Latest news with #SteveTimoney
Times
15-07-2025
- Business
- Times
Parents' anger as multimillionaire owners of luxury hotel close nursery
The multimillionaire owners of a five-star Scottish hotel are at the centre of a row after axing the much-loved children's nursery in their 14-acre grounds. Crossbasket Nursery School in the grounds of Crossbasket Castle estate in High Blantyre, Lanarkshire, is closing — leaving parents scrambling to find alternative childcare. About thirty jobs are also under threat. The estate is owned by husband and wife Steve and Alison Timoney, who have a combined net worth estimated at anywhere between £60 million and £100 million. They bought the A-listed derelict property in 2011 before developing it into one of Scotland's leading luxury hotel and event venues. Creating a nursery formed part of the original planning consent for redevelopment plans for the 17th-century building. • 'We will build a sport that is second only to football in Scotland' The popular nursery, which caters for more than 100 children, boasts a 'culinary-designed kitchen and highly trained chef' who provides fresh healthy meals and snacks. Amid an angry backlash from parents and local MSPs, the owners have granted a stay of reprieve until October. The 'devastating' news for parents comes just months after Crossbasket Castle opened a lavish new 40-bedroom hotel within the 'grand estate' after a £20 million expansion opened in March. • Crossbasket Castle review: where the 17th century meets the Roaring Twenties It also boasts a 'brand new entertainment-led dining experience' overseen by chef Michel Roux Jr, who owned the 2-Michelin-starred restaurant Le Gavroche in London. Crossbasket is also poised to open its deluxe Four Angels spa this autumn alongside two new eco-cottages. Collette Stevenson, the East Kilbride MSP, said on Tuesday she was 'deeply concerned by the closure' for parents and their children, as well as for the staff due to lose their jobs. She said: 'The closure of Crossbasket nursery has left families shocked, anxious and scrambling for solutions. I've heard from many local parents who are rightly devastated and worried about the impact this will have on their children and their ability to work. 'I am committed to doing everything I can to support the families and push for urgent answers from South Lanarkshire council and the nursery's operators.' According to Stevenson, a public meeting on Friday was attended by worried families demanding answers. She said no one from Crossbasket Castle was able to attend as it coincided with a nursery staff meeting. Stevenson said: 'The nursery, which has served families for years, is due to close its doors leaving parents in a desperate situation with no alternative childcare arrangements in place.' Clare Haughey, the Rutherglen MSP, who has many constituents affected by the decision, says she has pressed the owners to bring in other care providers in an attempt to keep the nursery open. 'The owner has said that the decision is for 'personal reasons' but that does not alleviate the deep anxiety and stress that parents and nursery staff have experienced, especially when it looked like the closure was imminent and little information was available,' she said.'Crossbasket Nursery have advised me that they feel it is 'not appropriate' for an outside provider to take over the nursery, and that they are not seeking one themselves. 'I am really disappointed they have not taken a more proactive approach in this regard — leaving other providers, some of which have contacted me to advise they have spaces, and the council to pick up the pieces with families.'It is welcome news that the nursery will remain open until at least October, which will provide some degree of comfort to families still seeking alternative placements, but the news still comes as an unexpected and devastating blow to staff.' Worried parents and carers have described the closure as a 'devastating blow'. Accounts filed at Companies House show that Lochlane Investments Ltd — in which Mr S Timoney is the ultimate controlling party — made a 'management charge of £176,667 in 2024 and £265,000 in 2023 in relation to Crossbasket Nursery'. Crossbasket Castle said in a statement: 'Due to serious health concerns, the owner of Crossbasket Nursery has been forced to step back from her role and, as a result, the nursery has entered into a consultation period on potential closure. 'We understand how potentially disruptive this could be for children, parents and staff and have undertaken to ensure that the nursery will remain open until at least October, to allow parents to make alternative arrangements.'
The Herald Scotland
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald Scotland
Does Crossbasket Castle's new restaurant live up to the hype?
At a polished marble bar with high curved mirrors, smart-suited bartenders mix cocktails. Languorous live jazz plays and candles flicker on low tables where glammed-up couples sip champagne. Trocadero's takes its name, inspiration (and even the font) from a legendary local dance hall, nicknamed 'The Troc', which was the place to be in Hamilton in the 1950s. On opening, former performers and regulars, some now in their 90s, were invited to experience the new iteration. So it's a tribute to the 1950s, with a 1920s jazz era speakeasy vibe. Pretty bold for Blantyre, and actually, anywhere in Scotland. I order a martini. I don't have a cigarette holder to twirl or a fringed flapper dress but I can at least match my drink to the scene unfolding. The cocktails take Roaring Twenties phrases as inspiration, including 'Cash or check', a flirtatious way to ask for a kiss, and 'It's the Berries', 1920s slang for something extraordinary. At our table we're given menus big enough to hide behind. Now, to order with restraint, say soup and a scallop to start for £12, or go wild with blow-the-budget caviar at £120? For me it's Shetland crab salad and encouraging my husband to over-order on oysters so I can pinch one. Both are simply prepared but tasty, the oysters with a shallot mignonette, the crab with a retro cocktail sauce cut through with cognac. Seventeenth-Century Crossbasket Castle has been owned by Alison and Steve Timoney since 2011, shortly after it was listed on Scotland's 'Buildings at Risk' register. An initial £10 million investment turned it into a beautiful small hotel (where I'm staying in a room bigger than my first flat). The recent £20 million expansion has created an art-deco style adjacent building, housing 40 luxury bedrooms; two new restaurants: palm-court style Foveran's and Trocadero's; and 50 new local jobs. (Image: Crossbasket Castle) Progressing to main courses and, again, pick your budget, Speyside cote de boeuf for two at £99 or an Ayrshire pork chop for £25? I had been concerned the food would be all shine and no substance but I'm pleasantly surprised. The catch of the day is a chunky charcoal-grilled fillet of sea bass, with a white wine butter sauce and samphire. The fish is sweet and tender, and the smokiness of the grill adds a welcome twist of summer barbecue. Desserts come on a trolley, the first I've seen in years, which is of course the point. Alongside tiramisu and lime mango mousse is a sweet dollop of nostalgia, even if that's nostalgia for a time before my own. Michael Roux Jnr has overseen the menus here and was behind the pass for many of the launch events, adding a little extra celebrity glitz. Though, let's be clear: nobody is here just for the food. It's all about the entertainment, which is building in pace. A solo guitarist is replaced by a jazzy three piece band, then Champagne take to the stage: 11 musicians all clad in sequins and sparkling gold jackets. There are three lead singers, a three-piece brass section, bass, drums, guitar and piano, and a lot of talent and energy as they run through jazz and Motown hits, show tunes and riffs on pop classics. (Image: Crossbasket Castle) At regular interludes (and just at weekends) dancers burst into the room, a riot of sequins and feathered headdresses with prop saxophones and highly choreographed dance routines. The performances are incredible, and it almost feels rude to keep eating while they dance. Later still there are light-up costumes; a dance floor filled with musicians, guests and dancers; and towards final orders a conga line that snakes around the restaurant (which I observe safely from the bar). Dining at Trocadero's is like nowhere I've been before. During the week it's more relaxed, still with live musicians, but not the more frenzied Friday and Saturday nights. Will the underground jazz club nights have staying power once the novelty wears off? Hard to say, but certainly tonight it's packed and people are here for a good time. The food offering is strong, the cocktails are excellent, and it's in easy reach of Glasgow and the Central Belt. I say pack your sequins, leave your inhibitions at the door and join the party! Stoneymeadow Road, East Kilbride, Glasgow, G72 9UE
Daily Record
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Caledonia Gladiators owner hails fan backing as he teases 'even bigger season' to come in 2025/26
Steve Timoney has thanked supporters in an open letter after another season of trophy success at the club Caledonia Gladiators owner Steve Timoney has thanked fans for their support in another history-making year and promised to provide a bigger and better campaign next season. The club, based at Playsport in Stewartfield, saw their women's side lift silverware in the SLB Trophy, becoming the first female side in Scotland to do so. That followed on from the men's team winning the BBL Trophy the previous season. However, the men's side did not fare as well on the court this term as they finished bottom of the league, with head coach Gareth Murray sacked early in the campaign. Changes were made to the coaching staff across the rest of the season, eventually leading to Jonny Bunyan taking the reins as the club closed out the 2024/25 season. In an open letter to fans, Timoney thanked the Gladiators faithful for their backing and teased that exciting times lie ahead next season. He said: 'We are more than just a basketball club, we are a community, and without your passion and support throughout the season, none of this would be possible. 'This season, you've shown us what true support looks like. From the roar that fills our Arena to the quiet pride of sporting Gladiators colours wherever you go, your energy has lit up every moment – from the first tip-off to the final buzzer. 'We've faced challenges, we've celebrated victories, and your loyalty has reminded us why we do what we do. 'We believe that basketball can thrive in Scotland and that we're building a club that is not just about the present but is also laying the groundwork for future generations of the community that we are growing. 'This year brought history: our women's team lifted the 2024/25 SLB Trophy – Scotland's first-ever silverware for a female basketball team. A monumental achievement, and one that signals the bright future we're building together. 'We also welcomed club legend Jonny Bunyan back to the court but this time as the men's Head Coach and it's been fantastic to watch Jonny build momentum within the team. 'As the season closes, we look ahead with excitement to continue striving to achieve our vision of building a Basketball Nation. 'We're reflecting on our successes so far as we continue on our journey of creating something special – a community within Scotland that celebrates the very best of basketball for generations to come. 'But this journey wouldn't be the same without you. So, from the entire Caledonia Gladiators family – thank you for standing with us, game after game. 'This is only the beginning. We can't wait to share what's next as we gear up for an even bigger 2025/26 season.'
