Family sells 'respected' Scottish bus firm after 70 years

The Herald Scotland

3 days ago

McGill's Group said the acquisition of Prentice Westwood, which also operates bus routes, is part of its continued expansion in the coach travel sector.
Businessmen James and Sandy Easdale. (Image: McGill's) The firm said that the "seven-figure deal will see the respected West Lothian-based business join the portfolio of McGill's Group" companies owned by former Rangers directors, Sandy and James Easdale.
Tony Williamson, chief executive of McGill's Group, said: "We believe Prentice Westwood will play a significant role in supporting our continued growth across coach travel in central Scotland and beyond, and we look forward to welcoming our new colleagues into the business."
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Methil yard chief reveals renewables jobs hope
There is hope for a positive future. (Image: Navantia) The head of Navantia's fabrication yard at Methil in Fife has revealed hopes of at least doubling the workforce from less than 180 to between 350 and 400 within the next two or three years.
Matt Smith also highlighted a possibility that the headcount could rise as high as 600, depending on the work that comes into the yard.
Mr Smith, who has been at the Methil yard for 12-and-a-half years under various owners, highlighted 'ups and downs' over this period and described the current trajectory as 'probably the most significant up we have been on with the acquisition by Navantia this year'.
He flagged the boost to the local economy when the Methil yard was busy, as well as underlining the scale of the opportunities in the renewables sector and the site's capacity to undertake defence work.
Read Ian McConnell' exclusive interview here
Fanny By Gaslight sets re-opening date
The well-known pub is to open again. (Image: Google) One of the oldest pubs in Kilmarnock is set to re-open a year after mysteriously closing down.
Fanny By Gaslight on West George Street in the East Ayrshire town has been a public house since 1846, previously going by names including Railway Tavern, The Saddle Bar and Fifty Waistcoats.
The Victorian pub was known for its traditional feel and Friday night rock gigs, but closed suddenly in June of 2024.
It was put on the market by Iona Pub Partnership and new tenants have been found, with Fanny By Gaslight to re-open later this month.
Read Gabriel McKay's exclusive story here
AROUND THE GREENS ⛳
'That's plenty': The revival of golf at Eastwood Twelve
The course opened for play last month. (Image: Eastwood Twelve) This article appears as part of Kristy Dorsey's Around the Greens series
Play has resumed at Eastwood on the south side of Glasgow with a new 12-hole format that owners of the course say is proving popular among golfers who are short on time.