The Herald:

Scottish agency Inverness Travel has re-launched under a new name to reflect its expansion across the Highlands and Moray.

The new-look Murray Travel is preparing to open branches across the region after unveiling its fresh branding at its Inverness headquarters. The change comes after the acquisition of two well-known travel brands earlier this year.

Director Scott Murray, who runs the business with wife Sarah, said: “When we took over Alba Travel and Beaver Travel, and committed to maintaining a presence in Elgin and Forres, we quickly realised that we had outgrown the Inverness Travel brand. We are no longer a company serving only the Highland capital and we need a name that reflects that larger footprint.

“The new Murray Travel brand represents the family values that run throughout everything we do. As a family-run business – and one that values the relationships we build in our communities – we want our customers to know that we will take good care of their holiday arrangements, as we would for any member of our family.”

The Herald:

The company is in the process of securing new premises in Elgin and Forres that will re-create the format of its headquarters in Strothers Lane, where customers are met with a cross between an airport lounge and a hotel lobby.

“When we started our business seven years ago, we could never have foreseen the challenges we would face – but the strength and dedication of our team has meant we have come out of the Covid pandemic stronger than ever," Mr Murray added.

“We’re now in a position to offer even more people expert travel advice, and to help organise unforgettable trips around the world for those looking to travel.”

Established in 2014, Murray Travel added to its portfolio earlier this year with the acquisition of local agencies Alba Travel and Beaver Travel. Mr and Mrs Murray also co-founded Wanderluxe, a homeworking agency based in Sawbridgeworth, and Mr Murray is managing director of Highland hospitality group Cru Holdings.

Green light for first grain distillery in Scottish Borders

The Herald:

PLANS for the first new first grain distillery in Scotland in 10 years have been given the go-ahead.

St Boswells Distillery, based at Charlesfield Industrial Estate in the Scottish Borders, will be built to serve the growing demand for grain spirit for Scotch whisky blending, as well as to supply grain neutral spirit for gin and vodka. It will have the capacity to produce 20 million litres of pure alcohol per year.

As world focuses on COP26, a historic Glasgow firm has a sustainable story to tell

The Herald:

WHILE the world awaits the outcome of climate change negotiations at COP26 in Glasgow, a historic company in the city is plotting the next stage of its own environmental evolution.

Cullen Eco-Friendly Packaging has secured planning permission to build a second factory on its 14.2-acre site near Dawsholm Park in Glasgow. The proposed plant, which is scheduled to be ready in the summer of 2023, will raise Cullen’s annual output to some 900 million pieces of moulded pulp and corrugated packaging per year.