UWS Prospectus Magazine by University of the West of Scotland

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UWS – YOUR SPACE UWS 2011 Undergraduate Prospectus Supplement

Inside UWS – Your Space Head West Music Country: Sounds of the West Student Fieldwork Money Saving Hi Tea – Budget Cooking Show Offs Making a Scene – Our Clubs

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Undergraduate Prospectus 2011 www.uws.ac.uk Grow Create Enjoy

University of the West of Scotland Undergraduate Prospectus Supplement 2011

Head West

UWS – Your Space

by Kirstin Innes

Before there were budget airlines and package holidays, before there was two weeks on the Costa Del Sol and back when Ibiza was just another unspoiled Balaeric island, when Scots went on holiday, they went to the West Coast.

Whether you’re local to the area, coming to Scotland from other parts of the UK, from Europe or overseas, this prospectus supplement will give you a feel for the uniqueness of UWS; let you discover more about the areas around our campuses, and further afield in the West of Scotland; provide advice on saving money – always good; and enhance your culinary skills!

Calgary Bay

University’s not just about hard work and study – there has to be some fun mixed in. At UWS you’ll have the chance to meet new people, experience new things, and widen your interests and horizons. Grow

At UWS you’ll have the opportunity to take part in a range of hands-on activities relevant to your studies, from scientific fieldwork to TV performing. You can opt to take a placement in business or industry to get a better insight into what lies ahead. You can undertake European exchange and study with one of our partner institutions. You can get help with finding summer work or voluntary work.

Create

UWS offers the chance for you to challenge yourself and learn new things. You will pick up skills in your selected field and have the choice of a range of options, including languages, to enhance your learning.

UWS is your space.

Enjoy

Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds and include those from school or college, adult returners joining us from the world of work, and a growing number of EU and international students. You’ll be part of a wider mix, get a different perspective on your studies, and learn from the experience of your classmates. You’ll also be able to join any number of UWS student clubs and societies, and you could even take part in the work of our Students’ Association. Keep hold of this supplement so that you can refer to our students’ local recommendations; our money saving ideas; our visitor attractions in the West; our music tips; our budget tea-time treats; and more!

For more on UWS as the space for learning see our Undergraduate Prospectus

Step off the tourist trail and discover the real west of Scotland, says Kirstin Innes. Overseas visitors (and even the odd native) more familiar with Scotland’s unfortunate international reputation as a country of bad weather and even worse cuisine will probably snigger at the idea, but the areas – within easy travelling distance – around the University of the West of Scotland’s various campuses are still rich in all the essentials needed for a good holiday, even if you just want to spend a weekend exploring. Beautiful scenery. Wonderfully fresh food, cooked expertly. Nights of exciting, varied culture. Action adventure that’ll keep your adrenaline rushing for weeks. Idyllic white sandy beaches, turquoise seas, and even (believe it or not) the odd palm tree. These gems might not necessarily be in areas you’ll find in your 01

University of the West of Scotland Undergraduate Prospectus Supplement 2011

Head West

UWS – Your Space

by Kirstin Innes

Calgary Bay

Create

UWS is your space.

Enjoy

For more on UWS as the space for learning see our Undergraduate Prospectus

Mountain Biking World Championship, Fort William 02

The Crocodile Rock, Millport 03

Nardini’s Café, Largs 04

Saltcoats

average Lonely Planet; generally, Scottish tourist trails tend to push people east to Edinburgh’s stately beauty and the golf-rich lands around St Andrews or north to the Highlands (the Western Isles are an exception, but we’ll get to them later). That’s all the better; it means you’ll get a relatively unspoilt, alternative experience, in places that haven’t been tarted up for tourists, and almost all of the experiences we’re suggesting here ought to be manageable on even the tightest student budget. You’ll also get an insight into aspects of Scotland’s history that – because they deal with ordinary working people rather than kings, queens or Mel Gibson characters – often tend to be overlooked by the history books. It’s all there, waiting for you – you just need to know where to look. Let’s start by the sea; specifically, with those seaside towns that lost their primary source of income when the budget airlines began flying directly from Glasgow to Malaga and European holidays in the sun were suddenly affordable to all. In places, a visit to Saltcoats or Largs can feel like stepping into a very charming timewarp, a journey back to the 1950s or 1960s, when these towns were the top holiday destinations for the families of the Glasgow shipyard workers, still specialising in excellent ice cream and some of the finest fish suppers in the country. Saltcoats’ beautiful beach may be quieter now, but it still offers tenacious visitors utterly spectacular sunsets, the colours bouncing off the hills of Arran over the water. Just a short ferry-trip from Largs, you’ll find the island of Cumbrae. A ten-minute bus trip takes you straight from the ferry port to the island’s only town, Millport. Millport is always worth a visit, if only because its inhabitants are apparently determined to live life at an entirely different pace from anyone else in the country. The tone is set by the island’s mascot, the Crocodile Rock, a reptilian crag occasionally cut off by the tide, and painted, for reasons known only to the residents of Cumbrae, with Native American markings. Bicycles (and even tandems) are the preferred methods of transport on this tiny island: it only takes half an hour to cycle round the circumference, and you’ll get yourself some seriously beautiful views of both mainland Scotland and the islands further west along the way. Over the years Millport has become a haven for eccentric types in retreat from Glasgow’s comparative rat race, many of whom, again for reasons best known to themselves, can often be seen wearing cowboy-style Stetson hats. It’s regarded with huge affection by the wider area, and

often plays host to interesting touring events: Scottish post-rock giants Mogwai played a gig on the ferry in 2005. Back on the mainland at Largs, make sure to fit in time for an ice cream at the legendary Nardini’s, an establishment that modestly claims to be one of the most famous restaurants in the UK. To be fair, in years of dedicated ice cream research, this reporter has never tasted anything quite like their gelati, which comes in 32 different flavours, arrayed in pastel-coloured splendour across one of the biggest freezer cabinets you’re ever likely to see. If you’re thinking that ‘Nardini’ doesn’t sound like a traditionally Scottish name, you’d be right. The West Coast is home to a huge Scottish-Italian population, who often parried the culinary traditions of their homeland into perfect holiday eating for vacationing Glaswegians, bringing extra finesse to fish and chip shops, or, like the Nardinis, starting up ice cream empires. For the record, the best fish and chip shop in Scotland is also in the West, but back inland: Palombo’s, in Balloch, on the bonnie, bonnie banks of Loch Lomond. It’s now run by Franco Palombo, son of Ernesto, who set the family business up over 50 years ago, and what was once a simple place to pick up a bag of chips now holds a very popular guest house with spectacular views of Scotland’s most beautiful loch (they’ll also let you rent a pedalo boat if you prefer eating your chips on the water). The fish supper may be an essential part of the classic Scottish seaside holiday experience, but all this talk of fried food is playing directly into one of the most misleading stereotypes about Scotland, and the West Coast particularly: that our cuisine is all artery-clogging, unhealthy and perpetually deep-fried. It’s a pity, as the West of Scotland especially has amazing natural resources, including some of the freshest, best quality seafood you’ll ever taste, and a large number of restaurants and shops on hand to make sure you eat everything the right way. A short car trip from Loch Lomond, going slightly deeper into that particularly leafy, lush area of the country known as the Trossachs, you’ll find the village of Clachan on the shores of Scotland’s largest sea loch, Loch Fyne. Clachan has grown from a sleepy merchant village specialising in some of the freshest oysters in the country into one of the centres of Scotland’s foodie community, supporting a collective of restaurants and shops all committed to an admirable policy of ethical fishing and food-sourcing (they’ve also got an excellent dedicated whisky shop, just in case this was all getting a bit sober for you).

It’s a noisy, raucous atmosphere – fans come from all over the world, bringing airhorns, rattles and drums (and sometimes even bagpipes) – that feels a little like a gigantic house party (except outdoors, with a greater chance of getting muddy). Mountain Biking World Championship, Fort William 04

However, Scottish food isn’t all about the piscine. An overnight stay on the island of Arran, one of the most southerly islands in the country, is ideal for any dedicated foodies on an extreme budget. Arran is relatively unique in that the residents and local councils don’t frown too heavily on ‘wild’, or non-campsite camping, meaning that you only need to pay £10 for the ferry over from Ardrossan, and allowing you to save your money… for the famous, visitor-friendly, cheese and chocolate cottage industry factories on the island. Fortunately for those prone to over-indulgence, Arran is also famous for excellent hill walking (or ‘tramping’ to use the particularly Arranspecific term). Make sure to take a camera, as the scenery is too good to trust just your memory to. The Western Isles are famously beautiful. North of Arran is Mull, a quiet, beautiful, still place with white sandy beaches and turquoise waters to rival the Caribbean. No, that’s not an exaggeration – the first sight of Mull’s Calgary Bay regularly makes newcomers doubletake, wondering if they can possibly still be in Scotland. The West coast towns and islands are hiding some world class beaches in amongst the nooks and crannies of the coastline, and for a properly tropical experience, we suggest a visit to Cambeltown on the Kintyre peninsula, where because of the nearby Gulf Stream the weather tends to be warmer than the rest of the country, and the streets and gardens are studded with wild palm trees. Mull is also great for spotting sealife, from otters to seals, and the nearest mainland town, Oban, hosts the Scottish Sealife Sanctuary, where rescued seal-pups and sharks alike recuperate before being released back

Mountain Biking World Championship, Fort William 02

The Crocodile Rock, Millport 03

Nardini’s Café, Largs 04

Saltcoats

University of the West of Scotland Undergraduate Prospectus Supplement 2011

Leanna Leung UWS Computer Animation student

How did you decide that UWS was the path for you?

While reading through various prospectuses back in high school, the UWS computer animation course really stood out from the rest. What do you see yourself doing in five years’ time? 01

There’s just as much man-made spectacle to gawp at, too: if you’re travelling around the area by train, make sure you pass over the architectural splendour of the Glenfinnan Viaduct, currently best-known as the route of the Hogwarts Express in all of the Harry Potter films.

Glenfinnan Viaduct

I’d like to be working in the gaming industry or in film and television. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I go out to Glasgow city centre with friends for a movie, or a drink or meal. I enjoy gaming or sketching when at home, and sometimes I’ll even cook or experiment with making desserts! What is the best piece of advice you have been given in life?

into the wild. There’s just as much man-made spectacle to gawp at, too: if you’re travelling around the area by train, make sure you pass over the architectural splendour of the Glenfinnan Viaduct, currently best-known as the route of the Hogwarts Express in all of the Harry Potter films. Witchcraft of a different kind once happened at Culzean Castle, further south – this magnificent castle and its 600 acres of sculpted grounds doubled up as a residence for Lord Summerisle in the horror classic The Wickerman. If all this passive sight-seeing sounds a little tame for your liking, then don’t worry – we were just getting to the thrill-seeking bit. You’re in an action-adventure paradise out here, with excellent opportunities for surfing (the best waves in the west are at Machrihanish, near Cambeltown) and mountain biking on some very exciting terrain. In fact, Fort William, just north of Oban, plays host to the annual Mountain Biking World Cup in May. It’s a noisy, raucous atmosphere – fans come from all over the world, bringing airhorns, rattles and drums (and sometimes even bagpipes) – that feels a little like a gigantic house party (except outdoors, with a greater chance of getting muddy). There are regular evening events organised throughout Fort William, and a chance to get up close

to some of the world’s best riders. There are also demo tracks for you to try out your skills yourself, and maybe even get noticed by one of the talent scouts milling about in the crowds… Right at the other end of the festival spectrum, and way down south from Fort William, the Wigtown Book Festival (also in May) pulls in just as many international superstars in its own right. Former guests have included novelist Michael Morpurgo and Michael Palin as well as Scottish stars Janice Galloway and James Kelman, and Captain Corelli’s Mandolin author Louis de Bernières is a regular. Wigtown is a curious little place, so far out on the south-west coast that it’s nearer to Belfast than any Scottish city. It was officially declared ‘Scotland’s Book Town’ in 1997 in an attempt to regenerate the small town after its two main industries (a creamery and a distillery) closed. These days, it may be the only town in the world still making its living from literature, and with at least twelve book shops servicing a population of only 1,000, there’s a really distinct, laid-back but well-informed atmosphere about the area. Of course, the population swells dramatically when the book festival comes to town – 2009’s festival attracted almost 9,000 visitors to the area.

The other major festival in the west (funnily enough, it’s also in May) is Burns and A’ That! We weren’t going to get through an article about the West of Scotland without some mention of Ayr’s most famous son. Burns and A That! is a festival happening all over Ayr, dedicated to bringing Robert Burns into the 21st century. In an average year, you’ll find contemporary musicians (and the odd pop star) reinterpreting his music at concerts, or spectacular light and theatre versions of well-known poems like Tam O’Shanter. Robert Burns found all of his inspiration in the countryside and people of the West of Scotland — he’s as good a man as any to conclude a tour with.

Kirstin Innes is a freelance writer who lives in Glasgow. She spent three years working as Assistant Editor, Travel Editor and senior arts writer for The List magazine, during which time she won the Allen Wright Award for Excellence in Arts Journalism. She has written journalism for the Independent, The Scotsman and The Skinny, and is also a published literary critic and short story writer.

Take everything as it comes, don’t give up and don’t regret what can’t be undone; just keep going forward at your own pace.

What advice would you have given yourself in First Year if you could go back in time?

Never give up and let your imagination go wild. What is the fashion trend on your campus?

The fashion trend varies a lot depending on the people, there’s a mixture even just on my course. I just tend to buy and wear what I think personally looks nice on me and comfortable; if I was to follow a trend I do look towards Korean and Japanese fashion. What will you miss most about University?

I will miss my classmates and the friends I’ve made (that is, if I don’t see them again!) and the helpful lecturers and staff I have met over the years.

University of the West of Scotland Undergraduate Prospectus Supplement 2011

Leanna Leung UWS Computer Animation student

How did you decide that UWS was the path for you?

While reading through various prospectuses back in high school, the UWS computer animation course really stood out from the rest. What do you see yourself doing in five years’ time? 01

Glenfinnan Viaduct

I’d like to be working in the gaming industry or in film and television. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

Take everything as it comes, don’t give up and don’t regret what can’t be undone; just keep going forward at your own pace.

What advice would you have given yourself in First Year if you could go back in time?

Never give up and let your imagination go wild. What is the fashion trend on your campus?

I will miss my classmates and the friends I’ve made (that is, if I don’t see them again!) and the helpful lecturers and staff I have met over the years.

Music Country: Sounds of the West by Barry Nicolson, edited by Stacey Hunter

The West of Scotland is a musical place. Whether we’re listening to it, making it, or — in the case of the musically incompetent like myself — writing about it; there’s an intense, almost tribal, passion for music that characterises the best aspects of our culture, even if that passion does occasionally manifest itself in unfortunate forms: witness the Sunday night karaoke in many of our bars!

One or two copybook-blotting examples aside, there is undoubted historic precedence for this; we Scots have always known how to enjoy ourselves, with a song-and-dance tradition that stretches back hundreds of years. While the old forms endure to this day (if you don’t believe us, simply visit Edinburgh during the festival season and walk ten metres in any direction), Scottish music in the 21st century is characterised not by kilted bagpipers, but by the cutting-edge on which its artists reside. Glasgow acts as a natural hub; with around a third of the country’s population residing in the Greater Glasgow region. The city attracts musicians not only from the surrounding area, but the world over. Vibrant and unique scenes ranging from Country & Western to No-Wave and Noise-rock are built up around the city’s myriad bars, music venues and DIY labels, perhaps the most famous of which was the Postcard Records scene of the late 70s and early 80s. Founded by Alan Horne in 1979, Postcard existed for just two years, but in that time managed to launch the careers of acts like Orange Juice and their mercurial frontman Edwyn Collins [whose work has been documented by UWS Broadcasting Lecturer Paul Tucker] as well as Josef K and Aztec Camera. Transplanting the melodic jangle of 1960s San Francisco to an urban, post-punk setting, the records sold in negligible amounts, but Postcard’s true currency was influence; they helped instigate the C81 and C86 cassette compilation scenes that defined British indie in the 1980s, and also inspired another Glaswegian, Alan McGee, to start Creation Records in 1983. A year later, Creation would release the debut single by East Kilbride band The Jesus & Mary Chain, introducing the world to the brutally beautiful (or beautifully brutal) music of Jim and William Reid. The city has changed immeasurably since then, but while few of the landmarks of that era remain, the music endures. The West of Scotland continued to be a musical hotbed in the years that followed too, thanks to bands like The Blue Nile, Teenage Fanclub, Primal Scream, Mogwai, and Belle & Sebastian

(whose frontman Stuart Murdoch wrote the songs that would form the crux of their debut album not far from the UWS campus in Ayr). Nowadays, some of the biggest acts in Britain hail from the West of Scotland, including Franz Ferdinand who formed in the ever-fertile Art School scene that has also produced Sons & Daughters, The Fratellis, Biffy Clyro (another Ayrshire act who have gone on to great things) and Paolo Nutini, whose parents’ chip shop is located a stone’s throw away from UWS’ Paisley Campus. It’s fair to say, then, that for a small country, Scotland punches above its weight when it comes to producing successful and influential bands. But discovering them for yourself, as any self-respecting indie snob will reliably inform you, is half the fun; nothing beats wandering into a poorly-lit basement bar and wrapping your ears around something amazing – or occasionally terrible – that you’ve never heard before. Tiny venues where you can do just that are dotted around Glasgow city centre with an ubiquity usually reserved for functional things like postboxes and cash machines: Nice n’ Sleazy’s, The 13th Note, The Captain’s Rest, King Tut’s Wah-Wah Hut, Bloc… the list is almost endless. You needn’t always have to venture into Glasgow, either; plenty of small venues like Paisley’s Crow Bar or Ayr’s Libertine play host to up-and-coming bands as well as national acts. In terms of what names you should be looking out for over the next twelve months, expect great things from the likes of Schnapps, Big Ned, Other People, Divorce, Mitchell Museum and Frightened Rabbit, whose recently released third album should see them make the leap from critical darlings to national concern.

More recently, the Lucky Me Collective – a loose, difficult-to-define community of artists and musicians dabbling in hip-hop, grime and electro – have brought acts like Hudson Mohawke, Rustie and Mike Slott to national attention, and put on parties and art happenings all over Scotland and the rest of the world. Even aside from the music that comes out of it, the West of Scotland is also one of the first stops scheduled by major international artists when putting tours together, thanks to famously passionate Scottish audiences and venues like the Barrowlands in Glasgow’s East End, the legendary ballroom that’s played host to everyone from Oasis to David Bowie. New venues pop up with startling regularity, from the Oran Mor to the ABC and the O2 Academy. There’s also an ever-growing roster of music festivals, ranging from the very small (Oban’s tiny Dunstaffnage festival) the boutique (like The Wickerman, which takes place annually in Dumfries) to the bloody huge (T In The Park, held an hour’s drive from Glasgow in Balado, Kinross). There are too many to list here in detail, but each one has its own unique, idiosyncratic atmosphere, and all are well worth checking out. Finally, if you’re looking to start your own band, you’ll find that it’s easy to do; the West of Scotland fosters and encourages artists of all stripes and regardless of what you’re into, like-minded souls are never far away. There are also more small venues and club nights than ever before, allowing new bands to take their first tentative steps. The West of Scotland is steeped in musical history, but it’s also still active in making it; Time Magazine recently likened 21stcentury Glasgow to Detroit in its 1960s Motown heyday, and other publications like NYLON and NME have recently run features on the city’s distinctive musical scenes and the bands who form them. London vogue occasionally turns its attention Northwards, and occasionally ignores it completely, but in true Scottish style it matters not a jot. The West of Scotland scene has been – and always will be – self-sufficient, independent and in the rudest of health.

It’s fair to say, then, that for a small country, Scotland punches above its weight when it comes to producing successful and influential bands. If rock n’ roll isn’t your thing, however, there’s also a blossoming dance culture built around Glaswegian clubs like Death Disco (which takes place on the third Saturday of the month at The Arches and attracts top acts from all over the world) and Optimo, the notorious Sunday night shindig hosted by DJ’s Twitch and Wilkes, and the primary depleter of Glasgow’s Monday morning workforce. In terms of labels, meanwhile, Soma Quality Records, the imprint founded in 1991 by electro duo Slam, has a reputation as one of the world’s finest house and techno labels, and has the distinction of being the first label to release Daft Punk’s earliest material back in 1994.

CSS, T in the Park 02

Sons and Daughters 03

T in the Park 04

Belle and Sebastian 05

Franz Ferdinand 06 04

Barry Nicolson is a freelance music journalist based in Glasgow. He has been a contributor to the NME since 2002, covering bands like The Killers, Franz Ferdinand, The White Stripes, The Strokes and Kings of Leon. He has also written for The Guardian, The Independent, the Scottish News of the World, The Skinny and NYLON magazine.

Mogwai

Music Country: Sounds of the West by Barry Nicolson, edited by Stacey Hunter

CSS, T in the Park 02

Sons and Daughters 03

T in the Park 04

Belle and Sebastian 05

Franz Ferdinand 06 04

Mogwai

University of the West of Scotland Undergraduate Prospectus Supplement 2011

Student Fieldwork by Stacey Hunter

Claire McClory UWS Business School student Based on your experience, what would you recommend about UWS to friends?

University of the West of Scotland incorporates four unique campuses situated in Ayr, Dumfries, Hamilton and Paisley. Each has its own individual character, architecture and social scene.

In my experience the staff at UWS are extremely approachable and always have time to deal with student queries. If I’ve ever had an issue with a piece of work or I just wanted to chat about future avenues of employment they have always made time to talk to me. If I’ve emailed a lecturer I’ve always received a response on the same day.

Whether you are thinking of living on campus or commuting there, you’ll be curious about what’s on offer – with this in mind we have compiled a guide to the lifestyle surrounding the four campuses featuring real recommendations from current UWS students on the places to eat, shop, dance and explore. Their contributions have been transcribed exactly as they were given to provide an authentic student review of each town. We followed up on their tips, setting off on a series of (not too arduous) day-trips sampling the food, drink and sights. There are too many to list in total but the following is our personal selection – a handy wee guide to just some of what’s good in your neighbourhood...

What is the best piece of advice you have been given in life?

It doesn’t matter how bad something appears or how difficult a situation may be; things always resolve themselves. Everyone has bad days, bad weeks even, but given time, things will improve, there is nothing that can’t be fixed. What is the best university event you have attended?

Coats Memorial Baptist Church, Paisley (see page 15) 02

Bank Street Books, Dumfries (see page 13) 03

Beach, Ayr (see page 12) 04

Canal Street, Paisley (see page 15) 05

Libertine, Ayr (see page 12) 06

Cadzow Glen, Hamilton (see page 14)

Stacey Hunter is a freelance writer, editor and curator who lives in Edinburgh. She spent four years at Scotland’s Centre for Architecture and Design in Glasgow organising exhibitions and events in Scotland as part of her role as Programme Manager of the Six Cities Design Festival.

They offered free shoulder massages after our exams! This was a great idea and all the girls loved it – I’m sure some of the boys did as well. What advice would you have given yourself in First Year if you could go back in time?

As soon as you are given an assignment start a plan of how you are going to go about completing the work. There are only 12 weeks in each trimester. You’ve got all summer to go out “gallivanting” (as my mum calls it) to all hours! What will you miss most about UWS?

I shall really miss the Paisley Buddies! The people that I’ve met in Paisley are great fun and would go to any length to help you.

For more on the individual campuses, visitor information, open day dates, and travel directions check out www.uws.ac.uk

University of the West of Scotland Undergraduate Prospectus Supplement 2011

Student Fieldwork by Stacey Hunter

Claire McClory UWS Business School student Based on your experience, what would you recommend about UWS to friends?

University of the West of Scotland incorporates four unique campuses situated in Ayr, Dumfries, Hamilton and Paisley. Each has its own individual character, architecture and social scene.

What is the best piece of advice you have been given in life?

Coats Memorial Baptist Church, Paisley (see page 15) 02

Bank Street Books, Dumfries (see page 13) 03

Beach, Ayr (see page 12) 04

Canal Street, Paisley (see page 15) 05

Libertine, Ayr (see page 12) 06

Cadzow Glen, Hamilton (see page 14)

I shall really miss the Paisley Buddies! The people that I’ve met in Paisley are great fun and would go to any length to help you.

For more on the individual campuses, visitor information, open day dates, and travel directions check out www.uws.ac.uk

University of the West of Scotland Undergraduate Prospectus Supplement 2011

Ayr

Dumfries

UWS Student Recommendations Ayr Campus and Dumfries Campus

Bar/Pub

Club

Good for a walk

Place for a date

Bar/Pub

Deli/Sandwich

Good for a walk

Must-see or landmark

Libertine 7 River Street, Ayr, KA8 0AX 01292 268 454 www.barlibertine.co.uk Libertine is a good place to go to for live music, they have bands playing there all the time.

Club de Mar (06) 1-5 Arthur Street, Ayr KA7 1QJ 01292 613 613 www.westclub.co.uk On Sunday nights it’s free entry for students or you can buy your tickets in West of the Moon beforehand and jump the queues.

Ayr to Prestwick Come off the Esplanade at Golf View which leads into Station Road – after the station head left towards the Old Kirk (covered in ivy) under the railway bridge and then across the fairways of the ‘old course’ (Prestwick Golf Club) and just wander towards Troon.

Elliots Terrace Restaurant and Bar 132 Main Street, Prestwick, KA9 1PB 01292 677 677 www.elliots-prestwick.com For a date I’d take someone to Elliots in Prestwick – it’s only 10mins from Ayr.

Caven Arms 20 Buccleuch Street, Dumfries, DG1 2AH 01387 252896 Very decent pub grub at the Caven, a good spot to start off a night out in Dumfries.

Deli 173 56 Buccleuch Street, Dumfries, DG1 2AA 01387 264050 Lovely fresh sandwiches and nice shop to sit in too.

The Union (07) S.A.U.W.S. (Students’ Association) University of the West of Scotland Ayr, KA8 0SR 01292 886 000 www.sauws.org.uk/ayr The perfect place to relax on a week night. Live music or DJ’s often play, or chill out with friends over a game of pool.

Esplanade off Pavilion Road Ayr KA7 Ayr has miles of golden sandy beach, you can just walk for miles in either direction but the walk towards the Heads of Ayr is best.

Renaldo’s Italian Ices (08) 98-104 Sandgate, Ayr KA7 1BX 01292 265 956 Renaldo’s for a milkshake 1950’s style.

Coach and Horses (07) 66 White Sands, Dumfries, DG1 2RS 01387 279754 This is a good casual, old fashioned feeling pub with live music often and real ales.

Forest of Ae The Forest of Ae is signposted off the A701, 9 miles north of Dumfries. www.visitscotland.com For a lovely woodland walk full of wildlife there are great trails in the forest of Ae. Cyclists will love the 7 Stanes – part of seven mountain biking routes in the south of Scotland www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/ACHS5RNFQ9

Camera Obscura The Observatory, Dumfries, DG27SW 01387 253374 www.dumfriesmuseum.demon.co.uk/ (Look under Dumfries Museum in the museums section.) An eighteenth century windmill where you can see panoramic views over the town.

Treehouse (05) 67-69 Sandgate, Ayr KA7 1BZ 01292 288 500 www.treehouseayr.co.uk Treehouse is my favourite place in Ayr – I mean it has two big trees inside it! Wellington Bar It’s Ayr’s only basement bar and we love the open fire. Wetherspoons The West Kirk, 58A Sandgate, Ayr, KA7 1BX 01292 880 416 It’s in a former church and the food is really cheap. A good place to go drinking before going to a club afterwards.

Cafe/Bistro The Hunny Pot 35-37 Beresford Terrace, Ayr, KA7 2EU 01292 263 239 It’s real old fashioned style service mixed bizarrely with a Winnie the Pooh theme and nice cakes. The Savoy Cafe Diner 92 Sandgate, Ayr KA7 1BX 01292 262 563 It’s a licensed cafe with nice food and coffee and they are cool with letting you stay as long as you like. Smiths Bar Restaurant 13 Dalblair Road, Ayr, KA7 1UF 01292 618 161 www.smiths-bar.co.uk I like Smiths for their express lunches during the week and their beer garden in the summer. Treehouse (05) 67–69 Sandgate, Ayr KA7 1BZ 01292 288 500 www.treehouseayr.co.uk Treehouse is good if you want to go somewhere a bit ‘posher’ and their lunch special is really good. They do a monthly cocktail list and it’s amazing – it’s only £3!

Deli/Sandwich Baguette to Go 212 High Street, Ayr, KA7 1RQ Where many of the students go for sandwiches. Chisholms of Ayr (04) 17 Carrick Street Ayr, KA7 INS 01292 269 555 Our French classmates love this place because they can buy the cheeses they miss from home but we try to get them to try the Scottish ones too.

Event, festival or marketplace Burns an’ a’ that! (03) Ayr Town Centre – various venues For information on venues contact Ayr Tourist Information Centre 22 Sandgate, Ayr KA7 IBW 01292 290 300 or www.visitscotland.com Annual festival celebrating Robert Burns with music, poetry and art. Farmers’ Market Kyle Centre car park, behind the High Street, Ayr, KA7 1QT 01655 770 217 www.ayrshirefarmersmarket.co.uk A regular farmers’ market is held usually on the 1st Saturday of the month 9am – 1pm (except January).

Favourite part of the campus The Union (07) S.A.U.W.S. (Students’ Association) University of the West of Scotland Ayr, KA8 0SR 01292 886 000 www.sauws.org.uk/ayr The food in the Union is great and reasonably priced. The staff are nice and it’s just the right size – a good place to go during a free period.

Independent shop The Royal Cafe (also known as Mancini’s) 11/15 New Road, Ayr, KA8 8DA 01292 263 058 www.mancinisicecream.co.uk Mancini’s papaya sorbet is amazing! They make celebration cakes out of ice cream.

Interesting piece of architecture Burns Cottage Alloway St, Ayr KA7 4PY 01292 443 700 www.burnsheritagepark.com The cottage in which Scotland’s most famous and loved poet Robert Burns was born. Gaiety Theatre Carrick Street, Ayr, KA7 1NU 01292 611 482 www.thegaiety.co.uk The Gaiety Theatre is a lovely Art Deco style B-listed building in the town centre. (Theatre currently closed for renovation)

Must-see or landmark Ailsa Craig Firth of Clyde South Ayrshire A big volcanic rock with puffins on it. It used to be the quarry for the rock used in curling stones. The ‘Electric’ Brae A719, between Dunure and Croy Bay www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_Brae It’s a road where if you take your hand-brake off you appear to roll UPHILL. They used to think it was magnetic forces but it’s just a fun optical illusion!

Place to read a book/newspaper Beanscene 1 Alloway Place, Ayr KA7 2AA 01292 270 040 www.beanscene.co.uk Comfy couches and free WIFI but a bit pricy.

Globe Inn 56 High Street, Dumfries, DG1 2JA 01387 252335 www.globeinndumfries.co.uk Lots of Burn’s memorabilia about but it’s nice to sit in what were the stables and are now the lounge bar.

Vantage point or outlook Carrick Hills Walk begins at Tam o’ Shanter Experience Car Park, Murdoch’s Lone, Ayr KA7 4PQ 01292 443 700 http://www.burnsheritagepark.com Beautiful views all the way to Arran and even Northern Ireland.

Cafe/Bistro

Where to sit on a sunny day Esplanade off Pavilion Road Ayr KA7 (02)

The Liver (02) 181–183 St. Michael Street Dumfries, DG1 2PP 01387 256477 Really quite weird but in a good way! Bus seats for chairs and colourful clientele.

The beach! (01) It’s not far from the campus so if you have the afternoon off you head down there – it’s a nice walk. Definitely the beach – pretty much all summer you get the most amazing sunsets here every night of the week. University of the West of Scotland Ayr, KA8 0SR 01292 886 000 www.uws.ac.uk ‘The back field’ is where most people like to sit – it’s on campus behind the student union. Anywhere on campus there’s plenty of grassy areas and benches.

So You Cafe 24 Castle Street, Dumfries, DG1 1DR 01387 249911 www.soyoucafe.co.uk Yummy coffee and puddings – try the churros and chocolate. Why Not? Cafe Bar (05) 8-10 Nith Place, Dumfries, DG1 2PN 01387 266620 This is a brilliant place. It’s so nicely designed with 60’s/Jetsons style furniture and an old style Pacman arcade game. Live bands, great decor - the most stylish and young venue in Dumfries.

Club Carlisle Lots of students travel to nearby Carlisle to go clubbing. The train to Carlisle is only about £5 and normally takes around 30 minutes.

So Below 24 Castle Street (Basement bar) Dumfries, DG1 1DR 01387 249911 www.sobelowevents.co.uk All sorts of different music here and special events, something for everyone really.

La Gaceria (03) 1 Old Union St, Dumfries, DG1 2BQ 01387 256391 Serious about food! Great selection of preserves and treats and La Gaceria do authentic hot sandwiches with Spanish cured meat and cheese. Take-away tapas – brilliant!

Event, festival or marketplace Guid Nychburris (Meaning: Good Neighbours) Various locations and venues 01387 256251 www.guidnychburris.co.uk An historic, annual occasion in Dumfries. It features horses being ridden through the town, gala queens being crowned, parades and just general partying from early morning to the early hours. The Wickerman Festival Near Dundrennan, DG6 4QW 01854 613746 www.thewickermanfestival.co.uk An independent music and arts festival that’s pretty alternative with all sorts of bands playing. You can hire a teepee but there’s plenty of room for camping with regular tents. People travel from all over the UK for this, it’s great.

Favourite part of the campus University of the West of Scotland Dumfries Campus, Dumfries, DG1 4ZN 01387 702075 The grounds of the campus are amazingly beautiful with red sandstone buildings dotted amongst acres of parkland and woods looking out towards the River Nith and the Galloway Hills. All of it! (01) But our favourite bit is the wee nook and fireplace in the Rutherford McCowan Building

Whitesands to Dockhead Park Dumfries, DG1 Begin your walk from the Old Bridge and walk alongside the river towards the weir where you might spot the jumping salmon, continue to the suspension bridge, cross over the river and veer left into Dockhead and into the Park.

Independent shop McGill Duncan Gallery 231 King Street, Castle Douglas Dumfries and Galloway, DG7 1DT 01556 502468 www.mcgillduncangallery.com A wee bit further out in Castle Douglas but worth a trip. This eclectic wee place has a changing exhibition programme of paintings, prints, pieces of pottery, glass and jewellery. Robert Burns Centre Film Theatre Mill Road, Dumfries DG2 7BE 01387 264808 http://www.rbcft.co.uk/ Not really a shop! But, it shows independent and art-house films as well as films on general release (albeit a few months late!). You can enjoy a drink in the licensed cafe Hullaballoo upstairs.

Interesting piece of architecture Caerlaverock Castle DG1 4RU From train station walk to Leafield Road then Bus no: 371 to Caerlaverrock (22 mins) 01387 770244 www.historic-scotland.gov.uk A triangular shaped medieval castle straight out of a fairytale! It even has a moat!

Place for a date Casa Mia (06) 53 Nunholm Road, Dumfries, DG1 1JW 01387 269619 www.casamiadumfries.co.uk Discreet dining and lovely food; ideal for a date and they do a special ‘eat late for less’ deal too.

Place to read a book/newspaper Costa Coffee 52–54 High Street, Dumfries, DG1 2JA 01387 269057 A comfortable place to sit and read with a coffee or even study… Ewart Library Catherine Street, Dumfries DG1 1JB 01387 252070 www.ewart.org/Constructions/ Library.htm I love to sit in the public library especially since they have a fantastic feature, a cat named Blue who is regarded as a member of staff rather than a pet.

Second-hand bookstore Bank Street Books 13 Bank Street, Dumfries, DG1 2NX 01387 257730 www.bankstreetbooks.co.uk All sorts of books but importantly this shop does sell academic books and the owner is very friendly and helpful.

Where to sit on a sunny day

Bar Milano/Pizzeria Il Fiume (04) Dockpark, Dumfries, DG1 2RY 01387 265154 www.pizzeriailfiume.co.uk Great beer garden and balcony area for sunny days off to celebrate handing in an essay with pizza and cold beer. University of the West of Scotland Dumfries Campus, Dumfries, DG1 4ZN 01387 702075 The grounds of the campus are amazingly beautiful with red sandstone buildings dotted amongst acres of parkland and woods looking out towards the River Nith and the Galloway Hills.

Information correct as of April 2010.