A first-of-a-kind self storage and workplace hub at a former police station could be the model for similar projects across Scotland.

SRA Ventures, the investment vehicle of entrepreneur Shaf Rasul, is developing the project which will provide a range of options for small businesses and tradespeople.

There will be more than 80 internal storage units across 16,000 sq ft of converted space, alongside a further eight drive-up units formed from the site’s outbuildings.

With planning permission now in place for the second phase, the site may become the permanent UK headquarters for Mr Rasul’s Locked Self Storage brand.

“Growing up in Alloa myself, I’ve been determined to ensure that this major £1 million project and private investment genuinely benefits the town,” he said.

Property deals end year on firm footing

The Scottish commercial property investment market ended 2025 on a firmer footing, according to the fourth quarter review from Lismore Real Estate Advisors.

Several larger deals completed in the final quarter have helped the year-end position look healthier and broadly in line with the five-year average, it said.

“Across the whole of 2025, we estimate that 110 deals will be concluded, accounting for volume of £1.602 billion, compared with £1.685bn in 2024.”

Shopping centres account for the largest share at 22%, followed by offices at 19% and retail warehousing at 15%.

Total transaction volumes for quarter 4 were exceptionally strong and are expected to reach approximately £664m across 42 deals. This represents a 64% increase on Q4 2024, with volumes standing 40% above the five-year average.

Wind turbine repair firm fails

Provisional liquidators have been appointed to 1StopWind which maintains and repairs wind turbines.

James Fennessey and Blair Milne of Azets were named by Paisley Sheriff Court.

1StopWind’s projects included repair works at Inch Cape Met-Mast, full statutory inspection works at Amrumbank in Germany and installation of Avanti lifts at Tahkoluoto Wind farm in Finland.

According to recent filings, it had net assets of £1.1 million and an average of 15 employees, including the directors.

Hydrasun’s subsea ‘Christmas tree ‘contract

Global energy services specialist Hydrasun has secured a £2.3m contract to supply subsea instrumentation for the Mariner field development in the North Sea.

The contract, awarded by a major subsea original equipment manufacturer (OEM), covers the supply of low and high pressure instrumentation tubing and fittings for a spool Christmas tree build programme, with up to 20 trees to be manufactured over a three-year period.

Initial deliveries are scheduled to begin in Q1 2026, with Hydrasun supporting the phased build programme as the project progresses.

Wind tech funding

A Scottish clean-tech company developing small modular wind turbines that can be deployed in almost any location has secured £865,000 in seed funding, led by TRICAPITAL Angels.

Myriad Wind Energy Systems, based in Stirling, has developed a patented, crane-free wind technology designed to open on-site wind generation to businesses and sites that have historically been unsuitable for wind due to cost, access, and installation complexity.

The investment round also includes backing from Scottish Enterprise, SFC Capital, and South East Angels, and will support the company as it moves from technology development into commercial deployment.

Myriad’s small modular turbine system removes logistical barriers, enabling wind power to be deployed across a far wider range of sites – including rural businesses, farms, industrial estates, and off-grid infrastructure.