6 | CONTENTS
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HEALTH, BEAUTY & WELLBEING Stretching it: Give Yoga, Pilates or Tai chi a go 10 Skincare Superhero: Retinol 16
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FOOD & DRINK Refill retailers & eco-shopping 36 Ask the Chef: Craig Wilson issues a challenge 38 Meet Da Vinci’s Head Chef 40
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TRAVEL & LEISURE
Win dinner and a stay at Edinburgh’s Tigerlily 11 Win a stay at Courtyard by Marriott Inverness 32 Short hops for a long weekend 54 Plan your visit to North-east Open Studios 62
FASHION
20 A splash of style: dip a toe into the new season 28 Bright ideas: our picks for a pop of colour 30 Translating men's catwalk looks into wearable style
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LIFESTYLE
08 What’s on? Make the most of the next couple of months 34 Event: Follow the violin or lighthouse trails 57 Tee off for the return of the social section 60 Kids: Join the club 64 Behind the business: Meet the Sainsbury bothers
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HOMES & GARDENS
50 Interiors: Country Living 58 Gardens: Kirsty McLean on creating a cottage garden
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ADVERTISEMENTS WELCOME | 7
ISSUE N0. 83 | SEP/OCT 21 PUBLISHED BY TREND PRODUCTIONS LTD PO Box 11858, Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire AB39 9AN +44 (0)1224 596223 info@trendmagazine.co.uk trendmagazine.co.uk
FROM THE
EDITOR Hello again, We’re really not sure how it got to be autumn. It feels like we’ve skipped several months this year and that it should only be April. Maybe it’s because so many of the normal social and shared events that mark the passing of the days were lost to us. It feels like we’ve been hibernating for too long. As a result, we’re determined to make the most of the remainder of 2021. That means meeting with friends again, supporting local restaurants and cafes, even if that just means having a picnic in the park. It means popping to the shops to pick up a book and coming back with some new boots and maybe a top or two. It means emerging from our cocoons and re-engaging in culture, whether that’s a visit to the Art Gallery, visiting artists in the studios during NEOS, or following the Lighthouse or Violin Trails. Maybe it means a long weekend abroad or an autumn break in the UK, a trip to the theatre, a concert or the cinema. It means thinking ahead to the festive season and how to make this special this year. Life should be about new experiences, new flavours and new places. Life should be about family, friends and fun. It means living, not just existing. It’s time to embrace new sensations and start enjoying life again. Love Everyone at Trend x
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 & offers.
DIRECTOR Gill Buyers gill@trendmagazine.co.uk EDITOR Alison Daniels alison@trendmagazine.co.uk ADVERTISING Clare Findlay clare@trendmagazine.co.uk DESIGN Lisa Thompson lisa@trendmagazine.co.uk ACCOUNTS Jill Walker jwalker@trendmagazine.co.uk PRINT Stephens & George Print Group
Contributors Kirsty McLean
On the Cover MODEL Herlene Solomon PHOTOGRAPHER Donna Murray
And the winner i s...
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8 | WHATS ON
18 september 4-5 September Huntly Hairst - Huntly’s celebration of rural life includes a farmers market, kids’ events, running events, music, literature and the World Stovies Championship. See huntlyhairst.co.uk for details
15-18 September
Raise a dram at the National Whisky Festival at the Music Hall. Tickets are £38.50, or less if you’re under 25, but over 18! Book at seetickets.com
This year’s (or possibly last year’s, we’ve lost track) Student Show comes to HMT. Freezin’ promises lots of laughs.
11 september The Mentulls bring their retro-melodic rock to Café Drummond. Tickets £16.75 from skiddle.com
17 september
14 september Head to Vue Cinema for a screening of Northern Ballet’s take on Dangerous Liaisons. Book at myvue.com
The somewhat grumpy Jenny Éclair brings her new show, Sixty (FFS) to the Tivoli. £22.50. Book at aberdeenperformingarts.com
27 september Al Murray brings his latest Pub Landlord show to the Music Hall. Tickets from aberdeenperformingarts.com
WHATS ON | 9
OME OF S F O K UR PIC D YOUR N E P S HERE’S O O R WAYS T T S E OCTOBE B & E R E TH B SEPTEM TIME IN 16-17 october 2 october Gerry Jablonski and the Electric Band rock out at Café Drummond. Tickets from £11.25 via skiddle.com
Aberdeen Arts Centre starts this year’s panto season early with Harry Panto. Tickets from aberdeenperformingarts.com
28 october The Waterboys bring their lyrical folk-rock to the Music Hall. Tickets from aberdeenperformingarts.com
8 october
22 october
Katherine Ryan’s discussing married life at The Music Hall. Tickets from aberdeenperformingarts.com
Ian Waite and Vincente Simone are back in town with Act 2 – the Ballroom Boys Tickets from aberdeenperformingarts.com
23 october HMT hosts A Girls’ Night Oot. Tickets from aberdeenperformingarts.com
31 october Hallowe’en – dress up and scare the neighbours
15 october Old Time Sailors Head to Unit 51 for a participative evening of 19th Century sea shanties. Lots of dancing and a lyric sheet included. Tickets £13.45 from skiddle.com
All events are subject to change or cancellation, so check before heading out.
If you’d feel fitter like to healthier, and be a bit bu a fan of an t you’re not involves L ything that y anything cra or lifting heavier th an a glass of M erl worth exp ot, then it’s lori Pilates an ng yoga, d Tai chi.
10 | HEALTH
Tai Chi helps prevent falls as we age and has been shown to help reduce waist sizes and improve arthritis symptoms while yoga is now preferred over painkillers for managing chronic pain, according to NICE, the UK medicines authority. Don’t worry if you’ve spent the past year and a bit on the sofa and haven’t moved further than the front door, or if you carry an old injury. All three forms of exercise are very adaptable, making it easy for those with restricted movement. You’ll gain flexibility and core strength as well as improved physical and mental wellbeing. There are classes in all three disciplines in many of our towns and villages as well as in the city, including several run by physiotherapists who are also qualified instructors. It’s best to do an online search to find a class at a time and location to suit, but here are some worth considering…
Yoga classes
Louisa Yoga (louisayoga.co.uk) Louisa offers classes in Aberdeen and Stonehaven. She’s also one of the country’s most highly regarded yoga teacher trainers.
© Shutterstock/Mila eZ d
Emma Ross ( hotyogaaberdeen) offers Hot Yoga at Urban Wellness Hub in Bridge of Don, but is online only for now. Calm Cool (calmcool.co.uk) is on Chapel Street and offers Yin Yoga, Breathwork, Meditation and Sound Healing.
Pilates classes
Tai Chi classes
Reform Pilates (reformphysio.net) offer classes in Cults and online.
Maybe now’s the time to get back in shape?
The Wallace Practice (wallacepractice.co.uk) offers classes by Zoom or at their Seafield Road clinic.
MSK Therapy Sports and Injury (msktherapyandsportsinjury.co.uk) have online classes or live classes and 1-1 sessions available in East Tullos.
Ruyi School (ruyischool.co.uk) offers online classes and will be resuming live classes when possible.
TIGER LILY COMPETITION | 11
WIN
S
Win a stay at edinburgh's luxurious tigerlily
ometimes you just have to spoil yourself and there’s no better way of doing so than winning our competition. One lucky winner and their guest will enjoy a fabulous overnight stay at Tigerlily, Edinburgh’s favourite boutique bar, restaurant and hotel. The prize includes dinner for two and a cocktail to get your trip off to a great start. There are over fifty cocktails to choose from, so deciding on your favourite could take some time. Tigerlily's evening menu is a sensory journey to different corners of the world in an inspired list of dishes. It’s a fresh approach to traditional dining where you can enjoy anything from
traditional classics to exotic fusion specialities, each lovingly prepared by the highly skilled kitchen team. Tigerlily’s brand of fabulous maximalism makes it idea for a celebratory getaway, date nights, after-work drinks, Afternoon Tea with mum, a Boozy Brunch with the girls or a luxury weekend away. The Georgian building houses 33 stylish suites & bedrooms, effortlessly marrying contemporary style with original features. The Black Room, for example is a decadent suite complete with a hanging egg chair and black accessories. Even the loo paper is black. Whichever room you find yourself in,
no detail goes unconsidered. There are super-comfy King-sized beds, Egyptian cotton sheets, White Company toiletries, GHD straighteners & hairdryers, smart screen televisions, Bluetooth speakers and fully stocked mini bars, not to mention complimentary room service if you prefer your breakfast in bed. To enter, go to trendmagazine.co.uk and answer this question:
Which suite features a hanging egg chair and black toilet paper? tigerlilyedinburgh.co.uk
12 | RUBISLAW PARK
The care home that offers a bright new start Many of us are reluctant to consider a care home for our parents or ourselves as we get older. Yet it can bring many opportunities in later years including making new friends and taking part in a wide range of activities - even those that have been more difficult due to lockdown restrictions or general frailty.
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berdeen’s five-star Rubislaw Park Care Home is a place to live your best life, filled with companionship, joy, laughter and fun. After all, how many care homes have a happy hour in the bar every Friday afternoon, complete with an abundance of treats and canapes? Manager Gayle Bain explained, ‘For us, it’s all about supporting our residents in enjoying a full and interesting life. Rubislaw Park is five-star in terms of facilities and our staff, but our focus is on ensuring that there are lots of ways for everyone to pursue activities they enjoy. We firmly believe that care homes should offer every
opportunity for their residents to live the life they want to. Physical and mental constraints can be overcome with support and a “Can do “team belief. ‘Our activities team are amazing. The residents get together to decide what they’d like to do. Our Gentlemen’s Group have been using our new bus to visit heritage sites. They arranged a tour of the new harbour and local fishing communities to familiarise a new resident with his new surroundings. The ladies have formed a similar group and have afternoon tea in town. We have film screenings, gintastings and events like in-house
IN-BRIEF | 13
race days. There is never a dull day nor moment within Rubislaw. ‘Rubislaw Park offers a residential care setting, a nursing home setting for those with increased medical needs and specialist dementia care. No matter which area a resident lives in, there are plenty of opportunities to come together and socialise. The Dementia Unit has formed a choir who practice round the piano once a week. Songs bring back lots of memories and to some residents where dementia has effected speech and communication singing can provide the voice they have lost.
‘If living independently is becoming difficult or challenging, Rubislaw Park is the perfect alternative. We have 86 individually decorated bedrooms, a fine-dining restaurant where everything is home-made, lounges, cinema room and computer room. Many of our residents say we offer a whole new outlook on life!’ The best way to discover more about Rubislaw Park Care Home is to arrange a no-obligation visit. Details on how to do this are available on our website, rubislawpark.com Our most recent care inspectorate report can be found there too.
New staff member for Rubislaw Park Care Home The team and residents at Rubislaw Park Care Home are pleased to announce the recruitment of Brodie the Labrador puppy as their newest team member. In addition to being trained as a Pets As Therapy (PAT) dog in due course, Brodie’s duties will include being petted, played with and generally spoiled rotten by everyone in the home
Duncano’s comes to Westhill Westhill Shopping Centre is undergoing a bit of a renaissance at the moment, firstly with the opening of JK Fine Foods and now with the arrival of Duncano's Bistro. Duncano’s will open in Unit 17 and will be offering great food at all times of the day. From breakfasts through to afternoon tea and dinner as well as coffee, wines and cocktails. They’re promising bottomless weekend brunches, ‘Rose all Day’ Saturdays and live music on Sundays. Find out more from their social pages @duncanosbistro and get ready to ‘Savour the Moment’.
14 | ADVERTISEMENTS
GET BACK TO FABULOUS WITH A FACE LIFT OR FAT TRANSFER PROCEDURE Sometimes our faces don’t reflect the way we feel inside. The cumulative effects of sun-damage and age mean that the elastin and collagen fibres that keep our faces looking fresh start to break down and production rates slow.
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ravity does us no favours either. Our faces lose definition, particularly along the jawline. We develop prominent nasolabial folds, our cheeks sag and the skin becomes thinner and more translucent. Our features may settle into a discontented expression, or we start looking like our parents. Luckily, the Alpha Clinic offers facelifts and fat transfer procedures that can restore a naturally youthful appearance, boosting self-confidence and making us feel more like ourselves.
ALPHA CLINIC | 15
Facelifts aren’t the frightening procedures they once were. The incisions are concealed, the underlying skin layers tightened and loose skin removed. This elevates sagging structures, restores the jawline and tightens the skin and muscles of the neck. Your own fat is transferred and injected to improve your cheeks, lips and temples. Using your own fat gives a natural, stable result and lasts for decades. The fat is extracted from the tummy or thighs, before being treated for use, so you won’t miss it.
Our hands often age more quickly than the rest of us. Here, injecting fat can reduce wrinkles, fill hollows and reduce the appearance of veins. In all cases, the body accepts the transferred fat as an integral part of you unlike silicone or other non-living implants. With fat transfer the fat immediately anchors to the surrounding tissues. Once it has a blood supply, the fat is extremely stable.
The surgery takes two to six ours depending on the complexity of the operation. Some bruising and swelling occurs as a result of treatment, so most patients take two or three weeks off work afterwards to heal. It’s suitable for both men and women, with most patients being over 40. Facelifts are not the only way your own fat can be used to rejuvenate the appearance. Fat and the stem cells it contains can be used to improve the appearance of the face, hands and breasts.
Alpha Clinic was founded by one of the country’s most highly qualified and skilled Plastic Surgeons. Trained in Oxford, London and Scotland, Mr Thanassi Athanassopoulos is an acknowledged expert in cosmetic facial and breast surgery and, in particular, complex secondary revision surgery. He is also an NHS Consultant at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and Honorary Senior Lecturer at Aberdeen University Medical School. Mr Athanassopoulous is known for the quality of his work and his bespoke approach which ensures that, from the initial consultation through treatment and aftercare, the focus is always on the needs and aspirations of the patient.
Facial fat transfer restores a youthful appearance by adding volume to hollowed out facial Images show a patient who has had a face lift and a fat transfer procedure. structures. The injected fat has been scientifically proven to help rejuvenate the skin, smoothing out the surface and helping to repair scars. Jaw lines can be defined The clinic’s website offers indicative treatment pricing and volume added to the cheeks to give the and is an excellent source of information, helping you appearance of higher cheek bones. make an informed decision before arranging an initial consultation. Pricing is competitive and includes Fat injection can increase breast size by one or high end pre- and post-treatment aftercare and two cup sizes as well as correcting shape and any follow up visits. asymmetry. It’s also used in breast reconstruction work after radiation treatment. Booking a consultation could be your first step to getting back to fabulous.
10 Albyn Terrace, AB10 1YP Tel: 01224 232428 alphaclinic.co.uk
16 | BEAUTY
Retinol i superherso an anti-aging weapons i , a powerful battle tno the ongoing looking ykoeep skin and freshunger er.
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etinol is a vitamin, vitamin A1. It’s found naturally in foods including liver and other animal products and is often used, in the form of carotenoids extracted from vegetable sources, to fortify foods such as margarine, bread and cereals. Retinol has superb anti-oxidant properties and is known to have a role in maintaining healthy, youthful-looking skin. It comes in various forms including Alpha-Hydroxy Acids and Beta-Hydroxy Acids.
©Shockerstu/ Suncity
Retinol has found its way into high street beauty brands like Olay and Boots No.7, which contain low levels of the active ingredient. Higher concentrations are used in skin clinics and specialist product lines. These can generally only be purchased after a consultation because retinol can cause skin sensitivity. It’s best to start with a product that has a low dose of retinol so your skin becomes accustomed to it, then work up to a more powerful version which
will improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage and dark spots. Results become apparent after about a month’s worth of use. Locally, there are several specialists who offer higher dose retinol skincare lines and treatments after consultation. Fit & Skin offer a retinol-based Vitamin A boost facial and carry the Alumier MD product line. NY Skin Clinic have Dr. Zein Obagi’s ZO skincare line which includes an excellent dual action scrub and a retinol skin brightener which contains 0.5% retinol. Alpha Clinic also carries the ZO line as well as the more powerful Obagi Medical line. They also offer their own range of skincare products Alpha Clinical, this includes a great soothing daily moisturiser and a broad spectrum SPF50 sunscreen that work well to provide protection when using retinol based treatments.
IN-BRIEF | 17
A new home for growing marketing consultancy Virtual marketing consultancy Prospect 13 has relocated to larger offices following a period of sustained growth. Owned and managed by Cerri McDonald, Prospect 13 is Scotland’s first Virtual Marketing Support consultancy. The company, which delivers a subscription-based marketing service, is now based at the Bridge of Don’s Enterprise Centre with the new office suite accommodating up to eight people, as well as an element of collaboration space. prospect13.co.uk
NY SKIN CLINIC
I
Beautiful skin, whatever your age
t’s now simpler than ever to avoid looking your age, thanks to the treatments offered at NY Skin Clinic.
At NY Skin Clinic we have the amazing morpheus 8, one of the few in Scotland to offer this world class famous treatment with outstanding results. Morpheus 8, non surgical face lift treatments combine micro-needling with radio frequency treatment, which stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, plumping and tightening the skin. It’s superb for fine lines,
wrinkles, sagging skin, eye bags, uneven skin tone, acne scars and reducing the appearance of jowls. NY Skin Clinic offers a wide range of innovative treatments including Teoxane Dermal Fillers, Anti Wrinkle treatments, Profhilo, SuneKOS, Non-surgical Liposuction, Chemical peels, Laser hair removal, IPL for pigmentation, Rosacea, thread veins, Acne, deep tissue body massage and the amazing ZO Skin Health. Plus much, much more to keep you looking and feeling your best. See our website for more details.
92 FONTHILL ROAD, AB11 6UL TEL: 01224 593777 EMAIL: info@nyskinclinic.co.uk nyskinclinic.co.uk
1 Morpheus 8 treatment
3 morpheus 8 treatments
The Prospect 13 Team l-r – Lisa Simpson, Grace Longmuir, Anna Smith, Jennifer Taylor, Becky McDonald and Cerri McDonald (Managing Director).]
CALA puts staff in the driving seat CALA Homes has rolled out the CALA Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) Scheme for all employees as part of the firm’s goal of building homes that are operationally net zero carbon by 2030. The new scheme, in partnership with car benefit company, Tusker, will see employees make significant
savings on a brand new electric or Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle, by swapping some of their gross salary before tax and National Insurance contributions for the car. For more information on CALA’s Sustainability Strategy, visit cala.co.uk/sustainability
18 | IN-BRIEF
Oh Fudge! Rora Farm Dairy launches tempting new flavour Aberdeenshire-based rora dairy has launched a new, deliciously rich fudge yogurt, produced using organic milk from their family farm near Longside. It’s high in protein and made with fresh organic milk from the farm’s free roaming grass-fed cows. The small-batch yoghurt is blended with a locally made fudge sauce and available from Sainsbury’s and independent food retailers. roradairy.co.uk/
CELEBRATING ONE YEAR IN BUSINESS! Inclusive salon, where everyone is welcome 108 Rosemount Place, Aberdeen AB25 2YW hendrixhair.co.uk
267 North Deeside Road, Peterculter, Aberdeen, AB14 0UL Tel: 01224 733344 Email: info@magnolialanebridal.co.uk @magnolialanebridal
Including... • Oui • Paul Green • Vilagallo • Gabor • POM Amsterdam • Hispanitas and many more
WOMENSWEAR / FOOTWEAR / HANDBAGS / ACCESSORIES
19-25 THISTLE STREET, ABERDEEN SOMETHING-FOR-ME.CO.UK
20 | FASHION
FASHION | 21
Bethany Floral Blouse by French Connection £60 Denim Rebound Jeans by French Connection £75 Both Lolo + Co Shoes & jewellery model’s own
22 | FASHION
Lynx Dress £40 Stella Trainers £30 Bree Bee Camera Bag £ 32 Hat £20 in store only All Tiger Lily Boutique Jewellery model’s own
White Jeans Ilse Jacobsen £110 Vilagalo Jacket Camel & Orange £279 Vilagalo Orange Scarf £75 Vilagalo Shirt £110 All @hamishmunro Jewellery model’s own
Hope Dress £42 Tiger Lily Boutique Jewellery model’s own
24 | FASHION
Black Trousers Vilagallo £110 Shoes Paul Green £159 Vilagallo Blouse £110 All @hamishmunro Sunglasses & jewellery model’s own
Thanks to Bon Accord Heritage for allowing us to use the Bon Accord Baths for our fashion shoot. You can find out more about the restoration project at bonaccordbaths.org.uk
Doroles Crinkle Ditsy Blouse by French Connection £65 Black Coated Jeans by 7 FOR ALL MANKIND £250 Black Leather Jacket by Tommy Hilfiger £145 All Lolo + Co Shoes & jewellery model’s own
Banchory store
NOW OPEN! Country Ways are delighted to announce that their new store in Banchory is now open! The team are looking forward to showing you around - you’ll find them at the corner of Bridge Street and Dee Street with lots of parking nearby. There's a selection of gifts, foods, country and lifestyle clothing, footwear and dog apparel in store now, with the equestrian dept arriving a bit later, as/when the new AW21 collections arrive… not long now!
Papillon Garden Design & Landscaping
Their opening times at this store from September will be Tuesday to Saturday 9:30-5:30 and Sunday 10:30-3:30. The Aberdeen store is open, as usual, 7 days a week.
Our outdoor spaces have become vital for our health and wellbeing, so we’re pleased to announce that we’ve expanded our design team and are now helping even more people achieve the gardens they dream of. Papillon take care of it all from design and project management to construction and planting. Whether it’s a low maintenance space, an urban oasis, a wildlife wonderland or a practical family garden, contact Papillon and create a garden you’ll love.
Tel: 01224 791569 papillonlandscape.co.uk
Stay on Trend with the latest womens fashions at Tiger Lily Boutique. OPEN EVERY DAY 8 Chapel Street Aberdeen AB10 1SP T. 01224 626983 tigerlilyboutique.co.uk
Banchory is a fantastic place to visit. There’s lots of local shops, restaurants and cafes to enjoy and some lovely scenic places to walk and take in the stunning Aberdeenshire countryside. We’re so excited to be a part of this community and look forward to welcoming you to CW2! 115 Holburn Street, AB10 6BQ Tel: 01224 585150 countryways.com
Open Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm ORIGINAL ART & UNIQUE, DESIGN LED HOMEWARES 86 Great Western Road, AB10 6QF Tel: 01224 379150 prydeaberdeen prydegallery.co.uk
Follow us on Facebook to keep up-to-date! Tel: 01224 646032 18 Chapel Street, Aberdeen AB10 1SP
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right colours lift the mood and save us from a sea of gloomy greys and depressing darks. This season, any colour is in fashion as long as it’s bright. The strongest looks used clever tailoring and the same shade from head to toe. Majoring on colour works better in the Scottish climate than some of the season’s other catwalk trends. We’re not ready for skin tight Lycra cat-suits or the darkly romantic gothic confections made of the sheerest lace and tulle that graced the runways of Paris, London and Milan. It looks great, but is likely to scare small children in Sainsbury’s. Instead we’re looking to easy to wear ideas like the voluminous yellow wool coats shown at both Pucci and Loewe, Issey Miyake’s restrained lilac coats and trousers look, Akris’s juicy orange and apricot combo or the scarlet power suits shown by Chanel and Michael Kors. Here’s our selection of bright ideas…
© Sirene Boutique
© Tu Clothing © @hamishmunro
© @hamishmunro
© Joe Browns
© Aspiga
© Dune
© @hamishmunro
© @Tiger Lily Boutique
© Monsoon
30 | MENS EDIT
Fashion designers, we know, are not quite like the rest of us. They live in a world where their cats are millionaires and where sending some poor bloke down a runway dressed from head to foot in rubber and wearing a shoe on his head isn’t considered to be a plea for help.
© Celtic & Co
MENS EDIT | 31
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hat’s why some catwalk trends need a little translation before they’re going to cut it in Cults or be considered fashionable in Fraserburgh.
onesie, which is probably best kept for Christmas morning, but again, paired it with oversized thick knits in striking patterns.
One of the key catwalk trends was based around collaboration with artists. Dior’s Kim Jones worked with Scottish artist Peter Doig, who painted on car coats, hats and anoraks, lending a misty, almost ethereal touch. JW Anderson showed colourful knits, somehow reminiscent of David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust unitard, with massive hallucinogenic floral patterns inspired by artist Joe Brainard. It would take a great deal of confidence to pull this look off successfully. Comme des Garcons’ work with sculptor Willie Cole resulted in voluminous shirts and repurposed objects, such as women’s shoes being worn as hats. The slightly surreal theme continued at Fendi, who roped in Bake Off presenter Noel Fielding to provide illustrations for their knits and coats.
Indeed, many designers cocooned their models in oversized pieces, perhaps designed to provide insulation from the world. Balenciaga’s suits drowned their models, making them look like toddlers playing dress up in Daddy’s clothes. JW Anderson’s khaki suiting for Loewe had an element of humour while Dries Van Noten’s took this trend to the extreme with oversized extra-wide leather shorts.
Outside of bright knitwear, most designers stuck with a sombre or natural palette, running from sludgy moss greens, through tweed mixes and gloomy tones of black and grey. A slew of designers, recognising that home working is reshaping wardrobes and prioritising comfort over formality, took a luxe approach to leisurewear, with Etro showing russet-shaded paisley patterned silk pyjama trousers layered with chunky knits. Prada opted for the
Lastly, we saw a lot of sports technical pieces and the return of the country gent vibe at Tods and Hermes, probably the two collections least likely to cause friends to ask if you’re okay. Tweeds, padded and waxed jackets, wellies and all made a strong showing, with traditional flat caps worn backwards. Hermes’ injected playfulness with sneakers in unexpected shades like yellow and pink that gave a freshness, while Watanabe offered an unexpected twist on traditional Fair Isle knits. So how does this translate into something that wearable but stylish? We’d suggest investing in some chunky knits, with a slouchy feel and in darker shades and looking out for t-shirts featuring the work of modern artists. Go with layers and traditional country wear labels if you want the look, but not the price tag.
32 | ADVERTISEMENTS
WIN Win dinner & a stay for two at Courtyard by marriott in inverness
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ancy a trip to Inverness? We’ve teamed up with the city’s Courtyard by Marriott hotel to give one lucky winner and their guest an overnight stay plus dinner and breakfast. You can even make use of the fully-equipped gym. The hotel offers stunning modern bedrooms and a sleek bar and restaurant. Expect contemporary, open-plan interiors, with rooms kitted out with modern technology and all the essentials for the ultimate night away. The hotel is positioned just steps from Inverness airport, but all guestrooms have triple glazing to ensure a great night’s sleep.
There’s plenty to do in Inverness. You can go Nessie–spotting on the shores of Loch Ness, golf at Castle Stuart or discover more about Scottish History with a visit to Fort George, Culloden Battlefield or you could climb to the viewpoint at the top of the Castle. If that seems like too much hard work, there’s always Tomatin Distillery’s visitor centre, which offers tours and a dram or two. The city itself is compact, which makes it great for a walkabout. Take a stroll along the riverfront or indulge in a bit of shopping and afternoon tea. Holm Mills is worth a visit, stocking everything from gifts to knitwear and serving some decent cake and coffee.
You could even treat yourself to a show at Eden Court Theatre or an Inverness Caley home game. You could even use the hotel as a stopping point as part of a longer staycation – perhaps exploring the Highlands or tackling the North Coast 500. Whether it’s countryside, coast, culture or castles, Courtyard by Marriott makes the perfect base. To enter, go to trendmagazine.co.uk and answer this question:
Where is the hotel located? Fresson Circle, Dalcross, Inverness IV2 7BL Tel: 01463 423111 marriott.com
COPPER & GREY | 33
Completely gorgeous gifts
Douneside House retains triple AA Rosette status
Copper and Grey are in a celebratory mood. The Banchory branch of the popular giftware store marks its third birthday in September. The Aberdeen store, which is located on Chapel Street in Nova’s old building, will be a year old in October. The company is a fitting successor to Nova, offering a superb selection of cards, jewellery, gifts and homewares. You’ll find party supplies including helium balloons and banners, baby gifts, beautiful vases, photo frames, planters, kitchenware and tableware. There are board games and boredom busters for kids, and a great selection of womenswear accessories. Whether you’re looking for a gift for a new born or an old friend, or just looking for a little treat for yourself, you’re bound to find something you’ll love.
Douneside House in Tarland has retained its illustrious triple AA Rosette status for the fifth year running, and continues to be North-east Scotland’s only AA triple rosette-awarded venue. The announcement comes following a mystery inspection and is the first under the stewardship of new Head Chef Matt Price, who joined in April. Only around 10% of restaurants nationwide are considered to be of a standard worthy of one Rosette or more. Douneside will be launching a new tasting menu on 15th October, from Thursday to Sunday. Find out more at dounesidehouse.co.uk
Tangled to Tidy As a lifelong passionate tidier/ organiser Jackie Howe was delighted when she realised decluttering and organising was a profession. She joined APDO (Association of Professional Declutterers and Organisers), completed some training and has now started ‘Tangled to Tidy’ and is ready to help the people of the North-east simplify their life with a tidy organised home ‘some people find organising their homes easy while
others need a little helping hand, that’s where I come in’ says Jackie tangledtotidy.com
20 Chapel Street 16 High Street, Banchory Aberdeen AB10 1SP Aberdeenshire AB31 5SR Tel: 01224 644753 Tel: 01330 538936 coppergreygifts.com
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f you fancy a day out that combines art with a bit of exercise, then choose one of the art sculpture trails that have appeared in the city and shire this autumn. There are two to choose from, Clan’s Light the North Trail features 45 2.5 metre tall decorated lighthouse sculptures, while Banchory’s Violin Trail has a dozen violin sculptures celebrating the town’s musical associations with traditional Scottish fiddle music composer Scott Skinner. Local cancer support charity, Clan, have partnered with Wild in Art, to create Light the North, which will see lighthouse sculptures on show throughout the city, shire and as far afield as Moray, Orkney and Shetland until October 17th. The distribution of the sculptures reflects the geographical area where Clan provides support services to those with cancer and their families. There are 45 artists taking part including well-known local artists like Gabi Reith and Shelagh Swanson as well as artists from further afield, each of whom will bring their own take on their sculpture design. Up in Shetland, artist Yolanda Bruce’s work will be on show at Sumburgh Head lighthouse, particularly appropriate as Yolanda’s parents both worked as lighthouse keepers. If you’d prefer a shorter trail, then head to Banchory for the Violin Trail, which runs until 27 September. There are a dozen violins designed and decorated by local artists, who have taken inspiration from nature, folklore and local heritage to create striking sculptures which pay homage to Scott Skinner. Skinner was born in Banchory in 1843. The ‘Strathspey King’ is recognised as one of the greatest violinists and composers of Scottish traditional music, composing many tunes which are still played worldwide.
Crathes Castle forms the inspiration for several works on the trail, with Christopher Sharp taking the estate’s apiary beehives as his subject while Beverly Black’s design looks at the changing seasons at the castle. Sisters Isobel and Rachel Tame take the annual Banchory Show as their theme, while Beatrice Charnley has used yarn to decorate her piece. Other artists, such as Lucy Brydon, Jodie Bews, Elspeth Winram and Kevin Andrew Morris focus on the area’s beautiful scenery and wildlife, while Iris Walker-Reid looks to the past with her piece featuring maps and old photos of Banchory Station. Astrid Bjorklund and Roselyne O’Neill’s pieces draw on folklore and mythology, while Jan Leatham’s Bonnie Banchory celebrates the work of Scott Skinner. You can download a map of the violin trail at banchory.org. In both cases, the sculptures have been sponsored by local businesses and organisations and will be auctioned for charity at the close of the event. Details of the Clan Lighthouse auction are available from lighthousekeeper@clancancersupport.org while information about the Banchory Violin action is available by e-mailing sssqevents@ gmail.com. When visiting any sculpture which is located indoors, please remember to check opening times for individual venues ahead of your visit and adhere to any guidance in relation to face coverings, number of visitors in premises and social distancing requirements at each of the venues.
36 | WASTE REDUCTION
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friendly products for a plant-based lifestyle, cutting down on enjoyment, style or taste isn’t part of the programme. You’ll find lots of high-end products and little luxuries in store.
We can help by using some of the new Zero Waste shops that offer a wide range of products and the chance to cut down on your packaging. You can either take your own jars and containers along or use paper bags.
Rosemary Planet on Holburn Street specialise in organic and eco-friendly products. They carry everything from pastas and wholefoods to herbs and spices, teas and coffees and carry a range of vegan confectionary as well as refillable toiletries and cleaning products. They also have a rather good peanut butter making machine.
© Shutterstock/ Natalia Deriabina
hen it comes to recycling, we’re rubbish. Almost a third of what ends up in the dump is food and nearly two thirds of what we put in our black bins could be recycled.
There are two Zero Waste shops in the city and several others across the region that are working towards helping us reduce the amount of rubbish we produce. While many offer planet-
Refillosophy is on Albyn Grove. They don’t open on Mondays, but you can visit any other day. As well as their refill products, they
always have a good selection of fruit and veg and some delicious cakes and bakes from local suppliers like The Cake Runner and Vegan Bay. The shop upstairs at FoodStory on Thistle Street and the store at Newton Dee in Bieldside, as well as Nature’s Larder on Holburn Street all offer some refillable or zero waste products. Outwith the city, try Bare-Zero Waste Living in Ellon, Butterfly Effect in Insch, Deeside Re-fill in Torphins, Speciality Foods in Stonehaven, Fraserburgh’s Wholehearted, the Ethical Gift Shop and Refillery in Huntly and Baobab which has just opened in Banff.
ADVERTISEMENTS | 37
38 | ASK CHEF
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cotland is a rich larder of some of the world’s finest ingredients. In our little corner alone we have some of the best artisan cheeses, Aberdeen Angus beef, world-class whiskies, freshly caught fish and shellfish and more humble ingredients like home-grown tatties, carrots and berries. September 4th-19th this year has been designated as Scottish Food and Drink Fortnight. The event showcases and celebrates our wonderful produced and provender in all its glory, and tells the story behind the wonderful products created right here on our doorstep.
Keep it local with Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight Eat on the Green’s Craig Wilson sets a challenge…
This month, set yourself a challenge and cook only with ingredients which are within a 20 mile radius of your home. Seek out those small food producers, ask your butcher for locally reared meats, go to your fish van for fresh, locally caught fish and visit the farm shop for local veg. The closer to home you can go, the better the flavour will be. What’s more, you’re supporting local businesses, reducing food miles and supporting environmental sustainability.
Bringing together the flavours of the region can produce amazing results. Take a local gin and use it to ‘wash’ some Scottish smoked salmon, serve with a fresh, artisan bread-delicious! Aberdeen Angus beef is the centrepiece of a truly great, Scottish dish. Keep it simple, serve with fresh local veg and the natural juices of the meat, to keep all those wonderful flavours locked in. For some for some #epicbacon-Piggery Smokery is a must, hand crafted to exceptionally high standards, this Alford-based business recently picked up gold, silver and bronze at the British Charcuterie Awards 2020/21. Local honey, fresh seasonal berries, homemade jam, chutneys and cheeses there are so many delicious choices. Take time to immerse yourself in the food story of your area-you’re sure to find a wee hidden gem that you’ve never visited before. You won’t regret it! For further information on Scottish Food & Drink Fortnight visit fooddrinkfort.scot
© ShA ockerstu/ leksandr Govodkr
Sat 4 September Sun 19 September
Dolce Vita Ingredients: White wine | Fortified Wine | Peach | Spiced Pear
This wine based delight will have you thinking life is sweet, much like it’s Italian translation! The drink elegantly emphasises the orchard notes and brings a long refreshing cocktail that can be enjoyed anytime you are in the venue. orchidcocktails.com
40 | CHEF FOCUS
The team come from all over Italy, so we share regional styles of cooking with each other.
Marco Crugnola, Head Chef at Da Vinci At just 25, Marco Crugnola, Head Chef at Aberdeen’s Da Vinci, is gaining an enviable reputation for combining the flavours of Italy with the best of Scottish produce. ‘Family is big in Italy. Every Sunday afternoon, everyone would gather at my grandparents’ home. I’d watch them cooking. I was filled with curiosity and eventually allowed to help. They really triggered my passion for cooking. ‘My style owes a lot to traditional Italian cooking. The quality and freshness of ingredients is really important and I like to bring a modern, personal, touch to my dishes. As well as my chef’s training,
I trained as a pastry chef, so I love our Tiramisù - it’s absolutely amazing! Currently, my favourite dish on the Specials menu is Tagliolini all’Astice. The lobster comes from Johnshaven and the dish gets lots of compliments. Da Vinci gives me the opportunity to be creative, yet authentic. ‘I’ve worked in hotels and restaurants in both Italy and the UK, but Da Vinci feels like home. The team come from all over Italy, so we share regional styles of cooking and with each other. I hope our customers feel transported to Italy while trying our dishes, drinking Italian wines and chatting with our staff.’
Love for good food Our restaurant is a family business, it’s a small group of Italian chefs & waiting staff, doing our best to offer our customers a culinary trip to Italy. In Italy, we have great respect for the food that we eat, so we use fresh, locally sourced ingredients only.
Marco’s Tagliolini All’Astice (Serves 2)
INGREDIENTS 1 whole fresh Scottish lobster 250g Tagliolini pasta 150g fresh cherry tomatoes 3 or 4 garlic cloves 1 large onion, diced 2 celery sticks, chopped 2 carrots, diced 2 medium courgettes, chopped, deseeded 3 bay leaves 200ml dry white wine Salt and pepper Extra-virgin olive oil
METHOD Cook the lobster in plenty of boiling water for around 5-8 minutes depending on the weight. Cool and remove all the meat by breaking up the shell (keep the shell), removing the lobster tail, and cutting the meat into pieces. Fry the onion and garlic in a tablespoon of oil until golden. Add the diced cherry tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes. Take the lobster shell, heat the oil in a frying pan and cook the shells with cherry tomatoes, celery, carrots, onion, and bay leaves. Add cold water and dry white wine to make a bisque and cook for an hour.
Cook the Tagliolini pasta in plenty of salted boiled water for 4 minutes, until “al dente”. Add the cooked pasta to the tomato and lobster sauce and add a tablespoon of bisque to make the creamy sauce. For the courgette sauce: Chop the courgettes and tear out all the seed parts; boil for 4/5 minutes and cool the pan in iced water. Blend with oil, salt and pepper. Add a little bit of water if you believe it is too thick. Plate by making a nest with the pasta, place some more tomatoes and lobster sauce on top, dot the plate with courgette sauce, and garnish with chopped parsley.
Open for Lunch & Dinner SPECIAL DEAL £15 two courses. Book your table now! 1 Alford Lane Aberdeen AB10 1NT T: 01224 591810 E: davincirestaurant@hotmail.com davincirestaurant.co.uk
42 | IN-BRIEF
New MD for Glencraft Glencraft, the luxury mattress maker that has supported visually impaired and other under-represented people with dignity through work for 178 years, has appointed a new managing director. Donald MacKay takes up the reins from Graham McWilliam who held the position for six years. Donald commented, ‘Businesses and the community across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire have always been tremendous supporters of Glencraft and I look forward to strengthening those relationships.’
Omnia: A gifted new venture The Omnia is the latest business to join the retail spaces at The Boxes @ Chapelton. The Omnia is a homeware and gift store where store owners and friends and Chapelton residents Fiona Joss and Karyn Werninck are fulfiling a lifelong dream of owning their own business. They'll be offering a gorgeous selection of homeware and gift ideas to suit all tastes. Opening soon.
Escone Solutions secure DFS contract Aberdeen based financial applications support company, Escone Solutions, are sitting pretty having won a new contract with the UK’s biggest sofa retailer, DFS. Escone specialises in providing clients with super user application helpdesk support, system implementation, and strategic planning as well as workplace application solutions. For more information, visit esconesolutions.com
From left, Glencraft chairman Jonathan Smith, Donald MacKay theincoming MD, and previous Glencraft MD Graham McWilliam
For more information, visit glencraft.luxury
Chaophraya celebrates it 5th birthday Chaophraya Aberdeen, the Thai restaurant on the corner of Union Terrace, celebrated its 5th birthday in style. Guests were treated to a tasting menu, live music and plenty of Prosecco, Buddhist monks from Edinburgh performed a traditional blessing, bringing luck, purification, peace and prosperity for the premises and staff. Owner and Executive Chef Kim Kaewkraikhot commented, 'It was amazing to celebrate with so many of our regular customers and Chaophraya family. It’s been a challenging year for our industry and to be able to all come together meant so much to each and every person within our team.' Find out more about Kim's passion for the freshest Thai flavours at chaophraya.co.uk/aberdeen
Are you lacking inspiration & looking to inject a bit of flavour & skill into mealtimes? Or do you want to learn some new skills & create some amazing food? From the comfort of your own kitchen, Craig Wilson, the Kilted Chef, will give you lots of great ideas, hints, tips and tricks to unlock your inner Nigella Lawson or, dare we say…Gordon Ramsay! From knife skills to recipe ideas, plating and getting everything ready on time, the Kilted Chef Cooking Masterclass is an online cookery session with Craig, which can either be on a one-to-one basis, or as a group. For further information email: craig.wilson@kiltedchef.co.uk
thekiltedchef.co.uk
WEDDING JEWELLERY | COMMISSIONS | COLLECTIONS
Exclusively designed & made for you Call to discuss your ideas & make an appointment 265 North Deeside Road, Peterculter, AB14 0UL Tel: 01224 735000 lavajewellery.co.uk
ADVERTISEMENTS | 45
balfour+manson
Growing into a new office space J
ulie Clark-Spence, the Partner who heads up the Aberdeen office, explained, ‘Balfour+Manson first opened in Aberdeen in 2004 and we’ve have grown from strength to strength, specialising in Personal Injury, Medical Negligence, Family Law, Property and Wills, Trusts and Executries. ‘We’ve had our Carden Place offices for nearly five years, although, like many people, we’ve mainly been working from home over the past 18 months. It made us realise we needed additional space for when we returned. We’ve added to the team – most recently with Katie Albiston joining our Family Law team as a solicitor – so we started to look for new premises that offered more space as we continue to grow and work with more clients throughout the North-east.
‘We’ve always prided ourselves on being friendly and approachable as a team, supporting our clients through all aspects of our specialisms, from an initial consultation to final resolution. We offer a combination of a great depth of experience with the help and guidance needed no matter what situation a client is facing.
Prominent law firm Balfour+Manson have outgrown their current Carden Place premises & have made the move to 6 Albyn Terrace, where they are looking forward to welcoming clients old & new.
‘The new offices at 6 Albyn Terrace offer modern facilities in a traditional setting, so it’s the best of both worlds. It’s a fabulous location and exactly what we were looking for, with room for growth and additional staff over the next decade. The new offices are not just an investment in our growth, but part of Balfour+Manson’s ongoing commitment to the people of the city and shire.
‘We’re good at listening, too and our approach is very much about getting to know our clients as people and working with them every step of the way. Prospective new clients are always welcome to call and set up an initial chat without long-term commitment. We provide guidance during what are often traumatic and incredibly difficult times in our clients’ lives. We understand that no two cases are the same and we pride ourselves on getting the best possible outcome.
‘After months of working from home offices and kitchen tables, we’re all looking forward to moving in and welcoming all our clients to our great new space. We’re already thinking about an opening event later this year or early next year so we can show people round.’
6 Albyn Terrace, Aberdeen, AB10 1YP Tel: 01224 498080 balfour-manson.co.uk
FI F T H D I M E N S I O N Juggling your way to success & better mental health We’ve all had our hands full over the past eighteen months. It’s been a challenge in terms of work, family life and our mental wellbeing.
more about letting go than it is catching. This makes us think about what we might need to let go in life. What’s stopping us from moving forward?
Ivor Smith and Jeff Burns of Fifth Dimension have been working with companies and individuals to help them cope with the challenges they’ve faced. One of the most popular sessions is their Juggling Workshop. Learning to juggle helps to open up conversation around health and wellbeing, looking at new ways of working and the power of juggling to relieve stress. Ivor explained, ‘Over the years we have taught hundreds of people how to juggle from schoolkids to CEOs! When we ask people at the start of the workshop, fewer than 20% believe they’ll be able to juggle three balls. By the end, 80-90% have achieved success. This naturally leads to a conversation about being more open minded and counteracting self-limiting thoughts.’
‘Juggling benefits our health and wellbeing. Focussing on eye-hand co-ordination effectively gives the brain a mini-holiday from stress or worry. It’s a state known as relaxed concentration - sports people need to be in this state to achieve great results. It also helps to improve coordination, rhythm and timing. One study even found that juggling causes certain areas of the brain to grow in areas associated with visual motion functions.’
Jeff added, ‘We find many people really struggle with throwing the third ball. Juggling, is much
Ivor concluded, ‘Juggling is well worth exploring. It facilitates conversations that move people forward, combines fun and health benefits and it might be simpler than you first thought…with the right coaching!’
Find out more at fifthdimension.biz
133 Broomhill Road Aberdeen AB10 6JQ Tel. 01224 200123 Opening Hours: Tue - Thur, 10am - 7pm Fri 10am - 6pm
48 | SALON 70
S al on 7 0’s n ew i nitiative
Discounted hair care for VSA’s vulnerable clients
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alon 70’s Sarah Jane Ironside has teamed up with Voluntary Services Aberdeen to offer discounted hair styling to some of the adults the charity supports and free cuts for supported children. Sarah Jane explained, ‘Working with VSA is something I’ve wanted to do for a while. I’m passionate about mental health and wanted to give something back. Many of us have suffered at times, but a good cut, restyle or colour can boost self-confidence and make us feel better about ourselves and our lives.’ VSA’s Holly Leiper added, ‘This lovely idea from Sarah Jane really will mean a lot to the vulnerable people we support, from children to older adults. The discount card will really mean a lot to people who need it the most – a small act of kindness can help put a smile on someone who needs it.’
Speciality coffee for the memorable moments in time.
vsa.org.uk
salon70aberdeen
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hat does your ideal afternoon look like? If it’s enjoying a collection of spectacular photography from around the world with a deliciously roasted cup of coffee in your hand, you’re in luck. Goddard Gallery, a world-leading boutique wall art photography brand dedicated to delivering high-quality photographic prints to private buyers, interior designers, corporate art curators, quality hotels and restaurants, is expanding its offering with the launch of the Goddard Coffees
Label that includes a speciality roast produced in Scotland. With a diverse range of coffees from Goddard Coffees US label also in its portfolio, the UK market will be able to indulge in a Peru Speciality Label with beans expertly roasted in Scotland. To complement the launch of its coffee line, Goddard Gallery has recently issued “The Collection”, a series of volumes of new photographic coffee table books for coffee table art buyers a real treat for all art, design and coffee lovers out there.
Visit goddardgallery.com to find out more.
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07 Longer nights and plummeting temperatures mean it’s time for interiors to take on a cosy, rustic feel. Think of it as the design equivalent of comfort food and you won’t go far wrong. Look for natural and sumptuous fabrics, from tweeds and wool to rich velvets and design with a simple, handmade vibe. Whether you’re inspired by Highland shooting lodges or an ancient limewashed farmhouse in Tuscany, look for natural wood, time-honoured designs, plump cushions and cosy throws in shades inspired by autumn skies and falling leaves…
01 © Treehouse Interiors / 02 © Omnia at Chapelton / 03 © Pryde / 04 © Treehouse Interiors/ 05 © Copper and Grey / 06 Copper and Grey / 07 © Omnia at Chapelton
M.07780682732 E.garethjsthomson@gmail.com gthomsonmusic
54 | TRAVEL
SHORT HOPS FOR A LONG WEEKEND Paris and Amsterdam have long been our default options for a city break, but there are lots of less predictable options worth exploring…
Travel and quarantine restrictions and rules change all the time, so check things out before booking, look for fully refundable flights and hotels and travel insurance which offers cancellation should a country be placed on the red or amber lists. The latest advice on travel to any given country is available from gov.uk/foreigntravel-advice and gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19international-travel-quarantine/
STA V A N G E R
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tavanger is Aberdeen’s twin city in Norway, but there’s a lot more to the city than just being Norway’s oil capital. The flight time is just over an hour from Aberdeen, with flights being provided by a combination of SAS and Wideroe. Head for Gamle Stavanger, the old city, which combines gorgeous white painted wooden houses with cobbled streets and the overwhelming temptation to stare inside people’s living rooms. Sticking with the past, the city’s Iron Age Farm is great for family trips and the Archaeological Museum has some fascinating exhibits. In spring and summer, Flor og Fjære is one of the city’s most visited attractions. It’s an unlikely horticultural paradise which has been created on a rocky island in the middle of the fjord. The day trip includes the boat trip and a three course meal in the restaurant and costs around £120 per person. Those in search of an adrenaline rush and with a contempt for gravity, can head about 16km from the city via bus and ferry and a bit of a hike, to try base jumping from Preikestolen, a 600 metre high rectangular cliff that juts above the Lysefjorden. Specialist travel insurance and pre-booking is a must. As with anywhere in Norway, Stavanger is expensive, particularly when you get the bill in a restaurant or bar. Expect to pay around £8 for a pint, £90 for a meal for two in a mid-range restaurant or £10 in the local McDonalds.
TRAVEL | 55
© Shutterstock/ PO S
...TRY BASE JUMPING FROM PREIKESTOLEN, A 600 METRE HIGH RECTANGULAR CLIFF THAT JUTS ABOVE THE LYSEFJORDEN. Preikestolen
© Shockerstu/Niolayk Anvont
© Shockerstu/ Patryk Kosmider
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atvia’s capital is around two and a half hours flight time from Aberdeen, via Air Baltic. Its charming combination of UNESCO listed Art Nouveau architecture, an Old City with winding streets and a huge selection of bars and restaurants makes it a great choice for a long weekend away. Hotels are relatively inexpensive, with the Grand Poet Hotel by Semarah and the Neiburgs Hotel, the city’s two top rated places to stay, both coming in under £130 per night. The Grand Poet also has a fabulous spa if you need to unwind. If you prefer a more natural break, autumn in Riga offers opportunities for hiking, cycling, water sports and five beaches to stroll along. If you choose to visit in December, then cosiness is the main theme, as the Old Town Square hosts a traditional Christmas market complete with hot chocolate and local delicacies. Riga boasts some great design shops, fashion stores and interesting galleries. Riija offers a curated collection of Latvian design covering everything from ceramics to bedlinen, while gallery ETMO majors on limited edition or one-off creations in glass, ceramics and textiles. Pienene specialises in natural cosmetics from Latvia and organic products including toys. Bergs is the leading designer fashion store and there are some great bookshops. A trip to Valmiermuiža’s Beer Embassy should yield some interesting souvenirs. Aside from the architecture, Riga’s charms lie in its quirkiness. There can’t be many cities where you can see a statue of a monkey cosmonaut, visit a hat museum or have dinner in a burlesque hospital-themed restaurant. If you have a taste for the unusual and slightly macabre, then the P. Stradins Museum of the History of Medicine should be high on your to-do list, while boy racers should head out of town to the auto-sport leisure and training complex 333 for a variety of high octane thrills.
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dansk may seem like an unlikely choice for a city break, given its history as the industrial port where workers broke the Communist stronghold over the country, but it has a lot of the ingredients that make for a great city break – heritage and picturesque buildings, shopping, nightlife, attractions and interesting food. It also has the advantage of being very inexpensive and just over two hours flight time from Aberdeen with Wizz Air. We found return flights in September from £42 per person, just with a carry-on bag. A mid-range restaurant should be under £30 for two and beer is around £2 a pint. The Old Town was flattened in World War II, but the medieval buildings of the 1500s have been rebuilt, so there are lots of delightful walking routes through charming squares and alleyways, or along the old harbour and wharfs. The Second World War Museum is a magnet for military history buffs, as are the ruins at Westerplatte, site of the first WW II battle. The 700 year old Wisłoujście Fortress and the Gdansk Astronomical Clock, as well as the shipyard museum give an overview of the city’s troubled past. There are a good selection of commercial galleries worth browsing, and the farmers market offers unusual delicacies. The city’s Designer Outlet Shopping Centre has over 100 brands from Hilfiger to Nike, but isn’t that great for bargain prices. If you’re looking for something tasty to bring home, try Ciuciu, Gdansk’s confectionary company, who often hold candy-making workshops or have live demonstrations and free samples. Sweet!
S O CI E T Y FO CU S
Aberdeen Golf Links Pro Am WH O :
Aberdeen Golf Links Pro Am
WH AT:
WHER E: The Marcliffe Hotel & Spa
Amateur golfers and PGA Professionals from all over the UK travelled to Aberdeenshire to compete in the 3 day Tartan Tour event. The Pro Am is played over 3 of the world’s top 100 courses, Cruden Bay, Trump International and Royal Aberdeen. The weather was spectacular and the golf was fantastic. Tom Higson from The Gleneagles Hotel carded a very impressive 6 under par each day to win the tournament by 9 clear shots. Paul Lawrie finished in 2nd place and the defending champion Paul O’Hara tied for 3rd place alongside Graham Fox. Tom Higson and Hunter Surfacing Ltd were the winning team in the stableford competition with a score of 271 points.
© Shockerstu/SalBel 58 | GARDENS
GARDENS | 59
words by Kirtsy McLean
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ottage gardens conjure up a romantic vision of warm summers, heady scents wafting through a wild and wonderful mix of colourful blooms, arranged in a jumbledup, random fashion. Traditionally, cottage gardens mixed flowers with herbs, fruits and vegetables – it was the original notion of companion planting, in many respects. Cottage gardens were originally created by workers, making the most of their space by growing vegetables, herbs and fruit in one border. With no A&E or local chemist, they would have also been knowledgeable as to what roots, herbs and flowers could be used for medicinal purposes and would have grown these too. It was common to propagate plants by nipping a bit off a neighbour’s plant, by taking cuttings or sharing seed - no garden centres back then! So how does the cottage style fit into our gardens now? It seems it has never been more on trend! The pandemic has reconnected many of us with nature but it has also kindled a need for a style of gardening that is wholesome and comforting. There has been a movement toward a much more natural feel in our garden borders and a desire to use planting that addresses the specific needs of pollinating insects, such as bees and butterflies and is welcoming to wildlife.
The delightful aspect of this style of gardening is, you can break all the rules… because there aren’t any! Whilst colours may tend to be more pastel than deep or hot shades, you can mix colours and heights as you please and be as laid back as you like regarding their arrangement. Long flowering perennials can also be mixed in with grasses and bulbs to prolong seasonal interest in the border and create a wider biodiversity in the garden. There are a number of plants that retain their foliage during the winter and others that have the most wonderful frame that remains evident even whilst they sleep, so whilst many do die back in the winter, the border does not have to be bare once summer has passed. By adding in some pots, or obelisks for climbers, you can extend the growing season and maintain interest all year round. Cottage style gardening is relatively low maintenance. Many of these plants will grow and bulk out quickly, covering most of the soil which means less weeding. Autumn is a perfect time to plant and this relaxed style of border can be created incredibly cheaply by growing the bulk of the plants from seed if this is what you want to do or perhaps you could trade cuttings with your neighbour? For the less patient however, the garden centre won’t disappoint!
A selection of perennials, trees, climbers, grasses and bulbs that work well in cottage style gardens:
Perennials: Aquilegias, Hardy geraniums, Dianthus, Phlox, Delphiniums, Lupins, Campanulas, Scented Roses, Hollyhocks, Peonies, Foxgloves, Poppies, Leucanthemum, Echinaceas, Lavender, Fennel, Salvias, Chives, Alchemilla Mollis, Penstemons, Nepeta, Scabious, Centaurea, Asters, Sedums Bulbs: Anemones, Alium, Agapanthus, Convallaria Majalis, Dodecatheon, Hesperantha coccinea, Nerine bowdenii, Ornithogalum thyrsoides, Daffodils, Tulips Trees: Apple trees, Pear trees, Plum trees. Shrubs: Philadelphus Manteau d’Hermine (dwarf var.), Syringa Palibin (Dwarf Lilac), Rosa Rugosa, Dwarf Buddleja, Potentilla fruticose, Rosemary, Dwarf Fuchsia, Daphnes Climbers: Climbing/ Rambling Scented Roses, Scented Honeysuckles, Jasmine, Clematis, Sweet Peas Grasses: Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’, Carex pendula, Carex Testacea, Miscanthus sinensis
60 | KIDS
© Shockerstu/ Kiselv Aneydr Vaevichlr
ting to let p m e t ’s it , in are drawing d s t h ig n e h t ndless roun e n Now a in fa o s g out on the e v s ing on their id y k r la u p o d y n a k o T YouTube, Tik , k r o w e m o of h g consoles. in m a g r o s phone
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Perhaps now’s the time to start a new hobby, or to find a club or class designed to offer a combination of learning new skills, having fun and making friends. There are so many to choose from, be it sports or exercise classes, youth organisations, music or dance, martial arts or musical theatre… Youth organisations Girl Guiding offers groups in different age bands. Rainbows take girls from ages 5-7, Brownies from 7-10 and Guides from 10-14, with Rangers being for girls aged 14-18. There are lots of games and activities as well as a socially-conscious element that often includes environmental or community projects. There are also activities such as camps and festivals that involve meeting up with other groups from different parts of the UK or from other countries. You can find out more or register your daughter at girlguiding.org.uk where they will match your child with the nearest groups. Similarly, both the Scouts and the Boys Brigade offer age-banded classes for boys. For the Scouts, this starts with Beavers, before moving on to Cubs, Scouts and Explorers. The Boys Brigade offers Anchors, Juniors, Company and Seniors covering ages 5-18. The Boys Brigade is often tied to local churches and includes a religious element in activities, while the scouting and guiding movement have become more secular over time. Find out more or sign up at scouts.org.uk or boys-brigade.org.uk. All the organisations still offer the opportunity to earn badges to add to the uniform, though the subjects have been modernised, so there are badges for everything from street sports and model-making to media relations and marketing! Many groups have a waiting list to join, as it’s difficult to find adult volunteers to run the packs or troupes, so it’s worth considering if this is something you could help with.
Sports, Martial Arts and Music Check with your child’s school or local council sports centres or halls to see what’s available locally. If your child is keen to learn a more unusual sport such as fencing or athletics, the sport’s organising body’s website is the best place to start. Similarly, the schools may offer the best starting point if your child wants to play the bassoon or euphonium. Dance and theatre If your child is a born star, a consummate actor, aspiring rock god, or needs to build their confidence, then performance-based classes might be just the thing. These can really help kids come out of their shell. Aberdeen Performing Arts offer a range of drama and music classes for kids of all ages, which should start again soon. Keep an eye out on their website or social media feeds for updates. Stagecoach (stagecoach.co.uk) offer weekly drama classes for children aged 4 to over 15 as well as holiday workshops. They also offer a two week trial and have classes in the West and South of the city. Outwith the city, try rhonamitchell.co.uk for classes in Inverurie, or Dramatix (dramatixclub.co.uk) which offers classes in Laurencekirk, Portlethen, Gourdon and Stonehaven. There are dance schools all over the city and shire, offering classes in everything from classical ballet to street dance, Highland dancing, tap, contemporary and modern dance and hip hop. Classes start with tiny tots in tutus from around the age of 2 1/2. Danscentre offer classes especially for boys, while Academy Street Dance Studio (academystreet-dance.com) have all types of dance and musical theatre classes in the heart of the city. You may need to experiment until they find something they really enjoy, but it could be the start of a life-long passion.
62 | NEOS
BETTER THAN EVER NEOS IS BACK! YES, NORTH EAST OPEN STUDIOS IS BACK AND THIS YEAR’S EVENT PROMISES TO BE BETTER THAN EVER.
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fter last year’s scaled down event, this year offers the chance to meet and buy from over 250 of the region’s most talented artists, craftspeople and makers. North East Open Studios runs from September 11 to 19th. Individual venues have different opening times and there are so many artists and makers taking part that it’s best to get a copy of the NEOS guide, choose your must-sees and plan a route. The distinctive yellow book is available at libraries, galleries and shops and is a great resource throughout the year. You can also find out who’s taking part at northeastopenstudios.co.uk and
confirm opening times before setting out. A download of the book, as well as maps and local trails, is also available from the site. Some things are better done in person and buying art and design is definitely one of them. It’s so much easier to find pieces you love when you see them in real life and chat to the person who made them. Colours spring to life in paintings, illustrations, photography and stained glass works, the tactile qualities of textiles, ceramics, furniture, wood and sculptures need to be experienced and the intricate work that goes into the creation of jewellery, silversmithing or heritage crafts benefits from close examination. North East Open Studios offers the chance to meet with every kind of artist, designer and maker based in the area, to explore their studios and
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find out more about their work and how pieces are made. It’s a genuinely inspiring opportunity to discover more about the skills involved, as well as picking up a piece or two that you’ll love forever, or some fabulous gifts while supporting artists and makers from Macduff to Montrose, Aboyne to Aberdeen City. Ceramicist Fiona Duckett, Chair of the voluntary team of artists and makers which organises NEOS each year, explained why this year’s NEOS is so important, commenting, ‘For many artists and makers, NEOS not only offers one of the main selling opportunities
of the year, but also a rare chance to meet their audience, to find out more about what people want to own. Visiting a studio connects people to creativity. Demonstrations spark conversations which lead to new ideas for the artist and often inspire people to learn more about making for themselves. NEOS fosters collaborations between artists and makers as well as attracting tourists to Aberdeenshire and enabling local artists and craftspeople to make a living.’ Pick up a NEOS guide or visit the website and start planning your trip. northeastopenstudios.co.uk
BEHIND THE BUSINESS
Philip & Richard Sainsbury's furniture Brothers in armchairs
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ainsbury’s Furniture is one of the city’s best loved family businesses, with four floors of modern and classic designs in lounge and dining furniture, upholstery, flooring and bedrooms. It’s run by brothers Philip and Richard Sainsbury, the third generation of the Sainsbury family since upholsterer Noel Sainsbury started the business with a handcart and high hopes back in 1932. Such were Noel’s skills that he was able to take on staff and move into a workshop on Fonthill Road by 1939. The family lived in the flat above the shop. The post war period brought a building boom to the city and shire and Sainbury’s moved to their present Holburn Street location and a carpet department was added. When Noel retired, his sons Cyril and Alan took over the running of the business. In the generation that followed, Alan’s son Richard joined the business straight from school while his brother Philip joined in 2002 after a career in sports journalism and live sports broadcasting. Their dad still drops in every now and then. Philip Sainsbury explained, ‘I look after the furniture operation side of the business, including sales and marketing while Richard heads up the flooring department. He’s often out providing estimates – some of our customers are the children and grandchildren of families who bought their furniture and carpet from our dad and grandad.’
‘Now we have over 10,000 square feet over four floors. We stock leading brands such as beds from Harrisons, MLily, Sealy and beautifully designed sofas from British Classics G Plan and Parker Knoll as well as on trend collections from Ashwood and Alstons. I think Noel would be surprised by the extent of our selection of upholstery and our flooring department offers carpeting, LVT, wood and laminate. We have in-house fitters and probably one of the biggest ranges anywhere in the North-east. Working with your family could prove difficult for many of us, but as Philip says, ‘It’s genuinely great to see my brother on a day to day basis and in the main, we get on great. We rarely argue. There’s times we differ on opinion but that’s healthy and we respect each other’s opinions. When they aren’t working or spending time with their families, both the brothers are keen on sports. Richard goes snowboarding abroad while Philip is the Chair of Aberdeen Girls and Ladies Football Club and still works as a floor manager on live TV sports broadcasts. As well as snowboarding, Richard says a lot of his time is spent ferrying his younger son to his football training and matches and tries to spend as much time as possible with his elder son, who is studying accountancy in Edinburgh.
Richard added, ‘The way we live has changed so much since the business started and it continues to evolve. Furniture and flooring is like fashion – it’s always changing, so we focus on trends combined with quality. We are really blessed with our team of staff, from sales to our fitting and delivery teams.
Will there be a fourth generation of the Sainsbury family involved in the business? Well, Philip has three teenaged daughters and Richard has two sons. As Richard says, ‘It’s entirely possible. That said, neither of us would push them into the business, they would have to come on board only if they wanted too and even they wished to join later after getting other life experiences in other business areas.
196 HOLBURN STREET ABERDEEN, AB10 6DA
TEL: 01224 585595 SAINSBURYS.UK.COM
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