We use cookies, which are small text files, to improve your experience on our website and to show you personalised content. You can allow all or manage them individually. You can find out more on our cookie page at any time The plots at Dillichip Loan offer people who stay in West Dunbartonshire a chance to have their own plot of land to grow the likes of flowers there are 57 plots with around half already having been let They also have storage so plot-holders can keep tools on-site safely and a learning area provides the opportunity for schools to be able to visit and find out more about the benefits of growing Residents currently on the waiting list will be contacted to be offered a plot and if there are still allotments available following this the opportunity will be opened up to the wider community The development of the plots is part of the West Dunbartonshire Council Food Growing Strategy to encourage and empower people to take an active role in producing and growing their own food This benefits both the wider society and the environment said: “We know that allotments are sought after in West Dunbartonshire and I am delighted that the Council has developed these plots to give residents the chance to tend to their own garden space it is clear that this is a quiet and peaceful area where people can come and enjoy their allotment as well as meet other like-minded people It is a great addition to the Bonhill area.” the Council has been inundated with requests for allotments and I am delighted that we are now able to provide this opportunity for residents It will be great to see how these plots develop over the coming seasons.” More information on how to join the waiting list for an allotment in West Dunbartonshire is at https://www.west-dunbarton.gov.uk/leisure-parks-events/allotments/ Fighting for quality news media in the digital age Company "in good shape" and cash positive despite challenging year B2B publisher Mark Allen Group had a “difficult and challenging” year in 2023/24 which it largely attributed to the performance of a newly acquired financial services division The £6.5m purchase of Bonhill Group in February 2023 marked a major move into wealth management and financial services for the expanding business But the newly-published Mark Allen Holdings Ltd for the year to 31 March 2024 revealed the Bonhill assets “fell a long way short of profit expectations” in their first year The assets included in the deal were: Bonhill Create Chairman and owner Mark Allen said in the financial results: “However vital steps have now been taken to turn this around with the setting up of a new senior management team with promising results starting to accrue the true benefit of which will be realised only in 2026.” Turnover at the overall business was up 5% in the year to £69.5m, following on from two years of 10% and 37% growth respectively. profit before tax fell for the second year running depreciation and amortisation) was down 16% to £10.6m Mark Allen publishes a wide range of specialist B2B magazines and websites ranging from Abdominal Wall Reconstruction Europe to Vehicle Dynamics International Allen told Press Gazette: "This was a very tough year for the group The principal reason was the acquisition of the Bonhill assets which has proved loss-making and troublesome we are in the process of turning that around and feel confident that this will eventually yield positive results our acquisition during the course of the financial year of Sixth Continent Holdings Ltd whose leading brand is the Moodie Davitt report "More recently, another really positive move has been our purchase of the media assets of the 166-year-old Estates Gazette We are confident that we can return Estates Gazette to something approaching its former glory Allen suggested in the results that further M&A activity is likely: "The directors intend to continue growing the business both organically and by acquisition "The pace at which they do so will depend on how the economy recovers." He also cited "the continuing successful roll out of digital projects" taking place this year More recently, Mark Allen Group's MA Education and Music division has closed consumer magazine Musicals, about West End theatre, two-and-a-half years after its launch. Editor Sarah Kirkup wrote on Linkedin: "We had built up a substantial readership and it’s just a huge shame that the advertising didn’t pick up enough to convince the publisher to continue with it I have many reasons to believe great things were around the corner for us the biggest revenue stream at Mark Allen Group grew by 2% in 2023/24 to £27.1m and conferences the second-biggest for the second year running after overtaking subscriptions Mark Allen Group's staff numbers increased between 2023 and 2024 Total staff costs therefore increased by 17% to £30.7m with £604,900 paid to the highest-earning director Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog Bonhill Primary pupils have been praised for being articulate polite children who are very proud of their school and staff and help to make the school a happy and welcoming environment for all During the inspection by Education Scotland teaching and assessment as well as raising attainment and achievement were both assessed as ‘very good’ Inspectors found children making very good progress in their learning and highlighted that they are proud to share what they have learned in creative and engaging ways Staff were praised for demonstrating strong teamwork and engaging well with professional learning to improve the work of the school including developing increasingly effective approaches to learning and teaching The senior leadership team were praised for supporting the headteacher in establishing and fostering a positive culture which promotes high expectations for all learners Inspectors found children have a variety of opportunities to enjoy success and make very good progress in their learning Inspectors said children are benefiting from a warm nurturing and mutually respectful relationships within the school They highlighted staff knowing children and families very well and being responsive to their needs inspectors found children and staff understanding and upholding the school values: respect honesty and fairness with these values underpinning the daily life and work of the school said: “I am pleased to see this excellent report for Bonhill Primary and in particular how proud the children are of their school and how they enjoy and are making good progress in their learning  The report also recognises the commitment of the Head Teacher and her staff to encourage pupils to achieve under a positive culture which promotes high expectations for all learners.” said: “I would like to congratulate everyone at the school for their part in achieving this positive report.  The pupils under the leadership of the Head Teacher are not only confident and enthusiastic about their learning but are making good progress in their learning which is all down to the guidance and support from the dedicated staff at Bonhill Primary.” Pupils at Bonhill Primary School are celebrating after being awarded a sportscotland Gold School Sport Award – the only school in West Dunbartonshire to achieve this last term The award recognises the school’s efforts to put quality physical education and school sport at the heart of their planning Bonhill Primary School values the importance of health and wellbeing of their pupils with staff along with the Active Schools Coordinator working tirelessly to ensure all pupils have a range of opportunities to get active Pupils at the school took part in a broad timetable of extra-curricular sports clubs during 2023/24 including Cross-Country The Clubs offered every child from Primary 1-7 the opportunity to participate in sport outwith the school day The clubs were delivered by a group of volunteers including staff college students and senior pupils from Vale of Leven Academy Senior pupils received Play Leader training delivered by West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust with Active Schools Coordinator offering pupils additional lunchtime sports clubs to Primary 1 and 2 pupils during 2024 Pupils also enjoyed the inter-school dodgeball tournament took part in the Daily Mile programme and as part of the school’s Health Week  enjoyed free taster sessions with local community sports clubs said: “This is fantastic recognition for the school and everyone involved deserves huge credit we are committed to improving the life chances of our young people and having an active healthy life from a young age is key to being healthy as an adult.  I would like to congratulate everyone at Bonhill Primary School on this achievement and for encouraging their pupils to lead active lifestyles.”  said: “A huge well done to the school and all the external clubs who have supported the school in receiving this sportscotland Gold School Sport Award This award recognises the outstanding work by our staff to ensure pupils have the opportunity to participate and succeed in a good range of physical activity I would like to thank our dedicated staff and parent volunteers for their commitment as this has helped the school receive this prestigious award.” four-bedroom properties in response to greater demand from larger families within the area The site will also include six Passivhaus homes in a first for West Dunbartonshire alongside a further 20 homes designed to achieve operational net zero carbon Passivhaus homes are super-insulated and use enhanced components such as triple-glazed windows and specially designed doors to create an airtight building fabric the homes require very little heating and will stay warmer for longer with future tenants benefitting from lower fuel bills The net zero homes will also ensure energy efficiency - helping to reduce tenants' fuel bills Funding to match the Council’s financial commitment for the project has come from the Vacant and Derelict Land Fund as well as the Affordable Housing Supply Programme through the Scottish Government It is the latest house building project in the area aiming to meet unprecedented demand for social housing said: “This development is extremely important in responding to the changing needs of our residents “Not only does it meet the demand for larger family homes in order to reduce the risk of overcrowding but these properties are energy sufficient and sustainable with some of them adopting innovative Passivhaus standards in a first for West Dunbartonshire.” Vice Convener of Housing and Communities added: “I am pleased to see the progress which is being made and I look forward to revisiting the site once these vitally important homes are built and ready for families to move into.” CCG (Scotland) Ltd is the contractor for this development As part of the social benefits aspect included in all West Dunbartonshire Council contracts the firm have committed to paying all staff the real living wage and endeavour to use local companies for sub-contracting opportunities where possible they will recruit at least three employees from West Dunbartonshire in addition to 12 work placements and curriculum engagement with local schools Founder and executive chairman of his eponymous company Mark Allen said: “This is a very significant acquisition for us which we aim to develop further with the help of an excellent and professional team of around 50 people globally." ESG Clarity and Future Flows.The offer now goes to Bonhill’s shareholders for approval over the next two weeks Mark Allen added: “Wealth management and financial services is an area of considerable interest and will add to the array of sectors in which we operate The acquisition also gives us a foothold in Singapore and Hong Kong an area of the world where we have long wanted to have a presence.” Bonhill's CEO Patrick Ponsford will be leading the new company MA Financial Media.Chief executive officer Ben Allen explained that the Bonhill assets would be placed in a new company with Patrick Ponsford at the helm reporting to the group’s chief operating officer will be amongst those becoming directors of the new company For the next year the Bonhill team will stay in their current Clerkenwell offices.“This is a very exciting time for the Mark Allen Group” “it presents a golden opportunity for us to enter an attractive area and further build the company Jon and Patrick will make a formidable team and I am really looking forward to working alongside them.” Bonhill Group CEO Patrick Ponsford says: “It’s a pleasure to be taking our set of market leading brands to be part of a thoroughbred B2B media company that truly understands what we do and how we do it Being part of this bigger group with access to new technology and data platforms will help us accelerate our growth plans It’s been a difficult few years with COVID impacting our considerable events portfolio and a new home will help us rebuild and grow the business.” The man suffered serious facial, hand and leg injuries and was taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. Police said a 45-year-old man was found in Main Street in Old Bonhill, Alexandria at around 11pm on Friday after being ejected from a car described as reddish in colour. Police said enquiries have revealed before being found on Main Street, the man was assaulted near to Renton Road in Dumbarton. Detective Constable Georgia Callander said: “Enquiries are at a very early stage to establish the full circumstances surrounding this serious incident and we are appealing for members of the public to come forward with any information. “If you were near to Main Street, Old Bonhill, or Renton Road, Dumbarton, on Friday night and saw or heard anything suspicious it is important that we speak to you. “We would also urge anyone with private CCTV or dash-cam footage of the area to check in case they may have captured something which could be of significance to our investigation. “Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland on 101, quoting incident number 4840 of Friday, May 31, 2024. “Alternatively you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.” STV News is now on WhatsAppGet all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Follow STV News on WhatsAppScan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country '+scriptOptions._localizedStrings.webview_notification_text+' "+scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_title+" "+scriptOptions._localizedStrings.redirect_overlay_text+" the name behind buildings insurance broker Alexander Bonhill has acquired Worthing-based Leasehold Management Limited (LML) for £438,000 which will involve an additional payment for surplus working capital at completion will see all LML employees remain – managing 1,222 units in 81 blocks HML chief executive Alec Guthrie noted: “The acquisition is in line with the group’s strategy of acquiring leasehold management businesses that can quickly be integrated into the group and that provide further regional coverage “We are pleased to welcome all the team at LML into the HML Group.” The 28-year-old man phoned emergency services after being attacked by two males on Friday. The 28-year-old was approached by two males on Friday around 5pm within the Redburn Estate area of Bonhill when he was attacked. He was punched and kicked to the ground before the two suspects left. The victim was treated by the Scottish Ambulance Service and police have now launched a hunt for the two suspects. The first male suspect is thought to be around 15 to 16 years old, around 5ft. 8 inches in height, with red hair, a slim build and wearing a green top. The second male is in his early 20s, around 5ft. 9 inches in height, with black hair, and a medium build. He has tattoos under both eyes and on the left side of his neck. He was wearing a cream body warmer. Police are carrying out enquiries door to door in the area and viewing CCTV. Detective constable Callum Hall said: “The motive for this attack is unknown and we are working to identify and locate the two males. “The footpath where this happened leads from Redburn to Ladyton shopping centre so I am appealing to anyone who was in the area around the time of the incident to contact us. In particular, if anyone has any recorded footage, please pass it on to officers. “Anyone with information is asked to call Police Scotland via 101, quoting incident number 0411 of April 28, 2023. Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where information can be given anonymously.” We use cookies to collect information about how you use the Police Scotland website We use this information to make the website work as well as possible and improve our services the killers of 14-year-old Caroline Glachan have been convicted Caroline Glachan and her friend were walking near local shops in Bonhill Caroline never made it home and her body was found on the water’s edge of the River Leven on Sunday Andrew Kelly and Donna Brand violently attacked and murdered Caroline in August 1996 they have been found guilty at the High Court in Glasgow officers from the Major Investigations Team worked diligently to piece together what happened Officers re-examined and researched all statements and documentation from the original inquiry More than 200 statements were taken from people who had not previously provided a statement to police officers built up a picture of evidence which discredited the alibi of the accused and ultimately led to these convictions Detective Inspector Stuart Grainger added: “At the heart of this is a mother extended family and friends who have had to endure years of not knowing who killed Caroline "Their lives changed forever the day Caroline was murdered they were robbed of having a future with her watching her grow from a young girl to a young woman Her future was robbed the night she met Robbie “For years this community has lived under a dark cloud wondering if Caroline's killers walked among them Nothing will bring Caroline back or lessen the heartache but I hope that seeing those responsible paying for their crime offers them some level of comfort."Officers who re-investigated this case had no forensics or technology to rely on or assist them from the time of the murder It was down to traditional policing techniques to the dedication of officers working diligently to build that picture of evidence and fully understand the events of that fateful night That evidence resulted in the case being presented in a court of law and the community of Bonhill justice has been served today Police Scotland support those who wish to become police officers special constables or police staff by hosting various online and in-person recruitment events throughout the year supported victims and a thriving workforce Read about our 2030 vision and three-year plan Worried that your partner or the partner of someone you know might have an abusive past we'd appreciate your feedback on the service we provided Police Scotland has been working to make its websites more accessible - read our accessibility statement This acquisition enables Bonhill to provide a truly global sales and marketing proposition to the international asset management community and provides the opportunity to leverage InvestmentNews' presence and platform to expand its existing propositions in the US Mark Allen Group continues rapid expansion with Bonhill deal Expanding UK B2B publishing group Mark Allen Group has made a major move into financial services with the £6.5m purchase of Bonhill Group Singapore and Hong Kong-based brands in the deal include: Bonhill Create Bonhill’s US business Investment News is being sold separately Privately owned MAG claims to be the UK’s fastest growing independent media company with £60m turnover and pre-tax profit up 54% to £9.4m in the year to 31 March 2022 Mark Allen said: “This is a very significant acquisition for us which we aim to develop further with the help of an excellent and professional team of around 50 people globally “Wealth management and financial services is an area of considerable interest and will add to the array of sectors in which we operate This is the fourth deal MAG has undertaken this financial year conference and networking event for the regeneration industry based in Liverpool This was followed by the acquisition of EMEX which runs two exhibitions: Health and Wellbeing at Work and Primary Care and Public Health In 2019 MAG bought Farmers Weekly from Reed Business Information and The Engineer from Centaur. Email pged@pressgazette.co.uk to point out mistakes, provide story tips or send in a letter for publication on our "Letters Page" blog Notifications can be managed in browser preferences. Two people were taken to hospital after the blast near Glasgow I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An explosion ripped through a first-floor flat near Glasgow setting off a fire and demolishing much of front wall of the building Two people were taken to hospital after the blast in Burn Street Lane in Bonhill Police Scotland said it received calls describing an explosion and that gas engineers later carried out checks in the area A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: "One man is being treated at Glasgow Royal Infirmary for burns and another was taken to the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley to be treated for smoke inhalation "Emergency services remain at the scene and a joint investigation with police and the fire service is to be carried out." Major incident declared in Old Bonhill near Alexandria after fire has destroyed the roof of a 2 story block of flats pic.twitter.com/Z8y6wEW0W4 West Dunbartonshire Council set up a rest centre for those evacuated from their homes as a result of the blast. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies The acquisition includes the Asia business but not US-based InvestmentNews Portfolio Adviser and its sister publications International Adviser ESG Clarity and Fund Selector Asia have been sold to the Mark Allen Group The deal is subject to shareholder approval which will take place over the coming two weeks The £6.5m acquisition of the UK and Asia assets which also includes Bonhill Create and Future Flows was described by the Mark Allen Group as “very significant” New York-headquartered sister brand InvestmentNews is being sold separately Bonhill group chief executive Patrick Ponsford said he is “pleased the brands are going to such a good home” he will take on the role of leading newly created company MA Financial Media and report to group chief operating officer Jon Benson “Being part of one of the UK’s most successful specialist B2B media and events businesses will allow us to develop and enhance our offerings,” Ponsford said As the finishing touches are added to the deal he added that it remains “very much business as usual” for the teams and events at Bonhill Eponymous founder and executive chairman Mark Allen said: “We are inheriting some fantastic brands Chief executive Ben Allen added: “This is a very exciting time for the Mark Allen Group it presents a golden opportunity for us to enter an attractive area and further build the company Jon and Patrick will make a formidable team and I am really looking forward to working alongside them.” this will be the fourth deal the Mark Allen Group has undertaken this financial year The latest purchase in November 2022 was Sterling Events Health and Wellbeing at Work and Primary Care and Public Health The Mark Allen Group is the UK’s fastest growing independent media company Its latest audited accounts up to March 2022 show turnover of £60m an increase of 37% from the year before; an Ebitda of £13.1m a rise of 28%; and profits before tax going north to the tune of 54%