Latest news with #TheCaley
The Herald Scotland
14-06-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
From ruin to renaissance: Glasgow's industrial cathedral rises again
The locomotive works of the old Caledonian Railway Company at its St Rollox depot in Springburn were known universally as 'The Caley'. Here in huge bays set within great halls stretching over vast acres, teams of skilled tradesmen built the carriages and then maintained them and repaired them to go again and again in Britain's tempestuous weathers. During its most productive pre-Second World War years and in the two decades following it, the Caley thundered to the heavy metal of 12,000 workers. For 160 years it maintained the heartbeat of the economy in this part of Glasgow: in Springburn, Possil, the Milton, Sighthill, Barmulloch and the Garngad. It kept the lights on in thousands of homes and put food on their tables. Read more Kevin McKenna We Scots occasionally like to crow about how many grand politicians and men and women of influence that our once great education system produced. Yet, it's one of the great mysteries – and tragedies – of Scotland's post-war industrial history that none of them, nor the parties and institutions they led, could lift a finger to prevent the demise of this place and Ravenscraig and the shipyards and all those other sacred grounds where generations of workers helped Britain win wars and become one of the world's richest economies. Today though, these caverns are lit up once more. Hard toil and ingenuity have returned. The Caley is doing its locomotion again: shifting trains; repairing engines; moving people. Rattling and rolling. Six years after the last of its dwindling 180-strong workforce were made jobless, skilled work is returning to these halls. It completes the first phase of a remarkable work of industrial salvation every bit as sacred as those depicted in the galleries of Florence and Rome. In 2021, two years after this citadel fell into darkness, the Scottish entrepreneur, David Moulsdale, bought the site and then refurbished it for around £10m. Those predicting some kind of themed vanity project involving ethical pop-ups and artisan tomfoolery were confounded. Mr Moulsdale, one of the UK's most successful businessmen, had other ideas rooted in a devotion to the achievements of Scotland's rich industrial past and the values that came with them. Scottish entrepreneur David Moulsdale bought the site of The Caley and refurbished it for around £10 million (Image: Colin Mearns) The skills that made Scotland the world's engineer-in-chief never really disappeared. In 2024, Mr Moulsdale went into partnership with Gibson's Engineering, a Scottish firm owned and operated by father and son Dougie and Fraser Gibson, who have a combined lifetime of respect and achievement in Europe's engineering sector. Mr Moulsdale may have taken a wee while to choose his partners, but it seems he's chosen wisely. They re-opened the Caley as a manufacturing, maintenance and repair facility specialising in the railways. A year later their proven expertise and David Moulsdale's patience paid off in spectacular fashion when Transport for London last week awarded them a prestigious, two-year contract to repair and overhaul 23 engineering wagons. It's expected to provide 40 jobs, but the longer term goal is to have these great brick and iron chambers making trains once more and making them a centre of Scottish engineering excellence and innovation a century after the last train carriages were built here. In the week when Alexander Dennis abandoned its 400-strong workforce in Falkirk, with the Scottish and UK governments sitting helplessly once more sucking their thumbs, the resurrection of The Caley may yet provide a jobs lifeline for some of them. Read more: You have to see this space and these long, stone vestibules to appreciate how big this facility is. Yesterday, I walked with the Gibsons, father and son, and Mr Moulsdale. In that reassuringly canny way in which Scots greet triumph and disaster, none of them were getting carried away by their big London award, but you could tell they were quietly buzzing. 'It's all about bringing in the right people,' says Fraser, 'that's crucial. It's essential that we do it right and don't try to grow too quickly. We're targeting a broad skillset that once made this place great, but you have to look hard and take your time to find them. We don't want to become a blip and walk before we can run.' Dougie references the farce that is Scotland's current attempts to build a single serviceable ferry. 'The builders took on a massive and complex ferry project that they simply weren't prepared for. We're building a senior team here who have worked with all of the UK's major train manufacturers. People are already knocking on our doors for jobs – we're doing interviews today – but they have to have the right skillset and the correct work ethos. We want to create longevity here.' You have to check yourself from getting too carried away when you walk these old disused work-lanes. You can barely imagine what they looked like with thousands of men building trains from the wheels up and installing upholstery and doors and then leaving at the end of their days to head for the few taverns in Springburn or round the corner on the Royston Road or Blackhill that might still remain from that time. These men, though, have big plans for the Caley. 'We want this place to be back in full operation,' says Mr Moulsdale. Transport for London is the largest transportation organisation in the UK and has the most robust suite of requirements. Your safety certification; your technical capability; your experience; your equipment: all of these are factored into their analysis when they do their due diligence before they award any contracts. 'Securing a contract with them – hopefully the first of many – I think that will stand us in good stead. It's given everyone a confidence boost that the largest and most stringent organisation in the UK have endorsed you.' 'We want this place to be back in full operation' (Image: Colin Mearns) This will surely unlock other opportunities, including several closer to home with Scotrail about to update its own rolling stock. As well as making big metal and wooden beasts that traversed the globe, Scots invented stuff that keeps you alive and makes life a little more affable: penicillin, television, the telephone. We invented the bicycle, tarmac and the rubber tyre. We can still make things go. Professor Sir Jim McDonald, past principal of Strathclyde University and an electrical engineer to trade has spoken of his delight at what he calls 'a renaissance in Scottish manufacturing and engineering' and David Moulsdale hopes to partner with Strathclyde to provide graduate engineering opportunities as well as connecting with Forth Valley College in a programme of apprenticeships. The Caley would become an academy of engineers. Trains are becoming more popular as people's awareness of the environment and clean energy grows,' says Mr Moulsdale. 'Fraser and Dougie have got great relationships with the most senior people at most of the train companies. Engineering capacity across the UK has reduced and this presents us with good opportunities. Trains will require more maintenance and meanwhile many are currently beyond their approved maintenance schedules.' The Glasgow MSP Paul Sweeney, who campaigned intensely for the Caley to be saved after the last 180 jobs went in 2019, said: 'It struck me as atrocious that so little value was placed on the skills and the knowledge built up over centuries or the impact it had on families. 'People wrote this place off as clinging to a dinosaur industry, but it never was. It's such a vast industrial asset: the only place in the UK that can carry out wheel maintenance.' Gibson Engineering will secure future work purely on the abilities and the expertise of this father and son and the backing of David Moulsdale and the people they choose to make this place to rattle and rock once more. But along the way, you'd expect to see them delivering big Scottish public projects. In 2019, the Scottish Government allowed the Caley to die by refusing even the possibility of nationalising it as a key strategic asset. It was another betrayal of Glasgow's working people and one made more unacceptable by the millions they poured into a company making a ferry years behind schedule and hundreds of millions over budget. 'We want to have the Caley working at full tilt, 24 hours,' says Dougie Gibson. 'Our aim is to grow as the work comes in. But we also now have to deliver on time and within budget.' I ask them if they could maybe start thinking about putting in for some of those ferries. You could fit a few of them in these grey, painted avenues. And a couple of jumbo jets too, come to think of it. Kevin McKenna is a Herald writer and columnist and is Scottish Feature Writer of the Year. This year is his 40th in newspapers
The Herald Scotland
10-06-2025
- Automotive
- The Herald Scotland
Engineering firm wins train contract with transport giant
Gibson's Engineering, a train manufacturer and maintenance and repair business, has sealed a major new contract with Transport for London (TfL), the largest integrated transport company in the UK. The contract is described as a significant marker of Gibson's progress since opening its new engineering facility at the world-famous St Rollox rail depot in Springburn, Glasgow. The works include stripping back and overhauling 23 long vehicle wagons. (Image: Gibson's Engineering) The works, which include stripping back and fully overhauling 23 long vehicle wagons, will take two years and create significant employment opportunities in the local area, generating 40 new jobs. St Rollox reopened as a manufacturing, maintenance and repair rail depot last year. The company is led by father and son Dougie and Fraser Gibson. The firm said they and their team are 'dedicated to delivering superior quality products that not only enhance the global transportation landscape but reduce its environmental impact'. Tom Cunnington, left, of TfL and Fraser Gibson, Gibson's Engineering managing director. (Image: Gibson's Engineering) The directors and management team, 'with a combined experience of over 300 years in rail transport engineering, have a reputation for innovation, reliability and craftsmanship'. Fraser Gibson, managing director of Gibson's Engineering, said: 'This is fantastic news for Gibson's, as well as for the wider Scottish rail industry. Since reopening St Rollox, Dougie and I have worked to restore its position as a centre for engineering excellence. This contract shows that we are well on our way to seeing The Caley thrive again, with a rapidly expanding workforce and significant new projects.' READ MORE: 'Our extensive supply chain supports growth and opportunities right across the UK, with around two thirds of our suppliers based outside London, and nearly a third of our overall spend and resulting economic benefit therefore felt outside of London. By renewing vital transport infrastructure through sustained investment, we can drive economic growth, within London as well as across the UK.' Following the closure of the depot in 2019, David Moulsdale purchased the facility in 2021 with the aim of revitalising the landmark site as a train engineering depot. Over £10 million has already been invested by Mr Moulsdale including the purchase price of the facility, refurbishment and ongoing maintenance of the buildings. Mr Moulsdale, described by the firm as a businessman and philanthropist, said: 'I was always confident in our ambition to see significant employment of engineers, coachbuilders, project managers and apprentices at St Rollox, and this new agreement with TfL shows that we are breathing new life into 'The Caley', Glasgow and the Scottish economy.' Paul Sweeney, Glasgow Labour MSP, said: 'I am delighted to see St Rollox, 'The Caley' Railway Works and its new operator Gibson's Engineering go from strength to strength. The award of this major contract from Transport for London (TfL) demonstrates that 'The Caley' has a viable future after being written off when the works closed down in 2019, after 163 years of operation. "A century ago, Glasgow's Springburn district was the world's largest centre of locomotive production, with exports from its various railway works going to all parts of the world. I have campaigned relentlessly and have supported the effort of the new owners to restore railway engineering work to 'The Caley', so it is exciting to see Gibson's Engineering revive this legendary locomotive works with this latest contract milestone. 'I know the difference it is going to make to Springburn by providing skilled jobs for our young people and reviving local pride in skilled manufacturing work. "I look forward to being as helpful as possible as they continue to pursue more contracts, hire more engineers, and build on Glasgow's illustrious pedigree as a centre of engineering excellence.'
Glasgow Times
09-06-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Major London contract gives jobs boost for Glasgow firm
Gibson's Engineering took over the historic yard in 2019 in a bid to save the railway heritage of the yard and see the industry in Springburn thrive once again. The contract with Transport for London will see workers stripping back and carrying out a complete overhaul of 23 long vehicle wagons. READ NEXT:Rachel Reeves reveals changes to Winter Fuel Payments this year The work will last two years and generate 40 new jobs at the site. Father and son duo Dougie and Fraser Gibson took on the yard with the ambition of returning it to be a major employer once again. (Image: newsquest) Fraser Gibson, managing director of Gibson's engineering, said: 'This is fantastic news for Gibson's, as well as for the wider Scottish rail industry. 'Since reopening St Rollox, Dougie and I have worked to restore its position as a centre for engineering excellence. 'This contract shows that we are well on our way to seeing The Caley thrive again, with a rapidly expanding workforce and significant new projects.' READ NEXT: Council plans Compulsory Purchase Order on flat empty for two years Tom Cunnington, TfL head of logistics and manufacturing, said: 'We're pleased that this new contract with Gibsons Engineering will utilise the St Rollox rail depot and help create new jobs for those living near Glasgow. 'Our extensive supply chain supports growth and opportunities right across the UK, with around two thirds of our suppliers based outside London, and nearly a third of our overall spend and resulting economic benefit therefore felt outside of London. 'By renewing vital transport infrastructure through sustained investment, we can drive economic growth, within London as well as across the UK.' Paul Sweeney, Glasgow Labour MSP, a long-time campaigner to save the Caley as a railway engineering facility, said the deal shoed the yard has a future. (Image: newsquest) He said: 'I am delighted to see the St. Rollox 'Caley' Railway Works and its new operator Gibson's Engineering go from strength to strength, and the award of this major contract from Transport for London demonstrates that 'The Caley' has a viable future after being written off when the works closed down in 2019, after 163 years of operation. "A century ago, Glasgow's Springburn district was the world's largest centre of locomotive production, with exports from its various railway works going all parts of the world. "I have campaigned relentlessly and have supported the effort of the new owners to restore railway engineering work to 'The Caley', so it is exciting to see Gibson's Engineering revive this legendary locomotive works with this latest contract milestone and I know the difference it going to make to Springburn by providing skilled jobs for our young people and reviving local pride in skilled manufacturing work. "I look forward to being as helpful as possible as they continue to pursue more contracts, hire more engineers, and build on Glasgow's illustrious reputation as a centre of engineering excellence.'
Scottish Sun
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
We tried new indulgent tasting menu at one of Scotland's most iconic five-star hotels
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. Scroll down to find out what we thought of the new dishes DISHING IT OUT We tried new indulgent tasting menu at one of Scotland's most iconic five-star hotels Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) IT was a roasting hot day in Glasgow, the kind of weather that tempts even the most adventurous spirits to linger in beer gardens, soaking up the rare Scottish sunshine. Yet something extraordinary beckoned us away from the lure of pints on the pavement and into the cool, sophisticated embrace of Edinburgh's iconic Caledonian Hotel. 14 Loch Fyne Crab Raviolo was one of the stunning dishes on offer as part of the tasting menu Credit: Red Brick Road 14 Award-winning chef Mark Harraway has designed a delightful tasting menu for the hotel Credit: Red Brick Road 14 We swapped pavement pints for a touch of class at The Caley (behind) Credit: Jennifer Jones Nestled at the west end of Princes Street, the Caledonian—or 'The Caley' as locals affectionately call it—is a symbol of grandeur and luxury in the beating heart of Edinburgh's city centre. Widely regarded as the grande dame of the capital, the hotel has undergone a multi-million-pound transformation, rebranding as part of Hilton's Curio Collection in June 2024. While the sun blazed over Glasgow, we set out on the train for Edinburgh to experience The Caley's debut spring tasting menu from award-winning chef Mark Greenaway at The Court. Joining me was my better half, Neil. Between us, we've developed strong opinions on the good, the bad, and the ugly of tasting menus and small plates. We liberally apply the rule: 'Do I need a bag of chips after?' as a benchmark for their success. (We once even stopped at a cheap carvery after dining at a famous—unnamed—tasting menu restaurant. Despite eight tiny courses and hundreds of pounds spent for a special birthday, we left starving. I'm still raging about that one. So, we take the balance of small plates very seriously.) A Feast for the Senses From the moment we arrived, The Court's relaxed yet refined atmosphere offered respite from the heat outside. We received a fantastic welcome from our knowledgeable servers for the evening—Ellis, Caitlin, and Oskar—who talked us through the entire process. 14 The stunning dishes are part of a collaboration with chef Mark Harraway Credit: Red Brick Road The tasting menu is priced at £65, with wine pairing available for an additional £40. Compared to the average in the capital, this is an affordable luxury offering hours to linger, enjoy the food, and savour the wines. This was where our journey through a world of taste truly began. I tried 5-star Sunday roast at hotel Taylor Swift stayed in Inspired by Scotland's abundance of seasonal produce and Chef Mark Greenaway's newest cookbook, Progression, the menu showcases a collection of local, signature flavours and bespoke experiences designed to elevate evenings in Edinburgh. Straight away, we were served a glass of crisp Laurent-Perrier champagne to accompany the pre-menu snacks. 14 There was champagne on arrival - for us lucky ones Credit: Jennifer Jones 14 Mark's Snacks added a touch of whimsy to the offerings Credit: Jennifer Jones The first round set the tone for the evening: tart and refreshing beetroot paired with wafer-thin beetroot casing, Bread Tube Duck, and lightly fried crunchy crab. Neil, the working-class Glaswegian in our duo, couldn't help but think, 'Leave it in the fryer a tad longer,' as he devoured his delicately fried crab. Yet the freshness and delicacy of the dish won him over. Even the playful bark presentation added a touch of whimsy. Not every dish was meant for everyone, though. 14 The tasting menu was perfectly matched with a wine flight Credit: Jennifer Jones As someone allergic to shellfish (I know, sob), I could only watch as Neil—our most enthusiastic diner—enjoyed the full works when the first course, Scottish Crab Raviolo, arrived with the fanfare of a smoky cloche. 'Is that caviar?' he asked. Yes, yes it was—and all of this for £65 a head. I watched on with sheer envy as he savoured the lobster paired with smoked cauliflower custard, lemon pearls, herb butter, and baby coriander. Damn. Neil's caviar added bursts of flavour to a velvety sauce. Despite my ailment, I couldn't deny the brilliance of the menu's composition - and the impressive showmanship of the presentation. 14 The first course came with a smokey cloche and delicate creamy lobster bisque Credit: Jennifer Jones 14 I was very envious of the crab raviolo Credit: Jennifer jones Mark Greenaway's use of local produce shone throughout the menu, as they prepared me a beef tartare paired with tart and vinegary ketchup as my starter alternative. Wine flights accompanied each course, delicately balanced to complement the dishes without overwhelming the senses—or leaving us overly tipsy. Cynically, I often feel wine flights are designed to dazzle and drain in equal measure, but here they were perfectly paired, enhancing rather than eclipsing the food. Without giving away too much of the mystery menu, it was a chance to sample glasses of vino I would never usually try—from a delicious French Chablis to a pale and interesting red grape Pinot Noir, and the bone-dry Bott-Geyl Pinot Gris. Fresh bread with a sticky-sweet glaze followed—perhaps a touch too sweet for my taste — but warm and comforting nonetheless. The handmade butters were the star performers here. 14 A sticky sweet bun served with fresh butters Credit: Jennifer Jones The pacing between courses was leisurely, ensuring we were never rushed nor left waiting too long. Next on the list was a "soup and sandwich'—and it was a far cry from what I'd have at home during my lunch break. Pea velouté, Paris Brest, blue cheese mousse, and maple gel delivered a spring-like freshness. The "sandwich" was a mini bagel—adorable and fun—topped with that viral 'everything but the bagel' seasoning that's all over my TikTok. 14 The soup and sandwich was fun and interesting Credit: Jennifer Jones The meal was broken up by a chilled summer vegetable garden: a savoury squash custard topped with raw vegetables. This course was more of a miss for me, as I felt myself filling up too much on carb-y vegetables with three courses still to follow. But the couple beside us were lapping it up as a standalone dish, which is also served on the à la carte menu. Cod (with lobster for Neil) was the fish course—meaty and filling. The chefs made the effort to include favourable alternatives for my (frankly unfair at this stage) shellfish allergy. Seasonal samphire, lemon, and quirky bao buns completed the dish. Can you believe there were still two more courses to go? We couldn't—there wasn't going to be any plans for Toby Carvery after this one, I tell you. Eleven-hour slow-roasted pork was next up on the pass. 14 Pork Cheek Pie, with blacken fillet and scorched sweetcorn was delicious Credit: Jennifer Jones Five wines in, we were treated to an English 'champagne'—except it can't be called that, given the rules. Apple orchard notes from the fizz mapped perfectly to the toffee apple jus—a surprising yet delightful accompaniment to perfectly cooked pork and mash. Pork cheek 'pie', blackened fillet, and scorched sweetcorn rounded off the savoury courses. By the time dessert arrived, we were stuffed in the best possible way. Could there possibly be more? 14 We finished the evening with an indulgent chocolate mouse with a glug of port The milk chocolate mousse, raspberry sorbet, and crispy vanilla wafer—to share, actually—was paired with a port and an espresso. 14 The Progression Menu was launched last month Credit: Supplied I'm glad to report there were no bags of chips—or carveries—for the train ride home back to Glasgow as we enjoyed that warm summery walk back to Haymarket, full and happy. If you're looking for a menu for a special occasion and want to dip into a bit of luxury, bookings can be made online at The Court – The Caledonian Edinburgh, Curio Collection by Hilton.
