Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Alec Drew
Citizen science to the rescue?
Identifying and understanding odour problems in a locality can be confusing and contentious. Citizen science seems increasingly equipped to play a decisive role here, for individuals struggling to secure recognition, and appropriate countermeasures, for nuisance pongs in their vicinity. Envirotec looks at a few recent initiatives The SmellPittsburgh app One striking new app has been developed by a European project, D-NOSES (Distributed Network for Odour Sensing, Empowerment and Sustainability).
A load of pig manure?
Researchers from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University (OIST) have created a novel system for treating the wastewater from pig farming, traditionally an intensely odiferous undertaking. The system has been tested on a local swine farm in Okinawa. 1 of 2 According to Japan’s Cabinet Office, as of 2018, there were over 225,000 pigs in Okinawa. Pork is a staple in the local diet and is found in many dishes in traditional restaurants.
Citizen science to the rescue?
Identifying and understanding odour problems in a locality can be confusing and contentious. Citizen science seems increasingly equipped to play a decisive role here, for individuals struggling to secure recognition, and appropriate countermeasures, for nuisance pongs in their vicinity. Envirotec looks at a few recent initiatives The SmellPittsburgh app One striking new app has been developed by a European project, D-NOSES (Distributed Network for Odour Sensing, Empowerment and Sustainability).
Meet the Maker: Liam Holyoak-Rackal
Liam Holyoak – Rackal, UK Brand & Cultural Ambassador, Havana Club Q: Where do you work? A: Our rum is of course made in Cuba, however I am based in the UK and I’m lucky enough to say my ‘workplace’ differs from day to day – whether it’s on a digital platform, at the office or at a venue, I go wherever rum is needed! Q: How long have you worked there and how did you start? A: I’ve worked at Havana Club for just under a year now.
Certification is a tricky issue
COVID status certificates could create a number of challenges BELIEVE it or not, there is a precedent for mandatory inoculations. The Vaccination Act of 1853 introduced compulsory smallpox vaccinations for children, with a £1 fine for parents or guardians who omitted to have the procedure carried out. While the possibility of legislation making COVID-19 vaccinations obligatory can be ruled out (insofar as anything can be ruled out at the moment), ‘COVID status certification’ is another matter.
Firm shortlisted in Singaporean challenge
Singapore, Asia – 4 June 2019: Esplanade Drive bridge over to the financial district of Singapore. Image: Shutterstock.com/Emma_Griffiths Environmental management technology firm Envirosuite has been shortlisted in Singapore PUB’s Global Innovation Challenge (GIC). Out of 104 applicants, the firm has been selected in the “Seamless Coagulation” category. PUB is the national water agency that manages Singapore’s water supply, water catchment and used water.
Flood mapping in the East
As part of the drive to implement the EU Floods Directive, the World Bank has partnered with both Bulgaria and Romania to update these countries’ national flood hazard and risk maps. Important contracts were recently announced in this respect with geo-data specialist Fugro and engineering consultancy HR Wallingford. The World Bank will use Fugro’s digital terrain and surface models for flood hazard mapping in Romania.
Features boost on Somerset Levels
Civil engineering specialist Land & Water has completed two new projects on the Somerset Levels, intended to reduce flood risk and improve the environment. The new Egypt’s Clyse culvert connects Othery Rhyne and King’s Sedgemoor Drain. It will be used by the Environment Agency to help move water around the Somerset Levels for the benefit of homeowners, businesses, farmers and wildlife.
Maps enhance flood risk modelling
Malmsbury, Wiltshire, during the 2012 flooding: The Climate Suite products are intended to provide insight into future flood hazards. Terrain data from aerial mapping company Bluesky is being used to upgrade the first national climate change flood model for the UK. Created by flood risk modelling firm Ambiental Risk Analytics, the FloodFutures map brings together the latest river flow, rainfall, storm surge and climate change predictions and addresses all major sources of flooding.
Time to put the foot down?
Image: Shutterstock.com/darksoul72 A decarbonisation rate of 11.7% per annum is now required to keep warming within 1.5°C – five times greater than what was achieved prior to the pandemic (2.4%), according to new analysis from PwC in December. The PwC Net Zero Index shows that, based on current trends in energy consumption and CO2 emissions, the century’s global carbon budget would be used up by the end of this decade.
£1.2m funding for waste vision start-up
Waste sorting at a recycling plant in Sterlitamak, Russia, in 2019. Image: Shutterstock.com/Vitaly Fedotov Intelligent waste management start-up Recycleye has secured £1.2 million in seed funding, it was announced in mid-December. The firm is developing a computer vision system and affordable robotics, that will seemingly combine to create the world’s first fully automated, and deployable material recovery facility.
Funding for plastic recycling tech
Image: Shutterstock.com/Dusit Kachatong Greenback Recycling Technologies, a company striving to develop circular solutions for packaging waste, has closed an approximately £8m series A financing round. The firm says it is building a globally distributed, decentralised network of advanced recycling plants near the sources of plastic waste. It buys this waste from local collectors and sorters to provide feedstock for the production of food-grade packaging.
Distilling a new whisky legacy
Family distillery is producing spirit after a lengthy construction 1 of 4 PRODUCING Scotch whisky requires a serious time commitment, and that’s a lesson the Stewart family learned before the first drop of spirit even ran from their stills. The Stewarts, who have run businesses in Stirlingshire and West Lothian for over five decades, opened the doors of Falkirk Distillery this summer – eleven years after making the decision to move into the whisky industry with their own facility.
Ardnamurchan in dram debut
West Highland distillery launches its first single malt The Ardnamurchan single malt is described as “full-flavoured” and true to its location. A WEST Highland distillery has released its first single malt whisky. Ardnamurchan Distillery, at Glenbeg on the rugged westerly peninsula, launched its inaugural single malt last month, six years after production first began.
Historic inn's brand new gin
A FIFE pub will mark its 300th anniversary next year with the launch of its own gin. The Ceres Inn in Ceres has launched The Ceres Highland Games Gin ahead of the major anniversary in 2021. A contribution from each bottle sold will be donated to the Ceres Highland Games, which claims to be the oldest free Highland games in the world. Barring 2020, when the event was cancelled due to the pandemic, and the war years, the Ceres games have taken place every June since 1314.
Brewers bring us sunshine
Molson Coors teams with Spanish brewery for new lager All about soul: the lager is said to capture ‘El alma de Madrid’ – the soul of Madrid. MOLSON Coors has launched a new draught European-style lager – the result of a collaboration with La Sagra Brewery in Spain. Said to capture ‘El alma de Madrid’ (‘the Soul of Madrid’), Madrí Excepcional is a 4.6% ABV “crisp, clean and refreshing liquid” which has “all the taste characteristics of a modern European-style lager”.
RRC IEMA Environmental Management qualifications (sponsored)
This article is sponsored by RRC RRC is a well-established health and safety and environmental management training provider, with over 90 years experience of delivering high-quality training and education worldwide. It offers a range of IEMA environmental management courses, suitable for all with interest or responsibilities for Environmental Management.
Introducing two new Mecana Systems in the UK
This article is sponsored by Eliquo Hydrok Eliquo Hydrok have added two new Mecana technologies to their existing Pile Cloth Media Filtration (PCMF) systems available for the UK Water and Wastewater markets.
Inverness pub reopens following major revamp
1 of 2 AN Inverness pub has reopened following what’s said to be Star Pubs & Bars’ biggest ever pub refurbishment in Scotland.
Historic Inverness pub reopens following major revamp
1 of 2 AN 18th century pub in Inverness has reopened this week following what’s said to be Star Pubs & Bars’ biggest ever pub refurbishment in Scotland.
Leading Scottish hotelier and tourism ambassador takes top trophy at 2019 SLTN Awards
Stephen Leckie, chairman and chief executive of the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, is presented with the SLTN Award for Industry Achievement for 2019 The head of a 150 year-old family business, and a passionate advocate for the Scottish tourism and hospitality industries, was presented with the top award at last night’s SLTN Awards. Stephen Leckie is the fifth generation of his family to run Perthshire hotel and resort Crieff Hydro and has taken the business to new heights.
Ardnahoe is a rising star
ARDNAHOE Distillery, which officially opened its doors in April this year, has wasted little time in establishing itself as a major tourist destination with the award of a five-star rating from VisitScotland. The distillery, owned by independent whisky firm Hunter Laing, offers a range of tours and tastings and has already welcomed 24,000 visitors.
Birse-Stewart to Berkmann
Billy Birse-Stewart (left) and Fraser McGuire WINE distributor Berkmann Wine Cellars is looking to build its presence in Scotland with the appointment of former Wine Importers managing director Billy Birse-Stewart. Birse-Stewart, who left Wine Importers earlier this year, has joined the company as consultant director and will work with Berkmann on-trade sales director, Fraser McGuire, to expand the company’s distribution in Scotland.
Wide support for lets legislation
A SCOTTISH Government consultation on short-term property letting has revealed “wide support” for new regulations. The Scottish Government said it received over 1000 responses to the consultation, which ran between April and July and asked for feedback on the short-term letting market, including the impacts – both positive and negative – on communities and local housing markets and whether the sector should be regulated. An independent research company was commissioned to analyse the responses.
Busby pub is in new hands
A PUB in the Glasgow suburb of Busby has reopened its doors with a new licensee at the helm after a £385,000 refurbishment. Andy Crossan said he aims to establish The Cartvale as “the heart of the community” after the refurbishment, which was funded by pub company Star Pubs & Bars. The project included revamping the venue’s interior as well as the beer garden. The Cartvale will now offer an expanded menu of homemade Scottish food, including afternoon tea and brunch.
A World Class week
GLASGOW is the centre of the cocktail-making world this week as Diageo Reserve and Glasgow Cocktail Week team up to host a week-long series of events across the city. On Thursday September 26 the global final of the World Class Bartender of the Year competition takes place at SWG3 with Cameron Attfield of Disrepute in London representing the UK. But there’s plenty more going on across the city before and after the competition.
Highland tax consultation "astonishing"
HIGHLAND Council is facing criticism after it launched a consultation into the possible introduction of a visitor levy, or ‘tourist tax’. The Scottish Government paved the way for councils to introduce visitor levies earlier this year when it devolved the necessary powers to local authorities. However, it has also stated that no authority will be able to introduce a levy until 2021.
Pubs upbeat despite Brexit
SCOTTISH licensees are upbeat about their businesses despite challenges such as Brexit and business rates, according to the Scottish Licensed Trade Association (SLTA). In the trade group’s most recent On-trade Market Review, which polled 500 operators across Scotland, 56% of respondents reported their business was growing or stable, with 72% anticipating growth or stability in the rest of 2019.
Distiller makes history
A SCOTTISH distiller made history at the weekend when it released the first legal spirit produced on the Isle of Raasay. Isle of Raasay Gin is the first release from The Isle of Raasay Distillery, which was opened in 2018 by co-founders Alasdair Day and Bill Dobbie. The gin, officially launched at the distillery on Saturday, July 27, is described as a well-balanced, zesty, dry gin with an aftertaste that captures its island provenance.
The Ivy comes to Glasgow
MANNEQUINS dressed in floral attire and an ivy-wrapped bus have appeared on the streets of Glasgow today (July 9) as The Ivy prepares to open its second Scottish restaurant. The two-floor venue, comprising a brasserie, private dining room and first-floor bar, will open its doors on July 29 at 106 Buchanan Street.
First in new flock opens its doors
Black Sheep Hotels group unveils revamped Highland property THE first of three Highland hotels bought by Indian hospitality entrepreneur Sanjay Narang has opened its doors following a major refurbishment. Rokeby Manor – the former Craigard Guest House on the outskirts of Invergarry – is said to have been “tastefully designed to complement its surroundings” and the Victorian property’s original features.
All change at Drygate
GLASGOW brewery and venue, Drygate, has overhauled its branding and range as the business marks its fifth anniversary. The new-look branding on both the brewery’s beers and the Drygate bar and restaurant – renamed the Drygate Brasserie – features geometric designs and bright colours that are designed to resemble “the scientific, precise and human side of brewing”.
A decade of Imbibe Live
- Advertisement - IMBIBE Live, the on-trade drinks show, will mark its tenth anniversary this year with what could be its biggest event yet. The trade show, which takes place on July 1 and 2 at the Olympia London, will feature a programme of talks and tasting sessions as well as hundreds of exhibitors showcasing thousands of drinks products.
A decade of Imbibe Live
IMBIBE Live, the on-trade drinks show, will mark its tenth anniversary this year with what could be its biggest event yet. The trade show, which takes place on July 1 and 2 at the Olympia London, will feature a programme of talks and tasting sessions as well as hundreds of exhibitors showcasing thousands of drinks products.
Saying hello to single malt
THE people and places of Jura take centre stage in a new advertising campaign for the island’s single malt. The Say Hello to Jura campaign includes digital and poster ads as well as cinema and video on-demand advertising. At the core of the campaign is a 90-second ad which features some of Jura’s 212 residents as well as its one road, one pub and one distillery. Whisky fans are invited to visit the “warm and welcoming” island.
Darker direction for soft drinks giant
COCA-Cola European Partners (CCEP) is aiming to mix up the on-trade spirit/mixer market with the launch of a new range of flavoured colas designed to be paired with quality dark spirits. Launching next month, Coca-Cola Signature Mixers is a range of four colas that have been created in collaboration with mixologists from across Europe.
Chance to go west at Granite City venue
Deli Cafe Union Grove in Aberdeen A NEW owner is sought for an “attractive” licensed café which occupies a prominent location in the west end of Aberdeen. Situated on the corner of Union Grove and St Swithin Street, the outlet was recently refurbished and is described as having a “high quality fit-out which is ready for immediate occupation”. The 700 sq ft venue comprises a sales area, seating for 30 covers, storage areas and toilet facilities; the premises also has permission for outside seating.
Don't half-cook your kitchen kit
Whether it’s a barbecue for the beer garden or a microwave for the back-bar, operators should invest in quality equipment, say suppliers. THE importance of food in today’s on-trade is hard to overstate. For many venues it’s a core part of the offer – one of the main reasons customers come through the door – while for others it might be a way to broaden their appeal and help mitigate a drop in traditional drinks sales.
Big growth for Wee company
Three Chimneys and The Pierhouse snapped up Gordon Campbell Gray’s first acquisition was The Pierhouse in Port Appin AN Argyll hotel and an award-winning Skye restaurant with rooms have become the first businesses in a new Scottish hotel company from Gordon Campbell Gray.
Hunter Laing & Company on cloud nine
Image credit Konrad Borkowski THE doors to Islay’s newest whisky distillery swung open this morning (April 12). Ardnahoe Distillery has become the ninth working distillery on the island and was created with a £12 million investment from family-owned blending and bottling firm, Hunter Laing & Company. It is the first distillery to be built on the island since Kilchoman in 2005.
National board appointed to deliver £1 billion food and drink tourism boost
AN ambitious plan to boost food tourism in Scotland by £1 billion has taken another step forward with the creation of a national board to oversee its delivery.
Quietly making improvements
QUIET Man Taverns, the Edinburgh-based pub group, has completed a £250,000 refurbishment of two of its venues. The Scotsman’s Lounge, just off the Royal Mile, has received a significant upgrade that includes the expansion of its gantry, allowing for a larger range of whiskies and gins, the installation of new seating and modernised toilets. The company claims that the project has been the first major refurb for the traditional pub in nearly four decades.
Milestone for city institution
GLASGOW nightclub The Garage will mark its 25th anniversary this weekend with a special event. The birthday celebrations on Saturday March 9 will feature confetti and CO2 cannons, video screens and light shows as well as a host of prize giveaways, ranging from chocolate bars to gig tickets, hoodies and a mystery grand prize. Memorable moments from the venue’s quarter century in business have been posted on the club’s social media accounts in the build-up to the anniversary event.
Tea up a new sales opportunity
Operators can cash in with the right afternoon tea offer, say firms WHAT customer doesn’t like to treat themselves from time to time? With most people nowadays said to be looking for higher quality experiences when in the on-trade, a well-presented afternoon tea offer can make a lot of sense. That was the message from drinks and hot beverage firms, who told SLTN that the right offer can bring real benefits to a business.
Uncertainty reigns ahead of Brexit
Funding options are essential for Scottish operators as outlook remains clouded Operators are said to be increasingly anxious about investing funds ahead of Brexit. WITH competition tight in the on-trade, access to finance for operators whether they are just starting out or veterans looking to invest in long-standing outlets remains crucial.
Afternoon tea part of the Grand's plan
Talking tea with Kenneth Wilkie of Glasgow’s Grand Central Hotel Q: How long have you offered afternoon tea? What does your offer comprise? A: Afternoon tea has been a tradition at Grand Central for a very long time; the earliest serving I’m unsure of but certainly back to the golden days of rail with ladies in large frocks.
Councils handed powers to introduce tourist tax
COUNCILS will be handed the necessary powers to implement a tourist tax after the Scottish Government reached a deal with the Scottish Greens to pass its Budget today (January 31). Finance minister Derek Mackay said that the Scottish Government had reached an agreement with the Green Party “that will secure the passage of the Budget at every stage” and which “will deliver the most significant empowerment of local authorities since devolution”.
Glasgow is World Class
Glasgow is World Class DIAGEO has confirmed that Glasgow will host the global final of its World Class cocktail competition in September 2019. Thousands of bartenders from around the world enter the World Class competition every year. The 2018 global final was hosted in Berlin, with previous host cities including Mexico City and Miami. The announcement video can be viewed below. VIDEO
Coors ends Matthew Clark arrangement
Coors ends Matthew Clark arrangement MOLSON Coors has moved to reassure its free-trade customers that there will be no interruption to service after announcing that its distribution agreement with Matthew Clark is coming to an end. The deal, signed in September 2013, has seen Matthew Clark distribute Molson Coors’ portfolio – which includes Carling, Coors Light, Blue Moon and Rekorderlig – to the independent on-trade across Scotland.
Alcohol label laws slammed
Alcohol label laws slammed Holyrood is watching new Irish measures “with interest” Ireland has approved new labelling laws. By Jonathan Watt THE potential introduction of Irish-style cancer warnings on alcohol products in Scotland has been described as “ridiculous” by operators and trade groups. Last month in Ireland, the Dáil approved the Public Health (Alcohol) Bill in a bid to combat problem drinking.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Alec
Contact Alec, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack