Latest news with #Scottish
Daily Tribune
an hour ago
- Sport
- Daily Tribune
Onley pips Almeida to Tour of Switzerland fifth stage win
Scottish rider Oscar Onley won the fifth stage of the Tour of Switzerland yesterday by a tyre's length from Joao Almeida after an uphill sprint. The 22-year- old Onley claimed the second major win of his career at the end of a mountainous 183.5km from La Punt to Sant Maria with a head-to-head battle to the line. 'I felt good, and just gave it a go on the last climb,' Onley said. 'I don't win often and I've had a quite a few podiums so far this year, or quite close results, so to pull it off today is really nice for myself and my teammates, because they do a really good job every day, today was no different. 'It's nice to be able to pay them back now and a again,' he added. Austrian Felix Gall was third 23 seconds behind the Picnic PostNL youngster. Frenchman Kevin Vauquelin took the overall lead from compatriot Romain Gregoire, who struggled and finished more than six minutes behind Onley. Two-time former world champion Julian Alaphilippe moved to second, 29 seconds behind Vauquelin with Portuguese rider Almeida third and Onley fourth. It was an emotional day of racing held in memory of Gino Maeder, a 26-year-old Swiss rider who died of his injuries following a high-speed crash on a descent on the 2023 Tour of Switzerland.
The Herald Scotland
an hour ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Barrhead Travel story in Glasgow surely offers some lessons
And it was somewhat astonishing to hear the price of a week's holiday in Majorca in 1979 was £50. However, what really hit home as the story of the first 50 years was told was the astute and entrepreneurial decision-making of Barrhead Travel's founder, the late Bill Munro, at various key stages of the development of the business. These included, from Barrhead Travel's earliest days, opening when others were closed, something that was a driver of the establishment of the business in the first place, and Mr Munro's embracing of the internet when it brought major change to the sector. In many ways, it appears Mr Munro built the business by making the right decisions and doing relatively simple things very well indeed. That might sound straightforward enough. However, that is from the position of reflecting on the story of Barrhead Travel from where it is now, having observed the various key stages. What is clear is that Mr Munro had tremendous vision, assessing trends in the sector and reacting shrewdly and at times boldly. The wisdom of the decisions and strategy that paved the way for the creation of what is now a major UK-wide travel agent, from a single shop in Barrhead on the outskirts of Glasgow in 1975, might seem apparent enough with hindsight. However, Mr Munro did not have the benefit of hindsight as he navigated huge changes in the industry. He did just fine without it, achieving a degree of success that is remarkable. Other major events in Barrhead Travel's history - highlighted by president Jacqueline Dobson at last Thursday's dinner – include the responses of the business to the collapse of major package holiday and airline company Thomas Cook and to the coronavirus pandemic. Barrhead Travel has also undergone a change of ownership. It was sold to US-based Travel Leaders Group in 2018, and was by that time one of the UK's biggest travel agents. Barrhead Travel celebrated its 50th birthday at a dinner at Glasgow's Old Fruitmarket last week. (Image: Barrhead Travel) Travel Leaders Group is part of Internova Travel Group, which has its head office in New York. Mr Munro died aged 80 in October 2024. A Barrhead Travel spokesman said then: 'It's been almost 50 years since Bill Munro founded Barrhead Travel. His bold vision fundamentally changed the landscape for high street travel agents across the country. He made a tremendous contribution to the overall travel industry as well as becoming an influential figure within the Scottish business community.' This legacy was plain at Barrhead Travel's 50th birthday dinner, which was attended by the founder's daughter, Sharon Munro, who stepped down as president of the business at the end of 2018. Another legacy which was evident was a focus on people within Barrhead Travel, which employs more than 560 people. Read more While the many opportunities given to young people by the business over years and decades through its apprenticeship approach were highlighted, what was also to the fore was the long service of staff throughout the business, including across the executive team. Far too often in the business world these days, the importance of such experience is overlooked, to the ultimate cost of companies which take such a lamentable view. Ms Dobson highlighted the length of service of many of Barrhead Travel's employees. She said: 'I started my career as an apprentice, and many of my colleagues did too.' Jacqueline Dobson has been with Barrhead Travel for 25 years. (Image: Barrhead Travel) Ms Dobson highlighted the fact that she had been with the business for 25 years. And she emphasised she was 'certainly not alone' in having been with Barrhead Travel for that length of time or longer. The business characterises its own journey as follows: 'Since it was founded in 1975, Barrhead Travel has expanded from a traditional 'bucket and spade' travel agent to a multi-faceted travel group offering bespoke holidays and cruises to all corners of the globe.' And it highlights the fact that 'in addition to its retail network which spans over 90 locations across the UK, the group has a number of specialist divisions including touring and adventure, cruise and USA'. The business has indeed come a long way, and its current US-based owner has backed the continuing expansion of Barrhead Travel. What was notable, however, was Ms Dobson's emphasis last week on how the 'heart of the business' is the same as it was 50 years ago. She said: 'While so much has changed, the heart of the business remains the same. We're here to solve problems, support our people, and ultimately deliver unforgettable holidays. 'Our resilience over the decades has only strengthened our belief in what we do. It's our people, our customers, and our communities that have shaped this journey. Celebrating 50 years is not just about looking back, it's about looking forward with confidence, staying true to our roots while continuing to evolve.' Ms Dobson declared that, as Barrhead Travel looks ahead, 'there are no signs of slowing down, with plans for continued investment and expansion on the high street as well as launching new technology'. She highlighted the fact that 'the business has had a record-breaking year, with January 2025 being the most successful month in its 50-year history'. And Ms Dobson emphasised: 'It believes its founding principles, customer service, innovation, and community are as relevant today as they were in 1975.' It is good to see the founding principles of Mr Munro 50 years ago continue to deliver growth and success for what is such a well-known Scottish business. There seemed to be a genuine warmth in the room last week from the various travel industry partners with which Barrhead Travel works. And Ms Dobson's emphasis of the degree to which the business values its people also came across passionately, in stark contrast to the kind of buzzword bingo you hear on this front from some corporates. Many might have doubted when the internet began to revolutionise travel that businesses like Barrhead Travel would continue to thrive but, while many but certainly not all of its competitors have found the journey more difficult and at times impossible, the operation founded by Mr Munro back in 1975 has gone from strength to strength. Hopefully, Barrhead Travel will continue to prosper and prove resilient through the ups and downs of future decades, and it will have the continued backing of its owner to build on the success achieved over the last 50 years.
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Business
- Daily Record
DWP breaks down Pension Credit barriers to help people claim £4,300 boost
A successful new claim for Pension Credit can unlock access to help with housing costs and Council Tax bills. Pension Credit – Could you or someone you know be eligible? To help more people over State Pension age access additional financial support over the coming months, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is continuing its efforts to increase take-up of an income-related benefit worth over £4,300 this year. More than 700,000 older people are estimated to be entitled to Pension Credit, but not claiming it as they wrongly believe that because they have savings or own their own home they would not be eligible for the income top-up. Pension Credit can provide a top-up for single people on the New State Pension who have a total weekly income below £227.10, or couples with a combined weekly income of less than £346.60. There are currently 1.4 million people receiving additional financial support through Pension Credit, including over 125,000 living in Scotland. The Scottish and UK Governments have announced that all pensioners born before September 22, 1959 with an income below £35,000 will receive winter heating help this year. Pension Age Winter Fuel Payments will be issued to Scots on November 30. Pensioner households aged between 66 and 79 will receive £203.40, while those aged 80 and over will be paid £305.10. Winter Fuel Payments will be issued to pensioners in England Wales. Pensioner households aged between 66 and 79 will receive £200, while those aged 80 and over will be paid £300. Even though winter energy bill help will be issued to the majority of pensioners this year, there are still benefits to claiming Pension Credit - access to the £150 Warm Home Discount Scheme, help with housing costs, Council Tax discounts and free TV licences for the over-75s. Barriers to claiming Pension Credit The DWP aims to break down barriers to claiming and busts some of the most common myths people may have to encourage them to think again about applying. Older people may wrongly think they are not eligible because they: have savings own their own home may be working may be getting a small occupational pension may have been turned down in the past Other factors may be that they: do not want to be seen as needing to claim feel that they're able to manage do not think it's worth applying - as the amount they get will be very small do not recognise themselves as a Pension Credit claimant have not got around to it think it's a complex and confusing subject already get other help and do not want to mess up the benefits they are getting Eight Pension Credit myths busted Having listed some of the main reasons people of State Pension age may be put off from claiming Pension Credit, the DWP has also busted eight common myths about the benefit. They do not think they will be eligible for Pension Credit False - some 1.4 million older people across Great Britain, including over 125,000 living in Scotland currently receive the extra financial support. They would get so little that it's not worth claiming False - DWP says the average Pension Credit payment is actually over £75 per week - that's well over an extra £3,900 per year. Plus, getting Pension Credit can provide a passport to help with things like rent, Council Tax, Winter Fuel Payment, Pension Age Winter Heating Payment (Scotland only), Winter Heating Payment (Scotland only), Cold Weather Payments (not Scotland) and a free TV licence for people aged 75 and over. They have savings, so will not qualify False - DWP explains that people can have savings or another pension and still get extra money. Unlike other income related benefits like Universal Credit, there is no capital cut-off limit and for Pension Credit savings of under £10,000 are ignored. They own their own home, so will not qualify False - DWP explains that homeowners can get Pension Credit too and that almost half of the people who get Pension Credit own their own home. They are not eligible for Pension Credit - it's for 'old' people False - People can claim as soon as they reach the qualifying age, which is now State Pension age - 66 for both men and women. They cannot get a State Pension, so they will not be eligible False - DWP said that they may be entitled to Pension Credit - even if they're not entitled to a State Pension. They have been turned down for Pension Credit before, so it's not worth applying again False - DWP said that personal circumstances could have changed and their income or capital may have changed as a result. The first £10,000 of savings will be ignored when working out if someone can get Pension Credit. It is too complicated and claiming is not worth the effort False - DWP has simplified the process and people can claim with one free phone call to the Pension Credit claim line. However, there are other ways to claim such as a paper claim form, which can be downloaded from the website or an online claim can be made - find out more here. Pension Credit Help to claim Quickest way to check eligibility for Pension Credit Older people, or friends and family, can quickly check their eligibility and get an estimate of what they may receive by using the online Pension Credit calculator on here. Alternatively, pensioners can contact the Pension Credit helpline directly to make a claim on 0800 99 1234 - lines are open 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. Expert help and advice is also available from: Independent Age Income Max Citizens Advice Age UK Below is an overview of the benefit including who should check eligibility, how to go about it, how much you could get and where to get help filling in the form. Who can claim Pension Credit? There are two types of Pension Credit - Guarantee Credit and Savings Credit. To qualify for Guarantee Pension Credit, you must be State Pension age (66). Your weekly income will need to be less than the minimum amount the UK Government says you need to live on. This is £227.10 for a single person and £346.60 for a couple - this amount could be higher if you're disabled, a carer or have certain housing costs. You can only get Savings Credit if: you reached State Pension age before April 6, 2016, or you have a partner who reached State Pension age before this date and was already receiving it you have qualifying income of at least £198.27 a week for a single person and £314.34 a week for a couple How much could you receive from DWP? Guarantee Credit tops up your weekly income to: £227.10 for a single person £346.60 for a couple (married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting) You might be able to get more than this if you're disabled or a carer, or you have certain housing costs. Savings Credit can give you up to: £17.30 a week for a single person £19.36 a week for a couple (married, in a civil partnership or cohabiting). The exact amount you'll get depends on your income and savings. Your income includes assumed income from savings and capital over £10,000. Other help if you get Pension Credit If you qualify for Pension Credit you can also get other help, such as: Housing Benefit if you rent the property you live in Support for Mortgage Interest if you own the property you live in Council Tax discount Free TV licence if you are aged 75 or over Help with NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments Help with your heating costs through the Warm Home Discount Scheme, Winter Fuel Payments or Pension Age Winter Heating Payment A discount on the Royal Mail redirection service if you are moving house Mixed aged older couples and Pension Credit In May 2019, the law changed so a 'mixed age couple' - a couple where one partner is of State Pension age and the other is under it - are considered to be a 'working age' couple when checking entitlement to means-tested benefits. This means they cannot claim Pension Credit or pension age Housing Benefit until they are both State Pension age. Before this DWP change, a mixed age couple could be eligible to claim the more generous State Pension age benefits when just one of them reached State Pension age. How to use the Pension Credit calculator To use the calculator on you will need details of: earnings, benefits and pensions savings and investments You'll need the same details for your partner if you have one. You will be presented by a series of questions with multiple choice answer options. This includes: Your date of birth Your residential status Where in the UK you live Whether you are registered blind Which benefits you currently receive How much you receive each week for any benefits you get Whether someone is paid Carer's Allowance to look after you How much you get each week from pensions - State Pension, private and work pensions Any employment earnings Any savings, investments or bonds you have Once you have answered these questions, a summary screen shows your responses, allowing you to go back and change any answers before submitting. The Pension Credit calculator then displays how much benefit you could receive each week. All you have to do then is follow the link to the application page to find out exactly what you will get from the DWP, including access to other financial support. There's also an option to print off the answers you give using the calculator tool to help you complete the application form quicker without having to look out the same details again. Try the Pension Credit Calculator for yourself or your family member to make sure you're receiving all the financial support you are entitled to claim. Who cannot use the Pension Credit calculator? You cannot use the calculator if you or your partner: are deferring your State Pension own more than one property are self employed have housing costs (such as service charges or Crown Tenant rent) which are neither mortgage repayments nor rent covered by Housing Benefit How to make a claim You can start your application up to four months before you reach State Pension age. You can claim any time after you reach State Pension age but your claim can only be backdated for three months. This means you can get up to three months of Pension Credit in your first payment if you were eligible during that time. You will need: your National Insurance number information about your income, savings and investments your bank account details, if you're applying by phone or by post If you're backdating your claim, you'll need details of your income, savings and investments on the date you want your claim to start. Apply online You can use the online service if: you have already claimed your State Pension there are no children or young people included in your claim Article continues below To check your entitlement, phone the Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234 or use the Pension Credit calculator here to find out how much you could get.
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
Iran and Israel conflict can only be settled with cool heads
The conflict between Israel and Iran is deeply worrying for anyone who cares about world peace. Two of the most influential powers in a turbulent region are attacking each other and it is hard to see the end in sight. Israel claims their attacks were designed to snuff out Iran's nuclear ambitions, while Tehran insists they were acting in self-defence. The international community needs to respond to this crisis with cool heads and the goal of de-escalation. What we do not need is leaders of influence inflaming an already delicate situation. President Trump's actions so far are further proof – if any was needed – that he is intent on making matters worse. It has been reported he has approved plans to attack Iran but has not made a final decision to go for war. The US record in the Middle East has largely been one of dismal failure. The invasion of Iraq was an unmitigated disaster and Trump has failed to rein in Israel on Gaza. Trump should look to one of his predecessors for lessons on how to handle Iran. President Obama was instrumental in signing a deal that put the brakes on Iran's nuclear programme. He used diplomacy and international muscle to get the deal done, rather than launching rockets into a country. In an act of petulance, Trump ripped up the agreement and relations have been strained ever since. The acts of war need to stop and all parties must get round the table. Jobs blame game John Swinney was accused of doing 'nothing' to save the Scottish jobs at Alexander Dennis. The First Minister was blasted by Anas Sarwar for saying he only found out about the bus manufacting firm's issues despite being warned a year ago. Labour have been blaming the Scottish Government, while the SNP has been blaming the UK Government. There is a huge number of jobs at risk as the factories in Camelon and Larbert are set to close. And this is an area which has already been rocked by the closure of the Grangemouth oil refinery. Scotland needs a proper industrial strategy that will provide good jobs and make the things we need. But, instead, what we are getting is politicians pointing fingers at each other and playing the blame game. This does nothing to help the workers facing hardship. Our politicians need to knock their heads together and find solutions to keep jobs, like those at Alexander Dennis, in Scotland.
Daily Record
an hour ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
The SNP Government must choose between greedy companies or the people on Flamingo Land at Loch Lomond
There have been a few times in our decade-long campaign to save Loch Lomond where I've held my breath and thought it was probably all over. Moments where I wondered if we could actually save this world-famous location from being destroyed by Flamingo Land's daft mega-resort. But time after time our people-powered campaign has held off this greedy company. We have - so far - stopped them from exploiting Scotland's natural heritage for their own profit. Over 155,000 of us lodged objections, making their mega-resort the most unpopular planning application in Scottish history. We were joined by experts like the Woodland Trust and the Government's own environment watchdog, SEPA. Last September we won, persuading the National Park's board to unanimously reject this destructive application. But then, in a move Ebeneezer Scrooge would be proud of, they lodged an appeal right before Christmas. And astonishingly, the Government official tasked with considering it decided to grant them permission, overturning the Park board's democratic decision and disregarding the overwhelming weight of evidence that the mega-resort would do huge damage. We couldn't let it end there though. For almost ten years the largely working-class community in Balloch has fought a David and Goliath struggle against this greedy developer. Our campaign to save Loch Lomond wasn't going to be defeated at the last minute on the whim of a single government official. In just two weeks over 50,000 of us wrote to the Planning Minister to demand that he recalled the decision. Scottish Greens co-leader Patrick Harvie raised it in Parliament, challenging the First Minister to step in. Our supporters across the country contacted MSPs of all parties but especially the SNP, calling on them to support our efforts. And just like that, on the eve of losing a vote in Parliament, the Scottish Government u-turned and recalled the decision. This is far from over, but Ministers themselves will now have the final say, not officials. That's how it should be for a development this big at the gateway to Loch Lomond. Decisions of national importance must be taken by elected MSPs. Government Ministers should not hide behind their officials. Loch Lomond i s the crown jewel of Scotland's natural environment. It's world famous for a reason. The gateway to the loch shouldn't be stuck behind traffic jams and resort gates. Both the environment itself and the community in Balloch deserve to be protected. From the flood risk and loss of ancient woodland to the extra 250+ cars per hour on already gridlocked local roads at peak times, the reasons to reject this application and end this saga are overwhelming. The Scottish Government has a choice. They can decide whether Scotland's national parks are just another 'investment opportunity' for greedy companies who would cause huge damage for a quick profit. Or they can finally side with the Scottish Greens, environmental experts, the residents of Balloch and 155,000 people across Scotland, end this saga, and save Loch Lomond.
