People: Raising a glass to breweries’ battle

Edinburgh’s Stewart Brewing is taking on a Highland rival in the third of its charity beer battles.This time it will fight it out with Cairngorm Brewery in an event that has now sprawled out over three pubs.

Stewart Brewing founder Steve Stewart hopes that this battle will raise twice as much money for charity and top £1,500. He said: “It doesn’t matter whether we win or lose, it’s just a way of show-casing some really good beers.”

The “Battle of the Brewers” will take place on Wednesday 30 May at Bow Bar, Cloisters and Stockbridge Tap in Edinburgh. Tickets must be bought in advance at www.stewartbrewing.co.uk with proceeds being split between Cash For Kids and the Stuart Andrew Lawtie Memorial Foundation.

No loafing around with new sponsor

Genius, the Edinburgh-based producer of gluten-free foods, has signed up a father and son team to publicise its latest loaf.

The firm is sponsoring runner Andrew Steele in his bid to reach the London Olympics and will also be represented by his coeliac father, This Morning star Chris Steele. Andrew finished fourth in the 400m relay at the Beijing Games but subsequently lost his Lottery funding after suffering three years of injuries and illness.

Genius founder Lucinda Bruce-Gardyne said: “Andrew’s story is one of a classic British underdog. He deserves the best chance to go at least one better in London and I am very proud that Genius is in a position to help.”

Sir Muir Russell builds housing role

Distinguished civil servant Sir Muir Russell is turning his attention to housing stock in his latest role as chairman of the Scottish committee of the National House-Building Council (NHBC).

Russell, who takes the chair from David Smith, was the first permanent secretary to the Scottish Executive following the establishment of the Scottish Parliament in 1999. He left the civil service in 2003 after 30 years to become principal and vice-chancellor of Glasgow University, where he served for six years.

NHBC executive chairman Isabel Hudson said: “Sir Muir’s wealth of experience will bring undoubted benefits to NHBC. His previous roles and extensive civil service career in Scotland mean he is extremely well-placed to help NHBC address the specific needs of the Scottish housing market.”

Return to Scotland for manager Anne

Former Kinnaird Estate and Dakota Glasgow manager Anne Schaeflein is returning to Scotland to take the reins at the Isle of Eriska Hotel, swapping the genteel charms of Cheltenham for the wilds of the west coast.

Schaeflein, who trained as a chef in her native Germany, knows Scotland well having also worked at Gleneagles.