News

Mark Wilson Insurance giant Aviva, which employs 2,500 staff across hubs in Perth and Bishopriggs, is looking to turn itself into a fintech business as it prepares acquisitions in artificial intelligence and big data.

The RBS Shareholder Action Group representing 9,000 private investors and around 20 financial institutions suing Royal Bank of Scotland over its disastrous 2008 rights issue, says it has now agreed a £200 million settlement with the 72 per cent state-owned bank over the debacle.

Douglas Martin Aberdeen-based independent firm of Chartered Accountants and business advisors Anderson Anderson & Brown (AAB) has been named as the top dealmakers in Scotland for a 12th consecutive year, after being recognised as the accountants having completed the most deals in Scotland each y

Graham Blair In the past decade, the average house price in the Aberdeenshire town of Fraserburgh has grown by 95 per cent, from £70,255 to £136,889 – significantly exceeding the 16 per cent increase for all seaside towns in Scotland, according to research from Bank of Scotland.

Bank of Scotland has unveiled the design of its new £10 polymer note, which will come into circulation in autumn 2017.

Sir Ian Wood (Image: Ross Johnstone) Private sector led economic development body Opportunity North East (ONE) has set an ambitious programme of action and investment for its second year of operations to strengthen and diversify the economy of Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.

Elspeth Paget The number of adults in Scotland registering a Power of Attorney (PoA) has fallen significantly, according to figures obtained by Scottish Law firm Gillespie Macandrew from the Office of the Public Guardian.

Investments by Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) during the past year supported businesses and social enterprises across the region to create or retain 1,688 full time equivalent jobs, 169 of these in fragile areas, according to the body’s latest figures.

Jill Barrow Third sector funding provider Social Investment Scotland (SIS) has appointed RSM executive Jill Barrow as its new financial controller, and former Dundee United footballer Derek Gardiner in the role of investment manager.

Scott Ritchie Hostel company Safestay plc has completed an £18.4 million debt restructuring and refinancing with HSBC.

Progress continues towards a settlement in a court action brought by thousands of shareholders against the Royal Bank of Scotland, senior counsel has said. At the High Court in London, Jonathan Nash QC, for the shareholders, updated Mr Justice Hildyard on the case.

Danny Maclennan Scotch whisky firm Douglas Laing has appointed Danny Maclennan, formerly of Brewdog and William Grant & Sons, as finance director.

Abbeyhill Industrial Estate Artisan Real Estate Investors, the partnership driving Edinburgh’s £150 million New Waverley scheme, has underlined further commitment to the capital with another significant development deal.

Paul McGhee Edinburgh-based Standard Life has announced the appointment of Paul McGhee as head of Brexit strategy.

Graham Barnet Edinburgh-based Sigma Capital has raised £250 million through its new real estate investment trust (REIT).