I became Editor-in-Chief of Brig Newspaper at the beginning of June, and it has been a far cry from the crosswords, comment pieces and parliament reports that I got used to when I edited the politics section. It has been a lot of learning, a lot of emails, a lot of video calls and venting in group chats, and I can genuinely say I’m grateful for all of it.
I’m a fourth year journalism student now, and I can report that all of the nervousness I felt as a first year student is still there. Moving into halls is still a bit surreal, the hot chocolate in the Macrobert Centre is still delicious, and I still panic about the amount of required reading I need to do. The difference now is that I have the most incredible group of talented, dedicated people who have helped me through everything. A lot of whom are friends I made because I started writing for Brig.
I am a vastly different person now to the person I was when I first came to university, and none of it would have happened if I hadn’t pushed myself to do things that scared the living daylights out of me. I have gained more skills, more knowledge, more experience and more friends than I ever thought was possible. Editing this edition has reminded me of all of that, and made me even more thankful for it. Not bad for the weird kid from Ayrshire.
Honestly, writing for Brig is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I can’t wait to spend my final year of university doing everything I can to support, encourage, and hype up the people who are just arriving to do their first.
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STIRLING UNIVERSITY SHORTLISTED FOR THE'S UNIVERSITY OF THE YEAR
By Leonie MacLeod News Editor
The University of Stirling is one of five universities shortlisted for the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year Awards 2024.
Up against Stirling for the prestigious award are London Metropolitan University, Ulster University, University of Leicester, University of Sunderland, and University of Surrey.
This year marks the 20th instalment of the THE Awards, deemed the ‘Oscars of higher education’.
The Awards are judged by a panel of sector experts and will focus on the nominees’ achievements during the 2022/23 academic year.
Stirling University’s nomination outlines the growth of its student population, diversity, and transnational education partnerships which have resulted in the rise of StirlingUniversity degrees worldwide.
It also considers the development works on campus, including £23 million in creating Campus Central and £20 million in redeveloping the Sports Centre.
This doubled the space for students to socialise,study and stay active.
However, University of the Year is not the only recognition Stirling has received in the shortlists.
Two Lecturers and the University of Stirling’s Communications and Marketing Teams are also in the running for awards.
Professor Vikki McCall is nominated for Most Innovative Teacher of the Year.
The Professor of Social Policy has previously won the RATE award for excellence in teaching in the Faculty of Social Sciences in 2016,
Professor McCall’s nomination states: “She has played a central role in forging and enhancing links with employers, the accrediting body and other key stakeholders.”
Professor Angela Creese, a Professor of Education, is shortlisted for Outstanding Research Supervisor of the Year. She has been commended for her support for students who “face significant cultural and linguistic challenges.”
Professor Creese’s nomination adds: “Many of her graduates go on to excel in academic and professional posts in the UK and abroad, winning prestigious prizes and appointments to the boards of respected international organisations.”
Finally, Stirling University’s Communications and Marketing Teams are in the running for Outstanding Communications and
Marketing Teams are in the running for Outstanding Marketing/ Communications Team of the Year for their “Recruiting the 12th Man” campaign.
When Stirling University’s football team were set to play Dundee United in 2023, the marcomms team pulled together names such as Sir Alex Ferguson and Lilian Thuram to support Stirling.
The nomination outlines: “Driven by the campaign, which reached 1.49 million across social media, Stirling sold 1,000+ tickets for the match.
“With widespread media coverage including BBC Sportscene, Reporting Scotland, STV News, The Times and The Sun, the campaign cemented Stirling’s reputation as a leader in university sport.”
Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Stirling, said: "We are incredibly proud to be shortlisted for University of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards.
“This is major recognition for our staff, students and supporters – whose passion to deliver world-class learning and teaching, impactful research, celebrated high-performance sports programmes, and an unrivalled student experience ensures that the University of Stirling continues to thrive on the international stage.”
This years’ awards ceremony will take place in Birmingham on November 28, 2024.
Image Credit: The University of Stirling
University football team draw with Dundee United in the Scottish Cup 2022. Image Credit: University of Stirling
FRESHERS WEEK: WHAT'S ON?
By Emma Christie DEPUTY EDITOR
September is just around the corner and along with it comes Freshers week. New and returning students can join in on various activities within and around the university during the first week of term to ease them back into student life.
Each year Stirling boasts a wide variety of events, with buzzing student nightlife and a close-knit campus, there is something for everyone.
2024 is no different as Stirling’s campus has already announced a wider array of events. Most events require a ticket. To purchase these or see more details of any event visit the Stirling Students’ Union website.
What’s on?
“Rock Your Docs Off” at Venue which is on campus. This event runs from September 6-7 from 10pm to 2am. Stirling’s Rock and Metal Society will be hosting and providing the indie and rock tunes.
A tour of Campus will be held on September 7 between noon and 2pm, starting in the Atrium. Everyone’s favourite Freebie Fayre is back in the Atrium this year. It will be held on September 9 from 9am to 4pm.
On September 10 between 10am and 5pm a plant sale will be held at Queens Court.
For those wondering what clubs and societies Stirling has to offer, drop by the Societies Fayre on 10 September. This runs from noon until 4pm in the Atrium.
A sober ceilidh is a great way to mingle and meet new friends – plus a ceilidh is always fun to attend.
This will be held on September 10 in Venue from 8pm to 11pm.
ive fayre to the university. It will be held in the stretch tent on Queens Court from 11am to 4pm.
Off Campus
Welcome Week events aren’t limited to just the campus. Fancy a night out in the town? Stirling has you covered.
Freshers Invasion are hosting a one-night only freshers event at Fubar on September 19. The club will be open from 11pm to 3am with tickets now available online. Many pubs around the city centre offer student discounts, so remember to bring a valid student ID to save some cash on your pres!
For most nighttime events, especially off-campus, it’s wise to bring ID as many venues have 18+ restrictions where alcohol is served.
VP Communities revives Stirling’s Climate festival
By Leonie MacLeod News Editor
VP Communities Justine Pédussel is bringing back the Stirling Climate Festival from October 7-11.
The first and only Climate Festival since was in 2021 and was organised by Stirling University students.
This year, Pédussel is reviving the festival to focus on sustainability
and climate change. The festival will explore how the University of Stirling can be more sustainable as a campus and beyond in combating climate change.
An opening fayre on campus will mark the beginning of the five-day festivities.
There will also be a closing assembly, where students can share feedback on the Union’s sustainability efforts.
ANDREW STEWART HALL CAR PARK CLOSED FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR
By Anya Diginnes Sports Editor
A section of the Andrew Stewart Hall car park will be closed for the entire academic year, beginning on August 8.
The area will be closed to carry out improvement works on H.H Donnelly House, with the project set to be completed and the car park to reopen in July 2025.
A spokesperson for the University of Stirling said: "A section of the Andrew Stewart Hall car park will be out of use for the duration of the project to modernise H.H Donnelly House.”
The University have no plans to offer additional replacement parking, but told Brig: “Alternative car parking spaces are available across campus."
Map of Andrew Stewart Hall car park closure. Image Credit: The University of Stirling
£5 Household Starter
Packs Offered by Students' Union
By Alice Pollard BRAW EDITOR
Stirling’s Student Union is offering a sustainable deal for students on a budget to help them set up their home at the University.
For £5, students can pick up a pack of high-quality household items donated by previous students, which includes: a pot; frying pan; baking tray; two plates; two glasses and two mugs; two bowls; two forks; two knives; four spoons; one chopping board; and one utensil.
The Green & Blue Space has also been active in the organisation and will be hosting festival activities such as community gardening sessions.
Commenting on the festival, Pédussel said: “We will be hosting a series of events during the week and look forward to seeing several club and society events throughout the festival.
“The festival will showcase the Union’s commitment to supporting students in their sustainability efforts.”
The official schedule will be announced ahead of the festival on October 1.
You can order this via the link in Stirling Union’s Instagram bio, and collect it in person at the Green and Blue Space on campus.
The Green and Blue space is the Union’s sustainability hub on campus. It is a student-led initiative, delivering sustainability campaigns and activities to support the campus in a changing climate.
In store you can find vegan pickn-mix, dispensers to refill your containers, plastic-free soaps, shampoos and body wash. They also sell second-hand clothing, electronics, and homeware.
It is also home to a bookable dedicated project space, used for work-
shops and environmentally-focused club activities
This starter pack is perfect for international students who wish to avoid travelling with a frying pan, students on a budget, and students wanting to set up their kitchen sustainably. Recycling past students’ unwanted supplies reduces waste whilst simultaneously reducing the need to buy from unsustainable shops. You can support initiatives like this one by donating your unwanted items to the Green and Blue Space, supporting fellow students, the Students’ Union, and the environment.
Starter pack contents. Image credit: University of Stirling Students' Union
VP Communities Justine Pédussel. Image
STIRLING BUSINESS AWARDS 2025 ARE OPEN FOR NOMINATIONS
By Leonie MacLeod News Editor
Nominations are open for Stirling’s third Business Awards in February, 2025.
After the success of the previous two awards, organisers Go Forth Stirling have announced that the awards ceremony will take place on Thursday February 27, 2025 at the Albert Halls.
The awards celebrate the city’s growing assortment of independent retailers and covers 11 categories.
The categories are the same as the previous two years. However, Bar/Pub of the Year, won by Slanj A Va last year, has been adapted to include clubs for the 2025 awards.
Other prizes up for grabs include: Restaurant of the Year, Café/Coffee Shop of the Year, Hair & Beauty Business of the Year, Retailer of the Year, and Visitor Attraction of the Year.
Service-led Business of the Year covers any service from taxi companies to healthcare companies & medical practices.
Business Support Services of theYear will reward companies offering services such as graphic design, accounting, IT consultancy, and more.
New Business of the Year celebrates any business that began trading in 2024. Last year’s winner was Simpson & Co. Hair Salon. The final awards are Business Support Services of the Year, Charity of the Year, and Outstanding Contribution to Stirling.
Nominations for this year’s awards can be sent on the Independent Stirling website, as well as a list of the 2024 winners.
Once nominations are closed in October, a longlist will be announced along with the opportunity to vote among the smaller pool for winners.
Nominations are open for the Students’ Union Autumn elections
By Leonie MacLeod News Editor
There are 13 Student’s Union positions up for nomination this September, either as a part-time Volunteer Officer or NUS delegate.
Nominations close at 12pm on Monday, September 30. Voting will then take place from 10am on Tuesday, October 15 until 5pm on Thursday, October 17.
The Results will be announced in person on Friday, October 18 and can be accessed at the Student’s Union website.
There are five NUS Delegate positions available. Their job is to “represent the views of Stirling Students at a national level.”
Other roles available are: Care Experienced Students Officer, Mature Students Officer, Post Graduate Officer, and Parents and Carers Officer. Sports Union Communications Officer is the final available position. This involves following and communicating Sports Union information and assisting the Sports President.
For further information on each position, see the Students’ Union Website.
On the launch of the Union’s Autumn elections, a Union spokesperson commented:
Final voting will close just before Christmas with the shortlist announced in January 2025.
Go Forth Stirling Project Director Danielle McRorie-Smith said: “The awards are an opportunity to highlight and reward the wide range of independent shops, attractions, hospitality venues, beauty salons and other businesses we are lucky enough to have in Stirling and we look forward to seeing everyone’s nominations.
“The first two Stirling Business Awards were an enormous success with thousands of votes coming in from members of the public and the events were well-attended by business owners.”
The elected Officers will be responsible not just for representing their respective group within the Students’ Union, but building community activity among them.
Arts Officer is another available position, providing representation for existing and new Arts societies.
Alternative Pathways Officer and Engagement Officer are also up for nomination.
“Student elections are central to our work to amplify the student voice. There are several exciting positions available which provide the opportunity to bring about real change for fellow students.
“We would encourage all students, including those joining us in September, to review what is on offer and consider standing for election.”
If you are an interested candidate or have a recommendation to make, you can apply via the Students’ Union website.
RuPaul’s Drag Race star sets her sights on Stirling Pride
By Leonie MacLeod News Editor
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Kate Butch has been announced as a headline act for Stirling’s first Pride this September.
The event was made reality by organisers Creative Stirling after nearly 90% of survey respondents backed a Pride event in the Forth Valley area.
Stirling Pride is taking place at King Street from 11am until 5pm and is welcoming an array of musicians and performers for the celebrations.
Star of Drag Race season 5 Kate Butch will entertain King Street from 4pm until 4.20pm.
Performing drag in London since 2018, Kate Butch has since taken the stages of the West End and the Edinburgh Fringe.
Headlining alongside Kate Butch at the King Steet stage is Glasgowbased DJ Rebecca Vasmant, who will close the event from 4.30pm until 5pm.
Fubar will also host live music events, including the Stirling Youth Folk Club an array of Scottish musicians.
Sam Reid, chair of Stirling Pride,
said “We are very excited to announce both our incredible headliners, Rebecca Vasmant and Kate Butch, who will bring fantastic live performances to King Street in the city centre."
The full programme can be found on the Stirling Pride 2024 website and social media.
Retailer of the Year Winner Jim Rintoul - owner of Joanies Music - is presented with his award by Go Forth Stirling Project Director
Danielle McRorie- Smith. Imgage Credit: Go Forth Stirling.
Image credit: University of Stirling Students' Union
PLEA FOR PUBLIC OPINION ON STIRLING LIBRARIES
By Leonie MacLeod News Editor
Stirling Council have offered local residents the opportunity to shape the future of local libraries in a new consultation.
The views of local residents will help to shape the strategy for Stirling Council libraries towards modernisation over the next five years.
The focus of the strategy is ensuring that libraries are meeting the needs of Stirling residents during a time of rapid technological ad-
vances and increasing financial pressures on local government.
Early this year, all but one Stirling Council library faced closure due to Stirling Council’s estimated £16 million budget shortfall.
The Council’s budget survey ‘The Big Conversation’ reaped overwhelming support for libraries, with 56% of participants voting against the closure of 16 public libraries.
At the Stirling Council budget meeting in February 2024, the four Councillors in attendance also opposed the closures.
Amid the uncertainty, the Scottish Government awarded Stirling Council £53,039 in late 2023 to survey the social impact of its libraries.
Following this funding, local residents can shape the once uncertain future of Stirling’s libraries in the new consultation on the Engage Stirling website. Paper copies are also available in libraries.
Convener of Stirling Council’s Community Wellbeing and Housing Committee, Cllr Gerry McGarvey said: “Our libraries don’t just lend books, they are key community hubs that deliver a wide range of
WALLACE MONUMENT DESIGN PLANS TO BE ON PUBLIC DISPLAY FOR THE FIRST TIME
By Leonie MacLeod News Editor
A rare opportunity to see the Wallace Monument design plans on display for the first time will mark its 155th birthday.
As Stirling continues celebrating 900 years as a Royal Burgh, the Monumental Milestone Exhibit will showcase the plans of architect
John Thomas Rochead. Officially opened on September 11, 1896, the idea for a monument to William Wallace was first conceived in Stirling in 1850.
Just 11 years later construction work began with the laying of a foundation stone upon the Abbey Craig - where Wallace was thought to have used as a vantage point before the Battle of Stirling
Bridge. The design of the historical monument was set up as an architectural competition. Only two of the 106 entries are known to have survived, including the winner.
John Thomas Rochead’s winning design has been digitised for the first time for the exhibition. The original plans are held by Stirling Archives for preservation, so cannot be on public display.
The exhibition is in The Keeper’s Lodge, at the ground floor of the Wallace Monument and is free to visit.
You can also gain access to the rest of the Monument for free if you live locally – just remember to bring proof of address!
Stirling Council leader, Cllr
Chris Kane said: “This is a great year for Stirling, with our 900 celebrations in full swing and our muchloved National Wallace Monument continuing to attract impressive visitor numbers from both home and abroad.
“Stirling is an ambitious, forward-thinking city and, of course, we also cherish our world-class heritage offering.
“I know residents and visitors will also enjoy the opportunity to study the fascinating architectural
services for local people. “From Bookbug sessions for young children to supporting people to access digital resources, our libraries are free and welcoming spaces for people of all ages to come together to learn, connect and enjoy activities and events.”
Urging people to fill in the survey, he continued: “Whether you use a library or not, we want to hear what your views – please spread the word. Don’t miss the chance to have your say to keep our libraries relevant, vibrant and at the heart of our communities.” This is just the first phase of the consultation, which is open until November 1, 2024.
drawings of the Monument.”
The Monumental Milestone Exhibit will be on until October 31, 2024.
plans
Bannockburn Library. Image Credit: Stirling Council
Monumental Milestone Exhibit, Wallace Monument. Image Credit: Whyler Photos/Stirling Council
Rochead's
fo rthe Wallace Monument. Image Credit Whyler Photos/ Stirling Council
Stirling Central Library. Image Credit: Stirling Council
APATHY IS DEATH – HOW POLITICAL APATHY LED TO RECORD LOW TURNOUT IN THE 2024 GENERAL ELECTION
by Elliot Johnston
The 2024 General Election broke many records but not all of them were positive as this election saw the second lowest voter turnout since The Great War.
The reasonings behind this drop are numerous but the biggest appears to be overwhelming political apathy amongst voters.
For the past few year's voters have been calling for a general election with demands getting much louder since the events of Partygate and the advent of Liz Truss’ short lived government. The loudest voice calling for an election was the then Leader of the Opposition Sir Kier Starmer.
BRIG POLITICS FRESHERS CROSSWORD
Along: What vegetable famously lasted longer than the premiership of Liz Truss?
4. What viral insult has America’s Vice President Kamala Harris dubbed Donald Trump and members of his 2024 campaign?
5. Name of the Deputy PM whose kids call her “the vape dragon?”
8. Who is the First Minister of Scotland? Down
2. What UK political party carries the nickname “Tory”
that the Scottish National Party could become the opposition party although the polls sharpy shifted after the resignation of party leader Nicola Sturgeon.
Despite this overwhelming popularity in the polls, public sentiment towards The Labour Party wasn’t great with not many British people even knowing who Starmer was until several years after he became party leader.
It was not until he started becoming more outspoken and aggressive during Prime Minister’s Questions that the country truly took notice of him.
On top of this, many of the young people that supported Corbyn are very against Starmer. While he presents as a moderate and has even claimed that he is a socialist, he is often described online as “a Tory in a red tie”.
All these factors came together to give Labour very little energy going into the election and yet they were the overwhelmingly popular party as all other parties seemed to be doing worse.
distain for the current political climate.
While Reform did take a lot of votes for its hardline stance and political outsider status those votes were largely from Conservative voters.
Starmer’s calls for an election got loader and louder as public dissatisfaction with the Conservative government climbed and polls suggested that his Labour Party would see a historic landslide.
In the months leading up to the election polls claimed that Labour would see one of the biggest majorities in the history of the commons, while the Conservatives would be almost wiped out.
Certain early polls even suggested that the Conservatives would fall so far as to not even be the opposition party with that role being taken on by the Liberal Democrats.
Some early polls even suggested
When Starmer took over the Labour Party he was coming off the heels of Jeremy Corbyn, one of the most divisive leaders the party had ever seen. Corbyn was adored by progressives and young people leading to a massive increase in party membership particularly amongst young firsttime voters.
However, Corbyn was very unpopular with moderates and was a constant target for the press and tabloids.
So, after suffering a horrible defeat in the 2019 General Election, Jeremy Corbyn was replaced by the moderate Sir Kier Starmer.
Starmer has generated a lot less vitriol than Corbyn but that is largely because he generated no headlines whatsoever for years.
For year's Starmer has been accused of severely lacking in charisma which has cost Labour a lot of spotlight time.
3. What European country has just elected a far-right party for the first time since World War Two?
6. What patriotic party was replaced by Labour in Stirling in the
7. What is the name of the former high school football coach hoping to be the next Vice President of the USA?
The Conservative Party has been imploding since Partygate and only made things worse with the chaotic Liz Truss and hopelessly out of touch Rishi Sunak.
The Liberal Democrats kept quite quiet save for local work in the likes of the West Country.
The Scottish National Party is in a complete nosedive which begun after the 2023 party finance scandal and resignation of Nicola Sturgeon.
The SNP’s hand got even worse after the chaotic ending of the Bute House Agreement, the end of the Scottish Government coalition with the Scottish Greens and the resignation of First Minister Humza Yusaf. The Greens strategically focused their efforts on four seats and were thus not a major electoral factor.
Reform UK was the dark horse in this election as they were able to feed on this national apathy and
The majority of more moderate and progressive voters just decided not to vote which can best be seen in Labours vote share as while they won 63 percent of the seats in the House of Commons, they only received 33.7 percent of the vote, 0.8 percent more than in 2019 where they only won 31 percent of seats.
According to Statistica, the election had a 60 percent turnout which is less than one percent higher than the record low 59.4 percent turnout seen in 2001.
Turnout was on the rise from 2001 to 2016 which had a 72.2 percent turnout for the Brexit Referendum but has been falling ever since.
General apathy in British politics and Reform UK syphering Conservative voters is what really won the election, not hope in Labour.
It’s unclear what turnout will look like in the next election but if nothing is done to address this political apathy and inject some hope into the population then it is unlikely to improve anytime soon.
Image Credit: members.parliament.uk
A PROFILE ON CHRIS KANE, STIRLING’S NEW MP
by Paul Smith
Elected this July, Chris Kane serves as the Labour MP for Stirling and Strathallan. Kane was elected Councillor in 2017, representing the Stirling East Ward. In 2022, Kane was appointed Stirling Council leader.
My article should serve as a compendium for Kane’s policies- and the Labour Party in general.
May this lead to a better understanding of both!
Economy:
Kane prioritises job creation by “investing in a National Training Fund” and economic opportunities within his constituency. Kane advocates leveraging UK government funding to stimulate economic growth and more job opportunities. This is with the intent to “ensure communities in Stirling and Strathallan are resilient and prosperous” economically.
Climate change:
Environmental issues are of significant focus for Kane. Kane believes in robust climate action that aims to “invest in green jobs” and “champion an ambitious Climate justice plan”. Kane’s voting record highlights a clear
IF THE KIDS ARE UNITED: A STUDENT’S GUIDE TO PROTESTING
by Jess Urquhart Politics Editor
alignment with green policies: his support for the nationalisation of passenger railway services being one.
Social Justice:
Previously, Kane has stated that he has worked to “tackle inequality” Kane’s voting behaviour exhibits a strong belief in measures which would protect worker’s rights and improve the criminal justice system.
Public services:
Kane supports Labour’s national recovery plan, advocating for increased NHS funding to “get cancer treatment back on track” while also “giving carers the pay they deserve” and attempting to “improve mental health”.
Are you wanting to protest?
Don’t know how? Here’s a quick wee guide to protesting basics and how to fund your protesting pals.
Don’t be a radge:
If there’s a counter protest, don’t aggravate them more than everyone else. Annoying your opposition is SO fun, but for your own safety, don’t be the straw that breaks the cam-
el’s back. Even if you’re fully confident that you can take on an angry mob, not everyone at your protest can. If not for your sake, for your fellow protester’s, don’t be the one to light the match.
Bag packing:
Not to sound like someone’s mum but you need lots of fluids. You’re going to be in a dense crowd of people for hours, and depending on the weather, you could get roasting. Please take a full water bottle with you.
In addition to that, bring scran. Extra, if possible, someone will definitely forget to bring some, and sharing is caring. This especially applies if you’re going to a protest with a crowd you’re not familiar with, or if you’re going by yourself. Can you think of a time someone offered you food and you didn’t think they were friendly? Neither can I. Scran is love, scran is life. You also definitely do need a sign. The first picket I went to, I didn’t bring a sign, because
surely not everyone does that? Low and behold, everyone had a sign. So, I stood there, sign-less, and looked like a twat. Don’t be me. Bring a sign.And bring friends! Another crucial mistake of mine, I showed up to my first picket alone, and it’s not fun. Bring your pals.
If you have no pals:
All been there girly. It takes time to find your people. Especially to find ‘your people’ who actually have good politics (as
much as I care about politics, sometimes you have to accept that some people have never had to care, and most likely never will). Fortunately, Stirling really lives up to that old stereotype of students being lefties from animal rights to feminism, to climate change, to action for refugees, there is a cause that matters to everyone, and a place for likeminded people to discuss and protest for the causes they care about. Check online for Stirling Uni Societies, I guarantee there’s one you’ll want to try.
The feeling of moving back to uni after a long summer is unparalleled. The drive there, unpacking box upon box of items you've haphazardly packed at home, collecting your fresh new key and praying that you’ve got decent flat mates. Then it’s time for fresher’s week.
Freshers - where for just a short week, your beer-chugging, party-loving, extroverted side comes out. Even if you’re in your second, third, fourth year, you can join in too. The promisedland. A week of complete freedom.
Then knocks reality. Time for classes, essays, time to find that job in the battlefield of students throwing CVs into every bar, restaurant and shop that will take them.
Essay's due Thursday, so plenty of time to party through Wednesday.
October comes. Clubs are promising a crazy Halloween night. You go out costume shopping. But realise you're going to have to make your own. You aren’t paying £50 to be a Ghostface. On Halloween night you leave the friends who couldn’t get a club ticket. Reach the queue. Which you now see is packed full of sexy nurses, prisoner outfits and couples dressed as Barbie and Ken.
The entrance is complete with Halloween decorations. It's going to be the best night. Until the drinks are expensive, the decorations don't reach further than the entrance and the smell of odorous costumes which haven’t been washed since last year fill the air. But it’s uni and you’re with your mates, so it’s fun anyway.
Festive season. Decorate your flat, maybe go to an overpriced society dinner. Nearly time to go home for the holidays but you can’t wait to return and do it all again. You check your timetable for next semester…
WHERE TO GO DURING FRESHERS WEEK? STIRLING CASTLE
By Isla Barker COMMENT EDITOR
While a castle does not typically come to mind when thinking of places to go during your first week, Stirling Castle is always worth visiting.
Full of history and interesting secrets, Stirling Castle attracts all. Come history nerd or curious passerby. Stirling Castle holds many stories and important moments in history. Such as the coronation of Mary Queen of Scots, and the siege by Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1746. The castle’s Great Hall can be seen from far and wide with its unique King’s Gold colour.
Living historians and tour guides tell stories of alliances, battles and how a man tried to fly to France.
The inside of the castle hosts many fascinating from the Queen’s bedchambers to the Lion’s Den, where monarchs supposedly kept their pet lions.
Outside of the main body of the castle stands a small room showing the process behind the creation of The Unicorn is Found tapestry. Which is a modernised copy of the Hunt of the Unicorn tapestry.
Young Scot Card holders can get in for £1. There is no student membership available, but if you are under 22 and have a Scottish address, you may be able to get a card.Even if you’re an international student or a student from anywhere else in the UK.
Image credit: Pexels
Image credit: Isla Barker
SIGNING UP TO A SWEATSHOP - THE DEPRESSING REALITY OF WORKING AS A SUMMER CAMP COUNSELLOR
By Elliot Johnston
Every year, thousands of young people sign up to work at a foreign summer camp with the promise of the summer of a lifetime. But the reality is often far worse. For every TikTok story of happy young people dancing and jumping in lakes there is another of someone having a breakdown from lack of food, overworking and poor conditions.
‘The opportunity of a lifetime’
Every year thousands of young people are seduced by the promise of working in a foreign country with staff from all over the world. And that promise can very much be true about camp life, by far the best thing about camp is the people you get to work with. When I worked at camp, I met a cast of absolutely amazing and beautiful weirdos from places like New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Ireland and more. And the reason that you become so close to these people is because there is a very good chance that you will be trapped at that camp and trauma bonded for life. But before you can even get there, you're going to have to fork out for return flights which can range anywhere from £500 to over £2000 which is far more than you will be paid.
All work and no play or pay. A large part of camp's appeal is getting to explore another country while getting paid but for many that isn’t exactly true. At many camps, mine included you will be working six days a week, miles from any sort of town and with only a couple of cars if you’re lucky. And it's not like you'll be able to go out at night as you're likely to work over 70 hours a week in blazing temperatures trying to juggle countless screeching kids. So good luck having the energy to go anywhere. All of this means you’re not all that likely to see much of your destination country until your time at camp finishes. But then you will run into yet another problem; camp will be paying you next to nothing. Those 70 plus hour weeks are paid at less than minimum wage meaning that you're being worked to the bone and barely making enough to pay off the flights that got you there.
Infernal management
So, everything that I’ve already said applies to basically all summer camps in North America. But these issues can all become the least of your worries if you have to deal with poor management. Poor managers are very common within this industry with many being incompetent, poor communicators and
downright vindictive. Given the worker's position as a foreign national, managers know that they hold all the power and can act however they want with no real repercussions.
This is because foreign staff operate on a work visa that is linked to their employer and, in many cases, is void if their employment is terminated. This means that no matter how the staff are treated they cannot quit unless they are prepared to be stranded in another country they are not legally allowed to be in anymore with no-one to help them. An industry of exploitation When I spoke to management about the poor conditions and terrible compensation, they repeatedly said that it’s “The way the industry is.” which then begs the question of why do we still support it? If the industry cannot continue without the exploitation of young people, then perhaps it shouldn’t continue at all.
The reason that summer camps love to employ foreign workers isn’t because of the cultural diversity as they claim, it is because they can pay these workers less. In my case, camps in Alberta could pay foreign staff 30 percent less than local staff so of course the camp would have a vested interest in hiring these staff. I was only being paid £2.75 per hour compared to local staff being paid £5.20.
Overall, the experience of working at a camp is very much voluntary exploitation but the people you get to meet do almost make it worth it. Almost. If you’re considering doing the likes of Camp America next year, I’d suggest just getting a job at home and going on a group holiday, you’ll get the best of both and avoid exploitation.
FRESHER STRUGGLES: THE TRUTH ABOUT FIRST YEAR
By Murron Carscadden
First year of university, the year your life begins. At least that’s how it was portrayed to me. People everywhere say that you will meet your lifelong friends, that you’ll be out every night dancing and singing, and everything would fall perfectly into place. All while simultaneously studying hard for a degree you’ve dreamt of achieving your whole life.
That’s not quite how it always goes unfortunately.
Now, I won’t mislead you into thinking you are about to enter a horror movie or the worst year of your entire life. In fact, the chances of you experiencing the most amazing moments of your life are actually significantly high. You will make friends, and probably go out to dance and sing (if that’s something you want to do). Similarly, you will find the tough moments and they’ll pop out at the worst times possible. This should all be expected, you should know all of this before you start.
Unfortunately, nobody hands you a beginner's guide to being a fresher and delaing with the onslaught that is life, and it comes at you full force without brakes. The work sneaks up behind the partying and suddenly you get hit with essays, reading lists and a horde of deadlines.
Relationships fall apart and everything gets a little bit too real.
The laundry piles up, the dishes in the kitchen sit there for a while ad nobody takes any accountability for the mess. That's the beauty of university: you never know what's going to happen next.
University is an accumulation of everything and builds you into someone stronger than you ever thought you could be. All that you will go through in your four years at university will be worth it, you;ve just got to know how to weave your way through the highs and lows.
Image credit: Elliot Johnston
FONTAINES D.C ROMANCE
: THEIR MOST DYNAMIC SHIFT YET
Dublin’s alt-rock darlings Fontaines D.C have made a shocking change in style with their latest album, Romance. It’s an album that is both an anxiety ridden look at an ever-changing world, as well as a positive reflection on youth.
The band have been on an upward trajectory since their first studio album Dogrel in 2019. With every subsequent release solidifying the fact that Fontaines D.C are an act to keep an eye on. Romance is a departure, but also a natural evolution of the band's post-punk and alt-rock sound.
Even the lads style changed for Romance. Instead of their usual jumpers and jackets, they have gone for a clear 90’s rave look.
Romance contains eleven songs, clocking in at a brisk thirty seven minutes. It’s a fairly short album that doesn’t waste time by slowly introducing the listener to the main themes.
The album opens with the title track Romance, a creepy tune that throws the listener head first into the band's new sound, follow up track Starburster builds out the atmosphere, introducing a musician motif that is used multiple times during the album, the sound of laboured breathing.
Here’s the Thing follows the fear filled second track, doubling down on the anxiety with the same breathing sound played during the verse. Subsequent track Desire ushers in the breaking point of the album, with Desire Fontains lay their cards out and demonstrate how far they’ve come.
Both Desire and In The Modern World slow the albums roll down significantly, but it’s a well needed break that only builds on the dripping atmosphere the album exudes.
Whilst Fontaines catchy hook’s may be lacking this time round,
Bug has a couple memorable songs that helps it to stand out as more than an average Fontaines tune. Motorcycle Boy is an interesting side step for the band, carried by an acoustic guitar line and layered echoed vocsls, it’s a memorable listen that begs to be played multiple times.
Sundowner is arguably Fontaines first foray into the Shoegaze genre, done to perfection with their distinct style. Horseness Is The Whatness is sadly the most forgettable tune in an album full of bangers, it just barely fails to hit the mark.
Death Kink sounds like it was ripped out of a 90’s goth club, it’s got some of the album's richest lyricism and an incredibly catchy chorus you’ll be singing for days. Romance closes in an unconventional way, ending with the brightest song of the bunch, Favourite. It’s a loving look at childhood and falling in love with life. It may seem out of place, but by digging a little deeper it's clear this song ends the often bleak album on a high note. If you’re looking for a memorable, heartwarming and eerie listen this Freshers, why not give Romance a chance.
By Connor Peebles Gaming and Tech Editor
IS IT MY IMAGINATION? OASIS ARE BACK TOGETHER
From Union Jack guitars to parka jackets, Oasis is regarded as one of the most culturally impactful bands of all time.
Now, following fifteen years of feuding, seven solo albums, two side projects, and a lot of angry tweeting, they’re back.
After dedicating 'Half The World Away' to his brother Noel at Reading & Leeds Festival, Liam
Gallagher displayed a teaser for an upcoming Oasis announcement. Two days later, Britain’s favourite brothers had officially reunited for a 2025 UK and Ireland Stadium tour.
Tickets for the seventeen shows across Cardiff, Manchester, London, Dublin, and Edinburgh took to general sale on Saturday.
An unprecedented demand
brought a string of technical problems to online vendors, with queues of over 500,000 people being reported for some dates. The size of Oasis, and the enormous demand for tickets, can be seen through how quickly the band grew. It was less than two years on from the release of their debut album Definitely Maybe that the Mancunions played to 250,000 people across two nights at Knebworth. The concert is one of the most well-renowned in rock and roll history, with over 5% of the British population having attempted to grab tickets.
However, the feel-good factor Oasis brought to the country was rarely mirrored behind the scenes. The band found it near-impossible to mediate the Gallagher Brothers’ clashing personalities from the outset, with a show on their first U.S. tour being cut short after Liam hit his brother over the head with a tambourine. Noel then left the band before re-joining days later.
Their problems only got worse from there with fist fights, cricket bat assaults, smashed up studios, and cancelled tours dominating headlines, all whilst the band chopped and changed line-up over the years. It was in 2009 before a headline set at Rock En Seine, Paris that years of sibling warfare finally hit a point of no return:
“[Liam] goes out to the dressing room” told Noel Gallagher years later. “For whatever reason, he went to his own dressing room, he came back with a guitar, and he started welding it like an axe, I’m not kidding. And I’m making light of it because it’s kind of what I do, but it was a real unnecessary violent act, and he’s swinging this guitar around; he nearly took my face off with it.”
It is yet to be confirmed whether the Oasis reunion will come with new music, or what the band’s line-up will be. Former Oasis guitarists Paul “Bonehead” Arthurs and Gem Archer tour with Liam and Noel respectively, but neither have stated whether or not they will be a part of the 2025 tour. What is confirmed however, is that over one million people will be attending the entirely sold-out stadium shows, which ought to be one of the most highly anticipated moments in British musical history.
By Joshua Parsonage
Fontaines D.C. Image Credit: Theo.cottle on Instagram
GLORY DAYS: BORN IN THE U.S.A 40 YEARS ON
Bruce Springsteen’s seventh studio album Born in the U.S.A turned 40 this year. It was the best -selling album of 1985 and Springsteen’s career and remains one of the best-selling albums of all time with worldwide sales of over 30 million copies. While his sixth album Nebraska contained darker, acoustic tracks, U.S.A was full of stadium-rock anthems, albeit keeping the darker lyrics. Speaking with Rolling Stone in 1984, Springsteen said: “When we initially went in the studio to try to record Nebraska with the band, we recorded the first side of Born in the U.S.A…if you look at the material, particularly on the first side, it’s actually written very much like Nebraska - the characters and the stories, the
style of writing - except it’s just in the rock-band setting”. All seven of the singles, including classics such as 'Dancing in the Dark’, I’m on Fire’ and ‘Glory Days’ reached the U.S top ten. However, it is the title track which remains one of the most appreciated, although often misunderstood, pieces. Referenced by Ronald Reagan during his 1984 presidential campaign, many worldwide interpret the song as patriotic but it’s actually an anti-war song about Vietnam veterans returning to the US and being failed by their country. Is it really a surprise that the cover features Springsteen’s ass in front of the USA flag? Born
In the USA remains a culturally relevant album from an artist
at his artistic and commercial peak. Its iconic tracks remain part of Springsteen & E Street Band’s setlist to this day and they probably aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
By Ben Macswan Arts Editor
BLOSSOMS’ BIG BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND AT WYTHENSHAWE PARK
By Tess Bowen
On August 25, the grey skies in Manchester temporarily cleared in preparation of the six acts supporting Blossoms on the second day of Blossoms’ Big Bank Holiday Weekend at Wythenshawe Park.
After being gifted with VIP access immediately after walking through the gates, I found myself marching towards the barricade, with a perfect view of the acts about to grace the stage. The Guest List Manchester-based band The Guest List were the first (and youngest) to take the stage. Notably, the touching lyrics and melodic guitar in their song 161 - an ode to the volunteers from Chapel Street in Altrincham during the war - had the crowd hooked on every word.
With just a 20-minute set, the band left an impression on the audience, who listened intently to their powerful indie-rock ballads.
TTRRUUCES
Second to entertain were TTRRUUCCES, a five-piece band whose funky bass lines had the crowd dancing, their faces a clear depiction of the joy incited. Functioning as a kind of operatic-funk-pop-rock band, the voices of singers Natalie Findlay and Jules Apollinaire blend perfectly with the unique violin arrangements of Violeta Vicci.
Combining hits Funky Town and Rasputin into their own song,
The Disco it was hard to contain my smile. Mixing multiple genres, there is sure to be something for everyone.
Seb Lowe
Sporting a shirt which read “Northern Scum”, Seb Lowe’s set felt like a 30-minute political rant filled with contempt for the Tories.
With all the elements of a classic band, Lowe’s music was further heightened by the violin work of Kate Couriel, who joined him on the mic for Mr & Mrs Human Race.
The K’s
The most surprising act of the night came for me when The K’s walked onto the stage. Though the subject matter of their songs is nothing too profound, the energy that the band brought to the stage created a whole new atmosphere. Keeping the crowd entertained in more than one way, the band joked with each other throughout the set.
Despite their bubbly personalities, they remained humbled by the enthusiasm of the crowd, taking time to appreciate the echoing sounds of their lyrics being chanted by dedicated fans.
Coming off the back of their performances at Reading and Leeds Festival, the K’s performed on a level that could potentially put them on the same level as some of the Indie Gods in the near
future.
Shed Seven
Straight from the 90s, Shed Seven’s set was most popular with the older audience members, though this didn’t stop people from joining in with the refrains of their most popular songs.
Accompanied by a brass section and backup singers, Shed Seven successfully kept the growing audience captivated with their fun and energetic set.
After almost 50 minutes, and finishing with their hit ‘Chasing Rainbows’, the band left arm hairs standing as they existed the stage, each with a smile on their face.
Inhaler
The last band to make an appearance before Blossoms were Dublin indie group Inhaler, who previously opened for them on tour.
As they entered the stage, the park exploded into screams, a likely release of all the anticipation leading up to this, the band’s first gig in the UK since the end of their Cuts and Bruises tour last November.
Performing hits such as ‘It Won’t Always Be Like This’ and the band encouraged the crowd to jump to their heart’s content and willingly, they oblige.
After 45 minutes of anthemic guitar riffs and catchy song lyrics, ‘My Honest Face’, marked a thoroughly enjoyable end to their set.
Blossoms
To match the dark night sky, the stage lights dim just past nine o’clock and an eruption of roars signals the band’s entrance on
stage.
Against an orange backdrop, frontman Tom Ogden’s black suit is made visible amongst the strobe lighting.
Starting with ‘Your Girlfriend’, Blossoms’ set seemed effortless, seamlessly weaving between songs. Filled with synth beats, the band’s setlist included songs spanning the entirety of their 10 year career.
This, of course, is the last stretch before the release of their next album ‘GARY’, in September, the titular track of which was released earlier this year.
If anything, the Wythenshawe gig proved that Blossoms are brilliant event runners, but most importantly worthy headliners, ready to join the great acts the UK has to offer to the rest of the world.
Image Credit: Herbert Schulze
Image Credit: Sophia Carey via Blossoms instagram
By Alice Pollard BRAW Editor
The Edinburgh International Film Festival closed with Since Yesterday: The Untold Story of Scotland’s Girl Bands
It is an inspirational, engaging, relatable documentary telling the forgotten stories of the many bold, brave and beautiful girl bands that have emerged from Scotland since the 1960s.
From the McKinleys, who toured with the Beatles and were the first girl band to play Wembley, to Strawberry Switchblade, who remain the only Scottish girl band to reach the UK top 10.
These wonderful women have faded into obscurity alongside stacks of other talented female musicians. Carla Easton, a Scottish musician and filmmaker, idealised the fictional girl band Jem and the Holograms growing up – she knew of no other girl bands to look up to. However, little did she know that much closer to home than an American cartoon were role-model-worthy bands. These include The Twinsets, Sophisticated Boom Boom, and Lungleg. The documentary explores their attempts at rising to fame, record deals, and American tours, before the inevitable fall into obscurity again.The brutal facts laid forth by the documentary reveal a world of intense sexism. Many bands failed to get a second album deal in case
they got pregnant. Reduced to their biology, they were underpaid, overexploited, and forced to turn their passion back into a hobby. Record companies would also refuse to pay the travel fees to get the bands from Scotland to the music industry hub of London, leaving them rejected as a result of geography. Many bands were subject to the same narrative.
The documentary builds a clear, powerful picture of the challenges of the music industry that women continue to face today, backed up by some gut-punching facts and statistics to close the film. Throughout the documentary, we return to a standard, relatable little girl’s bedroom.
A blank wall forms a visual view of the presence of the girl bands
in modern culture. Posters are added as their stories are uncovered and their influence on the little girl is shown through wild fashion and makeup choices. It is a powerful, moving, and inspiring method of visually portraying the sheer volume of talent that has been lost to the void, and the impact that these bands could have had. Since Yesterday is a fantas-
tic, eye-opening, fun, colourful, and heartbreaking documentary which closed the 77th Edinburgh International Film Festival perfectly. The film will be out in UK cinemas on the 18th of October.
STIRLING ON SCREEN: FINDING ICONIC FILM AND TV LOCATIONS
By Alex Paterson Film and TV Editor
Scotland isn’t short of beautiful scenery. From a wander along the Fife Coastal Path, a trip to Skye or drive around the North Coast 500, there are plenty of gorgeous landscapes to enjoy. In fact, the selection is so vast it can be hard to choose where to start. If you’re a film or tv buff, however, you can whittle your sightseeing list down to a handful of key iconic locations. Fans of The Batman, One Day , and even James Bond will be able to find something. However, Stirling locals are particularly lucky, as many famous moments happen in the county or a stone’s throw away.
One of the most popular nearby filming locations is Doune Castle, famous for featuring in Outlander, in which it was renamed Castle Leoch and home to character Colum MacKenzie. However, a different audience may recognise it from the famous French taunting scene in Monty Python and the Holy Grail, as well as other moments in the film. On the topic of The Holy Grail, Arnhall Castle and The Bracklin Falls are both just a half-hour drive from
Stirling University Campus and feature in the film. Sherriffmuir sits alongside the campus and is the location for the film’s end battle scene. To sum it up, Stirling is a Monty Python fan’s dream. You can even take an audio tour narrated by Terry Jones! Or, Sam Heughan if you’re there for Outlander And, whilst Ireland may be known by Game of Thrones fans, Stirling has some claim to fame too. In the pilot episode, the very same Doune
Castle became Winterfell, the family home of the Starks. Although, the rest of the show used a castle in County Down.
Whilst not as popular, Stirling Castle has also been used in film. The Outlaw King and Mary Queen of Scots (2018) both used the castle to tell their Scottish tales. Glenfinnan viaduct, Glen Coe, West Sands Beach, Culross; Scotland has an abundance to offer for film and TV fans. Some locations, like the four just listed, will be on the busier side. If you’re keen to explore Scotland and want to seek some movie magic without the hassle of crowds, then you know where to go: Stirling.
Doune Castle Image credit: VistScotland
Monty Python and the Holy Grail Image credit: EMI Films
Image credit: Euan Robertson
GREY, GREY GO AWAY: VIBRANCY HELPS MAKE MOVIE MAGIC
By Ben Macswan Arts Editor
Colour grading can make or break the look of a film. In recent years, much criticism has been aimed at blockbusters for being “too dull” or “too grey” and viewers have become disenchanted, no longer being immersed into other worlds like they once were.
Recently, the film adaptation of acclaimed musical Wicked has come under fire for lacking the technicolour magic of the original 1939 The Wizard of OZ . Whereas that film had a magical colour palette that heightened its fairytale world, some Wicked fans are disappointed that the trailers show a less colourful land of OZ . Some have argued that this is because of the musicals darker take on the characters, however, even fantastical places like the Emerald City &
Technicolour was a series of chemical processes used on film footage to produce realistic colouring for films. The process was discontinued in the latter part of the 20th century because of its expensive costs and complicated operation. Technicolour shot three strips of film at a time, so the cost of film was tripled.
This year’s Beetlejuic, Beetlejuice is the perfect example of how films can still look vibrant and great. It promises a vibrant return to the exciting world from the first film, even if the digital sheen replaces the pleasing grain film provides.
Marvel Studios are also commonly criticised for their colour grading with many of their big films looking lifeless and even being compared to dishwater. Arri Alexa’s – a digital camera – are often used by big
studio’s such as Marvel. The problem with Marvel’s output is that they don’t colour grade effectively enough to boost the digital footage the Alexa captures, which is why they are left with those grey dishwater images. For some, this destroys the film. A superhero aesthetic should be full of colour and vibrant like a comic book, not a mushy mess. It’s just lazy. Although, colour grading does depend on the type of film you are making. A realistic drama may not be suited to the same colour palette as a fantasy film like Wicked . As Roger Deakins put, "It’s easier to make colour look good, but harder to make it service the story”. There are films such as La La Land which tries to re-create the magic of technicolour and blockbusters like The Batman use colour, or lack thereof, to add to the story’s aesthetic. Make film colourful again.
WHAT'S ON IN STIRLING THIS AUTUMN?
By Ali Rees Secretary
Stirling might be a small city, but its cultural scene is bustling and you can find stuff happening all throughout the year. Here are some of the Autumn 2024 highlights.
Captured Narratives showing between September 23 to November 10 at Arthouse, Free Entry – An exhibition featuring production stills from films in contention for awards at the Central Scotland Documentary Festival with behind-the-scenes glimpses into the processes of making a documentary Small Town Boys showing between September 26 to September 29 at Fubar priced at £5+ - An interactive show exploring the escapism of queer nightlife during the 80s AIDS crisis through dance and spoken word performances.
“Beautiful and passionate and moving. Full of queer joy in equal, devastating measure”
- Evie Keates. Shaper/Caper are still recruiting community cast members (no experience necessary) for the show – talk to them at the Macrobert stand during Welcome Week.
Central Scotland Documentary Festival showing between October 31
– November 4 at Macrobert priced at £4.50+ - a showcase of documentaries and non-fiction films, highlighting compelling storytelling. A broad range of screenings with something for everyone. Full programme to be revealed.
The Macrobert also screens films, hosts workshops, and has live performances throughout the year. This includes new releases like Alien: Romulus , independent films like Kneecap , and classic titles that you might not have had the chance to see on the big screen before, like My Neighbour Totoro.
They also show live recordings of stage concerts, ballets, and operas. This is a very lowpriced way to see things like the Les Miserables staged concert or the Royal Ballet and Opera perform The Nutcracker, tickets to which can command huge prices.
If you’re not already, it’s well worth signing up to their newsletter to keep updated. Plus, the Macrobert offers £2.50 movie tickets for students at Stirling and tiered pay-what-you-can pricing for other visitors.
Stirling is also home to a Vue Cinema, which has all the latest releases alongside special events. Concert screenings make up their ‘Big Screen Music’ series (for example, Jung Kook: I Am Still ), plays are screened as part of their ‘Big Screen Theatre’ series (including Billy Elliot and Jesus Christ, Superstar ) they also host throwbacks, coming in September are screenings of the entire Lord of the Rings trilogy, the 25th anniversary of Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace, Batman movies and tons more.
Yellow Brick Road seem void of the colour they deserve.
La La Land Image credit: Lionsgate UK
The Wizard of OZ Image credit: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)
Small Town Boys Image credit: Shaper/Caper
Local Matters
A new voice for Stirling
Isla Glen, The Courier’s Stirling reporter, graduated with a BA (Hons) in film, media, and journalism from the University of Stirling in 2023.
Former editor-in-chief of Brig Newspaper and contributor to Air3 Radio, Isla focuses on highlighting local issues and shining a positive light on Stirling.
EXPLORE MORE: DAILY STIRLING NEWS, MADE FOR YOU
BRIG 2024/25 EDITORIAL TEAM
Niamh Brook EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Emma Christie DEPUTY EDITOR
Ali Rees SECRETARY
Leonie MacLeod NEWS EDITOR
Anya Diggines SPORTS EDITOR
Jess Uruqhart POLITICS EDITOR
Plum McKechnie LIFESTYLE EDITOR
Isla Barker COMMENT EDITOR
Ben MacSwan ARTS EDITOR
Alex Paterson FILM & TV EDITOR
Connor Peebles GAMING & TECH EDITOR
Carlin Braun FEATURES EDITOR
Alice Pollard BRAW MAGAZINE EDITOR
Elliot Johnston HEAD OF BROADCAST
James Henderson CHIEF SUB EDITOR
Andrew Scott HEAD OF DESIGN
Becs Gruber HEAD OF SOCIALMEDIA
Robbie McAvenue MUSIC EDITOR
A NEURODIVERGENT GUIDE TO FRESHERS WEEK
By Ben Macswan ARTS EDITOR
Starting university can be an exciting time – but if you’re neurodivergent, it can be a little more challenging. You may feel nervous being away from home or worried about making friends, but Braw’s handy guide to surviving freshers (the neurodivergent way) is here.
There’s no sugarcoating it. Movein day is stressful - even if you’re neurotypical. There’s so much to do, and so many people you’ll encounter. But at Stirling the move-in team is very helpful, and accommodation support is 24/7. You’ll normally collect your keys from some very friendly volunteers who will help show you to your room if needed. Your flatmates may already have moved in, or you may be first there. If you’re the first to arrive, you can take this time to explore your new flat and get used to where everything is. You may want to pack some things from home to keep you company;
maybe a stuffed animal, or a picture you particularly like. Most importantly, decorate your room the way you want to. Don’t feel pressure to make it the way you think a uni room has to look. Do it for yourself. This is where you’ll be staying for the year.
There’s an undeniable pressure to meet people that first week of uni. Going out drinking, partying, going to society giveit-a-goes. While there are so many ways to meet people, only do it when you’re comfortable. It’s good to get out there but you will always find your group or friends when you’re ready to –many people at Brig only started writing in their second, third, or fourth year and found their group here. Do not pressure yourself to act a certain way to ‘impress’ people or drink because they tell you to.
It's also a good idea to look into DSA student funding & any additional support the university offers to get this in place as it may
take a while to be processed. The uni offers free One At A Time counselling, but for those with more complex conditions, this may not be suitable as it only focuses on one issue or worry per session. However, there are more specialist support workers available for those funded by DSA. It’s also important to get an ARRUA if you’re entitled to it, as this will give you the ability to request extensions if needed and inform the tutors about any support you’ll need in class.
What is Braw? A Note from the Editor
Braw is Brig's sister magazine, focusing on the real. deep, and personal aspects of student life. From LGBTQ+ stories and guidance to celebrity news and gossip with a twist, Braw is the home for your stories, experiences, advice, and gossip.
With such a broad range of themes, you never know what you might learn. So follow along, explore the sub-sections and keep an eye out for our very own issue coming soon.
STAYING STYLISH AND SUSTAINABLE AT UNIVERSITY
By Martha Steventon
Stirling is a great place to shop for more sustainable clothes - Stirling has some great spots for eco-friendly shopping, both on and off campus that won’t break your student budget. If you’re into online shopping, then you have to check out apps such as Vinted or Depop. They are perfect if you want to add to your wardrobe without contributing to the major fast fashion problem. And the best part? Everything on these platforms is second-hand, so you’re not only saving money but also reducing your environmental impact. It’s a win-win situation! If you prefer to shop in person, then Stirling has some great options. A student hot spot is the popular vintage fayre, regularly held in the Atrium. You will most likely pass it on your way to and from classes – you can’t miss it! The Fayre offers tons of amazing clothes that are not only affordable but also sustainable. Many of the items are second-hand or refurbished so there are some unique gems that you won't find anywhere else, as well as other hidden trinkets to add to your collection.
The Green and Blue Space, located in Campus Central (just off the Atrium) is a must for second-hand shopping. It’s a cosy little spot dedicated to sustainability and zero waste, run by our very own student union. They’ve got everything from zero-waste products to a wee section of second-hand clothes. It’s a great spot to pop into if you're looking to make more eco-conscious choices in your everyday life, from fashion choices to soaps and shoes. Let’s not forget about the number of charity shops in Stirling's city centre. They are scattered everywhere (a good few can be found on Murray Place, outside Thistles), and they’re goldmines for finding unique second-hand items that reflect your stylish identity. Shops such as the British Heart Foundation, Marie Curie, and Cancer Research are right in the heart of the city. Not only do they have fantastic clothes and other items, but by shopping there you are supporting good causes and cutting down on waste from fast fashion.
By choosing these local, sustainable shops, you’re helping to extend the lifespan of clothing whilst also reducing waste culture. Plus, you will end up with a wardrobe full of unique, funky, and fashionable items. So go forth, and happy sustainable shopping in all that Stirling has to offer!
There's no pressure to party. Image credit: Mark Sampan on Pexels.com
ESCAPING THE WORLD ON STIRLING'S GREEN CAMPUS
“I don’t feel particularly proud of myself. But when I walk alone in the woods or lie in the meadows, all is well.” - Franz Kafka
Being in nature is one of the most well-known and respected methods to look after your mental well-being. Connecting with our roots, with the trees and hills and flowers, has the power to make your brain go quiet. Stress diminishes even just for a minute, and the concrete pressure that comes with city living takes a break.
In light of this, Braw has asked fellow students where they run to when it all gets too much if they’re willing to share their peaceful spots. Escaping the world is a private and individual experience, so here are some of our fellow student’s favourite hideaways, in nature and elsewhere, to get you inspired to find a place in Stirling for you:
Ali, Brig’s wonderful secretary, shared their hint for those staying near Bridge of Allan. Pullar Memorial Park is a beautiful green space, lying halfway between Bridge of Allan and the university.
Dog walkers populate the park, making it the perfect spot for those into pupspotting, whilst enjoying the green, peaceful scenery.
One of my favourite spots that I’m willing to share is on campus itself. Tucked away in Hermitage woods are winding paths that snake across the hillside. Each leads somewhere unique - out towards Dumyat, Coxburn Reservoir, and old Logie Kirk (all wonderful places to escape to). However, just above the university is a viewpoint looking out over the campus and towards the Wallace Monument and beyond. The view is stunning, and the walk there even more so - you may even spot a red squirrel on your way. The woods are a constantly changing environment - dense mushrooms in Autumn, snowdrops in Winter, and bluebells and daffodils make a striking appearance in Spring. As Kafka says, when walking alone in the woods, all is well. And it really is.
Clarisse is an international student from Portugal. In contrast to Ali and myself, she finds a connection with her far away home in the university lecture theatres.
“Going to a classroom and seeing all of your friends and professors is sort of a universal feeling that you’ve experienced in the past and is familiar.”
The communal learning space is reminiscent of her school back at home - sometimes, a quiet and mindful space can be found inside and not exclusively in nature. It’s important to look beyond what works for the majority - each of us is individual to our own connection and relaxation.
Another popular student favourite outwith the classroom is to trek up to the Wallace Monument. The distinctive landmark is home to spectacular views over the city and to the distant hills. The historical site is often populated with locals and tourists alike to take in the scenery. If you continue walking past the monument, you’ll find yourself at a second viewpoint in Abbey Craig woodland. Marked near ‘Wallace’s Pass’ on the map, the spot is mossy, warm and private, nestled into the hillside with a mind-calming view of the big Scottish skies. There’s nowhere better to start than finding nature and connection with yourself, whether you seek out woodlands, grasslands, hilltops, parks, or even within the university itself (questionable though the architecture may be).
Use this article as a guide to get out and about and find the places around Stirling’s Green Campus that help you to escape the world when it just all becomes too much.
By Alice Pollard BRAW EDITOR
ImageCredit:AlicePollard
ImageCredit:AlicePollard
FICTIONAL BOOKS TO GET YOU THROUGH UNIVERSITY
By Alice Pollard BRAW Editor
Reading lists become pretty dull pretty quickly, but that shouldn’t put you off reading altogether. It’s the perfect screenfree activity for curling up in the sun or hiding from Scotland’s infamous rain and resting your brain from all of that essay writing. Here’s a rundown of Brig’s favourites to get you rested:
The Undiscovered Deaths of Grace McGill by C.S Robertson is a thrilling, engaging murder mystery with a twist. It’s set between Glasgow and Bute and follows Grace, who cleans up the mess after someone has passed away and has not been found for a very long time. The Scottish setting and twisting, dark plotline make it the perfect read when you’re hiding from your commitments.
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo, known for her Six of Crows and Shadow and Bone series, (also notable reads) follows Alex Stern on Yale campus. The university setting makes it the perfect fantasy/fiction escape for reading whilst studying. However, this university is filled with ghosts, occult, magic, and monsters. The outline of the book comes across as a bit cringe, however, it is greatly entertaining, dark, and very well written.
Mayflies by Andrew O’Hagan has recently been adapted into a TV series. It is a funny, poignant, heartbreaking read on what it means to be human. It follows characters James and Tully in a small Scottish town, from their youth to adulthood. Facing themes of love, friendship, death, and the absence of time. It is a must-read for those wanting to really feel a story.
You can pick up cheap second-hand books on sites such as Awesome Books and Abe Books. There’s no excuse to not get reading this semester!
Freaky FridaysHorror stories to get you in the mood for Halloween
By Connor Peebles Gaming & Tech Editor
Halloween is quickly approaching so why not read those horror books you bought but were too scared to read. However, if you’re looking for some recommendations, here are some of my favourites that are bound to make your skin crawl.
Frankenstein
The novel that birthed ScienceFiction remains as terrifying as it was over two centuries ago. The disturbing story about what happens when man tries to play God is incredible and the genre we love may have never grown to be the beast it is today.
A list like this would be lack ing if it didn’t have at least one Stephen King novel. Carrie re mains King’s finest work. This disturbing coming-of-age story is a femi nist masterpiece that must be read at least once by any fan of horror.
more
the
If a good atmospheric slow burn horror is what tickles your fancy, give The Woman In Black a try. It’s a
Imagee Credit : Hodder & Stoughton
Image Credit: Flatiron Books
Image Credit: Faber & Faber
Image Credit - Penguin Publishing
(1818) - Mary Shelley
Image Credit - Hodder & Stoughton
Image Credit - Simon & Schuster
Psycho (1959) - Robert Bloch
Rober Bloch’s Freudian nightmare is an all-time classic. Whilst its film adaptation is significantly
well known,
source material is an important stepping stone when it comes to serial killer horror.
Image Credit: Random House
The Woman In Black (1983)Susan Hill
SHADES OF GAY - MAURICE "DEDICATED TO A HAPPIER YEAR"
Classic queer literature is rarely explicitly queer. Dropped surnames, grazing hands and altered dress codes can all allude to a character's hidden sexuality, but unless you can recognise the signs, 20 th -century queer literature could quite easily be traditional literature.
This, however, is not the case for Maurice.
Written in 1913-14 but published in 1971, six months or so after the author E. M. Forster’s death. Maurice is a classic novel about a man named Maurice discovering his homosexuality and navigating his newfound position in British class and society. He has two lovers. The relationships are written with such clarity that it is obvious why the novel couldn’t be published at the time of writing. In fact, publishing after the author’s death wasn’t a choice but a necessity. Homosexuality was still very much illegal in the United Kingdom in the 1910s. Additionally, the book’s perspective on class and culture would have been very deeply frowned upon.
All in all, Maurice was an illicit piece of not-quite-fiction that relayed a story too advanced for the period in which it was written. Maurice is about queer love, crossclass love and prosperous love. The early 20 th century wasn’t quite ready for a tale such as that. However, that doesn’t negate that a secret homosexual life was the reality for many. Forster and Edward Carpenter who was inspiration for the novel, are two such
examples.
Forster admired Carpenter, who was known as a poet, philosopher, socialist, and early gay rights activist. Upon visiting Carpenter’s home in 1913, Forster began writing Maurice and seemed to stencil his protagonist and one of the love interests on Carpenter’s real relationship with his working-class partner. The two men were openly together for 40 years and died a year apart, buried in the same Surrey cemetery.
Like both men, Maurice is the quintessential British businessman. He is a student at the University of Cambridge where he meets Clive, a man who challenges Maurice’s beliefs and intellectually stimulates him. After a few bumps in the road, the pair begin a relationship.
However, their happiness doesn’t last as the expectations of British society begin to weigh too heavily on the shoulders of Clive. He leaves Maurice and becomes engaged to a woman. After this heartbreak, Maurice turns to medicine and gimmicks to cure himself of his homosexuality - unsuccessfully.
With this, Maurice includes two common displays of internalised homophobia. One man is ignoring urges and the other addressing them and trying to remove them. Forster’s understanding of the difficulty of Edwardian queer life is woven through both characters, so he makes sure neither man is to blame. Instead, society is at fault for its threats of ostracism
On A Walk By Isla Barker
I only had one lecture today. Just an introduction. Two of my flat mates are shopping and one is calling their family. I’ll ask if they want to play a card game later. This place is like a village within a village. Even just five minutes out walking I have found so much. There’s a cinema, a noodle restaurant and a community garden. A zero-waste shop, food trucks and a pharmacy.
I saw three Coot nests and some cygnets. We have a castle and a hotel. What else will I find?
and criminal conviction. Yet somehow a happy ending comes into play. Alec, a groundskeeper, sits at the opposite end of the class spectrum from stockbroker Maurice. Yet, neither of them let their class or their gender get in the way of them forming a relationship. They
Hugh Grant and James Wilby play Clive and the titular Maurice.
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Limited
happiness with each other and away from British society. Forster let his friends read Maurice, but it did not reach the public eye for nearly 60 years. Given society at the time, Maurice’s delayed publication is all too understandable, however publishing in the 1970s was still a risk. Homosexuality may have recently been legalised in England, but attitudes were not quick to change. The book’s reception was mixed.
Then, in 1987, Maurice became a movie. Facing the same societal factors, being released amidst the AIDs epidemic.
True stories can’t be concealed forever; Forster knew that. His bravery, his knowledge and his beautiful eloquence make Maurice both a brilliant and an important read. Maurice’s frontpage dedication simply reads: “to a happier year”. 1971 became that happier year because of the book’s publication; the following years became only happier because of Forster, and the bravery of artists like him who stuck their necks out and shared their truths. Maurice stands proudly at the forefront of queer literature as that is where it belongs.
are equally passionate and desperate for each other. Both happy to abandon their individual lives to create a new one. Together, in the English woods, away from prying eyes. They knew they couldn’t change society yet neither could they change themselves. They find
By Alex Paterson Film & TV Editor
A message from the Arts Editor
By Ben McSwan Arts Editor
This is my first year being Arts editor and what a brilliant section to run. Over Summer, we introduced some new segments. Shades of Gay which started over Pride. Many sections got involved with this and since it was so popular amongst writers, it now has its own place in our print section and another segment, in collaboration with gaming, is Freaky Fridays – your weekly dose of horror which is also featured here. I hope you enjoy this great selection of articles from our writers and that they encourage you to join Brig. I would also love to hear any ideas you have for new segments, which you can send to me at arts@brignews.com. Happy reading!
By Connor Peebles
HOW RED DEAD REDEMPTION 2 HELPED ME GET THROUGH THE FIRST SESMESTER
Starting university can be a difficult time, especially moving into halls. Whilst it's important to make friends and get accustomed to your new surroundings, Sometimes something familiar can help you get used to the change.
When I moved to Stirling in 2022 I didn't bring much with me other than the essentials, and my Xbox. The only game I brought was Red Dead Redemption 2. Everybody knows about Rockstar's once in a generation masterpiece. It's a game that has come to define the evolving perception of video games as a medium, but it was also my only comfort for my first month at uni.
At the start of the first semester I was 17, that meant I couldn't participate in many of the Fresher's activities or go to the beloved Fubar Wednesday's. I felt isolated,
even among my flat mates. Red Dead Redemption 2 helped me to feel a sense of freedom when I had very little.
I got along with my flat mates and I went to my classes, but the only time I felt truly comfortable was when I could relax and explore the rolling fields of New Hanover as Arthur Morgan. There's fear and excitement around every corner of the sprawling open world that kept me hooked when I didn't feel like I belonged. I spent a large part of my time alone in my room during the first semester, I don't recommend doing so but I wasn't the most social person at that time and Red Dead allowed me to feel social within the confines of my four walls. I had played and completed the story only a few years prior, but the emotional elements of the
conclusion only hit me when I felt like I was truly alone. Without spoiling the games tragic ending, it left me feeling empty. Not a great feeling to have when you feel alone but it inspired me to break my habit. It was only at my lowest point I felt that I had to change. I started to visit my friends more, interact with my flat mates and generally take care of myself. I don't think I could have overcome my isolation without Red Dead Redemption
So if you're feeling alone and like you haven't found your place yet, there's no shame in revisiting something familiar, it could be the thing that gets you settled.
IN DEFENCE OF SHORT GAMES
By Ali Rees
There’s a trend in the AAA games world that has been gathering steam over the last few yearsgames that want you to play them forever to the exclusion of all else.
It doesn’t have to be this waythere’s a plethora of incredible short games out there that have exceptional stories and gameplay, wrapped up in ten-hour parcels for you to enjoy.
Some games want you to play them forever which makes sense when longevity is part of the game design. Take Helldivers 2 for example. It has short matches that change every time, and as a live service game is updated frequently. It makes perfect sense for this game to be an ongoing part of someone’s gaming. Final Fantasy XIV is another example where the ‘“never-ending game trend’” works. If you enjoy it, there is so much in there for you to experience.
When it doesn’t make sense, however, is in single-player games that have a specific story to tell. Cyberpunk 2077 has a strong plot and a few effective side quests that
tell poignant stories or put interesting characters in front of you. There’s some truly excellent gameplay in there. But you have to dig it out from underneath a huge heap of micro-quests, ‘“gigs’”, races, and other stuff that is there just to keep you playing for hours after the story has been told. Cyberpunk is not the only offender - how long did you spend in the last Assassin’s Creed game, for example?
As a result, I’ve stopped buying AAA games almost entirely. I just don’t have time. I’m a full-time student with a part-time job and a social life. Video games will always be a part of my life, but if a game wants a 100+ hour commitment from me, I just can’t offer it. Where I will continue to make space in my life for video games is primarily shorter games. If I can play it to completion in 1-2 sessions I’m way more likely to pick it up. I have been thoroughly enjoying exploring the huge back catalogue of primarily indie games that tell a full and complete story in seven hours. The innovation in this space is incredible, and it’s astonishing
the quality of stories being told. I truly recommend skipping the next £75 AAA monstrosity and instead snagging a handful of shorter games that will be fantastic self-contained experiences It’s okay, AAA games. You can let people go. We can get you therapy for your separation anxiety. Short games deserve our attention, too.
The stunning landscape of the game. Image credit: Rockstar Games.
The beauty of Firewatch. Image credit: Campo Santo
Arthur Morgan walking away from a grave. Image credit: Rockstar Games
GAMING
FNAF: INTO THE PIT REVIEW - A WELCOME SIDE-STEP
By Kathryn Nutt
The newest instalment in the Five Nights at Freddy’s timeline is Into The Pit, a 16-bit retro horror game shedding more light on the time-travelling ball-pit and the past horrors of Fredbear’s Family Diner.
Created by Mega Cat Studios’ in association with Steelwool, Into The Pit follows the horrifying story of a young boy named Oswald, whose parents work a lot of overtime, so he finds himself staying late at Jeff’s Pizza. One night, Oswald climbs into the roped-off ball-pit and accidentally travels back in time to when the pizzeria was ‘Freddy Fazbear’s’.
Oswald quickly realises that the pizzeria has a haunted past as ‘Spring Bonnie’ becomes rogue and murderous, and he cannot escape by going back to his timeline as it takes on the image of his dad. Over the course of the classic five nights, Oswald must find a way to save his dad and friends and defeat the ‘Spring Bonnie’.
Into The Pit takes such a sidestep for the FNAF franchise, with a change of character focus to Oswald and adapting a story from the Fazbear Frights novels into a game. The 16-bit retro style gives a fresh breath of life into the franchise, away from the sticky and glitchy 3D styles from the previous three games.
Having such a simplistic and approachable gameplay style is reminiscent of the first FNAF game, which was an awareness-necessary and click-point style of game. It’s easier for younger gamers and for those who don’t enjoy the highpaced, extreme-danger of other FNAF games.
Being appealing to younger players doesn’t mean that the scare factor has gone down, just that the scares are less random and that players aren’t in a blind panic from the moment they begin. It uses lighting and breath-control to decide whether the player gets jump-scared, which makes it more
immersive to play. The sound effects for the game are futuristic and synthetic, which stands out in a game of retro styling, and the slow background music is eerie and sets the atmosphere exceptionally.
Though Into The Pit is a short game, it’s good to put down and come back to, which is so different compared to the constant need-tosurvive from the main branch of games, but it is a welcome change. Hopefully Into The Pit will set the tone for FNAF games to come.
THE BEST GAMES TO KEEP YOU COMPANY ALL SEMESTER
By Elliot Johnston
Pick up and play games are great to have while at university but sometimes you want something with a bit more commitment that can keep you company for the long haul.
These games will be there for you from hungover Thursday mornings when you can’t bear to move. To cozy Sunday evenings when your SAAS has run out.
The best part about these games is that they work equally well in short bursts in a busy life or in a glorious 12-hour binge.
Persona series
Persona is a series of 70–120-hour stylish JRPGs where you must balance school life with demon-based dungeon crawling.
Along the way you’ll develop bonds with a cast of lovable characters and build up your character across an in-game year.
Persona is the perfect University companion as the games are long enough to last you a full semester and lend themselves to both styles of play.
On top of this, the social sim aspects may just give you the push to go out and build up some real-world social links of your own.
When the stress of the semester gets too much, sometimes you just must become pixelated and move to a farm.
Stardew is the perfect time sink that lets you play it however you want.
Want to be min-max your crop growth? Go for it!
Want to delve into the deepest depths of the mines and fight monsters? Knock yourself out!
Just want to catch fish and flirt with the locals? That works too!
You do anything you want in Stardew except stress and you can do it for as long as you like.
Last year's Game of the Year winning mega hit Role-playing game is perfect for all sorts of gamers.
From hardcore strategists that wish to push their limits in honour mode to super-casual story fans that just want to romance Astarion and make TikTok edits (we thank you for your service).
The deep branching story lends itself to multiple playthroughs at whatever pace you want.
Spring Bonnie beckoning the player forward. Image credit: Steel Wool Studios
Karlach weidling an Axe. Image credit: Larian Studios
Joker holding his mask. Image credit: Atlus
Baldur’s Gate 3
Stardew Valley
BEST TERMTIME MINI BREAKS
By Alice Pollard
Sometimes, the best way to get through university is to take a break and get away from it all. In Stirling, you’re surrounded by some of Scotland’s most beautiful landscapes, cities, and towns to explore. Whether it’s for a day trip or a weekend break to reset your brain. Here is a rundown of Brig’s favourite quick getaways.
● Kingsbarns sauna is found on Kingsbarns beach on the Fife coastline. Only a two-hour drive or bus away (a standard travel time in Scotland) is a refreshing trip into the icy North Sea followed by sitting in a steamy sauna. It has to be one of the best ways to get your mind off of that essay. Tried and tested by the Wild Swimming Society. It is a beautiful, comfortable day trip that is very affordable when booked with a group of friends.
● The Trossachs National Park lies very close to Stirling and is the perfect place for a spot of hiking and/or wild camping. One of the best ways to access the park is via the nearby town of Callander, which you can get to on the 59 bus from Goosecroft bus station. From here, there are waterfalls, mountains, natural pools, and woodlands to explore to your heart’s content.
Pick up an OS map of the area and ensure you’ve got the right gear (prepare for rain!) to stay safe in the outdoors.
● The seaside town of Oban is only a direct bus journey away from Stirling. Book the Citylink service (which runs directly once a day) and you’ll be there in less than 3 hours. It’s the perfect place for a night or two away from it all, with cheap hostel accommodation available, some of Scotland’s best fish and chip shops, white sand beaches, and links to many Hebridean Islands. What better way to run away from your responsibilities? If this doesn’t inspire you to explore the amazing country that we study in, then the direct trains to Edinburgh and Glasgow are a perfect starting point. Each direction takes less than an hour, and both cities have their own unique and fascinating history to explore. If you fancy heading further afield, the cities of Inverness and Aberdeen both have direct links to Stirling. There’s no excuse to avoid dunking a toe into what Scotland has to offer. Get off campusthere’s so much to a university experience beyond studying and partying.
LIFESTYLES TOP TIPS FOR A NEW SEMESTER
- BE YOURSELF! Stirling is full of different cultures and personalities, it's the best oppportunity to be yourself!
- TRY NEW THINGS! There's all sorts
SOME ON CAMPUS MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT SERVIES
- Lochview Wellbeing Suite, located in Cottrell a perfect place to wind down during the day, includes a sensory room and mas- sage chair, as well as many other resources
- The Student Services Hub located on the bottom floor of campus central is avaible for students to call, visit in person, live chat via portal or email ask@stir.ac.uk
This is the place to go for any questions regarding mental health services and any general question that you may have regarding the university!
- Chaplaincy, located in the Andrew Miller BUilding, is available for any student to go to, open Monday to Friday. Located in the Andrew miller building.
- For out of hours support there is a 24/7 hotline Spectrum.Life.
Oban. Image credits: Pexels
THE DO'S AND DON'TS OF FRESHERS SHOPPING
By Emma Christie
Among the many things that new students have to worry about is wha to buy for university. Often, we panic and buy all sorts of things that we never use. So,Brig brings you this handy guide of what you do and don’t need to buy for university.
What should I buy?
Going to uni in Stirling may look all nice and summery on the leaflets but trust me when I say harsh weather is the norm. Of course, bring some summer clothes for the odd warm day but make sure to invest in some fluffy socks, waterproof shoes, and a decent winter coat. Laptops - so many to choose from, so which one do you get? Well, unless you are studying a course that demands high performance equipment (such as computing, coding, graphic design, or film), you don’t need a high-end laptop. Funding your way through student life is
difficult enough without shelling out close to £1,000 for a laptop you’ll only ever use for Word or sending emails. Personally, I have an old Dell laptop that has seen me through four years of education and it’s still going strong! Lastly, bring a sturdy backpack. Tote bags and handbags are cute – and useful for small trips around campus – but when you have several books, a laptop, and any other essentials for studying they become heavy and uncomfortable very quickly.
What NOT to buy:
Excessive stationary. Unless you solely take notes with pen and paper, buying stationary usually ends up pointless as taking notes on your laptop can be much quicker and easier. I know those pastel highlighters look pretty, but are you really going to use them?
I know that uni is often shown as a fashion show on television, but you don’t need a new outfit for every single day. Go for comfort over looks and save your nice outfits for a night in town. Finally, while it is a good idea to bring a flask and lunchbox to campus (it saves money and means you can have your lunch on the go), don’t go overboard. You don’t need multiple flasks, soup cups, and tubs for lunch – unless you’re going to be using them all.
Either way...
This article is just meant to provide tips for new students. Go bananas with stationery and clothes if you really want to! The main thing is that you enjoy your first year at Stirling – everything else can be learned from experience.
DEALING WITH EMETOPHOBIA IN UNIVERSITY
By Helena Cochrane
‘Nobody likes vomiting though’ is the most common reaction when explaining Emetophobia. This fear involves someone being intensely overtaken by anxiety from the thought of being sick and people around them falling unwell. Everyone struggling with it has different triggers and some even have a past experience that initiated it.That’s where it began for wee three-year-old me, screaming as my dad was violently unwell. My Emetophobia is not eating before bed, being strict with use by dates, never trying new food and being wary of new places to eat. Since getting sick from a chippy van, I’m nervous buying from food trucks. I like to think that I have some sort of radar, and I only eat from them when I feel like I get good vibes. It’s also being freaked out by the white bags tied onto every bus seat, jumping at my cat having a furball, and having to look away at certain scenes in films.t's draining always feeling on edge, and this is heightened in new settings such as university. My main worry going into first year was always, ‘what would I do if I threw up at uni’. Hopefully nobody reading this can relate, however if you can I’d like to share a few pieces of advice. f you’re wary of cooking meat and obsessively check every piece to make sure it’s edible, a meat thermometer is always reassuring. Write down the date you opened
something, so you aren’t throwing away good food. Remember that use-by dates are a guideline, and when midnight strikes on the day after it’s recommended to eat it, you will not die. Quorn meat is good to start with and build your confidence. Never feel pressure to drink more than you’re comfortable with. You would probably look at my bank account and think the amount I had spent on drink was sadwhen truthfully, I am just not ready to be completely drunk in case it makes me ill. I always carry gum on me, as the taste of mint relaxes my mind when I have convinced myself I’m going to be sick. Finally, I know it seems easier to hide it, but talking really helps. It can be hard to explain, and sometimes you don’t know what you need in that moment of panic, but letting your close ones know what sets you off at least makes them aware. Don’t feel like you have to please anyone by staying out later than you need to when things take a turn, or feel guilty for not being able to have a conversatioin about it. The hardest part is that a lot of panic is subconscious, you feel out of control. Sharing experiences with othershelps you gain back part of that control, as you realise you are not alone.
Image credits: Pexels
By Carlin Braun Features Editor
STIRLING'S FIRST EVER PRIDE
“Why is there no pride in Stirling?”
The relatively straightforward question was posed at a panel discussion held by LGBT Youth Scotland (a national charity for LGBTQ+ young people aged 1325) last year.
One of the five panelists leading the talk, Scott McMurray, couldn’t really think of an answer.
“They just kept asking and we were kind of like we don’t know.”
McMurray – who was acting as a representative for MSP Evelyn Tweed – said how his confusion only deepened following a consultation held in August of last year. It found that 91 percent of the almost 300 responses called for pride.
McMurray, who grew up in Arran, explained how “I knew I was gay probably about the age of 10 or 11, I didn’t know the label for it at that stage but knew there was something. It was obviously a very small community, and it was quite closed-minded.”
McMurray left Arran for the University of Stirling in 2009 and found his first semblance of a gay scene.
“At that point in time, believe it or not, Stirling did have a sort of gay bar. It was called the Barnton Bistro, and it was sort of a gay bar... It was a nice place to go because you did feel you could kind of be yourself a bit.”
The bar shut in the early 2010s.
“There was nothing left really in Stirling, so you were constantly having to travel to Glasgow or Edinburgh or sometimes Dundee to access that [gay scene], so I moved to Glasgow in 2013.”
McMurray did return to Stirling in 2019.
“It seems crazy, a city with quite a thriving student population and there wasn’t anything.”
The thing that especially stuck with McMurray was Arran’s first pride.
“If Arran can have a pride with a population of four and a half thousand people, Stirling should really have a pride.”
And so, from February McMurray got involved in planning Stirling’s first ever pride. Also involved is Chair Sam Reid who works as a freelance artist.
Reid explained how it “felt to
me like something I needed to do for myself”.
“Growing up in Falkirk I didn’t necessarily witness any homophobia growing up, but it wasn’t a very accepting place either... you knew to not be too outlandish.”
Going to university in Edinburgh Reid explained how, “It was a vast change for me and really allowed me to fully delve into the LGBTQ world and understand who I am on a much deeper level.”
Seeing what she terms as the drastic change of growing up not knowing what being bisexual even meant, to being able to help bring pride to Stirling has been indescribable.
While there have been some smaller events or attempts to hold a pride celebration, this is the first community led attempt in Stirling.
Besides organisational issues, the consultation saw a low amount of confidence from respondents about feeling safe in the march; this may also explain why it has not been attempted before.
McMurray explained how “When we first started this, we did get people coming back to
us and saying that Stirling is not as friendly as you think, but we’ve found that actually that’s not true and it’s been overwhelmingly positive”
“Every single business we’ve approached has done something to support us. Whether it’s as simple as saying ‘give me some posters, I’ll put them up in the window’ or ‘I’m happy to share posts on social media’. Everyone is doing something to help and being supportive,” said Reid.
“Generally, we hope that if we were to run that again after Pride that it might shift, and more people might feel comfortable,” said McMurray
Through donations, multiple local businesses have become involved with the cause.
McMurray said how, “The very first Gold Sponsor was Simpson and Co, the hairdressers in King Street. The same week we announced them as our first sponsor they announced that they were changing everything in their salon to be completely gender neutral.”
Reid explained how one sponsor emailed about how they were wanting to show support for a young family member that had recently come out.
“I remember reading that email and being like that is so sweet. They were so enthusiastic and really happy to be able to do something to show support.”
Thinking about the future, the pair hope to continue putting on regular LGBTQ events.
Reid said, “While it’s a lot more work, it is something that I think is needed. It gives a much more concrete we’re here, we’re queer, we’re not going anywhere kind of vibe instead of we’re just going to bombard the center one day a year.”
McMurray is especially looking forward to the “positive feeling” that pride will bring to the city center and what the future might hold.
Scott McMurray and Sam Reid with Caroline Mathers of Smith Art Gallery and Museum and Julie Ward-Bujalski Mayor of Dunedin, Florida. Image Credit: Stirling Pride
BEYOND COVID: A PRELUDE TO THE FUTURE OF A RESILIENT GENERATION?
By Paul Smith
The COVID generation has been the most resilient in recent political memory. Let’s move beyond artificial labels like ‘Gen Z’ or ‘Millennials’. An entire generation—especially the young— has been shaped by the unprecedented and intense two/three year period that left a lasting impact on everyone’s lives. While we might want to forget the toll of endless lockdowns and COVID— whether it was loneliness, difficulty in adapting, deaths, uncertainty, or the strain on mental health— these experiences are inescapable. One might say this discussion is premature, that it’s too soon to fully understand the effects of lockdown and COVID on society. My lockdown experiences could even cloud my analysis. However, I hope this article sparks further dialogue on the topic.
Changing Education
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, education was largely centered around traditional classroom settings and formal institutions. Online learning existed but was often viewed as a second choice, or less credible to in-person education.
Coursera (an online course provider founded in 2012) was growing but had not yet reached its mainstream potential.
The pandemic underscored the need for continuous learning. Coursera saw a 640 percent enrollment surge, democratising education whilst highlighting the potential of online education.
Amazon would also exhibit the importance of adapting when it invested $700 million to upskill 100,000 employees by 2025.
By promoting adaptation and innovation, the COVID generation can ensure society is agile and equipped for future adversities.
Empathy and Social Justice
Issues of social justice and inequality were already present before COVID-19, but they often struggled to maintain widespread, sustained attention. The Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement, for instance, began in 2013, but it didn’t gain significant traction until 2020.
The pandemic amplified social inequalities, spurring Black Lives Matter, after the murder of George Floyd by a US police officer in 2020. The murder sparked debates on police violence and discrimination faced by minority groups.
BLM conducted protests all across the United States and across the world. Companies like NASCAR boldly banned confederate flags from their events in June 2020. A united COVID generation was driven for social change like never before.
Because COVID’s effects were universal and international, the COVID Generation were united in their compassion and empathy toward others.
By championing social justice, advocating for equal opportunities, and ensuring that marginalised voices are heard, the COVID Generation can create a fairer and more empathetic future.
Scientific Innovation
Before the pandemic, scientific innovation in healthcare and technology was advancing steadily, but at a relatively slow pace compared to what we saw during COVID-19.
For example, Telemedicine (healthcare aided by electronic information and communications technology) was used primarily in specific situations or rural areas where in-person visits were challenging.
The concept of widespread remote work existed but was not expected, with most companies favouring in-office work for better collaboration and supervision.
The pandemic accelerated scientific innovation, notably in telemedicine and remote work.
Telemedicine usage surged 38 times, and Zoom’s daily users jumped from 10 million to 300 million.
The rapid global vaccine rollout, with over 150 vaccines tested within a year, exemplifies innovation during an international health crisis.
These advances underscore the importance of the COVID generation’s continued investment in healthcare and technology to build a more resilient and equitable future.
Flexibility in the workforce
During the 2010s, the concept of flexible work arrangements was starting to gain popularity but still needed to become mainstream and reach an optional status.
In April 2020, at the beginning of the pandemic, a little under half of the UK workforce was working from home, a significant increase from just 5.1% in 2019.
Flexibility in work habits became a necessity rather than
an option, and an entire generation of workers has adapted to these new working conditions.
Many argue that this shift has led to greater efficiency and benefits for employees. Working from home is not just a passing trend; it's a practice that continues today and is likely to persist for decades
International co-operation
Whilst the pandemic did not eradicate existing geo-political tensions or conflicting national interests, the pandemic helped ease the frequent difficulties in achieving consensus.
The COVID Generation witnessed the power of global collaboration, with 150 vaccines developed worldwide in a year and climate action pledges from nearly 200 countries at COP26.
We must continue to enhance global ties and advocate for collaborative solutions.
Social justice. Image Credit: RDNE Stock project via Pexels
The Covid generation. Image Credit: Polina Tankilevitch via Pexels
BRIGS GUIDE TO SURVIVING A SHARED KITCHEN
A shared kitchen experience can be a rather daunting prospect. We’ve all heard horror stories from older siblings and friends - here’s how to avoid having your own.
In the fridge and freezer, decide which shelf is whose and stick to it. If you can, try to get the top shelf - that way, no one’s food will be dripping unwanted juices onto your stuff, and you can ensure you’re not dripping juices on theirs.
Keep your shelves clean and
or
rotting onion can be mistaken for a gas leak (I hear it leads to an embarrassing conversation with the fire brigade).
Keep on top of your washing up. When you’re living alone for the first time, it may be the first time you’re responsible for your own cleanliness, and you’ll be surprised at how quickly it can build up. Put headphones on and dedicate 10 minutes every time you cook to cleaning up to respect the space for everyone else - and hopefully, your flatmates will do the same for you.
Kitchen roll is essential for mopping up spills easily.
Fill out a bin rota when you arrive. Some University halls will provide one, but otherwise, you can write one out. One person per week is responsible for the bins and does a full kitchen clean at the end of the week (sweep, wipe, and disinfect). The only exception is if you order a takeaway, you have to take out your pizza boxes! This saved our flat from rotting bins and inches of crumbs on the floor - and if it’s getting bad, you know who to text.
Have a cash float for communal kitchen items. If everyone puts £510 at the start of the year, it will keep you going all the way through for kitchen roll, washing up liquid, sponges, and surface cleaner, so the financial burden doesn’t fall to one or two people.
Batch cooking is a great way to save money and prepare for the week, however, don’t do it when everyone else is trying to cook their dinner
By Alice Pollard BRAW Editor
(6 pm-9 pm). To keep your flatmates friendly, only take up all of the oven space/all of the hobs in between dinner times.
To conclude, try your best to stay clean, tidy, and respectful. Your flatmates are your first port of call for making friends, so don’t piss them off by mistreating the kitchen. Good luck!
BRIG’S STUDENT STORE CUPBOARD STAPLES
By Elliot Johnston Food Editor
For many students, coming to university will be the first time they have ever had to handle all their meals by themselves.
The stress of not only preparing meals but also shopping for them can be overwhelming for many newly independent students.
To help ease the stress a little, take a look at these staple ite/ms that you should always have in your cupboard and that together can form the basis of countless different meals.
Pasta and Rice:
Image Credit: Pexels.com
Surprising no-one, you can never go wrong with having a bag of your preferred pasta (which should be shells btw) and rice in your cupboard.
You can get a bag of each for 40p at Aldi and absolutely anything can work with absolutely anything from a simple jarred sauce to a ten-ingredient extravaganza.
Stir-in sauce and Pesto:
Image Credit: Pexels.com
The staple food of student kitchens for decades, pesto’s and simple stir-sauces take little to no effort to use and cost less than a pound.
As such it’s no surprise that many students eat pesto pasta several times a week.
Chickpeas:
As Underated as they are versitile. Image Credit: Pexels.com
A super cheap source of protein that can bulk up most meals. Thow them into curries, salads or pastas for extra bulk or as a substitute for expensive meats.
Costing less than 50p for a can you won’t find anything half as filling for that low of a price.
Tuna:
Image Credit: Pexels.com
Similar to chickpeas, tuna is a cheap and versatile source of protein that can sit in your cupboard for months at a time until you need them. Tuna can work in a pasta, a salad, a sandwich or even a good old baked potato. Like many of these ingredients, tunas power lies in its versatility, longevity and price.
Image Credit: Pexels.com
Old reliable, the potato can be the most versatile vegetable there is that costs next to nothing. Able to bulk out a meal or be transformed into countless sides with minimal work, these spuds can get you out of a pinch time and time again.
With these core staples in your cupboards, cooking and meal planning should hopefully become a little bit less intimidating and a little less time consuming. If not, Dominos delivers till late.
Stock your cupboards without breaking the bank before inevitably ordering pizza anyway. Image Credit: Pexels.com
No one wants to end up with a Kitchen Nightmare. Image Credit: Facebook
fresh,
it will begin to stink - a
Spills will never cause you trouble again. Image Credit: Pexels.com
You might not be able to keep your shared kitchen picture perfect but you can at least stop the worth of the filth and the fights. Image Credit: University of Stirling Accomidation Service
Potatoes:
By Chloe Edwards
BEST STUDY CAFES IN STIRLING AND BRIDGE OF ALLAN
Kick off the new semester by discovering Stirling and Bridge of Allan’s top study cafés! From The Burgh Coffeehouse’s dog-friendly charm to Unorthodox Roasters' urban vibe, and Wee Timorous Beastie's comforting treats— find your perfect study spot!
1. The Burgh Coffeehouse- Stirling Nestled on the often-busy King Street in Stirling, is The Burgh Coffeehouse, an independently owned café. The coffeehouse offers free Wi-Fi, is open every day of the week, and have plenty of seating both upstairs and extra seats downstairs. With an irresistible menu of both sweet treats and dishes available, it’s easily one of the best study spots in town. Plus, it is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for students to study, relax and enjoy the
company of some furry friends!
2. The Book Nook- Stirling The Book Nook, located on Upper Craigs in Stirling, is an independent bookshop café co-owned by Stirling University alumni. It's an ideal spot for students looking for a quiet, inspiring place to study, surrounded by shelves of books that add to its warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Their delicious Chicken Bagel is a must-try and a favourite of mine to enjoy while I work on my assignments!
3. HBW Coffee- Stirling Next up is HBW Coffee, another popular study spot for Stirling University students. The contemporary, modern café can be found in a cosy corner of Barnton Street. For those who enjoy a good quality cup of coffee while you study, HBW Coffee take great pride in their premium brewed
Fredrick's Corner
Join Fredrick the food goose for a selection of food and freshers themed games as well as a special recipe he 'borrowed' from the editor-in-chief. The cheap leftover based recipe will make for a perfect snack for studying, bed-rotting or just being hungover.
cups. As well as coffee, they offer an excellent range of food dishes to enjoy with plenty of vegan options too! If you wish to admire the views from the window while you revise, I recommend heading over to the café early in the morning as it can get busy during lunchtime.
4. Unorthodox Roasters- Stirling Unorthodox Roasters, located on Friars Street, is an urban style café that stands out as a top study spot in Stirling. It's both vegetarian and vegan friendly, offering a welcoming atmosphere for all dietary needs. The café features a cozy courtyard with outdoor seating, perfect for relaxing when it is not raining! Inside, there's a dedicated study zone upstairs, ideal for working on your laptop. My favourite spot is right at the
DOWN
1. The true haven of all students
2. Like cooking and chemestry had a baby
5. A cheap and reliable Carbohydrate
7. Every uni girly needs one of these treats
front window, where I can study surrounded by lush plants, twinkling fairy lights, and the enticing aroma of freshly ground coffee!
5. Wee Timorous Beastie Café. –Bridge of Allan If you’re heading to Bridge of Allan for a study session closer to the University, you simply must visit the Wee Timorous Beastie Café. This cozy spot warmly invites both students and locals to savour their delightful home-baked treats and mouthwatering savoury dishes. Whether you’re unwinding, revising, or catching up with friends, the café provides a welcoming atmosphere. I highly recommend ordering a steaming pot of their tea to enjoy as you work through your coursework!
Across
3. Scran's Specialty 4. What get's most of us up in the morning
6. Fredrick's brethren
7. After boiling, many dishes need to be left to gently ____
8. Throw everything in a pot and hope for the best
9. The cheapest readily avalible fish, often tinned
By Niamh Brook Editor-in-Chief
Ingredients:
4 bagels (Stale bagels are better but not required)
6 tbsp olive oil
2 tsp dried mixed herbs
3 cloves of chopped garlic OR 1 tsp garlic powder
60g Parmesan
Method:
Preheat oven to 170C
Slice your bagels into rounds about an eighth of an inch thich (that's about half the width of your pinkie nail, if that helps)
Place the bagel rounds into a large bowl.
Combine the olive oil, herbs, garlic and parmesan in a seperate bowl, season, then drizzle over the bagel slices.
Gently shake the bowl until all the bagel slices are well coated.
Spread the bagel chips out carefully in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake for about 10-15 minutes until golden and crispy.
Store in an airtight container or Ziploc bag in a cool,dry place. Bagel chips will keep for up to a week.
The forgotten can be great again Image Credit: Pexels.com
Fredrick's quick tip!
Treat the quantities in this recipes like the pirate code; they are more guidlines than actual hard
If slicing all the bagels seems like too much effort you can just tear them apart, I wont't judge you... much.
CLUB SPOTLIGHT: STIRLING UNI'S WILD SWIMMINNG CLUB
By Alice Pollard Braw Editor
Wild swimming has become a growing trend internationally, with Scotland forming a major hub for the activity. Hardy people combined with the country’s naturally cold and beautiful pools, lochs, waterfalls, and sea create a perfect combination for a strong wild swimming community.
At the University of Stirling, the Wild Swimming Society is about to enter its second year of running. Coxburn Reservoir, a 30-minute walk from campus, provides the perfect base for multiple weekly swims, with trips to more exciting locations taking place throughout the academic year. Brig spoke to Louise, this year's President of the society, about her experience with the club:
“Wild swimming is one of the few ways I can connect with nature and water while I'm in Stirling,” Louise told us.
“I've been in and around water my whole life and I really missed it when at uni, so I tentatively joined the wild swimming club when it started last year, and I've not looked back.”
We asked her about the social aspect of the club.
“The community element of wild swimming is so important, particularly for the society. We all have our own reasons for doing it and accept each other regardless. Whether it be for the physical or mental benefits or, like me, for the outdoorsy nature of the hobby, we're all there to have fun in some chilly water
“The wild swimming community really is wonderful as we all take comfort in the knowledge that we're all just as mad as each other for doing it in the first place!”
Louise then expanded on the mental and physical benefits that have made wild swimming such a popular hobby.
“It clears my mind, when I'm in the cold water it makes me completely switch off from whatever is going on that day, and I can be completely in the moment.
“It also makes me feel so alive and free. As my shoulders go under the water, nothing else matters at that moment other than the electric feeling of the cold water and the thrill of being so connected with nature.
“There is nothing like the collective feeling that even though we're all really, really cold, we're all so happy we decided to make time for a swim that day.”
Recently, the society has changed its joining fee and now offers free membership to encourage as many people as possible to join in on the physical and mental benefits. Taking the plunge may sound daunting, however, nothing quite compares to the feeling after a swim.
A hot chocolate, a fluffy jumper, and good chats with the people around you complete a sunny afternoon with the Wild Swimming Society.
You can find joining information on the Student Union Societies website, or at @stiruni_wildswimming Instagram page.
GOOD TO KNOW
By Anya Diggines Sports Editor
Here is a list of tips from the university website to get you started when it comes to all-things Sport.
This guide will provide useful information for you to get to know what you need to do in order to start, or continue, your sporting career here at Stirling.
What’s on - welcome activities Open for students of all abilities and experience, we're running a wide variety of intro fitness classes, Just Play recreational sport sessions and one-off events during Welcome Week and our sports clubs will also be running Give It a Go sessions throughout the welcome period.
All our intro and taster sessions are free and you can find the full
timetable and book in via the Sport app or online portal.
You will require a physical student card (not app/phone-based) to access the sports facilities. Optional key fobs and phone stickers are available to purchase at reception to make accessing the facilities even easier.
Students automatically have an account with us so, once you
download the app, you’ll just need to reset your password using your University email address.
We'll also be delivering Sports Centre tours across the opening week of the new semester for all students.
The tours give you a chance to see all our fantastic facilities and find out more about staying active at the University.
No need to book either, just pop along at any point over the welcome period and one of the team will be happy to help!
Student memberships include unlimited gym, swim, fitness classes and Just Play Sport sessions and cost only £18.75 per month on direct debit or £202.00 for 12 months (up-front payment) and can be purchased via the membership webpage or your Student portal.
Memberships also include a range of additional member services and appointments to make sure your introduction into health and wellbeing meets your individual needs.
Our facilities are some of the best you’ll find. Our gym is split over two areas with the fitness suite (upstairs on level 3) kitted out with the best in class Technogym products and equipment, with over 100+ stations. Downstairs, our dedicated strength and conditioning area (on level 1) is also packed with topof-the-line Eleiko bars and plates,
BLK BOX racks and Technogym plate-loaded machines.
We have purpose built studios to host our diverse fitness class timetable and our sports halls are the perfect spaces for our clubs, Student Sport programme and pay and play activities.
The swimming pool, that can be in 25m or 50m mode, is open to all our students (free to members) and enjoyed by a number of clubs and our six indoor tennis courts are used by our clubs and Student Sport programme and can booked for pay and play as well.
Our facilities continue to be fully accessible and users who require functional support to enable their participation can be accompanied by someone to support their session.
This support can be provided by a coach or other individual. In such circumstance the designated individual should only attend in a supportive capacity and would require a membership or pay as you go pass if looking to participate themselves.
For any queries, contact sportreception@stir.ac.uk or give them a call on 01786 466900.
Trip to Gilmour’s Linn and Charlie’s caveimage credit: Wild Swimming Society
Wild Swimming Society take on a frozen Coxburn Reservoir - Photo credit -Alice Pollard
LEAP SCOTLAND BRING CONFERENCE TO UNIVERSITY OF STIRLING STUDENTS
By Ali Rees Secretary
CONTINUED FROM BACK
A biennial sports conference on LGBTQIA+ inclusion in sports will take place in Stirling on October 30.
The ‘Moving to LGBTQI+ Inclusion Conference’ hosted by Leadership, Equality and Active Participation in Sports for LGBTQI+ people in Scotland (LEAP Scotland) highlights the organisation’s mission to make sports more inclusive across Scotland. Attendees can expect to see new research being presented alongside workshops and spaces for collaboration.
While the conference schedule has not yet been finalised, delegates can expect sessions on the following topics:
· LGBTQI+ inclusion in sport and how to make that a reality
· What does the data say? A session on available data on LGBTQI+ people and how we might be able to use it.
· Good practice from the sector on LGBTQI+ inclusion in sport
· Leisure Trust Accelerator programme learning and implementation as influenced by the LGBTQI+ Health Needs Assessment
· New research on topics such as Physical Education and school sport, Bi and Pan people's experiences in sport
The conference’s Eventbrite page also highlights that they expect
to cover topics such as barriers to participation, sustainability in sport, physical activity and public health, sports policy, sport and human rights, athlete wellbeing, major events and good practice segments.
“Leap’s conference is always a great opportunity to bring the LGBTQI+ and sporting sectors together,” says Andrew Henderson, bisexual sports journalist and creator of Pride of the Terraces.
“The benefits of sport physically, mentally and socially are well documented,” he continues, “but LGBTQI+ have lower rates of participation than the general population which means they miss out.
“Conferences like these are a chance for traditional sporting spaces to learn how to be more inclusive to LGBTQI+ people and engage directly with the community, and vice versa.
“With Stirling being Scotland’s university of sporting excellence, and home to the Scottish Institute of Sport, it’s the perfect place to host the 2024 conference.”
LEAP Sports Scotland are an organisation which campaigns for greater inclusion and equality in sports across Scotland. They also work against homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, and other forms of discrimination that queer sportspeople experience when attempting to participate.
With this conference, they aim to bring the latest thinking and understanding in how to break down systemic barriers that limit
LGBTQI+ inclusion in sports to a wider audience, including sports governing bodies and people who run sports clubs and associations.
The conference offers concession tickets for £15 and would be a great opportunity for any Stirling University sports club committee members who want to ensure their clubs are welcoming and safe for LGBTQI+ sportspeople.
Keep up-to-date with news from Leap Sport by following their social media pages.
Stirling Sports Clubs
Here is a compiled list of all the different sports clubs you could join, here at the university.
Find out more about each club at the Sports Bazaar, find out more information about this on Page 31.
The five-goal thriller seen the Uni just miss out on taking home any points as they travelled to Bellshill to take on current third place holders, Caledonian Braves, on September 3.
The students started the game full of energy, constantly challenging the Braves’ defence as well as protecting their own goal from attacks.
The Braves got the scoring underway though, as a corner just before 20 minutes found the feet of Reg McLaren who poked it into the back of the net from close range.
Ross McNeil made it two for the home team seven minutes later, as he picked up on the rebound and fired it into the goal.
With more end-to-end play, the first half was in its closing stages, but the uni managed to pull one back thanks to Ben Heal. Who put it in the bottom right-hand corner. It was all to play for once again.
It only took five minutes into the second half for another goal to come, McNeil got his second of the evening for the Braves as he slipped in behind the Uni defence to receive the long ball before striking it with his left foot.
The Braves had their two-goal advantage back and some fresh feet came on for the uni. Paul McCafferty saw the end of his game, as Thomas Vonk took his place. Minutes later Abel Manomey replaced Liam Trotter.
The changes brought a new challenge for the Braves’ goalkeeper as Manomey had a go at goal five minutes into his game, but it was well saved.
The Braves missed out on their fourth as McLaren headered the ball low towards goal following
a corner but goalkeeper: Adam Buttigieg, made an incredible save.
Heading into second half injury-time and the game looked finished, but Finn Moffett managed to secure another for the Uni with a brilliant strike.
It wasn’t meant to be however, as the full-time whistle went, the boys disappointed to get so close to the draw after a valiant effort.
ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT: DUNCAN SCOTT
By Alex Paterson Film & TV Editor
The University of Stirling prides itself on its sporting excellence, and no athlete is a better example than Olympian Duncan Scott.
Scott attended the University of Stirling before graduating with a 2:1 in Business and Sports Studies in 2021. During and after university, he was a part of the swim club.
Although, University wasn’t his break into swimming. Scott excelled at a junior level. He got a sports scholarship to Strathallan School, and his regular training prepared him for the start of a long, fruitful career.
From 2013 to 2015 he competed in junior-level events. Scott won a range of medals including a gold in each major tournament- one of which was the Youth Olympics. In the Scottish Age Group Nationals,
Scott won a total of eight gold medals- he was only 16 years old.
Whilst competing at a junior level, Scott was permitted in some senior tournaments like the Commonwealth Games where he also won medals.
Then, in 2016 he moved exclusively on to the big leagues. This was also the year of the Rio Olympics. Whilst no gold was achieved in his Olympic debut, he came fifth in his 100-metre freestyle and won two silvers as part of the relay team.
After winning a few golds over the next few years in the Commonwealth Games, European, and World Aquatics Championships, Scott was more than ready to face his second Olympics in Tokyo.
In the 200-metre freestyle, 4x100-metre, and the individual medley, he got the silver. However,
in the 4x200-metre freestyle relay with Thomas Dean, James Guy, and Matthew Richards they got the gold.
This resulted in Scott being the most decorated British Olympian, being the first-ever Team GB athlete to win four medals in one Olympic Games.
Now, after the Paris Olympics and a few more wins, Scott has beaten Sir Chris Hoy to become Scotland’s most decorated Olympic Athlete, achieving eight medals across three Games.
Aside from medals, Scott has also broken several world records with how fast he can swim.
His achievements led to recognition on an international scalealthough one award was a little closer to home. Scott was awarded an MBE in the 2022 New Years’ Honours.
LOWLAND LEAGUE
Scott has some personal achievements, too. Being dyslexic, Scott found university a struggle. Juggling his studies alongside his swimming was already a lot of work, so obtaining his degree was an immense achievement: “One of the things I’m most proud of, in all honesty, is getting a 2:1,” Scott said.
“I didn’t really enjoy school, being dyslexic, and having to balance it with swimming. The first and second years at university, I did find challenging, but by the third, I really started to enjoy it.
“I might decide after the next Olympic cycle that I want to come back and do a Masters; I’m not ruling that out.”
So, not only is he a sporting legend. Scott is also an academic weapon. Duncan Scott has proved he isn’t just good: he is one of the best.
Captain, Ben Heal. Image Credit: George Vekic
Finn Moffett. Image Credit: George Vekic
GOLD COAST, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 08: Duncan Scott of Scotland celebrates victory in the Men's 100m Freestyle Final on day four of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games at Optus Aquatic Centre on April 8, 2018 on the Gold Coast, Australia. (Photo by Clive Rose/Getty Images)
UNI TAKE HOME A POINT FROM LOCAL RIVALS
By Anya Diggines Sports Editor
East Stirlingshire: 2 University of Stirling: 2
University of Stirling took on East Stirlingshire in the League campaign away from home on August 31, with the uni adding a point to their total tally.
The teams looked to be all even in the opening minutes of the game, with East Stirlingshire getting a corner and moments later the uni winning a freekick, but no success came from either set pieces.
The next 25 minutes appeared much the same, with the students giving it their all to get the ball in the box and into the back of the net.
The first sub for the uni came at the 26th minute mark, after Carter Jenkins went down injured, with Lewis Blane replacing him.
A minute later calls rang out on and off the pitch for a penalty, as East Stirlingshire players looked towards the referee who denied them a kick from the spot.
The uni was plagued with another injury shortly before half time as Ben Wolosyzn took a knock and Sam Martin took his place on the pitch.
After a large amount of injury time played, the half time whistle went with the scoreline remaining 0-0 going into the break.
The students got the scoring underway though, two minutes into the second half. With substitute Martin firing the ball into the back
of the net.
With end-to-end play, a goal was on the cards and on the 72nd minute East Stirlingshire got the equaliser from a corner. With a header directing the ball towards goal.
Three minutes later and East Stirlingshire took the lead after making a break at speed, but not for long, with Finn Moffett firing it home two minutes later. Making it all even at 2-2 with 10 minutes to go.
Some fresh feet made their way onto the pitch for the uni with Abel Manomey, Thomas Vonk and Liam Trotter coming on for Paul McCafferty, goal scorer Moffett and Jack Hodge.
There was plenty of action in the closing moments as early sub: Blane, was heading for the tunnel minutes before full time after he received his second yellow of the afternoon after a bad tackle. Whilst goalkeeper: Adam Buttigieg, made a crucial save to keep the uni in the game.
After a few minutes of injury time, the full-time whistle went with the students doing an excellent job at coming back from behind, as they took a point back home whilst sitting 10th in the table.
Jack Kennedy Competes in Triathlon
By Paul C. Smith
University of Stirling student, Jack Kennedy, participated in the International University Sports Federation (FISU) Championship Triathlon, finishing at 57:46, placing 65th overall among men.
His performance in each discipline was as follows: 00:09:16 in swimming (53rd place), 00:28:20 in cycling (55th place), and 00:18:28 in running (55th place). His transitions (T1 and T2) took 00:01:01 and 00:00:41, respectively.
Kennedy was chosen to represent Team Ireland in the World University Championships for triathlon.
The 2024 FISU World University Championships Triathlon was held in Gdansk, Poland in August. Kennedy is a competitive
Important Dates For The Diary
Sports Bazaar Wednesday, September 11, 9am5pm.
Head along to meet the clubs and captains, and find out more about the sports available at the university.
@stirlingsportsunion on Instagram for more details.
Stirling Uni Athletic memberships are on sale now!
@stiruni_athletics on Instagram for more details.
Stirling Uni Women’s Lacrosse Give It a Go Friday, September 13, 3-4:30pm.
@stiruni_womenslax on Instagram for more details.
triathlete who has participated in various international events, representing Great Britain.
Kennedy’s athlete profile on the World Triathlon website lists his results in several key competitions, including his performances in European and World Triathlon Cup events.
Kennedy has previously competed in triathlon as far back as 2022, whilst also coming in 5th place during the 2021 IRL Aquathlon National Championships with a time of 36 minutes and 27 minutes.
His career highlights include consistent strong finishes, showcasing his prowess in swimming, cycling, and running disciplines. His commitment and progress in the sport mark him as an emerging talent in the triathlon community.
FISU was founded to create a global sports event for students, debuting with the International University Sports Weeks in Merano, Italy, in 1949.
The event includes individual and mixed relay races, with opening and closing ceremonies, familiarisation sessions, and award presentations, highlighting the top performances in this prestigious global competition.
Stirling Uni Men’s Football Team trials on Thursday 12 and Friday 13 September, 10am-4pm. @stiruni_mensfootball on Instagram for more details.
Stirling Uni Triathlon Give It a Go Friday, September 13, from 1pm.
@stiruni_triathlon on Instagram for more details.
Orienteering Give It a Go Wednesday, September 18, 9am.
@stiruni_orienteering on Instagram for more details.
Polo Handstick Give It a Go Wednesday, September 18.
@stiruni_polo on Instagram for more details.
Touch Rugby Give It a Go Friday, September 13, 4:306:30.
@stiruni_touchrugby on Instagram for more details.
Jack Kennedy. Image Credit: @ SportatStirling on X
Image Credit: George Vekic
STIRLING’S LORNA MCCLYMONT DRIVES GB&I TEAM TO VICTORY IN THE CURTIS CUP
By Leonie MacLeod News Editor
University of Stirling golfer Lorna McClymont represented Great Britian & Ireland (GB&I) in their first Curtis Cup win since 2016.
Held from Friday, August 30 until Sunday, September 1, the historic cup sets the eight best women golfers in GB&I against their American counterparts.
The United States have dominated the tournament since it was established in 1932 with 31 overall wins compared to GB&I’s eight, whose last win was in 2016 at Dun Laoghaire Golf Club in Ireland.
Joining Lorna at the famous Sunningdale Golf Club in Berkshire this year was Aine Donegan, Beth
Coulter, Hannah Darling, Lottie Woad, Euphemie Rhodes, Patience Rhodes, and Sara Byrne.
Professional golfer and Stirling alumna Catriona Matthew OBE captained the winning team.
After the win, Matthew said: “Any chance you captain a team and you are representing your country, there is no bigger honour and I had a fantastic team.
“All eight of them contributed and we had a great week. We were relaxed, enjoyed it and the players went out and played some amazing golf.”
It was a nail-biting final day with
Lorna McClymont (Back Left) with Team GB&I. Image
Credit: The R&A
LEAP SPORTS COMES TO STIRLING
By Ali Rees Secretary
A biennial sports conference on LGBTQIA+ inclusion in sports will take place in Stirling on October 30.
The ‘Moving to LGBTQI+ Inclusion Conference’ hosted by Leadership, Equality and Active Participation in Sports for LGBTQI+ people in Scotland (LEAP Scotland) highlights the organisation’s mission to make sports more inclusive across Scotland. Attendees can expect to see new research being presented alongside workshops and spaces for collaboration.
While the conference schedule has not yet been finalised, delegates can expect sessions on the following topics:
· LGBTQI+ inclusion in sport and how to make that a reality
· What does the data say? A session on available data on LGBTQI+ people and how we might be able to use it.
· Good practice from the sector on LGBTQI+ inclusion in sport
· Leisure Trust Accelerator programme learning and implementation as influenced by the LGBTQI+.
FULL STORY ON P29
drama hitting the course when 15-year-old USA star Asterisk Talley beat Lottie Woad – ranked first in the World Amateur Golf Ranking - in her only loss of the tournament.
However, GB&I’s success was guaranteed after McClymont gained a 3&2 win over Megan Schofill as Mimi Rhodes gained on Melanie Green.
This took their team to the winning 10.5 points against team USA’s 9.5. The full table of results can be found on R&A’s website.
This is only an addition to the recent string of successes for McClymont, who is ranked second
in Scotland and 95th in the world in the World Amateur Golf Ranking
In May, she was crowned champion at the Scottish Women’s Amateur Championships, after winning the Irish and Welsh Women’s Open Championships in 2023.
She also finished second in this year’s Women’s Amateur Championships and is a two-time winner of the R&A Student Tour Series Order of Merit.
McClymont reflected after the Curtis Cup win: “I was just focusing on just one shot at a time, but you could sense the crowd building and it’s the most people I’ve ever played
with.
“Knowing that most of them were cheering, I just kind of embraced it and soaked it all up.”
There is no rest for McClymont, who returns to the University this week to begin training for the Iberdrola Calatayud Ladies Open in Spain in October, before heading to Texas for the Spirit International Amateur Golf Championships in November.
