West End Life Magazine June 2015 Issue28

West End Festival Special Issue

Music on the loch (p27) Glasgow Science Festival (p22-23)

Delivered to over

18,000 Homes

Jordanhill Hillhead Broomhill Hyndland Kelvinside Bearsden Milngavie ■

June/July 2015 | Issue 28

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Get back into the conversation...

Do you sometimes struggle to hear during noisy environments? Miss what’s being said in group conversations? Don’t worry, help is at hand.

Come along to our Open Event on Wednesday 17th & Thursday 18th June from 10am to 6pm where you can: • • • • •

Receive a FREE comprehensive hearing screening and consultation Experience demonstrations of the latest hearing aid technology Be fitted with trial hearing aids that come with no obligation, commitment or risk FREE goodie bag FREE tea & coffee

Simply call us today on 0141 954 6030 where your local, trusted audiologist will be ready and waiting to discuss your hearing needs.

Clements Hearing Services 538 Crow Road, Glasgow 0141 954 6030 www.clementshearingservices.co.uk

4 Food glorious food 6 Where there’s a Will…

8 The big green egg 14 New landlord advice 22 Glasgow Science Festival 8 27 Music on the loch 28 Hillhead community

14

sports hub

30 Small business marketing tips

40 Wickerman Festival competition

43 Packing it all in 46 French Duncan

27 43

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Contributors this issue: Simon Gemmell, Mike Ramsay, Rob Reid, Brian Milne, Charles Briggs, Joe Mulholland, Guy Robertson

June/July Issue 28, 2015 Publisher: Life Magazines and Publications Ltd Editor

Charles Briggs

Features Editor: Rob Reid rob@westendlife.biz Advertising Sales Manager: Nicky Murphy nicky@westendlife.biz Advertising Sales: Lisa Sanderson lisa@westendlife.biz

Contact Info: Editorial: 07788-923054 Advertising: 0141-413-4660 Email: editor@westendlife.biz Web: www.westendlife.biz Graphic Design: Phil Cunningham www.creative-magazine-designer.co.uk Advert Design: Simon Jones, Skep Design

Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors, or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause. Life Magazines and Publications Ltd does not officially endorse any advertising material included in this publication. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form - electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written permission of the publisher.

West End Life Magazine

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Food, glorious food A glimpse of some of the West End’s finest eating places

By Rob Reid

Whether you fancy a romantic lunch, a quick snack – or a full-on family feast – the West End of Glasgow has food, glorious food.

We don’t have room to list all of the superb estalishments in the area – but here’s a selection to whet your appetite.

Discerning diners will find a wide range of cuisines on offer in the area – and there are dishes to suit all palates.

Lovers of traditional Scottish fare with a contemporary flourish don’t have far to go to satisfy their appetites.

There are a number of eateries with impressive reputations in the area.

The Ubiquitous Chip Restaurant is one favourite which regularly hosts special events throughout the year allowing the opportunity to sample a wide range of cuisines, wines and cultures.

With its unique Art Deco ambience, Rogano is the oldest surviving restaurant in Glasgow.

For over seventy five years its chefs have dedicated themselves to the delicate art of cooking and serving the finest fish and seafood in the world from Scottish waters.

The Bothy is a unique Scottish restaurant in the West End of Glasgow, serving modern classics with a twist situated just off fashionable Byres Road.

The well-know Two Fat Ladies brand has been expanding to meet demand – so to speak.

The original opened in the West End in 1989 serving “seriously fishy” dishes in a small but perfectly formed dining room with open plan kitchen.

Adventurous diners should make their way to Stravaigin. This award-winning establishment is know for its love of experimentation.

Diners have been offered rook, sea urchin and grey squirrel among other choices!

Indian and Chinese cuisines have taken root at the heart of Scottish culture and the West End boasts a top selection of both.

The Ashoka restaurants are well represented in the area with eateries in Ashton Lane and Argyle Street.

Also in Ashton Lane, the Wee Curry Shop continues to offer the unique range of Indian cuisine only available from their individual menu.

4 | West End Life – June/July 2015

Balbir’s in Church Street is an expansive restaurant with the emphasis on fine dining.

The highly popular Mother India restaurant offers two choices – a three-floor experience in Westminster Street or their own exclusive take on Tapas at Mother India’s Cafe across from the Kelvingrove Galleries.

The range of Chinese restaurants will also spoil you for choice. They include Wudon on the Great Western Rd, the Crazy Wok on Dumbarton Road, the Yen Oriental & Teppanyaki on Tunnel St and Bright China on Royal Crescent.

If you like Italian food, and who doesn’t, check out La Parmigiana in Great Western Road, Tony Macaroni or Paperinos in Byres Road, Zizzis in Cresswell Lane or Amalfi on West Nile Street.

Bon Appetit

@westendlife

West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 5

Where there’s a Will

Peace of mind for you and your family’s future.

By Mike Ramsay

Helping you manage your future Whether you are old or young, married or single, rich or poor, you really ought to make a Will! If you don’t, the only way to divide up your property after death will be according to the Law of Intestacy – and the result may not be to your liking!

If you don’t have a Will, the Law decides what happens to your possessions when you die. Many assume that everything will go to their next of kin - WRONG! If you have no Will, or an out of date Will, it could cost your family and loved-ones dearly. No Will means additional expense, hassle and delay for your loved-ones and the possibility they could lose out.

For example, if you are married, your other half may not automatically get everything.

Brothers, sisters, parents and

Act now save later Ramsay and Co are a long established firm of Solicitors who have many years of expertise in preparing Wills tailored for clients’ particular circumstances.

We offer a modern client-friendly approach to the provision of family legal services. Ramsay and Co are dedicated to providing top quality, client-focused legal services and are committed to maintaining the highest standards

children may also inherit. And if you are an unmarried couple, you could be classed as a single person and your surviving partner could receive nothing.

If you are a parent, consider who you would like to look after your children in the event of your death. For single parents or unmarried parents living together, a valid Will that nominates guardians is invaluable. If no one knows your wishes, the court will decide on the future care of your children.

A Will gives single people the chance to have their estate divided amongst friends, relatives or charities, and even if you have made a Will already it is a good idea to review and possibly update it, to ensure that it reflects your current wishes. Making a Will is the one and only way to make sure your wishes are carried out after your death.

The Law has changed significantly over recent years.

The right Will then could be the wrong one now!

Plan Ahead By having an up-to-date Will you ensure that:

Not got a Will or got an old Will Your Estate might go to the wrong people and it will cost more to wind up when the time comes....and take longer.Make sure your Will reflects your wishes and circumstances today and not when you made your original Will years ago.

• The people you want to inherit are the people who DO inherit • Your family are not left with a mess to sort out • You choose the Executor you wish to oversee the winding up of your Estate • You help protect your assets for you, your family and the future • You minimise family arguments and fall-outs.

in the advice and services which we provide. We know that when you instruct a Solicitor you are making a very important decision.

Ramsay and Co’s commitment is to offer clients professional and impartial advice, tailored to clients’ particular needs and circumstances. For a confidential, no obligation consultation contact Mike Ramsay on 0141 945 1917 or email info@ramsay-solicitors.com

alternatively visit our website: www.ramsayandcoglasgow.co.uk or our offices at 974 Maryhill Road, just at the junction with Queen Margaret Drive.

6 | West End Life – June/July 2015

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It’s Scotland’s Year of Food & Drink and The Big Green Egg is Raising the Steaks

It’s universally true that cooking a delicious and juicy steak is the measure of a great barbecue. And it is the Big Green Egg that gives prime cuts of steak their grandest stage. It’s all in the clever ceramic design - the EGG generates intense controlled heat up to 400°C for direct hightemperature grilling required to properly sear meats.

The Egg’s flexibility and control cook steaks exactly how you love them every time, with beautiful grill cross hatch marks, crisp charred edges, and juicy flavour.

Choose high quality cuts from your local butcher to get restaurant quality steak every time. Plus large helpings of envy from your mates on the side. Priceless!

The Big Green Egg’s versatility makes it possible to have perfect pizzas with ease - breads and focaccias too! Coupled with the ceramic baking stone, the EGG produces gourmet pizzas without the hefty price tag, and your family and friends will love adding their own favourite toppings.

Contact Auldton Stoves about the Big Green Egg and you’ll soon be ready to sizzle this summer!

The Big Green Egg has become the World’s largest producer of kamodo-style cookers. The Egg is a unique cooker with unmatched capabilities that surpass all other conventional cookers combined. It is a smoker, BBQ, grill and an oven and can cook any food all year round. The Big Green Egg is used by Heston Blumenthal, Rick Stein, Raymond Blanc, Claude Bossi to name but a few and 7 out of 10 top UK restaurants use the Egg

Available in 6 sizes from the Mini Egg up to the XX Large and a fantastic range of cooking accessories are available and on display in our Ayrshire Showroom Visit our Showroom Auldton Farm, Lugton Road Dunlop, Ayrshire, KA3 4DR

8 | West End Life – June/July 2015

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@westendlife

LJX Tree Surgery LJX Tree Surgery is an established, fully insured professional company with over 30years experience operating throughout the UK and Europe. We pride ourselves on our extensive knowledge in all aspects of Arboriculture ensuring that the customer is safe in the knowledge that the advice given and works undertaken has come from both a qualified and an experienced source. All LJX operatives are NPTC qualified (operating to BS3997 as standard practice) and take complete pride in their work, fully guaranteeing the standard of workmanship and ensuring that they leave all sites of work in a clean and tidy condition.

provides kiln or barn dried logs delivered to your door which are ideal for wood burning stoves, chimineas, fire pits or general camping requirements.

“If you’ve not got Bear Grylls on hand, call LJX Wood fuels today for our excellent hard wood and kiln dried logs” For more Details T: 01505 873347 www.ljxtreesurgery.com We operate a free quotation and advice policy whereby you can be assured of a very competitive price and, being centrally located, we can provide a re-active service by which, traffic allowing, we can reach you within 30mins/20miles anywhere in Glasgow.

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@westendlife

Take the stress out of Letting or Selling your home Minerva Homes has decades of experience in the property market Taking on a new home or selling an existing one can be stressful at the best of times.

That’s why it’s important to place your affairs in the hands of a firm that cares about its customers.

Minerva Homes is run by Jamie Crocket in Killearn, now with the new addition of a Glasgow West End office in Chancellor Street. Minerva is an Estate Agency committed to offering you an experienced and personal approach to your property needs. Jamie’s aim is to help you find the right house or sell your property at the best market price in the most effective and efficient marketing time.

Jamie said: “Our knowledge and experience of the local property market helps us develop a marketing plan that’s right for you and your property. Its more than just knowing your way around the local area, it’s about understanding people, the properties, the neighbourhood and what it’s like to live there.

West End Life Magazine

“We offer an independent and personal service covering all aspects of Estate Agency, sales and lettings – and we are now able to offer full mortgage and financial services.”

Jamie will be working in association with mortgage expert David Rolleston of the Mortgage Advice Brokerage to offer a comprehensive property service for the West End. Minerva Homes have been valuing residential property in and around Glasgow, West and Central Scotland since 1985.

They can help you by offering clear straightforward advice in today’s market.

Your property will be advertised to attract interest from all prospective buyers and tenants - with first class follow-up and feedback to keep you advised of the sale or let as it progresses.

What makes Minerva Homes service extra-special is the extra effort they put into the presentation of properties whether for sale or letting.

Jamie said: “We use very high quality DSLR cameras with wideangle lenses to ensure that the buyer or renter knows exactly what they are going to get.”

“We put more effort into presentation than any other aspect of the business because it pays dividends for all parties.”

You can check out the results for yourself at MinervaHomes. co.uk/ To take advantage of special Introductory Rates, contact Jamie at Minerva Homes now on 01360 550801.

www.westendlife.biz | 13

Preparing your property to let Advice for prospective landlords new to the property letting business. becoming more heavily regulated and a landlord will have to fulfil a number of obligations of which the key ones are noted below:

Although there are certain regulations that have to be complied with, it is essential to decide if you are going to Let the property out on a furnished or unfurnished basis.

A letting agent should be able to give advice on this subject - a lot will rest on the type of property you have, its location and the target market. Furnished properties will tend to attract a higher rental, however, this has to be weighed against the initial cost of the furniture. On that basis, it may be easier and less hassle to provide an unfurnished property.

In terms of demand, the market place has changed over the past five years due to the financial crisis with more people looking to rent due to the difficulty many have in obtaining a mortgage. In general the demand for furnished accommodation is still slightly higher than for unfurnished although only slightly. Demand for both types of property is healthy and, if in good condition and marketed at the correct price, neither type should be empty long.

So what to provide?

The basic format for unfurnished is to supply carpets,

curtains and white goods. It is also beneficial to provide light shades that fit in with the decoration. Furnished properties do not require a huge amount of furniture, as it is probable that the tenants will have a few items of their own. The minimum would include sofas, coffee table, occasional tables, beds, bedside tables, wardrobes, kitchen table and chairs, and, for the kitchen, items such as toaster, kettle, pots and pans, crockery, cutlery, sharp knives, kitchen utensils, mugs and glasses.

Do not supply blenders, mixers, coffee machines and so on. If they should break down it is the landlord’s responsibility to repair or replace them.

Furniture that matches, will help the property to Let. Properties that look as if they have been filled with charity shop leftovers are not a good idea.

In both instances, the property should be fresh and clean throughout and this noted on an inventory which details all items in the property. If there is no debate as to cleanliness on move in there can be no debate when the tenant moves out.

The letting industry is

14 | West End Life – June/July 2015

■ Register as a landlord.

■ Comply with Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988.

■ Supply and display an Energy Performance Certificate.

■ Provide a Landlord’s Gas Safety Certificate.

■ Install hard wired smoke alarms.

■ Comply with Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 and carry out a Portable Appliance Test (PAT) for all appliances.

■ The tenant’s deposit has to be lodged with a Tenancy Deposit Scheme for the duration of the tenancy under the Tenancy Deposit Schemes (Scotland) Regulations 2011.

Prior to letting, you should also seek permission from your mortgage lender and inform your insurer. It is the landlord’s responsibility to insure the buildings and their own contents (if applicable) and the tenant should insure their own contents.

During the term of the Let, the landlord is responsible for paying factor’s fees (if applicable) however the tenant is liable for Council Tax, TV licence, electricity/gas consumption and telephone/internet invoices.

These conditions should all be contained in the Short Assured Tenancy Agreement. There is a lot to think about, but if everything is in place the chances of having a successful Let are greatly increased as well as avoiding the long arm of the law.

Happy Letting. @westendlife

Who we are

Since 2003 we’ve let and managed in excess of 13,000 properties and had more than 25,000 tenants through. We pride ourselves on our high occupancy rates, exceeding market rents and achieving higher than average yields for our clients. Our skilled property consultants make us different from all the others out there, providing a friendly, professional and comprehensive service to our landlords and tenants resulting in great retention & referral rates and lots of happy people.

We strive to work in the best interests of both tenant and landlord offering a seamless transparent and consistent level of service. We have a loyal client following from our Edinburgh, Glasgow and London offices, some of whom we’ve known for 11 years. They appreciate our market knowledge, open honest approach, thorough

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business procedure and passion for the job. This is why 100% of our clients are happy and regularly do recommend us. We maximise rental returns, minimise void periods and obtain the right tenants for our managed properties.

We are members of CAL, SAL, Property Ombudsmen Scheme and the TDS. We ensure that you and your properties are kept up to date with the latest industry legal obligations.

Are you a Landlord?

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“Problem Solved” Call or email for a free market appraisal E: glasgow@zoneletting.com T: 0141-333-0990 W: www.zoneletting.com SERVING: GLASGOW West End Life Magazine

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LONDON www.westendlife.biz | 15

WEST END FESTIVAL – a bloomin’ great line-up of events…

West End Festival is set for its 20th annual event which takes place in June every year and continues to be the biggest event in Glasgow’s calendar.

Running from Friday, 5 to Sunday, 28 June, over four weekends, the festival will include a programme of over 400 events in some 80 venues across the greater west end of Glasgow, with events ranging from music and theatre, to walks, talks and community galas – many events are free to attend. The parade is the biggest highlight of the festival and due to the success of our latest winter venture, The Electric Gardens, has ensured the parade can go ahead, this year taking place on Sunday, 7 June and sponsored by the Byres Road Traders Association.

Highlights of the festival include: John Rutter, one of the world’s most successful composers conducting his own work at the Mackintosh Church (14 June). A world premier on opening night (5 June), Louise Macdonald presents Mary Queen of Scots - singing newly commissioned songs by celebrated contemporary composers including Judith Bingham and Eddie Maguire to words from recently found letters from Mary Queen of Scots.

Look out for Elaine C Smith and Christina Dunwoodiein “Torch Song Divas” (June 19 and 20), and the former children’s laureate, Julia Donaldson– one of the world’s best-selling authors – on June 21 in Maryhill. Our very own national poet (Makar) and dramatist Liz Lochhead appears at Oran Mor on June 9 with Steve Kettley in a new show and folk legend Peggy Seegerwill make a historic visit to Oran Mor on June 27.

As promised, we’ve made Festival Sunday bigger and better than ever! We’ve got a trio of free concerts in and around Kelvingrove Park and because it worked so well last year, WEF’s closing concert will be at the Kelvingrove Bandstand on 28 June.

Liz Scobie, chair of the West End Festival board says: “We’ve now come out of our teenage years and have really demonstrated through this year’s programme,

16 | West End Life – June/July 2015

what the West End Festival can do with its collaborations, sponsors, supporters and all the people who attend the hundreds of events.

“As always, the colourful Mardi Gras on Festival Sunday, will see up to 80,000 families and friends line the streets of Byres Road all the way down to Kelvingrove Art Gallery.

We’ve got a special treat lined up for after! We’ve been working with community groups across Glasgow helping prepare their costumes; this year’s theme is ‘bloom’.”

The West End Festival is a celebration of culture, and one that has brought colour and entertainment to the streets of the west end since 1996. It continues to be a key part of Glasgow’s events calendar, attracting visitors from across Scotland.

Festival organisers encourage everyone to visit the website where all events will be listed! www.westendfestival.co.uk

@westendlife

Partick Trinity Church Presents internationally acclaimed pianist

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West End Life Magazine

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www.westendlife.biz | 17

What’s On What’s On Classes | Clubs | Meetings Events | Talks | Exhibitions

West End Life publishes details of classes, group meetings, local clubs and any one off or regular events within the West End Life distribution area.

Community Councils Broomhill CC 2nd Wednesday every month at 7.00pm in Broomhill Primary School www.communitycouncils glasgow.org.uk/broomhill Hillhead CC Meet 2nd Thursday of each month at 7pm www.hillheadcc.org.uk

North Kelvin CC Meet 3rd Tuesday every month Venue: St Charles’ Church Hall, 1 Kelvinside Gardens, G20 6BG Jordanhill CC Meet 1st Monday of the month except July and August in Jordanhill Church Hall, Woodend Drive, at 7.15 p.m. www.jordanhillcc.org Scotstoun Community Council Monthly meetings on last Thursday of each month (except July & December) 7.30pm Heart of Scotstoun Community Centre, Balmoral St, Glasgow G14 0BL scotscoco@gmail.com Dowanhill, Hyndland and Kelvinside Community Council Meet 2nd Monday of each month at Hillhead Sports Club (normally upstairs in the clubhouse) at 7:30pm 32 Hughenden Road GLASGOW G12 9XP

Farmers Markets Enjoy a delicious range of affordable, healthy and locally produced food. You’ll find a wide variety of seasonal vegetables, fresh fruit, quality meat, free range eggs, bread, cakes, cheese and fresh street food.

Partick, Mansfield Park 2nd & 4th Saturday 10am-2pm Milngavie, Douglas Street 1st Wednesday 10am - 2pm,

Outdoor Activities and Exercise Mugdock Country Park There are lots of things to see and do at Mugdock Country Park. You can see a full range of activities at www.mugdock-country-park. org.uk Western Health and Racquets Club In the heart of Glasgow’s West End, the Western Health & Racquets Club is the ideal place for everyone to play sport, get fit and have a good time. www.glasgowwestern.co.uk Hillhead Sports Club Hillhead Sports Club, a multisport, fitness and social club based at Hughenden in the West End of Glasgow - Cricket, Rugby, Tennis, Fitness, Shinty, Frisbee and more.

Visit www.hillheadsportsclub.com for more information.

Park Run Pollok Country Park, Springburn Park, Tollcross Park & Victoria Park Every Saturday at 9.30am Sign up for this free weekly 5K park run. Register at www.parkrun.org.uk Junior Park Run Victoria Park. Every Sunday at 9.20am. Weekly timed runs for children aged 4 - 14 years. For more information visit www.parkrun.org.uk

18 | West End Life – June/July 2015

Art lovers have a treat in store on Thursday 11 June 2015.

Seven leading galleries in Glasgow to host special West End Festival open day.

Owners are hosting special one off exhibitions on the day and will be open until 8pm in the evening offering refreshments and other surprises on the night including special offers.

Louise Burns, owner of Christo’s, commented: “Art lovers can peruse the work in each gallery at their leisure and enjoy even warmer hospitality than usual. It gives them a chance to compare and contrast the work of different artists and will hopefully be a great showcase for a lot of new and exciting work. It is not an easy time to be an independent retailer on the high street so we are hoping that the local community will really come out and support us in this new venture.”

Galleries taking part in this unique event are: • Christo’s Gallery, 595 Great Western Rd • 516 Gallery (Art Exposure), 516 Great Western Rd • Annan Gallery, 164 Woodlands Rd • Art By Distinction, 100 Byres Rd • Thistle Gallery, 56 Park Rd • Veneer Gallery, 1184 Argyle St • Art Pistol, 5 Cresswell Lane Further info contact Louise Burns, Christo’s Gallery 0141 579 0004

@westendlife

Alasdair Gray at The Hidden Lane Gallery

By Joe Mulholland

Artist, novelist, poet and polemicist, Alisdair Gray celebrated his 80th birthday in autumn last year - marked by a triumph of a massive and hugely successful retrospective exhibition in Glasgow’s Kelvingrove Art Gallery. The current show, at The Hidden Lane Gallery in Finnieston, brings together a representative selection of his totally distinctive print-making, from his early days over sixty years ago at Glasgow School of Art, through the illustrations for his many published books, including the acclaimed novel Lanark, until today, when he continues to work on versions of prints old and new at the Print Studio in the Trongate. This exhibition has been chosen

by Alasdair himself and brings to the public fine examples of a medium not fully explored in those previous shows at the Art Galleries and Glasgow’s Gallery of Modern Art. The Hidden Lane Gallery opened six years ago and shows works by artists known and unknown including those created by the now famed Canadian-born photographer Margaret Watkins who spent almost half of her life as a semi-recluse in Glasgow. Her images of London will be shown next at the Gallery, and to coincide with Glasgow’s hosting of the Turner Prize later this year, many of her classic images including The Kitchen Sink, which adorned one of Canada’s postage stamps two years ago, will be exhibited.

The Hidden Lane Gallery Glasgow 1081 Argyle Street, Finnieston, Glasgow G3 8LZ hiddenlanegallery.com 07760 669011 Mon-Sat 11am-5pm (Open Mondays for summer)

West End Life Magazine

ALASDAIR GRAY SIXTY YEARS OF PRINTS 30 MAY1 AUGUST 2015

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Sit back and enjoy something long and cool Whatever you do this summer, don’t neglect your garden. It can and should be a joy for all the family. A little planning and organisation will ensure it will be, for many years to come Summer is when your hard work comes to fruition and you can enjoy the beauty of the greenery and flowers you’ve worked so hard to bring to maturity. But there are always jobs for the busy gardener, the least of which is mowing your lawn, and general lawn maintenance.

Dead-heading is essential for all continuously flowering plants throughout the summer. Roses especially must have the spent flowers removed or the strength of the plant will go into seed formation. Shrubs in general also benefit from dead flowers being removed. If you want some seeds leave just a few in place. For

plants like dahlias, dead-heading is essential to encourage further blooming.

Constant weeding will of course be necessary all the time because weeds grow, no matter what the prevailing weather conditions.

A greenhouse is essential if you want to raise your own seedlings, cultivate exotic plants or keep delicate plants safe over winter.

These come in a huge range of styles and sizes, and most can be erected without difficulty. It will at least give you the opportunity to do some gardening when the weather prevents you doing it outside!

Do remember to keep the greenhouse well ventilated even if the sun doesn’t appear too fierce. In between showers it can blast down with surprising intensity at this time of year and

protection may well be necessary.

If so, paint over the glass (on the inside) with whitewash to cut down on the danger of scorching.

Again never water when the sun is on the foliage. And this applies to general watering. Do it late in the evening.

Outside lighting is often overlooked in garden planning.

It extends the hours you can enjoy the outdoors. It also makes an important contribution to the security of your home. Choose from a range of wall and stand mounted fittings. Look for fittings that turn lights on when natural light begins to fade. There are also lights that respond to movement.

Whatever you do this summer, don’t neglect your garden. It can and should be a joy for all the family. A little planning and organisation will ensure it will be, for many years to come.

% Get 10 wing e s l off al s online classe e code with th MAG ND WESTE

• Sew Confident Sewing Classes and Supplies!

• Learn to sew in a fun, friendly and social environment.

• Classes start from absolute beginners upto dressmaking and pattern cutting all in our bright west end studio!

Sew Confident Ltd, Hidden Lane, Mercat House, 19 Argyle Court, 1103 Argyle Street G3 8ND T: 07530997077 | E: Jenny@sewconfident.co.uk | www.sewconfident.co.uk 20 | West End Life – June/July 2015

@westendlife

Sunny and warm South Africa awaits you……

South Africa, in particular the beautiful lands around the Cape, should feature at the top of every discerning traveller’s wish list.

Enjoy the spectacular views of Table Mountain in Cape Town, or sample the wine from the famous vineyards of Franschoek and Stellenbosch, not far from the city. Travel on to view the wildlife and natural beauty along the Garden Route and finish your holiday at a malaria-free luxury game reserve. Or include a visit to the grandfather of all game reserves at the Kruger National Park. Apart from the excellent food, wine and warm hospitality, South Africa offers outstanding value for money.

Feedback from one of my Clients on their 16 night holiday to South Africa, including Cape Town, Garden Route and Malaria Free Game Reserve.

This itinerary is ideal for couples, honeymooners or families seeking great accommodation, a leisurely itinerary and hassle free game viewing.

Cape Town - We enjoyed staying near the waterfront - great range of restaurants and good

shopping mall on a wet day!

Also easy access to Robben Island Tour and other Tours; (Red and Blue bus tours worthwhile including Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. We visited Cape Point and Boulder to see the penguins on the way to Stellenbosch. Cape Point is spectacular.

Stellenbosch - The wine tram - great tour. Choice of 6 vineyards to visit.

Hermanus - Great hotel right on the front. Worth buying binoculars to see the whales. Good cliff top walks from town. A few nice eating places.

The Burgundy restaurant was great for both dinner and breakfast.

Oudtshoorn - Great drive through the mountains. Stopped off for lunch at Barrysdale - little place in the mountains. Visited ostrich farm and cango caves.

Both quite touristy but interesting.

Didn’t have time to see the Meerkats!

Plettenberg Bay - Great views from hotel and coastline. Good walks along beach and cliffs.

Can recommend the 5km walk round Robberg Island, the views were amazing. Saw seals and dolphins. Also went to visit a bird sanctuary nearby.

Tailor-made

Pumba Game Reserve - Fantastic accommodation. We did all 8 drives and very worthwhile doing them all. Ranger was very knowledgeable and shared lots of facts and lots of stories.

We got to see many different animals up close; white lions, elephants, cheetahs, wildebeest, impala, warthogs, giraffes, zebra.

Many other animals and birds...

Fantastic experience.

Driving in South Africa was easy. Our tour was a perfect mixture of scenery and visits. We felt like we saw it all..! Thank you again for a wonderful holiday.

For much more information on holidays to South Africa please don’t hesitate to contact me.

– this particular example the cost was £3227 per person (July 14 booking) including 4 nights Full Board Safari with Game Drives and 12 nights at 4 & 5 star hotels, flights, transfers and car hire where required.

L318X

Holidays & Cruises

www.designertravel.co.uk/simongemmell Direct Line: 01475 540350 | Email: simon@designertravel.co.uk www.designertravelcanada.co.uk

West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 21

22 | West End Life – June/July 2015

@westendlife

Glasgow Science Festival – the perfect chance for kids, adults and families to get up close and personal with the clever, fun stuff!

Ever fancied yourself as the next Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison or Louis Pasteur? Or perhaps you just love to learn about what makes our planet so incredible. The festival presents a varied programme of hands on activity, featuring high quality events that explore STEMM (science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine) and the social and ethical issues surrounding these subjects.

For the full line up of events, visit www.glasgowsciencefestival.org.uk To book ticketed events, visit www.eventbrite.co.uk

Selected Festival Highlights Wish 143 University of Glasgow, Beatson Institute, Garscube Campus 13th June 14:00 – 16:00 13+ Free Book online at www.eventbrite.co.uk A screening of ‘Wish 143’, an Oscar nominated short film about a terminally ill young man whose wish before he dies is to have sex. Followed by a panel Q&A featuring the film’s writer and lead actor as well as researchers working on teenage cancers.

Refreshments will be provided.

Visions of Home, Habitat and Shelter Glasgow Botanic Gardens, Kibble Palace 4-14th June 10:00 – 18:00 All ages Free The Society of Biology, Glasgow Green Year and Scotland’s Nature Festival present their exhibitions of Photographer and Young Photographer of the Year 2014. This annual competition for amateurs focused on the themes of Home, Habitat and Shelter.

From Creel to Meal at Drygate Drygate Brewery 11th June 19:00 – 21:00 18+ £23 Book online at www.eventbrite.co.uk West End Life Magazine

Glasgow Science Festival’s Pop Up Restaurant is coming to Drygate!

Tuck into a seafood feast (posh scampi anyone?) and trace the journey from creel to meal with marine biologists. Part of our Tasty Science programme, celebrating the Year of Food and Drink. Price includes dinner and a flight of beers.

A Chimp on Trial University of Glasgow, Boyd Orr Bld 12th June 18:00 – 19:30 Recommended for 16+ Free Book online at www.eventbrite.co.uk You’re summoned for jury duty.

Jack and his gang killed another gang member. He’s now on trial for murder. The twist? Jack is a chimpanzee. Drs Kate Cross and Lewis Dean, St Andrew’s University & friends will ask, could a chimpanzee ever be guilty of murder?

How Do You Feel?

Glasgow Caledonian University, Govan Mbeki Health Building 10th June 18:30 – 20:00 10+ Free Book online at www.eventbrite.co.uk An entertaining and informative exploration of body senses. This ‘touchy-feely’ talk will use scientific demonstrations and audience participation to explain how

humans are able to experience the sensations of pain, temperature, body position and balance.

Science Sunday at the University of Glasgow University of Glasgow, Hunter Halls‌ 14th June 10:00 – 16:00 All ages Free Drop-in Our flagship University of Glasgow family event just keeps getting bigger and better. From solar eclipses to sound, healthy bones to healthy seas, we show off the incredible research being carried out here on campus.

All brought to you by the Glasgow Science Festival team, Glasgow Uni staff and students plus specially invited guests.

Glasgow Science Festival at Kelvingrove Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum‌ 6th, 7th June 13:30 – 16:30 All ages Free Drop-in A weekend of fun-filled science activities for all the family. Meet leading researchers from across the country and see the world in a new light: compare yourself to elite-level athletes; explore seafood’s journey from ‘Creel to Meal’; discover a glowing nanoworld; trick your senses in a land of illusions and much more. www.westendlife.biz | 23

West End Festival – Each year during the festival the Friends of Glasgow West (www.fgw.org.uk) in conjunction with Glasgow City Life run a unique and fascinating series of Walks and Talks throughout the West End. Below you will find a selection from the programme but you can find the complete programme of the Walks and Talks at: www.westendfestival.co.uk From the Villas of Dowanhill to the Villas of the Clyde Estuary; from Glasgow Cinema to Glasgow Science, there is something for everyone.

For the Walks you should buy a ticket in advance at Barretts Newsagent at 263 Byres Road.

No advance booking is required for the Talks which take place at Hillhead Library, Byres Road. All talks commence at 6:30pm

is an architectural and community delight. Led by Kenneth Burns, the walk includes a visit to the Arlington Baths Club with its Moorish steam room.

Hughenden Old And New (New walk ) Fri 19 June • 7pm Join local historian Ann Laird in Hughenden, home to grand Victorian terraces by James Thomson, the Barclay Brothers and J J Burnett.

West End Cinemas Sat 20 June • 2pm A stroll with Gordon Barr and Gary Painter highlighting the architectural history of cinemas.

Sixty Steps And Greek Thomson Sat 20 June • 7pm Join Roger Guthrie of the Alexander Thomson Society on a tour of West End Buildings designed by this midnineteenth century genius.

Park And Sandyford Sun 21 June • 1.15pm Join art historian George Fairfull-Smith on a walk looking at buildings and locations with links to Glasgow’s 19th century artists, collectors and patrons.

Historic Hillhead Mon 22 June • 7pm Visit Hillhead, the oldest part of the Victorian West End, and once a Burgh in its own right, with local expert Fionna Eden-Bushell.

What’s On

Selected Walks Whiteinch And The Scotstoun Estate Tues 9 June • 7pm Explore with local historian Sandra Malcolm some picturesque survivors of rural Scotstoun, including some surprising Arts and Crafts influences.

Dowanhill – Jewel In The Crown Wed 10 June • 7pm Local expert Fionna Eden-Bushell explains the history and architecture of the grand and elegant churches, terraces, pleasure gardens and villas of Dowanhill.

Gibson Street, Thurs 11 June • 7pm David Boddy visits some architectural gems in and around Gibson Street - villas that pre-date the tenements, a terrace and two tenements by Greek Thomson.

Hyndland Fri 12 June • 7pm David Mullane, chairman of Hyndland Residents Association, tours the elegant architecture of this highly planned Edwardian development of red sandstone tenements.

West End Science Sat 13 June • 2pm A stroll with Glasgow author Ian R Mitchell around places associated with eminent scientists

who either worked in or were from Glasgow.

Kirklee (New Walk) Sun 14 June • 2pm Join Helen CargillThomson for a really short walk, taken at a very slow pace, in and around Kirklee Road. An authoritative historian and local expert, Helen will explain the immediate area as she has known it since her childhood.

Partick And Dowanhill Sun 14 June • 7pm Fiona Sinclair, past president of the Glasgow Institute of Architects, describes the features and styles portrayed in the much-loved Victorian and Edwardian tenements and terraces of Partick and Dowanhill.

Best West End Tenements Mon 15 June • 7pm Ann Laird, local historian, visits a selection of the West End’s 40 listed Victorian and Edwardian tenements, including Avril Paton’s famous “Windows on the West”.

Villas Of Dowanhill Wed 17 June • 7pm This walk, with Ann Laird, focuses on a small area in the centre of Dowanhill, where the Victorians built a superb collection of beautiful villas.

Woodlands/ South Woodside Thurs 18 June • 7pm This wedge-shaped neighbourhood at the very threshold of the West End

24 | West End Life – June/July 2015

Byres Road Thurs 25 June • 7pm Ann Laird leads a walk through the glorious Victorian era of Byres Road. In 1850, it was a simple country track, a brief 40 years later, a busy and fashionable city street. @westendlife

a Series of Walks and Talks North Kelvin Sat 27 June • 7pm Kenneth Burns, West End artist and local historian, visits bridges, churches, schools, a variety of domestic buildings and occasional industrial relics to the north of the River Kelvin.

The Kelvinside Estate Sun 28 June • 2pm Historian and author Gordon Urquhart leads an historical ramble around the fabled Victorian suburb of Kelvinside.

Selected Talks All talks take place in June

Monday 8th - Architects Of The West End: Gordon Urquhart, author and historian, will discuss the work, lives and relationships of Glasgow’s “other” great architects, those relatively obscure contemporaries of Greek Thomson and C R Mackintosh.

Tuesday 9th - Illustrating Glasgow Glasgow historian Bill Black takes a long look at how various artists, illustrators and cartoonists have depicted Glasgow – including its famous and ordinary people, its events, its streets and its buildings - over the last two centuries.

Wednesday 10th Glasgow Botanic Gardens Ewen Donaldson, General Manager, Glasgow Botanic Gardens, will present the West End Life Magazine

prestigious history of the Botanic Gardens.

Thursday 11th Great Western Road Share in the compelling and historically rich journey from Glasgow’s first Lunatic Asylum at Dobbie’s Loan to Gartnavel Royal Hospital, with Eileen Ross as your guide. Presented in conjunction with Art in the Gart.

Monday 15th - Historic Interiors: West End And Beyond This talk offers a glimpse into some of Glasgow’s most beautiful and elegant public and private interiors, designed over the past 150 years. This lesser known aspect of our built heritage will be presented by Helen Kendrick of Strathclyde University’s Institute for Future Cities.

Tuesday 16th Forth And Clyde Canal The Forth and Clyde and Monkland canals were hugely influential in the growth of Glasgow two centuries ago. The idea of connecting the Forth and Clyde by canal was mooted in 1724 by Daniel Defoe and the Forth & Clyde Canal became the world’s first man-made sea-tosea canal.

Wednesday 17th - Grand Villas Of The Clyde Estuary During the Victorian era and earlier, the affluent families of Glasgow were wont to build their “second homes” in pleasant surroundings on the Clyde. Fiona Sinclair, architect and historian, will take a historic photographic trip down the Clyde Estuary to

discover some of these grand villas.

Monday 22nd - North Park House and the Bell Collection George Fairfull-Smith, expert in Glasgow’s Art History, presents the background to the grand Victorian abode of collector Henry Bell - North Park House in Queen Margaret Drive - and describes the rich collection of artwork amassed and displayed there by the owner in his lifetime.

Tuesday 23rd - West End Wildlife Jim Coyle MBE of Friends of Glasgow’s Local Nature Reserves, describes the birds and other wildlife at Bingham’s Pond, Dawsholm Park, Possil Marsh Reserve and the Millichen area, all linked by the River Kelvin and the Forth & Clyde Canal.

Wednesday - 24th Webster’s At Kelvinbridge Stained glass artists Alf Webster (1883- 1915) and his son Gordon had a profound influence on Scottish stained glass. Both designed windows in the former Lansdowne Church at Kelvinbridge, and indeed Alf’s was installed shortly before his death in 1915 from wounds received at Ypres.

Thursday 25th - Glasgow’s Undergrounds Glasgow’s first ‘Underground’ wasn’t the Subway – it was the ‘City and District’ from Finnieston to High Street, under Queen Street Station.

Within the next ten years, Glasgow built what was for some years the world’s biggest ‘Tube’ system; and the Central Underground from Dalmarnock to Maryhill.

www.westendlife.biz | 25

2015 Around 50 min s. from Bearsden & Milngavie

Steeped in history and legend, Loch Katrine is the perfect place to start your Trossachs adventure.

Home of the Steamship Sir Walter

D

The Steamship Sir Walter Scott is fully wheelchair friendly

A SPECIAL*20% DISCOUNT TO READERS OF WEST END LIFE There has never been a better time to enjoy a cruise on Loch Katrine - just bring this advert along to receive this special 20% discount offer.

• Classic Steamship Cruises on Sir Walter Scott • Legends of the Loch Cruise on the Lady of the Lake • Walking and Cycling on the shores of Loch Katrine • Lochside Dining in the Brenachoile Restaurant • Katrine Gifts - Souvenirs & Crafts • Katrinewheelz - Cycle hire • Borg Grech Photography

Trossachs Pier, Loch Katrine, By Callander, Stirling FK17 8HZ Tel: 01877 376315/6 • Email: enquiries@lochkatrine.com www.lochkatrine.com 26 | West End Life – June/July 2015

@westendlife

* 20% Discount offer is not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Valid until 03-01-16.

Scott

MUSIC ON THE LOCH Making Sundays special at Loch Katrine

The sounds of summer at beautiful Loch Katrine will be more enchanting than ever this year – as the classic steamship Sir Walter Scott sets sail on Sundays during July and August for a special early evening jazz cruise, a great way to celebrate a special occasion, or a truly memorable highlight of a perfect day out.

The combination of the beautiful scenery which surrounds Loch Katrine, wonderful jazz and blues music from well-known local and Scottish bands, and the

West End Life Magazine

opportunity to enjoy sailing on the ship which has been part and parcel of the landscape of The Trossachs for 115 years is sure to be a special experience for visitors from near and far.

As the views across the loch slip gently by, visitors can relax and enjoy the fully accessible facilities on board the steamship, which include a fully-licensed bar and servery, and comfortable lounges.

Jazz Cruises will depart from Trossachs Pier (where facilities

include The Brenachoile Cafe Bar and Restaurant) every Sunday at 4:00pm (from the 28th June until the 30th of August) arriving back at 6:00pm.

The Loch Katrine Jazz Cruises are sure to be popular, so advance reservations are recommended, and tickets (from ÂŁ22.00) can be purchased online at www.lochkatrine.com, or from the Information Office at Loch Katrine (Tel. 01877 376315 or 376316).

www.westendlife.biz | 27

Hillhead Sports Community Hub

Hillhead Sports Club supported

by Glasgow Life, are delighted to announce that the Club is now actively delivering sport and physical activity as a Community Sports Hub in the City. Formerly a member’s only Club, Hillhead is now offering more sports and leisure opportunities to increasing numbers of people from the local area and beyond, and is adding more all the time.

The Community Sports Hub Program is an initiative from Sportscotland supported by Glasgow Life to encourage local, volunteer run Sports Clubs to get together, share facilities and initiatives and develop partnerships to ensure continued growth and sustainability of more local Sports Clubs.

In addition to the core sports of Cricket, Rugby and Tennis as well as a fully equipped gym and range of fitness classes, partnerships between Hillhead Sports Club and other clubs means more Sports are now calling Hillhead their Home. Shinty and Ultimate Frisbee are regularly making use of Hillhead’s pitches for training and playing and recently the Club has launched itself as a Cycling Hub. The Hub will be developing regular SkyRide events and junior cycling activities as well as establishing the Club as somewhere that local cyclists see as somewhere to meet, socialise and in time hopefully become a home of cycling in the West End. For younger people, a range of Holiday Sports Camps both from the Hub’s own Sports Clubs and in partnership with Sport Ecosse, offer fun activities for the longer School breaks, where kids can try a range of sports and activities safely in the confines of the Sports Club.

Hillhead Chairman Keith Fowler says “Becoming a Community Sports Hub is an important and

exciting phase in the evolution of Hillhead, helping us to develop more activities in order to offer more opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to become involved in Sport in their local community”. Vicki Holmes, Development Officer from Glasgow Life, adds “Hillhead is quickly becoming one of the largest Community Sports Hubs in Glasgow as it gives increasing numbers of people across the wider community the chance to participate in sport in a friendly, welcoming environment”.

Read more about Hillhead Sports Club and what is on offer for you and your family at www.hillheadsportsclub.com

28 | West End Life – June/July 2015

@westendlife

GLASGOW GLASGOW

WEST END WEST END BEER BEER FESTIVAL FESTIVAL CAFE TOO -CAFE SOURCE SOURCE TOO HILLHEAD CLUB HILLHEAD SPORTS SPORTS CLUB

Featuring mostexciting exciting Featuringsome some of of Scotland's Scotland's most breweries, beer, BBQ BBQand and breweries, great great beer, bottle Good Spirits SpiritsCo. Co. bottleshop shop from from Good Sessions £6 Sessions cost £6 (£4 Sports club club & &CAMRA).

CAMRA). (£4members members of of Hillhead Hillhead Sports Tickets Too & & The TheGood GoodSpirits SpiritsCo. Co. Ticketsavailable availablefrom from Cafe Cafe Source Too

Friday Friday31st 31st July July

Saturday 1st August August Saturday 1st

55--11:30pm 11:30pm

12 - 4:30pm 4:30pm(Family (Familyfriendly) friendly) 5:30pm--11:30pm 11:30pm 5:30pm

West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 29

*More to to be be announced *More announced #sourcebeerfest #sourcebeerfest

O would some power the giftie gie us to see ourselves as others see us.

By Guy Robertson

Marketing Advice and Tips for Small Businesses One of the key challenges facing a small business is how to approach their marketing, especially as there are so many different ways to reach your target audience.

Guy Robertson has more than 30 years’ experience managing and creating compelling marketing communications for scores of organisations across every industry sector. Here he sets out his top tips to help you get the most out of your marketing communications.

Set clear objectives.

Why are you doing this? Is it to increase sales, to build loyalty, to develop your brand image, to change perceptions, to launch a new product, to support your sales staff? Be crystal clear here, if you don’t know where you’re going you’ll end up somewhere else!

How do you look? Think of your logo as the flag and your brand as the ship. Branding is what a business stands for, through everything it does. Your brand needs to be delivered consistently through your customer relations, website, advertising, literature, social media and PR; they should all be inspired by the unique and distinctive proposition the business stands for.

Know your key proposition. Keep this simple and single minded. A great tip is to do the ‘lift test’. Imagine you’re waiting for a lift.

As the doors open a customer is standing in the lift. You know their need. You know your solution. You’ve got 10 seconds to express both in a single sentence before you leave the lift. What are you going to say that makes them reply “That’s very interesting. Tell me more?”

30 | West End Life – June/July 2015

Customers buy benefits, not features. You may well have the latest telecommunications technology or use the finest quality widgets but the customer doesn’t care. They want to know how your product or service will BENEFIT them and satisfy their need.

Know your competitors.

Who else might the target market choose to buy from and why?

Use that information to emphasise your strengths.

Know your target market.

“The consumer is not a moron, she’s your wife” An old saying but as true in today’s market as it was in the 1950s. It is vital you know who you wish to reach with your message and equally vital you treat them as people, not a number.

What is the Call to Action?

How do you want the target audience to respond to your marketing message? (E.g. trial, buy, help develop, become an advocate for, call, email, write, go to, ask, etc.)

Use a professional.

You are almost certainly a great hairdresser, lawyer, builder or restaurateur but you may not be an expert in marketing. So if you are consumed with the day to day challenges of working IN your business let Google be your friend and find an appropriately experienced marketer to help you.

@westendlife

Make that Graduation First Class at the Western Club Restaurant

Superb combination of classic and contemporary cuisine

If you enjoy delicious food and fine wine – and who doesn’t – come along and indulge yourself at the Western Club Restaurant.

Classic and contemporary cuisine is served with an elegant flourish within the portals of Glasgow’s oldest and only remaining private members club.

But rest assured, the restaurant, the result of a partnership between the club and veteran restaurateur Alan Tomkins, is open to the public.

A growing number of discerning diners have enjoyed superb food in a stylish setting and relaxed atmosphere.

The kitchen is run by Peter Wilson, formerly Chef at Lochgreen House and Piersland House in Troon and serves contemporary classic food using the very best seasonal Scottish ingredients.

There’s no better place to celebrate a graduation – with a delicious special menu priced at only £24.95 per person.

This includes a glass of bubbly on arrival and a three-course meal.

32 Royal Exchange Square, Glasgow G1 3AB Tel: 0141 248 2214 info@theclubrestaurant.co.uk

GLASGOW’S NEWEST DINING EXPERIENCE Indulge in delicious food & fine wines overlooking the iconic Royal Exchange Square

GRADUATING SOON? Book now for your special day.

Our Graduation menu is only £24.95 for 3 courses AND a glass of bubbly on arrival.

0141 248 2214 West End Life Magazine

www.theclubrestaurant.co.uk www.westendlife.biz | 31

Camp Indy! A fantastic summer day camp at Kelvinside Academy for campers aged 6 – 14 Camp Indy is an outstanding summer day camp based in Glasgow at Kelvinside Academy. At Camp Indy, campers get the opportunity to create a personalised summer programme to suit their interests. Our elective activities include sport, dance, art, performing arts, football, creative superstar and tennis.

Camp Indy is an authentic summer camp experience where campers get the opportunity to

try a host of fun and exciting activities such as talent shows, colour competitions, campfires, dances and much, much more.

We focus on developing children and building essential life-skills, all whilst having fun and creating friendships. Campers will leave Camp Indy more independant and confident, better communicators and with valuable leadership skills. They also won’t stop talking about their time at Camp Indy!

Based at Kelvinside Academy, Glasgow For ages 6-14 Professionally-led activities including sports, art, drama, dance, football & tennis!

1:10 staff to camper ratio 1 or 2 week sessions available All-camp events include talent shows, colour wars, camp fires & more

A LIFE CHANGING SUMMER ADVENTURE SUMMER DAY CAMP AT KELVINSIDE ACADEMY, GLASGOW, AGES 6 - 14 Join us for a summer of campfires, sports, art, drama, tennis, football, colour wars, talent shows, carnivals, friendships and fun!

FIND OUT MORE: WWW.CAMPINDY.CO.UK PHONE: 03333 44 00 77 32 | West End Life – June/July 2015

@westendlife

Save £500 on Invisalign treatment with Cherrybank Dental Spa. Cherrybank Dental Spa Glasgow is proud to be a member of the exclusive Invisalign Network: Scotland, and is delighted to offer a fantastic £500 saving on Invisalign treatment throughout the month of June.

With Invisalign, achieving the smile you’ve always wanted doesn’t have to be a big deal. In fact, it barely has to impact your day-to-day life at all.

Invisalign straightens teeth using a series of clear, removable aligners that are custom-made for your teeth. As you replace each aligner every two weeks, your teeth will move – little by little, week by week, gradually moving towards their final projected position. And because the aligners are nearly invisible, noone will ever know you’re wearing them (unless you tell them!)

Invisalign

really does transform your smile without disrupting your life.

Simply call us on 0141 530 1941 to make a complimentary, no obligation consultation. You can meet our experts and find out how Invisalign could work for you, as well as find out more about our flexible payment options to make achieving your brand new smile as easy as possible. www.cherrybankdentalspa.com

When it came to straightening my teeth, the choice was clear: Invisalign.

Within Philip Friel Advanced Dentistry 154 Hyndland Road Glasgow G12 9HX Call 0141 530 1941 or visit: cherrybankdentalspa.com

BEFORE

AFTER

West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 33

Dentistry with a difference Philip Friel Advanced Dentistry 154 Hyndland Road, Hyndland, Glasgow, G12 9HZ Tel no: 0141 339 7579 Website: www.philipfriel.com Philip Friel and his fellow dental professionals are registered with the General Dental Council.

Philip's membership number is 77637. *Specialist orthodontists are Andrew McGregor (GDC 80505) and Imran Shafi (GDC 79325).

34 | West End Life – June/July 2015

@westendlife

Visit our state of the art, relaxing clinic where our team will take great care of your dental needs.

We offer bespoke maintenance plans to retain a healthy mouth, teeth and gums. Should treatment be required we offer a full range of routine restorative dentistry treatments, cosmetic dentistry and specialist* orthodontics to make your smile as beautiful as it can be. The clinic offers a full range of Denplan membership with plan membership benefits.

Any lost teeth can be replaced using a full range of implant treatments to restore a single or multiple tooth space as naturally as possible. Dental implants can also be used to stabilise dentures, improving function, stability and confidence.

A dental implant information leaflet can be provided on request.

We look forward to caring for your smile.

West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 35

Dr. Emma

THE WEST END’S AWARD WINNING AESTHETIC CLINIC SUMMER BODY CONFIDENCE THE EXPERT WAY For our full range of affordable therapist and medical treatments visit

www.clinetix.co.uk

169 Hyndland Road, Glasgow G12 9HT • info@clinetix.co.uk • T 0141 221 0229

Gold Winner Best Aesthetic Clinic 2014

READER

Gold Winner Best UK Aesthetic Dentist

Silver Winner Best Clinic Scotland

Gold Winner Best Scottish Clinic

Bare your skin with confidence - Velashape Body contouring treatments will tighten skin, smooth cellulite and reshape Bums, thighs and stomachs. Save £100 when you book 4 x 30 min SeSSionS for £200 . Quote weL when Booking.

36 | West End Lifeoffer – June/July 2015 ends 30th June.

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@westendlife

Jennifer’s Journey to Beautiful Skin Jennifer McGonigle juggles a demanding career and life as a single mum of her young daughter, Milla. Jennifer, who is in her late 30s, is beautiful, but since her teenage years, when she suffered with acne, she’s had to take extra special care of her skin.

Jennifer was recently been appointed an Ambassador for Clinetix, the award winning aesthetic clinic in Hyndland.

Clinetix’s Dr Emma Ravichandran explains: “Many clients are keen to find out more about some of our treatments so we are developing a series of short videos in which

Jennifer will talk through her experiences.”

Here Jennifer gives us a sneak preview of her journey so far. “Like many women my age I had a good daily skin regime but I was in a bit of a rut. I kept reading about all these amazing products and treatments but didn’t really know where to start. I was a little nervous before my first visit to Clientix however when I met Emma I knew I was in good hands.

Emma looked at my skin, asked me about my skin care routine then recommended a programme of therapist-led treatments to

Reader Offer

improve the condition of my skin.

My next visit involved a skin scan using a visia scanner with therapist Femi, who talked me through the results …the good news is I don’t have many wrinkles for my age.

The bad news…I have very open pores and some sun damage.

Femi recommended that I use cosmeceutical products from the Image skincare to help me achieve a brighter skin, even skin tone, reduce visible open pores, prevent further sun damage.

“I am four weeks into my new skincare routine and the difference the products are making is amazing.

My skin brighter and smoother – and I feel fantastic. I was chuffed when a 25-year old colleague asked if I had changed my foundation as my skin was glowing!

‘Now that my skin is in much better condition Emma has recommended that I try a course of gentle skin peels. I can’t wait to see the results.”

For more information visit www.clinetix.co.uk. or call 0141 221 0229 or pop in to Clinetix, 169 Hyndland Road, Glasgow.

G12 9HT

Enjoy a complimentary Skin Scan (which Jennifer describes above) and get £10 off any product. Quote West End LIfe when booking Offer ends July 31 2015

West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 37

W No oo w dl o a n pe ds n Ro on ad

salann halotherapy

Treatments for dermatological and respiratory conditions using the natural healing properties of salt If you’re living with a skin condition, have breathing problems or would just like a general health boost or somewhere to relax, call us to see how we can help you

Contact us today to book your free consultation

West End Life offer

0141 212 8700 www.salann.co.uk

Call today and book three sessions for the price of two

38 | West End Life – June/July 2015

@westendlife

Breathe easy with Powerful, Natural Treatment

New clinic helps respiratory and skin disorders Sufferers from respiratory and skin conditions have welcomed the opening of a unique new clinic in Glasgow which draws on an ageold traditional curative process.

Salann Halotherapy, run by husband and wife team Graham and Ashley McFarlane, is the first centre of its kind in the west of Scotland.

It specialises in the use of salt therapy to treat respiratory conditions and infections by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria.

It also has beneficial effects on certain skin conditions because the

West End Life Magazine

salt treatment reduces the negative effect of bacteria and oils.

Graham, who suffers from asthma said: “I tried the salt treatment myself and saw the benefits after only one or two sessions – and I was convinced there was a wider market for the treatment.

“Salt therapy has a fascinating history. It really started out as what was an old wives’ tale.

“It originated in Eastern Europe where it was reckoned that people who entered salt caves felt invigorating effects.

“People scoffed at the idea that it was anything other than superstition – and it wasn’t until around 200 years ago that a Polish physician proved that it actually worked.

“Then, in the mid-80s, Russian researchers recreated the conditions found in salt caves by creating an environment rich in microscopic particles of salt.

“They used what is called a halogenerator, which creates its own micro-climate.

“Minute particles of salt work at a cellular level. In terms of respiratory problems, the salt particles get deep into the lungs, helping to clear out mucus and aid breathing.

“The treatment works on everything from coughs and colds to asthma and bronchitis.”

Graham said that the same principle applies to skin conditions.

He said: “The salt particles settle on the skin helping to remove dead skin, bacteria and harmful oils and this helps the skin to regenerate.

“It is beneficial to sufferers from dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis for example.”

Salann Halotherapy is now open for business in Glasgow’s Woodlands Road.

If you have a respiratory or skin condition that is proving tough to treat, why not sign up for a free consultation and talk to an expert who can recommend the appropriate treatment.

Salann Halotherapy Ltd 32-34 Woodlands Road Glasgow G3 6UR T: 0141 212 8700 e: info@salann.co.uk w: www.salann.co.uk f: facebook.com/ SalannHalotherapy t: @SalannInfo

www.westendlife.biz | 39

Wickerman Festival 2015

Scotland’s Iconic Family Friendly Music Extravaganza! three of music’s most iconic names to its 2015 line-up. The hugely popular pop-rock band Squeeze, Scottish superstar Lulu and seminal punk performance poet John Cooper Clarke will be taking centre stage alongside recently announced The Waterboys, Tom Odell and Example & DJ Wire.

Boldly mixing established, emerging and retro artists, the Wickerman Festival (24th & 25th July) is one of Scotland’s leading independent music festivals, attracting music lovers from all over the UK. Its nine stages present an eclectic and often surprising mix of leading artists as well as alternative acts and up and coming talent. From dance and electronica, to rock, indie, reggae and punk, Wickerman prides itself on catering for every music taste.

Wickerman is turning up the heat this summer with the addition of

It is one of the friendliest festivals in Scotland and with hundreds of music-loving families in attendance each year, there’s a host of cool kids entertainment and activities on offer. The festival site is a working farm in picturesque Dumfries and Galloway; its rolling hills, lush forests and fresh country air make for a refreshing vibe.

It is also where the classic 1973 Wicker Man film was made – the inspiration for the festival’s name.

Now in its fourteenth year, the twoday Festival will once again come to its legendary and spectacular climax with the Saturday night lighting of the Wickerman.

Prices for an adult weekend ticket start at £110 and children aged 12 and under can attend for free.

For further information please visit www.thewickermanfestival.co.uk

WIN! Exclusive to

West End Life Magazine, a family ticket (2 adults & 2 children) to the Wickerman Festival, worth over £300!

1 lucky West End Life reader will win a weekend FAMILY camping ticket to The Wickerman Festival!

Just answer this simple question: Which legendary female Scottish superstar female singer is among the line-up this year?

All you have to do to be in with a chance of winning is visit and LIKE our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ WestEndLifeMagazine then send us a private message with your answer along with your name, telephone number and email address. Alternatively, go to www.westendlife.biz click on ‘competitions’ and follow the instructions from there. Closing date Monday 6th July. Winners will be notified by email.

No cash alternative. Good luck!

Friday 24th & Saturday 25th July 2015

www.thewickermanfestival.co.uk East Dundrennan, 40 |Kirkcarswell West End LifeFarm, – June/July 2015 Dumfries & Galloway Tickets can be purchased from www.skiddle.com

@westendlife

Drive through Wild Animal Reserves, Boat Trips around Chimp Island, Sea Lion Presentations, Bird of Prey Centre & Displays, Lemur Land, Pets Farm, Elephant Habitat, Adventure Playground with Pirate Ship, Giant Astraglide, Pedal Boats, Flying Fox, Fun Fair & Amusements, Restaurant, BBQ & Picnic areas.

Free Parking.

For information on Seasonal Memberships, Keeper for a Day, Animal Experiences & Encounters, Animal Adoptions & Hawk Walks visit our website.

Open daily: 21st March to 1st November 2015 10am – 5.30pm, last admission 4.30pm

West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 41

Angel Images – making moments memories At Angel Images we create more than just nicely exposed images of your children and pets. It is our aim to make stunningly personal and timeless pieces of art that you will cherish forever.

The process starts with a no obligation consultation in our boutique studio in the heart of the west End of Greenock “The building is ideal as a photographic studio. It’s wonderfully private for clients and we even have the old nursery playground in the garden if the little ones need to let off steam” says Angela our international award winning principal photographer.

If you decide to book a photo session at the studio after your consultation, you’ll find the actual photo shoot a wonderfully relaxed affair. All bookings (other

than special mini shoots) are scheduled in the diary for half a day even if the session will only take an hour or so.

This summer we have a fabulous special offer: All of our sessions will include a complimentary framed

42 | West End Life – June/July 2015

print worth double the value of the session. So if you book a weekend premium session which would normally cost £75 you will get a voucher worth £150 to spend on products at your viewing appointment.

@westendlife

s e l i F E L Y T S The

Packing it all in……or not Marilyn Thompson shares her Top Tips for avoiding Holiday Packing Hell With Summer just around the corner, thoughts are turning to our holidays, our time to relax in the sun. However when it comes to packing our holiday wardrobe into one smallish suitcase we often get ourselves into a panic, then packing too much of all the wrong things. With this in mind I have put together some tips on packing but hopefully still enabling you to holiday in style.

First of all plan to wear your heaviest clothes for travelling and layer up - so wear your jeans, top, cardigan, scarf, belt, jewellery and your comfy but heavier sightseeing sandals. Take your biggest summer bag as a carry on and this will also be used as your beach, shopping and everyday bag so you only need to pack one smaller evening bag or clutch.

Lay everything you would like to take out on your bed then prepare to get seriously ruthless

West End Life Magazine

- you will need to reject about half of it. If a piece of clothing can’t multi task then it doesn’t go in the case. If the item of clothing doesn’t have a specific purpose for your holiday, no matter how much you like it, then it doesn’t go in the case. Stick to three shades so ideally all your holiday clothes should work well together and be able to easily mix and match.

In reality you need only pack very little as, unless you are travelling deep into one of the farthest corners of the earth you will be able to hand wash some items and pick up that extra holiday bikini or inexpensive straw sun hat etc when you are there!

So, with that in mind here is a basic clothing packing list: • 3 dresses all suitable for evening dinner, shopping and as cover ups • 2 bikinis or bathing suits • 1 sarong or oversized shirt • 3 t-shirts or loose fitting tops • 2 pairs of shorts

• 1 large scarf - a fantastic item which can be used as a cover up, a shawl, a blanket or a sun shade • Underwear and pj’s • 1 pair of heels or wedges and a pair of flip flops Before finishing I must own up and admit that I generally don’t pack until about an hour before I have to leave for the airport. It’s a bad habit I know but for me I find that it makes me focus and pack quickly, however, I have made some monumental blunders doing it this way so perhaps this year I should take my own advice.

In addition, remember to take waterproof mascara, sunglasses, a good book, your passport and your smile!

Happy Holidays!

www.westendlife.biz | 43

A Family Business Since 1994 Where it’s Chemistry, not Chemicals

Professional Cleaners of carpets, curtains, upholstery & leather We are the proud recipients of the

National Award for Perpetual Excellence for our Carpet, Curtain & Upholstery Cleaning In the West End since 1994

Domestic and Commercial • Call for a free no obligation quotation • Carpets dry within 2 hours • Upholstery cleaned in your home • Curtains cleaned where they hang • Rug and leather cleaning specialists Check out services and reviews on our website

www.mcmillanschemdry.co.uk • www.facebook.com/mcmillanschemdry.co.uk Phone us free on 0800 298 1295

Or Bearsden office: 0141 943 2305 Hillington office: 0141 892 6300 All 24 hour lines

T: 0141 892 6310 www.mcmillansrugspa.co.uk

McMillan’s Rug Spa have been involved in rug cleaning and carpet cleaning for around 20 years and have recently invested in a purpose built rug cleaning spa. This is where we take your rugs through our extensive cleaning process, leaving them cleaner, revitalised and sparkling.

BEFORE

AFTER

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• Persian • Silks • Oriental • Indian

• Turkish • Kilims • Tribals • and others

• Pet urine odour removal • Supply non-slip rug pads • Remove smoke/soot odours • Moth treatment • Fringe cleaning WE CLEAN ALL TYPES OF RUGS:

ADDITIONAL SERVICES WE OFFER:

• Stain guard

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T: 0141 892 6310 www.mcmillansrugspa.co.uk

44 | West End Life – June/July 2015

INTRODUCTORY OFFER

10% OFF ANY RUGS - CLEANED & PAMPERED

@westendlife

THE GLASGOW ACADEMY KELVINBRIDGE

‘‘An exciting place to learn’’

Excellent care and imaginative learning for children from age 3.

Open 50 weeks a year 8 - 6pm.

Call us on 0141 342 5494 The Glasgow Academy, Colebrooke Street, Glasgow, G12 8HE

www.theglasgowacademy.org.uk

West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 45

The Glasgow Academy is an educational charity: Charity number SCO 15638

Good times or interesting times?

Brian Milne

Wherever you look, there are encouraging economic signs. Personal insolvencies are at their lowest level for 10 years. Corporate insolvencies are also at a seven year low.

The latest Residential Market Survey from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors stated that a rise in prices was positive in each part of the UK, with lack of supply being the driving factor in many cases. House prices in Scotland have rocketed up 14% in the year to March 2015, an increase higher than any other part of the UK. Undoubtedly, some of this is down to the introduction of the Land and Buildings Transaction Tax, replacing Stamp Duty in Scotland, (this has changed the bandings for the tax due on property purchases, and, particularly at the higher end of the market, stimulated property sales to be pushed through prior to the April change). Those lucky enough to afford a house (the average house in Scotland costs £207,000), are repaying their mortgage at record low interest rates. Furthermore, whilst unemployment is Scotland has crept up recently, it still is around 6% which is comparatively low by historic standards.

FD Debt Solutions is the debt expert department of French Duncan Chartered Accountants. Our trusted advisors have been providing debt solutions across Scotland since 1989. Providing a quality service you can trust, we tailor every debt solution to the individual to ensure you can maintain and then exit the specific solution, debt and stress free.

133 Finnieston Street Glasgow G3 8HB Telephone: 0141 221 2984

46 | West End Life – June/July 2015

So, all is well? Well, not quite. The respected Fraser of Allander Institute’s recent commentary stated that the recovery in the labour market has been biased in favour of part-time, temporary and self-employment rather than the more traditional permanent roles. Whether this is a move to a ‘zero hours’ culture or a sign of entrepreneurial zeal on the part of the Scottish labour force, remains to be seen.

Equally, household spending continues to be the principal driver of UK growth, with household spending being fuelled by household debt, which in their words is “is almost certainly unsustainable”.

There are other tell tale signs that the economic recovery is sporadic: the rise of Lidl and Aldi and the fall of the traditional supermarkets can at least in part, be put down to canny shoppers budgeting wisely.

There’s still massive uncertainty around the global economy: will Greece exit the EU will the UK exit the EU following a referendum? Will deflation at home take hold?

What is clear is that the next two years we are going to be in for a bumpy ride.

This is my last column for West End Life. Writing the columns has been very enjoyable and I hope you have found at least some of the columns over the last two years interesting. I would like to leave with one last piece of advice. If you are an individual or company, struggling with debt, the most important piece of advice I can offer, is to take advice early.

This gives you every chance of re-arranging and re-structuring your debt before it gets too late and circumstances take over.

Brian Milne is a partner in the business recovery practice of French Duncan Chartered Accountants

@westendlife

Broomhill Shopping Centre Where shopping and eating is just around the corner.

Broomhill Shopping Centre Broomhill Drive, 2-26 Norby Road Broomhill, Glasgow G11 7BN www.broomhillshoppingcentre.com

BROOMHILL LAUNDRETTE & DRY CLEANERS

FREE PARKING West End Life Magazine

www.westendlife.biz | 47

one

BIG day out

for all the family!

Gifts • Clothing • Whisky • Food • Beer Garden Large Restaurant • Kids Play Area • Free Animal Shows Toilet Facilities • Disabled Access

Kids eat FREE!

With each adult hot meal purchased, receive one child’s meal from the children’s menu.

Image for illustration purposes only.

48 | West End Life – June/July 2015

Off Main Street, Aberfoyle, Stirlingshire, FK8 3UQ @westendlife

Tel 01877 382850 Email swc@ewm.co.uk