Latest news with #McCallum
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Have tourists in Scotland reached 'ceiling' for hotel rates?
The latest RSM Hotels Tracker found average daily rates of occupied rooms (ADR) in Scotland increased from £155.27 to £156.04 in May year-on-year, as operators strove to offset the rise in labour costs. This was in contrast with the wider UK ADR, which fell from £152.93 to £149.08 over the same period. However, while room rates increased in Scotland, hotel occupancy across the country decreased year-on-year from 84.4% in May 2024 to 81.9% in May 2025. That contributed to gross operating profits falling from 43.9% to 41.9%. Sale of Glasgow west end care home nets £1m for charity Scotch whisky chief pays price as global turmoil hits industry Why the case for a 'Scottish visa' just got stronger Occupancy was higher in Scotland than the UK as a whole, which saw a slight drop from 79.5% to 79.4%, contributing to a year-on-year drop in gross operating profits from 39.1% to 37% in the UK. Stuart McCallum, partner and head of consumer markets in Scotland at RSM UK, said: 'Scotland's hotels are now facing the impact of April's employer cost rises and price pressures, and profits have continued their downward trend in May, alongside the wider UK market. 'With occupancy also falling in May, there is slight concern among hoteliers around how much it can rise again in the coming months. As living costs increase, Scotland's hoteliers face the challenge of encouraging customers to hotels, and we may be reaching the ceiling in terms of what they are prepared to pay in the current economic climate. 'Scotland's international tourism may also struggle, as US tourists aren't travelling here as much as in previous years. Scotland's economy relies heavily on these tourists to spend significant sums on luxury goods, dining out and experiences. Hoteliers will need to continue investing in their facilities to attract footfall, and also consider diversifying to attract wider overseas markets, otherwise it will become more challenging to increase occupancy levels and therefore profits.' The report is compiled and produced by Hotstats and analysed by RSM UK. It also found that hotels appear to be spending more on IT systems, with a 17.6% increase in Scotland over the past three years. There was a UK-wide increase of 21% over the same period. Mr McCallum added: 'It's clear hoteliers will need to find ways to improve efficiencies to boost profits, and investment in technology is already supporting this, particularly in the budget hotel market. At the premium end of the market though, people are willing to pay high rates for a high level of personal service, and this is unlikely to change any time soon. 'There are some positives ahead too for Scotland's hotels, and with better weather as festival season approaches, international tourism could see an uptick. With recent investment into Edinburgh and Glasgow airports, both now operating under new ownership, new flights into Scotland could help to increase the marketability of Scotland, and hotels could soon see a rise in footfall as a result.'
Scotsman
2 days ago
- Science
- Scotsman
First blueberry to flourish in Scottish climate produced after ten years of hard work
More than 300 unique blueberry crosses were made to find the perfect result. 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... Scientists are celebrating after producing the first ever blueberry to flourish in Scotland's climate. The achievement has come about after ten years' research at the James Hutton Institute's breeding programme during which more than 300 unique blueberry crosses were made to find the right combination. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The result, dubbed Highland Charm, has been made from a selection of blueberries bred from the native north American species (Vaccinium corymbosum), resulting in a berry that grows well in the Scottish climate, the JHI said. The James Hutton Institute introduces the first UK-bred blueberry | James Hutton Institute Blueberry breeder, Susan McCallum, said: 'This cultivar is a real standout. It combines high yields, excellent fruit size, outstanding flavour, with a balanced sugar-acid profile and a satisfying bite, and an impressive shelf life. 'It is reliable and has performed well in our trials year after year, with consistent yield, size and taste. Growers are really excited about it.' The new berry has been successfully trialled in the UK and the EU, constantly performing well across multiple seasons and diverse conditions, the JHI said. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scotland's fertile soils, clean water, and milder summer temperatures create ideal conditions for producing high-quality berries. Cooler summers extend the ripening period of soft fruit, allowing for greater accumulation of sugars and acids, resulting in a more intense, well-balanced flavour compared to berries that ripen rapidly in hotter climates. The UK consumers buy around 60,000 tonnes of blueberries a year but 90 per cent of them are imported from overseas, according to JHI. Researchers at the centre believe the blueberry has great potential for expansion and that Highland Charm will meet the demands of the industry for home grown fruit. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad They said its climate resilience represents a significant advance for growers. Dr McCallum said she hopes the new berry will encourage consumers to buy in-season, local fruit. 'They are fresher with higher health benefits than imported berries that take six weeks to get from the field to the shelves,' she said. 'The imported fruit is often picked slightly too early and while its colour continues to develop, its flavour does not. I guarantee people will taste the difference with in-season, local fruit and will want to go back for more.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Highland Charm is currently going through the licensing process that will declare it to be a novel and unique blueberry and should be on supermarket shelves in about three years. A sister variety under development is also expected to enter the licensing process next year. Meanwhile, a supermarket has revealed that this year's warmer weather has led to the UK's biggest cherry yield in at least three years. Tesco supplier Place UK, based in Tunstead near Norwich , Norfolk , said the warm weather had led to a "wonderful crop". The supermarket has introduced larger 600g and 1kg pack sizes of the cherries, priced at £4.50 and £6 respectively. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Dan Yordanov, of Place UK, said: "It's been a really good season for us so far with the warmest spring on record helping to produce a wonderful crop of cherries - easily the best we've seen for at least three years. "This has resulted in an abundance of great tasting, perfect British cherries being picked at peak ripeness.'
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Research institute successfully breeds UK's first blueberry
Blueberry breeder, Susan McCallum, said: "This cultivar is a real standout. It combines high yields, excellent fruit size, outstanding flavour, with a balanced sugar-acid profile and a satisfying bite, and an impressive shelf life. 'It is reliable and has performed well in our trials year after year, with consistent yield, size and taste. Growers are really excited about it.' The new berry has been successfully trialled in the UK and the EU, constantly performing well across multiple seasons and diverse conditions. READ MORE: The Hutton is an internationally renowned research centre whose breeding programme supports the entire fruit supply chain from growers to marketing organisations and retailers. The soft fruit group works extensively with stakeholders to carry out research proposals to address specific and targeted needs of the sector, using marker-assisted breeding to reduce the time it takes to produce cultivars with the key traits of interest. It addresses challenges facing the industry, including improved means for pest and disease control that are in line with increasing demand for reduced pesticide use in agriculture, resistance to climate change and the rising cost of production. Scotland's fertile soils, abundant clean water, and milder summer temperatures create ideal conditions for producing high-quality berries. Cooler summers extend the ripening period of soft fruit, allowing for greater accumulation of sugars and acids, resulting in a more intense, well-balanced flavour compared to berries that ripen rapidly in hotter climates. UK consumers buy around 60,000 tonnes of blueberries a year but 90% of them are imported from overseas. Researchers at the Hutton believe blueberry has tremendous potential for expansion and that Highland Charm, will meet the demands of the industry for home grown fruit, and that its climate resilience represents a significant advance for growers. Dr McCallum hopes the new berry will encourage consumers to buy in-season, local fruit. She said: 'They are fresher with higher health benefits than imported berries that take six weeks to get from the field to the shelves. 'The imported fruit is often picked slightly too early and while its colour continues to develop, its flavour does not. I guarantee people will taste the difference with in-season, local fruit and will want to go back for more.' Highland Charm is currently going through the licensing process that will declare it to be a novel and unique blueberry and should be on our supermarket shelves in around two or three years time. A sister variety under development is also expected to enter the licensing process next year.
The National
2 days ago
- Business
- The National
First UK-bred blueberry flourishes in Scottish climate
Researchers from The James Hutton Institute have bred the berry, named Highland Charm, after 10 years' research in which more than 300 unique blueberry crosses have been made at its Invergowrie site. Each was evaluated to find a selection bred from the native north American species (Vaccinium corymbosum) that can flourish in the Scottish climate. The new berry has been successfully trialled in the UK and the EU, and researchers are now exploring how the berry fares under different growing conditions. READ MORE: 'Brilliant example of Scottish innovation': Crisp brand lands major deal with Tesco They believe the blueberry has tremendous potential for expansion in Scotland and that Highland Charm, will meet the demands of the industry for home grown fruit, and that its climate resilience represents a significant advance for growers. Blueberry breeder, Dr Susan McCallum, said: 'This cultivar is a real standout. It combines high yields, excellent fruit size, outstanding flavour, with a balanced sugar-acid profile and a satisfying bite, and an impressive shelf life. 'It is reliable and has performed well in our trials year after year, with consistent yield, size and taste. Growers are really excited about it.' The Hutton, an internationally renowned research centre, aims to address specific and targeted needs of the food production sector, using marker-assisted breeding to reduce the time it takes to produce cultivars with the key traits of interest. According to the institute, Scotland's fertile soils, abundant clean water, and milder summer temperatures create ideal conditions for producing high-quality berries. Cooler summers extend the ripening period of soft fruit, allowing for greater accumulation of sugars and acids, resulting in a more intense, well-balanced flavour compared to berries that ripen rapidly in hotter climates. UK consumers buy around 60,000 tonnes of blueberries a year but 90% of them are imported from overseas. READ MORE: Brewdog 'set to close 10 flagship bars' including in Scottish city Dr McCallum hopes the new berry will encourage consumers to buy in-season, local fruit. She said: "They are fresher with higher health benefits than imported berries that take six weeks to get from the field to the shelves. 'The imported fruit is often picked slightly too early and while its colour continues to develop, its flavour does not. I guarantee people will taste the difference with in-season, local fruit and will want to go back for more.' Highland Charm is currently going through the licensing process that will declare it to be a novel and unique blueberry and should be on our supermarket shelves in around two or three years time. A sister variety under development is also expected to enter the licensing process next year.
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
Back to Batoche wraps up successful celebration of Métis culture
Back to Batoche opened the final day of celebrations with the procession of the President's Cabin to the graveyard at the Batoche Historic Site. Back to Batoche Days are held annually to commemorate the 1885 Northwest Resistance. It has grown into one of the largest Métis cultural gatherings in Canada. Métis Nation Saskatchewan President Glen McCallum said after the procession that Métis history and the history of the Northwest Resistance is important to celebrate. 'If you take a look at the history of the Métis Nation and Batoche, this is a very interesting place. It's got rich history,' McCallum said. He said that the resistance was defeated, but the culture is still alive. '(Louis) Riel fought here and stood up for the rights of Métis, and to be able to see people gathering here from right across Canada.' According to estimates, on Sunday nearly 40,000 people attended Back to Batoche from July 17 to July 20. McCallum said the annual event helps tell the story of the Metis people. It also helps introduce Metis culture to the rest of Canada. 'That story goes out there, and it hits home to us,' he explained. 'There were people arriving just for the day. I heard about it and they said, 'We're not Metis. We're non-Indigenous. We heard about it. We're here. We're going to come back.' This has to be shared because it's for everyone.' McCalllum said working with governments has helped the Saskatchewan Métis get land back. He said there are roughly 1,900 acres across the river and on the Batoche side. 'We have the historic site working side by side,' McCallum said. 'We're getting crowded, but we're good at that because of the good story that's leaving Batoche with the people that come to visit. It's going to continue to grow.' The weekend included cultural celebrations, music, a jigging contest on Sunday, and sports like slow pitch, the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA), and a rodeo. The last day of CPCA races were cancelled due to rain. 'I look forward to the future in regards to the well-being of our Métis people and the celebration that we have here,' McCallum said. McCallum added that MN-S continues to work with the Federal and Provincial governments, industry and institutions to keep the MN-S name present. During the weekend Premier Scott Moe and other dignitaries came to the annual celebration with Moe speaking at Friday's opening ceremonies. McCallum said he had a very good meeting with Moe, and is confident the MN-S will continue to work well with the province. Going forward, McCallum expects the MN-S to sign harvesting agreements with the government. He said they are also working on health and economic development agreements. 'There are a lot of things we're going to be doing even with the First Nations in Southern Saskatchewan, (and) we have five reserves that we work with in Northern Saskatchewan,' McCallum said. He gave examples of several North Saskatchewan entities like Cameco and Dennison Mines that the MN-S is working with. 'They're all coming to hear us out and hear our story, but more importantly, sign agreements to be able to benefit from what's going on in Saskatchewan,' he said. The Procession pays tribute to those who lost their lives in the Battle of Batoche and are buried at the cemetery on the Historic Site. The Battle of Batoche was a decisive event in Métis history. The Battle of Batoche saw an alliance of First Nations and Métis people against the Canadian militia as part of the North-West Rebellion. The militia was victorious in the battle, which led to the capture of Métis leader Louis Riel, who was eventually executed. McCallum said it is important to remember that history. 'We have to remind people this is actually what happened and to be happy,' he explained. 'We can't be sad all the time. It was a sad moment, but at the same time life continues and the Métis people keep growing and the more that we grow, the more we get to participate in other areas with Metis and First Nations and non-Indigenous people. That's a beautiful thing to see.' After the procession made its way to the cemetery there was a ceremony that included people bringing their Metis sashes to be place on the gravesite. One young boy volunteered his sash which caused a large group of people to give their sashes to the memorial. The MN-S also partners with school divisions in Saskatchewan, including the Saskatchewan Rivers School Division to grow the Michif language. Saskatchewan Rivers offers the Michif language at Queen Mary and St. Louis Public School. McCallum said that MN-S has been able to tap into both Catholic and Public school divisions. 'It's through those organizations that represent schools from elementary to high school, and those are the places that we have to negotiate with, sign agreements, and support them in regards to carrying the language forward,' McCallum said. 'We need to promote it (Michif) more, (and) tell the story of how important that language is.' McCallum said his weekend was busy with interviews and sharing the Métis story. 'It is beautiful. I like people coming to see and to be able to be on the ground and ask these questions and to be able to work together as Canadians. Let's try as much as we can to be able to understand each other more, no matter where we come from, First Nations, Métis, Inuit or non-Indigenous. Let's work together and somehow come with a plan that works for everyone,' McCallum said. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. 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