Latest news with #Wishaw
The Herald Scotland
2 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Ravenscraig steel works could become UK's biggest AI hub
Under plans put forward by Edinburgh and York based renewable energy developer Apatura a data centre with battery energy storage over 160 acres would be powered by 550 megawatts of grid connections due to come online by 2030. The company says the Ravenscraig data centre would harness Scotland's growing supply of renewables – using constrained wind and solar generation that's often wasted on windy, sunny days – helping to reduce grid congestion and lower consumer bills throughout the UK. Read More: Apatura says the development could bring an additional £1.2bn in economic benefit during construction, and support 2,399 long-term jobs. The development is earmarked for the site to the east of the Wishaw Deviation freight railway line, and the remaining vacant employment land, known as SevenFourEight. Strategically positioned within the Ravenscraig masterplan and with direct access to both the M74 and M8 motorways, SevenFourEight is a key industrial and business centre in Scotland's central belt. Apatura CEO Giles Hanglin said: 'This proposal plays strongly to Scotland's strengths – in green energy, in AI, in education and in skills – and would complement the country's significant capabilities in big data and research. 'We've secured the land and grid, and we're already working closely with relevant organisations locally and nationally to make sure the benefits are widely felt. 'If we were selected as an AI Growth Zone it would be a significant endorsement of our ambition to make Scotland a powerhouse of green, AI-enabled digital infrastructure – starting with Ravenscraig and extending across the central belt.' How Apatura Ravenscraig might look (Image: Apatura) Russell Wilkie, Director of Ravenscraig, said: "This is an exciting opportunity for Ravenscraig to be at the forefront of green data centres which will transform Scotland's renewable power capabilities. With grid connections in place, land secured, and a delivery team aligned, we have a fully viable site within the Ravenscraig masterplan to meet the UK's AI infrastructure needs. 'This multi-billion pound investment project is a platform for national progress, combining energy, digital infrastructure, and regional innovation to create tangible economic and social benefits for Scotland and for the wider UK economy." Pamela Nash, MP for Motherwell, Wishaw and Carluke said: 'Ravenscraig stands ready for the next chapter, a world-class digital and AI hub powered by Scotland's renewable strength, creating thousands of local jobs during construction, driving billions in economic value, and transforming post-industrial land into the beating heart of a green, future-ready economy. 'This is the kind of joined up thinking and forward-looking delivery the UK needs. It's not just about building infrastructure, it's about rebuilding prosperity, restoring pride, and delivering a new era of sustainable industry. I look forward to seeing Ravenscraig lead the way.'
Daily Record
17-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Wishaw MP calls on SNP to improve frontline services after spending review
Pamela Nash says the buck now stops with the SNP Scottish Government – and called on Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson to explain to their constituents why they have yet to see any tangible improvements in their communities. Motherwell, Wishaw and Carluke MP Pamela Nash has welcomed the UK Labour Government's Spending Review as 'transformational for the country'. Overall, the settlement for the Scottish Government is the largest in real terms since devolution began. With £1.4 billion already confirmed by the Chancellor in last year's Autumn Budget, the UK Labour Government is now investing almost £1.7 billion in growth schemes across Scotland over the next decade. Pamela says the buck now stops with the SNP Scottish Government – and called on Motherwell and Wishaw MSP Clare Adamson to explain to their constituents why they have yet to see any tangible improvements in their communities. She said: 'While Labour has been building new homes in England, Scotland's housing crisis continues under the SNP. A year after declaring a housing emergency, 10,000 children are shamefully still living in temporary accommodation. 'Labour has been investing in regional transport across England, yet rail fares in Scotland continue to rise with three increases since March 2024, and 1,400 bus routes cut since the SNP came to power. '£1.7bn has also been invested by the UK Labour Government in local growth projects to improve Scotland's town centres, but the SNP has undermined public services with successive cuts to core council budgets. 'And despite more money than ever before, on the SNP's watch, the NHS is still on its knees – with one in six Scots on an NHS waiting list and record numbers of people being forced to turn to private healthcare. 'The Autumn Budget delivered a record-breaking sum for Scotland, but SNP economic failure and waste means it is failing to improve frontline services.' She continued: 'The people of Motherwell and Wishaw deserve better. 'The funding package for Scotland delivered by Labour is transformational, and the SNP has run out of excuses not to deliver. 'Clare Adamson needs to explain to our constituents why the effects of these record levels of funding for Scotland are not being felt in local GP surgeries, in our schools, and in our local streets, roads and parks.' Ms Adamson hit back saying it was 'alarming to see such delight at the Chancellor short-changing Scotland to the tune of £1.1 billion compared to spending on UK Government departments'. She continued: 'Ms Nash hasn't read any of the independent analysis of the Spending Review. She has bought into Labour's headlines hook, line, and sinker. 'The detail beyond the headlines is much more stark and we can expect dwindling budgets and belt tightening for years to come. 'It is because of the SNP that Scots have been shielded from the very worst of Westminster policy. 'Whether it's the baby box, the Scottish Child Payment, maintaining free tuition, bus passes, scrapping peak rail fares, mitigating the bedroom tax, or the best performing A&E services in the UK, people in this community and across Scotland know the SNP is on their side. 'The last Labour Government in Scotland built 6 council houses in total. The SNP has overseen completion of 136,000 affordable homes across Scotland - 6,000 in North Lanarkshire alone. 'And we will take action against the two child cap - a key driver of poverty - because Labour refuses to act. 'Labour has broken promise after promise after promise since getting into power: people are struggling with higher energy and grocery bills; stagnant growth; unsustainable UK debt; businesses and charities closing due to Labour's national insurance hike; and sick and disabled people are fearful for their future due to Labour's appalling welfare cuts. 'Brexit continues to wreak havoc on all of us and Pamela Nash gleefully supports all of this. 'I will always stand up for this community and demand better from this failing UK system. My team and I will get on with the job of helping people across Motherwell and Wishaw, from our office, electronically and in our regular community visits.'
Daily Record
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Wishaw FC head of recruitment aims to 'bring spark back' to club after back-to-back relegations
Neil Rowatt will work closely with gaffer Paul Wright for next season Wishaw are making moves for next season after appointing a new head of recruitment to work alongside boss Paul Wright. And new recruit Neil Rowatt hopes he can bring the spark back to Wishy. The Beltane Park side were relegated from the West of Scotland Third Division last season after a miserable campaign saw them finish rock bottom, inflicting back-to-back relegations on the club. Wright came in midway through the season to take the reins from Martin O'Neill after he moved upstairs to be the club's general manager. The club have now strengthened their operations with the appointment of Rowatt to run their recruitment. He will work closely with Wright and his No. 2 Alan Robertson to assist with player recruitment and youth development, while also working closely with the club committee to help implement strategic plans to assist with rebuilding the club on and off the field. Rowatt, formerly co-boss at Bellshill Athletic, said: 'I am delighted to accept the role of head of recruitment at Wishaw. 'Since stepping away from a successful period as co-manager of Bellshill Athletic in late December, the batteries have been recharged, and I've taken in a lot of games at many levels and with a lot of engagement with some old friends, coaches and players brought me together again with long time friend and ex-teammate Martin O'Neill. 'We decided to talk football. A lot of the things he highlighted were the same details as I had encountered in my previous role at the start up. 'So straight away the contact was daily between us and, well, here we are. 'From the outside looking in, Wishaw has lost its spark, and back-to-back relegation isn't just rewards for the loyal and caring committee at the club who, when truth be told, have made huge personal sacrifices to keep the club afloat in the past. 'It wasn't so long ago I watched Wishaw compete in the semi finals of Scottish Junior Cup and they were a whisker away from the final. 'The club needs to be back to this sort of level and then on top of the hard-core support those who have drifted away will hopefully return. 'With a lot of discussions happening off the park in terms of sponsorship, the ongoing ground improvements strategy, the youth development pathway being rebuilt. 'There is a lot to be positive about however the main thing we are all involved in football for is three points on a Saturday and a good cup run.' Division Four is set to be a highly competitive league this season and the club discovered a new rival this week when former Amateur side East Kilbride YM announced they have been accepted into the division from next season, having won the Caledonian Premier League last term. Rowatt added: 'I've had plenty of discussions already about dropping into Division Four and how competitive a league this is going to be. 'A lot of local derbies are also on the cards so it's an exciting league. 'The management and players will be given the tools to prepare and be ready to go come the big kick off in what will be the start of a new and positive era in the history of Wishaw juniors. 'I look forward to seeing as many locals get down and support it.' Wishy gaffer Wright, the Kilmarnock legend and ex-striker, is thrilled to have Rowatt by his side for the forthcoming campaign. He said: 'I'm looking forward to working with Neely ahead of the new season. 'Neely is someone with a wealth of knowledge of the junior game and comes with an extensive contact list, which will undoubtedly help the club both on and off the pitch. 'I am very enthusiastic about the about the condition Wishaw FC finds itself in moving forward. 'Bringing Neely into this role only strengthens these views. It is a very positive move and the club have acted so quickly to get him on board.' Meanwhile, the club has confirmed their pre-season schedule for this summer, with friendlies kicking off on Saturday, July 5. Their fixtures are as follows: July 5 (H) 2pm - Larkhall Thistle July 9 (H) 7.30pm - Thorniewood July 12 (H) 2pm - Knightswood July 14 (H) 7.30pm - Kilmarnock FC July 16 (H) 7.30pm - Afroscots United July 19 (A) 2pm - Fauldhouse July 21 (A) 8pm - Caledonian Locomotives.
Daily Record
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Motherwell star Lennon Miller on first Scotland cap joy that has him hungry for more
The 18-year-old finally made his long-awaited debut for the national side against Iceland on Friday Motherwell star Lennon Miller admits his first cap for Scotland will be up their with the best moments of his career after enjoying a proud moment in front of his family at Hamdpen on Friday night. With the Scots falling to a dismal 3-1 defeat at home to Iceland in a friendly match, Wishaw kid Miller getting his first taste of international action on the senior stage was the main highlight for the Tartan Army, as they witnessed a star of the future make his bow. Lennon's dad and former Aberdeen striker Lee was in the stands with the Miller clan to see the 18-year-old replace fellow local lad Kieran Tierney - who had a major milestone himself on the night, winning his 50th cap - after 68 minutes. And former Coltness High School pupil Lennon said: 'This is probably right up with the best things you can achieve as a player. 'Representing your country at the highest level. I've done that now, hopefully there's a few more. 'It's obviously a very proud moment, not just for me but my family as well. They were in the stand. 'We know we have levels to get up to but we weren't at our best, that's fair to say. You want to be winning the game. We know we weren't good enough. But personally it's a proud moment. 'That's my game, trying to get on the ball. No matter what the score is. No matter what the occasion is, I want to get on the ball and show what I can do. 'You try and build yourself into the game then when you've found your first few passes you can try and get a bit more adventurous. I had a few nice ones but also a few that's just about getting used to the level that got cut out. 'The manager has said just to get on the ball and show what I can do. What I do at Motherwell, is why I'm here.' Miller hopes it is now the first of many more as he looks to earn his way into contention for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, which will kick-off in September away to Denmark. Ahead of tomorrow's friendly with Liechtenstein, Lennon added: 'You want to get your first cap then you want to get a second as quick as you can. That'll be the plan, to maybe get a wee start. 'Obviously you want to play no matter when you get called up. Last time was trying to take everything in and take that back to Motherwell to try and win another call-up and get here to make my debut. Thankfully I did that.' Meanwhile, Miller has stated that he wants to play Champions League football as everything points towards him leaving Fir Park this summer. French League 1 club Strasbourg have become the latest signed linked to securing his services, reportedly plotting a £4m move, while clubs in Serie A in Italy and teams down south are keeping tabs on him. Speaking to the Scottish FA media team, Miller said on his future ambitions: 'You obviously want to play European football, whether that is Europa League or Champions League. 'You want to play in the big games and in Champions League finals. The Champions League is the one I want in my career. 'I want to play Champions League football. It's probably the pinnacle. I want play to as high as I can in club football. Obviously playing for your country is always the pinnacle of your career I think. 'I just want to play as high as I can, play as many games as I can and enjoy football, that's the most important thing for me. That's where my drive comes from.'
Daily Record
27-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Full list of Scots Santander branches closing in summer as 95 UK stores to shut
The major bank has revealed the list of its branches set to close this year- including 10 Scottish branches to close in June and July. With the rise of mobile and online banking, the British high street has seen an influx of bank branch closures over the past few years. From Bank of Scotland to Halifax closing their doors, it seems like it won't be long before our money is managed predominantly on the internet instead of in a physical shop. And Santander is hopping on the bank closure bandwagon, shutting a whopping 95 UK branches this year. And Scots can expect to see 10 Santander branches close their doors over June and July. As of May 30, the bank has disclosed that it will shut branches all over the nation, and while the majority of closures will occur in June and July, there are still a number of branches without confirmed closure dates, reported the Express. The earliest closure date is June 16, and it will see Clacton, Croydon, Gateshead, Launceston, and Peterhead all lose their Santander branch. The first store to close in Scotland will be Santander's Arbroath branch, which is due to shut its doors a day later on June 17. Scotland's last branch to close this year will be Wishaw, on July 22, although Santander's Turriff branch is the only Scottish store yet to be given a confirmed closing date. The Surrey Quays branch will be the last store in the UK to close, scheduled for November 10. Scottish Santander branches closing in June and July Arbroath, June 17 Cumbernauld, July 7 Glasgow Newton Mearns, June 23 Glasgow St Vincents Street, June 14 Hawick, July 24 Musselburgh, June 30 Peterhead, June 16 Saltcoats, July 21 Turriff, as yet unconfirmed Wishaw, July 22 Full list of Santander branches closing in 2025: Aberdare, June 24 Arbroath, June 17 Armagh, July 1 Blackwood June, 23 Blyth, August 5 Bognor Regis, July 14 Borehamwood, July 1 Brecon, June 25 Brixton, August 11 Caernarfon, July 7 Camborne, July 7 Canvey Island, August 5 Clacton, June 16 Cleveleys, June 23 Colne, July 14 Colwyn Bay, July 24 Crowborough, July 23 Croydon, June 16 Cumbernauld, July 7 Didsbury, July 8 Downpatrick, August 6 Dungannon, June 23 Edgware Road London, August 12 Eltham, June 23 Exmouth, July 15 Falmouth, July 21 Farnham, July 29 Felixstowe, July 16 Finchley, August 6 Fleet, June 30 Formby, August 11 Gateshead, June 16 Glasgow St Vincent St, June 24 Glasgow, The Avenue, Newton Mearns, June 23 Greenford, June 24 Hackney, July 15 Hawick, July 24 Herne Bay, July 8 Hertford, July 29 Holloway, July 14 Holywell, August 13 Honiton, July 14 Kidderminster, June 18 Kilburn, June 17 Kirkby, July 22 Launceston, June 16 Louth, June 17 Magherafelt, June 24 Malvern, July 2 Market Harborough, July 1 Musselburgh, June 30 New Milton, July 28 Peterhead, June 16 Plympton, August 14 Portadown, June 30 Pudsey, July 28 Rawtenstall, July 15 Ross-On-Wye, July 30 Ruislip, July 7 Rustington, August 5 Saltcoats, July 21 Seaford, July 14 Shaftesbury, July 23 Sidcup, August 11 St Austell, July 8 St Neots, July 30 Stokesley, July 31 Strabane, July 23 Surrey Quays London, November 10 Swadlincote, June 30 Tenterden, July 7 Torquay, June 17 Tottenham, July 8 Whitley Bay, August 6 Willerby, August 13 Wimborne, August 4 Wishaw, July 22 Branches closing, with dates yet to be confirmed: Bexhill Billericay Dover Droitwich Dunstable East Grinstead Holyhead Ilkley Larne Lytham St Annes Maldon Morley North Walsham Redcar Saffron Walden Turriff Uckfield Urmston Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
