Forth Ports has wind in its sails

PORT operator and property firm Forth Ports said it has made a "strong" start to the year, with trading for the first three months well ahead of last year.

It said that coal volumes at Leith Docks are ahead of 2007, while its pipeline of potential new developments is now in excess of £50 million.

Container volumes at Grangemouth are also ahead, and the company said that the two-day stoppage should not have a significant impact on trading.

In an interim management statement it also said that "good progress" is being made with the Edinburgh City Council on its outline planning application for the redevelopment of Leith Docks, while a detailed planning application for the joint venture with Applecross is expected to be submitted before the end of the year.