Top restaurants feed Midlothian football clubs’ new season ambitions

Midlothian’s football clubs are setting their goals even higher for the new season thanks to two of Scotland’s leading restaurants.

Itihaas in Dalkeith and The Radhuni in Loanhead, winners of UK-wide awards, have announced sponsorship of five local teams and a bowling club as the latest moves in their widespread support of local and regional sports, cultural and social organisations.

“It’s very important for the club to secure sponsorships such as these as our day to day costs are ever increasing and we have to look at all revenue streams,” said Duncan Purdie, Secretary of Dalkeith Thistle who play in the East of Scotland Football League (EOSFL). “We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship going forward.“ Grant Fitzimmons, Vice-Chairman of Bonnyrigg Rose, said the restaurants’ logos would be on all 3 three strips home and away as well as on prominently sited boards.

The club, narrowly relegated from Scottish League 2 to the Lowland League at the end of last season, relied on local businesses and were looking to bounce back quickly after investing in improvements to its New Dundas Park pitch, he went on.

Penicuik Athletic Chairman Andy Penman said The Radhuni’s name and logo would appear on the back of all its strips across three teams: The Mens’ First team competing in the East of Scotland Premier Division, Mens’ U20’ competing in the East Conference and Women’s team in the Scottish Women’s East Division.

In addition the name would also appear on a selection of match day and training wear across the three teams with enhanced visual advertising around Montgomery Park.

Club President Andy Penman welcomed the deal, commenting: “We hope the support of this award- winning restaurant is matched by a winning team and enhanced facilities at the club. The support allows us to continue develop on all fronts as we strive to continue to be Midlothian’s premier EOSFL club’ His views were echoed by Keith Angus, Secretary of Loanhead Miners Welfare which has been promoted to Division One of the Lothian & Edinburgh Amateur Football Association Sunday section.

He commented: “We feel heartfelt gratitude at the renewal of Radhuni’s sponsorship for the 2025-6 season. This amazing restaurant has played a crucial role in our success, not only gaining promotion in our first season as a football club but we are now able to purchase new training kits.”

Keith went on: “The partnership not only empowers our players to achieve their personal best on the pitch but also strengthens our community as we strive for excellence both on and off the field. We look forward to continuing this partnership and achieving greater milestones together.”

He also thanked his son Blair, who plays for the team, for helping him run the club and Peter Frame who provides changing rooms for free.

Other clubs sponsored by Itihaas and Radhuni are Whitehill Welfare, which also competes in the East of Scotland League, and Loanhead Bowling Club.

Welfare Chairman John Quinn commented: “Itihaas and Radhuni have given us great support for several years. If it wasn’t for their support the club would find it challenging to survive.”

Founder and Executive Chef of both restaurants Matin Khan said he was committed to maintaining long term support of local communities. “Over the past decade or so we have donated around £100,000 to local and regional good causes,” he said. “Itihaas and The Radhuni will continue to do our utmost to help Midlothian be a great place to stay, play – and of course enjoy top quality food and service!”

Habibur Khan, his son and Managing Partner, added: “Sport is part of the lifeblood of many communities in Midlothian and around the world. We are proud to be playing our part in helping these local clubs thrive and wish them all even more successes in the year ahead.”

Gilson Gray appoints Head of Residential Conveyancing for London

Full-service UK law firm Gilson Gray has appointed experienced solicitor Monika Haidar as Partner to lead its residential Conveyancing practice in London.

Monika brings over a decade of experience in residential property and inward investment, with a strong focus on the London market. She has advised overseas clients and played a key role in facilitating international capital into the city’s property sector. Her past work has involved a broad range of matters, including sales, purchases, transfers of equity, and remortgages. She is also highly experienced in real estate due diligence, having acted for private individuals, corporate investors, and Deputies appointed under Court of Protection orders.

In her new role, Monika will lead Gilson Gray’s Conveyancing division in the capital, overseeing transactions and supporting the development of the team. She joins from national property-buying company We Buy Any Home, where she spent five years as in-house solicitor and established and built its legal department.

Her appointment is the latest step in Gilson Gray’s strategic growth in the South East, following the acquisition of City of London-based PCM Solicitors in October 2024. It also follows a series of senior hires across England, including Rajan Shori as Partner and Head of Real Estate for England, Shuhel Ahmed as Partner in Real Estate, and Tim Harrison as Head of Private Client Services for England.

Glen Gilson, Chairman and Managing Partner of Gilson Gray, said: “Monika’s appointment is another important milestone in our expansion across England. Her expertise in residential property and international investment is a strong addition to the team as we continue to build momentum in the London market.”

Now with over 450 employees offering a full suite of legal services across offices in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, East Lothian, Aberdeen, Lincoln, and Angus, Gilson Gray is one of the fastest-growing law firms in the UK.

Monika added: ” I’ve always had a passion for residential property and love working closely with clients and agents to deliver top, hands-on service. I’m looking forward to reconnecting with my former clients, agents, and introducers. Joining Gilson Gray is a fantastic opportunity to support the growth of its bespoke residential offering in London. The firm’s energy, pace, and ambition really stood out to me, and I’m excited to be part of its next chapter.”

Greaves West & Ayre announces three new Independent Financial Advisers

Greaves West & Ayre (GWA), one of the region’s leading accountancy firms and independent advisers, is pleased to announce three new Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs) within their Wealth Management team.

Daniel Bullen, Matthew Brown, and Toby Douglas have recently completed their qualifications to become Independent Financial Advisers. After successfully passing exams, undergoing assessments, receiving additional training, and completing a supervised period, they are now fully practicing IFAs.

Toby joined GWA in 2021 after obtaining a degree in Business and Finance from Queen Margaret University. Commenting on his qualification he said, “I am pleased to become an Independent Financial Adviser within GWA and I look forward to maintaining and developing relationships with my clients, aiding in their financial journey to help them achieve their personal goals”.

Daniel has worked in financial advice since leaving school and joined GWA in 2022 following a role  as a Paraplanner. He gained a Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning in 2023. Speaking to Daniel he said, “I am proud to have become an Independent Financial Adviser, something I’ve been working toward since starting my career in financial advice. I really enjoy building relationships with our clients and helping them plan for their financial future. It’s a challenging role, however it’s also incredibly rewarding and I look forward to continuing my journey with GWA”.

Matthew started his career in wealth management upon graduating from the University of Leeds in 2018. In that time, he progressed from his role as a trainee Financial Adviser to a qualified Financial Adviser in 2021. Matthew has a CII Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning and is currently progressing in his Chartered qualification. Matthew added, “I am pleased to continue in my role as an IFA at Greaves West & Ayre and to be part of a team that prides itself on providing quality advice and service to our clients”.

John Coats, Partner at Greaves West & Ayre, said: “We are thrilled to announce that Daniel, Matthew, and Toby are now fully qualified and authorised Independent Financial Advisers. Their appointment brings our Wealth Management team to eight IFAs, further strengthening the expertise we provide to our clients.  It’s an exciting time for the Greaves West & Ayre Wealth team, as the addition of three new IFAs enhances our ability to pursue ambitious goals and continue delivering the Quality Advice and Quality Service we are renowned for”.

Brand Satellite named finalist in the 2025 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards

Midlothian & East Lothian Chamber of Commerce member, Brand Satellite, has been named a finalist in the 2025 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards, shortlisted in the Creative Entrepreneur of the Year category. This award is kindly sponsored by Great Influence.

Known as “The Grammys of Entrepreneurship”, the awards celebrate the most exceptional and inspiring business stories across the UK. This year’s shortlist includes entrepreneurs from every nation and region of the UK, all recognised for their innovation, impact and resilience.

Past winners include the founders of BrewDog, Grenade, ClearScore, Zilch, and Unbiased, many of whom were recognised early in their entrepreneurial journey by the awards.

Giles Etherington, founder of Brand Satellite, said:

“I’m absolutely thrilled that Brand Satellite has been named a finalist. It’s an incredible honour to be recognised alongside some of the UK’s most exciting and ambitious businesses. This recognition is a huge testament to our hard work and our mission to give small, purpose-driven business owners the clarity, confidence and courage to go out there and grow successful, profitable businesses.”

Brand Satellite’s nomination comes on the back of an innovative new brand creation programme. Recognising small business owners’ challenges, Brand Satellite introduced a ground-breaking 28-Day Brand Launchpad. This is the only group brand creation programme of its kind in the UK, that brings together a small group of independent consultants and coaches who give each other feedback, advice and encouragement as they turn their business into a brand in just 28 days.

Participants engage in daily activities with regular group feedback sessions. This collective approach taps into the diverse knowledge, experience and perspectives of the fellow business owners.

The programme was nominated for the ‘Best Innovation in Business’ Award at the Midlothian & East Lothian Chamber of Commerce Business Awards 2024.

“Trying to create a compelling brand by yourself, without external perspectives is virtually impossible”, explains Giles Etherington. “This programme is like having a board of directors for 28 days, to support and encourage you as you create the perfect brand for your business.”

The help doesn’t stop after 28 days. Giles provides 12 months of ongoing support to hold you accountable and ensure you embed your new brand throughout your communications.

Participants attest to the transformative power of the programmme.

“Before working with Giles, I had tried a million different ways to get my work out there, and I’d really struggled to find the courage and confidence to let myself shine. Giles’ 28-Day Brand Launchpad was a game-changer for me!” explains Ruth Friedman, founder of Lead Being You. “This year, my work has reached new heights, and I’m super proud of what I’ve achieved. It is one of the best investments I have ever made in my business.”

 

The next 28-Day Brand Launchpad starts at the end of August.

 

For more information about Brand Satellite’s 28-Day Brand Launchpad (and an Early Bird Discount), please visit: https://brandsatellite.co.uk/28-day-brand-launchpad/

To learn more about the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, visit www.greatbritishentrepreneurawards.com.

 

 

For more information, contact:

Giles Etherington

Founder & Brand Creator

Brand Satellite

giles@brandsatellite.co.uk

07940 544 804

Website: https://brandsatellite.co.uk/

28-Day Brand Launchpad: https://brandsatellite.co.uk/28-day-brand-launchpad/

 

Gilson Gray boosts real estate team with new partner

Full-service UK law firm Gilson Gray has strengthened its real estate division in England with the appointment of Shuhel Ahmed as partner.

Shuhel joins the firm from Pepperells Solicitors, where he spent the last decade specialising in commercial property, both in solicitor and director roles. His expertise includes the sale and purchase of businesses and investment properties, as well as dealing with all aspects of transactions such as leases, conditional contracts and financial arrangements.

Based in Lincoln but covering all of England and Wales, Shuhel joins Gilson Gray’s growing real estate specialism to support the development and expansion of the team. Just last month, the firm appointed experienced real estate and property lawyer Rajan Shori as the new head of the English division.

Now with over 450 employees offering a full suite of legal services across offices in London, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, East Lothian, Aberdeen, Lincoln, and Angus, Gilson Gray is one of the fastest-growing law firms in the UK.

Glen Gilson, chair and managing partner of Gilson Gray, said: “Shuhel is a welcome addition to our real estate team and another key hire to support the growth of the division. Our presence in England continues to go from strength to strength, and we look forward to further expansion during the months ahead.”

Shuhel added: “The ambitious and entrepreneurial spirit that is reflected throughout Gilson Gray’s achievements to date is what sets it apart from the crowd, and in my view, it is an incredible opportunity to join the team for the next chapter. My experience spans both business development and people management, which will help us to become a key player in UK property.”

New Managing Partner for Lindsays

Leading independent Scottish legal firm Lindsays has appointed a new Managing Partner elect.

Andrew Diamond, currently a Partner and the firm’s Head of Residential Property, will take up the role on October 1st.

He will succeed Alasdair Cummings, who is stepping aside after 14 years in the role – a period during which Lindsays has completed six mergers and seen annual turnover grow from £9m to almost £28m.

A handover process is already underway, following which Mr Cummings will remain a Partner.

Mr Diamond, who joined Lindsays through its merger with MacLachlan and MacKenzie in 2012, aims for the firm to continue its growth organically, as well as through mergers and strong strategic hires.

He said: “I am delighted to be taking on this role. I am very much the continuity candidate. And, while in politics that may not always be viewed favourably, it is a good thing for Lindsays. It’s business as usual here.

“We are clear in our identity as an independent Scottish firm, working with Scottish families and businesses. There will be no change to that. We will continue with steady, strategic growth on the same path as we have followed.

“Our culture at Lindsays is our greatest asset. Our people matter. We have the soul of a smaller firm but with all the benefits of scale. That is down to Alasdair’s leadership, for which we are all grateful. I have very large shoes to fill.”

Mr Cummings’ Lindsays story has seen him rise from trainee to Managing Partner, beginning in 1986, with only a five-year gap during which he worked for a London legal firm before returning to Lindsays in Edinburgh in 1993 to help grow its corporate and commercial law services.

He said: “Lindsays means so much to me. To be Managing Partner of this firm, with its tremendous team, has been the undoubted highlight of my career.

“The past 14 years have been a successful and exciting journey. Together, we have achieved good growth, a wider geographic footprint and become a full-service firm, of which I am incredibly proud. The time, however, feels right for a new voice to lead Lindsays into the next stage of that journey.

“My current three-year term as managing partner was due to end next March and I was always clear that I would not be seeking another. With that in mind, making a change now feels like sensible succession planning. Andrew is a very worthy successor and I look forward to supporting him in any way I can.”

Lindsays has 53 Partners along with 300 other solicitors and staff working from its offices in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, Perth and Crieff.

Nina Taylor, Lindsays’ Chair, said: “Alasdair has led Lindsays with purpose, professionalism and integrity. His leadership typifies our firm’s people-first approach to everything. Our thanks go to him for the success he has delivered for the firm and our very best wishes go to Andrew as the baton is passed on. The Partnership is right behind him.”

 

The image shows Andrew Diamond, left, who will succeed Alasdair Cummings, right, as Managing Partner of independent Scottish legal firm Lindsays.

A generous sponsor to Loanhead Gala

Top curry restaurant Radhuni is helping set the stage for Loanhead Gala Week’s biggest ever programme.

It has donated £500 to make sure things go with a swing on the town’s Fountain Green on Wednesday 25 June when crowds will be entertained by the Midlothian Community Concert Band.

Habibur Khan, Managing Partner of The Radhuni, voted the UK’s 2024 Curry Restaurant of the Year by trade magazine Curry Life, presented the cheque to sponsor the concert to Ross Perfect, Chairman of Loanhead Gala Day Association.

“This year’s Gala Week will have even more entertainment than previous years between 22 and 28 June, including the Promenade Concert, and for this we can thank generous sponsors like The Radhuni,” Ross said. “It has been a longstanding supporter of Gala Week as well as a very popular local restaurant.”

Habibur added: “Radhuni has won many national awards but our heart is in Midlothian and we regard ourselves first and foremost as a community hub. We take pride in associating ourselves with the huge band of volunteers who make Gala Week such a regular success and The Grand Procession on Gala Day, Midlothian’s largest parade, such a joy for thousands of spectators.”

Gilson Gray’s success

Full-service legal firm Gilson Gray is celebrating further success in the landmark litigation against its client, US-based private equity house Lime Rock Partners, by renowned oil and gas businessman, Robert Kidd. The claim was understood to be the single biggest damages claim in Scottish legal history.

In March 2024, after having heard weeks of evidence, the commercial judge (Lord Tyre) found in favour of Lime Rock Partners and the other defenders. Mr Kidd appealed that decision to the Inner House of the Court of Session, which was heard over four days in January 2025. In its decision today, the Court has again ruled in favour of Lime Rock Partners and the other defenders.

The case centred on an investment in ITS Tubular Services, a North Sea drilling company set up by Mr Kidd in 1989. A minority stake in the company was sold to Lime Rock in 2009. Mr Kidd had made a number of allegations arising from that deal. The commercial judge found in favour of Lime Rock and the other defenders, ruling against Mr Kidd on every point. That decision has been upheld on appeal.

A team of litigation and dispute resolution specialists from Gilson Gray acted for Lime Rock, including Alex Garioch, Fraser Cameron, and Iain Grant, all of whom welcomed the Court’s decision.

Alex Garioch, partner at Gilson Gray, said: “In what has been an extremely complex, lengthy and high value litigation we are delighted that our client’s position has been entirely vindicated and that they have won on every line of defence advanced. Gilson Gray are proud to have successfully represented Lime Rock Partners and two former employees in this very challenging and hard fought litigation. The team’s experience, application and collaboration with counsel, Kenny McBrearty KC, Alasdair McKenzie KC and Elisabeth Roxburgh contributed to such a positive outcome for our client.”

Glen Gilson, chair and managing partner of Gilson Gray, added: “This landmark case represents one of a series of high profile and extraordinary litigations that our team has successfully handled in recent months. From the definition of a woman in the Supreme Court, to the handling of complex Judicial Reviews and high value court actions, our Dispute Resolution division has helped establish Gilson Gray as one of the leading up and coming brands in UK law.”

Successful 2024/25 at Anderson Strathern

Independent Scottish law firm Anderson Strathern has strengthened its senior team with the appointment of one new partner and a new director in the Commercial Real Estate team.

The new hires bring a wealth of expertise across commercial, public sector and rural property, as well as the legal aspects of financial risk, to the firm’s award-winning Commercial Real Estate team which includes 13 specialist partners and four directors.

Edward Gratwick is ranked in the Legal 500 as a ‘rising star’ in property litigation and by Chambers and Partners as ‘up and coming’ in real estate litigation. He returns to Anderson Strathern joining the Dispute Resolution team as a partner. Edward has more than 17 years of experience litigating in property disputes involving commercial landlords, rural estates, public sector and private clients – including high profile public procurement cases and regular appearances in the Court of Session.

Edward is joined by Fallon Spencer, a newly appointed director at Anderson Strathern specialising in commercial property. Since qualifying ten years ago, Fallon has honed her skills across financial risk and property – and has particular expertise in investment portfolios, having advised on a range of investments from student accommodation to the private rented sector.

The appointments serve to strengthen the full-service firm’s Commercial Real Estate department, which supports clients locally and internationally to deliver Scottish-specific aspects of transactions, and to fully manage cross-border transactions.

Over the past 12 months, the team has been involved in several high-profile projects across the hospitality, retail and commercial property sectors in Scotland, both in the UK and internationally, representing a variety of clients.

Murray McCall, Managing Partner at Anderson Strathern, said: “We are building on the success and significant growth achieved during the past 12 months so having the right people in place is key. Fallon and Edward are exceptionally experienced, and I have no doubt they’ll deliver further strength and depth to our commercial real estate team.”

New online exhibition at Rosslyn Chapel

A new online exhibition has been launched featuring forty historic photographs of Roslin. The photographs, part of The Bryce Collection, include archive images of Rosslyn Chapel, Rosslyn Castle and the village, and can now be seen in the first online exhibition on Rosslyn Chapel’s website.

From around 1880 to the 1940s, two generations of the Bryce family lived and worked in a draper’s shop and post office on Roslin Main Street. One of the family married a keen amateur photographer, Thomas Ritchie and, in the early years of the twentieth century, Ritchie took many photographs in and around the village, some of which were made into postcards and sold in the post office. By the 1940s, Meg Campbell (nee Bryce), the great niece of George Bryce, moved from Glasgow and took over the family business in Roslin. The collection of photographs had been stored away and largely forgotten but, in 1993, Mrs Campbell donated the collection to Midlothian Local Studies and stipulated that it should be known as ‘The Bryce Collection’. Subsequently, members of the Roslin Heritage Society researched and identified many of the locations.

The Bryce Collection images are used with permission from Midlothian Council Libraries and Archives and forty photographs are now on display in the online exhibition.

Ian Gardner, Director of Rosslyn Chapel Trust, said: ‘We are delighted to launch this fascinating exhibition on our website and, very appropriately, to feature these historic photographs of the Chapel, Castle, Glen and village from The Bryce Collection. This is the first exhibition on our online gallery, which has been funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, administered by Midlothian Council, and we look forward to adding more exhibitions there in the months ahead.’

The exhibition can be viewed free of charge at www.rosslynchapel.com

Photo credit: Midlothian Council Libraries and Archives