Honorary TA title for Tony Banks

BUSINESSMAN and Falklands War veteran Tony Banks has added a feather to his cap with a return to the army as honorary colonel to a Scottish regiment.

The owner and founder of Balhousie Care Group, who is a tireless campaigner for servicemen’s causes and a major backer of charities such as Combat Stress, recently took up the post with the Territorial Army’s 71 Engineer Regiment.

Although the role is ceremonial and comes by invitation from the Queen, Banks is taking his duties seriously and has already joined members of the regiment on a training camp in Cyprus.

He will also act as an ambassador for the TA, building links with businesses and the community and offering professional advice on issues such as recruitment.

Frier tucks into new partner role

George Frier is swapping one corporate law team for another as he moves from McClure Naismith to Shepherd & Wedderburn.

Frier, who has a background in acquisitions, disposals, joint ventures and financing, headed the team at McClure and will be a partner at his new firm when he takes up the position on 1 June.

Shepherd & Wedderburn chief executive Stephen Gibb said: “It’s great news to attract someone of George’s calibre to the firm. He has a strong track record with a wealth of commercial experience, and I’m confident he’ll bring additional strength to our team in Glasgow.”

Frier’s arrival coincides with the internal appointment of three new partners – Colin Archibald, Anna Feros and Colin Robertson. They are based in Edinburgh, London and Glasgow respectively.

The firm has also appointed partner Gordon Downie as its new head of energy and natural resources.

Grampian team set for long haul

A NORTH-EAST road haulier has teamed up with an Aberdeen oil services firm to back a fundraising cycle ride set to raise thousands for local charities.

Kinellar-based Grampian Continental is providing a support convoy vehicle and driver to accompany two managers from Weatherford International on a trip from John O’Groats to Land’s End.

Ali Davis and Martin Downer will be saddling up for the challenge on Saturday 19 May and aim to complete the gruelling 937-mile ride in seven days.

They are raising money for two Scottish causes – urological cancer charity UCAN and St Andrews, a special needs school in Inverurie.

Grampian sales director Gavin Murray said: “The guys are taking part in a big challenge and it’s great that Grampian Continental can lend a hand. The van will be there to store supplies and also as a safety measure, so they will be well looked after.”