The Herald:

HELLO and welcome to the AM Business Briefing, as Stagecoach reveals merger talks with National Express, sending shares soaring.

It is also claimed today that shoppers will start noticing shortages within days as a result of the crisis in carbon dioxide (CO2) supply.

The gas is used in food packaging and as a method of stunning animals prior to slaughter but supplies are running low.

Spiralling energy costs have led to the suspension of operations at fertiliser plants - which produce CO2 as a by-product - having a knock-on effect on the food industry.

Ian Wright, the chief executive of the Food and Drink Federation, said consumers could start noticing shortages in poultry, pork and bakery products within days.

Also today, options for the development of a famous Glasgow hotel have widened, with student accommodation and homes on the table, and Marc Crothall, chief executive of the Scottish Tourism Alliance highlights the industry's ongoing woes in his Business Voices column.

Famous Glasgow hotel homes option go-ahead

A renowned hotel that fell into administration earlier this year is available for wider development including student accommodation, residential sale or private rented sector marketing  

Specialist business property advisor Christie & Co was last month appointed by joint administrators, Alistair McAlinden and Blair Nimmo of Interpath Advisory, to market the former Lorne Hotel in Finnieston and it has said wider alternative options are now open.

The hotel comprises 102 en-suite bedrooms, a hotel reception with lounge seating and a large modular function room with capacity for 170 guests.

Christie & Co said the hotel is now available on a vacant possession basis, which “presents an excellent opportunity for alternative use developers”.

Alternative use options include as an aparthotel, student accommodation, residential sale or private rented sector, or licensed use at ground floors and alternative use at upper floors.

Before closing in December 2020, the business traded profitably as a three-star hotel with an independent bar and restaurant, Bukharah Restaurant and the Bilberry Cocktail Bar, which also ceased trading following the administration appointment.

Around 30 staff employed by hotel owner Bellhill Limited were made redundant following the appointment of joint administrators in May.

Stagecoach reveals merger talks with National Express

Scottish transport giant Stagecoach has opened talks with National Express over a potential merger.

The bus giants confirmed that discussions over a possible all-share combination were taking place.

Marc Crothall: Who is standing for the economy in the Scottish cabinet?

Scotland’s tourism industry has been operating in crisis mode for almost 20 months.

Prior to Covid, the main focus of the STA was to influence policy to remove barriers to Scotland’s growth as a globally important tourism destination and ensure that we are every bit as competitive as we can and need to be.

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