Latest news with #Inverurie
BBC News
13-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
New Inverurie abattoir plans reviewed after site closure
Plans for a new abattoir in Inverurie - to be built partly using public funds - are being reviewed after the closure of the existing facility. A total of 90 jobs were lost this week when the Scotbeef slaughterhouse in the town's North Street abruptly closed its doors. Almost half of a £4m Scottish government grant made for a new abattoir in 2018 has already been spent. However, Scotbeef said work on the project had been paused while a review was carried out into its sustainability. Scotbeef blamed this week's decision to close the North Street abattoir on what it called the sustained challenges facing the industry.A redundancy process has now started with staff. It is the latest setback for long-term plans to replace it with a state of the art new abattoir and meat processing facility close to the town's Thainstone auction mart. Housing was to be built on the North Street site, which sits in a residential area and beside a primary school. Outline planning permission for 50 homes was granted in 2023 following the expiry of an earlier 2018 the Scottish Government awarded Scotbeef £4m towards the project, almost half of which has been it is not known when, or even if, work will resume. 'Challenging market' A spokesperson for Scotbeef said: "Work on the Thainstone site is currently paused as we undertake a review of the project's long-term viability in light of increasingly challenging market conditions."Of the £4m Scottish government grant awarded in 2018, £1.96m has been drawn down. "This money was spent acquiring the site for the proposed abattoir facility and for early-stage preparatory work."At this stage, no final decision on the future of the project has been taken."The Scottish government, when asked if it was considering trying to recoup the grant, said there had been "no recent discussions" with the company. "We will consider the options available over the grant funding once the company's intentions for the site are known," it said in a statement. It added that its immediate concern was with the affected staff.
Press and Journal
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Highland League digest: Inverurie Locos captain reveals injury has ruled him out for new season - plus news from Lossiemouth, Deveronvale, Rothes and Huntly
Greg Mitchell has revealed he will miss the whole of the 2025-26 season due to a knee injury – but the Inverurie Locos captain is determined to bounce back stronger. The defender ruptured the anterior cruciate ligament and tore the meniscus in his left knee playing for the Railwaymen against Rothes on March 1. Following surgery on May 26, Mitchell has been told he will miss all of the new campaign, which is also set to be his testimonial season. The 29-year-old, who joined Inverurie 12 years ago, said: 'The operation went well and the surgeon was happy with how it went, so the recovery has started. 'It's the first long-term injury I've had, but I'm not going to let it put me down and I'm going to come back. 'When you hear ACL initially you think the worst, but it just makes me more determined to get back playing. 'I understand it will take 10 to 12 months to get back, but I'll do the rehab properly and get myself back. 'I've never had any thoughts about stopping playing because of this, it's just made me more determined to come back fitter and stronger. 'I love Locos and I enjoy playing for the club, so I'm determined to come back.' Skipper Mitchell admits he's disappointed he will miss next season, particularly because of the progress made by Inverurie in the last couple of years. In 2024, they won the Evening Express Aberdeenshire Cup to secure their first silverware since 2016, while last term the Garioch outfit finished fourth in the Breedon Highland League – their highest position in a completed season since 2018. Mitchell added: 'The last couple of seasons have been good with the progress we've made. The club is going in the right direction and I want to be part of that. 'It's frustrating to be missing the new season because I think it's going to be a very exciting season for the club. 'I won't be playing, but I'll still try to contribute in some way, even if it's just encouraging the boys or offering advice here and there.' Mitchell, who works as an account manager for John Bell Pipeline, says the support network he has around him is also giving him the drive to get back playing. He said: 'My partner Taylor, my family, my team-mates and the people at the club have all been first-class. 'Taylor's having to do all the running about for me, so she's got plenty to put up with! 'Everyone's been great, I've had team-mates coming round to see me, I've got a good support network around me and I'm determined to come back. 'I also need mention my work because they've been brilliant. It's 12 years since I joined John Bell Pipeline and they've been really supportive from the start. 'When I first got injured I was off for a wee while and then I was off for a couple of weeks after the operation and only returned to working from home on Tuesday. 'When your employer supports you in that way, it means a lot.' Lossiemouth manager Steve Porter is confident new signing Ethan Blanchard can handle the step up to the Breedon Highland League. After a quiet close season at Grant Park, the Coasters have made their first addition by securing the 21-year-old on a two-year contract from Deveronside, who he helped to Elginshire Cup glory last season. Blanchard can play at right-back or on the right of midfield, and boss Porter said: 'I first coached Ethan at Elgin when he was 11 or 12 and I coached him for a few years. 'He's played junior with Deveronside and I've kept in touch with him and I watched him a few times this year and he's done really well. 'With Owen Paterson being away in Australia, we needed a right-back and I think Ethan fits the bill really well, but he can play as a right winger as well. 'He's quick and technically he's very good. I don't think there's any question in terms of Ethan's ability, it's just about him gaining experience at this level as he steps up. 'It's just a case of him getting up to speed in the Highland League, but he's buzzing about the challenge so that's good.' This summer Lossie have lost a number of players. Ross Morrison and Ross Paterson have joined Buckie Thistle, Owen Paterson has moved to Australia, while Niall Kennedy and Baylee Campbell have switched to junior outfit Lossiemouth United. However, Porter is hopeful he'll be able to bring in more new faces. He added: 'At Lossie, if we see a young player with potential, or there's somebody in the juniors doing well who hasn't had the opportunity in the Highland League before, we'll give them a chance. 'The reality is we're not in a position to go and sign players and pay the fees some clubs may pay, so we try to find players that can develop with us and do well for us. 'We'd like to bring in a few more boys. It's not easy, but we'll keep trying and the board are working hard to support me and to try to move the club forward as well. 'I think Ethan will do well for us. The likes of Ryan Matheson and Shaun Cameron came in from the juniors last season and did well so hopefully Ethan can do the same. 'With the guys we've lost it's just been circumstances really – as much as I would have liked to have kept them, it's the way it goes. 'I can understand why Ross Morrison and Ross Paterson wished to take on a new challenge. 'Owen has moved to Australia, Niall's move is work related and Baylee doesn't feel like he's ready to play Highland League yet after his knee injury (sustained in July 2023).' Chairman Aaron Lorimer is hoping Deveronvale can keep progressing after their management team signed contract extensions. Manager Garry Wood and coaches Grant Noble, Graeme Watt, Scott Bridgewater and Wayne Urquhart are all now committed to the Banffers until the summer of 2027. Wood was appointed as Vale boss in May 2024 and led them to an 11th-placed finish in the Breedon Highland League in the 2024-25 season. Lorimer, who became chairman at Princess Royal Park last year, is optimistic that they can continue making strides up the table in the coming years. He said: 'It's great news for Deveronvale that the management team are all signed up for the next couple of years. 'Under the current management team we've made exceptional progress. 'We went from being 16th in 2024 to 11th this year, which we were really pleased with. 'Hopefully we can progress again and keep making gradual improvements in the next few years. 'We've got a young squad and we believe the players have got a lot of potential to continue improving in the years ahead. 'There's a good buzz around the club again, the crowds improved last season and the hospitality is as busy as it's ever been so there are good signs on and off the pitch. 'I've really enjoyed being chairman during the last year and myself and the board are keen to keep trying to move the club forward.' Rothes defender Brodie Mitchell has committed his future to the club by signing a new contract until the summer of 2027. The 18-year-old joined the Speysiders last August from Elgin City and made 27 appearances during the 2024-25 campaign. Mitchell follows Jake Thomson, Owen Alexander and Matthew McConachie in signing extensions this summer as manager Ronnie Sharp gears up for next term. Elsewhere, Adam Morris has left Huntly to relocate to Liverpool. The 21-year-old midfielder hails from Merseyside, but arrived in the Breedon Highland League in December 2021 when he signed for Fort William under Shadab Iftikhar. In the summer of 2022, Morris joined Huntly. He moved south again after a year, before returning to Christie Park in May 2024. Black and Golds boss Colin Charlesworth said: 'Adam has been an enjoyable player to work with. His attitude in training is unmatched and his commitment to the club can't be questioned. 'He's been ever present this season. 'After suffering a nasty leg break the year before signing with us, this season was always going to be a bit of a rebuild for him leading into the next one. 'Unfortunately things outwith Adam's control have meant he will need to head back to Liverpool. 'He'll be a loss around the playing squad for us, however, we fully understand his position and thank him for his time with us.'
BBC News
11-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Up to 90 jobs lost at Aberdeenshire abattoir
Up to 90 jobs have been lost following the closure of an Aberdeenshire Scotbeef site in Inverurie closed its doors on Wednesday with all staff being made company said an operational review concluded the closure was necessary to protect the long-term future of the business amid industry challenges.A spokesperson said a redundancy process is now under way with staff, and that all affected employees will be supported throughout the period. A spokesperson for Scotbeef Inverurie said: "Despite our best efforts to address the sustained challenges within the UK meat and beef industry over the past 18 months, we have unfortunately taken the difficult decision to close our Inverurie site."Decisions such as these are never easy, and we understand that there will be a significant impact on our staff, many of whom have shown loyalty and commitment to the business over many years."Scotbeef has two other Scottish sites, one in East Kilbride and the other in Annan, as well as three sites in family-owned business was founded in 1920 and supplies Beef and Lamb to UK retailers. It claims to be the first company to bring the Aberdeen Angus brand to the retail market in 1993.
Press and Journal
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Press and Journal
Gallery: The best images as 1,750 runners take part in Run Garioch
John Lenehan proved the man for the big occasion as he celebrated a fourth 10km win at Run Garioch. The 40-year-old Irishman, representing Edinburgh AC, is no stranger to Run Garioch, having won the first two editions of the event and the 10th anniversary race in 2015. In hot conditions Lenehan was first home in a time of 32min 33sec, 10 seconds ahead of last year's winner Aaron Odentz, with Fraser Mackenzie third in 33:41. He said: 'It's nice to come back and win it for a fourth time today. It was tough out there in the heat but it's an honest course. 'Aaron ran a really good race and could have made it easy on himself by tucking in behind but credit to him, he ran side by side to the very end. 'I never felt comfortable so to come out on top in the end has made it a great day for me.' Lenehan was quick to praise the organisers for helping grow Run Garioch into an event which attracted more than 1,700 runners on Sunday. He said: 'It's been fantastic to be back and it's awesome to see how much the event has grown. 'Every year it seems to get better and when I look around and see the events for the kids and the big field taking part it's brilliant. 'I'm here with my cousin and his three-year-old and they've had a brilliant time. It's a great showcase for Inverurie and Aberdeenshire in general.' Louise Mckenzie made it back-to-back titles in the women's event after retaining her title in a time of 37:32. Nikki Kidd was second in 38:13 while 2022 winner Nicola MacDonald (Metro Aberdeen) was third in 38:26. Mckenzie was delighted to better her time of 41:07 a year ago as she retained her title in style. She said: 'It was really hot again but I was able to run a lot faster this year so I'm really pleased with that. 'I had to do that as I was up against a really tough field. They're really nice girls but I knew I had to get round quick against them. 'I went out fast at the start and hoped I'd hang on, and I've managed to do that, so I'm delighted. 'I've had a great year with a few PBs everywhere. Two years ago I was getting injured a lot but I feel as if I've had a good clear run on that front this year so hopefully it continues.' Aaron Cardno enjoyed a happy homecoming as he won the half marathon title for the first time. The 18-year-old from Inverurie is studying in Edinburgh and was understandably delighted to return and win his home event. Cardno was first home in 1hr 14min 56sec with Scott Melville of Metro Aberdeen second in 1:17:19 while Insch Trail Running Club's Jonathan Gamble was third in 1:19:05. Cardno joked: 'Whoever designed the course is a psychopath. It's a challenge for anyone. 'I've done parts of the course before, including the big hill which is just the worst, but I've never ran the full course, so to do it and win is brilliant. 'I'm Inverurie born and bred and it feels like this is an event everyone comes out for. 'I'm away in Edinburgh for university this year which is why it feels so special to come back. I feel like I'll have to come back now I've won.' Women's half marathon winner Chelsea Cook was equally pleased to mark her first running in Run Garioch in style. Cook was first home in 1:28:55 with Jessica Cairns second 1:30:49 and Kerry Berry of Jog Scotland Kintore third home in 1:34:04. Orkney AC's Cook, who was second in the Run Balmoral Devil of Deeside Challenge two weeks ago, said: 'It was brilliant. The weather was amazing, there was plenty along the course which meant it wasn't too hot. 'It's my first run at Garioch but I'll definitely be back. 'It's been a funny year as I actually broke my toe last year when I was training for the Inverness half marathon. 'I've been on a bit of a comeback since then and feel as if I've only really come into form in the last month or two. 'I feel like it's been long awaited but I've worked really hard and it's finally starting to pay off now. 'I've got a few races this summer including the Stonehaven half marathon which is quite similar to this one in terms of the undulating nature of the course, so this has been great preparation for that.' In the 5km, Harris Pagett was relieved his early error did not prove costly as he pipped defending champion Aaron Odentz to the title. The Unsanctioned Athletics runner's time of 15:38 was enough to finish seven seconds clear of Odentz while half marathon winner Cardno was third in 15:53. Pagett said: 'It was brutal out there as I took a wee wrong turn and said to myself 'all right, let's go.' 'It was way too early as I still had 4k to go at that point so the timing was not great and I had to burn it up all the way. 'Thankfully I felt Aaron drop off behind me which helped me relax a little. 'I work for Run4it and I won a ballot for a free entry so I'm here by complete chance, but it's been great.' In the women's event, 12-year-old Millie Glass Park of Young Meldrum Runners showed why the age limit for the race has been reduced to allow 12-year-olds to enter as she claimed the 5km title in18:27. Moira Davie of Forres Harriers was runner-up in 18:39 with Glass Park's clubmate Ava Smith coming home third in 18:41. Glass Park said: 'This was my first year and it is a decent time for me so I'm happy. 'It was pretty hot out there and after the hills I was feeling pretty tired but I was able to finish strongly.'
Press and Journal
25-04-2025
- Automotive
- Press and Journal
'Pure frustration' leads to Aberdeenshire pothole being filled by member of the public
An Oldmeldrum pothole got so big that a member of the public filled it in himself out of 'pure frustration'. Located on Commercial Road in the Aberdeenshire town, Mid-Formartine councillor Derek Ritchie told The P&J that it is 'causing much concern locally'. Despite the good Samaritan fixing the pothole himself with sand, it was only a temporary fix. The problem has risen its ugly head again. Councillor Ritchie said he was told it would take a year to fix. Aberdeenshire Council confirmed that delays were due to Commercial Road being classified as a 'C' road. These are roads intended for local traffic, as well as being low-speed and on a well-lit section. This puts it down the priority list in the 'scoring mechanism' for improvements. An Aberdeenshire Council spokesman said: 'We apply a consistent scoring methodology to assess defects across all the network which includes on high speed and high usage sections of the network, which are mainly our A and B class roads. 'We need to prioritise our timescales for repair to deploy our crews to the most safety-critical road surface defects that are across our whole 3,500-mile road network.'' The spokesman added: 'Our roads team are aware of a lot of current and emerging issues with the condition of the region's road network. 'As well as the system of roads inspections we routinely operate, members of the public continue to play an important role in alerting us to defects.' Read more: 'Bonjour Inverurie': Garioch town twinning to be saved but will be 'more of an online thing'
