads have been closed due to flooding and landslides, including:
the A83 between Tarbet and Inverary
the A815 between Dunoon and the A83
the A816 between Lochgiphead and Oban
the A85 at Loch Awe
Road operating companies are assisting Police Scotland with the closures and clear up operations, however due to the continuing rainfall it will not be possible to make an assessment of the landslides or undertake clear up operations until conditions improve.
Network Rail has reported many incidents of severe flooding across the network, resulting in widespread cancellations to services. This includes suspension of services between Inverness and Perth. Services running across the whole ScotRail network have been cancelled, delayed or revised.
On Saturday afternoon Justice Secretary and Minister for Resilience Angela Constance chaired a meeting of the Scottish Government’s Resilience Committee (SGoRR), which was attended by First Minister Humza Yousaf, Transport Secretary Màiri McAllan, Transport Minister Fiona Hyslop and key responder agencies.
They discussed the immediate response to the local impacts, as well as further actions being taken to support those communities most affected.
Ms Constance said: “As the weather warnings outline, heavy rainfall is expected to continue in many parts of the country into Sunday and some areas will have a month’s worth of rain over the course of the weekend.
“I would urge everyone across the country to heed the travel warnings being issued by Police Scotland and others – in particular, drivers in Argyll and Bute should avoid travel due to the significant disruption across the road network.
“We are aware that the initial, most severe impacts have been felt by people and businesses in Argyll and Bute, as well as other areas in the west and north of the country.
“Ministers are receiving regular updates on the situation from partners, including SEPA, the Met Office, and Police Scotland as it unfolds. This afternoon I convened SGoRR in recognition of the severity of the situation which will continue to develop over the next 24 hours.
“I am grateful for the efforts of partners and volunteers to help the public stay safe and where possible to restore services.
“Anyone seeking live updates should follow these partners organisations on social media, and can also consult the Ready Scotland website for general advice.”
Police Scotland Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs said: “Officers have been dealing with significant disruption on the roads caused by the heavy rainfall and we would expect this to continue into Sunday.
“It is important that we do everything we can to keep people safe and officers are out in communities helping those who need us.
“Our advice is to plan ahead and consider if your journey is really necessary or if it can be delayed until conditions improve. If you need to travel, please drive to the conditions and take extra time for your journey.”
Vincent Fitzsimons, Flood Duty Manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said yesterday: “SEPA has issued Regional Flood Alerts and more locally specific Flood Warnings across Scotland due to the major rainfall event that is bringing prolonged, heavy rain throughout the day and into Sunday.
“I want to be very clear that this is not a normal Autumn day for Scotland. We’re expecting extensive river and surface water flooding in affected areas. There is a danger to life. There will be widespread impacts to road and rail. There is a risk of more significant community scale property flooding.
“Rain will move across central and western parts this morning, moving northwards through the day. Many areas will see heavy rain for well over 24hrs before it clears on Sunday. Of particular concern are communities in the amber area that extends from west central Scotland northwards.
“Further Local Flood Warnings are likely to be issued, people can always check our Flood Updates for all the latest information. We advise people living, working and travelling in the affected areas to consider any steps they need to take now to be prepared for flooding impacts and consider whether their journey is necessary.”
The Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) issues flood alerts and warnings for Scotland. View the latest updates on their website.
Vincent Fitzsimons, Flood Duty Manager for the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA), said: “Scotland is experiencing a major rainfall event that is bringing prolonged, heavy rain throughout the day and well into Sunday.
“I want to be very clear that this is not a normal Autumn weekend for Scotland. We’re expecting extensive river and surface water flooding in affected areas. There is a danger to life. There are widespread impacts to road and rail. There is a risk of more significant community scale property flooding.
“Heavy rain has been falling since Friday night in many areas and will continue in northern Scotland throughout Saturday evening and well into Sunday. Some areas will have seen more than a month’s rain by the end of the weekend.
“Of particular concern are communities in the Met Office amber weather warning area that extends across much of northern Scotland. Examples include Aviemore and communities down the Spey Valley, but many more communities are also at risk. SEPA has been working closely with partners to help them target support for these areas.
”People should check our live Flood Updates for all the latest information. We advise people living, working and travelling in the affected areas to consider any steps they need to take now to be prepared for flooding impacts and consider whether their journey is necessary.
“We will continue to keep a very close eye on the situation, monitoring 24/7 as well as working closely with the Met Office and other partner agencies.
“We would strongly advise people to sign up to Floodline to receive free updates and heed emergency service and local authority advice.
NFU Mutual is issuing flood advice as the Met Office issues an amber warning for heavy rain across many Scottish communities.
Up to 180mm of rain could fall throughout Saturday and into Sunday, with Grampian, Central, Tayside, Fife, Strathclyde and the Highlands all in danger of disruptive and dangerous downpours and flooding.
Heavy rain could lead to flash flooding with fast moving water, cutting off transport routes, and leading rural insurer NFU Mutual is urging home and business owners in Scotland to fortify their properties if possible but make safety their priority.
If they are affected by flooding, people should look at how they can work with their insurer to repair their property to be more resilient to flooding in the future.
Andrew Chalk, home insurance specialist at NFU Mutual, said:“Time and again we’ve seen how destructive and disruptive flash flooding can be for communities, and NFU Mutual Agents in Scotland stand ready to rapidly assist people impacted by these predicted downpours – including facilitating rapid payments for smaller claims and mobilising our network of loss adjusters and repairers.
“But the best way to avoid disruption, if possible, is to take some sensible steps provided by NFU Mutual to protect your property. If you have flood defences, activate them now, move valuable possessions and electrical items to higher ground and prepare a flood or extreme weather pack.
“Have your insurer’s details to hand and if you are impacted by flooding, be sure to ask your insurer and loss adjuster about flood resilient repairs. Since 2017, NFU Mutual has offered its Flood Resilient Repair scheme to all home insurance customers. As part of the scheme, customers who suffer flood damage above £10,000 receive a contribution from NFU Mutual to implement repairs which will protect the property from future flooding.
“According to NFU Mutual claims data, the average damage to a home caused by floods in 2022 was £20,706. A flood resilient home, using things like non-return valves, tiling, and resilient materials on lower floors can massively reduce this bill, and many resilient repairs will cost no more than like-for-like repairs.
“With more insurers also now offering flood resilient repairs under the Government-backed Build Back Better scheme, it is worth checking if you can access extra help if you suffer a flood.”
NFU Mutual flood advice
NFU Mutual’s flood preparedness checklist:
Check if your property is at risk of flooding on the Government website.
Sign up for flood alerts on the Government website – these can be sent by text, email or delivered by phone call.
Put a flood plan in place, including:
Moving valuables – including electric items – to a safe space
Thinking about vulnerable members of your household and neighbours
Noting down useful numbers like gas and electricity suppliers, the National Grid, local council and insurer
Ensuring you know how to switch off your mains electricity and gas supply
Consider procuring sandbags or other flood defence systems
Prepare a flood or storm back, including:
Bottled water and snacks
Food for vulnerable household members like babies, children, and elderly relatives
Pet food
Torches with charged batteries
Mobile phone power banks and chargers
What to do if your home is flooded:
Make safety your priority. Keep your family and pets away from the flood water and move to another part of the property.
Call your insurer immediately, asking about alternative accommodation if your property is unsafe.
Contact family and friends.
If you can, switch off mains gas and electricity supplies in the affected area.
Have a pack with essential items like prescriptions, other medicines and food, paying particular attention to items like baby food.
Have a torch and charged mobile phone on hand in case of power cuts.
When it’s safe to enter the flooded area again, catalogue all damaged items for insurance claims and begin clearing and drying out the area, seeking advice from your insurance company.
Business owners should remain in contact with employees and customers.
NFU Mutual’s flood resilient repairs checklist
Flood resilient repairs are repairs carried out following flood damage which help prevent extensive damage in any subsequent flood. Some may come with additional cost, but many will cost no more than restoration. Resilient repairs to ask your loss adjuster or insurer about include:
Raising electrical sockets and white goods away from floor level.
Replacing flooring with waterproof tiling and grout.
Waterproof paint.
Installing flood-resistant, self-sealing air bricks.
Fitting non-return valves to drains to prevent backflow flooding.
Replacing doors with waterproof doors to prevent floodwater spreading.
Fitting flood barriers to doors or air brick covers.
Permeable paving or driveways.
Inflatable toilet pan seals or bungs to prevent backflow.
uPVC skirting boards and kitchen units.
Removable doors.
Basement tanking or pump systems (integrated or portable).
UK Government to redirect vast HS2 savings into unprecedented transport investment across the country, benefiting more people, in more places, more quickly.
Scotland to benefit from funding to enable better links between the Cairnryan ferry terminals serving Northern Ireland and South West Scotland.
A total of £36 billion in savings from HS2 will be reinvested in hundreds of transport projects across the UK.
Network North will build better connectivity across the North and Midlands, with faster journey times, increased capacity, and more frequent, reliable services, according to the Westminster government.
And connections will also be strengthened across the United Kingdom, following recommendations made in the Union Connectivity Review.
Scotland will benefit from funding to solve the pinch points on the A75 between Gretna and Stranraer, providing better links between the Cairnryan ferry terminals serving Northern Ireland and southwest Scotland – recognising the importance of east-west connectivity within the UK.
The move comes alongside further investment in the connections with the M6 and Cumbria, and the A77 towards Glasgow.
Successive governments have promised it, but we ( the UK Government) are delivering long-awaited upgrades to the A1 coastal route between Newcastle and Berwick-upon-Tweed, improving the route to Edinburgh and strengthening transport links between Scotland and England.
We will continue to work with the Scottish Government to deliver the benefits of this investment package and improve connectivity across the country.
TUC slams Conservatives’ decision to axe northern leg of HS2 as a “huge act of levelling down”
Commenting on the prime minister’s speech to Conservative Party Conference, TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “The Tories have broken Britain. Today the Prime Minister confirmed what everybody already knew – he has neither a plan or vision for fixing it.
“Whether it’s failing to deliver HS2, presiding over the longest pay squeeze in modern history or record hospital waiting lists – the Conservatives’ record in government has been dire.
“We urgently need political change. The country cannot afford the Tories for one day longer. It’s time for a general election.”
Commenting on the decision to axe the northern leg of HS2, Paul said: “This a huge act of levelling down – however Rishi Sunak tries to spin it.
“The northern leg of HS2 would have created thousands of good jobs and boosted growth across the North and the Midlands.
“But these economic benefits have been squandered by the Conservatives’ gross incompetence. This failure is on them and them alone.
“The public will be rightly sceptical about more promises on transport investment for the north and the Midlands. Who can trust the Tories to deliver on anything?”
