Here are the business stories making the headlines across Scotland and the UK this morning.
Aberdeen bus gates row reignites over email exchanges
Aberdeen’s city centre planning boss has been accused of working “hand in glove” with bus company executives to push through controversial bus gates.
A report in the Press & Journal today claims David Dunne asked executives at bus companies for favourable statistics on the bus gates.
However, the local authority defended Mr Dunne, saying such conversations are “normal practice”.
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Stonehaven fatal derailment probe process to begin
The first stage of the fatal accident inquiry process after the Stonehaven train derailment in which three men died is to be held next month, it has been announced.
The Aberdeen to Glasgow service derailed at Carmont after hitting a landslide following heavy rain in 2020. Driver Brett McCullough, 45, conductor Donald Dinnie, 58, and passenger Christopher Stuchbury, 62, died.
Network Rail was fined £6.7m last year after admitting a series of failings which led to the deaths. The fatal accident inquiry (FAI) process is expected to begin with a preliminary hearing at Aberdeen Sheriff Court in January.
Plans for trendy brunch and bao bun bar at UTG pavilion
An Aberdeen cafe owner plans to transform a Union Terrace Gardens pavilion into a “high quality” venue across two floors – offering brunches and Vietnamese street food.
Stuart Ross, who runs the Grub coffee shops across Aberdeen, will take over the Union Pavilion – just off the Granite Mile.
It’s one of three tram-inspired structures which were created as part of the £30 million revamp of the Victorian sunken gardens.
Click here to read more in the Press & Journal.
Monthly rent soars by £270 since pandemic, says Zoopla
Renting a newly let property is on average £270 per month more expensive than at the end of the coronavirus pandemic, according to figures from Zoopla.
Rent began to soar in 2021 because of high demand from tenants after lockdowns were lifted and limited numbers of available properties.
The annual cost of renting has gone up by 27% - £3,240 in total - in those three years, compared with a 19% rise in average earnings over the same period.
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