Volunteers needed to help clear invasive rhododendron from Aberdeen hill

Aberdeen City Council’s ranger service is seeking volunteers to help clear the invasive rhododendron growing on Elrick Hill.

Restaurant and Lodge Couple Up for Valentine’s Package

A North-east restaurant and neighbouring guest house are teaming up to give guests a special Valentine’s Day experience.

Trio of council apprentices in running for national public service awards

Three trainee tradesmen in Aberdeen City Council’s building services department have been shortlisted for prizes in the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) Apprentice Awards.

'Creative Tourism Marketing' - Open Meeting for Businesses

Date: Tuesday 21 February

Venue: Raemoir House Hotel, Banchory

Time: 6.00pm

CALA IS FIRST NATIONAL HOUSEBUILDER TO LAUNCH PURPOSE BUILT WEBSITE FOR TABLETS

CALA Homes, who recently launched their upcoming development at Foveran, has become the first major housebuilder to launch a purpose built tablet friendly mobile version of its website www.cala.co.uk.

Bibby Offshore Launches Graduate Training Scheme

Aberdeen-based subsea installation contractor Bibby Offshore has recently welcomed its first six graduates onto the Bibby Offshore Academy Graduate Training Scheme.

STUDENTS LAUNCH POSTER COMPETITION FOR TORCHER PARADE

Aberdeen Students’ Charities Campaign is holding a poster competition to find a winning design for this years’ annual Torcher Parade.

BP raises dividend as operational momentum returns

BP group chief executive Bob Dudley today said that returning operational momentum and strong cash flow generation in 2011 gave the company increasing confidence in its plans to grow value for shareholders.

Legal company hit the road to teach Scotland’s employers how to avoid social media mishaps

Leading employment law and health and safety specialists, Law At Work, are coming to Aberdeen on February the 10th to coach employers on how to manage their employees’ use of social media in the workplace.

Aberdeen dads learning to be better parents thanks to innovative Granite City project

Where: Ashgrove Children’s Centre, Gillespie Place, Aberdeen, AB25 3BE

When: 1pm, Tuesday 7 February 2012

Join ADT Fire & Security at our Innovation Seminar

Date: Tuesday February 28

Time: 9.30am

Venue: Marcliffe of Pitfodels Hotel, Aberdeen

New legislation to make home extensions easier

Householders have been given more rights to extend their properties without the need for planning permission.

Piracy Increases in January

LONDON – Pirate activity rose worldwide over the course of January. According to maritime risk company AKE the number of attacks increased by 170 per cent from December.

Council supports firefighters’ efforts to save lives in Bulawayo

A team of Aberdeen firefighters is heading to Bulawayo next month [March] to improve the Zimbabwean city’s firefighting and rescue capabilities.

Robert Gordon University students rise to design challenge

Cut Office Waste to Cut Office Costs

It has been reported that paper usage increases by 20% every year with the average office worker going through 1,584 sheets of A4 paper per month.

Ecosse Subsea Systems Prepare to Showcase Innovative Technology

Aberdeen-based experts Ecosse Subsea Systems are preparing to showcase their innovative subsea technology at Europe’s largest conference and exhibition for the industry.

Army Divisions Threaten Cote d’Ivoire

LONDON – Mercenaries are trying to destabilise Cote d’Ivoire but according to risk mitigation company AKE they are not the biggest threat to the country. The divided national army poses a much bigger concern for stability.

Aberdeen Events To Offer Brazilian Business Expertise

Expert advice on doing business in the emerging giant Brazil is to be offered in Aberdeen from next month, thanks to the efforts of three leading organisations.

SWIRE SPONSORS FIFTEENTH ANNUAL GREAT DRUMTOCHTY CHALLENGE

Swire Oilfield Services, the leading global provider of offshore cargo carrying units, modular systems and associated services, is to be announced as the main sponsor at this year’s Great Drumtochty Challenge, which takes place on Sunday, May 13th, 2012.

OEG OFFSHORE APPOINTS GROUP FINANCE DIRECTOR

Aberdeen-based OEG Offshore has appointed a new group finance director to lead the company’s finances in the UK and overseas.

Royal Dutch Shell sets out new growth agenda

Shell today updated shareholders on progress against its strategic plan to generate profitable growth. In today’s volatile economic environment, the company’s strategic aim remains to drive forward with its investment programme, to deliver sustainable growth and provide competitive returns to shareholders.

‘Supergiant’ amphipods discovered 7 km deep

Short video clips and stills available

An expedition to one of the deepest places in the ocean has discovered one of the most enigmatic creatures in the deep sea - the ‘supergiant’ amphipod.

Men’s rugby team triumph over Loughborough with dramatic extra-time try

The University of Aberdeen Men’s Rugby 1st XV remain on course for Twickenham after a dramatic extra time win over Loughborough University.

Online promise

Booking direct through the Millennium and Copthorne Hotel website guarantees you the best available rate every time, plus includes no booking fees. We constantly update the Special Packages you see online, to ensure we offer great value and a wide selection.

Visit:www.millenniumhotels.co.uk for more information.

Alternatively, make a booking with our Reservations Team on 0845 30 20 001 (Mon-Fri 9am-7pm and Sat 9am-1pm).

AER ARANN ANNOUNCES AER LINGUS REGIONAL SUMMER SCHEDULE 2012

Aberdeen-Dublin Increases to Daily Service

(Wednesday, 1st February 2012) Aer Arann today announced its summer 2012 Aer Lingus Regional flight schedule which will see its Aberdeen-Dublin route increase in frequency to a daily service from 25th March.

Councillors agree transfer of former Peterhead Maritime Heritage Centre to local college

The Buchan Area Committee of Aberdeenshire Council has agreed to transfer the former Peterhead Maritime Heritage Centre to Banff and Buchan College.

Newhills road to close for repairs

The C89C Kingswells to Newhills road will be closed between Kingswells Crescent and the C88C Newhills Road on three consecutive Sundays, starting this weekend, [5 February] while road repairs are carried out.

An alternative route shall be available via the A96 and Forrit Brae.

Engineers hit the heights with 13 Munros in 24 hours challenge

A group of engineers from Aberdeen have been inspired to undertake a massive challenge in support of local Aberdeen charity Inspire and The Make a Wish Foundation. Led by process engineer Richard O’ Brien (25) and including up to fifteen team members, the 13 in 24 Team’s challenge is to hike and ultimately crawl over thirteen Munros in 24 hours over a single weekend in May, taking in two of the most iconic ridge walks in the Scottish Highlands.

35 Year Milestone reached by CHC Helicopter Engineer

AN ABERDEEN engineer is celebrating after clocking up 35 years with world’s largest helicopter services company, CHC.

INTERNATIONAL LINKS LEAD TO STRONG GROWTH AT ABERDEEN HARBOUR

Aberdeen Harbour continues to strengthen its position as a key economic driver, with record growth in traffic during 2011. In line with previous years, overall vessel tonnage has increased, with the port recording a seven per cent rise, from 24.2 million gross tonnes in 2010, to 25.9 million gross tonnes in 2011.

Council to step up efforts to recruit school crossing patrollers

Aberdeen City Council is to make a concerted effort to recruit more school crossing patrollers city-wide.

Icy patches likely as temperature dips

Road surface temperatures are forecast to dip to below freezing tonight, which means there may be icy patches on roads and pavements.

Motorists and pedestrians are advised to take care if out and about tonight and tomorrow morning and to beware of black ice.

Winter maintenance operations continue as normal.

City spends extra £1million on repairing damaged roads

A series of road resurfacing projects are getting under way across Aberdeen as the council spends an extra £1million on fixing the city streets.

‘Be a Hero’ and Join Team CHAS

Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS) is keen to sign up running ‘heroes’ for the City of Aberdeen Baker Hughes 10K on Sunday 20 May 2012.

Samsung chooses Scotland

First Minister welcomes deal to bring Korean giant to Fife

First Minister Alex Salmond today welcomed the news that Korean giant Samsung Heavy Industries (SHI) is to base its first European offshore wind project in Fife in an inward venture worth up to £100m that is expected to create more than 500 new jobs in Scotland.

New offshore wind initiative to boost Scottish supply chain

A new £900,000 offshore wind initiative will be launched today, 31 January 2012 at Scotland’s largest offshore wind conference in Aberdeen to support rapid growth in the developing offshore wind supply chain.

Brunei Minister of Energy visits RGU

Robert Gordon University (RGU) was delighted to host a visit (Friday 20th January) from the Brunei Minister of Energy, Yang Berhormat Pehin Datu Singamanteri Kolonel (B) Dato Seri Setia (Dr.) Awang Haji Mohammad Yasmin Bin Haji Umar and Ken Marnoch, Managing Director of Brunei Shell Petroleum, further strengthening the university’s relations with the global energy industry.

AKE Issues New Iraq Advice

ABERDEEN – Over 100 people were killed during violence in Iraq last week. Over 200 more were injured.

Pitmedden Road to close during level crossing works

A stretch of the country section of the C55C Pitmedden Road will be closed on Thursday and Friday [2 and 3 February].

The road will be closed between its westernmost junction with Dyce Drive and the U58C Caskieben Road while work to install a new electricity supply to a level crossing is carried out.

An alternative route is via Dyce Drive, the A96 and the U58C or vice versa.

COLLABRO AWARDED CONTRACT TO IMPROVE SAFETY FOR NIGERIA’S OFFSHORE INDUSTRY

Aberdeen-based specialist information systems company Collabro has partnered with oil and gas service company West Atlantic Energy Nigeria Limited to supply software and support services to the Nigerian government, as part of a safety initiative for the country’s offshore workers.

Atlas launches 50 new courses for office and shore based health and safety

International learning and skills specialist Atlas has significantly grown its content library with the launch of a new suite of 50 office and shore based health and safety courses for the oil and gas industry and other safety critical industries.

Expro wins important five year multi-discipline contract with Shell in Europe

Leading international oilfield services company Expro has been awarded an ‘extremely important’ multi-million pound multi-discipline five year contract with Shell UIE.

Scottish Food highlighted in week-long London celebration with HRH The Duke of Rothesay, top chefs, and media

A week of events showcasing the best of Scotland’s food and drink culminated today with a visit from HRH The Duke of Rothesay.

Art school Graduate-in-Residence scheme culminates in Aberdeen exhibition

The work of Robert Gordon University’s first Graduate-in-Residence, Banchory artist Peter Chalmers (26), will go on show to the public in an exhibition entitled ‘Back, Forward (Again)’ from tomorrow (Monday 30 January) at Gray’s School of Art.

City pupils thrill with flash dance in playground

A normal lunch break in a city school playground was disrupted by a baying mob of zombies as pupils recreated an iconic 1980s music video.

It’s a Hat-Trick!

Claremont Office Interiors have achieved a hat-trick of ISO Certification, and in record time too!

Have you a tale to tell?

Anyone with a passion for writing about the North-East is invited to put pen to paper in their native tongue for a short story competition which carries a £500 prize.

BBC Dragon's Den

Last Year’s Dragons’ Den was record breaking, attracting more viewers than ever before. New Dragon Hilary Devey arrived, arched her shoulder pads and firmly established her place amongst the revered business leaders, and some of Britain’s best entrepreneurs gained the cash they desperately needed to turn their business fortunes around. Now it’s 2012 and the Den is ready to open once again.

Committee asked to support fire-fighting in Bulawayo

A charity providing equipment and training to improve fire fighting and rescue capabilities is seeking a £2,000 grant from Aberdeen City Council for work in Bulawayo.

Grandson of Auschwitz survivor helps Aberdeen mark Holocaust Memorial Day

The grandson of an Auschwitz survivor spoke of the atrocities that were carried out as he helped Aberdeen City Council mark Holocaust Memorial Day today [26 January].

Leading Care Provider Launches Recruitment Drive In Worcester

A leading UK care provider has announced plans to recruit additional staff across the West Midlands thanks to new contract wins.

Employer Engagement Event at Aberdeen College

Aberdeen College is hosting an Employer Engagement Event on Wednesday 28th March at its Altens Centre on Hareness Road. The purpose of the event is to give potential employers the opportunity to make contact with current engineering, construction and motor vehicle students with a view to giving them advice on potential future career options.

Aubin Announces Brazilian Partnership

Aubin, a leading independent supplier of specialist chemicals to the energy industry, has announced a strategic partnership with an agent in Brazil.

Councillors back Proposed Aberdeen Local Development Plan

A blueprint for the future of Aberdeen has been approved by Aberdeen City Council.

NEW INDEPENDENT RESEARCH CONFIRMS STAGECOACH IS BRITAIN’S BEST VALUE BUS OPERATOR

• Stagecoach provides regular passengers with lowest cost weekly bus travel

• Weekly travel on average 17.5% cheaper, saving passengers £150 a year

• Major survey of nearly 1,100 bus routes in England, Scotland and Wales

City pupils to perform flash dance in playground

Where: Kincorth Academy, Kincorth Circle, Aberdeen AB12 5NL

When: 1pm, Friday 27 January

OIE Services awarded new contract worth half-a-million pounds

OIE Services, one of Scotland’s leading maintenance management and recruitment companies, has won a new half-a-million-pound contract with Offshore Group Newcastle Limited (trading as OGN Group).

Absoft forum to tackle cost savings in the supply chain

OPERATORS and oilfield service companies are being invited to hear from two SAP business software specialists at a forum aimed at exploring materials management best practice and cost saving opportunities in the upstream oil and gas supply chain.

Careers event to give students insight into health professions

A collaborative event organised specifically to give third year school students a unique insight into health professions at a critical decision-making point in their lives will take place today (Wednesday 25 January).

Countryside Ranger Service helps reduce the number of wilful fires at Aberdeen beauty spots

Aberdeen City Council’s Countryside Ranger Service has played a vital role in reducing wilful fires at popular city beauty spots, its annual report has shown.

Councillors to consider city’s inclusion in the Pictish Way

A new long-distance walking route could be created from Aberdeen to Pitlochry.

Discovery Roofing & Cladding Ltd Makes Key Appointment

Roofing and facilities management company, Discovery Roofing & Cladding Ltd has added a key member of staff to the growing team.

Aberdeen shares in multi-million pound investment in bioscience skills and training

The University of Aberdeen will share in £67million of new funding for postgraduate training and development in biosciences announced by the UK government today (24 Jan).

Nautronix appoint Business Development Manager in Brazil

Nautronix are pleased to announce the appointment of Alessandra Bunel as Business Development Manager for the Brazilian region.

Alessandra will be based full time at Nautronix’ Brazilian office in Rio de Janeiro and will be responsible for developing new business opportunities and increasing the company’s presence in the region.

CALA COUNTS DOWN TO FOVERAN ARRIVAL

The countdown is officially on as CALA Homes gets set to unveil its luxury Foveran development later this week – signalling the much anticipated arrival of their Signature Collection for Aberdeen.

Siem Offshore Signs 3-year Satellite Communications Contract with Harris CapRock for Services to Brazil Fleet

Highlights:

• Utilizes Harris CapRock’s SeaAccess Communications™ solution, designed for the commercial maritime market

• Turnkey communications solution to be managed onboard five vessels

• Will provide corporate networking, Internet access, Voice over IP, real-time monitoring and reporting, and crew morale services

Mixing business with ‘artistic’ pleasure: £2500 awarded to nurture local talent

A trio of Aberdeen students has been awarded a prestigious new industry prize that aims to nurture local talent and bring art to the oil and gas community.

FREE TRAINING FOR ABERDEEN BUSINESSES ON ALCOHOL RELATED ISSUES Mar 2012

The Aberdeen City Alcohol & Drug Partnership (ADP), hosted an alcohol 'stocktake' event in October 2011 at the AECC. Its purpose was to review the existing ADP alcohol strategy (launched in Dec 2009) and allow further examination of the outcomes from the associated action plan. A key area that was subsequently highlighted was the need to ensure that Aberdeen businesses have access to appropriate alcohol advice, guidance and support.

DF Communications targets further growth after contract wins

DF Communications, the award-winning Aberdeen mobile phones specialist, has secured a series of contracts and is set to expand into the Central Belt.

OFFSHORE WIND AND SUPPLY CHAIN CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 2012 CONFIRMED FOR SECOND YEAR AT AECC

Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) are looking forward to welcoming the Offshore Wind and Supply Chain Conference and Exhibition for the second year at AECC following a successful show in 2011.

City to stage Holocaust memorial event

Aberdeen City Council will mark Holocaust Memorial Day at the Town House on Thursday [26 January].

Dron & Dickson awarded full IRATA membership

Dron & Dickson, specialist in design, supply and maintenance of hazardous area electrical equipment, has been awarded full membership to the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA).

Expro secures multi-million pound well test and subsea contract with Maersk Oil UK

Leading international oilfield services company Expro has recently secured a multi-million pound contract win with global oil and gas company Maersk Oil.

Cognity to Launch New Service at Subsea 2012

Specialist independent engineering consultancy, Cognity, will be exhibiting at the upcoming Subsea 2012 exhibition. The company will showcase its current service offering, which encompasses specialist mechanical design, advanced analysis using cutting-edge ANSYS engineering simulation software, structural design, and draughting.

Wellington Road lane closures during central reservation work

The fast lanes on Wellington Road between Craigshaw Drive and Abbotshall Road will be closed during off-peak hours for the next fortnight while work to replace the central reservation is carried out.

Buchan’s first family bike ride launched as “Aden Bike Challenge”

Aden Country Park will host Buchan’s first family bike ride this spring, taking in some of the beautiful sights in the local area.

Charities benefit from former Queen Mother Library

The University of Aberdeen’s striking new library has transformed the skyline of Aberdeen but its predecessor, the Queen Mother Library, has also been making an impact further afield.

Technip Supports the ‘Engineers ‘n’ our lives’ project

Leading subsea contractor Technip is supporting the engineers of tomorrow through delivery of a four week ‘hands on’ project for more than 1,000 primary school pupils in the Westhill area.

Inspire appoint new Communications Officer

Inspire have recruited a new Communications Officer based in their Boulevard premises in Aberdeen. Paul Brannan (25), will work alongside the existing fundraising and development team to oversee and develop the charity’s brand, advertising, PR and online marketing strategy.

MMS announces further lateral partner hire

Maclay Murray & Spens LLP (MMS), the leading UK commercial law firm, has hired litigation partner David Scott from rival McGrigors, to boost its ten-strong Construction & Engineering team. The move marks MMS’ sixth partner appointment in three months, across the firm’s corporate, commercial dispute resolution and real estate departments.

ACE Winches’ new Engineering Graduate Training Scheme on the path towards IMechE accreditation

ACE Winches has launched its new Engineering Graduate Training and Development Scheme, which is currently on the path towards receiving accreditation by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

Scotland recognised as world-leader by Californian Institute of Regenerative Medicine

Scotland will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the prestigious Californian Institute of Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) today (Thursday 19th January).

ABERDEEN SPORTS VILLAGE & RGU: SPORT

Aberdeen confirmed to host Cameroonian Olympic team

Partnership work helps secure bid

A joint bid by Aberdeen’s top sporting facilities to host the Cameroonian Olympic team prior to the London 2012 Games has been successful.

Flexitallic and Sealex join forces to expand their operations and manufacturing in Aberdeen

Flexitallic Ltd, the world leader in the manufacture and supply of static sealing products, and Sealex Ltd, a leading distributor of specialist sealing technologies, engineered hoses and associated products have announced the centralisation of their operations in Aberdeen.

A New Year – New Solutions

Voluntary and community sector groups in Aberdeen are being invited to input into citywide research.

Energy Minister Officially Launches New-Look Training Facility

Revamped look for Health & Safety Firm

A global offshore training specialist yesterday officially opened its revamped Montrose operation. Falck TMS, the Training Management Service arm of global health and safety training provider Falck Nutec, were joined by Scottish Energy, Enterprise & Tourism Minister, Fergus Ewing, and a number of influential clients and business partners in marking the occasion.

Council backs major reduction in public entertainment licence fee

Aberdeen’s Licensing Committee today approved plans to offer a 75% reduction in the cost of public entertainment licence fees to community, charity, voluntary and religious groups in the city.

Aberdeen pupil wins first place in national space competition

Aberdeen pupil Calum Ashcroft is delighted to have won first place in the Cassini ‘Scientist for a Day’ competition (17-18 year category).

Reflex Marine Meets Growing Demand for FROG Training

Following the success of the inspection and maintenance training courses delivered in 2011, Reflex Marine will be hosting a new program of courses this year. The first week long course will run in Aberdeen starting on the 26th March 2012. These training courses have been growing in popularity as more and more companies recognise that proper inspection and maintenance of their FROGs helps to maintain their working integrity over their whole field life.

New face to make garden blossom

A greater profile and new direction are on the way for one of Aberdeen’s hidden horticultural treasures thanks to a new appointment.

Leading horticulturalist Mark Paterson - who was a key figure at the highly acclaimed Eden Project in Cornwall - has joined the University of Aberdeen to take up the post of Curator of the Cruickshank Botanic Garden.

Council teams up with charity to encourage composting and increase recycling rate

Council premises throughout Aberdeenshire will benefit from an innovative environmental project introducing on-site composting.

Do you live in Aberdeen City or Shire? Tell us where you’d like to fly to!

At Aberdeen Airport we’re working hard to provide the air services you really want to use. To help us to do that, please give us an update on the destinations you’d most like to go to on holiday or for a short break. It takes just a few minutes, and also includes a few questions about where you like to look for your holiday and travel information.

Tell us your views at www.aberdeenairport.com/survey The Survey closes on 22nd February 2012.

Nominations for The cHeRries Awards 2012 close next month!

Nominations for the fifth annual cHeRries Awards, which recognise achievements in Human Resources, Recruitment and Training in North-East Scotland, will close next month.

Icy patches likely as temperature dips

Road surface temperatures are forecast to dip to around freezing tonight, which means there may be icy patches on roads and pavements.

Motorists and pedestrians are advised to take care if out and about tonight and tomorrow morning and to beware of black ice.

Winter maintenance operations continue as normal.

3sun Group Appoints Business Development Manager for Aberdeen

3sun Group, a specialist provider of products and services to the energy industry, has expanded its management team with the appointment of Angela Tosh as business development manager.

Shell and BP to sponsor Europe’s leading science event in Aberdeen

BP and Shell U.K. Limited have thrown their weight behind the national celebration of science which will headline the North-east calendar this year.

Signed off with stress

Interview opportunities available

More than10 million working days are lost in Britain each year due to work related stress, according to Health and Safety Executive figures.

Charities at the Events Event 2012

Two cancer charities have been given free exhibition space at Scotland's biggest hospitality show in Aberdeen next week.

Icy patches likely as temperature dips

Temperatures are predicted to fall below zero tonight, which means there may be icy patches on roads and pavements.

Motorists and pedestrians are advised to take care if out and about tonight and tomorrow morning and to beware of black ice.

The road surface temperature is forecast to remain below zero overnight.

Winter maintenance operations continue as normal and the gritters will be out.