Electric coach operator set to create dozens of new jobs in Paisley
The Edinburgh-based company, an electric coach operator, will use the site as a base for charging its vehicles and expects it to support approximately 60 new jobs, including driving roles, hub support and operational staff.
An operational statement submitted with the application explained: 'Ember, the UK's first 100% electric coach operator, based in Edinburgh, plans to establish a new hub at West March Road, Paisley, to be used as a base for charging its vehicles.
'This hub will allow Ember to establish new long-distance bus services from Glasgow Airport and Glasgow, for example, to Aberdeen, Inverness and Edinburgh.'
It continued: 'Once fully operational, Ember anticipates that this site will support approximately 60 new jobs.
'This includes driving roles as well as hub support and operational staff. All roles will pay well above the real living wage.
'The proposed site is a brownfield site close to Junction 29 of the M8.
'The location has been chosen due to its proximity to Glasgow Airport and Paisley, both attractive passenger destinations.'
Ember will primarily use the site for parking and charging buses and there will be a total of 18 parking bays, including space for up to 11 buses to charge simultaneously.
During the day, an average of two to four buses are likely to be charging at any one time, with all bays only occupied overnight.
The company also intends to add staff parking, a welfare unit for driver breaks and a gantry bus wash to make sure its fleet can be cleaned frequently.
The nearest residential properties, which are found at St James Avenue, are located in excess of 200 metres to the southeast of the site.
A report of handling by the council's chief planning officer said: 'Given the nature and scale of the proposed development, it is considered that it would be compatible with the surrounding area without detriment to amenity.'
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scotsman
15 minutes ago
- Scotsman
Scottish vanilla growers set to 'disrupt' global supply chain
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... For anyone that enjoys home baking as much as I do, the advancement and availability in vanilla - from small plastic bottles of synthetic flavouring to thin tubes of pods - has been a welcome addition to the kitchen cupboard. But this classic flavouring, which comes from specific orchids, has always been imported from far flung lands. Until now. Aberdeenshire-based Vanilla Farms, founded by Gillian and Joe Lane, have commenced production of the first batch of Scottish vanilla, meaning they are leading the way in sustainable, science-led vanilla production. The firm recently secured the top prize of £150,000 at Scottish EDGE Round 25, backed by Scottish Enterprise, in recognition of its potential to transform the natural flavour industry. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad While the north east of Scotland is known for its soft fruits and farming , you wouldn't think this would be the place for growing vanilla. But it is this heritage that makes it the ideal spot, said Mrs Lane, who explained that it all sprang from ice cream. She said: 'The idea for the business came almost five years ago, when we realised how difficult it was for brands to secure high quality, consistent vanilla. Joe was working as an operations director at a leading ice cream company at the time, and vanilla was a constant supply chain challenge. Vanilla Farms vanilla pods | contributed 'It's one of the highest value crops in the world, and yet the market is opaque and volatile. We saw an opportunity to create something much better – not just from a sourcing perspective, but in how vanilla is grown, cured and presented. 'Scotland might seem like an unlikely place to grow vanilla, but we're actually leveraging its precision agriculture expertise and world-class flavour innovation support to transform what vanilla can be – from source to final flavour.' 'Vanilla is typically associated with tropical regions like Madagascar and Mexico. But what people don't often realise is that the vanilla orchid is a highly sensitive plant, and it thrives under very specific conditions – the kind we can replicate through advanced, total-controlled indoor farming. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We've been growing vanilla planifolia orchids for four years here in Scotland and are currently in the final R&D phase of growing vanilla using proprietary systems that recreate the perfect environment for these plants. 'We want to make sure our operations are energy efficient, scalable and year-round. Our goal is to introduce homegrown Scottish vanilla to the world – a world first – and this location actually gives us the ability to control and optimise every element of the growth and curing process with extraordinary precision.' For those keen to try this Scottish vanilla, the first batch is currently curing and will be available within a matter of weeks. Mrs Lane explained who the company would be supplying: 'We're focused on high-end culinary, fragrance, and cosmetic markets – customers who truly care about quality, traceability, and flavour. This includes chefs, artisan producers, and formulators in beauty and wellness who want to showcase vanilla as a primary ingredient, not just a background note. 'Our batch-led model will also enable consumers to trace each bean back to its origin – whether that's Uganda, Indonesia, or eventually our own farm here in Scotland – and understand the story behind its flavour.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The company's 'disruptive model' incorporates ethical sourcing and proprietary technology to deliver consistently high-quality, sustainable vanilla. They are setting out to upend the global supply chain by flipping the supply chain model, which Mrs Lane explained, saying: 'Vanilla production has changed very little in the last 500 years. Much of it is still cured in the country of origin with shelf life as the priority, which often compromises flavour. We've flipped that model on its head by bringing the curing process to Scotland and starting with the end user in mind: what do top chefs want? What do luxury fragrance and beauty brands need? 'Our scientific curing approach allows us to lock in more moisture and preserve a greater complexity of flavour. Every bean is cured in our purpose-built facility, then batch-labelled, numbered, and paired with tasting notes– much like single origin chocolate or fine wine. 'We work directly with growers in Uganda, Indonesia, Mexico, and beyond, forming ethical, regenerative partnerships. By taking the delicate curing process into our own hands in Scotland, we help farmers focus on cultivation reducing supply chain complexity. We are not in this for short term gains – our partnerships with farmers will allow them to do what they do best and is a lifetime opportunity for them to develop meaningful and consistent supply chains with Scotland. Our small-holder farmer partnerships enable us to bring in fresh vanilla here every week due to the diversity of our supply chain across equatorial regions. 'Vanilla Planifolia is an 'at risk' plant – our business will also protect this high value crop for the future, creating benefits for everyone in the vanilla industry worldwide.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad L-R Kevin Walls, Gillian Lane, Gillian Martin MSP, Joe Lane | contributed As for what it tastes like? Forget the little bottle of synthetic flavouring, or even the overly perfumed sweet gel-like paste. Mrs Lane likens their vanilla to whisky, it's something worth waiting for. She said: 'That it's unlike anything they've had before. Most vanilla is a commodity, either over-processed or synthetic and robbed of its full flavour potential. Natural vanilla incorporates more than 250 flavour compounds and we're bringing them back to life. 'Our vanilla is rich in aroma, layered in flavour, and tells the story of where it came from. Every batch is cured with scientific precision, allowing its unique terroir to shine– whether that's from the volcanic soils of Indonesia or our own R&D facility here in Scotland. And like expertly matured single malt Scotch whisky, we will only release each batch when the flavour is extraordinary. 'We want people to experience vanilla in its purest form - not as a background note, but as a true hero ingredient. 'Scotland has a legacy of world-class ingredients and craft, from whisky to salmon. We want vanilla to be part of that story. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'For us, being a high-impact business means reimagining how one of the world's most cherished ingredients is grown, cured, and celebrated – while creating fairer, more regenerative supply chains and bringing advanced agricultural innovation to Scotland.
Scotsman
15 minutes ago
- Scotsman
Union demands SNP and UK ministers act over Cesscon Decom energy firm collapse and 'decimated' industries
Sign up to our Politics newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Union bosses have warned Scotland's two governments the impending closure of a key oil and gas decommissioning firm is proof plans for a just transition for energy workers are falling flat without jobs being 'decimated with no viable alternatives'. The GMB union has branded Livingston-based Cesscon Decom closing its doors as 'a worst-of-all-worlds outcome'. Jobs are poised to be lost, with staff potentially unable to obtain Universal Credit. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Cesscon Decom has told staff it faced ceasing trading | Contributed The Scotsman reported the chief executive of Cesscon, Lee Hanlon, emailed staff to tell them the company, which dismantles and recycles defunct offshore infrastructure, faces going into liquidation, with around 20 staff at risk of losing their jobs. It has now emerged the decommissioning firm is subject to a wind-up petition at Livingston Sheriff Court. Louise Gilmour, secretary of GMB Scotland, has penned a letter to SNP Deputy First Minister Kate Forbes and Scottish Secretary Ian Murray, warning about the situation at Cesscon and the wider just transition. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In her letter, seen by The Scotsman, Ms Gilmour has cautioned the two governments 'the current status of Cesscon Decom Ltd needs to be investigated and clarified', as well as 'the use of public money given how much has been invested'. 'Our members have not received any wages since May,' she wrote. 'The firm has also not made payments into the pension funds since November 2023 despite making deductions to our members' payslips up to June 2025. 'Thousands are owed to our members who are being left in the lurch by Mr Hanlon.' GMB Scotland secretary Louise Gilmour. Picture: Andrew Cawley Ms Gilmour stressed that 'as a result of not being formally made redundant', workers are also 'unable to claim Universal Credit putting them into hardship'. She has called for 'urgent assistance' in obtaining social security for the workers involved. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad In May, a warning was issued that the oil and gas sector was 'sleepwalking into an unjust transition'. A report from the Just Transition Commission highlighted "urgent and ambitious action, investment and government leadership" was needed. Ms Gilmour said: 'It is just months since the fabrication yard at Methil was saved after the promises of a 'just transition' failed to materialise yet again. 'Millions of pounds of public funds have been put into Cesscon and developing the Methil site. It was heralded as a key component in the 'just transition'. Its closure is becoming an all too typical part of the story in Scotland's 'just transition'.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad She added: 'North Sea jobs are being decimated, with no viable alternatives in renewable energy, whilst even jobs in decommissioning are being lost. This is a worst-of-all-worlds outcome. 'The site at Methil is fit for purpose. We have rigs that need to be decommissioned, and more importantly, it has a workforce ready and able. There is no reason why decommissioning work cannot continue at the site. However, it will require political leaders to urgently broker a deal for the lease of the site and further contracts.' A Scottish Government spokesperson said: 'Funding to regenerate a derelict site into an industrial unit was provided to Fife Council. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'The council has indicated that the land, which is owned by Scottish Enterprise, was leased to Cesscon Decom on commercial terms and that the improvements made to the site remain in place and continue to represent a valuable asset for future use by other operators at the Energy Park in Methil." A UK government spokesperson said: "We understand this will be a deeply concerning time for the workers and their families. The UK government worked at pace to retain Harland & Wolff at the Methil site and will continue to work on delivering a fair and prosperous transition in our energy sector."
Daily Mirror
2 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Teeth whitening solution so 'effective' shoppers of all ages love it is 30% off
MySweetSmile, one of the UK's top teeth whitening brands - are offering deals and discounts on their products for a limited time only Keeping your oral health in check is pretty crucial for maintaining a sparkling smile with healthy gums and fresh breath. However, like anything else, looking for top quality dental products can quickly become costly and with a plethora of options available, consumers can find it challenging to determine which products are truly worth their cost. MySweetSmile is one of the few brands that comes highly recommended - bagging awards and touted as the UK's top teeth whitening brand. Now, they're marking five years of business by offering a host of deals to say thanks to their customers - both new and existing. To kick things off, they're offering 30% off all products, including a complimentary mystery flavour toothpaste - either mint, strawberry or mango for customers. Alongside the toothpaste, shoppers can also take note of the brand's buy two get one free deal on all products and free two-day delivery on orders over £20 for UK-based shoppers. Lisa Snowdon loves this hair serum that's 'must have for hair loss' and hails 'crazy' results 'I lost 4 stone in a year but still eat takeaways by changing just two things' No codes are required as all offers are automatically applied at checkout and the offers are available site-wide from July 31 to August 7th. Customers can select from options such as the Teeth Whitening Powder, now priced at £20.99, down from £29.99. This product is touted as being clinically proven and dentist-approved, capable of lifting deep-set stains and preventing new ones from forming without resorting to harsh peroxides, causing sensitivity or damaging enamel. To celebrate their fifth year, MySweetSmile have a range of deals £29.99 £20.99 MySweetSmile Buy here Product Description The Teeth Whitening Strips are also available for £20.99, reduced from £29.99, offering easy-to-use, non-slip strips that deliver quick results without harming enamel, reports the Manchester Evening News. The Precision Teeth Whitening Pen has also been reduced by the brand's 30% discount. Its fine brush tip allows customers to apply the formula precisely where needed. Plus, it doesn't use any peroxide, meaning there should be no sensitivity caused to teeth. For customers with damaged or sensitive enamel, the Enamel Care Serum could be an ideal choice. It targets the root cause of sensitivity by repairing and strengthening the enamel. For optimal results, customers simply follow their regular night-time brushing routine before applying the serum, dispense two to three pumps onto their toothbrush, brush for two minutes and spit out any excess. Sensitive gums are a widespread concern, but now there's a solution with the Gum Serum from MySweetSmile, infused with hyaluronic acid for hydration, soothing inflammation and fortifying gum tissue. It's recommended to use after your usual toothbrushing routine, by applying two pumps onto the tongue and then spreading it across the gums before allowing it to work its magic for two minutes. Not all products suit everyone, and if this isn't the right fit, there are other options available. Take the Rapid White - Blue Light Tooth Whitening System, retailing at £23.33 from Boots, which promises to lighten teeth up to five shades in just two weeks and is designed with sensitive teeth in mind, being peroxide-free. Alternatively, the Spotlight Whitening Teeth Whitening Pen, priced at £14.95 from Lookfantastic, offers an easy-to-use pen that provides professional-level whitening at home and helps reduce stains for a more radiant smile. Feedback on the MySweetSmile website has been overwhelmingly positive, with one satisfied customer, Margaret, aged 63, exclaiming about the Teeth Whitening Powder: "I always thought my yellow teeth were just part of ageing, but after just a few uses of MySweetSmile, I can't stop smiling at the mirror. My teeth feel so much cleaner and brighter-it's like I've turned back the clock on my smile!". Another user called Emily, aged 39, revealed: "I was sceptical at first, but this really works. My teeth looked dull and yellow no matter how much I brushed, but now they're sparkling clean and bright. The compliments haven't stopped, and I feel so much more confident!". Tom, 34, commented on the Teeth Whitening Strips: "I'm always running around with work and barely have time for self-care. These strips fit perfectly into my busy routine, and the results are incredible! My teeth are whiter, and I feel so much more confident." However, on Amazon, some customers held different opinions, with one buyer noting: "I have only just started using this, so I have not seen much difference yet but the powder leaves your mouth smelling fresh." A separate reviewer mentioned: "I bought this as it was recommended online. I'm not a smoker and I haven't been drinking much, I do drink coffee regularly but I equally regularly clean my teeth. There's an initial improvement but I'm not sure it's what I expected. I used it every day in the first week and only noticed the difference post brushing. Shortly after that - little difference."
