November 2018 Issue 2
hood STYLE AND LIVING SCOTLAND
WOMEN AT WORK How Scotland is bringing balance to the boardroom
THE NEW SOCIAL NETWORKS Swipe right for mates, not dates
PICK ME UP, I’M
FREE
FASHION FOR FALL THE SEASON’S 60 HOTTEST HIGH STREET FINDS
November 2018
CONTENTS 27
50
60 THIS MONTH IN THE ‘HOOD
LIVELIHOOD
FOOD IN THE ‘HOOD
9 This month’s must do 10 The Hood to-do list 12 The style chart 14 Downtime 17 Sisters of Insta
32 A question of quotas Are targets the way to get more women on the board? 35 Money Matters IFA Julie Mitchell talks female finance
56 Dinner with Darling Aberdeen’s favourite seafood restaurant comes with quite a view 58 Ladies who brunch Serve up some mid-morning treats this weekend
SISTERHOOD
WOMANHOOD
NEIGHBOURHOOD
19 Mates, not dates Discover Scotland’s new social networks for women 25 Ashley Davies Is talking to your dog, not you 27 Antiques and eclecticism Hood meets jewellery design star Grainne Morton
37 This month’s must buy 39 Wear it three ways This season’s leopard skirt is a versatile favourite 42 Denim daze Everyone’s favourite wardrobe staple gets an autumn update 50 The magic of matte Tap into the trend for lipstick that lasts the day 54 Your skin, saved Expert advice to answer all your skincare conundrums
60 Modular magic A pre-fab Highlands house makes for a chic getaway 66 Ready, steadings, go Escape the rat race in picturesque North Berwick 69 48 hours in… Budapest An itinerary to make the most of the Hungarian capital
MANHOOD 74 Iain Stirling Is hungover on holiday hood • 5
CONTRIBUTORS
Blogger TATYANA BUGAYEVA makes the most of leopard print on page 39. The weirdest thing I ever did for work was… When I worked in Marketing for Glasgow Airport, I organised a Highland Dancers’ flash mob at check-in and a huge orchestra performance after security. When I was little, I wanted to be… A singer. I’m happy to say I fulfilled my dream, as I was the lead singer in a band for a few years in my early twenties. I’m currently reading… The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg.
Hairdresser JACK BAXTER makes over model Lauren Alexander for our fashion spread from page 42. The weirdest thing I ever did for work was… Lending my trousers to the model for a photo shoot this week!
The weirdest thing I ever did for work was… Got a slightly too orange spray tan and posed in a towel for a national newspaper.
When I was little I wanted to be… A postman.
When I was little, I wanted to be… A news reporter
I’m currently reading… The latest edition of Glamcult for some super-cool street style inspo.
I’m currently reading… J. Randy Taraborrelli’s Jackie, Janet & Lee: The Secret Lives of Janet Auchincloss and Her Daughters, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Lee Radziwill – they make the Middletons and Markles seem dull.
My Spotify is blasting… Either nu disco or Falling Star by the Sunset Strippers.
My Spotify is blasting… Tracy Chapman and Sting. Always. On repeat.
hood HoodMagazine
HoodMagazine_ HoodMagazine_
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Journalist LEIGH MILLER-NORRIS visits North Berwick on page 66.
My Spotify is blasting… Shotgun by George Ezra. My six-month-old loves it, so that. Over and over. And over again. And when she’s in bed, we love Radio Swiss Jazz...
Published by Miller Mitchell Media Limited, The Drying House, Eskmills, Station Road, Musselburgh, EH21 7PB Tel: 0131 273 5245. Email: accounts@hoodmagazine.co.uk Website: hoodmagazine.co.uk Printed in Scotland by Allander Print Limited. Distributed by Take One Media. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. All prices are correct at time of going to press but subject to change. Hood Magazine cannot be held responsible for unsolicited material. The views and opinions expressed by contributors to this magazine do not necessarily reflect those of the publishers. Hood Magazine takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisements in this publication. ©Miller Mitchell Media 2018
EDITOR’S LETTER
I REALISE I MAY LOSE A FEW OF YOU ON THIS… …but I’ve spent the past month rejoicing in the loss of summer and the onset of colder, crisper days. After years of living in a place that is less a country, more a giant furnace, the scorcher of a summer past may well have delighted much of Scotland, but autumn is holding much more novelty for me this year. From introducing my son to the joys of jumping in fallen leaves, to bracing walks on the beach wrapped up in my new coat, a slouchy jumper and a cashmere beanie, via sitting down with a glass of red by the fire in my local, my first autumn in the cold for eight years has been well and truly warming my heart. Indeed, as the nights have drawn in, so too has my need for speed. It seems with every degree the mercury falls, a social expectation falls away with it, to the point that it is now completely acceptable to shirk nights out in favour of a hot bath, a good read or a night snuggled up on the sofa watching a movie. Not every night, of course – I need to show off all that new season shopping at some point after all. And what a joy shopping has been. The high street is solidly packed with gems this month, so whether you’re looking to update workaday denim (p42), seeking some hygge-appropriate knitwear (p12) or you fancy updating your beauty look with winter’s must-have matte lip (p52) you’ll find plenty of inspiration on the pages that follow. And that doesn’t stop with fashion and beauty – as ever, we’ve been seeking out Scotland’s most inspirational women, and boy, have we found some this month. We meet the social superstars behind some of Scotland’s most successful women’s networking groups, and hear their sisterhoodsupporting secrets, from page 19. Elsewhere in the edition, we quizzed jewellery designer-of-the-moment, the uber-glamorous Edinburgh-based Grainne Morton, about the new taste for eclecticism that’s brought her to the forefront of fashion after 25 years in the industry.
And we met with the hardworking equality campaigners supporting moves to make the boards of Scotland’s public bodies gender-balanced – see what they make of the country’s efforts so far on page 32. And while we’re on the subject of inspirational women, allow me to take a moment to thank all of you who came out to see us when we hit the road, in association with Malmaison, with our first edition in October. We had an absolute ball meeting all you early Hood adopters and we were blown away by the warmth, excitement and joy that greeted us at every stop from Edinburgh to Aberdeen, Glasgow to Dundee. We’re delighted to be back with you for our second edition, and we look forward greatly to meeting more of you in our ‘hood over the coming weeks and months. Until then,
Jennifer Crichton-Gibson Editor
THIS MONTH I’VE BEEN
Humming and hawing over which of my new Marks & Spencer must-have coats to don. Camel or green, camel or green? Eagerly anticipating the arrival of both Daniel Sloss and Leon Bridges on the Scottish tour circuit this month. Staying up too late reading the fabulously feminist, uproariously funny and seriously thought-provoking Dietland by Sarai Walker. Instagramming @hood_mag_jen
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This month in the
‘hood
GRANITE CITY GRUB
The city may not have its own Michelin star yet, but this month Aberdeen will play host to some of the top names in British gastronomy as part of Signature, Scotland’s only fine dining festival. The 12-day foodie celebration will see a brigade of world-class chefs host their own intimate evenings for 88 lucky diners in The Chester Hotel’s IX restaurant – currently the only venue in Aberdeen to hold an AA four-star silver rating – with exclusive tasting menus from Glynn Purnell, Martin Wishart, Atul Kochhar, Jeff Bland, Roy Brett and Mark Greenaway on offer. Got a sweet tooth? Get in fast. This year’s programme will kick off with an afternoon tea from acclaimed patissier-chocolatier William Curley… November 4 to 16 The Chester Hotel, 59-63 Queen’s Road, Aberdeen, AB15 4YP signaturefoodfestival.co.uk
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The hood to do list
Our pick of the concerts, festivals, events and happenings you won’t want to miss this November
GET FESTIVE IN LEITH SING ALONG TO A SOUL SUPERSTAR
His debut album Coming Home remains one of team Hood’s most played, so we were first in line for tickets when Leon Bridges announced he was going to be playing live in Glasgow this month. If you’re unfamiliar with his work, think a young, modern and lyrically wise Sam Cooke, with a dose of hip-hop humour for good measure. November 9, O2 Academy, Eglinton Street, Glasgow, from £23. leonbridges.com
From the people who brought you Chill Fest earlier this year comes, for chillier climes, Yule Fest, a two-month celebration of the best Edinburgh’s Leith district has to offer. Buy your £5 wristband and for eight weeks, you’ll be able to enjoy unlimited discounts on a series of winter warmer cocktails, as well as exclusive discounts and special offers at hotspots including Finn & Bear, Black Pig & Oyster, Tapa and Boda. November 5 to January 5, yulefestleith.com
MARVEL AT SCOTTISH TEXTILES
WEAR PURPLE FOR WORLD PANCREATIC CANCER DAY November marks World Pancreatic Cancer Day, with adults and kids alike across the country being encouraged to don purple, and some of the country’s most iconic landmarks following suit with purple lighting. More than 1,250 people are diagnosed globally every day, and yet the disease boasts the lowest survival rate of all known cancers, so why not get your office involved and see if you can help raise some much-needed funds for research and treatment? November 15, worldpancreaticcancerday.org 10 • hood
The beautiful Drum Castle Garden and Estate is currently playing host to a stunning exhibition celebrating the work of internationally renowned Scottish textile artist Marian Clayden. Described as “totally Bohemian chic” by the New York Times, her collection of innovative dyed wearable art has been collated in Scotland for the first time under the title Dressing up Drum, promising a treat for design and fashion fiends alike. Until November 18, Drum Castle, Drumoak, Banchory, daily 11am to 4pm, £13. nts.org.uk
THIS MONTH IN THE ‘HOOD
SEE SCOTLAND’S HOTTEST COMEDY TALENT IN ACTION
Since his two specials, Dark and Jigsaw, were released on Netflix this Autumn, Scots comedy star Daniel Sloss’ star has been rising. Not for the fainthearted, he claims the latter’s treatise on relationships has helped break up more than 2,500 couples and counting – so you might want to consider taking your mates rather than your mate when he hits the Scottish tour circuit this month. November 3 to December 1, prices and venues vary. danielsloss.com
PERUSE SOME PHOTOGRAPHIC HISTORY
After arriving in America with the Beatles in 1964, Scottish born photo-journalist Harry Benson went on to photograph every U.S. President from Eisenhower to Donald Trump, was just feet away from Bobby Kennedy the night he was assassinated and went on the Meredith March with Martin Luther King, Jr – so to say he’s had a front row seat for some of history’s most iconic moments would be an understatement. Here, in From Glasgow to America, some of his most iconic imagery is brought together in his home city for a true, don’t-miss exhibition. Until December 30, Pollok House, Pollok Country Park, Pollokshaws Road, Glasgow, daily 10am to 5pm, £7.50. nts.org.uk
BE WOWED BY RAMBERT’S LATEST WORK
One of the UK’s most renowned dance companies, Rambert has gained global recognition for its staggering original works and highly-technical dancers, so its latest show, Life Is A Dream by Olivier Award-winning choreographer Kim Brandstrup, promises an out-of-this-world experience for dance fans. It makes its Scottish debut in Edinburgh this month, before travelling to Glasgow and Inverness early next year. November 22 to 24, Festival Theatre, Edinburgh, 7.30pm, from £16.50. capitaltheatres.com
SHOP STYLE WITH SCOTTISH SMALL BUSINESSES
If, like us, you enjoy supporting Scottish design talent, the Lilli Popup market is the place to be this month. There, you’ll be able to shop a mix of jewellery, ceramics, textiles, fashion and interior products from twenty of the country’s hottest young makers, including Mimi Hammill, Donna Barry and Wildheart Organics, curated by the super-stylish Rebecca Wilson and Myer Halliday. That’s Christmas sorted then! November 23 to 25 and December 1 to 2, White Stuff, George Street, Edinburgh. instagram.com/lolli_popup
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THE
STYLE CHART Your must-have fashion and beauty buys in store, and online, now
1
Elemis Soothing Glow candle Lighting candles is essential for that cosy feel we all crave at home this season, and for added relaxation, choose one that will make your living room smell like a serene spa. Fans of Elemis will recognise the notes of lavender, eucalyptus and geranium from the brand’s Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, which combine to help you sink into a state of pure relaxation. £27.50. elemis.com
2
The Art of Coorie by Gabriella Bennett We’ve all heard of ‘hygge’, but have you heard of its Scottish counterpart, ‘coorie’? Guiding us in how to live happily the Scottish way, The Art of Coorie explores the concept of slowing down a high-stress existence, using the best of all things Scottish to enhance life and its pleasures. £14.99 from all good bookshops
4
Collingwood Norris lambswool fingerless mitts It’s getting chilly out, so wrap up warm with a pair of these super-soft mitts, handknitted in Galashiels by contemporary Scottish knitwear studio Collingwood Norris. Using GOTS-approved dyes and ethically sourced wool, the fingerless design is also a boon for all us iPhone addicts… £45. collingwoodnorrisdesign.com
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Alex Steinherr x Primark Sleep Spa Sleeping Face Mask Former beauty editor Alex Steinherr has teamed up with Primark to create a capsule collection of effective skincare at very affordable prices. We love this overnight face mask, perfect for intensely hydrating the skin during the chillier months. Simply pop on before bed and wake up with a plump, nourished and glowing visage. £5. Primark stores
THIS MONTH IN THE ‘HOOD
6
Burt’s Bees Chai Tea Lip Balm Nothing says winter like a mug of spiced chai tea with its warming scents of cinnamon and nutmeg – so Burt’s Bees’ new chai lip balm will be a welcome staple in team Hood’s handbags this winter. The formula is 100 per cent natural, and the spicy fragrance will have you slicking this on (and licking it off again!) on repeat. £3.99. feelunique.com Accessorize baker boy hat Switch up your look this season and swap a beanie for a retro baker-boy hat – we love them so much you’ll find two on our fashion shoot pages this month! Paired with an oversized jumper and textured hair, this grey wool mix number is giving us serious vintage Kate Moss vibes. £18. accessorize.com
7
Rosie Sugden cashmere bed socks When the chill sets in, we say treat yourself to a little bit of luxury in the loungewear department. These sumptuous socks from Scottish cashmere label Rosie Sugden are super-soft and seriously snuggly – so don’t blame us if you’re in your PJs by 6pm! £25. rosiesugden.com
F&F tartan coat Remember that tartan Burberry coat Meghan Markle wore in Edinburgh earlier this year? If, like us, you were lusting after it but shuddered at the £1,500 price tag, you’re in luck – Tesco’s version is available now at a snip of the original price, and it’s a dead ringer for the Duchess’s dazzler! £39, Tesco stores nationwide
9
Hush cashmere jumper Nothing says cosy like cashmere, and this Rock ‘N’ Roll slogan sweater from Hush would be perfect for adding a touch of luxe to any outfit. Wear on a lazy day indoors, or pair with leather trousers, ankle boots and a snuggly oversized scarf for a warm but stylish winter walk. £220. hush-uk.com
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10 Noughty To The Rescue Intense Moisture Treatment Cold weather and pouring rain can play havoc with your blowdry, so set aside some time each week for a nourishing hair mask. We love this natural, vegan-friendly option from Noughty, which smells of sweet almond and vanilla and leaves hair feeling soft, smooth and silky. Simply apply to damp hair and leave it on for 20 minutes before rinsing out – the perfect excuse for an extra-long soak in the tub! £8.99. Superdrug stores
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Dial up your downtime
Don’t waste your precious free hours. These are the TV shows, movies and books worth dropping everything for this month…
HOUSE OF CARDS Returning for its sixth and final season this month, with the inimitable Robin Wright at the helm, this American political drama promises to be as gripping as ever. Wright’s Claire Underwood will be taking over the presidency from husband Francis, previously played by Kevin Spacey until sexual assault allegations forced him to part ways with the landmark Netflix series. All we need to know, from a dramatic perspective though, is that Frank Underwood is dead. Now, it’s Claire’s turn. Streaming on Netflix from November 2
OUTLAW KING A far cry from Brigadoon and Braveheart, Outlaw King portrays a grittier, more realistic version of Scotland’s history. Focusing on the epic tale of Robert the Bruce, the film stars Hollywood heartthrob Chris Pine as the Scottish outlaw who seizes the crown and fights back against a tyrannical monarchy for Scottish independence. Produced by Glasgow-based Sigma Films, the movie was shot in familiar locations across Scotland, including Linlithgow Palace, Doune Castle and Dunfermline Abbey. Streaming on Netflix from November 9
HOMECOMING In psychological thriller Homecoming, Julia Roberts plays caseworker Heidi Bergman, helping soldiers adjust back into civilian life at the Homecoming Transitional Support Centre. Four years after leaving the facility, Heidi has settled into a quiet, small-town life – but her world is soon turned upside down when a Department of Defense auditor comes looking for answers about why she left. There’s a much more sinister reality behind the story she’s been telling herself. Streaming on Amazon Prime Video from November 2
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THIS MONTH IN THE ‘HOOD
hoodreads
Selected by Rare Birds Book Club founder Rachel Wood, these novels set out to prove that nothing is funnier than family…
LOUIS THEROUX’S ALTERED STATES Louis Theroux returns to the BBC this month with a highly anticipated follow-up to his 2017 Dark States series. In this new three-parter, Theroux explores the unusual ways modern America deals with life’s big issues: birth, love and death. With his trademark brand of awkwardly honest interviewing, the empathetic Theroux meets ordinary people caught up in incredible stories, from adoption and polyamory to euthanasia. Live on BBC Two from November 4
WIDOWS
Four women with nothing in common, except the debt left behind by their dead husbands’ criminal activities, team up to finish the heist that got their men killed. Set in the turbulent world of Chicago’s criminal scene, there’s plenty of popcorn-worthy passion, corruption and scandal. With director Steve McQueen and screenwriter Gillian Flynn behind it, Widows is as entertaining as it is intelligent, with captivating performances from Viola Davis, Elizabeth Debicki, Michelle Rodriguez and Cynthia Erivo. In cinemas from November 6
Standard Deviation Katherine Heiny Graham and Audra are chalk and cheese. Audra is – to put it mildly – a force of nature; she knows everything about everyone, makes friends wherever she goes, and seems to have a limitless supply of energy. Graham on the other hand is quiet, ordered, 15 years Audra’s senior – and after a chance encounter brings his ex-wife back into the picture, he’s never been more aware of those differences. From courting other parents for playdates to the predictable (and unpredictable) ups and downs of marriage, Standard Deviation covers family life with tender wit and heart. Goodbye, Vitamin Rachel Khong At a time when she’s meant to have it all figured out, Ruth has never felt less together. Her career is at a standstill and her fiancé has left her for another woman. When her mother asks her to move back home to help care for her father, a brilliant but difficult history professor who’s recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, she can’t find a reason to say no. What follows is a charming novel about family and how, even when things don’t go to plan, life can still surprise and delight you in ways you didn’t expect. Vinegar Girl Anne Tyler Anne Tyler cleverly updates and reimagines Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew with the delightful Vinegar Girl, a sharply-observed family comedy that just sort of sneaks up on you. Our heroine, Kate, is drifting through life as an accidental nursery school teacher when her eccentric father hatches a plan to marry her off to his lab assistant, Pyotr, to keep him in the country. Considering its unusual premise, it’s a surprisingly relatable and cheering novel about love and the many forms it comes in. Rachel Wood is the founder of Rare Birds Book Club, a monthly book subscription service for sociable readers. For more information, visit rarebirdsbookclub.com
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THIS MONTH IN THE ‘HOOD MS PINK
Former Roslyn resident and now “professional pattern clasher” Tania James, aka Ms Pink, epitomises maximalism. Her home is an homage to colour, print and texture, from her striped painted floors to her infamous ‘tray wall’, which is exactly what it sounds like... As you might have guessed from her name, there’s a lot of pink present, but we’re talking retro-kitsch rather than Barbie’s dollhouse. Ms Pink’s abode is flamboyant and fabulous, encouraging her followers to look past the ordinary and create a home full of personality. Follow for: the push you need to indulge your wildest interiors fantasies mspink.co.uk, @quirkandrescue
THE PINK HOUSE
She may be based in South-East London now, in The Pink House 2.0, but Emily Murray first launched her award-winning blog when she was a resident of Edinburgh’s leafy Marchmont district, in (you guessed it), a pink house. Of course, there’s pink aplenty, from the carpets and cushions to Emily’s candyfloss hair, but followers can also expect an unashamedly feminine but contemporary look, mixing floral wallpaper, flashes of metallics and touches of tropicana for a look that defines ‘Instagrammable’. Follow for: #pinkspiration aplenty thepinkhouse.co.uk, @pinkhouseliving
KATE LA VIE
Glasgow-based Kate Spiers might be well-known as a beauty blogger, but her dreamy Glasgow flat is something of a star in its own right – her apartment tour vlog has had well over a million views, and counting... Following her renovation progress, readers have seen Kate and husband Jordan transform a tired Southside tenement into a light and bright haven that’s graced the pages of many an interiors mag. Indeed, is a Pinterest scroll even complete without at least one snap of this dream home popping up? Follow for: easy-to-follow advice to make any room look Pin-worthy katelavie.com @katelavie
SISTERS OF ‘INSTA Our pick of the women shaking up Scotland’s blogging scene this month
GREAT SCOTTISH INDOORS
Interiors writer and stylist Alison Gibb is well-versed in the world of home décor, and together with her photographer husband Douglas, she shares the very best homes that Scotland has to offer via her blog and Instagram. From manor houses in the wilds of the Highlands to city-centre tenement flats, she’ll provide you with a peep into the most stylish abodes across the country. Great Scottish Indoors asks the questions we all want to know the answers to – mainly, ‘where did you get that?!’ Follow for: a birds-eye look into how your neighbours live greatscottishindoors.com, @greatscottishindoors
LIZ NYLON
New Yorker Liz swapped the Big Apple for Scotland’s capital several years ago, and with it came the renovation of a traditional Victorian flat, switching out drab magnolia walls for vibrant jungalow wallpaper and that orange velvet Jonathan Adler chair. Liz shares the ups-and-downs of renovating alongside advice learned along the way, to help her followers transform their homes. We love her ‘Crush, Lust, Stalk’ feature, which gives readers an insight into the processes of fellow interiors addicts, sharing their experiences and advice for transforming your home. Follow for: inspiration to turn even the most traditional flat into a vibrant space you’ll love showing off liznylon.com, @liznylon
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SISTERHOOD
MATES, NOT DATES With sites such as Tinder and Bumble realising the business value in connecting women, and female networking groups proliferating daily, we meet the social sisters at the forefront of Scotland’s new media scene. Swipe right for professional support, advice and friendship… hood • 19
THE EDINBURGH WOMEN’S GROUP Kylie Reid is the founder of Edinburgh Gossip Girls (EGG), a Facebook group that has since expanded to include a members’ club and events programme for women in the capital.
When and why did you set up EGG and what are your current plans for expansion? I set up the EGG Facebook group around four years ago, having moved from Glasgow to Edinburgh and suddenly found myself without a network of support. I was really keen to connect to girls like me and find out where they were going for the important things in life – like good haircuts! Search engines are great, but a trusted recommendation from a like-minded gal is even better, and cuts out all the leg work too. Why did you think the group was needed? There are lots of groups like EGG around the UK, local networks of support, but when I arrived in Edinburgh I was surprised to find there were none here that I could find. I now know that there are lots of women living in Edinburgh who aren't originally from the city, including many new mums looking, as I was, for some support. Ways of working have changed too, with lots of people now working from home or remotely, which further increases loneliness and isolation and makes groups like EGG vital. The online community is awesome – I regularly hear that the group has changed someone's life, which is mind-blowing – but it's really important to balance it with an offline community. Going old school and encouraging people to connect face to face, get off their screens and meet, that's really rewarding. It’s the whole premise of the EGG card, where members pay a yearly fee giving them access to offers for fabulous local businesses and a host of curated events. Our events are varied, from styling sessions with Topshop to meet-ups offering support for things such as anxiety and maternal mental health, and even the Runny EGG 10k run. Who are your members and what are they primarily looking for when they join? Many of our members are simply looking to meet other girls in their area, wanting to connect, to enjoy some me-time and self-care, which we actively 20 • hood
I WANT TO HELP PEOPLE FIND THEIR VILLAGE, BE THAT ON- OR OFF-LINE
encourage. Some want help with their businesses, some want to improve their health, some want to be inspired by a female speaker, and lots are just keen to save some money. Do you think professional networking or making friends is more important to your members? There is some professional networking but much more commonly, the reason people join is to make friends. It can be so hard as we find ourselves in a new city or a new stage of life to find people around us that we can have fun with, and I think often we just forgo that side of our lives, saying we're too busy or too tired. But friendship and support is one of the most important things we can have in life, and we should find time to make those connections. My job is to facilitate it. I want to help people find their village, be that on- or off-line. I have no doubt that in helping girls find their tribe, we can ease loneliness, improve mental health and encourage girls to indulge in that all-important self-care. I often receive messages from members saying EGG has changed their lives, and that's incredible, and emotional, and just massively rewarding. And it's all down to helping people connect. eggedinburgh.com
SISTERHOOD
THE NATIONAL SOCIAL HUB Hayley Southwood is the founder of the networking and events group Southwood Social Hub Scotland
What prompted you to set up Southwood Social Hub and why did you feel it was an offering that was missing? I have been self-employed for 20 years and, in truth, I just never felt like I fitted in. I really didn't like the networking groups that were local to me. I used to be invited along as a guest speaker and felt like I wasn't connecting with people. Networking always felt forced and stuffy to me. I have owned several types of businesses over the years but when I started working from home I was so lonely. I had lots of connections via social media but I needed more – I wanted to be able to ask for help and advice without feeling like I was over-stepping the mark. I also had no idea who to trust when it came to getting quotes for website designers or help with marketing, things like that. It all felt like a minefield and so overwhelming. So, one day, I invited a few connections to meet up in my garden. Three people I knew came, and two strangers from Instagram, and from that afternoon I knew that there were a few of us feeling the same. So, I started a Facebook group and organised another meet up where 40 women travelled miles to come along. Southwood Social Hub was born – a place where creative, passionate businesswomen could meet online, no matter where they were in the country. Who is the Southwood Social Hub woman and what sets her apart? I affectionately call our members mavens because every single member is an expert in something. Our members are from every industry and from all over the country. Some are turning over vast sums of money with established businesses, others are starting something completely new as a side hustle. We have retailers, journalists, influencers, bloggers, photographers, florists, PRs, coaches, accountants, HRs, a trademark attorney, beauty experts, architects and garden landscapers… You name it, we have it covered!
We’re seeing more and more web-based networking companies springing up targeting professional women – why do you think that is? I think we are all time starved and it makes it more accessible for us to connect with each other. Do you see many of the women who get involved in your events making friendships and partnerships that they then take offline? Oh my goodness, yes! I have seen hundreds of friendships bloom out of the hub, as well as amazing work-related collaborations. As women, we are usually spinning lots of plates, so the group makes it easier to connect online in a less intimidating way. I think the hub allows our members to understand we are all the same, no matter how far we are on our journey. The hub allows women to connect no matter where they live. Do you think the emergence of online networks makes it easier for women nervous of networking to get involved in a more gradual way? Yes, most definitely – we are often described as an anti-networking community. I think the word networking instantly puts people off to be honest. The hub is such a positive space that thankfully only attracts honest, open women who are willing to share and get involved. What has been the most satisfying moment you’ve had with the company since setting it up? I have had so many of those moments, too many to list but I am so proud of the hub. It has exceeded all my wildest dreams. We have connected hundreds of women, given them the confidence to believe in themselves that little bit more, and broken down many barriers. One of the biggest reasons I do what I do is the fact that my Mum passed away, at age 52, not realising her own ambitions and dreams. I want every single woman to live her life her own way, while doing something she is passionate about and feeling valued. If I can support a few of them along the way, I am truly happy. southwoodsocialhub.co.uk
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SISTERHOOD
THE WEST COAST NEWBIE Laura Maginess is the founder of Glasglow Girls Club, a new social hub for women in west Scotland offering an online group, an events calendar and its own podcast
When and why did you set up Glasglow Girls Club, and what are your plans for the group? I set the club up back in July 2016, with a few reasons for doing so. Firstly, a few of my friends had their own businesses and were struggling to engage new audiences without having big advertising budgets. As the marketing gal of the group, I was the go-to for ideas and I noticed a real need for a platform through which women could connect, both professionally and personally. Secondly, I felt like I was missing great events across the city because I wasn’t seeing the promo for them. I kept finding myself saying ‘I would have gone to that had I known about it’. I wanted to put an end to that statement! That said, I’d actually had the idea of creating a web forum for women about six years prior, but parked the idea after being warned of the magnitude of web space I would need. The idea stayed with me, and then Facebook started promoting groups as a way of creating communities, so it seemed like the perfect platform to start creating a forum for women to help each other. But it was only last month that we launched our own online platform and started taking the club to a new level. What did you hope to achieve in starting out on this project? I think there was a need for connection. I truly believe that we grow by helping others, that was the mantra on which the group was created, and the feedback from members has been that the GGC is enabling them to grow both their businesses and their social circles. What’s more, members are getting to see all the
interesting things that are going on in the city, so they don’t miss anything. The GGC’s aim is to put the ‘glow’ in Glasgow, and hopefully that is what is happening What sort of people are getting involved so far and what are they primarily looking for when they join? The group is super-inclusive and there are women of all ages and stages sharing their recommendations and advice, promoting their businesses and learning from people who share their areas of expertise. And it’s not just for women in business, there are events that are set up purely for entertainment and then there are events set up for businesswomen, so it is an even mix of activity, just as it is in the group. Do you think professional networking or making friends is more important to your members? It’s absolutely a bit of both. There is a real rise in people wanting to make new friends, which we have seen through the launch of various apps like Tinder, but to make pals as opposed to romantic connections. It really is a fantastic collective of lovely women, so I think regardless of someone’s initial aim in being part of the community, both can easily be achieved.
Do you see your role as helping to recreate ‘the village’ and how important do you think that is? I love that term and I guess I would say yes. Life today is very much being lived both off- and online, but I think it remains so important for people to get out and about, meeting people and getting the most out of the place that they live. So yes, while we started as an online community, the events taking place and the offers launching through the private members’ website enable us to take the community offline, helping us all to experience the best Glasgow has to offer. What are your aims for the platform going forward? I hope we’re set to become a full lifestyle media hub. The podcast is now available on both SoundCloud and iTunes, while GGC TV on YouTube is going to become a focus too. Through these platforms, there are great opportunities for contributors, both in Glasgow and wider Scotland, to get involved, so I am excited for what the future holds! glasglowgirlsclub.com
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A SH L EY DAV I E S Is it really so weird that I want to talk to your dog?
“P
lease don’t say that out loud,” whispers my husband, sweetly patient but mortified for the thousandth time by the way I speak to other people’s dogs. All I did was compliment an adolescent spaniel for having a “slim young body”, but I’m big enough to accept that, out of context, the phrase has a creepy vibe. I can’t help it, though. When I meet a lovely dog the rest of the world fades away and my selfawareness evaporates. The other day I bent down to talk to a Border collie puppy and was so entranced by her perfection that I accidentally dribbled onto the pavement like a Labrador ogling a choc ice. A new high or a new low? History will decide. Sometimes I really need to make an effort to remember that the doggy object of my affections is usually in the company of a human, but it’s definitely the latter’s fault – not mine – if they think that I, a woman they’ve never met before, is directing the kissy-kissy noises at them. Honestly, the number of men who’ve straightened themselves up and then looked quite frightened when I’ve said: “What a silky boy” in their direction. OBVIOUSLY I’m talking to the dog. It’s been decades since I told a man other than my own sweetheart he was silky, for God’s sake. Within earshot, anyway. I’d love to have a dog, but our adored and indulged old stripy cat, Stockwell, wouldn’t stand for it. When she was in her feisty prime, she was quite the badass, and would often reduce the neighbour’s Staffie to a whimpering puddle simply by eyeballing her, but nowadays she’s nervous about anything she’s not used to, from small children and the vacuum cleaner (no idea why: we use it at least once a month) to people who look like they’ve made wise investments. So we could never inflict a dog upon her. We’ll have to wait until she goes to that prawnflavoured radiator hammock in the sky.
We live by the seaside, so there’s no shortage of cute and happy pooches to gawp at. On the flipside, they’re all busy guys when they’re on the beach: there’s a lot to investigate and those bits of rotten seaweed and dead gulls aren’t going to roll in themselves. As a result, they’re not always interested in me, which makes me look and feel like an even bigger loser when my friendship overtures are ignored. The indignity is compounded when my husband physically distances himself from the needy woman whose scent of desperation can be detected in the strongest coastal winds. Those dogs that are kind enough accept my affection, despite the more compelling outdoor attractions, tend to be very old, very stinky or very lazy – my people. A few weeks ago I stood still for what felt like 15 minutes because an ancient Border terrier had sat on my foot and I was too flattered by the attention to move. I treasured every malodorous moment, and I have no intention of changing.
A FEW WEEKS AGO I STOOD STILL FOR WHAT FELT LIKE 15 MINUTES BECAUSE AN ANCIENT BORDER TERRIER HAD SAT ON MY FOOT
@ashleydavies (Twitter)
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Antiques and eclecticism Grainne Morton has been designing jewellery for more than 25 years, but with her eye for antique baubles chiming with fashion’s current eclectic aesthetic, her already successful Edinburgh-based business is now going stratospheric. Jennifer Crichton-Gibson sits down with her to discuss meeting demand, her sudden spotlight and why she’s thankful for Gucci’s Alessandro Michele… hood • 27
You’ve recently been hailed as one to watch by a number of high-end fashion retailers and magazines, but you’ve been in business for a while, haven’t you? I've actually been in business for 25 years, which is hilarious because everyone thinks I'm the newbie at the moment! But yeah, I came over from Northern Ireland to Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) in 1988, did a postgraduate course in 1993, and I've basically been in business ever since. But while I've wholly sustained a living from the business since then, it has changed dramatically over the years. In what sense has it changed? In the early days, I was primarily selling through the gallery market and doing contemporary craft fairs in London, but as things grew and evolved, I knew I wanted to move into the fashion side of things. The market was changing, a lot of the galleries I was selling to were closing down, so I was finding that my gallery market was getting smaller and smaller. And a lot of the work was sale and return, so I'd be doing all this work, killing myself, you know, just to get a collection together for an exhibition and I wouldn't necessarily sell it. And it was soul destroying, because when you're in an industry like this, you do work hard, you work anti-social hours, you’re so involved and so intensely, so it was really hard then not having much to show for it all in the end. But what actually changed was that I started making jewellery I wanted to wear, rather than what I thought my customer would wear. I think that was the big turning point for me. How much of an emotional connection do you feel with your pieces, given that change in approach? It was very difficult in the early days – I think that because it was my income I had to become quite detached. But because I'm collecting constantly and I'm always inspired by new objects, I'm finding that I don't become too attached to individual pieces. And I'm okay with that. Where do you get all the objects you feature in your designs from? Well, originally it was through antique fairs. When I was at art college here, my parents used to come over from Northern Ireland once a month to do the antique fairs. At that stage, there were regular fairs at Meadowbank and Ingliston, as well as all the auctions, it was a busy scene. So, they'd come over and I'd traipse around the fields with them and because I was specialising in jewellery at college, I was just collecting really. They had an antique shop and I started buying bits and bobs for myself and then started to incorporate them into my work. 28 • hood
Where do you get them from now given the antiques market is so much smaller? Obviously, I do go into the antique fairs when they are in town, but they don't happen so much now, so I've got suppliers online that a lot the pieces come from. I get antique buttons from one, I get coral and cameos from a guy in Italy, I get gems from Australia, so it's all over the world. Because the business has particularly grown in the past year, I still use eclectic unusual materials, but I'm trying to buy in bulk where I can, to keep up with demand. It’s more difficult with the antique buttons, but it's easier to come across some of the other things once you're in the know about how! Are there particular materials you like or don't like using? At the moment, I'm loving cameos and buttons. I've always loved using buttons throughout my career, but they've got more precious as time’s gone on. I used to just use plain mother of pearl buttons but they've gone now. I think buttons are stunning. I've got a thing about buttons!
SISTERHOOD
A lot of people think you’ve been something of an overnight success. That must feel odd after all this time? Personally, I think it's a trend. I joke sometimes that I’m benefitting from the Gucci effect. I mean my style is eclectic and it always has been, but under Alessandro Michele, Gucci has become this massive brand that's incredibly eclectic, and I don't know if that's had something to do with it. Instagram, too, has had a huge effect on my business, I think that's where a lot of people have found me. And that's just me, photographing things with my camera or my phone, so it’s all been very natural. It's been hard graft, but then suddenly people from all over the world started to follow me. I do a trade show in New York and that's grown steadily over the years, but last year it just exploded, and I don't know what happened, but sales went up three or four-fold. And I won’t lie, I was a bit like ‘how am I going to do this?’ because everything is made by hand and at that point I only had one part-time worker, so I
MY MUM AND DAD TAUGHT ME TO BE DIFFERENT AND TO BE INDIVIDUAL
really had to build a team in the last year so I could produce the amount of work I'm being asked to. At the moment, I’d have the demand for three times what I'm doing, but it would mean a very different team so I'm quite happy keeping it the way it is. I'm also scared that, because I do seem to be a 'hot new thing' right now, even though I've been doing it for a quarter of a century, I don’t want to over supply. I've been in the game too long to jump on growing too quickly and then ending up struggling financially. So I'm keeping the growth really steady. You mention the Gucci effect. Do you think women are becoming more eclectic with what they wear now day to day? It’s hard for me to say, because I've always dressed like that. My mum and dad taught me to be like that, to be different and to be individual. So I think that's where my creative side came from. As a child, because I wasn't getting that much pocket money, I would make things, so I've always dressed a bit differently and been a bit weird, and people didn't always get it. But I guess seeing people in the street, yes, that’s maybe becoming a more widespread way of looking at fashion. Who do you think your customer is? It's hard to say because at the moment I'm not really doing any retail fairs and a lot of my sales are through the website, so I don't really see my customer. But I would say it's quite a varied age group, and somebody who wants something a bit different – handmade, individual, timeless, creative and not run of the mill. Your pieces are definitely an investment. Have you seen a difference over the years about how much people are willing to spend? Definitely, I've seen a huge difference. When I started, I was making a lot of small pieces starting from around £50 and just churning it out. Whereas now, it's the big pieces. People aren't frightened of spending money if they think they will get the wear out of it. The thing about my work is that you can kind of display it too, because it's quite sculptural and has a story to it, so I think some customers like to display the pieces when they’re not being worn. My customers are not afraid to spend money these days. Do you think being in Scotland has played a part in the success of the business, rather than being London? It was a bit scary to start with. I started before the internet, phones and cameras and I thought it would be difficult, but surprisingly, it wasn't. I used to do this craft fair once a year called Chelsea Craft in London and there were a
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lot of Scottish people doing that, it just wasn't an issue. And it certainly isn't an issue now. I think you could have a business anywhere in the world now because communication is brilliant. Where do you see the business going over the next five years? To be quite honest, I'm not wonderfully business minded so it’s hard to say. I'm a really hard worker but I never wanted a shop or anything like that, because I just want to make, so I see myself continuing the way I'm going, and selling with some great brands, such as Barney’s and Moda Operandi. I have quite a few new partnerships in the pipeline, and independent stores are so important these days because they know their stuff and they are able to put together really interesting work. So, I like supporting these independent stores all over the world. How much of your year is still taken up by trade shows? I am privileged because the only shows I have to do are the New York ones. They take place twice a year at a big convention centre in Hell's Kitchen, and I set up a stall, the buyers come and order and then we produce it and ship it out to them. The amount of emails I've had in the last month asking me if I'm going to Paris or to the other shows is incredible, but I don't need to do all that just now. I'm not travelling that much at the moment and that works for me. You have two sons – how have you balanced building the business with motherhood? It was a little tricky in the early days, but not as tricky as one might expect. The business was doing very well when I had my first child – he was born in August and in October I would always do Chelsea, so I was able to produce all the work for that before he was born and then my mum did the stand with me, so I could go off and feed him when needed. So, I was able to keep the business going in those early years. I would say it got trickier when I had my second child, and my mum would come over once a month and help out with childcare until my youngest could go to nursery. I actually hated sending him to nursery so young, so it was hard at that stage trying to find a balance. But the older they got, the easier it became, and they're becoming more self-sufficient. But I'm still here every day when they come through the door, I'm usually in the workshop until teatime, and we’ve all found that very secure. What do they think of what you do? Honestly, they’re not that bothered! I keep trying to get my oldest boy, Tait, excited about it all, but he's just a bit, ‘yeah, whatever’. But I think, secretly, he’s more interested than he lets on.
Given the excitement around the brand at the moment, if you could put your jewellery on anybody, who would it be? Oh lord, that’s so hard, I'm rubbish at this! There are so many people I love and admire, but off the top of my head I would have to say Chloe Sevigny. I've always really liked her style. Is there one stand out moment from your career where you've thought ‘wow, that's a big deal’? I was in the Sunday Times Style magazine recently and that was quite exciting – I thought they were going to use one photograph of my earrings somewhere, but then I had a whole write up as a brand to watch and I thought 'Ooh I've got a brand, that's hilarious'. US Vogue featured a pair of earrings last year and that was quite a moment. I’ve collected Vogue since I was 17-years-old so I'm quite chuffed to say I've made it in there. That was a real highlight.
I’VE COLLECTED VOGUE SINCE I WAS 17-YEARSOLD SO I’M QUITE CHUFFED TO SAY I’VE MADE IT IN THERE
grainnemorton.co.uk
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A question of quotas California may be garnering headlines for imposing targets for women on the boards of its public bodies – but Scotland got there first. Eleven months on though, how far are we from 50 per cent inclusion?
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hen California passed a new law last month, ensuring that public bodies which don’t have women on their board of directors by the end of 2019 will face significant fines, it earned widespread international headlines and a new title as America’s most liberal state. But California didn’t come first. It might not seem like it, but it’s been a full 11 months since Scotland made history by passing legislation to ensure an equal gender balance on its own public bodies. At the time, Equalities Secretary Angela Constance said the legislation was an “important step on our journey towards gender equality, towards creating a fairer Scotland, and towards shattering the glass ceiling once and for all.” Under the Scottish rules, where a minister is faced with two or more equally qualified candidates for a public board position, they are required to give preference to female candidates, while ministers and public bodies are also expected to encourage women 32 • hood
to apply for non-executive positions. Public authorities must also publish reports on progress towards achieving gender balance However, the boards affected have until 2022 to comply with these demands, creating concern in some quarters that things aren’t moving fast enough. Despite making up 52 per cent of the population of Scotland, when the legislation was passed in January, women made up only 42 per cent of public board members, 25 per cent of public board chairs, 35 per cent of MSPs and 29 per cent of councillors. Data on how much this may have changed since then is yet to be released, but with guidelines and toolkits for public boards on how to implement change remaining unpublished, it is feared some boards may be delaying taking action. Talat Yaqoob, chair and co-founder of equality movement Women 50:50, says maintaining momentum on the issue is critical, and that organisations must work to remove barriers to women standing for posts. “I think the discrepancy in the number of women in public life has a lot to do with power, leadership and
LIVELIHOOD
“Get on a board as soon as you can” Head of HR in Co-op’s food division, and experienced Scottish board member, Catherine Muirden, on the benefits of women taking a chair… I first joined a board – as a school governor in London – in my twenties, and if there’s one piece of advice I give to people who ask me about boards, it’s to start as soon as you can. You’ll begin to understand governance, the role of the directors and the executive and how they should interact. You’ll also be able to observe chairing skills in all their variety. Being a board member has given me new business and sector insight, developed my chairing skills and always keeps me grounded in what’s important in life. When you’ve been in big corporate life all your career, it’s very sobering to understand how little many organisations survive on. Over the years I’ve been a board member and chair of The Fruitmarket Gallery in Edinburgh, a non-executive director of Crieff Hydro hotel group, a trustee of Elevation Networks, a social enterprise in London, and I’m currently
decision making. These concepts are still seen as very masculinised, we still live in a society that’s very gender stereotyped, and I think that makes women less likely to apply for board positions. The evidence suggests that women will only go for a position if they have 100 per cent of the qualifications, even if they have brilliant skills and expertise that would make them valuable in post. So, I think that’s something we need to change.” She says organisations also need to ensure that they look beyond the most obvious female candidates and appoint boards that are truly diverse. “What we’re really keen to see is that this is for all women. We want to see women from ethnic minority backgrounds, disabled women, women who wouldn’t initially appear as the most obvious choices, who are the furthest away from the balance of power at the moment. There are ambitious and intelligent women who have not been included in the decision-making process previously and we need to reach out to that diversity of women. We know that public services are disproportionately used more by women. They’re making decisions about our health, for example, and not having women around the table making those decisions impacts on service provision and priority.” Another strong advocate for quotas is Catherine Muirden, an experienced Scottish board member and the head of HR for food at Co-op. “I’ve been involved with gender diversity issues for years, and I’m in favour of quotas,” she says. “Without them, we’ll be waiting for more decades before things change. When people challenge me on that one in respect of discriminating against men, I always point out what one diversity expert once said to me: that we’re not trying to tilt the playing field here, we’re trying to level it. And when you level the playing field, the competition gets tougher.”
a trustee of the National Galleries of Scotland, where I’m in my sixth year of tenure. All of those have had a good gender balance. The Galleries board is equally split on gender, and we are fully committed to equal representation in the board of Trustees. At the Co-op, gender equality, diversity and inclusivity are at the heart of our culture – in fact, we have more women than men on our executive team. I’d encourage women to put themselves forward for board jobs, and if you feel you lack the confidence or credentials, team up with a mentor who will set you straight, or join an organisation like Women on Boards, which can give you all the information and skills improvement you need, as well as insight into where the job vacancies are. womenonboards.net
Tougher, maybe. But there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that as many women as men actually put themselves forward for board seats in the first place. And this, says Yaqoob, will come down to the way public bodies respond to the demands “We need to support women into these roles by making sure public bodies are reaching out to them, providing skills and knowledge. But it’s also about the atmosphere in the boardroom itself, so I think those who are already in there need to actively show that they will create a culture in which women can fully participate. There is a responsibility on public boards to do both outreach work and work on their own cultures. And where they are falling short, or are unclear on how to make progress, it’s important they feel able to put their hands up and say they need help and support with that. There are lots of third sector organisations who can assist with that process, but it’s about boards having the honesty to access that help. “At the end of the day, I think there’s a lot of positives to take from having a woman first minister and women leaders in opposition, we have lots of outstanding role models in Scottish public life. But the fact is that these women remain a minority and while I hope that they do inspire other women to lead and to participate in public life, the figures show that there is still a great gender disparity there. Having a First Minister who is passionate about gender issues is wonderful, but we still need to put systematic change in place to ensure that doesn’t stop she leaves office. In a time of #MeToo, in a time in which austerity is more greatly affecting women than men, we can’t afford slippage on gender equality.” women5050.org
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Opinion expressed here is that of the author and does not constitute advice. Julie Mitchell is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority
LIVELIHOOD
Money matters Flummoxed by finance? In dread over debt? You’re not alone, but help is at hand. Julie Mitchell, an independent financial advisor with female money specialists Independent Women, tackles some of your most common cash concerns. This month, what do we need to do to ensure our financial protection when we start a family?
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ontrary to popular belief, a stay at home parent is rarely a lady who lunches… I would have loved for that to have been the case during my time at home, as I waded through mountains of washing and ironing while trying to pick an Annabel Karmel recipe with which to appease my growing toddler and his six-month-old brother. Even returning to work, I found myself rushing from nursery to school drop-offs before appearing at work with either baby sick or a mixture of Petit Filous and drool on the back of my clothing. I have spent time as both a working mum, juggling the children and career, and as a
stay-at-home parent due to my son’s ill health, and without doubt the most challenging is the latter when, not only did I not feel the most valuable contributor to our household, a delve deeper into the financials could prove rather alarming. There are so many different aspects to the stay-at-home parent: childminder, cook, cleaner, laundry worker, teacher, taxi driver, shopper. The list is exhaustive and, if we were to attach hourly rates to each of these tasks, the salary for a homemaker would be estimated at around £80,000 per year. I read a statistic recently, in a blog on the childhood bereavement network, highlighting that, while every 22 minutes a child loses a parent they depend on financially, only a third of stay-at-home parents are protected. Would a family question the decision to protect the main breadwinner in the household whose salary pays for the mortgage, utilities and other bills? Generally not, as that value is tangible, and we can easily see the impact of not having their monetary contribution on a month-to-month basis. However, if we continue to attach no financial value to the role of a stay-at-home parent, male or female, then we stand to play Russian roulette in the safeguarding of our families. The Centre for Economics and Business Research has further calculated the cost of raising a child born in 2016 to age 21 as £231,843, which is a rather sobering statistic. There are different types of protection that families can look to take out, both to protect stay-at-home and working parents, and these can be tailored to a family’s specific needs. Some contracts will pay out a tax-free lump sum, or a family can opt for a contract that will provide beneficiaries with a regular tax-free income to cover living costs. Whether your aim is to protect your income, to reduce the impact of an illness resulting in a loss of earnings or inability to continue childcare, or to provide your dependents with an element of certainty, there will be a protection solution to your chosen circumstances. The earlier that you look to tick this box off your to-do list, the cheaper the premiums will be, so there is no time like the present. Being a parent is my first and most important job, and I count myself blessed to watch my two little humans grow. But if I don’t get the opportunity to see them mature into young men, then at least I will know I protected them in an area I had control over. independentwomen.co.uk
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RUFFLE SOME FEATHERS There’s no wardrobe investment quite like a multitasking wardrobe investment – and this ‘Daria’ ruffled midi skirt from Mint Velvet ticks all the boxes for us. The fit-and-flare shape is super-flattering, the ditzy print in Millennial pink makes it bang on trend, and the versatile length means it’s as wearable for a day in the office as for a weekend brunch date. Pair it with bare legs and ankle boots now before the weather gets too chilly, then pop on a pair of tights and a cosy knit once the colder days set in – the perfect purchase to take you from season to season effortlessly. Skirt, £89, Mint Velvet
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH COVET Stag necklace, £60
Colour Scape 100% wool scarf, £69
Bon Parfumeur perfume, £38
A COLLECTION TO COVET Queen Bee pearl necklace, £85
Neon Scape 100% wool scarf, £69
Purse, £40
Tucked away on the hidden gem that is Edinburgh’s Thistle Street, Covet is a treasure trove for accessories addicts. From its stunning own label leather handbags and beautifully printed scarves, to a carefully curated range of jewellery, leatherwares and scent from a host of emerging European designers, it’s the ideal place for all your gifting (and self-gifting) needs. Here’s our pick of the shelves this month… Purse, £30
COVET tote, £295
COVET New Town bag, £275
Bag, £245 COVET Essential clutch, £85
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Shop the collection at Covet, 20 Thistle Street, Edinburgh, 0131 220 0026, or online at thoushaltcovet.com
WOMANHOOD
Wear it three ways Real women need versatile pieces that work for real life, no matter what their day holds. And this season’s must-have leopard-print midi works for every occasion.
Work
Tatyana Bugayeva, 34, is a style blogger and mum of one (with one on the way!) from Glasgow. Find her on Instagram @lafotka.
Leopard midi skirt (used throughout), £10, Primark. Hat, £19.99, Blazer, £39.99, and Bag, £14.99, H&M. T-shirt, £2, Primark. Shoes, £22.99, New Look. hood • 39
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Skirt, as before. Jumper, £8.99, H&M. Earrings, model’s own. Trainers, £14.99, New Look. Denim jacket, £85, Levi’s. Watch, model’s own. 40 • hood
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Play
Skirt, as before. Top, £15.99, bag, £15.99, and shoes, £25.99, New Look. Earrings, model’s own. Cuff, £8.50, Next. hood • 41
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DENIM
DAZE Everybody’s wardrobe staple gets an update for winter, with new fits, added detailing and a healthy dose of metallics. Denim has never looked so good… Photography Aleksandra Modrzejewska
Hat, £19.99, and boots, £24.99, H&M. Denim jacket, £25, Primark. Top, £15, Marks & Spencer. Trousers, £98, Anthropologie. 42 • hood
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Denim shirt, £70, Levi’s. Sequinned jacket, £138, Anthropologie. Earrings, £24.50, NMarra.com
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Blazer, £68, River Island. Jumper, £15, F&F at Tesco. Jeans, £40, and baker boy cap, £16, Topshop. Boots, £45, Marks & Spencer. Earrings, £24.50, NMarra.com 44 • hood
Camel coat, £39.99, New Look. Cropped denim jacket, £85, Levi’s. Jumper, £24.99, H&M. Jeans, £85, Levi’s.
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Denim Jacket, £150, Rejean Denim. Denim shorts, vintage. Boots, £90, Office.
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Faux fur jacket, £180, Anthropologie. Cuff, £8.50, Next. Jeans, £15, Marks & Spencer. Baker boy cap, £18, River Island.
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Polo neck, £8.50, and shoes, £49.50, Marks & Spencer. Denim dungarees, £118, Anthropologie. Blazer, £62, Next. 48 • hood
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Denim jacket, £85, Levi’s.
Model: Lauren Alexander at Colours Agency. Hair: Jack Baxter Make-up: Sara Hill Location: Mountjoy House
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WOMANHOOD
Rock ’n’ roll red If you’re scared of the maintenance a red lip requires, a rich matte formula will help lock the colour in place for total glamour. Simply line your lips first, then fill in and blot with tissue to reduce the risk of it sliding away. Pair your statement lip with a flawless base, and a pop of highlight to provide a glowing backdrop to your dramatic pout.
The magic of matte Fancy a lip look that lasts? Tap into the matte lipstick trend and create a power pout with impact that stays all day and well into the night. Our beauty editor and make-up artist extraordinaire, Sara Hill, shows us how it’s done 50 • hood
Purple reign Purple is a dramatic hue, but if you choose a shade with hints of burgundy, it’s far more wearable than you’d think. Add a sheer wash of purple shadow to the eyes then relax the overall look with a bushy statement brow for supermodel style that feels stylish, sexy and confident.
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Feeling fuchsia A pop of pink lifts both your complexion and your mood, and a fiery fuchsia is perfect for the darker days of winter. Keep it simple with a sweep of soft charcoal eyeliner, which is more flattering than black to define the eyes, then add a slick of tonal nail polish to tie the whole look together beautifully. Pretty in pink? You will be!
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WOMANHOOD
Get the look Rock ‘n’ roll red
NARS Natural Radiant Longwear Foundation, £35, narscosmetics.co.uk Lipstick Queen in Red Sinner, £22, Space NK RMS Beauty Living Luminizer, £36, cultbeauty.co.uk
Purple reign Hourglass Arch Brow Sculpting Pencil in Soft Brunette, £31, John Lewis Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Vice, £15, Debenhams Barry M Matte Me Up Lip Kit in Avant Garde, £6.99, Superdrug
Feeling fuchsia
NYX Cosmetics Slim Eye Pencil in Charcoal, £3.50, Boots Maybelline Color Show Nail Polish in Love This Sweater, £3.99, Superdrug NARS Powermatte Lip Pigment in You’re No Good, £23, narscosmetics.com,
Photographer Anette Schive • Make-up Sara Hill, assisted by Emma Hourston and Gabriele Stankunaite • Hair Jack Baxter Stylist Tegan Whybrowe • Nails Swoon Nails • Model Rachel Spence @ Colours
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YOUR SKIN,
SAVED
We may associate acne with teens and ageing with our elders, but for many women, their twenties, thirties and forties can throw up some serious skincare conundrums. Hood sits down with Dr Sobia Ali to discuss her client’s most common skin complaints, what can be done about them, and when it’s time to call in the professionals…
ACNE
If you’ve ever asked yourself ‘Why am I breaking out?’, you’re far from alone – Dr Sobia says around twenty per cent of her skincare consultations arise from acne concerns. “Acne occurs when the skin pores become clogged, trapping skin cells and bacteria inside them which causes the pores to become inflamed, forming blackheads, whiteheads, pimples and cysts,” she explains. “The more sebum, the greater the degree of acne.” So, what are the most common causes? Unsurprisingly, hormones are the key culprit. “Around seventy per cent of women notice an aggravation of acne just before or in the first few days of their menstrual cycle,” Dr Sobia says. “Fluctuations in hormone levels increase sebum production, clog the pores and cause skin inflammation. Hormonal contraceptives may help improve these breakouts, but they are not for everyone, so a good skincare regime is key to maintaining skin health.” Diet can also play a role – avoiding refined sugars and white carbs, and upping your consumption of whole grains, fruit, vegetables and fish could help. Dr Sobia adds: “There is also some 54 • hood
evidence that stress makes acne worse, however, the widely accepted view is that stress may result in poor self-care, poor sleep, poor diet and a fluctuation in hormone levels, thereby causing acne flares.” As such, the picture surrounding adult acne is complex, and following the right skincare regime is key to managing existing acne and preventing future outbreaks, says Dr Sobia. “Skincare products that reduce sebum production and exfoliate the skin cells to unclog and tighten the pores will help. Many high street skincare brands claim to have fantastic ingredients, however, the concentrations are so low that they will not have a measurable effect on the skin – so it’s worth seeing a healthcare professional with experience in managing acne who will take a detailed history and provide medical skincare solutions for you.”
AGEING SKIN
Tick Tock. Is it time for an anti-ageing programme yet? “Nearly all my patients will ask about anti-ageing at their consultation,” admits Dr Sobia. “We all want to get old, but not many of us want to look the part, and with a strong anti-ageing strategy we don’t have to.
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH DR NESTOR
The key to future proofing your skin is to start the anti-ageing regime early, as early as your 20s.” Nonetheless, whatever your current age, there are some universally beneficial steps you could easily introduce today. “It all starts with sun protection, even in Scotland,” Dr Sobia explains. “Exposure to the sun’s UV light does a lot more than increase our risk of skin cancer. It ages our skin significantly, causing wrinkles, dryness and age spots. “The sunlight that reaches our skin is made up of two types of harmful rays: UVA and UVB. UVA rays are present all year round, not just summer, so it’s important to use high factor sun protection 365 days a year. I never leave the house without SPF 50.” A healthy lifestyle can go a long way to improving matters too, namely avoiding smoking, exercising regularly and eating healthily. Skincare, too, is key. “A strong programme containing Retinol and Vitamin C will help combat the ageing skin process regardless of a woman’s age,” assures Dr Sobia. “Retinol is a vitamin A derivative and it is the key player in any anti-ageing skincare programme. It is clinically proven to boost collagen
WE ALL WANT TO GET OLD, BUT NOT MANY OF US WANT TO LOOK THE PART production, which reduces fine lines and wrinkles, increases skin renewal and improves skin tone and texture. The strength of Retinol is incredibly important, therefore it is worth seeing a skincare specialist that will prescribe effective strengths of retinol as over the counter products do not contain concentrations high enough to create a change in your skin. Vitamin C, meanwhile, is a vital part of any anti-ageing skincare regime too, as it helps stimulate the body’s collagen production, supports the skin structure and acts as a powerful antioxidant by blocking DNA damage in the skin. It is also a very effective skin brightening agent and I typically use at least 10% strength of pure vitamin C on my patients.”
DRY SKIN
“Only a very small percentage of the population have a true dry skin condition, such as eczema or psoriasis,” says Dr Sobia, yet “the vast majority of us feel we have dry or sensitive skin and reach for a moisturiser. Moisturisers account for more than half of skincare sales, we are brought up to believe that the ritual of cleanse, tone and moisturise is
as important as brushing our teeth, and the main misconception is that moisturiser hydrates our skin. Natural hydration however, must come from within and cannot be replaced by moisturisers.” In fact, says Dr Sobia, your moisturiser could be making matters worse. “When a moisturiser is applied to the skin regularly, the skin detects this and switches off its own natural moisturising mechanisms, resulting in dry skin and moisturiser dependence. The moisturiser also sits on the surface of the skin, clogs pores and damages the texture of the skin. Most of my patients do not have a dry skin condition and are encouraged to stop moisturisers immediately. It takes around three weeks to wake up the skin’s own natural moisturising process, but the take home message is avoid moisturisers.”
ROSACEA
Confused about what could be causing your chronically red cheeks? It might be worth considering rosacea, a common, long term skin condition which causes a facial rash and typically appears after the age of 30. Symptoms include facial redness, flushing, swelling and congested pores and, with time, the redness may become more apparent and visible blood vessels can appear. “Although the exact cause of this inflammation and redness is poorly understood, key culprits include hormone fluctuations, genetics and hyperactive oil levels in the skin,” explains Dr Sobia. “The exhaustive list of rosacea triggers also ranges from sun exposure and emotional stress to alcohol and spicy foods. “Although there is no cure for rosacea, it can be controlled with the right skincare regime. The first step is to consult a skincare specialist who can create an effective treatment plan to keep rosacea under control. It is also important to try to identify potential triggers and avoid them.”
PIGMENTATION
Hyperpigmentation occurs when an area of skin darkens due to the overproduction of our skin pigment, melanin – think freckles, age spots and melasma. So what causes this discolouration? Many factors are believed to be involved, including genetics, advancing age, sun exposure, pregnancy and medication. “Hyperpigmentation can be a source of real aesthetic concern,” acknowledges Dr Sobia, “but if treated correctly, it can significantly improve. There are many options to lighten dark spots and improve the skin complexion, ranging from hydroquinone-based bleaching agents and skin peels to non-hydroquinone brightening agents, retinol and vitamin C. It is important to see a skincare doctor who will assess the severity and type of pigmentation and prescribe a tailor-made skin brightening regime for you.”
Dr. Sobia Ali, MBChB, Bsc (Hons), MRCGP, practices as the skin health doctor at Dr Nestor’s Medical and Cosmetic Centre, Dundas Street, Edinburgh. For more information or to make an appointment, visit drnestor.co.uk
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DINNER WITH DARLING It’s one of Aberdeen’s most romantic spots, but does the fresh seafood at The Silver Darling live up to the city views? Jennifer Crichton-Gibson finds out…
N
ot being an Aberdeen native, I arrive at the city’s renowned The Silver Darling harbouring a slight suspicion I’ve been trolled by my taxi driver. I mean, when you decide to go for dinner at a restaurant recommended by a multitude of local foodies, you don’t really expect to be taken on a windy trawl through the nooks and crannies of the city’s harbourside lanes. That is, until you arrive, and realise that the restaurant’s location, on a promontory nestled between trawlers heading out to the North Sea and a to-die-for cityscape view, may be one of the city’s most picturesque. Nonetheless, situating a seafood restaurant here, right beside the boats bringing in the catch, can only be seen as a brave statement of intent. Anything less than the very freshest of fruits de mer would prove a disappointment… 56 • hood
No fear of that. The menu may well include a good range of meat and vegetarian dishes for those less inclined towards seafood, but it is the blisteringly fresh fish, shellfish and crustaceans that sit front and centre, and rightly so. Our starter portion of Szechuan squid with a carrot and spring onion salad and handmade sweet chilli sauce (£7) was perfectly cooked with barely a hint of bounce and just the right amount of salt and spice, the salad adding a refreshing touch, while the seared Shetland scallops with crispy pork belly, curried celeriac puree and micro mizuna (£11) were perfectly balanced, with the barest hint of spice from the puree offsetting the soft scallop and salty pork. A third starter of Stornoway black pudding and pancetta bon bons with craft cider gel and tomato salsa (£7), meanwhile, was the crowd pleaser of the bunch – crisp on the outside, soft, salty and spicy inside and perfectly offset by the sweet hit of apple.
FOOD IN THE ‘HOOD
Three more to try ONDINE Drawing on the Royal Mile’s oyster-selling traditions and Leith’s history of welcoming spice ships from across the globe, this Edinburgh-based icon serves up stylish seafood with a twist – think North African-inspired seafood soup with harissa rouille and razor clams with Iberico chorizo... ondinerestaurant.co.uk
THE BLISTERINGLY FRESH FISH, SHELLFISH AND CRUSTACEANS SIT FRONT AND CENTRE, AND RIGHTLY SO From the mains menu, a catch of the day of half lobster with garlic butter and skinny fries (£30) was huge, perfectly cooked and covered in a very intensely garlicky, yet sweet, buttery sludge that had us dipping every last chip. Sorry, not sorry. The grilled bass fillets over olive crushed potatoes with a dill and lime salad and sweet and sour red pepper sauce (£18) was a complex affair that somehow managed to pull off its riot of competing flavours with aplomb. It might sound overwhelming, but it served well. Meanwhile, the pan seared halibut with saffron potatoes, pea purée, brown crab mayonnaise and micro peashoots (£22) was arguably the star of the show, the perfectly cooked, fresh meaty fish boasting a generous coating of salt that balanced perfectly with the mildly perfumed potatoes and the sweetness of the peas and crab. Perfect.
A mixed Scottish cheese platter with chutney and biscuits (£8) was demolished by my dining companions, while I opted for a homemade chocolate brownie with peanut butter ice cream and a white chocolate sauce (£7) that somehow managed to balance the bitterness of dark chocolate and sweetness of white without being cloying. I wished I hadn’t asked for three spoons… With friendly service, a relaxed atmosphere and spectacular views (next time, we’ll go at sunset) there’s a lot to recommend The Silver Darling. I can see now why so many people pointed me in its direction. Next time though, I’ll take my Sat Nav…
LOCH FYNE OYSTER BAR Situated on the picturesque banks of its namesake, the original branch of this acclaimed seafood chain remains the undisputed best. Menus are seasonal, but you can’t beat the Loch Fyne smoked salmon for a true taste of what Scotland does best. lochfyne.com
CRABSHAKK Bustling but decidedly laidback, this Finnieston hotspot serves up a huge host of seafood dishes, from oysters and fruits de mer to a true Glasgow fish supper. The monkfish cheek scampi, meanwhile, makes for quite a bar snack… crabshakk.com
Pocra Quay, Aberdeen thesilverdarling.co.uk
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Ladies who brunch
Brassica salad with toasted seeds, soft boiled egg and yoghurt dressing • 1 bunch purple sprouting broccoli • 150g cavolo nero, hard stems removed, washed and dried • 150g kale, hard stems removed, washed and dried • ½ cauliflower, cut into florets • 8 breakfast radishes, thinly shaved lengthways • 4 free-range eggs • Olive oil • Maldon sea salt • 2 tbsp chives, finely chopped • 50g toasted sunflower seeds • 50g toasted pumpkin seeds • 1 tbsp sesame seeds • Sumac, to dust
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For the dressing: • ¼ of a preserved lemon, seeds removed • 200g natural yoghurt • 6 tbsp olive oil • 4 tbsp juice from the preserved lemon jar • ½ tsp sugar • 4 tbsp water
1. Preheat your oven to 180°C. 2. Place all of the dressing ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. 3. Cook the eggs in just below boiling water for six and a half minutes. Remove and refresh in iced water, then peel and set aside. 4. Roast your broccoli and cauliflower in the oven with a little olive oil and salt until crispy, tender and slightly charred in places – around eight minutes. 5. Deep fry half of the cavolo nero until crispy, then remove and season with salt straight away. Blanch the remaining cavolo nero and kale in salted boiling water, then refresh in iced water. Drain and dry. 6. Add a few tablespoons of the dressing to a bowl with the broccoli, blanched kale, blanched cavolo nero, roast cauliflower, radishes, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and chives. Mix and adjust the seasoning with salt and more dressing if desired. 7. Divide the salad between the plates, sprinkle with sesame seeds, add crispy cavolo nero to the top followed by a generous pinch of sumac. Cut the eggs in half, season with Maldon salt and place on top of the salad before serving.
Photography by Julia Bernatovica at Creative Parrot, a social media consultancy specialising in creating beautiful content.
Bored of breakfast? These weekend brunch recipes from Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Café will reinstate your morning meal as a high point of your day…
FOOD IN THE ‘HOOD
Avocado on rye, with tomato, chilli, red onion and feta • • • • • • • • • •
8 slices of fresh rye bread, around 2cm thick each 3 avocados, peeled, stoned and roughly diced 12 vine-ripened cherry tomatoes, cut into quarters 1 large red chilli, thinly sliced ¼ red onion, finely diced Maldon sea salt Olive oil Juice of 2 limes 200g raw milk feta cheese Coriander leaves, to garnish
1. Combine the avocado, lime, tomato, chilli, red onion, some salt and a little olive oil, and mix carefully to make a rustic salad. 2. Divide the salad between the slices of rye bread and top with broken pieces of feta cheese. Garnish with coriander leaves and serve.
Cottage cheese pancakes with maple brown butter and caramelised banana
For the pancakes: • 250g cottage cheese, plus an extra 100g for garnishing • 125ml semi-skimmed milk • 2 large eggs, separated • 100g plain flour • 1 tsp baking powder • A pinch of Maldon salt
For the caramelised banana: • 220g caster sugar • 2 tbsp water • 1 vanilla pod, halved lengthways and scraped out • 50g butter • 4 bananas, halved lengthways
For the maple brown butter: • 100g butter • 50g maple syrup • 10g lemon juice 1. Start by making your maple brown butter. Add the butter to a small saucepan and cook until it reaches a golden-brown colour. Strain it off until clear, then return to the pan with the maple syrup and lemon juice, mix well, then cover to keep warm and set aside. 2. To make the caramelised bananas, heat the sugar, vanilla and water in a pan until it forms a caramel. Add the bananas and shake to coat, then add the butter and cook for a couple of minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside, keeping them warm. 3. Mix all of the pancake ingredients, except the egg whites, together, and mix well to form a smooth batter. 4. Whisk the whites until they become foamy, and then fold them into the batter gently. 5. Heat a frying pan and lightly oil, then fry heaped dessert spoons of the batter to make small pancakes. Cook until golden and then flip and repeat until cooked. 6. Divide the pancakes between four plates and top each pile with two halves of banana. Add a dollop of cottage cheese to each and then drizzle generously with maple brown butter. kelvingrovecafe.com
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FEATURES
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NEIGHBOURHOOD
MODULAR MAGIC Spotting a broken For Sale sign whilst visiting friends in a remote corner of the North West Highlands of Scotland was just the beginning for Terry and Shirley Rose. Eighteen months later they were taking delivery of a beautiful modular building built 600 miles away…
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uilding a holiday home remotely is a daunting prospect, so when Terry and Shirley Rose found their dream site on the edge of a sea loch, 600 miles away from their home in the south of England, they decided to prefabricate the house locally in a factory in Brighton. Having raised their family in Hertfordshire, where Shirley had been an art teacher and Terry, a building surveyor, the couple were ready for a change. “I inherited a modest amount of money from my father and we wanted to spend it on something special,” Terry recalls, “so we decided to buy a small piece of land beside the sea. We had seen an article about a couple who had built a modular contemporary home, effectively a caravan, on a beach and we thought it was a great idea.” However, finding a small parcel of land on the south coast that fitted their budget was easier said than done. “We got precisely nowhere,” Shirley remembers. “But we had friends in Ullapool, on the north west coast of Scotland, and we loved the feeling of escape on our regular visits to them. So when we found that there were affordable pockets of land in the area, a decision was made.” Buying the plot that they had spotted though, nestled beneath a hill with a garden that rolled gently down to a pretty stretch of beach, turned into long, drawn-out process, ending in a nail-biting race against the clock, with planning permission for the ‘decrofted’ site approaching its end when they started negotiating. Once the deal was sealed literally one day before the end of planning permission, Terry and Shirley were motivated to create something that was worth their rollercoaster ride.
The land itself had been the site of the school for the tiny community at Loggie which, along with the other villages along the loch, had no road until the 1930's and had to rely on boats for transport. The Loch is Loch Broom, a deep, sea loch that is the main harbour for ferries going to the Outer Hebrides, while from the house you can also see several Munros, the most famous being Beinn Dearg. The property is also walking distance to Beinn nam Ban, from which you can see all the major mountain ranges in the region and look out to the Summer Isles, which are famous for their fantastic sunsets. Trying to make the most of all the site offered, the couple also had a lot of fun along the way. “We found the small, local community very friendly and welcoming, and we soon realised that this was going to be more than a holiday home,” Terry admits. “We moved on to researching modular prefabricated buildings of architectural interest, knowing that the demands of a long-distance build were out of the question. We came across a company called Boutique Modern and from the moment we engaged them in conversation, realised that they were exactly what we were looking for.” The firm had a strong option available to start with, which was very close to what Terry and Shirley wanted, but director Dick Shone was keen to create something bespoke to capitalise on the amazing views. Building upon the simple, contemporary styling of the existing offering, Boutique Modern was happy to add 300mm to the height, a turf roof, solar panels and all sorts of bespoke and luxurious touches, such as kitchen and bathroom fittings, gorgeous tiling, a veranda and a wood burning stove, to make better use of the site.
Opposite page: The house is clad in rough Siberian Larch. Windows are triple-glazed aluminium on the outside, perfect for the salty, coastal weather conditions. The turfed roof is planted with a mixture of grasses and wild flowers. Above: On a calm day the sea loch is like a mirror, treating visitors to a double view of the stunning scenery. Below: The turquoise sofas are from Made.com, while the embroidered cushions are by Charlene Mullen
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EATING AROUND ULLAPOOL SEAFORTH Fish and chips anyone? This award-winning harbourside chippy is the place to head. theseaforth.com
FOOD FOR THOUGHT This renowned butchery sells award-winning sausages, a large range of local meats and fresh fish too. foodforthoughthighland.co.uk
THE CEILIDH PLACE Named in Scotland’s top 100 places to visit, this eatery makes the most of its local larder, with deer from the hill side, lamb from the crofts, fish from the loch and local seasonal veggies. theceilidhplace.com
ULLAPOOL SMOKEHOUSE The place to head for wonderful smoked salmon and trout from sustainable sources, together with tasty smoked cheeses. ullapoolsmokehouse.com
WEST COAST DELICATESSEN Serving up wonderful local cheeses, handmade sandwiches and pastries, this is also a great spot to stop for a coffee. westcoastdeli.co.uk
GELATO OF ULLAPOOL Make the most of a bright day lochside with lovely homemade ice creams from Point Cottage on the harbour front. facebook.com/GelatoUllapool
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The planning approval was surprisingly straightforward, given the site already had permission for a traditional 1.5 storey house. Terry and Shirley’s adjustment to a modernist prefabricated building with a turf roof went down well with the planners because it sat so well in the surroundings. The construction took place in the Boutique Modern factory premises in Sussex, so it was very easy for them to visit and deal quickly with every detail of the process. The build started in December 2013 and the building was sited in May 2014, after a long and inevitably protracted journey on five lorries. “The seven modules were craned into position in a day and we honestly could have moved in the following day,” Terry marvels. “It was amazing, the final stage of putting the pieces together was so quick.” The local tradesmen who had already built the new access road and foundations then continued working on the cladding and the dry-stone walling that wraps
NEIGHBOURHOOD
around the base of the house, concealing excellent, easily accessed storage underneath. By this time, Terry and Shirley knew that they wanted to make Ullapool their home, and sold their family home in order to buy Westlea House, a property in the centre of Ullapool that they are renovating into the town’s first boutique B&B. It has living accommodation, so their original property, the thoroughly completed and personalised Sealoch House, is now being used as a holiday rental home. “We wanted a business where we could work together, meet people – which we both enjoy – and where Shirley could use her design skills. I have so much experience in property that opening a B&B was the obvious solution,” Terry explains. The couple have also immersed themselves in the local community, getting out rowing and investigating the purchase of kayaks. “Kayaking
is a great way of seeing the local wildlife. We have already spotted a huge starfish at the bottom of the loch whilst out rowing, plus a sea otter, seals, and porpoises. A hundred dolphins swam past the other day,” Shirley enthuses. The Tall Ships visit the loch every year, docking for three weeks in the busy harbour where the ferries leave for the Outer Hebrides. Ullapool is home to festivals of dance, traditional music, writing and guitar, and the annual music festival Loopallu (Ullapool spelt backwards) is another fantastic party occasion, bringing life and fun to an incredibly idyllic and normally extremely peaceful part of the world. “There is just so much to do here,” they both agree. “We have not had time to be homesick, and our children love coming up. This move has given our family a new lease of life.”
STOCKISTS Boutique Modern 01273 911 076 boutiquemodern.co.uk Marble Mosaics 01273 891144 marble-mosaics.com Mini Moderns minimoderns.com Momantai momantai-design.com Made made.com Troddenwood 01249 750 043 troddenwood.co.uk
sealochhouse.co.uk
Opposite page: The leather sofa and oversized armchair are by Barker & Stonehouse. Shirley chose a shade by Dulux called ‘Potters Clay’ which she has used in various tones on the walls and the woodwork. The oak flooring throughout is from Factory Direct. The wood burning stove is by Westfire. The split face tiles behind the stove are from Marble Mosaics Above: Dining area: The pendant lights above the dining table are from John Lewis. The dining table was made to order by a company called Troddenwood, using reclaimed scaffolding planks. The chairs were bought on eBay. Kitchen: The kitchen overlooks both the dining and sitting areas, giving the house a sociable layout. Cleverly, Terry and Shirley have planned for privacy as well – the main living area is further away, so you have a choice between company and solitude. Master bedroom: The beautiful patchwork pale animal skin rug hanging above the bed, framed in reclaimed wood, is from Achica. The views from the freestanding bath in the middle of the room are not to be missed.
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Light, £99, cuckooland.com
GET THE LOOK Rustic textures and a pop of turquoise are all you need to recreate the bright and breezy look of Terry and Shirley’s chic home…
Rug, £385, amara.com
Leather sofa, £4,360, Bo Concept
Vase, £40, John Lewis
Pouffe, £59.99, very.co.uk
Sydney chair, £399, Oak Furniture Land
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Throw, £73, thebritishblanketcompany.com
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH AIRSORTED
Your rental income, sorted
Looking to make some money from your home, without the hassle that comes from being a landlord? Let Airsorted take care of it for you, for an effort-free income…
I
f you live in Edinburgh, chances are you’ve considered the money you could make from decamping from your home during festival season? Perhaps you have a guest annexe or investment property you’d like to use for short-term rentals, but you don’t have the time required to manage bookings and turnovers yourself? If so, allow us to introduce you to Airsorted, the full-service solution that will help you make an income from your property, without any of the hassles you might associate with the process. When Anthony and Caroline Holmes bought the flat below their Edinburgh mews home a few years ago, they planned to renovate it and let it out as a way to supplement their retirement income. “I wanted to rent it out as a long-term let,” Anthony explains, “but my wife wanted it to be available for friends and family when they came to visit, so Airbnb seemed the best alternative.” The couple originally considered managing the property themselves, but a trial run was enough to convince them of the stress and time-saving aspects of using Airsorted instead. “All I had to do was prepare the flat for guests,” says Caroline, “but I quickly discovered how impractical it was. Until you try to do everything yourself, you don’t realise quite how much time and effort it takes.”
“With all the cleaning and laundry, it’s a big investment of time,” explains Anthony. “Using Airsorted frees our time up, it takes the stress away and gives us peace of mind.” Airsorted manage all aspects of the let, from listing the property on platforms like Airbnb, Expedia and Booking.com to guest verification checks and professional cleaning services. ‘‘You spend a lot of money and effort doing up a property,” Caroline says, “and then other people use it – so by the time you get to use it, it’s a bit worn out. Whereas, using Airsorted, the deterioration has really not happened. The property has been very well looked after.” The couple like to welcome guests on arrival and help them to feel at home using cute touches such as a personalised festive wreath they use to greet guests in winter. Using Airsorted allows Anthony and Caroline to concentrate on these personal flourishes that make a stay in their property memorable, allowing them to earn money from their property to help them enjoy life in Edinburgh without having to worry about all the admin behind short-term letting. A win-win for their guests and for them. For more information about how Airsorted could work for you, visit airsorted.uk
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Ready, steadings, go! Looking for a weekend staycation? The luxurious, modern conversions of Williamstone Farm Steadings, nestled in a stunning North Berwick setting, might just fit the bill. Leigh Miller-Norris and her family try it out…
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once genteel tourist trap – with golf its main draw – North Berwick is fast-becoming the mini-break destination of choice for busy city dwellers looking for stunning vistas and bracing walks without compromising their skinny flat whites and first-rate gastronomy. And those looking for sophisticated accommodation just moments from the hustle and bustle of the harbour and town centre should look no further than Williamstone Farm Steadings. When Steph and Ryan Leith set their eyes on the ramshackle steadings set on four acres of rural farmland, few could have foreseen the five-star self-catering accommodation that would now sit in their place. The three grade B-listed properties have been lovingly converted from unused stables and farm buildings to gorgeous holiday lets that are as cosy and homely as they 66 • hood
are contemporary and luxurious. A self-catering holiday in East Lothian may not sound like the most glamorous way to spend a long weekend, but with Kährs oak flooring, RAIS wood-burning stoves, Poggenpohl kitchens and bathrooms with Duravit and Porcelanosa fittings, dusty caravans these ain’t. We arrived at The Bothy – the largest of the three properties, sleeping up to eight people – on a beautiful October day. The house was filled with sunshine, highlighting the elegant colour palette of the interiors (Farrow and Ball, naturally) and the impactful glass walkway that leads to three contemporary en-suite bedrooms. On par with the best five-star hotel, the rooms have fluffy bathrobes, beautiful Egyptian cotton bedding and Scottish Fine Soaps toiletries in every bathroom. Plus, there’s every home comfort and mod-con you’d hope for – Siemens cooker, Hotpoint
NEIGHBOURHOOD
When in North Berwick… BEST VIEWS Drift Newly opened this summer, this café made from shipping containers has to have one of the best views in Scotland, looking out over picturesque Canty Bay on to the clear blue sea and Bass Rock beyond. facebook.com/drifteatdrinkrelax BEST COFFEE Steampunk This café and roastery is renowned for its tasty coffee, but also offers a delicious seasonal and largely vegan menu, handmade on site using local ingredients, every day. steampunkcoffee.co.uk BEST FAMILY FUN Foxlake Adventures CIC Those looking for some waterbased adventure needn’t look further than Scotland’s first wakeboarding park, just along the road in Dunbar. foxlake.co.uk
washing machine, smart TV, and – handy if you’re travelling with teenage boys (of any age!) – there’s even a PS4. The other two properties – The Byre and The Barn – are equally elegant and each sleep up to six people. Rent one of these for a low-key family break to recharge your batteries, or all three for a full-scale celebratory gathering with the option of your own private chef for the evening (washing up included!). No matter what kind of break you book, you’ll be greeted by Steph and Ryan, warm and friendly hosts with fascinating careers behind them. The couple clearly love what they now do and make every effort to make you feel
relaxed and at home. There’s a welcome pack waiting for guests including some of the finest local produce – Knops ales, Steampunk coffee, Archerfield Walled Garden preserves as well as delicious, homemade bread, tea in the caddy and milk and butter in the fridge. Rightly proud of their properties and town, Steph and Ryan happily gave us some excellent tips on places to eat, drink and explore, which we readily took them up on. Williamstone Farm Steadings, North Berwick, East Lothian, from £135 per night. williamstonefarmsteadings.com
BEST COCKTAILS The Herringbone Friendly staff, tasty food and delicious cocktails – what more could you want? We highly recommend the signature John Muir’s Garden, a tasty gin and ginger cocktail. theherringbone.co.uk BEST TREAT Fletcher’s Cottage What’s a holiday without a bit of peaceful pampering? Treat yourself to a day at the beautifully restorative Fletcher’s day spa at Archerfield House. fletcherscottagespa.com
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IN PARTNERSHIP WITH RESTORATION YARD
Yuletide at the Yard Escape the hordes this December and make Restoration Yard your one-stop Christmas shop
SHOP
Christmas, and all the shopping that comes with it, can be a stress. But there is another way. This year, why not ditch the hordes in the city and head for the far more relaxed Restoration Yard instead? Located just five miles outside Edinburgh within the stunning grounds of Dalkeith Country Park, it’s a true festive haven just waiting to be discovered. Restoration Yard store is less a shop, more chic emporium, boasting an impressive selection of jewellery, fashion, homeware, beauty, books, food and things that the kids will love. Set within a beautifully restored stableyard, it’s a great space to simply browse, but what we like most is that the products are either designed and manufactured by Restoration Yard itself, or carefully selected from quality suppliers, meaning you’ll find truly thoughtful and original gifts that are difficult to source anywhere else. You’ll also find a special seasonal selection of stunning decorations throughout December, and you could can even pick up your perfect real tree – expect a selection of the finest five, six, seven and eight foot pines.
EAT
The beautiful courtyard will be a beacon of festive cheer, with a small Christmas market where you can sample the delights of local producers and warm yourself with mulled wine. Need a little more? Cake and coffee in the bright and airy Restoration Café is the perfect pick-me-up, or enjoy breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea, created using the best local, seasonal produce. Also in the run-up to the big day itself, you’ll be able to enjoy a specially-created festive menu priced from £22.95 for two courses, or £27.50 for three.
RESTORE
Keeping your sanity at Christmas is also essential, so step off the world for a moment and enjoy a memorable Christmas movie in Hobo Cinema’s Indoor Winter Woodland. This immersive experience will see Restoration Yard’s Wellbeing Lab transformed into a woodland cinema, with stunning set design from Pyrus Botanicals and heart-warming classics through to 80s nostalgia – Home Alone, anyone? – and Hollywood classics. For information on all of Restoration Yard’s Christmas events visit restorationyard.com, or search @restorationyard on Facebook or Instagram. Book your Christmas meal at Restoration Café from December 1 to 24 by emailing cafe@restorationyard.com or calling 0131 322 2572. 68 • hood
Budapest 48 hours in…
Nicknamed ‘The Paris of the East’, Budapest gleams with opulent baths, majestic buildings, vintage cafés and festive markets – and as winter descends, this dynamic and vibrant metropolis really comes into its own
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DAY ONE 9am Breakfast like you mean it at Liberté, a short walk from the Hungarian Parliament and Szabadság Square in the lovely neighbourhood of District V – their pretty granola bowls topped with fresh berries are worth a visit alone. All-day breakfast hipster gem Szimply is all about hearty and healthy dishes, while their sweet breakfasts always have a creative twist. Or, if you just need a caffeine fix, Kontakt, just opposite, serves one of the best coffees in the city. 10am If you’re feeling brave enough, start your day with a stylish splash – and massage – at one of Budapest’s spectacular thermal baths. Dubbed ‘The City of Healing Waters’, the natural mineralinfused warm springs are a must visit. The most beautiful one is the intimate Gellért, though the grand outdoor pools that remain steaming hot in the winter make Széchenyi a popular spot – it’s great fun watching locals play chess with each other whilst having a soak. You’ll need your swimsuit, though you can pay for a thin towel upon arrival, and it’s worth booking online in advance to avoid the queues. Ice skaters should whizz over to the nearby City Park, where the stunning Vajdahunyad Castle backdrop makes for the most fairy-tale skating in town. Noon A trip to Hungary can’t go without savouring some local dishes. Hit the Great Market Hall, or Nagy Vásárcsarnok, where you can feast on fresh lángos – deep-fried dough topped with sour cream, garlic and shredded cheese – and hot bowls of goulash without breaking the bank. If you’re looking to sit down, Tamás Szél, crowned best European Chef in 2016, serves a mean goulash at Stand25 Bisztró, nestled in Downtown Market, while just a hop, skip and a jump away is Kispiac Bisztró – one of the city’s cosiest and most Instagrammable spots for tasty traditional Hungarian fare. For a more upmarket eatery, Börze’s elegant interiors make for a sophisticated spot – try the grilled catfish with pickled radish. 2pm Head over Széchenyi Chain Bridge to Buda and hop onto a funicular carriage for the trip up Castle Hill to Fisherman's Bastion, or Halászbástya, to walk along the 70 • hood
terrace for that ultimate social cityscape snap. While you’re there, stroll over to neo-gothic Matthias Church and then head onto Buda Castle. 4pm Winter is when Budapest is at its most magical, so soak up the atmosphere with a walk over to the sparkling Christmas market at Vörösmarty Square, where the air is filled with the sweet-scent of cinnamon, roasted chestnuts and spicy mulled wine. Grab an irresistibly warm, sugar-dusted chimney cake, or Kürtőskalác, as you wander past dazzling handmade gifts. Another charming market to hit is by St Stephen’s Basilica, where an illuminated tree stands proud amongst stalls selling lip-smacking goulash from hollowedout bread rolls, as well as and traditional flódni cake washed down with piping-hot Krampampuli punch. 5pm Warm up with a classy tea at the beautiful New York Café, or treat yourself to a heavenly slice of layered cake at the legendary marble-floored Café Gerbeaud on Vörösmarty Square, which first opened its doors 160 years ago – the signature coffee with apricot liqueur is a must try. For something more casual, head to our favourite bakery in Budapest, Artizán, for the best warm cardamom-vanilla forest buns, as well as wild berry cake with almond flour and mascarpone cream – they make an excellent sausage roll too if you’re more of a savoury tooth! Also just down the road is Juiceline, where you can pick yourself up an organic coldpressed juice or nut milk for an afternoon burst of healthy sustenance. 6pm For a little retail therapy, saunter along the beautiful Andrássy Avenue to uncover local designer boutiques and familiar internationals such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci, followed by a dose of window-shopping along well-heeled Fashion Street. Other favourites include funky studio-shop FlatLab, Nanushka and PUNCH. Otherwise, unwind with a glass of wine or two at the ultra-trendy Tasting Table, and sample some local cheeses. 8.30pm An intimate ‘studio restaurant’ that only holds 20 people, it’s fair to say you’ll need to book ahead if you want a seat at cutting-edge Nordic-Hungarian spot at ESCA. The fun-loving fine-dining
Gellért
haunt, Fáma, is worth crossing the Danube for with its exciting Hungarian-Asian fusion fare and insanely good cocktails, or for a special occasion, MÁK Bistro’s tasting menu and Scandi-style interiors won’t disappoint. 11pm The night is still young, so prime for experiencing the city’s ruin bar, or Romkocsma, scene. Strut over to upscale Mazel Tov in the lively Jewish Quarter for some great nightcaps with a seriously stylish vibe – hands down our favourite spot in the city. Evenings spent at the uberarty, no-selfies-allowed Brody Studios are a laugh a minute – you’ll need to apply for a Brody House Visa to get in the door. Or head for Szimpla, an old factory converted into the city’s most famous ruin bar. It’s jam-packed with personality and surely won’t disappoint.
FLYING FROM SCOTLAND Ryanair flies direct to Budapest from Edinburgh, while Jet 2 will launch on the same route from January.
NEIGHBOURHOOD
Pest-Buda
DAY TWO 9am Head over to the Buda side of the Danube for an almighty feast at Törökméz. From yoghurt and açaí bowls to indulgent French toast or Eggs Benedict with an individual touch – trust us, you won’t leave Hungary (sorry!). On the other side of the river, Á la Maison Grand may be one of the chicest spots you’ll ever visit for breakfasty treats – you’ll want to order everything, but we’d recommend the strawberry Belgian waffles, fresh granola and lavender lemonade. 10am Saunter along the Danube past the awe-inspiring Hungarian Parliament – a successful union of neo-Gothic, neoRomanesque and neo-baroque styles. Then swing by Chez Dodo for the dreamiest macarons before venturing to the neoclassical cathedral St Stephen’s Basilica, where you can enjoy rooftop vistas from the top of its dome. Noon For indulgent leisurely lunches – hey, you’re on holiday – make your way to the homely Gettó Gulyás with its fuss-free Hungarian delicacies such as the venison with juniper berries or veal paprikash with sour cream. On weekdays, the lunch menu here is a total steal. Ramenka, the city’s
trendy Japanese ramen bar, is a welcome lunch spot if you want a break from soupy stews and rich cuisine, while if you’re keen to take to the streets, Töltő’s epic hot dogs with exotic toppings are a must. 1.30pm Paloma is a must for design lovers, with its galleries and Hungarian designer pop-up stores surrounding a charming courtyard. For a mid-afternoon pick-meup, sip on excellent light-roasted coffee in bijou café Fekete’s pretty inner courtyard, or stop in at the indie-cool hangout Lumen Café. 3pm Pass by Art + Text to relish in its magnificent collection of contemporary Eastern-European art, or visit the exquisite Hungarian National Gallery for one of its inspirational temporary exhibitions – it also has a great permanent collection of 19th century Hungarian art, as well as a post-World War II edit. If you have time, pop into the breathtaking Szabó Ervin Library that houses Budapest’s most splendid reading rooms. 4.30pm Sip on hot toddies at High Note Sky Bar, perched at the top of Aria Hotel Budapest, which also has an excellent open-air rooftop terrace for summer sundowners. Alternatively, snuggle up
with a glass of wine in heated igloos overlooking Parliament Building on the rooftop of 360 Bar. 6pm Head to the Erkel Theatre, or Erkel Színház, to watch The Nutcracker – it’s a can’t miss experience! Sadly, the Hungarian State Opera House is closed until 2019, but that’s no reason to miss a show-stopping performance… 9pm End your last night on a high with a sizzling dinner at the buzzy Spanish tapas restaurant Padrón, or step into Babel’s extraordinary world, were you’re taken on a gastronomic journey to the roots of Transylvanian cooking. Chef Istvan Veres’s five-course tasting menu is inventive with a splash of theatrics. Alternatively, for a night to remember, hit the swish Michelinstarred Costes Downtown, where each dish is artistically presented and uses seasonal local ingredients. Story Unheard produces seriously in-theknow digital travel guides and personalised ‘U-tineraries’, with prices starting from just £8. Discover more at storyunheard.com
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NEIGHBOURHOOD
Brody House
High Note Skybar
Your little black book of Budapest
Pest-Buda
WHERE TO STAY… Callas House Over 130 years old, this elegant mansion nestled directly on the UNESCO-listed trendy Andrássy út is a dreamy choice for wanderlusters returning from an unforgettable night of exploration. Designed by the respected London-based David Collins Studio, it’s all cosy oak floors, warm tones and fabrics, large sash windows, swish marble tops and dazzling mosaic tiling. On the ground floor is Callas, a restaurant that serves a mean Hungarian goulash! callashouse.com Pest-Buda The oldest hotel in the Castle District, this intimate 10-room boutique first opened its doors in 1696 and is packed with personality. Perched on a cobbled street in the romantic and historic centre of Buda, it’s just a stone’s throw from the ornate Matthias Church. Rustic wood panelling,
Top five food and drink spots kontaktcoffee.com escastudiorestaurant.hu 360bar.hu padron.hu costesdowntown.hu
oak floors and limestone bathrooms live harmoniously with industrial-style copper lamps, bare-bulbs and colourful modern artwork. Owned by the Zsidai Group, which manages sister hotel Baltazár Budapest as well as a handful of restaurants, Pest-Buda’s brilliant bistro plates up hearty home-style Hungarian dishes like chicken paprikash, which can be enjoyed at its magical terrace. pest-buda.com Hotel Rum Not one for traditionalists, this funky contemporary hotel is housed within a charming old terraced Pest townhouse right in the city centre and minutes from the Danube. Fashionistas will be glad to hear that it’s a short stroll from the bustling Váci Street – the city’s most renowned pedestrian shopping strand. Its buzzy rooftop restaurant-cum-cocktail bar, TOPRUM, has some pretty terrific cityscape views too, and is a popular hangout for Budapest’s cool kids. hotelrumbudapest.com
Must-not-miss attractions artplustextbudapest.com mng.hu opera.hu gellertfurdo.hu szechenyifurdo.hu
Brody House This emporium of cool has shabbychic written all over it. With its peeling paint, mish-mash of sofas and chairs and stuccoed plaster walls that are crumbling in places, this derelict-boutique hideaway opposite the Hungarian National Museum in Pest’s Palace District is unlike any other. Each bedroom in the Neo-classical building is completely unique – named after an artist that has had some connection with Brody House, the interiors of the rooms are inspired by their namesake’s work. There’s even a hanging chair from one of the ceilings. There’s the Honesty Bar for late night soirées, and another upside is that hotel guests have access to all the goings-on in BrodyLand, which includes the members club Brody Studios not far from the hotel. There is also The Living Quarters serviced apartments and The Writer’s Villa for longer stays. It’s no surprise that this bohemian escape is such a hit with art aficionados and musicians around the world! brody.land
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NORTH BERWICK BARLEY BRAE
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SHOW HOME OPEN SALES SUITE OPEN: Tantallon Road, North Berwick, EH39 5NF
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Call 01620 702000 or visit dandara.com Specification may vary subject to house type and build stage. Full details available on request. Price and details correct at time of going to print. Image shown is indicative only. Part Exchange terms and conditions apply. • 73
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MANHOOD
IAIN STI R L I NG What’s the story with morning glory?
N
ow, as a bit of context before we begin here, I’m writing this on my holidays (Portugal – thanks for asking), meaning I’m obviously hanging out of my backside. That’s what a holiday is, isn’t it? Getting drunk during the day, in the sunshine. I know some maniacs think holidays are about culture or something – I mean, early today someone at some point mentioned going to see a castle, or cathedral, or something like that. But I wasn’t paying attention, because I was drinking sangria by the pool, obviously. It was 1pm! Anyway, the point is I’m going to soldier on with my little article despite the constant throb of a three-day hangover – I know, I’m such a brave boy. Hangovers for me have changed now I’ve reached the old 3-0. Although not necessarily worse, they do now come with a significantly elevated sense of foreboding. The sadness now felt after a day of heavy drinking is far worse than any headache or sickness. Flashbacks to the night before or, worse still, a complete lack of any memory from which to gleam even the vaguest recalled moments, will lead to an anxiety normally reserved for parents who’ve gone on holiday and accidentally left their child in the house. Let’s just hope the kid’s a dab hand at booby trapping the place, just on the off chance a couple of wiley house thieves try to break in... The positive of a booze-fuelled weekend away is that mornings are all but non-existent. I bloody hate a morning. Worst part of the day if you ask me. I’ve never understood the so called ‘morning person’. Evenings are the time when all the fun stuff happens. Booze, loud music and pub quizzes can take place in the evening. All the mornings have going for them is porridge and the school run. No. Thank. You. Due to modern developments, the one bit of light at the end of the dreary morning tunnel, that of coffee, has now been ruined thanks to the influx of hipster coffee pop-ups. The humble coffee has now become one of the most needlessly complicated processes known to man. Tried to order a latte lately? “Certainly 74 • hood
I BLOODY HATE A MORNING. WORST PART OF THE DAY IF YOU ASK ME
sir. Would you like milk? Soya, almond, coconut? Hot, extra hot, not hot at all? Matcha, gluten-free, or could we tempt you with our new Columbian blend?” Forget it. I can’t be bothered. I only popped in for a bit of caffeine, not a quiz. As we’ve already ascertained, quizzes should take place in a pub. In the evening! So next time you’re nursing a hangover with a lovely bout of morning sadness, just remember, you’re not alone. And at least the morning will be over soon, and we can all get back to enjoying our evenings. Iain’s stand-up show U Ok Hun? x is on tour until December 2, and his first book Not Ready To Adult Yet is out now. Find out more at iaindoesjokes.com