Brig Newspaper- Elections Issue 2019

Elections Edition 2019 | Twitter: @brignewspaper | Website: www.brignews.com

Credit: Blair McPake

SABBOTAGE

Incumbents lose re-election campaigns Underdog claims Union presidency Record breaking voter turnout Rookies emerge triumphant IS THE FUTURE OF OUR UNION SAFE?

News

2 Brig | Elections 2019

Glasgow Uni bomb claimed by the IRA Police Scotland are working with the Metropolitan Police to investigate the packages and the links to the group claiming to be the IRA.

Credit: Telegraph

Harry Williamson News Editor

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group claiming to be the IRA have claimed responsibility for the letter bombs sent to the University of Glasgow last week.

The package was sent to the University of Glas-

gow’s mailroom on March 6, where authorities carried out a controlled explosion.

The package at the university came one day after similar packages were sent to Waterloo railway station, Heathrow Airport and London City Airport.

The claim was made by the group through a Bel-

fast news outlet, The Irish News, using a recognised codeword. The packages were sent with Dublin as the return address and Irish postal stamps.

The Irish News have said that the group claimed to have sent three packages to “commercial targets” and another two packages were sent to army recruit-

Brig celebrates 50 years

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Ryan Dinsdale

his is a big year for Brig. Our 50th anniversary has been full of incredible experiences, and our final issue of the year offers an opportunity to reflect upon these achievements.

Our 50th anniversary was honoured in the best possible way: our amazing newspaper was graced with an homage to this legacy.

Brig’s founder, Paul Martin, has featured alongside current Editorin-Chief Harry McArthur in our opening pages.

Each offered their perspectives on various de-

velopments at Stirling University, in addition to their various thoughts and ideas on whatever took their fancy.

These pieces have offered a unique reflection of life as a student both today and fifty years ago in our university’s opening days.

2019 kicked off with an incredible 50th year celebration with current students and alumni. Brig members past and present enjoyed a stunning display as members celebrated the newspaper’s history.

The highlight of the night came with the announcement of the Brig Legacy Fund, allowing alumni to contribute to Brig’s future.

Deputy Editor, Stuart

Graham, explains that “the legacy fund was launched to celebrate 50 years of Brig, but it’s main goal is to ensure that we also have a future.”

Each editor over the years has contributed to the legacy of this newspaper, and the fund allows our society to prosper in the future as well. It’s an incredible establishment within Brig, creating great opportunities for the University as a whole.

We hope you enjoy the final issue of this historic year, and also look forward to the issues to come.

Brig is very proud of its legacy, and are equally excited for the future of our tremendous newspaper.

ment officers.

The group also claimed that the package sent to the University of Glasgow was to target an army recruitment officer working at the university.

The IRA have claimed that five explosive devices were sent, but the police have only recovered four packages.

It has been reported that the packages are similar to packages sent that were linked to dissident groups in Northern Ireland.

The letter bombs were inside white A4 postal bags, with yellow jiffy bags that were reported to be capable of causing a small fire if the package was opened.

A police spokesperson has said; “The Metropolitan Police and Police Scotland are aware of the claim of responsibility for the devices that were received at three buildings in London and at the University of Glasgow on March 5 and 6,” “The investigations into these devices continue and relevant inquiries are being made in relation to the

claim that has been made.

“We continue to urge the public to remainvigilant and report anything suspicious to police.”

“Given the packages received last week bore similarities to devices sent in the past which were linked to dissident groups associated with Northern Ireland-related terrorism, officers were already looking at this as a line of inquiry.

“However, we continue to keep an open mind and inquiries continue.

“We are also aware that those claiming responsibility have indicated five devices were sent.

“At this time, only four devices have been recovered.

“Extensive advice has already been issued to relevant businesses and sectors to be vigilant for and report suspicious packages to police. This advice was previously sent to armed forces personnel and is being reiterated again in light of this claim.”

“We continue to urge the public to remain vigilant and report anything suspicious to police.”

Police Scotland and the Metropolitan Police have sent advice to other universities. Some universities were placed on alert last week after the letter bomb was discovered at Glasgow.

Police have said that no arrests have been made and that no one was injured by the letterbombs.

The investigation into the letterbombs is still underway.

Harry McArthur’s final editor’s column

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he time has finally arrived where Brig Newspaper have our last print issue of the year, which so happens to be my last issue as Editor-inChief.

This issue is super as always; culture looks magnificent throughout and it is by far our best sports section out of our four issues this year.

We have just survived elections week that was substantially busier than last year; with a whopping nine extra candidates running for roles than last year’s election.

We have thoroughly enjoyed what has been a massive year for us. At the start of the year we set out some basic objectives: get four quality print issues, be financially secure by the end of the year, make a fuss out of the fact we had turned 50, and also stay active in being nominated for awards.

The first three of those objectives we have comfortably achieved, which has ensured an easy tran-

sistion for next year’s team. In terms of awards, we have not heard anything as of yet, but we are hopeful that when shortlists are made we will be named amongst the candidates.

Looking onto next year’s progress, it’s not my place to be setting any objectives. I do look forward to seeing how the team takes the newspaper forward; we have a lot of talented writers and editors that are going to continue improving throughout their time being a part of the society.

The financial success of our legacy fund, in addition to the fantastic work done by the advertisement team, has dismissed the question of transitioning to wholly digital.

Unless of course they opt to do so, which would be a ballsy move but one that may well pay off in the long run. Maybe the transition would make most sense when being financially healthy; or maybe they should take advantage of having a paper for

as long as possible.

As one final Harry anecdote, I shall leave you with the story of why I am so grateful for coming to the University of Stirling.

I initially came to this uni because of the Clansmen, and I enjoyed the great times I experienced whilst being part of the team in my first three years.

I also took up Brig in my first week here, and have loved being a part of it ever since.

I initially wrote for sports exclusively and was part of a section that was very much in transition. After working on the section I played my part in letting it flourish into being one of three university sport sections in the UK that been nominated for best sports coverage in back-to-back years at the SPA awards.

Once I began contributing to Brig as a whole I felt my skills come on leaps and bounds until I eventually took over as Editor.

I am now leaving university with a runner’s up and winner’s medal for BUCS American football.

And witth having been involved with over 20 printed newspapers, having appeared on over 50 live radio shows, and a journalism project on the impact that dogs have on society.

My achievements are sporadic and their attainment is due to a strong effort on all fronts.

Stirling has a wealth of excellent opportunities for every student to take, so make sure to engange with each opportunity and prosper at university.

Read Brig founder, Paul Martin’s, reflection of student life in his day on Culture page 10

News

3 Brig | Elections 2019

NUS Scotland President to protect estranged students Harry Williamson News Editor

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he President of NUS Scotland has vowed to protect estranged students by introducing measures at the upcoming NUS conference and working with NUS delegates.

Liam McCabe spoke about introducing the measures at an event at the Scottish Parliament.

Hosted by the charity Stand Alone, where a group of estranged students spoke to university staff about the issues that they face and what universities and colleges could do to tackle these issues.

McCabe spoke with Brig about the event.

The young people who took part, and how he plans to introduce motions at the conference and work with the government to help improve the situation that estranged young people find themselves in.

“I was incredibly moved by the openness and bravery of these students in discussing their experiences.

“It’s shameful that any student in Scotland must ensure the hardship and adverse childhood experiences’ as outlined by the students of Stand Alone.

Whilst the Scottish Government has made great strides in providing for care experienced students, we must not allow estranged students to fall through the cracks.

“NUS Scotland will do all that it can to lobby the Scottish Government to provide for estranged students.

At our upcoming conference, I intend to work with delegates to launch two proposals to address the challenges faced by estranged students.”

NUS Delegate Josh Muirhead praised the idea, saying; “This work is very important considering the work currently being done with

care experienced students, so it is still a further step to achieve the visibility of all students no matter what their background is.”

The event was run by Stand Alone, a charity which supports estranged students.

Their director Becca Bland spoke about Stand Alone and the issues that her organisation aims to tackle; “Stand Alone and George Adam MSP hosted an event in Scottish Parliament to help MSPs better understand the situation that estranged young people, studying in university, may find themselves in.

These are young people who have neither parental support or approval and who aren’t entitled to corporate parenting .

Some may come from LGBT+ background, and may have been disowned by their family for coming out, others may have escaped forced marriage, honour based violence and abusive households, and a

proportion may have been disowned or cut off by new step-parents.

“Our event helped these young people to voice their principal concerns, which were mainly around disadvantages linked to accommodation and particularly guarantors.

It was also noted that these vulnerable young people graduate with more debt, as an independent estranged student is entitled to a lower percentage of bursary in their SAAS support package than their peers with parental support.

Following this event, momentum has developed, and the organisation has a meeting with Richard Lochead, Minister for HE to appeal for policy change in these areas.”

Brig will provide further updates on the work of NUS and Stand Alone and report on the NUS conferences.

Credit: Facebook - Liam McCabe

Forth Valley Jump Street

Cyclists protected by new police operation

Credit: Police Scotland

Harry Williamson News Editor

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olice are cracking down on dangerous drivers who are putting cyclists at risk on Stirling’s roads.

The new efforts by Forth Valley Police, known as Operation Close Pass, aims to keep cyclists safe of the roads by making drivers aware of what they are doing that endanger cyclists on the roads.

The operation involves unmarked police cyclists

issuing warnings and fines to drivers who pass too close to them or drive in a way that would make the roads less safe for cyclists.

Close Pass has seen Road Policing Unit officers carrying out this work in different areas around Forth Valley daily.

Forth Valley Police Division have confirmed that the operation has seen several drivers fined for passing too close to the unmarked cyclists and other offences, such as vehicle faults, driving without insurance, ignoring

road signs and using a mobile phone while driving.

The police also confirmed that two drivers were fined for shouting at the police cyclists, and that one driver was abusive toward them.

Sergeant David Ross of Forth Valley’s Road Policing Unit said: “Keeping vulnerable road users, such as cyclists, safe is a priority for Forth Valley’s Road Policing Unit and we continue to do so through a combination of educational activity and enforcement measures.

“It’s vital that we continue to proactively intervene to keep all road users safe and that all drivers recognise the importance of giving cyclists space. However, be assured that we will take enforcement action wherever necessary.”

Police have also warned that the offences that they have seen can be considered careless and dangerous driving and warn drivers against this behaviour.

Traffic officers will continue to carry out Operation Close Pass daily in the area.

News in brief

Society rocks for Sophie The Rock and Metal Society have managed to raise a staggering £670 for the Sophie Lancaster Foundation.

The Foundation was founded following the murder of Sophie Lancaster, who alongside her boyfriend, was viciously attacked in a park by several teenage boys. Since then, the foundation founded in 2009, has sought “to campaign to have the UK Hate Crime legislation extended

to include people from alternative subcultures or Lifestyle and Dress.”

The charity has collaborated with brands such as Illamasqua and Propaganda, other charities such as the Anne Frank UK Trust and musicians such as Courtney Love, Goldblade, The Damned and The King Blues, just to name a few.

Alongside Alternative Promotions, the Rock and Metal Society spearheaded

SYP candidates

Fossil fuel gone

The candidates running to be Stirling’s next Member Scottish Youth Parliament have been announced.

Stirling’s two positions are contested between three candidates: Jamie McDiarmid, Ewan Dillon, and Lottie Hesp.

MSYPs are elected every two years and the results will be announced on March 29 between 4-6pm at Old Viewforth, Stirling Council’s Headquarters.

The students’ union has successfully lobbied the university to divest in fossil fuels.

This follows the news that some of the university’s investments were indirectly linked to fossil fuels.

Union President Astrid Smallenbroek and Environmental Development Coordinator Matt Woodthorpe convinced the university to pull the money from the investments.

the “Eradicate Hate” concert which was held at Audio in Glasgow. The event saw performances from Raised by Owls, Repulsive Vision, Bloodthread, Scumpulse and Asperger Memos.

Along with ticket sales and raffle tickets, an amazing £670 was raked in for the charity. The event was a great example of the difference that groups can make.

Bus fares rise Bus passengers in Stirling will have to pay more for their tickets as fares are set to rise by six percent.

Passengers who use the M ticket app will continue to pay the same price while those who buy tickets when they board the bus will pay more. The fare rise has been criticised by Stirling’s MP and MSP.

Elections

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Candidates “shocked” by surprise election result

Credit: Students Union

Harry Williamson Josh Martin News Editors

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n an unexpected result, the union will start the new term with an entirely fresh sabbatical team, after an unprecedented outcome at the union elections.

The election saw the highest turnout in eight years with 2635 students voting.

In a surprising turn of events two incumbent candidates, Sports President Caitlin Ormiston and VP Education Daniel Wright, were not re-elected to their positions.

Nelson Maxwell Acquah won a hotly contested presidential election, edging out runner-up Charlene Grigaitis-Schickler by 29 votes. When asked whether he expected to win, Acquah just laughed.

“I was just counting on the work I put in.”

“It is my hope that myself and the rest of the executives, uhhh, Sabbs will work and make the Union very attractive,” he said;

“thank you all and love you all.”

“I would congratulate all my competitors, they really made me do a lot.”

Acquah, who will be the first black Union President, managed to drum up a great deal of enthusiasm, in an election with a turnout of over a thousand more votes than the previous year and, unusually, more first years voting than any other year group.

One candidate, who did not wish to be named, said that while campaigning in accommodation, “everyone was going on about Nelson.”

“He was the only candidate I seen going through the library trying to gain support,” said first year student Thomas McHugh, “which to me shows true enthusiasm.”

“Everyone I talked to outside student politics voted Nelson,” said another student, “he really mobilised the postgrads.”

Third year Ewan McGregor said, “He had the best manifesto.”

When asked about sur-

prise defeat of two incumbents, Acquah said, “When you are really in the position you tend to tread on toes. I just feel bad for them, but I’m also optimistic about the new team… we’ll be up to do great things.”

Joshua Muirhead was elected to be the new Vice President Communities in a landslide victory, having 1006 votes and Fraser Raeburn having 690 votes. In an emotional and heartfelt speech, he vowed to fight for students and praised his opponent Fraser Raeburn for running a great campaign saying, “That boy is gold” and expressed his desire to work with Raeburn on the Communities Zone Executive Committee next year.

In an interview with Brig after the result Muirhead said he was “shocked and minorly horrified by the result but in a good way.”

He said he was looking forward to working with the new executive officer team.

“I'm also optimistic about the new team.”

On the topic of an entirely new sabbatical team Muirhead said; “we are in a very interesting scenario, we have a brand-new sabbatical team, which has been unheard of in the time that I’ve been here.

It’s been unheard of for quite a few years since four fresh faced sabbs will walk into office on the 1st June.”

Muirhead highlighted his concern about the elected candidate’s manifestos; “Those manifestos are militantly very different. From people who are very revolutionary in their aspects to the point of what are you even talking about, and to the point of you have nothing to say.”

When asked about his feelings about the year ahead Muirhead stated; “All I can say from this is

that I will fight for every student, and if other officers need someone to step in as their sabbatical officer, whether they be the equalities, education, sports or communities zone. I’ll say, you’re one of ours lets go. Communities is for all.”

Muirhead discussed the difficult times ahead, with the situation within NUS.

“I will fight for every student” Amy Smith achieved a victory over incumbent Vice President Education Daniel Wright, with her receiving 1040 votes compared to Daniel’s 777 votes. Speaking with Brig she said; “I am so shocked, this is such a surreal experience, I was not expecting it for one second.”

She praised her “amazing” campaign team and spoke about the “tough

competition” of running against a sitting sabbatical.

She praised Wright for his campaign during the elections; “Daniel did absolutely amazing.”

Smith said she was “absolutely ecstatic” about being the next VP Education; “this has been my one focus for weeks and weeks.”

A further sitting sabbatical was not re-elected, as Gill Thayne was elected, beating Sports President Caitlin Ormiston with 969 to 939. She said; “Overall I’m quite shocked, but I have had a fantastic time over the past two weeks.”

She praised Caitlin Ormiston and Simon Goodman’s campaigns, and said that she is excited to start repping Bleeding Green.

“I was not expecting it for one second.”

When asked if she was looking forward to being the next Sports President, she said she was “nervously excited.”

Union President Astrid Smallenbroek said; “Really pleased for all the candidates who got elected and wishing you all the best of luck.”

Current VP Communities Jamie Grant spoke about the result of the election; “I think the most important thing was that turnout was high, I think looking at turnout and making sure that we don’t get swept up as it is an emotional time and we focus that more students than we have had in years have come out to vote and make their voices heard and that has to be respected.”

“People want fresh vision and they want fresh ideas and I am excited to see where the union goes in the future.”

The new sabbatical officer team will take office on June 1.

Elections

5 Brig | Elections 2019

Voter turnout the highest in eight years

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ver one thousand more people voted in this year’s Students’ Union elections, with 2635 ballots cast.

The highest turnout since 2011 saw shock results across the board, with four new sabbatical officers elected.

The LGBTQ+ society registered the highest turnout amongst clubs and societies, while the political and media societies were not far behind.

This is unsurprising given that PolSoc president Fraser Raeburn was in the race for VP Communities,

and there was a candidate from Air3, AirTV and Brig running for Media Officer.

Similarly to last year, the sports teams that turned out in their droves were the ones that had affiliated candidates running in the sabbatical races.

Ninety-three women’s hockey members turned out to vote, a club that sports president-elect Gill Thayne is heavily involved in, while incumbent Caitlin Ormiston’s cricket team registered a 100% turnout for the second year in a row.

The Cheerleading and Dance clubs also cast over fifty votes each, which losing sabbatical candidates Charlene Gregaitis-Schickler and Fraser Raeburn are members of.

The sabbatical officers are all delighted with the voter turnout increase, although Daniel Wright and Caitlin Ormiston will undoubtedly be upset with the election results.

Sports president Caitlin Ormiston said that when you have worked in the role for a year, you care a lot about what happens the following year. “You want to make sure strong people

are in important positions and that students are having their say.”

VP Education Daniel Wright excitedly told Brig before the election: “The voter turnout increase is amazing, and it is testament not only to the amount and quality of the candidates, but also the work that the sabbatical officers and union staff have done to ensure that they are more visible to students.

VP Communities Jamie Grant said: “More candidates equals more votes, and this year we have made a real focus to get more people involved, reach out and

Students spill the tea Robbie Tinton, a third year student said: “I didn’t find it too shocking, as the people that voted in my circles voted for the candidates who won, particularly for Sports President and Media Officer. I’m in the rugby club who had a strong backing for Gill.”

Third year Psychology student Charlie Lochhead said: “I was pretty shocked by the results - I was really rooting for Gill Thayne for sports, but I was disappointed with the Union President result. I didn’t hear much about Nelson until a week ago. I thought it would be close between Charlene, Georgia and Ryan but you never can tell.”

Robyn McAlpine, a fourth year student said: “Sports was as expected

because my club, netball, backed Gill. I thought Georgia was going to get Union President. I think Nelson was like a dark horse that came from nowhere.”

First year student Cian Ireland said: “I wasn’t shocked about presidential results. I thought Nelson had a lot of support behind him. I’m very surprised by the VP Education result, and to have a whole new slate of sabbaticals will be very interesting.”

Ailsa Maloney, a fourth year Film and Media student said: “I was very

shocked for all of the results but particularly for VP Education, as Daniel Wright had strong educational points in his manifesto.”

Andrew Fleming, a fourth year Education and Spanish student said:

“I’m happy with the results but a bit shocked. I was a bit shocked by Sports President and VP Education because I expected the incumbents to win.”

Kerry Hunt, fourth year Education student said: “I was surprised that Joshua won by such a large margin. I thought it was going to be a lot closer. I wasn’t particularly fond of the campaigning of either of the [VP communities] candidates.”

explain to students what the union does.”

The sabbatical officers have done a fantastic job this year in increasing participation and engagement, but this needs to be built upon year on year.

The new cohort of sabbatical officers will have a lot of work on their hands on top of their normal workload come June 1, considering all four of them will be entirely new to the role.

Only time will tell if their combined inexperience will show in the new term.

ELECTION RESULTS Union President Nelson Acquah - 811

Charlene Grigatis Schikler782 Ryan Peterana- 387 Georgia Laverick- 279

Sports President Gill Thayne- 969 Caitlin Ormiston- 939 Simon Goodman- 334

VP Communities Joshua Muirhead- 1006 Fraser Raeburn- 690

VP Education Amy Smith- 1040 Daniel Wright- 777

Credit: Facebook

Sam Ormiston News Editor

News

6 Brig | Elections 2019

Rats, robbers and rogue landlords highlighted in national student accomodation survey Cameron Gray

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alf of all students struggle to afford rent payments, an annual national survey has found.

The financial strain of rent also has an impact on mental health, with 63% of students stating that this suffers as a result. A further 37% claimed that studying is negatively hurt by rent costs.

The National Student Accommodation Survey 2019 also discovered that a massive 90% of students experienced issues with housing.

Noisy housemates topped the top ten problems for students, followed by flatmates steeling food, dampness and a lack of heating and water.

Rodents and pests were also an issue for 16% of students, as were burgla-

ries (5%) and bed bugs (3%).

Staggeringly, less than half of all issues are sorted within a week and 1 in 10 students reportedly waited more than a month for the problems to be addressed, if at all.

Save the Student polled over 2000 students from across the country, including Scotland, which boasted the second lowest rent per week costs, with the average student spending £110.

A number of Stirling’s halls of residence are priced below the national and Scottish average, including H H Donnelly House, Muirhead House, Polwarth House, which start from £84 per week for the latter.

However, Andrew Stewart Hall, Juniper Court and Willow Court all exceeded the average student accommodation

costs, with Juniper’s studio flats charged at above the London average.

Yorkshire was crowned the cheapest place to live, with seven-day rent costs at £104.

Unsurprisingly, London was awarded the costliest for accommodation, where students have to fork out an average of £164 per week.

Overall, first years pay the most, with many opting to live in university halls, which charges £11 more each week than private halls.

Almost two thirds of student renters have to borrow money to cover costs.

The survey also found that parents provide a safety net to 46% of all students, with just over a third covering housing costs with an overdraft. A minority of students also turned to friends (29%), the university (6%), and

pay day loans (2%) to keep a roof over their head.

The survey also exposed that 1 in 3 students feel that their accommodation is poor value for money.

November is the most popular month for following year house hunting and only 8% of returning students look for accommodation after the spring semester ends in March.

Jake Butler, student money saving expert, said: “Scottish students certainly seem slightly happier than the rest of the UK about this student accommodation.

“However this isn’t by much. Despite it being cheaper 46% still struggle to keep up with their rent and 55% say their mental health suffers as a result of this.

“It also seems that issues with accommodation, both with other housemates and other land-

Credit: TheStudentRoom

lords, are just as common in Scotland.”

Butler also believes that universities should provide more information about tenants rights: “From what I hear from students themselves, there could be more information and education around rights when it comes to housing. A lot of students either don’t know the rules

or feel that they aren’t equipped to fight a landlord over a potential issue.

“Rent is the largest cost for most students and therefore I feel like something needs to be done to create an easier way for them to report and resolve issues.”

Current Housing Officer and VP Communitieselect, Josh Muirhead said:

“If anything, the results reinforce that many of the problems students face in Stirling are echoed nationwide.

“We need more cooperation between uni accommodation, private landlords, and local politicians to get a fairer deal for students.”

Scottish Highlands & Islands tours from Stirling University, incl. Easter Shetland & Orkney Islands nature, wildlife, pre-historic sites, stunning beaches, walks & seabird cliffs.

Weekend tours to Mull, Iona & the Westcoast & upcoming Hebridean 12 island hopping tour, incl. Harris & Lewis.

A tour to Islay & Jura and a lot more –www.unicorntours.co.uk – contact@unicorntravel.co.uk

7 Brig | Elections 2019

Careers

AUNT EM-PLOYABILITY

HERE TO ANSWER ALL YOUR CAREER QUESTIONS

It’s a busy time of year with assignment deadlines, dissertations, exams on the horizon and just general stress all round.

It is hard to think of anything else at the moment but for many of you this is your final year and we’ve been getting lots of questions about life beyond University.

What if I don’t know what I want to do?

You’re not alone! Many graduating students leave University without a clear idea of what they want to do. Students’ career ideas can change completely during their time at University and the experiences they have had during their degree have shaped their goals and ambitions.

It’s OK not to know and sometimes even those with a clear career plan find this changes once they get put into the ‘real world’. The Careers and Employability

Service is a service for life so you can still access careers information, advice and guidance once you’ve graduated. Make sure you register with TargetConnect as a graduate and you’ll be able to see graduate vacancies, book a careers appointment with a Consultant and book a space on any of the career workshops or events.

There is also a Know before you go event on 23rd April which will give you a chance to get yourself career ready before you leave. We’ll have sessions on LinkedIn, Graduate Interviews and Assessment Centres so book your place on TargetConnect and make sure you’re prepared for life after University.

What if I don’t get a graduate job?!

First of all don’t panic!

It can sometimes feel like everyone else is getting a graduate job except you but that is just not the case. Many graduates don’t get a job straight away.

If you are struggling to find a graduate role, then stay positive and make the most of your time while you’re job hunting. Think about what you can do to add to your skills and experience and make you

ate position comes up.

You won’t necessarily find the perfect graduate role once you finish University, but by focussing on the employers you’d love to work for, you might open up opportunities for your-

out from the crowd. Recent surveys have shown between 50 and 60% of jobs are not advertised so by applying speculatively and networking effectively you stand a much better chance of finding a job.

Credit: University of Stirling

more employable. You could undertake some voluntary work, work experience or travel to gain experience. Identify organisations that you would really like to work for and consider taking an alternative position with them in order to be in the right place when a gradu-

self you haven’t previously thought of.

Apply speculatively for jobs and network. Don’t wait for the perfect role to be advertised. If you send your CV with a tailored covering letter to companies you would like to work for, you might just be the one who stands

Make sure you ask for feedback from employers if you’ve been unsuccessful. You might not always feel comfortable doing this, but sometimes it is the best way to learn. If you can get some advice on how you can improve your application or interview then you’ll be much

better prepared for any future opportunities.

None of these guarantee a job, but they will definitely increase your chances.

Make networking work ‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know’ is very true sometimes. Opportunities can arise through conversations and meetings that you maybe didn’t expect. Make sure your LinkedIn profile looks professional and is up-to-date and then link up with employers and fellow graduates to find out about jobs when they come up. If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile there is an online course through Lynda.com on the portal which will help. Join The Stirling Network - a great way to link with staff, students and Alumni from The University of Stirling https://thestirlingnetwork.com Does the University know if I get a job once I’ve graduated?

Nearly 97% of gradu-

The Graduate Outcomes survey... contacts graduates 15 months after graduation by email or phone to learn about your activities and views Find out more www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk

ates from the University of Stirling are in employment or further study 6 months after graduating.

We know this because of a survey conducted by phone/online to ask recent graduates what they are doing. There are a few changes taking place which mean the Graduate Outcomes Survey will be carried out 15 months after graduating, so anyone graduating in June this year will be contacted in September 2020. Make sure you respond to the survey when it comes out so we have an accurate picture of the destinations of our graduates and we can show off all the amazing things you’re doing!

If you would like to contact me with any career questions or concerns then just email me on emma.hill@ stir.ac.uk

Politics

8 Brig | Elections 2019

EXCLUSIVE: Alastair Carmichael believes that The Independent Group could end “two-party politics” Fraser Kelly Political Editor

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hief Whip of the Liberal Democrats, Alastair Carmichael, believes there is potential for the newly formed Independent Group and the Liberal Democrats to work together in order to bring an end to “two-party politics in the House of Commons.”

Seven Labour and three Conservative MPs spilt from their parties to form the Independent Group (TIG). A new centrist party vehemently opposed to Brexit.

The Conservative MPs cited growing concerns over the party shifting ever-more to the right, while Labour MPs had an issue with the presence of alleged anti-Semitism within their party.

All eleven MPs were unified under their concern over how Brexit had been handled in their respective parties. In the days following, there was speculation over how TIG would do, operating as a centrist party along with the Liberal Democrats.

Brig spoke to Carmichael, to get his views on the newly formed Independent Group and what this meant for the future of his party.

The Orkney and Shetland MP feels that the mood within Westminster in regard to TIG “varies depending on to where you sit on the political spectrum.”

“I’m a Liberal Democrat, so I think it is potentially a signifi-

cant opportunity, a moment where you might see the sort of disruption to a UK party politics that is essentially good and positive.”

Carmichael feels that “everything in politics either comes as an opportunity or a threat” and that Westminster is beginning to see the impact that TIG will have on British politics.

He believes Corbyn and his party have been “quite shaken up by the fact that these MPs are prepared to walk away from the Labour party.

“It’s an open secret in

Westminster that there is a significant number of other MPs that could yet move in a bigger organised group than we’ve seen so far. It’s an exciting opportunity.”

Sir Vince Cable, leader of the Liberal Demo-

crats, stated in an interview that it would be “very damaging” for two centrist parties to compete in the same electoral space and that the party is “looking at joining with them, rather than joining them.”

Media have speculated that TIG and the Liberal Democrats could potentially merge, but Carmichael does not feel either party should rush into anything at the moment.

“If they want to define themselves then we see the opportunities for working but merger is a different thing and I would be cautious about talking about

that at this stage.

“You’ve got a small but growing number of people who are obviously seeking the same end game, which is a disruption of the twoparty politics in the House of Commons, for which we could make a common

cause.”

He is keen to develop a “welcoming relationship” with TIG and that the group contains “people who I can agree with on a lot of issues” but insists that it “doesn’t necessarily mean they are liberal.”

A recent Opinium poll found that 5% of respondents said that if there was a general election soon, then they would vote for TIG. In the same poll, 7% said the would vote for the Liberal Democrats.

The Independent Group became the fourth largest political party, overtaking the

Liberal Democrats and the Democratic Unionist Party.

When questioned about why none of TIG defected to the Lib Dems, he said: “They would not want to join the Liberal Democrats if they don’t identify as liberals, I wouldn’t expect

them to, I wouldn’t want them to.

“It’s possible in politics to get to a same point by a different route and if you do get to that same point, then it makes sense to work together collaboratively. In that way, you manage to bring more people with you.

“It makes sense to collaborate and to co-operate where you agree, but I think for every political party it is important that you have your own philosophical core and your own first principles that you can work from.”

Carmichael believes it is likely there will be more resignations.

“I talk a lot to Labour MPs about this at the moment, I’m not going to name any names, but I know that there are people who were thinking about moving when the Independent Group split but didn’t.”

He insists MPs are still considering leaving, due to the “disruption within the Labour party, and possibly the Conservatives” being an “ongoing process.”

The Chief Whip thinks that Labour, the Conservatives, and even the SNP, are all “coalitions under a single umbrella.”

“If you look at the way the Conservative party is working at the moment, they have parties within the party.”

With so many voters, and politicians, fed up with both Labour and the Conservatives, I asked Carmichael for his thoughts on how the Liberal Democrats can capitalise on the dissatisfaction

Credit: Press and Journal

towards the two leading political parties.

“What we have to do is not rocket science but it’s not easy either, you just have to put a distinctive and liberal message out there and one that is relevant to the debate that we are immersed in at the moment.

“Principally at the moment that is Brexit, but Brexit is not going to with us as a political topic forever.”

Carmichael wants the Liberal Democrats to focus on providing a great public service, in particular, edu-

cation.

“Take education, which I guess will be the main interests for the people who read your newspaper.

“As somebody who came from a fairly modest background myself, my parents are hill farmers, higher education has given me opportunities in life that were not given to previous generations of my family and which I would want to pass on to my children.”

Council allocates £50,000 to volunteering initiative Ryan Barclay Political Editor

S

tirling Council has allocated £50,000 of funds to volunteering initiatives.

The funds will be used to support a year-long Festival of Volunteering.

The move follows Stirling’s bid to be “European Volunteering Capital 2020” which was backed by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and 140 organisations. The title was however was awarded to Pa-

voda, Italy. Yet, volunteering in Stirling has increased by 7% compared to last year Despite the setback, the council has reaffirmed its intention along with Volunteer Scotland and Stirlingshire Voluntary Enterprise to make a festival of volunteering which will continue throughout 2020. Convener of the Community Planning and Regeneration Committee, Councillor Chris

Kane said the funding was evidence of a “continued commitment” to volunteering and that the festival would be a “special” event in 2020.

Councillor Kane also added that “the journey to make Stirling a centre of excellence for volunteering is well underway” Stirling council leader Scott Farmer described the bid for Stirling to be European Volunteering Capital as “hugely positive” and that there is “re-

merkable” levels of volunteering in Stirling Framer also added that “39 per cent of people are giving up their time to help others, more than 10 per cent above the national average in Scotland” A spokesperson for the university’s Volunteering Society said: “We believe more funding for volunteering in Stirling is fantastic not only will it help the various volunteering clubs around the area , but it will allow the com-

munity to thrive since we volunteers will be able to offer more help with the various events taking place in the city”.

The idea behind the poject is to incraese the percentage of volunteers to 50% “with the wider aim of inspiring communities across Scotland.”

Stirling serves 93,750 residents and the council is committed to making Stirling a place of cultural and economic power.

Credit: Stirling Council

9 Brig | Elections 2019

Politics

Happy birthday, Holyrood: MSPs reflect on 20 years of the Scottish Parliament Ryan Barclay Political Editor

T

his year marks the 20th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament.

To celebrate the occasion Brig spoke to some MSPs about their time in the Scottish Parliament.

Murdo Fraser, the Scottish Conservative spokesperson for Finance and MSP for the Mid Scotland and Fife region said that since the creation of the Scottish Parliament, devolution has been “entrenched and enhanced” and it has become “much stronger” than when it was first opened in 1999.

Fraser added: “I believe that devolution is here to stay, with a strong, successful Scottish Parliament part of the United Kingdom, reflecting a constitutional arrangement that has majority support from the Scottish people.”

Fraser also recounted that the biggest regret he has in the double decade of the Scottish Parliament is “an undue focus on constinual issues” which he argues has left many other areas

of policy without “the attention they deserve.”

Christine Grahame SNP MSP for Midlothian South, Tweeddale and Lauderdale has been an MSP since 1999 and currently holds one of the Deputy Presiding Officer positions in the Scottish Parliament.

Grahame said that the Scottish Parliament “has grown into a voice for Scotland” Grahame recalled the opening: “1999 and the paint smells fresh and the desks and the MSPs are brand new. Mail is delivered in elastic bound bundles four times a day.

Brochures come by the bagful. E-mails are rare, the fax is the most technological gadget.

“20 years on, there is only the odd letter delivered by mail, nearly everyone has an e-mail address, the fax machine is obsolete. Few brochures. Politicians use Twitter and Facebook to communicate with constituents. Many Acts of Parliament have been passed. Some radical like Free Personal Care, oth-

ers best left, and probably gathering dust, on the shelf. Abolition of Warrant Sales, Prescription Charges the making of Police Scotland. These and many more policies distinguish Scotland from its neighbour England. Two

Referenda and Scotland’s Independence still on the agenda as 62 % Scots voted Remain and Brexit looms. This Parliament has grown into a voice for Scotland.”

Mark Ruskell, a Scottish Green MSP , was first

elected as a MSP between 2003-2007 and was reelected at the 2016 election to represent the Mid Scotland and Fife region said that devolution is not a “fixed” process.

Ruskell also added that in his view Holyrood has

“worked best” when the government of the day has no majority because “it has allowed ordinary people to have their say too”.

Ruskell exemplified this through the 2009 Climate change Bill that went through the Scottish Par-

liament because it was a cross party effort and in 2019 an updated version will come before the Scottish Parliament which he hopes will improve on the current bill.

Money talks: the think tanks that are paying for politics Fraser Kelly Political Editor

I

n Vice, Adam McKay’s film about former Vice President and walking heart-attack Dick Cheney, there are multiple scenes illustrating the influence external powers had over George W. Bush’s Presidency.

This left me with two thoughts: one, Cheney held far too much authority and two, just how much power do external organisations have over our politics here in Britain? It recalled a scandal involving the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), one of the leading right-wing think tanks located in the UK. The director of the IEA was secretly recorded telling an undercover reporter that people who offered the

think tank substantial funding, could get to know ministers on a first-name basis and that the organisation was in “the Brexit influencing game.” A big-cheque could get you a lunch-date with Boris Johnson or Michael Gove.

The director also described how potential research funders could shape the content of final reports, and that research conclusions would always support capitalist and corporate interests.

Think tanks help to bring about policy in British politics. Here was one of the most influential economic think tanks in the UK, stating that they could essentially manipulate certain parts of reports in order to help it fit their funders’ ideological perspective.

Globally, one of the most powerful industries is tobacco. Regulation might

have forced shiny packaging to be replaced with pictures of a deep-fried lung, but they have continued to operate in the shadows.

They give significant amounts of money to think tanks and in turn, think tanks do their best to influence politicians to prevent passing any legislation that would be detrimental to the smoking industry.

Take the Adam Smith Institute, an organisation that describes itself as an “independent, non-profit and non-partisan” think tank that works “to promote neoliberal and free market ideas through research.” They have regularly received substantial amounts of money from the tobacco industry, and repeatedly lobbied against anti-smoking policies.

Think tanks claim to be free-thinking, non-partisan organisations who promote

liberal ideas to better our societies and all that patter. In reality, they regularly take money from corporations, then do their best to have legislation passed that would inflate those businesses.

But we don’t know where all the money comes from.

Transparify, an organisation that looks at the transparency of think tanks in the UK, found that in 2017, seven deceptive think tanks in Britain were “fuelled by over £22 million of dark money.”

These are organisations that aim to shape public debates and influence politics in the country, yet some are largely funded by money that comes from behind closed doors. Mystery money that comes from people whose intentions are completely unknown to us.

It’s not just in Britain that think tanks have an influence over public debate, and

influence both politics and policies.

One major problem in the US is research that promotes climate change scepticism, or outright denial being funded by right-wing think tanks that have ties to major corporations.

This research is then freely cited by climate change de-

nialist nutters, like alphamale Alex Jones, as well as leading Republican politicians with ties to the same corporations they are helping, by preventing any environmental regulation being passed.

Think tanks are allowed to undermine academic experts and promote ridicu-

lous free-market ideology.

It is important that we hold them to account and realise that there are organisations not necessarily in the public eye that shape our politics.

Mark Greenwood was at the centre of the IEA scandal. Credit: New Stasesman

Comment

10 Brig | Elections 2019

THIS TIME, THE PUB NEEDS YOU EDDIE BOYD

‘Millennials’ is a widely misused term that seems to encapsulate everyone born after 1980, and if headlines are to be believed, we are killing many of the older generations much loved institutions, values and very way of life. Some of my favourites are the vicious murder of mayonnaise, Hooters and even sex itself.

However, some traditions deserve to be held onto.

Not because of mere nostalgia but because they offer a genuine service that benefits the community.

One such institution is the local pub. A staple of British culture, or in the words of William Blake “A good local pub has much in common with a church, except that a pub is warmer, and there’s more conversation.”

The motivation for this article comes from the deflated feeling that so many of the “Pubs” in Stirling give me. The corporate

and cheap feeling of so many of the establishments, contrasts the very way in which Stirling tries to portray itself; local, genuine and authentic.

The pub has famously been at the heart of small towns around Scotland, quite literally, for hundreds of years. Its very name an abbreviation for Public House, a label I think sums up how one should feel in such an establishment; at home with the public.

The images of such a place come to me in a wistful montage of fire places, glass clinks, imperfect singing, spilled beer and unflattering yet wholesome cackles. They have traditionally been a place of conversation, escapism and fundamentally – community.

Such establishments have served as perhaps the most important socialising spots for locals and students alike, in our own individual quests for meaning, love, justice and

sometimes, just beer.

It is the slow death of this hearty independent institution, which brought the following to attention. I believe the ‘corporatisation’ of such establishments to be immoral, even damaging towards conversational discourse and community – where the number of televisions and ‘meal deals’ are given more weight than character or people.

A monopoly has been emerging in Stirling’s Pub scene over time, like all of Scotland.

Wetherspoons is an easy target, with its forceful marketing and “ubiquitous soullessness”, advertising the use of smartphones to order food and drink to the table. Such services only increase the barriers to socialisation rather than the opposite; such as a micro-pub in Kent which has collected over £20,000 in fines for punters using their phone in the pub.

That said, Wetherspoons

is not the main culprit in Stirling. Greene King own five of the drinking establishments in Stirling including; Molly Malones, Cold Beer Company (Morrisons), No.2 Baker Street, Corn Exchange and City Walls.

It’s not that any of these establishments are inherently bad, but their lack of soul detaches me to whatever atmosphere they are trying to push.

It is the undoubtedly humanistic nature of the locally owned pub that I – along with so many others – love and cherish.

Research from Oxford University published in 2016, showed that people with a good pub close to them are “significantly” happier. They have more friends, better life satisfaction, and are more likely to drink in “moderation”.

You do not need a Marxist to heed the warnings of monopolisation. In fact, it is the free market that allows us, the con-

Credit: TripAdvisor

sumers, to vote with our purse.

One simple way we can exercise our values is to fulfil what is now a boring axiom – buy local.

We as consumers must be more aware of the effects our consumption has on the world around us.

However, not all is doom and gloom. There is a pub revolution occurring around the UK. Organisations such as the non-

profit ‘Pub is the Hub’ are helping individuals and communities claim back their local gems. This is not a call to start-up your own pub just yet, but simply to be aware of how you spend your pennies and how that impacts local business.

Take your light student pockets to the Settle-Inn for some traditional music on a Wednesday, taste some of Scotland’s finest malts over a game of

chess in the Curly Coo or challenge your flatmates to a Sunday night quiz in Nicky-tams.

There are a handful of great pubs run by great people in our small student town. Let us show them that we do value local business for local people, all whilst numbing the cold loneliness of exam season with even colder beer to warm your soul.

STIRLING’S GOT A CONFESSION, A SECRET OBSESSION

Credit: INTHEBLACK

NATHALIE HOLLEDE The youth of Stirling seems to love sharing their embarrassing and heated stories.

But, where it is starting to get out of hand is the anonymity raking in sexually harassing and rude comments directed towards the hosts of the confession accounts, and fellow students.

Confessions are meant to be about oneself, but the majority seem to be aimed at outing and shaming others anonymously.

The anonymous hosts of both confession accounts, StirFess and UoS Confessions, say that this is not the goal at all – although UoS adds it’s all for a good laugh anyway.

No confessions with names have been posted as far as we can see, so the hosts do have it under considerable control. However, these ac-

counts seem to be causing drama rather than bringing people together for a laugh, so Brig decided to see if we could get in touch with the hosts of the Instagram pages: StirFess, and UoS Confessions.

The University deeply encourages students not to do, say, or write things regarding another person without their explicit permission, and to stay far away from harassing and insensitive language, but there seems to be no stopping the ‘patter’ at the University of Stirling – this could become a problem.

Controversies have started between StirFess and UoS – the normal attempt to reveal the identities of the anonymous hosts, along with plenty of less innocent ones. Problems intensified when a few

people who knew the identities of the hosts revealed that UoS might be English, and StirFess was definitely Scottish. People began taking sides.

Submissions rolled into StirFess’s account calling UoS names such as a “fat Tory c*”. StirFess arguably should not have posted these. The issue has never fully been resolved, either by the union or on StirFess’ radio show, “Sorry Mum”, where she does discuss the confessions every week.

While waiting for the storm of England vs Scotland to subside, another issue presented itself: sexual harassment. Comments escalated from nationalism to inappropriate comments on StirFess’s body, and submissions comparing StirFess and a certain girls’ sports team members’ backsides to those of America’s most famous Armenian family.

Others began making harassing comments, saying they watch girls emerge from their gym practice, confessing they would love to “make them sweat”, amongst other things.

Both hosts say their purpose is to provide an open, sharing and caring platform to form unity, but it seems to be attracting far too many trolls – can this be expected, or even accepted?

The union’s code is being broken regularly by these anonymous people – is this really the kind of social atmosphere we want here at Stirling?

Following both StirFess and UoS Confessions’ accounts on Instagram for a while to get an overview of the vibes, Brig finds that there are similarities in their goals, but that their accounts are very different.

What certainly does set the accounts at two ends of a spectrum, is the partiality of the hosts. StirFess seems to be taking a more open and inclusive approach to the confessions, staying impartial unless they involve scandals, profanity, or sexual harassment, for example.

Speaking to StirFess, she says “Sorry Mum” is where she can address issues like this, and set the tone for the platform, hoping to

avoid such issues.

They both deny the alleged rivalry, and claim to not care about the drama of which account is better.

StirFess says she would describe her page as “an original idea” with an intention to give “genuine advice in the radio show”, and really show the authenticity of the submissions by discussing them.

However, confessions rolling in make it seem like the public is taking sides for the hosts, and the hosts are beginning to post their own confessions and opinions here and there.

UoS posts her opinions in response to some of the confessions more often than not – especially personal ones.

UoS Confessions said how they based the idea on international universities confession pages.

They will also sometimes share their own opinion or confessions for a “good laugh”.

They appear more casual and unregulated than StirFess in some aspects, but in others, like teasing with revealing host identity, UoS is more secretive.

UoS claims that they started their account first, and of course StirFess claims the same, and although StirFess responded spitefully to UoS outing her identity, which very well could have sabotaged her project, there seems to be no hard feelings between the two.

The hosts of such accounts should be uninvolved – the only job they have is to control the drama, but if they cannot, can the Union even step in?

StirFess has responsibility and security measures by involving herself in the account more, and creating her radio show affiliated with Air3.

UoS seems more free, stating in their Instagram bio that they are unaffiliated with the University of Stirling despite their give-away name.

However, the University technically cannot interfere with the confessions accounts, which is dangerous in case of cyber bullying, privacy infringement, and threats of harm to self or others emerge from the confessions.

Just as we thought this

would not be taken any further, another confession-type account was created, mere days before this article was written.

Stir.Filmed is an account that accepts videos of students and their drunk friends, which seems innocent enough, but does not bode well considering the tone of submissions to the other two confessions accounts.

Upon reaching out to Stir.

Filmed on Instagram, attempting to get an interview, asking if they were associated with the two confessions accounts at all, the response was “Get sending in some videos”.

It doesn’t seem like we, the students, are mature enough to make StirFess and UoS Confessions’ visions for their accounts a reality just yet, but the hosts are definitely on the right track to reaching that goal.

StirFess goes on Air3Radio.com on Tuesdays from 9-11pm with her show “Sorry Mum”, and you can listen and laugh, or listen and learn.

Music

1 Brig | March Culture

LIVE REVIEW: TWENTY ONE PILOTS @ THE SSE HYDRO, GLASGOW JAMIE HARRIS MUSIC EDITOR

Q

ueuing for hours, some since 6pm the night before, thousands of Twenty One Pilots fans eagerly waited outside The SSE Hydro donned in camo and yellow (the signature colours of the Trench album campaign).

Was the show worth the

wait? Yes, yes it was. And it really cemented their prestige as one of the best live acts in the world and proved how worthy they are to headline festivals around the world this summer, including Reading and Leeds.

Launching the show with the dramatic dropping of a black curtain that was cloaking the stage, Josh Dun and Tyler Joseph burst onto the stage to perform the opening tracks from

their latest album, ‘Jumpsuit’ and ‘Levitate’, complete with a flaming torch, and a burning car.

The extravagance of the band’s first arena tour didn’t stop there, though.

Confetti cannons, crowd surfing drum kits, and even a bridge lowered from the ceiling over the heads of the standing crowd to an intimate B Stage were all memorable bursts of excitement in what was an

Credit: Jamie Harris

upcoming album releases MAVERICK SABRE - WHEN I WAKE UP (22 MARCH) LANA DEL RAY -NORMAN F*****G ROCKWELL (29 MARCH) BILLIE EILISH - WHEN WE ALL FALL A SLEEP WHERE DO WE GO (29 MARCH) KHALID - FREE SPIRIT (5 APRIL) THE CHEMICAL BROTHERS - NO GEOGRAPHY (12 APRIL) CATFISH & THE BOTTLEMEN - THE BALANCE (26 APRIL) MARINA - LOVE + FEAR (26 APRIL) VAMPIRE WEEKEND - FATHER OF THE BRIDE (3 MAY)

emotional rollercoaster of a concert.

Tyler Joseph is renowned for writing stirring lyrics about his own struggles with mental health. This, of course, resulted in some tearful moments in the audience, particularly for the tracks ‘Neon Gravestones’ (which was performed on the B Stage at the back of the arena surrounded by a sea of waving torches from peoples’ phones that always looks magical) and the final song of the set ‘Trees’.

The real joy of this concert is the diversity of their musical style, meaning that it went from moments like that to Tyler Joseph getting the whole standing crowd to crouch down low before launching into raging frenetic dancing for the reggae-infused ‘Lane Boy’.

The crowd also got dancing and singing along to some of their other big hits like ‘Heathens’ and

‘Stressed Out’.

There were more fun moments like this, such as when he got the security staff around the stage to dance for the cameras and when he really made the most of the space available in the arena and would appear midway through a couple of tracks in amongst the seated crowd higher up in the arena.

It’s moments like this, as well as all of the epic sing-alongs and a pretty unsuccessful attempt at The Quiet Game, that show how they are masters at audience participation.

On stage for two hours, Twenty One Pilots delivered one of the most immersive and emotional live experiences I’ve ever witnessed.

If you’re ever lucky enough to witness them perform live, you will not be disappointed!

Credit: Jamie Harris

5 out of 5

ALBUM REVIEW: JESSICA PRATT - QUIET SIGNS ANNE STOOP MUSIC EDITOR

I

magine yourself walking through an enchanted forest; flowers blooming, hazy daylight peeking through a thick ceiling of trees. A soft breeze caressing your cheeks.

Suddenly the trees lead you into an open field, fairies float around blowing you kisses, whilst wildflowers whisper their compliments.

This is what Jessica Pratt’s third album; Quiet Signs will give you – an absolute day dream.

When stumbling upon her much anticipated and applauded third album, I had no idea who Jessica Pratt was, or what would happened when I would hit play. A high, almost childlike voice filled my speakers, leaving me in an abrupt state of utmost relaxation. The lyrics are inaudible, while words oc-

casionally does spark some resemblance to the English language – in general Pratt sings in a whimsical language. Pair this with acoustic guitars and pan flutes, and any soul will enter a psychedelic, almost hallucinatory, spiritual state of mind. Making Pratt the most legal and pleasurable narcotic there ever was.

The American singerssongwriter, now in her early thirties, released her first self-titled album back in 2011, after Tim Presley heard demos of Pratt’s songs on Facebook. In 2015 her second album On Your Own Love Again, generated more attention making her a folk artist to look out for.

Pratt decided to record her latest record in a studio for the first time in her career. Previously, the singer recorded her songs in the comfort of her own house.

Giving her the privacy she

needed to make her music.

The singer confided that the switch to the studio had caused her true anxiety since she feared the new, more polished sound could take away from the hazelike mood of her records.

None of this could be further from the truth.

More than anything, the studio managed to bring out Pratt’s unique voice and music style even more than in the past. Creating a warm, intimate record that manages to elevate her songs to a new level of professionalism and true art.

Throughout the album, it is hard not to compare any song to either a season, or an intrinsic feeling. While ‘As the World Turns’ brings immediate visions of sunny autumn days to mind, ‘Poly Blue’ begs for a summer afternoon lounging around in green meadows.

But for those who ap-

preciate a wallow or two on a rainy day, Quiet Signs offers you ‘Silent Song’, a slight majeure in-between the sunshine filled tracks.

Giving you a complete album, by an artist who truly has managed to master her unique talent and sound.

Credit: stereogum

The nine-track album takes you on a whimsical tour of the brightest corners of your imaginations, making Jessica Pratt a must have on anyone’s playlist.

4 OUT OF 5

Music

2 Brig | March Culture

BRIG’s FAVOURITE ALBUM TRACKS W e all have our favourite songs.

Whether it’s because of sentimental attachments or just being out right bops, everyone has different reasons for loving different tracks.

But, sometimes some of the best songs never actually see the light of day in getting a music video or getting radio airplay because they are left as album tracks and never get released as singles.

In this age where everyone’s tracks are available on streaming services, this is becoming increasingly common.

Therefore, some of Brig’s writers have suggestions for you on some of the best tracks you should check out that you may not have heard before.

Peter Stewart’s recommendation: Oasis – ‘Acquiesce’

It is essentially two songs meshed into a five-minute track, featuring the interesting lyrical juxtaposition of her giving the middle finger to a former lover and then finding love with somebody else. Mix that with the bouncing synth throughout and this track really laid the groundwork for the R&B influenced music she’s been releasing since.

I’m going to twist it a bit and go for a B-side that should have been the single! ‘Acquiesce’ is one of the greatest Oasis songs with arguably the greatest Oasis chorus. It has the perfect balance of Liam-Noel vocals and a banging riff that was even better played live. There are instances aplenty of the Gallagher trademark vowel indulgence (aliiiive, insiiide, shiiiine) and it taught millions the meaning of the word ‘acquiesce’!

Jamie Harris’s recommendation:

Archie Veitch’s recommendation:

Anne stoop’s recommendation: System of a Down – SZA- Julia ‘Suite-Pee’ In all fairness, anything

Credit: NME

First impressions are important, especially when it comes to the first song on your band’s debut album.

It’s fortunate then that ‘Suite-Pee’, the first song from System of a Down’s self-titled first offering is a tour de force. The song is personally important to me as it was one of the first System songs I heard and while the intensity of the vocals and incredibly

Ariana Grande – ‘Knew Better/ Forever Boy’ For all the hype surrounding her multiple number one singles, this intoxicating hybrid of a track has criminally languished as a bonus track on the deluxe edition of her third studio album Dangerous Woman.

heavy tone of the music were shocking to me at first, they kept me coming back for more until System became one of my favourite bands, forming a key part of the soundtrack to my angsty teenage years. All these reasons are why I think ‘Suite-Pee’ would be perfectly suited to a single release as a great introduction to one of the best bands of all time.

Credit: Atwood Magazine

SZA creates should be a single or a recommandation, period. However, ‘Julia’ is something a little extra special. Featured on her EP Z, the song symbolizes everything SZA stands for.

She’s cool, she’s sexy and she’s hazy. ‘Julia’ manages to capture that sound in every single way. Making it an must listen, while it never got the attention it deserves.

Scandi artists to add to your playlist Laleh CHARLOTTA LUNDAHL

Credit: thecurrent.org

B

eing born and raised in Sweden, Brig writer Charlotta Lundahl is a true expert on everything scandi. We asked the international student to give us a low down of all what the north of Europe has to offer music wise. Here are the artists that made the cut. From sister act First Aid Kit to the ever so charmng, The Tallest Man On Earth.

Annika Norlin: Hello Saferide & Säkert!

First Aid Kit This duo consists of the sisters Johanna and Klara Söderberg, who with their brilliant voices have created fantastic country/folk/indie goodness for the last 7 years. They frequently tour Europe and if you have a chance to see them live, go for it. You won’t regret it.

Single recommendation: ‘Blue’

Two different bands, the same artist.

Säkert! sings mostly in Swedish, but branch out to english in the album Säkert!

På Engelska, which is worth a listen for those who cares first and foremost about lyrics.

I have played the album The Hunter, The Fox and Hello Saferide on repeat since its release in 2014.

I can not think of an album I have ever loved more than this.

It consists of brilliant songs such as ‘Last Night Bus’, ‘The Swimmer’ and ‘Raspberry Lips’.

Single recommendation: ‘I Forgot About Songs’

Marit Bergman

When I was around 11/12 years old, my family and a friend went on a road trip to Norway.

Bergman’s album I Think it’s a Rainbow got stuck in the Citroën’s CD player after just a few miles covered, with no better alternatives played on the radio.

So, we ended up playing the album, on repeat, to Trondheim and back.

Somewhere along the border, we all sang along to the lyrics we had learned so well, and since then ‘I Have No Party To Go To’ has been an important song in my family.

And I still think it’s a fantastic song, which I believe is a good sign.

Single recommendation: ‘I Have No Party To Go To’

The Tallest Man on Earth

A boy I liked when I was 16 recommended this artist to me. Despite us not working out, I can not help but to smile a little when I see this artist’s name popping up on Spotify. Although it is very 2010-indie, it is still a good compliment to modern pop songs.

Single recommendation: ‘Love is All’

Iranian-Swedish musician, songwriter, producer and actress has been producing music since 2005.

Her album Me and Simon from 2009 has influenced my taste in music as it was always played on repeat during family road trips as a child.

Single Recommendation: ‘Simon Says’ Credit: mxdwn music

Gig Listings George Ezra @ The SSE Hydro, Glasgow – 15 March dodie @ Barrowland, Glasgow – 15 March Nicki Minaj @ The SSE Hydro, Glasgow – 17 March The Japanese House @ The Caves, Edinburgh – 18 March Alice Merton @ King Tut’s, Glasgow – 22 March Busted @ The SSE Hydro, Glasgow – 23 March Grace Carter @ The Blue Arrow, Glasgow – 25 March ALMA @ SWG3, Glasgow – 31 March Shawn Mendes @ The SSE Hydro, Glasgow – 6 April DMA’s @ Usher Hall, Edinburgh – 9 April Nina Nesbitt @ SWG3, Glasgow – 10 April Dave @ O2 Academy, Glasgow – 12 April Circa Waves @ Barrowland, Glasgow – 18 April TOM WALKER @ BARROWLAND, GLASGOW - 26 April Loyle Carner @ The Caves, Edinburgh – 28 April MARINA @ O2 Academy, Glasgow – 30 April

Film & TV

3 Brig | March Culture

film review: CAPTAIN MArvel struggles to take off HH★II

B

Macrob slashes big-screeN prices

CAMERON GRAY FILM & TV EDITOR

rie Larson soars as fighter pilot Carol Danvers turned godly superbeing in Marvel’s first female-fronted film, which is sadly grounded by an uninspired script copiedand-pasted from the early superhero template.

Borrowing heavily from Thor and the Wolverine movies, Larson’s amnesiasuffering alien warrior ‘Vers’ crash lands on Earth after a battle with shape-shifting Skrull baddies. Isolated from her team of extra-terrestrial commandos, she’s perused to Earth by the pointy-eared Skrulls, who are after an energy core developed by Dr Wendy Lawson (Annette Benning), a shadowy figure who haunts Veers’ dreams.

Samuel L. Jackson returns as a digitally de-aged Nick Fury, intercepting Danvers at a Blockbuster with a Larson-shaped hole in the ceiling, and the two partner-up

for a buddy comedy to track down Lawson and piece together her past.

Over the course of 21 films, Marvel has developed a shorthand with its audience, which Captain Marvel wholly exploits in an exposition laden opening. Zipping through the Kree-Skull conflict, Veers’ inability to control her rainbow-coloured power set, and her relationship with Kree mentor and marshal, Yon Rogg, captured with suffocating intensity by Jude Law. It isn’t until Fury’s entrance, with a nineties cop show cool swagger replacing the familiar, tormented Agent of S.H.I.E.L.D, that the film radiates that trademark Marvel warmth, helped

by Jackson and Larson’s bickering banter.

But the decision to structure the plot around a mystery already solved in the trailer is odd. Even the smart casting of Holly-

wood’s favourite bad guy, Star Wars Rouge One’s Ben Mendleson, as the chief-Skrull (Australian accent amusingly intact) can’t conceal the obviousness of the film’s true threat.

Appropriately, it’s the female stars who give stratospheric performances, especially Larson in her highest profile role since bagging an Oscar for kidnap-drama, Room. She injects humanity into a part stilted by poor writing and astonishes at the film’s most feminist moment; overcoming the hurdle that women are wrongly too often accused of - being too emotional.

Indie-cinema icon Benning comfortably steps into a hybrid, sci-fi heavy role and makes an emotional impact in a handful of scenes. Relative newcomer Lashana Lynch has a pleasantly, understatedprogressive part as Carol’s

earthly best friend, and is given her fair share of action usually reserved for the superpowered leads.

Yet, acting accolades should be reserved for ‘Goose’, the scene-stealing cat companion of Nick Fury, who garners the most laughs.

Reminiscent of the phase one MCU films, Captain Marvel almost has a thankless role, serving as both a reminder of what’s came before and as an appetiser for the main course: Avengers: Endgame, which arrives in less than two months.

Recognising this problem, Captain Marvel cleverly operates as a celebration of Marvel’s incredible cultural impact and awards longterm fans with appearances from Clark Gregg’s Phil Coulson and Gaurdians’ Ronan the Accuser (Lee Pace), among other subtler call backs. Stan Lee’s cameo will also elicit sighs

peter stewart film & tv editor The cheapest cinema ticket in Stirling can now be found at the university, after the Macrobert Arts Centre launched its Pay What You Can scheme.

Credit: Allstar/Marvel Studios

of the tribute from the audience, as will the revamped Marvel Studios montage in the opening credits, which beautifully honours the comic book godfather.

Perhaps the most exciting part is the promise of

what lies ahead, as Thanos faces a formidable threat in Captain Marvel, whose unleashed powers arguably make her the Avenger’s strongest player on a field operating at fifty per cent.

game over: the fight for westeros begins rowen of house rennie recaps the penultimate season of game of thrones

SPOILER WARNING

The long winter for Game of Thrones fans is nearly over, but Westeros is bracing for a storm.

You’ve likely forgotten where Jon, Tyrion and the gang all ended up as the curtain-closed on season

Credit: HBO

seven, back in 2017. For those who witnessed the Great Wall crumble, here’s a reminder of the lay of the land heading into the final battle against the Night King’s army.

After seasons of chainbusting and chargrilling slave owners, Queen Danerys Targaryen reached

Westeros and began her bid for the Iron Throne. However, her allies were defeated by the tag-team efforts of Queen Cersei, Jaime Lannister and the Viking-like Ironborn.

Dany finally met Jon Snow, the King in the North, and fanfiction dreams came true as they were shagging

like Lannister’s at a funeral by the season’s end.

Elsewhere, Daenerys attacked Jaime and Bronn as they guarded a gold haul, and we witnessed the money shot of the season as the dragon opened fire.

Bronn tried to harpoon the beast, whilst Jamie dumbly attempted to kill Daenerys.

The trio of surviving Starks; Sansa, Arya and Bran, reunited back at Winterfell. Bran started acting strange, in case you forgot he connected to medieval Wi-Fi, and went back in time and ruined Hodor’s (RIP) life. Littlefinger tried to get shady and cause trouble, but the siblings banded together to stop him in with an Arya slit to the neck, as everyone else watched with a “Jesus Arya calm down” sort of look.

Further north, Jon assembled a suicide squad that in-

cluded The Hound, Gendry (who finally turned up after three seasons of rowing a boat), a newly cured (but still friend-zoned) Jorah Mormont and Tormund Giantsbane. Their expedition is somewhat successful, as they managed to capture an undead Wight. However, Jon tried to be a hero and royally messed up the mission and gets one of Daenerys’ dragons killed.

Jon and Dany travelled to King’s Landing to show off the Wight and try and get some support for their attempt to save the world from the rapidly approaching walker army. Only Jaime Lannister is swayed, and he abandons Cerci to “fight for the living.” Meanwhile Tyrion secretly meets with Cerci, but we are not treated to the whole conversation so expect that plot thread to rear its head next sea-

son. Tyrion ends the finale, moodily staring at the door of Jon and Dany’s bedroom.

The mystery of Jon’s family tree was solved as Bran confirmed that Jon isn’t the bastard son of Ned Stark, but the true-born child of Daenerys’ dead brother and Ned’s sister, making him half Stark and half Targaryen. Rendering the later scenes of intimacy between Daenerys and Jon super awkward to watch because, well, she’s his auntie.

The dramatic, jaw-dropping finale saw the big bad Night King riding the reanimated corpse of Daenerys’ dragon to destroy the wall, marching his army south to ruin everyone’s winter.

Game of Thrones returns to Sky Atlantic and NOW TV on April 16th, and you can watch the season 8 trailer to get you excited.

Since March 1, Macrobert has offered three price options for film showings, asking customers to make an “honest choice” about what they can afford.

Tickets can now be purchased for £4.50, £6.50 or £8.50. For students, this means a saving of £1.50 on the previous price.

Esther Currie, marketing and communications manager at Macrobert, says it’s too early to say how the scheme has been received by film fans, but there is hope it will increase demand.

“It’s difficult for us to say how it’s going, as it only launched last week.

“But people have been making use of the scheme.”

Nikki Beyer, president of the University of Stirling Film Society, said: “We’ve had a few great collaborations with Macrobert this year, so it was a shame to hear they’re not getting as many visitors as you’d think, especially from the student body.

“If the Pay What You Can system can help support their cause even a little bit, it’s definitely worth trying out.”

Vue Stirling slashed its prices to £4.99 a ticket last month following a campaign by the Stirling Observer.

The newspaper revealed that the branch’s prices were among the most expensive in Scotland.

Upcoming films showing at the Macrobert include superhero blockbuster Captain Marvel, Lebanon-set Capernaum and World War Two drama, The Aftermath.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.macrobertartscentre.org or at the box office.

Film & TV

4 Brig | March Culture

THREE tv comedies to ease the exam pain

new theroux: a closer look at the campus sex assault doc

cameron gray

Brooklyn Nine Nine Spend a perfect 22-minutes in the company of Jake Peralta and co. as they keep the streets of Brooklyn crime-free.

Few comedies have the heart of Nine Nine, which unites a group of genuinely good people to protect and serve. Containing all the restorative powers of a visit to the grandparents, just with fewer over-the-table interrogations. (Netflix)

peter stewart film & tv editor

I

n Louis Theroux’s latest documentary, The Night in Question, he addresses the issue of sexual assault on US college campuses.

The BBC doc focuses on one case in particular, that of a Yale neuro-science student, Saifullah Khan.

Accused of rape at Yale in 2015, Khan was acquitted of criminal charges last year and re-enrolled at the university, but still faced an internal committee investigation into the accusations.

US colleges’ proceedings in such cases require a lower standard of proof than a court of law.

When fresh accusations by a former acquaintance of Khan, Jonathan Andrews, came to light – the dramatic

Saillufah Khan (left) and Louis Theroux. Credit: BBC/Lottie Gammon

twist of the doc – Khan was expelled from Yale.

The extraordinary, and at times, disturbing, dark and troubling doc may have got you longing to know more about the case and the enigmatic figures of Khan and Andrews, while prompting questions about the shady history of DKE, a Yale fraternity involved in ten recent sexual assault allegations.

Brig did some digging for you.

The costume In court, Khan’s lawyers asked the asccuser why she had not opted for a more modest Halloween costume on the night in question.

The defence even made a suggestion: “Cinderella in a long flowing gown.” The jury took just three hours to

deliver a verdict of not guilty.

Khan’s studies When re-enrolled at Yale, among Khan’s first module choices was a course called “The Criminal Mind”, a popular psychology class examining theories of criminal behaviour. He forwent gender studies however, commenting that would be “too on the nose”, and he was “taking the high road.”

The “rape hotel” Andrews tells Theroux he and Khan used to speak for up to nine hours a day by phone, but expanded on this to the university’s newspaper, Yale Daily News. Andrews claimed Khan once suggested the pair open a “rape hotel”, to which women would come willingly to

DERRY GIRLS IS BACK

All protestants hate ABBA and all Catholics are obsessed with Saints, but the entire nation loves Derry Girls.

The girls returned, along with the wee English fella, to our screens much to the delight of the millions of

viewers who tuned in to the opening episode.

The generational divide in the show has a mirroring effect to how life was during The Troubles in Northern Ireland, and how it can still be today.

Parents sitting up close

be assaulted. Khan’s lawyer denies this claim.

Khan the “secret agent” That lawyer, Margaret Valois, also advised Andrews in a separate sexual assault case (see below). Valois once texted Andrews comparing Khan to a “secret agent”, and that “it’s like he’s always giving you some information but not all of it.”

Andrews found responsible for assault Andrews dropped out of Hanover College after two accusations of sexual assault were levelled at him.

After Andrews left, Hanover found him responsible for one of them. After speaking to him, Theroux narrates that Andrews’ former

colleagues claimed he had made unsubstantiated accusations about people working at his advocacy group.

The Tinder profile Khan’s Tinder profile picture, post-acquittal, showed him outside court during the trial. His bio requested potential partners to “be open to experiences.”

DKE’s past The sexual assault allegations recently levelled at Brett Kavanaugh include one related to the Supreme Court Justice’s time at Yale, where he was a member of the fraternity referred to in The Night in Question. DKE can also count both President Bushes among its former brothers.

ABIGAIL TAYLOR discusses THE LATEST series OF THE CHANNEL 4 comedy

a normal way of life, but to many, that’s how we were brought up.

The girls and even James, bring a different perspective to how history unfolded for every-day folk who weren’t directed involved in the fight. Life goes on, regardless of which side you grew up on.

In the latest Credit: Matador Network episode of the Lisa McGee-created to a TV set, listening to comedy, we were invited last nights havoc unfold, to an event to “Cross the meanwhile the teenagers Barricade” between the are stressing about school Protestants and the Cathotrips, who’s dating who and lics, along with the English keeping up appearances. ‘lad’ being represented by It’s hard to understand James. how daily bomb scares The differences were infiand shootings can become

nite and on more than one occasion the two groups fell out but something as simple as overbearing parents proved that they weren’t so different after all.

As a young-women who grew up in the same divided community, its not hard to resonate with the girls who have found overnight success.

Hilarious, witty, talented and overall brilliant, Derry Girls has given the country a positive outlook on what the future can hold.

From drama graduates working in pubs and clubs to common household names, Erin, Michelle, Claire, Orla and James have done something that politicians haven’t been able to do in almost thirty years: unite a nation.

Schitt’s Creek What happens when the super-rich lose it all? They find themselves up Schitt’s Creek. This Canadian gem transports the Rose family from rags to riches, as they are forced to rebuild in a quirky, small town. Starring comedy royalty, American Pie’s Eugene Levy and Beetlejuice’s Catherine O’Hara, as parents to Coachella-cool daughter Alexis and financially-mollycoddled son, David, Schitt’s Creek will ’ demolish your cynical defences as the Rose s are slowly charmed by life’s bare necessities. (Netflix) The Office (U.S) Like televisual paracetamol, there’s not a lot of a few hours at Dundler Mifflin can’t cure. For the uninitiated, Steve Carrell’s Michael Scott is manager of a paper sales branch, staffed by a team of clock watchers who pass the time participating in office antics. Consistently funny, occasionally touching and instantly rewatchable, The Office is a celebration of everyday achievement, wrapped in a big blanket of silliness. (Amazon Prime Video)

Credit: NBC/Dunderpedia

film review: ISN’T IT ROMANTIC? HH★★I martina rebecca inchingolo

Netflix’ latest rom-com tells the story of Natalie (Rebel Wilson), a cynical girl disenchanted with love who feels invisible. One day she gets mugged in a New York subway and wakes up to discover she’s trapped in a PG-13 romantic comedy. The only way for Natalie to get back to her normal life is to make someone fall in love with her, just like in the movies.

This smart rom-com refresh has every possible cliché: the gay best friend, the passionate kiss in the rain, the romantic walks on the beach, and the list goes on.

Wilson is fantastic as Natalie, who is curvy, funny and unapologetic, a striking difference from the usual clumsy ‘top model’ who’s unaware of her beauty until the makeover scene.

The film stars a cast of big-name actors, like Priyanka Chopra, stretching her funny bones again following the critically-panned Baywatch, as stunning yoga ambassador Isabella, the obstacle between Natalie and one of her potential suitors.

Hunger Games star Liam Hemsworth ditches his dystopian scowl and channel’s sibling Chris Hemsworth’s comedic chops as bachelor, Blake.

A clever premise and a game cast make this uplifting romcom a must watch for fans of the genre.

Arts

5 Brig | March Culture

The ART OF PATHFOOT

P

An intervieW by dominic cooper

athfoot’s Experiences of Exile exhibition focuses on the experiences of migrants and refugees. The University of Stirling’s art curator, Jane Cameron, was kind enough to offer me tour of the exhibition.

I asked Jane about the significance of the refugee theme and what effect she hopes the exhibit will have on students.

“This word -’refugees’, its so broad. It’s hard to understand, when you hear it, that they are all people. They’re all individuals.”

The first piece, ‘Home from Home’, drew from the experiences of refugees

leaving their homes and starting new lives in Falkirk and Stirling. In collaboration with the Creative Writing MLitt at Stirling, this piece offers individuals stories while also presenting themselves as a collective.

“This is work from a twelve-week workshop which the university ran.

We employed an artist (Brigid Collins) who worked with Syrian refugees, locally and they created these artworks.”

Each house was resting on stilts which conveyed the vulnerability of refugees but also their resilience.

“The creative writing students encouraged them to speak about their journey.

Such as asking ‘what is

significant about being in Scotland for you’ and one of them said ‘my children are safe’ and that is so powerful, because we have no concept of what its like to think that your children are not safe and they live their lives with this anxiety.”

We arrived in the crush hall,a place I always associate with waiting for seminars to begin, browsing the sixties-inspired exhibit on the University’s 50th anniversary. Also, there’s always someone softly playing that piano by Costa.

“This piano needed a new home aside from the Airthrey Castle because it was being refurbished.

Various works by Janka Malkowska Credit : Dominic Cooper

I rescued it and I brought it here” explained Jane.

“It used to be a brown, timber piano but I knew of an artist, a textile designer, called Sarah Greenwood, who I thought would do a good job of painting it. The brief to her was that we want it funky and jazzy but we don’t want it to interfere with exhibitions. In my view, she’s done the most fantastic job.

It’s got the feel of notes jumping around and it gets played every day.”

Jane is also pleased when

S

hakespeare has always been known for his wit and humour, but after watching SUDS’ latest production of Much Ado About Nothing, I realised truly how hilarious Shakespeare’s comedies could be.

Much Ado is one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies and sees the foiled marriage of Hero and Claudio after some false accusations from bitter Don Pedro. With the help of a sly friar and plotting uncles, a death is faked, justice is served and love is restored.

Not to mention, fiery flirt Beatrice (played by Abigail Ferguson) and bachelor Benedick (Daniel Rooney, the protagonist) are united.

Director Andrew Hart and his brilliant cast brought new levels of fun and hilarity to the play’s melodramatic plot and sucked the audience into the absurdity with ease in the Macrob-

ert’s small but intimate Playhouse.

The plays most side-splitting scenes were Benedick and Beatrice’s respective ‘snooping’ scenes, where they hilariously eavesdropped into conversations about the other’s love for one another. Think creative camouflage: using twigs for cover, sleuth rolling across the stage, stealing the gardener’s uniform and even posing as a cat. Meow?

Rooney’s performance throughout the play was fantastically strong as he journeyed from ‘love-cynical’ drunken bachelor (with a stylish cheetah print bra, might we add) to a head over heels in love fool.

Equally, Ferguson delivered her dead-pan lines (or roasts of Benedick, more like) with the sharpest tongue and the coolest eye rolls, keeping the stony ‘too cool for you, Benedick’ facade up and the laughs rolling until the play’s end.

The pair of insult-warring

lovers were supported by Dimitris Terzis as Claudio and Eilidh Brown as Hero. While Terzis had a strong seriousness, he also brought strong dad dancing to the stage. In one of the most impressive moments of acting, Brown cried on cue, a feat which took the audience aback. The play did not dwell on the serious for too long at any point and moments later we see her comedically carrying her own coffin onto the stage with Sophia Riederer as Friar Francis, as they both plot to fake her death, in a rather funny way, bringing real tears and laughter to the stage.

The play’s tomfoolery was nicely pulled together

by Leonato (played by Alex Hendry) and Don Pedro’s (played by Jannik Gehde) lengthy, yet well memorised dialogue. Playing the part of Leonato, Hendry definitely landed himself the majority of the play’s monologues and

across Europe.

Anna photographer who started her career at the age of 22 and has since photographed refugee situations.

“She doesn’t want to be passive in taking these photographs, she wants to be involved in the crisis.

Shes a very elegant and impressive young woman.’

But what exactly drives Jane to collect art for Pathfoot?

“There was an electrician who was refurbishing the

building. He found my office and he was in tears. He said ‘I’ve just seen this sculpture and it’s made me cry. Can you tell me more about it?’ I found that so moving and so powerful. I want to have the art around because someone can just unexpectedly come across something and be moved by it.”

On the June 27th, Pathfoot will be holding events for the Experiences of Exile exhibition featuring films, talks, music and creative writing.

t wa R e v i e w :

SUDS crack up the audience with much ado about nothing ★★★★★ Sarah Robbins reviews

students engage with the artwork: “One of the sculptures I like the most for this is Adam and Eve. We planted a crab apple tree behind the Adam and Eve sculpture and sometimes, when the fruit is out, someone takes an apple from the tree and puts it in Eve’s hand. Then she’s there, trying to offer it to Adam.”

We stood by a long stretch of huge black and white photographs, each one is a brief glimpse into the humanitarian emergency

A Journey through parallel worlds

Benedick, masked (Credit: Andrew Hart)

delivered them with fantastic diction and presence. Gehde was fortunate to have one of the play’s best lines, which cracked the audience up: Cupid is no longer an archer: for we are the only love gods” Aside from the main drama, Marina Sanli gave a stern performance as Donna Joan (formerly Don Jon), aided by angsty Hawaiian shirt wearing ruffian duo played by Nathan Barr and Rachel Clinton.

The audience were brought into the fun by an intimidating questioning by Ross Batey as Dogberry the nightguard, and laughs were had at the expense of Logan Campbell and Ceinwein HemingwayBrunt as his two, shall we say, not so brave, guards.

Other exceptional mentions include singing and guitar by James Paterson, a SUDS stage debut by Heather Bounds as Antonia, and Skye Macleod and Annette Lordereau as Hero’s doting friends and last but not least, Claude Edwards as messenger and sexton.

“

The play overall exuded hilarity and guaranteed the audience a night of belly laughs and awe at some truly exceptional acting.

Some audience members, notably, found the play a little bit too funny. Much Ado is already a folly of a play, but under Hart’s direction, new touches of humour were added making the play the most delightfully amusing rendition of the play I’ve seen to date. I left feeling lighter, not realising how heavy some of today’s drama and news can be.

It was great to take a night just to sit down with SUDS, absorb some great theatre, and have a good laugh.

After all, laughter is the best medicine.

If a night at the theatre is what you so wish for, SUDS’ next show will be a glamorous performance of the timeless 20’s classic The Great Gatsby, on the 8th, 9th and 10th of April. Buy tickets from the Macrobert’s website directly.

Annie George performing (Credit: Lunaria Ltd)

G

dominic cooper reviews

reek myths, split-personalities and live art made its way to the Macrobert’s Art Centre on International Women’s Day. Directed by Saffy Setothy, TWA is as multi-layered in its performance as in its themes.

Annie George (Writer/ Performer) and Flore Gardner (Visual artist/ performers) convey an intimate, visceral and emotional tale which we are told is (mostly) biographical.Transitions between the Greek myth of Philomela and Goerge’s own experiences kept the audience engaged through the tragic poetic lyricism Gardner translated this into her own medium of

surrealist, interwoven live art, creating a mesmerising and haunting spectacle.

Niroshini Thambar (Sound Designer) has done an excellent job at creating an ambient and unsettling soundscape, crafting the right atmosphere for a fluid and focused experience.

Jan Bee Brown (Visual Dramaturg) conveys the parallel reality of Philomela through expressionistic lighting, plunging the audience into a mythical world.

TWA was an eye-opening experience, as harrowing as it was uplifting. Most of all, it was a demonstration of theatre’s ability to express the hard-hitting, complex and authentic reality’s of it’s creators.

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Gaming

7 Brig | March Culture

spring into the gaming season ENTER THE DUNGEON IRINA NAKON GAMING EDITOR

Mortal Kombat – out April 23 For this new instalment of the classic series, the developer NetherRealm Studios is promising to take the veteran franchise back to its bone-crunching roots, while simultaneously injecting a healthy dose of engaging plot. Follow the path of corrupted Dark Raiden and his twisted plans, some involving time travel.

T

he next three months promise an abundance of new releases, as well as some highlyanticipated sequels and experimental genres.

Check out our rundown of highlights below.

Rage 2 – out May 14 Undoubtedly one of the most anticipated titles to be released this year, Rage 2 has been teasing us with its Mad Max-like environments, post-apocalyptic shoot outs, and vicious bandits and mutants for too long. You embody Walker, the last Ranger survivor following a planet-wide asteroid destruction, wherein you and a handful of survivors have to battle your way across deserts and ghost towns in search of supplies.

A Plague Tale: Innocence – out May 14 A promising newcomer which blends stealth actionadventure with some RPG elements as well as those of gothic horror. Follow two siblings through the Dark Age as they flee from the terror of the fanatical Inquisition. You, as the elder one – Amicia – are charged with the protection of your little brother, and are taught how to employ sources of light

to ward off the supernatural rats engulfing the town.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice – out March 22 The developers that brought us the renowned Dark Souls and Bloodborne are exploring feudal Japan in this new actionadventure RPG. Incorporating pretty sophisticated stealth elements, as well as a variety of traditional Japanese weapons and environments, this title seems set to carve a place for itself outside of its predecessors’ shadows.

Total War: Three Kingdoms – out May 23 Total War has long since solidified its spot as a leading series in the tactical

strategy genre, although the series did have its ups and downs. Whereas its Shogun and Rome instalments were stellar and polished, its Warhammer and Saga releases seemed stretched and were overreaching on lore as opposed to being focused on the battlefield, which is the series’ greatest asset. Three Kingdoms promises to return to exactly that, sending us to ancient China and offering 11 clans and factions to choose from in this Dynasty Wars strategic battleground.

Devil May Cry 5 – out March 8 Love it or hate it, the Devil May Cry series is, at the very least, interesting and a visual onslaught of colour and style. Sure, it is silly – your character, Nero, is a demon hunter with a robotic arm and a sword he revs like a motor engine as he glides on rockets and surfs onto demons’ faces – but it is fun. Plus, due to its accessibility, bizarre UI, and fireworks of magic and gore, I predict this will be the next go-to at parties.

closing the gender gap in game development Irina nakon Gaming editor

Credit: College of Liberal Arts Magazine

The head of Microsoft’s Halo design lab, 343 Industries, Bonne Ross spoke out about the persisting difficulty in recruiting women game developers. Speaking on CBS News’ 60 Minutes, Ross shared her wish for employing more women in her Halo team, and the need for educators to ad-

dress the gender gap.

"Boys and men, the numbers are moving up. We are getting a lot more into computer science. But with women and girls, it's going down," she said. "In many cases there's not even a way where I could bring a woman into a specific job, because the candidates are

just not there."

She added that because the demand for women in game dev and tech companies is so high, the market is becoming highly competitive for recruiting them, as more and more companies are looking to recruit women professionals but have such a limited number of female applicants to work with.

As a result, Ross said, numerous female applicants with computer science degrees who apply to intern at Microsoft are sometimes offered full positions straight away, as well as having offers from five or more other companies. “The demand is clearly there,” Ross added, “now to tackle the supply.”

In order to expand the pool of candidates, Ross

believes that women and girls need to become interested in the tech profession from an early age, which is directly linked to how educators present and position the tech industry to their students.

"Research that we've done at Microsoft of the girls we've talked to, 91% of them feel that they are creative, they identify with being creative," she said.

"But when asked about computer science, they don't see computer science as creative. And so I think that we do need to connect the dots. Because it is incredibly creative, it's just that we're not doing a good job of showing them what they can do with it."

A beginer’s guide to Dungeons and Dragons

Credit: boingboing

I

ROWEN RENNIE GAMING EDITOR

n the forty-five years since its original release, Dungeons and Dragons has inspired, entertained, and influenced millions of people around the world.

Appearing in pop culture mainstays, such as Netflix’s Stranger Things and The Simpsons, and endorsed by celebrities or actors like Robin Williams, Stephen Colbert and Vin Diesel, the game has permeated popular culture media. On March 4 2019, one of the most popular channels on Twitch, and the most famous D&D players - Critical Role - began their Kickstarter for an animated video of their characters: it got $4.3 million in a day. With all that in mind you might have some questions: what is D&D?

How does it work, and how can I play it?

First brought about by Gary Gygax and Dave Arneson, Dungeons and Dragons was first published in 1974, while in 2014, its fifth edition was released, which has resulted in a huge number of new players. I myself was one of these new players, a freshfaced student only just moving into Stirling for University. Since then, I have spent countless hours rolling dice with my friends.

The basic setup for D&D is quite straightforward: there is one Dungeon Master, and a flexible number of players. The Dungeon Master serves as the storyteller and describes the world of the game and all the things that inhabit it. The players meanwhile inhabit characters, and react and interact

Credit: boingboing

with the world.

When written down like that it sounds very still and constrained, but instead, think of an RPG where instead of the screen showing you orc villains and elven priestesses, you imagine them. Again, that feels like it does not quite do it justice.

But I digress. While there are many D&D books available, from Player’s Handbooks to Monster Manuals, the basic rules of D&D are available online for free. If you and some friends want to try it out, I would recommend reading these basic rules, making some characters and having a go. Or alternatively have a look for groups already playing in your area. Stirling University’s RPG and board gaming society, HUSSARS meet on Mondays and Thursday nights.

Indie Spotlight : First Tree Irina Nakon gaming editor

This gorgeous and poignant game of exploration combines stunning visuals with well-crafted narratives and renders pensive and emotional connections in very clever ways which no one will be left immune to. This is definitely one of those mellow journeys you should embark on alone, ideally during a quiet night, which is when the story and score will shine at their utmost.

The title features a double narrative. The one side of the coin features a fox tra-

Credit: gamepressure

versing forests, mountains and lakes in search of her children. The flip side is a mysterious male narration of a son’s wishes and regrets about reconnecting with his estranged father who is in Alaska. As the fox

makes its way towards the First Tree, the son’s narrative becomes intertwined with the fox’s journey and the artefacts she uncovers.

A must-try.

Available on Steam and for PS4.

Food

8 Brig | March Culture

Dumpster diving in stirling

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petra kotkovo

niversity students are fighting food waste by dumpster diving in local commercial bins owned by large corporations such as Waitrose.

A target to reduce food waste by a third before 2025 was set by the Scottish government in 2016.

Now, three years later, the students of the University of Stirling feel that not much has been done to reach this goal. And thus, they decided to take the matter into their own hands and highlight the importance of food waste reduction through the act of dumpster diving.

Dumpster diving refers to scavenging through dumpsters while looking for edible food items, most commonly in the large commercial bins owned by supermarkets such as Waitrose, Tesco or Co‑op.

In Stirling, students were willing to talk openly about

their dumpster diving habits and their reasons behind it.

Although dumpster diving is not illegal, the interviewed individuals prefer to stay anonymous.

All of the interviewed students agreed that they came across dumpster diving when they first arrived at the University of Stirling, with most of them being introduced to it through a friend.

They explained that after seeing the amount of ed-

ible food that was getting thrown out, the students decided to stick with the act, and dumpster dived on a regular basis. “I was amazed by the amount of food that was thrown out”, says J., a 21 year old female from St.Ninians, “A third of the food in the world that is produced is thrown away”.

“I would be able to say, I can literally live off food I get from the bin”, says C., male, 23, also from

photo credit: 9news.com

St. Ninians. Additionally, he also states “I find it [to be] a good way to really paint the picture in people’s minds [about] how bad the [food waste] issue is…”

For L., male, 22, from Stirling dumpster diving is an essential part of his life. “For about 3 months, if I couldn’t depend on dumpster diving, I basically couldn’t afford to be at uni.”

According to them, quite a large variety of food can

be found while dumpster diving; vegetables, fruits, pastry, meat, rice, herbs, alcohol, crisps, sweets, to name a few among many.

“Basically, anything you can think of that you would have used in a normal kitchen”, says J. G., female, 25, Stirling says “it’s kind of fun because it’s like a pick‑and‑mix, and you’re always cooking something new, so your diet is getting more diverse.”

From all the interviewees, only one got food poisoned from dumpster diving.

As L. says, “It was my own fault, I totally knew I am going to get poisoned. I took a pork pie while dumpster diving and left it in my room for like two days, and in the bins it could have been there for two days this time of the year, but in my room it would be a bit warmer by 6‑7°C, which is not great for meat. I was bed bound for 3 days.”

testing a spiralizer: is it worth it?

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SPRING’S must visit FOOD festivals HEATHER DALGLEISH FOOD EDITOR

Find your food heaven within these upcoming festivals throughout spring.

Unleash your inner cravings and join in with the new food crazes – or fads, it’s up to you to decide.

March 13-14: ScotHot SECC Glasgow: This event allows you a great fast-track into networking in the food industry with ease, getting to meet suppliers, sharing ideas and learning the latest food trends from the different industries. Learn some new tricks and speak to some food experts.

March 21st- Harvey Nicolas Edinburgh Cocktail Masterclass: Treat yourself to a night of cocktail-making with friends, exploring blends from throughout the ages and learn how to create them yourself (with the help of a professional mixolo-

ily along for this traditional Easter event, a sure fire hit amongst chocolate loving kids and adults alike.

Maybe even spot the Easter bunny planting his usual calling cards around, leaving clues to find chocolate goodies. Happy hunting!

29th April-5th May: UK coffee Week, SECC Glasgow Calling out to all the coffee lovers out there, UK coffee week unites industry and consumer to create a caffeine fuelled extravaganza.

The aim: to raise funds for the communities globally that grow the coffee to provide better living facilities. Doing some good and drinking some fantastic coffee? What could be better.

May, to be announced, Saint Andrews: Fife Food Fest Saint Andrews will this May play host to a gaggle

HEATHER DALGLEISH FOOD EDITOR

food trend that seems grossly unnecessary: spiralizing. What is the need for cutting food into thin curly strips? What could possibly be the need for spiralized meals and are they any good? I took one to the test to actually find out if spiralized food was a hype that should be here to stay, and if a spiralizer is a viable equipment to add to your culinary arsenal.

So, as one does when they are looking for quirky gadgets, I whipped on my hiking boots and hit up the local TKMaxx, home of all culinary treasures, and as I suspected, found my weapon of choice. It was not particularly expensive at five pounds, but hey, for that I could’ve got two drinks at the local pub I searched for recipes that I could use to test out my new gadget, finding a vast array of spiralized enthusiasts who raved about using vegetables instead of pasta. So, I set about cook-

ing, opting to use courgette as my pasta substitute and spiralizing to my hearts content.

One snag of the gadget would be its incredible ability to turn anything into a sharp point, creating food wastage. Also, one small courgette would only produce one serving of ‘pasta’ meaning to feed a family of four you would need four courgettes, which would be more expensive than one

bag of pasta. Cooking the courgette was relatively quick and easy, just in hot water as one would with ordinary pasta, and it was actually quicker.

Adding it to my basic Bolognese sauce, I found the courgette did not absorb any of the liquid, which essentially made it be quite a saucy meal, making it more like a soup with courgette in, than a pasta dish.

However, it was pretty

tasty and made me feel like a health goddess on a low-carb lifestyle. It was not the most filling meal, but it did its job and I would make again for the health benefits alone.

The next venture I found was that you can make potato rostis with the spiralizer, and as someone who is pretty lazy and does not enjoy grating potatoes over and over again, I thought this was a pretty good

Credit: which.com

alternative.

Unfortunately, the spiralizer thought the opposite, and decided to be incredibly difficult to spiralize in comparison to the much softer courgette. Yes, I got it done, but it was equally as frustrating as the original grating. They did cook pretty nicely and were healthier than the original which is always a benefit.

So, would I recommend a spiralizer? Probably not, it doesn’t provide much convenience to the kitchen and I don’t reach for it as much as other cooking gadgets. Arguably it is pretty fun to use and to get creative and spiralized food has so many health benefits if you want to cut down on carbs and unnecessary fats, but for the amount of times I actually have used said spiralizer, it does not seem worth it.

However, it does make a very exciting contribution to any salad.

photo credit: : famousfoodfesival.com

gist – no need for WikiHow just yet!). This is a luxuriant event so beware its high price tag of £30pp, however, this is a worthwhile price for it guarantees a giggle and a lifetime of lessons.

April 7th- Corn Exchange Edinburgh: Scottish Vegan Festival Unleash your inner herbivore and hit up the vegan festival for lots of tasty treats and surprises. Learn more about veganism at a series of interesting talks and visit all the food stalls supplying the event with various ethical goodies.

April 19th, Cadbury Easter Egg Hunt Aberdeenshire, Haddo House.

Take your whole fam-

of foodies, inviting them to experience the very best of Scottish produce. Unleash your inner Scot and snap up all the haggis, neeps and tatties to feed an army. A luxury raffle, canapes and upcoming food entrepreneurs, the real question is, why not go?

13th-19th May 2019: Various venues, National Vegetarian Week Celebrate all that is veggie this week, enjoying the meat free lifestyle at various events being held throughout Glasgow and Edinburgh. Test out the lifestyle, get creative and who knows, you maybe saying goodbye to steak and hello to Quorn sometime soon.

Lifestyle

9 Brig | March Culture

Wands for wildlife S Petra Kotkova

adly we are not talking about the magic wands used by Harry Potter, Hermione Granger or Ron Weasley. We are talking about the wands used by you! Wildlife rescue centres all around the UK are asking you to recycle your old mascara wands and donate them to help care for rescued animals.

It all started two years ago, with one simple Facebook post. On the 11th of March, 2017 Savannah Trantham, the Co-Founder of Appalachian Wild wrote; “Did you know something as simple as an old mascara wand can help wildlife?!?

We use mascara brushes to help remove fly eggs and larva from the fur of animals.

They work great because the bristles are so close together.” She included the address of her non-profit organization in Western North Carolina where the wands should be sent. “I put up the original post while cleaning out my own old makeup.

Part of the mission of Appalachian Wild is to provide conservation education to the community,” Trantham said in an interview for Citizen Times. “A great way to connect people with wildlife is to share little ways that they can make a big difference.”

Her post went viral within a few weeks.

It was shared over 60,000 times and within the first year, the organization have received more than 175,000 mascara wands. The wands have become a movement called ‘Wands for Wildlife’ and have gained “Wandraisers” from all over the world.

Kimberly Brewster, the co-founder of Appalachian Wild, says Savannah’s post #SmallThingsCanMakeABigDifference has drawn likes, comments, and shares almost around the clock. “I’ve contemplated: What is inspiring people to help?”

Brewster said during Citizen Times interview. “You can tell a lot are millennials

who are seeing this post on social media. They have mascara at home and they understand that it will be recycled and used to help animals. There’s something in the way the message was communicated.”

Through the magic of social media, the enchanting Wands for Wildlife have reached the shores of the UK. At the moment, only a few centres are involved in the campaign, but there is no doubt that

many more will follow.

If you feel like doing a bit of magic yourself, clean your old mascara wands with warm soapy water and post them to any of the addresses listed below (remember the idea is to recycle old mascara wands, so please send your used wands only!).

T

source: vektor stock

writers:

It escalated to a point where I had been in confrontation with them several times, and they began purposefully irritating me and keeping me up at night.

I had been listening to them and their friends discussing personal things like infidelity on the daily.

I have kept tight that two of my flatmates had been unfaithful, and one of their friends, who used to regularly sleep on our couch, cheated many times.

She is now in a committed relationship with said guy, and goes to fancy events with him, calling him her only one. One flatmate was especially disrespectful and horrible one day and I’d had enough of explaining and confronting, so I poured soy sauce into said flatmate’s

Internet security CLARA FORS WISBYSE CULTURE EDITOR

SOURCE: FREEPIK.COM

I

nternet security is a hot topic, with more and more services Credit: Appalachian Wildlife Refuge in society becoming Internet-based. Whilst many users go blissfully ignorant, advertising companies track online behaviour to sell brands, service providers want to know preferences in order to offer good solutions and the government pry on juice. I watched them take happen and not care. citizens claiming to catch a sip, wrench, and throw I should’ve never gone criminals. At the same time the bottle out. My friend through with the soy sauce at the time had suggested prank. It was a waste of my peoples’ everyday lives something probably illegal, soy sauce. I’m glad that I did gets more and more debut I was satisfied with this, the mature thing afterwards, pendent on the Internet, as the use of it has gone from not wanting to go to jail or be but I’m now realising that kicked out of university for more often than not, people a phenomenon to a habit – and is now more than ever, potentially killing someone. feel comfortable enough a need.

The flat gang around me to let things The simplest proof of leader found a boyfriend. slip, and I find myself in this Little did she know, that weird space between being Internet surveillance, is the said boy was hooking up needed, and being ostrawith another girl – a girl he cised. would be flatmates with in

If you are the the year to come, planning 85% that are having flatto keep seeing her on the mate problems, our advice side. Some say you should is to confront them, stay let a friend know when strong in your manner, and you learn of their cheating ride it out until you can get partners, however, others out. You can hit up Accomsay you should try not to get modation Liaison Students involved. on campus, but ultimately,

This girl was defigang wars can only be nitely never my friend, so the resolved internally. dilemma was, do I tell her, or let it happen. I chose to let it source: Queens park primary school

brigaid: what the soy his time, we asked a question: “How many of you have problems with your flatmate(s)?” 85% of you responded yes, and only 15% said no. However, the 15% came from people either living at home or non-students, so let us simply let that number sink in. Although the ALS and accommodation services are fully aware and available, there isn’t much they can do, speaking from personal experience. Here is a story from one of our

An easy guide to the big questions:

use of cookies that webpages wants us to agree to several times a day. Cookies are commonly used to track website activities and are the reason that the web shops remember what we put in our electronic cart even if we close the page down, that our password refills itself, and that our preferred language is set to the one we changed it to last time. They do not in themselves present a threat to privacy, since they can only store information that we give them or that the webserver already has.

Instead, the scary part of digital surveil lance lays hidden in our every day behaviour.

TOP 1O TIPS 1.Checking your bank account using the public ‘eduroam’ Wi-Fi 2. Posting a picture tagging your exact location 3. Emailing your passwords and PIN codes 4. Opening an email attachment from an email address that you don’t recognise 5. Clicking on every banner or flashy pop-up at a webpage 6. Using the same password on all your accounts online 7. Using a weak password such as your surname followed by 123 8. Accepting cookies at webpages you don’t recognise 9. Skipping terms and conditions when downloading apps 10. Trading your email, home address or phone number to get a special discount

Brig’s 50th memoir

10 Brig | March Culture

it was the summer of ‘69 Brig’s founder Paul Martin reflects on life at the University of Stirling 50 years ago

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he first thing that any student does on coming up is find somewhere to stay and 40 years ago, that meant private houses across Stirlingshire (or home).

On-site residences were a few years away and the dead people that buildings are named after today, like Donnelly, Cottrell and Davidson, were all alive and well and working in the university.

The University itself also meant only Pathfoot, as all other buildings were in process but not yet built.

Classes were held in the main lecture theatre and other free rooms as they became available.

Every student did a core course called “Approaches and Methods’ designed to provide an intellectual template for each students development, irrespective of main subject studied (then the main 12 school subjects, plus computing science).

There was little audio-visual material and all lectures were spoken with notes taken by students.

There might be the odd cyclostyled A4 sheet produced on a Roneo machine, but few and far between.

Virtually no student would or could type using a typewriter and the only material ever typed would be final dissertations, usually typed by professional typists.

No man would ever type because it was woman’s work (although my father actually taught typewriting!) and intelligent girls were strongly enjoined both at home and school NOT to learn to type in case they somehow got deflected into what was a fairly low-skill and poorly paid female occupation.

On fashion, students wore mainly what they brought with them as there

were few decent clothes shops in the Area.

Being of their time, it was all faintly hippyish and generally characterised as ‘waifs uniform’. The only people who wore sportswear were sports men and women, and they would not wear this sports clothing socially. There were no casual shoes or tops.

There was also no entertainment on campus (Macrobert came later) apart from Alangrange, which was the staff/student club, with bars and a ballroom for the odd disco.

Films were shown in Pathfoot most weeks and Stirling had a cinema but for most shopping and entertainment, you needed Edinburgh or Glasgow.

TV had three channels and as TVs were relatively expensive, few students would have their own.

Food was provided in Pathfoot and on-campus catering was popular as there were few cheap food outlets in Bridge of Allan or Stirling.

Corrieris fish shop at Causewayhead was popular for that very reason. In most schools, domestic science had been a female-only classes, so men generally lacked any real cookery skills and needed to be cooked-for.

University Sports clubs existed but mainly using facilities borrowed from local schools or clubs, as on-site facilities were in development.

This was a time before mobile phones, digital photography, IT or the internet and social communication was mainly verbal or by notice boards, with the odd landline phone call.

Obviously you couldn’t talk to everybody so groups grew up who mainly talked only to each other.

There was also a great deal of paper floating around just to stay abreast of things, with flyers for this

meeting or that society.

Brig was meant to reduce that paper and provide a common notice board for all.

Relationships flourished as always happens when young people gather and gain their independence but with some difficulty for single women seeking contraception from local GPs. This difficulty was only resolved with the opening of the Brook Clinics in the late ‘60s who provided the pill on request.

Personal hygiene was also different. Most students would only bathe once a week and this was not helped by landladies being strict about bath use due to costs.

Showers were virtually unknown although there was a shower room on Pathfoot ‘J’ corridor that was used extensively.

Personal deodorants for men were also unknown although it was acceptable for men to smell of carbolic soap or embrocating. The majority also smoked.

The dominant political issue of the time for almost all young people was opposition to the Vietnam War, shown on our TV screens every night.

This was at odds with American culture having been the dominant culture throughout our lives, from cinema to music, to TV and literature, even to comics, food and clothing.

UK politics was mundane.

Old Labour were in power under Harold Wilson and Margaret Thatcher was an unknown conservative backbencher. Winnie Ewing was in the process of rescuing the SNP from the ‘fairies in the glen’ brigade.

One area where the UK led the world was popular music and at that time, bands like The Beatles, The Stones and the Who were dominant.

There were many other bands that were popular and on the record players

around Stirlingshire you might hear Fairport Convention, The Doors, Nice, Van Morrison and many others. There were a lot of LPs and of course no CDs or Ipods.

A few students had cars but most walked or took buses. There was no campus bus and students took their turns with the public to use normal service buses in the Stirlingshire area Town/Gown relationships were not great. At the time, Stirling seemed to resent the student incursion and it took some time for local police to realise that the long-haired person walking along the M8 at night was not an escaped convict!

Source: Umiversity of Stirling Archives

Source: University of Stirling source: University of Stirling

source: University of Stirling

Join us for a relaxing cuppa in the company of our residents cats.

Book online now at www.catsmeowkitteacafe.co.uk or call 07733106426 Venue hire 'Purrfic' for that special occasion or party’

12 Brig | Elections 2019

Features

Viva SAAS Vegas: Sin City on a student budget SAM ORMISTON

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estled in the Nevada desert, only a bus ride away from the Gran Canyon and Death Valley National Park, Las Vegas is one of those places that most people can only dream of going to. Or so they think.

I’m here to tell you that with a little hard work and savings, Las Vegas on a student budget is entirely possible. Here’s my top tips on surviving a week in Las Vegas.

After working all last summer, I had almost enough money to plan my trip of a lifetime. I’m certainly not telling you to spend your double SAAS on holidays instead of textbooks, but what I am telling you is that for me, it was an excellent decision.

Don’t be a snob when it comes to your hotel It’s so easy to go all out on expensive upgrades and so tempting to book a fancy suite at the top of the strip. The Bellagio and

Mandalay Bay hotels are absolutely amazing but let us be honest, a bed is a bed and after all, you will spend very little time in your room if you.

We stayed at the Stratosphere, one of the cheaper hotels towards the southend of the strip. We payed about £600 in total for the hotel, as well as the flights.

There was a choice of smoking and non-smoking rooms. We also had to take multiple connecting flights to get there, but the wait was worth it.

Fremont Street Fremont Street is the original part of Las Vegas, the authentic old town. Here, the drinks are cheaper and the atmosphere is electric. You can take advantage of all the free street performers and live music, and quite happily spend an entire evening here with very little cash.

Here you can also take part in a zip-line over the top of the street, or the Walking Dead Experience with live actors, for under

$40.

Know which bars and restaurants to go to There is a Facebook page entitled ‘Las Vegas Fans UK’ which is free to join.

Here you can find a list of happy hours, and 2 for 1 meal offers at different locations along the strip.

It’s always tempting to spend $30 on an all you can champagne breakfast, but trying to live a champagne lifestyle on a lemonade wage just does not work (trust me, I have tried).

Also, the cocktail waitresses in the casinos bring you free drinks regularly if you are gambling. Even if you look like you are gambling, they will come over and take your order. If you tip them even $1, they will come back quicker and keep you topped up.

My top tip is to buy a Fat Tuesdays cup. You buy one cup at the beginning of your trip and fill them up with alcoholic slushies at various points on the boulevard for as little as $8.

Please gamble responsibly Sounds boring right? However, if you want more money to spend on activities, then you will have to be satisfied with spending a small amount. The more you drink, the more likely you are to take your dollars and stick them all on red on the roulette wheel.

Some blackjack tables have

minimum bets of as little as $3, so you can enjoy yourself and soak up the atmosphere at a sensible price.

Walking is the best form of transport I know what you’re thinking. Who goes on holiday to exercise?

However, the best way to explore the city is on

foot. When on foot, you will come across hidden gems that you might not find otherwise.

People watching is a relaxing and cheap way to pass the time. You can sit for hours at the Bellagio fountain watching the spectacular show, or enjoy a refreshing cocktail on the strip.

Long story short, booking a holiday to Vegas perhaps was not the best idea in the middle of Semester 6, given that I am now frantically typing this up just hours before we go to print. But it was all worth it.

raised in a world moving towards gender equality.

Was feminism bred in attitudes or economics?

Young appoints the two as conflicting reasons and speaks of how both create an issue for women.

Nowadays, if you display sexist attitudes you become a minority. If you feel that women are less relevant or important, recent history knocks your opinion out the window.

If economics and businesses are to limit a woman, they will be sued. If a company does not have equality policies, it is inviting a bad reputation.

The people in our society have changed attitudes and economics - both are only increasing in fairness.

The gender pay gap still reaches almost every

country in the world, and women work their hardest to fill a role that may have previously been branded as only for males. Here in the UK, this gap currently sits at 17.9%.

The unfortunate history of sexism’s past is not all lost. But it creates women who are willing to fight against this.

Young wanted “no part” to play in the role of a man in his society. He saw that men treated women as accessories and objectified them.

Speaking out in Brig was his version of promoting these new ideas. This would have been a less popular view, and men were used to having women as accessories.

Today, the attitude of our “sassy” “badass” or

“strong” women overpowers many men who objectify and use them.

This is not to say that objectification of women perished, but seldom do women allow themselves to become an accessory.

Men are less inclined to treat women this way and are respected for quite the opposite.

With these thin, worn, and coffee stained looking pages in my hands, I realised that the war of sexism is being fought rapidly.

We have yet to reach full gender equality, but likeminded people have created the reality that Young wished for.

With this realisation, equality appears more likely than ever.

Nicholas Young’s dream for feminism ABBEY MCKENZIE

On the topic of feminism we too often focus on further accomplishmentS, and forget the progress already made.

Reading 1970s editions of Brig, I stumbled upon exploiting sketches of women, titles addressed to “gays”, and most importantly - the view of Nicholas Young.

Young was unsatisfied with his role in society, and believed in the collective fight against sexism.

His article in Brig touched upon many issues, bringing to light the improvement of women’s equality between then and now. A day in the life of a 1970s female would shock us all. At this time just 7% of women were actively fighting sexism in Stirling University. Some women

feared changing the status quo, and some were simply cultured to accept discrimination.

Now we have experts in feminism, and in women’s representation, and a gender equality movement society, and courses that use feminism as a key topic to engage in academically.

The university has blossomed into a fully accepting society where woman’s rights are celebrated and studied. We do not fear equality.

The concept of feminism — once foreign to students — has become a right.

Students have changed hegemony in education by actively fighting sexism.

Young believed it was the people that had the power to discourage sexism. That it was down to

the men and women in our society. That women shouldn’t have to conform to a certain role.

He believed the war between the sexes was hurting us all. Today, we see feminist movements discussing not only women’s rights, but both sexes rising equally.

We see thousands of men across the world supporting, promoting, and loving women and their rights.

Now though, we cannot ignore the problem that feminism too often treats the male figure as the problem. The world is forever changing.

UN Women promote “improving and upholding” gender equality, rather than just being limited to women’s issues.

Massive names support their cause, such as Emma Watson, Anne Hathaway, and Nicole Kidman. These

women have become idols for both men and women who adopt their ideology, and children are being

Features

13 Brig | Elections 2019

The Scandanavian guide to relaxation Getting with the Hygge hype NATHALIE HOLLEDE

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s a Scandinavian it’s hard to understand when something that’s so intrinsic to your culture becomes pop culture. So what exactly makes hygge (in Danish) or Lagom (in Swedish) so amazing, and how can you achieve it?

You may have seen the series of cute little books on Hygge and Lagom at airports or book stores.

It has become quite the hype, and as an international Dane, I’d like to tell you what Hygge really is in the wider sense, and how achievable it is.

Although the books do the terms justice, they’re a little centred around Scandinavian customs – which Hygge in itself, that is the mentality and feelings that create it, does not have to be.

Hygge means coziness, essentially, but there is an aspect to it that implies more. It implies cer-

tain scents, temperatures, times of day, and attitudes. It’s not only about the feeling of one person being cozy and warm, it’s a feeling of vibing with others.

It’s not an easily achievable thing, but a feeling culminated over years of practice and immersion.

Part of Hygge is bringing others in, and making room for everyone, so it speaks volumes about what a healthy society perhaps should be like.

In many ways, Scandinavians fail to spread the Hygge out on more than just an hour a day or during the weekend, and fail to include everyone, because our everyday lives are so focused and intense, so we can come across as exclusive and ostracising to other cultures.

The truth is that we don’t always follow Hygge in everything we do, we retreat to it when things be-

come too much for us, or get out of hand, but we always come back to it.

We make time during coffee breaks to be social and Hygge (yes, it’s also a verb), and we care a lot about parties and dinners.

Social life is everything to Scandinavians, but we care about a more cozy, comforting social environment for Hygge things than a party environment and mentality.

Hygge is not a wild night out – it’s a night in. Things you may know as hygge are Netflix and chill, date night in with pizza and pajamas, slumber parties, playing Fortnite or Apex with the boys on a slow day, or going to the salon with your girlfriends.

To describe it in sounds, it could be a warm buzz, like the sound of low pitched Christmas music vibrating through the living room, crackling fire, and when a movie stays

on past midnight and you’re falling into a sweet sleep. It could feel like napping with your dog, waking up to coffee and a soft couch, and curling up by a fire with your kids or siblings. These things are all what we in Denmark call hyggelig: the adjective form of Hygge.

When something has Hygge, it’s hyggelig or hyggeligt. Even without a warm fireplace, hot chocolate, fluffy blanket, or black and white movie, you can meditate yourself to a hyggelig state of mind with the right people, or the right surroundings.

You may say, ‘but Scandinavian houses are not very warm and cozy, they’re all white and empty’. Actually, part of having a sound, clear state of mind to really enjoy your surroundings and relax is having a clean living pace, free of clutter, with room to move around and create. Simple

homes are not only found in Scandinavian culture, but in Japan and America, among other places.

Go Marie Kondo on your apartment and clean up your space – it will reflect in your mind. Speaking of Japanese icons, there is a reason that Japanese and Scandinavian design is mixing. The idea of ‘sparking joy’ as Kondo calls it, through respect and positivity, is the idea of Hygge. Buddhist trends are spiking in popularity because we seek simplic-

ity and cleansing from the anxiety of everyday more and more, and this is a big part of the Hygge mission as well. Incense, meditation, yoga, and mindfulness for example, are all also part of hygge as well as Buddhist religion and culture.

Hygge isn’t just in Scandinavia, it’s everywhere.

We just found a word for our version of the feeling, and the action of it.

With that in mind, here comes a gentle word of advice on how you can

‘spark Hygge’ in your life: by focusing on clearing your living space, treating yourself, being kind and welcoming to others, making time, taking deep breaths, and creating mindful comfort everywhere.

Hygge is coziness, togetherness, surplus, and everything that creates a peaceful mind and environment. Us Scandinavians have branded this lifestyle as a hyggelig lifestyle, but anyone can create it on their own terms.

two ways to look at the future. Take a glass. There is water inside. Is it half empty? That is deemed grimdark – you know, the Game of Thrones way of looking at it, everyone has an ulterior motive, and no one can truly be trusted.

Is it half full? That’s noblebright, a lesser known rose-tinted look at the good guy always winning.

You know, the knight slaying the dragon and the world is saved. But there is another way of viewing

this glass.

Alexandra Rowland puts it best: “Whether the glass is half full or half empty, what matters is that there’s water in that glass.

And that’s something worth defending.”

That’s hopepunk. Let the actions speak. This isn’t about winning and calling it a day, the fight will always be there.

The struggle doesn’t stop, but it doesn’t justify giving up. We are all in this together, so let’s act as if we want to win. Hopepunk is about resisting at all costs, weaponizing optimism.

Where can we see this?

Take the character of Offred in Handmaid’s Tale, she will not give up hope - even in the face of the absolute dystopian-nightmare-setting of Gilead.

Listen to Vienna Teng’s “Level Up” opening with “So come out / You have been waiting long enough

/ You’re done with all the talk talk talk with nothing on the table.”

Read Cory Doctorow’s novel Walkaway, a story of people just, well, walking away from society to create something better.

Hopepunk can be found everywhere, it’s a story we need in times of crisis.

Now why is an artistic genre worth discussing?

Well, our stories can empower. Simply put, hopepunk isn’t just a way of telling a story, it’s a way of being. Look at the students protesting for our future by marching every Friday, look at the continually growing Extinction Rebellion spreading across the world, just listen to how Alexandria Occassio Cortez speaks.

These are living representations of hopepunk.

They see the grim reality ahead and reject it by choosing to live with hope.

Together, they say, we can

create change. Together, they proclaim, we can save our future.

Greta Thunberg, a heroic 16-year old Swedish student, said outside of the Swedish parliament “We have not come here to beg world leaders to care... We have come here to let you know that change is coming, whether you like it or not. The real power belongs to the people...” How hopepunk is that!

So live like you have a chance. Discuss things like they are possible. It might sound like delusion – but if everything is going to hell, maybe it’s time we try to look at other options.

I do not accept that we are utterly screwed.

I acknowledge that if the human race keep our destructive habits, then we may be, but I will not live in defeat. I choose to live a life of hope, my actions resonating a belief that we can do better - and so

I will do better - and that if you act as such, others will follow.

Every day we get up and we do stuff. Profound, I know. Sometimes we do very little, but we still do something.

Everything we do, when you look close enough, is based upon a hope of a consequence.

It could be a feeling of accomplishment, it could be a physical pleasure, it could be for yourself or for another, but there is an inherent hope in something happening because of that action.

This is what hopepunk wants to hone in on. Realise your power and grow with it. There is hope everywhere, but we are in a climate of suffering.

Our stories need to remind us to hope again.

If this new genre can do anything, it is to give us tools to aspire to create the world we want to live in.

Are you hopeful, punk?

Credit: Chateline

SHAUN BERGE DONALD Have you heard? We are in crisis.

Less than 12 years and we are doomed, according to the 2018 IPCC report.

After that there is no hope.

No hope, so why even try, right?

This has been a generation of being warned of an impending doom from all directions, of watching the threat of doom in our zombie apocalypses, in our fear-of-technology fictions, of an authoritarian government, to put it in a

Credit: The New Yorker

word, in our dystopias.

The essence of a dystopia is a warning. It tells the reader that in the future, something terrible will most likely occur.

Being in the future means that as a reader we still have some time. But as things pass in the real world, time is what we seem to be running out of.

That dystopia we watch and read and listen to, it is coming quicker than we could have imagined There are often deemed

Air TV & Air3Radio

15 Brig | Elections 2019

Sport

16 Brig | Elections 2019

University sport across five decades Highlights and anecdotes of the last fifty years

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ur university boasts active ski-club. The club mem- of skis). Though she was nerva range of impres- bers organised weekly trips to ous beforehand it proved to be sive features to draw Glenshee Ski Centre and, even an incredible experience, and in new students. The more impressively, annual remarkably accessible for any beautiful campus, academic trips abroad - usually to Aus- student, Briggs explains. “It awards across the board, and tria. Hills and snow; makes was even more of an amazing opportunity than I realised at glowing reviews from previous sense. students. But Scotland’s uniSome antics closer to home the time.”

The beauty of Stirling’s emversity for sporting excellence? come from 1975 fresher Steve Doesn’t that sound nice.

Craig, former member of the phasis on sport is for stories like It’s what drew me here, and Sports Union Executive Com- these. Briggs had never even Stirling’s sporting culture has mittee. He reminisces upon considered skiing before, but been a major influence on stu- a particularly eventful swim- all of a sudden found herself in dents of the past as well. So when ming event, in which his team- this incredible experience. The did this emphasis on sport be- mate Dave Wilkie (not the university’s promotion of sport gin? Well, almost immediately.

Olympic swimmer) was run- allows these amazing experiences to occur.

Semester one. Not this year, ning late.

And Stirling had certainly not ten years ago, twenty, or forSomeone shouted for him ty. Semester one. Within a few to hurry as his race was im- established itself as a sporting months of Stirling University minent, and hearing the gun institution by the time David opening as Rugby Club Dinner [Brig Wilkie sprinted an academic 1970]: The best function in uni- from the changinstitution, it versity history according to ing room, hit had a sports Brig. The rugby team briefly the board, and dived in. Unpresence. appeared sophisticated until Paul Martin, alcohol was involved, but re- f o r t u n a t e l y and who started gardless were praised for being though, at Stirling in the best team for a night out. literally jumping the gun, he its first ever year, 1967, tells me about the landed amongst the women’s rugby team that formed along- backstroke: the race before his.

It’s stories like these that side. With official university forces focusing on the running of personify the attraction of its shiny new institution, it was sport societies, and sport in students who set in motion the general, explains Craig. The eventual legacy of sport in Stir- social aspect, the unforgettaling. “The university was pretty ble memories, and the lifelong relieved when students buckled friends to match. He credits down and did most of the heavy Stirling for promoting sport: “To have all those facilities on lifting,” Martin explains.

The men’s football team your doorstep is brilliant.”

One “sports facility” in parformed a year later in 1968, and despite its fresh legs the uni- ticular was frequently menversity team found itself with a tioned in my conversations friendly matchup against none with Stirling alumni: the Ganother than Celtic FC. The two nochy bar. It was the place to teams battled on the campus’s be, the social hub of the unionly football pitch and featured a versity, and therefore the most sensible place to advertise. young Kenny Dalglish (who later Metcalf started in 1987, and won four Scottish league cham- Sports societies did just that.

Angie Briggs started at Stir- it wasn’t just the traditional pionships with Celtic). Not a bad christening for Gannochy. Oh, ling in 1977 and remembers sports – like rugby or football various advertisements for – that were proving successful the score? 8-0, not to Stirling.

An enthusiastic student body sporting opportunities on anymore. The university had was the recurring theme in my the Gannochy notice boards. claimed great results in athlethockey drew ics, golf, various intramural conversation with Martin, who Intramural later formed this very newspa- her attention, and soon she sports, and more says Metcalfe.

Beyond just taking home per. He believes that over time, was playing fast and furious medals, from these humble origins, matches on the Take an active part in univer- there was sport developed as the core of pitches behind sity life [Brig 1986]: This edition also a masthe university. “When Stirling G a n n o c h y . lacks an actual sports section, sive buzz Though they opened it had no personality. but features an advertisement for a r o u n d Edinburgh law, Glasgow politics, didn’t make an the physical recreation depart- p a r t i c i impact on the Strathclyde engineering.” Sport ment. Some of the classes on of- p a t i o n emerged as Stirling’s personal- greater sportfer: short tennis, windsurfing, sports. In ity, he explains: the feature that ing world, the pop mobility, and life-saving. particular, universities become best known intense games and social events that followed Metcalfe remembers sailing for. and mountaineering being inThis notion of pioneering stu- were always good fun.

Later in her university career credibly popular at the time. dents extended into the 70s as His favourite memory, howwell. Grizelda Cowan attended Briggs embarked on a univerStirling from 1970-1973 and sity trip to Aviemore (despite ever, isn’t based in any of these speaks fondly of her time in the never having donned a pair sports. He tells me about a vol-

RYAN DINSDALE SPORTS EDITOR

leyball team that headed to the Hosie believes that this con- nitely promoted the progresbeach for some training. They tributed significantly to the sion of his golfing talents, he parked the sports union mini- sporting culture of Stirling and said. bus on the sand and headed off the university as a whole. “We Echoing his preceding stuto begin their session. felt commitment from the uni dents, the social aspect of sport I imagine it was quite an ex- to us, and it made us care about societies was massively imporhaving the tant to Ramsay. They allow you citing trip, Dundee Uni thrashed by Stirbest club that to make friends and grow as an being able to ling football stars [Brig 1995]: we could.” individual, Ramsay explains: leave the gym Shots are fired at Dundee after and head out There was “It plays an integral part of the losing to all four of Stirling’s into the world also a massive person you will be.” football teams. The aggregate Ramsay holds his time at Stirinvestment to train. As score: 13-2. Respect for William in the sport- ling in very high regard, remithe team finWallace, amongst other things, ing facilities niscing that, in a way, it’s more ished and rewere cited as the keys to victory. turned to the on campus, special than even his profesbus, however, any high spirits and sport was further integrat- sional career. There’s a comradery to it. “Having nothing were met with a high tide as ed into academics as well. they found the vehicle half subSport was “instrumental to but having everything: good people, great times, and big merged. Metcalfe describes it me feeling at home” Hosie exas “messy, wet, and highly em- plains. She didn’t know any of laughs.”

Colin Fleming, now-retired her fellow freshers when she arrived at Stirling, but engage- professional tennis player, atment in sport opened up her tended Stirling around the social world. The bonds Hosie same time, and the sporting formed lasted way beyond uni- culture was a massive influence versity, as most of her friends on his decision to come here. today are from these cherished With a career in tennis ahead of him, Fleming wanted to attend times at Stirling.

Suzanne Harkness can testa- a university where he could foment to the growth of smaller cus on his studies and his sport. clubs through her involvement Stirling was the perfect choice.

It wasn’t Fleming’s first exwith women’s basketball between 1995 and 1999. Though perience with the university it was less popular than other though, as he grew up playing societies, the basketball team on the Gannochy courts. “Sport at Stirling has been a big part of showed stern commitment.

Harkness and her teammates my life and will continue to be,” even joined the local Gran- Fleming explains, as he is also gemouth league as the only heavily involved in the upcomfemale team, just to get more ing GB National Tennis Acadexperience. “We weren’t really emy, opening at the university received too well but our team in August.

The sporting focus at Stirling was strong and we wanted to University has clearly influplay more,” she explains.

The men’s teams played just enced Fleming, and he stands as hard as ever, but Stirling as a great example of what this persisted despite the injury emphasis on sport can create. “I risk. Their decision to join the think the importance they place Credit: University of Stirling league was largely down to be- on sport as part of student and barrassing”, though I’m sure ing young and naïve says Hark- everyday life is great, and long hilarious for everyone else. ness, but they grew as a team mat it continue.”

Through my conversations and became incredibly close Brig’s former sports editor, with several Stirling alumni through these experiences.

Craig Wright, believes that from the 90s, the biggest sportStirling’s sporting prowess Stirling has shifted into a naing development of this decade is further solidified by its stu- tionally recognised sporting appeared to be the growth of dents hub in recent who Misery for Brig as editor sabo- years, but its smaller clubs, both in numbers develop into and professionalism. Alison professional teges his own team [Brig 2001]: sporting perHosie — who attended Stirling athletes, and Possibly the greatest tragedy in sonality has from 1991-1995, and later for the 2000s fea- our newspaper’s history as Brig r e m a i n e d her PhD from 1996-2000 — tured many. lost the inter-media football tour- c o n s i s t e n t : holds a unique perspective of P r o - g o l f e r nament. The team finished with “I think that one point, an own goal, and what the love for sport in this era.

Richie RamShe explains an evolution say attended was dubbed “a moral victory.” sport at Stirthat occurred with the forma- Stirling from 2001-2006 and ling is the same as it’s always tion of smaller clubs, and sport has since won three champion- been.” societies as a whole were es- ships on the European tour.

And that’s the beauty of it. tablishing a more executive Ramsay was attracted to Stir- Sport was a conversation in demeanour. Management be- ling for its beautiful setting, 1967 just as it is today, and Stircame more coordinated and degree programmes, and its ling University has cherished the university itself made extra sporting culture. Stirling allows that passion from day one to effort to improve the running students to experience more create a sporting institution of these clubs. sports and the university defi- that’s world renowned.

Sport

17 Brig | Elections 2019

Cheerleading squad reach new Wheelchair basketheights in encouraging victory ball: a sport for all Credit: CSU Facebook

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he Stirling University cheerleading squad certainly has a lot to shout about this semester, from showcase successes to claiming a top spot at competitions.

The second annual Scottish University Cheerleading Championships took place at the Dundee Caird Hall on March 3.

The Stirling girls came out on top in the Small Pom competition: a fantastic victory for the club.

The entirely student-led competition is an opportunity for all Scottish universities to compete

and showcase all of the hard work put in over the year.

Over 450 competitors took part from, ten Scottish universities. It was also announced during the same weekend that cheerleading is now officially recognised as an SSS sport.

This means that they will receive more funding, which will enable the club to buy new equipment and aid in transportation costs.

Cheerleading president Melissa Borland commented on the success of the club and how it has progressed since she joined in her first year of university.

“Since I joined, membership has increased, and results have improved year on year. I think this definitely encourages our members to do better, push harder, and it is really motivational.”

Borland is set to graduate in June and will massively miss being a part of the club, but says she is confident that the club will continue to thrive under next year’s committee.

Another feature of Borland’s presidency is her introduction of a lower-level team, which has been fantastic for getting novices involved in showcases and

competitions for recreation and experience.

Exciting times lie ahead for Stirling’s cheerleaders. On March 13, the squad travel to Queen Margaret University for a showcase. And on March 15, more than forty girls will visit Derby for the national championships, which will test the squad against twenty-five other teams.

They have a busy month ahead, but Brig wishes the cheerleading team all the best in the competition. Hopefully they come out on top of the pyramid.

Sports teams unite to show support of mental health awareness

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SCOTT LEWIS SPORTS EDITOR

he university’s sports teams all came together in support of the green ribbon campaign on March 7, where athletes displayed a green ribbon during their fixtures as a sign of support of the work being done to aid mental health.

The green ribbon itself is a recognised symbol of mental health and supporting this cause was a massive part of the university’s mental health week.

Sports President Caitlin Ormiston was delighted with the strong backing that the campaign garnered from so many different clubs.

“Our Green Campaign was a huge success; we handed out over 600 ribbons to Sports Un-

ion teams to wear in any way that they wanted as part of our Mental Health Week.”

She feels that it sends out a fantastic message about the kind of supporting environments that are created in the university’s sports teams.

“Our teams put out a positive message around mental health and pledged to being inclusive and supportive clubs that are open to all new members.”

She stated how delighted she was with all of the teams who got involved and hoped that this would be the catalyst for further development.

“We often hear about how much of a support teammates can be and I couldn’t be happier with the positive environment

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PETRA KOTKOVA SPORTS WRITER

SAM ORMISTON SPORTS WRITER

our teams have created and continue to build on.”

In addition to the ribbons being worn during games, many clubs took to social media to air their support of the campaign and further reinforce the supporting environment that exists for anyone who feels that they need it.

Being a student is stressful.

Many people are juggling university work, part-time jobs, and extracurricular activities. So it’s easy for students’ mental health to diminish, adding to the chaos of university life.

Mental health is a complicated subject, but initiatives like the green ribbon campaign can hopefully lead to positive change.

Credit: Stirling Volleyball Instagram

’m buckled firmly into the seat, almost like an aggressive stewardess is prepping me for a plane’s departure. The seatbelt is fastened sharply around my waist and my legs adjusted into the right position.

I’m in Gannochy; Stirling University’s sports hall is hosting a wheelchair basketball session.

On an otherwise regular afternoon, I’m trying to convince my wheelchair-using friend that playing basketball cannot be that difficult. It becomes very clear, very quickly, however, that I am absolutely wrong.

After I get strapped into one of the spare wheelchairs, the coach hands me the basketball.

“Dribble!” She exudes a level of confidence I can’t reflect. Trying to bounce the ball with one hand and move the wheelchair – myself – with the other is not going great.

My friend, who’s had this movement disadvantage her entire life, laughs and takes videos to embarrass me on social media. Great. I’m the Kim Kardashian of wheelchair basketball.

The baskets at each end of the court, to my surprise and dismay, are the same height as in any basketball game. Even under normal circumstances, and with my natural height advantage (being 5’8), I couldn’t make a shot. Now that I’m sitting and completely unable to use my legs, the best I can do is stare at the hoops from below.

No chance.

It doesn’t seem to be a problem for the regular members of wheelchair basketball though.

They’re flying up and down

the court, hitting basket after basket like the sky’s the limit.

All that’s left for me to do is unbuckle myself, stretch my legs, and offer cheers from the bench.

This isn’t an option for so many university students, however. Something that seems so simple, like participating in sport, presents so many difficulties. Many people can’t just stand up and walk away: it’s an everyday circumstance that can’t be avoided.

Stirling embraced the Just Play Sport programme at the start of this academic year, which encompasses a myriad of sports: football, badminton, basketball, zumba, amd wheelchair tennis and basketball.

Amy Beattie, students sports experience officer, explains the beauty of participating in Just Play Sport. There’s no daunting commitment, “you can just turn up” says Beattie. It’s free for any students with a gym membership, free for all first years, and just a £2 drop-in rate for any other student.

She explains that Stirling University are “working with Scottish Disability Sport to provide more opportunities to disabled students.” The wheelchair basketball sessions have also been supported by Basketball Scotland.

Beattie emphasises the idea that wheelchair basketball is open to anyone that attends Stirling. “All students can come along even if they’re not a wheelchair user.”

There’s no stress to it; you just have to show up, and anyone can. Wheelchair basketball is a sport for everyone.

Sport

18 Brig | Elections 2019

Waterpolo makes a splash Coach Azevedo joins National Tennis Academy’s all-star staff in turnaround season

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JESSIE HOSKING SPORTS EDITOR

AIDAN DONACHY SPORTS EDITOR

eonardo Azevedo has been confirmed as the head coach of the National Tennis Academy, opening at Stirling University in August.

Brazilian-born Azevedo brings a wealth of international experience in this new role, having worked with players like former world number one Juan Carlos Ferrero.

He has eight years of experience working at the United States Tennis Association, nurturing the country’s vast array of talent. Following this he worked at Barcelona Total Tennis.

Azevedo spoke to the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) about his appointment, saying: “It is an honour to be appointed as the first head coach of the

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f results go our way then the Stirling women’s water polo team are only one game away from being crowned 2018/19 league champions. Brig caught up with Stirling and Scotland player Petra Kotkova to see how they have been getting on.

“This season is going really well, we did not expect to be doing as good as we are and I think it is because the freshers we have this year have been really good.

“We have won all our matches except two and currently we are second in the league with one game to play against Aberdeen.”

With the game soon approaching the Stirling girls are optimistic they can do a good job against Aberdeen, who they previously beat 12-3 at the end of February.

“We are confident for our game against Aberdeen because it is the last game for two of our players because they are 4th year so we want to win for them. Also, it will be at home so we are expecting a big crowd.

“If we do win and Dundee who are first right now lose, then we will win the league because we will have a better score difference. So fingers crossed both games go in our favour.”

This is Petra’s second year

new GB National Academy at the University of Stirling.

“Tennis in Britain and Scotland has been on a fantastic journey over the last two decades and we don’t need to look far from Stirling to be inspired by just what is possible.”

The development of British tennis has been aided greatly

by Leon Smith, the Davis Cup captain, and Stirling University alumni Colin Fleming.

Fleming has claimed success at world tour level and worked with a myriad of Scottish players such as Jonny O’Mara, Maia Lumsden, and Aidan McHugh.

The final piece of the fourmember coaching team is Esteban Carril, the LTA’s performance advisor. Carril oversaw the progress of Johanna Konta

from 2015-2016, who reached her highest world ranking of 14 under his tutelage.

The academy will seek to improve Britain’s reputation regarding player development through its connection with Dollar Academy, one of the country’s leading independent schools.

In his statement to the LTA, Azevedo emphasised the importance of providing the best facilities to nurture young talent. Students who work with the academy will enjoy the best academic and sporting opportunities available nationwide.

The LTA’s CEO Scott Lloyd commented that he’s “confident that, with Colin, Esteban, and Leon, we have exactly the right team in place.”

Credit: UoS Sport’s Union Photography

with the water polo team but she is no stranger to the game: “I’ve been playing water polo for eight years now so I understand the game and we have a few more experienced players so we are able to properly play the game.

“Last year our water polo team finished last in the league. Most of the team was not made up of water polo players but mainly swimmers or people who had never heard of water polo before coming to university.”

With no coach for the whole season the team is a credit to the university, and it’s very ipressive that they have got this far already.

“Our captain is trying to take the trainings by herself but it is tough because some people have joined having never played before so they need to get used to swimming and controlling the ball.”

Petra, Emma Hamilton, and Viola Madau have enjoyed some personal achievements in their time at the University Of Stirling.

“This semester we have been selected for the Scottish national team to go to the EU Nations Games in Czech Republic. We have also been selected for the Celtic Nations team that will be playing in Wales this year where we will be representing Scotland.

“It is the biggest achievement that you can get as a player at university. I competed in it last year when it was held in Scotland and we won all of our matches so we are hoping for the same again.”

For the first time in over four years, the girls reached the quarter final of the BUCS cup where they were unfortunately knocked out by sporting giants Loughborough.

“Our captain said, in her four years, they have never won a BUCS cup game so this is still an improvement. I think we could have won the game because it wasn’t our full strength team, we had 4 key players out injured but it was still a good effort from everyone.

“After the first quarter it was 1-0 then 3-1 at half time but in the second half our team got tired.”

The highlight of their season so far came when they beat Dundee. Up until then they were undefeated in the league.

“We showed the other teams that it’s not that hard to take them down and we hope that it will dent their confidence and lose their last game away to Edinburgh. Then we will win the league.”

The final league game is against the University of Aberdeen, with Stirling looking to finish on a high.

Credit: The Herald

Curling team goes global JESSIE HOSKING SPORTS EDITOR

U

niversity of Stirling curling scholars Sophie Jackson, Mili Smith and Bobby Lammie have been chosen to represent Scotland at the World Championships next month. The news comes after Jackson and Smith won their first national title at the Scottish Championships.

Competing as part of Team Jackson, the team overcame Team Muirhead. Led by Stirling honorary graduate Eve Muirhead, the team fought hard to secure their first national title. Speaking to the university after their win, Masters student Jackson said: “We are all super happy to finish a great week on a high. I think all the pressure was on Team Muirhead today: we were able to settle in and play how we wanted to.

“Getting a two in the fourth

end really settled our nerves.”

Going into the final, Team Muirhead were the undisputed favourites. However, this did not dampen the spirits of Team Jackson as they eventually came out with an 11-7 win.

In the men’s final, Bobby Lammie formed part of the victorious Team Mouat. The team overcame a different Team Muirhead, this one spearheaded by Glen Muirhead, Eve’s brother. A close

affair with the latter team including a number of experienced Olympians, Team Mouat eventually won 7-5.

The next challenges for both teams will include Team Jackson travelling to Russia for the World University Games taking place from March 2-12.

The mens’s team will travel to Canada for the Men’s World Championship, aiming to better their bronze medal performance of the previous year.

Credit: University of Stirling

Sport

19 Brig | Elections 2019

Dog agility as a sport may not be too far-fetched

Credit: The DogVine

HARRY MCARTHUR EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

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t’s not often I’m overwhelmed by a grand occasion. Once when I visited Lincoln Financial Field, the home of my beloved Philadelphia Eagles, and another when I walked into Crufts.

As an overall event a dog show is not a sport, but certain aspects of them definitely fit the criteria.

Agility for example. A dog must manoeuvre through and around an obstacle course as quick as they can. It’s a great display of physical exertion and skill, as their human partner serves as a guide around the course to keep within the rules and ensure efficiency.

At Crufts, agility is hosted within the main event ring, with over 6,000 live audience members observing and criticising - plus everyone watching at home. Owners perform a full warm up with their dogs behind the scenes, in order to maximise their nimbleness and physical potential.

This prep extends to the human as well: dogs are fast. It requires a lot of energy and effort to chase their pets around the ring, in addition to delivering commands and direction. Owners deserve credit too.

An event with less human involvement, though, is flyball.

Dogs perform multiple sprints

back and forth along a straight track in order to receive and return a ball for their team. Imagine a swimming relay race, but with a ball, and dogs, and no water or people.

The teams for the flyball come dressed in a squad uniform while their fans cheer for their personal teams, akin to the competitivity you’d see in other team sports such as football or rugby.

As the award ceremonies close the competition, participants, audience, and dogs rise for the national anthem of the winning dog. It was bizzare, but it happened.

So with all this in mind: can it can be considered a sport if it’s dogs competing and not humans? My vote: absolutely.

It may sound bizarre to brand a dog as an athlete, but they train as instensely as humans do with the same goal of mastering their craft.

If you don’t believe me, look at an agility course and simply admire the art and expression of the dog performing a weave.

They move at stupendously quick speeds with great precision, cemented together by solid focus. Majestic doesn’t even cover it.

The rules are strict and therefore regularly scrutinized. One seemingly simple mistake from

the dog can result in elimination from the contest, so after putting in years of training their dreams can be stamped out within seconds of beginning.

There’s also the audience aspect; it’s a lot of pressure. Human athletes generally understand the concept of an arena and can expect the prying eyes, but dogs?

That could be seriously intimidating. Being presented to a large audience can initiate nerves but also awaken an allstar.

One particular agility heat at Crufts had a poodle dominating, until it caught sight of a camera and sat to pose.

I can’t remember why that’s relevant, but it was bloody adorable. Ah, the distraction element. That’s right.

So if darts can be considered a sport, or snooker, or motorsport, then I see no reason why an elite level, competitive display of dogs cannot.

The pooches are proving their athletic prowess in front of thousands, so give a dog a bone.

Credit: MP3IKON

Women’s football scores big across the board

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SCOTT LEWIS SPORTS EDITOR

t’s been a great period for Stirling University’s women’s football teams, with the 1st team reaching the Cup final for the fourth consecutive season, as well as the 2nd team reaching the BUCS Scottish Conference Cup final and

tying up BUCS league success.

The 1st team overcame St Andrews in a 1-0 victory of the Scottish Football Women’s Cup semi-final. Maia Ramsfjell got the decisive goal just after the hour mark, with the side then managing to hold on and see

the game out to ensure progression into the next match.

This placed Stirling against Edinburgh University’s 1st team, who are coming off an intimidating 13-1 victory in their previous matchup.

The 1st team captain, Chloe

Credit: Women’s Football 2nd’s Twitter

Logan, hopes that the team can retain the title for the third consecutive year.

“We have made it to the final of the SSS Cup for the fourth successive year and hope to retain our title for the third year in a row.

“The girls are really looking forward to the chance to compete for some silverware and end our season on a high.”

She feels that the success of the club routes right down through the teams and feels that the introduction of a third team this year has done great things.

“On a personal note, it makes me extremely happy to see the introduction of a third team this year.

“By giving more girls the chance to play we are not only creating new friendships but

strengthening our club for years to come. On behalf of the 1st team, I would like to thank the girls within the club who have stepped up this year, either on or off the field, to help the growth of the club.”

The 2nd team went on an impressive run of seven wins out of seven league games to claim the title, with two games still left to play. It was sealed in brilliant fashion with an impressive 5-0 victory against Dundee.

This follows their semi-final victory over Strathclyde a week prior that saw them progress to the final via penalties, marking the second time a match lead to a shootout during this cup campaign. Stirling held their nerve on both occasions though, remaining composed and ensuring their progression to the next round. They will

face Robert Gordon’s 1st team in the final. The 2nd team captain, Michelle Hill, is delighted with the achievements this year after coming so close in recent years: “The 2nd team had an absolutely tremendous season.

After three years of placing in the top three and closely missing out on the league title, we have finally done it, and in such great style.

We have now won eight out of eight games, amd we look to take the title as undefeated champions this coming week.”

She looks forward to the final is focused is on the prize.

“We hope our hard work will pay off and we can bring another title home on March 27.

It brings me such pleasure and I am beyond privelleged to call myself captain of such a fantastic team.”

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Scotland’s university for sporting excellence Elections edition 2019 | Twitter: @brignewspaper | Website: www.brignews.com

High pressure play: the struggle of being gay in male sport

M

en’s competitive sport seldom features gay athletes.

“Growing up, you want to be able to see people that are like you, but you don’t.”

This leaves Craig Stephen, Stirling University’s president of men’s basketball, and an openly gay man, with little choice for a role model.

The UK basketball scene is barren already; professional teams rarely see coverage outside of their local areas. This turns the gaze of young fans to the National Basketball Association of America, the NBA. If you’re a gay man, however, searching for an athlete to connect with on that level produces pitiful results. In it’s 72-year history, the NBA has had two openly gay players. Just two.

“Openly” is the key word though. 11-time All Star Charles Barkley explained on CBS Sports that everybody in the NBA has played with a gay teammate. So why do these athletes hide their sexuality?

“They’re worried about public backlash”, hypothesises Stephen. “They know their team’s going to accept it. It’s not wider management.” The fans are the biggest problem, he explains, and their mass unacceptance of certain people’s identity.

Sport organisations are historically scared of controversy.

Stephen brings up the Colin Kaepernick situation, an NFL player who protested racial injustice, amongst other things, by kneeling during the national

RYAN DINSDALE SPORTS EDITOR

anthem. Not a single NFL team would sign Kaepernick the following season.

“They got rid of him, they can’t deal with the controversy,” says Stephen. These organisations are too concerned with making money to make a powerful statement against an oppressed athlete, and this is a major problem for gay men in sports. Instead of removing the problem altogether, Stephen believes that organisations should “use this as an opportunity to further the athlete’s voice and choose something which is going to be better for society as a whole.”

“And something like that, a sort of breakthrough moment in terms of gay men in male orientated sports. We need something like that.” Being supported instead of shamed, respected instead of removed.

“That whole hearted support is something which I think will bring about change.”

This stance by a major sporting organisation could create a positive reaction that proves monumental for the gay community or any oppressed athlete. It could initiate a movement of equality, forming new ideas and policies that (literally) change the game. Though true for many sports, basketball especially is a game of expression as players channel emotion to extend their talent and flourish on the court. So guess what happens when these players are suppressed.

Before coming out, and de-

spite playing for years, Stephen felt that he couldn’t relate to his teammates, or even basketball as a culture. He felt distant.

It extended to his play on the

a lot more comfortable. “Once you get it out there in the open, and nobody has an issue with it, you’re free to essentially do what you need to do on court.”

Credit: Ryan Dinsdale

court as he worried more about other’s opinions instead of their operating as a team. Once he came out to his teammates, though, everything became

A basketball game features two teams however, and the problem is amplified when the opponents use disrespectful language.

It’s happened too many times

to count, Stephen explains.

Though not specifically targeting him, it’s the “that’s gay” jokes that are frequently thrown around. “It’s the connotations that you don’t want to be gay.” It’s a prominent issue within male sport and greater society beyond that, says Stephen. It’s easier to explain the problem amongst friends, but “I’ve been on court against other teams, and I’ve heard people making comments and I didn’t feel comfortable in that kind of scenario.”

“You can’t stop and think about it because you’re in the middle of the game, but you still want to act on it and point it out.” You’re faced with another level of pressure, on top of the already intense scenario; that just isn’t fair. “That is a constant battle that you have as a gay man in sport” says Stephen. Not knowing where to draw the line in terms of what’s acceptable and what’s not.

Stephen spends a large portion of his free time advocating for the rights of the LGBTQ+ community (encompassing all sexualities and gender identities). But despite all the effort and energy that he puts in, he still has to endure homophobic comments, and the struggle of whether to act or not. “It puts you in such a vulnerable position.”

While these comments may seem insignificant to some, and even if they’re said in jest,

“it’s never just a joke”. Even if you don’t mean it, what does it tell the people that do? It fosters an environment where it’s okay to say those things, Stephen explains. It is not; “there is no such thing as just a joke”.

Positive movements can come from small acts too though.

Rainbow laces, for example, is an initiative where athletes don rainbow laces (surprisingly) to show support for the LGBTQ+ community.

While the athletes may not realise how much this means, Stephen explains that it’s incredibly important. For someone who may be gay, that’s amazing. “You know that you’re walking into a room full of people who aren’t going to make a big deal out of it.”

It’s this aspect that reiterates how problematic homophobia is; that it’s often an uncommon relief to feel comfortable in yourself. I noticed this a few times during my conversation with Stephen, as he mentioned that he was fortunate to receive positivity after coming out, or fortunate to be relatively masculine and therefore judged less within basketball.

But sport is meant to be wholly inclusive. A gay man may be allowed to take part, but this doesn’t mean he’s treated equally. Homophobia is still a prevalent issue in male sport and needs to be tackled. No one should have to feel fortunate for being treated like a person, and being respected should not be a privilege.

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