Jobs at risk for house builder

THE firm behind a major housing development has confirmed it is considering cutting staff just weeks before Christmas.

Ellon-based Scotia Homes is behind t he Glenview development on the former guide dogs training centre in Forfar, which is being worked on.

The firm announced a “review of its business” amid “continuing challenges” brought on by the oil and gas downturn and t he “heightening uncertainties” caused by Brexit.

A spokeswoman for Scotia Homes would not confirm how many employees are at risk.

Scotia Homes managing director Martin Bruce said: “The decision to undertake this review has not been taken lightly.

“It was only decided following very thorough consideration of the impact of i mproving efficiencies, market conditions and delivery timelines for forthcoming projects.

“Despite some promising signs over the summer of a potential recovery to the property market, the uncertainties presented by Brexit confusion are causing continuing challenges to trading and this is compounded by third-party delays affecting new start sites. This reorganisation process will be undertaken over the next few months and is likely to result in some redundancies.”

He said the business was “well-placed” with a “strong order book of advanced sales” for the future.

A DUNCAN of Jordanstone College of Art graduate is celebrating success after selling out the Royal Scottish Academy and Royal Ulster Academy of Art.

Dundee-trained Frank To, who is now an established leading contemporary artist with an international reputation for his craft, has sold out his ignited gunpowder work at both venues – a feat that few artists have achieved before.

Commenting on his recent success at both exhibitions, To said: “It’s important as a Scottish

A RAGING hospital chef brandished a meat cleaver a nd a ca r v i ng fork at joiners after being angered by noise they were making in his block.

James Cochrane brought mayhem to Wiston Place during the morning rammy on November 15.

Dundee Sheriff Court heard that Cochrane was attacked by one of the joiners working in a flat below his property.

After initially leaving the scene, Cochrane returned armed with two weapons and challenged the men to a fight.

Prosecutor Lynne Mannion said: “At 11.45am, the accused attended at the door and spoke with the joiners.

“They said he was agitated and demanding to know what all the noise was about.

“One of them told the accused to go away but he didn’t leave and he pushed the accused out of the flat.”

The court heard Cochrane, who works as a chef at Ninewells Hospital, came towards the man