Equality in focus

THE hot topic of gender equality will be top the agenda at a panel discussion hosted by law firm DLA Piper to mark International Women’s Day on March 8.

Lawyers, academics, journalists and banking professionals will discuss this year’s theme, #PressforProgress, at the free event in Edinburgh co-hosted with Royal Bank of Scotland. Chaired by journalist Lynsey Bews, the panel will include Kate Hodgkiss, head of DLA Piper’s employment practice in Scotland, Dr Rosalind Cavaghan of Glasgow Caledonian University, and Marjorie Strachan and Fiona Morris of RBS, with the discussion set to focus on the state of gender parity and the steps still required to achieve equality.

Ms Hodgkiss said: “International Women’s Day is a celebration of how far we have come for gender parity but also highlights the work that is still left to do. Gender inequality is not only a pressing moral and social issue, but also a critical economic challenge.”

The timing could scarcely be better.

Virtual dram

IT is, traditionally, one of Scotland’s most famous whisky-producing regions. And now dram lovers can sample the sights of Campbeltown – without making the trek to the coastal town.

Glen Scotia distillery, above, part of the Loch Lomond Group, has embarked on its very own Grand Tour, meaning whisky enthusiasts around the world can sample the distinctive whisky region. Kicking off in London, the 60-minute, pop-up event offers an “immersive experience” of Campbeltown, taking the participant into the key parts of the Glen Scotia experience.

It all begins with a virtual visit to the distillery manager’s office at the Glen Scotia site, where whisky-based cocktails and canapes can be sampled, before visiting other attractions such as the warehouse dunnage.

It certainly sounds a lot more convenient than an eight-hour round trip from Glasgow. And no one needs to worry about who is going to drive.

Magical loch

PETER Page conjured quite a romantic image when asked this week about what he plans to do after stepping down as chief executive of Devro.

Mr Page, who held the role for more than a decade, said he would “look out to the loch and decide what to do next” after handing the reins over to Rutger Helbing.

Could it be that the views of Loch Lomond persuade the executive to branch out into something a little more cultural?

It wouldn’t be the first time the loch has inspired music and song.

Name fun (again)

CONTINUING our occasional and, frankly, pointless series of items highlighting business people with appropriate names, we were delighted to hear of developments at one Aberdeen firm. Walter Swan, we are thrilled to report, is the proprietor of a veterinary practice in the north-east.

But, not content with looking after pets’ medical needs in his local area, Mr Swan is now moving into property development.

We hear it is a venture he was keen to dive into…