Trend December 2015/January 2016

Baroque 'n' Roll EXUBERANT INTERIORS

Party Poppers BRIGHT LOOKS FOR BIG NIGHTS...

FOOD FOR THOUGHT, WELL SUITED, STATEMENT ACCESSORIES & MUCH MORE

The

ALL YOU NEED FOR A WONDERFUL WINTER

50th Issue

WIN TREND'S NIFTY FIFTY ONE OF FIFTY AMAZING PRIZES COULD BE YOURS!

Left to Right: Louise Mackintosh, Ellen Edwards & Dawn Middleton

ELLEN JOINS THE AESTHETIC ROOM AT THE HOUSE The Aesthetic Room at The House has an outstanding reputation for proven aesthetic treatments and outstanding customer service.

Many of the customers come by referral to Louise Mackintosh and Dawn Middleton. As a gifted Aesthetic Nurse and Independent Prescriber, Louise is known for her constant research into new technology, so it’s no surprise that the team dedicated a lot of time to finding the perfect addition.

Ellen Edwards has joined Louise and Dawn as the third member of the Aesthetic Room team. Ellen was chosen for her long years of nursing experience and customer care skills, combining her knowledge of medicine with taking the time to discuss aesthetic procedures and client concerns. Ellen explained, 'I was thrilled to be asked to join the team at The Aesthetic Room at The House as Louise and Dawn have not only brought some of the latest and cost effective treatments to the city, but they also have a reputation for great customer care, aftercare and investing in training for new procedures.'

The team offers a wide range of treatments including dermal fillers and wrinkle reducing injectables, for smoothing out

lines, skin resurfacing and semi-permanent makeup as well as innovative treatments like CoolSculpting, which can kill around a third of fat cells in a treated area.

With over 100 treatments completed so far, Coolsculpting is the only proven, FDA approved, safe and non-invasive way to reduce areas of stubborn fat without additional dieting or exercise.

It is suitable for both men and women.

Louise will still be involved in all consultations as well as leading all fine lining and filler treatments. Contact The House to find out about Ellen’s special introductory offers.

34 Great Western Road, Aberdeen AB10 6PY Tel: 01224 586699 info@thehousespa.co.uk www.thehousespa.co.uk www.coolsculpting.co.uk

28 Main Street, Turriff, Aberdeenshire AB53 4AD | 01888 568111 info@celebrationsofturriff.co.uk www.celebrationsofturriff.co.uk Monday / Saturday 9AM - 5PM & Sunday / 12 NOON - 5PM Personal Shopping Service available by appointment

6 | WELCOME

STEVE SMITH has a background in fashion and

PETER MITCHELL became a valued Trend columnist nearly seven years ago after 37 years on the Press & Journal. For Trend, he has interviewed lots of prominent people including TV’s Angela Rippon.

celebrity portraiture. His photographic career saw

Welcome to this special 50th issue of Trend. Though we say it ourselves, we’re looking pretty good! In a good light, we’d pass for half our age.

him shoot for GQ, i-D and Instyle, and in 2007 he returne to his hometown of

How do we manage to maintain our youthful looks? It’s an unstoppable mix of curiosity and enthusiasm for the corner of the planet we live in. The French call it joie de vivre, Iggy Pop calls it lust for life, but whatever it’s called, we’ve got it and it’s our mission to share it with you.

As usual, you’ll find our pages packed with a host of ideas on beauty, fitness, interiors, food, books, fashion, arts, culture, people, lifestyle and activities.

It goes to show that winter needn’t be a time to head for home, put on your pyjamas and snuggle down with a box-set. Live a little! We couldn’t let our 50th issue pass without doing something a bit special, so we’ve rounded up a huge pile of prizes for our Nifty Fifty giveaway, be sure to enter and you could end up with a little treat.

We’d like to thank everyone - our advertisers, designers, writers, printers, staff and all our readers for turning Trend from a dream into a very stylish and popular magazine. Have a great festive season and a fabulous start to 2016.

With our help, it shouldn’t be too difficult!

Aberdeen where he currently works as a lecturer at North East Scotland College. stevewilliamsmith.com

COURTNEY O’GRADY has been writing for Trend since 2010. A mother of three who has lived in Aberdeen for seventeen years, Courtney focuses primarily on family, activity and history pieces.

DIRECTOR GILL BUYERS gill@trendmagazine.co.uk EDITOR ALISON DANIELS alison@trendmagazine co.uk PUBLISHED BY

TREND PRODUCTIONS LTD. 192 Holburn Street, Aberdeen AB10 6DA T: +44 (0)1224 596223 info@trendmagazine.co.uk www.trendmagazine.co.uk

SALES & MARKETING CLARE FINDLAY clare@trendmagazine.co.uk DESIGN RYAN SWINNEY ryan@trendmagazine.co.uk LISA THOMPSON lisa@trendmagazine.co.uk ADMINISTRATION JILL WALKER jwalker@trendmagazine.co.uk GUEST CONTRIBUTORS Newsline Media, Emma Leiper Finlayson, Robin Miller & Rob Currie PRINT Stephens & George Print Group

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Prices are correct at time of going to press, but may be subject to change.

Trend cannot be held responsible for unsolicited material. The views and opinions by contributors in the magazine may not represent the views of the publisher.

Trend Productions Ltd takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers in this publication. T&Cs apply to all competitions and offers.

KIRSTY MCLEAN has created hundreds of garden designs for clients all over the North-east and many community gardens in her work with Beechgrove Garden since 2001.

ALISON SHAW is a freelance journalist, copywriter and PR consultant. She’s covered everything from fashion and features to crime, offshore incidents and murder cases.

JAN LEATHAM comes from a hospitality and customer service background, and currently works as the Banchory Town Co-ordinator as well as pursuing a career in copywriting, proofreading and events. She is also the editor for upBEAT Magazine.

12 HEALTH & BEAUTY

12 Rob Currie’s guide to winter fitness 12 What a racket - Squash at ASRC 32 Party poppers - bright looks for big nights

18

contents

74 TRAVEL & LEISURE 74 The Nifty Fifty - enter our giant prize giveaway 80 Travel: Scottish Spa Weekenders 87 Books: Food for thought 90 Making a splash. Courtney visits the Aquatics Centre...

92 ...and the Tolbooth Museum 106 Trendy locations and competition winners

FASHION

18 Let it Shine - fashion to celebrate 24 The details - accessories with a bit of sparkle 94 Well suited...Robin Miller offers some sartorial advice

44

82 LIFESTYLE

82 Trend events block off your diary 98 Kids - Party on 104 Peter Mitchell meets Paul Girvan

FOOD & DRINK 44 Trend Tries...No. 10 50 Meet Stuart Galloway from Howies Restaurant

56 HOMES, GARDENS & INTERIORS

56 Baroque ‘N’ Roll - exuberant interiors 66 Garden lighting ideas from Kirsty McLean

85 ARTS & CULTURE 85 Fiona Michie’s dark art 86 Music: Aberdeen’s Cameron Jay 88 Wizard of Wood - meet furniture designer Tom Cooper 102 What’s on...the highlights

PICTURED: Trench Coat (Limited Edition) £299, Karen Millen Mulberry Bag £895, Cruise Boots £185,Karen Millen

Gillian Scott, Rebecca Reid & Paula Bremaneson

Sammy Anderson, Dominee Travers & Laura Mcavoy

Ashleigh Lovie & Kendall Mackay

I do! I do! I do!

Nicola, Evelyn & Julie Gray

Stephanie & Antonia Bell with Carly Rumsby

Rachel & Alice Macrae

Katrina Cameron & Lee Carry

Keri Fraser, Lydia Fyall & Carrie Mcintyre

Sarah Cormack, Laura Taylor & Carrie-Anne Pirie

WHO: Trend Productions Ltd. WHAT: The North-east's finest wedding experts impressed over 200 attendees at the 2015 Trend Weddings Exhibition.

WHERE: Ardoe House Hotel, Aberdeen

Helen Fitzpatrick & Anita Hastie

Frances Crolla, Lynn Hedley & Rebecca Harrison

Kelly Kennedy & Jennifer Taylor

Gina Clark, Katy Eveans & Claire Mccarthy

Heather Macdonald & Kelly Thomas

Liz Fincher & Mhairi O'donnell

Thomas Mclaren , Rhona Smith & Katrina Noble

Sarah Young, Maria Robertson & Allison Thomson

Seonaidh Martin & Kirstin Martin

Carol Wright & Alison Runciman

Winter Showcase WHO: Scottish PA WHAT: The PA community and businesses throughout Scotland exhibited at the annual Winter Showcase for a chance to network, attend special events and gain some more knowledge.

WHERE: The Hilton Treetops, Aberdeen

12 | HEALTH & FITNESS

Rob Currie offers some tips on staying safe and fit this winter...

Winter can be a dark grim place but getting some running done outside in the fresh air will help your physical and mental fitness. Plan your route in advance: choose a route that is well lit with a good running surface. You don’t want to twist your ankle or worse.

Plan a few routes to avoid boredom.

Vary your pace or try interval training - perhaps using a heart rate monitor to

Squash at ASRC not just for blokes Aberdeen Squash and Racketball Club is one of the biggest, friendliest racket sports clubs in the country, with seven courts, a fitness room and a programme of yoga and pilates classes available to members.

There’s also a popular sports bar and function room. The club welcomes everyone from children to pensioners, whether they are beginners or want to play competitively. Many women play the game, which is a mix of tactical awareness, racket skills and fitness.

If squash seems intimidating, racketball is easier for beginners as the shorter racket and larger ball makes the rallies longer and more aerobic.

Taster and walk-on sessions are available from £3 and there are a range of membership packages, as well as lessons and coaching available.

It’s also a great way to meet new people and perhaps try something new, or rekindle a previous passion for the sport.

Tel: 01224 316122 info@asrc.co.uk www.asrc.co.uk

fine tune your performance. An early morning run on the weekend can set up your day of leisure and will boost your vitamin D levels.

Wear bright, warm clothing - your core will be warm but your extremities need protected, so wear a hat and gloves plus a bright running jacket. Lights are becoming more popular for runners and dog walkers to improve safety.

UNDERWATER SANTA AT MACDUFF AQUARIUM Santa will be getting up close and personal, not to mention slightly damp in the kelp aquarium at Macduff Marine Aquarium on the weekends of 12 & 13, 19 & 20 December. Donning scuba gear, Santa feeds the fishes in the aquarium’s main tank and is available for selfies from 2pm each day. There is also a Christmas Trail and loads of gift ideas, including admission vouchers and the chance to adopt one the aquarium’s animals including fish, lobsters and even a baby skate! www.macduff-aquarium.org.uk

SHARE IT WITH TREND Have some exciting news to share? We would love to hear all about it! Send us your information, press releases or promotional materials to clare@trendmagazine.co.uk for our In Brief Section. Deadline for the February/March issue of Trend is Monday, 11th January 2016.

KATHRYN'S TRENDY TRANSFORMATION Think back to Summer and our June/July issue of Trend... seems like an age away doesn't it? You may remember we featured a competition alongside fitness guru Scott Brady. Kathryn Stables was the lucky winner and received a 10 week training block with Scott's Fitness Beyond. Scott and his team offer a free consulation for potential clients and reduced membership fees at the Banks O'Dee facility. Fitness Beyond clients can also take the sport club's aerobic, spinning and circuit classes for free, depending on the advice from their personal trainer. Scott and Trend are pleased to see the amazing results following the completion of Kathryn's prize with Fitness Beyond, losing 30 pounds in 10 weeks! Well done to Kathryn! www.fitnessbeyond.co.uk

NORTH HOP ABERDEEN RETURNS IN THE SPRING

The Aberdeen-based craft beer festival is set to take on the Granite City for a second year after announcing its return in Spring 2016. The festival, which has quadrupled in size and has over 3,000 tickets on sale, has moved to the Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) for next year’s event, which will take place from Saturday 31 April to Sunday 1 May, with three sessions taking place over the May weekend holiday. www.northhop.co.uk

GLEN TANAR ESTATE - POP UP FESTIVE SHOP Glen Tanar Estate is offering stressed out shoppers the perfect antidote to crowded shopping malls a festive pop-up shop packed full of locally produced Christmas gifts. The estate outlet is also selling Christmas trees and holly wreaths sourced from its very own nursery, until December 22. This year there is lots to choose from at the pop-up store. Shoppers can expect to find homemade jams, chutney and preserves from Glen Tanar’s own Liz’s Larder label, as well as small accessories and homeware in the estate tweed, including coasters, ties and purses. There is a large selection of greetings cards, handmade jewellery, biscuits, fudge and Glen Tanar Estate’s own calendar, featuring images of the stunning landscape and wildlife that the glen is famous for. Open seven days a week 9am - 4pm. www.glentanar.co.uk

ROMANCE WITH DANCE AT GLENEAGLES

A WHITE WINTER

For a truly romantic celebration of Valentine’s Day, Gleneagles have come up with something rather different.

Couples will enjoy a first class dining experience, accompanied by displays of some of the most beautiful pas de deux love duets from the world’s most romantic ballets. Performed by international dancers from Ballet UK, the evening will include scenes from Romeo and Juliet, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake. Held on Saturday 13 February, the evening is preceded by a champagne and canape reception in the Glendevon Room followed by dinner and dance display in the grand Edwardian Ballroom. www.gleneagles.com

ABERDEEN’S NEWEST SCHOOL OPENED Brimmond School has been built on the site of the former Newhills School in Bucksburn. The brand new facility has been designed to cater for 420 primary pupils and provide 80 nursery places and well as visual support services. Innovative design includes a cycle track for road safety lessons, an adventure playground and a woodland wildlife area. There are also terraces which can be used as outdoor classrooms.

THE DEESIDEDLY TASTY COMPANY Ex-policemen Tom and Sean thought they saw a gap in the market for supplying hog roasts to parties on Deeside last June, and their feet have not touched the ground since. Expanding into barbeques and farmers’ markets, their services also include weddings and machine hire so you can roast your own. They wear kilts and smiles to serve customers in all weathers, and have a bespoke log cabin to serve from. Ingredients are sourced from Kemnay butcher A & G Collie and Ma Petite France bakery in Aberdeen. www.thedeesidedlytastycompany.uk

ABERDEEN ART GALLERY MUSEUMS PLAN A TOY & GAME EXHIBITION Aberdeen Art Gallery and Museums are inviting the public to share personal reminiscences of their favourite childhood toys and games, which will be used to develop an exhibition for early 2016. They are also looking for photographs of people playing with their favourite toys, as they are planning on enlarging them as backdrops to be used in the display cases. For more information contact lygray@aberdeencity.gov.uk

Those of you who sidle past white to the gaudier hues at this time of year - think again. White provides a classic canvas on which to style your home, whatever the season, and where better to start than The White Company. Their store in Union Square contains a unique brand that designs, produces and sells a selection of luxury lifestyle products predominantly in white. From cool and classic decorations to designer bedding and gifts at outstanding value for money, with a core of classic white being joined by natural complementary shades. See Trend’s Nifty 50 for a great voucher to be won. www.thewhitecompany.com

DUBARRY BOOTS AT COUNTRY WAYS These elegant knee length Fermoy leather boots incorporate GORE-TEX® technology, with a thermal lining to protect your feet from the cold. Not only practical, but fabulous. Team with Dubarry stretch cords or a tweed skirt and a Dubarry tweed or quilted ladies’ jacket, for a sophisticated town to country look. £349 www.countryways.com

16 | ADVERTISEMENTS

18 | FASHION

Feather Cape £139, Escale France

Dress £210, Escale France

Ted Baker Dress £179, Cruise

Coat £485, Cruise

Carvela Shoes £120, John Lewis

20 | FASHION

Clutch Bag £75, Karen Millen

Dress £199, Escale France

Shoes £110, Karen Millen

FASHION | 21

Jumpsuit £253, Karen Millen

YSL Bag £720, Cruise

22 | FASHION

Ralph Lauren Shirt £85, Cruise

French Connection Jumper £60, Cruise

Ted Baker Trousers £119, Cruise

FASHION | 23

OUR THANKS | MODEL: Jacqueline Steenbeek of Colours Agency, Glasgow PHOTOGRAPHER: Steve Smith STYLING: Hayley Charles MAKE UP: Rae Mathieson HAIR: Michelle Reid STOCKISTS: Coast, Cruise, Escale France, John Lewis & Karen Millen

Top £119, Coast

Jimmy Choo Bag £365, Cruise Skirt £129, Coast

Ted Baker Shoes £130, John Lewis

FACE | Face & Body, Strobe Creme, Studio concealer, Mineralize powder, Pro powder in 'Sculpt' EYES & BROWS | Amber Palette, No Taboos, Eye pencil 'Smoulder’ & ‘Black Swan', Sculpt mascara, Eyebrow ‘Fling' CHEEKS | Hush, Mineralize 'Oh Darling', Mineralise 'Shaft of Gold' LIPS | Lip pencil 'Nightmoth', Lipstick ‘Dark Side' All MAC cosmetics Make-Up by Rae Mathieson www.raemathieson.com

© SVYATOSLAVA VLADZIMIRSKA / SHUTTERSTOCK

WORDS BY ALISON DANIELS

FASHION | 25

The right accessories can elevate high street staples to haute couture status, without the need for a Swiss bank account or a sugar daddy. Look for glamourous, well-designed accent pieces with a hint of bling that'll take you through the party season and still work for nights out.

Think of it as an investment in looking good and feeling great.

01 | Orlando Strappy Sandals Black Imi Suede, Ravel £85 02 | Vega White Crystal & Sterling Silver Drop Earrings, Tresor Paris £147.00 03 | Jimmy Choo Frames, Duncan & Todd £239 04 | Spiked Heels, Zara £29.99 05 | Allure Two Kiss Sterling Silver Ring, Tresor Paris £85 06 | Celio Cluth, Moda in Pelle £179.95 07 | Nicky Belt, Dune £19 08 | Gated Coated Collar Necklace Grey, Oliver Bonas £24

Friday 22nd April 2016 | The Marcliffe Hotel & Spa

£50 PER HEAD

Available at www.trendmagazine.co.uk

28 | ADVERTISEMENTS

32 | BEAUTY

WORDS BY JAN LEATHAM

STERLING NIGHTS EYE PALETTE

BEAUTY | 33

LIP COLOUR

SEQUIN EYE SHADOW PERFECTLY DEFINED GEL EYELINER

FACE HIGHLIGHTER

Bobbi Brown has delighted us as usual with her glamourous new festive offering, the Sterling Nights Collection. Inspired by South African night skies and rich jewel colours, these cosmetics are certainly prêt-a-party!

The Eye Palette boasts nine sumptuous shades from matte neutrals through to sparkling party numbers to mix and match to your heart’s content, and Sequin Eye Shadows have four glorious marbleised compacts with names like

SMOKEY EYE MASCARA Constellation and Moon Rock. There’s a new deep green shade of the cult classic Perfectly Defined Gel Eyeliner which promises to thrill, complete with a handy sharpener in the cap, and a limited edition Lip Color in four shades to cope with whatever the party season throws at you! Finally the new Face Highlighter is perfect for showcasing natural skin tones, by adding a luminous look over make-up or mixed with your favourite moisturiser to keep you looking your best.

Now go party!

ADVERTISEMENTS 34 | ADVERTORIAL

One of the city’s best respected and loved hairdressers is taking a step back from the business and handing over the reins to his long-term protégé. Dick Taylor of Salon 70 has entrusted the day to day running of the business to Sarah Jane Ironside, who has worked with him since she was apprenticed at 15.

The salon, which is known for its happy, friendly atmosphere and highly skilled team of six staff, attracts a mix of younger clients looking for fashionable cuts and colour work, and more mature clients opting for timeless flattering styles.

Sarah Jane explained, 'Dick established Salon 70 thirty five years ago and has built up one of the leading West End salons. His skills and experience are unparalleled. Over the years, Dick has been responsible for some of the most stylish hair for men and women in the North-east.

...when clients step out of Salon 70, they not only look great, but they feel great too!

'It has always been my dream to run the business and it means so much to me that Dick has asked me to step forward and take over the day to day management from him. I don’t plan to change anything at all; Dick has built a brilliant salon, with friendly customer service, great staff and wonderful clients.

Sarah continued, 'Ever since I started, Dick has been like a second father to me. Over the years, he’s supported his staff and customers through life’s ups and downs. Dick’s just an incredible person. He’s been more than a hairdresser to us all. He’s been a mentor, friend and confidant as well as a brilliant stylist. Thanks to Dick, when clients step out of Salon 70, they not only look great, but they feel great too!'

70 Great Western Road, Aberdeen AB10 6PY Tel: 01224 573727 Salon70

ADVERTORIAL | 35

with Janice Robertson of Finnies The Jeweller It is that most wonderful time of the year once more, and at Finnies the Jeweller we have a wide range of unique gifts for your loved ones.

Porter’s gin is Aberdeen’s first juniper led spirit in over a century. Utilising two botanicals via the modern technique of cold distillation at Orchid, with the main body of the gin being made at the UK’s oldest distillery. With the use of unique citrus, Porter’s is great in classic cocktails and the staple of many of our liquid diets, a gin & tonic. Porter’s launches on 5 December and we look forward to showcasing the liquid we have worked on for the last few years. Cheers! www.orchidaberdeen.com

INGREDIENTS 60ml Porter’s Gin 10ml Cocchi Americano Vermouth stirred and strained into a chilled coupette Olives to garnish

For the discerning gentleman, why not consider a carbon fibre money clip holder, a wallet from Scottish company Dalvey or a stylish personalised pen.

For the man who has everything you can’t go wrong with a watch winder for his favourite watch.

Handbag essentials are the perfect choice for her, with options from a sterling silver compact mirror, a Cross matching pen and diary, or a brightly coloured purse from Chopard.

For ladies who have a diamond collection, add some variety with bold silver and cubic zirconia jewellery in silver, rose or yellow gold plating or a jewellery roll to hold all her special pieces.

Janice Robertson is a senior sales advisor with Finnies the Jeweller. The family run business, based on George Street in Aberdeen, sets the majority of its diamond and stone set jewellery collection in-house and also features a specialist watch department.

For further information visit www.finniesjewellers.co.uk

TOP TO BOTTOM: Dalvey money clip card holder £33 Wolf coral jewellery roll £105 Silver and Rose gold Bangle £329 Chopard Rose Gold Ballpoint pen £262

36 | HEALTH

MICHIES PHARMACY KEEPING IT IN THE FAMILY

Charles Michies is a well-known and highly regarded local business which was established over 80 years ago and is still family owned. The main store on Union Street extends over three floors and has lots to offer.

The pharmacist and healthcare team can advise on a wide range of health matters, in addition to a flu and travel vaccination clinic, podiatrist and beautician. There’s even a personalised passport photo service - perfect for young children! For something

a little different this Christmas, the gift department offers an inspiring range of cards, foods and toys, to jewellery, home fragrance and festive decor.

Why not finish off your trip with a visit to the restaurant for a cappuccino and a homemade scone. Fit fine!

It used to be thought advantageous to expose your child to another with chickenpox so they would not risk getting it as a teenager or adult when it is considerably more severe. But for working parents having to take unpaid leave to care for sick children for two weeks, as all childcare and clubs are off limits, a vaccine is the ideal solution.

adults it can lead to hospitalisation.

Although not available on NHS, a simple vaccine can be administered from 9 months old. Many parents are turning to private GPs for children to have the vaccination to ensure peace of mind, avoid compromising work commitments, and to protect their children.

Small children are not usually terribly ill from chickenpox but they do suffer great irritation from the blistering spots and the risk of permanent scarring. In

6 Albyn Lane, Aberdeen AB10 6SZ Tel: 01224 040 080 aberdeen@your.gp

Ruby Tuesday Hair & Beauty

Ruby Tuesday @ Bankhead

Unit 5, Jesmond Drive, Bridge Of Don 01224 707770

7 Greenburn Road, Bankhead 01224 712834

www.rubytuesday-hairandbeauty.co.uk

391 Union St, Aberdeen AB11 6BX Tel: 01224 585312 www.michies.co.uk

FREE TASTER IYENGAR YOGA SESSIONS

TEE TIME AT INCHMARLO GOLF RESORT Recently awarded 3 stars by Visit Scotland the Inchmarlo Golf Resort is open for business after an extensive refurbishment of the café and restaurant, 9-hole course and self-catering villas. Called the Tee Room, the sunny restaurant faces lovely views of Scolty Hill and is open 9am to 8pm every day, 9pm on Friday and Saturday.

There is a new kitchen team, with homebaking and local produce to the fore. Villas can be hired from £135 per night and discounts are available on stays of seven nights or more. www.inchmarlo-golf.com

Aberdeen Iyengar Yoga are running free sessions on Saturday 16 January 2016 at South Holburn Church Hall, 539 South Holburn Street, Aberdeen AB10 7LH at 10am and 11am; and Peterculter Church Hall, 2 Craigton Crescent, Peterculter, AB14 0SB at 2pm and 3pm. The classes will be taught by fully qualified yoga teachers. Iyengar yoga concentrates on posture and breath control in order to develop strength, mobility and stability. Contact fiona.bochel@hotmail.co.uk 01224 732119.

SHARE IT WITH TREND Have some exciting news to share? We would love to hear all about it! Send us your information, press releases or promotional materials to clare@trendmagazine.co.uk for our In Brief Section.

Deadline for the February/March issue of Trend is Monday, 11th January 2016.

OLIVIA TACKLES BULLYING WITH A SONG An Albyn School pupil has written an anti-bullying song which is available on Youtube. Eleven year old Olivia Douglas wrote the music, lyrics and has performed ‘Why’ to explain the impact bullying has on the lives of children and to encourage those who have been bullied to be strong. Olivia said, 'Bullying is horrible and it is really sad to think how it makes people feel. It is an important issue for children. I wanted to write a song that explains what it does to people and how it’s important for those who have been bullied to be brave and know they can get through it.'

Olivia hopes to be able to sell downloads of the track and the proceeds will be donated to an anti-bullying charity. You can see Olivia’s performance at youtu.be/psX7rB-gWtY

Entertaining at home can be a bit hectic, but here are a few tips to make sure you’re not stuck in the kitchen all night.

Lay your dining or buffet table the day before to avoid a panic. Make some easy nibbles. Try honey drizzled chipolata sausages sprinkled with sesame seeds, or roast nuts warmed through with rapeseed oil and sea salt.

Puff pastry circles topped with cheese and chutney and baked in the oven are moreish, while shot glasses filled with warm tomato soup, a dash of Tabasco and a shot of vodka go down well.

Another crowd-pleaser is haggis rolled into balls and dipped in flour, egg and breadcrumbs then shallow fried. Yum! Keep mulled wine in a thermos flask, ready for when your guests arrive. Try placing an clove-studded orange on a radiator for a festive aroma. Above all, relax and have a great time.

239 Great Western Road, Aberdeen Tel: 01224 574484

The Terrace Lounge at The Great Western Hotel Tel: 01224 592100

Bistro Night (11th & 12th Dec)

Special Christmas Menu, all gluten free of course!

Booking essential!

New Year, New You!

Post-Christmas detox needed? Try our range of fresh fruit and veg smoothies, fantastic salads and soups, satisfying chai porridge and tasty detox flapjacks

UP TO 50% OFF!

www.something-for-me.co.uk [ Free UK Delivery, Click & Collect ] 19-25 Thistle Street, Aberdeen Tel: 01224 641388

OPEN MIC NIGHTS - EVERY MONDAY Dry aged beef available from January!

DOWNLOAD OUR APP

For offers, new lunch menu & quote #musaapp for 20% off

33 Exchange Street, Aberdeen AB11 6PH | 01224 571771 | www.musaaberdeen.com

WORDS BY EMMA LEIPER FINLAYSON

FOOD & DRINK | 45

No. 10 Bar & Restaurant

No.10 Bar and Restaurant has long been a favourite haunt with locals, welcoming everyone from the after work crowd, date night couples, to friends enjoying a tête-à-tête. After a short closure and a stylish makeover, the restaurant has returned looking and tasting better than ever.

Next up was my main dish of monkfish and king prawn skewers. It arrived with such a mouth-watering aroma that I could almost have sat there all night and inhaled it in admiration. The fish was tender and the prawns fell apart delicately in my mouth, with the minted yoghurt giving it a subtle tangy taste.

With its stone washed walls and retro trinkets, the rustic meets vintage decor gives the restaurant a warm ambience and charm.

Meanwhile my husband tackled his epic portion of Guinness-braised ox cheek puff pastry pie with thick, succulent pieces of beef covered in a thick, rich sauce.

He made a good effort to devour the dish, but had to give up to leave room for dessert.

The menu has likewise been stylishly revamped, offering a combination of traditional fare and chic dishes. Diners are spoilt for choice, with tasty offerings including moules frites, carmelised shallot, and roast loin of venison.

As neither of us could decide what to whet our dessert appetites with, we helped each other tuck into the duo of orange and chocolate and the crushed meringue Eton mess.

For starters I chose the breaded crottin of goats cheese, a delicious blend of creamy cheese with chilli and tomato jam. The cheese oozed out like melted butter and was, in a word, sublime.

Our final verdict for No.10? It should be called 10 out of 10!

My date for the evening also hit the starter jackpot with his aptly name posh prawn cocktail, served on a bed of lettuce accompanied by toasted bread.

10 Queens Terrace, Aberdeen AB10 1XL Tel: 01224 631928 info@no10aberdeen.co.uk www.no10aberdeen.co.uk

SNH NEED HELP WITH HEN HARRIERS

Scottish Natural Heritage are hoping that raptor lovers will be on the lookout for one of the country’s rarest birds of prey this winter. Little is known about where this dramatic species spends the winter, so a number of agencies have formed the Heads up for Harriers group to safeguard the species. A similar survey last Spring lead to the discovery of seven previously unrecorded pairs.

Sightings of hen harriers can be e-mailed to HenHarrier@snh.gov.uk or reported by calling 07767 671973. Please include any details of places where birds are seen (a six-figure grid reference is best), time and date of sighting, the sex of the bird and any notes on behaviour.

SHARE IT WITH TREND Have some exciting news to share? We would love to hear all about it! Send us your information, press releases or promotional materials to clare@trendmagazine.co.uk for our In Brief Section. Deadline for the February/March issue of Trend is Monday, 11th January 2016.

COME ALONG TO OUR BIRTHDAY EVENT Saturday 12th December from 9 - 4pm

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Junior Bake Off × Face painting × Cupcake decorating × Mask making ×

Opening Times

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New click and collect service now available

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As well as lots of discounts & promotions on the day!

Monday: Closed Tues/Wed: 9:30am - 5:30pm Thursday: 10:00am - 6:30pm Friday: 9:30am - 5:30pm Saturday: 9:30am - 2:30pm

Linda & Angie Thomson, Caroline Reid & Natalie Joss

Dianne Tait & Michelle Finnie

Anao-Maria Bogdan & Stefan Gheorghe

Gail Dinnes, Mhairi Miller, Lindsey Cornwell & Angela Kozak

The Finnies Team - Karen Darby, Janice Robertson, Declan Dawson, Dominique Dawson & Mary Pyper

Love Fashion WHO: Organised by Trend Productions Ltd. and Premiere Productions UK, the catwalk presentation featured some of the North-east's best fashion houses and retailers. The event was in support of Friends of Anchor, raising over ÂŁ600.

WHAT: Aberdeen fashionistas came together to enjoy a night of fabulous fashions and inspiration for the season ahead featuring Gibbs Menswear, Celebrations Ladieswear, De-Zire, Escale France, Finnies The Jeweller, Georgian Dress Hire, Country Ways, Jane Louise, @hamishmunro, Esslemonts, Bellino, Midnight Elegance, Helen Ruth Scarves, Atelier Daniel Crozier & Scottesque, as well as Coast, Wallis, Hobbs, Jigsaw, Phase Eight, Monsoon, Karen Millen, Jojo Maman Bebe, Topshop and Topman from the Bon Accord Centre.

WHERE: Over 300+ guests attended the event at the Aberdeen Music Hall.

50 | FOOD & DRINK

STUART GALLOWAY OF

Howies Restaurant

After twenty years in some of Edinburgh’s most prestigious restaurants and hotels, Stuart Galloway has been lured back to his home city, as Head Chef at the newly refurbished Howies Restaurant...

'I never set out to be a chef, I was studying graphic design at college and was working shifts as a kitchen porter to help fund my way. One Saturday night, a couple of chefs just walked out.

Faced with a very busy restaurant and no kitchen team, I was asked to step in and help out. I was utterly hooked. I guess you could say I didn’t choose the chef life, it chose me.

'I’ve been cooking for about 15 years now, and I’ve learned a lot from working with many chefs of different cultural and culinary backgrounds, particularly at the Sheraton Grand Hotel in Edinburgh. When it comes to new dishes and ideas, I love Twitter and Instagram - both are both fantastic tools for seeing what is happening in kitchens around the globe. You’re able to see images taken by chefs and diners. I keep up to speed with food trends but, to me, the most important thing is forming your own identity as a restaurant or chef.

'At Howies, we use seasonal Scottish produce from local

suppliers. We know where everything comes from, whether it’s meat from our estate or cheeses from Devenick Dairy - it’s a real field-to-fork approach. Our menus have everyone in mind, it’s a place where you can bring your granny, your auntie, mum and dad, the kids too and everyone will enjoy the food and have a brilliant time! At the moment we’re doing a lot of work on our events so I’m enjoying developing new menus for all manner of occasions.

'When I’m not in the kitchen I relax by working out at the gym or spending time with Jill, my girlfriend. A lot of chefs either snack while they work or eat late, but because I work out a lot, my fitness instructor has developed a nutritional plan for me.

At work I’ll have full fat yoghurt and berries at around 10:30am, and a chicken salad before heading to the gym on my split shift.

I do most of the cooking at home as Jill’s busy setting up her own business at the moment. That said, she does make me a killer mac ‘n’ cheese every now and then!

I guess you could say I didn’t choose the chef life, it chose me.

WORDS BY ALISON DANIELS ADVERTISEMENTS | 51

01.

03.

02.

Ingredients > 175G Smoked Salmon > 15G Olive Oil > 5G Cracked Black Pepper > 1 Lemon (Juice Only) > 250G Double Cream

Method 1 | Place the smoked salmon and oil in a blender and mix until smooth. Lightly whip the cream until it barely holds a peak. Add the lemon juice and pepper to the salmon with one scoop of cream and beat in to loosen up the salmon mix. Now carefully fold in the remainder of the cream and keep the mix in a suitable container.

Garnish > 1 Plum Tomato > 20G Mini Capers > 20G Black Olives > Fresh Herbs

2 | Torch the skin of the tomato to loosen the skin, quarter the tomato and cut out the seeds and discard. Finely dice the flesh and mix with the capers and finely diced olives. Finish with some fresh herbs such as dill or chives.

To Serve > Crème Fraiche > Horseradish > Warm Crusty Bread/Oatcakes

3 | Spread some horseradish crème fraiche on the plate with a pastry brush then using a large dessert spoon, dip it in to very hot water and use it to scoop some of the salmon mousse on to the plate. Carefully arrange the salad garnish around the side and serve with oatcakes or fresh crusty bread.

ARDOE DISCOVERS THE GIFT OF GIVING

CALA HOMES UNVEILS £10K COMMUNITY BURSARY RECIPIENTS CALA Homes (North) has announced the 12 organisations in the City and Shire which will receive a share of its £10,000 community bursary. Successful applicants include Alzheimer Scotland, who plan to run a music reminiscence group,and Woodside Junior Club, who are taking disadvantaged children to a pantomime this Christmas. Sunrise Partnership SCIO plans to purchase four puppets to use in counselling sessions with local children who have been affected by loss and bereavement, whilst Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland (Aberdeenshire) will fund an art therapist to run clay sculpture sessions for stroke groups in the region. www.cala.co.uk

JASMINE MERGES H-EVENTS AND CITRUS:MIX EVENTS Aberdeen-based Jasmine Holdings has acquired events specialist H-Events which will merge with Jasmine company Citrus:Mix Events to form a new business trading under the name 46 Degrees. The new business will be run by former Citrus:Mix managing director Morven Mackenzie, who has worked within the Jasmine Group since 2011 and will have a 49 percent shareholding in the new company. H-Events managing director Harvey Smith will remain with 46 Degrees on a part-time consultancy basis. Based in Citrus:House, Greenbank Road, Aberdeen, 46 Degrees will offer a full range of event related services. www.46degrees.co.uk

An Aberdeen hotel will be spreading festive cheer by preparing special meals to give to a local charity on Christmas day. The Mercure Aberdeen Ardoe House Hotel and Spa’s executive head chef, Richard Yearnshire, will be cooking meals for The Cyrenians in Aberdeen. Members of the Ardoe House staff committee have been supporting the charity for more than 10 years, and the meals will be hand delivered personally by Mr Yearnshire and his team. www.mercure.com

MILESTONE GRANITE EXPO IS A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

EMPIRE ADDS TO TEAM TO SUPPORT EXPANSION Empire HR has appointed Claire Buchan as its business development manager to support the firm’s growing number of clients across Scotland. Mrs Buchan, 37, spent a total of eight years with recruitment specialist Thorpe Molloy Recruitment, where she was key in establishing the HR specialism. Empire HR, which provides HR and employment law services, has also recently expanded its employment law team due to the significant growth in customer enquiries resulting from the downturn in the oil and gas industry. www.hrempire.com

A major showcase celebrating the diversity of the North-east business community has marked its milestone fifth year in Aberdeen. Granite Expo attracted more than 100 business organisations to the city’s Hilton Treetops Hotel on Thursday 29 October for the unique annual event which was created by Granite PR and managed by Business Plus Scotland. Visitors experienced a giant day of exhibiting, cross-selling, networking and knowledge sharing as well as business seminars, and a prize draw. The competition for the best stand on the day, judged by Gary Craig of Aberdeen Inspired, was won by Aberdeen Chiropractic Clinic with Inverurie’s Fennel Media in second place and Iain Burnett Highland Chocolatier in third place. www.granitepr.co.uk

CARNEGIE KNOX CHOOSE ABERDEEN CYRENIANS

ABOVE PAR FOR GRAMPIAN FOOD FORUM AT TRUMP INTERNATIONAL GOLF LINKS Over 70 Forum members had the opportunity to network in the Clubhouse and Brasserie before being seated to enjoy an imaginative six course taster menu celebrating the theme of Scotland. The courses, which underpinned some of the excellent skills available within the five star kitchen, included such delights as Speyside pork terrine, compressed apple and white pudding bonbons followed by a hazelnut chocolate ganache served with caramelised white chocolate and blood orange sorbet. For further information on the Grampian Food Forum please email grampianfoodforum@aberdeenshire.gov.uk

FRASERMEDIA CELEBRATES Award-winning communications and media company, Frasermedia, is celebrating after being awarded silver in the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) Pride Awards 2015 for the small consultancy of the year award last month.Senior PR Account Executive, Julia Bryce, was also recognised at the awards for her PR achievements to date after being awarded runner up in the Outstanding Young Communicator category. www.frasermedia.co.uk

This year Carnegie Knox Scotland have nominated Aberdeen Cyrenians as their chosen charity.

Aberdeen Cyrenians aim to meet the needs of people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or affected by homelessness in any way. They provide an appropriate range of unique, pioneering services - from prevention to resettlement - that make a real difference to the lives of individuals. Anyone wishing to learn more about the work of Aberdeen Cyrenians can visit their Summer Street head office for a tour and information on their projects. www.aberdeen-cyrenians.org

DRiNKLiNK CALLS BUSINESSES TO TACKLE ALCOHOL IN THE WORKPLACE.

FIREWALKERS’ FUNDRAISING SUCCESS FOR LOCAL CHARITY A group of almost 60 brave fundraisers took on the challenge of walking over hot coals for a local charity in early November. The Firewalkers, all of whom had pledged to walk over embers burning at approximately 500 degrees, have raised in excess of £5,000 for North-east learning disability charity Inspire PTL. The event, which took place at Queen’s Links immediately before Aberdeen City Council’s annual fireworks display, attracted crowds of spectators who came along to show their support.

The Firewalkers included Inspire’s CEO, Karen Arthur, as well as a number of people supported by the organisation www.inspireptl.org.uk

DAVIDSONS SPECIALIST BUTCHER'S STAR SCOOPS TOP INDUSTRY AWARD Scottish charity, DRiNKLiNK, was set up in 2012, to link those affected by someone else’s drinking to information services and others in similar situations.

Figures released by Norwich Union Healthcare, suggests that British businesses could be losing nearly £65 million per year, with nearly one million workers taking sick leave due to over indulgence.

The charity is creating a website that will provide information to those looking to educate themselves about alcohol misuse and give them the tool kit needed to tackle the issue within their workplace. www.drinklink.org

Inverurie’s Lisa Finnigan has scooped one of the industry’s most prestigious awards by being named UK Young Butcher of the Year. No stranger to lifting awards, Inverurie shop manager Lisa was named Young Scottish Butcher of the Year at the 2015 Meat Skills Scotland competition held by the Scottish Federation of Meat Traders Association (SFMTA) earlier this year. She also reached the finals of the Young Manager of the Year category in the 2015 Meat Management Industry Awards and has showcased her skills at various industry events, such as Taste of Grampian and the Royal Highland Show. www.johndavidsons.com

Š Marks & Spencer

56 | HOMES, GARDENS & INTERIORS

Minimalism may be serene, but sometimes you’ve got to give in to your inner diva! Luxuriate in rich colours and opulent fabrics, with our choice of fabulous interior accents. Look for rich and dramatic colours in blacks, purples, deep reds, jewel tones and metallics. Get touchy-feely with silks, velvets and tactile forms. Turn up the volume and live life in glorious technicolour...

LEFT TO RIGHT Bronze Faux Bears Head, White Faux Taxidermy £62 Large Number Text Clock, Marks & Spencer £69 Large Bottle Vase, Next £24 Blink Cushion, In-Spaces £72 Neil Vintage Retrosphere Floor Lamp, Delightfull £POA Etched Peony Dinner Plate, Marks & Spencer £6 Smoked Glass Azaire Chandelier, Houzz £795 Vintage Family Portrait Cushion, Marks & Spencer £25 Connor Armchair, MADE.COM £499 Oval Button Stool, Marks & Spencer £499 Whitehouse Chandelier, Sweetpea & Willow £795

WORDS BY ALISON DANIELS

58 | ADVERTORIAL

Enhance your home with Bon Accord They are the complete home improvement specialists who have been helping people to make the most of the place they love for more than 40 years.

And now this festive season Bon Accord has come up with a fantastic offer to make your home even more fabulous launching a not-to-be-missed opportunity to enhance your home by taking advantage of some great payment options.

The new offer, which covers both 0% credit or deferred and preferred payment, gives homeowners the chance to enjoy a much more affordable makeover and treat themselves to a range of improvements, including one of Bon Accord’s beautiful bespoke German kitchens.

All the property experts agree that’s the one place to focus on if you’re planning an upgrade.

More than ever it’s the heart of the home. No longer just a place to cook, it’s become the centre of family life, embracing dining, entertaining and relaxing - an area designed for spending quality time together.

Spread the cost with the Bon Accord FlexiPlan Enhancing your home with Bon Accord has never been easier. The Bon Accord FlexiPlan is available throughout our full product range, with packages to suit every customer.

Why not explore our finance options and find out what’s best for you?

OPTION #1 UP TO 36 MONTHS 0% APR 0% APR Representative gives you the opportunity to spread the cost of your home improvement over three years at 0% APR Representative, and keep your savings in the bank longer.

And whether it’s a complete kitchen revamp, the addition of a fabulous new extension or simply upgraded, energyefficient windows and doors - all can be purchased through new finance plans.

OPTION #2 Windows & Doors Showroom | Bon Accord House, Riverside Drive,

More than ever it’s the heart of the home... an area designed for spending quality time together.

Aberdeen Home Extension Centre | Dobbies Garden World, Lang Stracht, Aberdeen

Just imagine the transformation you could create choosing one of the Bon Accord kitchens, exclusive to the North-east, and utilising their one-stop shop service of architect and designer, joiners, electricians, plumbers and project managers to fulfil the dream.

With the financial options available the decision couldn’t be easier - it’s the choice from such a stunning collection that’s going to be the tricky part.

NOTHING TO PAY FOR FIRST 6 MONTHS

Kitchen Showroom | Bon Accord House, Riverside Drive, Aberdeen

Deferred & Preferred allows you to enjoy your new home improvement without having to make any payments for the first six months and then you can take advantage of a market-leading low rate of 4.9% APR Representative over ten years, a fixed rate for the lifetime of the loan.

*Credit is subject to application and status. Terms and Conditions apply. Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Tel: 01224 588944

Bon Accord Glass Ltd. act as a credit broker and not the lender, and

www.bonaccordglass.co.uk

offer products from a range of financial providers.

A TOUCH OF SCOTLAND | HOME & GIFTS | JEWELLERY CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES

Mulberry Home

New collections now available at

Our Festive Menu includes three courses with coffee & is available from 3rd - 24th December 2015. ÂŁ28 in the restaurant and ÂŁ29 in a private function suite.

NEW YEAR, NEW VENTURE FOR BEETROOT Leading Aberdeen food and drink group, Beetroot Restaurants Ltd, which was established in 2009, will close the doors to its fine-dining restaurant, The Courtyard, in January 2016 to launch CUE, a high quality, casual barbecue restaurant following a five-figure investment.

The restaurant group, which also includes dirty cooking style restaurant, The Adelphi Kitchen, and outside catering company, Eat Beetroot, will partner emerging hot sauce producers, Angus & Oink Ltd, for the new eatery. CUE will also boast a bar serving Southern American and Southern US-themed drinks, as well as an area for live music acts. www.wearebeetroot.co.uk

ABERDEEN PRESCHOOL NURSERY LEADS THE WAY IN OUTDOOR LEARNING Clockwork Pre-school Nursery has strengthened its commitment to Education Scotland’s Curriculum for Excellence guidelines by investing in new facilities to provide outdoor learning for its youngsters. The nursery, which is based in Altens and provides childcare from 0 to 5, recently invested £250,000 in equipment to facilitate additional outdoor play at its premises.

The nursery is playing an important role in helping Scotland to become one of only a handful of countries which explicitly include the use of the outdoor environment as important for delivering its educational curriculum. www.clockworknursery.co.uk

IF YOU GO DOWN TO MICHIE’S TODAY… How irresistible is this giant panda with his soft fur and adorable expression...and he’s super cuddly too! He’s hand made in Germany by Steiff, so he’s a very special bear indeed. His trade mark ‘button in ear’ is synonymous with superior craftsmanship and the highest of safety standards. He’s the perfect love-me-forever-teddy for your little one. £235. Available from the Steiff Collection. www.michies.co.uk

MAINS OF DRUM SIMPLY THE BEST

The Mains of Drum were voted Best Garden Centre at The Evening Express Local Retailer Awards 2015.

At the end of the glittering ceremony held at Aberdeen’s Beach Ballroom, The Mains of Drum were also crowned with the title of overall ‘Retailer of the year’. Audrey Forbes, Managing Director, collected the award on behalf of the team and said that she was delighted to win both awards. 'Everyone at The Mains of Drum has worked extremely hard to make our store the superior shopping destination that it has become and we are thrilled to be recognised in this way.' www.mainsofdrum.co.uk

INNOCENT AESTHETICS NEW SKINCARE RANGE Innocent Aesthetics have announced a new range - iS CLINICAL skincare, which includes the highly effective Fire & Ice resurfacing treatment.

The product has been pioneered in Beverley Hills and is now coveted by A-listers everywhere. The intensive treatment is designed to rapidly and safely resurface the skin, reduce fine lines, address skin problems and encourage cellular renewal. www.innocentaesthetics.co.uk

CIAO NAPOLI EXCLUSIVE ITALIAN EXPERIENCE One of Aberdeen’s longest established Italian restaurants is set to cook up a storm in January, offering a unique dining experience, which has been devised to take people on a journey throughout three regions in Italy. The exclusive event takes place on Thursday 28 January and includes a three-course meal, with wine and prosecco paired to different seasonal dishes. Diners will receive a welcome drink on arrival and get the chance to ask questions, and get top cooking tips from head chef Peppe Lepre and wine sommelier Marco Cremonesi. Call 01224 213223 for tickets. www.ciaonapoli.co.uk

JURYS INN CELEBRATE THEIR ARRIVAL AT ABERDEEN AIRPORT Jurys Inn Aberdeen Airport, formerly the Thistle Aberdeen Airport, are celebrating their first day operating under the Jurys Inn brand. The 147 bedroom hotel, located one minute from Aberdeen Airport, will undergo a significant refurbishment programme over the coming months, including the transformation of all bedrooms, featuring the new Jurys Inn bespoke ‘DREAM Bed’ with upgraded mattresses, pillows and bed linen, and refurbished public areas and meeting rooms. Jurys Inn Aberdeen Airport is located on Argyll Road, Aberdeen, AB210AF, and is only 1 mile from Dyce railway station, with a 300 space car park on site. www.jurysinns.com

SHOW-STOPPING CALA SHOWHOME NOW AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE With just a final few properties available at CALA’s popular Balgownie Gate development in Bridge of Don, the luxury housebuilder has released the striking Bryce showhome for sale. The four-bedroom detached showhome is available to purchase fully furnished with a soft grey colour palette, artwork and geometric influenced interior. The property has a spacious open-plan kitchen and family/dining area with French doors to the garden, two en-suites and single integral garage. The fully furnished Bryce showhome is priced at £449,000. Prices at Balgownie Gate start from £299,000 for a three-bedroom terraced Arthur. To book an appointment, call 01224 737806 www.cala.co.uk

LINTON & MAC LAUNCH BROW BAR Aberdeen city centre salon, Linton & Mac has officially launched its new exclusive brow bar.

Heather Dick, freelance makeup artist and salon brow stylist, is the latest addition to the Linton & Mac team due to excessive demand in the salon’s makeup services. The brow bar will be open from December offering appointments from Thursday to Saturday. The salon has also recently added a new product range, Kerastase, offering clients this extremely popular brand as well as its exclusive products from London-based salon, Windle & Moodie. www.lintonandmac.com

ORIGINAL GIFT IDEAS FOR YOUR LOVED ONES FROM MILTON ART GALLERY Step inside the Milton Gallery to find a feast of creativity. The riverside space is full of exciting handmade art in the form of paintings, prints, ceramics, glass, jewellery and sculpture, and you are bound to find the ideal original gift for someone special. The collection includes wonderful landscape paintings from Peter Goodfellow, who has just finished his well documented and controversial exhibition Treason of the Scholars in London. www.miltonart.com

66 | ADVERTISEMENTS

WORDS BY KIRSTY MCLEAN

When we think about our gardens at this time of year, it’s usually related to dull chores such as leaf collecting and tidying up, but what if I told you there is a rather more exciting garden activity that you may not have discovered?

Imagine that it’s one of those crystal clear evenings, the stars are sparking like diamonds in a pitch blue black velvet sky, and the air is crisp and still. What new world would you find if, instead of shutting the curtains and sticking on the TV... you get the covers off the outdoor furniture, set up the fire pit and prepare the candles?

Having togged up, put out the cushions along with a few throws, (there are some wonderful faux fur throws available these days) set the fire, (Firelogs are so easy and no mess) light the candles and get ready to welcome your guests - the party has started!

Mulled wine, hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows by the fire. Perhaps some hot nibbles or even get the BBQ going?

We don’t have to be stuck inside every evening during the winter when it’s dry. It doesn’t matter what size of garden you have, as long as you have somewhere to sit and a way of keeping warm it can be fun!

Scandinavian countries do it so why can’t we? If a fire pit isn’t your thing then there are some fantastic infra-red heaters that can be fitted to walls or beneath large umbrellas or awnings, (which are also a great Plan B for unpredictable weather!) and even around

tables. There are also chimineas, gas heaters... the choices are endless!

The subtle outdoor up-lighting you may already have will create atmosphere but candles and lanterns add those finishing touches. Why not complement the scene with a few strands of battery or solar powered outdoor fairy lights too, to get you in the festive mood?

There really is a great opportunity waiting to be taken advantage of in your winter garden, so get those winter woollies out along with the garden furniture and prepare to enjoy your garden all year round!

HOMES, GARDENS & INTERIORS | 67

BUSINESS | 69

BALFOUR+MANSON MAXIMISING COMPENSATION FOR CLIENTS Since opening their Aberdeen branch in 2004, leading Scottish Law firm Balfour+Manson has gone from strength to strength.

Balfour+Manson’s West End office at 38 Albyn Place is headed up by litigation partner Julie Clark-Spence.

Julie and her team have considerable experience in recovering compensation for individuals in personal injury and medical negligence claims. The team has an in-depth understanding of the industries local to Aberdeen, and are regularly instructed to act on behalf of individuals who have been injured in accidents offshore, on the roads, in the air and at sea.

The Granite City office has developed vast experience in dealing with complex and high value cases arising

out of accidents in the UK and overseas. The firm has been involved in some of the highest profile cases over the years such as the Malaysian Airlines and Clutha helicopter crashes, Piper Alpha, the Lockerbie bombing, RAF accidents and offshore helicopter ditchings.

to our clients. We understand that no two cases are the same and we pride ourselves on the service we offer during what are undoubtedly traumatic and incredibly difficult times in our clients’ lives. Our desire to maximise compensation for our clients is at the heart of everything we do’.

Julie and her team also represent individuals who have been injured as a result of medical negligence and advise their clients on cases arising out of injuries at birth, delayed diagnosis of cancer, cosmetic surgery and dentistry. Julie says, ‘We offer a personal service

Tel: 01224 498080 www.balfour-manson.co.uk

STUDENT TOTE BAGS DESIGNED TO DRUM UP INTEREST IN CASTLE Fashion and Textiles students at Gray’s School of Art have teamed up with Drum Castle to design a range of tote bags inspired by the historic building. The project has seen 36 first year students each produce their own unique design, with the cotton shopping bags set to be put into production and sold in the castle shop. www.graysartschoolaberdeen.com

PHIL ANDERSON FINANCIAL SERVICES SHORTLISTS FOR AWARD Phil Anderson Financial Services, which has offices in Aberdeen, Ellon and Caithness, has been announced as a finalist in the Professional Adviser Awards 2016.The company has been nominated in the Best Client Engagement Awards category. The winner will be announced in London in February.

Managing Director Phil Anderson commented, 'I am extremely proud of our team on getting this far in the awards and any further recognition would be a huge achievement.'

JUICY-NESS LAUNCH LITTLE BLACK DRESS DETOX Alison Macleod, managing director of Juicy-Ness, a juice and soup based detox business, is launching a special detox juice package for the Christmas party season. The programme includes three juices, packed with vegetables, drinks and a hearty soup, complete with free courier delivery. Typically, people can expect to lose at least 3lbs on a three-day detox and on average 5lbs on a five-day detox - but many of Alison’s clients have lost a lot more. www.juicy-ness.co.uk

NOBLE ISLE ADDS RHUBARB RHUBARB! FRAGRANCE CANDLE FOR WINTER Warm up those dark evenings, cosy on down beside a crackling fire and infuse your home with layers of sumptuous scent and aroma with Noble Isle’s new Rhubarb Rhubarb! Candle & Snuffer. It’s an inspiring, quintessentially British scent which imparts warmth and ambience in any room on those bracing winter evenings. Nobel Isle also offers candles in Fireside, Lightning Oak and Whisky & Water at £39 each from Liberty, Harvey Nichols, Fortnum & Mason or online from www.nobleisle.com

DISCRETION, THE BETTER PART OF VALENTINE Confidentiality and class are the hallmarks of Valentine Chauffeur Drive, which has built its enviable reputation on providing the ultimate executive transport service - consistent, dependable and, above all, with the personal touch.

As Aberdeen’s longest-established chauffeur company, it’s currently enjoying an impressive rate of growth under the expert steering of owner Graham McAteer and is about to celebrate 40 years in business.

Formerly established and run by husband and wife team Nick and Eleanor Valentine, the business was then taken over by Graham, who was delighted to continue the Valentine brand legacy and has enhanced and expanded the company’s offering. Today the new fleet boasts the first hybrid Range Rover Autobiography long wheel base vehicle in Scotland - providing an extra-spacious interior for brides and panoramic roof for better photographs.

Graham McAteer, Owner of Valentine Chauffeur Drive

The acquisition was prompted by requests for a similar vehicle from the brides themselves and that’s part of the key to Valentine’s success: listening to clients and taking the greatest care to provide for all their needs.

Not many drivers will pick you up from the airport after a holiday and stop to collect an essential pint of milk en route or provide a celebratory toast at a significant landmark for an elderly couple marking a special anniversary - and that’s on top of the uniformed door-to-door service, friendly welcome and local knowledge that comes as standard with a Valentine’s driver.

Valued by loyal businesses and private clientele alike, Valentine’s fleet of pristine cars - which includes Audi A8Ls, LandRover Discovery 4 and Mercedes Viano people carriers - are now becoming the transport provider of choice for discerning brides who particularly love their gleaming silver Mercedes S-Class Ls. But whoever the passenger, the message from Graham is universal, ‘We do our very best to make it an extra-special journey for everyone’.

Tel: 01224 312000 bookings@vcdrive.co.uk www.vcdrive.com ValentineChauffeurDrive

Not only did Trend welcome our ideas and requirements, they also added to the brief itself, resulting in an outcome which worked across all platforms, kept our brand fluid and current, and perfectly embodied our core values...

BUSINESS | 73

SUPPORTS LOCAL SWIMMING CLUB

The students at Aberdeen Amateur Swimming Club

Aberdeen-based independent financial advisory firm Central Investment has supported an award-winning local swimming club’s visit to one of the top training facilities in Europe.

Aberdeen ASC participated in a programme of activity at the Tenerife Top Training (T3) location, which offers excellent training facilities. Both the Olympic, as well as the 25 metre swimming pool, are located under the open sky and the diatomaceous earth filtration system allows comfortable training without additional exposure to chlorine.

The Club scooped the top prize of ‘Club of the Year’ at the Scottish Swimming Awards in late September 2015. The awards took place at the Edinburgh Assembly Rooms and celebrated all athletes, coaches, volunteers and local councils involved in Scottish Swimming. Central Investment contributed over £500 to the swimming club’s trip, providing the team kit for the trip.

Vice-President of Aberdeen ASC, and Director at Central Investment, Bill Ellis said, ‘Supporting this fantastic local swim club is a pleasure, the students involved are thrilled to have visited these outstanding training grounds.’

Founded in 1980, Aberdeen ASC is based in Cults at the International School of Aberdeen, is open to all ages and levels and has trained swimmers that have gone on to compete in the Olympics and Commonwealth Games.

From hospitality to housekeeping,

KMG leads the way Diana MacKenzie, Managing Director of KMG Management’s commitment to outstanding quality and customer service in the hotel and hospitality sector is known at some of Scotland’s finest hotels.

‘Hotels are my passion’, Diana enthused, ‘I believe in Quality, Service and Standards - the customer’s experience is of paramount importance, even more so in the age of social media. I love seeing people and businesses blossom’.

KMG has branched out into providing consultancy services for catering

operations in large companies with underutilised canteen facilities and an office cleaning division, with a team of 12 housekeeping staff who provide high quality cleaning services for oil company offices, hotels, corporate lets and domestic properties, all conducted under Diana’s personal supervision.

When only the very best customer service is acceptable, KMG Management is the proven choice.

Tel: 07711 210410 diana.mackenzie10@btinternet.com

competitions

Over the past fifty issues of Trend, we’ve brought you some fabulous prizes, but we’ve never done anything quite on this scale before.

Thanks to the amazing generosity of our friends and advertisers - many of whom have supported Trend since the very first issue - we have fifty incredible prizes up for grabs in our mega-competition. Meals, vouchers, short breaks, treatments and treats and even the chance to swing through the trees like an ape!

01 | Go to www.trendmagazine.co.uk and click on 'competitions'.

02 | Enter the code 'TREND50' into the answer box.

03 | Enter your details and click submit.

Prizes are won on a prize draw basis. Winners will be notified and revealed in the February/March 2016 issue of Trend.

Terms & Conditions apply with each prize, for more information please contact the prize supplier.

NO.1

NO.4

FLOWER SCHOOL VOUCHER WORTH £50

NO.3

NO.5

FAMILY VOUCHER

GIFT VOUCHER WORTH £50

AFTERNOON TEA FOR TWO

Enjoy a two night stay bed and breakfast for two at the Taynuilt Hotel in Argyll.

Impress your friends with your newly learned floristry skills with this voucher.

Have a wild time with this family voucher. A great day out!

Treat your little one to a new wardrobe with this gift voucher.

An elegant afternoon to be had with fizz and cakes galore!

from Hotel PR

from Kim Dalglish Flower School

from Go Ape

from Jojo Maman Bćbć

from The Mains of Drum

NO.6

NO.7

NO.8

NO.9

NO.10

competitions

TWO NIGHT STAY BED & BREAKFAST FOR TWO

NO.2

WIRELESS PIPER SECURITY SYSTEM WORTH £170

SET OF NAIL POLISHES

MEAL FOR TWO PLUS A BOTTLE OF WINE

GIN TASTING SESSION FOR TWO

GIFT VOUCHER WORTH £50

This wireless security system will not only look great in your home, but it also connects to your mobile devices

Glam yourself up with this selection of nail polishes, perfect for a night out!

Enjoy a meal for two at one of Aberdeen's favourites.

Experience an array of twists and flavours with this fabulous prize for any gin enthusiasts.

Dinner's on you tonight, if you win our fabulous gift voucher for a Thai treat.

from Piper Home Automation

from HJ Manicure

from Howies Restaurant

from Orchid

from Thaikun

NO.11

NO.12 GIFT VOUCHER WORTH £50

AFTERNOON TEA FOR FOUR

ORIGINAL KITTY WARK PICTURE

TWO TICKETS TO HAIRSPRAY

Top up your wardrobe with a beautiful bag from one of Aberdeen's favourites.

Indulge in some retail therapy from this city centre must!

Treat yourself and some chums to an afternoon of elegance... and cake!

Own a piece of art with this generous gift from the fine gallery at the Milton.

You can't stop the beat! Enjoy two tickets to this fabulous show when it returns to HMT.

from Nova

from Shades of Blue & Grey

from Meldrum House

from

NO.16

NO.17 OVERNIGHT STAY PACKAGE

NO.18

Roar! Win this chic leopard print scarf.

from @hamishmunro

NO.14

Milton Art Gallery

NO.15

from Aberdeen Performing Arts

competitions

HAND BAG

NO.13

OUI LEOPARD PRINT SCARF

GIFT VOUCHER WORTH £50

NO.19

GIFT VOUCHER WORTH £100

NO.20

Win a stay for two including dinner, bed & breakfast, afternoon tea & spa treatment.

Treat yourself with this generous voucher.

This £100 voucher will be enough to treat your friends and family to a slap-up meal.

Add to your wardrobe with a unique t-shirt!

from Thainstone House Hotel

from Carmelite Hotel

from Adelphi Kitchen

from Reality Dreams

T-SHIRT

NO.21

NO.22

NO.23

NO.24

NO.25

REAL LUXURY TREATMENT CANDLE

AFTERNOON TEA FOR TWO

GIFT VOUCHER WORTH £50

SILVER FACETED BRACELET

Surround yourself with aromas of relaxation and luxury with a fabulous candle.

Enjoy an afternoon tea for yourself and a lucky guest!

Treat yourself and your guests with this voucher - guaranteed to impress your friends.

Give your wrist some bling with a gorgeous bracelet.

Be the talk of your next dinner party with this handy kit.

from Preen Beauty

from Banchory Lodge Hotel

from The Cults Hotel

from Finnies The Jewellers

from The Hammerton Store

NO.26

MICRODERMABRASION GIFT VOUCHER

NO.27

iS CLINICAL FIRE & ICE RED CARPE FACIAL

NO.28 SPA PACKAGE FOR TWO

NO.29

KOSTA BODA BRICK CANDLE HOLDER

NO.30

Look good and feel fine with this treat that will leave your skin glowing.

Say hello to the new you with this fantastic treatment.

Includes back, neck and shoulders massage, lunch and fizz.

A unique designer candle holder to give your space a contemporary edge.

Win £250 worth of goodies to boost your winter wardrobe.

from Dolls House Hair & Beauty

from Innocent Aesthetics

from The House

from Chameleon

CHEESE MAKING KIT

competitions GIFT VOUCHER WORTH £250

from The White Company

NO.31

NO.32

NO.33

NO.34

NO.35

BANQUET MEAL FOR TWO & A BOTTLE OF HOUSE WINE

SUNDAY BRUNCH FOR TWO

WHISKY TASTING FOR SIX

BEAUTY TREATMENT VOUCHER

Spruce up your home with a fabulous voucher and selection of home fragrance

An a-meze-ing prize if you're in the mood for some contemporary Turkish cuisine.

Nothing better than brunch on a Sunday. You and a friend can lap it up in style!

A must for any whisky connoisseur. Be the toast of the town with this prize.

Indulge and relax. You will thank yourself for winning this glam prize.

from Treehouse Interiors

from Rendezvous at Nargile

from Malmaison

from 10 Dollar Shake

from Cloud Nine Beauty

NO.36

GIFT VOUCHER WORTH £50

NO.37

LUNCH FOR TWO WITH PROSECCO

NO.38 HANDBAG & RING

NO.39

GIFT VOUCHER WORTH £50

NO.40

GIFT VOUCHER WORTH £50

Treat yourself and others to a meal with this generous voucher.

Enjoy a delicious lunch for two people along with prosecco.

Spruce up an outfit with this elegant bag and gorgeous ring.

Indulge in some quality lingerie from Aberdeen's favourite lingerie specialist.

Fish for supper tonight! Enjoy the delicious seafood on offer with this gift voucher.

from The Dutch Mill

from Musa

from Escale France

from De-Zire

from Jack Taylor

competitions

GIFT VOUCHER WORTH £50 & HOME FRAGRANCES

NO.41

NO.44

GIFT VOUCHER WORTH £50

NO.43

NO.45

GIFT VOUCHER WORTH £50

ONE NIGHT STAY, LUNCH & SPA TREATMENT FOR TWO

ONE NIGHT DINNER, BED & BREAKFAST FOR TWO

Treat yourself to new look with this generous voucher worth £100.

Enjoy a shopping spree at one of Stonehaven's quirkiest shops.

Add some special touches to your home with this £50 voucher.

Enjoy a night away plus lunch and 25-minute spa treatment for two.

Get whisked away on a night's stay for two at this beautiful hotel.

from Ruby Tuesday

from My Beautiful Caravan

from Kellockbank Country Emporium

from Village Club Hotel

from Ardoe House Hotel

NO.46

NO.47

NO.48

NO.49

NO.50

competitions

BEAUTY VOUCHER WORTH £100

NO.42

GIFT VOUCHER WORTH £50

£50 SHOPPING SPREE

VODKA PARTY FOR UP TO 50 GUESTS

ONE NIGHT DINNER, BED & BREAKFAST

DINNER FOR TWO

Treat your friends and family to a fantastic meal with this generous voucher.

£50 worth of chocolate... need we say more!? Perfect for picking up a few extra gifts.

Enjoy a night out and nibbles for up to 50 guests at the Belmont Street hotspot.

Get away for a night of relaxation at one of Banchory's best hotels.

Enjoy a scrumptious meal for two with this gennerous prize.

from Eat On The Green

from Hotel Chocolat

from Revolution

from Tor-na-coille

from Craighaar Hotel

WORDS BY ALISON DANIELS

Sometimes you need a break to recharge your batteries.

Save the humiliation of queueing at passport control while they snigger at your photo and book yourself in for a bit of pampering at a spa closer to home...

STOBO CASTLE Nestling in the Tweed Valley, Stobo bills itself as Scotland’s only destination spa. Combining treatments, good food and some amazing accommodation, Stobo is a temple to personal health and wellbeing. If it’s a very special occasion, the Cashmere Suite is probably the most opulent room in Scotland, featuring cashmere clad walls in the bedroom and lounge and a melodramatic bathroom complete with carved limestone bath.

The castle’s luxurious spa boasts around 80 treatment options, including intriguing holistic therapies and popular face and body treatments from Neom, Phytomer and Themae. Try the

invigorating Sugar Glow, mess about in the Serailbad Mud Room or book a special offer package.

Personal training, yoga instruction or Pilates coaching is available for one or two, and there’s a full schedule of daily fitness classes ranging from chi-ball and outdoor hikes to line-dancing and burlesque! You could come home with a whole new career. www.stobocastle.co.uk

PORTAVADIE Very much the promising newcomer, Portavadie’s spectacular coastal setting means if it’s not quite in the middle of nowhere, it’s certainly on the edge! Deep in rural Argyll, a few miles from Tighnabruaich, Portavadie has been popular with the yachting fraternity for its marina, superb range of accommodation, and outstanding restaurants.

You’ll find everything from fabulous luxury designer apartments with floor to ceiling windows, mile-wide beds and deep cream leather sofas that can seat eight, to a romantic hidden hideaway for two and pristine dog-friendly self-catering cottages.

GLENEAGLES A long-term Trend favourite, the Espa Life Spa at Gleneagles is so good, it’s easy to forget that some people go to Gleneagles to play golf on the championship courses.

The spa team have won more awards than could be reasonably displayed without looking like showing off, and this is reflected in the sheer professionalism of the therapists.

As you’d expect, there’s a full menu of body treatments, including reflexology, and Ayurvedic or Oriental inspired massages, as well as exfoliation scrubs, body wraps, contouring treatments and stress-releasing options. Where Gleneagles comes into its own is the Espa life consultation and treatment plans. After a thorough consultation, Espa’s naturopath, physiotherapist and Chinese medicine specialist will design a programme of treatments to enhance your wellbeing and improve health.

largest heated outdoor infinity pool, Portavadie is also home to Scotland’s newest luxury spa. The exclusive spa building offers incredible views out over Loch Fyne, especially at sunset.

It’s an oasis of tranquillity and serenity perfect for getting away from everyday stress and rediscovering yourself. With just fourteen spa passes available, the hydrotherapy pool, loungers, steam room and sauna are never crowded and the staff have ample time to deliver a wonderful selection of treatments from Decleor and Ishga, from an incredible Indian head massage to facials which will restore your inner glow.

In addition to an indoor leisure pool, fitness suite, hot tubs and Scotland’s

There’s plenty places for a wander, or you can take the ferry over to Tarbet.

Don’t miss Polphail, an abandoned village now filled with graffiti art, which is just a ten minute stroll away. www.portavadie.com

This can include anything from a hydrocolonic to pulse analysis, weight loss, improved fitness, or acupuncture to herbal remedies and healthy eating advice. Probably best to ignore the latter

until you get home, given the presence of the Michelin starred Andrew Fairlie’s restaurant and the monumental breakfasts in the Strathearn. www.gleneagles.com

82 | EVENT CALENDAR

£50

JOIN OUR MAILING LIST Be the first to hear about upcoming Trend events and news by signing up to our mailing list. Scan the code below to enter your details...

£50

FRIDAY, 18TH MARCH 2016

FRIDAY, 22ND APRIL

DETAILS TO FOLLOW

THE MARCLIFFE HOTEL

Make sure your Spring has well and truly sprung by treating yourself to an afternoon of fun, fashion and elegance at Trend’s Fashion Lunch. Enjoy a glass of fizz and a Trend goodie bag on arrival followed by a three course lunch with coffee. Be treated to a fabulous fashion show featuring the latest Spring/ Summer 2016 collections from some of Aberdeen’s finest retailers.

Always a fabulous affair, the Trend Afternoon Tea Garden Party has become an annual must! Come along dressed to the nines and get ready to feast your eyes on the latest fashion trends, cocktails and entertainment! Enjoy raffles and prizes throughout the afternoon for the best dressed lady and the best hat! Not to be missed!

TICKETS | £50 AT WWW.TRENDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

TICKETS | £50 AT WWW.TRENDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

EVENT CALENDAR | 83

LIFE WITH STYLE AWARDS LAUNCH EVENING DETAILS TO FOLLOW Celebrate your business achievements from 2015/16 by applying for the Life With Style Awards. With over twenty awards to be won, and a varied scope of recognition it’s never been easier to enter! For more information download our application guide at www.trendmagazine.co.uk

FINALISTS EVENING DETAILS TO FOLLOW ARDOE HOUSE HOTEL & SPA

THURSDAY, 12TH MAY PERTH RACECOURSE Our previous Ladies Day at the Races almost doubled in size due to demand and it looks like we’ll repeat that success this year. An event not to be missed and should be on every fabulous fashionista’s calendar for 2016.

Enjoy breakfast at Malmaison, luxury coach travel to Perth Racecourse and back, a Pimms reception on arrival, a two-course lunch and much more...

£185

TICKETS | £185 AT WWW.TRENDMAGAZINE.CO.UK

Achieve some extra points and a chance to champion your business's efforts to impress our judges one final time before the awards ceremony. All finalists will receive recognition for their efforts, as well as a chance to network with others that are shortlisted. *By invitation only

AWARDS CEREMONY THURSDAY, 16TH JUNE ARDOE HOUSE HOTEL & SPA You’ve put in the hard work, now comes the fun part! It’s the Life With Style Awards 2016. Enjoy an evening of entertainment along with a chance to win not only an award, but also some fabulous raffle prizes. *Tickets not for sale to the public. Please contact events@trendmagazine.co.uk to enquire.

84 | ADVERTISEMENTS

WORDS BY ALISON DANIELS

Aberdeenshire artist Fiona Michie draws on folklore and fairy tales to inspire her haunting works on paper...

‘As children, my brother and I would sit by the fire while our mother told us tales of the Green Lady of Fyvie or the Wandering Soldier of Foggie Hill. I loved reading ghost stories and supernatural tales. I now tell my own stories through my drawings.

‘Drawing is part of me. Much of my work is the visual equivalent of the Victorian gothic romance novel. My drawings can be small or up to two metres long and a metre and a half wide. They are of young women roaming woodlands, ruins and moonlit rooms.

‘My ideas often start with a fleeting image, taken from a moment in my daily life, or sometimes an image in a magazine or a film still. I keep it in mind, then make sketches, take photos then create my composition. For me, it’s a very intuitive and organic process and I always work from my gut, allowing the drawing to become its own.

‘I took a degree in printmaking, then a Masters in Contemporary Drawing. I love working with compressed charcoal, pastels and watercolours.

Charcoal fits so well with the ideas behind my work.

I also love the simplicity of black and white and its symbolic references; darkness to light, light into darkness, life and death.

‘I have a solo exhibition planned for His Majesty’s Theatre in the Dress Circle exhibition gallery this year and have two books of illustrations due out early in 2016.'

For information about commissions from Fiona contact info@fionamichie.com Fiona Michie - Artist www.fionamichie.com

86 | MUSIC

Granite City Song Bird The rise of ‘Fearless’ Cameron Jay The North-east has been blessed with many talented musicians through the years, with the likes of Annie Lennox and Emeli Sandé storming the charts and flying the flag for female singer/songwriters in Aberdeen. With the release of local singer, Cameron Jay’s first EP ‘Fearless’, it’s safe to say that we’re about to welcome another Aberdonian starling to the group.

Having spent the last three years establishing herself as one to watch in the music industry, it’s clear from speaking to her that 26 year old Cameron has music in her blood. ‘There was never a plan B for me,’ she explains, ‘I knew I wanted a career in music from a young age.’

Influenced by musical giants Celine Dion and Christina Aguilera, Cameron has found her own distinct sound for ‘Fearless’. A mix of soul and R&B, Cameron’s voice resonates in the dulcet melodies. With lyrics such as ‘I'm facing my fears and drying my tears’ in the poignant, ‘Angels and Demons’, it’s clear that Cameron writes from the heart.

‘I want to create music that allows me to express myself. Getting to the point of releasing my own music hasn’t been easy. Everything I’ve been through has led to the creation of ‘Fearless’. This is my first moment in my career where I am speaking of my own experiences. I hope my music inspires others to stay strong and trust in who they are.’

And so with her first EP complete, what’s next for Ms Jay? ‘I’m working on promoting ‘Fearless’ and I'd like to film a few videos for the songs. On a larger scale, I have a vision of going to the States in a few years to record my first album and I am excited about starting the recording process all over again.'

Keeping busy then? ‘Absolutely! Being an independent artist means I have to do everything on my own, which is tough, but it also means that I can do things my way and be true to myself and my music, and that’s what’s most important to me.’

As an aspiring singer who was told at high school to get a realistic dream, thank goodness Cameron Jay didn’t take heed. ‘Fearless’ is merely an introduction to this rising star.

WORDS BY ALISON DANIELS

WORDS BY ALISON DANIELS

THE CHAKRA KITCHEN Sarah Wilkinson Subtitled Feed your Body to Nourish your Spirit, the recipes are designed to work in harmony with the Ayurvedic energy centres of the body to help optimise wellbeing. Mystical aspects aside, the fresh and organic vegan ingredients are gluten free, so everything is very healthy. You’ll find everything from soups to salads and curries to cakes, with a useful section on ingredients and Sarah’s approach to healthy eating.

RAW FREEDOM Saskia Williams

At this time of year, we’re either trying to drop a few pounds to avoid bulging out of our party outfits or in the throes of a New Year healthy eating phase that involves eating more fruit and veg and swearing off having Peanut M&Ms for breakfast.

Low fat, fasting, vegan, raw, paleo…with over 69,000 different diet and nutrition books listed on Amazon alone, it’s difficult to know where to start, so we thought we’d check out a few of the latest healthy eating and nutrition guides…

Saskia Williams has pulled together a collection of raw recipes that not only taste good, but do you good too. Drawing heavily on a vegan approach, this book provides an accessible introduction to eating raw foods without being sanctimonious or too difficult to fit round your lifestyle. Granted many of the recipes require more preparation than grabbing a sandwich at lunchtime, but Saskia’s recipes leave you feeling full, energetic, healthy and about ten pounds lighter after six weeks.

THE SIRTFOOD DIET Aiden Goggins & Glen Matten Set to be the diet phenomenon of the year, SIRTfoods are a recently discovered group of everyday plant foods which switch on 'skinny gene' pathways in the body. They help the body to burn fat, increase muscle and improve health, promising an average 7 pounds loss in 7 days with increases in muscle mass, wellbeing and energy.

88 | DESIGN

In a world of flat-pack furniture,Tom Cooper couples traditional craftsmanship with fluid design to make desirable furniture that will last for generations.

Here, he shares his approach to creating a bespoke piece… was always very artistic as a child, so I chose to do an art and design foundation course after I left school’, Tom explained. ‘After graduating, I was torn between taking a degree in furniture design in Edinburgh and studying sculpture in London, but I was dissuaded from a life as a penniless artist!

sit in its environment. This gives us key words for the design and notes covering the shape, colours and mood of the space and a rough budget for the piece. From this I will produce a hand drawn artistic impression of the piece, giving the customer a couple of design options as well as showing them timber samples.

‘After my degree, I worked for a timber merchant, but was made redundant in 2004. I set myself up as a furniture designer-maker and now have my workshop in the beautiful grounds of Newbattle Abbey in Dalkeith.

'Once a design has been agreed, I’ll produce a scaled technical drawing or sometimes an exact scale model using the same timber to help the customer visualise it. Then full scale working drawings are made. Every aspect of the making is carefully considered, from the preparation of the timber to the final sanding and finishing, which can often take as long as making the piece. I’m particularly pedantic about the details and construction quality of the furniture I make, I will not sign the piece until I’m completely happy with every aspect.

‘I make all types of furniture, from tables, chairs and cabinets to fully fitted wardrobes, kitchens and book shelves, as well as smaller bespoke items such as jewellery boxes and turned bowls. Most of my pieces are made in locally sourced Scottish hardwoods, such as oak, elm and sycamore but I also use more exotic imported timbers such as walnut, wenge and rosewood.

‘The customer is closely involved in the design process.

Together, we explore what they want the piece of furniture to do, how they want it to look and how it will

‘My customers are encouraged to visit the workshop while the piece is being made to check over the details and timber selection and to establish a completion and delivery date.

‘When you factor in all the money an average person would spend on mass produced furniture compared to a hand crafted piece, buying bespoke probably works out cheaper. It’s something that is unique to your family and can be passed down through the generations.

‘I work about 60 hours a week, with it taking me about four to six weeks to make a dining table and six to eight weeks to make a sideboard. It depends on the complexity of the design, because there’s a certain amount of invention and experimentation involved, but I love the challenge'.

Several of Tom’s pieces can be seen at Teasel and Tweed on Rosemount Viaduct in Aberdeen or in his workshop.

He also exhibits at the Aberdeen Art Fair, Peebles Wood Market and the annual Scottish Furniture Makers Exhibition.

Tel: 0131 663 4844 tom@tcfinefurniture.co.uk Tom Cooper Fine Furniture www.tcfinefurniture.co.uk

WORDS BY ALISON DANIELS

90 | FAMILY

They say that the best things in life are worth waiting for. That theory was tested to its limits in the case of a world-class facility for swimming and diving in Aberdeen. Happily, the Aquatics Centre, which is the latest addition to Aberdeen Sports Village, was worth the wait.

Officially opened in May 2014, the ÂŁ22 million multi-purpose facility was a collaborative effort between the University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen City Council and sportscotland, and is accessible to the entire community. Designed by FaulknerBrowns Architects, the building is separated into two distinct areas, one for swimming and one for diving, which flow seamlessly together, creating a synergy in both form and function between the two sports.

The gleaming Olympic-standard fifty metre pool is bathed in natural light and brimming with cutting edge equipment and technology. From the moveable boom that can divide the pool in two, to the underwater cameras, this is a pool equally suited for hosting international competitions, training performance swimmers or teaching youngsters their first strokes.

WORDS BY COURTNEY O’GRADY

FAMILY | 91

The diving pool... will take your breath away, and that is before the diving begins.

The diving pool, one of only ten in the UK with the full complement of springboards and platforms, will take your breath away, and that is before the diving begins. Even from the elevated spectator area, the ten metre platform seems impossibly high. Fortunately, the bottom of the twenty-five metre pool below can be lowered which, combined with the water-cushioning system, means anyone can safely have a go, if they dare.

Both pools run a comprehensive programme of public sessions, private tuition and club training. If you are more likely to find yourself spectating, the Centre’s café makes a great coffee, or maybe you would prefer to melt your cares away in the sauna and steam room. Whatever brings you to the Aquatics Centre, you will know as soon as you walk through the door that this place is exactly what Aberdeen was waiting for.

aberdeensportsvillage.com

92 | HISTORY

© Isobel Gibson

HISTORY | 93 ADVERTISEMENTS

WORDS BY COURTNEY O’GRADY

There is something deeply intriguing about the concept of incarceration, even to those of us who make our best efforts to stay on the right side of the law.

That is not to say that anyone would choose prison over freedom, but we might like to pretend for a few hours if we knew the locks would stay open.

the museum actually stands within the original Wardhouse, where Aberdeen’s accused were once remanded while awaiting trial and punishment.

At the bottom end of Union Street, tucked in beside the Aberdeen Sheriff Court, the Tolbooth Museum gives you the chance to do just that in a magnificent old jailhouse that has been standing since the early 1600s. Still referred to as the Tolbooth because of its history as the seat for local government,

Before reaching the top of the first set of tight, twisting stone stairs, I knew that I would not have fared well here. The quarters are tight, daylight is minimal, the now-rusted locks are enormous and it is easy to imagine how cold this place must have been in the dead of winter.

Before reaching the top of the first set of tight, twisting stone stairs, I knew that I would not have fared well here.

Throughout the museum, relics of a bygone, often corporal punishment system are on display, alongside stories of Aberdeen’s earliest lawbreakers. But the greatest relic of all is the building itself - which saw women accused of witchcraft, Jacobites defeated at the Battle of Culloden, even a few resourceful prisoners who masterminded their own escapes.

Like all good museums, the Tolbooth immerses its visitors in the past whilst conveying the impact that history has on the future. No longer do we see prisoners packed into small cells like sardines or publicly humiliated at gatherings in the town square, and it might just be thanks to someone who served time here at the Tolbooth. www.aagm.co.uk

Š Burton

MENS | 95

WORDS BY ROBIN MILLER

Featureflash / Shutterstock.com

earing a suit might not be part of your work attire, but that shouldn’t quell the desire to own one. A good suit is a wardrobe powerhouse offering surprising versatility. So how do you choose one that’s right for you?

You’ll need to consider cut, colour and fabric, but it’s all about the fit. Most ‘off the peg’ suits are made slightly longer, but are easily altered. Never buy a suit if the legs or sleeves are too short. Pay particular attention to the shoulders. Get them right and you are well on your way to looking good.

a longer body length to minimise this.

The double breasted jacket can work well with jeans or chinos.

Two or three button single breasted suits are the most fashionable style.

The notch lapel is popular but a peak lapel creates the illusion of length to the line of the suit. A lapel, regardless of type, should be in proportion to your body shape. If you are broad, avoid a narrow lapel. The shawl lapel should be reserved for dinner jackets.

Stick to dark blue, charcoals and dark greys. Few people really suit black.

It will wash out your complexion.

Light greys can work, but are less practical and best for spring and summer. Avoid accentuated patterns such as thick pinstripe or over checks, they can ruin the line of the suit and are less versatile when trying to dress it down.

Most suits are made from a blend of wool and manmade fibres. This provides hard wearing and warmth with some breathability. Stick to the wool blend, tweeds are too heavy for summer while linens and cottons are impractical for winter wear. Keeping it simple creates greater versatility while keeping your suit timeless.

01 | Magee 1866, at Georgian Dress Hire 02 | Marks & Spencer 03 | Dune

Double breasted suits are making a comeback too. The squarer cut can make you look shorter, so look for

04 | Jigsaw 05 | Jaeger 06 | Next

society

Darren Thow, Louisa Mccallum with Jan & Paul Paxton

Bruce & Alison Reid

Ten out of No.10!

WHO: Over 200 loyal customers, family, friends and business associates gathered to celebrate the beginning of an exciting new era for No.10 Bar & Restaurant which has been completely transformed over the last three months, expanding into its neighbouring building to create a new stylish restaurant with private dining facilities, as well as updating its much-loved bar area.

WHERE: No.10 Bar & Restaurant, 10 Queens Terrace, Aberdeen.

WHY: Following a major refurbishment, No.10 Bar & Restaurant has officially opened to the public.

Read our review of No.10 Bar & Restaurant in Trend Tries on P44.

Sandra & Mal Boyes

Adele Williams, Robert Voorven Vag & Gina Tait

Julia Willett, Suzanne Park & Sarah Forbes

Julia Bryce And Danielle Mcallister

Colin Fraser & Claire Gordon

Derren Mcrae, Allan Henderson & Alan Aitken.

Bernie Burr & Fiona Black

society

Peter Holmes, Tony Stevens, Steven Adams, Adrian Stewart & Martin Lennon

Tricia Cunningham & Steph Imrie

Alan Gibson & Kirsty Macdonald

Lorraine & Colin Smith

David & Linda Robertson

Kay & Laura Duncan

Jade Homan, Julie Mcadams & Lindsey Howie

Kellie Robertson & Lilian Saruchera

Sean Brookes, Andrew Mcloughlin & Anthony Simler

A Grand Entrance!

WHO: Dominvs Group’s new Crowne Plaza Aberdeen Airport hotel officially opened in a grand ceremony attended by partners, consultants, colleagues and local stakeholders, including contractor McAleer & Rushe, architect Dexter Moren and Intercontinental Hotels Group.

WHAT: Crowne Plaza Aberdeen Airport Opening

98 || KIDS ADVERTISEMENTS 98

Whether it’s birthdays or Christmas, parents will tell you that kid’s parties can be horribly competitive and stressful.

WORDS BY ALISON DANIELS

Robot Heroes Plate, Neviti

Taking a squadron of children to ride ponies, become Disney Princesses, or go ice-skating may be ruinously expensive, but at least someone else has to vacuum up the glitter. Let’s face it, the kids would probably have as much fun toasting marshmallows over a campfire and getting covered in mud. So relax, dial it down a notch, choose a theme and have a good time with games and activities.

Here’s our pick of the best party kit for little ones…

Party Popcorn Boxes, DaWanda Little Bird Cake Stand, Neviti

Robot Heroes Lunch Bunch, Neviti

19 High Street, Inverurie AB51 3QA 01467 624531

www.trendytreads.co.uk

CHRISTMAS TREES ON SALE NOW! Come along and pick a fresh local tree to celebrate the festive season.

SANTA’S GROTTO OPENS SATURDAY 5TH DECEMBER 12 - 4PM Visit Santa in his magical grotto and play in Hoodles for a fantastic price, 1 - 2yrs £6.50, 2yrs + £7.50

HAPPY NEW YEAR! HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Check out the Hoodles website for our fantastic Party Packages, Full of fun for the child and mess and stress free for all adults!

North Mains of Barra, Oldmeldrum | 01651 873813 playbarn@hoodles.co.uk | www.hoodles.co.uk

102 | WHAT'S ON

CULTURE CHRISTMAS A festive favourite - Celebrate a Victorian Christmas at Delgatie Castle Tickets £5 from www.delgatiecastle.co.uk (Until 6th)

Culture! Woodend Barn in Banchory is the venue for a live broadcast of Pagliacci and Cavelleria Rusticana from the Royal Opera House. Also at Vue Cinema in Aberdeen.

CHRISTMAS

MUSIC

The Norwegian Church at 41 Regent’s Quay has a Norwegian Christmas Fayre from 11-3pm Snap up some Nordic delicacies or crafts.

Glaswegian favourites Texas stop at the AECC during their UK tour. Tickets at www.aberdeenperformingarts.com

CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS

The Aberdeen Winter Festival continues with a range of activities for the whole family to enjoy. The ice rink and neighbouring activities will be present within Union Terrace from the end of November to early January. Various venues involved, for a schedule visit www.aberdeeninvestlivevisit.co.uk

CHRISTMAS Head to Crathes Castle for Christmas on the Home Front. www.nts.org.uk

Royal Scottish National Orchestra presents 'The Snowman' at the Music Hall, Aberdeen. www.aberdeenperformingarts.com

ARTS & CRAFTS HISTORY Find out how to use Ancestry.com and Find My Past with experts from the Local History department at Bucksburn Library from 2-4pm.

Last minute shopping? Try the FOCUS Craft Fair in Stonehaven Town Hall or Banchory’s Farmers Market.

HOGMANAY Returning to the Aberdeen Music Hall is the ever popular Hogmanay party which once again will feature some of Scotland's finest traditional music, song and laughter. Find out more at www.aberdeenperformingarts.com

WHAT'S ON | 103

MUSIC STAND-UP Bad Manners bring their brand of mayhem to The Tunnels. For more information visit www.seetickets.com

CINEMA Fancy a night at the ballet? Vue has a Frederick Ashton double bill beaming live from the Royal Opera House www.myvue.com

CHARITY Make a fresh start to the new year by by taking a chilly dip in the water at Stonehaven whilst raising funds for CLIC Sargent. This unique celebration is always great fun and a fantastic way for groups of friends, family and colleagues to welcome in the new year. www.clicsargent.org.uk

THEATRE Have your lederhosen at the ready because the hills are alive! The family favourite The Sound of Music begins its week run at HMT. For tickets & more visit www.aberdeenperformingarts.com

HEALTH Make an altruistic start to 2016. Donate some blood at Kippie Lodge from 4 - 7.30pm Check www.scotblood.co.uk for other times and venues.

THEATRE The Classic Rock Show 2016 hits Aberdeen at the Music Hall. www.aberdeenperformingarts.com

THEATRE Mysterious goings on with Miss Marple’s A Murder is announced at HMT www.aberdeenperformingarts.com

Get snap happy with Scotland’s favourite kilted treasure for an evening of gloriously camp, no-holds-barred comedy... live and unleashed! Begins 8pm at the Lemon Tree. Details at www.aberdeenperformingarts.com

WORDS BY PETER MITCHELL

Most folk dread the onset of senior moments in their lives but not the affable Ayrshireman Paul Girvan, who is director of golf at the Craig Group’s pioneering Kings Links Golf Centre.

'I have turned 50 so I am now eligible for the Seniors tours and you only have to look for inspiration to the success of my Ayrshire contemporary Colin Montgomerie on the American circuit,' said Paul, a former boys, youths and full international who joined the Prestwick St Nicholas club at the age of 12 and owes a lot to his dad, Raymond, still a handy player in his 70s.

Paul reached the zenith of amateur golf when he made the Great Britain and Ireland Walker Cup team that, sadly, lost heavily to the Americans at Sunningdale in 1987.

'It was men against boys,' Paul added. 'The Americans had warmed up by playing in two US pro tournaments so were used to the razzle-dazzle of TV cameras and thousands of spectators.

Not us. Never mind, it was a fantastic experience and inspired me to turn professional in 1989.'

The following year, he signed up as senior assistant at the Kings Links centre with Banchory’s Bruce Davidson and Paul became head teaching professional in 1996 and director of golf eight years later. 'We have just celebrated 25 years in business and are proud of the plaque we received to mark the occasion from Sandy Jones, the chief executive of the PGA,' said Paul. 'We are first and foremost the leading golf centre in the North-east with a variety of offerings: expert golf tuition, custom-fit services, a large retail superstore and driving range facility, and coaching

software that has enabled us to take expert tuition to a high level,' he added.

'Now is the perfect time to learn the game. We have three teaching and custom-fit studios where you can get private tuition and we send a videofile of your swing to your home. Even buying clubs has entered a new dimension, and our custom-fit service is the largest in the North-east. Our motto is: see it fly before you buy.'

The Kings Links Golf Centre, which enjoys ample parking, must be doing something right. Open seven days a week, it gets 75,000 people through its doors every year, many of them using the 56-bay floodlit driving range and hitting 6 million balls into the bargain. And the Craig Group’s commitment to golf extends to sponsoring Kings Links professional Scott Henderson on the Tartan Tour, fellow Aberdonian Richie Ramsay on the European Tour, Scott Henry on the Challenge Tour and Heinrich Bruiners on the Sunshine Tour in South Africa.

But let’s give Paul the last word. Don’t think he is a deskbound figures man; just cast a glance to a trophy on a shelf in his office.

It is a replica of the Open championship’s Claret Jug and is played for annually by Kings Links staff. Guess who has won it three times in the last four years? Yes, Paul has put the whippersnappers in their place. Trend wishes him many happy ‘Senior’ moments.

Golf Road, Aberdeen AB24 1RZ Tel: 01224 641577 kings-links.com

THE LAST WORD | 105

106 | COMPETITIONS

trendy

competition

locations

Email us at trendylocations@ trendmagazine.co.uk with a picture of you holding a copy of Trend against the backdrop of your favourite holiday destination. Don’t forget to include your name and details of your trip. We’ll publish our readers’ most inspired pictures from domestic or overseas travels and the most ‘trendy’ contribution will receive a sleekster of chocolates from Hotel Chocolat to be enjoyed on return to Aberdeen.

winn er

We had some excellent prizes up for grabs in our last issue, so we have lots of happy winners.

Myah & Rhea Walker / Walt Disney World, Orlando Emma Fraser / Bali

Depending on when they get started, the winners of our Ardbikie Vodka may be pretty happy by now, so if you see Dorothy Greig, Alison Booth, Jana Najmanova, Ben Smith, Erin Brown, Rona Black, Joanne Mutch, Elaine Brown, Paul Greenall, or Florence Clifton dancing on the tables, you’ll know why.

Sandra McIntosh and Rona Nealgrove each won a pair of tickets to The Sound of Music at HMT, while Richard Forte will have no excuse to be late since he won a Wolf Watch Winder from Finnies.

Valerie Paterson will be off to Edinburgh for a stay in a luxury serviced apartment while Kathryn Groundwater wins our stay and dinner at the Craighaar Hotel in Aberdeen.