i-on magazine | July 2017

WIN A LUXURY SPA BREAK Retreat to the Isle of Eriska LIVING THE DREAM Getting paid to do what you love SWIMWEAR 101 Dive into our guide to poolside chic

EDINBURGH | GL A SGOW

THE FEELGOOD FACTOR Reset and refresh for summer

FEATURES

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FEATURES

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Contents

Issue 138 / July 2017

42

REGULARS

10 We Can’t Wait To… This month’s unmissable events 12 Win... A luxury spa break at Isle of Eriska 18 The Lifestyle Edit Local news in Edinburgh and Glasgow 96 Take To The Streets Leithers’ favourite summer hang-outs 98 A Day In The Life Of… Alec Farmer, owner of Trakke bags

FEATURES

36 Another Hard Day at the Office?

When the daily grind isn’t a grind 54 How Pinterest Worthy is your Pad? Emily Murray’s tricks for giving your home serious wow factor 34 He Says, She Says Two comedians explore their relationship with rage 74 Beach Body Confidence The sweat-free way to lose inches

FASHION

42 Swimwear 101 Our guide to this year’s must-have pool styles

TRAVEL

64 The Best of Both Worlds Five-star luxury meets self-catering 68 Secret Escape We’ve found your dream holiday

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BEAUTY

72 The Ageing Game Laura Wood finds a fix to staying youthful

CULTURE

78 5 Things You Need to Know About…

Regina Spektor

FOOD & DRINK

54 06

85 Berry Nice T2’s fruity tea ice pops 92 Cloud Wine Discover the best wine bars

East and West

M A K E Y O U R S TAY C A T I O N A S T Y L E C AT I O N WHETHER IT’S A CULTURE, SHOPPING, LEISURE, FAMILY OR ROMANTIC BREAK, MAKE AWARD-WINNING RADISSON BLU EDINBURGH YOUR ESCAPE. Luxury hotel on the famous Royal Mile Stylish and sophisticated bedrooms & suites Award-winning food Tranquil spa, health club and swimming pool Scottish hospitality with a 100% service guarantee Recent £12 million refurbishment

#stylecationedinburgh 80 High Street, The Royal Mile, Edinburgh, EH1 1TH Tel: +44 (0)131 473 6590 www.radissonblu.com/en/hotel-edinburgh

INTRODUCTION

I-ON THIS MONTH Summer in Scotland: so far that’s meant rain, wind, storms - ooh a sunny day! - then rain again. I might spend hours at work searching the online sales for new togs (I don’t, boss, honest) but the closest I’ve actually got to any kind of summer wardrobe is daring to wear flip flops when taking the dog out for a wee.

The lack of Vitamin D means we Scots have to be industrious when it comes to summoning up that sunny glow inside ourselves. So to help you all get there, we’ve put together this issue dedicated to finding the feelgood factor.

Wish you could go to work with a spring in your step? Be inspired by the lucky people we interviewed on page 36 who’ve bagged their dream jobs, from ballet dancer to Lego designer. Want a more immediate fix to your unseasonal mood? Leave the cheap plonk in the fridge and go in search of your local wine bar - with more and more opening their doors, there’s plenty of places to enjoy a decent glass of vino. Discover our favourites on page 92.

Morning after guilt? Work off the hangover at the gym - a quick revamp of your workout wardrobe should be enough to inspire you to get moving. Turn to page 50 for style inspiration and get ready to feel those endorphins rising.

If that all sounds too much like hard work, you could always book a last minute holiday and get thyself to a beach quicksmart. Our Swimwear 101 on page 42 will take the pain out of the necessary swimwear shopping which follows.

Of course, you don’t actually have to get on a plane to find that warm, fuzzy holiday glow - you could enjoy a luxury weekend break right here in drizzly Scotland. Don’t believe us? Turn to page 64 for the best fivestar self-catering escapes north of the border. Just add your favourite people and you won’t even care if the heavens open (trust me).

Thanks to the lovely people up at Isle of Eriska, you could even WIN a getaway - turn to page 12 to enter our competition for an extraspecial spa holiday worth £1200.

Congratulations also to last month’s competition winner Susan MacInnes who walks (or probably struts) away with a designer weekend bag from Aspinal of London. If there was ever a good excuse to book a wee holiday, surely that’s it, Susan?

Carrie Mitchell, Acting Editor

ON THE COVER: Photography: Aleksandra Modrzejewska. Model: Olivia Taylor, Colours Agency.

ionmagazineuk

ion_magazine

ion_magazine

ion_magazine

i_online

Published by Treacle Productions Ltd, Suite 9, 2 Commercial Street, Edinburgh, Scotland, EH6 6JA Tel: +44 (0)131 555 4126, Email info@ionmagazine.co.uk, www.ionmagazine.co.uk Directors Laura Cully, Jo Morris, Creative Director Paul Dickson, Editor Nicky Howden, Acting Editor Carrie Mitchell, Lifestyle Editor Susie Cormack Bruce, Contributing Editor Carine Seitz, Editorial Intern Charlotte Hulme, Digital Editorial Manager Rebecca McCosh, Account Director Amy Falconer, Account Manager Michelle Clancy, Head of Creative Solutions and Brand Development Zoe Schmid, Business Development Manager Amanda Southey, Finance Manager Cath Tait, Traffic and Distribution Manager Becky Conway, Head of Photography Susie Lowe, Contributors Siri Elise Dybdal, Nicky Howden, Aleksandra Modrzejewska, Emily Murray, David Pollock, Cat Thomson All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. All prices correct at time of going to press but are subject to change. i-on magazine cannot be responsible for unsolicited material. The views and opinions by contributors in this magazine may not represent the views of the publishers. i-on magazine takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisements in this publication. i-on is a trademark of Treacle Productions. ©Treacle Productions Ltd 2017.

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TOWER TERRACE

is open

Marking the start of summer with our new seafood and Champagne menu Open all day from 10am until 11pm, 7 days a week

“Exquisite oyster and shellfish” THE NEW YORK TIMES

THE TOWER Tower Restaurant 5th floor, National Museum of Scotland Chambers Street, Edinburgh www.tower-restaurant.com

WE CAN’T WAIT TO… The i-on team shares their must-dos this month

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Photo byJohn Devlin

Build our own burgers “Fresh from the States, LA Restaurant The Counter has brought its baps to Glasgow. As the first of its kind to open over here in the UK, the build-as-you-go gourmet burgers come with pairings such as shakes, fries, onion rings, beers and a checklist-style clipboard menu that lists endless possible burger combinations.

Sounds like a good reason to visit many, many times.”

Susie Cormack Bruce, Lifestyle Editor

2 10

Be constructive “I’ll be indulging the frustrated architect inside me at the world’s only Architecture Fringe festival taking place across Edinburgh and Glasgow this month. Noteworthy events include Taxi, a project which brings together a taxi driver, an architect and a member of the public to try to find some common ground and Test Unit, an exhibition of the work designed and built during this year’s Agile City summer school (pictured).”

Tickets and a full programme can be found at architecturefringe.com.

Paul Dickson, Creative Director

3 Drink (more) gin!

Put the words ‘gin’ and ‘festival’ together and I’m sold. The Gleneagles Gin Festival from Friday 04 to Sunday 06 August will showcase all the best Scottish craft gin with tastings, cocktails, great food and a whole lot of fun thrown in. There’s even gin ice lollies.

And entry is FREE. See you there.” For more information, visit gleneagles.com.

Carine Seitz, Contributing Editor.

NEWS

Photo by Toby Knott

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Going Up WIMBLEDON-WATCHING While Murray is busy defending his championship, we’ll all be glued to the box. If he takes this one, he’ll be the first British man to win the tournament three times since the legendary Fred Perry. Come on Andy!

Get Vogue-d up “I’ve had a style crush on Vogue’s fashion director Lucinda Chambers since the days I used to deliver her mail as a lowly work experience on the mag – so when I heard she’d collaborated with John Lewis on a personally curated collection of womenswear, I knew it was time for a wardrobe overhaul. For a personal styling appointment based on the ‘Vogue Recommends’ edit, simply call the Edinburgh (0131 556 9121) or Glasgow branches (0141 353 6677) to book.”

Carrie Mitchell, Acting Editor

PERFORMING POOCHES Think your four-legged friend has got skills? Legally Blonde The Musical is hunting for brutish cast member Rufus so if you’ve got a beauty of a bulldog at home, get them spruced up for auditions on 17 July.

DAIQUIRIS Celebrate World Daquiri Day on 19 July at Glasgow’s Bo’Vine Restaurant, which is offering Two Smokey Daiquiris and a 20oz deluxe mixed grill to share between two for £30.

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Barometer Going Down STUDIO 24 After 22 years showing Edinburgh how to party hard, the underground instituition has sadly closed its doors leaving the city’s clubbers wondering where to get their dance on now.

POLITICS Post general election fiasco and constant nonsense from camp Trump State-side, we’re ready to take a break from campaigns and controversy.

Reach new heights “I’ve decided to take my love of flying to new heights by joining the Red Arrows (not literally) at the 60th anniversary of Scotland’s National Air Show on 22 July at East Fortune Airfield. Lest you get a crick in the neck, there’s also entertainment at ground level including the National Museum of Flight’s Concorde Experience.

Tickets can be bought online at nms.ac.uk.”

Charlotte Hulme, Editorial Intern

SILLY SLIDERS Possibly the most ridiculous shoe ‘trend’ of them all, the pool slider gives us soggy toes, chilly heels and filthy feet. And don’t even get us started on the furry variety.

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I-ON PRIZES

WIN A LUXURY SPA BREAK AT ISLE OF ERISKA

L

ocated on a private island off the west coast of Scotland, Isle of Eriska offers five-star luxury, Michelin star cuisine, an ESPA spa and golf course in the midst of 300 acres of stunning Highland scenery.

The resort’s new Hilltop Reserves, situated a few minutes walk from the main hotel, overlook incredible views of Loch Creran and onto the beautiful island of Lismore and beyond. Each Hilltop Reserve is individually designed and has ample space for two adults to relax in seclusion on the private island. They are fully equipped, luxury selfcatering properties perfect for a restorative break.

THE PRIZE Isle of Eriska Hotel are offering i-on readers the chance to win a three-night self-catering stay worth £1,200 in a

Hilltop Reserve for two adults. As well as unrivalled views and secluded luxury at its best, each guest will be treated to a relaxing neck, back and shoulder massage and full use of the island’s leisure facilities, including the swimming pool, driving range and golf course.

TO ENTER For a chance to win, visit ionmagazine.co.uk by 21 July 2017 and leave your details. The winner will be notified by email and announced in the August issue of i-on.

For more exclusive prizes subscribe to the i-on weekly newsletter at www.ionmagazine.co.uk.

Terms and conditions: The competition prize must be pre-booked and is not transferrable. Not valid over Public and Bank Holidays including Christmas and New Year. Must be taken by 24 December 2017.

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FEATURES

Celebrating 20 years at the forefront of fashion.

Places available for September start.

MSc International Fashion Marketing gives you the chance to research and develop fashion for the future. We’ll help you achieve your goals by developing creative and practical skills for a successful career in this exciting industry.

Study at GCU gcu.ac.uk/fashion

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VOTING CLOSES MONDAY 10 JULY!

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

H

urry, hurry, hurry… if you haven’t voted yet in our inaugural Breakthrough Awards, there’s still time left to do so.

We’ve had an incredible response from i-on readers so far who have voted in their thousands, tens of thousands to be more precise, and we’re not surprised given the calibre of entries. We’ve managed to tap into a hotbed of talent in Edinburgh and Glasgow who, if they aren’t already on your radar, they should be soon.

Find out all about them at ionmagazine.co.uk/awards and vote by Monday 10 July to be in with a chance of winning a magnum of Reserve Taittinger Champagne, courtesy of Vino Wines.

HOW TO VOTE: • Check out the Breakthrough Awards page at ionmagazine.co.uk/awards for the full shortlist and more information about each entrant.

• Choose your finalists from some or all the categories (there are biogs to help you out).

• Vote.

• As a thank you for taking the time, we’ll enter all voters into a prize draw to win a magnum of Reserve Taittinger Champagne, courtesy of Vino Wines.

• Voting closes at 5pm on Monday 10 July.

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Now Available:

House of Fraser 45 Buchanan Street Glasgow 0141 221 3880 xt 3102

Nasty P’s

Edinburgh The hip hop DJ/Producer on making music and skating up a storm in the capital

You were born and bred in Edinburgh. Have you always loved it? Once I’d travelled, I learned to appreciate the city more. It has the perfect balance of culture and art but also a sense of heritage and some amazing architecture. Plus, on every street you can see a tree — that’s got to be a good thing.

It seems an unlikely place to produce a hip hop DJ. How did you get into music?

Music was always prevalent growing up as my dad was part of The Incredible String Band. I got into the hip hop scene through skateboarding. I used to watch skate videos which would have certain songs in them that got me amped up to go out and try crazy tricks.

What do you think of the music scene in Edinburgh? It could be a little more forward thinking but there’s always something to see and do. I run a lot of nights showcasing hip hop acts at great venues like The Bongo Club, The Liquid Room, Cabaret Voltaire, and Sneaky Pete’s. And I love deejaying at Bramble as they let me mix things up on the turntable.

Who’s your musical icon? If I had to say one, then Quincy Jones. He has been relevant through so many decades from Frank Sinatra to Michael Jackson. He is a genius.

What’s next for you? I’m currently promoting my new E.P. — Nasty P No Tellin — and the response has been great. I will be deejaying Cabaret Voltaire, The Voodoo

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99 Hanover Street

lifestyle_EDINBURGH

“

Edinburgh’s best bits

TO PARAPHRASE TRUMP, WE NEED TO ‘MAKE BRISTO SKATE AGAIN’” Rooms, Bramble, Paradise Palms, 99 Hanover Street, The Bongo Club and a bunch more places with some decent supports too.

Where’s your favourite area in the city?

I’m going to go with Bristo Square. It was a skate haven until it was closed for renovations and it’s looking like it will be ready within a couple of weeks so I’m optimistic it will be skateable again. To paraphrase Trump, we need to “make Bristo skate again”.

Where would you take visitors to show them the real Edinburgh? Riding or walking along the cycle paths stopping at Stockbridge, the Union Canal, Fountainbridge and Leith.

The Shore on a decent day is pretty nice.

Coffee Loudons Drinks with the lads 99 Hanover Street or Paradise Palms Date night The Cameo cinema Pizza Civerinos Posh nosh Dishoom Cheap eats Ting Thai Caravan Sunday brunch The Olive Branch Bistro Chilling out Safari Lounge

Favourite thing about summer in Edinburgh?

The whole city lights up and everybody comes out to play.

Nasty P’s new E.P is available on iTunes and vinyl. Visit richmundi.com or follow him on twitter.com/nastypbeats or facebook.com/nastypbeats/

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EDINBURGH_lifestyle

EDINBURGH FESTIVAL SPIRIT There are plenty of cultural celebrations to keep you entertained until the Fringe kicks off next month. Here’s our pick of the capital’s best fests for July...

FOR JAZZ-FANS: The sultriest and sexiest festival of them all, the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival swings into town from 14 -23 July. Jools Holland and his Rhythm and Blues Orchestra play Saturday 22, with other artists including Nashville based old-soul jazz singer Kandace Springs and The Blind Boys of Alabama.

Personally, we love the weekend of 15 and 16 July when the Grassmarket transforms into a mini New Orleans on Saturday for the fun and fabulous Mardi Gras, followed

by Sunday’s carnival parade starting at the Mound at 2.30pm. For more info, visit edinburghjazzfestival.com.

FOR FOODIES: Edinburgh Food Festival is back for the third year from 26-30 July, to dish up more tasty treats, foodie talks and scrumptious street food.

‘Eat Mhor’, a six course tasting menu from Tom Lewis, chef/proprietor of Monachlye Mhor hotel, is one of the many events that celebrates the best of Scotland’s food and drink in style. For more information, visit edfoodfest.com.

FOR ART LOVERS: Over on Dundas Street, one of The Fine Art Society’s stand-out Festival exhibitions Ornis Logos will be showing (27 July – 27 August). Centred around the theme of birds, the beautiful exhibition showcases a group of Scottish painters, taxidermy artists and designers.

Taking centre stage is a collection of one-off pieces by Glasgow’s Timorous Beasties - famed for their irreverent and unconventional wallpaper and textile designs - which will decorate the gallery’s walls and stairwell. For more information and a full rundown, visit fasedinburgh.com.

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SPONSORED FEATURE

XCHANGE HANDBAGS & ESSENTIALS All our items are Pre-Loved...

Ready to be Re-Loved

MONEY-MAKING HOMES How Airsorted can help you get the best from the Fest

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Bring in your items for 50/50 resale Edinburgh’s Premier Designer Pre-Loved Outlet

20 Montagu Terrace,Edinburgh, EH3 5QR Tel: 0131 552 8103

f you’ve booked your summer holiday for August, you couldn’t have picked a better time. It’s Edinburgh’s busiest month and the perfect time to rent out your home to Festival-goers via Airsorted.

The city welcomes thousands of visitors in August, all eager to experience the world-class entertainment on offer during the day and find a home-from-home at night. That’s where Airsorted steps in and turns your empty home into a nice little earner for you.

Airsorted makes the process super simple - taking care of bookings and check-ins, and vetting guests to ensure your property is in safe hands. They also organise professional cleaning and provide 24 hour on-call support.

All you have to do is pack your bags, hand over your keys and enjoy your holiday while you make money.

As a result, you might be able to treat yourself to another holiday even sooner than you think.

To find out how Airsorted could manage your property, call 0131 332 1009 or visit www.airsorted.uk/edinburgh.

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EDINBURGH_lifestyle

A VERY FASHIONABLE FEAST For a slap-up meal with a side of style, get yourself along to Harvey Nichols where it’s summer on a plate on the ‘Wine, Dine & Sunshine’ menu.

Three tasty courses accompanied by a Grey Goose Le Grand Fizz or Bombay Sapphire Mint & Ginger cocktail is £22 in the Forth Floor brasserie or £33 in the restaurant. To see the full menu, visit harveynichols.com or call 0131 524 8350 to book.

The coolest hut in town Could this be the city’s best-kept secret?

We’re already fans of The Blackbird in Tollcross but it’s the bit out back that we’ve fallen in lust with this summer. In a collaboration with Bombay Sapphire gin, the outdoor bar, now under its new name, The Gin Hut, is serving up a special menu of gin cocktails inspired by Indian summers (we’re hopeful too). Mango and Cardamom fizz?

Don’t mind if we do. Whilst you sip, be sure to check out the handsome murals, drawn freehand by graffiti artist and illustrator Mr Doodle, and a nod to the summer of gin collaboration in his own unique way. Open seven days a week from 10am till 10pm.

The Blackbird, 37-39 Leven St, EH3 9LH, theblackbirdedinburgh.co.uk

SUNDAY FUNDAY Boozy brunches are becoming quite the thing and one that’s hard to beat is the new ‘Sunday Brunch at The Balmoral’ at Hadrian’s Brasserie. For just £30, you can choose from the à la carte menu, make as many trips as you like to the gorgeous buffet spread, and enjoy free flowing Bloody Marys and Prosecco, noon to 3pm.

To make a reservation, email hadrians.balmoral@ roccofortehotels.com or call 0131 557 5000.

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SPONSORED FEATURE

Edinburgh’s premier luxury shopping street SASSOON SALON Introducing the new Smart Bond service for softer, stronger, shinier coloured hair. The revolutionary new treatment is designed to protect your hair during colouring, leaving you with stronger, healthier looking hair. Perfect for those considering a colour change this summer.

Available at Sassoon salon for £35.

HARVEY NICHOLS The denim jacket is an undeniable style staple and this one ticks all the boxes. The Our Legacy jacket has a cool and contemporary Americana vibe - a key trend to look out for in AW17. Available at Harvey Nichols Edinburgh for £285, this jacket will see you right through to the next season and beyond.

JOJO MAMAN BÉBÉ The weather’s hotting up so pop into JoJo Maman Bébé where you’ll find everything you need for keeping your little ones safe in the sun. Their twopiece swimsuits with zip backs, £22, give UPF 50+ protection and are 98% effective in blocking UVA rays. Complete the look with a sun protection hat, £12, and head straight to the beach.

MULBERRY The Amberley, £650, is inspired by classic countryside pursuits, with a traditional satchel shape and ring hardware providing a nod to that timeless equestrian look. The iconic Mulberry postman’s lock has been given a bold reinterpretation for a modern edge making this the must-have multi-functional bag of the season.

LUXURY FASHION BRANDS THE DEFINITION OF LUXURY SHOPPING

Harvey Nichols Louis Vuitton Burberry Michael Kors Mulberry BOSS Nespresso Links of London Tommy Hilfiger Castle Fine Art Kurt Geiger Pandora North America Travel Service Swarovski Bravissimo & Pepperberry Sassoon Salon Coach JoJo Maman Bébé The Pen Shop Reiss Caffè Nero Boots Valvona & Crolla VinCaffè Tesla

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

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EDINBURGH_lifestyle

WOMAN MISUNDERSTOOD Double Mercury Award-winning diva PJ Harvey is bringing her material new and old to the Edinburgh Playhouse on 07 and 08 August. With her first record cited by Kurt Cobain as one of his top 20 favourites of all time, she is quite the unmissable act.

And it’s not just her music you could describe as quirky and interesting...

She’s not a fan of shaving… PJ Harvey is renowned for her displays of armpit hair - 1992’s NME cover of the star revealed her unshaven pits, as did her album cover of 4 Track Demos.

She’s a woman of many talents… Despite music being her primary focus, PJ Harvey is also a talented actress and sculptor. Her most noteworthy appearance was as a modern-day Mary Magdalene in 1998 film The Book of Life.

She’s quite the enigma… The artist claims that people often misunderstand her. “People have specific ideas of what I am – some kind of axe-wielding, man-eating Vampira – and I’m not that at all. I’m almost the complete opposite”, she says.

She’s politically controversial… Her latest album, The Hope Six Demolition Project, was released in 2015 and is her ninth album to date. In it, she has a lot to say about recent scenes of conflict, Afghanistan, Kosovo and Washington DC. To book tickets for the gigs at the Playhouse, Tel: 0131 473 2000 or visit eif.co.uk

ALL A-BOARD With ‘bottle-of-wine-and-acharcuterie-board’ the phrase du jour for relaxed weekend grazing, we know our finger-on-pulse readers will appreciate the opportunity to have both for just £25 at The Caley Sample Room. To take advantage of the offer which saves you £12 on the normal price at the Merchiston stalwart, Tel: 0131 337 7204 and quote i-on when booking.

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SPONSORED FEATURE

THE TRUMPET SHOP The new wine and art boutique making a noise on George Street

V

intage artwork, reclaimed cinema seats and a theatrical soundtrack set the scene. Stepping into The Trumpet Shop is like stepping back in time – a time of impeccable taste and indulgence.

George Street’s newest addition brings together fine wine and inspiring artwork, with special tasting sessions and everchanging exhibitions to suit even the most sophisticated of palates.

VINTAGE MENU ART Currently on show is The Art of the Cocktail, 1930s-1950s, in collaboration with Love Menu Art, a New York company that specialises in vintage menu prints. If you like what you see, you can take home a piece. Prices start at just £18 for an unframed print, or from £48 framed.

WINE If you have a nose for quality, take a grand tour of Italy.

The current boutique selection of wines at The Trumpet Shop has a distinctly Italian flavour with prices from £10 a bottle. Look out for other carefully curated collections coming soon. Modern classics such as Malbec, Prosecco and New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc are also available.

CHAMPAGNE Toast a special occasion with a bottle of Billecart Salmon Champagne from the family-owned Champagne house that’s been producing fine fizz for over 200 years. Prices from £42 per bottle.

GIFTS GIN Browse and sample a handpicked selection of gin, many distilled right here in Scotland. Prices start at £32.

If you’re looking to treat someone, choose from locally ground coffee, truffle oil, aged balsamic vinegar and more.

Top of our wishlist is the hardback book, On the Menu by Nicholas Lander, a history of the menu and its importance as ‘the world’s favourite piece of paper, available for £30.

46a George St, Edinburgh, EH2 2LE, Tel: 0131 226 5336, www.thetrumpetshop.co.uk

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EDINBURGH_lifestyle

AN AWFY BONNIE DAY OOT

Fancy teaching the kids a little about our history? Don’t miss Bonnie Prince Charlie and the Jacobites, the largest exhibition on the Jacobites for over 70 years, which has just opened at the National Museum of Scotland. Rare treasures from The Vatican and the Royal Collection are on display for the first time in the United Kingdom, including this striking portrait of the Young Pretender, on loan from the Queen herself. Runs until 12 November 2017. Admission is £10 for adults, £7 for children, and free for under 12s. For full ticketing information, visit www.nms.ac.uk/jacobites

FIT FOR A RABBLE After more than 10 years as go-to city centre boutique hotel, Frederick Street’s Ricks was put to bed only to re-emerge last month as Rabble. Billed as a ‘low and slow taphouse’, it proclaims to serve food slow cooked on an open fire pit, and unpasterurised Staropramen from copper tanks direct from Prague. While this might conjure up images of something a bit er, manly, the reality is a bright, airy, plant-filled space replete with marble table tops and azure upholstery. Taking it’s name from the rabble-rousing spirit of Prince Frederick, son of King George II (keep up), Rabble promises good company, feasting and great times.

Tel: 0131 622 7800. rabbleedinburgh.co.uk

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BEER NECESSITIES What do you mean you haven’t heard of Belgian National Day? Well, you have now: 21 July is also the launch date for a Belgianinspired micro-festival set to take place at the New Waverley Arches. Brought by Belgian beer Heverlee, the pop-up festival will fuse Scottish and Belgian cultures with an eclectic mix of music programmed by Firecracker Recordings featuring Charlie Bones, Linkwood and Éclair Fifi, as well as food from street market The Pitt (think moules et frites, and Belgian waffles) and live street art in the way of one-off murals commissioned by artist Fraser Gray of Shutter Project fame. Heverlee at New Waverley, 21-23 July. See heverlee.com for details.

Frontiers Woman NEW STORE

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SS17 SALE NOW ON / PRE-AUTUMN IN STORE

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EDINBURGH_lifestyle

IT’S ALL HAPPENING IN LEITH…

Port O’Leith

The Salvation of Leith

Quay Commons

With one new opening after another, the waterfront is the place to be this month. Following a speedy revamp, the notorious Port O’ Leith has re-opened and has been transformed into quite the hipster hangout. Round the corner on the Shore, The Salvation of Leith has launched in the former The Leith Beer Co, offering an American-inspired menu alongside a huge selection of craft beer. Just up the street, what once was V-Deep is now Harmonium – the city’s newest vegan hotspot and the first East-side venture from the people behind Glasgow’s Mono, The 78 and Stereo. Fans of Relish deli will be pleased to hear it’s doubled in size having moved into bigger premises next door on Commercial Street. And on Commercial Quay, two interesting new eateries have opened. First, there’s Black Pig & Oyster, an Iberian restaurant specialising in contemporary tapas and shellfish. And most recently, there’s Quay Commons: a bakery, bar, gathering space and extension of Edinburgh restaurant Gardener’s Cottage where you can enjoy light meals and boutique wines (sold at off-licence prices). With the builders also hard at work inside both the former Bernards Bar on Bernard Street and where Leith Gallery once stood on the Shore, it seems there’s more to come too. Watch this space…

Congratulations to… …Edinburgh’s Development Direct who have triumphantly walked away with the biggest gong at the annual kitchen awards held in London. Creative Director Colin Wong was thrilled to be presented with the UK’s Best Kitchen Showroom Award by Irish actor James Nesbitt who was on hosting duties at the swanky ceremony. What a Lucky Man (…get it?!).

If you’re thinking of a kitchen makeover, pay a visit to the award-winning showroom on Dalry Road – apparently it’s pretty special. Tel: 0131 337 2579; developmentdirect.co.uk

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CATCH A GIG AT THE CASTLE

Edinburgh Castle as a gig venue, we like. This month it’s hosting concerts by Emeli Sande, Olly Murs, Deacon Blue, and Wet Wet Wet let’s just hope the weather doesn’t go the same way. For tickets, visit edinburghcastle.gov.uk (and take a brolly).

lifestyle_EDINBURGH

THE SHOPPING FORECAST Things are looking bright on Edinburgh’s retail scene giving us even more reason to hit the shops. All Saints have quickly filled the space formerly occupied by French Connection on the corner of George Street and Frederick Street, so now there’s far more room for their gorgeous collections (and no queues for the fitting rooms). Over on Multrees Walk, New York label Coach has opened a sleek new store bringing their chic collection of bags, luggage and clothing to the capital. If beauty’s your bag, get down to Princes Street where Italian brand KIKO Milano have opened a two-storey mecca for makeup addicts with over 1400 products in the range and every colour imaginable, so you won’t leave empty handed. For those of you who love an emporium of stylish clothes, pay a visit to the new Bruntsfield branch of Biscuit, now up and running in addition to their original store on Thistle Street.

While West End boutique Frontiers have moved into much bigger premises right next door to their original shop on Stafford Street, meaning a larger selection of carefully curated fashion and quality knitwear, as well as dedicated shoe and jean rooms. Suits us!

FEATURES

H liday

NOW EXHIBITING AT

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Krysty Wilson-Cairns’

living writing films though.

It’s my dream. I was so thrilled when Edinburgh International Film Festival appointed me screenwriter-in-residence too — recognition in your homeland is really touching.

Should more films be made in Scotland? Of course! 30 minutes from Glasgow we have dramatic scenery that would cost a Hollywood visual effects department millions to create. Scotland’s landscape is full of riches and we have world class filmmakers and production teams.

Glasgow

The award-winning screenwriter on growing up in the Southside and working with Spielberg

Being a screenwriter sounds exciting. How did you get into that? The TV show Taggart used to film at Go Diesel in Govan where my dad worked, and when I was 15, he got me work experience on set. I loved it from the get-go.

Where would we have seen your work? My biggest projects were adapting The Voyeur’s Motel for Sam Mendes and Steven Spielberg, and the project I’m currently working on, an adaptation of NY Times bestseller The Good Nurse (a true story of America’s most prolific serial killer). I also wrote two episodes of Penny Dreadful and I’m working on another film with Sam Mendes, which I’m not sure if I’m allowed to talk about yet…

How has growing up in Glasgow influenced your work? I grew up in Shawlands in the Southside. It’s packed full of nice parks and green spaces and has a lovely community spirit, full of people from all walks of life.

Being exposed to the city’s culture really ignited an interest in the world and a desire to be creative. And I wouldn’t be where I am without having studied at Craigholme and The Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.

Describe a typical day in the office.

Occasionally I’m somewhere exciting, like on set, or in LA or New York. Mostly though, it’s me, in my flat, on my own, in front of my laptop. I still can’t believe I make a

Glasgow’s best bits

Where in Glasgow deserves a shout out? The ‘Clockwork Orange’ (AKA Glasgow’s subway system) is small but perfectly formed and the staff are always friendly. So much better than the tubes in London.

Sum up Glasgow in three words: Vibrant, exciting, warm (the people, not the place.)

The Blythswood Hotel Spa

For a date Glasgow Film Theatre, then Two Fat Ladies.

Clubbing The Buff Club Dinner with pals The Finnieston Coffee Spill The Beans Walk Pollok Estate Pamper The Blythswood Hotel Spa Shopping Merchant City

te

Pollok Esta

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GLASGOW_lifestyle

GLASGOW TAKE THREE

Summer Cocktails Summer without cocktails is like Take That without Robbie — good, but there’s definitely something missing. To ensure there’s no void in your liquid refreshment, we’ve asked three of our favourite city cocktail spots for their summer sipping recommendations

Gin Basil Fix “This is a lovely fresh cocktail from our new menu. Mixed from Hendrick’s gin, crème de poire, lemon juice, sugar and Thai basil, it’s zesty and fresh and a great drink al fresco. Thai basil leans more towards anise than its European cousin and so cosies up with the notes from the gin and pear liqueur.” Conor Jones, head bartender, Blythswood Square Hotel

Sierra Madre “For me, the ultimate summer cocktail would be a Sierra Madre, which takes its inspiration from the mountains it’s named after. A blend of earthy basil and smoky mescal mixed with the delicate citrus of lime and gentiane de lure, along with pineapple oleo and finished with the welcome bitterness of amaro.”

Barry Oates, co-owner, Kelvingrove Café

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Customised Champagne “Our drink of choice at Hutchesons is always Champagne and Veuve Clicquot’s Rich is perfect for sunshine days. It’s got a gorgeous sweetness that blends beautifully as a cocktail with the likes of pineapple, cucumber, even silver-leaf tea.

Personally, I’d suggest trying it with freshly sliced Scottish strawberries and a liberal helping of ice.”

Louise Rusk, co-owner, Hutchesons

Noodle Bar

WEEKDAY EXPRESS LUNCH FROM ONLY ÂŁ5.95*

Simple and nutritious Japanese food in the heart of Glasgow; from noodles and rice to bento boxes, sushi, tempura and kushiyaki. Sit-in or takeaway.

We are just a two minute walk away from George Square and Queen Street rail station.

52 Queen Street Glasgow G1 3DS 0141 204 4200 www.ichiban.co.uk

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* Set menu. Offer not available during public holidays and over the festive period. Terms & conditions apply. See website for details.

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GLASGOW_lifestyle

A LITTLE BIRDIE SAYS… …that the visually spectacular production of La Cage Aux Folles arriving at the Kings Theatre 25-29 July is no drag and well worth digging out your feather boa for. Starring EastEnders’ John Partridge, and Broadway actor and former TJ Hooker star Adrian Zmed, tickets are priced from £16.15. atgtickets.com

TALKING ABOUT

Chanting Picture the scene: you’re sitting cross-legged in a circle amongst strangers, eyes closed, chanting ‘OM’ continuously for an hour. Nope, you’re not at a Goan retreat, you’re at Merchant City Yoga, where Bhakti Marga host free chanting classes. For those who find meditation too tricky, and mindfulness too time-consuming, chanting offers a way to help balance the pressures of modern life and reconnect with the ‘inner self’. It helps that nothing has to be taught or practiced, you just focus on the sound vibrations in your body as well as the other voices om-ing along with you. Does it feel weird? Well yes, but only for a few minutes, and the sense of relaxation and peace that follows makes up for the self-conscious start. See bhaktimarga.co.uk for details.

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DARK SIDE EXPERIENCE Pink Floyd’s seminal album, The Dark Side of the Moon, in surround sound, and a mesmerising show of visualisations projected across the Science Centre’s planetarium dome sound like an out-of-this-world kind of night to us. We’re not the only ones either. Tickets for the first 22 shows sold out fast so be quick off the mark to get your hands on tickets for the newly added dates in July and August, on sale now. Tickets for The Dark Side of the Moon: The Fulldome Experience at Glasgow Science Centre are £17, plus booking fee, at glasgow-sciencecentre.ticketlight.co.uk.

(RE)TURNING JAPANESE There was a resounding groan around the city centre when Yo! left House of Fraser so there was a huge cheer when the popular sushi and Japanese street food eatery opened its new city centre spot on the site of the old Pizza Hut on West George Street — ‘the’ street for Japanese and fusion eats with the neighbouring Wagamama and Nippon Kitchen.

DESIGN SALE NOW ON SAVE UP TO 40% (Limited time only)

Save up to 40% on ex-display and clearance models plus save 15% on selected sofas, coffee tables, dining and rugs.

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HE SAYS, SHE SAYS COULD ANGER ACTUALLY BE GOOD FOR US? TWO COMEDIANS EXPLORE THEIR RELATIONSHIP WITH RAGE

John Robins on why he’s mostly angry at himself…

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Photo by Idil Sukan

I

don’t think of myself as an angry person, and I certainly don’t get angry with people to their face, I’ve probably lost my temper with someone maybe twice in the last decade.

That said, bad driving / cycling makes me so angry. I once saw a cyclist in central London, at night, no lights, no reflective clothing, no helmet, NO HANDS, TEXTING ON HIS PHONE!!! I need several levels of capitals to express quite how exasperated I get with stuff like that.

I think the vast majority of anger is born out of fear or love, either that or it’s other feelings that haven’t been properly expressed and they come out sideways, and almost always at the wrong person. Anger also petrifies me, I go shaky if someone’s shouting at me, or someone else, or a bin, or anything really.

Most of the time when I get angry it’s with myself, and even if some twerp on public transport is bugging me, I’m actually annoyed at myself for not being more chilled out about loud music or shrill YouTube videos.

I get really angry about a lady who walks her barking dog past my bedroom window at seven o clock in the f**king morning. I lie in bed, heart racing, thinking “Just walk your dog a bit later, you idiot! Or not past houses! Or stop it barking! It’s a Sunday for Christ’s sake!” But when I once went out to say something, I ended up mumbling and equivocating and then apologising for interrupting her walk.

Comedically I’m exploring how angry I can get with myself onstage. It’s a fine line because some of the things I’d say to my friends to make them laugh, can make an audience wince. For example, it’s a running joke that my answer to everything is “I’m

“IF SOME TWERP ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT IS BUGGING ME, I’M ACTUALLY ANNOYED AT MYSELF FOR NOT BEING MORE CHILLED OUT”

gonna f**king kill myself”, if the bar we’re in doesn’t have any nice beer or a train is five minutes late, but say that offhand to an audience and it can leave them thinking “is he alright?!” No need to worry, if I was actually going to kill myself that joke about wanting to kill myself wouldn’t be so well-rendered. If you see what I mean?

Catch a slice of Robin’s rage at his upcoming Fringe show The Darkness of Robins at The Pleasance from 02 to 27 August. edfringe.com

OPINION

Lucy Porter on why she wants to learn to let the anger out...

I

’d always thought my parents had the perfect marriage; they never argued and snuggled up on the sofa most nights with a bar of Fry’s Turkish Delight to watch Coronation Street.

When dad died last year and mum came to live with us, I wanted her to be happy so for her first night at ours I got the Turkish Delight ready and tuned in to ITV at 7.30. But mum batted away the chocolate, turned the TV off and said “I hate sweet things, and Coronation Street is so boring.” It turned out she’d spent the last 50 years of her life doing what my dad wanted in order to avoid upset. Left to her own devices, she’d rather drink white wine and watch grisly crime documentaries.

Suddenly, I realised that I too have always gone along with what other people want in order to avoid ‘making a scene’. I never rise to provocation, and don’t get into arguments, no matter how mean people are to me. Online interactions allow some people to express their aggression, but when I clashed with fans of Formula 1 racing, Leo Sayer and the death penalty on social media, I didn’t stand and fight.

Although I’m inherently peaceful by nature, I’ve realised recently that sometimes you have to argue for what you believe in.

David Cameron was too scared to address the

“WHEN I CLASHED WITH FANS OF FORMULA 1 RACING, LEO SAYER AND THE DEATH PENALTY ON SOCIAL MEDIA, I DIDN’T STAND AND FIGHT”

conflict within his own party, so he called a referendum that sent an entire continent into chaos. If I’d only challenged my husband on his method of loading the dishwasher at the start of our relationship, it wouldn’t have turned in to such a bitter source of anger now.

So I am trying to be more open to conflict and work out what I really want to fight for. It turns out that, like my mum, I mostly want to drink white wine and watch TV shows about murder. If only David Cameron had chosen the same path, we might not be in our current mess.

Lucy brings her conflict to the Fringe in her new show Choose Your Battles at the Pleasance Courtyard from 02 to 27 August. edfringe.com

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ANOTHER HARD DAY

at the office?

Carine Seitz meets three of the lucky few for whom ‘a job’ means doing the thing they love the most and getting paid for it

36

FEATURES

Going on holiday for a living might sound like the impossible dream, but it’s not. Meet The Sunday Times Travel Magazine’s Lucy Thackray...

I

worked hard to get my job. First, I did an English Literature BA, then interned at Elle, Red and Glamour before doing a Postgraduate Diploma in journalism.

My first job was junior content manager on websites for British Airways' magazines High Life and Business Life (uploading travel articles, reviewing hotels, running holiday competitions), before moving up to digital editor.

I got commissioning editor at The Sunday Times Travel Magazine three years later.

I know how lucky I am. I pinch myself when I'm pottering somewhere gorgeous and remember it's Wednesday, I'm working, and most people are at a desk.

But it is work, honest — I do three to four times more than holidaymakers so I can confidently say this is the tour to take, brunch to book, beach to visit. Admittedly, I also get to stay at hotels like Dubai’s One & Only The Palm, Palais Namaskar in Marrakesh, and Tokyo’s Mandarin Oriental.

Choosing a favourite destination is almost impossible. You can’t compare high-octane When you're New York or Tokyo with serene tropical travelling, always islands like Bali or Maui. I loved Japan: it base yourself was endlessly intriguing, completely alien somewhere busy, yet beautiful, and with such hospitable but explore. Stay people. I immediately wanted to go back. at Hawaii's Waikiki Not everywhere I have to go is the dream Beach but take the destination. It's controversial, but I’ve 55 bus to secret never understood Paris. I've never found a beaches and jungly hotel I loved; the service is aloof at best; it's bits around the east quite rough and ready, and nice sights are and north coast. In completely overwhelmed by crowds.

Bali, car transfers I still look forward to holidays. It's a are a bargain – go luxury to just relax and go at my own pace, dolphin watching not having to see a certain museum or note and see coffee every course at dinner. My latest was to the plantations in the Maldives, where I swam, snoozed, and read. hills of Lovina. Or It's not all perfect. I'm not a great flyer stay in Stockholm, and wish I could sleep through but I find but take the ferry to flights loud, uncomfortable, and I hate Grinda Island’s pine turbulence. I've tried lavender balms, herbal forests and quiet sleeping pills and every eye-mask going. rocky beaches.

TOP TIP

“I PINCH MYSELF WHEN I’M POTTERING SOMEWHERE GORGEOUS AND REMEMBER IT’S WEDNESDAY, I’M WORKING, AND MOST PEOPLE ARE AT A DESK”

37

FEATURES

“

MY 10 YEAR-OLD SELF WOULD MOST DEFINITELY BE IMPRESSED. I PLAYED WITH LEGO EVERY DAY AFTER SCHOOL WHILE WATCHING ART ATTACK”

Originally from Edinburgh, Jordan Scott now lives in Veijle, Denmark, where he’s a Lego Group designer. Yup, that means his job is playing with Lego

I

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TOP TIP I would tell any aspiring designers to develop their creativity in as many ways possible: build, draw, write, imagine. You never know where it’ll take you.

Lego Movie 2 team, but I can’t say too much as everything’s in development. As a senior designer, I also have the responsibility of mentoring a new junior designer.

The best thing about my job is seeing the excitement in a child’s eyes when they see a box I had a part in designing. It’s a great feeling to know that something I love doing has such an impact on people. Some kids and fans get really excited and ask for autographs and photos. Seriously! My 10 year-old self would most definitely be impressed. I played with Lego every day after school while watching Art Attack.

©2017 The LEGO Group. Used with permission

never dreamed I’d land a job like this.

I studied Product Design at Napier University and my final year designs (toys for children with autism) were showcased at the London New Designers exhibition, where someone from the Lego Group approached me. I was speechless. They invited me to an intense two-day workshop, and a week later I was offered junior designer on the Lego The Hobbit project. That was six years ago and now I’m a senior designer.

The craziest thing I’ve built is the Lego Metalbeard’s Sea Cow from The Lego Movie.

It was huge, a bonkers shape for a pirate ship and had so many small details. It was an honour to work on the Lego Star Wars Snowspeeder because I’ve always been a huge fan – I’m just a big geek really! It’s a huge privilege to be given the responsibility of designing an Ultimate Collector Series model.

There’s no ‘typical day at work’, but there’s a lot of coffee. I’m currently in The

FEATURES

39

FEATURES

Sophie Laplane in Each Other, photo by Andy Ross

It’s a job that little ones dream of, pirouetting and twirling on stage. Sophie Laplane has been a ballerina for over 20 years, the last seven as First Artist with Scottish Ballet

I

Photo by Christina Riley

was a very active kid. I loved music so my mum got me piano lessons but I couldn't stay still long enough to learn anything. On the other hand, I really enjoyed playing football and tennis, but there was something missing there too. When I started dancing at the age of seven, it was the perfect combination of physicality and expression.

I studied for a year at the Paris Opera Ballet School and then went on to the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Paris. My big professional break came when I successfully auditioned for Scottish Ballet in 2004. It’s been my home for 13 years and given me the opportunity to dance in some amazing places across the world.

The most memorable place I've danced was the prestigious Mariinsky Theatre in St Petersburgh where we performed Matthew Bourne's Highland Fling. It was a privilege to step foot on that stage. Performing A Streetcar Named Desire in New Orleans, where Tennessee Williams set the story, was also very special.

TOP TIP To be a successful dancer you need to be disciplined and determined. We train Monday to Friday from 10am until 6.30pm (when we’re not performing), and 10am until 1.30pm on Saturdays. It’s not an easy occupation but it’s worth every bit of hard work.

The biggest sacrifice I had to make was leaving home at 13. At the time, it seemed cool and exciting to go and live with my friends at boarding school, but looking back now, I realise how much I missed my sister growing up, as well as seeing my parents on a daily basis.

I've recently been appointed Artist In Residence at Scottish Ballet, so did my last show with them as a dancer last month at Sadler's Wells where I performed Emergence

by Crystal Pite. The whole company was on stage so it was incredibly powerful.

I have also choreographed a number of pieces for Scottish Ballet and in addition to my Artist in Residence role, I am a freelance choreographer.

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GET POOL READY WITH OUR GUIDE TO THIS YEAR’S MUST-HAVE STYLES…

THE CHICEST SHORTS

Not too short, not too long and in a veritable rainbow of colours, these classic swim shorts are the easiest holiday-shopping decision you’ll make. And at just £10 a pair, you might as well get a few. Quick dry swim shorts, £10, M&S Collection, Marks & Spencer.

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FASHION

THE ULTIMATE ONE-PIECE With its on trend ruffles, flattering halterneck and waistcinching tie belt; this timeless little black number is a failsafe style solution for all shapes and ages. Ruffled halter swimsuit, ÂŁ80, Anthropologie.

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FEATURES

THE FLIRTY FLORAL NUMBER Forget polka dots; go tropical with your itsy bitsy yellow bikini.

This feminine floral print style features lightly padded cups and a little more coverage down below to boost and flatter your curves. Top, ÂŁ24, and bottoms ÂŁ18, Butterfly by Matthew Williamson at Debenhams.

45

FEATURES

THE TINY TRIBAL TWO-PIECE If you’re blessed with an athletic figure and on the hunt for a teeny triangle bikini, this tiki-print design

by US surfwear brand Roxy will turn heads on the beach. No board skills required. Bikini, £69, La Redoute.

46

FASHION

THE VA-VA VOOM BIKINI Release your inner bombshell with a twopiece designed to flatter killer curves. Cut low on the cleavage and high on the thigh, it might look a little risqué but with a super high waist, thick straps and a wide band below the bust, it actually provides great coverage and support. The best of both worlds. Top, £14.99, bottoms, £12.99, New Look.

47

FASHION

THE STRAPLESS STRIPES Given fashion’s everlasting love for all things nautical, every woman should have at least one striped bikini in her arsenal. This pretty little number features a cute scalloped edge and no pesky straps to get in the way of your tanning making it sail straight to the top of our swimwear style chart. Bikini top, £19 and bottoms, £17, Warehouse.

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THE SPORTY SEPARATES If you plan on spending your summer holiday jumping in and out of the pool with the kids, this striking colour block bikini will keep everything firmly in place.

The zip up bandeau top and high-waisted bottoms are as stylish as they are functional so you’ll be ready for anything. Bandeau top, £22.50, and bottoms, £16, M&S Collection, Marks & Spencer.

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FASHION

Get your kit on Struggling with motivation? Invest in some stylish new gym gear and you’ll be desperate to get moving to show it off Palm print top, £44, leggings, £112, and hooded sleeveless top £172 all by We are Handsome. Cuffs £7.50 each, ASOS

Bjorn Borg Patrice legging, £35, House of Fraser

Marble print sports vest, 12.99, New Look

WOMEN Swap the all-black ensemble for upbeat colours and dynamic prints to help spur you on Cropped black gym top, £45, Whistles Adidas Edge Lux 2 orange trainers, £80, very.co.uk

Red Herring gym bag, £35, Debenhams

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styling Louise Sykes • photography Brad Stephens • products compiled by Charlotte Hulme

Elle Sport raglan jacket, £43.40, House of Fraser

SPRING/ SUMMER 17

Image courtesy of Debenhams.

Get your kit on

FASHION

Tracksuit top, £35, bottoms, £25, both River Island

MEN Block colours and retroinspired shapes will keep you looking cool while you get your sweat on

Blue print T-shirt, £12.99, New Look

Active joggers, £25, Marks & Spencer

Commuter automatic watch, £395, Paulin

Indigo contraststripe track top, £133, Paul Smith

Navy camo trainers, £28, River Island

Napoleon holdall, £60, Dune

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Adults suit

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Boys suit

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3-piece ONESIX5IVE suits for all occasions

54

INTERIORS

HOW PINTERESTWORTHY is your pad?

Emily Murray of interior inspiration blog The Pink House shows us how to transform our homes into serious pin-ups

The Pink House bathroom, photo by Susie Lowe

W

hen I was doing up our house, my bathroom gave me some serious headaches. The tiny awkward space made it a tough design challenge but it seems that the hard work paid off as the lovely little loo has just won ‘Best Wow Factor Interior’ in Pinterest’s first ever UK Interior Awards.

Racking up an incredible 15 billion pins on Pinterest worldwide, there was good reason to celebrate so I bought my bathroom lots of new rubber ducks, polished its brass taps and filled its bath with Champagne (I didn’t. I drank it). But it wasn’t just wow factor ideas that UK pinners and judges Kelly Hoppen and Matthew Williamson were voting for - they also had the chance to nominate their favourite British interior ideas in categories including best dream bedroom and best workspace idea. After analysing the UK nominations and comparing them to Pinterest data, the awards reveal the top interior ideas inspiring Brits today.

Read on for the pinspiring (sorry) trends, plus my tips on using them to perfect your own personal space…

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FEATURES

WATERCOLOURS This pretty paint effect is making a big splash this year, with watercolour paper, kitchen splashbacks and paint-splattered bedrooms being added to moodboards across the land. I love Murals Wallpaper’s take on the trend, with their moody Deep Blue Waves watercolour wall mural, £25 per square metre (pictured)..

COPPER As a pink obsessive, I’m delighted this rosyhued metallic is showing no signs of slacking in the style stakes. There are so many ways of working this extremely flattering tone into your home as it goes with nearly everything.

La Redoute is my go-to for copper decor right now: its vintage-inspired nest of two Elori copper and oak tables, £265, (pictured) is super versatile, plus they look like they should cost three times as much. Alternatively, accessorise an on-trend mantelpiece with the Estello copper candle holder, £16.

WALL STICKERS These decorations are much easier to put up and take down than traditional wallpaper or even pictures, plus they make a big impact – hence their growth in popularity among

56

INTERIORS

“

IF YOU KILL PLANTS SIMPLY BY LOOKING AT THEM, PERHAPS YOU’D RATHER GO FOR GREEN ON YOUR TILES INSTEAD”

pinners, especially in kids’ rooms. How cool is this Little Ben wall sticker clock by Babatude, £85, (pictured on previous page). It has an actual working clock face which attaches to the sticker itself, no nails required (and no more 5am starts – we hope…)

GREEN HOUSE In the late ‘60s, bringing the outside inside was the height of sophistication, and it's now firmly back en vogue. If, like me, you’re not green fingered, the beautiful Get Plants book by top gardener Katherine Price (£25, Kew Publishing), is perfect for advising natural-world novices on which plants are happiest in which rooms. Plus, just having it on your coffee table will help green up your house. Or, if you kill plants simply by looking at them, perhaps you’d rather go for green on your tiles instead. I’m a fan of Original Style’s Artworks tile in Victorian Green, £84.95 per m2 (pictured).

THE 1970s It’s not just fashion that’s feeling love for the ‘70s; the best-dressed homes are hankering after a hippy vibe too. Bold colours and natural textures are key to getting this look – for a four-decade funky rewind, add one of Bloomingville’s boho bamboo floor lamps, £95, PAD Lifestyle (pictured left) to your living room. And nothing says 70s like a peacock chair – this rattan beauty by Alexander & Pearl, £715 (pictured far left) will put on a stunning display whenever potential pinners pop round.

For more interior inspo and ideas, visit The Pink House at pinkhouse.co.uk or on Instagram @pinkhouseliving

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INTERIORS

Yellow Copenhagan wireless speaker, £549, cuckooland.com

summer S A N C T U A R Y

Turn your bathroom into a soothing retreat where you can relax and unwind Printed kimono, £49.99, Zara

Amara

Interior ladder in mahogany and teak, £139, cuckooland.com

Lucia copper lantern with candle, £25, Marks & Spencer

Grapefruit and rosemary bath salts, £18, Oliver Bonas

Diptyque Baies candle, £45, diptyqueparis.co.uk

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Braided storage basket, £12.99, H&M

Green hammam towel, £26, takatomo.de

Peony towels, £5-£40, christy-home.com

Large resin coral, £22, Kelly Hoppen Compiled by Carine Seitz

Faux potted fern, £14.99, TK Maxx

Wooden round mirror, £55, Marks & Spencer

I-ON READER EVENT

STAY IN A HOME. FEEL LIKE A LOCAL.

I-ON READER EVENT Enjoy 20 per cent off at the ANTA shopping evening

Lovely homes from 3 nights up to 6 months.

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J

oin ANTA for an exclusive shopping event on Thursday 27 July to celebrate the launch of their autumn / winter collection. Shop the latest range of luxury furniture, textiles and fashion, all handcrafted in Scotland, and enjoy 20 per cent off all purchases made on the night.

Meet the ANTA team in Glasgow or Edinburgh for an evening of inspiration, drinks and canapĂŠs from the latest ANTA cookbook and take home a little ANTA surprise.

Tickets are free but strictly limited. To reserve yours, head to www.ionmagazine.co.uk/antaevent.

Anta Edinburgh, 117 - 119 George St, EH2 4JN, Tel: 0131 225 9096, Anta Glasgow, 107 West George St, G2 1QR, Tel: 0141 221 8444, www.anta.co.uk

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SECRET ESCAPE Don’t tell anyone but we just might have found your next dream holiday... words Siri Elise Dybdal

C

osta Rica has long been a popular tourist destination, while neighbouring Nicaragua has remained relatively undiscovered despite rivalling it in natural beauty and offering better value for money.

But with a burgeoning hotel scene now boasting chic and eco-smart retreats, the word is bound to get out soon. Here's why Nicaragua should be on your holiday hitlist.

BEAUTIFUL BEACHES Whether you want great waters for surfing, snorkelling and diving or that blissful laidback beach culture the Caribbeans do so well; Nicaragua delivers. Pacific-based San Juan del Sur offers fun, bohemian nightlife, a pretty beach and a number of great surf spots. But for the ultimate oceanside paradise, fly 70km off the coast to the Corn Islands. Big Corn and Little Corn both tempt with baby powder beaches, a hammock-friendly lifestyle and spectacular dive sites.

DRAMATIC LANDSCAPES There’s an impressive number of smoking volcanoes and jungle clad volcanic mountains to explore. Want to see burning lava up close?

Head to the easily accessible Masaya Volcano to look right down the crater. For wildlife, go hiking at the dormant Mombacho Volcano reserve and spot sloths, monkeys and 800 species of plants. Or if you'd like more action, ash-board down the side of the active volcano Cerro Negro. Alternatively, for total volcanorelaxation, head to the 200-year-old crater lagoon Apoyo, and enjoy a warm, healing swim, surrounded by lush jungle.

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STUNNING ARCHITECTURE It is almost impossible not to fall in love with the striking and colourful colonial grandeur of Granada and Leon. Granada is the most polished of the two. Built as a show town for the Spanish imperium, it has survived pirate attacks, civil war and fire, but the facades are just as unforgettable today. Behind heavy wooden doors hide stunningly restored courtyards with galleries, elegant restaurants, bars and artisan shops. Leon is the less visited and more crumbly little brother, but there are still colonial masterpieces to be found, such as Central America’s biggest cathedral.

The city also has a vibrant and interesting intellectual scene attracting poets, students and artists alike.

TROPICAL TASTES Chances are you might have tried Mexican tacos or Argentinian empanadas, but have you heard of vigorón or quesillo – a Nicaraguanstyle quesadilla? Nicaraguan food is hard to find outside the country’s borders, but that is not to say you shouldn’t dig in when you visit. The streets are filled with tasty and colourful foods being cooked on the spot, just waiting to be sampled. Another delight is the Nicaraguan coffee - don’t miss visiting a working coffee farm for the freshest flavours.

Last, but not least, there is Nicaraguan rum.

The delicious Flor de Caña is the country’s award-winning number one brand and this is the country for rum-lovers.

MODEST BILLS Compared to increasingly expensive Costa Rica, Nicaragua is still cheap. You get a lot for your money here and can travel comfortably on a low budget or, alternatively, splurge on good hotels and dining without bankrupting yourself. As tourism grows, prices will of course hike – so book your stay now!

WHERE TO STAY To make the most of the paradise setting, check into Morgan's Rock Hacienda and Eco-Lodge, a remote resort nestled in the rainforest between the Pacific and Lake Nicaragua. Romantic residences feature huge beds, hammocks and plunge pools, all offering breathtaking coastal or forest views. And there's plenty to see from playful

“FOR WILDLIFE, GO HIKING AT THE DORMANT MOMBACHO VOLCANO RESERVE AND SPOT SLOTHS, MONKEYS AND 800 SPECIES OF PLANTS” primates and lazy sloths to nesting turtles and beautiful macaws. From £205 per room per night, it might not be the cheapest option available, but it's certainly one of the best.

Morgansrock.com GETTING THERE United.com offer return flights from London Heathrow to Managua (with a stopover in Houston) from around £690 per person. Internal flights are available at lacostena.online.com.ni

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THE BEST OF

both worlds Want the luxury of a five-star hotel with the freedom of a self-catering rental? Look no further‌

TO THE MANOR BORN Carrie Mitchell summons her girl gang for a few blissful days living like ladies of leisure at Gamefield on the outskirts of Crieff

W

hen I invited my London lasses up for a long weekend in the Highlands, they’ll have imagined days spent staring at a stormy sky and shivering inside a crumbling cottage perched atop a lonely crag - which goes some way to explaining the gasps of relief as we pulled up at the grand wooden

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gates of a sprawling contemporary house minutes from the bustling market town of Crieff.

Nestled in the heart of Ochtertyre Estate in the Strathearn Valley, Gamefield is a stunning fivestar holiday home offering luxury self-catering accommodation for up to 10 guests. However, that meagre

TRAVEL

description doesn’t nearly do justice to the lavishness of this place. With five spacious double bedrooms, five proper bathrooms, two cosy living rooms, a grand reception hall, formal dining room, and huge kitchen/ diner (complete with Aga), the space goes on and on, as did the squeals of delight from us.

“The utility room is bigger than my whole flat in Hackney,” was one choice soundbite.

Owner William Frame, who was on welcome duty, politely refrained from wincing at the shrieks which came when he slid open the patio doors to reveal the huge back garden, with hot tub, summer house, trampoline, ping pong table, barbecue and outdoor dining area - complete with fur cushions and luxurious woollen blankets.

10 minutes debate later (over who got the room with the log fire and rolltop bath), we were ready to relax into our surroundings:

“TURNS OUT YOU DON’T EVEN HAVE TO VENTURE OUTDOORS TO ENJOY THIS TRULY AWESOME COUNTRY RETREAT” PJs on, fire lit, wine poured, treats assembled, and faces stuffed while sinking into an epic sofa and planning our activities for the next few days. We resolved to kick off the next morning with a scenic bike ride, and nearby Comrie Croft (comriecroftbikes.co.uk) had kindly delivered a fleet of shiny mountain bikes for us. Sadly, when we awoke, it was to torrential rain so the morning’s exercise was postponed in favour of more lazing around in luxury. Thankfully it turns out you don’t even have to venture outdoors to enjoy this truly awesome country retreat. We did have to rouse ourselves at lunchtime thanks to an unmissable appointment at Campbells Bakery in Crieff to pick up a pre-ordered picnic though. We’d planned to enjoy this on a country walk but with the sky still streaming, we laid out the spread on the covered deck outside and got stuck into the freshly prepared sandwiches, sausage rolls and strawberry tarts. By the time we’d finished eating, there was a break in the rain so we made a dash for the hot tub and whiled away the rest of the day padding back

and forth between the warm bubbles and the cosy snug of the summer house.

With the forecast looking grim again the next day, we opted to indulge ourselves and called William to book Gamefield’s favourite caterer Serena McIvor. While Serena got to work, we did an impromptu yoga class courtesy of my friend Debi, the budding instructor in our midst. Then it was straight from ‘Namaste’ to the dining table to feast on a delightful three-course lunch.

The afternoon was spent watching a movie in front of a roaring fire then it was out for another delicious meal, this time courtesy of the wonderful Delivinos (delivinos.co.uk) in Crieff. Bellies full of meatballs and Malbec, we headed back to Gamefield feeling warm, fuzzy and rather in love with each other and our wonderful new home. If only it really was.

A week’s stay for 10 guests cost from £35 per person per night. For a 10 per cent discount on seven-night breaks before 09 September 2017, simply quote i-on when booking. 01764 650 303. gamefield.co.uk

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COTTAGE INDUSTRY Taking four kids on holiday might sound like hard work but Laura Wood finds it’s not so taxing at Mains of Taymouth Country Estate in Kenmore

“L

ook at the size of the paddling pool… it’s epic!” exclaimed child number one as we opened the patio doors of The Stables and he laid eyes on the hot tub. A quick run around the property with little sis in tow and the pool table, sauna and TV in every room garnered just as much enthusiasm - not to mention a bout of delirium that could only be mustered by a five-year-old boy.

As for the adults in the group, we were equally thrilled by the accommodation choice for the weekend; a four-bedroom traditional cottage on the Mains of Taymouth resort by the banks of Loch Tay. Kitted out to 21st century tastes, our cottage was luxurious, but without stuffiness or pretence, and not so immaculate that you suddenly become

unnerved by the 2:4 parent: child ratio of your party. After all, our weekend was predominantly about the kids and for a family holiday, the independence of a self-catering cottage gets the thumbs up all the way.

However, the real beauty of Mains of Taymouth as a destination (apart from the natural beauty of the surrounding area, of course) is that it’s a family-run, 120acre estate with the facilities of a country house hotel. The resort is made up of 43 self-catering properties, all of an excellent standard and furnished with style and individuality. It’s not sprawling and busy, it’s well thought out and unimposing, with a gift shop, bar and restaurant acting as a meeting point, and beautifully maintained nine-hole

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THE HEIGHT OF LUXURY New mum Nicky Howden embarks on her first holiday en famille at the rather grand Aikwood Tower in the Scottish Borders

“KITTED OUT TO 21ST CENTURY TASTES, OUR COTTAGE WAS LUXURIOUS BUT NOT SO IMMACULATE THAT YOU SUDDENLY BECOME UNNERVED BY THE 2:4 PARENT: CHILD RATIO OF YOUR PARTY” golf course if a bit of golfing action is on the agenda. There’s also a new riding school at the end of the road where our three older kids loved every minute of the half hour pony trek astride Lucy, Chezzy and Angel.

After their equestrian adventure, we spent our last night enjoying dinner al fresco in the Courtyard restaurant, each course punctuated with a play in the park. There followed a much later than usual bedtime but when all four kids were finally sleeping sound, two excited mummies crept out onto the patio to enjoy blissfulness of the grown-up kind - a chilled bottle of fizz in a ‘giant paddling pool’.

Prices from £1248 for seven nights. For a 10 per cent discount on a minimum three-night stay during 2017, simply quote i-on upon booking. 01887 830 226. taymouth.co.uk

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he wish list was admittedly pretty long: a luxurious, atmospheric boutique-style home-from-home that catered for adults who liked to have fun, but also had babies in tow. Character was a must, but not too dated or run down and, by contrast, bursting with mod cons. It also had to have the tranquillity of the countryside, but within easy reach from Edinburgh. To be honest, we were startled when we found somewhere that ticked all the boxes.

Nestled within the Scottish Borders and just over an hour's drive from Edinburgh, Aikwood Tower is an imposing and historic building standing tall atop a pretty leafy hill on the outskirts of Selkirk. Built in the 1540s, the Grade A listed building is brimming with authentic charm thanks to the work of David Steel (now Lord Steel of Aikwood) and his wife Judy

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who restored the tower back to a home in 1992. This restoration won a number of architectural awards and it’s clear to see why. Now under the ownership of The Honourable Rory David Scott Steel and his wife Vicki, it’s been further upgraded and is available for exclusive hire so others can enjoy it too.

We arrived on an unusually sunny morning to see the tower shine bright in all its medieval glory. Through the large wooden gate, you’re met with a pretty manicured garden, perfect for family barbecues, croquet and Pimms – or archery and falconry (available for a small additional fee). Inside, everything has the wow-factor, from the grand spiral staircase to the sumptuous furnishings of the Great Hall, complete with log fire. Most impressive of all was the light and airy Laich Hall - a great spot for rowdy games like giant Jenga and table tennis and an equally good space to throw your own grand house party. There’s plenty of space for guests - the tower sleeps 10 and all five bedrooms are distinct in style and laden with character, just be aware there’s no lift and climbing the stairs to the upper bedrooms can be a workout.

If you can muster the energy though, you should certainly get out and explore the surrounding countryside

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“EVERYTHING HAS THE WOWFACTOR, FROM THE GRAND SPIRAL STAIRCASE TO THE SUMPTUOUS FURNISHINGS OF THE GREAT HALL, COMPLETE WITH LOG FIRE” with a bracing and beautiful walk in the Ettrick Valley and Forest. For those looking for something a little more adventurous, try grass sledging, a year-round spin on everyone’s favourite winter pastime available at Born in the Borders (25-minutes’ drive from Aikwood) - at just £4 for 30 minutes, it’s worth it for the laughs. After you regain your footing, reward your hard work in the restaurant or check out the onsite gin distillery and microbrewery for a taste of the hard stuff.

Alternatively head back to the tower to cook up a homely family supper, or if that sounds like way too much effort, enlist the local caterers to host a fine dining dinner party. You are on holiday, after all.

Aikwood Tower offer weekend, week and mid-week short stays. For a £250 discount, quote i-on when booking. Offer valid until end of March 2018. 01750 700500. aikwoodtower.com

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HOW TO WIN

THE AGEING GAME Laura Wood finally finds a fix to staying youthful - without surgery

W

e all know that 2016 was an ‘annus horribilis’ on a world level, and, for me, it was on a personal level too. Generally, I’d say I’m fairing up well in the ageing process but recent events were taking their toll on my 40-something skin and it got me thinking; how can these gorgeous celebrity women in their mid-40s (I’m looking at you, Jennifer Lopez) stay so darn youthful looking but be so adamant a needle has never gone near their skin.

I came across an article in W magazine, interviewing top dermatologists with A List clients and it became apparent that the secret to looking good without surgery isn’t just exercise, a balanced diet and monthly facials, it’s got rather a lot to do with the new hi-tech non-surgical treatments now available. With this very faint glimmer of hope that I too could age beautifully, I stepped inside the doors of Blossom Beauty in

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Marchmont where salon owner and skincare expert Amy Ramage introduced me to the wonderful world of CACI. The original CACI technology was developed in the US as a treatment for Bell’s Palsy and there’s more than 20 years of medical research behind it. Nowadays, celeb-endorsed CACI facials use microcurrent impulses to lift and tone the facial and neck muscles, improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines. “It’s like a workout for your face and reeducates the muscles,” Amy explains. “I would recommend the treatment to anyone in the market for a facelift without surgery,” says Amy. “Whatever your age, it lifts, firms and re-contours the facial muscles, hence the brand name of a non-surgical facelift.”

Just like a fitness blitz, it takes dedication and commitment to make lasting changes. For me, Amy recommended a course of 10 sessions carried out over a five week period. So did it work? Let’s see...

BEAUTY

WEEK ONE Skin analysis under a UV lamp is followed by the first treatment. It’s relaxing, leaves no redness and has immediate results. I would recommend a one-off for anybody looking for a ‘lift’ before a special occasion/ big night out.

Two days later, I was back for treatment two.

WEEK TWO After treatment three, my skin was super smooth and my lips looked plumper. By the fourth session, the microcurrents are turned up a notch and I was much more aware of the electrodes but it wasn’t uncomfortable.

WEEK THREE I left the salon after session five with a tighter face, defined jawline and a much brighter complexion. I noticed quite a difference in texture and plumpness to my skin going into the sixth session too.

Amy Ramage, photos by Susie Lowe

WEEK FOUR My face looks even better after this week's sessions, possibly helped along by upgrading my usual at-home skincare routine from baby wipes to proper Dermalogica products.

Blossom Beauty

“THE SECRET TO LOOKING GOOD WITHOUT SURGERY ISN’T JUST EXERCISE, A BALANCED DIET AND MONTHLY FACIALS, IT’S GOT RATHER A LOT TO DO WITH THE NEW HITECH NON-SURGICAL TREATMENTS NOW AVAILABLE ON THE MARKET...”

WEEK FIVE For the final two sessions, Amy uses the machine to stimulate my neck muscles (they’re stronger than facial muscles so are left until last). After the tenth and final session, the transformation to my face and skin is subtle, natural but absolute. My cheeks look plumper, my eyes less heavy and my jawline is more defined. Hail, CACI! The way forward to youthful looking skin.

Blossom Beauty offers one hour CACI signature facials for £60; while a course of 10 costs £450 but for a taster session and exclusive discounts, the salon is hosting a CACI event on Wednesday 19 July, from 5-7pm. There will be 15-minute eye or jowl lift treatments, goodie bags, and the £10 ticket price is redeemable on courses booked. For more information or to book, call 0131 629 3636 or visit www. blossombeauty.co

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HOLIDAY HUES

BEAUTYNOTES Must-try products and expert advice BASIC BEACH (hair)

Bursting with bright, bold colours, Clinique’s collab with potter and designer Jonathan Adler introduces a limited edition of make-up must-haves, inspired by holiday spots such as Santorini, Capri and Palm Beach.

The collection includes lip, cheek and eye colours in pretty printed packaging inspired by French gardens. Prices from £15.50. Available online at clinique.co.uk from 07 July.

CELEBRATE WORLD CAVIAR DAY… …with one of the marvellous new matte shades in Laura Mercier’s cult Caviar Stick collection, £23 each.

Why blow a fortune on fish eggs?

For tousled and oh-so-soft tresses, spritz hair with the new Aveda Suncare Protective Hair Veil, £22.50 before you go out in the sun.

Twist into a bun, then when you’re ready to hit the bar, let loose to reveal sexy, beachy waves. Easy!

3

top tanners

James Read’s Coconut Melting Tanning Balm, £30 for 200ml, creates a natural tan while nourishing the skin.

And it smells great!

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Dior’s Self-Tanning Tom Ford’s Bronzing Jelly Gradual Glow, Gel, £36 for 75ml, £34 for 150ml, creates instant builds up into a natural radiance on beautiful, even tan, any skintone, whilst and contains almond infusing the skin with oil for a scented, tropical and antiradiant finish. ageing ingredients.

BEAUTYINSIDER Featuring makeup artist Ana Cruzalegui My top summer beauty tip… is to keep your skin glowing and hydrated. I use Ren’s Morrocan Rose Gold Glow Perfect Dry Oil, which leaves my skin super soft and smelling beautiful.

My beauty must-do… is a spa day as often as my schedule allows. When I’m back home in Glasgow, you can’t beat a day at the Blythswood Hotel Spa - the Thermal Experience is amazing.

My favourite summer scent… is a blend of two fragrances by Jo Malone - French Lime Blossom mixed with Pomegranate Noir.

The five products I always take in my hand luggage are… Georgio Armani’s High Precision Retouch; Bobbi Brown’s Brightening Brick in Coral; MAC Lady Danger Lipstick; Ermana Comfort Balm; and YSL Luxurious Mascara in High Density Black.

I can’t live without... Decléor’s Aurabsolu Hydrogel Sheet Masks, great to rejuvenate the skin after a long trip or a hard week. anacruzalegui.com

Cutting Experts Colour Specialists Extensions Kebelo Bridal services Shellac Nails IPL Hair Removal Eyebrows Nail extensions Waxing Eyelashes Pedicure CACI Treatments Men’s hairdressing

www.cheyneshairdressing.com 73

Keira Thorley, photo by Susie Lowe

HEALTH

THE SWEAT-FREE SOLUTION TO BEACH BODY CONFIDENCE Amy Falconer dons her leg warmers in a bid to lose inches for her summer holiday

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ou name it, I’ve tried it; bootcamp, body pump, running, walking, swimming - all in the quest for body confidence. I never thought I'd find the answer in an 80s workout craze my mum used to practise in the living room.

For those who haven’t witnessed their mum pulsing away in a leotard in front of the television, Callanetics is an exercise programme created by Callan Pinckney.

Designed to ease a back problem she was born with, Callan's programme is a system of exercises focussing on frequent repetitions of small, precise movements that work on deep set muscle groups, to achieve a long, lean and relaxed body.

Callanetics is still practised by qualified instructors throughout the world, including Edinburgh's Keira Thorley who teaches from her studio on Abercromby Place. Her Body Blitz programme claims to help you drop a dress size in just 10 classes taught in a strict two week timeframe. I was sceptical, of course, but with my departure date looming and swimwear shopping climbing my to-do list, I was determined to give it my best shot so signed up and submitted to the having my measurements taken at the first class.

After a quick warm up, the class is broken down into focussing on different body parts; waist, arms, hips, legs and abdominals.

Keira’s mantra is 'shake don’t sweat' and boy, do you shake! It’s a crazy sensation to start

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“

KEIRA’S MANTRA IS ‘SHAKE DON’T SWEAT’ AND BOY, DO YOU SHAKE!”

with but the trembling means it’s working so it’s a good thing. It’s also addictive. I went religiously, and loved it.

10 days later, when Keira told me I was over six inches smaller, I was bowled over.

I knew I felt better but I couldn’t believe I’d achieved such dramatic physical results so quickly. The most staggering result was three inches from my tummy. That was it – I was hooked. Immediately I signed up for another blitz and two weeks later, I’d taken it to a double-digit loss – just in time for take-off.

No hiding behind a sarong for me this year.

The Body Blitz usually costs £80 but quote i-on when booking for an exclusive 20 per cent off. Or, if you're not quite ready to commit, try a drop in class for just £11.

For more info, visit walkthetalkstudios.com

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BEAUTY

THE ULTIMATE

beautifying oils If you still haven’t added oil to your daily skincare regime, where have you been?! It’s time to oil up, ladies.

From left to right: the anti-ager The new Pro-Definition Facial Oil by ELEMIS, £65 for 15ml, is formulated with raspberry plant stem cells and Himalayan Gentian to regenerate and rehydrate mature skin.

the energiser Neom’s Energy Burst Face, Body and Hair Oil, £32

for 100ml, has a sweet-smelling grapefruit and lemon scent, with energising effects on the body and mind.

the new classic Coco Chanel first created Huile de Jasmin, £97 for

50ml, in 1927 and now 90 years later CHANEL have relaunched the timeless product which smoothes, nourishes and fortifies the skin boosting radiance and reducing the appearance of fine lines.

the all-rounder The secret weapon in French women’s beauty bags,

NUXE Huile Prodigieuese, £29 for 100ml, is a heavenly-scented multipurpose dry oil for the face, body and hair.

the floral-fixer Diptyque’s Infused Face Oil, £48 for 30ml, blends

together iris, sweet almond oil, meadow grass oil and rose petals for a burst of flowery-fresh radiance every time you apply.

the glow-giver Calling all luminous skin chasers… Sunday Riley’s Juno

Photo by Susie Lowe

hydroactive cellular face oil, £70 for 30ml, has an exhaustive list of botanical blend oils and an even bigger list of celebrity fans including Beyonce and Blake Lively.

I-ON LOVES

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FEATURES

5 FIVE THINGS you need to know about…

REGINA SPEKTOR

David Pollock on the eccentric pop songstress we all know (but don’t know we do)

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CULTURE

1

YOU MIGHT KNOW HER MUSIC FROM SOMEWHERE YOU CAN’T QUITE PLACE If you do, there’s a decent chance it’s from the opening credits of Orange is the New Black, the series about female convicts which her Grammy-nominated track You’ve Got Time has soundtracked since it began in 2013 (the opening line “the animals, the animals / trapped, trapped, trapped ‘til the cage is full” couldn’t be more appropriate). Her music also appeared in the indie film (500) Days of Summer and she recorded a version of George Harrison’s While My Guitar Gently Weeps for Kubo and the Two Strings last year.

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SHE’S A MIGHTY LIVE PERFORMER

Which is what you might expect from anyone who’s been playing classical piano from the age of six, and who studied composition at the Conservatory of Music at Purchase College in New York. For an artist with her dramatic combination of the pop and the baroque, it’s fair to say she’s probably at the perfect level right now; her current tour has already taken in New York’s Radio City Music Hall and Los Angeles’ Dolby Theatre (home of the Oscars), which are as appropriate venues for her talents as the Edinburgh Playhouse, where she stops off early August.

3

HER SEVENTH ALBUM IS ALL-NEW AND DIFFERENT

Or maybe it’s just Spektor who has changed.

Since 2012’s What We Saw From the Cheap Seats, she’s given birth to her first child with her partner Jack. “I feel different,” she said after becoming a mother. “It’s this incredible experience where, in one way, you are still very much yourself… then in another way, you have this absolutely new perspective; all of these things dawned on me in a really big way.” After an incongruous spell of writing with Chance the Rapper, she created the new album Remember Us to Life.

“I FEEL LIKE I’M BUILT FOR EMOTIONAL EXPERIENCES, I THINK THAT’S JUST HOW I GO THROUGH THE WORLD”

4

UNLIKE MOST SINGERS, SHE REALLY HAS BEEN ON A JOURNEY Born in 1980 in Moscow to an amateur violinist father and a music teacher mother, Spektor and her family left home in 1989 for New York via Austria and Italy. Making the city her home (aside from spells in Wisconsin and London), she has revisited her Russian heritage on the 2004 album Soviet Kitsch and returned to the country itself during her last tour. “I feel like I’m sort of built for emotional experiences,” she told Rolling Stone of the visit. “I think that’s just how I go through the world, and how I think. I think that it all just kind of goes in (to the music), you know?”

5

SHE COMES WITH A PRESIDENTIAL RECOMMENDATION Or at least, she was invited to play before Barack and Michele Obama for Jewish Heritage Month at the White House in 2010, and then personally invited back to perform at a fundraising gala. Donald Trump’s opinion of her music, if he has one, has so far gone unrecorded. We’re sure she doesn’t mind.

Regina Spektor performs at the Edinburgh Playhouse on 03 August. The new album Remember Us to Life is out now. reginaspektor.com

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CULTURE

THE HOT TICKET Before the Fringe takes over, let’s take a look at what fun the rest of the year and beyond holds

HARRY STYLES Following the number one success of his self-titled debut album, One D’s most popular member has added a whole host of new dates to his sold-out world tour. If you missed out on tickets for his gig at the SEC Armadillo in Glasgow this November, you’ll need to move fast to get your hands on tickets to this second Scottish date at the SSE Hydro.

14 APR 2018

WHAT SHADOWS Appearing on the stage of Edinburgh’s Lyceum for the first time in 45 years, Scots actor Ian McDiarmid (more widely known as the evil Emperor Palpatine from the Star Wars films) takes on a major role in a timely new play by writer Chris Hannan. He plays the Midlands MP Enoch Powell, whose controversial ‘Rivers of Blood’ speech was seen as giving voice to British racism. lyceum.org.uk

07-23 SEP

THE STEAMIE 06-09 Thirty years since it was first SEP produced, Tony Roper’s classic Scottish play is back for another run around the block. Written when Roper had already become famous for his role as Rab C Nesbitt’s best friend Jamesie, it’s a comedy which tells the story of Glasgow washerwomen of the 1950s – a slice of history and of women’s role in it, wrapped up in biting humour. It debuts at the Adam Smith Theatre, Kirkcaldy, then tours until 11 November. thesteamieplay.com

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SKYE LIVE Set amid the beautiful, desolate landscape of Portree on the Isle of Skye, this late-summer festival has an incredible, club-focused line-up, uniting artists like Mano Le Tough, Apparat, Django Django, Joy Orbison and Optimo (Espacio).

Add good quality food, drink, camping and accommodation and it’s quite a weekend. skyelive.co.uk

22-23 SEP

KATY PERRY A decade into her career and popstar Perry is already an old timer in the industry, but her energy and invention still set her on a par with artists like Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande.

Her just-released fifth album Witness features collaborations with Nicki Minaj, Migos, Duke Dumont and Hot Chip, and the touring juggernaut surrounding it will roll into the Hydro in Glasgow next year. katyperry.com

24 JUN 2018

THE GUESTLIST MR FINGERS AKA LARRY HEARD 15 July, Barrowlands, Glasgow, full live show from the Chicago house icon to help celebrate the Sub Club’s 30th birthday.

JASPER JAMES 1 July, Ice Factory, Perth, Glasgow’s hottest young DJ stops off in Perth for a night at Voyage.

SASHA 15 July, The Liquid Room, Edinburgh, Celebrate 20 years of The Liquid Room with the sometime house super DJ and Nightvision.

CHARLES FENCKLER 29 July, Tunnels, Aberdeen, Young French techno producer and recent signee to Glasgow’s Soma Charles Fenckler guests at Mother.

MISTER SATURDAY NIGHT 14 July, Berkeley Suite, Glasgow, The Brooklyn loft party maestros arrive in one of Glasgow’s most atmospheric venues.

SPONSORED FEATURE

Best of the

Yo, Carmen, photo by David Ruano

FEST

Must-see highlights from the Edinburgh International Festival

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he Edinburgh International Festival returns this summer for its 70th edition with a special anniversary programme featuring a whole host of iconic performances. From theatre and dance, to art and music, here’s a taster of what to expect at one of the world’s biggest cultural celebrations.

Standard Life Opening Event: Bloom | 04-05 August The Edinburgh International Festival opens with an epic outdoor spectacle – transforming St Andrew Square into a magical night garden through light and sound installations and large-scale projection. The event is free, for details visit eif.co.uk/bloom.

La bohème | 25-27 August A visually stunning production of opera’s greatest, most heart-breaking love story – direct from the Teatro Regio Torino. Director Àlex Ollé transports Puccini’s poignant masterpiece to a modern-day, multicultural metropolis, where the young creators of tomorrow party, bicker and try to live their dreams.

La bohéme, photo by Virginio Levrio

The Divide | 08-20 August An extraordinary new drama that unfolds over two parts by one of the UK’s greatest storytellers Alan Ayckbourn.

Presented by the Old Vic, London, this tale of turbulent times examines a dystopian society of brutal repression, forbidden love and seething insurrection.

Yo, Carmen | 12-13 August Flamenco dancer and choreographer María Pagés brings a radical rethink of Bizet’s voluptuous gypsy heroine to the 21st century. Blending dance, music, poetry and theatre, Yo, Carmen brings together eight dancers and seven musicians in a vibrant ode to womanhood. It’s visionary, flamboyant and unforgettably beautiful.

Standard Life Opening Even

t: Bloom, 59 Productions

The Edinburgh International Festival runs 04-28 August.

To find out more and to purchase tickets, visit eif.co.uk.

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CULTURE

THE BOOK SHELF Must-reads for July…

How to Stop Time by Matt Haig (Canongate, £12.99) Tom Hazard might look to be around 40 but he has been alive for centuries. Hiding out in a school where he teaches history, Hazard craves nothing more than a normal life but can he really find it? With the film rights already snapped up by Benedict Cumberbatch (who will play the lead), this novel is going to be the one everyone’s talking about this summer.

Out 06 July.

Summer Screen What you should be watching this month if you’re…

…into superheroes Spider-Man: Homecoming Expect startling stunts, super effects and plenty of teen angst as Spidey (Tom Holland) returns for another romp in the red suit under the watchful eye of mentor Tony Stark (Robert Downey Jnr). Out 07 July.

…still rooting for the apes

The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce (Penguin, £14.99) From the author of bestseller The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry comes this magical tale of music and love. It’s 1988 when Ilse Brauchmann walks into Frank’s record store and asks him to teach her about music. Still healing from old wounds, he is tempted to run the other way but her dark eyes draw him in and the two embark on a musical journey together.

Out 12 July.

War for the Planet of the Apes This third instalment in the blockbuster reboot series sees Caesar (Andy Serkis) and his comrades in deadly conflict with an army of humans and a merciless Colonel (Woody Harrelson). Out 14 July.

A Stranger in the House by Shari Lapena (Penguin, £12.99) When Karen wakes up in hospital with no recollection of where she’s been, the police tell her she’s had an accident after leaving the house in a frenzy.

They suspect she’s up to no good and put doubts in the mind of her husband but where was she really and who can she trust? This twisty thriller is a formidable follow-up to last year’s hit suspense debut The Couple Next Door. Out 27 July.

Cars 3 Disney Pixar presents more animated automobile action as Lightning McQueen (Owen Wilson) faces a new generation of elite racers.

We know plenty of big kids who’ll be into this one too. Out 14 July.

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…a fan of Christopher Nolan Dunkirk The infamous World War II battle and heroic beach evacuation is recreated by the visionary director in this epic starring Tom Hardy, Kenneth Branagh and (in his much-hyped film debut) Harry Styles. Out 21 July.

…under 12

…reluctant to leave the house Game of Thrones S7 The sexy warriors are back for seven new action-packed episodes. Cue the sound of hundreds of fans breathing a sigh of relief - and cancelling their evening plans. On Sky Atlantic and NOW TV from 17 July.

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DAILY WHISKY TASTINGS AVAILABLE

i-on food+drink BERRY NICE These mouth-watering ice pops fuse traditional tea with fruity flavours for a summery indulgence that’s healthy too Makes 8-10 Ingredients 5 tbsp T2 Packs a Peach loose leaf tea 700 ml/23.6 fl oz boiling water 4 tbsp honey ½ lemon, juiced 150g/5.2oz fresh or frozen raspberries Method 1. Add tea to the infuser of a one litre teapot, add boiling water, and infuse for 30 minutes.

Remove infuser, add honey and lemon juice and stir well to dissolve. Place in the fridge to cool completely.

2. Meanwhile, mash raspberries with the back of a fork then stir into cooled tea mixture. Pour the mixture into the ice pop moulds.

3. Transfer to a freezer until frozen.

Note: If using a conventional ice pop mould, place the lid on securely and freeze. If using unconventional moulds, allow the mixture to freeze until they begin to set (roughly 1 hour, depending on size), then insert sticks and return to freezer to set completely.

For more refreshing summer recipes from tea brand T2, who recently opened a store in Glasgow, visit ionmagazine.co.uk

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FEATURES

I-ON EXCLUSIVE READER EVENT Be the first to experience this year’s Dram & Smoke dinners at The Biscuit Factory

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I-ON READER NIGHT On Thursday 03 August, i-on is proud to bring you the launch night of Dram & Smoke’s Campfire Feasts at The Biscuit Factory. Tickets are the exclusive price of £35 for one night only (usually £40pp) and £35 gets you: 1 whisky cocktail 4 course seasonal tasting menu (some of it pictured here, all dietary requirements catered for) Live music and access to the bar until late (dinner finishes at around 9.30pm) To buy tickets and for more information, visit dramandsmoke.com and book for Thursday 03 August.

Award-winning Edinburgh luxury brasserie and cocktail bar with menus

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FOOD AND DRINK

LONDON EXPORTS

Some of the country’s most talented chefs are ditching the Big Smoke to set up north of the border – and who can blame them?

ALCHEMILLA Susie Cormack Bruce follows the foodies to this new Glasgow hotspot

I

’ve never been one to follow the herd well, that’s my excuse for my recent lateto-the-party visit to the uber acclaimed Alchemilla anyway.

Much has been made of chef and co-owner Rosie Healey’s background working with the innovative Yotam Ottolenghi in London, but continued references to her previous employer is doing this talented chef a huge disservice. Yes, there’s an Ottolenghi influence to the Alchemilla menu, but Ms Healey deserves full credit for bringing wonderful flavours together that as delicious as they are adventurous.

Joined by my husband for a rare lunch date, we settled into a window table and ordered a few plates to share, along with a couple of glasses of (very good) white Rioja, £5.50.

First out was a zesty dish of courgette ribbons, pistachios and mint, £4.50 - like summer on a plate to me, even my courgettehating hubby gave it the thumbs up. Next arrived a lusciously creamy parmesan and nutmeg risotto, £6.50, of which I managed only two forkfuls before my other half scoffed it. This success was followed by the crab, polenta, lemon and tarragon plate, £8.95 – another triumph - and finally came the hake, squid, tomato, barlotti beans and aioli, £14.50. The aioli was subtle and velvety while the hake was cooked to perfection, we loved it.

Although pretty stuffed, we were curious to try the sweet offerings so ordered the

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“MS HEALEY DESERVES FULL CREDIT FOR BRINGING WONDERFUL FLAVOURS TOGETHER ON PLATES THAT ARE AS DELICIOUS AS THEY ARE ADVENTUROUS” Rosie Healey

hazelnut meringue with lemon curd and cream, £6, and the day’s special of panna cotta with burnt toffee and a hazelnut biscuit, £6. These more than matched our earlier eats – the panna cotta being the best I have ever had.

Okay, okay, I’ll join the herds and say it - this is a ‘must dine’ destination for any discerning food fan.

1126 Argyle St, G3 8TD, Tel: 0141 337 6060. thisisalchemilla.com

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FOOD AND DRINK

LE ROI FOU Carine Seitz gives this new neighbourhood restaurant the royal seal of approval

P

icture the scene: a stylish, friendly restaurant opens on your street. It’s relaxed enough for brunch, but smart enough to take a dinner date - and the food is great. The dream, right? For lucky residents of Forth Street, it’s an envy-inducing reality.

Le Roi Fou (The Mad King) is no ordinary neighbourhood restaurant: less than four months after opening, it won Best New Restaurant at the 2017 Scottish Food Awards.

Little wonder, with Swiss-French chefproprietor Jérôme Henry at the helm. Former head chef at Anton Mossiman’s Private Dining Room in Belgravia, he upped sticks after years in London and let them fall in Edinburgh.

Lucky us.

We arrive on a sunny day and sit in the bright window of the chic restaurant - all grey walls with exposed brick, walnut chairs,

and clay Karak tiles. I kick off with a glass of Champagne, £7.80, while my pregnant pal is given a specially-made non-alcoholic concoction. We start, me with grilled octopus & fennel salad with lemon dressing, £5; her with salad of spring vegetables and baked aubergine with pickled walnuts, £7.50. We’re struck by the freshness: the balance of tender octopus with fennel’s zesty crunch; the smokiness of baked aubergine with the bite of spring peas and pickles. Our mains continue the trend: my North Sea cod, new season peas and harissa, £16.50, has a clean herbiness; while mama-to-be is in raptures over Borders lamb rack and braised belly with mint infused jus that cuts through the rich meat. Portions are perfectly sized to accommodate dessert, and thank the food gods for that: pistachio ice cream, meringue and warm Valrhona chocolate sauce, £4.50, can’t fail; while caramel posset with almond and orange tuile provokes such shrieks of delight that the waiter notices and BRINGS ANOTHER. By the time we leave, we’re on first name terms with all who work there and full of vows to return.

Fou or not, long may this Roi reign.

1 Forth St, EH1 3JX, Tel: 0131 557 9346, leroifou.com

“CHEFPROPRIETOR JÉRÔME HENRY UPPED STICKS AFTER YEARS IN LONDON AND LET THEM FALL IN EDINBURGH. LUCKY US”

OTHER ARRIVALS FROM LONDON… THE IVY ON THE SQUARE It’s the opening everyone’s talking about as London’s famous celeb hangout is set to open in the Scottish capital this autumn.

Executive chef of the Ivy group Sean Burbidge will be the man calling the shots at the chi-chi brasserie overlooking St Andrew Square. Expect first-class food and maximum star-spotting potential. theivyedinburgh.com

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DISHOOM Down South, you have to queue out of the door to get a table at one of the four outposts of this in-demand Indian streetfood joint helmed by executive chef Naved Nasir. Up here, things are far more civilised with the huge three-storey restaurant on St Andrew Square (Dishoom’s only opening outside of London) offering plenty of space for Edinburgh’s hungry hordes. dishoom.com

INVER Housed in a one-time crofter’s cottage, overlooking the Western Isles, this little place was taken over in Spring 2015 by chef Pam Brunton who earned her stripes in London at Michelin starred restaurants such as The Greenhouse and Tom Aikins.

Serving modern food inspired by new Nordic cuisine, she’s got all the critics clamouring for a table. inverrestaurant.co.uk

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Smith and Gertrude, photo by Susie Lowe

Cloud wine With new bars popping up across Edinburgh and Glasgow, there’s plenty of places to discover a decent glass of vino these days

Edinburgh GOOD BROTHERS Good Brothers in Stockbridge has garnered a strong reputation since its opening last summer. Owned and run by two local brothers (shocker), the list of wines veers to minimal intervention and sustainable practices, with around half boasting the labels ‘organic’ or ‘biodynamic’.

The food, as well as the usual cheese/charcuterie suspects, includes an impressive range of inventive small dishes, amongst them turnip tops, nettles, split dill cream, and pulled pork, pine crust, sweetcorn, goats curd. If you haven’t been yet, you should make it your business to change that. goodbrothers.co.uk

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VEENO EDINBURGH Brightly-coloured and welcoming, Veeno specialises in Sicilian wines (all from Caruso & Minini, a family-run vineyard which has been producing grapes since the 19th Century) and spuntini (platters of meats, cheeses and other appetisers, imported from Italian producers and generous enough to pass as dinner if you fancy a drink straight from work). Its contemporary feel doesn’t detract from its authenticity. Perfectly placed on Rose Street for the city centre, after-work crowd, with another branch due to open at Quartermile. theveenocompany.com DIVINO ENOTECA EDINBURGH The dark and polished interior of this Merchant Street subterranean Italian wine cellar is a hit with the

FOOD AND DRINK

romantically inclined. Cleverly composed wine flights and myriad excellent wines by the glass are available at the bar or in the conservatory, along with a range of Italian antipasti plates to share (or the adjoining elegant dining room has a sizeable a la carte offering). This is a place to hunker down and emerge hours later with a warm, wine glow. vittoriagroup.co.uk/divinoenoteca/ SMITH & GERTRUDE Fancy a wine, and a cheese, and a bit of vinyl? This is the place to find it. A success story from the moment they opened their doors on Hamilton Place, Smith & Gertrude is relaxed, always busy, and the large communal table in the middle of it all encourages you to love thy neighbour.

Featuring the occasional pop-up coffee stall from the Bearded Barista, there’s more to this place than booze et fromage. smithandgertrude.com PICKLES Pickles is a basement retreat from the bustle of Broughton Street. A far cry from the current trend for minimal grey and white, the interior is a cosy blend of green and tweeds,

Divino Enoteca

fairy lights and rustic wood. Their USP is in the name: while you’ll find the obligatory sharing plates of cheese and meats, theirs come with pickles and chutney aplenty.

(As an aside, they also have bowls of cheesy balls. Sold).

Dogs are welcome too, so you can bring a canine pal. getpickled.co.uk VINO This group of independent wine shops has broken into bar territory with their newest branch at Waverly Arches.

Wine shop and bar combined, it’s like a modern-day retail superhero du vin. The massive rotating selection offers something from most wine producing countries, as well as a good range of beers. Perfectly positioned for a glass of something before dinner next door at the Chop House sounds like a pretty decent night to us. vinowines.co.uk

Pickles

FAT PONY A new wine bar from restaurateur David Ramsden (Rogue, The Dogs) is coming soon to Bread Street. You’ll find wines from Bulgaria, Romania, Crete and Corfu, as well as the classic Burgundies and Bordeaux. Watch this space...

Glasgow

Veeno Edinburgh

VRONI’S The ‘daddy’ of the Glasgow wine bar scene, Vroni’s has been wetting the whistles of wine drinkers for over 20 years. It’s exactly what you’d expect from a traditional wine bar - dimly lit interior, plenty tables for two, knowledgeable staff and a cracking selection of reds, whites, roses and Champagnes. Hugely popular (predominantly with a 30+ crowd), Vroni’s is old school but not old hat. vronis.co.uk

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FOOD AND DRINK

Ubiquitous Chip

Boudoir

Glasgow cont.

CELLAR 675 Walk past Cellar 675 almost any night of the week and you’ll find customers stocking up on weekend wine and quaffing a glass or two as well. That’s because in the evenings, this Clarkston Road off-licence turns into the compact and bijoux Bar 675 that, once you get over the initial strangeness of the surroundings, is a gem of a find.

Owner, Matthew, is a brilliant wine buff and the mostlylocal regulars are a really friendly bunch.

BOUDOIR Boudoir doesn’t need to lose any beauty sleep over not looking the part. Wine casks for tables, intimate booths and seductive lighting, this friendly bar revels in the Continental tradition of wine bars but with a truly global wine offering. It’s in the heart of the Merchant City and if you nab a window seat there are few better places to people watch on a Saturday afternoon, with a large glass of Cab Sauv in hand. boudoirwinebar.com

VILLIERS & CO. Bright, contemporary and without even the tiniest soupçon of snobbery, Villiers & Co on Woodlands Road could definitely look more coffee shop/bakery than wine bar but one look at the wine list - which features impressive and interest flights - you’ll realise it’s delicious pinots, not pastries, on the go here. There’s a lovely and great value selection of charcuterie and cheeseboards available too should you fancy a snack to accompany your wine flight.

UBIQUITOUS CHIP With over 300 wines on offer, we can’t miss The Chip off our block of bars (sorry, couldn’t resist). The resident sommelier will help you navigate the list but if you’re looking for a no-fuss but excellent option, give the house wines a try first. The wine flights are great too and while the rest of Ashton Lane can get a bit rowdy, the atmosphere is nothing but convivial in this Glasgow favourite. ubiquitouschip.co.uk

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TAKE T O T HE S T REE T S As the sun was shining, we headed out to the Shore in Leith to find out your favourite places to hang out in the summer

“Sitting in the Meadows is really nice when it’s sunny, especially with a BBQ and some beers,” Rebecca Brown, 25 spotted grabbing lunch on the Shore.

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“I live down South and love going down to Brighton. It’s a cool place to hang out,” Zoe Wells, 31, spotted exploring Leith for the first time on holiday.

Photography and words Cat Thomson

“There are brilliant parks in Stockbridge so I like to go down there, have some drinks and food on a nice blanket and chill out for a few hours,” Jack Stride, 23, spotted sampling some vegan food at Leith market.

BIT AT THE BACK

“I love the countryside so like to hang out in the Norfolk Broads where I come from, but in Edinburgh, any pub with a garden will do! The Cumberland’s my favourite,” Sally Huxtable, 44, spotted on a boozy birthday day out.

“The Meadows is a good place to go on a warm weekend but I really like being at work too because I can see the Pentlands from my lab and can sit out in the sun and eat my lunch,” Sam Macleod, 23, spotted looking for something to stave off the hangover.

“I’m lucky to live near Portobello beach and I love hanging out at Dalriada on the Promenade,” Miles McColvine, 27, spotted on the Shore getting a bite to eat.

“Best place to hang out in the summer? A music festival if possible!” Paddy Irvine, 27, spotted tucking into that popular vegan grub at the market.

“Porty beach is my favourite place to go in the summer.

Even on a cloudy day, it looks so beautiful. I love the Turkish baths there too,” Amy Gainford, 21, spotted searching for some quality vegan food at the market (it’s popular stuff).

“Can I only choose one place? Obviously Leith, I love the Docks area here, or my family’s in Oban so I go up there when I need a bit of quiet time,” Gavin Smart, 34, spotted reading a book on the waterfront.

Were you spotted on the Shore by our roving reporter?

Visit www.ionmagazine.co.uk to see if you’re there then tag yourself on our Facebook page.

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BIT AT THE BACK

“WHEN YOU DO WHAT YOU LOVE, IT CAN BE HARD TO SWITCH OFF. LIFE IS ALL ABOUT BALANCE, BUT SOMETIMES, FINDING IT IS TRICKY”

I WAKE UP... at 7am, but I’m a big fan of the snooze button. I don’t function well without coffee so my girlfriend leaves a cup on the bedside table to encourage me to get going. We live by the Botanics in Glasgow and it’s only a 10 minute drive to our workshop in Finnieston.

I drive an old Land Rover that’s constantly breaking down, but that adds to the adventure.

WHEN WORK STARTS...

First things first, more coffee.

Then I check emails, balance the books and see how we’re progressing in the workshop.

We manufacture all of our bags in-house and it’s a complex process, so we have to keep an eye on it. I’m lucky to have a fantastic team around me though. There’s only six of us so we’re very tight - like a family.

hard to switch off. Life is all about balance, but sometimes, finding it is tricky.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF… Alec Farmer, founder & designer, Trakke bags

MY ROLE... I’m the boss, I’m the designer, I’m the head of the marketing department, I’m the finance director. One day I’ll be speaking at an event, the next I’ll be sketching out a new range of products and then I’ll be thinking up campaigns to share online. It keeps me on my toes.

IT ALL BEGAN... as a bit of a sideproject when I was at uni. When I graduated, I figured it was the

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perfect time to commit. Starting a business can be risky, but I was broke and didn’t have anything to lose so I threw in my all and I’ve never looked back.

THE BEST PART... I love seeing our bags out in the wild. We’ve sent bags out to America, Asia, Russia, Africa, even Antarctica. There’s nothing better than receiving photos from a customer having a great adventure on the other side of the world.

AND THE WORST PART... is that when you do what you love, it can be

AFTER HOURS... I try and head down to the Arlington baths as much as I can during the week. I’m addicted to the trapeze there. But on a Friday, I’ll leave the office and head straight for the hills for a bit of wild-camping or a couple of nights in a bothy.

LIGHTS OUT... Normally I’m in bed by midnight. I’ll watch some TV or read a book beforehand, but I like to listen to Radio 4 as I drift off. I love the shipping forecast.

IN 10 YEARS... I’d love to be sailing a yacht around the Mediterranean, but I think I’d get bored after a while.

If I was right here, still doing what I love, I’d be a happy man.

See the full collection of Trakke bags at trakke.co.uk

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