Hood May 2019

May 2019 Issue 7

hood STYLE AND LIVING SCOTLAND

BLACK BOOK Lifestyle haunts of Scotland’s most stylish

URBAN SAFARI New season neutrals for city slickers

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Glasgow | Edinburgh | Dunfermline | Peebles

2020opticians.com

May 2019

CONTENTS 47

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30 THIS MONTH IN THE ‘HOOD 9 This month’s must-do 10 The Hood to-do list 12 The style chart 14 Dial up your downtime 17 Sisters of Insta’

SISTERHOOD 19 An insider’s little black book Scotland’s most stylish share their go-to guides 27 The Watercooler What Scotland’s groundbreaking new domestic abuse laws really mean for victims 30 Curating Caledonia Dr Stacey Hunter on driving Scotland to design nation status 35 Ashley Davies On the tells you get from a person’s sense of smell

LIVELIHOOD

FOOD IN THE ‘HOOD

36 Leading the flock Fashion maven Jane Shepherdson CBE on business, bullying and the boardroom 39 Find your fire Coach Kirsty McWilliam on celebrating the achievements of others

64 Bar room bliss A new bar menu brings relaxation to The Newport Restaurant 67 Vibrant veggies Make a true feast out of virtuous vegetables

WOMANHOOD

72 Ray of bright Pick bold and bright Crayola hues for a colourful interior 76 Take the low road Find views for days on the South West Coastal 300 78 Scintillating Stockholm Seek out our expert’s top ten on your next city break

41 May’s must buy 43 Wear it three ways Style a patterned dress for work, rest and play 47 Urban safari The new season’s neutrals are ideal for city slickers 57 The beauty edit Beauty hall news you need to know now 59 So fresh and so clean Expert advice for clear and glowing skin

NEIGHBOURHOOD

MANHOOD 82 Gordon Millar Returns from Manhattan to Midlothian hood • 5

CONTRIBUTORS

Hairdresser Ryan Wills works his magic in our main fashion story from page 49 This month you’ll find me at… the salon. It’s always nice to be busy, but with summer approaching, it’s looking like a particularly hectic month ahead.

My last supper restaurant would be… Rollo Restaurant & Wine Bar on Raeburn Place in Edinburgh’s Stockbridge. It’s genuinely got something for everyone.

Our new man at the back, Gordon Millar, shares his thoughts on modern manhood on page 82

Our cover star, Linda Young, models modern safari fashion from page 49 This month you’ll find me… hillwalking. Im trying to be more active and adventurous.

My last supper restaurant would be…

El Perro Negro on Glasgow’s Argyle Street – the burgers are tremendous!

I’m currently reading… Lily Allen’s autobiography, My Thoughts Exactly

I’m currently reading… Pet Semetary

by Stephen King. I wanted to read it before seeing the movie

My Spotify is blasting… Lily Allen.

Obviously, I’m a major fan!

My Spotify is blasting… Oasis.

Sometimes, older is better.

hood HoodMagazine HoodMagazine_ HoodMagazine_

Editor: Jennifer Crichton-Gibson Designer: Paul Dickson Style editor: Laura Hudson

This month you’ll find me exploring… as many enchanting castles as possible. I love my Historic Scotland card!

My last supper restaurant would be… the Loving Hut in Brooklyn, for simply delicious food.

I’m currently reading… An Actor Prepares by Stanislavski. I’m forever studying, learning and practicing the craft.

My Spotify is blasting… Bohemian Like You by The Dandy Warhols. Such an effortlessly cool band, and an eternally uplifting track.

Lifestyle & digital editor: Gillian McDonald Partnerships manager: Sarah Fraser

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

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 2019

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FEATURES

THERE’S SOMETHING SLIGHTLY OFF-PUTTING ABOUT THE WORD COOL, a bit of a double-edged sword. While being called cool is almost always a compliment, when we think of other people commonly described as such, they can seem a little distant, like they wouldn’t be much fun on a night out. Cool in temperature as well as nature. Too cool for school. Too cool to be friends with us, certainly.

But more and more, as Instagram lets us see behind the curtain guarding the lives of those we look up to, the people who are emerging as truly cool are also the ones who radiate warmth. Today’s cool brigade is made up of folk who are embracing others around them with open arms. Those eschewing cliques. Those who are sufficiently confident in being themselves that they see no threat in raising others up, in championing their peers. Those who, if all the world is now branded, seem absolutely, one hundred per cent authentic.

People like Dr Stacey Hunter, who I sat down with this month (from page 30) to discuss all things design in Scotland. The founder of Local Heroes, which brings young designers from across the country together for exhibitions and events where they can sell their wares, Stacey’s brand is based on bigging up others. “I refer to myself as a participant programmer, in that I am as much a participant in the design community as I am someone who programmes for audiences,” she told me, in between friendly interruptions from others working out of the creative hub where she is based. “I don’t do things for the design community, I do it with them. We work together.” Now that’s a cool attitude.

Similarly, the women who shared their black books with us (from page 20) might look glam for the ’gram on occasion, but they’re also savvy, driven career women whose lives we admire. What’s interesting about all of these people is that, while they love a shop or a spa day, it’s when asked to highlight their favourite spots for a family day out, a date night or dinner with the girls that their faces light up.

While often in the spotlight themselves, these cool customers thrive in the warmth of family or a good old girl-gang giggle.

It’s all about relationships, really. Not the romcom kind, but the ones these women have with the world around them, and with the places that allow them to make the connections on which they thrive. Cool, yes, but we reckon they’d be a lot of fun on a night out anyway, and we live in hope we’ll bump into them as we work our way through their recommendations. After all, inclusivity is in. And we say, the more, the merrier.

Until next month,

Jennifer Crichton-Gibson Editor

THIS MONTH I’LL BE

Sleeping under the stars, washing in the wild and generally embracing all things outdoors at Loch Fyne’s Scapa Fest.

Exploring a bit of feminist theory, and having a great laugh to boot, as The Guilty Feminist returns to the stage in Glasgow.

Finding out what all the fuss is about as I finally crack the spine on literary sensation Daisy Jones & The Six. Instagramming @hood_mag_jen

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A Royal Lyceum Theatre Edinburgh and Citizens Theatre co-production

17 MAY – 8 JUNE 2019

TICKETS 0131 248 4848 | lyceum.org.uk

Royal Lyceum Theatre Company Ltd is a Registered Company No. SC062065, and Scottish Charity Registered No. SC010509

This month in the

‘hood

LIFE IN COLOUR Still painting at the age of 92 (and Instagramming for that matter… follow along at @normangilbertartist), Norman Gilbert’s work is a joy to behold. With a distinctly mid-century modern vibe, his work is bright and colourful, depicting places, people, patterns and plants, and crossing boundaries and generations in the process. This spring, you’ll be able to see an inspiring selection of Norman’s paintings, spanning his 50-year career, at the specially curated Passion, Vision and Spirit II in Newport-on-Tay’s Tatha Gallery. As soon as you set eyes on Norman’s work, you’ll fall in love with it – and him.

May 18 to June 15 Tatha Gallery, Newport-on-Tay, Fife, free. tathagallery.com

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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 May

HAVE A CLEAR-OUT FOR CHARITY SAMPLE SOME HIPSTER HOPS With a special foodie focus and a host of live music acts, there’s a lot more to this year’s Edinburgh Craft Beer festival than the pints. Join the capital’s coolest crowd for a celebration of all things hoppy, with top level drinks from across the country being poured alongside street food from the likes of Buffalo truck, Harajuku Kitchen and high-level eatery Aizle.

May 24 and 25, The Biscuit Factory, Anderson Place, Edinburgh, £45 to £100. edinburghcraftbeerfestival.co.uk

The average British woman hoards a staggering £285 worth of clothes they never wear. Now, a new online charitable initiative wants to free up their worth. Up to 60 per cent of the proceeds made through sales on Re-Fashion will go to charity, starting this year with Breast Cancer Care, and you don’t even need to traipse to a store with a bulging bin bag. Simply order a donation sack online and resend when you’re done playing Kondo. Easy. re-fashion.co.uk

SEEK OUT SOME LUXURY IN THE CAPITAL

SEE SOME CHILLING LIVE THEATRE Traditionally renowned as a thrilling Jacobean revenge tragedy, John Webster’s The Duchess [of Malfi] has been reworked for the post #MeToo era by playwright and director Zinnie Harris. Taking to the stage at Edinburgh’s Lyceum Theatre this month, expect a seriously contemporary exploration of the patriarchy versus female empowerment.

May 17 to June 8, Lyceum Theatre, Grindlay Street, Edinburgh, £14 to £32. lyceum.org.uk 10 • hood

OK, so it’s safe to say we won’t be shopping in there every Saturday, but for an investment splurge to make you smile with every wear, you can’t beat Max Mara. The luxury Italian brand opens its second British store, the first outside London, on Edinburgh’s Multrees Walk this month, bringing with it some serious retail kerb appeal. We’ll fight you for a camel cashmere coat… maxmara.com

THIS MONTH IN THE ‘HOOD

BE A FEMINIST, BUT… If you’re a podcast fan, chances are Deborah Frances-White requires little introduction. The host of the perennially funny and thought-provoking Guilty Feminist will join a brilliant line-up of guests on stage in Glasgow this month for a lively discussion about their noble goals as 21st century feminists, and the hypocrisies and insecurities which undermine them…

May 29, Pavilion Theatre, Renfield Street, Glasgow, 7.30pm, £15 to £27.50. guiltyfeminist.com

BOOST YOUR HEALTH AT THE ARCHES You might well have worked off some calories under Glasgow’s Arches in their previous incarnation, but this month, the famous former club becomes the venue for Sweat It, a festival of all things health and wellbeing.

Far from a gathering of industry big boys, expect all manner of independent coaches and community activity leaders for a day that’s fun as well as fit.

May 19, Argyle Street Arches, Glasgow, 10am to 4pm, £7 to £25. sweatitfestival.co.uk

SEEK LITERARY INSPIRATION IN THE HIGHLANDS Returning for its fifteenth year, the Ullapool Book Festival brings together a host of authors and writers from across Scotland, as well as further afield, for one of the country’s most friendly celebrations of all things literary. This year, expect names ranging from Sally Magnusson and Malachy Tallack to journalist Melanie Reid.

May 10 to 12, Seaforth Road, Ullapool, from £8. ullapoolbookfestival.co.uk

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN THE ARTS Nourish your inner culture vulture this month with a visit to the annual Perth Festival of the Arts, which this year boasts a bulging calendar of live music, theatre, opera, visual arts and comedy shows for the whole family. Expect everyone from Jools Holland to the Russian Philharmonic, via family favourite Horrible Histories.

May 16 to 25, Perth Concert Hall and Perth Theatre, Mill Street, Perth. perthfestival.co.uk

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THE

STYLE 1 CHART Your must-have fashion, home and beauty buys, in store and online now

Dune Morrell sandals Heading to the races or experiencing the start of wedding season this month? These super-chic sandals will be your wardrobe saviour. Neutral raffia works with myriad outfit options, while the flash of silver sparkle adds a touch of glamour. We love the ankle strap and platform sole too, ideal for keeping you standing sturdy! £90, Dune

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Oasis wicker round bag Wicker bags have made a hugely popular return every summer for the past few years, and we’re predicting 2019 will be no different. Adding an instant easy-breezy look to any ensemble, this crossbody bag is as practical as it is stylish, while the round shape gives it a distinctly new season feel.

Simply sling on and head off, hands-free. £40, Oasis

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New Look raffia headband Knotted headbands are all the rage, so jump on the bandwagon with this cute and colourful New Look number.

Pop one on for lazy hair days and you’ll instantly look like you’ve dressed up for the occasion (even when you definitely haven’t). £5.99, New Look

Very macramé hanging Seventies style is back in a big way!

A macramé hanging brings boho glam to any room, and the best bit is, you don’t even have to weave it yourself. Simply pick up this purse-friendly Very version, and pop it on your wall for instant vintage vibes. £16.99, very.co.uk

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Next flatform trainers Wear them with jeans, cropped trousers, a printed midi – the styling options here are endless. The flatform design adds a bit of extra height, and we adore the flashes of rose gold, but the real USP of this shoe is that unique woven hessian wrapped around the sole, lending serious summertime style. £38, Next

THIS MONTH IN THE ‘HOOD

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H&M storage basket While every woman and her dog owns a stash of pom-pom adorned belly baskets, for 2019, our aesthetic is leaning towards something a little sleeker. We love the luxe look of this tonal woven basket, perfect for storing blankets, toys or back copies of Hood for your guests to enjoy… £34.99, H&M Home

Zara bamboo sunburst mirror Didn’t we say the seventies were back? Add a dose of retro regalia to your home with this simple sunburst mirror, which would look great on a white wall with plenty of plants and prints around. £69.99, zarahome.com

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Cult Gaia bamboo clutch This aptly-named bag has quickly become a cult classic, and we can see why.

Perfect for special occasions and nights out alike, we think this quirky clutch feels fabulously retro but oh so contemporary at the same time. Perfect with anything from a soft tailored suit to a lacy midi dress, it’s a seriously chic statement buy. £145, Harvey Nichols

New Look woven straw mules Slip-on mules are super easy to wear and add pizzazz to even the most simple jeans-and-tee outfit. This pointed pair looks fresh and summery, and much more expensive than its price tag – just avoid wearing them on May’s rainy days! £17.99, New Look

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HomeSense rattan drinks trolley What could scream ‘spring’ more than a cocktail served from a rattan drinks trolley? A stylish update on the brass pieces we usually see, this woven wonder would look stunning piled high with your favourite glassware and some tipples to share. £129, HomeSense

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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 May…

WHEN THEY SEE US Based on the true story of the ‘Central Park Five’, new drama When They See Us follows the lives of five young men who were convicted of a brutal crime they did not commit. Spanning the course of 25 years, the series begins in the spring of 1989 when five black and Hispanic teenagers were questioned about a horrific sexual assault in New York’s Central Park. The injustice and racism that follows will shock you but, trust us, it’s one of the most gripping things we’ve watched in a long time.

Streaming on Netflix from May 31

WINE COUNTRY Amy Poehler makes her directorial debut in Wine Country, Netflix’s latest original comedy film. Starring alongside some of our other favourite funny ladies – including Tina Fey and Maya Rudolph – Poehler plays Abby, the super-organised friend bringing a group of old pals together for a 50th birthday celebration in Napa Valley. There’s drama and tension, but also lots of sweet, witty moments – think of it as a romcom for female friendships.

Streaming on Netflix from May 10

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THE MARVELLOUS MRS MAISEL After Upper East Side housewife Mrs Maisel discovers a hidden talent for stand-up comedy, she leaves her comfortable life behind and begins a journey round the nightclubs and cafés of 1950s New York. Made by the creator of Gilmore Girls, you’ll recognise the mile-a-minute dialogue and sharp, witty jokes, alongside heart-warming moments and instantly likeable characters. If you need an escape from daily life, a generous dose of Mrs Maisel’s charm will do the trick.

Streaming on Amazon Prime Video now

THIS MONTH IN THE ‘HOOD

hoodreads

Selected by Rare Birds Book Club founder Rachel Wood, these books take an enlightening and intriguing look at failure in its many forms

FLEABAG In case you missed it the first time round, both seasons of Fleabag are currently available to stream on BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video. Created, written by and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the series is a refreshingly honest and darkly funny take on relationships, family, sex and grief in the modern world. Trying to come to terms with the deaths of both her best friend and mother, at the same time as dealing with a failing business and unstable relationships, things don’t always go to plan. With razor-sharp writing, poignant monologues and more than a few moments that will remind you of your younger self, Fleabag is well worth a binge this weekend.

Streaming on BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video now

EXTREMELY WICKED, SHOCKINGLY EVIL, AND VILE See Zac Efron as you’ve never seen him before in Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile, which hits selected independent cinemas as well as Sky Cinema this month.

Efron takes on the role of Ted Bundy, the charming sociopath and notorious 1970s serial killer, in the chilling thriller based on real life. The story is told from the perspective of Bundy’s long-term girlfriend, Elizabeth Kloepfer, who – like just about everyone else – refused to believe the truth behind his double life for years.

Streaming on Sky Cinema and in selected cinemas from May 3

How To Fail Elizabeth Day Award-winning writer and journalist Elizabeth Day had the idea for her hugely popular podcast How To Fail after a breakup left her reflecting on her ‘failure’ in relationships. In her podcast, she interviews successful people about their failures and what they learned from them.

Her book of the same title turns the focus inward, charting some of her life’s big and small failures and how they later shaped her success. What results is a brilliant and cheering exploration of why we should embrace our failures in all their messy glory. The chapter How to Fail at Babies is particularly resonant, taking on the taboo subject of infertility with honesty and compassion. This is one you’ll read in a flash then press into the hands of your friends.

Don’t You Forget About Me Mhairi McFarlane Don’t You Forget About Me follows Georgina, who’s just been fired from The Worst Restaurant in Sheffield (as voted by TripAdvisor) and found her horrible boyfriend in — shall we say — a compromising position. Just when it looks like her luck is about to turn, she unexpectedly comes face-to-face with her long-lost high school sweetheart, who also happens to be her new boss. Working at a bar alongside your aloof ex-boyfriend offers plenty of opportunity for reflection, and in between pouring pints, Georgina can’t help but notice she’s fallen a little short of expectation in the years since she’s seen him last. By equal turns funny and bittersweet, this is Mhairi McFarlane writing at the top of her game about love, failure and everything in between.

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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FEATURES

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THIS MONTH IN THE ‘HOOD GLASGOW FOOD GEEK

Food blogger and content creator extraordinaire Pam started her food blog ten years ago, and she’s now rightly something of a celebrity on the Scottish foodie circuit. Highlighting firm favourites and new kids on the block across the Glasgow food scene, she’s the go-to gal if you want to know the best spots to visit for pizzas, burgers, brunch and bakes, wherever you are in the city.

Follow for: relatable food content that makes you feel part of the gang – no technical terminology here, it’s all about the taste! glasgowfoodgeek.co.uk @glasgowfoodgeek

SISTERS OF INSTA’ Our pick of the Scottish Instagrammers giving us #foodspiration this month…

JULES AND THE CROWN

MY FOODIE TALES

FOODIE QUINE

EDINEATS

Searching for inspiration on how to make food look fabulous?

Look no further than Aberdeen’s Jules Brander, of Jules and The Crown. Bringing all kinds of inspiration with her perfectly pretty, pink-themed feed and unashamedly feminine styling, we love Jules’ way of making the everyday look whimsical, magical and, really, just irresistible.

Follow for: Romantic tablescapes and dreamy inspiration on how to make your next dinner party look picture-perfect julesandthecrown.com @julesbrander

Mum-of-two Claire is a food and travel writer based in Aberdeen, who’s been blogging her ‘edible adventures’ since 2012. Sharing a mix of healthy homecooked dishes, tried-and-trusted family recipes and new restaurant favourites, Claire’s colourful feed is a literal feast for the eyes and shines a spotlight on the Granite City.

Follow for: family-friendly recipe inspiration and a to-do list for your next trip to Aberdeen foodiequine.co.uk @foodiequine

Edinburgh Instagrammer Jess, the storyteller behind My Foodie Tales, doesn’t just use the platform to share envy-inducing snaps of her latest culinary finds. As you might have guessed from her handle, she also tells her followers tasty tales about the restaurants, coffee shops and street food stalls she’s loving, with detailed descriptions that will convince you to book a table immediately. A different way to ‘foodstagram’ that we’re totally on board with.

Follow for: Fabulous foodie fairytales to inspire your next date-night destination @myfoodietales

Want to know the coolest spots to grab a bite in Edinburgh?

Ailsa of EdinEats has you covered; from gelato sandwiches at the trendiest street food markets to fine dining at the capital’s most upscale restaurants, Ailsa tries it all and makes it her mission to bring the best of the bunch (or should that be brunch?) to her followers.

Follow for: Snapshots of the tastiest treats and fine-dining experiences the capital has to offer @edineats

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AN INSIDER’S LITTLE BLACK BOOK Ever wondered where Scotland’s most stylish spend their time? Wonder no more. We asked some of the country’s most savvy women-in-the-know to share their favourite spots to eat, spa and relax in their own backyards, and their answers form a cool girl’s go-to guide stretching the length and breadth of Scotland. You’re welcome!

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DUNDEE & TAYSIDE

Jennie Patterson is the founder of Patter PR and lives in Dundee

My favourite place for a fashion bargain… is a cliché, but it has to be TK Maxx in Dundee’s Gallagher Retail Park. If I’m willing to put in the search time, I never go home disappointed.

My favourite store for a fashion splurge… is Broughty Ferry’s Lulu&M boutique. It’s owned by a stylish mother and daughter team and it always has a great selection of separates and accessories, sourced from independent labels.

The only person I trust with my hair… is Kay McIntyre, creative director at McIntyre’s in Dundee.

Kay has worked wonders with my hair over the years. She knows how to work with all its kinks and curls and still satisfy my strange need for it to never look too ‘done.’

My mani/pedi must visit… is Greenroom on South Tay Street. It offers a great range of nail treatments that always seem to last longer than any others.

My favourite spa treat spot… is Fresh Inc Medi Spa, in the small village of Invergowrie by Dundee.

I’m seeing great results from a few microneedling treatments I’ve had there, the team is super professional, and the environment is a lovely one to be in.

My favourite haunt for dinner with the girls… has to be Jute at the DCA (Dundee Contemporary Arts). A perennial favourite, it has a buzzy atmosphere, friendly staff and a great choice of food and cocktails. You’ll arrive at seven and still be there at midnight.

My ideal date night location… is The Newport

by Jamie Scott, where sunset drinks and dinner are always a really beautiful experience. The food is amazing and the endless views over the River Tay help create a pretty special atmosphere.

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My family day out must-visit… would have to be the sensational V&A Dundee. Just stepping inside this beautiful building is a thrill. The new videogames exhibition on until September is a guaranteed way to keep all generations entertained.

My go-to relaxation spot… would always be one of the many beautiful beaches dotted along the coastline of Dundee and Angus. My favourite is Carnoustie for its wide expanse of sand and its pretty boardwalk promenade.

My local hidden gem… would be Dundee’s Botanic Gardens, for a bit of countryside in the city. If you walk to the very end of the Perth Road you’ll discover these peaceful gardens with native and exotic plants. I love going inside the glasshouse to see the giant Victorian water lily. @jenniepatter

SISTERHOOD

ABERDEEN

Fi Stewart is the owner of family concept store Indi + Will. She lives in the coastal village of Balmedie, just outside Aberdeen

My favourite place for a fashion bargain… would be Zara or H&M. I do love a bargain, and both stores are great for affordable but stylish pieces.

My favourite store for a fashion splurge… is All Saints. I used to work as a manager for the brand in London many moons ago, so I am very fond of their collections, particularly the beautiful shoes, boots and coats.

The only person I trust with my hair is… my friend Kerry, who has just moved salon to Harris & Fox in Aberdeen. I’ve been getting my hair cut and coloured by her for years. That said, I recently had hair extensions, which I love, and Michelle from Pretty Plush Aberdeen has done such a good job.

My mani/pedi must visit… is a tie between two good friends – I’m very lucky! My very good friend Elif runs her own salon, No4 Beauty Room, in Aberdeen and she is fab. Meanwhile, my friend Susie is a nail technician who lives in my village and regularly does my nails too. I really like to have them done regularly for working in the shop.

My favourite spa treat spot… is somewhere I haven’t been anywhere near regularly enough – oh, how I would love a spa day right now. While it’s a rare occurrence these days, I have enjoyed some lovely treatments in The House and Malmaison, both in Aberdeen City Centre.

My favourite haunt for dinner with the girls... would be No.10 in the city’s west end. We love going out for cocktails and a great meal there.

My ideal date night location… is The Chester Hotel. My husband Rich and I love having a date night there and we’ve enjoyed many lovely dinners with cocktails, then stayed overnight in the gorgeous rooms. The staff are always so lovely too.

My family day out must-visit… is Stonehaven.

We love a day out there in the summer months, when the outdoor pool is open and heated. My girls love a swim there followed by fish and chips, and Aunty Betty’s ice cream shop is always worth the visit too. We also really love visiting nearby Dunnottar Castle and the great kids play park while we are there. It’s a fantastic day out for us all.

My local hidden gem… would have to be Balmedie Beach and Country Park. I am so lucky to have this beautiful park only five minutes’ walk from my house and I absolutely love spending time on the beach all year round. There’s nothing more relaxing to me than watching the sea and the fresh coastal air always helps to chill me out. @indiandwill

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EDINBURGH

Casey Scott Learmonth is an area manager for the cosmetics brand Bobbi Brown and lives in Edinburgh.

She is currently on maternity leave following the birth of her two-month-old daughter Vada.

My favourite place for a fashion bargain… is definitely Zara, which is my one stop shop for myself and my girls. It’s great to pick up a trend piece, but also does really great cashmere and tailoring that will see you through all seasons.

My favourite store for a fashion splurge… would be Harvey Nichols. It’s where I always head for something special, and I love how they have everything under one roof, from cosmetics to fashion. I’m currently eyeing up a pair of Veja Trainers in the shoe department for spring.

The only person I trust with my hair is… Jemma at Belle Cheveux. I go every six weeks and have been doing so for around eight years now, so I wouldn’t trust anyone else.

My mani/pedi must visit… is Buffs, in the newly renovated Arches on Market Street. It’s a really great spot for a mani and I go for the same shade every time – two coats of CND Romantique please!

My favourite spa treat spot… has to be Fletcher’s Cottage Spa at Archerfield House. Not only are the treatments beautiful, the interiors are a dream – think Soho Farmhouse. The private bath huts are my favourite place to unwind, followed by an afternoon in the relaxation room with a glass of bubbles.

My favourite haunt for dinner with the girls… is the basement in Lady Libertine. It’s a really nice spot for cocktails and dinner, and they have a selection of tasty mezze sharing boards which are perfect for a girly catch up. Another favourite is, of course, The Ivy on the Square. You can’t beat an Ivy Spritz and brunch with your girls.

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My ideal date night location… is the Chop House, which is also located in the Arches – we love it there.

My partner is a Yorkshire lad, so it’s all about a good steak and chips with gravy!

My family day out must-visit… is Restoration Yard, which you will find within Dalkeith Country Park. We love to spend our Sundays all together as a family so it’s a real favourite of ours. It has a great adventure playground, Fort Douglas, which my seven-year-old stepdaughter Freya loves, and also a really lovely coffee bar which is dog friendly, so our Frenchie Reggie can join us.

My go-to relaxation spot… is Burr & Co on George Street. It’s my favourite coffee shop in the city, and I love nothing more than picking up a hot coffee and enjoying a freshly printed magazine.

My local hidden gem… is Portobello Beach, where I grew up. It’s only ten minutes from the city centre and a perfect place to spend a day off by the seaside, with lots of great places to stop and enjoy a glass of wine and spot of lunch. @caseyscottlearmonth

SISTERHOOD

GLASGOW

Amy Irons is a TV presenter who lives in Glasgow

My favourite place for a fashion bargain… would have to be H&M. It’s the ideal place to pick up something stylish on the high street without spending a fortune. I also love to shop online, and usually have Pretty Little Thing open on my laptop.

My favourite store for a fashion splurge… is Zara. I don’t like to spend a fortune on designer clothes and the choice at Zara is fashion forward, despite still being affordable.

The only place I trust with my hair is… Petra, a great salon on Buchanan Street. It has a fantastic express blow dry bar that gets my hair camera ready in next to no time.

My mani/pedi must visit… is Naf! salon. The whole place looks like it was designed with Instagram in mind, and whether you want a basic manicure or some all-out nail art, the team there will get it spot on.

My favourite spa treat spot… is the spa at Blythswood Square. It’s got such a relaxing vibe and I love the thermal suite.

My favourite haunt for dinner with the girls… is definitely Rioja in Finnieston. The tapas and the paella are to die for, and they have a late-night menu that’s perfect for soaking up a few cocktails!

My ideal date night location… is the Grosvenor Cinema on Ashton Lane, for dinner, drinks and a movie. It’s cosy, but cool.

My family day out must-visit… would have to be Soar at Braehead. I don’t have kids, but I turn into one when I go there. It’s got everything from skiing and snowboarding to rock climbing and trampolining – so much fun!

My go-to relaxation spot… is Loch Ard near Aberfoyle. I have a favourite little spot on the banks there where I like to go for some quiet time.

My local hidden gem… is Big Feed Glasgow.

It’s an indoor street food market in Govan that you can easily spend a whole day at. @amyjirons

hood • 23

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SISTERHOOD

THE BORDERS

Karen Simpson is the marketing manager at Heriot-Watt University’s School of Textiles and Design and lives in Galashiels

My favourite place for a fashion bargain… is the Chest Heart & Stroke Boutique in Melrose. It’s a really quirky charity shop where you can find some really good quality bargains, and I can happily spend an hour just browsing the rails.

My favourite store for a fashion splurge… is Inis in Galashiels. They have a lovely range of brands, including Seasalt, which I’m a bit obsessed with at the moment. They also stock gorgeous jewellery and accessories, and the sales guys are super helpful.

The only person I trust with my hair is… Karen at Soul Hairdressers in Galashiels. People travel from all over the Borders to Soul, and all the stylists are excellent. Karen will always try and fit me in and she knows exactly what to do with my thick ginger hair.

My favourite spa treat spot… is definitely Stobo Castle, which is THE spa to go to in the Borders.

It’s not cheap, but it’s totally worth it and feels like a real indulgence. They do a day package with lunch included which is pure heaven.

My favourite haunt for dinner with the girls… is Henley’s in Galashiels, where they do the most amazing cocktails and fantastic tapas. After that, depending what’s on we may well end up at MacArts – a cool arts and culture venue. It has an amazing sound system so attracts lots of decent bands.

We’re really lucky to have it in Galashiels.

My ideal date night location… is The Hoebridge in Gattonside – a restaurant and bar with the most exquisite food. It’s run by a local family and we always receive a very warm welcome and great recommendations for wines with the food.

The décor is gorgeous and it’s our default place for any special occasion – including just having a free evening due to the grandparents babysitting!

My family day out must-visit… is Bowhill, a country estate in Selkirk that has a fantastic adventure playground my seven-year-old twins absolutely love. There’s a coffee shop and café, or you can bring your own food. You pay entry in spring and receive a pass that lasts until the autumn, so it’s really good value. Sometimes we just go on a Sunday morning with our dog, Wilma, and sit on the grass for a picnic. The views are spectacular.

My go-to relaxation spot… is The Main Street Trading Company in St Boswells. I love nothing more than having a browse and then stopping for coffee and one of their scrumptious cakes.

The selection of books is great, and they also have a top-quality deli. It’s the whole experience that you just don’t get from Amazon, and I love it.

My local hidden gem… is Winter Spring Summer Fall in Galashiels, which is a treasure trove of beautifully curated gifts and homewares. You’ll never be stuck for a last-minute present and they usually promote local makers, so you can pick up some really great products that are unique to the Borders.

Also, the craft brewer Tempest in Tweedbank runs a bi-annual festival which is a great day out, even if you don’t love beer – they also have gin stalls, tasty street food and really good music. @hw.tex

hood • 25

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A question of control While bruises can be easily visible, the majority of domestic abuse comes without obvious signposts. Now, groundbreaking Scottish legislation criminalising psychological abuse and coercive control is aiming to turn the tide for those suffering in silence‌

hood • 27

FEATURES

“I

t wasn’t immediately obvious that he was being abusive,” says Louise*.

“When it started, it was just about keeping him happy. I’d be getting ready to go out and he’d ask me to change my top, or say that he didn’t like my lipstick. So, I’d try and look nice for him.

“But gradually, it became more controlling. He’d say that my make-up made me look like a drag queen, that I looked vile, disgusting, fat... He’d message constantly when I was out with my friends, and get angry when I didn’t reply immediately. Then he started belittling me at other times, telling me how my job was rubbish, that I wasn’t as clever as I thought I was, that I would be nothing without him. My confidence was at rock bottom.

It became easier just not to go out, then I became very lonely and I was diagnosed with depression, which is when I started seeing a counsellor.”

Gradually, with the help of her therapist, Louise started to see her husband’s behaviour for what it was and, a little over a year ago, she started proceedings to divorce him. “It took every ounce of courage I had to tell him I wanted to separate,” she says. “He told me I’d never find anyone else. He accused me of making it all up, and tried to make me believe I was the one in the wrong again. But the spell was broken.”

Now happily single, the 35-year-old mum-of-two says that, while she may not have tried to press charges on her ex at the time of his control behaviour escalating, understanding that his demands and insults amounted to domestic abuse might have given her the confidence to seek help sooner. “I thought I was a terrible wife.

He made me believe I was a terrible person.

But now I see that it was him who was in the wrong all along, and that I don’t have to raise my daughters believing it’s ok to be treated that way by people who say they love us.”

COERCIVE CONTROL Indeed, while Louise’s experience could easily be dismissed as trivial when compared with what we traditionally think of as domestic abuse – broken bones and black eyes – experts say coercive control, often referred to as gaslighting, is actually among the most insidious and damaging forms of abuse, making everyday life torturous for victims.

28 • hood

“Victims of coercive control often demonstrate what is known as a ‘generalised sense of fear’,” according to domestic abuse charity Safe Lives.

“This means they fear consequences of all their actions. They may demonstrate a fear of many things as they lose confidence in not just their decision making, but also other people and events around them. They may be unable to understand why others don’t feel the same, or seem confused by decisions such as which cereal to buy in the supermarket or what to wear that day, thus making even everyday decision making torturous for its victims.”

It is this sort of impact that Scotland’s new Domestic Abuse Act sets out to tackle.

It criminalises both psychological domestic abuse and controlling behaviour, and is the only legislation in the UK with a specific statutory sentencing aggravation that recognises the harm done to children growing up in an environment where any form of domestic abuse occurs. It came into force last month, accompanied by an awareness campaign aimed at raising public understanding of the wide-ranging nature of domestic abuse, as well as encouraging victims to seek help and support.

The new law also offers up greater legal support for victims, requiring courts to consider imposing a non-harassment order on any offender convicted of a domestic abuse offence, in order to protect victims from further attacks.

“The Domestic Abuse Act makes absolutely clear that coercive and controlling behaviour is domestic abuse and a crime,” says Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf. “I visited Glasgow East Women’s Aid and met survivors of this appalling crime. They described how a frightening and systematic pattern of psychological abuse had robbed them of their sense of self, the ability to make their own decisions, and isolated them from family and friends.

“No-one should be forced to live like that and I hope our powerful new public awareness campaign will encourage victims to recognise their own circumstances and to seek support with the confidence that the law is behind them.”

It’s a message that 29-year-old survivor Roshni says she wishes she had heard earlier. She eventually left her marriage with the support of Hemat Gryffe Women’s

Aid in Glasgow, but says it took a long time to realise that her situation amounted to domestic abuse.

“At first the marriage was so good, but after a few months I realised there was something wrong. He didn’t give me any money, so I always had to stay at home, I felt so isolated. He was always pushing me and abusing me in front of my family and friends.

“This was a really bad situation for me, I wanted to live with respect as a person.

If you feel like you are in my situation being controlled or abused by your partner, seek help. It’s your life.”

CALLING OUT CRIME While the legislation was passed at the Scottish Parliament in February 2018, the Scottish Government says it has been working closely with partners, including Police Scotland and third sector organisations, to ensure the country’s criminal justice system was ready for the law coming into force on April 1.

WATERCOOLER

WHAT IS COERCIVE CONTROL?

*Name changed at the request of the contributor

Unsure what constitutes emotional abuse? Domestic abuse charity Safe Lives describes it as a range or pattern of behaviours that enable a perpetrator to maintain or regain control of a partner, ex-partner or family member. If you’re experiencing the behaviours below, or know someone who is, it might be time to seek help…

As part of those preparations, it provided £825,000 to Police Scotland to pay for more than 14,000 police officers and support staff to receive training on the new Act. Police Scotland has also developed online training tools which have been made available to all 22,000 of its staff to ensure widespread understanding of the new landscape.

“Coercive and controlling behaviour can have the most profound, damaging and longlasting effects on individuals and on our society,” says assistant chief constable Gillian MacDonald, crime and protection lead for Police Scotland. “This new offence is groundbreaking. For the first time it will allow us to investigate and report the full circumstances of an abusive relationship. We will be able to include evidence of coercive and controlling behaviours where

it forms a pattern of abuse, often carried out alongside other insidious behaviours, including physical and sexual abuse.

"In preparation for the change in law our officers and staff have received further training on the dynamics of power and control in abusive relationships to help recognise the signs, identify investigative opportunities and to tackle the myths and misconceptions of abuse that still exist.

“This new offence is a clear warning to abusers that all forms of domestic abuse are criminal, and that perpetrators should expect to face the full consequences of their abusive behaviour.”

Think you or someone you know could be a victim of domestic abuse? Call Scotland’s Domestic Abuse Helpline in confidence on 0800 027 1234 or visit safer.scot

• Are you being made to account for your time?

• Is your access to money being restricted?

• Has someone else attempted to restrict your movements? This may include locking you inside a property • Have you been isolated from your family and friends, or found your partner intercepting your messages or phone calls?

• Do you face a constant barrage of criticism about your abilities as a partner, spouse, parent or friend?

• Does your partner make threats about suicide, about harming you or your children, or about preventing you or your loved ones taking medication or accessing medical assistance?

• Perpatrators often use a victim’s children to control them, and may threaten to take their children away.

• Abusers may also demonstrate extreme dominance or a sense of entitlement to their partner’s assistance, and may expect complete obedience • They may display extremely jealous behaviours – “If I can’t have you, no one can” • They may threaten to expose sensitive or personal information or make false allegations to family members, religious bodies or the victim’s local community, including via photos or the internet.

hood • 29

Photo by Ross Fraser McLean

Curating Caledonia From jewellery to ceramics, fashion to furniture, Scottish design is having a moment – and Dr Stacey Hunter is right at its forefront. As the creator of Local Heroes, an initiative helping contemporary Scottish designers reach new customers, she’s on a mission to put us on the international map as a renowned design nation. Jennifer Crichton-Gibson caught up with her ahead of her first solo show in Aberdeen to discuss collaboration, confidence and the allure of home…

30 • hood

SISTERHOOD

As a designer, curator and founder of Local Heroes, your professional life seems to have many strands. First up, how would you summarise what you do?

Essentially, the main part of my role is that I work with professional designers to create programmes for very public audiences, to put design on the script in places and spaces where it currently isn’t. I don’t have a gallery or venue, but I work in partnership with other people to put exhibitions, events and programmes together. So, for example, last year when Glasgow was the host of the European championships along with Berlin, we came in and took over a huge retail venue in the Merchant City and for two weeks we sold specially-commissioned pieces out of the space there, from raincoats to ceramics. Basically, I try to get the right group of people together to curate a beautiful exhibition, but because it’s design and not art, I like to make sure everything is for sale. Big events offer a brilliant opportunity for us to break from the norm, and it’s a great thing for the designers to be able to sell their work too.

You also hosted a month-long pop-up at Edinburgh Airport. How did that come about?

One of the things that drives me mad, perhaps because I work so close to the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, is that there are so many beautiful things people could buy in Scotland if they only had access to them, but instead, all they’re presented with is imported See You Jimmy hats. I find that so frustrating. So, my thinking behind creating the Edinburgh Airport exhibit in August, when Scotland is at its most international, was that we could grab people before they were exposed to any of the tourist tat and say, ‘this is also a snapshot of Scottish design’. We installed a shipping container in the plaza between the airport and the trams, where there was all this new footfall, and sold nine specially-created souvenirs by different designers.

Around half a million people passed through that space.

How did you come up with the idea for Local Heroes and what is your main aim with it?

Essentially, I wanted to have a curation project that could go on for a few years but that had a frame around it to stop it from getting out of control and growing arms and legs. So, my frame is contemporary Scottish design, and work that is outwith what is traditionally associated with the industry here. We are known for tweed and tartan and cashmere, and those are beautiful, luxurious products that I love. But there’s room for more. There are so many people doing really contemporary, modern stuff and I couldn’t see an outlet for it. I couldn’t see it on the high street, in the

shops near where I live, I don’t see it on the Royal Mile, so I thought I’d have to put it out there myself, not just in Scotland but internationally.

It feels like Scottish design is having a real moment. Where do you think that’s coming from?

I feel like, regardless of what side of the debate you were on, the Scottish independence referendum seemed to bring a new feeling of confidence and optimism in the country. I think Scotland maybe had a self-confidence issue in the past. So much of our national identity is attached to myth and legend, to romantic notions underpinned by loss and longing, which are all beautiful things, but not necessarily the sort of things that help launch design businesses.

But suddenly, there was this kind of do-it-yourself attitude, an idea that you didn’t need to wait to be given permission or funding to do something, that you could get the ball rolling yourself. There’s also a wider global movement, such as the popularity of Instagram, that means it’s much easier to really connect to a global conversation about design, and that’s been a real catalyst for Scottish designers to not have to move to London to start a successful creative business.

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Do you think that belief that you have to leave Scotland to pursue a creative career is being relegated to the past?

It’s definitely not gone, but it has changed shape a bit, and I think the extent it affects you now depends on what area of design you’re in. In fashion, there’s still a really strong pull to London, thanks to fashion week, the London Fashion Festival and the proximity to other centres such as Paris and Milan. But I think for lots of other types of designers, there’s less need now.

You don’t need to start a business with a physical shop, you can start on Instagram and grow very slowly, think about your values and what you want to do in terms of fulfilling your own design dreams.

You can crowd source help, get funding through platforms such as Kickstarter and sell internationally through social media, so there are ways people can do things now that didn’t exist ten years ago, and that’s had a huge impact. The cost of living isn’t particularly high either, which means it is possible to start a design business here in a way that would be more difficult in London. We’ve got fresh air, good schools, great workspaces and, unless money is what drives you, you don’t have to earn acres of cash to have a nice life, so Scotland is an attractive prospect. But as a Scottish person who’s been in the design scene for about 15 years, I just think that the number of businesses I see launching confidently now that offer a really high degree of quality and credibility, and stand up to comparison from known design countries such as Finland or Italy, has grown exponentially. It’s really encouraging.

Turning talent into a commercial business is a tricky thing. Do you think access to finance remains a barrier for up-and-coming designers here?

I think it’s really hard for people to get started, even if they don’t have big capital costs like premises or marketing spend. I think the reality, from speaking to a lot of designers, is that in the early days they are scrambling around, a few years out of art school, not only without savings but without any real business plan or the sort of evidence you’d need to apply for a business loan. So, they have to grow very slowly, usually while working elsewhere, and that’s tough, because any job that you do, if you do it well, takes up a lot of headspace. So, I think there isn’t enough enterprise support for the design community.

There seems to be money for tech and software, or for design at a very high, abstract level, but when it comes to design businesses that very often in their early years won’t even hit the VAT threshold, there is none. But those businesses are still making a fantastic contribution to our culture and society, and providing a rich landscape in the same way as other artforms like theatre and dance, and I think they should be supported.

32 • hood

WE’VE GOT FRESH AIR, GOOD SCHOOLS, GREAT WORKSPACES AND, UNLESS MONEY IS WHAT DRIVES YOU, YOU DON’T HAVE TO EARN ACRES OF CASH TO HAVE A NICE LIFE, SO SCOTLAND IS AN ATTRACTIVE PROSPECT

What do you think could be done to change that for the better?

Currently, we don’t have a design policy for Scotland. We have an architecture policy, and policy for lots of other things, but not for design, and I think that’s where we have this vacuum for support. It’s not really Creative Scotland’s job to give people money to start businesses, its remit is providing for the arts, but too often design falls into this very tricky zone where it’s too creative for the enterprise guys and not arty enough for creative funding. So, I do think designers are getting a bit of a raw deal at the moment. And that’s a real shame as the creative industries have shown consistent growth and I think we should be really proud of the Scottish design industry. It’s punching well above its weight and producing designers who can very easily rub shoulders with the best of the best from other countries, but we don’t have a consistent presence at international design events, which is something I’m looking to change over the next few years. I’m going to Milan in a few weeks’ time to look at the possibilities for taking a Scottish showcase there, Munich Jewellery Week is another great possibility as jewellery is one of our really strong sectors, as is ceramics. And then there’s textiles, which is not only hugely strong here from a design point of view but is also underpinned by a fantastic manufacturing sector that can support that. Add into that mix four amazing art schools and multiple colleges that offer a really high level of design education that is the envy of many other countries, and the only thing missing from the mix is a policy around how we put money into that sector.

SISTERHOOD

You’ve got a solo show coming up in Aberdeen’s Suttie Arts Space. Tell me about that…

The gallery is in the biggest hospital complex in Europe and is open 24 hours, it’s a really beautiful space, and it’s only ever been used by artists before, never by a curator or designer, so it’s really exciting.

It marks a real milestone for me in that I’m going back to what I originally trained in, which is jewellery design. That was my background before I moved into curatorial stuff and when you stop making things, it’s quite hard to get back into it.

So, it’s a bit scary but I’ve got some ideas in my head that are quite experimental, but I hope will also be quite beautiful. And it’s scary, but exciting. I haven’t had a solo show in years and years, and I think when you’re young you don’t necessarily appreciate the significance of these things, so it’s scarier now that I’m older – particularly in the digital age, when everything is captured online forever.

Do you think it was easier to take risks in the pre-digital era?

I think there’s a positive and a negative to the advancement of digital technology. I think you could argue people of my generation had a lot more freedom of personal expression growing up, because we weren’t really tied to anything. You could be a punk for a while and then something else for a while and it didn’t really matter, you weren’t tied to it.

Whereas now, there’s more of a pressure, culturally and within the design world, to be your brand. I don’t actually find that too bad. My brand is about being confident and generous, taking care of the people that I work with, and I embody those values, so it’s not a big pressure for me. I think more and more brands

are like that. But when you look at Instagram, you can immediately tell the difference between people who live and breathe and embody what they’re putting out there and people who are still, in essence, selling cars. I think there’s opportunity now for designers to talk directly to their customer, which is great, but that can bring pressure too, because no-one is perfect and when you make yourself part of your brand, there’s no off switch. I think the trick is to find something that’s true to you, and then you don’t have to fake it. And I think organisations and businesses that understand what their values are from the outset are the ones that really succeed.

So, what do you see as being Scotland’s design future, and how do we get there?

I’m really passionate about enabling Scottish designers who want to manufacture here to be able to do that, so that’s one long term thing I’m keen to push towards. But the huge thing for me is to make sure that Scotland has a design presence internationally, and you do that both by promoting on a home stage and by being present at international events. If you can do that consistently over a number of years, and the design editors, press, curators and museums are shown something of a really high quality coming from here again and again, they will start to think of Scotland as a design nation. Because while we’d never describe ourselves as such at the moment, that’s what we are. So, my aim is that, in ten years’ time, we are identifying as a design nation very unselfconsciously. Then I’d really feel that we’d achieved something. localheroes.design

hood • 33

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SISTERHOOD

A SH L EY DAV I E S

reckons you can tell a lot about a person by their sense of smell

H

anging a bubblegum-scented air freshener up in your car is an efficient way of letting people know you’re a wrong ’un. I shared this opinion in passing the other day and a friend told me her boyfriend almost had a meltdown in Tesco when she’d refused to let him buy this exact item. He was so upset he threatened to call Childline.

He’s 42. We’re now all deeply worried about what exactly he’s trying to hide, because surely nothing, nothing, could smell worse than that – except, perhaps, the in-car air freshener that claims to smell like bacon.

People’s taste in smells is, by its nature, incredibly personal, and it can be an arduous dance finding common olfactory ground in a relationship.

My own husband – usually a man of exquisite taste, clearly – has a perplexing fondness for cheap candles, the kind that are so synthetic that if you burn them for more than an hour you will never be able to detect the smell of cucumber again. When we get to the waxy section of Ikea I have to do a very tired impression of a store detective to ensure he hasn’t slipped any artificial-smelling tealights into the trolley. It’s like steering a grabby toddler past the sweets in the supermarket.

He loves the festive season more than most children do, so I try to compromise and let him burn Christmas-scented candles in December. For ages, I assumed that my near constant headaches and nausea during that month were somehow related to higher levels of alcohol consumption, expenditure and social obligations, but I’m now pretty sure it’s more about the fake scent of berries, cinnamon and what smells disturbingly like a hastily recalled line of Claire’s Accessories lip gloss.

There was a time when walking through a department store carried the risk of being squirted by a perfume sample without your consent.

Thankfully, they have to offer first before dousing you with it these days, but I recently experienced an altogether more shocking involuntary scenting.

I SPENT THE REST OF THE DAY SMELLING LIKE A TRAGIC ACCIDENT IN A MY LITTLE PONY SOAP FACTORY

I was having a quick wee in an unfamiliar bathroom when I felt a cold little puff of air – a pipette’s worth, if you will – just above my bum line. The sensation was followed by the emergence of a sickly-sweet peachy smell that was about as natural as Topsy and Tim’s smiles. I turned around to investigate and found an automatic air freshener dispenser had been placed behind the loo, and was dispatching this horrific masking odour directly onto the lower torsos of unsuspecting loo-users.

I spent the rest of the day smelling like a tragic accident in a My Little Pony soap factory.

There are one or two people who I genuinely like but actively avoid spending time with because their choice of fragrance gives me the boak. Sometimes, it feels as if it’s impossible to be close to someone if you do have dramatically different tastes in smells.

But then, as a wise man (actually, it was almost certainly a woman) once said, the secret to a happy relationship is good ventilation. @msashleydavies (Twitter)

hood • 35

Hood’s editor Jennifer Crichton-Gibson will be hosting Fashion Chat: An Evening with Jane Shepherdson CBE, at Edinburgh’s Contini Bites on May 8. Tickets are available at tinyurl.com/ fashionchatevent

Leading the flock It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that Jane Shepherdson CBE paved the way for the British high street as we know it. A former brand director for Topshop, famed for turning the brand into a global powerhouse, she’d been at fashion’s coalface for decades when, in 2016, she stepped down as chief exec of Whistles to embark on an adult gap year. Now back in business, she lets us in on everything she’s learned about bullying, the boardroom, and why sometimes escape is a good idea…

36 • hood

LIVELIHOOD

It’s ok to apply your belief system to your work Sustainability has been very much at the heart of much of what I’ve done in recent years. While I don’t feel responsible for fast fashion as such, I’m aware I’ve played my part in it, and I can’t bear the fact that it’s one of the world’s biggest polluters , or that social injustice is still rife throughout the business. So, I’m trying to find ways to change behaviour a little bit where I can. I get so depressed when I see people laden with enormous bags of clothes that probably will never see the light of day – if you bought three or four really nice pieces instead you might have worn those every day and really loved them. But I think the new generation is beginning to feel the need to do something about that, and the huge popularity of sites like Depop, where people are buying and trading second-hand clothes, is great. I think we’ve reached a tipping point.

There’s nothing wrong with opening the escape hatch I value freedom very highly. I had a childhood where both my parents were university lecturers with long holidays and we would go away for extended periods, so perhaps that’s where it comes from.

We were constantly exploring and travelling to new places, and I’ve always needed the freedom to walk away from something if it stopped working for me. The first time I quit a job to go travelling was in 2006, when I left Topshop. I’d been working under one of the industry’s most notorious alpha males [Sir Philip Green], and I suppose I learned that you can expend a lot of energy just trying to do what’s needed when you’re working for someone like that. There’s a huge amount of negative energy, and I think you need to know within yourself that you don’t need to keep doing it. Clearly, I’ve been very fortunate in that I can afford to walk away – not everyone can. But when the challenge goes away or the lustre wears off something I’m doing, I think it’s the right time to leave. That’s been my rule of thumb.

Bullies have always been rife in the fashion industry Sir Philip Green isn’t unique. I said to someone recently, rather naively, ‘I wonder why there are so many alpha males in the fashion business?’ But it’s obvious. It’s a business where around 80

per cent of employees are women, so why wouldn’t it attract rather bullying men?

Clearly, it’s very difficult working for a bully, and you either find a way of dealing with it or you move on. Fortunately for me, when he took over Arcadia, Topshop was already flying high, so I was in a stronger position than most. I realised early on that he was a bully, and the way to deal with a bully is to bully them back, so that’s what I did. It’s not something I’m proud of, it was just the way I had to deal with it to keep him at arm’s length and away from my team. And it was only when he started to really want to be involved in Topshop that I realised we clearly couldn’t work together, and that’s when I left.

Those of us who can need to call out bad behaviour I’d love to say the industry is changing dramatically, but while I think it is improving, it’s happening very slowly.

People are starting to call out bullying behaviour now in a way they wouldn’t have before, but it’s still difficult. You’re working somewhere, you’re trying to pay your rent, you can’t necessarily afford to just leave and you don’t want to piss anyone off. It’s still all about power, at the end of the day, and who holds that power. So it’s changing, but it’s changing slowly.

Fashion really can be empowering What I’ve always admired about Smart Works is that it’s a very simple idea, but no-one else could do it quite as well as they do it. Every person in that business has so much respect for the client. They don’t offer them horrible cheap clothes, they deliberately go out and target brands such as Hobbs and Burberry and Whistles, because to have clothes like that can make someone feel so good. It’s an old cliché, ‘you’re worth it’, but it is so true. The simple fact that two or three people will spend a whole day dedicated to making a client look and feel good, I think that is really lovely for the women involved. Walking into the Smart Works office is like walking into a sort of cocoon full of women who are all just lovely, respectful and kind. I think the way it’s done is special. Very special.

Women bring a lot of positives to the workplace I really love working with a large group of creative women, all of whom have amazing

ideas, and being able to harness all of those ideas and really just give them a gentle nudge in the right direction if necessary.

It seems to me that working with women is hugely collaborative, with a sense of everyone driving towards the same goal, which is very attractive. It makes me extremely angry still that, in the fashion industry where around 80 per cent of employees are women, at board level it’s a shocking number, something around ten per cent. But I see why that is. Because at board level there always seems to be a focus on the things that the men are most interested in. All of the boards I’ve sat on have been very male-dominated and, on every board, the focus is on what the men are most comfortable with. And while it’s a huge generalisation, usually that’s financial detail, rather than the bigger picture.

I’m very much in favour of quotas When it comes to boards, to government, and all these other organisations that are male-dominated, until there’s a 50 per cent level of representation by women, it’s always going to feel a bit like a boy’s club.

It’s always going to be hard to penetrate that, as the overarching culture will always be male, and I’ve always been in favour of quotas for that reason. Just to get us to the stage where it’s 50/50, because why shouldn’t it be? I mean, we’re 50 per cent of the population for goodness’ sake, it’s not a lot to ask. Until you get to that stage, and women start to feel that they’ve got a place at the table because they’re supposed to be there, I think women will still find it hard to break into what is essentially a male culture.

It's ok to be pushy I think it was a kind of bloody-mindedness that got me into the boardroom. I was brought up by an extremely feminist mother and father, and they both very strongly wouldn’t accept that anything would hold any of us back, regardless of gender. They were both very strong people, my mother in particular, so perhaps I inherited that from her – the idea of saying ‘sod you’ to anyone who said I couldn’t do anything as well as anyone else. And also, I was sick of bosses saying to me that we should do a focus group to see what women really wanted. I was there going ‘hi, me, I’m a bloody woman, ask me!’. So, anger too, maybe. Perhaps that’s what did it!

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In association with Coaching Direct

Finding your fire Whether you’re looking to turbo-charge your career or find a better work-life balance, our coach and columnist Kirsty McWilliam can help.

This month, she shares her advice on celebrating the achievements of others without suffering by comparison…

S

o many amazing women have told us their stories in Hood already.

From those who shared their journeys to motherhood in March, to the stylish and accomplished businesswomen interviewed each month, we have been moved and inspired by those we read about. But although they have been very honest about the struggles their paths may have had, we can still find ourselves comparing their lives to ours and dismissing ours as falling short.

It is hard sometimes not to worry that they are funnier/cleverer/prettier/skinnier…

Modern life is competitive – both in the workplace and at home. We are constantly bombarded with images of apparently perfect leaders, perfect wives and perfect mothers. But if we are constantly measuring ourselves against others, albeit perhaps not a real-life version, it can make us feel like we are failing.

Let’s look closely at comparison and what it does. Comparison has been called ‘the thief of joy’ and it truly is. When we compare ourselves and fall short, two things can happen. First, the feeling of failure gives our self-regard a powerful knock, and second, we are stopping ourselves from celebrating both their,

and our, achievements fully. It becomes easy to be hijacked by our own feelings of failure, which stop our feelings of joy for them, and can affect our own personal satisfaction when we achieve something of note.

In athletics, sprinters are coached not to race the person in the next lane but to race the clock, to gain a personal best.

When they fixate on the next lane, they lose focus, which affects their performance.

Instead, while they can appreciate, admire and respect the next lane, they are taught to understand that they cannot let it control them.

What’s more, comparison can lead to feelings of being a fraud – a condition branded Imposter Syndrome. The phrase was coined in a 1978 article called The Imposter Phenomenon in High Achieving Women, which highlighted a distinctly female lack of internal acknowledgment of achievement. In the January edition, we encouraged you to list your top ten achievements, and we followed this up by speaking about your inner voice, and how positive internal acknowledgement can boost your self-regard. As a Hood community, I am keen for us to find out

more. What does this look like in Scotland for women now? Research has shown that 70 per cent of us have felt imposter syndrome at some point, with further research showing that men are more affected than women.

There are many ways to work through imposter syndrome, and working on your self-regard is a great start, but another way to move it forward is to talk about it – believe me, you are not alone! So, do you experience it and, if so, how does it affect you? Head over to our Facebook poll and share your experiences. You could be helping others who’ve felt the same.

The more we talk about our feelings of inadequacy, the easier they will be to tackle. If 70 per cent of the population is experiencing it, perhaps it is time to step out of our own shadows. For if comparison is the thief of joy, celebrating with an open heart must be the originator of joy – and I know we could all do with a little more of that in our lives…

Kirsty is the founder and CEO of Coaching Direct, an Edinburgh-based centre for emotional intelligence, coaching and training. facebook.com/coachingdirect

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Woman hood

THE HART OF THE MATTER Could anything sound more exhilarating than a ramble along a deserted Scottish island shore, salty sea air all around you and the sense of a storm on the way? That’s exactly the moment that Glasgow-based candle company Gold Hart has encapsulated in its sparkling Shore fragrance, inspired by the fresh air of the Hebrides. Top notes of ocean breeze and sea salt sit above a heart of sparkling citrus and lily of the valley and a base of sun-bleached driftwood. Boasting 40 hours of burn time, it’ll bring a sense of the outdoors to any room, whatever weather the early Scottish summer brings.

Shore three-wick candle, £55, gold-hart.co.uk

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THE SEASON I S C H A N GI N G AND SO ARE WE M U L T R E E S WAL K T U R N I N G OV E R A N E W L EA F SP RI NG 2019

HARVEY NICHOLS • MAX MARA • LOUIS VUITTON • BURBERRY MICHAEL KORS • MULBERRY • BOSS • JOHNSTONS OF ELGIN • NESPRESSO LINKS OF LONDON • CASTLE FINE ART • KURT GEIGER • PANDORA NORTH AMERICA TRAVEL SERVICE • SWAROVSKI • BRAVISSIMO • HOL L AND COOPER COACH • JOJO MAMAN BÉBÉ • REISS • CAFFÈ NERO • BOOTS • TESLA

ST ANDREW SQUARE, EDINBURGH, EH1 3DQ MULTREESWALK.CO.UK

WOMANHOOD

Wear it three ways Real women need versatile pieces that work for real life, no matter what their day holds. This month, we show you how to style that springtime staple, a floral midi dress, for every occasion.

Work

Gillian McDonald, 28, is a blogger, social media manager and Hood’s digital editor, and is based in Edinburgh.

Find her on Instagram @elevatormusik_

Dress (worn throughout), £250, Ba&sh, and jacket, £315, Maje, both at Harvey Nichols. Boots, £27.99, New Look. Bag, model’s own. hood • 43

Rest

Dress, as before. Denim jacket, £32, and clutch, £24, Next.

Sandals, £23.99, New Look. Sunglasses, £16, River Island 44 • hood

Photographer: Aleksandra Modrzejewska

WOMANHOOD

Play

Dress, as before. Leather jacket, £425, Pinko at Harvey Nichols.

Earrings, £3.99, H&M. Shoes, model’s own. hood • 45

WWW.HACKLEYBAGS.COM

FEATURES

They might conjure up images of the great plains of Africa, but the new season’s neutrals are just as at home in the city…

Photography: Aleksandra Modrzejewska

Dress, £13, belt, £5, and basket bag, £12, all Primark.

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FEATURES

Linen shirt, £18, F&F at Tesco.

Skirt, £10, and belt, £5, Primark.

Jacket, £45, Marks & Spencer.

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WOMANHOOD

Dress, £45, Next. Belt, £5, and hat, £4, Primark.

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WOMANHOOD

Jacket, £68, and trousers, £45, Next. Basket bag, £12, and sandals, £6, Primark.

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Coat, £495, B&sh at Harvey Nichols.

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JOIN THE HOOD Subscribe and get the latest issue of Hood delivered straight to your door every month, plus exclusive subscriber ooers and gifts.

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WOMANHOOD

Dress, £45, Marks & Spencer. Hat, £4, Primark.

Model: Linda Young at Model Team • Hair: Ryan Wills at RAW Hair Studio

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FEATURES

Set in their own four acre plot of stunning farmland on the edge of North Berwick, Williamstone Farm Steadings’ three properties each boast their own individual subtle luxury, a combination of traditional farm buildings complemented by modern, sympathetic restoration.

Choose between The Barn, sleeping six to eight people, The Byre, sleeping six, or The Bothy, which sleeps six adults and two children. Or contact us if you have a larger group of up to 22 people.

B O O K YO U R STAY N OW

info@williamstonefarmsteadings.com 01620 481107 54 • hood

AS SEEN ON...

G E T S O C I A L WI T H U S

@williamstonefarmsteadings.com

In association with Jane Davidson

The style insider Got a burning fashion question? Unsure of the style etiquette for your next event? Owner of Edinburgh’s Jane Davidson boutique, Sarah Murray, is on hand to help. This month, she lets us in on her secrets to festival fashion…

I

know what you’re thinking, but park your preconceptions at the door – festivals are no longer the preserve of raucous teenagers and millennial Instagrammers. These days, Scotland’s myriad festivals are far more grown-up and glamorous than the booze-filled bonanzas of years gone by – think Mhor Fest, Doune The Rabbit Hole and Electric Fields, all examples of quirky Scottish festivals with a grown-up twist.

But wherever you’re headed this festival season, the same question remains: what to wear?

Practicality is the key for failsafe festival fashion. That means layers, comfortable fabrics and versatile pieces, so that you can mix and match throughout your weekend. Patterns and hardwearing fabrics are also good for hiding inevitable mud and grass stains.

Skip the hot pants, crop tops and flower crowns, and aim for sophistication this year with cool boots, denim, knits and leather, for a look that leans more towards Florence Welch or Sienna Miller than Kendall and Kylie Jenner.

Bella Freud ‘Diamonds and Pearls’ sweater, £300

Dante 6 Eshvi leather skirt, £207

Queene & Belle Doodle cashmere wrap, £699

For a look that’s more polished than traditional denim, but still offers warmth and a certain amount of protection from the elements, why not opt for leather? A biker jacket looks eternally cool thrown over anything, while a black leather skirt is a surprisingly versatile wardrobe staple.

Layers are also essential to ensure that you don’t start shivering as soon as the sun goes down. A soft and lightweight, but cosy, knit, such as this ode to Prince by Bella Freud, looks great with jeans or dungarees, or thrown over a midi for a relaxed look. Add a cosy knitted wrap for when the chill sets in – not only will it keep you warm when you’re out dancing, but it also doubles up as a picnic rug or an extra blanket for your sleeping bag.

To finish your look, consider accessories that are pretty but also practical. Sunglasses are a must, a fedora looks super-chic, or you could try a silk scarf wrapped around a topknot or ponytail for a retro vibe. Add a backpack with a secure fastening – for bonus points try and find one with a wallet attached on the inside, to keep your cash and cards safe. When it comes to your shoes, wedges might look glam but sinking into the mud is anything but – boots are a must for festival season, especially in Scotland! Westerninspired ankle styles, black riding boots or wellies are the best.

If you need help styling your festival wardrobe, pop in to see us, and the team will be delighted to help you build a versatile but very chic festival capsule wardrobe.

Jane Davidson, Thistle Street, Edinburgh. Tel: (0131) 225 3280. janedavidson.co.uk

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FEATURES

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WOMANHOOD

SPRING IN YOUR STEP

Q&A WITH TAMMY KOSLOWSKI OF NAF! SALON

The founder of Scotland’s most Insta-famous nail bar on at home nail-care and this summer’s trends…

What top tip can we all follow?

Cuticle oil, cuticle oil, cuticle oil! Not only will the ingredients hydrate and nourish the skin around your nails, they’ll also help to lock in moisture and keep the product on your nails flexible, for longer wear.

What’s the main misconception about manicures?

Lots of people think gel polish ruins your nails, but it’s actually improper application and lack of aftercare that puts you at risk of damage. Examples of this include nail technicians over-filing or buffing your nail plate, as well as picking gel polish off – you should always soak gel polish off correctly, and I’d recommend leaving it to the professionals.

Sure you’re busy, but you still want to look fabulous, right? MAC’s global senior artist Dominic Skinner shares his secrets to a fresh face in minimal time…

“My current fresh-faced look is so simple and easy, anyone can do it – and it works every time. Start by rubbing MAC Powersurge Eye Kohl all over the eyelid and under the eye, and smudge it using your fingertip. It’s a beautiful tarnished gold that works perfectly on everyone. Next, pop a little MAC Eye Shadow in Shroom in the middle of the eyelid to brighten, then add plenty of the new MAC Perm Me Up Extended Play Mascara. Apply MAC Powder Kiss Lipstick in Mull It Over to the lips, and rub a little on the cheeks too. Finish off the look with a touch of MAC Studio Fix Fluid SPF 15 Foundation as needed. And voila! instagram.com/dominic_mua

THE

BEAUTY EDIT The skincare, hair and make-up news you need to know now…

What are your must-have products for an Insta-worthy mani?

In the salon, our gel polish brand of choice is The Gel Bottle. It’s a female-led brand, owned and run by a former nail tech. All its products are veganfriendly and cruelty-free, and soak off so nicely.

Meanwhile, our nail polish and manicure range is all OPI and it’s the brand I’ve used myself since I could hold a nail polish bottle. If you’re going to buy any base coat in the world, make it OPI’s Chip Skip!

Which trends will we be sporting this summer?

It will be all about neon, and nails can come in all different shapes, sizes and hues. I personally love a short nail in an obnoxiously bright colour, but if you’re hesitant, try a little pop of neon on a nude base. @nafsalon

THREE OF THE BEST… cruelty-free nail products

Treat Collection nail polish in Cherry Blossom, £14, purebeautyzone.co.uk NAF! Cherry cuticle oil pen, £6, nafstuff.com Nailberry Acai Nail Elixir, £19, nailberry.co.uk

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In association with Pure Spa & Beauty

WIN!

A spa day for two with Pure Spa & Beauty

I

f your work/life balance is a battle and you’re feeling that the juggle is most definitely real, we’re here to help you relax and recharge.

To celebrate PURE Spa & Beauty launching four new spas across the UK this spring, including a brand-new Scottish spa opening its doors in Hamilton on 3 May, we’re giving you the opportunity to win a pamper experience for two!

You and a friend could win a relaxing spa day, worth up to £500, with PURE Spa & Beauty. Choose from one of thirteen locations across the UK, including locations in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Manchester and Peterborough, and enjoy outstanding facilities, indulgent treatments and five-star service. Whether it’s a massage, facial or manicure you’re hoping for, you can enjoy a whole day of relaxation and award-winning treatments to help you feel back to your best.

To be in with a chance of winning, simply head to www.purespauk.com/win and enter your details into PURE’S prize draw or scan the QR code.

Good luck!

Terms: Prize is one spa day for two people, at a PURE Spa location in the UK, worth up to the value of £500. Treatments to be specified by PURE Spa & Beauty prior to spa day being confirmed with winner. PURE Spa & Beauty has spa locations in Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, London, Manchester and Peterborough. All entrants must be over the age of 18. Prize cannot be exchanged or transferred for cash. Prize is as stated above. Winners are liable for their own travel/accommodation expenses and any other expenses incurred outside of the prize as detailed. Prize will be drawn on 30 June 2019 and winner will be notified by email, if winner does not respond to accept prize within three days of initial contact, PURE reserves the right to select another winner. Prize is subject to availability and treatments of equal value will be offered if original offering cannot be fulfilled due to spa facilities/medical conditions. Prize must be redeemed by 30 December 2019. For information on PURE Spa’s privacy policy and how your data will be used/stored, visit https://www.purespauk.com/service-terms-faq/privacy-policy/. This competition is hosted by PURE Spa & Beauty and is not the responsibility of Hood Magazine to fulfil.

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Model: Lilliana • Hair and make-up: Emilia Mitchell • Opening image: Aleksandra Modrzejewska

WOMANHOOD

So fresh and so clean Breakouts, blocked pores and acne can be confidence-sapping, whether you’re 15 or 45, and for today’s beauty-tutorial obsessed teens, having less than perfect skin can be terribly upsetting. But while hormone issues can hit at any age, the good news is that modern skincare has a salve. Read on for the secrets to a seriously clear complexion… hood • 59

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f you’re over the age of 30, the scale to which YouTube has invaded the country’s beauty halls and bathrooms may surprise you. But one need only look around them on Scotland’s high streets today to see that something is afoot in the beauty industry, with complex make-up looks now de rigueur for so many of today’s teens.

From statement brows to careful contouring, beauty techniques that would have been the sole preserve of professionals a decade ago are now daily mainstays for a younger generation of beauty consumers. And if you’re the parent of a teenage girl, you’ll likely be all too aware of the pressure brought on by an obsession with all things glam and looking good for the ‘gram.

But while make-up can be fun, and empowering and boosting the confidence of our teens is undoubtedly a good thing, the online beauty obsession does come with a downside – expectation. Your teen 60 • hood

might be able to contour themselves Kardashian-level cheekbones, but are they aware that problem skin is actually quite normal, and not something to be ashamed of? Moreover, do they know how to deal with the breakouts that an overreliance on heavy make-up during the hormonal turmoil of the teen years can bring?

“I definitely think there is a knowledge gap when it comes to skincare,” says celebrity facialist Nichola Joss.

“There is far more information now regarding skincare online, but very little is targeted at teenage skin, therefore teenagers tend to use the wrong products, often even products designed for antiageing. They think they are taking a preventive measure, but it is actually very unbalancing at a time when skin is already being hit by hormone imbalances thanks to puberty. This tends to show itself through congestion, spots and acne, and can also be exacerbated by stress, such as at exam time, and poor diet.

“Teens are also using far more make-up, and this can adversely impact on their skin if they aren’t cleansing it off correctly and fully, then toning to re-balance PH levels.

And I think what is also happening is that teenagers are using make-up and make-up tutorials to cover up skin issues rather than treating them.”

In short, for many teenagers, the obsession with perfect skin can turn into a vicious cycle, with increasing amounts of make-up causing spots, which are then covered up with yet more heavy make-up.

But making a difference to temperamental teen skin needn’t be complicated, says Jordanne Cooper, senior therapist at PURE Spa Aberdeen. Nor does it necessitate giving up their beloved contour palette.

“Teen skin can be delicate and easily aggravated, so it’s essential to learn to take good care of it from an early age and find the products and routines that really work to keep it in its best condition,” she says.

WOMANHOOD

Nichola Joss

“A regular facial, every six weeks, will keep the skin healthy, clear and glowing – we have a great treatment created specifically for teenage skin that uses all-natural products, which is very gentle but very effective at clearing and calming delicate or problematic skin. For a spa experience at home, try using a facial wash in the shower to give the skin a deep cleanse, right down into the pores – the steam should help products be more effective.”

Another way to help as a parent is to ensure your teen isn’t relying on harsh products that will strip their skin and prove to be more of a problem than a solution. “Stay away from products that contain alcohol, and steer clear of facial wipes too,” Jordanne says. “Anything that will dehydrate the skin can cause issues down the line, and face wipes are also inefficient cleansers.”

Meanwhile, Raquel Wing, co-founder of clean beauty retailer Pure Beauty Zone, says that sometimes going against your

THERE IS FAR MORE INFORMATION NOW, BUT VERY LITTLE IS TARGETED AT TEENAGE SKIN instinct and using oils can pay dividends.

“The most important step in caring for teenage skin is cleansing, especially before bedtime. Make-up must come off every evening to prevent blocked pores and blemishes, even if your teen only wears a small amount of makeup. Double cleansing with an oil is a must too – the first cleanse will remove make-up and surface-layer debris, whilst the second will eradicate any impurities deeper down. Oil cleansing may sound counter-intuitive, but it allows the skin to retain its own moisture levels and prevents the over-production of sebum that then causes breakouts – so in theory, cleansing with an oil should help to keep

skin clear and calm. I personally only use natural skincare with proven clean ingredients that are safe and gentle to use, and I think this is especially important for younger and more sensitive skins.”

This goes for adults experiencing breakouts too, say our experts – a group that is not particularly rare, according to Nichola. “I have definitely seen an increase in adult acne and problematic skin during my career. I think the main causes are stress, diet and pollution, as well as less time spent outside in nature and more time in front of blue screens.

“That said, the impact on skin from an imbalance in hormones is huge, and that affects adults as well as teenagers “Hormonal skin problems are harder to treat topically if they are not also treated internally, so I always advise my clients to look at promoting the health of their gut, cleansing their liver, and eating a diet low in sugars and animal produce to help improve skin from the inside out.”

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NO FUSS, NO RITUAL, JUST BEAUTIFUL, GLOWING SKIN.

SHOP ONLINE AT: WWW.PURESAVVY.CO.UK 62 • hood

@PURESAVVY

WOMANHOOD

Elemis Superfood Facial Wash, £25, elemis.com

Pure Savvy 3-in-1 Micellar Water, £24, puresavvy.co.uk

Correct & Calm Instant Facial sheet mask, £7.99, seoulistabeauty.com

Clean and clear Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask, £17, The Body Shop

Fight breakouts at any age with these gentle but effective skincare solutions

Mario Badescu Facial Spray, £7, Urban Outfitters

Herbivore Lapis Balancing Facial Oil, £60, Space NK

Eye Slices, £19.99, purebeautyzone.co.uk

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BAR ROOM BLISS

Want to eat at one of Scotland’s top restaurants, minus the airs and graces?

The new bar menu at Dundee’s acclaimed The Newport Restaurant is refined but relaxed, finds local Jennie Patterson

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oes it happen to you as well? That dilemma of wishing you could order everything on offer when faced with a fabulous menu? I’m renowned for my greedy girl tendencies, and my inability to actually reach a decision over ordering can make me something of an unwitting nightmare for waiting staff.

Thankfully, chef (and former Masterchef: The Professionals winner) Jamie Scott and the talented team at The Newport have graciously solved my eyes vs stomach dilemma, as ordering one of everything is exactly the idea behind the new bar menu, aimed at providing a no-fuss all-fun way of eating at one of the country’s most acclaimed restaurants.

The Newport, which offers up frankly glorious views across the Tay from its pretty south bank, has been named Scotland’s AA Restaurant of the Year, so our expectations were understandably 64 • hood

high upon arrival on a bright April weekend afternoon. Proudly serving what the team describes as the very best of Scottish cuisine, the restaurant is indisputably accomplished, so we were excited to see what the traditional bar, sharing the same building as the restaurant and Tatha art gallery, would offer in the way of food.

And oh, the delight that comes from having it all. Sure, it’s hardly surprising that the greedy girl would relish in a nine-course menu, but blimey, the food. A boneless lamb rib with salsa verde and lamb fat crumb was meltingly tender, the herby, vibrant sauce offsetting the fatty cut perfectly, while a dish of crispy pork with apple ketchup offered a similar interplay, the freshness of the fruit marrying perfectly with the salty, meaty pork.

Halibut pakora with spiced onions and smoked yoghurt was a truly adventurous mouthful, the layers of spices combining perfectly with the crisp fish and smoky cool dressing, while duck

FOOD IN THE ‘HOOD

Three more to try THE STEAMBOAT INN Repeatedly voted the best pub in Dumfries and Galloway, The Steamboat Inn boasts a huge beer garden for sunny days, as well as a tremendous location on the banks of the picturesque Solway coast, while the food is relaxed but very tasty indeed. thesteamboatinn.co.uk

liver parfait with garlic mayo was a classic of the genre – smooth, gamey and rich. Sides of crispy purple sprouting broccoli, triple cooked chips and onion rings with wild garlic mayo completed the savoury fest with aplomb, while a zesty and delicious rhubarb pavlova with lemon crème fraiche was a prime example of the joys of Scottish seasonal ingredients being allowed to shine. Stuffed, but basically unable to say no, a selection of five British and European cheeses – hungry yet? – was as delicious as it was unnecessary.

In between the nine courses – or servings, really, for want of scaring off would-be diners – we thoroughly enjoyed taking in the tasteful transformation of The Newport Bar amid an atmosphere of gentle but jovial background banter from the spirited gang of local regulars.

The new interior, visualised by Jamie and his wife Kelly, has been delivered perfectly by local upcycling specialists RUST, with sleek lines combined with warm wood and a contemporary coastal colour palette offering

a modern but cosy and comfortable style that pays respect to the building’s history, dating back to 1804.

“The bar menu changes every week to ensure we use up everything in our kitchen, as part of our Zero Waste kitchen policy”, Jamie explains. “Our bar’s always been a great place to meet up with pals, while away an afternoon playing bar games or chill out watching a spectacular sunset – and now it’s also a great place to eat.”

Our verdict? Perfectly presented, with plenty enough for two, this is one meal we’d return for again and again while, at £50 for the whole menu including pudding and cheese board, it’s tremendously good value to boot.

There’s a place for fine dining, and a place for a laidback lunch, and the fact that The Newport now offers both is very good news for us locals indeed.

THE BOAT INN With a gorgeous view across the River Dee, The Boat Inn is the dictionary definition of a cosy country pub. With a large selection of local ales, spirits and whiskies, and a delicious menu of locally-sourced produce, this dog-friendly spot is an ideal place to rest your feet after a picturesque weekend hike. theboatinnaboyne.co.uk

KILLBERRY INN This tin-roofed pub might look like little to write home about from a distance, but it is renowned as one of Argyll’s finest. The wood-beamed space, complete with open fire, is cute and quaint, while the award-winning food is truly gourmet. Did we mention the sea views across to Jura? kilberryinn.com

1 High St, Newport-on-Tay, Fife.

Tel: 01382 541449. thenewportrestaurant.co.uk

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Vibrant veggies They might be virtuous, but vegetables can be exciting too. These delicious dishes from Edinburgh-based restaurateur Jessica Elliott Dennison’s new book, Salad Feasts: How to Assemble the Perfect Meal, are a true treat for all the senses.

Fig, radicchio and halloumi, with basil oil and pistachios Serves 4 When you can get your hands on perfectly ripe, in-season figs, it’s only right to enjoy them very simply, with a few additional ingredients on the plate working to highlight their magnificence. Grating over naturally salty halloumi contrasts with the figs’ sweet juices, while the toasted pistachios and leaves bring some fresh crunch. A spoonful of the ridiculously easy basil oil brings the whole plate alive. This really is no-fuss, simple, seasonal eating.

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60g shelled pistachios 100g red butterhead lettuce 100g radicchio 1 serving basil oil 8 ripe figs 170g halloumi 4 slices sourdough or rye bread

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1. First, toast the pistachios in a dry frying pan over a high heat for one or two minutes to release their natural oils. Transfer to the corner of your chopping board then, once cool, roughly chop.

2. Next, wash the lettuce and radicchio in a basin of cold water to freshen and crisp the leaves. Pat them dry, then tear into a large mixing bowl.

3. Pour half the basil oil over the leaves then, using your hands, gently toss to evenly coat.

Transfer to a platter.

4. To assemble, roughly tear the figs over the leaves, and then, using the large side of a box grater, grate over the halloumi. Scatter over the toasted chopped pistachios, then drizzle over the remaining basil oil to finish.

Serve immediately, using the bread to mop up the fantastic herby oil and fig juices.

Basil oil • • • • •

60ml extra-virgin olive oil ¼ garlic clove (optional) Pinch of sea salt flakes Large bunch basil Juice of ½–1 lemon

1. Blitz all of the ingredients in a food processor, including the basil stalks, starting with the juice of half the lemon.

2. Once you have a pourable consistency, taste – you may want to add more lemon juice. Store in a jar or airtight container in the fridge for three to four days.

FOOD IN THE ‘HOOD

Tomato, nectarine and burrata, with salsa verde and toasted sourdough Serves 4 When it comes to summer eating, I really believe that simple is best, particularly when tomatoes are involved. Tossing the tomatoes in a little salt, oil and vinegar will draw out their natural sweetness, releasing more fragrant juices for you to mop up with burrata and bread. If you’ve never had it before, burrata is like an even softer buffalo mozzarella with extra cream – dreamy with a few spoonfuls of punchy salsa verde. Remember to use ripe tomatoes at room temperature for this, not unripe and cold from the fridge. It’ll take you closer to the feeling of being on holiday. And if you don’t have salsa verde, or the time to make some, a few basil leaves and an extra splash of vinegar will work brilliantly too.

• 550g ripe tomatoes, at room temperature (a variety of colours is nice) • 2 tsp red wine vinegar • 2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil • ½ tsp sea salt flakes • 1 tsp sugar, ideally white • 2 ripe nectarines, at room temperature • 4 slices sourdough bread • 2 medium balls burrata • 1 serving salsa verde 1. First, roughly chop the tomatoes – aim for big, random shapes that will hold the salsa verde, not a uniform dice. Put them in a medium bowl along with the vinegar, oil, salt and sugar.

2. Halve the nectarines, discard the stones then roughly tear large chunks into the tomato mixture. Gently toss then set aside to quickly marinate.

3. Toast or griddle the bread.

4. To assemble, spoon the tomato mixture on to a large serving platter, including all the marinade juices. Tear over the burrata, then drizzle over the salsa verde to finish.

Serve immediately with the bread.

Salsa verde • • • • •

Small bunch parsley, leaves only Small bunch basil, leaves only Small bunch mint, leaves only 1 garlic clove 1½ tbsp capers

• 30g anchovies in olive oil (drained weight) • 1 tsp Dijon mustard • 2 tbsp white or red wine vinegar • 120ml extra-virgin olive oil

1. Finely chop the herbs, garlic, capers and anchovies together on a board then place in a small bowl.

2. Stir in the mustard, vinegar and olive oil. Store in a jar or airtight container in the fridge for three to four days.

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FOOD IN THE ‘HOOD

Avocado and coconut noodles with edamame beans, lime and ginger Serves 4 When I’m home late from a long day’s cooking but still craving something flavour-packed and comforting to round off the day, this is what I make.

These are ingredients I tend always to have in my kitchen, but you could easily mix it up with whatever veggies are in your fridge and some shredded chicken or fried eggs. I haven’t included it as an essential, but half a teaspoon of wasabi paste in place of the ginger works really well too. And as the noodles are chilled, they’ll happily sit in the dressing, making this a good option for packing into tomorrow’s lunchbox.

• • • • • • • • • • •

200g egg noodles 250g frozen podded edamame beans 60g sunflower seeds 100g desiccated coconut 1 to 2 tsp chilli flakes 60ml soy sauce 2 tbsp honey Juice of 2 limes 20g fresh ginger, peeled and finely grated 6 spring onions 2 ripe avocados, halved and stones removed

1. First, bring a large pan of water to the boil, then cook the noodles over a high heat for the time stated on the packet. Add the beans to the pan for the last 30 seconds of cooking, then refresh the noodles and beans under plenty of cold water, drain in a colander and set aside.

2. Meanwhile, toast the sunflower seeds for two minutes in a frying pan over a high heat so that they release their natural oils. Add the coconut to the pan for 30 seconds to lightly toast, then transfer the seeds and coconut to a plate to cool.

3. In a large bowl, mix together one teaspoon of chilli flakes, the soy sauce and honey. Squeeze in the lime juice and add the ginger, then stir to combine. Shred the spring onions by cutting them finely on an angle, discarding any tough green upper layers, and slice the avocados. Add to the bowl.

4. To assemble, gently toss the cold drained noodles, beans, seeds and coconut in the soy sauce and avocado mixture. Have a taste – you may want to add more chilli flakes – then serve.

Salad Feasts: How to Assemble the Perfect Meal by Jessica Elliott Dennison is published by Hardie Grant priced at £16.99. Photography © Matt Russell

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Summer sippin’ With warmer days (hopefully) just around the corner, it’s time to perfect your at-home mixology skills with these simple, sophisticated cocktail recipes from Glasgow’s Garden Shed Drinks Company. Impress gin-loving friends with these refreshing concoctions, created especially for sipping on long, balmy summer evenings. So long G&Ts – someone pass us the cocktail shaker…

For The Bees Ingredients: • 25ml Garden Shed Gin • 25ml sloe gin • 25ml lemon juice • 12.5ml lavender syrup • 25ml egg white Method: 1. Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice.

2. Shake well for 15 seconds, until the mixture begins to foam up.

3. Strain into a coupe glass and garnish with a sprig of lavender.

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In association with Garden Shed Drinks Company

Garden Party Ingredients: • 25ml Garden Shed Gin • 25ml Pimms • Sliced cucumber • 20ml elderflower cordial • 20ml lemon juice • Soda water Method: 1. Add the Garden Shed Gin and Pimms to a highball glass with ice.

2. Pour in the elderflower cordial and lemon juice, then stir well.

3. Add the sliced cucumber and top up with soda water.

Le Jardin Ingredients: • 25ml Garden Shed Gin • 12.5ml lemon juice • 5ml sugar syrup • Champagne Method: 1. Add the Garden Shed Gin, lemon juice and sugar syrup to a chilled flute glass.

2. Garnish with a long, thin twist of lemon peel then top up the glass with Champagne.

The Garden Shed Drinks Company is an ethical and environmentally-friendly gin distillery based in Glasgow. gardensheddrinksco.com

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Ray of bright Forget Scandi neutrals – for a home with personality, this season’s neon brights deliver bags of personality, and are far less daunting than you might expect…

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In association with Jeffreys Interiors

I

t might have been David Hockney who first coined the phrase “I prefer living in colour”, but it’s an idiom that will likely resonate with anyone who has taken the plunge when it comes to bringing some brights into their home.

While much of our interiors inspiration over the past decade has run the gamut from white and cream to fifty shades of grey, pops of Crayola colour are now bursting their way into the spotlight, and while it may well sound daunting to those who’ve adopted a more Scandi sensibility, it’s a trend that’s far more accessible than it might at first appear.

“I think a lot of people initially find the idea of neon brights quite scary,” admits Jo Aynsley, head of design at Jeffreys Interiors, “but they really needn’t be off-putting.

“While highlighter pen pink might not be a liveable choice for your dining room walls, as an accent colour on cushions, candles or ornamental accessories it has serious bang for its buck. Planters and baskets are also a brilliant way to bring colour into an otherwise muted palette, as is art – you can really go wild with paintings and prints, without creating a scheme that you’ll tire of.”

Not quite ready for neons? Jewel tones are also having a moment, and as the colour trend has picked up pace, it does seem that Scottish shoppers are becoming bolder in their choices, with sofas in dramatic yellow, green and teal tones becoming an increasingly popular option.

Another area in which the break for bright is making itself known is in wallpaper, which has been making an increasingly visible comeback. While jungle and leaf print are still hugely popular, the new season sees the return of chintz, with old-fashioned floral and botanical prints, traditionally expected in muted shades, given an update in much brighter hues, or with subversive modern twists as popularised by brands such as Scotland’s acclaimed Timorous Beasties. Not a fan of a floral? Stripes, geometrics and abstract, painterly patterns are also making themselves felt.

“Bright wallpapers are really soaring in popularity at the moment and people are definitely showing a bit more

bravery in their use,” confirms Aynsley. “It used to be that customers would limit themselves to one accent wall, but we’re increasingly seeing papers going up in hallways and downstairs loos – spaces where there’s a high footfall to appreciate an injection of drama, but where you don’t spend enough time to get bored of the bold!”

Still unsure of where to start? Allow the colour wheel to be your best friend. “You can access colour wheels really easily online, and they’re a great place to start considering your options. Perhaps you already have one piece of furniture or art in mind as your inspiration. Find that colour first, and then use the wheel to identify those that will work with it,” says Aynsley.

Complementary colours sit directly opposite each other on the wheel and offer a bold pairing – red and green might sound jarring, but their more modern cousins, coral and teal, are a prime example of how opposites attract.

For a less bold, but no less bright, look, you could opt for an analogous scheme – find your base colour and then choose shades that sit near it on the wheel, using a mix of both bright and pastel shades in the same colour family.

Whichever way you go, says Aynsley, if you love the colours you choose, you’ll rarely go wrong. “Colour is such a fun and easy way to bring personality and joy into your home – and if your home can’t make you smile, what can?” The future is bright. jeffreys-interiors.co.uk

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FEATURES

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In association with Jeffreys Interiors

Big Dreams range by Elitis Rattan vase, £59

Decorative necklace on stand, £99

Raku vase, £229

GET THE LOOK

Looking to brighten up your own living space?

These bold and beautiful buys from Jeffreys Interiors will help you nail the trend…

Raku vase, £199

Ibiza Baby range by Elitis, £151 each

Magic Circus cushion by Elitis, £119

Set of three baskets, £65

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Mull of Galloway Lighthouse

Taking the low road You’ll likely have heard of the North Coast 500, but further south, its shorter but no less picturesque cousin, the South West Coastal 300, is gearing up for its turn in the limelight. Ladies and gentlemen, start your engines…

D

umfries and Galloway comes in for something of a raw deal, and it knows it – so much so, it has dubbed itself ‘the forgotten corner’ of Scotland.

While it’s also known as the gateway, attracting hordes of tourists every year as they make their way north across the border, in terms of a destination for us Scots ourselves, it’s often a late runner. Sure, we’ll head to Skye or Loch Fyne for a foodie weekend, schlep up north to bag a Munro or west to sail a loch, but Dumfries and Galloway? What’s there?

Lots, as it turns out. And while it has traditionally been less brash about blowing its own trumpet than many of Scotland’s 76 • hood

regions, content, in appearance at least, to rest on its laurels as the country’s most romantic spot (Gretna hosts a staggering 5,000 weddings a year), 2019 is the year that changes.

Indeed, Dumfries and Galloway is going on a tourism drive – pun intended – with a new focus on the South West Coastal 300, a stretch of open road that takes in some of Scotland’s most beautifully rugged coastal cliffs, spectacular sandy inlets and island vistas. Roughly circular, the road takes motorists through the magnificent Mennock Pass in the Lowther Hills on route to the coast of the Solway Firth, passing through Scotland’s Highest Village – Wanlockhead – in the process.

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Solway Firth

Gretna Green

The Solway Coast itself is host to the sort of cute villages tourists go gaga for, while the remote Mull of Galloway – Scotland’s most southerly point – offers some truly breathtaking views of the Galloway Hills, Lakeland Fells, the Isle of Man and the Mountains of Mourne.

And it’s not all about the vistas either. Known for its harbourside pubs and restaurants, Portpatrick is a laidback foodie’s dream, while wildlife fans will love seal potting at Lendalfoot.

Tired of the open road? Another huge draw for the region is the Dark Sky Observatory, set within Galloway Forest Park. Spanning a staggering 777 square kilometres of forested glens and lochs, and some of the highest hills in southern Scotland, it’s little wonder the International Dark Sky Association chose this spot as the very first in the UK to be honoured with Dark Sky Park status. With practically non-existent levels of light pollution revealing ink-black skies filled with dazzling stars, it’s a sight not to be missed.

If all that darkness leaves you craving the bright lights of big city civilisation, well, you’re probably in the wrong place. But you’ll

find more than you might expect across at the aforementioned Gretna, which is now a town well worth a visit, even if you have no intention of signing your surname away over an anvil.

The award-winning Smith’s at Gretna Green boutique hotel makes for a great overnight base, with a range of luxurious rooms and suites for both couples and families, a bustling bar restaurant, and a location right in the heart of the increasingly busy Gretna Green visitor destination where, aside from the famous Blacksmith’s Shop itself, you’ll find the acclaimed marriage museum and a host of shopping spots. Don’t leave without exploring the historic department store – it might have been going since 1974, but its selection of Harris Tweed, Johnston’s of Elgin knitwear and Cambridge Satchel Company bags has something for even the most modern shopper.

Scenery, skies and shopping? Clearly, it’s time to borrow that convertible… gretnagreen.com

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Scintillating

STOCKHOLM

Spread across 14 islands, each more picturesque than the last, Stockholm offers spectacular vistas and inspirational attractions around just about every corner. Only got 48 hours to spare? These top ten don’t-miss attractions, as picked by Laura Brown, founding partner of Lawrence Travel PR, prove there’s far more to Sweden than Billy bookcases…

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1 Stockholm is split up over several islets, known as the Archipelago, with dozens of pretty bridges – 56 to be exact – linking the larger islands. While ferries traverse the water regularly, shipping visitors from coast to coast, many of the little islands in between are privately owned. A girl can dream...

THE ROYAL PALACE One of the city’s true must-dos, The Royal Palace is set in the medieval island’s core, known as Gamla Stan, or Old Town. The Swedes shamelessly adore their royals, and this baroque-style palace, still the official residence of the country’s King and Queen, is open to the public all year round. Don’t miss the changing of the guard – their stylish blue uniforms and gold-decorated helmets make for a cracking snap while, in the summer months, the mounted parade even marches with the Music Corps through the streets of the capital. kungligaslotten.se

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MELLQVIST KAFFEBAR Swedes are known to love their fika – a sort of tea or coffee and chill, if you will – and there are few better spots to try your hand at the pastime that Mellqvist Kaffebar. A haven for design lovers and coffee addicts alike, if you want your caffeine intake to be memorable, try to get yourself a table for some people watching here.

Known by the locals as one of the best coffee houses in town, everyone from groups of work colleagues to loved up couples and dads with strollers gather here to while away a lazy hour. People take their coffee breaks seriously in Sweden and, even in this busy metropolis, time stands still when fika is consumed. Here, fine coffee is served in darling cups, alongside exceptionally good pastries. Try the saffranbullar, a sweet saffron pastry, or the cinnamon bun and you’ll surely want to return for lunch. instagram.com/mellqvistkaffebar

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SKANSTULL For those looking for a hit of nostalgia and whimsy, à la Pipi Longstocking, Södermalm’s Skanstull is the place to go. A little away from of all the hustle and bustle to the south of town, residents have turned their tiny garden lots into a cultural phenomenon. On the hillside, plots of vegetable patches known as the Colony Lot have been transformed into pocket-sized city gardens with picket fences and colourful sheds, while the narrow windy roads along the gardens lead to a park below, perfect for an early morning picnic.

4

DESIGNTORGET This modern-day museum-esque shop offers every sort of Scandi souvenir you never knew was missing from your life. From sleek ceramics to stylish glassware, densely woven textiles to the finest simplistic jewellery, everything here is made by local artisans and designers – some famous, some just discovered – all with that guileless essence we love about Swedish design.

You can easily find a major design piece for your monthly wages, but there are plenty of

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desirable small tokens too, which is what makes Designtorget such a dream. Plus, and with several locations throughout town, you’ll always find what you’re looking for. designtorget.se

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OMNIPOLLOS HAT While sampling some of Sweden’s famous meatballs is a must, a girl can’t live on köttbullar alone.

For something a little different, this funky pizza place was actually borne out of necessity – the owners wanted to open a place to serve their locally brewed beers and could only get a license in the centre of town by opening a restaurant.

Omnipollos Hat – the wizard’s hat – was the result, though the food is far from a second thought. Today, the inimitable pizza menu is as long as the list of brews, which staff love to recommend to your taste. Pizza and drinks are served inside or out, where snug wooden benches line the doorstep. Make sure to get there early – lines are easily formed in this simple eatery. Or should we say brewery? ominpolloshat.com

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ROOFTOP BAR AT THE SCANDI CONDINENTAL For evening drinks, you’ll struggle to find a better view than that from the Scandi Condinental hotel. When the clock strikes five, this place will be brimming with beautiful people, from guests enjoying a cold bubbly to locals meeting for after-work drinks. It can be chilly on this rooftop, yet when the sun is out and the wind dies down, make sure to add an extra layer of SPF – you’ll definitely stay a while. Finger foods here are yummy, there are plenty of healthy options, and the cocktail menu has a distinctly Scandinavian vibe – think aniseed and berries aplenty. Stay the night, or simply

FLYING FROM SCOTLAND Both Norwegian and SAS operate direct flights to Stockholm from Edinburgh.

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pledge to leave when the sun goes down – Swedish summer nights can last a while. scandishotels.se

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BROMS Sweden’s famous cardamon buns are a breakfast must eat, and for the best in town, head to Broms at Karlaplan.

It’s no one-trick wonder though, and if you have the time, it’s well worth sitting down for brunch on Saturday or Sunday.

Advance bookings are essential, as this is a seriously popular spot – the mix of seafood and oysters, homemade salads and international dishes is everything a brunch should be, but with a stylishly Scandinavian twist. bromskarlaplan.se

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SKANSEN Djurgården is known as the entertainment island and you’ll hear the fun and laughter from the merry-go-rounds and rides as soon as

you approach. Yet, a little further inland, modern life is forgotten in Skansen.

The historic open-air museum and petting zoo are surely worth a visit, though the beauty of this place lies in the traditionally coiffured tiny villages, made up of wooden houses and barns set among flowers and grassy meadows. Here, handicrafts and traditions – from dying sheep’s wool with flower petals to skilled woodwork – are explained by locals in traditional clothing, fully set in their role as the new inhabitants of the artisans’ homes. skansen.se

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FOTOGRAFISKA The Museum of Photography, magnificent in its own right, offers up an ever-changing roster of exhibitions and works, making it worth a wander no matter how many times you visit.

The icing on the cake, however, is lunch or dinner in the restaurant, which serves up delightful food alongside genuinely picture

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Ett Hem

postcard views. Dishes start out completely plant-based, though you can often add meat and fish elements from an evolving selection as the restaurant works seasonally with local ingredients. Afternoon drinks can be served in the outdoor bar at the entrance of Fotografiska, meanwhile, and come with a waterfront view that demands a good hour of contemplation. fotografiska.com

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KULTURHUSET Located in Stockholm’s commercial and political area, the House of Culture is a must visit, not only because of the array of finely-curated exhibitions. The square in front is the ideal place to enjoy your take-away coffee – grab a seat on the steps while taking in the famous black and white geometric shapes that have influenced so much of Swedish design. Be warned though – the Kulturhuset is being renovated at the moment so check ahead if you want to see inside.

WHERE TO STAY… Ett Hem Hotel We love a good sleep, and the stunning Ett Hem in Stockholm is a definite favourite thanks to its supremely comfortable beds. Located in Lärkstaden, the iconic heart of the city when it comes to architectural delights, the name literally means ‘a home’, and we surely felt like it was ours. Set in the style of a traditional mansion, this upscale retreat boasts design features in every nook and cranny, with impeccable attention to detail thanks to complete devotion from the staff. Food is fresh, scrumptious and filled with comfort, and the kitchen is open 24/7, making even late-night arrivals a joy. etthem.se

Story Hotels There are a few hotels under the same brand name in Stockholm, but The Story Hotel in downtown Riddargatan offers convenience, simplicity and elegance under a four-star roof.

The hotel is the perfect setting for a weekend stay, with stylish rooms where old school flair meets new chic.

There’s a touch of sophistication in the design, with a knowing wink to fashion and Scandi-architecture, but there are enough quirky details to keep things fun, making this a spot that is as unique as it is comfortable. storyhotels.com

lawrencetravelpr.com

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MANHOOD

G OR DON M IL L A R Finds joy in the journey from Manhattan to Midlothian

S

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never clearer than during the famed Dressed to Kilt fashion show, which saw Phil MacHugh launch the gorgeous new LGBT tartan kilt, and the exquisitely beautiful garments of Totty Rocks grace the catwalk.

The main focus of our Stateside adventure was the Saturday parade, and I headed to Brooklyn before 9am, where the legendary Russell Manley of Ludlow Blunt had kindly offered to trim my beard – pretty amazing considering his clients include Robert de Niro and David Beckham. Freshly groomed and feeling mighty fine, I caught the L train over to Manhattan to meet up with the rebel family. Clare’s charisma, and inherent honesty, brought dozens of her loyal backers for the #100RebelsMarch in our section of the parade.

The highlight of the day though, and in fact a highlight of my life, was to see the Grand Marshal waiting to greet at the end of the parade. As our very own national treasure, the one and only Sir Billy Connolly, raised his fist to us in response to my cry of “Rebels!”, there were emotional and passionate cheers from everyone in the Prickly Thistle family. It was a moment I will never forget.

Onward!

Gx Gordon is the founder of Scot Street Style, and can be found on Instagram @scotstreetstyle

Photo by Jeff Gilmour

itting here on the red eye flight from JFK, on my way home from the most exhilarating city on Earth, I can’t help reflecting on an absolutely extraordinary weekend.

There’s no sound quite like the dramatic drone and beats of thousands of bagpipes and drums, echoing off the skyscrapers of Manhattan as you’re escorted along 6th Avenue by the NYPD on horseback. It’s the most stirring and invigorating experience, brimming with immense pride, and feels more Scottish than anything in Scotland.

I’ve been fortunate enough to participate in the NYC Tartan Day Parade many times in recent years, and indeed, it’s what ignited my imagination and resolve to form Scot Street Style in the first place, back in 2013. Every year is unique and memorable, and the 2019 event was very special indeed, allowing me to go back to my Highland roots as an ambassador for the phenomenal Prickly Thistle.

Disrupting the tartan industry from the north of this ancient land, the inspirational Clare Campbell is leading a movement to build the first tartan weaving mill in the Highlands for 200 years.

She positively radiates authenticity and, utilising the crowdfunding model, is gathering a loyal family of like-minded rebels from all around the globe to build the mill.

There’s a natural alignment between our values, and working together is an absolute joy, only elevated by that New York energy.

Manhattan is totally overwhelming yet so familiar, I somehow feel at home there while also feeling like a kid on a mega movie set.

We know the language and culture so well, but when the garbage trucks look like Transformers, this is unmistakably America.

Our days on this year’s trip were full, wonderfully intense, with a packed schedule of networking planned to share the Prickly Thistle story with influential expats based in the USA. We attended several events in NeueHouse, a cultural and collaborative space which was very cool indeed, while the new #ScotlandIsNow campaign was on prominent display, a collaboration between the Scottish Government, Visit Scotland, Scottish Development International and our prestigious universities, aimed at putting our country at the top of everyone’s ‘now’ list. I must say I was very impressed by this progressive approach – as much as we love beautiful images of Highland Cows, it’s important we all take the lead in reinvigorating perceptions of this land, and this was

Scotland’s only handcrafted luxury Harris Tweed furniture company

To see our Luxury Harris Tweed living range visit Mozolowski & Murray’s Edinburgh Design Centre, 57 Comiston Road, Morningside, EH10 6AG. Open 7 days.

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