ALWAYS FREE
O CTO B E R 2016
WIN
LIMITED EDITION SIGNED ‘ILIKEBIRDS’ FRAMED PRINT OVERNIGHT STAY AT STATION HOTEL, SPEYSIDE WITH DISTILLERY TRIP A BOTTLE OF 1st BATCH MORAY DISTILLERY ‘AVVA’ GIN TICKETS TO SEE ‘COLOURS OF CLUNY’
horizon beyond the
F A S H I O N | H E A LT H | B E A U T Y F O O D & D R I N K | T R A V E L | A R T S & C U LT U R E
Modern Living Country Style
Strathisla Park Keith | AB55 5JS
SHOWHOME NOW OPEN Thursday - Monday
11am - 5pm
A quality development of 2, 3 and 4 bed → → →
Bungalows Family Villas Starter Homes
only 50 minutes drive from Dyce, Aberdeen. Prices from £115,950 to £242,950 YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER LOAN SECURED ON IT. See website for details, subject to contract and status.
Showhome Open Thursday - Monday: 11am - 5pm t: 01542 880117 m: 07876 413723 e: sales@deveronhomes.co.uk
DEVERON homes
Home buyers can experience luxury living on a grand scale with a visit to Deveron Homes’ latest new development of 2, 3 and 4 bed bungalows and villas at Strathisla Park, Keith.
BEAUTIFUL HOMES AT KEITH The showhome at Strathisla Park is now open enabling potential purchasers to appreciate the layout, specification, quality and finish of a typical Deveron home. Many of those who have visited have said the showhome feels very lived-in, somewhere they can really picture as their own. The development is within easy reach of the A96 making it a great base for commuters. It’s just a short rail journey from Elgin, Huntly and Inverness and is on the main bus route north. Prices at Strathisla Park range from £115,950 to £242,950.
The Strathisla showhome is open: Thursday - Monday: 11am - 5pm
www.deveronhomes.co.uk
You seek perfection . . . now it’s yours for the asking
DEVERON homes
Compare us with your usual read... MMS Publishing is extremely proud to introduce our new, day to day, week to
Creative
Printers
Alistair Davidson
Graham Payne
Tamsyn Dickson
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Chris Leil
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Finishing
week, month to month, everything for
Rebecca Beaton
Lisa Stuart
everyone, style magazine -
Donna Cowie
Fiona Duncan Emma Fraser
Our belief is that Moray has an abundance of talent, interests and culture that most of us are unaware of or even understand. Lifestyle Moray will appeal to everyone,
Sales Rhona Patterson rhona@mmm-publishing.scot
Editorial Tamsyn Dickson
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redefining their stereotypical ideas of a Moray teuchter and introducing them to the fabulously diverse that can be found nationally and internationally. Moray is ours, let’s be proud of it!
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moray
MMS Almac Ltd, Unit 6, Tyock Industrial Estate, Elgin, Moray IV30 1XY. 01343 55 1234 All material within this magazine is subject to formal copyright restrictions and therefore the reproduction of any listings, editorial, advertising artwork or any other content, without the publisher’s prior consent, will be considered a breach of copyright.
this month Hello and welcome to the first edition of Lifestyle Moray. We hope you enjoy this new publication as it is dedicated to Moray and intends to showcase the wealth of talent and enterprise in this area. The Magazine is produced in Moray with design and sales in Elgin and printed in Keith, it is fully recyclable and only paper from sustainable sources are used. Our intention is to make this your Magazine so if there are any interesting subjects or people you would like to see featured please let us know. It has been nail biting work putting this first issue together and if you don't mind I would like to take this opportunity of thanking the design and sales team, our printers and finishers and of course our advertisers.
Colin
Colin Brown, Publisher
moray
A D UT I F U L LY H A N D C R A FT E D P R O D U CT O F SCOT L A N D C R A FT E D B Y MORAY DISTILLERY LTD
An exclusive combination of Speyside, Highland and traditional botanicals are distilled slowly in small batches with pure Speyside water and hand bottled in our distillery.
@ AvvaScottishGin
Moray Distillery
MorayDistilleryLtd.co.uk
goodness what spirit she has – like the ladies she’s been christened after. Traditional botanicals have been combined with Highland and Speyside hand-foraged botanicals. With a rural background and hailing from the Highlands, geographically botanicals are gathered from numerous sources from John o Groats to the Spey valleys through a network of relations, friends and acquaintances. Jill explains that driving round the countryside has changed quite considerably, ‘It’s the transformation of what many consider weeds followed by
Avva Scottish Gin – Divine spirit, genuine small
the gathering & preserving these, to then establish a flavour
batch and fully hand-crafted.
profile, which finally can then be included to a batch of
What better location to establish a small distillery than
spirit. Although I’ve previous experience with compound-
Speyside. Moray Distillery Ltd have direct access to a bounty
ing spirits for liqueur production, the distillation process is
of botanical sources such as woodland, grassland valleys,
the next level up with where I wanted to go and I
riverside and coastal terrain and easy access to highly talented
appreciate the importance of utilising local suppliers, which
copper-smiths. Jill Brown has some creditable history in the
is why I chose the still to be made in Moray. Not many
drinks sector, with a multi-award winning liqueur business Berry
distillers or distilleries were able to just pop over the road
Good under her belt along with an honours degree in Rural
to see it all coming together.’
Business Management & Agriculture and a third generation
Jill had watched the sector for a long time, driven by
licensee, she decided in 2015 to follow a long term ambition to
aspirations to join the ranks of Dunnett Bay Distillery,
join ranks of the craft distillers.
Strathearn Distillery, Eden Mill, Loch Ness Spirits and more
Avva Scottish Gin will launch this Autumn with genuine
locally Gordon Castle, El:gin and Caorunn. The essential
small-batch gin. Genuine because the still, J-J is only 250l large and we all know great things come in small packages! J-J or to give her the full title Jessie-Jean was christened after the owners grandmothers. Sometimes it is worth taking the extra time to do things well, in this case exceptionally well. It is really easy to purchase an ‘off the shelf’, imported copper-still but being based in the heart of whisky and distilling country there were local companies doing much better. By chance whilst driving through Elgin, Jill spotted a van emblazoned with Speyside Copper Works which started the conversation of the creation of J-J. A combination of the talented loons from Speyside Copper Works and LH Stainless took the order from sheet copper metal to what is now the hand-made copper still known lovingly as ‘J-J’. She is a beauty, small yes, but my
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legal requirements of licenses and the fabrication of
Distilled, Elgin. The first batch will retail direct to
J-J took just over 7 months. She has observed
consumers via the online shop. It is planned to
elements that she knew she wanted to incorporate,
allow gin connoisseurs to select their own number
to avoid and to work with - one of those being the
from the first batch. There after selected trade and
team at Pocket Rocket Creative after having seen
retailers (independents) will be sent their orders.
the creation with Rock Rose Gin. PRC took all the
FB:@AvvaScottishGin T: @AvvaScottishGin
ideas, honed in on the elements and presented the
W: www.moraydistilleryltd.co.uk
design back for the distilleries first release, Avva Scottish Gin. The small distillery is based in the old Cathedral city of Elgin. The iconic Cathedral has been the inspiration for key elements of the design, from the depicted Rose window and the arched windows featured in the label. The name Avva means: ‘a respected grand-mother, respectable old/elder woman’ in the Indian language of Dravidian, in Hebrew however, it means to overturn or ruin which links the reputation that gin had as ‘Mother’s Ruin’ from the Hogarth era. Linking the respected elder women is of course J-J, named after Jill’s grandmothers. Avva Scottish Gin launches in the year that the UK’s most famous and respected grand-mother celebrates her 90th birthday, HRH Queen Elizabeth – who is also partial to a Gin & Tonic we are led to believe. Along with a slight play on words ‘I’ll Avva G&T please’ seems a logical name for ordering a drink. It has been a long summer waiting for it all to come together and possibly around 6 weeks later than initially planned but everything happens for a reason. The essential licenses from HMRC 6 months due to staff shortages with Scottish Government, with the licenses eventually arriving in late August. The bottles did however arrive early, fresh off the production line and the corks, which are also debossed with the iconic depiction of a cathedral rose window, were on site in time for the preview launch in London & locally at the new event
WIN A BOTTLE OF BATCH #1 To win please answer this question:
What does Avva mean? Email your answer to: tamsyn@mms-publishing.scot Please include address and phone number. Competition ends 31st October 2016
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wear the story
by founder sharon davidson
Smadug... A Scottish clothing brand that visualises culture of our land! HOW IT CAME ABOUT I’ve always had a love for t-shirts.
Back in April 2008 I went
My old favourites that are too small
backpacking. I didn’t return to Moray
or out of shape are even framed
until Christmas 2012. In my time
and hung in my studio. I love the
away I started to notice my love for
simplicity of them, the ease to dress
home. I found myself reading a lot of
them up and the comfort they have
Scottish history books and enjoyed
when dressed down.
telling people stories of Scotland and it’s history when the subject arose.
From blank t-shirts to clean and simple designs, that’s what fills my wardrobe.
It was then I came up with the idea of Smadug, a Scottish inspired clothing
Being a graphic designer, I’ve always
brand. I figured I could use my love
appreciated good design and prints
of design, love of Scotland, and of
on t-shirts. I’ve always dreamed of
course, my new love of Scottish history
having my own clothing brand one
and combine them all to create a high
day, but I felt the street brand/fashion
quality brand that would tell the story
industry was saturated with very
of Scotland through clothing. No more
talented design. I didn’t feel confident
tacky souvenirs for my friends!
enough to compete, let alone make an impact in the industry. So a dream it stayed, for a while anyway.
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wear the story
HOW IT’S DONE Firstly I get my ideas all written down.
I prefer to have the ink thin so it
The research then begins and finally
doesn’t crack or feel ‘rubbery’ as if
the designs get finalised.
you can pick it off. I like the designs to look subtle too with almost a faded
The designs have to be clean and
look. I can’t get this attention to
simple with the Scottish link subtly
detail online or outsourced as I’m not
done so that the t-shirts can be
personally involved in the process.
worn by anyone. For the branding, I have a very As this is a Scottish brand it makes
talented friend who is a Seamstress,
sense to have it all manufactured
Fiona Purcell. She takes on the
here in Scotland, but unfortunately
highly mundane task of relabelling
we don’t manufacture cotton
the neck tags whilst retaining the
t-shirts here. So after a lot of t-shirt
American Apparel/Bella & Canvas
research, washing and wearing I
tag, to prove we do indeed print on
settled on American Apparel and
the best. In addition, she also adds
more recently Bella & Canvas as my
the wee Smadug hem tag to show
choice of suppliers. They provide
the brand name.
the best blank shirts out there, especially quality, cut, fair trade and
This attention to detail, including the
most importantly they’re fashionable
hand screen printing, hand finishing
(and the most expensive, obviously!).
and of course the stories we tell is what makes Smadug different from
I do however make sure the printing
the other Scottish brands.
and finishing is done locally. The stories behind each design is very The hand screen printing is done in
important. To get this across (or just in
Aberdeen where my friend Lloyd has
case the purchaser forgets), the story is
a ‘wee’ print shop. This allows me to
summarised on the swing tag.
spend time with him, mixing the ink colours to match the shirts, which
I spend a lot of time on the presentation of the shirts. I want them to be a bit
is highly important to me as I want
different. When someone takes the time to wrap a gift for me, I love to guess
to ensure I’m heavily involved in the
the present. It just makes it so much more interesting to feel the parcel and
print process.
keep the suspense going that bit longer. So bearing that in mind I decided to roll the tshirts up so when someone feels the present at Christmas, for example, they think it’s socks but it’s not… it’s a cool Smadug t-shirt!
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#high quality #handscreen printed #finished locally #storytelling #scottish inspired #clothing brand
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wear the story
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wear the story
MORE THAN T-SHIRTS In 2013 when I launched the brand I had 6 designs, and today, 3 years on, I have 17. I’m slowly expanding! I have stories about whisky, inventors, sport, people and places. I’m always thinking up the next one. I love to find a subject and tell the story that might not be commonly known.
Smadug now has more to offer. I started with ‘Wee Purses’ with snippets of the Smadug designs, with the same story swing tags. I decided to make these as I love a ‘wee’ coin purse that you can fit
I have four ladies from Elgin who
your bank card into as well. There
help with the knitting of the hats
wasn’t much on the market at the
now. Fingers crossed we will have
time that ticked all the boxes for
the new range replenished for this
me so I made my own. They’ve gone
winter’s demand.
down well, for both sexes of all ages. Kids bring them to school, women on
The latest products I am working on
nights out and men to keep all their
are slate coasters with the Smadug
change from jingling about in their
whisky designs laser printed onto
pockets. They are so handy!
them which is also done in Elgin by MG Timber. I have sold quite a few
If you want to read
The other thing I have introduced
of them at local fairs and festivals
more about Smadug
to the brand is ‘Woolly Hand Knitted
but they have gone so quick I haven’t
and the Scottish stories,
Hat’s by Oor Granny’. These started
been able to get them on the website.
check out the information on each design at
just before my first ever Belladrum Tartan Heart Festival back in 2014.
I’m also working on a woven patch
smadug.com
I started off with 15 hats and they
to introduce sweatshirts for this
and see what the
sold within half an hour, I was either
winter too. Again, all the finishing
Scottish connection is.
pricing them too low or folks just
will be done in Elgin by local people,
loved them! Either way I still can’t
keeping the quality high and as
Thank’s for reading,
keep up with the demand.
always, done with love.
- Sharon
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SOON OPENING
a new Studio at 252 High Stre et Elgin in October 2016
PHOTOGRAPHY I have always had a passion for photography since a
Sweet Snaps is ready to capture those special
young age but it wasn't until I had my boys and my
occasions in your life and tailoring every portrait
camera was permanetley attached to my hand that I
experience to suit each client starting with Newborn
realised I wanted to make my dream a reality. I used to
sessions, Cake Smash, Children & family portraiture,
hire the studio beside Asda like many others in the area
Lifestyle and Wedding Photography.
and when it closed its doors in June this was the push I needed to take Sweet Snaps to the next stage of opening up on my own. Don't get me wrong I'm very nervous but so exited as I have lots of exiting new ideas and plans. My photos are all about capturing personality and I work in a way to achieve natural images, so you and your family are at ease throughout the whole session and having fun at the same time too!
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You can contact Keri at: keri.sweetsnaps@hotmail.com or on
01343 556314 or 07725 735537 Alternatively you can follow her Facebook page and send a message via www.facebook.com/sweetsnapsbykeri
Urbanised Horse Power 17
The N
ew F ord
The Ford Mustang has become one
Mus
of the most idolised vehicles in history.
tang
Having been featured in more than 9,000 songs, TV shows, computer games, and movies, the Mustang has become a staple in American automotive history. 2015 marked the 50th anniversary of the iconic Mustang whilst also continuing Ford’s dream of making
offered. In March 2015 over 1,000 UK customers received their new right-hand drive Mustangs, and to date, Macrae & Dick Ford have sold around
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the Mustang a muscle car appreciated globally. 2015
100 Mustangs, with many more being ordered
was the first year the Mustang has been available to
every week.
customers around the world in more than 100 markets
The Sixth Generation Mustang is even more
and the first time a right-hand drive model has been
imposing with a body widened by 1.5 inches, a
exterior paint colours. Almost 70% of customers have also specified the 5.0-litre V8 engine. Prices for the new Ford Mustang start at £30,995 for the Eco Boost engine and £34,995for the V8 engine options.
Macrae & Dick, now part of Park’s Motor Group, have four Ford dealerships throughout Scotland located in Inverness, Elgin, Perth, and Stirling that are proud to offer a range of Ford vehicles including the New Mustang, the New Ford Focus RS, the new trapezoidal grille and increased the passenger
Vignale range, the All-New Edge, the Ranger, the
volume to 84.5 cubic feet. As standard, the Mustang
New Transit Van, and much more.
features SYNC 3, 8-inch colour touchscreen with nine
Macrae & Dick, established in 1878, was acquired
speaker DAB radio and USB connectivity. Engine options
by Park’s Motor Group in early January 2016. Park’s
include Ford’s new 2.3 litre EcoBoost 4-cylinder engine
is one of Scotland’s largest and most successful
or the 5.0 litre V8 in the GT. Exterior and interior
motor groups, operating a diverse portfolio of
features include 10 distinct exterior body colours,
luxury, niche and volume franchises from various
exterior customisation options, and leather seating.
locations throughout Scotland including: Glasgow,
The New Ford Mustang is available in both fastback and
Hillington, Ayr, Irvine, Hamilton, Coatbridge,
convertible body styles, with 80% of UK customers
Motherwell, East Kilbride, Bathgate, Dunfermline,
choosing the Fastback as their ultimate choice and Race
now with the addition of Stirling, Perth, Aberdeen,
Red and Magnetic Grey proving to be the most popular
Elgin, and Inverness.
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I Like Birds | Taking flight across the UK and beyond Brand Licensing Europe “License This” finalist talks to Lifestyle Moray Who are you and what do you do?
Why do you do what you do? What prompted you
My name’s Stuart and myself and my partner Alison
to start illustrating and then venture into the
are the two halves that go to make up “I Like Birds”.
commercial side?
I’m never quite sure how to describe my role as
I think what I do is all bound up with family and
it skirts somewhere between illustration, art and
childhood, when I was happiest either with a pencil
design, so it’s probably simplest if
in my hand or a pair of binoculars
I say “I make the pictures”! What
up to my face. Without wishing to
we do together is make a range of
come across all “back in my day”
bird themed greeting cards, prints,
I grew up in a time when there
colouring
notecards,
was very limited TV choice (three
calendars and other paraphenalia
or four channels, most of which
that tries to distil nature down to
didn’t start broadcasting until
something simple and beautiful.
late afternoon), no computers
Over the past couple of years
of any note (and therefore no
we’ve gained a bit of a cult
internet) and the only real options
books,
following on social media and
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for entertainment were to either
taken to the shelves in retailers across the UK and
read a book, go outside or make something.
beyond. A magazine editor once described us as
I liked stuffing my child mind with facts, and would
“Greeting Cards best kept secret” but my usual
devour encyclopaedic volumes about the things I
response whenever anyone asks what we do is to
liked (usually football, birds and cars) until I knew
say that it’s simply “bird-based bit and bobs”.
the books inside out. I was also lucky to be brought
up on the edge of the South Downs in Sussex, which gave easy access to both countryside and coast, and meant I could watch Kestrels hovering over my back garden. My family, whilst not being twitchers, were all enthusiastic casual birdwatchers and every year we’d come to the highlands for walking holidays, which introduced me to the more exotic fauna of Scotland - Golden Eagles, Eider, Divers and even Oystercatchers were wild and
exciting to the five year old me. But it’s probably my uncle I’ve to thank for turning all of that into something that was more than a passing phase, as he was deeply involved in conservation and was a regional organiser for the Wetland Bird Survey. I have vivid memories of him asking what birds I’d like to see and then taking me off to what felt like far flung locations just so I could tick “Great Crested Grebe” or “Ring-Necked Parakeet” off my i-spy list. These days, whilst he loves what we’re doing with “I Like Birds”, he’s also possibly my sternest critic, as our heavily stylised birds don’t quite meet his required levels of exactitude! 21
Alongside that I’ve almost always worked in a variety of creative industries, but like most people I’ve meandered about from job to job, never truly finding something that felt like home. That changed with “I Like Birds” but it was purely accidental that I got here. A few years ago, inspired to start birdwatching again by the fabulous countryside that surrounds Moray, I’d set about illustrating some of the birds that I was seeing partly for my own entertainment, but mainly as a way of keeping my family - who all lived over 600 miles away - abreast of what I was doing. The first week was great as I started to remember what it was like to design for my own entertainment rather than simply as a job, but it was soon cut short by the news that my mum had been diagnosed with terminal cancer. The illustrations got filed in a drawer as, over the next eighteen months or so, I lost my mother, father and a younger brother too early and in quick succession. It was only some time later when I moved house that a friend spotted the illustrations and asked if he could show them to his boss. They said that if we produced them as cards they’d sell them in their cafe in Aviemore. We soon started getting requests from other shops, and from there it’s pretty much spread of its own accord. However I’m always reminded that the way this started was as a means of reconnecting with family and that our unintentional business is both deeply personal and has family, childhood, love and loss at its heart.
Apart from cards and prints do you plan to reproduce your artwork on any other media? We’re always working on new “stuff” and the greeting card side of things is just one part of it. The truth is that greeting cards are a really accessible means of getting your work out there, as they’re pretty straightforward to produce, easy to package and all of the “raw materials” are easy to come by. In fact, given the mechanised nature of some of the bigger publishers, we end up with a much better quality product than they could achieve as we finish everything by hand and have tight controls over the quality of everything from the paper stock right through to the weight of envelopes and even the quality of cellophane we use. But, having stumbled into greeting card publishing, we’ve certainly got our eyes firmly focussed on what else we can put a bird on. Calendars were the first natural extension of what we do, as we could utilise the skills of our existing card printer (MMS Almac in Elgin), but we’ve also trialled our designs on all manner of other things. We managed to find a supplier of cushions a couple of years ago and opened a 24 hour window of availability on our website, but got slightly alarmed after selling hundreds within the first hour and winding up with a house bursting at the seams and doing lots of runs through to the post office. 22
Right now we’ve got a hand in “Birds in Frames”, which is something we’ve teamed up for with our friends at The Nicholson Gallery in Forres. We’ve also got a T-Shirt venture on the go with Rapanui, and have recently signed a licensing deal that will bring giftwrap, bags and stickers to the Baltic nations. This Christmas will also see us launch our first range of tea towels, although it looks as though we may have to reorder before we even get the first batch as we’ve had such a phenomenal response to them. Aside from that there are plenty of things that both we and our not-insignificant army of followers would love to eventually see emerge onto the shelves - ceramics, textiles and games seem to be what they hanker for the most - and having just made the final four of “License This!” we’ll soon be off to pitch live to an audience of the biggest names in retail during Brand Licensing Europe 2016 at Olympia to try and make them a reality. 23
Where can we see your cards and prints? All over the place! Given that we don’t use agents and do little marketing it’s always surprising how far flung our work has become. Obviously our website is as good a place to start as any, and also has a nifty store locator that shows our stockists across the UK. Locally we’re in places such as Logie Steading Art Gallery, Nairn Bookshop, Boogie Woogie, The Nicholson Gallery in Forres and Picture This in Inverness. Johnstons of Elgin have stocked our cards right from the very start, and we’re always hugely appreciative of the support and enthusiasm they’ve shown for our artwork. Across the UK it ranges quite literally from Lands End to John O’Groats and beyond: From The Lost Gardens of Heligan in Cornwall, through to The Longship on Orkney, a wide range of giftshops, nature reserves, galleries and award-winning independent card shops, and on to the bigger concerns such as Paperchase and The Wildfowl and Wetland Trust. We’ve also recently dipped our toe into the international market and are now in the most amazing shop called Samen Koller in Graz, Austria. It’s an eighteenth century seed store, where you can fill tiny paper bags with loose seed from 200 year old wooden cabinets. They also specialise in decorative objects with a natural twist (such as beautiful bird houses that are probably too nice for the birds), and are the most enjoyable people to deal with…notwithstanding the sometimes comical misunderstandings due to the language barrier! Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? Still in Moray? Wherever we are I’d like to think that we can retain the same relaxed, stress-free, friendly and approachable nature that’s got us to this point...although obviously our ultimate ambition is to birdify the world one card at a time! If a local artist was thinking about a similar venture what advice would you give them and who would you advise them to contact? The first thing I would say is “stop thinking, start doing” because, if our experience is anything to go by, it’ll be one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. Secondly, have faith in what you do: If you like it and your friends and family like it there’s a good chance that other people will too. Thirdly, get a good relationship with your suppliers. Stepping over the threshold of a professional printers for the first time clutching your heartfelt illustrations is nerve wracking to say the least - there’s a subjective element to all creativity that means it’s easy to feel you’re going to be “judged” by your peers - but we went to MMS Almac who were very approachable and gave us confidence from day one. Ian at MMS gave us support, advice and no small 24
amount of hand-holding from the very start, continues to be our go-to man for everything - whether printing related or not - and has been invaluable in getting us to where we are today. If you’re just starting out I’d also advise popping in to see Business Gateway, as they’ll set you on the right track with business formalities, and joining one of the many trade organisations - The Greeting Card Association and The Giftware Association are both really helpful, and even publish their seminars online for those of us a bit further afield. Finally… have fun. The greeting card industry is incredibly welcoming and friendly, encouraging to “newbies” and you’ll get phenomenal feedback and support from retailers, suppliers, industry insiders and even your competitors - treat the whole thing as a bit of a game and you’ll find it immensely enjoyable. Finally - what do you love about Moray? I wasn’t born in Moray but I’ve spent over half of my adult life here and I’m always thankful to have found such a beautiful, tranquil and welcoming place to call home. Moray’s a great place to live and work and really is a unique location in Britain - for one thing it has such a broad range of environments within easy reach, allowing for snow capped mountains in the morning and sandy beaches in the afternoon - but it’s also hugely enterprising and creative. It’s possibly best known for farming, fishing, distilling, and the large weaving and food businesses, but there are a wealth of creative makers and small businesses in Moray that are also worth celebrating. I think “Lifestyle Moray” could have a big role to play in that, but just taking even the slightly niche category of “Card Publishers” as an example, locally there’s the work of Mandy Anderson, Pop-Up Designs and Manni Designs (and they’re just three amongst many) Personally I’d be delighted if the idea of “Made in Moray” were to evolve into a genuine quality mark and follow the same trajectory that has made “Made in Orkney” so successful.
You can find more from ”I Like Birds” on their website at www.ilikebirds.net or on their facebook page at www.facebook.com/ilikebirds.net. To celebrate the first issue of Lifestyle Moray we’re giving away a framed and signed copy of their “Robin & Rowan” print to one lucky reader. Entry details can be found elsewhere in this magazine or on the Lifestyle Moray facebook page at www.facebook.com/lifestylemoray 25
LIKE THIS?
WIN THIS!
To win this amazing framed, signed print all you have to do is like our facebook page ‘Lifestyle Moray’ winner will be selected after competition ends 31st Oct 2016 Good Luck!
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81 Mid Street, Keith AB55 5AF Open10 - 5 Monday to Saturday closed Wednesday and Sunday
The FEMALE of the Species is more deadly than the MALE
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As the rugged Scottish Outdoors spreads out and fills the
horizon in front of her, she bends to fill her filter bottle from a cool clear mountain stream, the sights and sound of the glens fill her mind and the tensions of the working week start to dissolve. As she hoists her heavy pack back onto her shoulders, she checks her map and shields her eyes as she looks upwards to the stunning vista that is her objective for the day. An initial steep ascent up a scree-filled slope then onto a beautiful ridge that will take her over three Munros (Scottish mountains over 3000 feet) to tick off on the list pinned to her cubicle wall at work, and then a descent into the adjacent glen for a wild camp next to the river running through it. Perfect. The weather looks amazing, a stunning early mist that will burn off before lunch, providing her with a welcome respite from the potential beating sunshine over the morning’s thigh-burning climb. As she sets off over the soggy peat bogs, the gentle breeze that has been chilling her since leaving the car, drops to nothing; she swipes at a midge, just the one, before it lands on her brow. Suddenly, from nowhere, a grey cloud descends on her, covering her skin in a crawling gossamer sheath, she breathes in a handful, before unleashing a banshee-wail and sprinting the two miles back to the car, determined to take up golf or home-brewing...
therefore the best days out could be had atop the ridges and peaks. It is worthy of note however, that the only threat is posed by the female midge, whose thirst for the red stuff is without equal. She needs it to help form the eggs so that she can create more future generations of the family business. So next time you’re swatting away at the cloud hovering just over your head, spare a thought for the baby-shower you just broke up. Most people who are regulars in the Scottish outdoors are familiar with the various repellents available; including midge-specific, shop-bought lotions, home remedies involving eucalyptus and citronella, and even beauty products that leave the average hill-walker smelling like a stall at a Women’s Institute Bring and Buy sale, however the best and most effective way to ensure a midge-free time seems to be to set yourself alight for the duration of your outdoor activity. All levity aside, light, long sleeved tops and
The Highland Midge, or Culicoides impunctatus,
a midge head-net are as sound a barrier as you are likely to
despite weighing in at slightly less than the Higgs
find, marry that with the repellent-impregnated modern
Boson, can make the breath-taking scenery of Scotland about as hospitable to humans as the surface of Mars. It leaves any exposed flesh feeling like an essay in braille and can cause the mind to combust over simple tasks like erecting a tent, but can add much needed protein to otherwise tasteless rehydrated noodles. It does, however make itself a nuisance during what is typically the best weather for enjoying the outdoors between June and September, with their nice long days and the kindest available weather. Generally prevalent around standing water or boggy ground, they are not fond of high winds and
The�Midge�storm! 30
fabrics available, and you should find that you need
takes us, free from the fear of saltwater crocodiles
not stay indoors.
or parasitic, urine-stream swimming fish; we need not even take a book filled with identifiable images
The summer of 2016 has seen unprecedented
of all the deadly insects and snakes that might
reports on social media of swarms of these
nibble us, to ensure the emergency medical
bloodthirsty beasties with entire Glens labelled
services know which venom to treat.
no-go areas for fear of being rendered a blur of limbs more akin to a frenetic, sprinting semaphore
Whilst there are those who wish to re-introduce
messenger.
various wildlife predators that were wiped out by over-zealous hunters of the past, and still more who
Nonetheless, the midge has become something
enjoy the risk associated with wilderness adventures
of a tourist attraction in its own right, and visitors to the highlands can purchase tea towels, T-shirts, hoodies and soft toys dedicated to the ‘wee
in the more exotic locations that offer all these dangers, my preference is to enjoy this heavenly environment with myself and my own stupidity as
beastie’, despite the fact that hordes of fair-
the only risk factor. That said, the sensation of
weather travellers are put off visiting during
sleeping in a tent whilst a hundred head of deer
Summer each year.
march past your thin shelter, whilst a 100 mph blizzard rages outside, can lead to fairly fractured night’s sleep; but perspective is key, and as you swat away at the invaders of your personal space, remember that it’s their world you are intruding upon and we should be grateful they let us share it for a modest blood donation. There is also a level of local pride to be had from being one of those hardy individuals for whom the midge is just a mild inconvenience, someone who can focus on micro-navigation and map reading, cooking or
pe!
There’s�no�esca
fly-tying, whilst covered in a fine film of Satan’s own biological weapon.
We should, however, employ some level of context; we live in the most beautiful part of this famously
by Ian Smith
Scepter’d Isle yet, over its length and breadth, there is nothing more dangerous than a bee sting. We need not carry Bear Spray or hang our food from a tree 100 metres downwind of our campsite, we are free to take a refreshing dip whenever the mood
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About Angharad Bridal Angharad Bridal is an independent bridal wear shop in
been shortlisted to 1 of 11 bridal boutiques in Scotland for
Elgin, Moray. We specialise in a wide range of bridal
“The Best Bridal Retailer Award”. Angharad Rogers owner of
gowns, bridesmaid dresses and occasion wear.
Angharad Bridal says “it’s an honour to be shortlisted for
Angharad Bridal has accessories to complete the look,
this prestigious award, especially as it is my first year
so you can get everything you need to complete your
eligible. I’m delighted my customers have taken the time to
outfit in one shop.
nominate me, it reaffirms the service we offer”. The results
Collections include the beautiful STELLA YORK
will be announced in November.
collection, WHITE ONE, MIA MIA, CABOTINE,
Advice for brides / Trends
HOLLYWOOD DREAMS and CHIC BY HOLLYWOOD. I
Brides should start looking for wedding dresses about 12
have a large collection of bridesmaid dresses with over
months before their big day, as bridal gowns can take up to
100 samples in stock these included Sorella Vita,
6 months to arrive from the order date. Keep an open mind,
Amanda Wyatt and Dessy bridesmaid dresses. These
try on all the different shapes and styles until you find what
beautiful dresses are available in over 30 shades to
suits you.
match your colour scheme and in flower girl, teenage
Trending for 2016/17 brides is all about the backs, low
and adult sizes.
backs or detailed backs. Colours are also trending this year
The Vows Award
which include café, oyster or gold. Lace is still a big
Angharad Bridal prides itself in excellent customer
favourite mixed with sheer overlay necklines. Bridesmaid
service. This has been recognised with the recent
mix and match of styles and colours and sequins are new
shortlist for the Scottish Vows Award.
for this year. Once the bridesmaid dress colours have been decided it’s a good time for mothers of the bride / groom to start looking for their outfit . You can find a colour that
2 0 1 6
compliments the bridal party. Long sheer sleeves, lightweight chiffon jacket and shawls are popular this year.
To summarise Angharad bridal: beautiful bridal elegance with a range of bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses and mother of the The Scottish VOWS Awards celebrate and promote excellence in customer service within the Scottish wedding industry. The programme serves to find, reward and recognise fabulous companies which strive to provide outstanding service and deliver consistently high standards of consumer experience. Angharad Bridal has
bride outfits. A wide variety of accessories ensures the complete bridal package. For further information more pictures please don’t hesitate to contact me……
Telephone: 01343 546448 or email: angharadbridal@gmail.co.uk
B E AU T I F U L B R I DA L E L E GA N C E WITH OUR DRESSES A N D AC C E S S O R I E S
32 SOUTH STREET ELGIN . IV30 1JX
TEL: 01343 546448 MOB: 07811 088417 E M A I L : A N G H A RA D B R I DA L @ G M A I L . C O M W W W. A N G H A R A D B R I D A L . C O . U K
The Gallery in Aberlour I am delighted to have been asked to write about some of the talented artists we are fortunate to have exhibiting with us. It is perfect timing as we are currently working towards an exhibition of wonderful textile felt art by a newcomer on the art scene - Speyside’s Shona Cammack. Shona modestly brought in some of her work for framing late last year. I was immediately impressed by her attention to detail, the beautiful colours and the composition of her work, and instantly offered to sell it. After receiving positive feedback from many customers and selling two of her original pieces, I then decided to ask if Shona would be willing to put together a body of work for an exhibition. She happily agreed
The Gallery in Aberlour FINE ART & FRAMING Scottish landscapes, wildlife, fishing & whisky Exquisite wood turning, pottery & cards
Still Life Studio Picture Framer & Gallery 126 High St, Aberlour AB38 9NX 01340 871457 or 07766 704910
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and has been busily spending every spare moment on her wonderful creations. Still Life has been in business since 1992 and we have seen many special talents over the years from Morayshire and beyond. Shona is definitely a shining star amongst them. Her Exhibition - “Wild Wool” opens on Saturday 29th October and runs until the end of November.
This Month’s Artist Shona Cammack
I grew up in Speyside, Scotland, surrounded
My felt pictures are made by wet felting techniques
by the nature and countryside which now
using merino wool, some of which is hand-dyed.
inspires my work as a felt artist.
The coloured fleece fibres are laid out together to
In 2013, I graduated from the University of
produce the felt. Embellishment and texture are
Edinburgh with a Masters degree in
added using needle felting and both hand and
Chemistry. Having trained through the
machine embroidery.
Teach First programme, I taught Science for
I am fascinated by the islands, coast and
three years in Newcastle before moving to
mountains of northern Scotland. Much of my
my current post as a Chemistry teacher in
inspiration comes from my camping, walking and
Edinburgh. My passion has always been art
cycling trips to the remote parts of the Scottish
and I have developed my felt ‘painting’
Highlands.
techniques over the past few years.
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Lift and Rise Chairs Please ask for details or demonstration
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13 High Street, Buckie, AB56 1AL • Tel: 01542 839800 Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm • Saturday 9am - 4pm
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ar ah
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er as Fr
Four weird ways to rekindle your love of veg It’s that time of year when a whole season’s worth of
a thing as too much of a good thing. But don’t let
nurturing is paying off in the garden or allotment.
those veggies go stale along with your enthusiasm.
“Let’s grow our own veg,” you proclaimed many
They say a change is as good as a rest, so why not try
months ago, dreaming of a semi-self sufficient
some frankly odd recipes to pep up your produce?
lifestyle, wandering out to your veggie patch in the
Even if you’re not a green-fingered soul with beets up
morning sun and pulling that day’s lunch out of
to the eyes, grab one from the supermarket and enjoy
the ground.
it like never before...
Fast forward to the first stirrings of autumn and gardeners have seen enough home-grown courgettes and pea pods to turn them Incredible Hulk green. There is such
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s e p i Rec
Spinach Chips
Ingredients: Bunch of clean, dry spinach (stems removed) Oil Chilli powder Cumin Garlic powder Nutritional yeast Pinch of salt and pepper
Beetroot Cupcakes Ingredients: 175g caster sugar 175g unsalted butter 3 large eggs 175g self-raising flour 175g cooked (or vacuum-packed shop-bought) beetroot, pureed. Method: Preheat oven to 180 deg C. Blend together the sugar and butter until light and creamy. Add the egg yolks, flour, pureed beetroot and vanilla and beat until smooth. In a clean bowl whisk the egg whites until fairly stiff. Take a large spoon of egg
38
Method:
white and beat into the cupcake mixture to
Preheat oven to 180 deg C. Place spinach in a
loosen it. Next, fold the remaining egg whites in,
large bowl. Add enough oil to lightly coat the
taking care not to overbeat. Spoon the mixture
spinach, sprinkle on all the seasoning and
into 12 cupcake cases and bake in the oven for
mix gently. Amounts of each seasoning
around 20 minutes, or until the cakes are firm to
depend on personal taste. Lay one layer of
touch. Remove and cool on a wire rack.
spinach on a baking sheet lined with
Use a simple butter cream recipe for the topping,
parchment paper – don’t have them
but add rose flower water as a great combo with
touching. Bake for 10-12 minutes until crispy.
beetroot cakes.
(Recipe from the lost garden blog)
(Recipe from lovebeetroot.co.uk)
Chocolate Courgette Cookies
Tomato Soup Cake
Ingredients: 140g self-raising flour 2g baking powder 55g cocoa powder 75g butter 125g white granulated sugar 60g Demerara sugar 40g natural yoghurt 3ml vanilla essence 100g courgette
Ingredients: 2 cups sugar 6 tbsp butter 2 eggs 1 can tomato soup 2 tsp bicarbonate of soda 2 tsp baking powder 2 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground cloves 2 cups raisins 3 cups flour For frosting: 1 cup icing sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 tsp cream or half teaspoon of milk 90g cream cheese Half cup of walnuts for sprinkling
Method: Preheat oven to 180 deg C. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Grate the courgettes and squeeze in a paper towel, patting dry to remove excess juices. In a bowl, mix the flour and baking powder. Melt the butter in a pan. Remove from heat, stir in the cocoa and sugars. The mixture will be thick and resemble sand. Add the yoghurt and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth. Add
Method: Beat sugar and butter well with an electric mixer. Add eggs and beat for another minute. Now mix
the flour mixture and stir well. Fold in the grated
in all other ingredients one at a time. Pour the
courgette then divide the 4 large, or 8 small balls
mixture into well greased cake tins and bake at
on the baking paper. Bake for 10 minutes or until
180 deg C for 30-45 minutes. As the cake is
almost set. Cool on baking sheet for two minutes
cooling, beat all frosting ingredients together
before cooling on wire racks until firm.
and you’re ready to decorate.
39
it’s what we do. full graphic design studio . 5 colour litho print department logo design . business start-up packs . letterheads compliment slips . business cards . whisky labels . packaging menus . brochures . leaflets . magazines . newsletters annual reports . raffle tickets . postcards . direct mail . flyers invoice pads & books . exterior panels . NCR pads property schedules . fine art printing . calendars . posters laminations . large format printing . exhibition panels... and everything in between...
mmsalmacltd. design&print 6 Tyock Industrial Estate . Elgin . IV30 1XY . 01343 551234 Unit F . Islabank Mills . Keith . AB55 5DD . 01542 886409 info@mms-almac.co.uk . www.mms-almac.co.uk
The River Spey
41
I was delighted to be asked to write a few words about
Most rivers slow down near their mouths but not the
one of Morays’ most famous assets, the River Spey, for
Spey. Falling 650ft in its last 35 miles from Grantown on
the launch of this new magazine.
Spey to the sea makes it the fastest flowing river in
It will be impossible in this short article to cover every
Scotland.
aspect of life on and around the Spey so I will limit
The river traditionally supported many local industries
myself in this inaugural issue to outlining a few of the
from Salmon fishing to shipbuilding. At one point,
most important and, interesting I hope, facts about this
Garmouth functioned as the shipbuilding capital of the
great river and its history.
UK with timber from the forests around Aviemore and
In subsequent issues I will talk about the life of the river in terms of the land and estates it flows through, the people who work on it and the economy it supports. The river flows through some of the most magnificent scenery in Scotland from its source high (1150ft) in the Monadliath Mountains at Loch Spey, 10 miles South of Fort Augustus, for 107 miles to Spey Bay where it enters the Moray Firth. Along its entire length it derives tributaries from the Monadliath Mountains, the
Aberlour being rafted down the river to be turned into wooden hulled sailing ships. The first record of wood being floated down to Speymouth is dated 1630! Commercial Salmon fishing was also important with many nets fishing around the mouth intercepting returning spawning Salmon. Although netting continued in many areas around the Scottish coast none has taken place on the Spey since 1994 when local
Cairngorms and the Grampians.
river proprietors together with the Spey District Salmon Fishery Board purchased the netting rights from their owners as a conservation measure. Today, angling by rod and line, predominately fly fishing, is the only form of Salmon fishing practised on the Spey. The famous Spey Cast was developed here which enables the angler, using a double handed rod, to cast a fly without risking being caught up in the trees and bushes lining the high banks behind. A strict, voluntary, conservation policy is also in place and, to their great credit, conservation minded Spey anglers have returned almost 95% of all fish caught so far this season.
42
All angling and ecological related activity in and around the
A recent decision, by the Scottish Government, to review
river is managed and controlled by the Spey District Salmon
Wild Fisheries management in Scotland is likely to result
Fishing Board. The Board was constituted in 1863 and is
in these discrete, independent organisations being
responsible for “ Taking such acts as it considers expedient
combined into a single management organisation. This
for the protection, conservation and enhancement of
plan is very much “work in progress” and the existing
Atlantic salmon and Sea Trout stocks throughout the district“.
arrangements are likely to remain in place for the next
Alongside the Board is the Spey Foundation, a charitable
year or two at least.
company providing scientific advice to the Board to inform their management decisions.
The other important industry based on Speyside is the Malt Whisky industry: distilleries rely on the springs which feed the Spey system by way of such famous tributaries as the Livet and the Fiddich. Distilleries on Speyside export more whisky than any other part of Scotland. The economic contribution from Salmon fishing to both Speyside itself and the Scottish economy as a whole is considerable. The latest available data, 2003, shows that the river contributes circa £12m per annum to Speyside, a significant part of the £150m contribution Salmon fishing makes to the Scottish economy as a whole. New figures being produced at the moment for the Scottish Government are likely to show that these contributions will have increased considerably since 2003. The river also generates 367 full time equivalent jobs. I hope this note has given a broad overview into the life and work of this great river, I look forward, in later issues, to describing in more detail the life and work of those dedicated people who are responsible for the enjoyment, globally, that this iconic river has provided for so many visitors over the years.
Brian Doran - Chairman Spey District Salmon Fishing Board
43
One day like this Is a new bridal shop opening in Keith. To celebrate we are having a canape and fizz opening day on Saturday 22nd October, opening at 12pm, and are taking bookings for dress fitting for 24th October. We are two sisters in business together. Joeanne has wanted to do this for a long time and now the time is right Joeanne and Kasey are going it together. We are stocking a wide range of Wedding dresses, Bridesmaid, Junior Bridesmaid and flower girl dresses, veils, shoes and accessories. We have 4 different dress designers and they have a huge collection of dresses in all different colours and materials. We stock quite a large amount of plus size dresses also.
91 - 93 Mid Street, Keith Ab55 5AE. E: onedaylikethiskeith@outlook.com
45
There’s a brand new hangout for Moray’s best
when he worked as an estate agent. The Moray pair
groomed men about town. It’s called Sirology and it’s a
instantly hit it off and through shared tastes in style
men-only retail destination on Elgin’s Batchen Street.
(and an equal love of gin), their friendship has evolved
Of course, the girls are welcome in the shop too, but all they will find are products for the boys, from moisturisers and shaving equipment to Ashwood leather man bags and wallets with a little pirate twist thrown in there too, thanks to their range of Bluebeard’s Revenge products. The retail duo behind Sirology, Linda Littlewood and Richard Cumming, had spoken about launching their own business ever since they became friends through a chance meeting – Richard sold Linda’s house for her
46
into a retail partnership.
Both come from local retail families, with Linda’s
For those guys who simply balk at the thought of
late father owning Dennis Mitchell House Furnisher
spending time shopping, Sirology offers a click and
in Keith and Richard’s late father owning K Cumming
collect service on their website so men can spend as
and Son butchers in Rosemarkie.
little time shopping as they want. Others will want to stay
“It feels like we’re carrying on our families’ traditions,” said Richard. “We want to bring back the good old
and browse, however, at the range of products you struggle to find elsewhere in the area.
fashioned individual service we always saw when we
Although it’s all about the boys at Sirology, women are a
were growing up, where customers matter and you
huge part of the business too.
get to know people and what they want. We want people, men especially, to feel comfortable coming in to shop for themselves.”
“We obviously want women to enjoy coming here too,” said Linda, “as there are loads of gift ideas for their husbands, boyfriends, sons, and dads. We can tailor
As well as the fun skull-and-crossbone adorned
bespoke gift packages to each customer. You won’t be
Bluebeard’s Revenge range, Sirology also stocks
able to get the same gift pack anywhere else, which is
L’Anza and La Biosthetique skincare products which
part of the appeal. With us, it’s all about being individual
have purifying properties.
and getting something a bit special.”
40 BATCHEN STREET, ELGIN 47
It’s all about the boys at new shop
40 BATCHEN STREET, ELGIN 48
2016 National Beard & Moustache Championships JUST FOR MEN®
49
NASHVILLE, TN – On Saturday, September 3, 2016 facial hair enthusiasts from around the world gathered for the 2016 Just For Men® National Beard & Moustache Championships® in Nashville. The historical Ryman Auditorium hosted beard and moustache enthusiasts as the nation’s hairiest competition drew in hundreds of “beardsmen” showcasing some of the world’s wildest whiskers.
Competitors went beard-to-beard to claim first place titles in their respective categories. The 2016 National Beard & Moustache Championship overall champion and grand prizewinner is Taylor Welden from Austin, TX.
Contestants competed for the title in 17 different categories, ranging from the au-natural to the gravity-defying freestyle, and faced-off to impress a lively panel of judges that included Madison Rowley, the reigning World Beard Champion, Bryan Nelson, President and Co-Founder of the Austin Facial Hair Club, Vice President of the WBMA and Vice President of the NACBMA, Buck Wolf, Huffington Post Executive Editor of Trends & Weird News, D. Patrick Peterson, Nashville Scene Editor, and Whit “Witness” Hubner 6th ranked U.S. Air Guitarist and Nashville DJ.
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Judges determined winners by voting on whose facial hair best enhanced their overall appearance, style and personality. In the freestyle categories, judges also considered originality and creativity. Visit www.nationalbeardchampionships.com for more details.
As the Championship’s official beneficiary, the Tennessee Wildlife Federation’s Hunters for the Hungry program, received $5,000. The Tennessee Wildlife Federation is one of the largest and oldest organizations in Tennessee, dedicated to the conservation of the state’s wildlife and natural resources through stewardship, youth engagement, and public policy. The TWF brings together and represent
great outdoors. The TWF are a non-profit with a board of directors and a full-time staff headquartered in Nashville.
OVERALL WINNER:
PARTIAL BEARD
Taylor Welden
Natural Goatee: David Maclure
WINNER
the varied interests of people who enjoy the Photography Greg Anderson ©
Fu Manchu: Patrick Langley Musketeer: Patrick Fette Sideburns: Wesley Jarman Amish: Marc McShane
Category winners:
Freestyle: James McMahon
MOUSTACHE
FULL BEARD
Natural: Snidely Mansfield
Natural: Shane Sheriff
English: Alfred Nash
Full Beard, Styled Moustache:
Dali: Nathan Wilson
Eric Schmittmatzen
Imperial: Jackie Lynn Ellison
Verdi: Taylor Welden
Hungarian: Chad Holgerson
Garibaldi: Andrew Kloss
Freestyle: Daniel Lawler
Freestyle: Garey Faulkner
www.nationalbeardchampionships.com
51
‘ ‘
’
the perfect base from which to explore Speyside
4
’
Unwind, relax and recharge in the perfect whisky retreat
FREE COMPETITION One Night’s Bed and Breakfast in The Caperdonich Suite at The Station Hotel, Rothes. Experience luxury at its best in the hotel’s executive suite. Relax in your roll top bath whilst sipping on a complementary dram of Glen Grant. You will also be invited for a VIP tour of Glen Grant Distillery.
Question – Who invented the distillery architecture - The Pagoda? Terms and conditions: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.
Enter via Email using the subject heading – ‘Lifestyle Moray Competition’ to info@stationhotelspeyside.com Closing Date – November the 30th - Draw date - December the 17th This prize cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer or promotion. At least two weeks’ notice is to be given prior to the requested arrival date. Requested arrival date is subject to availability, as there is only one ‘Caperdonich Suite’. Dates excluded are 24/12/16 to 23/01/17, 27/03/17 to 09/04/17 or 24/12/17 to 31/12/17. Prize must be redeemed before the end of 2017 The Station Hotel . 51 New Street . Rothes . Speyside . AB38 7BJ. 01340 832200 info@stationhotelspeyside.com www.stationhotelspeyside.com
@thestationhotelspeyside
@stationspeyside
Mermaid’s Tears on the Moray Firth
by Ian Smith
As has been said often before: “If your dog is getting fat, you’re not getting enough exercise”. It was with that thought ringing in my ears that I sloped off with the mutt on the first truly Autumnal morning of the season, haar and mist clung to the cobwebs on the bushes and the sea had that milky quality, blending perfectly into the horizon.
53
Dad, what’s this? For a while now, I have had an interest in beachcombing
Some industrious hobbyists have turned their love of
and mooching about in rock-pools, never with an aim in
beachcombing and craft-making into a lucrative online
mind or a thought to what was there, just a vague,
business, with some sea glass jewellery as beautiful as any
mentally relaxing browse. A lot of people are fond of the
Faberge or Tiffany creation. It was on one of these websites
pretty shells and other ‘polished’ pebbles that the tide
that I first saw the hallowed ‘sea glass marble’, my interest
leaves behind, but it was only recently that I heard of
piqued, I read on.
‘sea glass’.
Marbles, it would appear, were used for years as ballast in ships as they easily fit into any nooks and crannies and allow the ship to sit true in the water, another explanation, slightly more tenuous, is that young children would stand on the beach and use marbles and catapults to shoot at seagulls, although the amount that could accumulate compared to the founding and wrecking of a ship packed with marbles seems like small beer. On my daughter’s second trip to the beach, specifically with sea glass in mind, after her first fruitless foray the day before. We were about 20 yards apart and bent over, scouring the
I had seen it before, obviously, but never thought much
pebbles for these little treasures and she shouts “Dad, what’s
of it; small pieces of glass discarded in the sea and
this?”. Now, most marbles that end up on the shore line are
ground down over decades to create small rounded
very frosted, adding to their appeal, but they mainly do seem to
and frosted faux jewels, strewn across the shoreline.
have that ‘eye’ of twisted colour running through them. What
Occasionally you might find a part of what was once
she held in her hand was a pure aquamarine, totally frosted
clearly a bottle, with embossed writing along its edges
orb, that reflected the bright sunshine like a shallow pool.
hinting at its former contents but generally, and more pleasing to the eye, are the small, turquoise, aquamarine, blue, green and brown amorphous blobs that catch the sunlight and draw the eye. After a bit of internet research, it becomes clear that red sea glass is the holy grail of beachcombing, the locations of small findings closely guarded on the online forums (yes, they do exist!).
54
“Dunno”, I mumbled, vitriolic, rageful envy seeping out
Perhaps the biggest and bitterest pill for me to swallow
of every pore.
is, that despite the wondrous glimpse of maritime and
What she had found, it seemed, was a ‘Codd Stopper’,
beverage-container based history she was exposed to,
something I had seen on the internet a few days before
her 7 year old mind prefers the other explanation of
and which, to this day, I have never seen again. It turns
sea glass: that being that they are mermaids tears and
out that Codd Stoppers are rare.
that once they drop from the aquatic beauty’s eyes,
Hiram Codd was a 19th Century English Engineer, and
they harden upon the sand and are left there for us to
in 1873, he invented the ‘Globe Stoppered Bottle’,
find when the tide retreats.
which included an ingenious method of preserving the fizz in a bottle of mineral water; effectively the pressure of the carbonated liquid would push the marble against a rubber gasket, held in place by the shape of the bottle neck. Now, these are rare. I want to stress that she found this on her second beach combing trip and it was the second ever piece of sea glass she found. I may eventually talk to my daughter again, without hiding my contempt that she does not recognise the enormity of her find (in my eyes) or masking my red-hot jealousy. I also may, one day, not need to turn away from her when we find a small piece of sea glass on the beach and she turns to me with admiration in her eyes and says “remember when I found that marble dad?”, so that she does not see the tears of frustration welling up in my eyes.
55
4x f’s{
family + farming =fame friends
{ bbc
Little did we know when we received an email about filming on the farm that the BBC’s ‘This Farming Life’ would be such a hit. It all started with an email from our landlord asking if we would be interested in being filmed for a new farming programme. We talked it through with the family, the initial thought was no, however after a few days of reassurance the whole family agreed to go for it!
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...many people enjoyed the show as much as we enjoyed making it. First day filming was quite daunting, trying to explain what
high in fear of what was coming next. But all in all it
was happening on the farm in a way the general public
couldn’t have come across any better, the BBC did a
would understand and having a camera in your face can
fantastic job of putting it all together.
take a bit of getting used to but after a couple of days filming we began to relax and forget about the camera as we went about our daily routine. The film crew were great, two people at a time were sent out to film – one camera person and one on sound. This made us feel comfortable and all of the film crew became great friends of ours. The crew were up to the farm two to three times a week depending what was happening. When first approached by the BBC they spoke about wanting to see the real side of farming, so we opened up and let the camera see everything – the good the bad and the ugly! The tiredness of lambing , the heartbreak of losing a calf and the enjoyment of seeing new life on the farm. It always amazes us how little good it takes to forget about the bad. It’s safe to say there would be a lot of hilarious outtakes from a few swear words during the birth of Jumbo and the odd ‘sorry can we do that again…..and what was I saying again’.
After the series was aired it was quite surreal for all the family. From being recognised in the local supermarket to being classed as celebrity at Thainstone mart. Our spring and summer has been filled with fan mail, selfies with fans and signing autographs, which takes a lot of getting used but it is so great to hear so many people enjoyed the show as much as we enjoyed making it. Also our lives have changed ever so slightly with the addition of our beautiful daughter Erin, arriving on the 22nd of April - without the use of a calving jack or a bucket of water! Erin has fitted into farming life well with us - she has experienced shearing sheep, shifting cows and silaging with a shot in the combine next! All in all we are so happy to have been part of ‘this farming life’, the BBC did us and all the other families who took part proud.
‘This Farming Life’ was a major new 12 - part documentary series following the
Prior to the series coming out we were all quite nervous
struggles and triumphs of five very different
how the programme would be perceived by the viewer as
farming families in some of Scotland’s most
we only got to see the first episode at a screening down in
beautiful and remote landscapes.
Glasgow. The rest of the series we were watching for the
Available to view: store.bbc.com/this-farming-life
first time along with the viewers – our nerves were riding
57
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will be made and substantially completed by the end of June. I have received assurances from our IT contrac-
Cabinet Secretary for Rural Economy and Connectivity
tors that this timescale is deliverable, however, as good as our plans are, I am not prepared to risk the livelihoods of our farming communities. That is why, having learned the lessons from 2015, I
Since day one in this job, my priority has been resolving the
announced to parliament last month that farmers will
CAP payment issues and putting the 2016 payments on a
not have to wait until 2017 to receive payment of their
better footing. Substantial progress has been
BPS and Greening entitlement. Letters have been
made on the
former and I am confident that the latter will be achieved.
issued to farmers inviting them to apply to a new loan
A total £363 million in direct farm funding – including Basic,
scheme that will provide certainty for farmers over
Greening, Young Farmer and coupled beef and sheep
winter 2016 while injecting up to ÂŁ300 million into the
support has now been paid to farm businesses across
rural economy, safeguarding jobs and local agricultural
Scotland. While progress has been made, I want to thank our
businesses.
farmers and crofters for their continuing patience and
I am sorry that while we have made significant progress
willingness to work with me to help get things right.
we are not there yet. But I remain absolutely
Looking forward, I expect and anticipate that 2016 payments
determined to fix this, and I am getting on with just that.
Fergus 58
what Zara did next... As I walked the aisles of the supermarket I had a
Another hidden victory fist pump later, I was hurtling
definite spring in my step. This was turning out to be
towards my next rendezvous, but this time it was for
one heck of a day. It was only 1pm and I'd already
pleasure. I hadn’t seen my former work buddy for years.
done so much.
We greeted each other with the kind of tight hug that
First I had deposited three children – my own, not
makes up for two years of absent friendship and the
just strays I found at the side of the road – at school,
gossip gates immediately burst open, allowing us to spill
all wrapped up in jackets and backpacks like little gift
almost all of our beans. Since we last spoke in person I
boxes, fed, clean...ish, and eager to learn. We’ll just
have divorced, moved house twice, been to Rome and
pretend that last bit was true. In actual fact, only the
Budapest, lost a job and started all over again. She had
primary one child is still excited about learning. She
set up a successful business, broken a limb and been to
has that glow of a human who has just discovered a
France and Greece. Phew.
whole galaxy of words exists and she can actually
Feeling refreshed and full of energy, we parted ways
begin to put sentences and feelings on paper - finally.
and I decided to grab some groceries before collecting
Her world is no longer a tangle of scribbled
the kids from school.
gobbledygook in thick crayon. Her planet now
People kept staring at me. I smirked and thought it must
contains As and Bs and Cs and everything, and I’m
be because I reeked of positivity that day - I had nailed
thrilled for her. I picture us in years to come on
everything on my ‘to-do’ list. Or maybe it was just the
matching chaise lounges, comparing notes for our
lovely new shirt I had donned for my busy day. Yes, it
fiftieth best-selling novels, sipping on cocktails... I’m
must be the shirt, I thought as I glanced down. Oh hell!
getting carried away, let me get back to the story.
It was more what was inside the shirt that had people
After the school run, I’d had a job interview. I aced it. I
eyeing me. My buttons had sneakily squirmed free of
got a new job. I’ll be serving cakes and cappuccinos
their fastening holes, leaving my bra exposed as it
at a fine Moray establishment to get a break from my
fought bravely to hold up my, ahem. I shrieked and
boudoir office. My other job, you see, is as a
fumbled at the buttons to cover myself and hold onto a
journalist and romance fiction writer – yes I put down
shred of dignity. I was in the frozen veg aisle - never
words about the bedroom in my bedroom (it’s the
mind the world-famous burlesque performer Dita Von
only place in our tightly-packed household that I
Tease, they call me Dita Von Frozen Peas.
could fit the beloved desk).
I wonder what the Germans will make of Miss Frozen
After walking out of my interview, and managing to
Peas when she rolls off the plane at 8am in Frankfurt
withhold a victory fist pump until I was hidden safely
next week, sporting 1950s hair rolls, having pulled an
in my car, I raced to my next meeting regarding my
all-nighter to attend a glitzy ball in Forres...
writing career.
Zara X
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Light and Sound Extravaganza 9th to 20th November
WIN TICKETS FREE PRIZE DRAW Email tamsyn@mms-publishing.scot with your email, postal address and the details of which night you wish to attend. Please specifying if you want Family Ticket (2xadult and 2xchildren) or 2 Adult. Draw closes on the 4th November 2016.
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Our Inaugural Event Cluny Hill is set to be ablaze with colour this November 9th to 20th in Forres Features Community Interest Company’s inaugural sound and light show, the spectacular...
COLOURS OF CLUNY With more than 10,000 tickets available for this light and sound extravaganza, the show has an award-winning team behind it. Forres Features has appointed Derek Allan and Kate Bonney to the creative team. Both are involved in The Enchanted Forest in Pitlochry, which has netted no less than five award wins in recent years, including the Scottish Thistle Award for Best Event 2015. Derek, a creative director, is offering his services for a greatly reduced rate. Lighting designer Kate, who grew up in Forres, is offering her services for free.
How It Came About The Enchanted Forest has been drawing crowds to
It so happens that Kate Bonney, lighting designer
Faskally Wood near Pitlochry for 15 years. Locals in
for The Enchanted Forest, comes from Forres. She
and around Forres wanted to do something similar
was more than happy to donate her services and
in their neck of the woods.
technical wizardry to the inaugural event.
After reading about the event, local butcher
A committee was formed consisting of an
Graham Murdoch got to thinking about putting on
enthusiastic band of locals, grants were applied for,
a similar show on the beautifully wooded Cluny
and Colours of Cluny went from dream to reality.
Hill, above the Grant Park, popular landmarks
Tickets available from:
centrally located in Forres.
www.coloursofcluny.com/tickets
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REVEAL YOUR FABULOUS
Autumn FACE
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With summer drawing its sun-kissed, freckled self to a close, autumn is peeking its festive fresh face around the corner. It’s time to pack away that sweet little two-piece, dig out your cosy knits and grab yourself a steaming hot mug of sweet pumpkin spice. Autumn is known as the transition between summer and winter, where the nights draw in and leaves begin to fall from the trees - similar to shedding your skin, autumn is the season that prepares us for renaissance. Whether you’re onboard with the latest trends and must-haves or not, it’s no secret that the world of beauty is fast-paced and ever-changing, from sensational strobing to broad ‘brows, it can sometimes be overwhelming.
Nicola Anderson, a make up artist with over ten years of industry experience, talks to us about some of the key trends and looks that we can look forward to this autumn -
“You may not think you can wear a dark lip, but there is definitely a shade out there for everyone. It’s such a hot trend on the catwalk this season and makes an amazing impact to any look.” Some of Nicola’s favourite products to achieve this gothic-autumnal look are Whirl by Mac, which is a darker more brown tone, Urban Decay’s Matte Revolution lipstick in Matte Blackmail, which has a more purple tone to it and Nars’ semi matte Diva Red, a striking darker red.
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Glitter is something that every 90s teen accessorised their look with, however Grown Up Glitter is one of autumn’s more fun key looks. “Glitter is hot on trend this season, we definitely need a bit of sparkle as we approach the festive season - but it’s all about how we apply and what we use to make us look sophisticated and classy. Achieve this urbane look with some of these top products;
Bobbi Brown’s Sparkle Eyeshadow is a beautiful way to transition from day to evening. Simply apply on top of your favourite eyeshadow look for that extra sparkle. Mac’s Pigment Pots are amazing for both an intense or a natural glitter look. Hooked Up Shop’s Pressed Glitters - the pigments in these little beauties are amazing and they come in 28 shades, so there is one for everyone. My personal favourite is moon dust.”
This season’s eyes are all about that 'liner. Keep it soft and smudgy - the darker, the better. You can also play it safe with that classic and timeless feline flick, too. Some of the best products to achieve these looks are Bobbi Brown’s Gel Eyeliner in black, this one is best for long wear. Tom Ford’s Eye Defining Pencil is great for a soft smudge if you’re looking to experiment with those dark smoky eyes.
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Strobing is a newer trend and is closely related to highlighting. This is one of the easier ways to keep your skin looking dewy and healthy in this colder weather. “My favourite item in my make-up bag is my highlighter and strobing kit, it makes my skin look brighter on a dull day and also gives my skin a lovely glow in any light. This product is to be applied to the top of your cheekbones and under the brow. Glowing skin is hot off the catwalk and is all about looking fresh and modern and the best thing about this trend is it’s affordable. Snap up Sleek Make-Up’s Highlighting Palette for £9.99. A really good palette at a great price. Becca Shimmering Skin is a beautiful product that comes in six stunning shades. Its silky texture gives a gorgeous shimmer to the skin leaving it with a healthy glow. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette contains three different tones of highlighter to compliment whichever look you’ve opted for - extremely flattering and is great for brightening up your look on the go.
We’ve seen plenty of bold and bright trends when it comes to the classic red lip, but this season there's also a softer, more diffused look. Lip stains are making a comeback and some of Nicola’s favourite products to use on clients to achieve this are; YSL Rouge Pur Couture Glossy Lip Stain as this gives both a gloss and a stain finish that’s guaranteed to last. Max Factor Lipfinity Lasting Lip Tint in Royal Plum - this product comes in pen form and gives great tone and depth Dr Paw Paw Red - this nifty little product doubles up as a great moisturiser for your lips and a cheek stain and is perfect for a more defined colour.
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Now that we’ve been introduced to some of the key trends this season, it’s time to entice ourselves with the temptations of the new kids on the block. “I’m always on the look out to try and experiment with new products, as I want the very best for my clients. There are always so many products launching and one of my favourites is VB for Estee Lauder. From one of my favourite fashion designers, Victoria Beckham, comes the collaboration with Estee Lauder. This amazing limited edition collection is a must try - before they fly off the shelf. The products give an insight to the world of Victoria Beckham; it’s classy, sexy and sophisticatedly stunning, with only twelve lines from eyeshadows, bronzers and lip-glosses, it’s an extremely limited collection. I’ll certainly be keeping my fingers crossed that this is a prelude to more collections in the future. My favourite products from this collection is the lipstick in Chilean Sunset, it’s a gorgeous orange red shade, a perfect pair with the metal saffron eye palette.”
Eyebrows are always dangerous territory, and Nicola expresses just how important they are. “They really frame your eyes and your face and the new Nars product really does not disappoint. It’s so easy to use and comes in five different shades; it grooms the eyebrows as well as adding layers of colour, which makes it the perfect go-to for touching up throughout the day too.”
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“Hourglass is also one of the hottest brands at the moment, so this new product is just so exciting, even the name excites me! The most important part of my base is, of course, foundation, and this one certainly ticks all of my boxes. It is a stick foundation with the coverage of a concealer and fluidity of a fountain, is waterproof and leaves your skin with a gorgeous satin finish.”
Bobbi Brown have also recently catapulted some exciting new products into the mix; their highlighting wands and retouching pencils will have you looking picture-perfect in no time. “These are Bobbi Brown’s hot new products, which are also perfect for those that are always on the go, for an easy touch up, leaving your skin looking natural. The pencils come in ten shades and are fantastic for covering redness, dark circles and blemishes, you can also use various shades to contour and highlight the skin. With nine shades to choose from, the retouching wands are best used to retouch your makeup, however they can be used to add coverage if you’ve opted for a tinted moisturiser. It’s a really great product for evening out skin tones and complexion, allowing the skin to look more polished.” by Mari Acciaioli
If you’d like to take a look at some of Nicola’s work and services, catch up with her on Facebook @nicolamakeup
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SUNDAY OFFER
Free Bowling or Planet Pinz When spending £25 or more on food between 4pm and 7pm
fun tastic!
Maximum 6 per offer
FRIDAY & SATURDAY
DJ ’s From 7pm
BOGOF
ELGIN
BURSTING with FUN!
BOWLING TUESDAYS Buy one Game of Bowling or 1 hour and get the equivalent FREE. After 6pm
FRIDAY COMPETITION GREEN PIN - STRIKE
WITH PRIZES from 7pm
PLEASE ASK STAFF FOR DETAILS
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by Mari Acciaioli 69
‘Skrewfish’. In 1997, the trio moved to Glasgow where they went on to study at university, whilst still performing in any spare time they had. Spotted by Dee Bahl, who then went on to be their manager, these young lads were about to get the biggest stepping-stone of their musical careers. After Biffy’s first three studio albums, their following expanded a significant amount as they strayed from their discordant and uncommon style, incorporating simpler rhythms mixed into a mainstream melody. As a result, their album ‘Puzzle’ peaked at number two in the Albums Chart in It seems as though 2016 has brought us a tidal wave of
2007, the album then went gold, selling over a great 100k
affairs, from Brexit to the exit of Bake Off from the BBC, but
units, before then turning platinum in the UK in 2012.
for some, it seems that this was the year of restoration and rock reawakening. With bands such as The xx, KT Tunstall, The Darkness and Kings of Leon, to name but a few, gearing up to release, perform or jump on their tour busses to return to the world of melodic madness, it’s sure to be an interesting year. It had been a quiet three years for Scottish rockers Biffy Clyro, before bursting back onto the music scene with the release of their new studio album, Ellipsis, earlier this year. They are currently halfway through their tour, with support from naughties pop punk band, Brand New, another band on
Their 2009 album, Only Revolutions, reached no. 3 in the
a mission to make everyone’s inner rock-spirit burst with
UK Album Chart, proceeding to gold just days after being
excitement as they smash back onto the music scene.
released. A year later, the album went platinum and Biffy
The trio formed in Kilmarnock, East Ayrshire, and are currently sitting on a total of seven studio albums, three of which reached top 5 and higher in the UK Albums Chart. The band that would eventually be called Biffy Clyro formed
received a nomination for a Mercury Music Prize. Biffy, known for their hit singles, Mountains and Many of Horror, received an award for Best British Band at the 2013 NME Music Awards.
in 1995, with front man and guitarist, Simon Neil who
Supporting the Scottish singers are punk rockers, Brand
enlisted drummer, Ben Johnson, before Johnson’s twin
New, a band from Long Island, New York, who have been
brother James was brought in to finish the trio. The three
compared to the likes of Weezer and The Beach Boys. They
spent the next couple of years finding their feet and flare,
have successfully made teenage girls scream their vocals for
practicing, composing and covering other artists’ material
over a decade, however, it’s been a quiet couple of years for
before their first gig as a support act under the name of
these American heartthrobs.
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They signed to Triple Crown Records in 2001 and released their debut studio album, Your Favourite Weapon, shortly after. Their second album, Deja Entendu, was released in 2003 and marked a 'stylistic change' for the rock band, the first two singles from the album entered the top 40 UK Singles Chart. Brand New decided to change direction and formed a record label in 2008, called Procrastinate! Music Traitors, with one of their most successful albums, Daisy, being released in 2009, which reached number six on the US Billboard 200. The band has been
New Album
working on new, fresh material for some time and released the single “Mene” in April 2015, followed by “I am a Nightmare” in May 2016. There’s been a lot of talk
While Biffy appear to be going from strength to strength
about the band breaking up for good after they released
and expand their musical reputation, Brand New are
pieces of merchandise with 2000-2018 written on
gearing up to go out with a bang. We can look forward
them. With such dubious messages and signals,
to listening out for new material and merchandise from
perhaps it’s now or never to really, truly embrace the
the boys of Brand New and bask in the recollection of
final years of punk pleasure from the foursome.
some of our sweetest teenage memories.
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REVIEW OF ‘BRAND NEW’ 2014 GIG By the time Brand New took to the stage, the
need the gimmicks. They don’t need the hefty backdrop or
anticipation of the compact crowd was noticeable.
the ‘bigged up’ encore. Simplicity and modesty is what make
Patience rewarded, Brand New have built up true
them, along with their talent of relatable, emotionally driven
cult-following since their formation in 2000 and
vulnerability and their capability of creating meticulously
personally it’s due to their journey of beautiful maturity
descriptive lyrics. Brand New are simply all about the music
throughout every release. From the moment the first
and that’s enough for raised hands and critical acclaim.
chords of The Shower Scene hit out, the crowd (including myself) was singing along to every line. The crowd went crazy for the likes of ‘Gasoline’, ‘Sic Transit
You know something’s special when instead of jumping up and down and throwing each other across rooms, people start hugging and like me, reducing themselves to tears.
Gloria… Glory Fades’ and ‘The Boy Who Blocked His Own Shot’ along with their own cover of Coldplay’s ‘Yellow’. ‘Mixtape’ did it for me however. The band were thorough and note perfect throughout, polished and playing with a verve, something that’s been developed through years of touring and dedication. At no point was there a dip or a dull moment. Playing it straight, Brand New proved that they are a band that doesn’t
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BRAND NEW REVIEW by Sammy Jay: Journalism Graduate. Writer. Music Junkie. Mental Health Awareness Advocate. Cat
What are are the benefits of using aof Personal What the benefits usingTrainer? a
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Personal Trainer?
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andenjoy, recovery periods which the mix typesofofexercise things you and then a plan canwill be avoid
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exercises you'd neglect! Most people see exercise plan for you.otherwise They can also nag you mercilessly
personal trainer provides, it's something you just can't
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teasy70@live.co.uk www.fun-keyfitness.com Easter Woodside, Kinloss, Forres IV36 3UA
dates for your diary... 11 - 15
OCTOBER 15
Booking required
the Norths Biggest Scarecrow Festival across the MFR transmission area. £5 entry.
The Cheviot, the Stag and the
Grand Auction and Valuation Day
Black, Black Oil
10am - 5pm at Nairn Community
7:30pm plus 2:30pm on 13th &
Centre. Get your treasures valued
15th at the Empire Theatre, Eden
and (if you want) auctioned "Flog It"
Court .Dundee Rep’s 5-star,
style with a small commission. There
You Me At Six
sell-out production of John
will also be stalls, musical entertain-
7pm at Ironworks, Inverness. Visit
McGrath’s The Cheviot, the Stag
ment & Afternoon Tea available. All in
www.ironworksvenue.com
and the Black, Black Oil arrives in
all a great day out - & all proceeds to
Inverness for one week only this
local charities.
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19
October. Saw Doctors @ The Loft
Wildlife Warriors
7:30pm, at The Loft Venue, East
2pm - 4pm at the Scottish Dolphin
Grange.
Centre. Spey Bay’s wildlife Kid’s
The Seventh Inverness Street
For more information on any event
club! £2 per child, aimed at children
Festival
please call us on 01343 850111
aged 4-10. Children to be
13 - 15
from 11am - 15 October at 3pm, Inverness city centre. A packed programme of Street Theatre with
accompanied by an adult. Booking
16
a variety of fabulous street
Aviemore Half Marathon & 10K
entertainers from across the
10am from Badaguish Outdoor
globe.
Centre, Aviemore. A fundraising
14 Insight Tour: Stories in Stone 11am - 12.30pm & 2pm - 3.30pm
essential Call 01343 820339 for more information.
22
event for Speyside Trust. For more information visit
Highgland Wool and Textile
www.aviemorehalfmarathon.org
Autumn Festival
17 - 31
at Elgin Cathedral. Join Collections
10am - 4pm, Strathpeffer Pavilion. Stock up for your Wool and Textile projetcs ready for the Christmas
Manager Rona Walker on this
Scarefest
season and buy unique Christmas
Insight Tour. Find out about the
From 9am to the 31st October.
presents that have already been
project to document, conserve
Hosted by: MFR Cash For Kids. A
made by our talented crafters.
and interpret more than 120
BRAND NEW & SCARILY EXCITING
Tickets at
medieval carved stones. Free.
Halloween Event 2016. Its set to be
www.highlandwoolandtextiles.co.uk
74
NOVEMBER in brief....
23 The 3rd Lossiethon 11am. Specific instructions will be distributed to registered participants Starta at the Community Centre in Lossiemouth. www.lossiethon.co.uk
25 Moray Business Women 'Waffle On' 8am - 9:30am at Marleon House,
Halloween at WDCS 6pm-7:45pm. Spectacular scary Halloween fun! There will be lots of
Elgin Bonfire and Fireworks Display
games, crafts, a disco and a prize for
6:30pm - 8pm, Cooper Park, Elgin.
the best boy/girl in fancy dress. ÂŁ2.50 per child. Children must be
Bonfire Night Inverness at Inverness
accompanied by an adult. Booking is
6:30pm - 8:30pm, Bught Park,
essential. Call 01343 820339
Inverness.
Mad Ferret with Resurrection
with some challenges in small groups. In conjunction with Moray Women's Aid.
28
9 - 20
(Stone Roses Tribute)
Colours of Cluny
7:30pm - 12:30am at Elgin City
See advert and competion on p60
Social Club. Visit www.skiddle.com for tickets.
Elgin. A fantastic networking event combining a continental breakfast
5
30 Culloden Run 2016 10:45am at Culloden Battlefield For Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland!
19 Buckie Christmas Kracker
26 Elgin Christmas Lights Switch On
www.chss.org.uk
Portgordon Fireworks 7pm at Portgordon Harbour. Visit www.portgordonfireworks.co.uk
29 Hallowe’en Family Fun Day 10 am - 4pm, Elgin City Centre. A family day filled with fun, laughter and spookiness. There will also be lots of live entertainment and street market stalls. www.elginbid.co.uk
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WELCOME TO STRATHISLA DISTILLERY THE HOME OF
CHIVAS REGAL
At Strathisla Distillery feel closer to the true spirit of
informal company, discovering the ancient craft of distilling
our rich, smooth, Chivas Regal blends and the classic
spirits, and the rare skills needed for blending them. See
Speyside malt at their heart. As a whisky enthusiast, or a
and hear how prestigious whiskies are created from
newcomer, your Strathisla tour will be a sensory
simple, natural ingredients. Inhale the distinctive aromas
experience, both memorable and informative – created
during production and share the many subtleties of each
in a beautiful riverside distillery now in its two hundred
one as you ‘nose’ and then taste them to complete your
and thirtieth year of Scottish Highlands’ history.
tour. In addition to our daily tours we offer something quite
Spend an hour – more if you choose – in expert, yet
different with our Connoisseur Tours.
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The Ultimate Strathisla Experience For the whisky enthusiast, enjoy a leisurely, luxurious afternoon at the distillery that includes an exclusive tasting of rare and aged Strathisla Editions. Inside our oldest bonded warehouse, you will also be invited to step inside the Royal Salute Vault – normally kept under lock and key – where a dram from our safeguarded 38-Year-Old Stone of Destiny cask will be drawn for you to experience. Saturday - 12:30 - £60 (over 18's only and pre-booking essential) allow up to 3 hours. Additional tour times are available on request.
Straight from the Cask ~ Exclusive Tasting Uncover some of the Scotch Whisky World’s hidden gems as we invite you to spend an afternoon sampling and falling in love with six exceptional Limited Edition Cask Strength Single Malts, exclusively selected from the Chivas Brothers’ Portfolio. This, coupled with an in-depth look through our beautiful distillery with one of our most experienced guides, will truly make this an afternoon to remember. Sunday - 12:30 - £40 (over 18s only and pre-booking essential) allow up to 3 hours. Additional tour times available on request
For further details or bookings please call:
01542 783 044 or email: strathisla.admin@pernod-ricard.com
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morlich homes have a great range of 3 bedroom detached and semi detached villas offering flexible living in a convenient central location only a few minutes walk from the lossiemouth marina. Finished to morlich Homes high standard each home features an opportunity for clients to fully customise their home to an exact design and specification. n
oak internal doors and finishings
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Choice of kitchens and bathrooms
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lockblock Driveway
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Turf to garden
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To enquire about our homes today
01542 836510
solar panels to ensure low running costs.
or Email: enquiries@morlich.co.uk
Prices starting from £174,500 Contact our sales team today and find out how we can help you realise your dream home.
To find out more... visit our showhome at: 4 Fairway road . buckie . ab56 4HJ open Tuesday to Friday 12noon to 5pm saturday - 12noon to 4pm
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