Taps aff!

THE phrase “taps aff” has become synonymous in certain parts of Scotland with an upturn in meteorological fortunes.

But car company AMT Group has adopted a variation of the mantra to highlight the expansion of its range.

AMT declared “tops off” as it announced it had doubled its convertible fleet in time for summer.

It omitted to mention whether it would mean complimentary bottles of “ginger” for customers when the sun shines.

Sun shines on Barr

HAVING made the decision to report to the City every quarter, instead of every two months, AG Barr issued no trading update to coincide with its annual meeting yesterday.

But chief executive Roger White was rubbing his hands as the sun shone on Glasgow yesterday.

“We have chosen hopefully a balanced approach to how we update the market,” he told shareholders at yesterday’s AGM. “That would involve us not saying anything about trading today, but we’re delighted the sun’s out.”

Gnome top

AYR United found itself at the centre of a media storm thanks to sponsor Calvin Ayre’s decision to paint its new strip on a topless model to market the launch.

But beyond the serious debate it sparked over gender politics, the episode did bring some humour.

The pictured above tweeted by season ticket holder Dave Smith aka @WJShorts suggests there may yet be a commercial benefit from the row. Cursory research revealed the gnomes are now available at the club shop, priced £15.99.

Charity challenge

STAFF from Aberdeenshire’s Blaze Manufacturing Solutions are used to helping clients prepare for tough eventualities.

But they are taking on a big challenge themselves by raising funds for an African-based charity.

Blaze employees are currently raising funds for the Vine Trust, an international volunteering charity. The proceeds will be directed to its partner, Tanzanian Women Research Foundation, to build homes for vulnerable children and orphans.

The fund will also be used to help orphans and street children with an integrated programme to help kids grow up in a safe environment, and to have food, clothes and clean water.

Blaze workers have so far raised more than £2,800 by taking part in activities such as the Angus, Mallaig and Loch Leven half-marathons, and have set a target of £3,700.

Bar boost

Its economy is being buffeted by the downturn in the oil and gas sector.

But the local bar scene has given the city of Aberdeen something to cheer about.

Three bartenders from Monkey Bars Aberdeen have been selected to compete in The Ultimate Bartender Championship in New Orleans.

Jonathan Arthur and Nick Gordon from Orchid, and Cameron Woodger from 99 Bar & Kitchen, will be among five bartenders representing the UK in the annual competition run by whisky brand Money Shoulder, after the contest was whittled down from an initial 300-plus entrants.

The five will fly to New Orleans to go head-to-head in the final competition to be crowned the UK’s no1, as well as win the opportunity to set up their own pop-up bar at London Cocktail Week.