Edinburgh businessman Blaikie ups Mercat staff in bid to put £1m turnover on menu

Businessman Graham Blaikie is set to re-invest £30,000 in his Edinburgh eaterie as he seeks to reach £1 million in turnover this year.

Blaikie's Mercat Bar & Restaurant in the capital's West End has grown substantially since he took over five years ago, boosted by a number of awards.

He is now planning to bolster his team with five additional staff members - taking the total employed at the Mercat to 25.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Building Federation (SBF) has nominated the Princess Royal Trust for Carers as its official charity for 2011.

New SBF president Robbie Cooke presented the trust with a cheque for 1,600, raised at SBF's annual gala evening, held in St Andrews on 25 March.

He said: "We look forward to working closely with the trust throughout the coming year to help raise additional funds for a truly worthwhile cause."