St Andrews in focus • shopping • eating • events • town/gown • people and more
May/June 2008, Issue 28 £1.50
the award winning magazine for St Andrews
www.standrewsinfocus.com
St Andrews in focus • shopping • eating • events • town/gown • people and more
From the Editor Rumours of many shops all closing at once have been much exaggerated! One or two shops have indeed closed, two are moving location within the town, and one has changed hands, but the others are still firmly in place, and intend to remain so, praise be! As Oscar Wilde put it, “The truth is rarely pure and never simple.” I honestly think St Andreans are the most goodnatured people on this earth. Months of road works have been, and will continue to be for some time yet, a severe strain on everybody. Yet there is good humour aplenty; folk still greet each other kindly, still chat amiably in the streets, still smile, drivers remain patient and courteous – I have personally not seen any manifestation of road rage (which could almost be forgiven in the present circumstances!) If means ever justify ends, then I hope the final results of all these present trials and tribulations will prove worthwhile. It would be so nice if even one aim of the Built Environment Forum Scotland (BEFS) will be met – i.e. “A built environment which is understood and valued by the people who use it.” Summer is coming. Let it be a good one! And, not least, warmest congratulations and good wishes to all our new graduates. Flora Selwyn
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The views expressed elsewhere in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor. MAY / JUNE 2008 EDITOR Flora Selwyn Tel: 01334 472375 Email: editor@standrewsinfocus.com Designer University of St Andrews Reprographics Unit Printer Tayport Printers Ltd. Distributer Elspeth’s of Guardbridge Publisher (address for correspondence) Local Publishing (Fife) Ltd., PO Box 29210, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9YZ. Tel: 01334 472375 Email: enquiries@standrewsinfocus.com SUBSCRIPTIONS St Andrews in Focus is published 6 times a year. Subscriptions for 6 issues are: £12.50 in the UK (post & packing included). Please send cheques to: Local Publishing (Fife) Ltd PO Box 29210 St Andrews Fife, KY16 9YZ £22 overseas (post and packing included). Please use PayPal account: editor@StAndrewsinFocus.com Registered in Scotland: 255564 The paper used is 80% RECYCLED post-consumer waste
Cover photo by Lyn Moir
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Contents FEATURES • Five years on • Mary, 100 years young! • St Andrews Cathedral • Inspired change of use • Crossword • Dorothy Robertson • Reviews: Plants at the Margin Clàsach na Bànrighe – CD • Community Council – Youth • Ask the Curator • The Surreal Deal
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Events • Midsummer at Cambo • Beltaine Fayre • Rose McLeod directs the Play Club • Selected list
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Shops & Services • Bi-Aura therapy • Roving Reporter • Budget 2008 • Young entrepreneurs
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ORGANISATIONS • Beach volleyball • Rail questionnaire results • Lammas memories • Cricket in St Andrews • A plastic bag-free St Andrews
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TOWN/gown • Professor Douglas Lloyd • Student with attitude! • Geoscience with French • Psychology with French • The WoMen Project • Robert Tims retires
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Out and About • Cool Seas Scotland • Hidden Gardens • Tour de Forth • Letter from the Antipodes IV • Toonspot
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NEXT ISSUE – July/August 2008 Copy deadline: strictly 28 MAY All contributions welcome. The Editor reserves the right to publish copy according to available space.
FEATURES Kevin Dunion, Scottish Information Commissioner reviews his role
Five years on Five years ago a sign appeared on Doubledykes Road in St Andrews, announcing the establishment of the office of the Scottish Information Commissioner, which has become the centre for enforcing and promoting the new Freedom of Information Act in Scotland. So what does go on behind the walls of Kinburn Castle, next door to Murray Donald Drummond Cook? My primary function is to investigate appeals made to me by people requesting, but not having been given, information from Scottish public authorities. The type of information is wide ranging. Some of the high profile decisions I have made have been to order the disclosure of all of the expenses of our MSPs (in response, the Scottish Parliament not only complied, but set up a website so anyone can check the details on MSPs’ expenses at any time – a far cry from the situation which prevails at Westminster). I have ordered the release of the whole contract for running the new Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh – a document of several thousand pages. Often, however, the information that people want is related to their own personal circumstances. So we had householders in Dundee wanting to know the cost of work carried out on their houses by contractors on the behalf of the council. Again, I ordered the release of that information. I have received over 1500 such appeals, since the Freedom of Information Act fully came into effect in 2005, involving over 140 Scottish public authorities. As you might expect, the Scottish Government and local authorities predominate on the list, but others include health boards, the police, and universities. I have dealt with bodies such as the Care Commission, the Cairngorms National Parks Authority, and Caledonian MacBrayne (which, as a publicly-owned company is covered by the FoI Act). It is not possible for me to come to a decision on an appeal without the assistance of my staff. I currently have 22 staff in post. What attracts them is the importance and the challenge of the work we do, and the high quality of life in a university town. They come from a variety of backgrounds – including local government; higher education; the voluntary sector, as well as from bodies such as the BBC; Scottish Enterprise. Some already lived locally – others have moved into the area. My own background – I was Chief Executive of Friends of the Earth. I live in Cellardyke and in good weather enjoy cycling the 10 miles or so to work. It might be useful to explain what happens when an appeal is received. First, we establish whether it is valid, e.g. does it concern a Scottish public authority? Scottish public authorities range from the Scottish Parliament to individual general practitioners. If it is valid, the authority will be asked to provide me with a copy of all the information which has been withheld, and to make a submission as to why the information has not been provided in response to a request. Reasons could be that it would be too costly to provide, or that one or more of the exemptions under the Freedom of Information Act applies. There are a number of exemptions that the authority can apply; for example, if the information concerns national security, is regarded as
confidential, could substantially prejudice law enforcement, or health and safety etc. However, the authority has to do more than simply say the information is exempt. So my investigators will go through the information in detail to establish whether such a claim is justified. Frequently it is; but in the majority of cases which I have determined, I have found the applicant was entitled to all or some of the information requested. Authorities in Scotland are clearly releasing far more information than in the past. So the number of appeals to my office has now stabilised after a very high number in the first two years of operation. Although my work is largely based in St Andrews I travel across Scotland to promote Freedom of Information rights. This includes national conferences and training seminars for public authorities, and for the media. Increasingly, the Scottish experience of Freedom of Information is attracting international attention, and I have also been involved in efforts to implement freedom of information in Africa and the Caribbean. Recently I was in Atlanta to speak at the Carter Center, where I met former US President Jimmy Carter, who has championed projects to extend freedom of information internationally. I am also in regular contact with my counterparts in England and Ireland as we share experience and good practice. I have been re-appointed Commissioner for a further four years. My appointment is from the Queen on the recommendation of the Scottish Parliament, and I can serve only two terms. In my final term I intend to publish detailed guidance on interpreting and applying freedom of information. Some of that work is already underway. For instance, I commissioned research to understand how the legislation has impacted on public authorities – this was jointly conducted by Dr Eleanor Burt of St Andrews University School of Management and Professor John Taylor of Caledonian Business School. I am also keen to know why people do – and do not – use their freedom of information rights. For example, it is not well known that the right to information has no age bar. However in reality, it is little used by young people, and recently I met senior pupils at Madras to explore whether they might find the Act useful. It was instructive to hear that they felt they could get information relatively informally without using the Act and would be discouraged from making a formal appeal to me because of the perceived long timescales involved. However, they did identify where the Act could be of use to them, such as getting an explanation and understanding from education bodies like the Scottish Qualifications Authority, on how examination appeals procedures are applied. When we first opened for business we had confused visitors asking us for tourist information; I hope after 5 years that people now have a better understanding of what the Freedom of Information Act is all about.
My primary function is to investigate appeals made to me by people requesting, but not having been given, information from Scottish public authorities
(Photo, courtesy Kevin Dunion)
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FEATURES Flora Selwyn was invited to meet Mary Beattie, whose birthday was on 20th April, when she was
100 years young! Cameron from 1st November till First of all, heartiest congratulations on achieving your century, Mary, and long may you continue to enjoy your robust good health! 1st March the following year, “and I “I’ll be 100,” said Mary, “they all say I don’t look it, and I certainly don’t didn’t like it very much. I told them feel it!” With her wonderful complexion and vivacious personality the years you’d be better in the jail than in here! sit remarkably lightly. Mary was born in Argyle Street on 20th April 1908. Fortunately, we didn’t need to sleep When her father set eyes on her he remarked that she “looked like a blue outside. I had an aunt who had it, rabbit!” She went to the West Infant School, where one of her classmates and she had to sleep outside. The was Alex Morris (this magazine July/Aug 2005 and whose 100th birthday windows were always light and we’d was last November). In those days most children progressed from the no heat, but we were well enough West Infants School to the Fisher School, then the Burgh School, and looked after really. There was nothing finally Madras College. However, Mary did not attend the Fisher School. wrong with me after that.” Her father, volunteering for the army in 1914, was rejected because his Mary has an impish sense of humour. When I asked her if she chest measurement was a quarter inch too small. However, the following remembers any famous people in St Andrews, she relied, quick as a wink, year he was accepted in Cupar into the Royal Engineers. Mary quotes “well, infamous some of the time”. She remembers Winston Churchill’s his regimental number, 66148 and 184 Tunnelling Company. It was an visit here and can quote his speeches. When her father mentioned English Company and father, a tailor, “he never did any tunnelling, I could marriage, Mary told him, “I’m not looking for a husband. I said, I think assure you.” His greatest praise was, “it’s no so bad”, which “got people they’re an over-rated pastime at any time, so don’t worry about that, mad at him!” and I haven’t missed them. I’m perfectly happy staying on my own. I’ve When she was 16 she left school, starting work on 8th December got plenty of friends coming, and of course, you see the house is just a 1924 with the Electric Supply Corporation in St Andrews. “I was a junior, godsend for the young ones.” – these being one nephew, one niece, nine when I started” she recalls, “just a general factotum. great nieces and nephews, and thirteen great-great You see, we sold stuff as well as the electricity. nieces and nephews. Commenting on a niece, a “I’ll be 100,” said Mary, Campbell, who is returning from New Zealand, she We read the meters, and had revenue sheets. The consumers’ names were down one side and the said she hoped there wouldn’t be any Macdonalds “they all say I don’t look it, headings that they had all to go under were along plane, because that might cause trouble! and I certainly don’t feel it!” on the the top; it would be so much for oil, so much for I couldn’t resist asking what Mary thinks of the coal, so much for labour. And you had to balance modern world; “Well, I suppose I’m old-fashioned, it in those days, but to me it was a good thing, because your brain didn’t I’m not one of them...I wasn’t a person that mixed very much.” In her go down, learning! Each year you put on more consumers, and you see, young days, Mary was a member of the Royal Scottish Country Dance it got bigger and bigger.” Headquarters were in London, “I can remember Society and knew Miss Milligan, but she adds she “was always unwell their address to this day; 44 Park Lane.” The Scottish headquarters were the following week and that finished the dancing.” After her father died in Dumbarton. “Willie Lammond was the foreman and then John Smart,” Mary didn’t like to go out and leave her mother, and “I never went out in whose mother lived above the shop and “what we needed, we were up the dark.” The furthest she has travelled has been to the Isle of Wight, the stair.” Work was from 9.00am to 6.00pm and 1.00pm on Saturday. “just for an afternoon” while she was on holiday with friends in Hampshire. In the first years, Mary worked even on Christmas Day. Later, she had She explains, “I used to say I’d have to take half a loaf and a pound of an English boss, Mr Southwood, who couldn’t understand why the Scots butter with me to get anything to eat, if I went abroad, because you see had two days off after New Year. But he wouldn’t work on Christmas the slightest thing turns my stomach upside down....We didn’t have that Day. There were two weeks paid holiday in the year. Mary said that the money either”. Mary is happy to say that her favourite food is butter and cream – eat your heart out, Nanny State! Company was not allowed to buy more generating plant in 1938, “and as we didn’t have enough we had to buy an extra supply from the Fife Power Today, Mary enjoys listening to Talking Books. She is an Company and then it called itself the South of Scotland Electricity Board. accomplished knitter and has knitted shawls for all the babies in her It’s now Scottish Power, all the same folk.” Mary was none too keen on family. Asked for her views on present-day St Andrews she thinks it is “a the nationalisation of the industry after the war, “you weren’t an individual: safer, cleaner, nicer place.” And her advice for the young, “they’ll just have in a private company you were.” to do the best they can, the same as I had to do!” Finally, Mary mused, After 31 years, Mary contracted tuberculosis, “then I was off for “it’s not been too bad a world for me. I can’t complain. I don’t do too badly, 13 months, and quite frankly it was because of overwork.” She was in do I?” Amen to that, Mary, and long may it be so!
Melville Reid
St Andrews Cathedral... Amid the wark o’ Prior John Hepburn c. 1520 Prior John builded braw
Girt me roond wi’ to’er and wa’
Wi’ yetts wi’ bartizans and a’
And niche chiselt stane,
Devout folks lang cam’ in awe.
Syne ither men, wha cam’ tae claw
My sculpet stanes, and gar them fa’
But Prior John’s remain
Noo, though my glory’s passed awa’
But toothy to’er and tumblit wa’
Still staunin’ roond aboot me, a’
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(Photo by Norman Morrison)
The Prior’s sturdy stane.
FEATURES Flora Selwyn talked to Louise and Roderick Fraser, about their town house’s
Inspired change of use This is the story of a long-established family Frasers to carry on the age-old tradition of with a long-established business, turning one of ‘living above the shop’. They bought the house St Andrews’ longest-established houses into a in September 2005, finally moving in to live in thriving 21st century business-cum-home. June 2006. An art dealer for more than 30 years, For a time, before starting any renovations, owning and managing galleries both in Dundee the family “lived in the house so that we could and Edinburgh, Roderick Fraser comes of a get the feel for how best to renovate.” Then family immersed in the art world since 1862. they worked closely with an experienced Indeed, it was Roderick’s great-grandfather who conservation builder, Colin Inglis, who “has a started the family business. huge empathy for old houses and traditional For many years, Roderick and Louise building methods” uncovering fire places, enjoyed ‘days out’ in St Andrews, soaking up panelling, and many other original features, the vibrant atmosphere, gradually coming to which they have, wherever possible, rerealise they wanted to instated. Rewired, live here. “It would be with new floors, new “It would be ideal,” they ideal,” they thought, “if heating, new kitchen, we could both live and new bathrooms and so thought, “if we could both work in St Andrews, so with their two small live and work in St Andrews on, we started to look for children, Sonny (3) and a property that would Honor (18 months), the offer us both.” Eventually, after some missed family now enjoys a very spacious, yet cosy, opportunities, 53 South Street came on the well-lit home, quite stunningly different from its market. “We viewed it,” continued Louise, “and previous self. fell in love with its location and the fact that At the same time, the ground floor has been it had been a family home, and also quickly transformed into an art gallery. “We wanted realised the potential that the ground floor had to create a fresh, stylish, welcoming space in in terms of gallery space.” It also allowed the the gallery to show our (growing) collection of artists. Over the years we have built up a strong list of artists who also show internationally – many of them graduates of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art still living and working locally.” These artists are attracted to the gallery’s position Jack Morrocco – Lilies Malcolm Cheape in St Andrews, and
The Gallery many of them, says Roderick, “have enjoyed a few hours at our kitchen table, discussing the finer points of life! Having worked with our artists for a number of years, we enjoy a close relationship with them.” Among them are Jack Morrocco, Francis Boag, Joan Gillespie, Charlie Monteith Walker, to name but a few. The gallery is a long one, extending into three rooms of paintings, an area for handfinishing and gilding frames, and a study. Roderick points out that, “we are happy to visit clients in their home to show our work and advise on hanging pictures, lighting etc.” The Frasers are planning special events, the first of which will be a retrospective exhibition for Francis Boag this autumn. Corporate events are also foreseen, as “this is an ideal, and unusual, space for businesses who are looking for something a little bit different for their clients.” Happily settled in this spectacular venue, Louise and Roderick agree that they, “have taken as much time and effort over the look and feel of each (of their home and gallery) so that they sit comfortably together. Over the time that we have been here in St Andrews, we have been most encouraged by the support we have had.” And Sonny has been busy making friends with everyone! (Photos: courtesy Fraser Gallery)
Crossword Passing strange, but there were no takers! Was it too difficult? Anyway, here is the solution: 1
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FEATURES Anne Outram visited
Dorothy Robertson You meet them all over Fife and beyond Dorothy’s first job was as assistant lady – cheerful, resilient middle-aged women, who cook at Leith Hospital, and then she worked still call themselves ‘Robbie’s girls’. in Yorkshire, where she took over the local So who are Robbie’s girls, and who is Guide company. Later she returned to Fife as Robbie? The girls were all Guides and Rangers assistant county youth organiser – she was to back in the 1950s and 1960s, and Robbie was spend 26 years altogether in youth work, which their leader, better known perhaps to included running the Torch Club in St Andrews, St Andrews people as Dorothy Robertson. and the youth club in Strathkinness She is still a lively personality, and it’s hard The Torch Club, flourished in the 1950s to credit that she recently celebrated her 98th – it had premises in Loudens Close, near the birthday. It’s fascinating to hear her talk about West Port, and was a club for girls, with junior her lifelong interest in Guiding, her career and senior sections. Former members stiIl as a youth worker, and speak nostalgicaIly of she also speaks very “She did such a lot – she the fun they had – there modestly about her work was table tennis, physical was always there for us.” education, dancing, talks in conservation, restoring chairs, curtains, fabrics. by students, whist drives For some years after she was officially retired, to raise funds, the occasional table tennis she led the conservation group at Hill of Tarvit tournament with the Boys Club, which had – they worked on projects for many National its HQ in Abbey Street. And there were trips Trust for Scotland properties. beyond Fife – including an exciting holiday in Norway, which Dorothy led. It was in 1958 that Dorothy was born and brought up in Cupar – her father had an ironmonger’s business Dorothy undertook her most ambitious project in Crossgate, where Woolworth’s store now yet. At a time when few people travelled much, stands. She was christened in St John’s she took four Rangers on a trip to America. Church, and still has a record of how in 1910, “They had to raise £150 each,” she says, “and at the age of three weeks, she was taken to got £20 from the county and £20 from the local the Cross in Cupar, to hear the proclamation association.” The girls did all kinds of jobs of the new king, King George V. So how did – baby-sitting, running messages, etc. – to raise her interest in Guiding begin? “I joined the 3rd the money. In the middle of the preparations, Cupar Brownies back in 1919, a long time ago,” Dorothy was hospitalised for six weeks. But she says with a laugh. her Rangers didn’t let her down. “They came to Then it was boarding school in Edinburgh, see me every day,” she says, “telling me how and training in domestic science at the famous college in Atholl Crescent, Edinburgh. All this time she was involved with Brownies, Guides, and later, Rangers. She remembers Elizabeth Sharp, of Hill of Tarvit, who was District Commissioner of Guides, and who sadly died at an early age, leaving the beautiful Edwardian house to the National Trust for Scotland. “I remember when Elizabeth did the hike for her first class badge. Two of us Cupar Guides were asked to go with her, and we hiked from Hill of Tarvit, over the hill, made a fire and cooked our sausages.”
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they were getting on and how they were raising the money.” The visit was a huge success – and led to many exchanges and life-long friendships. And other trips followed, to Switzerland, France, and Norway. In 1960 Dorothy and her sister Mary moved from Cupar to St Andrews and both became enthusiastic volunteers for the National Trust for Dorothy as Guider, Scotland. Dorothy has Taymouth Castle always been a gifted 1940s needlewoman, and that led to her leading the Conservation Group at Hill of Tarvit. The group repaired seats, re-lined curtains, re-covered chairs for the property. But it didn’t stop there – they went on, under Dorothy’s leadership, to do work for many other properties, including the newly-restored House of Dun, where they made all the curtains and repaired tapestries. For many years, Dorothy demonstrated her skills – members of the St Andrews Horticultural Association, as it then was, still recall her giving a fascinating talk on how to repair and recover a chair, using a range of craftsman’s tools. And now, well, she doesn’t sew so much, and she has given away her tools. But she keeps up her interest in Guiding, as a member of the Trefoil Guild (former Guides who support the movement). And she has lots of friends – and is remembered with great affection by her loyal Guides and Rangers. Many still write to her and visit. As one of Robbie’s girls said, “She did such a lot – she was always there for us.” “We had great fun. A wonderful person,” said another former Guide. And Robbie’s girls would echo that! The Torch Club (Courtesy St Andrews Preservation Trust)
REVIEWS / FEATURES Bob Mitchell reviews
Plants at the Margin: Ecological limits and climate change By R. M. M. crawford £40.00 Hardback (ISBn -10:052162309X) Cambridge University Press, March 2008 Where better to record the effects of climate change than with the vulnerable plant communities of the world’s marginal areas. “Plants at the Margin” describes and beautifully illustrates the adaptability, as well as the fragility, of these diverse ecosystems. Robert Crawford discusses the plants of marginal areas from a variety of perspectives including plant geography, plant reproductive biology, physiology, and genetics. The recent past history of our own climate, with the Little Ice Age from the late 16th to the mid-19th centuries, also gives an insight into the survival capacity of these vulnerable areas. Over the past 40 years, Prof. Crawford has investigated examples of plant research into diversity and adaptability around the world, noting the varying abilities of species to survive through migration, evolution, and hybridization. There is also a particular examination of the capacity of different species and populations to withstand extreme situations such as temporary waterlogging or oxygen deprivation. The book covers first, the biodiversity of marginal areas, such as the Cerrado in Brazil and the Fynbos in Cape Province. Secondly, there is an account of how plants survive and prosper over a wide climatic range from the tropics to water margins and deserts, as well as into the frozen ground of the Arctic tundra. Part 3 presents a number of selected case histories. These range from Arctic tree lines to coastal margins around the world. Also included are the plant survival techniques in fresh water
habitats and river and lake margins. The woody plants from above the tree line are discussed in their relation to the different stresses imposed by oceanic and continental climates. Each is taken in turn, as are the high-altitude plants from four continents. The book concludes with man’s activities and how they can help, but mostly hinder, fragile ecosystems and the very survivability of marginal plant populations. We are very much aware of the effects of drought and flooding around the world and the results of severe storms caused by climate change. There are also local changes on our own doorstep. We see the changes in the dune loss at Tentsmuir; the erosion of the dune edge adjacent to the Old Course on the Eden estuary; and due to man’s activities, the serious problems with the destabilization of the dune systems at the West Sands. “Plants at the Margin” is clearly written and is well suited to students, researchers, and anyone interested in the impact on these vulnerable plant communities of changing climatic conditions worldwide. The superb, and carefully chosen, colour illustrations, maps, and graphs greatly enhance the book.
Fiona Hyslop, harpist and fourth-year Mathematics student, reviews
Clàsach na Bànrighe Simon chadwick’s debut CD Simon Chadwick began to teach himself the medieval clarsach in 1998. This is no small undertaking – there are very few players, even fewer teachers and very little easily accessible music. With the release of his first CD, it is obvious that Simon has, however, been extremely successful in his endeavour. A fascinating historical journey, it combines transcription of medieval choral music with an atmospheric recreation of the golden age of the harp in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, when harpists were patronised by kings and lords of Ireland and Scotland. Unlike the modem clarsach, the instrument used is a replica of the wire-strung clarsach of that time, played by plucking the strings
with the fingernail, a difficult style of playing for any harpist. Simon commissioned an Irish harp-maker to build a harp as close as possible to the surviving instruments in the national Museum of Scotland, the Queen Mary and Lamont harps, and the resulting sound is beautiful. The Prior’s House of St Andrews Cathedral is an ideal location for the recording, with its perfect acoustic and historical connections to the music, with some of the music being adapted from the thirteenthcentury St Andrews Music Book. It is obvious that the music is well researched; the tunes are from both personal manuscripts of the time, and published collections. The entire collection of John Robertson of Lude, the owner
of the Queen Mary harp, is also included. This music is quite unusual to anybody unfamiliar with medieval music, with different scales and structure, but the recording is an excellent starting point for those interested in the historical music of Scotland. Details can be found at www.simonchadwick.net
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FEATURES Zoë Smith, Chairman of St Andrews Community Council
Youth I was asked recently to comment on the issue of youth drinking and disorder. It’s a nationwide problem, certainly not unique to St Andrews, however I can’t help but feel that St Andrews has an almost unique set of factors that exacerbate the problem. St Andrews is a small town, but a town that has two large, part-time populations – students and tourists. For youngsters living in the town both of these visiting populations appear to have it all. Largely, students of St Andrews University are affluent. They drive nice cars, wear good quality clothes and eat well. A cursory glance over the type of shops and restaurants in the town speaks volumes. There is no Primark, no budget supermarket (though Aldis is pending). Tesco Metro in the town centre stocks more of the “Finest” range than the value range. Even the charity shops are notoriously expensive! There is plenty for the tourists also – it is still easier to buy golf clubs in St Andrews than it is to buy school uniform. Away from the residential areas of the town the focus is on our visitors. Pavements are tarted up, play parks are replaced, CCTV is installed – all in areas that the visiting populations benefit from most. For the one or two weeks or the year they are here, taking up room on the beaches, most tourists probably never go South of the burn. St Andrews has a number of restaurants, but for most local people there is more chance of working in one than eating in one. For a lot of local youngsters “eating out” means nothing more than
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a trip to Gregg’s. It’s hard to think of any other university town in Western Europe that doesn’t have a MacDonald’s or other low-cost family eatery somewhere nearby. For local young people, there is no reason to engage with a town that doesn’t appear to want them. After all, students get a discount in most shops and restaurants, but local youth get nothing except signs telling them only to come in “3 at a time”. The pavements in the centre of town are currently undergoing a costly makeover whilst our local secondary school is falling to bits. St Andrews has the only park in Fife that charges an entry fee and even that is a long walk, drive, or expensive bus journey away from the town. Our local cinema frequently has late-night screenings of cult student favourites, but no school holiday, discounted matinees. The leisure centre, in conjunction with the Scottish Government offers free swimming during school holidays, a move so popular that entry often has to be limited, but with no preference to those youngsters who turn up to swim every weekend throughout the year. St Andrews has a lot to offer, but it needs to start offering more to its future citizens. With a little imagination we can all engage with local young people a little more effectively. Most of us were young once upon a time and most of us must have some memory of something that helped make youth a bit more bearable – a fiver for mowing a lawn, an understanding that sliding down a skate ramp in a bin could be fun – not being eyed with suspicion simply for standing beside two of your friends. Little things that might just make a difference.
FEATURES Lesley- Anne Lettice, Assistant Curator of St Andrews Museum, finds the answers when you
Ask the Curator Q. Can you tell me anything about the house on the Scores known as ‘The Whaum’? A. ‘The Whaum’ stands out among the houses on the Scores, as most are large villas (many of them now hotels). It was one of the earliest properties built on the Scores and dates from around the 1830s. It was originally the ‘Whaum Inn’. It appears on a map of St Andrews of 1854 as the ‘Swallow Tavern’. It later became a private residence and was extended in the 1930s. The building was owned for a number of years by Elizabeth Woodcock Bumby, who let it to a succession of tenants. Mrs Woodcock Bumby was a well-known figure around St Andrews and left a generous bequest to the town on her death. Q. I recently came across a photo of two men – probably fishermen – wearing life jackets and described on the back of the photo as the ‘rocket brigade’. Can you shed any light on this? A. The ‘rocket brigade’ was part of the St Andrews Lifeboat crew. Most of the men were indeed fishermen, who manned the lifeboat as volunteers. This was a very risky job as St Andrews Bay was notorious for sudden storms, and it was not uncommon for ships to get into difficulties in the vicinity of the town. The ‘rocket brigade’ was responsible for maintaining and handling the apparatus that fired rocket-powered safety lines from shore to ships in trouble. These lines were essential, particularly if the lifeboat was unable to reach the ship. Possibly the most well-known incident involving the use of these lines was the rescue of the crew of the Prinses Wilhelmina, wrecked off the West Sands in 1912. Q. I have often wondered about the origin of the carved stone panel set in the archway of Kinburn Park leading to the stairs down to Petheram Bridge car park. The panel features the letters P.B. Q. Research by the late Dr Ronald Cant indicates that the stone originally came from the ancient wall around St Leonard’s College. He says of the stone, ‘[it] seems to record the construction of the eastern half [St Leonard’s College boundary wall] by Principal Peter Bruce, in whose time (1611-30) the college had plans “to build up the south side of the close”. Dr Cant’s article ‘Stones of St Andrews’ can be found in the book of essays, Three Decades of Historical Notes, published by St Andrews Preservation Trust, 1991.
Scott Carruthers offers an insight into an artist’s work
The Surreal Deal Andrew Baines has exhibited extensively in Switzerland, the US and because they were all Canada as well as around Australia and has proved equally collectable in clones and they all looked Scotland, since being introduced by Artery Gallery three years ago. lifeless ... waiting for their One-time illustrator and sign-writer, Andrew Baines has risen in train to come in. That recent years to become one of Australia’s top contemporary artists. In stayed in my subconscious the last four years alone, he has been a finalist in no less than twelve for years and years.” competitions, two of which have been for the Australian National Portrait When Baines got Seats in the sea Award. His reputation has been established as a figurative painter, with a his first job at 17 at a strong resemblance to the work of Belgian surrealist René Magritte. Most department store, these images resurfaced. He adds, “I’d be on the bus of Andrew’s work depicts suited businessmen, not necessarily floating in with all these commuters and think to myself that this is exactly the same the sky, but lined up along the shallows of a as the bowler-hat men – but much more golden beach, reminiscent of the beaches Australian, more casual. I used to think their One-time illustrator and sign-writer, near to his hometown of Grange, South lives were already spelled out for them. I Andrew Baines has risen in recent Australia. thought to myself, ‘I don’t want to be like Other huge influences being Andy this’.” years to become one of Australia’s Warhol, David Hockney, and Prohart, the His early surrealism was largely ignored. top contemporary artists inspiration behind Andrew’s paintings Since he lived by the beach and had always are more direct and pivotal to his own done so, it was suggested to him that experiences and personal decision to become a painter. “When I was 14, he began interpreting the environment closest to him. He says he had my parents took me back to England to visit the relatives,” says Baines, avoided painting the beach because he wanted to be different. The beach who had emigrated was too obvious. But the beach was a hit with the art market and Baines’ from Colchester exhibitions were sell-outs. With his paintings taking off commercially, Andrew mixed this style with his original vision. Now his beach shallows when he was just one year old. “One and rolling hills are populated by circus performers, herds of cows, and morning we caught wooden chairs! “They’ve still got that nice aesthetic mood, but then you’ve the Underground. I got my underlying, self-conscious feelings on life coming through,” he went down onto the says, “A post-modern landscape.” Surrealism has dwelt in his mind’s eye platform and I was throughout his painting years and it is a genre to which he returns, rather greeted by a sea of than begins. With this amount of success as an artist, Andrew Baines has formally dressed, become the real deal! New works by Andrew Baines can be seen at the Artery Gallery, bowler-hatted men, holding their umbrellas South Street, St Andrews. and briefcases. It just Symphony in the sea looked so incredible, (Photos courtesy the Artery Gallery)
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EVENTS From Fay Smith . . .
A Celebration of Midsummer
Alan and Brenda with snowdrop hats (made for the launch of the Scottish Snowdrop Festival in 2007)
An entertaining evening of snowdrop and correspondence pig poetry and prose, put together by Alan peppered with the Tricker and Brenda Hunter of Red Wine conspiratorial notes Productions and performed at Cambo House of childhood, racy during the recent snowdrop season, has led exchanges of youth, to a further collaboration between Red Wine notes on bungled Productions and Cambo. attempts at love and Sir Peter and Lady Erskine will host an sex, comments on evening of theatre and supper followed by career and family, a stroll round the renowned walled garden. and culminating in Food and drink will be interspersed with tantalising moments theatre as Alan and Brenda perform their of romance. already acclaimed ‘Love Letters’ in the Tickets costing drawing room at Cambo, which looks out £40 include supper over Lady Erskine’s own beautiful garden. and wine and Alan and Brenda in Love Letters Following coffee and chat, guests will be free entrance to the to wander round the gardens and enjoy the garden are available from Cambo House – 01333 450054 late midsummer evening. – email: cambo@camboestate.com ‘Love Letters’ is a (Earlier the same week, on the play composed of letters Wednesday, the renowned floral artist Sir Peter and Lady exchanged between and teacher, Mary Law, will be taking a Erskine will host an two people who grew Day Workshop at Cambo. Using flowers up together, went their from the Walled Garden, participants evening of theatre separate ways, but will learn how to select, condition and supper followed continued to share and arrange garden flowers for the confidences. It tells the home. Tickets £35.00, including lunch, by a stroll round the story of their life-long available as above.) renowned walled garden friendship captured in
Hear ye! Come to the Beltaine Medieval Fayre, hosted by the Shire of Caer Caledon at St Andrews Castle Grounds, Saturday May 3 from 10:00am until 4:00pm Here is what our festival will contain this year: we have a fantastic fighting arena, where students of our Society, along with members of re-enactment groups, such as Regia Anglorum, the Company of St Margaret and Gaddgedlar, will be competing in a variety of styles of combat-team battles; Protect the Fair Maiden; and for our final battle, a clash of champions wherein only our best compete in a series of rounds using only one weapon! Besides the fighting arena we will have stalls selling a wide variety of Medieval trinkets, hand-made jewellery, drinking horns, furs, and crafts, and more. We
have a Children’s Area, where the young ones can dress up in garb, be taught to fight with child-safe equipment, colour their own Viking, or get their picture taken with a garbed fighter! There will be a Maypole in the centre for re-enactors and guests to dance around in tune to the music of some amazing period musicians! Join us for this wonderful day! Thank you, Jason Maurer, Publicity Rep: jpmm@st-andrews.ac.uk (Photo, courtesy Beltaine Fayre)
Reprographics Unit We welcome commercial enquiries The services we offer include: • High Quality Colour Digital Printing • • Pull-up Exhibition Display Stands • • Graphics & Pre-Press • • Illustration • • Report/Dissertation Printing & Binding • • Wide Format Poster Printing • • Short run customised folders • Reprographics Unit St Katharine’s West, 16 The Scores St Andrews, Fife KY16 9AX Telephone: (01334) 463020 Email: amm@st-andrews.ac.uk www.st-andrews.ac.uk/reprographics/ The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland, No: SC013532
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EVENTS Rose MacLeod
. . . talks about directing for the St Andrews Play Club I was very pleased to be invited to direct The Deep Blue Sea by Terence Rattigan for the St Andrews Play Club, having just joined them last year. I am no stranger to the plays of Rattigan, nor a stranger to St Andrews, having lived in the area for six years when my family was young. My husband and I arrived here with two small boys, and when work took us south six years later we also had with us twin girls who were born in Craigtoun – at that time the local maternity hospital. Work took us to live in Henley-on-Thames and also brought me to the Kenton Theatre – the fourth oldest working theatre in the country and even older than London’s Drury Lane. There I was lucky enough to act in and direct plays for over 25 years. I acted in Rattigan’s Separate Tables, and later directed both The Deep Blue Sea and The Winslow Boy. So, twenty years ago I first appeared in a Rattigan play; ten years ago I first directed The Deep Blue Sea at the Kenton Theatre, and now in 2008, and I am really excited about having the chance to direct it again, at the Byre Theatre.
so passionately loves, but things don’t turn For some years Rattigan and his world out quite as she had hoped. Faced with an were out of fashion, particularly during the uncertain future, Hester struggles to come to era of the ‘kitchen sink’ dramas, which were terms with her situation – after all “when you’re favoured by the critics and new dramatists between any kind of devil and the deep blue of the sixties. However, time has proved that sea, the deep blue sea sometimes looks very the rants of the ‘Angry Young Men’ have not inviting…” Is it to be the outlasted the beautifully end of the affair? Will constructed plays of Work took us to live in Hester return to her Terence Rattigan. husband? To answer Rattigan’s plays have Henley-on-Thames and these and many other now become classics and also brought me to the questions you’ll need to are frequently performed both in the professional Kenton Theatre – the fourth see the next Play Club production running at the and amateur theatre. oldest working theatre in Byre Theatre from the One critic commented that few dramatists of the country and even older 5th to 14th June 2008. When the play was the twentieth century than London’s Drury Lane produced at the Kenton have written with Theatre it was a first for more understanding the Henley Players, and this production will be of the human heart, and in this play we have the first Terrence Rattigan performed by the examples of this in all the characters that we Play Club. With all the talent and enthusiasm see. The leading role in the play – Hester – is in the company, I feel sure it will be received as one of the most challenging roles in the theatre well in St Andrews as it was in Henley. and The Deep Blue Sea is considered by many to be Rattigan’s greatest play. (Photo, courtesy Rose McLeod) In the play Hester leaves her husband – a High Court judge – for a young man she
The New Picture House Winner of the RAAM Independent Cinema of the Year Award for Excellence Enjoy a pre-show drink in our lounge or book an exclusive function or children’s party with a private screening
www.nphcinema.co.uk 117 North Street, St Andrews Tel: 013334 474902
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EVENTS
Selected Events To Sunday, 25 May – 10.00am-5.00pm daily at St Andrews Museum, Kinburn Park. Cradles, Courtship & Coffins – Life’s Milestones in Fife – an exhibition of rites of passage curated by postgraduates at the University’s Museum & Gallery Studies course. Free. Contact: 01334 659 380. Thursday, 1 May – 11.15am-12.45pm. Christian Political Participation in the Contemporary Middle East: A Worthwhile Struggle or Pointless Exercise? Seminar; Centre for the Study of Religion and Politics Research; St. Mary’s College Hall, South St. Contact: 01334 462 851. – 7.30pm.Younger Hall, North Street. Scottish Chamber Orchestra. Music by Beethoven; Mozart; Schumann. Tickets from Byre Theatre, 01334 475 000, (disabled+companion 50% off) www.sco.org.uk Friday, 2 May – 2.00pm St Andrews Museum, Kinburn Park. Rites of Passage, a talk by Dr Stephanie Bunn, with examples from round the world. Free. Contact: 01334 659 380. Saturday, 3 May – 9.00am-1.00pm. Argyle Street Car Park. Farmers’ Market. – 10am-4.00pm. The Castle, The Scores, St Andrews. Beltaine Medieval Fayre. – 4.00pm Younger Hall, North Street. University String Orchestra, Director William Baxter. Contact: 01334 462 226. Sunday, 4 May – 8.00pm. St Salvator’s Chapel, North Street. St Salvator’s Chapel Choir, directed by William Stevenson. Contact: 01334 462 226. Wednesday, 7 May – 7.30pm. Younger Hall, North Street. Concert by the Windband & Music Society Chorus. Music by Vivaldi, Anderson, Holst, Bizet. Conductors: Jethro Dowell, Paul Seage, Ben McAteer. Contact: 01334 462 226. Friday, 9 May – 2.30pm The Cathedral. An engaging & humorous tour of the graveyard with Monument Manager, Alison Sullivan. Number limited to 20, so please book with St Andrews Museum: 659 380.
Thursday, 5 June – Sunday, 31 August – 10am-5pm daily at St Andrews Museum, Kinburn Park. Your Ocean Designed by the National Maritime Museum. Free. Contact: 01334 659 380. Sunday, 8 June – 10.00am-2.30pm. Kellie Castle. Herb Day. Jay McKinnon gathers and identifies herbs in the Garden, followed by a lunch ‘of interesting herb dishes’. The afternoon will introduce ‘lotions, potions, and creams’. Including lunch, tea/coffee (with lavendar shortbread), £12. Booking essential, contact 01333 720 271. Tuesday, 10 June – 12.45-1.15pm. The Prior’s House in St Andrews Cathedral. Medieval Harp recital, Simon Chadwick. Tickets are Free, but should be picked up at the Visitor Centre in the Undercroft. Contact: 01334 474 263. Saturday, 21st June – 6.45-10.30pm. Cambo Estate, Kingsbarns. Summer Evening in the Company of Sir Peter and Lady Erskine. Includes: theatre in the Drawing Room – Love Letters by Red Wine Productions; Buffet Supper in Dining Room and Billiard Room; + Late Evening Stroll round the Walled Garden. Tickets: £40.00. Contact: 1333 450 054. www.camboestate.com Monday, 30 June – Friday, 4 July – 5-day painting course at Kellie Castle with Sheila Mitchell. Included in the price are tuition, materials, and light lunch each day; £190. Contact Sheila: 01333 311 665. Tuesday, 24 June – Friday, 12 September – 2.00-5.00pm every Tuesday and Friday. The Bell Pettigrew Museum of Natural History, Bute Buildings, St Mary’s Quad, South Street. Summer Season Opening. Come and see, Piranha! Stemming from Prof Anne Magurran’s research (Gatty Marine Laboratory), this temporary exhibition formed part of last year’s London Royal Society Summer Science exhibition. Admission, Free. Wednesday, 25 June – 8.00pm. St Salvator’s Chapel, North Street. Graduation Recital, featuring the musical talents of some of this year’s graduates. Admission £3 Contact: 01334 462 226.
Saturday, 10 May – 8.00pm Younger Hall, North Street. Concert by the University Chamber Orchestra, Director William Baxter. Contact: 01334 462 226.
Sunday, 29 June – 11.00am-5.00pm. Hidden Gardens of St Andrews. The Preservation Trust’s annual tour with stalls, teas/coffees, baking laid on! Tickets (with map) £4, children free. Contact: the Trust Office, 4 Queen’s Gardens, tel:01334 477152 email: trust@standrewspreservationtrust.org.uk
10 May – 22 June – 10.00am-5.00pm daily at St Andrews Museum, Kinburn Park. Lost and Found, recent Treasure Trove finds awarded to Fife Council Museums. Free. Contact: 659 380.
Bums Off Seats walks 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th June – 11.00am. 2/2.5 miles. Contact: 01592 583 343. Email: Susan.Easton@fife.gov.org
Sunday, 11 May – Town Hall, St Andrews. Grand Centenary Tribute Concert for Jimmy Shand. Tickets £10 from Jimmy Shand Jnr: 01337 828 452 Proceeds to CHAS and the Dalgairn Adult Training Centre, Cupar. Tuesday, 13 May – 12.45-1.15pm. The Prior’s House in St Andrews Cathedral. Medieval Harp recital, Simon Chadwick. Tickets are Free, but should be picked up at the Visitor Centre in the Undercroft. Contact: 01334 474 263. Tuesday, 15 May – Thursday, 16 May – 10.00am-4.00pm. Kellie Castle. Sculpture Workshop & Sculpture Day Kenny Munro, professional artist and sculptor, will work with you using clay to create your own sculpture. The Workshop, £20 (includes light lunch). The Day, £10 for class (when booking ask for optional lunch, tea/coffee, extra £10) Booking essential – contact: 01333 720 271. Friday, 23 May – 2.30pm. The Cathedral. An engaging & humorous tour of the graveyard with Monument Manager, Alison Sullivan. Number limited to 20, so please book with St Andrews Museum Museum: 659 380. Saturday & Sunday, 24, 25 May – Cambo Estate, Kingsbarns, Fife. Beginners’ course in dry stane walling. For information visit: www.dswa.org.uk Bums Off Seats walks 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd May – 11.00am. 2/2.5 miles. Contact: 01592 583 343. Email: Susan.Easton@fife.gov.org
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St Andrews Play Club Present
The Deep Blue Sea by Terence Rattigan A classic play from the 1950s Byre Theatre Thursday 5th to Saturday 14th June Nightly at 7.30pm. Saturday Matinees at 2.30pm (no performances Sunday/Monday)
Tickets £9 (£8) 01334 475000 Or online at www.byretheatre.com
SHOPS & SERVICES Mary Macintyre describes the therapy she practises in North East Fife
Bi-Aura:
a Helpful Alternative Therapy Recently I gave treatment to a young girl after head downwards. Bi-Aura, a form of healing, she had injured her foot at dancing, and her is linked to these chakras. Practitioners of Bimother reported to me that her daughter had Aura believe that they have the skills to locate been able to walk normally the next morning imbalances in the energy system linked to the – “thanks to your treatment, we believe,” she chakras, and that these imbalances can cause told me. psychological as well as physical problems. The The treatment I administered is called Bitechniques can also be used on animals. Aura, and Dr Mark Atkinson, medical physician, Conditions that appear to respond former Vice-President of the Complementary favourably to Bi-Aura therapy include: allergies; Medical Association and at present its arthritis; asthma; bone/joint disorders; chronic Integrated Medical Expert, fatigue; depression; digestive has described Bi-Aura as “The problems; emotional I was taught that the most powerful, exciting and problems; headaches principles of Bi-Aura and migraines; hormone clinically effective energy I have witnessed.” imbalances; impotence; have been known As a graduate in biology infertility; insomnia; menstrual about and practised pain; muscular aches and and general science I was somewhat sceptical when I pains; nervous disorders; for centuries, first read about Bi-Aura, but rheumatism; sciatica; particularly in India decided to undertake a course sinusitis; stress-related of instruction in the treatment. conditions. The course was extensive and rigorous, and Some clients report an immediate at the end of it I was awarded an International improvement and a lessening or cessation of Diploma with Distinction in Bi-Aura Therapy pain. However, in some cases there appears from the Bi-Aura Foundation. to be a slight deterioration in the condition as I was taught that the principles of Bi-Aura the body adjusts to the changed energy flow. In have been known about and practised for some instances the change is not obvious, but centuries, particularly in India. It is an advanced in time the ailment has disappeared. The clients system of bio-energy healing, based in part on are given techniques and advice to promote chakras. These are seven energy points located and maintain good health. The success of throughout the body, from the crown of the bio-energy treatment has been highlighted
on television and radio as well as the press, national and international, and clients have testified to the beneficial results of their treatment. Like many alternative therapies, Bi-Aura cannot promise a cure in one session. Most clients commit to a minimum of four sessions in order to feel the full benefit of the treatment. These sessions can be conducted in the client’s own home, or at my home. Bi-Aura is administered in a calming, relaxing procedure. The client remains fully clothed, and the practitioner’s hands do not make contact with the body to any great extent. Many people report a profound feeling of relaxation and invigoration. After over 20 years of teaching at St Leonards School, St Andrews, I have decided to devote my time in retirement to bringing Bi-Aura to people, because I have seen its benefits, as in the young dancer with the injured foot. Mary Macintyre can be contacted by telephone 01334 476428 and e-mail: mary.macintyre2@btinternet.com (Photo, courtesy Mary MacIntyre)
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St Andrews Garden Centre 199a South Street, St Andrews, Tel: 01334 473 342
Open every day from 12 noon Friday and Saturday nights open extra late Delivery service (St Andrews only) 131 South Street, St Andrews Tel. 01334 470400 www.oneoone.co.uk
Designers & suppliers of planters for the Curtis Cup, and many other events. Creative wedding flowers a speciality. 13
SHOPS & SERVICES
Roving Reporter 1. Roving Reporter always gets a thrill from discovering success stories. When he called in at The Hairloft, 151 South Street, he met Margo McKee in The Beauty Room. Glasgow-born Margo has taken the plunge to become self employed. She has been a beauty therapist for more than 30 years and has an impeccable CV. Henlow Grange in Bedfordshire, one of Britain’s first health farms, was the start of Margo’s training. Then, when Estonian owner, Leida Cosstigan, retired from England, Margo accompanied her to Spain, where she founded another health farm, and Margo continued training with her. Next, Margo went to Paris, then London, to work with Clarins, and other international cosmetic houses. For five years after that Margo became head therapist at Gleneagles. Then, on to the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews, where she was in charge of opening the spa. For a while, when her daughter was born, Margo gave up work. Not for too long, however, for she was then at St Andrews Bay as senior therapist. And now, here is Margo in the Beauty Room, at The Hairloft. Reporter calls that a breathtaking career curve! Treatments on offer include; waxing; facials; manicure & pedicure; reflexology; massage. The extensive price list ranges from £5 for a bikini wax, to £35 for a 1-hour Collagen Facial for Mature Skin, or £18 for a half-hour Back Massage. Reporter suggests a visit to find out more, or a phone call: 01334 475 599.
*****
2. Crails Lane now has The Dining Room (previously the Nahm Jim restaurant now round the corner). New owner Suzanne Ng kindly took time off in the midst of her busy change-over to chat to Reporter. She told him, “I was born in Glasgow, grew up in England, but always wanted to move back to Scotland to live. Eventually, I met my husband Ken, while working in Glasgow, and in time got married and stayed. We have two boys, aged two and six. Ken is a professional chef in his own right, with nearly twenty years’ experience under his belt. He has worked in 5-star hotel restaurants in Hong Kong, cooking commercialised Chinese and Western food. From the passing comments of local residents and students here I know there is a need in St Andrews for me to open a good Chinese and Cantonese Restaurant, so I will do my utmost to deliver. I am a keen diner myself – a fussy eater if you like, so I know how important it is to be able to have your food cooked just so. This enables you to enjoy your meal that little bit more. The Dining Room Restaurant will be St Andrews’ newest and largest restaurant specialising in Chinese and Cantonese Cuisine. There is also a range of exotic fareastern and western dishes on the menu.”
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Suzanne added that she likes the buzz that the students give to the town, yet she feels that “the pace of life feels slower, giving you a sense of less stress around you.” The restaurant will be open daily from 12 noon to midnight. In and around St Andrews a takeaway and delivery service will operate. Large parties are welcome and there is also a function room.
4.
Suzanne on right, with May, Assistant Manageress
*****
3. Reporter is relieved to discover that a new computer expert is in town to soothe the troubled breasts of computer owners. Meeting Colin Paterson, Reporter says it was also good to learn that here is another true St Andrean back from beyond. Colin and his wife Michelle returned two years ago, fulfilling an old tradition of young people gaining invaluable experience elsewhere to bring back and enrich St Andrews. A Chartered Engineer, a PC Service Technician, and a Microsoft Certified Professional, with an Honours Degree in Electronics from Heriot-Watt University, Colin has set up Paterson Computer Solutions. He provides a wide-ranging service covering all computing needs for home users and small businesses, from repairs and ‘Health Checks’ to advice and training. He can even customise a computer for specific requirements, something new to Reporter. Charges are per half hour, thus avoiding overcharging, which is something customers will appreciate. Colin can be contacted on his mobile: 07752 978 904, his telephone: 01334 470 668 or by email: mail@cvpaterson.co.uk. The website gives comprehensive details: www.cvpaterson.co.uk. When not deep in electronics, Colin immerses himself in sport. An all-rounder, he specialises in Beach Volleyball, now an Olympic sport (– see p17). Colin says he was “asked to set up Beach Volleyball in Scotland, after playing for 10 years in England. 2008 will be our fourth season and participation is expected to continue to increase.” Reporter is impressed!
*****
5.
Reporter loves shoes, so he was pleased to hear this from Manager Louise, at Rogerson Footware, 76 Market Street, 01334 473 730: “Rogerson Footware are delighted to be celebrating the end of a successful year of trading in St Andrews. Our customers appreciate the quality brands on offer, which is allowing us to extend the range of brands available, and further develop existing ones. We are able to offer a number of brands that are unique to us, and choose a brighter colour range to interest customers; for example, the very popular brand, ‘Everybody’. We stock a wide range of styles, from walking shoes to wedding shoes and matching bags. There is something to suit everyone.” This, says Reporter happily, proves that businesses can thrive in St Andrews.
*****
Reporter met a very happy Mohammed Mohiuddin (Mohi, to his friends) for he has just realised his dream of owning his own Indian restaurant, planned to open in mid-May. Mohi’s CV itself reads like a dream – born in Bangladesh, with a Masters Degree in Management, a Diploma in Hotel Management, newly graduated (in St Andrews) with a Diploma in Information Technology, speaker of 5 languages (including French) and now embarked on an Evening Degree course in Human Biology, Reporter is speechless with admiration. The restaurant is called Maisha, which means ‘Working with pride’, and is named after Mohi’s eldest daughter. It aims to provide “food, service, and a friendly atmosphere second to none”. Specialising in seafood, the menu will have fresh-water fish from Bangladesh, such as Rohi. A Tuna fish kebab recipe developed by Mahfuza, Mohi’s wife, will also feature on the menu. In addition, there will be an unusual dish based on Scottish lamb’s liver. Mohi is keen to stress that he will
SHOPS & SERVICES
use as much local produce as he can in all his authentic Indian and Bangladeshi dishes. So all in all Reporter can’t wait to visit Maisha, at 5 College Street, St Andrews, tel: 01334 476 666 web: www.maisharestaurant.co.uk
then added that, “as always, stock turns over swiftly, so do pop by, see us in the new location and have a browse”. Indeed, added Reporter.
*****
6. Reporter was mystified to see several mannequins being ferried down South Street a few Tuesdays ago, that was until he located Kate Stephenson, owner of Anyone For Tennis?‚ who explained that, “due to plans by the landlord for the property at 8-10 Bell Street (demolition followed by a rebuild, which will incorporate both commercial space and two flats), Anyone For Tennis? was moving to 207 South Street, by The Westport. The new shop will see a downsize in space, but an increase in the fancy dress stocked and also the retention of all the vintage”. She
***** Elspeth’s of St Andrews
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01334 474 999
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St Andrews & District Community Safety Panel
For more information about your local panel please contact PC Joanne Francis, Community Safety Officer Tel. 01334 418745 EMail joanne.francis@fife.pnn.police.uk
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SHOPS & SERVICES Andrew Wright asks if it is
A Neutral Budget? All the really significant tax changes to take effect from 6th April 2008 The proposed “income shifting” rules have had already been trailed either last autumn or in last year’s budget. been deferred for a year. These apply where This particularly applies to the changes in capital gains tax, in the tax one spouse generates most of the profits of a treatment of non-domiciliaries (that is, UK residents who originate from business, but the other receives a proportion of other countries), and of course in the reduction of the rate of income the profit, and the couple save tax as a result. tax from 22% to 20%.To this should be added the significant changes in The Government has made some inheritance tax relief for married couples/civil partners. amendments to its proposals for taxing nonThe two largest “give aways” announced in the budget were the extra domiciliaries after consultation with interested winter fuel payments to pensioners, costing £575 million, and the delay parties. However, those who wish to continue to be taxed on a remittance in increasing fuel duty, costing £550 million. These are mainly to be met basis rather than on their worldwide income and gains, will have to pay by £400 million from drinkers and a clutch of anti-avoidance measures, an annual tax charge of £30,000 on unremitted income and gains. There which (probably rather optimistically) should raise is however a de minimis level of £2,000 below which £650 million (these relate to measures introduced no charge is made. Hopefully many of our “non-dom” there are some very to stop various tax planning avoidance schemes). clients will be able to take advantage of this de minimis significant tax changes taking Gordon Brown had previously announced the exemption, otherwise they may decide to report their effect from 6/4/08 and some reduction of the basic rate of tax from 22% to 20% worldwide income (as US citizens have to anyway) and significant losers as a result in last year’s budget (to take effect from 6/4/08). rely on tax relief from double taxation treaties. Some basic rate taxpayers may lose out due So, although the budget may have been neutral, to the withdrawal of the starting rate for non-savings income ( the 10% there are some very significant tax changes taking effect from 6/4/08 and starting rate effectively remains for savings income).There may also be a some significant losers as a result. significant sting in the tail for some higher-rate taxpayers with employment income, as the increase in the upper earnings limit for national insurance will largely negate the income tax savings. For further information on this, or other matters, please There has been a lot of media criticism of the new rules for capital consult: gains tax, but at least these represent a significant simplification for a lot Henderson Black & Co. of people, together with a small reduction in the tax rate. The Chancellor 149 Market St., St Andrews. has attempted to answer the criticisms from the business community Tel: 01334 472 255 by introducing “Entrepreneurs Relief” which, while welcome, is far from simple in many of its applications.
Fiona Turnbull, Regional Manager PSYBT
Budding Entrepreneurs Gather in Fife Budding entrepreneurs and young businesses aspects of the business. This unique from across the region came together on a service is a valuable tool to help the fine February evening for the Fife Gathering young person cope with the demands of The Prince’s Scottish Youth Business of running a business and gives the Trust (PSYBT). All the young businesses in venture the best chance of success. attendance had been assisted by PSYBT Cambo House, Kingsbarns, was and shared their experiences with nearly 50 a welcoming venue for this inaugural volunteers and guests. event. Thanks go to Catherine and PSYBT helps young people in Scotland to Peter Erskine for opening up their start up and continue in business. Loan funding, home. As chair of the PSYBT Fife panel and in some cases grants, are awarded to fund Catherine has a long association with start-up costs. Funding is available for all 18 the Trust, enjoying the opportunity to to 25 year-olds who are taking the big step of help young people turn their dream of starting their own business. The assistance running their own business into reality. is delivered at regional level across Scotland. The evening began with a glass of wine and In Fife the Regional Manager, Fiona Turnbull, a chance for some informal networking. Steve works closely with Business Gateway Fife to Gilfillan, (26) from SG Fitness then kicked off ensure that every eligible the evening by delivering an business is offered the energising Xrgize session. With the right help and opportunity to apply for The 5 minute workout had support it really is possible to everyone on their feet funding from PSYBT. Fiona turn the dream into reality. says, “Business Gateway doing simple movements offer advice and support and exercises that got the to people of all ages who are about to start a heart pumping and the brain awakened. SG business. The Gateway advisers offer their Fitness delivers sessions at corporate events to wealth of experience to assist with compiling motivate delegates or increase energy levels in the business plan and often transfer vital local a workforce. and sector-specific knowledge that can help to Successfully combining a passion for ensure a smooth start-up” football and travelling, Austin McPhee, (28) Applications for PSYBT funding are has used his world-wide football connections considered by a Fife panel made up of to form two successful companies. Based volunteers. Meeting once a month they talk in Glenrothes, Austin runs soccer schools through the business plan with the applicant throughout Fife and organises football tours to and make a decision based on the viability of Scotland and many other countries. Sharing the plan. With funding approved, the business his experiences of starting such an innovative will then be eligible to receive aftercare enterprise, gave guests a glimpse inside the during the first two years of trading. Again, mind of this young entrepreneur. Kathryn Neale chose to showcase her this is delivered by a team of volunteers, who undertake to meet regularly with the young handmade glass work. Kathryn recently person to discuss and offer advice on all received a market test grant from PSYBT to
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research the potential market for her creations. With a stunning display of unique jewellery and one of glass plates, Kathryn certainly had lots of interest in her pieces shown by volunteers and guests. Amazing artistic ability, combined with a bubbly personality, suggests this venture could, with hard work and commitment, evolve into a serious business . Guests were encouraged to sample an exciting taste sensation from local ice cream makers GG Ice Cream. This partnership of Gordon Lyle and Gillian Whiteford began making ice cream from milk produced from the family dairy herd in 2006. Recently featured on television in a programme celebrating food from Fife, the pair are building a reputation as suppliers of a quality local product. Hearing from all these bright and enthusiastic young people made the Fife Gathering a truly inspiring event for all. With the right help and support it really is possible to turn the dream into reality. For more information, Fiona Turnbull can be contacted at The Business Gateway, Glenrothes on 01592 858 334 (Photo, at Cambo, courtesy Peter Erskine)
ORGANISATIONS Colin Paterson promotes
Beach Volleyball Volleyball, in all its forms, is the world’s second most popular participation sport. Beach Volleyball became an Olympic sport at Atlanta in 1996 and met with huge success. At Sydney in 2000, beach volleyball and volleyball accounted for 10% of all tickets sold and, with London 2012 looming on the horizon, major efforts have been made to boost participation and standard of play in the UK. In Scotland, Colin Paterson, a former pupil at Lawhead and Madras College, has been instrumental in setting up the Scottish Beach Volleyball Tour with the West Sands, St Andrews, hosting 2 events in 2008 on 28th and 29th June and 13th July. Other beaches visited by the tour this year
will include Portobello, North Berwick, Troon, Aberdeen, and Broughty Ferry. All standards of play are catered for, from complete beginner, juniors (U-18) to those in the Great Britain squads hoping to challenge the world’s best in London 2012. Robin Miedzybrodzki from Edinburgh (pictured in yellow on the West Sands in 2006) is now on the World Tour trying to gain the experience necessary to do just that. The events at St Andrews were boosted in 2006 by the introduction of capital to buy equipment, with help from Kate Hughes, the Local Services Manager for St Andrews. This enabled the purchase of 14 beach courts and other equipment to turn the St Andrews tournament into a first class event in 2006. Some courts and balls were distributed around the beaches of Fife after the St Andrews events, allowing locals to try out the sport. The
West Sands and East Sands beaches have had beach volleyball nets and balls available for use at the lifeguard huts each year since then, which the lifeguards have kindly looked after during the summer months. Why don’t you come along and have a go? For more details about beach volleyball either in St Andrews or in the rest of Scotland, please contact Colin Paterson on 0775 297 8904 or visit www.scottishvolleyball.org/beach. See you on the sand! (Photos, courtesy Colin Paterson)
Jane Ann Liston summarises her
Rail Link questionnaire results I thought I’d be lucky if I got 200 questionnaires back. I had over 600 to prominent; however it was a way of trying to include visitors in the deal with, and I thank everyone who returned a questionnaire, especially exercise. those who put a stamp on, thus saving funds. The prospect of processing So, what about the findings of the questionnaire? The most significant all the information is decidedly daunting, nevertheless, if you’ve still got findings were: 80% of residents who take the bus to Leuchars for the a questionnaire laid aside, please do send it in and your answers will be train, said they would use rail more if there were rail services to St included in the results. Andrews. The questionnaire was put together by a post-graduate member of There was a question asking those who said they would use a rail the University’s School of Management and was altered very little by me service to St Andrews more than the present bus and train, why they before being printed. thought they would do so. The reasons they gave included: The object of the exercise was to demonstrate support and potential • Less hassle than changing from a bus, especially with luggage or for a St Andrews railway and to collect some information about current small children; transport patterns between St Andrews and Leuchars, which I will be • Some disabled and elderly people find the footbridge/ramp at happy to pass to Fife Council as transport authority, so that they can Leuchars too difficult to get over; a railway would remove the need to see just what real users of public transport, or otherwise, to and from negotiate it; (And yet that ramp makes Leuchars officially ‘accessible’) St Andrews actually think. There have been some exercises carried out • A railway would be more convenient than a bus and train within the past decade, but as far as I know these have only involved • A railway would be quicker than a bus and train people already using the railway, such as the Fife and South Tayside • Bus fare perceived as expensive for such a short journey; a railway (FAST) study in 1999 where passengers at Leuchars were questioned would make the journey cheaper over one day. To put this in perspective, I had carried out a similar • People find a train more comfortable than a bus exercise in 1990 over 3 days. Both revealed that around two-thirds of • The old story that buses don’t connect with the trains; the bus is often passengers at Leuchars were coming from or going to St Andrews and seen pulling away as the train gets in. Apparently the 15 minutes another five percent or so were coming or going through the town, for between one bus and the next (longer in the evenings) is too long to example to or from the East Neuk. However, even the professionals wait. I hope Fife Council takes note of that one; carrying out the FAST study did not attempt to find potential St Andrews • The claim that the last bus leaves Leuchars before the last train railway passengers who were not currently using the train at all. That arrives (that is not supposed to be the case); people worry about is why, although a fair number of questionnaires (perhaps two or three getting back from Leuchars if on a late train hundred) were indeed handed out on the platform at Leuchars whenever • The assertion was made that many visitors don’t realise how far I happened to be there, other methods of distribution were also utilised. Leuchars is from St Andrews; one B & B provider said she has lost St Andrews in Focus meant one going to every household in town; the bookings once her potential guests realised the nearest railway Students’ Association sent 3000 out to the halls of residence, though I station was not actually in St Andrews. It was most interesting to understand delivery varied among halls from the leaflet being put into find that what one suspected might well be the case had actually an individual pigeon-hole to piles of them being left in the commonhappened; room, with consequential varying levels of take-up, or even pick-up. That Anyone who saw the queue of cars all the way back along the A91 to covered residents fairly well, but what about commuters and visitors? The Strathtyrum on Easter Monday at lunchtime would have seen that the strategy for them was the careful insertion of a questionnaire between transport infrastructure around St Andrews is totally inadequate for such windscreen and wiper. Leuchars Station car park was completely ‘flyered’ a popular destination. St Andrews deserves something much better; the twice, and partially on two more occasions. Petheram Bridge was also manager of one of our main hotels wants his done completely at least twice, and South guests to be able to get from Edinburgh to Street too was ‘flyered’ twice. Cars parked in The questionnaire was put together by a St Andrews in no more than an hour. Buses, The Scores, Kinnessburn Road, Langlands post-graduate member of the University’s cars, even hovercraft can’t manage that, Road, Park Street, Auld Burn Road and the School of Management and was altered but a modern rail service can. I intend to northern parts of Boase Avenue and Pipeland very little by me before being printed persevere until we get it. Road, all streets which are full between 9 and 5 with commuters’ vehicles, were ‘flyered’ The St Andrews Rail Link campaign gratefully acknowledges assistance once on a weekday. The remainder of the questionnaires were distributed with its questionnaire from: the Royal Burgh of St Andrews Community in bundles to shops, cafés, restaurants, pubs, hotels, libraries and the Council; St Andrews World Class, Rail Future Scotland; St Andrews in Tourist Office. These, of course, were the least likely to be completed or Focus; the University of St Andrews Students’ Association; the University even picked up, especially as some of the establishments neatly hid them of St Andrews School of Management. away in a mass of other literature rather than displaying them somewhere
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ORGANISATIONS Fairground Enthusiast Alan Sturrock shares
A Lammas Memory came about when the earlier rides were built with animal mounts on the This article is dedicated to the memory of William Thompson, who passed away on Saturday platforms. By 1935 the arks were loved by the showmen. 12th August 2007 while working at the Lammas In 1937 the arks took a new look, motorcycle speedway racing was Market. I would like to take this opportunity to starting to get popular prompting Lakin to fit motorcycle mounts to the say that William was one of the greatest gaff lads platforms and the rides became known as Speedways. In later years to work the fairs. Lakin moved with the times and started fitting movable cars to the It will soon be that time of year, you love it or hate it – yes, it’s the platforms in place of fixed mounts, which saw the birth of the waltzers. Lammas Market. Planning for filming the Lammas starts at the end of The Jungle Ride, or to give it its real name, the Thriller, was new July, when I go down to the Old Course Road and West Sands to see to Herbert (Bert) Evans. This ride was operated as a convertible from where I can put the video camera for different angle speedway motorcycles to waltzer cars. He bought a Planning for filming the Lammas new set of cars from Scottish firm George Maxwell shots. Memories of the Lammas when I was young start to flood back to me. One such ride we called from Musselburgh. The cars were sadly destroyed starts at the end of July, when the Jungle Ride, I can remember going up to Market years later when the car lorry caught fire. Sadly I go down to the Old Course Street on the Thursday and seeing it being built up Bert died young and his wife Lily Evans carried on Road and West Sands to see on Wilson’s lemonade crakes. It was situated in travelling the ride with assistance from John James where I can put the video Evans Snr. The ride was sold on to Jim Patterson, front of where Gordon Christie’s toy shop used to who took it to many of the Evans’ established fairs. be, where the dodgems are nowadays. The ride was camera for different angle shots It was then sold on to the Robertson Brothers, who built in 1937 by the R. J. Lakin Company. During named it Soul Shifter, and still own it to this day, though sadly it has been Lakin’s life, from 1926 to 1952, they made children’s roundabouts, side in storage for some time now, in a yard in Glasgow. Let’s hope we see this stalls, and hooplas, before moving to larger rides. Lakin started to make ride back out on the fairground circuit in the future. a name for himself by making dodgems, but it was a totally different ride that the company got a reputation for. Lakin was quietly assembling All DVDs of the Lammas Market are on sale. Call Alan on: 01334 839399. men to produce “noah’s Arks”, the fast roundabouts that were to take A.J.S Funfair Video Productions, Part of A.J.S. Video Services Group. the British Fairground by storm. The term for the ride, “noah’s Arks”
Willie Anderson finds the summer game thriving in the deep St Andrews winter.
Cricket returns to St Andrews If you have been wandering around the town on Friday has been repaid by the evenings this winter, you may have been surprised talent and enthusiasm to see youngsters, resplendent in cricketing whites, of the young heading off to training. The Cosmos Centre and the St Andrews players. Kilrymont Games Hall have provided a base through the To continue the dark and cold nights for an ever-growing band of local momentum, a base cricketers. Around 40 or so players aged from 8-13 have was required for spring/ been honing their skills ready for the 2008 season. summer play. This has The players are all members of Largo CC, where a been secured at Station Park, where Kwikcricket Primary large proportion of junior members in particular live in School sessions will be held on Saturday mornings from and around St Andrews. the 10th of May. Consultation is continuing with the The link began a couple of years ago, when senior local authority in the hope that the artificial cricket players began taking their youngsters over the hill to pitch at Station Park can be resurrected for play for Largo. As these new players mentioned their new sport the 2009 season, giving local opportunities for older to friends at St Andrews schools, the exodus to Largo youngsters and indeed adults. gathered pace, with as many as 20 youngsters heading The story continued after the school Easter down to training and matches each week. A small group holidays as Largo members returned to Lawhead of enthusiasts began winter training in 2006 in the and Greyfriars to continue the work of 2007. In Boys Brigade Hall, which was soon addition to this, Canongate outgrown! and Strathkinness will also be Around 40 or so players The next step in the story was aged from 8-13 have been introduced to the game, giving spring 2007, when cricket was well over 100 local youngsters a honing their skills ready introduced into the Primary School chance to play. for the 2008 season set-up in St Andrews at Lawhead and Training and matches Greyfriars. Both schools took to the will continue throughout the game with vigour, with Lawhead in particular having a spring and summer at Station Park, together playground resembling that of an active school on the with matches away to teams throughout Fife sub-continent as break and lunchtimes meant multiple and Tayside, with the club Kwikcricket Festival games of cricket taking over from the traditional football! scheduled for Sunday 27 July, an event which Both teams performed well against East neuk and should attract clubs from all over Central Levenmouth schools at the Largo Kwikcricket Festival, Scotland. with Lawhead progressing to become Fife champions Cricket can be a game for all of the people in and narrowly missing the top spot at the Scottish Finals. St Andrews, complementing the University students and Many St Andrews youngsters have shone for Largo Staff, who are currently the only playing groups in CC through the 2007 season, and indeed gone on to the town. Cricket is a game for both sexes, with represent Fife at under-11 and under-13 level, with one successful girl players already gracing the Largo representing Central Scotland in the under-12 winning ranks. Scottish District Championship and being chosen for the Cricket Scotland national Academy. Add this to a If your children (or indeed yourself) may be smattering of Madras pupils excelling at under -13 and interested in playing cricket in St Andrews for under-15 level for both Fife and Central, and it is plain to Largo CC, contact Willie Anderson on 01334 470044 see that St Andrews is full of talented cricketers. or visit www.largocc.org.uk and click on ‘juniors’ for With this in mind, a decision was made to ensure contact details. that winter training would take place in St Andrews to meet the needs of these youngsters – this confidence (Photos, courtesy Willie Anderson)
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ORGANISATIONS Sarah McCusker asks if we can make it
A plastic bag-free St Andrews? Plastic bags are everywhere, one of the most visible symbols of official plastic bag-free environmental waste. Plastic bags have given rise to the term ‘urban towns, but many are in tumbleweed’ and are precisely that. Drifting through town without a the race to be named purpose, we cannot escape them. They cling desperately to the scraggly the first plastic bagbranches of trees, blown there by the wind. They clog up the Kinnessburn free town in Scotland. and the ducks peck hungrily at the plastic. I just hope that it’s only However, Modbury has the Burn that the bags line, and not the ducks’ stomachs. St Andrews around 40 businesses, beaches may seem like an idyllic tranquil setting, but look closer and you and St Andrews will see plastic bags jutting out from within the sand. Beaches around has many more, so the world are clogged by plastic bags and plastic waste. Research has there is a lot of work ahead if this is to become a reality. Of course, led scientists to believe that around 95% of seabirds have some amount introducing reusable bags for sale and getting shops to charge for, or find of plastic in their stomachs. Once swallowed, plastic clogs the gut and alternatives, will only ever have an effect if the community changes its slowly and painfully the birds starve to death. Plastic bags are just the tip attitude. March saw St Andrews hold its first ever Green Week, hosted of the problem, but are a huge visible scar on the landscape and wildlife. by the University and the Students’ Association. There were various They take hundreds of years to break down and although some can successful events highlighting sustainability throughout the week. One be recycled it is vital that we reduce our need and day was used to raise awareness of bringing your demand for them. Walk down Market Street and own bag to the supermarket, when students, and Walk down Market Street and look at the shops even the Rector, Simon Pepper, handed out used look at the shops and you’ll and you’ll see the volume of plastic bags needlessly plastic bags to customers entering Tesco. This see the volume of plastic churned out. The majority of these are just discarded, demonstration hoped to highlight the unnecessary destined for the bin, or a kitchen cupboard, to join waste generated from getting new plastic bags. bags needlessly churned out the hundreds of others we hoard away, never to be The demonstration saw a great response from reused. Previous generations saw every household using a shopping people, with many saying they already had a bag with them, or didn’t bag or basket, and this was just the way things were. The new wave of need one. These are positive signs that people in St Andrews are taking reusable bags can most certainly be adapted to fit in with our lifestyle. on board steps to reduce their environmental impact. Plastic bags are Many can simply be folded up to fit in your bag or pocket without much just one environmental concern from a whole range of issues, but this is extra weight. People are crying out for action on plastic bags, and in something where we can lead by example, and implement real change to St Andrews a new campaign is taking the initiative. However, we have our local and global environment. a huge challenge ahead of us tackling the many shops and businesses To support the campaign, or get involved, email: here. It is encouraging that the government may provide new legislation eande@st-andrews.ac.uk to tax plastic bags and get the ‘plastic peddlers’, such as the chain stores Details of the effects of plastic bags, and what is needed to become and supermarkets, to re-think their plastic bag practices. Companies plastic bag free can be found at www.plasticbagfree.com like Marks and Spencer and The National Trust for Scotland have been leaders in initiating change by charging for plastic bags, and the hope is (Photos, courtesy Sarah McCusker) that either voluntarily, or through legislation, others will follow. On a local scale a lot of work and effort is needed if we are to transform this town and reduce impact on the wider environment. Astonishingly, around 13 billion plastic bags are handed out free in the UK. Ireland imposed a tax on them that saw consumption levels drop by 90% in just one year, whilst raising cash for environmental initiatives. If they can do it why can’t we? Well, St Andrews is not waiting around for government or corporations to take decisive action. A campaign to make St Andrews a plastic bag-free town is gathering momentum. Interested groups have come together to form an umbrella coalition with a unifying goal: to rid St Andrews of plastic bags. The Students’ Association, University, Merchants’ Association, Preservation Trust, Fairtrade Town, and Community Council, are all supporting and Invite you to visit a hidden treasure in the heart of St Andrews pushing forward the campaign. The initial step is to produce a St Andrews Fairtrade and organic cotton reusable shopping bag. This WOODLAND & WATERGARDENS will be available in different stores throughout the town. From seed to HERBACEOUS & SCREE store the campaign wants to ensure they make the right selection of ALPINES & RHODODENDRONS bag so they have the minimum environmental and social impact, whilst GLORIOUS GLASSHOUSE COLLECTIONS being the most practical and cost effective for the user. Becoming ‘plastic bag free’ may seem like an impossible OPEN DAILY ALL YEAR ROUND challenge, but Modbury, in Devon, was the first UK town to become ‘plastic bag free’, and many others are following suit. Scotland has no
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TOWN & GOWN Flora Selwyn had the pleasure of talking to Professor Douglas Lloyd –
“a multifaceted, multilingual cosmopolitan.” We met recently at a Kate Kennedy “Today progression from undergraduate to post-graduate studies is a Club fundraising event. Introduced to the norm, but for science graduates in the war years this was not an option, assembled guests as the oldest member as we were required to use our skills for the war effort as soon as we of the KK Club my attention was graduated.” immediately attracted, and I was delighted that Professor Lloyd agreed As the longest-serving member of the University staff, Douglas has to let me include him in this magazine. served under five different principals. His first intimation of St Andrews Douglas Mathon Gent Lloyd graduated from the University of came as an undergraduate in Bristol, when he met Edmund (later Sir Bristol in1941 with an Honours BSc. War service then took him to the Edmund) Hirst, his organic chemistry professor. Sharing wartime fireUniversity of Sheffield to continue watching duties with him, Douglas research in explosives, which had learned that Sir Edmund had been started before he graduated, because dux at Madras College, had then honours chemists were required to graduated from the University of work on projects connected to the war St Andrews, and joined the staff as effort. Douglas commented that “this lecturer. work must have been of interest, for It was in St Andrews that events during the year included a visit Douglas met Lydia, his wife, who by King George VI to the research had arrived, also from Bristol, to laboratory, and the German air force a post in Zoology. As an authority dropped a bomb on my bench!” He on train and ship travel, Douglas returned briefly to Bristol after the has many stories to tell of his wide war, and came here to St Andrews in experiences. In particular, he fondly 1947 to lecture in the Department of recalls time spent sailing on Union Chemistry. Castle Liners to South Africa as It was not long before his new Visiting Lecturer in the University of Professor Lloyd being ‘hooded’, (Courtesy Frank Riddell) colleagues discovered that Douglas Cape Town, and sampling the then had considerable expertise in fine hardly-known Cape wines. Today, wines and cider. To this day, he holds very many friends from home and abroad are on 30th November, St Andrews popular wine-tasting sessions for his chemistry warmly welcomed in the Lloyds’ St Andrews students, in a department where numbers are Day 2007, his 60-year association home. rising, against a backdrop of falling numbers with the University of St Andrews The quotation used as the title of this article in other universities. In addition, Douglas plays the organ, and he has enlivened many was crowned by his receiving his comes from an affectionate tribute in Arkivoc, a St Andrews meeting of the Royal Society of an American electronics journal, written by PhD at the age of 87! Chemistry with evening recitals in St Salvator’s three of Douglas’ friends: John F. Gibson, Chapel in North Street, along with anecdotes retired Secretary, Royal Society of Chemistry; about the instrument, the music, and the Chapel. Douglas has also Ray K. Mackie, retired academic staff, University of St Andrews; and played to accompany the Ren Group on tours abroad. Donald R. Marshall, one of Douglas’ PhD students now on the academic staff of the University College of North Wales, Bangor. In his early years here, Douglas collaborated with Principal Sir James Irvine to transform Deans Court (established in the 1920s) into the core of a revised St Leonard’s College as both a residence for postgraduate students, and accomodation for distinguished visitors. The informal contacts made here were much welcomed by visitors to the University, who included such luminaries as the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling. Appointed Warden, Douglas offered friendship and encouragement to many a grateful postgraduate. Later, in 1973, he became the first Provost of the reestablished St Leonard’s College. By this time, Douglas was heavily involved with University affairs as a senior member of staff, raising, together with his colleagues, the high research profile of the chemistry department, and giving advice and help where needed. Apart from the books and more than 200 research papers he has published, Douglas has also translated from the German the 22nd edition of Beyer-Walter’s Lehrbuch der Organischen Chemie, a weighty one-volume source book on Organic Chemistry, which is still valuable both for students and their teachers. His practical knowledge of German has facilitated many exchanges, especially between St Andrews and the University of Marburg, which boasts the oldest chemistry department in the world. Over the years Douglas has enjoyed visiting and lecturing in many countries, most especially in Belgium; Germany; Switzerland; and Japan. Often he began his lectures in German, finishing in English. In his own words, in the course of his travels, he has made, “a wide range of chemical friends”. Douglas was elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 1977. He regularly attends their meetings and has been especially keen to help with their initiatives in promoting science to young people. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, and has served on its Council and committees. With DSc degrees from both Bristol and St Andrews, Douglas holds an Honorary Professorship and still works in the chemistry department (though officially he retired many years ago). Therefore it comes as a real surprise that finally on 30th November, St Andrews Day 2007, his 60-year association with the University of St Andrews was crowned by his receiving his PhD at the age of 87! Douglas said, Professor Lloyd gowned, (Courtesy Gayle Cook)
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TOWN & GOWN Matthew Guest is a
Student with attitude! As I have now been bit as the Student Representative Council (SRC) studying in St Andrews for Member for Community Relations. This involves two and a half years, and sitting on the Community Council as well, which have known Flora as long, is essential for maintaining and enhancing the I feel it is time I contributed relationship between the students and the wider an article to In Focus. town, as it demonstrates how we can all work I am in my third year of an MA Classics effectively together when all parts of the town Degree, and have loved every minute of my time are fairly represented. Though I have held this in St Andrews so far. For such a small town, it is position for about a year and a half, and know remarkably diverse, and is surely unique in the there is still much for me to learn, I believe the entire United Kingdom. Indeed, few towns can relationship between the “Town” and “Gown” is claim to have a castle, a cathedral, the world’s fairly positive and that most people get along most famous golf course and Scotland’s oldest well with each other. Of course, more can be University! Added to that there are the fantastic done, and will need to be to solve some of the beaches in the town making studying in such more contentious issues, such as the debate an environment amazing. I only needed to over HMO licenses. However, I believe, with visit once to see what a great open dialogue, and time, this I am in my third year place it is, and how different too will be resolved. After of an MA Classics it is to my North West Coast all, St Andrews is a unique Degree, and have loved town, and with such a mixed hometown. For a start, St Andrews actually sees the every minute of my time demographic, anything is sea more often than Southport! possible. in St Andrews so far For Classics, the University Part of my new job is one of the best, and offers a surprising involves me sitting on the Student Services number of modules in Ancient History, Classical Committee (SSC), which manages the events Civilisation, Greek, and Latin for Degree study. and societies linked to the Association, and I personally have stuck to the Greek and Latin from the two meetings I have attended so far, modules, as I enjoy attempting to read the I am amazed at how many events are open to ancient literature in its own language. the public at large; not surprising when there Apart from academic study, there is an are over 120 student societies affiliated to the amazing amount to become involved in, from Association alone. I would love to see more University and Town societies and events, to participation from everyone in these events as bizarre traditions and community concerns. I it can only help develop a feeling of community have just become the Students’ Association spirit. I was also amazed to hear the combined Community Relations Officer after a year and a total of student fundraising for local charities is
projected at around £35,000 for this year and last year alone, an astonishing figure! There are many events that have happened in the last few months. March saw “Art for Mercy”, which attracted a lot of people to participate in the Silent and Open Auctions. Also, back in February, I hosted a “Local Food Market” designed for businesses in the town to offer some samples of their produce to the incoming students for this semester. I am extremely grateful to those who took part: Beatons; Bella Italia; Costa Coffee; MacGregors; Rendezvous; Zest. In fact, it went so well that I will be hosting a similar event in September, for which I have had quite a bit of interest already. If you are interested in taking part, or know someone who is, please let me know! There are also several events (and more will appear before this goes to press!) that are taking place. For example, Showcase gave the chance to see the best student drama from the past year at the relaunched Crawford Arts Centre in North St, April, and “Run with Rory,” the Charities Campaign Fun Run. These were amazing events, and it would be great for them to have been of interest to student and town alike. If you keep you eyes open around the town, I am sure that you will find something that interests you. If you would like to contact me for any reason, please feel free to send an email to: srccomre@st-andrews.ac.uk (Photo, courtesy Matthew)
Evening Degree Programme Keen to get a degree? Too busy to study full-time? Try the flexible route to your MA General degree at the University of St Andrews via the Evening Degree Programme • One or two evenings of classes per week • Broad range of subjects • Credits for existing qualifications • Fee Waiver scheme for people on low income or state benefits Find out more from: The Evening Degree Co-ordinator Telephone: 01334 462203 Email: parttime@st-andrews.ac.uk www.st-andrews.ac.uk/admissions/Eveningdegreestudents/ The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland, No: SC013532
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TOWN & GOWN Jenny Gibbs explains the benefits of
Taking science with a language I never really thought twice about the possibility that my degree choice enormously, I lived and worked in a foreign culture could be particularly unusual, but every time I tell people that I study (not to mention setting up bank accounts, paying Geoscience with French, I get the same perplexed look, and little variation bills, and dealing with French bureaucracy!), on the question, “how did you end up choosing that!?” Thinking about it, I improved my confidence, met some fantastic people suppose the answer is that I didn’t want to restrict my options by taking a and saw some incredible sights. I did still manage science alone as I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do, and I didn’t want to keep up with my Geoscience studies by attending lectures at the local to stick to a single subject at degree level ‘just in case I didn’t like it’ – university and researching the geology of the islands for an obligatory especially since I was jumping head first into a course in Geoscience from research project, so I don’t feel that I missed out on anything, only gained studying Physics, Maths, and French, at A-level, which really have nothing a lot of fantastic memories. to do with rock formations, volcanoes, or the deposition of sediments. At I should say, however, that the ‘with French’ degree option is not least I always knew I liked French. In any case, having a second language only about “gallivanting off abroad for a year so as not to pass any is practical, not just academic, and at least I wouldn’t forget most of a exams” (as most of my friends seem to assume). The degree programme language I’d spent half my life learning... means that the other four years spent studying at St Andrews are also St Andrews is the only top-ranking university that allows for such refreshingly different. It has been quite a relief at times to have a change a combination of Science with French, but also includes the possibility from the Science to the French. That’s not to say that the French classes of spending an integrated year abroad. You have the option either to don’t deal with scientific topics, in fact most of the course focuses on continue learning your science at a French university, where your grades studying articles from all scientific disciplines, and delivering succinct, count as your third year, or as a language structured reports in a foreign language, assistant, teaching English to students of which essentially complements the scientific St Andrews is the only top-ranking primary school age up to adult education, background. adding an additional year to the degree Taking a science degree with a language university that allows for such a length. is particularly useful, whether or not you combination of Science with French, choose to take a year abroad, simply Although tempted by the year-ineducation option, I felt that the extra year because you lose very little in the way of but also includes the possibility of working in France would be more useful your scientific studies (the language modules spending an integrated year abroad make up only one quarter of the degree (and less stressful!) than continuing to try and understand, let alone get good grades, credits), and you graduate with a full degree learning Geoscience in French. Furthermore, I wouldn’t lose out on any of in a science as well as in a language, which opens up more career the modules offered at St Andrews, so I preferred to put them on hold for options. But, if at the end of it all you do not choose to get a job which a year, and of course I’d continue with them when I got back... uses the language you’ve studied, at least you know that you can travel So, I applied for a post in the French Caribbean department of La whenever you like and be safe in the knowledge that you will never again Guadeloupe, teaching pupils at a Collège and a Lycée (approximately end up ordering that pile of snails for dinner when you thought you were secondary school aged children). I got the position and fortunately had getting chicken! the best time of my life so far. Not only did my language skills improve (Photo courtesy Jenny Gibbs)
Elaine Fitzgerald is studying
Psychology with French The course I am doing is learn words, to the working of neurons, to the Psychology with French behaviour of monkeys in a jungle. BSc and integrated year I am very glad that I have had the abroad. Psychology opportunity to study French as well as my caught my interest while science. Reading and analysing scientific I was at school. I don’t articles and having debates on many different even remember when or why exactly, but the topics provide insight into areas I would not science of the human mind and behaviour otherwise have had the chance to study. seemed like a fascinating and very relevant Additionally, studying a language provides you area to study. So I took the Higher course at with different skills from studying a science, school, which confirmed my interest. I started particularly via the focus on communication off thinking that, even though it’s a relatively and structuring of ideas, which I’m sure will new science, so much has been discovered, be useful to me after university. Another major how could I possibly go beyond what has been advantage is the year abroad, during which I done already? But of course the more you worked as a language assistant. I was rather study something, the more you realise there nervous about teaching before I went away, is still more to be learnt and discovered. The but despite occasional hiccups it worked out human brain has been described as the most well and it was good to have the experience complicated structure in the of being ‘on the other side universe, and so far we’re of the fence’, having been but the science of only scraping the surface a student all my life. The of understanding it, though best thing about the year, the human mind and ever-improving brain imaging though, had to be the other behaviour seemed like assistants I met and shared technology is allowing for significant progress to be a fascinating and very the experience of living with, made. Also, studies of working – and travelling relevant area to study patients with brain damage – abroad. and/or mental illnesses are So I believe my degree, leading to better comprehension of normal with science, language, and a year abroad, functioning, as well as better treatment and leaves me well equipped to face the ‘real world’ care. Psychology is such a varied field; you when I’ve finished my time in the St Andrews can be studying anything from how children bubble.
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(Photos, courtesy Elaine)
TOWN & GOWN Maria Castro, WMP Global Coordinator, Laila Sumpton, Spotlight President, & Tomas Muñoz, Yambria Chief Editor, present
WoMen Project: Breaking Gender Barriers with a BOOK! Find out more and get involved! WoMen Project (WMP) is a non-profit initiative launching in St Andrews, aiming to edit a unique book of global contributions, collected short stories and poems that examine relationships concerning gender, sexuality, and culture in a unique way. The sales profits will provide continuous funding for charities working against gender discrimination and violence. What makes this BOOK different? WMP book will present the stories only by title. After each story, the reader is invited to guess the writer’s gender. In an appendix authors and associations involved will be listed alphabetically. To reveal the authors’ identity, the reader uses an interactive web interface promoting interaction between the general public, writers, associations, and victims. Who is behind WMP and how does this book promote gender equality? Maria Castro, a chemistry PhD student from the University of St Andrews, came up with the initiative when she noticed that many plays and works of literature that aim to tackle issues of gender discrimination and sexual violence are often gender specific and targeted at just one sex. Our philosophy is that we need a dialogue between the two sexes to promote greater understanding: 1 The anonymous authorship allows reading without gender discrimination. 2 The post-reading interaction breaks gender stereotypes. A number of students have come together to support WMP, and the initiative has also been helped by Spotlight (the student creative writing society of the University of St Andrews) and Tomas Muñoz, chief editor of the web journal ‘Yambria’, who set up our webpage: http://www.yambria.org/yambria15/women.htm
Laila Sumpton (president of Spotlight) and Maria Castro are keen to bring together the short stories and poems of men and women from across the world to make a creative forum for the discussion of relationships, where people will have the freedom to express their views regardless of sex and gender. How to get involved and our latest activities and collaborations: WMP was one of the six highly commended business ideas from twenty entries submitted to the “Big Idea” Competition 2007 organized by St Andrews University Student Enterprise. After this success, and the recent growth of interest from literary organizations and charities, we have every hope that the project can flourish with help from the community. We are seeking skilled collaborators to help us with planning the project, covering legal advice, finance management, publicity and editing the book. We’d like to set up a WMP Student Society and promote the White Ribbon Campaign (Amnesty International). If you are interested in getting involved email us at wmp2008@gmail.com, check our web page, Facebook cause and Spotlight events at www.st-andrews.ac.uk/english/spotlight Our activities in St Andrews cover Creative Writing Workshops and Social Spotlight Events (details posted at Facebook CAUSE and Spotlight links)
2 And also photographers, associations, and funding for the Installation at PencilFest, organized in collaboration with Spotlight (10th-11th May, Warwick University, details at Spotlight web page). •
Donate to Support Our Activities
•
Include Your Association in our WMP Web Page
We have the support of the human rights organisation Stop Abuse For Everyone (SAFE), selected by the National Crime Prevention Council as one of the 50 most promising strategy programs in the USA to prevent domestic violence, and the international author Erin Pizzey, founder of Britain’s first shelter for victims of domestic violence in the 70s, who is now turning her attention to another group of oftenoverlooked victims: MEN: http://www.safe4all.org/blog/ We thank StAnza, its artistic president Eleanor Livingstone, and the Waterstone’s Bookshop in St Andrews for allowing us to advertise our campaign in their events. (Logo courtesy Maria Castro)
1 We are looking for writers for our book (details at WMP web page).
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TOWN & GOWN From Graeme Mutch, St Leonards School’s PR Officer
St Leonards’ Headmaster Robert Tims retires The final day of the spring term at St Leonards saw the end of an era as the school waved farewell to the man at the top. After five years at the helm, Robert Tims retired as Headmaster, confident that the independent school would continue to go from strength to strength. Mr Tims said, “I’m leaving with a great sense of achievement at what my team and I have done. St Leonards now enjoys a fantastic word-of-mouth reputation. It is a confident school that I leave behind.” During his tenure, Robert introduced the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, which has helped the school attract students from across the globe. He also supervised the merger on the St Leonards site of St Leonards’ junior and middle schools with New Park School. The success of the merger was recently highlighted by the announcement of the creation of a new year-one class to meet soaring demand. Robert revealed that bringing the IB to the school had been his proudest achievement and a key factor in the school increasing its numbers by 50 percent over the last four years. “The introduction of the IB was a great step forward”, he said. It has given the school an international reputation which means that pupils come from all over the world to study here. Universities positively welcome the qualification as well.” The outgoing head came to St Leonards from Malvern College in Worcestershire in 2003. Being the School’s first headmaster in its 131 year history didn’t faze Robert as he set about the task of moving St Leonards forward. “I didn’t really think about it,” he said, “My concern was to get on with the job that needed done.”
Robert and Heidi (Photos, courtesy St Leonards School)
Mr Tims, who had been involved in education continuously for more than 50 years since beginning school himself at the age of five, will be enjoying his retirement in Canada with his wife Heidi, a familiar face to all within the school. As Robert revealed, Heidi has fulfilled a number of key roles at St Leonards over the past five years. Robert said, “It has very much been a team effort. We tried to be a real partnership. Aside from getting involved in the PR work of the school, Heidi has also taught and has been a listening ear for many students in the past.” Heidi herself was happy to be heading for Vancouver – the city where she has spent most of her adult life and which she considers to be home – but sad to be leaving St Andrews and the school behind. She said, “I’m in two minds about leaving. I love the staff and the pupils and the interaction with them, but on the other hand I’m glad to be leaving all the rules and regulations behind. It’s been great living in the middle of the school and having an open door policy, but it will be nice to have more of a private life again.” Mrs Tims is looking ahead philosophically though. “Robert says you can’t ride a bicycle whilst looking backwards,” she said, “Every new step is exciting. Goodbyes are not so nice, but hellos are wonderful.” The couple will be buying a house in Richmond, Vancouver, with the intention of starting a bed and breakfast business and Robert says he is looking forward to a well-earned break from education and being able to take holidays within school term time. Mr Tims will also have another distraction to occupy his time as he has already been recruited to play the organ for a Vancouver church. “If the timing of our journey goes according to plan, I should be playing on the day we arrive!” he said. James Murray, chairman of the School’s council, said, “Since Robert Tims has been at the school we have seen a considerable increase in pupil numbers, the introduction of the IB and the successful merger with St Leonards-New Park, all of which have brought strength to the school. In these respects, the Headmaster has made an enormous contribution to the success of St Leonards. I’m sure I speak for everyone when I wish Robert and Heidi all the best and every success in their new life in Canada.” Mr Murray added, “While saying farewell to Robert Tims we are now extending a warm welcome to his successor, Dr Michael Carslaw, who brings with him a wealth of experience which will be of enormous benefit to St Leonards.” Glasgow-born Dr Carslaw (51) recently left his role as deputy headmaster at Ardingly College in Sussex to take over at St Leonards. Mr Tims shares Mr Murray’s confidence that, under the new headmaster’s stewardship, the future for St Leonards looks rosy. He said, “I’m leaving St Leonards in extremely good hands. Dr Carslaw is well qualified and experienced and I know he is very much looking forward to the challenge of taking the school forward.”
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OUT & ABOUT Anne Saunders, Scottish Projects Officer for the Marine Conservation Society
Scotland’s Cool Seas Think of Scotland’s seas, and images of oil rigs, fishing boats, and windswept beaches come to mind. All of these are above the sea, but how many people know about the amazing scenes found just beneath the waves? The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) hopes to redress this balance, and open up the world that lies on and below the surface of the water. I have recently taken up the new post of MCS Scottish Projects Officer, with a focus on public involvement with the marine environment. Scotland’s marine environment is so spectacular with its great scenery and beaches, and thousands of people enjoying trips to the coast every year. MCS aims to raise the profile of our rich marine natural heritage, the threats it faces and how people can get involved in MCS conservation projects. Scotland’s Cool Seas MCS are launching a new outreach project, Cool Seas Scotland, to raise awareness of our amazing sea life among communities and families throughout Scotland, even if they don’t live by the sea. I will be available to do events, talks and workshops, and a list of all events MCS are attending can be found on the Scotland pages of www.mcsuk.org. The following initiatives are all part of Cool Seas Scotland, and all have a focus on public involvement and enjoyment.
Basking shark Gentle Giants Basking sharks (Cetorhinus maximus) migrate into UK waters during summer months to feed on the abundant plankton found here. They can be seen anywhere around the UK, but mainly in the west due to the larger volumes of plankton present. Hotspots include the Inner Hebrides and the Firth of Clyde, especially the sea around Arran. They are generally only seen in surface waters whilst they feed, and are harmless to humans. Basking sharks can reach lengths of 11 metres and weigh up to 7 tonnes. They have enormous mouths, which filter up to 2,000 cubic metres of seawater every hour! Little is understood about the distribution, population size, and biology of this species. What is known raises concerns, and the species is listed as endangered in the NE Atlantic. The more knowledge we gain, the more can be done to protect this species. Therefore, sightings from members of the public are vital. MCS promotes public involvement and collects sightings, resulting in the UK’s largest database on basking shark ecology. Information gathered has led to successful MCS campaigns to provide basking sharks with full protection under UK law, and closer monitoring of the trade in basking sharks and their by-products through the Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES). Ocean Wanderers and Mysterious Creatures As well as sharks found in UK waters, it is perhaps even more surprising to know that there are also turtles! Only seven species of marine turtle exist, five of which have been recorded in UK waters. Of these, the most
commonly found is the leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). The leatherback is the largest of the marine turtles and is named after the black, leathery skin covering its shell. Uniquely, these reptiles have some control over their body temperature, so can survive in temperatures lower than 5°C, as is often the case in UK waters, and can dive to depths of over 1km. They are usually around two metres long and weigh 600kg. Leatherbacks migrate from Central and South America and West and South Africa to the UK during summer, to feed on the abundant jellyfish found here. Like basking sharks, these turtles can be seen anywhere round the UK coast, but are usually found in the west. Leatherbacks are critically endangered. Nesting females are often killed for their meat and eggs. At sea, leatherbacks are vulnerable to entanglement in fishing gear. Trade in all species of marine turtles and their parts is currently banned under CITES, but some illegal trade continues to endanger these species. As well as sightings of turtles, MCS is asking the public for sightings of turtles’ prey: jellyfish. Increased knowledge of the abundance and distribution of jellyfish will provide valuable information on the distribution and movements of turtles, and will contribute to their conservation in the UK and globally. Report your sightings of jellyfish strandings on beaches and jellyfish swarms at sea. It is also useful to know when no jellyfish were seen during trips at sea or to the beach.
Local school children celebrating their successful Adopt-a-Beach cotton bud sticks recorded on just two Clyde beaches during the MCS Beachwatch 2006 survey. By taking part in the MCS beach litter project, Adopt-a-Beach, and the annual Beachwatch survey, local communities can help turn the tide on litter. The project involves cleaning your local beach and recording the litter found. MCS then uses this information to lobby government and industry, to stop the litter before it reaches our seas and beaches. By increasing the number of beaches involved in Adopt-a-Beach and Beachwatch, it is hoped that the wider public will be inspired to take their litter home rather than leaving it on the beach after a day out, and stop flushing their sanitary waste down the toilet. See www.adoptabeach.org.uk for further information. Get Involved! Through the Cool Seas Scotland project, MCS aims to raise awareness of marine issues, and increase public involvement in tackling the problems the marine environment faces. Taking part in the project should also be about enjoyment, and it will show you there is more to a day at the seaside than just building sandcastles!
Lion’s main jellyfish Beach Potential Beach litter is a big problem in the UK, and Scotland has its fair share. One shocking example was over twenty thousand
For further information on the Cool Seas Scotland project or about volunteering for MCS, or if you would like MCS to attend an event you are holding, please contact Anne in the MCS Scottish Office on 0131 226 2391, or email: anne.saunders@mcsuk.org (Photos courtesy MCS)
Adopt-a-Beach clean at Cramond in January 2008, where an amazing 50 volunteers turned up!
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OUT & ABOUT Dr. Derek A. Barrie, Press Officer for the St Andrews Preservation Trust looks forward to the
Hidden Gardens 2008 One of the most anticipated annual events At the Trust’s museum at 12 north Street in the St Andrews calendar, the St Andrews there is an opportunity to view its award winning Preservation Trust’s “Hidden Gardens” day garden and tour the new summer exhibition takes place this year on Sunday 29th June about the fishing community in St Andrews: from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. It is now over ten “When the Boat Comes In”. Refreshments years since this popular event was first staged. will be available at the museum and there It attracts townspeople and visitors alike. Last also will be cake & candy, plant and book year, unfortunately, was the first to experience stalls. One change this year, however, will adverse weather conditions with steady rain be in entertainment for children. The much throughout most of the day. Organisers will be loved magician, Charlie has retired after many hoping for a reversal to the years’ service. A warm, sunny days which replacement to keep The Hidden Gardens have mostly favoured the children amused will event since its inception. be unveiled on the Day remains the Trust’s At the time of writing, day. For older children principal fund-raising event a “young scientists’ venues are almost finalised and up to twelve of the most nature table” will beautiful gardens in the centre of the town will again feature in the garden of Mrs June Baxter be open to the public. They will all be within at 46 South Street. There will also be a nature easy walking distance. A number of attractive trail in her garden. gardens introduced for the first time in 2007, After a year’s absence, the garden at the such as 18 Queen’s Terrace, are again being Mediaeval History Department, St John’s, opened as an opportunity to visit for those who returns as a venue. This will be the first were deterred by last year’s rain. Other old opportunity for the public to see the magnificent favourites come back into the programme and new entrance and wrought-iron gateway from there will be some new gardens, open for the Market Street into the garden. Coffee, teas, first time. A detailed map comes with the ticket and refreshments generally will also be sold at (price £4.00, children free). St John’s. This is also the venue of two special
The garden at 46 South Street showing visitors at a previous “Hidden Gardens” day. stalls, “Glass Ware” and a “Sunshine Stall” where everything on sale will be either orange or yellow. The number of locations where tickets can be purchased in advance of the event has been greatly expanded. These include, the Trust Museum; the Trust Office at 4, Queen’s Gardens, the Market St. Tourist Information Centre; St Andrews Garden Centre; Westwood newsagents; Rodger’s Grain Store; Elspeth’s in Church Street and Cherries in South Street. The Hidden Gardens Day remains the Trust’s principal fund-raising event and a special sub-committee has been set up to prepare for the Day. The Events Co-ordinator, Mrs Marlene Matthews, promises that the 29th June will be “an enjoyable day for all the family.
Alison Gilmour’s update on
‘The Enchanter’ – A Tour de Forth! Several folk have asked me if work is still ongoing on our wooden trawler, The Plan is that a crew of seven worthy souls, including the Skipper, ‘The Enchanter’ . . . the answer is a definite ‘Yes!’ Over the winter most of David Martin, will have conducted ‘sea-trials’ in early April. Deciding to the work undertaken has been below decks in the former fish hold . . . and err on the cautious side, they will have visited destinations on the Firth of largely unseen by passers-by! Our usual crew of hardworking volunteers Forth – north Berwick, Port Edgar, Anstruther – all locations where there have been busy . . . the hold was been will be berths deep enough for ‘Enchanter’ completely emptied, no mean feat, not least alongside, negating the need to travel on shore cutting out the old metal diesel tanks. Apart from in a dinghy. Interestingly enough snow was being too large for the trawler’s new lifestyle, forecast for the area in early April, causing a they were becoming rusty, and simply had to rush to purchase thermal gear in the sales!! go. This exercise involved several long hard Following the book . . . ’Emeralds Chased in shifts, cutting, grinding, and removing the metal Gold: The islands of the Forth’, (written by in manageable sections, enabling the pieces John Dickson, published 1899), the crew are to be taken out through the main hatch. new, reading up their history, and hope to go ashore smaller tanks have been fitted, and a water tank exploring, weather permitting. as well. The bilges were cleaned – a major task Many thanks – again! – are due to our after previous years of neglect – I don’t think friends who have worked so hard over the anyone had washed them out in years! All hard, last few months, Colin Brown, Frank Little, dirty jobs, and a huge, ‘Thank-you’ is due to the Mike Robinson, Brian Martin, Mark and Rhona workers. The hold was also completely pressure Watson and Shane Wilbraham and to others washed and scrubbed – and what a difference! who have lent support in so many ways. The Plan is that a crew of seven In recent weeks bunks have been built into Watch this space in the next edition for an worthy souls, including the the boat and currently, that vital ingredient, a update on Enchanter’s progress. This year the sea toilet is being fitted and a galley kitted out. Forth – next year, St. Kilda! Skipper, David Martin, will have The engine is being overhauled, with worn or conducted ‘sea-trials’ in early April faulty parts being replaced . . . it’s really ‘All Go’! (Photos, courtesy Alison Gilmour)
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OUT & ABOUT Alistair Lawson, newly returned from another visit, sends this
Letter from the Antipodes (IV) Your countryside correspondent has been observing further points of the cosmetics, paint, interest on the underside of the planet, both in New Zealand and in and chemical industries, Western Australia. including our own Scottish Both these areas share with Scotland a realisation that the careless linoleum industry, here use of the countryside in the past now needs to be remedied. New in Fife. Although the Zealand’s 74 million possums are living proof of the fact that we tamper earliest exploiters cut with nature at our peril. Possums just love to eat the eggs of groundthe bark and “bled” the nesting birds, and most of New Zealand’s unique birds are flightless trees, as is done with and ground-nesting, because, in the absence of natural predators, there rubber trees, it was found was never any need for them to fly. Sadly, European settlers introduced that this was harmful dogs, cats, and possums, all of which have long since gone wild and and – serendipitously disappeared into the bush, as a result of which the ground-nesting birds – that there were large are under constant threat. Wherever one goes on the tramping (hiking) numbers of fallen kauri trails, one sees notices warning that baits have been set and urging one trees not far under the to keep pets and children under close observation. ground. On the back In Australia, the story of the introduced rabbits is well known, as is of the timber industry, the story of the thousands of miles of rabbit fence needed to try to control there arose a gum-digging industry. Incongruously, the main exponents them. As well as spoiling the natural balance of fauna, we have also were Dalmatians (no, not dogs!), who were happy to swap difficult living destroyed the natural balance of flora. In the vicinity of Jarrahdale, some conditions in Europe for their share of the southern sun. Many kauri trunks 30 miles south of Perth, Western Australia, 19th century settlers cut down and stumps are still dug up, so the industry can continue, without the much of the native jarrah forest. It seemed a good need to touch standing timber. idea at the time, in that the wood was plentiful Exploitation of the land is not a thing of the Both these areas share and had many uses, but now the natural balance past, and today’s booming economy in Western of the forest is out of kilter, and what was spoiled Australia is built on the mining industry and the with Scotland a realisation for free is now slowly being restored at great cost. huge deposits of iron ore, bauxite, and nickel in that the careless use of the the north-west of the state. While this looks all very There is a further balance to be struck between what grows quickest and appears to fill the spaces countryside in the past now well on the face of it, it is worth reflecting that the in the forest and, on the other hand, what grows booming economies of south-east Asia are fuelled needs to be remedied slower, but really belongs. East coast eucalyptus by Australian coal and minerals, which means grows quickly, but was never natural to the west. I that the country is supplying its own industrial learned that the flora of east and west coast are distinct, the desert gap in rivals and at the same time fuelling one of the world’s major and growing the middle of Australia having ensured that many species never managed sources of air pollution. So, has anything changed since the 19th century? to jump the gap. I also learned that Australia is big; a map of Australia, The watchwords still seem to be “fell it and sell it”; “count the shekels, but superimposed on one of Europe, places Perth (W.A.) on Cork, and don’t count the environmental cost”. Sydney on the Caspian! W.A. itself is almost the size of India, yet only Lest we blame the early settlers for thoughtless exploitation of the carries a population of 1.9 million. W.A. and the eastern states are almost land and its resources, we should not forget that here in Scotland we too two countries; indeed, are seeking to re-establish the native forest that was felled all too quickly W.A. sought to secede and too thoughtlessly. However, in order to give some balance to the story from the Federation in of colonial depredations, my next letter will focus on the fact that many of the hard times of the these early settlers down under were Scots. 1930s, because it felt that the eastern states were (Photos, courtesy Alistair Lawson) dragging it down. The Jarrahdale Heritage Society has ambitious plans to create a Heritage Park, which will bring together old sawmilling equipment, the light railways which once worked in the forest, buildings of the time, and such photographs and memories as can be gathered together. Returning to New Zealand, one of the best heritage museums there is the Kauri Museum at Matakohe, north of Auckland, which is wholly devoted to showing the industry and way of life which pertained in the 19th century when these forest giants were being exploited. Much of the old machinery has been found and gathered together, as has an impressive array of photographs from the early period. Impressive though this museum is, it is a testimony to folly, in that the early settlers clearly did not consider that trees which take centuries to grow should not be felled indiscriminately. Mercifully, some remain in the forest, and one can see a modern-day giant 150 ft tall and 40 ft in girth; legend has it that giants of the past grew to twice this girth. A more innocent aspect of the kauri story is the use of kauri gum, which was early found to have applications in
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