Sunny outlook
Interiors go coastal
Mudpacks Marienbadin
Continental Spa Breaks
the city’s bespoke bag maker
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Sporting chance: Weird Olympic Sports 08 Beauty: Here comes the sun 10
FOOD & DRINK
30 Special Brew: Raise a glass to local beers 34 Mara’s maestro: meet Ross Cochrane 36 Win a dinner and a stay at The Coorie Inn in Perthshire
GOING OUT
6 6 Six of the best: live your best life in July and August
62 Society: All the frocks, all the faces
60 Trend events: book now
52 Kids: A little culture
20 Win theatre tickets to An Officer & A Gentleman at HMT
FASHION
22 Passion for fashion: the prettiest prints & patterns
28 Fashion editorial: Tropical Breeze
50 Bags of originality: meet Knoti’s Finlay Keith
HOMES, INTERIORS &GARDENS
46 Sunny outlook: interiors with a coastal vibe
54 Gardens: Kirsty McLean’s feelin’fruity
TRAVEL, LIFESTYLE & LEISURE
57 Charity focus: Befriend a Child
58 Mudpacks in Marienbad: European spa breaks
64 Behind the Business: Meet Ruth and Alex Grahame of SugarBird Wines
FROM THE EDITOR
Hello again,
Welcome to our 100 th issue. We’re still in two minds about admitting it as we like to think we don’t look a day over 35!
Trend is very much a community magazine and everyone’s part of the team. Some of us have been here right from the start and others are more recent additions. We’re so fortunate to work with some amazing designers, photographers, writers, models, admin, sales and events people.
It’s our readers and our advertisers that are really special however. We’ve come through slumps in the oil price, Brexit, the pandemic and cost of living crisis and have supported each other no matter what the global economy, dubious political manoeuvring and tiny viruses can throw at us. We’ve discovered how to take care of ourselves because it’s clear that we won’t get a lot of support from elsewhere.
Along the way, we’ve showcased local businesses, restaurants, bars and a great many local places and activities. We’ve hosted fashion shows, days at the races, awards nights and garden parties. We’ve seen and coveted some incredibly stylish outfits. We’ve tried kendo, flying helicopters and walking over hot coals. We’ve rounded up some incredible prizes and supported some outstanding local artists, makers, designers and charities with free space in the magazine, bringing them to a wider audience. On top of all that, we’ve raised the best part of £100,000 for local charities. We couldn’t have done it without you. You’re all part of Team Trend.
Thank you all so much for being part of Trend’s success story and here’s to the next hundred issues.
Love, Everyone at Trend x
PUBLISHED BY
TREND PRODUCTIONS LTD
PO Box 11858, Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire AB39 9AN info@trendmagazine.co.uk trendmagazine.co.uk
DIRECTOR Gill Buyers gill@trendmagazine.co.uk
EDITOR Alison Daniels alison@trendmagazine.co.uk
ADVERTISING Clare Findlay clare@trendmagazine.co.uk
DESIGN Claire Grant cgrant@trendmagazine.co.uk
ACCOUNTS Jill Walker jwalker@trendmagazine.co.uk
PRINT Stephens & George Print Group
Contributors
Kirsty McLean gardendesignscotland.com
On the Cover
MODEL
Stephanie Walker of Premiere Productions
PHOTOGRAPHER
Donna Murray donnamurrayphotography.com
THANKS to our retailers Hamishmunro, Lolo + Co, Tiger Lily Boutique and Bellino.
Our last issue had some really interesting prizes up for grabs. Carol Eady and her guest will be swanning off to the rather posh Rutland in Edinburgh for dinner and a stay. StevenWalker will be hitching up his caravan because he won our competition for camping, entry and lunch at Nick Nairn’s pop up restaurant at the GWCT Scottish Game Fair at Scone Palace. Elaine Mowatt and Jill Marnoch each scored a pair of tickets to Lord of the Dance at HMT.We’re sure they’ll all have a fabulous time.
01 02 03
WHEREFORE ART THOU? ROMEO AND JULIET AT DRUM CASTLE
Shakespeare’s angstridden teen romance comes to Drum Castle of August 3rd, as part of an outdoor tour that takes in Leith Hall and Aboyne Green, too. Book at ticketsource.co.uk booking/ select/EVtjpXfGZYJAmssociety. org.uk/get-involved/fundraise/ adrenaline/abseiling
PICTURE THIS: ART ABOYNE
Art Aboyne runs from July 20th to August 10th, with around 40 artists working across a range of subjects and media. See who’s on show at artaboyne.co.uk or combine it with a trip to the Aboyne Highland Games on August 3rd for a full day of cabers and chiaroscuro.
BATTLE IT OUT: FYVIE CASTLE’S FESTIVAL OF 1644
Journey back to the time of Royalists and Covenanters for a weekend packed with living history, battle re-enactments, falconry displays and much more. Hopefully the catering will remain contemporary. Book at eventbrite.co.uk/ e/1644-travel-back-in-timetickets-871846906 567?aff=ebopdstthelist
Make the most of summer with outdoor events and activities across the city and shire. July and August offer a host of outdoor entertainment...
04 05 06
RETRO ROLLERS: BANFF CASTLE ROCKS
Time travel of a different kind at Banff Castle, where the Bay City Rollers headline the festival’s line up of Tribute bands on 31st August. See skiddle.com/ festivals/banffcastlerocks/?
sktag=14204 for details and tickets. If you prefer your Rollers with four wheels, there’s also Banff’s Classic Car Day on July 21st .
NEIGH BOTHER: CRATHES CASTLE CARRIAGE RIDES
Indulge your Bridgerton fantasies (within reason, please) by booking a Clydesdale Horse drawn carriage ride round Crathes Castle Estate on 11th August and selected weekends. Book at eventbrite.co.uk/e/horse-drawn -carriage-tour-of-crathes-estatea-clydesdale-experience-tickets811255155007?aff= ebopdstthelist
STAY INSIDE THE LINES: SCOTTISH FESTIVAL OF ILLUSTRATION IN HUNTLY
Huntly’s Festival of Illustration kicks off with the best in Scottish illustration and animation. Check out the fascinating exhibition, screenings and events for all ages from 28th August. Discover more at illustrationhuntly.com/
This summer, the Olympic Games come to Paris for a couple of weeks of physical prowess and lunging about in Lycra. We thought we’d take a look at some of the stranger sports to have featured in previous Olympics…
The first Paris Olympics, back in 1900, featured Live Pigeon Shooting, which we reckon the RSPB would have firm opinions on these days. The winner massacred 21 of our feathered friends in a matter of moments, with over 300 birds being blown to bits in the name of sport.
1900 seems to have been a bumper year for strange Olympic sports as both the Swimming Obstacle race and Basque Pelota featured. In the former, the competitors had to climb poles, swim under some boats and clamber over others. On reflection, they had it easy compared to the Pelota people who had to master a complicated mix of handball, squash, lacrosse and jai alai that has 4 possible court sizes and 14 different sets of rules to choose from depending on the kit available. Only the French and Spanish teams signed up. The Spanish triumphed when the French withdrew. Possibly due to some difficulty finding where the game was being played.
Early Olympics weren’t always big on health and safety. 1908 saw possibly the most dangerous Olympic event in the form of pistol duelling. Competitors were kitted out in padded coveralls and fencing masks and fired wax bullets at each other over a 20 metre and 30 metre distance. We’re not entirely clear on how the competitors
found people to practice their duelling skills with, or whether competitors only required the confidence to let someone take pot-shots at them rather than previous experience. Either way, the UK had very little chance of success given that duelling was made illegal here over 80 years before the 1908 Games.
There can’t be many sports where just entering guaranteed an Olympic medal, but Singlesticks, later known as La Canne, was a form of fencing using thick wooden staves. The 1904 Olympics featured just three competitors, all from the USA, all of whom went home with a gong.
Rope Climbing made it out of saggy-shorted school gym classes to feature in the Games four times, with the final appearance in 1932. We like to think it was dropped when all the competitors arrived with forged notes from their mothers.
Lastly, let’s go back to 1900 and the sublime sport of Poodle Clipping. This attracted 128 competitors and must have involved rounding up half the poodles in France since the competitors were judged on numbers of poodles clipped. For some reason, no thought was given to providing each competitor with a standardised selection of poodle sizes or coat conditions, nor was the artistic quality of the outcome taken into account. The winner clipped 17 poodles in two hours, doubtless leaving the prized pooches’ owners aghast and unable to take poor Fifi la Froufrou out for a stroll along the ChampsÉlysées for months afterwards.
Here comes the sun
Ah, the sun! It’s a fine balance between healthy, radiant skin as you bask in the warming rays and looking like a disgruntled raisin if you overdo it…
Accumulated exposure to UVA and UVB radiation in sunlight can cause changes in the skin which make us look older. It’s called photoaging and we needn’t burn to damage our skin. It’s perfectly possible to experience the symptoms of photoaging in the grey Granite City.
Typically, photo aging means we develop wrinkles, dark spots of pigmentation sometimes known as liver spots or age spots and drooping, inelastic skin. In some cases, if we’ve spent decades lying on sun lounger, the skin becomes leathery or develops a yellowish tinge. We can also develop little patches of broken capillaries or even skin cancer.
The natural response is to reach for the sun tan lotion, but a recent study by Which Magazine showed that several well-known brands fail to deliver the level of protection claimed and failed their tests. Conversely, bargain buys from Aldi and Lidl performed well.
Dr. Siobhan of the Terrace Aesthetic Clinic advised, ‘Prevention is definitely better than cure. I recommend an SPF50 to avoid sun damage. Your foundation or tinted moisturiser may include an SPF rating, but it’s almost certainly not as good as a dedicated product which will last all day. In part this is because it’s important to protect areas of the skin that are exposed to UVA and UVB radiation like the hands, neck, tops of the ears, chest, arms and legs where we don’t wear foundation.’
Marina Mackay of Aesthetic Beauty Inverurie added, ‘It’s particularly important to ensure you’re well-protected if you have light, fair skin, spend a lot of time outdoors either for work or leisure or are older, as you may be more susceptible to photoaging.’
‘If you do have the signs and symptoms of photoaging, there are treatment options that will help reverse the damage. That said even where the skin already shows signs of photoaging, it makes sense to wear an SPF of at least 30 for 4-5 hours in daylight. Wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses and staying in the shade can also help reduce further damage.
‘Brightening products can help reduce and remove pigmentation, but it can take several months of application before you see a real difference. A chemical peel will help resurface the skin if you need a faster result. Laser treatments and Dermapen microneeding are the gold standard for rejuvenating the skin and tackle a wide range of skin issues as well as photoaging.’
Your dermatologist or qualified aesthetics specialist may be able to offer medical grade skincare products that include retinol or Retin A. These are more concentrated than over the counter brands and you may need to start with a weaker percentage of active product then build up to a prescribed product to avoid skin irritation. It may take several months of diligent use, but they do reduce wrinkles over time.
Perhaps it’s time to invest in a big floppy hat!
Uncover your natural filter with the IllumiFacial®
Working towards a dramatically clearer, firmer skin.
IllumiFacial® is the next generation of highly successful ‘Photofacial’ treatments using a new and unique combination of specialist Lynton Skincare together with powerful, medical-grade IPL technology.
Stage 1 - Cleanse
Deep cleanse to remove any impurities from the skin and normalise its barrier ready for Stage 2.
Stage 2 - Peel
A unique Tri-fruit Acid Lynton Fruit Peel applied to your skin for between 3-10 minutes. This peel resurfaces the skin’s texture, decongests pores and primes you ready for Stage 3.
Stage 3 - IPL
Post peel, your skin will be in optimal condition for the application of IPL (Intense Pulsed Light). This works by stimulating collagen and targeting any discoloration eg. freckles, pigmentation, vascular breakouts and general redness.
Stage 4 - Hydrate
A trio of powerful serums hydrate to maximise the results of your IllumiFacial®
Essential information: All clients must be patch tested one week before having an IPL treatment. Please select IPL Test Patch when booking. No natural tan or fake tan is to be present on the full face otherwise your treatment will be cancelled at your cost. We will not treat clients who use oral tanning tablets or inject tan enhancers. Do not use retinol products 7 days before your facial or test patch.
The Terrace Aesthetic Clinic: Super-effective skincare for the sun
Prevention is the best place to start to prevent sun damage and a daily SPF 50 is essential to prevent photo-ageing. Our range includes Heliocare 365 Oil- free Gel, ZO Skin Health Smart Tone, and Rosalique.
For pigmentation and sun spots, we recommend ZO’s 10% Vitamin C or Obagi Medical’s 4% hydroquinone. Fine lines, laxity and texture can be improved with ZO’s Radical Night Repair with retinol, Obagi Medical’s Tretinoin or treatments such as Profhilo, Sunekos, injectables and antiwrinkle injections.
Thursdays 4-7pm. 21 Rubislaw Terrace, AB10 1XE Tel: 01224 641773
hello@theterraceaesthetics.co.uk theterraceaesthetics.co.uk
Balfour+Manson merge with Alistair Hart & Co
Amy McKay (Balfour+Manson) , Alistair Hart (AH&Co), Julie Clark-Spence (Balfour+Manson) and Greg Lawson (Balfour+Manson)
Balfour+Manson has expanded its presence in the North-east by merging with Alastair Hart & Co, Solicitors & Estate Agents, which has offices in both Aberdeen and Portlethen.
Balfour+Manson will maintain AH&Co’s
presence in Portlethen, where the firm has been operating for 25 years, mainly providing private client, residential conveyancing, and estate agency, while AH&Co’s Aberdeen office will move to Balfour+Manson’s Albyn Place office on 29th May as part of the merger.
Proud as a Peacock
The 50th anniversary of Peacock, Aberdeen’s renowned print studio, is being marked with an exhibition of the New Aberdeen Bestiary at Aberdeen Art Gallery.
The exhibition is the culmination of a threeyear collaborative project involving Peacock printmakers and seven international artists from a variety of cultural and artistic
backgrounds, from performance art to textiles. The artists are Abdulrazaq Awofeso, Delaine Le Bas, Joy Charpentier, Carla Felipe, Julio Jara, Sadie Main and Pedro G Romero. Delaine Le Bas is one of the four nominees for this year’s Turner Prize, the UK’s most prestigious prize for contemporary art.
The exhibition runs until January 5 th 2025.
Shades of summer
With almost 20 years of entertaining experience and the ability to cover all genres of music, Paul can provide the ideal soundtrack to your event.
Ranging from intimate drinks receptions, to larger parties, Paul is available for the following...
• WEDDINGS
• BIRTHDAYS
• HEN PARTIES
• BARS
• RESTAURANTS
• LADIES DAYS
• CHARITY EVENTS
• CORPORATE EVENTS
Email: paulcblack1984@aol.com paulblackmusicaberdeen @paulblackmusic1
Sunglasses are about looking after your eyes as well as looking good, so check out Jenson & Ledingham’s ranges for adults and children.
Owner Wendy Bremner explained, ‘Whether you need prescription sunglasses or plain lenses, there are a few things to consider. Look for lenses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays and are marked UV400 as these offer the most protection. If you’re driving or outdoors, polarised lenses reduce reflective glare while photochromatic lenses are clear when indoors and tinted in the sun. Wraparound styles and oversized frames offer more protection as well as making a statement.
‘We have a wide range of sunglasses including Maui Jim - all of which are polarised and protect from 100% harmful UVA & UVB rays, as well as Wolf eyewear for children which has a sun clip.
Protect your eyes whilst looking good!’
A unique retail store
Located in the historic old railway station in Macduff with lifestyle, home and gifts.
With ladies clothing from unique brands such as Herzen, Emme, Dea Kudibal, Penny Black to name just a few.
Well worth a visit so make your way to Station Brae.
Open Mon-Sat 10.00-17.00 Sun 12.00-16.00 The Old Station, Station Brae, Macduff AB44 1UL
The Nail Cabin, Beauty and wellness combined
Come visit this little oasis of calm for all your beauty needs:
BIAB Nails
Nail Extensions
Treatment manicure
Luxury pedicure
Waxing
Reflexology
Massage
Bridal/Occassion makeup
QR Code for booking
27 The Linton, Sauchen, AB51 7LG T: 07590589717 @thenailcabinsauchen
Jenson & Ledingham Opticians now offer OCT scans
Jenson & Ledingham have recently installed an Optical Coherence Tomograph. Owner Wendy Bremner explained, 'An OCT scan allows the optometrist to examine your eyes in incredible detail, leading to earlier detection of eye conditions,
such as glaucoma and Macular Degeneration, and changes to eye health before they become serious. It’s now available as part of our Enhanced Eye Examination.
For further details see jandlopticians.co.uk
‘Often those with acne resort to harsh chemical treatments which make things worse, compromise the skin barrier and make healing more difficult. Acne and scarring severely impacts self-confidence,’ gifted skincare expert Martina Mackay explained. ‘Our Dermapen micro-needling treatments are the most effective way to reduce both acne itself and associated scarring, helping the deeper skin layers to heal. Even old scarring can be improved.
‘Ask about our special package of four treatments for £400 for teenagers.’
Garioch Road, Inverurie, AB51 4RQ Tel: 07885 760084 | aestheticbeautyinverurie | aesthetic_beauty_inverurie
At TLB, we take pride in our personalised customer service, ensuring that everyone leaves feeling confident and inspired. We aim to cater to every style and personality, offering sizes 8-24 across our collections. From chic holiday wear to glamorous special occasion outfits, we have something for everyone.
Pop and see us, Team TLB
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The 12th Aberdeen Art Fair opens on 31st August
The city’s favourite art weekender comes back to the Music Hall for three days from Friday 31st August to 2nd September. More than 1000 contemporary artworks will be on show from hundreds of creatives, with individual stands hosted by galleries and professional artists alike from across Scotland and the UK.
The Preview Evening takes place on Friday 31st August, 6pm - 9pm. The fair will take place over the weekend of 01 - 02 September. Entry is by donation and there are some activities for kids.
The fair is a great chance to pick up work from leading artists with price points
ranging from £50 to over £20,000. The event aims to open art up to all and to make original art accessible, with contemporary painting, sculpture, ceramics, glass, photography and urban street art on display. There’s something for every taste, space and budget. Explore what’s on at aberdeenartfair.co.uk
Aberdeen’s Grouse Lettings makes strategic acquisitions
Grouse Lettings, a residential property management and leasing business, has expanded its property portfolio by 295% following the acquisition of Babs Buglass Leasing and the long-term lettings side of the PMC Property business. The
combined valued of the deals is six-figures. Babs Buglass will join the Grouse Lettings team. Neale Bisset and Simon Hudson of PMC will continue to operate, focussing on the factoring and short-term rental division of PMC Property.
HBOT is beneficial for pain relief, arthritis, wound healing, long COVID recovery, skin/menopausal issues and a host of other conditions including boosting mental wellbeing. Director Andy Porter explained, ‘Prior to completing the London Marathon, I undertook eight HBOT sessions in my preparation. They enabled a quicker recovery of my whole body post marathon. HBOT benefits everyone, not just athletes - ask in store. ‘Please come along and try it for yourself - our TREND10 discount offer continues.’
HBOT costs £75 for an hour, with discounted blocks available.
Unit 26 Westhill Shopping Centre, AB32 6RL Tel: 07934259307
E: o2therapy@porterpharmacy.co.uk porterpharmacy.co.uk/o2therapy
Double Deal - From left Babs Buglass, Ross Watt, of Grouse Lettings, and Neale Bisset, of PMC Property]
The London’s Mayfair Clinic on Queens Road is rapidly gaining a reputation for outstandingly effective treatments for the face, body and hair loss. Their latest treatments include:
HAIR LOSS TREATMENT
Hair loss is common and because our hair is such a huge part of our identity, it can impact our self-image and self-confidence. The most common cause is the significant psychological distress resulting from androgenic hair loss.
The London’s Mayfair Clinic offers revolutionary hair treatments with proven success in hair health. One of our well known treatments for hair loss includes PRP which decreases hair shedding, stimulates new hair growth and increases the thickness of the hair follicles.
Please contact us to find out more.
FACIAL TREATMENTS
Make the most of our top-class treatments to rejuvenate your skin. Visit our website to find out more about our range of facials treatments, including radio-frequency treatments, hydrafacials, advanced chemical peels and laser treatments.
JOIN US FOR OUR PERFECT VACATION
SKINCARE LAUNCH EVENT ON 25TH JULY FROM 5-8PM
Find out how our team can help you tackle skin issues like hyperpigmentation, open pores, skin redness, dehydration, and premature aging such as lines and wrinkles. Discounts and demo treatments available. Contact us for details and to book your place.
Befriend a Child Raises More Than
£40,000 at
Enchanted Forest Ball
Befriend a Child's Enchanted Forest Ball raised £40,914 for local children the charity supports across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. The evening was hosted at The Chester Hotel and supported by Platinum sponsor WM Donald, Print Sponsor Intro Creative Group and Sweetie Sponsor Enquest.
The charity's waitlist for its services is ever-growing and is currently sitting at 50 children and young people. The funds raised on the night will fund 27 places within the charity's 1:1 befriending programme for children living in challenging life circumstances. To find out more, please visit befriendachild.org.uk
Win tickets to An officer And A GentlemAn the musicAl At hmt
Fancy a romantic night out with a man in uniform? We’ve got two pairs of tickets up for grabs the opening night of An Officer and a Gentleman The Musical at HMT. The show, based on the hit 1980s movie starring Richard Gere, runs from 8-12th October and features the songs of Madonna, Bon Jovi, Cyndi Lauper, Blondie and the epic power-ballad Love Lifts Us Up Where We Belong.
To enter, go to trendmagazine.co.uk and answer this question: Who starred in the movie version of An Officer and a Gentleman?
Colour pop your outfit with the stunning limited edition ‘Porto’ blue from Fairfax & Favor. Available in Brancaster sandals, mini Windsor bag, wicker Windsor bag and Finsbury cross body bag.
Befriend a Child raises over £40,000 for local children
Passion Fashion for
SAND NUBIA LONG ZEBRA PRINT DRESS £250
PENNY BLACK BAG £110 BOTH LOLO + CO
SANDALS MODEL’S OWN
2 PIECE JUMPSUIT SET £48 RAFIA BAG
£26 BOTH TIGER LILY BOUTIQUE
SANDALS MODEL’S OWN
OPPOSITE PAGE: TED BAKER SHORTS £125
GANT BLOUSE £150 TED BAKER BAG £45 ALL
LOLO + CO ABOVE: SARTA RED AND PINK
SUNDRESS £59.99 HAMISHMUNRO HAPPY
BAG IN FUSHIA £25 BOTH HAMISHMUNRO
SANDALS MODEL’S OWN
THANKS TO OUR MODEL STEPHANIE WALKER OF PREMIERE PRODUCTIONS, TO ELSICK HOUSE FOR HOSTING US AND TO OUR RETAILERS, HAMISHMUNRO, LOLO + CO, TIGER LILY BOUTIQUE AND BELLINO.
OPPOSITE PAGE: MARBLE LACE DETAIL T-SHIRT £45 SKIRT MOS MOSH £149 BOTH BELLINO
PENNY BLACK BAG £110 LOLO + CO ABOVE: SARTA GREEN SUNDRESS £69 WHITE CROSS BODY
BAG £45 BOTH HAMISHMUNRO SANDALS AND SUNGLASSES MODEL’S OWN
TropicalBreeze
Summer’s the time to cast aside gloomy greys and basic black to embrace an upbeat, colourful vibe.
Go with leafy prints, exotic florals and clashing warm shades. Look for floaty dresses, tie front shirts, espadrilles and frivolous accessories in straw and raffia. Finish the look with designer sunglasses and a large piña colada…
Lolo+Co
Tiger Lily
Tiger Lily
The Platform
Hamishmunro
The Platform
Special Brew
Beer has been brewed in Scotland for over 5000 years, so we thought we’d discover some of our local craft breweries…
Burnside Brewery has been in Laurencekirk since 2010 with Steve Lewis and wife Margo taking over in 2018. Burnside’s beer take their inspiration from the local landscape, nestled between the mountains and the sea. There are seven beers in the core range, plus seasonal specials and they also offer an alcohol free beer, all brewed, bottled and packaged on site. Local delivery is free. They also offer Be the Brewer Days and a subscription service so you can be the first to try their latest creations.
Aberdeen’s Fierce Beer has done remarkably well for a brewery that started less than a decade ago. They have an entire shelf-load of awards including carrying off the title of Scottish Brewery of the Year in 2021 and a loyal fan base. They now export to over 20 countries and have opened three pubs, including one in the city. They always product interesting beers, like Fierce Rhubarb and a peanut- butter edition of Very Big Moose, though sometimes we suspect they may have sampled a little too much product when coming up with the names.
OGV Taproom grew out of the pandemic. While most of us were unaccountably making vast quantities of banana bread, the team at OGV media decided to create a promotional beer and got a little carried away. They now have a range of vegan beers with energy-sector names like Rig Pig, Blowout
and Red Adair and Taproom Pubs in Aberdeen, Peterhead and Newburgh which often feature live music and events. Try their £30 monthly subscription that brings delivery of ten craft beers, a snack or two and sometimes some merchandise, like t-shirts.
Stonehaven’s Reid’s Gold is proof that a well-chosen gift can change a whole life.
Founder Barry Reid was given a home brew kit for Christmas back in 2013. By summer, there was a 50 litre fully- automated brewing kit in the shed that Barry has custom-built. When redundancy came in 2017, Barry seized the opportunity to create a 300 litre brew house, fermentation tanks, bottling, kegging and labelling facilities and Reid’s Gold became a business rather than a hobby. The smaller production runs and Barry’s unlimited imagination when it comes to ingredients mean there’s always something new to trylike Gorilla Juice, My Raisins Are Baltic, or his limited edition Stonehaven Fireballs Beer.
Further North, Peterhead’s Brew Toon create their beers on a site which was home to Hunter & Sons Tanfield Brewery back in the 1700s. Brew Toon specialise in small batch beers, often made using locally-sourced ingredients. Their style is described as bold and adventurous. You’ll find them out and about at beer festivals and local events, with their distinctive cans, which are small works of art in their own right. Check out the seagullembellished Scurry Island or the Mohicaned pineapple skull of Pineapple Pils. Who could resist a Loose Cannon, a Raspberry Dreamola Foam or a Weekend Hooker?
Management Buy-In for R Davidson Painters and Decorators
Five members of the management team at Aberdeenshire Painting and Decorating company R Davidson (Banchory) Ltd have purchased shares in a Management Buy-In. The company employs over a hundred staff. The multi-million pound deal sees owner and managing director Trevor Mutch sell 25% shareholding to the management team consisting of Barrie Gammack, Gavin McCombie, Gregor Milne, Chris Nichol, and Craig Gibson, who have almost 60 years’ service under their belts with the Deeside company.
Barrie Gammack, Operations Director commented, ‘We are all delighted to have the opportunity to play a part in this exciting move for the company, which will only strengthen the team for the long term. We would like to thank Trevor and Marianne and acknowledge the fantastic opportunity.’
As we age, we often start to see the beginnings of skin hyperpigmentation – darker areas on our face, hands or body. This is caused by a build-up of sun damage, but Treat Company’s A|C|C|O|R Plasma Pen offers amazing results. Pigmentation may need a few sessions for complete removal.Call or visit our website to find out more and to discover our complete range of treatments.
hitting the right note at every event
JD Music’s John Duncan will hit all the right notes to help you create a truly memorable event, whether it’s a party, ladies’ day, fundraiser or a wedding. We have a variety of musical styles to fit your theme and also offer quizzes, boogie bingo, games, karaoke and ceilidhs.
It’s not a party without JD Music!
T: 07979 468861
E: info@jdmusicaberdeen.co.uk jdmusicaberdeen.co.uk
(L to R) – Michael Leith (Raeburn, Christie, Clark & Wallace), Chris Nichol, Gregor Milne, Craig Gibson, Bob Bain (Hall Morrice), Alan Gibson Gavin McCombie, Marianne Mutch, Trevor Mutch, Graeme Hay, Barrie Gammack]
Mara’s
Mara may be one of the city’s newest additions, but it’s already recognised for its outstanding small plates and selection of Italian wines. Such is its popularity that many diners book weeks in advance and the team has already chalked up their first award.
We caught up with chef/owner Ross Cochrane to see what makes Mara so marvellous…
‘Mara was a long time coming,’ Ross explained. ‘After a long search we found the perfect location on Thistle Street back in February last year. My wife Carolina instantly knew this was the place for our first venue.
‘Initially we were looking to open a relaxed fine dining restaurant, but we knew that this venue would be better
suited as something else, so we decided to launch Mara, our Italian Wine Bar with Small Plates.
‘Shortly after we found our venue, I slipped a disc in my back, so I was side-lined for almost four months. Once back on my feet, I spent some time at Restaurant Andrew Fairlie’s at Gleneagles, which was an unbelievable experience and spurned me on even more in regards to our venue.
‘Carolina was pregnant with our son Grayson during this time. He was born in late October and we opened Mara just two months later. Adapting to running our own business and having a baby has been intense at times, but we’re loving it!
‘I’ve been cooking for 21 years at various restaurants around Aberdeen, with stints in London and St. Andrews. From 2017 to 2023 we ran the Rothesay Rooms in
Ballater for The Prince’s Foundation. We were mentioned in the Michelin Guide for the six years we were there - which was a great achievement for us as team. We also won NE Restaurant of the Year all three years we entered, and in 2017, I was honoured to win both NE Senior Chef of the Year and Seafood Chef of the Year. I also won UK Game Chef of the Year 2019 which was a fantastic achievement for myself, competing with the very best chefs across the UK.
‘We have brought that same level of skill, flavour and finesse to our menu at Mara and we are delighted to have won Casual Dining Restaurant of The Year at the NE Hospitality Training Awards in May. It is a great reflection on the quality and work ethic of the team we have here, both in the kitchen and front of house.
‘Everything is freshly made in our
Maestro
open kitchen from the best quality ingredients and everything on our wine list was hand-picked by us. Our service style is relaxed, friendly, informative and professional.
‘Our guests definitely have their favourite dishes. That said, quite a lot of people try the tempura langoustines or the truffle arancini and immediately order another plateful or two! We make up to 2000 of our Truffle and Aged Parmesan Arancini each week. The smoked chicken, our langoustines and the venison with pickled shallots all offer real depth of flavour and there’s plenty for vegetarians too, like our cannellini hummus with warm focaccia and Amore Tomato Bruschetta.
‘Most people have two or three plates each and a couple of glasses of wine. The small plates are great for sharing
and trying lots of different flavours. ‘The sweet menu includes our tiramisu, which people can’t get enough of, and a sharp, well-balanced Sicilian orange panna cotta
We also have a bottle shop so guests can take their favourite wine home. Mara is very much a neighbourhood wine bar, open from noon till 11pm from Wednesday to Saturday. ‘Our TripAdvisor reviews so far have been amazing. It’s such a boost for the whole team when we read words like, ‘exceptional’, ‘attentive and knowledgeable staff’ and ‘prepared to Michelin standards’!
40-42 Thistle Street, AB10 1XD T. 01224 454826
E. info@marawinebar.com Marawinebar.com
Italian Wine Bottle Shop Small Plates
Italian-influenced small plate dishes, using fresh Scottish produce, along with top class wine.
Open Wed - Sat 12pm – 11pm
Also available for Private Hire Exclusive Use
info@marawinebar.com 01224 454 826
40-42 Thistle Street Aberdeen
Win a stay at the superb Coorie Inn Restaurant and Rooms
How do you fancy a stay and dinner at what’s set to become one of the country’s top foodie destinations?
Coorie Inn is very much a hidden gem, but with a kitchen team who met while working at nearby Gleneagles and whose CVs include the Mandarin Oriental, Turnberry and the Savoy, our prize winner and their guest can look forward to some of the best cooking in Scotland.
Our winner will enjoy dinner for two, with a bottle of house red or white wine before an overnight stay in one of the plush, individually designed rooms. In the morning, there’s a leisurely breakfast, after which you could head to Perth or Dundee for some shopping, or take to the Perthshire hills to work off the accumulated calories.
It’s all about the food, though. Coorie Inn’s modern Scottish and European menu features six main choices plus a catch of the day sourced from a fish supplier just four miles away. The majority of ingredients come from within 50 miles of the restaurant and
seasonality and freshness are paramount. As co-owner Phill Skinazi put it, ‘Great ingredients make recipes come to life, we let nature do the heavy lifting.’
For starters, try the light and summery North Sea crab with charred lemon, fennel, or opt for Perthshire Pork as your main choice. It comes from the nearby town of Comrie and this indulgent but not heavy dish comes with white cabbage, black garlic ketchup and caraway. Phill was Gleneagles’ Executive Pastry Chef while Coowner Andrew Mackay was Head Pastry Chef at Turnberry, so you know the desserts will be sublime too. Our advice is to leave room for two! Try the classic combination of plump local raspberries with white chocolate, elderflower and butter biscuit. Vegetarians also get a five star experience, with imaginative dishes like an unctuous burrata with watermelon, nectarine, nasturtium and Madagascan pepper.
The dining room is darkly rustic yet stylish, filled with leather chairs and wooden tables. There is an informal friendly approach that is welcoming
and inclusive. All underpinned by a team with over fifty years of understanding of 5 star quality.
There are six guest rooms with a boutique hotel feel, each filled with an eclectic mix of furniture and objects that somehow came together and created something very special.
Coorie Inn may be a hidden gem, but, going by the rapidly growing number of excellent reviews on TripAdvisor, it won’t be long before it’s regarded as one of Scotland’s best dining experiences and places to stay. Why not try it for yourself?
To enter, go to trendmagazine.co.uk and answer this question:
Which hotel did the kitchen team all meet at?
Coorie Inn Restaurant and Rooms 6 Willoughby Street, Muthill, PH5 2AB T. 01764 681773
E. information@coorie-inn.com Coorie-inn.com
Social Spritz Saturday
Retirement Planning • Estate and Inheritance planning
Investment Planning
68B Countesswells Road Aberdeen AB15 7YE
Tel: 07812 117734
Email: laura.pike@sjpp.co.uk
The Pike Partnership Ltd is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group's wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group's website www.sjp co.uk/products.
SJP Approved 25/06/24
Laura Pike MLIBF DipFA: Financial Adviser
Let’s get moving!
A brighter 2024 is here, and we’re here to help first-time buyers and home movers make the most of it. Our local knowledge and decades of expertise will get you to a place that you’re happy with. Literally.
SPEAK TO AN EXPERT TODAY
Head to Rosemount’s Hill Street for the city’s finest selection of quality bathrooms at The Home Expert. With over ten years’ experience in designing and installing bathrooms across NE Scotland, they are known for their attention to detail, excellent project management combined with outstanding workmanship. Factor in knowledgeable friendly staff, a relaxed showroom atmosphere, service that includes installation to completion, and competitive pricing and it’s easy to see why they have so many
happy customers and great reviews. They’ll take care of everything, so all you need to do is lie back and luxuriate in the comfort of your beautiful new bathroom.
Home Expert offers bathroom fittings from many of the leading UK and European design-led brands including Laufen, Roper Rhodes, Phoenix Bathrooms, Arblu, Ideal Standard, Roman Showers and Merlyn Showers.
Celebrating 20 years
Balfour+Manson celebrated their twentieth year in the city with a party at their Albyn Terrace office. Guests toasted the special event and were treated to delicious food from Platter. A raffle on the night raised £500 for their chosen charity, SensationALL, who provide therapy-based activities and specialist support for children and adults living with any support need or disability from their centres in Westhill, Aberdeenshire and Rosemount, Aberdeen.
Fred Tyler Graham Primrose, Gavin Thornly,
David Smith, Graeme Thomson
Jamie Foulis, Kattie Albiston
Judy Meil, Donna McKay, Anne McTaggart
Debbie Beattie & Shona Sibbald
David Burnside, David Short,
Lynne Mulcahy, Elaine Motion Greg Lawson, Amy McKay, Kirsten Knight & Julie Clark Spence
SunnyOutlook
Refresh your living space with breezy coastal colours, nautical stripes, sun-bleached linen and some fantastic fishy prints. Seaside tones work well in most rooms and combine well with Scandi minimalism or country chic. Life’s a beach, so dip your toes in the water…
Burnett House:
Whether you have just started your own business or have outgrown your existing premises, Banchory Business Centre and the neighbouring Burnett House offer a superb choice of modern, flexible office spaces for short or longer term let.
Property Manager Kim Middleton explained, ‘We offer both serviced and furnished office spaces with fully flexible rental periods tailored to each client. The Business Centre also offers conference and meeting facilities, hot desks, a fully staffed reception area, administrative support and virtual office solutions. We pride ourselves in working with our tenants to help their businesses to thrive”.
‘“Right next door, we also have Burnett House, which offers modern, open-plan
the ideal location for growing businesses
office spaces on the ground floor and breakout spaces for larger businesses”.
Burnett House is heated by a sustainable biomass heat network while the Business Centre has Solar PV electric heating..
‘“Our current range of tenants include professional services firms, IT and Environmental Consultants, Financial advisors, health, beauty, wellbeing and the third sector businesses”.
‘“We have a unique location on the Hill of Banchory which is a real draw for tenants, compared to city centre office locations. We are just 18 miles west of Aberdeen, with excellent transport links to the AWPR, Westhill, Aboyne and Stonehaven, without the worry of bus gates, parking charges and low emission zones. Banchory offers a great range of independent shops,
restaurants and cafes and we’re only a few minutes’ walk or cycle away from Banchory Sports Village with its fully equipped gym, swimming pool and multiuse sports halls”.
“Some of our tenants choose to cycle or run to work, so the Business Centre also offers shower facilities and cycle storage”.
‘We’re located on Leys Estate, so there’s a great network of countryside paths on the doorstep for days when you fancy a lunchtime stroll or an outdoor meeting. You can even pick up dinner or weekend supplies at Tesco nearby or other shops in and around Banchory .
‘“We believe there’s no better place to do business!’”
Empowering tips for female investors
In the 2020/21 tax year, 1.7m men invested in stocks and shares ISAs compared with just 1.12m women. 1
While setting aside cash for emergencies is important, holding cash for long-term goals like retirement could mean you fall short of your goals. Investing offers the potential for increased returns.
To help empower more women to invest, we have put together some useful tips.
1. Start with regular investing
When times are uncertain, it can be tempting to hold on to cash until markets pick up or there is less volatility. However, no one can be sure when markets have hit the bottom and will recover. It’s best to get started and be prepared to ride out the highs and lows over time.
2. Hold your nerve and focus on the long term Investors who hold their nerve through market dips ultimately reap the rewards over the long term. Investing typically gives your money the greatest chance of beating inflation and growing its real value over time, while the power of compounding can help boost returns. Of course, investing comes with more risk than sticking to cash and your investments may lose as well as gain money.
3. Diversify your holdings
Spreading your money across a range of asset classes such as stocks, bonds, cash, and property can help you reduce investment risk. A financial adviser ca recommend the right mix of investments to suit your attitude to risk and investment goals.
For advice that is tailored to you, please contact Carrie Keenan in our Aberdeen Office on 01224 267900 or email carrie.keenan@brewin.co.uk
The value of investments, and any income from them, can fall and you may get back less than you invested. Information is provided only as an example and is not a recommendation to pursue a particular strategy. Information contained in this document is believed to be reliable and accurate, but without further investigation cannot be warranted as to accuracy or completeness.
RBC Brewin Dolphin is a trading name of Brewin Dolphin Limited. Brewin Dolphin Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Financial Services Register reference number 124444) and regulated in Jersey by the Financial Services Commission. Registered Office; 12 Smithfield Street, London, EC1A 9BD. Registered in England and Wales company number: 2135876
Carrie Keenan, Investment Manager and Louise Ritchie, Paraplanner
Bags of originality
MEET FINLAY KEITH OF KNOTI BAGS…
My journey began when my Auntie bought me a knitting kit for my 14th birthday. I guess it was an unusual present, but she said, ‘If Tom Daley can do it, you can do it too!’ After a handful of knitting projects one of my close friends suggested I give crochet a go. I did and I found that the process of crocheting was more therapeutic. It’s really relaxing. I’ve always been interested in textiles, and I was part of the textiles club at school. I am so grateful to my family and friends for supporting me on my journey so far, it is amazing to know that my bags have made it to Australia and New York.
Currently I make a variety of bags including clutch bags, cross body bags and shoulder bags. Previous crochet projects that I have completed are making plants, animals and clothes. Although I am focused on bags for now, the opportunities to create with crochet are truly endless. So who knows what will happen in the future?
So far, my customers have been all ages and all sorts of people, rather than a tight demographic. That makes me happy because KNOTI is for anyone who likes what I create. I hope that my style, colour range and the practicality of my products appeal to all.
My creative process started out as one of trial and error. Over many different projects and online research, I have now become accustomed to figuring out how to create the look and design that I want for my products. My inspiration comes from travelling and from living in Australia for most of my childhood, I take inspiration from what’s around me. Architecture and nature are big influences for a lot of my designs along with my other love of photography. Whether the bright colours or the shapes that I photographed while travelling, I try my best to encapsulate the features into the design of the bags. I use recycled yarns. I think we
all need to be more conscious of what we consume and the waste we create as a result of this. Therefore, my products use recycled t-shirt yarn. This type of yarn is made from the offcuts during the production of t-shirts. This material would otherwise become landfill if it wasn't recycled into yarn.
My products are all unique. There won’t ever be two KNOTI bags that are the same due to the material that I use. The yarn is created in batches meaning that not only can thickness vary but also the shade. I make each bag individually by hand and this, therefore, makes each one an absolute ‘One of One!’
My work can be viewed on my socials and bought via my website at knoti.co.uk and there’s a selection of bags available to view and buy at Parx Café on Rubislaw Terrace.
Email knotibags@gmail.com
Instagram @knoti.co
Facebook page @knotibagss knoti.co.uk
Mini Culture Vultures
When you’ve had enough of tablets and tantrums, why not introduce your kids to a little culture over the summer holidays? Here’s our pick of where to go and what to see…
THEATRE
If your kids are old enough to sit still for an hour or two, there are plenty of theatre events just for families. Try A Bee Story, an Australian tale that features a dazzling mix of circus, acrobatics, dance and live music. It’s on at the Lemon Tree on July 27th and 28th with tickets costing £11.
Make a day of it at Castle Fraser Estate on July 18th . Pack a picnic, rugs and blankets and enjoy an outdoor production of Angela Sprocket’s Pockets. It’s an afternoon family show featuring live music, puppetry, audience interaction and a little madness!
HISTORY AND HERITAGE
We have some amazing castles and heritage sites across the shire. With younger kids, it’s best to visit sites that are already ruined or where the exterior and grounds can be visited for free, as it’s difficult for an eight-year-old to feel interested by endless painted ceilings. Huntly and Slains Castle are great for this.
Aden Country Park near Mintlaw is home to the Museum of Farming Life which regularly hosts events over the summer.
Take the kids back in time to see what life was like before people had the internet and shared a bedroom with their livestock. The park is also a great place to burn off some energy.
If old cars are likely to appeal, Grampian Transport Museum in Alford is always worth a visit, especially on days when you can take a ride in retro vehicles or there’s a classic car event. Check out what’s happening at gtm.org.uk/events/
ART
Aberdeen Art Gallery is free and often hosts special events for kids over the summer. Little ones will love Guthrie’s Goslings, a monthly event where young visitors are introduced to a different artwork or theme accompanied by a mix of music, dance, craft activities and games. Upcoming themes include dancing with Degas, and a messy tea party. Places cost £7 from thelittleboxoffice.com/aagm/ book/event/169224, but they sell out quickly. With older kids you could have an Art Treasure Hunt where they have to find paintings that include things like a dog or a pair of gloves, or are by certain artists.
The Milton Art Gallery is pretty welcoming if your kids are well behaved and don’t touch the sculptures. It makes a good day out as there’s a playpark, pretty riverside walks and a café at Milton of Crathes. Take a wander through the estate grounds at
Crathes Castle just across the road and gather ideas for making your own pictures at home.
MUSIC
Opera is probably a bit of a stretch, given that most adults would struggle to sit through five hours of Wagner, but there are free 30 minute musical concerts each Thursday in July. They take place at noon in the Art Gallery and 2pm in the Maritime Museum.
DANCE
The Cowdray Hall offers a monthly morning disco with DJ Nina. Coffee, cakes and juices are available to buy from the café. Aberdeen Art Gallery Family tickets for up to two adults and three children cost £13. You can book via thelittleboxoffice.com/aagm/book/ event/157182
CHEAPIES AND FREEBIES
Adding some culture to the summer holidays needn’t be expensive. There are lots of interesting free museums and galleries in the city and beyond. Under-fives travel free on buses and older kids do too provided they have a Young Scot National Entitlement Card. Get a Dayrider ticket for the adults, pack some sandwiches and you could have a family day out for under a tenner.
Feelin’ fruity
Garden designer Kirsty McLean’s here with the pick of the crop…
Fruit you’ve grown yourself not only tastes incredibly delicious, but it also means you know what process your fruit has gone through and whether it’s been subjected to man-made pesticides and fertilisers or is completely organic. Supermarket fruits (if not locally supplied) have often travelled halfway across the globe or been in storage for months, whereas your home grown produce goes from plant to plate in a matter of moments.
Growing fruit in the northeast of Scotland is very much about soil preparation and position. Finding a spot that provides shelter, heat and sunlight, and is located away from frost-pockets provides the best start. You can grow fruit in the ground, raised beds or containers.
Preparation is key. For best results start with a well-drained fertile soil enriched with lots of organic matter, manure, household compost, etc., on a clean, weed-free patch, bed or container, to give your crop the best start. If you are gardening in containers, the best medium to fill them with is a combination, such as John Innes compost, topsoil, well-rotted farmyard manure and composted bark combined. Beware of using peat-free compost alone as many brands are not suitable for all crops, mix it up!
It takes at least a year to get a decent crop on currants, raspberries, brambles and other soft fruit, two to five years for tree fruit such as apples and pears which will require an element of pruning and training. Easier fruits such as rhubarb, strawberries, and gooseberries are good to start with, but you can progress quickly to raspberries and blackberries. You’ll need to provide protection from wind/ weather, insects and birds. If you have a larger space, it might be worth constructing a netted enclosure but if you’re growing space is small, then consider
horticultural mesh or fleece. These can be bought on the roll and supported using garden hoops.
Fruiting trees are best bought as bare rooted plants (no soil around their roots) during what are called ‘dormant’ months, from November to end of March.
Apples are probably the most successful of the fruiting trees here. If space is an issue, there are patio trees available or you could grow them as espaliers or cordons. You can find lots of videos and ideas about growing espaliers or cordons online. To produce fruit, most apples need their flowers to be pollinated by insects carrying pollen from a different variety growing nearby. Even those that are partially self-fertile do better with a partner. Apples are grafted on a variety of rootstocks such as M26 which produces a vigorous but compact tree, suitable for smaller gardens. It is important to note, these rootstocks do not have a strong root system and require permanent staking. Often, online shopping offers up varieties that will not grow well up here because we do not have the heat to support these. Instead, visit your local nursery to find varieties that are suited to your geographical location and garden conditions. Their local knowledge is invaluable!
Everyone gets into a bit of a tizz about pruning. When the trees are young, light pruning is done to create an open-centred, ‘goblet’ shaped head on the tree. Subsequent pruning is just to keep the tree in about and in shape. Varieties such as M26 just need light pruning, which can be done during the dormant season and preferably during dry, frost-free weather. If you are doing cordons or espalier, I recommend ‘The Pruner’s Handbook’ by John Malins, it is simple, graphic and takes the mystery out of it all or go to www.rhs.org.uk/fruit/apples/winterpruning
Entries Open for Tom’s Cairn races
Entries for the annual Tom’s Cairn 10k Trail Race and 5k Race have opened at tomscairntrailrace.com
The 10k trail race will start at 2.30pm on Sunday 8th September, while a 5k event, open to all including under 16s and the primary school race both start shortly afterwards. The race is a fundraiser organised by the Parent Council for Finzean School and Ballogie Nursery.
Race organiser Andrew Douglas commented, ‘Participants of all three races can expect beautiful scenery and a lively community spirit, as well as free tea and cake for every competitor at the finish.’
ClanFest to celebrate 40 years of Clan and musicians across north of Scotland
Clan Cancer Support is launching a two-day festival to mark the charity’s 40-year anniversary and celebrate musical talent across its geography. The festival, sponsored by Hosie Electrical, will take place from Friday, September 6 – Saturday, September 7 at The Drouthy Laird in Inverurie.
Confirmed acts include Shetland ceilidh band Da Fustra, performers from Chalmers MacKay Music School with sets from Intuition, The Palladium, Double Jack, The Lenny Smith Sound, Jolson and The Andy Taylor Group. Tickets range from £10 and are available from clancancersupport. org/fundraising/events/clanfest/
A tasty line-up of winners
Food and drink businesses from across north east Scotland have been recognised for their excellence and innovation at the 2024 North East Scotland Food & Drink Awards.
Winners of the 2024 awards included AGD Duff & Partners, Amity
Fish Company, Associated Seafoods, Burnside Brewery, Little Brown Dog Spirits, Reynolds Cocktails and Singularity Sauce Co. Fraser Chapman, a trainee auctioneer with ANM Group received the rising star award and SeaFest Peterhead landed the best food and drink tourism experience title.
Charity focus
Katie Kyle, Befriend a Child’s Head of Fundraising and Marketing shares their work and how you can get involved…
Befriend a Child is a local charity supporting children and young people growing up in complicated life circumstances. Our Befriending, Mentoring, Group Activities and Family Support projects help them to overcome challenges and have the best chance in life to thrive. We support over 250 children and their families each year.
Befriending is our largest and most in-demand programme and is designed for children aged 5 - 16 years old. Children can be referred to our befriending programme by education, social work, health
professionals or third-sector partners for a number of reasons including a lack of confidence or self- esteem, social isolation, lack of a positive adult role model, substance misuse in the family home and more.
Volunteer befrienders don’t need to have previous experience or have children of their own. It’s about taking an interest, being kind, reliable, non-judgemental, respectful, patient and caring. Befrienders commit to a year and meet with their befriendees twice a month for a couple of hours each time to take part in fun activities to help them increase their confidence and self-esteem, learn new skills, reduce their social isolation and show them more of what life has to offer. It’s about having fun. Following an initial interview Befriend a Child
provide full training, PVG checks and match befrienders with a child who shares common interests, likes and dislikes.
There are lots of other ways to help Befriend a Child. We have our annual golf day in August and a Barbie themed brunch in March as well as our Miles for Smiles challenge. We have just launched a Fundraising Friends Group where people can join to raise funds for us by organising bingo nights, quizzes and bake sales.
You can get in touch through our website or by contacting us directly at volunteer@ befriendachild.org.uk or by making a donation at befriendachild.org.uk/donate/ donate
Mudpacks i n Marienbad
f you fancy a spa break this summer, check out the UNESCO-listed Great Spa Towns of Europe…
There are eleven spa towns across Europe that make up this eclectic collection of grand spa towns in the Victorian and Edwardian style, dating from when the well-heeled unwell would travel abroad to take the waters in the hope of curing everything from gout to
These days, the Great Spa Towns offer an impressive combination of a wellness break, stunning architecture and a great deal to do and see. Each has an impressive array of bathing houses and associated facilities like casinos, gardens and theatres. Better yet, they tend to be off the beaten track as far as UK visitors are concerned, so you can often find some enticing bargains and
There are Great Spa towns in Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy and the Czech Republic. If you’d prefer a staycation, then Bath is the sole UK town on the UNESCO list.
Austria’s Baden bei Wien lies about 16 miles south of Vienna. It’s been known for the restorative powers of its 14 hot springs since Roman times, when the town was known as Aquae Cetiae. The town is located at the mouth of the Schwechat River in the Wienerwald Mountains, so there are lots of hiking and climbing opportunities if you’re feeling reinvigorated after a session or two at the Thermal Lido.
These days. Marienbad is known as Mariánské Lázně in the Czech Republic. Your best bet is to fly into Prague, which raises the possibility of a great two-centre break. It’s one of the most beautiful spa towns in Europe, with hotels that look like the castles of improbably-moustachioed Arch-Dukes of long-forgotten countries. Try the Falkensteiner Resort or get in a
round or two at the Hotel Esplanade Spa and Golf Resort.
The Czech Republic has three Great Spa towns, so you could also explore Karlovy Vary and Františkovy Lázně
Montecatini Terme in Tuscany is perfect for history-loving spa fans. It’s been a spa since medieval times, when it was the site of several battles and epidemics, before the Habsburgs began to build bathing complexes, palaces and grand villas. Now it’s a tranquil oasis of relaxation and high-end wellness resorts based round the town’s eleven thermal springs. There are almost thirty spa hotels and resorts to choose from and the facilities and treatments on offer vary considerably, so a little research is needed. Outwith the spa resorts, there are lots of local vineyards worth exploring and the antiquated funicular railway will take you up to Montecatini Alto, a charming village. Back in Montecatini, you can join half the town in dressing up and promenading along the streets, chatting to their friends
and nodding to acquaintances. Grab an outdoor table and enjoy people watching.
Belgium takes its membership of the Great Spa towns rather literally with Spa. It’s probably better known for its legendary racing circuit of Spa-Francorchamps, there’s lots to do even if you’re not into motorsports. As well as traditional spa hotels like the Manoir de Lebioles, you’ll find modern chains like Radisson Blu, so there’s something to suit all tastes.
The wildlife area of Domaine of Bérinzenne offers forest walks, biking trails, picnic areas and a nature museum which is, naturally, closed at weekends. More offbeat attractions include a museum dealing with the history of washing clothes, though we feel the laundry can wait until your holiday is over. The city of Liège is nearby if you need to explore Belgium’s shops and Antwerp is just 100 miles away with trains every hour or so should you be after some diamonds. After all, what’s a holiday without a souvenir or two?
Style and Sounds Lunch
£70pp
2 course lunch
Goodie bag
Fashion show
entertainment from ‘More Than Sax’ 12:304:30pm FRI 13 SEP
Tipples & Tunes
£70pp
welcome drink
2 course lunch
goodie bag
drinks tastings from local suppliers
Music from ‘More Than Sax’
26 OCT
SOCIETY
FOCUS
Autism & Neurodiversity North Scotland (A-ND)
Think Different Dinner
Autism & Neurodiversity North Scotland (A-ND)) welcomed back its annual dinner for a second year announcing a fundraising total of £80,000. The charity welcomed guests to Union Kirk for the sold-out Think Different Dinner, organised and managed by A-ND's event and PR partners ThinkPR Scotland, with all money raised contributing towards the expansion of A-ND's services in the North of Scotland. Platinum Sponsors Envoy Group and Global E&C were joined by Gold Sponsor, Stork; and Silver Sponsor, Serica Energy.
Attendees were joined by special guests, Luke and Tom Stoltman –the ‘World’s Strongest Brothers’. Diagnosed as autistic at the age of five, three times World’s Strongest Man winner Tom Stoltman has since become an ambassador for autism and neurodiversity, educating and empowering others like himself on what he describes as his superpower.
WHERE:
Union Kirk
Terry Allan, Iain MacGregor, Margaret Hodder, Annabel Sall, Geoff Morrison, Billy Alexander.
Amy Mia Cassie, Becky Orlinksi, Annabel Sall, Matthew Forsyth, Hollie Knox, Erin Ingram, Leigh-Ann Rogie.
Martin Mathers, Andrew Matheson, Tom Stoltman, Luke Stoltman, Graeme Watson. Brian Knowles, Iain MacGregor, Stephen Slessor, Ewan Martin, James Ross.
Lynn Corner, Debbie Byres, Mina Musinovic, Scott Wells, Johnny Pike, Elise Murray, Keira Peat, Isha Bhukya. Annabel Sall, Billy Alexander, Leigh-Ann Rogie.
Tom Stoltman, Terry Allan, Billy Alexander, Iain MacGregor, Luke Stoltman.
Louise Hough, Claire Crichton, Billy Alexander, Tristan Mathers, Shona Howie, Kirsteen-Marie Robertson.
Robin Taylor, Paul Rowlands, Paul Green, Katherine Webster, , Sam Levers, Jennie Ramsay, Chelsea McCreath, Nicola Murray, George Ahers, Lynette Wilson.
Terry Allan, Martyn Hickin, Billy Alexander, Katherine Milne, Dianne Morrice, Emma Cuthberson, Craig Runcie, Scott Logie. Photographer Sam Brill
BLINDING LIGHT SOUND & VISUAL IS SCOTLAND'S LEADING LIGHT, SOUND AND VISUAL INSTALLATION AND SALES/SERVICE PROVIDER. ESTABLISHED IN 1995, WE'RE AN AWARD-WINNING TEAM WORKING DIRECTLY WITH THE LICENCED TRADE, RETAIL AND LEISURE INDUSTRY AS WELL AS THE END USER.
FROM BESPOKE PIXEL-MAPPED LIGHTING INSTALLATIONS, LARGE SCALED VIDEO WALLS FOR RETAIL, AND RIGHT THROUGH TO DJ EQUIPMENT SUPPLY, OR RECOMMENDING AND SUPPLYING THE CORRECT AUDIO CABLE OR LAMP...
WE'RE HERE TO HELP
MEET ALEX AND RUTH GRAHAME, OWNERS OF SUGARBIRD WINES WHICH SPANS ABERDEEN AND CAPE TOWN…
‘Alex and I met whilst we were both working at The Athenaeum Hotel in London in 1994,’ Ruth began. ‘It was my first job in Sales and Marketing since graduating from RGU and Alex was a Trainee Manger following a year in Montpellier training as a Chef. Although we’ve known each other for 30 years, it took us a while to get together! We’re celebrating 16 years of marriage next month, and 14 years as business partners.’
Alex added, ‘SugarBird Wines started as a hybrid wine shop and bar on Union Grove with a focus on South African wines but with carefully chosen selections from across the world. We realised a need for a larger venue as we had a lot of demand for private events. That led us to the Burns Pavilion in Union Terrace Gardens.
‘We have two floors with views of Union Terrace Gardens and can host up to fifty people for events, and up to 30 for wine tastings. We have lots of entertaining events such as “Align & Wine” – a yoga class followed by wine; our ever popular “Sparkling Saturdays” and tutored wine tastings or “Wine Wednesdays”. Of course, the bar is open to the public to enjoy, offering a relaxed venue with a great vibe.
The original SugarBird Wines at Union Grove has remained a firm favourite with its endearing neighbourhood feel. You can also buy our best loved wines from our website and we’re now on Just Eat. "Our website has just launched a new shopping experience with a curated list of our best loved wines and we have a few customer favourites on JustEat for local delivery."
Ruth continued, ‘We spend about half our time in Aberdeen and half in Cape Town, at our businesses there. There’s an incredible creative buzz, though Cape Town itself is laid back, being a beachy coastal city with a great work/life balance. We love the music, the food, and of course the wine. We’re lucky to have the best of both worlds really. Aberdeen is home and South Africa has taught us to be incredibly resilient.
‘When it comes to working together, Alex and I have naturally gravitated to where we work best over the years but we collaborate on every major decision. I’ve just been given the title of Creative Director – sounds grand – but I’ve been doing the job for 14 years.
‘When we’re not working, well, obviously, we love wine, so we’re either travelling to places we can taste wine and learn more about different regions or we’re trying out the other new wines bars
in Aberdeen or London or across Scotland – it’s brilliant to experience the variety now. We’re both great cooks but we never cook together as our kitchen is tiny!
‘We love going to the cinema, although our tastes differ a bit so we take it in turns to choose – Alex is more into the action movie genre and I prefer a dark psychological thriller or horror movie.
Alex concluded, ‘The past three years have gone very quickly. We’re focusing on our current venues’ growth – both here and in Cape Town. Our own brand SugarBird Cap Classique was launched last year and we’re sourcing more wines to expand the range over the coming months. We’re also looking for other locations across the country, although we’ll avoid opening a bar a month before Christmas again!’
sugarbirdwines.com
