Check out the work of artist Sophie Fisher

She combines her work as an artist, with her role as a Pupil Support Worker in an Aberdeenshire school and she and her husband David have just welcomed a new born son.

‘My parents moved around a lot when I was a child, so I grew up all over Scotland – everywhere from Glasgow to Mull, Kirkcudbright to Sutherland. We even spent a year in France when my parents took part in a teaching exchange program. My mother is an artist, so I guess it was natural for me to use whatever was to hand to make things. Looking back, I think my background instilled a particular kind of self-sufficiency in the way I navigate through life and my work expresses this.

‘After school in Kinlochbervie up in Sutherland, I studied with Eleanor White at Bridge House Art in Ullapool, completing a portfolio course and then attended Glasgow School of Art, graduating in 2009. We moved to Turriff from Glasgow in 2013 where I now work from my home studio.

‘As a painter, I’m mainly concerned with colour, composition and pattern. I love mixing paint and playing around with the juxtaposition of elements in my work. I find the work of Howard Hodgkin inspiring. It’s the apparent ease of abstract composition which belies the sensitivity and the power of his use of colour and also the literal content of his work that resonates with me. I also find the strong composition and colour use of artists like Matisse and Paula Rego appeal to me.

My recent work features the classic elements of still life but with the composition allowing for a more abstract balancing act of the elements. I work using a mix of direct observation

of objects such as flowers, vessels, patterned cloths and table tops. My work is strong and confident yet there’s a playful atmosphere too. I try to keep an open mind as I’m working on a piece. I’ve even been known to turn my canvas upside down and rework areas several times to arrive at the final composition. I mainly work in oils or acrylics, but also on paper to create large pieces using water based paints or mixed media. My works of paper are based on suggestion and instinct. I’m also interested in the possibilities offered by working with fabrics, pattern and colour to create bold compositions filled with joy, excitement and intuition. Last year, I was thrilled to exhibit in Ullapool for three months at Ceilidh Place. It was even more special as it was a joint exhibition with my mother, who’s also a painter. She lives and works in Ullapool. Ten years ago they had a similar show in the same venue. Perhaps another in another ten years? Who knows? I took part in North East Open Studios (NEOS) last year for the first time and I’ve previously exhibited at the Compass Gallery in Glasgow and in a joint exhibition with Leanne Dollin at an talla Solais, a visual arts venue in Ullapool.

At the moment, the best way of seeing my work is by arranging a private viewing, by emailing sophiefisher@rocketmail.com

Hosted by Granite PR and held in association with The Government of Western Australia (WAGO), the Aberdeen-Perth WA Gateway returned in December after a Covidenforced pause. Aberdeen’s Marcliffe Hotel & Spa provided opportunity for international networking, knowledge sharing and discussion on topics including energy, decommissioning, renewables, education and the labour market.

An impressive line-up of guest speakers included the Deputy Premier of Western Australia, the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, the Agent General for Western Australia and the Lord Mayor of the City of Perth. Other speakers included WAGO Business Development Manager Tom Lamond, Open Door Migration’s Jacqui Ure, Estrin Saul Lawyers’ Reuben Saul, Dr Francis Norman of the Centre of Decommissioning Australia (CODA) and Bill Hare of AOG Energy.

The keynote address was courtesy of the Government of Western Australia’s Agent General, John Langoulant AO, who expressed his pleasure at the return of the event and impressed upon delegates the importance of the links between the two locations.

2023 sees a host of big names and big shows heading to the city. There are tribute shows by Killer Queen on 24th November and Thank You For The Music - The Ultimate Tribute to ABBA, coming to P&J Live’s Hall C on Saturday 11th March. Legend - the music of Bob Marley celebrates the reggae icon on Saturday 16th September 2023 at the same venue.

Comedian Dawn French comes to the Music Hall on the 26th of October. The venue also hosts Sarah Pascoe on February 4th, Jimmy Carr on August 6th and Ross Noble on November 23rd.

Ghost hunters and ghoul enthusiasts are in for a haunting night at P&J Live’s Hall C on Thursday 26th October 2023, as the producers of experiential ghost story, Do You Believe in Ghosts, unveil the secrets of what goes bump in the night. Sticking with the darker side of life, The Makings Of A Murderer Show is coming to P&J Live’s Hall C on Friday 10th March 2023 and An Evening of Burlesque is at P&J Live’s Hall C on Saturday 21st October 2023.

If you prefer to dance the night away, Clubland is back in UK arenas for the first time in over 10 years. The ultimate club night will land at P&J Live on Friday 31st March 2023. The line-up varies for each night, but Cascada, The Vengaboys and Basshunter are all involved in the tour.

If you have been injured in an accident you might have lots of questions and be worried about what to do next. Our team of solicitors are here to help. We can support you and answer any questions you may have about how to make a claim.

If you have been involved in an accident and are considering making a claim here are some things to keep a note of. • Accident date. This is really important as strict time limits apply to making a claim. • Details of the other driver so we know who the claim is to be directed against. • Details of any witnesses to the accident- it is always helpful to have names and addresses and phone numbers. • Car registration details for your car and any other vehicles involved in the accident. • Make a note of the other parties’ insurance company (and policy number if possible) • Photo and video footage of the accident or the vehicle damage is always very helpful to have. If you have been injured, you should seek medical attention.

Phone or make an appointment to see your GP, phone NHS 24 or go to the hospital if your injuries are more serious.

We understand that seeing a solicitor at any time can be daunting. We will support you at every step of your compensation journey and will do our very best to put you at ease.

6 Albyn Terrace, Aberdeen AB10 1YP Tel: 01224 498080

Two heads are better than one and that’s certainly the case when it comes to training and consultancy for the hospitality sector. Diana MacKenzie and Alastair Hutcheson, two of Scotland’s best known hospitality consultants, have teamed up to form a new partnership; MH Hospitality Consultants.

Diana MacKenzie explained, ‘Alastair and I have a great deal of experience behind the scenes at some of the country’s most prestigious hotels and restaurants and Alastair was also owner of the Cults Hotel for 30 years. We understand that the customer’s experience is of paramount importance and we offer training, consultancy and interim management services that ensure smooth running and the highest standards.’

Alastair Hutcheson added, ‘We understand how difficult things are for those in the hospitality industry right now. Owners and managers are becoming burnt out. We offer a fresh eye and a way forward, identifying the challenges a business faces and working hands-on with the owners and management to provide the training and business development needed. We can help streamline operations and implement systems to maximise efficiency and guests’ experience in all departments from management, food and beverage, housekeeping and bars.’ Diana commented, ‘Alastair and I are very much a hands on partnership providing bespoke solutions. We’re adaptable, incredibly passionate about our industry and dedicated to achieving the best results. We’re about making a positive difference and getting our clients’ hospitality business back into top form. There’s no challenge too daunting, indeed, some of our clients think of us as the light at the end of the tunnel!’

Alastair concluded, ‘We’re always happy to have a chat in confidence. We’ve helped some very big names in the past and our discretion is assured.’

Contact Diana on 07711 210410, or Alastair on 07703 192876, or email info@mhhospitalityconsultants.co.uk