FREE
ISSUE 11 5 April/may 2015
CHARLI XCX Queen of Bitch Pop PLUS: TRAVEL SPECIAL | ELECTION ADVICE | DJANGO DJANGO | GEMMA ARTERTON | RUSSELL CROWE
Contents. 10
TRAVEL 24
Come fly with us across our glorious eight-page spread of 20 of the world’s most cracka-lackin’ destinations.
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ISSUE 115 APRIL/MAY 2015
ENTS 57
We catch up with the phenomenal Gemma Arterton about her new film The Voices.
MUSIC 34
STYLE
CAREERS 67
LIFE
Get your glow-sticks out, festival season is coming! We spill which festivals are worth pitching up your tent for.
Hear from the experts as they share their top tips so that you can find out just how to bag your dream job.
When you’re off on your travels you’re going to have to nail backpacking fashion. Try our budget items on for size.
Are you wasting your vote? Our election guide will help you to source the info you need.
THE BIG INTERVIEW. Page 6
I
seriously get more excited about Easter morning than Christmas. I could rip bright wrapping paper off chocolate for a living. But won’t someone make my dreams come true and make me a GIANT Creme Egg?
EDITOR’S LETTER
Yup, spring is in full bloom: lambs are bleating, the sun is sneaking out, and blossom is, well, blossoming. It’s also time to put those holiday fantasies in action and start to plan your next adventure. And we’ve done all the leg work for you by rounding-up the essential alternative destinations from around the world. All you need to do is pack. So say ”Adiós” to Ibiza and get ready to shout “HELLO WORLD!” It’s also a time to look to the future: exams are looming, the end of term is approaching and the 2015 General Election is just around the corner. Everyone has an important decision to make: how to vote? In this edition, we share our advice on where to source vital information and how to stay well informed. The vote is yours, so make sure your voice is heard, and be a part of helping to shape Scotland’s bright future. See you next issue,
- Laura
Blackhurst
Publishers: Graeme Barratt / Anna Purdie • 0141 249 0901 • graeme@scotcampus.com Editor-In-Chief: Laura Blackhurst • laura.blackhurst@scotcampus.com Content Executive: Michael Edwards • michael.edwards@scotcampus.com Contributors: Amy Anderson, Kym Ballantyne, Jenny Claxton, Jenny Cleeton, Rachel Coburn, Mina Green, Cassam Looch, Lucy Jarman, Erin Kennedy, Ellen MacAskill, Shauna McGregor, Jonny McIntosh, Ross Miller, Lauren Simpson, Johnny Stone, Patricia-Ann Young
Business Development Managers: Jill Loney • 0141 249 0904 • jill.loney@scotcampus.com Head Of Sales: Richard Mobbs • 0141 249 0903 • richard.mobbs@scotcampus.com Design: Louise Clifford • www.veriette.com General Enquiries info@scotcampus.com Scotcampus.com © Scotcampus
The
Measure.
WELCOME BACK INTO OUR LIVES BRIGHTER COLOURS, FEWER LAYERS AND SHOES OTHER THAN BOOTS.
APRIL SHOWERS
LENT
SPRING FASHION
We don’t know what Scotland ever did to upset the weather gods, but they’re certainly raining on our parade. Mark our words, if we lose another brolly to a standard gust of Scottish wind, we’re hulking out for sure.
We really did exercise discipline for a whole 40 days, but we geniunely started to experience chocolate mirages in the final days. Now, if you’ll excuse us, we’ve important business to attend to now that it’s over *stuffs face with ten Easter eggs*.
So long winter coat! Welcome back into our lives brighter colours, fewer layers and shoes other than boots. It’s almost warm enough to not wear a onesie all day at home. We even saw some sort of yellow orb in the sky the other day…
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THE BIG
INTERVIEW.
CHARLI XCX 6 FRONT .
WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
A
ddictive songs plus a feisty attitude; a new UK prodigy is here to stay. With no. 1 hits in both the UK and US, a BRIT nomination, tour with Katy Perry, AND a collaboration list longer than her arm under her belt already, the self-assured 22-year-old, Charli XCX, is paving the way for a new wave of much needed Girl Power. We caught up with the no-nonsense singer-songwriter post BRIT Awards to talk feminism, breaking into the music industry and bitch pop.
THIS YEAR’S BRITS CERTAINLY WENT DOWN AS A PRETTY STAND-OUT YEAR. WHAT WERE YOUR HIGHLIGHTS?
YOU ALWAYS COME ACROSS AS SO SELFASSURED, IS THAT SOMETHING THAT YOU FIND COMES EASILY TO YOU?
I performed at the after party, which was really fun to do. And the next day, I actually felt very alive and happy, I had a performance, also a DJ set, so yeah, I kind of killed it! YOU’VE BEEN WINNING AWARDS YOURSELF, SUCH AS THE DANCEFLOOR FILLER PRIZE. IS IT IMPORTANT TO RECEIVE THAT SORT OF RECOGNITION FOR THE WORK YOU DO?
I don’t think it’s always been the case. I think since the end of 2013 I really began to just not worry about what people thought about me. I know that people say that a lot and sometimes don’t mean it, because I used to say it a lot and not mean it, but now I really do, and it’s really quite relaxing and refreshing to say that. I’m just not worried about what people think. I think that in itself gives you the confidence to go out and do your thing, and that’s what I’ve been doing.
It’s really nice. It’s not like, my goal. But of course, it’s like a little cherry on the cake, it’s very sweet and nice to know that people care.
YOU’VE SPOKEN BEFORE ABOUT EXPERIENCING ANXIETY AND PANIC ATTACKS. HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THIS?
YOU’RE COMING TO SCOTLAND FOR A COUPLE OF SHOWS INCLUDING T IN THE PARK! ARE YOU READY FOR THE MADNESS?
HOW DO YOU FIND SCOTTISH AUDIENCES COMPARE TO ELSEWHERE?
For me I get anxiety attacks when I’m extremely tired, and when I’m around new people and don’t feel comfortable, or if I feel like people are expecting something of me and I’m not giving it. So sometimes it’s better to just lock yourself in your room, eat pizza and let the wave pass, and cry a bit. Once, I was in the studio and having a panic attack, and my friend made me hold ice cubes, which really calmed me down. Because you focus so much on the cold ice in your hand, it chills you out. That’s a kind of a practical tip!
I think that Scottish crowds are amazing, everyone’s really up for it and rowdy. I love that, it always makes for an awesome show. Everyone just really likes to party!
YOU’VE BEEN VOCAL ABOUT FEMINISM, AND YOU’RE SUCH AN ADVOCATE FOR GIRL POWER. CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE MORE ABOUT WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU?
IT’S ALL TRUE! YOU’VE NOW BEEN MAKING MUSIC FOR A WHOPPING EIGHT YEARS. CAN YOU SHARE ANY TIPS ON HOW TO MAKE IT IN THE INDUSTRY?
It’s something I talk about a lot. I think it’s really cool that women in the music industry are talking about feminism, and people are interested in what they have to say about it. It’s cool that pop stars are using their platforms to educate young people on feminism. When I was young I would definitely have listened to what a pop star said over a politician or human rights activists, because pop stars are always more in your realm when you’re younger. It’s cool that people are discussing and are using such a high platform. It’s really annoying when people ask me “You’re
Yeah, I am really looking forward to it! It’s actually one of the events I’m looking forward to the most, because I know you guys like to really party! I actually played one of my first ever shows at King Tut’s.
I think the key is just make really good music. I know that sounds stupid and obvious, but you know, you should take advice from people around you. If everyone around you is telling you it’s bad, then it’s obviously bad. But at the same time you need to have a balance of confidence as well. You need to really believe in yourself and what you’re doing. @SCOTCAMPUS
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I can wear whatever the fuck I want and still believe that men and women should have equal rights.
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a feminist, but you dress really sexily, surely that can’t be the case” and I’m like “WHAT?!” That’s the dumbest shit I’ve ever heard. I can wear whatever the fuck I want and still believe that men and women should have equal rights. Women should be treated as equals and be championing other females. It doesn’t matter if I’m wearing a fucking bikini or a boiler suit! GIRL POWER DOESN’T GET MUCH COOLER THAN TOURING WITH KATY PERRY. ANY HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE TOUR? My favourite show has to be Milan. It’s been so fun and alive. Katy’s fans are cool, and everyone knows the words to all the songs. It’s a wicked tour to be a part of. It’s a huge arena and it’s always full- so it’s all good! YOUR LATEST ALBUM, SUCKER IS SUCH AN ADDICTIVE LISTEN. YOUR MUSIC HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS EVERYTHING FROM ‘GOTH ELECTRO POP’ TO EVEN ‘POPPUNK’. HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE IT?
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I think for this album, I’d describe the music as bitchy, aggressive pop. Bitch pop!
I’d describe the music as bitchy, aggressive pop. 8 FRONT .
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YOU’VE COLLABORATED WITH MUSIC ROYALTY, DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE COLLABORATION SO FAR? It’s difficult, I collaborate with people because I like people, so I’ve never collaborated with someone I don’t like. They’re all so different so it’s hard to compare when it’s different songs and different people. I had so much fun collaborating with Iggy [Azalea] because it was a pop/rap song and we got to make an awesome video. And it was the same with Rita [Ora]; she’s so chill, funny and such an alive person. I really have enjoyed all the collaborations so far! WHO’S ON YOUR WISH-LIST TO COLLABORATE WITH NEXT? I’ve just collaborated with Tinashe and Ty Dollar $ign, which I’m excited for people to hear. But most of my dream collaborations are actually dead, like Lou Reed and Marc Bolan. AND WHAT ELSE IS ON THE CARDS FOR THE REST OF 2015? I’ll be doing a new video soon and then really just touring. I’m so excited for the UK tour, and I’ll be going to Asia and loads of other exciting places. It’s a full year! Charli’s Latest album, Sucker, is out now. Don’t miss her at T in the Park 2015 10th-12th July. WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
Which Fictional Traveller Are You?
W
e’ve explored some of the best holiday destinations around the world to bring you the scoop on where you should spend your time this summer. To help you navigate our incredibly awesome guide to the best places in the world, here’s a list of the best explorers ever.
DORA THE EXPLORER
CAPTAIN JACK SPARROW
If your travels always take you to strange new places, where even the bus timetables are a mind-boggling puzzle, you might just be suited to a jaunt with Dora. Dora’s pals aren’t afraid of any challenges, and are always ready to ask anyone who happens to be watching for help finding what they’re looking for. And it goes without saying that you always reach your destination. Dora the Explorer travellers should definitely jump to the Adventure section of our guide.
Some people travel with a plan, others go where the wind takes them, but Captain Jack Sparrow simply wakes up somewhere new, soaked in rum and with a hangover that would knock out an elephant. If you’re a party animal and happy to fly, float or swim to the best party destinations around the world, then you’re this man’s blood brother. Every voyage is packed with action and ends with treasure. For Jack’s spirit buddies, that means those photos you took of that weird guy in the seedy bar, the video of your pal’s crazy antics and, of course, every dancefloor you now officially own. Cap’n Jacks should sail over to the Party section of the guide.
ROBINSON CRUSOE It doesn’t matter how grand your plans are, you always end up stuck on a beach. Sound familiar? You’re a definite Robinson Crusoe. Like the titular hero of Daniel Defoe’s novel, you’ll make the best of your lot and enjoy your tropical paradise. And while you might not find yourself face-to-face with cannibals, the battles for the sunbeds can get fierce, but you always have a good time and come home with a new Man Friday. Even if you only stay in touch on Facebook. Robinson Crusoes should check out the Beach section of our travel guide.
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LARA CROFT OK, so we don’t seriously expect any of you to be out there raiding tombs, but we know that there are plenty of sightseers who are addicted to visiting the finest ancient monuments and getting under the skin of different cultures around the world. While we wouldn’t be surprised to see some of you perusing the Adventure section of the guide, we know you’re nerds really: so get on over to the Culture area. WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
Scotcampus’ Alternative Guide to
Travel. ESSENTIAL INFO GUIDE:
PRICE OF A PINT
PRICE OF A FLIGHT
PRICE OF A BED
C
ome fly with us across our glorious eight page spread of 20 of the world’s most crack-a-lackin’ destinations, designed to make this summer the most epic yet. We did all the leg work for you and rounded up all the essential info: the price of a pint, return flight and cost of a bed per night. All you need to do is pack. But you’re not going to find any of your cookie-cutter mould holidays here; these pages are specifically reserved for the most unusual, cultured, vibrant and alternative locations around the planet. So say ”Adiós” to Ibiza and Magaluf and get ready to shout “HELLO WORLD!” We’d have gone even further if we could but we’re still working on interstellar travel. Watch out for our space edition in 2086…
@SCOTCAMPUS
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Adventure. HOI AN VIETNAM
FROM 44p FROM £753 FROM £3.75 BLED SLOVENIA Located 30 miles from the capital, Ljubljana, Lake Bled offers the most picturesque landscapes in Eastern Europe with its fairytaleesque church situated on a small island in the centre of the emeraldgreen lake. Not to mention it’s set against the dramatic backdrop of Bled Castle and the Julian Alps. It’s perfect for adrenaline junkies; spend your time rafting, kayaking and hiking before collapsing with a (brilliantly cheap) beer.
There are so many adventures to be had in the coastal town of Hoi An that you won’t want to leave. Explore historic Japanese merchant buildings and ancient Chinese architecture, take a motorcycle tour of the local countryside, join in top notch cooking classes, shop in the colourful markets and visit the silk village to discover traditional weaving techniques. The beaches and parties are also amazing. MUST DO: Cook and eat. MUST VISIT: Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation
FROM £1.49 FROM £139
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MUST DO: Triglav National Park for breathtaking views and plenty of adrenaline-inducing activities. MUST VISIT: Rafting on the waters of Lake Bled – beware the icy temperatures!
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SVALBARD NORWAY The Svalbard island of Spitsbergen is the northernmost settled area in the world. It’s the gateway to the Arctic, and it’s a magical, wild landscape packed with polar bears, reindeer and, in summer, whales. There’s a range of expeditions and activities on offer for intrepid explorers, including kayaking, dog-sledding (they get wheels in summer) and hiking.
FROM £5.90 FROM £284 FROM £52
MUST DO: Sign up to an expedition tour MUST VISIT: The fjords
FROM £2 FROM £280 FROM £4
CAPPADOCIA TURKEY Closer, and as impressive as the USA’s Monument Valley, the beautiful region of Cappadocia in Turkey boasts towering boulders and hills honeycombed with ancient settlements dug into the soft stone. Hike across the magical landscape, go dirt biking in Göreme National Park or take a hot air balloon ride for spectacular views. You can even sleep in a cave with all mod cons from £55/night! MUST DO: Stay in a cave hotel MUST VISIT: Derinkuyu Underground City
DUBAI UNITED ARAB EMIRATES Dubai has a reputation as a giant playground for the super-rich, but holidaying there can be surprisingly accessible. When you arrive, you’re greeted by the world’s tallest man made structure, beautiful fountains, and an insane amount of water sports. But it’s the range of desert safari and dune buggy experiences that really stand out. The sprawling desert landscape makes for a truly unique experience.
FROM £6 FROM £300 FROM £20
MUST DO: Dune buggies MUST VISIT: The Burj Khalifa @SCOTCAMPUS
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Beach. SHARM EL SHEIKH EGYPT
FROM £1.64 FROM £419 FROM £10 MADEIRA PORTUGAL Mountainous and green inland, sunny, sandy and beautifully blue at the coast, Madeira is a stunning destination. There are some striking hilly hikes, or Jeep tours for the less energetic, and if you prefer to stay by the coast there are dolphin and whale watching boat trips. The small coastal city of Funchal has all the creature comforts you could want too.
The beaches and snorkelling opportunities in the corals of Ras Mohamed National Park make Sharm El Sheikh a perennial favourite. And in Egypt, the beach isn’t limited to the seaside. Inland deserts open up the possibility of dune buggies, desert safaris and the big new thing: sandboarding. Day trips inland are frequent and reasonably priced. MUST DO: Sandboarding MUST VISIT: Ras Mohamed National Park
FROM £1.27 FROM £170 FROM £8
MUST DO: Whale watching MUST VISIT: Madeira whale museum
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KOS GREECE It’s amazing how much one small island can cram in. There are ancient ruins, including Hippocrates’ sanatorium, Corinthian columns and beautiful rocky walks, all surrounded by a mixture of azure coves and long sandy beaches. Paradise Beach near Kefalos is a popular choice, though Mastihari’s waterfront eateries make it a tempting alternative. MUST DO: The Therma (hot water) beaches MUST VISIT: Hippocrates’ sanatorium
FROM £2.55 FROM £230 FROM £17 FROM £1.50 FROM £139
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HVAR CROATIA Located just an hour’s ferry from Split, Hvar is one of Croatia’s most beautiful islands. Relax on the pristine pebbled beaches before getting lost in the town’s rich history and maze of cobbled streets. Spend your evenings discovering Hvar’s bustling nightlife and treat yourself to the fantastic local cuisine; Croatian Pasticada is a must! MUST DO: Soak up the sun MUST VISIT: The beach
CÔTE SAUVAGE POITOU-CHARENTES FRANCE If you want isolation, but you don’t want to travel thousands of miles to get it, the Côte Sauvage is your saviour. Journey from one of three nearby airports to the dense pine woodland of the forêt de la Coubre, pick a campsite (there’s loads), and trek to the beach. It’s well worth the journey, and the surrounding countryside and villages are beautiful. A bike might be handy though.
FROM £4 FROM £120 FROM £15
MUST DO: Soak up the sun MUST VISIT: The beach @SCOTCAMPUS
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Culture. MARRAKECH MOROCCO
FROM £4 FROM £120 FROM £12 HAMBURG GERMANY Hamburg offers a huge selection of inexpensive entertainment across its three central neighbourhoods. Sternschanze is a haven for trendy bar-hoppers, with plenty of drink deals on the café-lined streets, while Altona offers a laid-back aesthetic, appealing to those looking for a relaxing dinner and sneaky night cap without crowds. Kiez is the oldest part of the city, home to the Red Light District and a plethora of theatres and clubs.
It’s Morocco’s third largest city, but Marrakech is top of the pile in every way that counts. The Medina is a beautiful, bustling world of souks (markets), street food and soothsayers, bounded by ancient walls and overlooked by the Koutoubia Mosque. For intrepid explorers, it’s a short trip into the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, where there are quaint villages, olive groves and impressive restaurants. MUST DO: Stay in a riad MUST VISIT: The souks. Haggling mandatory
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MUST DO: Flohschanze (Fleamarket) or the Altona fish markets MUST VISIT: Grab some Altona beer and spend the day chilling at Elb Beach
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BARCELONA SPAIN One of Spain’s most culturally vibrant cities, Barca is bursting at the seams with breathtaking architecture and nightlife. Discover Gaudi’s influence by wandering through Park Guell, marvel at the unfinished Sagrada Familia, relax at Barceloneta Beach and find legendary tapas in the labyrinthine Gothic Quarter. The city hosts many festivals, including Primavera and SONAR, and is filled with exciting clubs, from the uber cool Razzmatazz to Apollo.
FROM £1.86 FROM £124 FROM £10
MUST DO: Get lost in the Gothic Quarter MUST VISIT: Sagrada Familia
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KATHMANDU NEPAL A vast city surrounded by mountains, it’s a place like no other. Durbar Square and its many temples make for spectacular viewing. If you’re tired of fighting through the bustle of the city to get to the temples, visit the serene Garden of Dreams for a relaxing afternoon. Or you could even go trekking in the local countryside. MUST DO: Mingle with the monkeys at Swayambhu (Monkey Temple) MUST VISIT: Pashupatinath Temple
PADUA ITALY Known as the city of Galileo and for its strong devotion to art, science and spirituality, Padua offers an inviting mix of artistic and cultural heritage that visitors can relish. Be sure to visit the Scrovegni Chapel and the University’s Botanical Gardens before wandering through the historical city squares surrounded by the Palazzo della Ragione and grab some tasty snacks at Caffe Pedrocchi.
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MUST DO: Marvel at the architectural beauty of the Centro Storico MUST VISIT: Head to the Piazza dei Signori for early evening drinks and mingle with the friendly locals @SCOTCAMPUS
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Party. PLZEN CZECH REPUBLIC
FROM £1.40 FROM £85 FROM £11 LISBON PORTUGAL Fast becoming Europe’s party capital, Lisbon is home to hundreds of bars and cutting-edge clubs. Go to the Bairro Alto to immerse yourself in the friendly atmosphere before heading to Intendente to experience Lisbon’s most exciting electronic artists. The recently revamped Rua Nova do Carvalho is home to the city’s most exciting clubs. As 4am is the average time to start clubbing, it’s sublime for party monsters!
An essential pilgrimage for beerlovers, the home of Pilsner has plenty on offer to rival the tourist powerhouse of Prague. From the Brewery Museum, you can explore more than just beer: there’s an underground network of tunnels too. Above ground, there’s a range of museums, the Pilsner Urquell brewery, easy transport links to local countryside and, of course, Prague. If you must. MUST DO: Drink beer MUST VISIT: The Brewery Museum
FROM £1.11 FROM £140 FROM £8
MUST DO: Head to Village Underground Lisboa to experience Lisbon’s newest club and arts hub MUST VISIT: Head on the ‘We Hate Tourism Tour’ for an alternative experience of Lisbon’s coolest offers
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PACEVILLE MALTA What used to be a hotspot for OAP package holidaymakers is now a burgeoning party hub with the weather and DJs of Ibiza, but without the astronomical price tags. It’s packed with huge open-air clubs such as Gianpula in Rabat or La Grotta, a club built into a cliff on the neighbouring island of Gozo. To polish things off, Malta is also hosting this year’s Isle of MTV and Annie Mac’s Lost and Found Festival!
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MUST DO: Head to the Maltese nightlife capital, Paceville MUST VISIT: Experience a famous Maltese boat party
FROM £9 FROM £2.16 FROM £97 FROM £11
THESSALONIKI GREECE Thessaloniki is globally renowned for its festivals, music events and dynamic cultural life. Packed with plenty of chic bars, traditional live music venues known as Bouzoukia and a huge array of clubs, the city is the perfect destination for party animals. Make sure to visit the city’s newest hotspot Syggrou-Valaoritou and be prepared to party into the wee hours. MUST DO: Start at Aristotelous Square before heading to the Nykis Avenue MUST VISIT: Reworks Festival for a heady mix of electronic dance music and contemporary art
KUTA BEACH BALI Known as Indonesia’s party capital, Bali is the ideal destination for party lovers seeking fun, sun and sand. The full moon has always been a special time for the Balinese, so make sure to experience a legendary all-night beach party. Sky Garden is a favourite among backpackers for its cheap cocktails, several levels of dancefloors and fire dancing shows. The nearby super-club, Engine Room, will leave you partying until the sun comes up.
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MUST DO: Scuba Duba Doo Dive Centre for picturesque diving trips MUST VISIT: Waterbom Park is the perfect waterpark @SCOTCAMPUS
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Scottish Staycations. BY JONATHAN MCINTOSH
B
e honest, the idea of spending your summer holiday in Scotland fills you with visions of dodgy caravan parks, armies of midges and battling four seasons in one day. But with its unbeatable landscapes, castles that outrival Game of Thrones and the friendliest people in the world, the land of the deep-fried Mars Bar and Irn-Bru has plenty to offer. So grab your sun cream (yes, you CAN get sunburned here!) and get out there.
HARRIS The Isle of Harris is one of Scotland’s most beautiful islands, home to unspoiled scenery and some of the world’s best beaches. Its azure blue waters and white sand might be more commonly associated with the Caribbean than Scotland’s dreich climate! Weather permitting, set up camp at Horgasbost campsite before heading to nearby Luskentyre Beach – one of Time magazine’s favourite beaches – for a spot of seal and dolphin spotting. Look no further on where to stay while on your travels. With over 30 Youth Hostels around Scotland, SYHA is your perfect pitstop. Syha.org.uk/where-to-stay.aspx
Must Do: Trips to St. Kilda, the Cuillin Hills and the Harris Outdoor Adventure Centre. Must Visit: Head to the original Harris Tweed shop at Grosebay for some quality clobber. ARRAN If you love the great outdoors, but the thought of tangled tent poles and leaky nylon roofs fills you with dread then pod camping is for you. ‘Glamping’ (glam camping) maintains that classic camping feel with the added luxury of electricity and an array of mod-cons. Just make sure to bring the marshmallows for the campfire! With Brodick Castle, Gardens and nearby local restaurants and pubs, Arran is an ideal getaway. Must Do: Head to Auchrannie Adventure Island for abseiling, gorge-walking and paragliding. Must Visit: Take a boat trip to the Holy Isle before a wee dram (or five) at Arran Distillers.
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LEITH Leith is packed full of chic bars, quirky independent shops and an array of delicious restaurants. For some seriously tasty beer, head to Malt and Hops, before stocking up on old-fashioned treats at Canderson’s Sweet Shop, then stuff your face with authentic Mexican food at Los Cardos. Make sure to visit the Out of the Blue Drill Hall for the hugely popular vintage fair and food markets. Must Do: Wander through the Leith Links Park before heading to the swish Royal Yacht Britannia at Ocean Terminal. Must Visit: Unearth a treasure at Elvis Shakespeare, Edinburgh’s coolest seller of vintage books, music and film. LOCH NESS Situated close to the Highland city of Inverness, Loch Ness offers a deluge of activities including hiking, 4x4 driving experiences, white water rafting, archery, golfing and kayaking. It’s ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. Spend your downtime taking in the stunning landscape and hunting for Nessie before partying on the infamous Loch Ness disco cruise in the evening. Must Do: For those looking for some adventure, try out white water sledging at nearby River Feshie. Must Visit: Brush up on the history of the Loch by visiting the Fort Augustus heritage trail. GLENCOE Packed full of high mountain peaks and rushing waterfalls, Glencoe is one of Scotland’s most scenic and historic glens. A haven for mountain-bikers and hillwalkers, the Vale to Valley tour is a must to learn about the area’s history and discover the breathtaking “Lost Valley.” Many Harry Potter fanatics will recognise the familiar backdrops when visiting, making trips to the Glenfinnan Viaduct and a ride on the Hogwarts Express-style steam train to Mallaig a necessity. Must Do: Head to Glencoe Photography School to learn how to capture the perfect photo of the stunning landscapes. Must Visit: Raceway Karting at nearby Fort William offers the perfect thrills. @SCOTCAMPUS
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10...ROADTRIP ANTHEMS
BY PATRICIA-ANN YOUNG
S
ummer is waving from the not-so-distant horizon, so it’s nearly time to get out and see the world. But you can’t find yourself on the open road without a slamming soundtrack. Wherever you’re headed, be it backpacking, city breaking or poolside laying, we’ve got the very best tunes for escape.
I FEEL FREE CREAM
RIDE LANA DEL REY
Perfect for that moment when you set off for your dream destination, this catchy ‘60s song will sum up that wonderful feeling of freedom when your holiday finally comes around.
For the more chilled moments of your trip, take in the beautiful scenery while the swelling melodies and Rey’s moody vocals give everything a dreamy indie-movie edge.
THE ONLY PLACE BEST COAST
MUSTANG SALLY THE COMMITTMENTS
Surf rock band Best Coast’s discography is the very definition of summer with their hazy, lo-fi tunes, but 'The Only Place', their ode to sunny California, is so summery you can almost smell the ocean.
Okay, so you’re not in classic Mustang, you’re in a 2003 Corsa and you’re scared you might break down at any minute. But who cares when your speakers work fine? Turn it up, even if it’s just to drown out that dodgy clunking noise from the gearbox.
PARIS JAY-Z AND KANYE WEST When the Eurotrip travelling starts to grind and you need a boost, nothing quite transcends cultural and language barriers like the opening bars of Yeezy and Jay’s all-time classic - it just GETS THE PEOPLE GOIN'! PROUD MARY IKE AND TINA TURNER
SHUT UP AND DRIVE RIHANNA Sometimes it’s scary being out there with only your friends who are as clueless as you. Buck up and adopt that no-nonsense RiRi attitude, and just shut up and drive. RED LIGHT LOVE THOSE DARLINS
The best part of a road trip is definitely the potential for a good sing-a-long, so get things rollin’ with this belter. Although you may have to abstain from the accompanying dance moves if you’re the designated driver.
Those Darlins know what makes a good road trip when they sing “we got a car, we got each other, no we ain’t hard to please, all we need is a couple of bucks and a can of gasoline” – word!
I’M GONNA BE (500 MILES) THE PROCLAIMERS
HOLD ON, WE’RE GOING HOME DRAKE
Take a bit of home with you on the road with Scotland’s unofficial national anthem. It’s always good to remember where you came from, even if you’re only away for ten days.
When you’re travelling back and desperate for your own bed, let the dulcet tones of Drake reassure you with this smooth-as-silk pop masterpiece.
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WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
RIVERSIDE FESTIVAL 2015 RIVERSIDE MUSEUM, GLASGOW, 29TH-30TH MAY Now in its sixth year, Electric Frog and Pressure’s lovechild, Riverside Festival, continually delivers an eclectic electronic dance weekend where party goers can let their hair down. With a line-up featuring Optimo, Julio Bashmore and Nina Kraviz, 2015 promises to be the best yet.
Ear Food.
C
ongratulations, you’ve managed to survive another Scottish winter! Summer is edging that wee bit closer: the days are brighter, nights are shorter and the weather is getting…well, actually, it’s just as cold as ever – taps oan! We’ve rounded up Scotland’s best music events, guaranteed to warm your cockles and set you up for festival season.
Tickets priced from £35, available at Tickets-Scotland. com
DJANGO DJANGO THE LEMON TREE, ABERDEEN, 2ND MAY Ahead of their new album, Born Under Saturn, released May 4th, the now Londonbased art rockers (who met while studying at Edinburgh College of Art) are back in bonnie Scotland. And they’re exploding all over the place (not literally). This is probably the last chance you’ll get to see the guys play in an intimate venue, so be snappy! Tickets from £17.25, available at Ticketmaster.co.uk
SUB CLUB WEEKENDER SUB CLUB, GLASGOW, 2ND-3RD MAY With a line-up including Harri and Domenic and the world’s most rambunctious DJ super-group, J.E.S.u.S., (Jackmaster, Seth Troxler, Skream and Eats Everything) reuniting for the event, the Subby aims to add an extra dose of madness to your May bankholiday weekend. Tickets from £30, available at Subclub.eventcube.io
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BELLE AND SEBASTIAN SSE HYDRO, GLASGOW, 22ND MAY Scottish indie royalty Belle and Sebastian bring their quirky twee-pop to Glasgow’s mighty Hydro. Supported by the jangly but similarly excellent Dum Dum Girls, expect an evening peppered with fan-favourites and newbies from 2014’s stellar Girls in Peacetime Want to Dance. You’d be cuckoo to miss it. Tickets from £30.80, available at Ticketmaster.co.uk
LAURA MARLING 02 ABC, GLASGOW, 25TH APRIL Laura Marling makes her return to Glasgow at the 02 ABC bringing tracks from her new album, Short Movie, in tow. Known for her introspective lyrics and her wise-beyond-her-years vocals, her fifth album sees her tackling similar themes with increased maturity, promising an evening of alt. folk loveliness. Tickets from £22.50, available at Tickemaster.co.uk WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
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Django Unveiled.
PHOTOGRAPH: FIONA GARDEN BACKGROUND IMAGE: ANTONIO ZARLI
INTERVIEW: DJANGO DJANGO
BY KYM BALLANTYNE
A
deviation from the norm, a breath of fresh air to the sometimes formulaic music industry, few bands are as maverick as Django Django. It's been three years since they released their blistering, eponymous album (Django Django), but the boys in the band aren't concerned about being off the scene for a bit. Nor should they be with their blinding new record, Born Under Saturn, under their belt. London-based, but still starkly Scottish, I caught up with Tommy to talk about babies, missing Scotland, and pushing the boundaries of genre.
THANKS FOR CHATTING TO US! HOW BUSY ARE YOU GUYS AT THE MOMENT? Thanks for having us! Well... (laughs) it has been a bit hairy this year actually. Two of us have very recently had kids, so it’s been hilarious timing in terms of balancing work and family life! Knee-deep in promo at the moment for the new album, and then off on tour. We go to France next week, which we are really excited about, then back to the UK for some shows. It's a busy time, but an exciting one. Unforgettable anyway! WOW! CONGRATULATIONS! THE SUCCESS OF THE DEBUT ALBUM IS WELL DOCUMENTED, DO YOU GUYS FEEL THE PRESSURE OF REPLICATING AND EXCEEDING SUCH SUCCESS? You know, I don't think you can be intimidated by your own success. We certainly didn't expect
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the first album to do as well as it did, so we are still riding the crest of that. We really stuck to our guns about taking our time to follow it up though. But I think that all that time in front of us to just work and find our groove was totally invaluable, it made the whole process really enjoyable. We are really lucky that we have a really understanding team at the record label, people who know how important it is to have time on our hands to work. I can't even imagine churning out record after record every year. To ensure quality, it has to be on the band's own terms. TELL ME ABOUT WRITING AND RECORDING THIS NEW ALBUM. It feels like we have been in the studio forever to be honest! It has been great though, and our process, like our music, doesn't really have a straightforward formula. We definitely all WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
contribute which is really fun, and also really fair. Nobody is left out on the sidelines. The music is ours collectively, and that makes us really proud. YOU ALL MET AT EDINBURGH ART SCHOOL. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR MEETING AND GELLING WITH THE GUYS? It definitely happened naturally, and it happened over a period of years. We all kind of knew each other through friends of friends, although some better than others. We were all pretty different at the Art School, we are a bit of a mish-mash of personalities. Couple of us were pretty studious and we saw one another at class and stuff. Couple of the others you only ever saw out at night (laughs), I won't say who! DJANGO DJANGO HAVE QUITE A UNIQUE SOUND AND HAVE BEEN DESCRIBED AS "GENRE SHIFTING". WHY DO YOU THINK THIS IS? I think it's because we don't really have a genre (laughs). I think that was initially quite scary, knowing that we were putting stuff out there that wasn't really like anything else. It worked out in the end, but I remember thinking at the time, God, we don't sound like anybody. The support we had at that point from the likes of radio play and being praised by other artists was invaluable at that time, I'll never forget it. Nowadays, we are totally cool with it, we love the fact that we are so different from other bands, and it's become like our signature. @SCOTCAMPUS
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD IN 2015? Tour, definitely. It's going to be great to get back on the road and play the new album, I can't wait for people to hear it. After spending so long writing and recording and producing it, touring is going to be like waking up from a big long sleep! WHAT DOES BEING SCOTTISH MEAN TO YOU IN THIS BUSINESS? It means a lot to us, obviously, I mean it's our home, and it's where we met, it's where we all began. Being based in London is definitely great for us from a practical point of view, and I mean, it's a fantastic city and we are all pretty comfortable here. But you know the old saying, there's no place like home. The crowds are always insane and there's so much support there for us. The Scottish dates on the tour are up there with the most exciting. ANY ADVICE FOR YOUNG BANDS STARTING OUT? I mean, just stick together. Do it your way, don't be intimidated by others and don't be afraid to be different. Invest in some good equipment, it may be pricey but it's worth it in the long run. Be prepared to not make any money for a while! Work hard and stay friends, and remember it's all about the music. Born Under Saturn is released on May 4th, 2015
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BY RACHEL COBURN
Best Of The
Scottish Fests.
T
in the Park may be the biggest event in our wee country’s calendar, but if you think that’s all Scotland has to offer, you’re sorely mistaken. Here’s our round-up of the best festivals coming to a field near you.
WICKERMAN
ELECTRIC FIELDS
The 14th edition of the hippie-fest is underway this summer with The Waterboys and Tom Odell already snapping up headline spots. The family-friendly event goes out with a bang each year with the ceremonial burning of the Wickerman. Chips and cheese at the ready!
Scotland’s newest baby-sized festival kicked off last August with a belter of a one-night party. This year’s set to be even better. With ticket prices starting at just £30, the decent night you’re guaranteed with the best of pals is worth the money.
When: 24th & 25th July Where: Dundrennan, South East Scotland Essentials: Your finest aviators, and a pack of bog roll. Those toilets are naaasty. STOPOVER This two-day travelling festival of American origin is here for one time only. Set in our stunning Highlands, the gorgeous mountain views are the only thing that’s set to rival the cracking line-up. Headlining are Mumford & Sons and Ben Howard. They’re joined by the likes of The Maccabees, Honeyblood and Simian Mobile Disco. When: 31st July & 1st August Where: Cairngorms National Park Essentials: Industrial wellies and a decent woolly cardigan. Picturesque as it may be, remember we’re still in Scotland!
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When: 29th August Where: Drumlanrig Castle Essentials: A great taste in Scottish music and a fiver for a mid-afternoon burger to cure your munchies. BREW AT THE BOG In association with Scotland’s very own blowyer-heed-off Brewdog craft beers, this Inverness festival is an annual showcase of home grown acts. Topping the bill are Fatherson, We Were Promised Jetpacks and Hector Bizerk. The full lineup is available now at Brewatthebog.com. When: 2nd & 3rd May Where: Bogbain Farm, Inverness Essentials: A bottle of Punk IPA and a good bunnet to keep your ears toasty. WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
FestivalsWorth A Flight. BY LAUREN SIMPSON
F
estival season is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect timing to discover new music, friends and memories. Swap the soggy fields of Scotland for the warm beaches of Europe and take your festival adventure abroad. Whether you want to dance until the sun comes up or see some of the best bands in the world in picturesque locations, we have a few brilliant festivals for the summer that just might take your fancy.
PRIMAVERA SOUND BARCELONA (28TH-30TH MAY) Enjoy a city break with a difference and take on the famous Primavera Sound in Barcelona. You can always expect an eclectic line-up with the coolest bands on the bill. Indie bands dominate the main stage with American giants The Black Keys and The Strokes headlining. There’s something for dance fans too, with electronic acts including James Blake, Caribou and Simian Mobile Disco who’ll keep the party going into the small hours. ROCK AM RING GERMANY (5TH-7TH JUNE) Celebrating its 30thanniversary in 2015, Rock am Ring has the ultimate rock line-up of the summer. Set in Nürburgring, it manages to incorporate a good mix of German rock groups with popular pop and rock bands to draw crowds from across the world. For those who want to rock out, highlights include: Marilyn Manson, Enter Shikari and Eagles of Death Metal.
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WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
HIDEOUT FESTIVAL (28TH JUNE-2ND JULY) If there’s nothing you love more than partying on a beach and basking in the sun then look no further than the brilliant Hideout Festival. Pulling in some of the biggest dance acts from around the world, this year’s highlights include Duke Dumont, Eats Everything, Jamie Jones and Gorgon City. Taking place in Croatia, it’s a far cry from a wet field in Scotland! THE GARDEN FESTIVAL (1ST-8TH JULY) If you haven’t been over to Croatia for The Garden Festival, this is your last chance to appreciate the unique event. Take in the beautiful surroundings of the coast and party until the sun rises. This festival is a safe haven for dance lovers. In its final year, it’s decidedly “Going out with a Bang”, with acts on the bill including Bonobo, Ben UFO and Craig Richards. Party on the beaches, to the boats and into the night! BENICASSIM SPAIN (16TH-19TH JULY) Treat yourself to a long weekend on the east coast of Spain at Benicassim. Set in the middle of summer, this is the perfect retreat if you’re looking for a hot destination for a festival this summer. This year’s acts include The Prodigy, Kaiser Chiefs and Jamie T. Don’t forget the sun cream! ELECTRIC PICNIC IRELAND (4TH-6TH SEPTEMBER) Described as “Ireland’s version of Glastonbury”, this artsy festival is a smaller alternative for those looking to embrace the flower power. Set in County Laois, Ireland the festival is famous for its relaxed atmosphere and forward-thinking approach to creating its line-up. Most acts are still to be revealed, but if past events are anything to go on, this year will be electronic heavy with plenty of indie. @SCOTCAMPUS
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ONE TO WATCH: NEON WALTZ
BY KYM BALLANTYNE
H
ailing from remote Caithness in Scotland's northernmost tip, Neon Waltz and their beautiful, chimey, woozy, indie-pop music have already been dubbed "Indie’s finest fringe this side of Bobby Gillespie circa 1990" by NME. I caught up with lead singer Jordan Shearer for a blether about democracy, band politics, and the creative process. HI JORDAN! Sorry I'm late! I was sleeping. Not very rock 'n' roll… IT DEPENDS ON HOW LATE YOU WERE OUT LAST NIGHT I SUPPOSE! WHAT'S ON THE CARDS FOR 2015? Everything is pretty busy at the moment, touring. It's our favourite part of what we do, spending time together on the road. We’re working on an album at the moment, and while it can be tricky writing on the job, it certainly brings us together and spices up the creative process. GROWING UP IN CAITHNESS SOUNDS PRETTY REMOTE, DID THAT HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH FORMING THE BAND? Yeah, it's pretty much as remote as can be, there really isn't too much to do. It's either form a band, move to Glasgow, or go work on the rigs. We do love it though, and I often wonder what we would even sound like if we weren't from there. It makes up a huge part of our identity. We are quite often called "that band from the arsehole of nowhere!"
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NOW THAT YOU’RE ON THE ROAD SO MUCH, DO YOU MISS HOME? Yeah, it's like anything I suppose, when you’re gone you miss it, when you’re there, you’re ready to leave! When I go home, it's great to see our families and friends, but when it dies down I'm left thinking "where are the other boys?" YOU GUYS SHARE THE SONG WRITING AND CALL THE BAND, A "COMPLETE DEMOCRACY". IS IT EVER HARD WITH SO MANY VOICES VYING TO BE HEARD? We get that quite a lot, people assuming that it's difficult, but we must be really lucky, because for us it isn't. We tend to write songs individually, so although we’re a democracy, there is a sense of individualism as well. We rarely argue, and even if someone disagrees on something they eventually come round. I just think that it's the courteous thing to do, to listen to everyone and be respectful to what they all think. WHAT ABOUT YOUR INFLUENCES? We all have similar influences. We love The Walkmen, The Coral, The National. Saying that, individually, we like different styles and artists too, which I suppose contributes to our sound. BEST GIG SO FAR? T in the park! It was unreal, I mean it's a rite of passage isn't it? It was such an honour to be asked and the atmosphere was incredible. A day we won't ever forget. Every Scottish band knows what it means. We would never hesitate to go back, it’s home isn't it? For more news on upcoming gigs, visit Neonwaltz.com WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
MUSICIANS OF THE MONTH BY RACHEL COBURN
S
ummer is just around the corner, and if you’re looking for great new music to build that mega party playlist then we’ve got all bases covered – from hip hop to hard rock and everything in between - just have a gander at this edition of our freshly picked Musicians of the Month. HECTOR BIZERK
UNITED FRUIT
Since forming in 2011 as a duo and picking up a Scottish Music Award and two extra members along the way, Glaswegian alternative hip hop group Hector Bizerk have spent the last few years grafting their way to the forefront of the Scottish music scene. The foursome are due to release their third album, The Waltz of Modern Psychiatry in June along with a sure to be packed launch at King Tut’s on the 6th.
The festival favourites’ latest single ‘Ghost Inside Your Head’, released last month, is a solid tribute to all that is loud, packed to the rafters with the fundamental ingredients of what makes a great rock tune. The band are all set to fill the rest of the year with new music releases, gigs, and festival performances including Inverness staple Brew at the Bog.
Hectorbizerk.com
Soundcloud.com/unitedfruit
GRANNY GREEN
CARNIVORES
These three wonderful women bring something a little different to this edition, and wholeheartedly deserve their spot. The grannies -although I should mention they’re all in their twenties - use tuba, trumpet and accordion to concoct their own fun-filled interpretation of world folk fusion, and as graduates of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, ooze talent from every pore. Despite only forming six months ago, the ladies have already picked up a ‘Danny’ award at Celtic Connections and are sure to continue to get us all out of our seats as their promising career escalates.
We’ve never been to a Carnivores gig without leaving aurally impaired, an ailment I’m sure the Paisley rockers are proud to inflict. Even their name suggests that you’re about to witness something deadly. Since forming in 2008, the group have had a number of notable highlights including T in the Park and a sold out Barrowlands show supporting Twin Atlantic, and are currently putting together a host of as yet unannounced gigs all over the country, which we’re sure will be even more lethal than anything witnessed so far.
Grannygreentrio.com
Soundcloud.com/carnivoresuk
@SCOTCAMPUS
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KIRSTIN GRIBBIN Tousled, dark-haired beauty Kirstin Gribbin is one of the most in-demand faces in Glasgow’s explosive list of model alumni. It all began at the Glasgow School of Art Fashion show five years ago, where her career sky-rocketed. Whether she’s shooting with Isolated Heroes, walking at Edinburgh’s Fashion Week, starring in Fatherson’s music video or studying for a degree in Product Design Engineering, this brains and beauty literally has it all. And oh, yeah, she’s only twenty-one. Kirstin keeps her social media very real mid-modelling, posting crosseyed snaps of her and fellow joined at the hip model friends backstage at shows. Young model, having fun and being weird – what’s not to like? There’s the off chance that you may catch a cameo appearance of her inthe-bizz, genetically blessed buddies such as Chris Millington causing a harmless ruckus. A major-league model who doesn’t take herself too seriously? That’s just refreshing.
This Month We
LOVE. BY SHAUNA MCGREGOR
ILLUSTRATION: VERIETTE.COM
KESTIN HARE Reflecting on the end of an era, the menswear brand previously known as Common People has been revived under the name of its creative director, Kestin Hare, former head of design at Nigel Cabourn. Kestin Hare officially launched his store on St Stephens Street in Stockbridge, Edinburgh this month. Neatly placed adjacent to jam-packed vintage stores and quaint cafes divided by a narrow cobbled street, the charming store conveniently doubles up as his studio and creative workspace. Drawing inspiration from the 1930s book ‘Birds of the West Indies’, the SS15 collection oozes all things foliage, with eye-catching exotic leaves, blooms and fitting motifs in the form of birds beautifully hand-drawn in a fresh collaboration with Scottish print designer Victoria Murdoch. Get your summer wardrobe in early boys, Kestin will kit you out!
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STRIPE T-SHIRT £15 ABANDON SHIP APPAREL
BUSTER MEN'S PACKAWAY WATERPROOF JACKET £14.99 TRESPASS
Trend Spotting: Men's Fashion
HILFIGER DENIM JUMPER £80 ASOS
B
ackpacking is all about comfort, classics and colours. Get ready to meet new people and take a deep breath of culture. Try these fun pieces to remain stylish and happy on your journey. Just remember to break in your shoes – nobody travels well with blisters.
NAVY CHINO SHORTS £22 TOPMAN
ACETATE FRAME SUNGLASSES £25.99 MANGO
ERA SHOES £55 VANS
Backpacking 36 STYLE
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MONOCROME GRID BOX CROP TOP £15 COCO & CLEO
RED STRIPE SHIRT £28 RIVER ISLAND
Trend Spotting: Women's Fashion
F
orget your capsule wardrobe, when it comes to travel, you need a capsule backpack: statement pieces, bright colours and an exciting style. Remember the essentials. You will be carrying your backpack around for the long-haul, so stick to what you know, ensure you have next to nothing but take everything you need. Try these items on for size.
MOTEL ANNIE SKIRT IN SANTORINI PRINT £28 ASOS
LIFT-OFF SUNGLASSES £15 VANS
Light.
ANKLE-CUFF SANDALS £39.99 MANGO
@SCOTCAMPUS
PEACOCK LEGGINGS £35 ANGELPIXIELOVE
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Scot Street Style.
INSPIRED BY THE #SCOTSTREETSTYLE COMMUNITY ON INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIN KENNEDY: ERINKENNEDY.CO.UK
I
t still may not be ‘taps aff’ weather, but with warmer horizons ahead it’s almost time for ‘jaikets aff!’ Amidst the grey skies and buckets of rain, you lot have been doing Scotland proud by mixing up classic black with brighter colours and patterns, not to mention an array of accessories. Smart/casual look – considered yourself nailed. Once again our dedicated photographer, Erin Kennedy, prowled the streets, camera in hand to capture you donning your very best street style. Tweet us outfits from your spring/summer wardrobe and you could appear in our next Scot Street Style Feature! @Scotcampus
Lauren Millar is workin’ that hat! A gorgeous mix of soft colours tie this look perfectly together. We’re just dying to cosy up to that soft coat.
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Classic black jeans? Check. Clark Kent-esque specs? Check. Checked shirt? Check! All the boxes get ticked off with this effortless look. WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
Robyn Brown looks bloomin’ marvellous in a floral tie top, just in time for spring! And winter coats can finally get sent to the back of the cupboard to make way for lighter jackets like this little black number. @SCOTCAMPUS
Dylan Thomson keeps it ontrend with a touch of tartan inside his jacket. The yellow shoelaces almost convinced us it was summer too…
Chloe Caulfield is the ray of sunshine to Glasgow’s Buchanan Street! She shows that there’s just NO EXCUSE for dreich fashion just because the weather is.
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Scotland's Best
Vintage Shops. BY MINA GREEN
W
hether it be top hats and tailcoats or flapper dresses and Charleston headbands, vintage fashion is everywhere. To help awaken the hipster within us all, here’s our list of the top five vintage shops in Scotland – and all that jazz. STARRY, STARRY NIGHT GLASGOW Teeming with all things 1920s, this back alley shop has provided Glasgow with vintage glamour for nearly three decades and is the perfect place to score an outfit for a themed party or fancy dress. Military jackets, flapper dresses, unique vintage jewellery and even top hats adorn the rails! RUMMAGE ST. ANDREWS This antique and vintage shop will easily satisfy your need for all things retro! As an antiquechic bric-a-brac shop, there’s everything from tea-sets and furniture to 1950s dresses and fur coats to keep us warm in Scottish winters (and sometimes summers). ROSY TUESDAY BOUTIQUE DUNDEE Focussed on women’s fashion and on-style vintage trends, this boutique is affordable and great for one-of-a-kind presents and accessories, including unusual printed scarves and handmade jewellery. CARNABY’S ABERDEEN This popular shop resides in Dundee and Aberdeen and features unisex MOD fashion among other sensations and stocks retro inspired fashion brands such as Lindy Bop and Pop Boutique. ELAINE’S VINTAGE SHOP EDINBURGH Established in 1995, this shop provides fashion for the eclectic and eccentric. Smelling like patchouli on approach, this well-known shop breathes Bohemian fashion, with garments from 1900s all the way to the 1980s. This is a must-go for anyone who is fond of hippy fashion and beatnik revival.
@SCOTCAMPUS
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Setting The Scene: The World's Best Filming Locations. BY ROSS MILLER
D
espite the rise in CGI and continuing use of studio sets, nothing beats a natural filming location for sheer beauty and authenticity. Join us on a trek around the globe as we look at some of the most stunning filming locations the world has to offer. VIENNA, AUSTRIA BEFORE SUNRISE (1995) The first part in Richard Linklater’s masterful real-time romance trilogy follows Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy’s would-be couple as they meet on a train and wander around the beautiful city. We get to drink in Vienna’s various gorgeous locations, from the small alleyways to the striking Zollamtbrücke Bridge, making the city become a character in the film itself.
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MAYA BAY, THAILAND THE BEACH (2000) Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, director Danny Boyle films this epic beauty in the stunning Maya Bay area in Thailand, specifically on Hat Maya, the main beach on Phi Phi Leh Island. There was some controversy at the time surrounding the crew, who apparently altered the environment it to make it look a specific way, but there’s no denying its natural beauty. MONURIKI ISLAND, FIJI CASTAWAY (2000) Director Robert Zemeckis needed a suitably remote and visually stunning location for the story of shipwrecked FedEx executive Chuck Noland (Tom Hanks). He certainly found that in the uninhabited Monuriki Island in the Pacific Ocean, just off the coast of Fiji’s Viti Levu Mamanuca islands. Although certainly remote, it’s not actually as isolated as the film makes it seem, with beautiful views of Mamanuca. WALLILABOU BAY, ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN FRANCHISE (2003-PRESENT) Hundreds of cast and crew swarmed the beautiful Wallilabou Bay during the filming of the hugely popular franchise. It doubled as Jamaica’s former pirate town of Port Royal, with the local Anchorage Hotel and shops transformed to give it the trademark Pirates look. The Bay has since become a tourist attraction for fans of the franchise. DUBROVNIK, CROATIA GAME OF THRONES (2011-PRESENT) HBO’s epic fantasy series has utilised various stunning locations throughout its filming process, including Northern Ireland, Iceland and Morocco. But one of its most beautiful is Dubrovnik in Croatia. From season two onwards, filming was changed from Malta to here, allowing the crew to film by the sea for certain scenes set in the fictional King’s Landing. Fans of the show can actually take a three-hour tour around the area. @SCOTCAMPUS
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INTERVIEW: RUSSELL CROWE
BY MICHAEL EDWARDS & CASSAM LOOCH
From Gladiator to
Water Diviner. IMAGES COURTESY OF ENTERTAINMENT ONE
R
ussell Crowe had been acting his whole life, before exploding into global superstardom with his Oscar-winning performance in Gladiator. Following the blood and thunder of Ridley Scott’s epic, a series of spats and controversies gave Crowe a reputation as a fiery character, so it was no small surprise to us that his directorial debut The Water Diviner is a sensitive, anti-war film about a father’s search for the three sons he lost in the Battle of Gallipoli of 1915-16. A bloody campaign in which thousands of Australians and New Zealanders in the Anzac regiments died under British command.
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''
So what was it about The Water Diviner that inspired the switch to the director’s chair? Speaking to us in London, Crowe’s response is matter-of-fact. “People say ‘why did you choose this particular thing’, but it is the opposite of that. I was just getting on with my life, I was preparing for other stuff, I was in the middle of things and then I read the script and everything changed.” “When I read The Water Diviner I was having the same kind of visceral connection to the thing that I would normally have if I was going to be acting in it. I was making notes on behalf of the character, I was correcting dialogue and all the things that I would do. But there was this other thing that was happening where, in some sort of fundamental way, I believed that I was the only person who could tell this story the way it needed to be told.”
I believed that I was the only person who could tell this story the way it needed to be told.
''
Russell chuckles to himself, as if recognising the inherent arrogance of the statement, but he remains unapologetic. Arrogance is part and parcel of directing, and his was not a hollow self-belief, “I thought I could read between the lines, I thought I could see things in the shadows and there was stuff in this script that I thought, from the cultural perspective of being a New Zealand-born Australian 100 years after the fact of Gallipoli, there was perspective that I really WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
believed needed to be put in front of people.” Everything in Crowe’s answers, his tone, his words, his clarity and his confidence spoke of a real directorial vision. Even if I had the tenacity or inclination to question the unshakeable belief of a man of his stature (literally and metaphorically), it quickly dissipated as he discussed every aspect of this film that chimed with him.
to Anzac Cove, replicating the landing of the troops. And when it comes to the thorny subject of anti-British sentiment, a simmering resentment that has underpinned some antipodean interpretations of Gallipoli thanks to suspicions that British officers were brutally disregarding of the lives of the Australians and New Zealanders under their command, Crowe is measured, reasonable and respectful.
“Once you’re a parent, male or female, every single thing that happens in your life is seen through the prism of being a parent, so no doubt, reading the script has affected me in a deeper way because I’m the father of two boys… I certainly know that this is something my children will see and, in a way, I want them to know certain fundamentals about the way their dad feels about things like this.” How Russell feels about ‘things like this’ is as clear and uncompromising as his self-belief. “This is an unashamedly anti-war film”, he states, pausing for emphasis, “It doesn’t glorify the situation, in fact it shows it for its reality… when you are recognising the sacrifice, you’re not recognising something that’s about iconography, but something that’s about humanity. And it’s very simple. This is not a situation we should be indulging in.”
“That’s one of the sensibilities that’s within Peter’s film [Peter Weir’s Gallipoli], and some people say that it’s in this film… But there’s no finger pointing. I think as Australians and New Zealanders we’re beyond saying that our attitudes should be anti-British. More stuff has come to light and you realise it’s not necessarily the officers’…” he pauses here, perhaps unwilling to remove all responsibility from the commanding officers, “There was a tradition at the time, a military tradition, to send wave after wave of soldiers [into battle] and hopefully at a certain point you overwhelm the enemy. That was just a strategy that was employed. It wasn’t a particularly anti-Australian or anti-New Zealand thing that British officers were doing, and people have come to understand that.” The unspoken implication? Understanding is one thing, accepting is another. And we should not accept war again, regardless of nationality.
This is an unashamedly anti-war film
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These aren’t uninformed opinions either. Throughout the entire conversation it became apparent that Crowe’s research has been painstaking, from visiting Turkish High Schools to dawn boat trips from Mykonos
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Hearing Russell talk on the subject, it’s hard not to see a new phase in this enigmatic star’s career. A phase that retains the passion, but adds a greater purpose, a drive toward shared understanding that’s exciting to contemplate. We can only hope another project fires his passion soon. The Water Diviner is in cinemas from the 3rd of April.
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viva la video! filmmakers: if you shoot stories like nobody else on your course, we want to see and share your work. our in-house team can even help with creative oversight and feedback if you need it.
video journalists it doesn't matter if you're filming on your iphone or a canon c100, as long as you've got a nose for a story and a host of local events to explore and share with our audience.
youtubers already set on joining the vloggerati with your own youtube channel? share it with us and we might highlight your work on scotcampus.com or even right here in the mag.
enthusiastic interns it doesn't matter if you're experienced, all you need is a commitment, bags of ideas and a willingness to learn. we'll supply the guidance, expertise and platform for your work.
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Connecting To
Scottish Gaming. BY JONNY STONE
S
cotland does many things well: we throw a better party than any other nation, we produced both Wimbledon and Pop Idol champions and our national soft drink is a proven hangover cure. But one thing that somehow remains under the radar is Scotland’s enormous contribution to the gaming industry. We’ve a long history of nurturing home-grown video game talent, with 95 video game developers based in Scotland that have put our tiny nation at the forefront of technical and artistic innovation. Scotland’s biggest success story is the Grand Theft Auto series. How insane is it that we produced this gratuitously violent game of US gangs, corruption and #thuglife? Rockstar North was founded in Dundee and has been based in Edinburgh since 2002, and the company’s breakthrough Lemmings has shifted over 15 million copies worldwide. GTA was first released in 1997, San Andreas became the highest selling PS2 game with £17.33 million copies sold, and in 2013 GTA V became the fastest selling entertainment product of all time. Dundee is home to development studios like 4J Studios, the company responsible for developing Minecraft for five different ports, as well as Ruffian Games, who have developed a huge range of titles like Mortal Kombat, Fable 2 and the Crackdown series. Such global success is staggering, and it came from a tiny nation associated with gingers and The Krankies.
@SCOTCAMPUS
There may be something in the water. These developers have paved the way for emerging Scottish gaming talent causing ripples throughout the industry; Edinburgh’s Lucky Frame, for example, creates software that finds new ways to interact with audiences, winning a BAFTA for Bad Hotel, an insanely addictive game where you defend a tower from attacking animals. There’s also the gloriouslynamed Space Budgie, based in Dundee, who produce thought-provoking and heartfelt titles such as 9.03m and Glitchspace. It’s only fitting that the National Museum of Scotland hosts Game Masters, an exhibition presenting the world’s most successful and influential games. In an interactive hall of fame, visitors can play a huge list of titles ranging from ‘80s arcade games like PacMan to home-console icons like Sonic. The exhibition shows how the characters and franchises we love came into play and pushes our home-grown talent to the forefront. Scotland’s gaming industry has a rich history that boasts staggering commercial successes and challenging, inventive projects courtesy of independent studios across the country. Perusing through these diverse and successful titles reminds us that Scotland has always been and will continue to be a hub for innovation and global success.
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INTERVIEW: GEMMA ARTERTON
BY CASSAM LOOCH
Work Of
Arterton. A
fter a short break from film to take on her Olivier Award nominated role in West End musical Made in Dagenham, British star Gemma Arterton returns to the big screen in black comedy The Voices. The film stars Ryan Reynolds (Green Lantern, The Proposal) as a quiet man tormented by a talking cat that tells him to do unspeakable things. It's a bizarre concept brought vividly to life by talented Iranian filmmaker Marjane Satrapi (Persepolis, Chicken with Plums). We caught up with Gemma to talk about the film, working with Marjane and how she juggles her various projects on stage and screen‌
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WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
HOW DID YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THE PROJECT? I know Ryan's agent and he said to me “Hey look, read this script. Ryan's maybe doing it.” I read it and thought it was brilliant, totally different to anything I had read before. Marjane was going to direct it, and I'm such a big fan of her. I skyped with her and she said “Well, do you want to do it then?” I was quite shocked. I didn't have to audition. She said which part do you want to play and I said the head one. At the time, that part was French... so they changed it. WE'VE RECENTLY SEEN YOU IN FRENCH LANGUAGE FILM GEMMA BOVERY, IN WHICH, DARE WE SAY, YOU SPEAK VERY GOOD FRENCH. SO WHY THE CHANGE HERE? I didn't speak French at that point, we actually shot The Voices before Gemma Bovery. I learnt it for that, but I had only just started learning it when we started filming and not even that when I read the script for the first time. I didn't know I was going to be doing French films! Now, of course, I could play her as Chloe, but they changed it and made her very English. YOU SPEND MOST OF THE FILM AS A DISMEMBERED HEAD STORED IN A FRIDGE, WHICH IS A BIT OF A CHANGE FROM ROLES AS A BOND GIRL AND IN BLOCKBUSTERS LIKE PRINCE OF PERSIA AND CLASH OF THE TITANS, ARE YOU AT A STAGE IN YOUR CAREER WHERE YOU WANT TO TAKE “RISKIER” ROLES? Yeah, I was definitely feeling a bit fatigued of that way of working and those kind of parts. I don't actually think they suit me and I wasn't really flourishing in that environment. My tastes are not so mainstream myself, the films I go and see are not Blockbuster movies. I thought “why am I doing them if I don't actually go and see that kind of movie?” So I decided not to do them for a bit. I kind of became un-enamoured with filming after various experiences, and this was the one that reignited my love of cinema again. Working with Marjane, Ryan and this script - there are so many brilliant actors in this that I remembered why I love to do films.
and she is unapologetic in the way she is. She has had a life that is extraordinary that she has documented through film and animation and is a real artist. She sees the world in a very different way to how anybody else sees it. I think the way she sees it is like a drawing. You can see that with the cartoony, colourful and playful nature of this film. You see her personality in it. There is humour all the way through it even though it is bleak and dark at times. I think she was the perfect choice for the film. YOU’VE RECENTLY BEEN STARRING ON STAGE IN AN ADAPTATION OF MADE IN DAGENHAM, AND YOU’VE GOT TWO TV SERIES IN PRODUCTION AT THE MOMENT, WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE MEDIUM? I will always be a stage actress first. That's why I do what I do, it's what I always wanted to be when I was training. I love theatre. It's where I flourish and where I feel most free. I love the fact that I'm in control of my performance and it's not going to get cut by some editor I've never met. You know what you are putting out there and I love the immediacy of it. You're kind of the director of your own performance. WE RECKON THE VOICES HAS ‘CULT CLASSIC’ WRITTEN ALL OVER IT. BUT WHAT ARE YOU FAVOURITE CULT CLASSICS? I love Neil Jordan's In the Company of Wolves. I'm not very good with horror, but that one based on the Angela Carter story is one I really like. GEMMA ARTERTON AND RYAN REYNOLDS IN THE VOICES.
WHAT SORT OF ENERGY DOES MARJANE BRING TO THE FILM? She is totally unique. There is nobody like her @SCOTCAMPUS
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Scotcampus Bookshelf. THE ESTABLISHMENT, AND HAUSFRAU HOW THEY GET AWAY WITH IT JILL ALEXANDER ESSBAUM OWEN JONES he General American ex-pat Anna lives in Zurich Election has At first glance, this might with her husband Bruno and three put us in a young children, she’s taking German contemplative mood, so look like a bit of a depressing book, but Owen Jones’ lessons, she’s having regular sessions prepare yourselves for investigation of the ruling with a psychologist, and she’s leading a political commentary, class is an entertaining and sordid double life. Elegantly written and psycho-analysis, full of poetic imagery, Hausfrau is a slow sociology and complex enlightening read that had us up in arms and ready for burner, but we couldn’t put it down until personalities as you battle. ‘til we realised how many we reached the conclusion of Anna’s delve into the depths more books we had to read. self-destructive, heart-breaking story. of our bookshelf.
BY MICHAEL EDWARDS
T
STUFFOCATION JAMES WALLMAN
WORK SIMPLY CARSON TATE
THE LIAR’S CHAIR REBECCA WHITNEY
Wallman’s sharp analysis takes in studies and anecdotes from various fields including anthropology, psychology and his home turf of trendforecasting as it breaks down just why so many people are turning their backs on materialism, de-cluttering their lives, and ushering in an age of ‘experientialism’ in which we value experiences and relationships over objects. About time too.
Tate shuns the usual self-help mumbo jumbo in favour of a clear breakdown of different working approaches that are quick and easy to implement, even if you have the attention span of a disorientated fruit fly. Packed with questionnaires and tips to help you find your natural approach to work, and organised in a way that lets you jump straight to the right advice for you, this is a serious study aid.
A dark psychological thriller that tests the reader’s boundaries with borderline loathsome characters and uncomfortable situations, Whitney’s debut novel proceeds at a blistering pace as it delves into the twisted relationship of married couple Rachel and David. The Liar’s Chair has thrills, spills and a jet black core, all buried under the complex mess of everyday relationships.
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WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
presentS:
the careers annual 2015 Coming soon! For More information contact: info@scotcampus.com
INTERVIEW: CAROL MORLEY
BY MICHAEL EDWARDS
The Mystery Of Mass
Psychogenic Illness. B
ritish director Carol Morley’s stock has steadily been rising, with films like her haunting documentary Dreams of Life winning her a loyal group of followers: including Guardian film critic Peter Bradshaw. Her latest film, The Falling, stars Maisie Williams (Game of Thrones) and looks at the strange world of mass psychogenic illness. We managed to grab her at the Glasgow Film Festival for a chat. I’D LOVE TO HEAR A BIT ABOUT WHERE THE IDEA FOR THE FALLING CAME FROM, AND WHAT THE WRITING PROCESS WAS LIKE… In 2005 I was on the phone to my friend Bev and we were just chatting, and she started talking about how she’d read about this village in Medieval times that couldn’t stop laughing. When I Googled the phenomena, I found a village in Tanzania where there’d been this outbreak of what they call ‘mass hysteria’, mass psychogenic illness, where this girls' school in a village in the ‘60s couldn’t stop laughing, and they started to fall ill and it spread to other villages and other schools. Once I’d found this, I met with a psychiatrist who let me look through 25 years' worth of medical articles and newspaper pieces too!
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THE FILM MAKES IT VERY DIFFICULT TO KNOW WHAT’S REAL AND WHAT’S NOT, DID YOU ENJOY PLAYING WITH AUDIENCE EXPECTATIONS? I probably wasn’t ever thinking ‘what will the audience think here?’ In a way I kind of like the idea that the audience think all different things, so some of them might not believe it, and some of them might believe it, some of them might think there’s asbestos in the school, or it’s a cult thing, or it’s emotional or hormonal. I did lead some things, I was trying to seed all the possibilities, so I kind of like that it’s disturbing and you don’t know quite where you’re meant to be! SOMETIMES LYDIA [THE MAIN CHARACTER] WASN’T EVEN SURE WHAT WAS HAPPENING HERSELF! WAS THAT HARD FOR MAISIE? Maisie’s a very instinctive actor, she’s brilliant, and brilliant to work with, and I think because when we were doing the film she was 16, so she could really tap into the contradictory nature of being a teenager, where one day or one hour you can be feeling something, and then another not. So I think it was really good to work with someone that age rather than someone playing that age. WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
WERE THERE ANY SCENES THAT WERE TOUGH TO FILM? I’M THINKING PARTICULARLY OF MAISIE UP A TREE! Yeah, it was very very cold. But I think the more difficult ones for Maisie were the ones with the mother, where you have to emotionally be there. Although I think the hardest thing when it comes to filmmaking is the time restraint when you come to shoot, ‘cos sometimes you’d love to spend a long time on something but you can’t, you just have to move on. SOME OF OUR AUDIENCE WILL BE YOUNG CREATIVES AND THEY’LL WANT TO GET INTO THE INDUSTRY, DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR THEM? If you want careers advice, don’t get it off me! But in terms of being a filmmaker, and not career advice as such, I would say you’ve just got to stay close to your passion. That’s how I got through: you basically say ‘I’ve got to make this, if I don’t, life’s not worth living’. And I think that’s got to be the attitude… So I think it’s just hold on to your story, and even if you think that another story might get you money quicker or might get you on quicker, I would recommend you don’t dilute your passion.
THE FALLING IS CENTRED ON YOUNG PEOPLE, BUT HOW WOULD YOU LIKE YOUNG AUDIENCES TO APPROACH THIS FILM? The girls who were in it said that even though it was set in the 1960s, the experiences were exactly the same, just with different clothes and different technology. So I would hope that they could feel included in it, and find themselves in it, and figure it out, sort of bring themselves to the film really and be part of it I suppose. And I always hope with films that they enable people to have conversations beyond the film. DO YOU THINK IT’S IMPORTANT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO WATCH MORE CHALLENGING FILMS? I think it’s important for everybody alive to be challenged. And I find with young people that they generally do challenge themselves more. I think it’s more older people that get more like, ‘this is what I like, this is what I do’, so I think actually young people are probably there. The Falling is released in cinemas 24th April @SCOTCAMPUS
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The Travel
VLOGGERATI. BY AMY ANDERSON
W
e’ve all been there: it’s the last night of a life-changing holiday and the thought of swapping unpredictable adventures for dreary skies and essay deadlines is too much to bear. But what if we were to give up our normal lives in favour of travelling the world? While this thought may sound like a pipe dream, a few ambitious individuals have actually managed to turn their passion for travelling into a successful vlogging career.
LOUIS COLE 31-year-old Louis Cole found himself on a never-ending gap year after his YouTube channel, FunForLouis, attracted in excess of one million subscribers. Louis films himself engaging in exciting activities such as skydiving, snowboarding and mountain biking in exotic locations from Australia to Africa. He also raises awareness of different cultures and challenges faced by travellers. For Louis, ticking items off his bucket list has become a daily occurrence and his trips are now sponsored by companies looking for promotion as well as advertising revenue generated through his channel. Take a look at these other lucky vloggers who’ve turned their jet-setting lifestyle into a full-time holiday!
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WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
MARIANNA HEWITT Living life in front of the camera lens comes naturally to for former American television host Marianna Hewitt. The stunning brunette might have already made a name for herself by posting makeup tutorials, but her glamorous travel vlogs are also becoming increasingly popular among those interested in luxurious trips to exotic locations such as Thailand, Morocco and the Caribbean. RAYA WAS HERE One of Louis’ travel buddies, Raya, has more than 15,000 subscribers to her YouTube channel. The 22-year-old, who is originally from Bulgaria, has recently travelled to Cuba, Mexico and China and has no plans of staying put anytime soon! STEPS TO WANDER For newly married couple Kelsey and Corbin Scott, YouTube has acted as a platform for them to share some of the tips they’ve learnt from their backpacking trips across the world. The couple have travelled all over the world, and even opted to vlog the moment they got engaged in Florence, Italy! @SCOTCAMPUS
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WHAT DID YOU STUDY AT UNIVERSITY? I studied Marketing and Spanish at the University of Stirling. I spent my ERASMUS semester in Córdoba in Spain. After my degree, I applied for the British Council English Language Assistant programme in Extremadura and Galicia. Two years later, I saw a vacancy for TEFL on Facebook, I had an interview over Skype, got offered the job and caught a flight back straight back to Scotland. Three years later, I’ve gone from Marketing Officer to Marketing Manager.
How I Bagged My Dream
DO APPLICANTS NEED TO BE ABLE TO SPEAK MULTIPLE LANGUAGES TO APPLY FOR COURSES? Not at all. Only English is spoken in the classroom. Knowing even just a few phrases in the local language can help you get by with day-to-day things outside of the school.
Job.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO TAKE A COURSE?
ALAN MOIR IS A SALES AND MARKETING MANAGER AT TEFL SCOTLAND
DO YOU THINK IT’S IMPORTANT FOR SCOTTISH STUDENTS TO SEIZE TRAVELLING OPPORTUNITIES?
WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS AND GRADUATES AT TEFL? Teaching English as a foreign language is a great way to travel the world, gain international work experience, learn about new cultures, and maybe even a new language! Part-time and full-time paid positions are available both here in the UK and abroad. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR TYPICAL DAY? I catch up with the team and put together daily to-do lists. I’ll check through my emails and follow-up on anything urgent; working for a company that has many staff abroad, you have to be aware of different time zones. I monitor our social media channels and chat with current and prospective students. I proofread documents before they get sent to the designer and, if I have time, I’ll write a blog post for the company website. @SCOTCAMPUS
Online TEFL courses start from £159 and classroom courses from £199. Students and recent graduates also get a 20% discount on course fees year round.
Definitely. If you are able to study for a semester or a year abroad as part of your degree, do it. TEFL allows you to both work and travel, and you’ll have a whole set of transferable skills to add to your CV. WHAT ARE YOUR TOP TIPS FOR OUR READERS? Be proactive. Many roles look for applicants to be comfortable using software like Photoshop, WordPress and Excel, so get some practice in. Be on the lookout for placements or internships like ScotGrad. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE LOCATION IN THE WORLD AND WHY? I’ve just spent three weeks in Thailand so I’d have to say Chiang Mai. It’s so relaxed, the people are really friendly and the food is amazing.
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MEET THE MANAGER: SKYSCANNER WHAT MAKES A GREAT CV STAND OUT? The key is to tailor your CV towards the job you’re looking for and highlight your achievements plus some of the things you learnt in previous roles or studies. If you have relevant personal projects or hobbies, add these in. For example, if you have a blog or are active on social channels we’d love to see this. AND WHAT WOULD MAKE YOU BIN A CV? Three pages of waffle without key skills and experiences highlighted. THE NEXT BIG STEP IS THE INTERVIEW. WHAT ARE YOUR TOP THREE PIECES OF ADVICE?
SAM POULLAIN WORKS AS SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER FOR EUROPE AT SKYSCANNER. WHAT’S A DAY IN THE LIFE AT SKYSCANNER LIKE? Before I’ve even fixed myself a strong coffee I’m online, checking if any news has broken overnight and catching any urgent emails. Then it’s a short cycle into the office where I oversee our social media team for Europe. We have 25 people in our global social media team to create killer content and engage with our users. We aim to learn something every day which makes us work smarter the next. WHAT DEGREE DISCIPLINE SHOULD A PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEE POSSESS? We look for people who show a real passion for technology and travel, as it’s really important that our team recognises the fastpaced internet economy we work in. Digital Marketing, Communications and Journalism degrees are all relevant for jobs in our team. SHOULD APPLICANTS POSSESS OTHER SKILLS OUTWITH THEIR DEGREE? Analytical skills are attractive as our company culture is about testing and learning. A foreign language can be a benefit as we have 50 nationalities here and some technical skills like design or basic coding can be useful.
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Research examples of what is happening in the travel and tech industry right now so we can see you have your finger on the pulse. Show us that you understand our business model by doing your research on us, and don’t fill the gaps with irrelevant information. Short and relevant is best. AND WORST PRACTICES? We’ve had candidates who talk about how much they like using rival travel websites and not mention why they like Skyscanner. Do be honest if you like using other travel sites, but we’d also like to hear about why you believe Skyscanner is a useful tool for travellers around the world. Our staff are our no. 1 brand ambassadors. IS IT IMPORTANT FOR STUDENTS TO BUILD UP A GOOD SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCE? Having an active social media presence not only shows that you are active and understand social, but can also demonstrates creative and networking skills which can be important in marketing. In other disciplines like engineering, this probably isn't as important but we may check out their profiles on technical networks such as Stack Overflow or GitHub profiles. SUM UP THE IDEAL SKYSCANNER EMPLOYEE IN THREE WORDS. Ambitious. Entrepreneurial. Adaptive. WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
The Unexpected World Of
Apprenticeships. W
ith the possible exception of the Sorcerer’s Apprentice, apprenticeships haven’t always had a particularly glamourous image. But the reality is that modern apprenticeships are far more diverse, useful and interesting than most people realise, and we’ll prove it to you: by challenging the stereotypes and showing you what’s really on offer… A SKELETON KEY It’s well known that modern apprenticeships open the door into practical trades, whether it’s engineering, construction or agriculture. Less well known are the wide range of opportunities to help young people in Scotland get into the creative industries, financial services or sport and leisure. And the options don’t stop there.
OPEN TO ALL Because of this tendency for people to misread apprenticeships as a route into manual trades, some also assume that there is a gender bias towards men, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Official stats from 2013/14 reveal that 41% of new apprentices were female, and there are continuing efforts to attract a more balanced mix of young people to apprenticeships. What’s more, a 2015 campaign is focussed on pushing for gender equality even in positions historically dominated by men. Over at the new Apprenticeships.scot @SCOTCAMPUS
At Skills Development Scotland’s ‘My World of Work’ website, you’ll find apprenticeship opportunities broken down into no less than 15 distinct sectors and 70 types of career, each one brimming with possibility. A total of 19,157 modern apprenticeships were started in just nine months of 2014/15 and more opportunities appear every year. You can find them in up-todate publications like our Scotcampus Careers Annual, available from your careers advisor.
website, there are lots of great case studies of women successfully completing modern apprenticeships as mechanics, in science and tech, electrical engineering and stonemasonry. It’s not just gender stereotypes that’re being challenged by modern apprenticeships, age is no boundary either. Modern apprenticeships are available to anyone over the age of 16, so whether you’re still deciding if you’ll take up further study, or you’re a mature student looking for a route into a specific industry, you can sign up for an apprenticeship. To prove the point: in the first nine months of 2014/15, just 53% of apprenticeship starters were 16-19, the rest were all older.
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TANGIBLE BENEFITS In 2013 97% of apprentices said they’d recommend a modern apprenticeship to others, that’s a pretty high rate by any employer’s standards, and there are a number of possible reasons for this. Among the case studies shared on Apprenticeships.scot, the running theme seems to be that people really enjoy the chance to use the theory they learn during study in a practical environment, and get feedback and tips from the professionals
REAL FREEDOM Because modern apprenticeships combine work and study, there are several options available when you finish. According to the latest figures, 74% of apprentices expect to stay with the same employer after completing their training, but the remainder have lots of options open to them. One route is straight into further study, usually a degree in the same discipline. This would give a higher qualification in the same discipline, and you’d still benefit from the hands-on experience that a modern apprenticeship gives when the time comes to return to
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who’ve been in the field for years. So as well as ending up with a Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ), you learn how to use it. Then there’s the small matter of being paid to work while you study. Employers are technically only required to pay National Minimum Wage, £2.73/hour for under-19s, rising to £6.50/hour for over-21s; although from October that will jump to £3.30 and £6.70. There’s no set rate for apprenticeships though, and many employers may pay more for the right candidate: so it’s worth checking the pay on offer before signing up.
the job market. Last year, 8% of modern apprenticeship participants chose this route. The final option is to use the newfound skills and qualifications to move to another business, something 13% of people chose to do. This could be for better opportunities for advancement, a change of scene, or even to work on your own business. After all, it’s possible to work on your own terms with a large number of trades. Facts sourced from Myworldofwork.co.uk/types-ofapprenticeships, Skillsdevelopmentscotland.co.uk and Gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide/pay-and-conditions WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
BLOGGER SPOTLIGHT: LAURA RUSSELL
SATISFASHION
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BLOG Satisfashion is my own personal styling and personal shopping business that I started back in 2006. I began blogging in October 2013 and it just started as an addition to my website. My blog is really a diary of what I get up to in my life as a Personal Shopper in Scotland. IS SATISFASHION YOUR FULL-TIME JOB? Yes, it’s my full time business. As a Personal Stylist and Personal Shopper, I’m essentially an everyday Gok Wan, so I work with clients organising their wardrobes and shopping - a lot! Blogging is just a small part of everything it takes to run my business. I run my social media presences, organise photo shoots, pick up clothing for my clients and more. I’m juggling these all at once, but that’s the joy and excitement of running your own business. IS SOCIAL MEDIA PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT FOR DEVELOPING YOUR BLOG? Definitely, you have to develop followers and that isn't easy. One piece of advice I would give to anyone starting out is to not stress out about how long it takes to build followers; it’s a gradual process and one not to be rushed as you develop your voice. WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST EXCITING ABOUT BLOGGING? The most exciting thing for me is the amount of people I have met through blogging: like-minded, creative, hardworking individuals.
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DO YOU THINK THAT BLOGGING IS USEFUL FOR STUDENTS FOR AIDING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES? I think if you are blogging with regards to a certain area you plan to go and work in then it can aid career opportunities. If I was looking for a stylist to work alongside me and someone applied who had a fashion blog, that shows me that they’re passionate about it. Don't just blog because you want freebies or to be invited to events; if you don't care about it then it will come across in your blog. WHAT’S THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF BLOGGING? The most challenging aspect is timing. It’s about getting your blog post to be relevant and pulling everything together with time constraints. ARE THERE ANY OTHER BLOGGERS OUT THERE WHO YOU ADMIRE? I admire Secret Little Stars, she is such a lovely person and has a fantastic blog with many inspiring outfit posts. LucyFlorals is another beautiful blogger. I love our mutual respect and how supportive we all are of each other. This to me is important. AND FINALLY, DO YOU HAVE ANY EXPERT TIPS FOR ASPIRING BLOGGERS WISHING TO START THEIR OWN? Blog about what you’re passionate about. Don't stress about having thousands of followers as soon as possible and enjoy the ride. Don't have any expectations, just have fun with it! Satisfashion.co.uk WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
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WIN! #SPREADSUNSHINE WITH VEEEMOTION & WIN AN IPAD MINI!
T
SCAN ME!
hat’s right, we’re giving YOU the chance to rock up on your next holiday, shiny new iPad Mini in tow, ready to capture all the action in style. All you have to do is: 1.
Download the Veeemotion app to your smart phone or tablet. It’s the new home for all your video.
2.
Create a short video on the theme of spreading a little sunshine and tag it with #SpreadSunshine. If you film your video outside the Veeemotion app using your phone’s camera that’s ok too. Just upload it to Veeemotion from your camera roll.
3.
Don’t forget to share your masterpiece from Veeemotion to your other social feeds. Tag us too! @Veeemotion It’s quick, easy and super-addictive to use. You can edit, add cool filters and finish off with music. Store your videos safely so you can get all nostalgic again and again, Plus, unlike other apps, there’s no limit to the length of videos you can create.
So whether you dress up your guinea pig in a tiny sombrero (please do), go sunbathing in the rain in a Hawaiian shirt, or show a random act of kindness, the options are limitless. Just show us that you’re adding a splash of sunshine wherever you are. Start spreading sunshine today! Upload your video to Veeemotion using the hashtag #SpreadSunshine between 1st April - 13th May 2015 to be eligible to win. And remember, videos like to be horizontal, so turn your phone on its side for filming! Get snappy - download the Veeemotion app now: www.veeemotion.com Twitter: @Veeemotion Facebook: Facebook.com/veeemotionapp Instagram: @veeemotion Terms & Conditions:
COMPETITION ENTRANTS MUST BE OVER THE AGE OF 16. THE PRIZE IS NON-TRANSFERABLE, NON-REFUNDABLE AND MUST BE CLAIMED WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OF NOTIFICATION. ONE WINNER WILL RECEIVE ONE APPLE IPAD MINI. TO BE ELIGIBLE TO WIN, YOU MUST ENTER BY THE CLOSING DATE ON WEDNESDAY, 13TH MAY 11:59PM, ANY ENTRIES AFTER THIS TIME WILL NOT BE COUNTED, NO PURCHASE NECESSARY, ENTRY INTO THE COMPETITION IS ACCEPTANCE OF THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS.
Plane &
Simple Etiquette. F
lying can be a real pain in the backside. But since we haven’t cracked teleportation, we’re just going to have to put up with it if we want to explore faroff horizons. But don’t leave your manners on the ground. Follow these essential rules and you’ll be off to a flying start.
OBEY THE SEATBELT SIGN Everyone hates that guy that gets up and starts opening the overhead lockers the instant the plane hits the runway. When the light glows, don’t go. KNOW YOUR BAGGAGE BOUNDARIES
BE MORE ZEN Does it really matter how quickly you get to your seat? Instead of blowing a gasket at the old dear in front of you taking her sweet time, find solace in The Little Book of Calm. RESPECT THY NEIGHBOUR
See the overhead space above YOUR seat? That’s YOURS. Not the one 15 rows away. Just nope.
And their armrest. What’s more, don’t just blast the air con and reading light in their face when they’ve just dozed off.
REIN IN THE ROMANCE
RECLINE CAREFULLY
No one wants to spend endless hours beside that couple whose faces don’t separate for the entire flight. Keep it family friendly people. You can hold hands though. If you must.
The right to recline is a subject of debate, but if you must, do so slowly. Don’t just whack it back so that you’re basically sleeping in a stranger’s lap. At least buy them a plane dinner first.
STEADY ON THE H2O
DON’T BE A SPACE INVADER
Plan ahead for bathroom breaks. People will only let you out three times before wanting to bash you. It also goes without saying that getting up before the dinner trays are collected means you’re a douche.
Let’s face it. No one wants to make a new BFF on the plane. Take the hint when your inane small chat is receiving minimal answers.
EXIT IN AN ORDERLY FASHION Resist the urge to push your way out first; let the rows nearest the exit disembark before you. Because who made you king of the plane? @SCOTCAMPUS
DRINK RESPONSIBLY Beware of the fourth glass of wine. Those tiny plastics cups are deceiving. And you’ll probably end up re-enacting that scene from Bridesmaids.
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Travel Survival Guide. BY LUCY JARMAN
F
rom successfully stuffing your suitcase to sunbathing without the sunburn; these handy life hacks will terminate tedious travelling tribulations and ensure holiday harmony. PRACTICAL PACKING Still find yourself with larger than life luggage? Pack your socks and underwear inside of your shoes to save space. Once you’ve finished, reduce your cargo by a third. Trust me, you’ve packed too much. Invest in clear bags for your makeup and liquids to avoid being charged for them at the check-in gate, or have to unpack your ‘delicates’ in front of the security staff while searching for your toothpaste. Always check prohibited items. Straighteners are surprisingly ok, but tweezers are forbidden. So while you embrace your inner caveman eyebrows, your hair can remain silky smooth. Girls- If you’re soaking up the sun, embrace your natural complexion and give your skin a break from foundation. Guys- Take advantage of the free hotel toiletries to avoid unnecessary packing! MONEY Invest in a Travel Money Card from the Post Office. Simply load it with cash and use it like a debit card, but without the costly fees. Your money is also protected should your card be lost or stolen, making it the safest way to spend abroad.
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DOCUMENTS After years of rebelling against your Mum’s organisational advice, it’s time to surrender and invest in a folder for all your travel documents. Keeping everything together will save you time and tantrums. TIME KEEPING Set your watch to the local time of your destination when you board the plane to help your body adjust and escape jetlag. WHEN YOU ARRIVE… Apply sun cream before you adorn your bathing attire to avoid sunburn at the edges of your garments. Beware of pickpockets and stash emergency cash in your laundry bag, so if your wallet ends up at the bottom of a pool in Ibiza or stolen by a pack of wild monkeys in Thailand, you’ll still be able to afford the local version of Pringles and see if they do taste the same as at home. Adhere to cultural clothing rules and local customs. Natives will treat you with more respect if you’re not crawling back to the hotel topless or sporting your shortest shorts. ONCE YOU’RE BACK…. Share your fabulous photos and extraordinary experiences and start planning your next amazing, stress-free vacation as a result of these tremendous tips! WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
5 Meals Worth a Plane
Ride. BY PATRICIA-ANN YOUNG
W
hile Scotland is the home of some great scran (square sausage, anyone?), the rest of the world offers up some pretty tasty dishes too. Spread your culinary wings when on your travels and try some of these national dishes. DEEP-FRIED MAPLE LEAVES JAPAN Known as momiji tempura, these popular treats are made from maple leaves that start to redden and drop from the trees in the middle of autumn. They are cured in a barrel of salt for a year, until finally being deep-fried in tempura batter for crispiness. When finished, the batter retains the beautiful shape of the leaf. Pretty and tasty, and the deep-fried batter will give you a wee twinge for home. FLYING FISH AND COU COU BARBADOS The national dish of Barbados, this wildly popular meal is a must-try for all seafood lovers. The miraculous fish, which can leap out and glide over water to avoid predators, is the centrepiece, while the delicious cou cou- made from cornmeal and okra- makes up the rest. With a shout out from A$AP Rocky on Rihanna’s ‘Cockiness’ remix, it’s both musically relevant and moreish!
@SCOTCAMPUS
PHO VIETNAM A lovely noodle soup made up of broth, herbs and most commonly chicken or beef. While the dish is at the heart of Vietnamese culture, the ingredients are sometimes changed when brought over to different countries to suit the local taste. The best place to try it is of course Vietnam, when it’s in all of its Pho glory. MASSAMAN CURRY THAILAND This Thai curry traditionally made with beef is interesting as it blends sweet, sour and salty flavours all into the one dish. Sounds rank? It’s really not, and on top of heaps of herbs and spices there’s sometimes even fruit like pineapple to tender up tough meats. A nice switch-up from the more traditional Thai Green Curry, impress your friends with your adventurous and scrumptious curry choices. NUTELLA PIZZA ITALY The Italians are a creative lot, and have brought two of their most popular exports, pizza and Nutella, into one wonderfully fabulous desert. Nutella is spread over an oven baked pizza base, then covered with strawberries and icing sugar to make the tastiest after-dinner treat ever. Why have we not thought of this before?!
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Hardeep Is Your Love?
INTERVIEW: HARDEEP SINGH KOHLI
BY MINA GREEN
S
cotland’s favourite chef, broadcaster and writer, Hardeep Singh Kohli stands proudly in his new Leith craft beer and curry house, VDeep, dressed in purple and with an air of noble nonchalance. He approaches to shake my hand. As the only correspondence I’d had with him previously was a series of curt emails, I had assumed he was a very busy man and didn’t have much time to chat. However, nestled in what he deems his ‘H seat’ or ‘Hardeep’s Harem’- an enclosed seating area adorned in red and complete with a mini disco ball- Hardeep showed me that he’s definitely game for some banter. I ask about his illustrious career journey, and if he’s enjoying living back in Scotland after having spent many years in London. “I was at Law School at Glasgow University planning to be a lawyer and then I found the arts. I ended up being headhunted by the BBC. I do a lot of food related work, obviously the restaurant is the pinnacle of that,” he says, still chowing down some of his lunch. “I am really enjoying working in Leith. Edinburgh is the most beautiful city in the world for me”.
Edinburgh is the most beautiful city in the world for me
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VDeep has proved to be the foster-father for curry lovers, creating exquisite fusion food and boasting some of the best craft beer in the UK from breweries such as Drygate Brewing Co., Pilot and Williams Brothers. Hardeep’s passion and commitment to this new enterprise is astonishing, but he says that he couldn’t do it without the help of his dedicated team. His love for locally sourced produce and experimental food is what makes VDeep the epitome of modern, cross-cultural culinary euphoria. “We’re the only Indian restaurant in the world that has a forager. We had wild garlic on the menu a few days ago. The meat is seasonal; we get the best of what’s available.” It made me wonder what some people thought of him featuring pork and beef WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
on the menu, “We’re never going to attract the ultra religious. It’s all about flavour for me; I don’t see it to be controversial. I just see it to be a little bit groovy.” I laugh as I’ve not heard the word groovy used since Austin Powers. When I ask Hardeep what his favourite dish is, he’s undecided: “it depends what I’ve had the night before! Chef just made a haggis naan this morning, which we’ve decided is going straight on the menu. I really like the Mutton Achari, the chef’s Dahl Makhani is phenomenal.” Under the title ‘east V west’, sassy pun-tastic dishes garnish the menu including the mouthwatering Bangras and Mash and potato revelation Bubble and Sikh. Eating here is so intense it makes you forget your own name, but I guess the concept of a name doesn’t really matter when you’ve got a gob stuffed with succulent beef and seductive cardamom.
Food is a language. If you speak food, you can go anywhere in the world and have a conversation
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Hardeep’s love for food goes back a long time. After appearing on BBC 1’s MasterChef and cooking professionally for ten years, he shares some of his food philosophy: “Food is a language. If you speak food, you can go
@SCOTCAMPUS
anywhere in the world and have a conversation”. Not only is he transforming the way we view Indian food, he’s embraced the inevitable combination – great beer and great curry. “The beer and ale side of things has been a huge revolution. The way these brewers brew beer, they do it with the same passion and intensity as we do with food. We use a lot of the beer in the cooking, so there’s an absolute marriage.” For Hardeep, food is a sharing experience. “In my house growing up we never got given a plate of food, you were given an empty plate and bowls on the table, and you’d share. That’s what it’s all about; we should all try something different and something new.” As he sips a coffee and I relish a Blackball Stout, VDeep feels very comfortable, like a home. I ask what his advice would be for someone looking to open their own restaurant. He answers: “keep testing your idea, don’t rush into it, and start small. Get good people around you. You need to have so much passion; it will get you through those nights when it’s rough. And enjoy it.” As I devour his little segments of wisdom like a starving stray cat I finally confront him with the ultimate question; “If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life what would it-” He answers before I’ve finished the question, giddy and smug: “my mum’s lamb curry, that or a really good bacon roll.” To spice up mealtimes, get your table booked via Vdeep.co.uk
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Diary Of An
Exchanger. BY ELLEN MACASKILL
S
ince I took the scary leap to pack my bags, leave home and jump across the pond for an amazing exchange year in Canada, it’s hard to imagine that anyone would ever regret studying abroad. It’s like the gap year you never had, but with a whole community waiting to welcome you almost the moment you touch down. Oh, and yes, there is some studying too! So go for it; make tracks to explore pastures new in 2015. PLANNING IT Universities have partnerships with institutions globally. I had always wanted to visit Canada, envisioning it as a bigger and better version of Scotland. Research included contacting people I knew studying abroad and going Google-crazy. After applying to three schools, I was nominated to Queen’s University in Kingston, a small city on Lake Ontario.
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Go for a full year! One semester allows time for loads of cool things, but by December you realise a hundred ambitions that take another semester to fulfil. Also take the opportunity to stay abroad over the winter holiday. It seems daunting, but the break equals three extra weeks of travel time. I spent Christmas Day volunteering in a Manhattan soup kitchen and exploring Brooklyn; a change from the traditional food-and-films with family for certain! WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
LIVING IT Queen’s is literally and figuratively miles from Glasgow. Students take pride in the school, with its varsity sports, “keggers”, country music bars, and Homecoming weekend. Fortunately there are alternatives, like gigs in people’s basements, student plays, and activist groups. Being in a new country makes you very willing to jump on a bus into the unknown with nearstrangers from the word “go”. Three weeks in, I went down to New York City with a coach full of Kingston environmentalists to join the People’s Climate March outside the UN with 400,000 others. With the Outdoors Club I hiked in the snowy Adirondack Mountains and stayed in a cabin in the woods. Weekends in Toronto have been consistently fun. The city is huge, with hipster areas like Kensington Market and Queen St West backing onto tourist friendly attractions like the CN Tower. Montreal impresses with its nightlife, French language and attitude, while Ottawa is grand with its historic Parliament Buildings and National Art Gallery. FINANCING IT If you thought studying abroad was for kids with a gold card at the Bank of Mum and Dad, be reassured. All funding and fees stay the same as at home, and there are various scholarships available. Savings or a job on campus will of course make it easier to travel, but there are definitely ways to do so on the cheap, such as $1 advance Megabus tickets, ride-shares, Couchsurfing and WWOOFing.
@SCOTCAMPUS
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INTERVIEW: OWEN JONES
BY MICHAEL EDWARDS
Opposing The
I
Establishment.
n an interview with Owen Jones, author of The Establishment, and how they get away with it, Michael Edwards discusses the political elite, and how we can engage with and oppose them to bring about change.
IT’S INTERESTING HOW YOU BRING OTHER ELEMENTS OF SOCIETY INTO THIS SYSTEM, THE MEDIA, FOR EXAMPLE. DO YOU THINK THAT IT’S MAKING PEOPLE A PART OF THE ESTABLISHMENT?
CAN YOU TELL US THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ‘ESTABLISHMENT’ YOU SEE TODAY, AND HENRY FAIRLIE’S OLD BOY’S CLUB ‘ESTABLISHMENT’ OF THE ‘50S…
I don’t think it makes people part of the establishment, but what the media does is popularise establishment ideas, makes them ‘common sense’. It also polices the terms of acceptable debate in this country, making sure it’s kept firmly on terms favourable to those with wealth and power... They’re the gatekeepers basically, they either ignore, ridicule or demonise the ideas that threaten those in power.
What he was looking at was basically personal connections that bind people together socially, and give them a sense of solidarity. It’s that popular image of 1950s men with top hats who went to private school. What I’m looking at is an establishment that’s not so much where people come from, the CEO of Ernst & Young, for example, grew up in a terraced house in The North [of England]… For me it’s about shared economic interest and a shared mentality, a belief, as L’Oreal would say, that ‘they’re worth it’. That they deserve the wealth and power that is ever more concentrated in the hands of a tiny group of people and that’s used to justify their position. So a shared economic interest and a set of mentalities which give them an ideological, rather than social, bond.
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But, I suppose, they’re useful for public acquiescence because they create a sense of resignation by convincing people that this is just the way the world is and there’s nothing you can do about it. They also try and redirect people’s anger as much as possible away from the powerful to those at the bottom of society: immigrants, unemployed people, benefit claimants, public sector workers. So they have a role in getting people to envy each other rather than be angry with the powerful. It’s the politics of envy. There’s also that sense of the invincibility of power and the lack of an alternative are also important in maintaining the status quo. WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
IS IT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ORDINARY PEOPLE TO FIND THAT ALTERNATIVE OR SHOULD WE BE BACKING DIFFERENT ELEMENTS OF THE EXISTING POLITICAL PROCESS? For me it’s all about the failure of the left. Most people don’t think in terms of left and right, they think in terms of issues to be addressed, in a way that’s convincing, that’s coherent, that resonates with their experiences and that’s told in a language they understand. The left hasn’t got its act together to do that because it’s been so defeated and crushed, demoralised and disorientated in so many ways. So I don’t think it’s for people to randomly scramble about, you need a movement that’s organised and has a coherent alternative to communicate.
IN THE BUILD-UP TO THE ELECTION, DO YOU HAVE A MESSAGE FOR OUR READERS? Don’t give in to the politics of fear and despair. It comes from those who want you to blame those at the bottom of the society. And, whoever you vote for, whoever takes power on the next government, hold them to account… whether there’s a Labour government or a Tory government, there’ll be attacks that take place and it’s important that people keep organising and fighting for change and justice. ‘The Establishment, and how they get away with it’ is available in book stores and on e-readers now.
LOTS OF PEOPLE FIND IT HARD TO PUT THEIR FAITH IN ANY POLITICAL PARTY, WHICH HAS LED TO THE RISE OF COMMENTATORS LIKE RUSSELL BRAND WHO SIMPLY SAY ‘IT’S NOT MY SYSTEM, WHY BE A PART OF IT?’ HOW WOULD YOU RESPOND TO THAT? I’ve got a lot of time for Russell Brand. I don’t agree with not voting, because voting is one part of something our ancestors fought for at great cost, and the reason they had to fight at such great cost is because the powerful knew that it’s a potentially powerful weapon. But he actually got a debate going about democracy and that whole thing about not voting, well young people aren’t voting already, not because a comedian told them not to, but because of the people who attack Russell Brand, the politicians and so on… So they can’t really attack the symptom of a problem which they’ve caused. DO YOU THINK THERE’S A LOT OF POWER IN ONLINE MOVEMENTS LIKE AVAAZ, CHANGE.ORG OR SUMOFUS TO BRING ABOUT CHANGE? Those petitions are often great in the way they’re raising consciousness and I’ve used them myself before, I think they’re really valid. The only thing which I’m worried about, or would caution against, is what’s called Clicktivism, where you passively click on a petition and think you’ve done everything. I want people to be more active than that. @SCOTCAMPUS
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Get Your Vote BY MICHAEL EDWARDS
Right!
T
he 2015 General Election is just around the corner and, as a rational empiricist, that means I’m about to face a month of rage as people constantly shock and disappoint me with their poor decision-making skills. And bad judgement isn’t just a problem for opinionated a-holes like me, it’s a problem for anyone who cares about the world we live in. There’s something about an election that makes normally intelligent people drop their usual questioning approach to life and ‘go with their gut’. But the truth is there’s no magical ghost in your stomach that gives you the right answers. And ‘instinct’ is based on learned ideas and behaviour, not your innate skill at being right. You don’t have that. It’s not a real thing. THE IMPORTANCE OF VOTING There are one or two dissenting voices arguing that boycotting the system will bring about change. I don’t think so. When you vote, you’re not automatically showing your approval of the system, you’re just using what’s there to try and change it to your best interests. It’s fine if you don’t support everything about the party you choose, it’s normal to want an
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alternative, to want more transparency and honesty. You can and should campaign, protest and fight for all those things before and after you’ve voted. But choosing not to vote is simply throwing away one of your tools for change. If you haven’t registered to vote, you can do so at Gov.uk/register-to-vote until the 20th April 2015. If you won’t be at home on election day, request a postal vote or for someone to vote by proxy (in your place). WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
OWN YOUR VOTE
VOTING FOR POLICIES
The next thing to say is that we can’t change anything if we just blindly follow trends, tradition and spin. Every single party has a big advertising and marketing budget, an army of publicists and spin doctors, and a base of supporters constantly pushing the party line. The answer to cutting through this isn’t just voting the way your Dad or your pal votes because you trust them more. This vote is yours: take ownership of it.
If you’re not up for trawling manifestos, or have specific issues that your decision hinges on, there are resources available to help you make a well-informed decision without the arduous research.
Of course, that’s no mean feat for a genuine rationalist. Politicians will attempt to convince you that they’re your sort of person. But your best bet for guessing what this notoriously unreliable lot will do if they come into power is through party policies. Each party publishes these on its official website, with full election manifestoes. And if you’re into reading political commentary, it’s wise to use a range of sources to counteract the bias in just about every publication you’ll encounter.
STRATEGIC VOTING Once you’re armed with the facts, you can think about voting strategy.
Voteforpolicies.org.uk engages directly with UK political parties to obtain their most up to date policies, then integrates them into a thorough, easy-to-use survey in which you can prioritise the policy areas that matter to you and see who shares your views. A similar survey’s available on VoteMatch. org too. Just in case you suspect bias. You might be surprised by the outcome, but stick by your choices and vote for what you believe, not for an image you want to send to others. You can always lie to your pals about who you voted for anyway. It’s a private ballot.
vote doesn’t matter, but that’s not true. There are at least three strategies you can take in response to perceived local dominance: •
One issue that pops up every election year is the UK’s first-past-the-post system. Most European democracies use a proportional representation (PR) system in which the proportion of seats received by a party directly reflects the proportion of votes they get. Here, each MP competes for a seat in a winnertakes-all competition with other candidates. The upshot is that parties whose support is concentrated in specific areas usually get a reliable return, while others whose support is widespread but not concentrated get a disproportionately small number of seats. This leads a lot of people to thinking that their @SCOTCAMPUS
•
•
Back protest parties, noisy neighbours in parliament who disrupt the system. Continually back who you believe in regardless. If enough people vote for outsider parties, seats will be won, and the impetus towards PR will grow. Vote to ensure a specific party doesn’t win; this is usually achieved by backing its most viable opponent.
It’s not for me to tell you which strategy is best, but what I will say is think long and hard about it, don’t be swayed by panic, pushy campaigners or spin. Whatever you do, make sure it’s rational and well informed. For the sake of my sanity if nothing else.
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5 Best...Travel Apps . BY MICHAEL EDWARDS
N
ever mind your suitcase, have you packed your phone yet? Because, when it comes to apps, it’s never wise to travel light. Whether you need help booking your flights, or finding hidden gems on your journey, there's an app to show you the way.
UBER
XE CURRENCY
Finding a taxi from the airport, or to get you across town, used to be a massive chore. Particularly if you’re not sure whether you’re getting a fare price (see what we did there?) Well, Uber’s changed all that. Choose your journey, see the price, book the journey, the car arrives in ten minutes. No confusion, no faff, lots more time for sightseeing/partying/ board game conventions (we won’t judge).
Struggling to work out how much you’re spending? Not sure you’re getting value from your travel cash? XE Currency is the tool for you. This free currency conversion app shows live exchanges rates, has offline data storage and even currency charts to show you whether exchange rates are heading up or down. There’s no cost, and no hard sell at the end. Platforms: Android, iOS Price: Free
Platforms: Android, iOS Price: Free
CAMFIND A visual search engine, CamFind works just like Google Goggles: except it’s available on multiple platforms. Never tried a visual search engine? They’re the future, trust us. Use your phone camera to get the lowdown on local landmarks, compare shopping prices by snapping barcodes and even take pics of local languages for a quick translation. Who needs a brain, eh?
Uber
XE Currency
Camfind
Cities Talking
Platforms: Android, iOS Price: Free CITIES TALKING Why bother reading travel guides when you can use your eyes to look at stuff, and listen to an audio guide describing the cityscape around you. Like a museum guide, but without the dust and other people’s earwax. Platforms: Android Price: £4.99 HIPMUNK
Hipmunk
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Comparing and booking flights and hotels has never been easier. Type in your destination, and this handy app collects offers from across the internet. Hotel searches even include Hostelworld.com and Airbnb- perfect on a budget. Or if you like snooping round people’s houses. Platforms: Android, iOS Price: Free WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
What's Happening On
Scotcampus.com WE KNOW A THING OR TWO ABOUT STUDENT PADS…
OUR BACK CATALOGUE IS ONLINE
WE ALWAYS HAVE THE BEST WEEKEND PLANS
Our new Accommodation section has moved into Scotcampus.com and is here to stay. Your hunt for the perfect student pad halts at our front door as we bring you the best student accommodation news and competitions. Don’t forget to invite us round to your new abode, ok?
Don’t worry if you don’t have your copy to hand, we can be with you wherever you go (not in a creepy way though). Peruse our digital issues in full via the website; perfect if you need your Scotcampus fix on the go. Open the door to the past and flick through memory lane with our back issues, safely stored in the vault too.
Great gigs, banging club nights, captivating art exhibitions and beyond. Scotland’s not shy of having good time at the weekend (or any other day come to think of it). We scope out the very best events weekly in our Something for the Weekend feature, to make sure you’re never sat in twiddling your thumbs on a Saturday night.
@SCOTCAMPUS FACEBOOK.COM/SCOTCAMPUSGROUP TWITTER.COM/SCOTCAMPUS
WE’RE PUTTING YOUR CAREER FIRST Whether you’re fresh into your studies or in final year mania fuelling the journey with the magical properties of coffee, we know you have your future in mind. Our Careers section is equipped with interviews from the experts and great features to shouting about what kind of opportunities are out there. Find out about Scotcampus experiences too through our interns’ honest diaries. WE’VE MUSIC COMING OUT OF OUR EARS We’ve kept our ears stuck to the ground listening to new music for so long that we’ve a continuous stream of new beats pouring out of them. We’re constantly talking to your favourite new acts, from Prides to Django Django, hitting up all the best gigs and our All-Purpose Playlists act as the soundtrack of your life, whatever mood you’re in.
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WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
What We Learned Online
This Month.
WE’VE BEEN MAKING INTERNET DISCOVERIES LIKE IT’S GOING OUT OF FASHION…
LENA DUNHAM INSTAGRAM: INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY
JARED LETO'S HAIR Looking as suave as ever, Jared’s new bleached blonde ‘do for The Joker in Suicide Squad proves that the Draco Malfoy look is here to stay!
Lena’s feisty ‘We Can Do It’ Instagram pic showcased some mad Photoshop skills and her encouragement of people all around the world to show their support.
CLARKSON, CLARKSOFF
THE ‘SMELFIE’: REAL MEN CHANGE NAPPIES
As Jeremy Clarkson gets his p45, this witty bookshelf sums up the epic ending to the Top Gear #Fracas
Australian comedian Adam Hills starts the Instagram trend; selfies from dads encountering the joys of parenthood.
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WWW.SCOTCAMPUS.COM
SAVING COULDN'T BE SIMPLER... The best way to get to get to class, shopping on the Style Mile, blowing off some steam at the gym, to enjoying a night with friends - simpliStudent can take you there!
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