Brig Newspaper: Volume 53 Issue 1

VOL.53 ISSUE.1

STIRLING'S STUDENT NEWSPAPER

EXCLUSIVE OUTLANDER INTERVIEW

TOP TIPS FOR FRESHERS

Page 13

Page 23

13 SEPTEMBER 2022

Image credit: Wallpaper Access

STIR LING MOUR NS QUEEN ELIZABETH II

2

NEWS NEWS

STIRLING MOURNS QUEEN ELIZABETH II

EDITORIAL

By Isla Glen

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

I AM delighted to bring you Brig's first edition of the academic year.

The team have worked incredibly hard to deliver the paper in time for Freshers' Week and watching it progress has made me so proud.

The passing of Queen Elizabeth II is a sad occassion. She has always been a steady presence in the background and the only Monarch many of us have ever known. It is the end of an era.

The world has felt different since I began university. Midway through my first year we were struck by the COVID-19 pandemic. We've seen the terrors of war, climate change and politics since. Now we're being plunged into a cost of living crisis.

Throughout it all Brig's journalists have delivered. Our aim is to provide you with relevant and high quality content. We want to hold those in power to account.

I encourage you all to read our content and follow us on social media. In the past year we have launched a new social media strategy and received amazing results.

Without Brig, my university experience would be completely different. The sense of relief I have now the paper is finished is like no other. Joining Brig was the best decision I have made while at Stirling.

Not only have I learned a great deal about the journalism industry, I've found my purpose.

From a fourth year to a fresher, make sure you join a society. It's the best way to make friends and have fun.

Good luck to you all in the coming year. I hope you enjoy this edition of Brig.

Queen Elizabeth II's visit to Stirling in 1962. Image: The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum

QUEEN Elizabeth II passed away at the age of 96 on Thursday afternoon at Balmoral Castle in Aberdeenshire.

The loss has been felt across the world and tributes have been paid.

In Stirling, flowers have been

laid in commemoration at the Council headquarters and the War Memorial at Corn Exchange Road.

The Union flag is being flown at half-mast at Stirling Council headquarters and other civic buildings.

Stirling Council has opened an

By Isla Glen

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

NEW PM APPOINTED IN SCOTLAND FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 1885

By Jules Adamska LIZ Truss has been appointed the UK’s new Prime Minister on Tuesday, September 6 at Balmoral Castle.

The last monarch to assign a PM from the royal summer residence was Queen Victoria appointing Lord Salisbury in 1885.

It is the late Queen Elizabeth II’s 15th and last PM appointment following her death on Thursday, September 8.

As the Queen was not well enough to travel to London, the ceremony was scheduled to take place at Balmoral Castle.

Truss is the third woman to become British PM, after Margaret Thatcher and Theresa May. The newly elected Prime Minister

addressed the nation in Downing Street speech on September 6. “I’m honoured to take on this responsibility at a vital time for our country,” she said.

Following the Queen’s death just days after her appointment, Truss addressed the nation again on Thursday night. She said: “The death of Her Majesty the Queen is a huge shock to the nation and to the world.

“Queen Elizabeth II was the rock on which modern Britain was built.

“Our country has grown and flourished under her reign.

“Britain is the great country it is today because of her.”

Truss ended her statement by offering support to His Majesty King Charles III, closing with, “God save the King.”

www.brignews.com /brignewspaper

@brig_newspaper @brignewspaper @brignewspaper

online Book of Condolence and physical ones at Old Viewforth, Customer First and the Albert Halls.

All Council events and engagements have been reviewed, with many cancelled or postponed as a

mark of respect.

This includes the Open Streets festival that was due to take place this past weekend, Shapes at the Jail and other local events.

Stirling Provost, Douglas Dodds has expressed his deep sadness, saying: “I am saddened to receive the news of Her Majesty the Queen’s death. On behalf of the people of Stirling I would like to extend my condolences to the members of the Royal Family and everyone who has been affected at this time of great sorrow.”

Stirling’s Accession Proclamation of King Charles III was made by Provost Douglas Dodds on Sunday September 11 on King Street.

He was joined by the LordLieutenant of Stirling and Falkirk, Alan Simpson, Stirling Council Chief Executive, Carol Beattie, and Stirling Council Leader, Councillor Chris Kane.

Balmoral Castle. Image: Stuart Yeates via Flickr

Her Majesty the Queen, with former Prinicpal Professor Tom Cotrell, 1972.

Image: The Univerity of Stirling

UNIVERSITY PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE QUEEN THE University of Stirling has saluted Queen Elizabeth II following her death on Thursday evening.

Throughout her reign, she enjoyed close links to the higher education sector.

In 1967, Her Majesty signed the University of Stirling’s Royal Charter, officially launching the institution by Royal Command. Five years later, she formally opened Queen’s Court as a part of a Royal Visit to Stirling.

Additionally, the University has had the honour of receiving two Queen’s Anniversary Prizes in recognition of its transformational work in social marketing and health research, and for its innovation in aquaculture.

Following the news of the Queen's death, Professor Sir Gerry McCormac, Principal and ViceChancellor of the University of Stirling, said: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty the Queen and on behalf of the University, I express my sincere

condolences to the Royal Family.

“Throughout her remarkable reign, Her Majesty has been a great friend to the higher education sector and her continued support for the work undertaken by our researchers has been a valuable contribution to the University’s success over its 55-year history.

“In her passing, the UK has lost not only a head of state but a champion for the many causes and charities to which she dedicated her time and provided such inspiration.

“Colleagues will remember The Queen not only for her sense of duty and devotion to a lifetime of service to the nation but for her compassion and the kindness she showed to everyone she met.”

In tribute, all university flags will fly at half-mast and a book of condolence for staff and students in the University Chaplaincy.

By Andrew Robson NEWS EDITOR

NEWS

POLITICS COMMENT MUSIC 6-7 8-9 10-11

FILM & TV ARTS 12-13 18-19 14-15

GAMING LIFESTYLE FEATURES FOOD 20-21 16-17 22-23 18-19 24-25 20-21 26-27 22-23

SPORT 28-32 24-28

3

STUDENTS STRUGGLE TO FIND HOUSING FOR UPCOMING SEMESTER

By Rebecca Kerr NEWS EDITOR

The University guarantee that Stirling students will come first. Image: Harry Williamson

GLASGOW STUDENTS COULD END UP IN STIRLING HALLS

By Andrew Robson NEWS EDITOR

IN August the Glasgow Guardian reported that the University of Glasgow had entered preliminary talks with the University of Stirling to house students in Stirling.

The University of Glasgow has experienced an oversubscription for accommodation and is already housing students as far away as Paisley.

This comes as Stirling is facing its own private accommodation shortage. Many students are still struggling to find a place to stay away from the University this semester.

The University of Stirling confirmed that initial talks have taken place but outlined in a statement that all Stirling students, even if they are not guaranteed accommodation will be prioritised.

In response to these reports, the University of Glasgow were asked

by Brig if they felt housing students over 30 miles away was acceptable and why incoming students had no guarantee of accommodation.

A University of Glasgow spokesperson said: “Regrettably, due to a significant contraction in the private rental market, demand for rooms continues to be substantially ahead of expectation and we are no longer in a position to provide guaranteed University accommodation.

“Despite having increased the number of rooms under University management by 25 per cent for the new academic year, we are having to prioritise accommodation for students who are unable to travel from home.”

The spokesperson addressed the fact that the University of Glasgow is no longer guaranteeing first-year students a place to stay.

They said: “We understand the concern students have about finding accommodation for the new semester.

“While we are unable to offer accommodation for students living within reasonable commuting distance, we will continue to check regularly on the availability of private provider accommodation and will share updates when we have them. For information and advice on finding private rented accommodation we encourage students to contact the Students’ Representative Council Advice Centre.”

Given the current housing situation in Stirling, Brig also questioned the University of Stirling if all Stirling students would be prioritised for campus accommodation, regardless of their year of study. A spokesperson for the University of Stirling said: “We are continuing to prioritise accommodation applications from University of Stirling students arriving for the autumn semester.

“We have held preliminary discussions with colleagues in Glasgow, where student accommodation is currently oversubscribed, to understand how we might be able to provide support, should we have any vacancies for the new academic year.

“Any decision will only be taken once Stirling applications have been processed.”

STUDENTS at the University of Stirling have reported a lack of private rental properties in the city centre, with many students on the hunt for accommodation all summer to no avail.

As the university returns to on-campus learning this semester, many students have flocked back to Stirling for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. This has resulted in students battling for flats in a very sparse and competitive private rental market.

The housing pool in Stirling has been further narrowed by the fact that most of the flats left on the market are either unfurnished or specifically request ‘non-student’ tenants.

Heather Mackenzie, a second-year Primary Education student at the university, has been looking for accommodation since April. Despite reaching out to several letting agents and landlords,

she remains without a place to stay for the upcoming semester.

Heather told Brig:

“If I don’t find somewhere suitable in time, I will be forced to apply for a leave of absence which would absolutely devastate me."

“Off the top of my head, I can think of 17 letting agents that I have been in regular contact with. I have also spoken to several landlords individually, as well as over 20 tenants looking to find a flatmate.

“I check relevant websites like Rightmove and Spareroom constantly and almost always get in touch within less than an hour of listings being posted.”

Despite her efforts, Heather told Brig that flats are snapped up almost immediately – leaving her back at square one.

The uncertainty of not knowing where she will stay during her studies has begun to take its toll on

her: “The stress has really been getting to me and my family.”

“It’s a lot to try and get back into the right mindset and routine for university after having so much time off, so the additional stress of not being able to find a roof over your head can make it pretty overwhelming.”

Jess Reid (Vice President Communities) and Dante Lopez (Housing Officer) from the Stirling Students’ Union are aware of the sparse private rental market in Stirling and are putting measures in place to support students.

They told Brig: “[The Union] will be meeting with the Stirling Council Environment and Housing Committee in the next week to discuss HMOs and student housing.

“Additionally, this month, we will be launching the Housing Forum as a means of having student voices represented in all areas of the discussion including students in private accommodation.”

Union President Tash Miller says students "have routinely been left behind by the government". Image: Stirling Students' Union

SABBS VOICE CONCERN OVER COST OF LIVING CRISIS

By Rebecca Kerr NEWS EDITOR

LAST week, the Stirling Students’ Union Sabbatical Officers met with local MP Alyn Smith to discuss the cost of living crisis and its impact on students.

This comes after research from the National Union of Students (NUS) revealed that one in three students are left with just £50 a month after paying rent and bills and 68% of students are no longer able to afford learning materials.

Most alarmingly, 92% of students say that the cost of living crisis is affecting their mental health and the Sabbs worry that if action is not taken soon, this will only get worse.

The Sabbatical Officers – Tash

Miller, Jess Reid and Murray Bushell – hope to work closely with MP Alyn Smith to advocate for students at a local and Westminster level.

Union President, Tash Miller, told Brig: “Alyn Smith was very receptive to our call for action and was supportive in our efforts to alleviate the pressures on students.

“Students have routinely been left behind by the government and we are calling on them to take urgent action to protect students, especially over the winter months… we need student finance uplifts, energy bill relief into our pockets – not our landlords – and more access to hardship funds.”

Tash also revealed that The Union is currently working towards a cost-of-living support package that

will be available to students this winter. Stirling MP Alyn Smith added: “I’m deeply concerned the UK Government has been asleep at the wheel in recent weeks over the cost of living crisis facing Stirling, Scotland and the rest of these islands.

“The student community especially face a difficult autumn and winter, as energy bills blow a huge hole in budgets.”

While Alyn Smith assures that Stirling will do everything in its power to tackle this crisis, he believes that it is down to the UK Government to “get serious”: “We need to see real action from the new Prime Minister – now is not the time for half measures.”

4

STIRLING STUDENT FEATURES IN FILM TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE AFFECTED BY FAMILY IMPRISONMENT

By Isla Glen

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

All aboard the party bus. Image: First Bus

NO MORE DRUNKEN STUMBLES BACK TO CAMPUS: NIGHT BUS RETURNS

By Freya Deyell FIRST Bus has announced the return of late-night buses from Stirling city centre to the university campus.

From Monday September 12, the UniLink night service (ULN) will first leave the city centre at 11.45pm and then every 30

A NEW media resource launched to support children and young people affected by imprisonment features a Stirling student.

Jodie Gorman participated in a short film produced by Families Outside, a Scottish charity that supports families affected by imprisonment.

The 21-year-old law student and Anyé Young – the author of the Teen Guide to Living With Incarcerated Parents – discussed their experiences of having a parent in prison.

Young was invited to Scotland

by Families Outside and the International Coalition for Children with Incarcerated Parents to make the film.

Gorman interviewed Young about her book before discussing their personal experiences and the impacts of imprisonment on children.

The book was self-published on Father’s Day 2018. It details stories and lessons Young learned while coping with her father’s imprisonment and life in a single-parent home.

The film is split into ten clips,

NEWS NEWS

ranging from coping mechanisms to stereotypes and statistics.

It was produced to help children and young people dealing with similar issues, as well as their families and professionals who support them.

Gorman said: “I feel honoured to have been part of the film, and I hope that by openly talking about my experiences of having a parent in prison that others out there will realise they are not alone and don’t need to let the stigmas attached with imprisonment define them.”

The film is available to watch on Vimeo.

minutes afterwards until the final service at 3.15am.

The ULN will also extend to Alexander Court, following the reintroduction of the stop back in February.

The night service runs every day during the university semester and mid-semester breaks except from Sundays.

SCOTRAIL KICKSTARTS NEW SEMESTER WITH BINS BACK TO NORMAL FOLLOWING HALF-PRICE TRAIN STRIKE ACTION TRAVEL FOR STUDENTS By Charlotte Sutcliffe

Anyé Young (left) and Jodie Gorman (right) discuss growing up with incarcerated parents. Image: Families Outside

By AJ Whyte SCOTRAIL has announced the return of their half-price ticket scheme for students.

The scheme, which runs from September 5 to September 25, gives students a 50% discount on Off-Peak train tickets. The offer is valid on every Scotrail service except travel to and from Lockerbie.

Students must show a valid student ID card or other proof of student status in order to receive this offer. The tickets must be purchased from a staffed booking office or onboard - they cannot be bought online or a ticket vending machine.

The discounted tickets come as the NUS reports that 96% of students are cutting back amid the current cost of living crisis.

Their research found that most students are struggling to afford their weekly shopping, transport to university, and energy bills at the current price. A spokesperson

for the NUS said: "Huge increases to the price of bills, food, and living costs coupled with soaring rent has students on the brink.

"They can't even cover the cost of getting to the library or classes."

ScotRail Commercial Director, Lesley Kane, said: "Our half-price promotion has proven really popular with students in the past, so we’re proud to once again do our bit to help them make the most of Freshers Week and the start of term.

"Whether students are exploring Scotland before terms starts, going to university for the first time, or heading back to campus to resume their studies, we think this offer will provide a welcome boost to their finances at a time when we’re all feeling the pinch."

Students can benefit from the offer multiple times but it cannot be used in conjunction with railcards or concessionary discounts and refunds are not possible.

FOLLOWING a week of bin strikes in Stirling, further industrial action has been called off and refuse collection has returned to normal.

Stirling refuse workers were expected to strike until September 10 due to pay disputes. However, an improved pay deal has been laid out following intense negotiations between the First Minister, Deputy First Minister, COSLA and unions.

Stirling Council has confirmed the suspension of further industrial action and thanks residents "for their patience and understanding during this period of disruption."

The new pay offer consists of: • An increase of £2,000 for those earning up to £20,500 • An increase of £1,925 or those earning between £20,5000 to £39,000 • A 5% increase for those earning between £39,000 to £60,000 • A maximum increase of

£3,000 for those earning above £60,000 The resolution has been well received by local MSP Evelyn Tweed, tweeting: "Positive news that trade unions have called off [bin] strikes across Scotland, including in

Stirling in the coming weeks. I hope that members will accept the new pay offer."

Stirling refuse collection has now returned to its normal schedule, which can be found on the Stirling Council website.

Stilring refuse collection has now returned to normal. Image: Brig Newspaper

NEWS

POLITICS COMMENT MUSIC 6-7 8-9 10-11

FILM & TV ARTS 12-13 18-19

GAMING LIFESTYLE FEATURES FOOD 20-21 22-23 24-25 26-27

SPORT 28-32

5

STIRLING PUB ‘OVER THE MOON’ TO WIN LOCAL AWARD Molly Malones has received an award for best-licensed premises in Stirling and Falkirk. Image: Scotland's Business Awards

By Ryan Barclay

LOCAL pub Molly Malones has received an award for 'Best Licensed Premises' in Stirling and Falkirk.

The award came at the regional Scotland Business Awards.

The annual awards ceremony took place last month in Falkirk at the Macdonald Inchyra Hotel and Spa. It is not the first time the Irish pub has won an award like this. In 2017 Molly Malones won the 'Best National Licensed Premises Award' at the national awards.

Nominations for the awards are generated through an online form on the Scotland Business Awards website. Businesses are nominated by the business itself or members of the public.

Members of the public can also

vote throughout the year for who they think should win an award.

Depending on the timing of the voting, some businesses are put forward for the following year’s award ceremony.

The eventual winner of each category is determined via a combination of mystery shopper-style visits to the business, a visit by Scotland’s Business Awards staff to discuss things such as opening hours of the business, engagement with customers, the experience of those involved and overall nominations.

The businesses nominated for an award receive a certificate which evidences their nomination - which they can then use on their premises or social media posts.

Commenting on their success at the awards ceremony, a

The six-week journey will start from Ullapool and end in Stonehaven.

Image: Trails for Change

spokesperson for the bar told Brig: “We are over the moon to have achieved 'Best Licensed Premises' in Stirling and Falkirk.

“We strive to make Molly's a place anyone is welcome with a brilliant atmosphere and plenty on. We have live music six nights a week, quizzes, daily food, variety of drinks and the best Guinness in town.

“Molly's is involved heavily with the students as we sponsor two fantastic GAA teams and 80% of our brilliant staff team are from Stirling Uni. We look forward to taking part in the National Awards in November.”

The National Scotland Business Awards are hewld in Glasgow each year and are open to businesses who successfully receive an award within their region.

RECENT GRADUATE EMBARKS ON CROSS-SCOTLAND CHALLENGE FORMER Stirling student Ailsa Beck is on a journey across Scotland to promote the great outdoors.

Beck, an Environmental Geography graduate, and close friend Nellie Wilson are traversing Scotland as a part of their collective – Trails for Change.

Trials for Change has the shared goal of protecting Scotland’s nature, documenting adventure routes across Scotland and increasing accessibility to the outdoors.

The first project of Trails for Change is The Alba Cross.

According to the pair, it is a ‘human-powered journey’ from Nellie’s hometown, Ullapool to Ailsa’s hometown, Stonehaven.

The six-week journey will consist of wild swimming, cycling, kayaking, walking and canoeing.

Along the way, the pair will make stops at various places including John Muir Trust Sites, community-owned land, private ownership, and National Trust areas.

Beck and Wilson will spend one or two days working on each site, joining in with current projects of rewilding and conservation. The

visits will be documented in a series of short films, showcasing the positive work happening across Scotland.

At the end of the journey, the pair aim to release a feature film that follows the ups and downs of their challenge. Beck said: “We aim to showcase the work currently going on across some of the country attempting to conserve, rewild and regenerate wildlife and nature.

“We are not necessarily beginning this journey with a specific agenda, or with expectations of the work that will be being done and how people feel about contentious issues.

“More so we would like to encourage discussion around environmental issues that affect us all and inspire people to contact projects in their local area, as well inspiring people to get out and enjoy the outdoors no matter what the barriers, all whilst contributing a positive impact to their surroundings.

“We also hope to promote diversity in the outdoors and aim to show that natural spaces are for all.”

Their journey will focus on

projects in the West Coast, Isle of Skye, Glen Affric, and the Cairngorms and will use social media to let people have their voices heard. In addition to the films, Beck and Wilson will produce a series of podcast episodes on their journey designed as a more ‘relaxed’ conversation along the way.

The duo aims to inspire in more ways than one. Beck said: “We also want to showcase women and queer people in adventure and add to the scene of girls doing cool things.

“This will hopefully inspire other people to get involved in these sports.

The more we encourage people to get involved in nature– the more folk who can be inspired to protect these landscapes.”

Beck and Wilson’s journey started last week, but you can see their progress and find more information @ thealbacross on Instagram and Facebook.

By Andrew Robson NEWS EDITOR

6

NEWS 1-5

POLITICS

FRESHERS AND RETURNERS: WHY NOW MORE THAN EVER POLITICAL INVOLVEMENT IS CRUCIAL UNIVERSITIES are often considered hubs of political engagement. Here’s what you can expect to find at Stirling University if you are so inclined. Friends, memories, protests, and maybe a riot or two.

Or if you aren’t politically inclined, this is part of the point.

A politicised, well informed student body is a unit ready to tackle and mobilise when injustice, outrage, and hardship affect us most heavily.

The cost of living crisis, rent, rubbish accommodation and our NHS dying a death are just some of these pressing issues that we as a group can, do, and have acted on.

Historically some of the most controversial protests and opposition to government policy have come from educational institutions, if not certainly sparked by ideas circulated amongst an excited population.

While social media can make it easy ‘engage’ in politics and though my quotation marks denote a kind of distaste of doing so, social media has the power to really connect people and organise.

Organisation is where social media thrives, with the ability to connect to many people and organise marches, protests, to educate people about issues they otherwise wouldn’t be privy to.

However, there are many ways to become politically involved at uni, from baby beginners to politics students and beyond- hardened pros with Question Time set to record every single time.

Do not be intimidated, this is the main thing.

So many people think that because they lack context or theoretical knowledge, they shouldn’t join a society or get involved in extra-curricular activities because they can’t chime off every cabinet minister or similar.

At Stirling University there is the Politics Society, a non-partisan society for those who enjoy discussing and chatting about politics across the political spectrum.

Too often there is a perception that it must always adhere to a particular left-wing majority, partly due to the fact there is no dedicated Conservative society at current on campus. This is not the case, and the society is welcoming to all parties (even the Tories- cheeky!) Debate. Disagree.

Respectfully.

The Global Justice Society are a newer society at Stirling who “are a group of students that fight for social, economic, and environmental justice. Their aim is to try to tackle global and local issue and demand for a better world and a better future”. With a focus on the environment, although this is not to say other societies neglect this issue.

There is also the Stirling University Labour society and the University of Stirling Students for Independence society that are obviously for specific viewpoints, although I’d encourage you to go along to their Give It a Go’s as again, it’s not having politics shoved down your throat it’s discussion and fun times to be had.

Again. Debate.

Disagree. Respectfully.

For those of you who can’t wait to join a political society and are already empowered and engaged, much of the encouraging prose doesn’t apply to you- you’ll find your place here amongst your

camps and find willing students with ideas to share and discussion to have.

There’s also usually loads of fun socials accompanying these societies too, and a great place for freshers to make new friends with the same political interests!

Politics and political activism is the mechanism by which we effect change in our direct lives and society.

Many of the issues people are currently experiencing can be greatly improved with organised activism, of which there are many groups across the UK doing so externally to the university. Politics is often thought of as far-removed from day to day despite the literal opposite being the case; because the political players are all liars, or unpopular, or people can’t ‘do politics’. of which there are many groups across the UK doing so externally to the university. Politics is often thought of as far-removed from day to day despite the literal opposite being the case; because the political players are all liars, or unpopular, or people can’t ‘do politics’.

With a new PM and a UK hurtling towards a tumultuous uncertainty, now is a good time to know your rights, get involved, and fight for our future. Post COVID-19 we have observed shifts and weaknesses to our society that must be repaired, overhauled, and fixed.

Why not see if you can’t make the change you want to see in the world with your time as a student at Stirling. Or at least have a laugh at Boris Johnson hiding in a fridge that one time, or how inept Keir Starmer is.

By Rachel Swan POLITICS EDITOR

Stirling students protest freedom for Palestine. Image: Rachel Swan

Ellie Gomersall, NUS Scotland President.Image credit: NUS Scotland

NUS OUTLINES COST OF LIVING DEMANDS TO HELP FIGHT CRISIS AHEAD of the Scottish Government's Programme for Government statement, NUS Scotland President Ellie Gomersall wrote to the Minister for Further Education, Higher Education, Youth Employment and Training calling for action on the cost-of-living for students. The organisation have called for: a raise in student support grants and bursaries; an immediate rent freeze for all student tenants; and half price peak-time bus and train fairs for all students.

In the letter, they state: "Firstly, we need to see action to raise the incomes of students and prevent poverty – students cannot be forgotten in this crisis.

Recognising that difficult budget choices will have to be made, we have focused on an existing Scottish Government commitment to students.

We strongly support your pledge to increase the total package of student support to the level of the real Living Wage and would like to see an in-year increase in grants and bursaries for all students, which will make progress towards this goal. Should the Scottish Government provide additional cost-of-living support to households, this would be our preferred mechanism for providing equivalent support to students.

"Secondly, student rent costs were already spiralling out of control before the current crisis.

"Rents for student accommodation have increased 34 per cent in just three years, 12 per cent of respondents to our Broke survey said they’d been homeless and we’re seeing housing shortages driving up rents this year.

"We are pleased that the review of purpose-built student accommodation is making progress, but students cannot wait for relief from rent hikes.

"We therefore support calls from across civic Scotland for an immediate rent freeze – and want to

see that freeze cover all students, whether they are in the private rented sector or purpose-built student accommodation. " Thirdly, we need action to reduce the costs of learning. In responding to our Broke survey many cited travel costs as their biggest concern. One student told us, "The biggest challenge for me financially at college is making sure I have money for food and travel to get to the college and worrying about if I have enough money to do me the rest of the week let alone the month.”

"While we welcome the

extension of the free concessionary travel scheme to under 22s, this falls well short of covering all students.

"As a first step towards extending the concessionary travel scheme to all students, we are calling for them to be eligible for half price buses and trains this year. Crucially, these must be available during peak time so that they reduce the costs of commuting to study."

Now that the Programme for Government 2022 to 2023 has been reveleaed as of the 6th of September, the Scottish government, while aiming to mitigate the cost of living crisis has potentially failed students, a group whom are often assumed their parents will pay or that they have a humungous student loan.

Student accommodation prices have increased by 61% in the last decade; inflation is running at 9% with energy prices and the cost of the weekly shop soaring. We are all feeling it, not just students, but we have to get our voices heard. For more details go to NUS Scotland to get involved in sharing support.

By Rachel Swan POLITICS EDITOR

POLITICS

COMMENT MUSIC 8-9 10-11

FILM & TV ARTS 12-13 18-19

GAMING LIFESTYLE FEATURES FOOD 20-21 22-23 24-25 26-27

SPORT 28-32

OPINION: IS AN ABORTION CULTURE WAR AHEAD AS TRUSS APPOINTS NEW HEALTH SECRETARY?

7

Londoners protest for abortion rights.

Image credit: Huck Magazine/Bex Wade

IT'S no secret I’m a supporter of abortion. The feature image might give that away. This article isn’t about the pros and cons or trying to convince of one or the other. It’s to talk about the worrying sense of uncertainty that for many liberal and socially democratic individuals is creeping in.

We aren't losing abortion access in the UK. Yet the conversation crops up more as a cabal of (mainly Tory) ministers have abstained or voted against abortion laws in the past, and this has been exposed again during the leadership caandidacy where all the skeletons were rolled out. Looking at you, Rishi, with that cringe interview where you've no working class mates aye?

But for some, the constants have fallen. They never existed even.

This is surprising to people. The idea that in modern times, Western Europe would ‘just have’ abortion rights is completely false. We fight for every single win we achieve, law we force them to enact, or wage increase.

We did fight for abortion access in the UK, resulting in the Abortion Act 1967.

Hard won and fought for by women and those with uteri. Recent.

Like scary recent. Perhaps you take it for granted you’re not the States, or somewhere godforsaken where abortion laws are a disgrace to the Human Rights Act. While I do not wish to fearmonger, or suggest that Britain is suddenly going to lose access to an essential healthcare procedure, we must be prepared to take this cabinet appointment by Truss as at least somewhat of a signal that populist issues are going to be stirred in this cauldron that forged the likes of Trump, or her predecessor Johnson.

As a backbencher in 2010, Ms Coffey introduced a motion in Parliament calling for “mental health assessments” for women seeking an abortion.

Ms Coffey also recently voted

with 174 other Tory MPs to oppose extending the right to access abortion pills at home.

Speaking in June following the repeal of Roe vs Wade, a legal precedent which protected women’s right to abortion in the US, Ms Coffey said: “I would prefer that people didn’t have abortions but I am not going to condemn people that do”.

Therese Coffey has insisted she will “not seek to undo” abortion laws, amid concern from campaigners about her voting record on the issue.

I'm essentially making the argument that while there are no plans to undo abortion laws and access right now, that this idea of abortion as a talking point, as a divisionary tool may become something that, if populist and enough public rally for, you may see it become one of these issues used for points scoring and to effectively curry favour with voters. The usual.

Perhaps more people will agree with pro-life supporters than we would assume for the UK? Ms Coffey is a devout Catholic, who generally would prefer women did not have abortions for religious grounds, under any circumstances.

She has also voted against samesex marriage, including among armed forces personnel and in Northern Ireland.

The new Health Secretary, who is also Deputy Prime Minister, also failed to back a bill that would permit terminally ill people to lawfully be allowed to end their life with consent from the High Court.

So we've a smorgasboard of populist, more hard-line Conservatives that Truss has summoned in to the cabinet.

Clare Murphy, chief executive of the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS), told the BBC that while politicians can have a personal stance on abortion, these should not 'stand in the way of women's

ability to act on their own.' can have a personal stance on abortion, these should not 'stand in the way of women's ability to act on their own.'

Dr Coffey's vote against at-home abortion pills was 'against the advice of leading medical bodies including Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, the Royal College of Midwives and the BMA', Ms Murphy said.

She added: 'To have a health secretary who would place their personal beliefs above expert clinical guidance is deeply concerning.

'Anti-abortion protest activity is escalating, with women and clinic staff facing intimidation while seeking to access and provide an NHS-funded service."

To add to this buffet of beelzebub, we've also got Jacob Rees-Mogg on her cabinet now, no doubt as a reward for staying loyal to Johnson.

He is known for being one of the few politicians to vocally oppose

abortion publically.

The former Minister of Brexit Opportunities and Efficiency has publicly stated that he is 'completely opposed' to pregnancy termination, even in cases of rape or incest.

Mr Rees-Mogg, who is also Catholic, has labelled abortions as 'morally indefensible', argued that life beings 'at the point of conception' and falsely claimed that the morning after pill causes abortion.

However, he has also said British women's right to abortions are 'not going to change'.

However, he has also said British women's right to abortions are 'not going to change'.

We'll be watching Truss and Co. We'll be watching.

By Rachel Swan POLITICS EDITOR

8

NEWS 1-5

POLITICS 6-7

COMMENT

Purple bags seen around Stirling city centre. Image Credit: Isla Glen

STIRLING'S CITY CENTRE WASTE COLLECTION NEEDS A RETHINK

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

By Isla Glen

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

I AM so jealous of people with wheelie bins.

If you live in the city centre of Stirling then you’re stuck with purple bags.

Those of us that lack space for a physical bin are provided with purple sacks to dispose of our rubbish.

You put them out on the street between 4.30pm and 6.30pm, Monday and Wednesday. Only one bag is allowed per collection day and black bags are considered fly-tipping.

In theory these purple bags work.

In practice they simply don’t.

Perhaps it would make sense if the collection days weren’t so close together.

In one and a half days, it’s difficult for smaller households to accumulate enough rubbish. After four days you end up storing full smelly bin bags in your house.

It’s also a two hour window to get your rubbish out on the street.

What if you’re at work or have a class?

Unlike a wheelie bin, leaving the bag out attracts birds, rats and teenagers looking for something to kick.

Double bagging them is the only way to prevent seagulls and crows ripping them to pieces and throwing waste everywhere.

If you don’t put a black bag inside the purple bag then anyone on the street can see its contents.

I am sick of walking down the street and having to step over rubbish. The other day, I even saw vermin in and around the bags.

Not everyone can get to the Polmaise tip near Fallin, leaving no backup option.

The recycling situation isn’t much better. You have to store it in your house then cart it to your nearest recycling point.

A lot of the time these points are overflowing with recycling, with no room for more.

So, you have to take it even further.

It’s no wonder you see purple bags filled with recyclable items.

It’s time the city centre had their waste collections rethought. Move the collection days further apart or stop limiting the collection to one bag.

Invest in stronger bags that aren’t easily pecked apart. Add more recycling points or empty them more often.

Waste workers deserve a pay rise without a doubt. Within a day of their strike, it was clear how much essential work they do.

To keep Stirling looking its best, the city centre’s waste collection must improve.

The Talk Trials and triumphs of being an international student

By Julia Benko

COMMENT EDITOR

THE prospect of travelling, exploring new cultures and meeting different individuals has always fascinated me. Like many others, I too had an inkling to go beyond my home – to see what else the world had to offer and to get a better perspective of things.

Studying in Scotland was the perfect, early opportunity for me to get a taste of this dream.

It was a dream that tasted so sweet. But starting the first semester, I took my rose-coloured glasses off and reality set in: I was all alone, left to fend for myself in a country unlike home. I felt truly afraid.

Being a foreign student studying abroad, you are chucked into a completely new and unfamiliar world. While it’s very exciting, it’s also incredibly nerve wracking – mainly due to the fear of

miscommunication, not “fitting in,” or strong cultural polarity.

Although misunderstandings can be scary, it’s best to learn from them and focus on embracing the diversity among people and cultures rather than dwelling on the mistakes. Slip-ups will happen, they are completely normal.

In the beginning I often compared and contrasted my home comforts to all that was new, and learned more about myself and my values that way. It wasn’t easy, but being open to educating myself definitely benefitted me in the long run.

One of the hardest things I still face to this day is the intimidation of sometimes being the only international student in a room.

It’s a lonely experience, and at times even alienating.

However, I should say, Stirling is a decently international university and it even has an International Society, which I would recommend joining Image Credit: WeAreTheCity

if you’d like to find a diverse crowd!

Another tough aspect of being an international student is the inevitable homesickness.

Although I consider Stirling my second home, sometimes I’d give anything to not be so far away from my family. Calling home, sending pictures to my family group chat or cooking one of my grandma’s recipes helps me deal with these feelings.

What also helps me feel connected to home is talking to people about it. Whether it’s about the culture, customs, food or my family, I always enjoy sharing a little piece of Slovakia with others.

Overall, being international and studying abroad is something you should be proud of. Of course, it will come with its challenges, but it’s an incredibly rewarding experience. The lessons you will learn are invaluable and the memories you will make are unforgettable.

MUSIC 10-11

COMMENT

FILM & TV ARTS 12-13 18-19

GAMING LIFESTYLE FEATURES FOOD 20-21 22-23 24-25 26-27

RELIGION: IS THERE AN ANSWER?

Image Credit: Rodolfo Clix on Pexels

By AJ Whyte THE ideas of religion and spirituality are one of the most heavily debated and controversial topics, often being the driving force behind wars, family break-ups and a miriad of other awful events. It is also a source of comfort, of safety, for many of millions of people across the world.

I have always had a difficult relationship with religion, at least with Christianity and it has sometimes warped my perspective of other practicing Christians.

I remember religion becoming a big part of my life around about the time my mum separated from her second husband. She found going to Church, praying, and leaning on other members of the church helped her heal or at least helped her enough where she could get through each day. We went to Church every Sunday, sang gospel songs, but cool gospel songs, very Christian pop, and had teas and biscuits with everyone else after the Sunday service.

I loved going to Church. I loved the sense of community that enveloped every single member of the congregation and how we all helped support and guide each other. Everyone looked after everyone and there was no sense that I, or anyone for that matter, didn’t belong. I even got my own children’s bible and I spent every night praying to God to help me, to help my mum, my sisters and to guide us along the right path.

I do remember one day, I had been reading and praying all morning.

Clutching my own cross necklace and kneeling beside my bed, just talking to God. Suddenly, the most amazing feeling came across me, a sort of weighted comfort and lightness and hope was in me. It confused me and also even scared me

a little because I was still so young but I remember running down the stairs to my mum. She was so happy for me and I explained the feeling as best I could. I remember her smiling, taking my hand and saying that He heard me, that God had sent his Holy Spirit and that He was listening. It was still confusing for my wee head to wrap itself around the idea, but I remember feeling safe and secure and that was enough for me.

However, as I got older, I began to feel confused and I struggled a lot with my identity within the Church. I was beginning to realise that I might be bisexual, which was a terrifying idea in of itself, but I was becoming more aware of some Christian attitudes towards the LGBTQ+ community. When Googling how to be bisexual and Christian, I was bombarded with these ideas that I was a terrible person, that I was going to hell, that I should even be killed for simply loving another girl.

I didn’t understand and even having early conversations with my mum didn’t help. Her belief was that homosexuality was a sin.

But she was a big believer in love the sinner, hate the sin, and didn’t think it was right for same-sex couples to be married in a Church or any other sort of religious building, even if they were if they were part of that faith group.

(I would like to note that my mum does not have those same views and is very supportitve of my identity. She recently attended the local pride, in Elgin, and even got a rainbow watch strap that she said was in honour of me.)

I began to remove myself from Christianity and refused to attend Church, completely shutting down the idea that there was this omnipotent, benevolent and all-loving being. How could there be such an entity that would encourage these

beliefs? How could there be such an entity that would allow people to use His name as justification for outright hatred and violence? I was angry and I still am.

My movement from Christianity forced me to find a new belief system, and while I have not done a deep dive into it, nor do I know the correct terms, I begin to find myself drawn to the umbrella idea of spirituality. As I understand it, spirituality is about the universe, nature and the energy that connects everything and everyone around us. It is finding balance and answers in the understanding of the deeper parts of ourselves, consciously or subconsciously.

However, I want to strongly argue that there is not one singular answer for a Creator or a system or rhyme or reason to the order of our world. Maybe everyone is right.

Maybe no one is. But I do not want to be restricted by one answer. I do not want to throw away something that I know happened to me, purely because it is not consistent with the rules of that denomination.

Life is too short and the universe is too wide. I am going to follow my own religion.

9

Hasta la vista, Boris.

Don't come back.

By Ross Collie BORIS Johnson has left Downing Street, having been kicked out by his own party.

His end was brought about after 60 members of his government resigned, believing the latest scandal was one-too-many.

However, there is early speculation that Boris won’t stay away forever and could try to make a political comeback. He has only fed such speculation by refusing to rule it out.

Johnson was no stranger to scandal throughout his life, as a journalist, a politician or media personality. But the scandals he brought to the heart of government will leave a lasting scar on the UK’s politics.

He was a divisive character, both for his policies and his personality. Some saw him as a beaming optimist, with his vision of how he thought he could make Brexit work. Others see a selfish former Etonian, who can’t follow

the lockdown rules his government set. That’s just scratching the surface.

If polling numbers are anything to go by, then Boris’ approval ratings are dismal, at negative 49 according to YouGov. Such ratings suggest that much of the country’s wider electorate would like to see the back of Boris.

His successor, Liz Truss, thanked her friend for his service as PM, and spoke of the country’s admiration of him – “from Kyiv to Carlisle”. Maybe not so far - Kent, perhaps?

For his three years in office, Johnson’s government made many unprecedented actions. He prorogued parliament. He avoided scrutiny. He tried to change rules to protect a Tory MP. Another former Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, once said that all politicians “have a shelf-life in politics”. Boris should be mindful of that, before he sets another precedent – one of power-hungry politicians who can’t let go.

Image Credit: iNews

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons

SPORT 28-32

10

NEWS 1-5

POLITICS COMMENT 6-7 8-9

MUSIC

Image Credit: @theamazons on Twitter

THE AMAZONS’ MATT THOMSON

“Our light at the end of the tunnel as a band was the idea we were going to get to play these songs live.”

By Charlotte Sutcliffe

“WE thought we’d just throw out

one more thing.”

That was Matt Thomson, lead singer of The Amazons chatting about There’s A Light, the last single to be released before their third studio album ‘How Will I Know If Heaven Will Find Me’. “We wanted to give another side to the record.”

The song was incredibly different to their first single from the record, Bloodrush. “We knew Bloodrush would feel like a really good opening single, we knew that for ages. It’s how we wanted to start the story really.”

The band recently got back on the road, opening for their friends Royal Blood, during which they got quite into TikTok. The band began what they called “ZonTok”, a play on the band’s name, and used it to document fun but chaotic tour diaries.

“The conversation happened where we were like ‘We’re going to have to use TikTok. I'm doom scrolling enough anyway, I might as well be more productive.’ We’re just trying to find our voice on it.”

When asked what song he was most looking forward to playing, there was no hesitation - “Say It Again” - he said it so quickly, I thought he wanted the question again.

“We never played it live as a band before we recorded it. When we play it in rehearsals, we are just trying to work out how to do it. We love it and it’s one of the best songs we’ve ever written, and we will crack the code and learn how to play it before October.”

The Amazons are going on tour in October, visiting 12 cities, and with a different support act for each venue. Instead of having an opening act that tours with them, a local band will support them at the corresponding gig.

“We’d got in contact with BBC Music introducing, they’ve been there for us for 8 years since the band has been around.

“They sent us a huge list of bands, some we were familiar with and some that we weren’t.

There were honestly like ten bands from each county. So we listened to so much music.”

On playing live again, Thomson was just excited to be back: “Our light at the end of the tunnel as a band was the idea we were going to get to play these songs live.

“Our brief to ourselves was we should be making music for that festival, for that set, and trying to bottle up that desire and yearning for connection.

“It’s such a thrill to play these songs live and not even in the big lights and confetti way. It was designed in the ‘looking at people and they’re looking back, we’re singing the words’ way.”

Thomson continued: “I am excited about the tour because we’re going in a direction we haven’t been before. A conceptual show from the production. What you see on stage will be very different for an Amazons show. How we’ve constructed the set is different to what we’re used to.”

Leaving a lot to imagination, Matt didn’t go into any more detail about the look for the tour.

“We’re very much ‘big lights, plug in, lets play, done deal,’ but this is a very different beast.”

Finally, we chatted about the fact that Jim Abbiss, the legendary producer of Arctic Monkeys’ ‘Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not’ produced their entire record.

“Jim Abbiss was the number one on our list, but we didn’t know if it was going to happen. He listened to our demos and the songs, we had a couple of calls, and kinda had a couple of meetings at the pub.

“He helped us be a better band and be more open in our decision making. He was deeply influential to how we approach music in the future.”

The Amazon: A Few Tour Dates 2022 5th - Welan's - Dublin 6th October - Limelite - Belfast 16th- SWG3 - Glasgow 17th - Boiler Shop - Newcastle more dates can be found on the www.theamazons.co.uk Image Credit: @theamazons on Twitter

FILM & TV ARTS 12-13 18-19

MUSIC

GAMING LIFESTYLE FEATURES FOOD 20-21 22-23 24-25 26-27

SPORT 28-32

11

THE TOLBOOTH: STIRLING’S HUB FOR MUSIC AND THE ARTS

By Nikita Vance THE Tolbooth is Stirling city centre’s key venue for live music and arts events. Located at the top of the old town on Broad Street, the venue has a rich history which dates to the 17th century. The building was formerly a courthouse and jail, and most famously housed John Baird and Andrew Hardie, Scottish revolutionaries of the Radical War in 1820. The pair were executed outside the Tolbooth on 8 September of that year. The two have since been remembered as a martyrs to the fight for universal suffrage.

Despite its haunting past, The Tolbooth has created a name for itself as ‘one of the best small venues in Scotland and beyond’. The stunning building boasts a fully-fitted professional level recording studio, several multi-function meeting and performance spaces, and a chic café bar with exceptional views of Stirling.

Its year-round programme features music from both established and upcoming artists from all genres, alongside regular features of comedy, film, talks, theatre events and exhibitions. Also on offer is a diverse range of creative and learning workshops and classes, which are available for all to attend, making the arts more accessible to the public.

Some of the classes available include ‘Adult Painting with Peter Russell’ – which takes place each Wednesday and Friday from 10am - 1pm, available from 21 September to 25 November; and ‘Ceramics – Adult’ – which takes place every Thursday from 3.30-5.30pm and again at 7-9pm, available from 22 September to 24 November.

Both classes are mixed ability and can be booked through ‘Creative – Learning’ at stirlingevents.org where you can also find more information regarding pricing and other classes.

Image Credit: What’s On Stirling

Below is a list of events that take place this month, starting the beginning of Fresher’s Week: BLOODY Scotland Exhibition – Saturday, 3 September – Saturday, 24 September – 10am-5pm Tolbooth Café Concerts: Morris Begg Duo – Saturday, 10 September – 1.30pm-2pm & 2.30pm- 3pm Keith James – The Songs of Nick Drake – Saturday 10, September – 7.30pm (Doors)

Tolbooth Café Concerts: Hector Shaw – Saturday, 17 September – 1.30pm-2pm & 2.30pm- 3pm The Paul McKenna Band – Thursday, 22 September – 7.00pm (Doors) Tolbooth Café Concerts: Matt Carmichael – Saturday, 24 September – 1.30pm-2pm & 2.30pm- 3pm

Siobhan Miller – Saturday, 24 September – 7.30pm (Doors) Salt House – Thursday, 29 September – 7.30pm (Doors) Ross Ainslie & Ali Hutton – Friday, 30 September – 7.30pm (Doors)

THE ALBERT HALLS: VENUE FOR ALL

By Carly McKim MUSIC EDITOR THE Albert Halls opened over a century ago and has always been a centre for Stirling's music events and exhibitions. Over the years it has attracted many prolific artists such as Morrissey.

The Albert Halls are situated close to the city centre, on Dumbarton Road, so is accessible for most people.

The main hall seats up to 500 people between the floor and the balcony.

The Halls have great choices for all; whether you are interested in Swan Lake or some Motown funk, there's something for everyone.

The Halls also accommodate conferences and weddings in its Lesser Hall, on the first floor.

It is a much smaller space and holds up to 100 people.

If you are feeling a bit hungry before or after your show, there is a lovely bistro restaurant inside the venue you can grab a bite in.

Image Credit: What’s On Stirling

IF you are wondering what's on this month at The Albert Halls, here's a couple events that may interest you: Magic of Motown 10th September 2022 Take a trip back in time to when Motown was all the rage. Hearing classics from artists such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Temptations, The Jackson 5, Diana Ross and many more legends of the time.

Image Credit: What’s On Stirling

With tickets costing between £25.50 - £27.50, it's a great price to be able to see this fun filled performance.

Big Band Bublé 7th October 2022 If you are a fan of Michael Bublé and cannot wait till the festive season to listen to his tunes, then this tribute act is the one for you.

With tickets costing around £18 (plus 6% booking fee), this is a great night to attend if you are craving the music of Bublé.

12

NEWS 1-5

POLITICS COMMENT MUSIC 6-7 8-9 10-11

FILM & TV

BRIDGERTON VS PERSUASION: HOW Three Thousand Years Of Longing Review: TO DO REGENCY THE RIGHT WAY Never-ending Story

By Rebecca Crockett FILM AND TV EDITOR

(L-R) Dakota Johnsone in Peruasion (2022) and Pheobe Dynevor in Bridgerton (2020-). Image Credit: Rebecca Crockett via Canva

By Nicky Foley

Anne Elliot played by Dakota Johnson.

Credit: Nick Wall, Courtesy of Netflix

A RESURGENCE of regency stories has taken over streaming platforms giving period pieces a much-needed modern twist. But this trend doesn't always hit the mark.

At first glance, itís hard to put your finger on why Persuasion (2022) doesn't work. But, in other ways, it's staring you in the face.

The Netflix adaption, starring Dakota Johnson, breaks the 4th wall in a way that has more of a Mrs Browns Boys vibe than the brilliance of Fleabag.

You can't help but contrast this film with other contemporary twists of the regency period, such as fellow Netflix alumni, Bridgerton (2020-). When placed together, Persuasionís shortcomings are fully exposed.

While Bridgerton has no factbased storyline, it does know what it is trying to be and executes it brilliantly.

When a show is so grounded in an era and complies with many wellknown traits from that time and

place, it can then play around with other aspects of its format.

Namely, the modern choice of soundtrack running throughout, or the amazing diversity in casting.

Persuasion follows the original Jane Austen book relatively closely in terms of plot, characters, and themes.

Yet, when the filmmakers mismatch a sometimes-convincing story with random placings of modern and period language, it just doesn't cut the mustard.

Couple that with bad casting and a weak interpretation of Austen's final book, and you have a disaster.

Persuasion is a bad romance film pretending to be a high-budget revamp of arguably the least known of Austen's works.

Don't compare Persuasion to Bridgerton and other regency adaptations who got it right. It will leave you feeling deflated and wishing this story had been told in a way befitting of Austen's literary genius.

University of Stirling. It offers a variety of productions like live drama and ballet performances, as well as film screenings from £4.50.

With the new semester approaching, Brig has taken a look at Macrobert's September releases to bring you our top picks.

On September 9 comes the premiere of two highly anticipated productions. See How They Run - Tom George's mystery comedy starring Academy Award winner Sam Rockwell and Academy Award nominee Saoirse Ronan;

and My Old School- Jono McLeodís documentary on the Brandon Lee scandal.

Brig asked Grahame Reid, Film Programme Manager at Macrobert Arts Centre, for a comment on their Autumn schedule: "There is a whole host of film releases in the Autumn that we are really excited by, from the next bigbudget Marvel adventure Black Panther: Wakanda Forever†to Martin McDonagh's highly anticipated The Banshees of Inisherin," Grahame revealed.

Something the younger generations of students might particularly enjoy is the special screening of the iconic teen drama Mean Girls (dir. Mark Waters, 2004), which will be held in...pyjamas.

"Priding ourselves on offering a

AFTER a scholar of mythology unwittingly releases a Djinn from his lamp, she is rewarded with three wishes in return for his freedom. But armed with countless stories about the dangers of magic, this may prove easier said than done.

Three Thousand Years of Longing pairs a simple premise with a vast journey throughout history as the Djinn (played

by Idris Elba) tries to convince the sceptical academic (Tilda Swinton) to make a wish.

Adapted from the short story, The Djinn In The Nightingale's Eye by A.S. Bryant, the film lures you in with fantastical realism that will capture even the most ardent cynic.

Where Director George Miller fumbles is by trying to trap the short story under the constraints of CGI. The first act is seamless, like a fairy tale that we all seem to be born knowing. It is effortless the way it weaves its narrative.

But slowly the magic disappears as Miller struggles to find a satisfying way to end this

The poster for Three Thousand Years Of Longing. Credit: MGM

fantastical tale.

Individually, Swinton and Elba are as talented as ever. But having chemistry together was never in the cards for them.

Three Thousand Years of Longing is sweet escapism for a while but eventually it will send you hurtling back to reality.

(L-R) Tilda Swinton and Idris Elba star in Three Thousand Years of Longing. Credit: MGM

Most Anticipated: What Is Coming to Macrobert This Autumn?

Macrobert's logo. Image Credit: Macrobert Arts Centre

LOOKING for cheaper cinema tickets? Macrobert Arts Centre has you covered with its on-campus theatre.

Macrobert Arts Centre is a cultural centre point of entertainment located next to the Atrium at the

varied range of films; we like to offer a bit more than just your standard new releases. This semester we will also have a pyjama screening of Mean Girls the week after freshers, director Q&As such as†Ride the Wave†on Sep 26th and the return of The Central Scotland Documentary

Festival in November, Grahame confirmed.

For more information on what the Macrobert Centre has to offer visit macrobertartscentre.org

By Julia Adamska

Inside the Macrobert Arts Centre. Credit: Macrobert Arts Centre (picture taken by Ciara Tait)

ARTS 18-19

FILM & TV

GAMING LIFESTYLE FEATURES FOOD 20-21 22-23 24-25 26-27

SPORT 28-32

13

Joanne Thomson.

Image Credit: Cass Michael, (provided

by Joanne Thomson)

JOANNE THOMSON INTERVIEW: OUTLANDER STAR TELLS BRIG 'IT'S A REALLY TOUGH INDUSTRY; THAT'S THE REALITY OF IT.'

By Robyn Duffy I HAD the pleasure of chatting with actress Joanne Thomson to discuss her recent role on Outlander, depicting Gaelic in the show and shooting during COVID. Joanne is an actress, writer and director from Glasgow who studied at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. She recently played Amy McCallum in season six of the hit show Outlander.

Tell us about your character.

"I play a character called Amy McCallum. They're in North Carolina in America, the setting of

Outlander. Image Credit: Image Credit: Starz and Sony, provided by Joanne Thomson

season six, and she's one of the new Scottish settlers on the ridge. She comes over on a boat with her husband and two sons. Unfortunately, on the journey over, she loses her husband. So, she's in this completely new land, totally alone with no husband, and you needed one back then. She's a reminder of home for the settlers. I think everybody there at that time had been away from Scotland for quite a while, so it's just like a fresh breath of tartan. But yeah, she is sort of finding her place and finding out how to survive as a widower."

What was your reaction when you bagged the role?

"This was my first acting job in two or three years. At the time, I'd just come back from London. I was working like seven jobs, and I was miserable. I actually took a yearlong break for no auditions. It's a really tough industry; that's the reality of it. I started writing instead.

To get a job in the middle of all that just meant a lot. It was my way back in because I was very much out. At the time, I had a flatmate staying with me, she was a huge Outlander fan. One of the first things she'd asked me was, have you auditioned for Outlander? and I was like, Yes, three times. She was there when I got the call, and she knew how much it meant to me. She was on the floor crying in the kitchen.

What was it like rehearsing and shooting during COVID? "It was weird. I think we were all

(L-R) Sam Heughan, Caitriona Balfe, Sophie Skelton and Richard Rankin in Outlander. Credit: Starz

carrying responsibility at the time, and thereís also the responsibility of not being the person to bring the whole thing down. I pretty much quarantined with my mum, they didn't ask me to, but I was like, "I'm battening down the hatches, I'm not going out until I'm in at least a few scenes." We started filming in January, so we had snow storms.

All the snow that you see in season six is completely real. The writers were under so much pressure because there were scenes that were rewritten to be outside to help with COVID ventilation but then had to be rewritten overnight to go inside because a snowstorm would come.

"Also, you're stepping into an

existing, real work family, and you can't socialize outside of work, and you've got to try to smile behind a mask. That was a shame. Things started to ease up during the summer, it was a lot nicer."

Do you know any Gaelic?

"I don't speak Gaelic. When I got the job, I thought my character would know Gaelic. So I started learning it on Duolingo in case I got scripted any of it. I thought it might help with the accent too. Although I ended up not having to use it because they cast a Glaswegian boy as my son.

"It is such a shame that it's not taught in the curriculum anymore

because it would be great. I love that in Outlander, because they've made an intentional decision not to subtitle the Gaelic so that you feel how Claire feels as an outsider. I think that's a lovely thing.

"It's nice to romanticise where I'm from. It's very refreshing. I think what itís done for the tourist industry in Scotland is amazing. I took my friend on a tour to the locations they do filming at, which are phenomenal, and you do get swept up in things."

Read the full article at brignews.com

WORD SEARCH

Find the Stirling themed words.

1. Loch 2. Fubar 3. Scran 4. Castle

5. Dumyat 6. Wallace 7. Cottrell 8. Pathfoot 9. Stirling 10. Macrobert

BRIG 2022/23 EDITORIAL TEAM

Isla Glen Editor-in-Chief

Molly Bishop Deputy Editor

AJ Whyte Secretary

Rebecca Kerr News Editor

Andrew Robson News & Sports Editor

John Turnbull Sports Editor

Rachel Swan Politics Editor

Julia Benko Comment Editor

Carly McKim Music Editor

Rebecca Crockett Film & TV Editor

Hunter Robinson Gaming & Technology Editor

Charlotte Sutcliffe Features Editor

Freya Deyell Food Editor

Rio Kerr Lifestyle Editor

Lucie Smith Braw Magazine Editor

JOIN BRIG

Brig is always looking for new writers, sub-editors, photographers and social media enthusiasts.

We are recruting for: - Head of Advertising - Politics Editor - Arts Editor - Head of Photography

Ross Collie Chief Sub-Editor

Robyn Duffy Head of Social Media

Emma Halliday Head of Design

Email editor@brignews.com or message us on social media if interested.

BRAW'S GUIDE TO SURVIVING FRESHERS FRESHERS is one of the most exciting yet nerve racking experiences in university life. You are presented with choices, opportunities, and people all at once, so it is easy to get overwhelmed and shut your door and not come out. However, everyone is feeling the exact same way. At its heart freshers is a time for you to find your footing in university life.

Braw has compiled a list of dos and don'ts to help your freshers go as smoothly as possible.

Dos 1.Try everything Freshers is the best time to try something new. You can learn a new skill or make new friends. The university has a wide range of clubs and societies available for all students to join at any point of the year. During fresher's week clubs and societies offer free Give It a Go Sessions, so make sure to take advantage of this and try as many as you like.

2. Stay protected from freshers' flu Freshers flu is not your common cold, it is the worst cold of your life on acid. No one knows what it is or where it comes from.

All we know is, if you do not want to be laid up in your bed while your friends hit the town. Listen to your mum and look after yourself.

3.Engage in your course group chat The best way to make friends with likeminded people is to look for people on your course. These people are essential in your life. You always need a study buddy and someone you can vent to about the 1500 essays you have to write; your course group chat is the best place for it.

Don'ts 1.Do not ever rely on the bus. Especially not on the app I promise you that you have never experienced a fresh hell like waiting for the UL that will never show. Stirling has many good points, but bus travel is not it. We have fancy apps and timetables, but save yourself the data. It does not work and it is always late, so save yourself the hassle.

2.Spend your whole month's budget at once It is exciting when your bank account goes from nothing to thousands, but it is important that you grasp the idea of budgeting early. Even if you have a wee list of essentials you track or download apps like Monzo, which help you separate money into different folders.

3. Commit flat-cest Now it might be exciting when you first get to university and you are in complete control, however, this is the best advice.

You do not want the one awkward moment you regret lingering around every time you go to make a cuppa.

FEEL like a misfit? This is a small guide on how to find your people at university.

When I first came to university, I wanted it all. I wanted to hang out with a bunch of diverse, exciting, and new people. Instead of focusing on what I wanted out of friendship and intimacy, I lost myself in the ocean of individuals. Mainly, I was grateful to have people that wanted to get to know me.

So here is some advice on how to learn from my mistakes. You´ll have a lot of time to make your own.

Remember that you are calling the shots.

Connect through hobbies, passions, and fandoms.

Don´t be afraid to open up.

You don´t have to hang out with everyone. Try out meeting a few new people and focus on the people you connect with the most.

We all have different things that excite us. It could be writing, music, comics or BTS.

Meeting new people can be daunting, especially after high school. You leave a place where everyone has known you for years and now you are having to re-introduce yourself to strangers. It can be a difficult step to develop from strangers to friends, but trust and intimacy will make you feel like you belong. It is the people and the environment that make you feel home.

Who makes you feel happy, safe, and understood?

It´s not about who wants to spend time with you, it´s about who you want around you instead.

Image credit: Aysun Bora

Whatever it is: sharing your favourite topic with other people helps you connect and find like people. It's very common when you have a first shared interest with someone; it's a great basis to diversify conversations into a deeper connection.

Trust your gut feeling and take steps to open to the people that are worth it. Don´t shy away from intimacy. Don´t be afraid to walk away from people that you don´t feel comfortable around either.

‘WHAT YOU (ACTUALLY) NEED TO BRING TO UNIVERSITY’ WHAT to bring: Apart from the obvious things such as clothes, groceries, basic kitchenware and room decor, there are several things you may not even think about until you need them.

1. Something to hang wet clothes on.

While there will be washing and drying facilities available, they can be costly and take a lot of time. To save some money, invest in a clothes horse or an over-the-radiator rack.

2. An extension cable.

It's difficult to be sure where the plugs will be in your room and living space. An extension cable will always come in handy.

3. Enough tea towels.

Tea towels get very gross, very quickly.

Especially when sharing tea towels with your flat mates, be sure to pack enough to last in between washes - ideally two or more.

4. Important documents.

You do not need the stress of phoning home because you don't know your national insurance number. Keep all your important documents (ID, birth certificate, student loan forms, bank details) with you for easy access

When packing for university, especially in your first year, it is easy to get carried away.

Many students find themselves either over or under-packing and end up with packed storage spaces or emergency shopping trips to deal with.

The most important thing is to stay realistic about what you will use throughout the year, and to consider what is already provided in your university accommodation.

Top tips for a healthy sex life at university

By Lucie Smith BRAW EDITOR UNIVERSITY is a prime time for you to explore yourself without the boundaries of watching eyes and the same people you have known since you were in nappies. It is time for you to be in control of yourself. For a lot of us, it is a prime time for us to let loose and discover our own sexuality. It is important to note that safety and pleasure go hand in hand.

What not to bring: 1. Excessive stationery.

Although it’s tempting, resist the urge to bring 10 notebooks and every colour of pen that exists. A multiple subject book, a planner and some basic pencil case pieces are all you need. This is particularly true for first year.

2. Every recommended course reading book.

If you end up needing them for your course. you can order them.

They may also be provided to you via scans or free library copies.

1. Figure out what you like Whether you’re a virgin or a serial dater, it takes a good few years and a lot of mistakes to figure out what does it for you and what you want to explore. Do not be afraid to dive into something that makes you nervous. Or if you want to explore what feels good for yourself don’t be afraid to touch yourself, SAAS is coming so get yourself some toys. Make sure you know what turns you on before you add others into the equation.

2. Find your voice It is important in these situations to be able to voice exactly what you want. No matter if it is a one-night stand or a new fling, you must be able to set boundaries and develop a healthy line of communication. Use the traffic light system so both parties are on the same page. It's essential that we have these conversations, to ensure all parties are giving their consent. All sex is good sex as long as its consensual.

3. Anything you haven't used in the last three months.

Moving to university does not mean that things you haven't used in ages will suddenly become useful. If you end up needing something you didn't bring, you can take advantage of nearby shops or use the Christmas holidays as a chance to collect it.

By Deanna Dawn

3.Always have an emergency call To put your mind at ease when you're out with someone let a friend or flatmate know where you are. Even better, keep Snap Maps or your location on to give yourself an extra sense of security.

4. Make sure you are prepared Right, now, for the awkward housekeeping. If you're living it up at uni, the last thing you want is a string of uncomfortable conversations, and an even worse uncomfortable feeling that results in a lot of cranberry juice and a rattle of antibiotics. Just put yourself through the less awkward task of getting tested every three months.

It's less painful than you think and offers you a vital of mind.

Five ways to be more inclusive at university WITH a new generation of freshers coming to Stirling, we are reminded that times are progressing, and so must we. The best approach to improving the environment is to start with yourself. Here are five ways we can make our peers feel more included.

3. Be nice, not fake

Politeness is key, but don’t force it too much. Instead of pretending to be cool with something, try learning about it. You don’t understand what transgender means? That’s alright, but it doesn’t give you permission to 1. Don’t single people out talk behind somebody’s back. Dismissing others with fake niceness and then badmouthing them is toxic and does not belong in the adult world. Prove you’re mature, be open and honest with others without being rude Just because they are dressing extravagantly, wearing a lot of make-up, at the same time. or verbally drawing attention to themselves, it doesn’t mean they are doing it on purpose; they could just be stimming. That fresher from ASH is 4. Mind the pronouns just minding their own business, and so should you. If you see someone behaving in a manner that seems odd to you, don’t point fingers at them. People use different pronouns, and you must respect that. Misgendering is incredibly harmful, even when it’s Accept that people are different, and different than you does not mean it’s not intentional. Therefore, even if you’re cisgender, put your pronouns out there – make them seen. Write them wrong. it your bio on Twitter. Let’s normalise saying pronouns.

2. Stay open-minded Don’t talk crap about others when you can’t understand them. People are gay, Steven. It’s not their job to educate you on it, the responsibility is yours. We need to remember that we’re all different, and that’s a beautiful thing about humanity, it’s what makes us special. Don’t reject it, embrace it. Learn about why your peer seems to stand out, try to understand them, don’t renounce them for something they might be proud of.

5. Work together to create a safe space The university must remain a safe space for everybody. Must. As in non-negotiable. This isn’t high school, there is no room here for petty quarrels. The students and staff cannot feel like they aren’t welcome in their place of education or work. If you notice someone you think is using the ‘wrong’ toilet – ignore it. Don’t tell them off. That’s most likely your transgender peer using all their courage to even walk in there. Don’t discourage someone for being true to themselves.

By Jules Adamska

18

NEWS 1-5

POLITICS COMMENT MUSIC FILM & TV 6-7 8-9 10-11 12-13

ARTS

The interior. Image Credit: MacRobert Arts Centre

MacRobert Arts Centre offers pay-what-you-can tickets to students, with the minimum price starting at £4.50.

MacRobert: Behind the Curtain

By Lucie Smith THE Macrobert is one of Stirling University’s not-so-hidden gems.

Found on the first floor of the atrium, it is the perfect place for freshers to explore. It is home to the university’s own cinema and theatre house and offers plenty of opportunities for students to unwind in front of the stage and screen.

Or if you are feeling intrigued, open your mind and lose yourself in a story that you had never crossed paths with before. From Shakespeare to cabaret, comedy to blockbuster; Its ideal material for the perfect study break.

Brig sat down with the Artistic Director and CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of Macrobert, Julie Ellen,

to discuss how MacRobert operates within the student body.

Ellen expressed how the Macrobert offers a variety of diverse programming throughout the year, some of which is aimed specifically at the student body.

MacRobert offers the perfect balance of a fresh new take of theatre that explores topical issues while partnering the program with more traditional shows, including pantomime.

Ellen emphasizes the modern spin MacRobert puts upon the stereotypical upper-class nature of theatre and chucks it out the windows of campus central.

Ellen said: “I have a personal passion which the community of MacRobert shares, which is

to amplify marginalized voices throughout every stage of the creative process. This goal has been achieved repeatedly through our programming.”

The MacRobert Arts Centre focuses on inclusion and accessibility, with their layout, BSL interpreters, and their ‘All Voices Heard’ programming which champions diversity. It is important, because it means that everyone is represented on a central stage.

They also offer pay-what-you-can tickets to students, with the minimum price starting at £4.50 - no need to wait for student finance to come in to be able to enjoy a night of entertainment.

The MacRobert recognizes that a substantial portion of the student

Book Review

Solitaire

By Madi Stocker

Solitaire's front cover.

Image Credit: Amazon

ALICE Oseman is best known as the creator of hit graphic novel series and Netflix show Heartstopper. Solitaire follows teens Nick Nelson and Charlie Spring through a journey of first love and self-acceptance.

While we do get glimpses of Nick and Charlie's relationship within the novel, Solitaire primarily focuses on Tori Spring, a sixth former battling undiagnosed depression.

Tori's life is mundane - she wakes up, attends school, and spends time online before falling asleep.

It's only with the introduction of Solitaire, a group of pranksters causing havoc in her school, and Michael Holden, a fellow student

body has come to Stirling for its top-quality sports facilities.

However, they are hoping they stay for its just as quality entertainment, as MacRobert’s programming offers a host of shows and films centering around the euphoric moments of the sporting world too.

So, this fresher's week, head down to the Macrobert and see which world you can escape to. For £4.50, why wouldn’t you?

I have a personal passion [...] to amplify marginalised voices throughout every stage of the creative process.

hell-bent on becoming her friend, that Tori's status as a wallflower begins to change.

I loved this book. It wouldn't be right to describe Solitaire as a rollercoaster, because so much of it is told in Tori's calm, level tone. It isn't fast paced either. But what stops it from becoming boring are these vivid, eclectic segments that crop up throughout the narration.

As Solitaire's pranks go from harmless to frightening, Tori's outwardly apathetic projection falls apart. She experiences vibrantly written, viscerally frightening panic attacks that draw the reader into how she's feeling.

You feel like you're there with Tori through her scattered thoughts and panicked observations. It makes the book's portrayal of mental illness that much more effective.

Oseman's writing style also works to her advantage here. If you've ever read one of her novels, you'll know they're generally easy reads.

Dialogue-heavy and simply written, I've been able to finish most of her books within a day.

Yet her writing has a wonderful ability to tackle heavy topics with sensitivity and awareness; Solitaire is no exception. The story touches upon topics such as homophobia, bullying and mental illness.

~ Julie Ellen

By writing the story from Tori's perspective, however, Oseman can organically weave these elements into her life. It never feels melodramatic or overblown — instead, it feels realistic. That's one of the main strengths of Solitaire.

Everything feels so real.

I'd recommend this book to fans of Alice Oseman and the young adult genre in general. Its tone is comparable to that of ‘History is All You Left Me’ by Adam Silvera, or ‘What If It's Us’ by Colleen Hoover; a great deal darker than most YA offerings, but still deeply enjoyable.

Solitaire includes trigger warnings for: suicide, depression, bullying, homophobia, physical assault, self-harm, eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive behaviours, misogyny and ableism.

GAMING LIFESTYLE FEATURES FOOD 20-21 22-23 24-25 26-27

ARTS

Poetry er Corn

SPORT 28-32

19

It’s one set of rules for the very rich,

By Demilee Shand

another set for the rest of us.

From my stories as a little girl from the scheme The idea of being rich is nothing but a dream

Image Credit: Canva

I have worked my hardest to get my education Image Credit:

But the rules have changed throughout the nation

Canva

I have grafted to even get near to university While the rich were guaranteed did not even know of a bursary The education system has always been corrupted Meanwhile the rich parents are nothing, but seductive

The rich fling the money in the lecturers faces Rich always get an advantage no matter the spaces At least I know that my space was earned from hard work While the rich sit back with the widest smirk

The Inequality between the both is never fair The rules have taught the rich to never share No matter what the rich will have control The poor will have to stay in their role

It is not just education that the rich thrive The rich will never know of a strive Some say we should not tarnish with the same brush Although they would not help us in a rush

Not a journalism student?

That's completely fine! Brig remains inclusive to all University of Stirling students, no matter their passions.

Whether your interests lie in fiction, non-fiction, photography or illustration, the Arts section provides a space of expression to all members.

Flash Fiction:

Executing Art

By Niamh Brook THERE'S a few important things you need to know about what we are, should you want to truly join us. I highly recommend it, by the way.

There's nothing quite like it.

We're not lunatics. There's a rich history of people like us, from all walks of life, practicing our work. Names dripping through history, marking the pages of books. Mind you, the books the world reads tend to get us… wrong. There is a complexity to our work that history tends to ignore. We are artists, really.

Bringing me to my second point.

It is important to embrace uniqueness. If you want to be remembered, develop a trademark. Leave a puzzle next to your work (although, do proofread. Spelling mistakes will be terribly embarrassing when people eventually crack it), or take a souvenir. Treat yourself.

I knew of a man who used to make himself clothes from the things he took. I wouldn't recommend that.

Skin is a difficult fabric to work with.

I hadn’t realised I would enjoy talking about all this so much.

Mind you, there really is no substitute for the action. It fills your head with white noise and

crowds out everything else.

Wait, where was I? Ah, yes.

Number three. Management.

Our way of life takes an impressive amount of work to maintain. Don't linger too long.

It's better not to get attached.

Just give yourself a little taste, every now and then. Sips. Our work is swift, and decisive. Our work is… executed.

See, I'm actually quite funny.

Nobody ever seems to get that.

Lastly, choose your victims carefully. People who are alone, or lost. Choose at night, on a dark, quiet street.

Like this one.

While we wait, remember to select your instruments wisely.

Our work is all about choices.

I'd suggest choosing something easy to use, and hide. Like this.

See how long the blade is, the way it shines? I love turning it in my hand, watching the way light falls on it. Notice it fits my hand perfectly. That's how I know it's meant to be there. I have known my whole life that doing this is right. I can't seem to stop myself. I eventually realised that I shouldn't have to.

It keeps my head quiet.

I suppose you could call it an addiction, and us addicts.

There is no rehab that can hold us. We have, in effect, been abandoned. The people at the

edges, overlooked. Perhaps it's easier to avoid us.

After all, isn't everyone afraid of the the dark?

Ah, here we go. This one.

Here. Look at the way he staggers, drunk and lolling. That sour smell is definitely vomit.

Nobody will miss him.

Don't be afraid. Run forward. Hold the knife up, bring it down hard. Straight into the chest. Nice and clean. Once, twice, three, times. Feel the bones crack. Watch the blood dance across his clothes. Isn't it beautiful? That deep red.

Like candy apples. Look! This is my favourite part. See the light leave his eyes. You can see the exact moment he just… ceases.

Isn't it fascinating? The way life leaves them, and reduces them to things.

I like turning people into things.

Now, come on. Drag him into the side street. Just leave him there. Nobody cares anyway.

You can leave your mark on this one, if you like. Pick something original, ok? Enjoy the power it gives you. Then you should go. Find somewhere you can hide. The world doesn't welcome us yet. Perhaps they will, some day. Or perhaps not.

We will always just be addicts to them.

20

NEWS 1-5

POLITICS COMMENT MUSIC FILM & TV 6-7 8-9 10-11 12-13

ARTS 18-19

GAMING

CRAFTING IN GAMES IS BORING – HERE’S HOW TO FIX IT

By Joe Cromarty THE last decade saw an array of resource gathering and crafting systems in popular games.

Minecraft had an enormous impact after its official release in 2011. The small indie start-up about punching trees and digging holes quickly became the defining game of the 2010s, and eventually the highest selling title of all time.

Developers everywhere have scrambled to try and mirror even a small part of this success. So much so, that while the feature existed before Minecraft, crafting mechanics feel almost unavoidable now.

Despite this abundance, few games manage to recapture the magic of Minecraft’s system.

Crafting often feels like an after-thought. For the most part, I think that the potential of such a system is wasted. Here’s why I think this is, and what can be done to fix this problem: The issue I have with crafting in most cases is simple. It’s boring.

Generally, once the correct resources have been gathered, all it amounts to is scrolling through endless menus, recipes, and guides. All that, just to then produce the item with the press of a button.

Forging a sword should feel visceral and engaging.

Instead, it feels like surveying the Argos catalogue.

It can be extremely tedious, and I often struggle to find motivation to interact with these systems at all.

Some games do manage to get away with this menubased style of crafting, by having it act as part of a satisfying gameplay loop.

In Terraria, for example, crafting new items is what allows players to explore new areas. Here, players find new resources and can craft better items, to explore more new areas, and so on.

Even if the user interface is dull at times, players are incentivised, and even excited to craft because of all the new opportunities it will present to them within the world.

Increasingly, however, crafting is a slog to get through while making no contribution to gameplay progression.

In Red Dead Redemption 2, crafting is completely optional,

and involves long, drawn-out cutscenes in the name of realism.

While watching a character slowly rotate a rabbit leg over a spit

hands-on, imitating the nature of real-life construction.

Minecraft’s system does this perfectly. Players physically assemble

consistent logic. It’s much more satisfying to figure out that a torch is crafted by dragging coal atop a stick, than to select it from a menu.

Physically assembling a stone pickaxe in Minecraft. Image credit: Connected Camps

Selecting an iron mace from a menu in Skyrim. Image credit: Segment Next

certainly appears realistic, it’s hardly very immersive. If the system is boring and not essential, why use it at all?

Crafting in games doesn’t have to look real to be engaging. It just has to feel real to the player. This means creating systems that are

materials together in a 3x3 grid.

You want a bucket? Drag and drop iron into the shape of one.

A book? Just place paper next to leather.

Is this realistic? Not at all. But it engages the player with simple puzzles that follow the game’s

It’s incredibly intuitive. It also greatly contributes to the game’s accessibility, and in particular its popularity with children. No matter whether you can read, or what language you speak, in Minecraft everyone learns the same visual language.

Sadly, Minecraft’s crafting grid was optimised for PC. For console releases, it was supplemented with traditional menus. The absence of a keyboard and mouse is certainly a barrier for a grid-based system.

Even so, there are several examples of games on consoles that take influences from Minecraft’s kinetic crafting system and put their own spin on it.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild’s chemistry engine allows different elements to interact with each other. This echoes Minecraft’s grid system in how tactile it feels, however, comes into its own in encouraging player experimentation and fun.

For instance, there are multiple ways to build a campfire in Breath of the Wild, and none of them involve selecting it from a menu. Wood can be lit by; hitting coal to generate sparks, using the games elemental fire weapons, or using metal items to conduct lightning in a storm.

These are all ridiculous, but make perfect sense within the game’s world, and are a joy to discover.

Another possible approach is to turn crafting into a mini game. In Spirit Farer, machinery for crafting has to be operated by the player in real time. This is achieved through timed button presses and moving the character to various switches and levers.

Unlike the freedom found in Breath of the Wild’s system, this is a lot more controlled. As such, it’s a successful method of avoiding monotonous menus, while still presenting a carefully structured experience.

There are a lot of ways to implement crafting into games. Ultimately, I just hope that the examples I’ve mentioned start to make an impact. I want the industry to stop shoving crafting in as an after-thought, and instead treat it as a means of satisfying progression.

Moreover, it would be great to see less passivity. An increase in systems that encourage problem solving, and a decrease in those that insight less effort than ordering dessert in a restaurant.

GAMING

THE REALISTIC STUDENT BEGINNER GUIDE TO NOTION

NOTION is a productivity platform with the idea that you can have a singular space for everything.

Particularly useful for students, it's a space to keep everything organised for university. It’s brilliant for keeping all of your notes from different modules and subjects in one place as well as making weekly to-do lists, meal planners or budgeting pages.

It is not for everybody but because of how flexible it is you can make it work for you depending on how your brain works.

First is creating your account.

Download the browser version onto your computer and make sure to sign up with your student account as you then get access to Notion for free.

When you first open Notion, it can be incredibly overwhelming and underwhelming considering it opens with a blank page.

The easiest way to begin to understand Notion is to download other people’s templates. This may sound like cheating, but Notion is tricky enough to understand let alone begin to create everything yourself.

It simply means it becomes a lot quicker to be productive on Notion as you spend less time trying to make everything look aesthetically pleasing and more time being able to use the platform.

You can also see what you like and what you don’t and think of things you hadn’t before on how to use Notion.

You do this by simply looking around on the internet for people who have put their Notion templates online.

Some creators who have good templates are Nick Lafferty and TwirlingPages as well as the Notion website itself offering a variety of functional pages.

Once you open the link to their page, click the duplicate button at the top and it will automatically place it into your Notion. You can access it via the sidebar on the left and can even move it into different work spaces by simply pulling it around with your mouse.

You are then free to edit it to fit what you need, deleting anything or adding anything as necessary.

The main thing to focus on when creating your own pages and workspaces is understanding the basic building blocks of Notion and then moving on to database, media, inlines and embeds.

To choose what building block you’d like to put into your page next use the forward slash ‘/’ function and you can then scroll through to the different options.

You have to do this every time you want to add anything new to your page.

Inlines essentially is a link to another page or location within your notion which you can do by using the ‘@’ button or selecting it on the drop down as discussed above.

Databases are the different views and formats where you can display your information. They are table, board, gallery, list, calendar and timeline. These are very adaptable for your needs and are excellent for different ways to track and keep on top of things.

Media is just different forms of media which you can add to your notion such as images, videos and audios.

You do this by taking the link of the form of media and paste it into the embed box after you’ve selected the chosen media in the drop down.

Embeds take this slightly further with more specific embed link options like Google Docs.

The bottom line with Notion is to take some time, think about what you want to track and use it for and mess around. For more visual prompts there are YouTube videos of people showing their own personal Notions.

There is no better time than the beginning of the academic year to try Notion, so have fun getting productive.

By Charlotte Sutcliffe

Freshers is the best time to get organised with Notion. Image credit: Parth Shah

LIFESTYLE FEATURES FOOD 22-23 24-25 26-27

SPORT 28-32

21 Fans are eagerly waiting the release date of Outlast Trials.

Image credit: Red Barrels Studios

OUTLAST TRIALS: WHAT IS IT, AND WHEN IS IT COMING?

By Rachel Swan FANS of the indie darling horror franchise have been salivating and writhing in agony simultaneously for the last five years at this point.

With an announcement date of December 2017, and 2022 already more than halfway done one question remains- when is Outlast 3 actually coming out?

COVID-19 put a huge strain on delivery from a studio (Red Barrels) who were used to working in a team as small as 10. Okay, they did only officially tease it in 2019, but rumors from Red Barrels were suggesting a new game was in the works.

There will be a closed-beta release of the game for Halloween. To be in with a chance of joining the closed beta, all you have to do is click ‘Request Access’ under the Join the Uninitialized on The Outlast Trials’ official Steam page. With no official release date aside from a vague 2022, this is something for fans to sink their teeth into in the meantime.

Red Barrels are special. Their first and most excellent horror game in years at the time Outlast, was made in 14 months with a team of 10 people. For fans of the survival horror genre, they will know exactly how revolutionary the game was in the history of the genre. A new modern entry into an already oversaturated and overly commercialised, hacked-into-pieces survival horror overload in the market.

After games like Silent Hill and Resident Evil started to get cookie-cutter sixth sequels, we had to question where to go. (Some people love Downpour and Resident Evil 6 but come on. In comparison to the greats?) The third person, exploration and hiding, occasional combat with an emphasis on smarts and puzzle solving became, as all genre games do, predictable and a little stale.

Outlast, for myself and many horror fans became the new S tier in horror. While not perfect, and with predictable enemy movement at times, the whole ‘through the lens of the camera’ viewpoint in total darkness, first person, was just what we needed. Not to mention the game is pretty messed up and gory, with

all the good stuff a story about an investigative journalist breaking into a sinister asylum would deliver- and more.

While not personally my favourite, their second outing, Outlast 2, is still an absolutely terrifying experience. In many ways it's better, and in some worse, but that is for another article. Both games are definitely industry standard-makers now, despite their continued indie status with small teams.

Like many, I was a little disappointed when I realised that Outlast 3, or Outlast Trials which is the definite release title, isn't going to be single player, nor is it a direct sequel to the stories of the previous games. Instead, you are on player of 4 (I believe, it’s still vague) in a lab pre-Outlast and Outlast 2, exploring the origins of the terrible forces the scientists are playing with on you during the Cold War. I’m not mad about it, but at first, I was disheartened.

Now, I'm kind of excited about the idea of escaping these horrific places and situations co-op with friends.

There have been teasers, very short trailers, and all kinds of concept art released on Red Barrels’ Twitter, but delays have pushed the 2021 release date to sometime ambiguously this year. Trials has a team of around 40 people working on it, so four times more than the Outlast team. But their lofty ambition for online multiplayer, while retaining their amazing horror and bold industry standards, coupled with COVID has made this a long wait for sure.

In a post on the PlayStation blog, the developer compares The Outlast Trials as being like a TV series in terms of its structure, as opposed to the previous game, which had a linear, one-way movie-like narrative. It has also been confirmed that the new entry will retain the most appealing aspects of the previous games, such as twisted realism, decadence, and gore.

Perfect! Now just to hope for an official release date this year!

22

NEWS 1-5

POLITICS COMMENT MUSIC FILM & TV 6-7 8-9 10-11 12-13

ARTS 18-19

GAMING 20-21

LIFESTYLE

MONTHLY THEME: ALL THINGS FRESHERS

Freshers' flu. Image Credit: Pexels

Freshers' flu: How to avoid and beat it

By Deanna Dawn IF YOU'RE in any way knowledgeable about university, you've likely heard of the dreaded 'freshers’ flu'. Freshers’ flu is not a particular illness, but rather an umbrella term for a variety of bugs which pass from person to person at the start of the academic term.

The best way to beat the bug is to avoid catching it in the first place.

Although freshers’ week is a busy and exciting time, be sure to keep your immune system up by eating well, getting adequate sleep and avoiding too much close contact with others.

In particular, avoid sharing things such as drinks, vapes or cigarettes, as this can encourage the spread of sickness.

What should you do if you catch freshers’ flu?

Santander bikes. Image credit: Spirit Tait/Brig News

Staying active while at university

By Rio Kerr LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Take precautions When you feel yourself coming down with any cold or flu-like symptoms, you must first test to make sure it isn't coronavirus. If your test comes back negative, it's still important that you inform your flatmates of the situation and take steps to limit your contact with the social areas of your accommodation. This will help to prevent spread.

Stay hydrated Water is crucial to getting better, as it helps to flush toxins from the system. If you have a sore throat, try lemon (and ginger) tea with honey.

It's soothing on the throat and hydrating too!

Get plenty of rest Sleep will be vital to restoring your immune system, be sure to get plenty of rest during your sickness and after to prevent catching another bug.

Alter your diet While you're sick, you're going to want to look into food groups which can speed up the healing process. For example, garlic has both anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties. Where possible, incorporate these bug-busting foods into your diet and take supplements to make up for vitamins and minerals you're not getting.

Keep yourself and your room clean Sickness can cause sweating and coughing, surrounding you with more germs and bacteria.

Change your sheets regularly, sanitise your hands and surfaces, and allow adequate airflow.

Avoid alcohol and smoking Neither are good for your immune system and can drastically slow down the healing process.

Freshers' flu can develop into a more serious illness, such as a chest infection like bronchitis or even pneumonia. If your illness persists over more than two weeks, seek advice from a medical professional.

WHEN starting university, staying active tends to take the back seat in the list of priorities. Between going to class and going out, it isn't always easy to make time to look after yourself physically.

Staying active as a student is not only essential to your physical health, but also your mental health. Here is how you can stay active while at university.

Making use of the university's sports facilities In 2020, the University of Stirling was named Sports University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide. This is due to the university's worldclass sports facilities, including The National Tennis Centre and Olympic-sized swimming pool, and more.

The university also opened a brand-new gym in late 2020, which is handy for students on campus and can be a cheaper than other gyms around Stirling.

Join a sports club With over 60 sports clubs to choose from, you are guaranteed to find something you enjoy. Whether you enjoy football, cheerleading or underwater hockey, there is something for everyone.

Joining a sports club ensures you

will have a few hours of activity each week while also giving you the opportunity to meet more people.

Clubs are a great all-round way of staying active and you can do it while doing something you are interested in.

Switch the bus for a bike The city of Stirling is a home to NextBike, the world’s most extensive bike sharing provider, making getting around the city easier than ever. Instead of hopping on the bus, why not rent a bike instead?

With eight locations around the city as well as the university, you can pick up a bike at the university and leave it in the town centre.

Just check the NextBike app to find where these locations are.

NextBike’s recent partnership with Santander has meant their existing Stirling fleet has been replaced with Santander Cycles branded smart bikes. These new bikes offer eight gears and smart features including improved GPS tracking, improved security and locking mechanisms.

Take a walk Keeping active is just as simple as taking a walk, and best of all its free. It is a great but simple way to not only stay active, but clear your head and take a break from your studies.

If you fancy a challenge, Dumyat is just on the university's doorstep.

FEATURES FOOD 24-25 26-27

LIFESTYLE

Top tips for freshers

SPORT 28-32

23

By Ryan Barclay THE COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted large parts of the student experience over the last two years, including what students can expect as a ‘fresher’. Luckily, Brig has been a part of life on campus for over 50 years, so here are Brig’s top tips for freshers so that you can gain the most from your first experiences of university.

miss out on opportunities to use your student ID card to receive a bargain on a wide range of goods.

Student discount apps

This can be useful as a fresher when you are not used to local pricing of items yet.

Write a bucket list Organising. Image Credit: Pexels

Join a club or society Joining a club or society, whether that be a sports club or just one of your hobbies is one of the best ways to experience freshers, because it can offer relaxation as you take a break from your studies, allows you to socialise with fellow students and meet people whom you may never had met otherwise.

These are points which are covered in more detail in an article on Brig’s website, which explores the benefits of joining a student society. If you are worried that you will be the only new person who attends a meeting, you can be reassured that clubs are always searching for new members who can bring a fresh perspective to their society.

During the month of September, clubs and societies will be hosting ‘give it a go’ sessions, which is the perfect opportunity to try an activity or socialise before committing to purchasing a membership of the society from the Student’s Union.

Your time as a student and a fresher can evaporate very quickly, so writing a bucket list of things which you want to do or achieve which are non-academic is a useful way of making sure you get the most from your freshers’ experience. A list will help ensure you strike a good balance between grades and socialising.

Unidays

To-Do

By Rio Kerr STARTING university can be an overwhelming time for many. It can be a big change for many students, with a lot more responsibility as well as work.

- Meet new people - Join a club -Climb Dumyat

Studentbeans

With so much going on, it is easy to fall behind with your studies. Staying organised is essential to keeping on track with your work. Here are some tips on exactly how to do that.

Take notes of important deadlines

...

Deadlines are so important and the last thing you want to do is miss them. Missing deadlines will not only impact your grades, but also your time for your next assignment or exam.

Use student discounts When surrounded by fellow students on a daily basis, it can be easy to forget that not everyone knows that you are a student. This may mean that you unknowingly

Getting organised for the semester ahead: How to stay on top of your studies

The crucial thing is to have a great time as you are only a fresher once, we hope to see some of you as Brig members at our ‘give it a go’.

Totum

Get a diary or use an online calendar to keep track of due dates as well as other important information.

Try and get a head start om work No matter how well you plan, something will always pop up.

Don’t leave yourself with a tight schedule to get the work done.

Getting a head start on work will give you some leeway if something gets in the way. If you get sick or your family pops up for a surprise visit, you will still have time to get your work completed.

If you are struggling to keep on top of your work, don't panic. Talk to your personal tutor if you need help or support.

Students. Image Credit: Pexels

Keep on top of readings Many students hate readings, but if you keep on top of them it will make your life a lot easier. Readings are essential when it comes to writing essays and tackling them sooner will make it easier later.

Create a routine Getting into a routine is a great way to stay on top on your university work. Blocking out time throughout the week to study will ensure you are using the time you have as efficiently as possible.

Scheduling some much-needed downtime is also essential for either leisure or self-care. Create a daily routine for yourself to follow day in and day out and make sure it works for you.

Take a break!

Avoid burning yourself out. The last thing you want to do is burn yourself out as this will lead to you falling behind in your work.

You need to take breaks. Make sure you are getting away from your laptop and getting out for at least some fresh air. Plan some exciting days throughout the semester.

24

NEWS 1-5

POLITICS COMMENT MUSIC FILM & TV 6-7 8-9 10-11 12-13

ARTS 18-19

GAMING LIFESTYLE 20-21 22-23

FEATURES

STIRLING UNIVERSITY BUCKET LIST

By Isla Glen

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF WELCOME to Stirling – here is everything you should do as a student here.

1. Enjoy a walk around the loch Stirling is famous for its beautiful campus and the loch is the selling point.

In your first week, you should explore campus, meet the swans and enjoy the scenic views.

2. Visit the Wallace Monument Almost everywhere you look you’ll see a pointy building towering above.

The Wallace Monument is one of the most picturesque structures in the area and dedicated to a local hero: William Wallace.

The walk up to the monument has cool animal statues and inside you can view the Hall of Heroes, stunning stained-glass windows and at the top some of the best views in Stirling.

Although, if you’re afraid of heights, this one might not be for you.

3. Go to Stirling Castle Stirling Castle is an icon of independence and has changed hands often.

There’s an old saying: “He who holds Stirling, holds Scotland.”

If you enjoy learning about history, this one’s for you.

Take a tour and see the Stirling tapestries, palace vaults and other exhibits.

4. Get a Blobby Biscuit from Bayne’s What is Bayne’s, I hear you ask?

A chain of bakers found in the Central Belt and Tayside with one very famous biscuit.

Modelled off Mr Blobby, the pink and spotty character from Noel Edmond’s Saturday Night, the biscuit has become a must-try in Stirling.

5. Climb Dumyat The most famous Stirling bucket list item is climbing Dumyat. You know, that big hill behind the uni?

The Wallace Monument.

Image Credit: Brig Stirling Castle. Image Credit: Get your guide

From campus, start at Pendreich Way and follow Sheriffmuir Road.

Keep heading up, until you reach Pendreich Forest park, then follow the signed footpath.

6. Wednesdays at Fubar

Stirling used to have more nightlife pre-pandemic. Now Dusk and Tingle are closed, the best night out is Fubar.

Students don’t go out on the weekends; Wednesday is the night.

Sports clubs compete in BUCs and are out to celebrate or drown their sorrows.

You’ll bump into everyone you know and barely make it to your 9am Thursday seminar, but hey, that’s student life.

7. Have curly fries in the Union All freshers must learn early on that curly fries are the best item on the Union’s menu.

When you’re drowning in coursework and group projects are stressing you out, Studio’s curly fries and cheap pints have your back.

8. Bracklinn Falls, Callander Callander is the perfect day trip

in Stirlingshire. You can drive or get the 59 bus, which is around a tenner, and walk the rest.

It may be steep, but it’s so worth it for some of the most beautiful falls in Scotland. Just take care and avoid risks around the waterfalls.

Make sure to get the most out of your trip by visiting the lovely pubs and eateries. There’s also a beautiful church.

9. Do the famous Stirling walks Cambuskenneth Abbey is an Augustinian monastery just out of Stirling. Walk through Riverside, over the Cambuskenneth bridge and into the village. The houses are beautiful, adorned with flowers at certain points of the year.

King’s Park is where all the students land in the summer for sunbathing, barbeques or ball games, but it’s a lovely walk. If you continue down the road you’ll reach the King’s and Queen’s knot. These are open all year round and can also be an entrance to the Back Walk.

Gowan Hill gives you beautiful views of Stirling. The path begins along from the Union Street accommodation and Lower Bridge Street. There’s a sign that says Gowan Hill which will direct you upwards. At the top, you will find the beheading stone.

You can follow the Back Walk from here or start from opposite Stirling’s library. It’s a straightforward path with interesting sculptures along the way.

10.

Go to the Old Town Cemetery A weird start but hear me out.

The Old Town Cemetery is the most peaceful place to think in Stirling. I could sit there and watch the hills all day.

There are dozens of interesting graves and accompanying tales.

There’s a pond and a pyramid. Plus, Good Omens was filmed there last year.

11. Stirling pubs It wouldn’t be student life without a good pub.

There’s Kilted Kangaroo, the Aussie bar. Morrison’s Cold Beer Company is where sports fans to come together. Molly Malones, City Walls, the Corn Exchange and Nicky Tam’s are some other popular options.

I like the Curly Coo or the Settle Inn for cosy vibes.

And of course, there’s Spoons’.

12.Miss the UniLink or not be able to park your car Every student will struggle with transport at some point in their time here.

It’s almost daily that I hear somebody complain about missing the UL or having to park at the furthest car park.

13. Go to TasteBudz after a night out Being beside Fubar, TasteBudz has landed the best location in Stirling.

Many students will end up here after a night out for the best drunk food.

14. Get lost in Cottrell Pandemic students may have avoided a few years of this.

Now we’re all equally lost in the maze of classrooms and are hopelessly following the maps.

15. Get a Scran pizza

Scran is famous for its pizzas and for such a cheap price, how can you complain?

Perfect for lunch or dinner or that stressful study day.

16. Spot an Olympian Stirling is a sports university so expect to see a few sportspeople around.

I once saw Duncan Scott out and about.

17. Join a society or sport club What better way to make friends, develop a skill or have fun while being a student?

Personally, I heard Brig Newspaper is the one to join…

18. Buy a Stirling hoodie All students want to rep the uni and the iconic hoodie is the best way to do that.

The Union shop is near the atrium exit and has all the Stirling merch you need.

19. Go to Macrobert Arts Centre We have a cinema on campus, how cool is that? You aren’t a Stirling student unless you’ve been once.

There’s a ‘pay what you can’ system for lots of screenings - £4.50, £6.50 or £8.50 for a ticket – which is perfect for skint students looking for some entertainment.

20. Take a trip into Bridge of Allan Bridge of Allan is closer than Stirling to the university. Ciao has amazing pizza and Friend of Mine is the place for brunch.

You can even walk to Dunblane via the Darn path.

FOOD 26-27

FEATURES

SPORT 28-32

25

THE UNIVERSITY MENTAL HEALTH PANDEMIC

The loch. Image credit: Brig

Tick off your bucket list Walk around the loch

Stirling pubs

Wallace Monument

Miss the bus

Stirling Castle

Tastebudz

Bayne's Blobby biscuit

Get lost in Cottrell

Climb Dumyat

Scran Pizza

Wednesdays at Fubar

Spot an Olympian

Union Curly Fries

Join a society or club

Bracklinn Falls

Buy a Stirling hoodie

Stirling Walk

Macrobert Arts Centre

Old Town Cemetery

Bridge of Allan

Kings Park Sign. Image Credit: Brig

University of Stirling's student services where students can access mental health services. Image Credit: Ciara Tait

A PANDEMIC within a pandemic. As Covid-19 devastated physical health, an unlikely side effect was the detrimental impact on people's mental health. Some of the worst affected were students, isolated from their peers, with underwhelming online teaching and little to no support. Often left to the side, they were made to feel as if they were unimportant and there were much more pressing matters than online lectures and no fresher’s week.

As a result, there was a steady increase in mental health cases in students. The stress and isolation that the pandemic and multiple lockdowns put on to them was immense. Student Minds reported that 65% of students said they needed additional help and advice during the Covid-19 pandemic. Of these, just 19% got the help they needed.

the University of Edinburgh were awaiting support.

The University of Dundee took second place with 228 in waiting.

It was also shown that Glasgow students have experienced waiting periods of 141 days for help and Edinburgh students waiting 105 days.

Stirling was one of four Scottish universities to not report any students on waiting lists alongside Aberdeen, St Andrews and West Scotland.

It was revealed by a BBC draft report that Cambridge University’s mental health services were branded as ‘ineffective’ and ‘unsustainable’. There have been five deaths at the university since March with one confirmed as suicide and four suspected to be suicide. Prior to the deaths, the University had found there were likely to be sigUniversities were wildly under- nificant inefficiencies and said it prepared for supporting students was embarking on a programme of through the new territory, leaving change. It is unconfirmed wheththem on their own. er the students who died had used There was hope that now the their mental health services. pandemic was over, universities would be suitably equipped to help Now with rising living costs, stustudents. But there was also a hope dents are under more pressure that students would struggle less than ever. NUS Scotland research with mental health problems. has indicated that 64% of students’ Unfortunately, it has become financial worries are impacting apparent that universities have their mental health, while 22% not put in sufficient measures are concerned about running out post-pandemic and students are of food. Ellie Gomersall, President actually struggling more. Just be- of NUS Scotland, stated: “As the cause the pandemic is over, the cost-of-living escalates, we’re likemental health crisis is not. ly to see more students in crisis and distress unless the Scottish The Scottish Government called Government prioritises and sefor a complete overhaul of Scottish cures funding for student mental Universities’ mental health ser- health.” vices. This follows the shocking revelation that almost 2,000 stuUniversities must do better. dents in Scotland are currently Students going into higher eduon waiting lists for counselling. cation during the pandemic and The Scottish Liberal Democrats post-pandemic have had some of revealed through Freedom of the most disruptive years a young Information requests that as of person can. There is improvement March 29 this year, 900 students at

coming with the Government investing an additional £15 million into university student mental health, on top of the recent £3 million.

The University of Stirling offers services for students to help prevent strain and stress. This can help with anything from mental health problems, stress, grief or anything else. The University recommends that if you are concerned about your mental health and want to enquire about the support you can receive during your studies to contact the Student Services Hub. There are multiple different ways you can access the Hub. Call: 01786 466022, Monday to Friday, 9am to 11am and 2pm to 4pm, Tuesday 10am-11am and 2pm-4pm.

Meet: Monday to Friday, 10am – 4pm in the Student Services Hub, Campus Central. Go to the booking website to make an appointment.

Email: ask@stir.ac.uk. Use your student email address or include your student ID number on a personal email address.

By Charlotte Sutcliffe FEATURES EDITOR

QR code that goes directly to the University of Stirling's Mental wellbeing page with resources. Image credit Charlotte Sutcliffe

26

NEWS 1-5

POLITICS COMMENT MUSIC FILM & TV 6-7 8-9 10-11 12-13

ARTS 18-19

STIRLING'S CHEAPEST SUPERMARKET REVEALED

By Katie McGuigan

GAMING LIFESTYLE FEATURES 20-21 22-23 24-25

UNIVERSITY is expensive, and students are feeling the pinch as the cost of living continues to skyrocket.

Coupled with the high cost of textbooks and tuition fees, students are battling with the rising price of their weekly shop.

Although it isn’t as fun as the

endless parties and get-togethers, finding a supermarket that fits your budget is an essential fresher’s week activity.

To help freshers and returning students alike, Brig has scoured the shelves of three Stirling supermarkets to find you the most affordable weekly shop.

THE LIST 800g bread 500g spaghetti 375g multigrain hoops 1 tin beans 1 tin tomatoes 100g instant coffee 6 eggs Dried basil Tomato puree Stock cubes 2 pints of milk 500g butter alternative 400g cheese 4 baking potatoes 7 bananas 200g button mushrooms 240g spinach 3 onions 500g mince 10 ham slices This is just an example of what a weekly shop might look like and might not reflect your dietary requirements. All prices are accurate at the time of writing.

TOO GOOD TO GO: WHAT WE GOT FROM THE GRAND BUFFET

By Isla Glen and AJ Whyte THE Grand Buffet has one of Stirling’s lowest ratings on Too Good To Go, with 2.4 stars out of 5, so we decided to try it.

If you’re not familiar with Too Good To Go, it’s an app designed to fight food waste. Customers pay a reduced price to rescue a mystery bag of surplus food.

I made my way to Friars Street to fetch our bag between 9 to 9.30pm, the designated collection time.

Upon arrival, a friendly staff member greeted me and handed me a bag containing one tub and a paper bag.

The plastic tub contained noodles, egg fried rice and some sort of chicken curry, while the bag had a prawn cracker, pakoras, chips, bits of popadom, spring rolls and chicken.

We weren’t entirely sure what every item was, but this could easily be rectified by asking the staff.

The food was all mixed together, which we assume is the reason for the low ratings. If you weren’t a fan of the curry, then the noodles and

rice were ruled out.

While the mixing together of foods saves on packaging and therefore is more sustainable, it could ruin the experience for people who prefer separate foods.

The egg fried rice and noodles were delicious. We aren’t the biggest fans of spice and while the curry was hot, it was still enjoyable.

The vegetable pakora was Isla’s favourite item, as it had an excellent flavour and was crispy.

AJ’s favourite part was whatever chicken bit they gave us, maybe chicken pakora or something along those lines.

The chips were soft but firm, providing a good pairing for the curry. The spring roll was delicious despite being a little on the greasy side.

Our biggest disappointment was the prawn cracker, which was soft, soggy and stale.

Overall, for £3.30 you get a great variety of food and it gives a great, cheap alternative to a takeaway.

We would give The Grand Buffet 3 stars out of 5. Its biggest drawback was the mixing of curry, noodles and rice.

We compared the prices of three local supermarkets. Image: Ciara Tait

What we recieved in our bag. Image: AJ Whyte

FOOD TESCO Located a short bus ride away from campus, Tesco offers the most variety for student shoppers. With their free Tesco Clubcard scheme you can save money on essentials and treats which is a great way to maximise your budget if you choose to shop there.

TOTAL= £18.07 CO-OP Located at the heart of the campus, the Co-op is always bustling with shoppers buying snacks to fuel their study sessions and groceries to fill their fridge. Co-op offer a loyalty scheme, but it has a sign-up fee of £1.

TOTAL= £30.99 ALDI Out of our three options, Aldi is the furthest away from the university campus involving a short bus ride into the town centre then a fifteen-minute walk.

TOTAL= £16.37 Unsurprisingly, the most convenient option is the most expensive.

The Co-op is perfect for grabbing a post-lecture snack but can be a pricey option for your everyday groceries. Shopping at a cheaper supermarket allows you to reduce your living costs and make the most of your budget during your time at university. Why not use the money you save on groceries to join a society this semester?

SPORT 28-32

FOOD

STIRLING COUPLE TRANSFORM TRAILER INTO COFFEE BUSINESS

27

BRIG'S BITES Rachel and Owen Jarvie.

Image: Ciara Tait

By Freya Deyell FOOD EDITOR ROAM Coffee Company is the latest addition to Stirling’s flourishing indie coffee scene – but it’s not any old café.

Local couple Rachel and Owen Jarvie are the brains behind the quirky business idea.

After a successful launch on August 20 outside the Stirling Reuse Hub, Brig caught up with the owners at Stirling’s summer market.

Rachel has had her own business baking cakes for wholesale and weddings for over two years.

“We were basically just like, what if we sold them ourselves?” Rachel told Brig.

After many hours scouring Facebook Marketplace and a trip to Northern Ireland, they bought a horse trailer to convert.

“It was towards the end of lockdown and we both always said by 30 we would love to run our own business,” Owen said.

“The lockdown hobby everyone’s taken up is doing renovation projects - this was our renovation project and now a little business.”

A perfect teatime treat. Image credit: Ciara Tait

FREE FROM CUPCAKES After a year of work, the trailer was finally ready to hit the road this summer.

“It had a lot more problems than we kind of imagined,” Rachel said.

“For months we were literally covered in paint!”

Now up and running, Roam offers a variety of home bakes, Matthew Algie coffee and Bare Bones hot chocolate.

“We spent a long time looking for coffee,” said Rachel.

“We want it to taste nice, but we’d love it if it did something good as well.”

Glasgow-based Matthew Algie’s

Peak & Wild range is ethically sourced, and the profits go towards the John Muir Trust.

“Locally sourced stuff is really important to us.” Rachel said.

The couple are incredibly passionate about what they do, and they’re ambitious about the future.

“We would love to have an actual café at some point - maybe at some point!” Rachel said.

Roam will be at the Reuse Hub in Springkerse Industrial Estate every Saturday this month.

Check out their Instagram @ roamcoffeecompany for more information.

By Freya Deyell FOOD EDITOR WHAT better way to introduce yourself to your new flatmates (or say hello to old friends) than with a batch of home-made cupcakes?

This recipe is gluten free and vegan so everyone can enjoy them! (If someone you know has food allergies/intolerances always double check with them first!)

Prep time: 20 minutes Cooking time: 20 minutes Skill level: 2/5 Ingredients For the cupcakes: • 400g gluten free self-raising flour • 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda • 250g caster sugar • 100ml vegetable oil • 400ml milk alternative (I recommend rice milk as it is free from the 14 major allergens) • 3 tbsp golden syrup • 1 tsp vanilla extract

STARBUCKS AUTUMN MENU 2022: NINE NEW ADDITIONS

By Deanna Dawn AFTER a long hot summer, it's safe to say that we are all looking forward to autumn. Halloween, cooler temperatures, falling leaves, and most importantly - Starbucks' Pumpkin Spice Latte.

The iconic autumn drink is accompanied by nine new menu additions, both food and drink, which are scheduled to be available in over 700 UK branches from September 1.

To accompany the popular

Pumpkin Spice Latte and its iced counterpart, Starbucks has released an American-style Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew. This cold brew is infused with vanilla syrup and topped with more pumpkin powder.

All drinks on the Starbucks menu can be customised in size and with non-dairy milk alternatives.

The beloved Iced Salted Maple and Caramel Latte is set to make a comeback, alongside the brandnew Starbucks Espresso Roast Blondie.

Seven hearty autumn-inspired snacks have caused excitement

It's offically Pumkin Spice Latte season.

Image: Starbucks

amongst Starbucks lovers. Notably, the Toffee and Apple Muffin which will cost just £2.19, the Blackberry and Apple Overnight Oats (£2.70) and the delightful-sounding Egg Bites with Three Cheese and Ham (£3.20).

On the pricier side, Starbucks' Deli Meats Focaccia satisfies a craving for a meaty sandwich (£4.59).

However, if you want a meat-free option, the new Fiery No'Chicken Wrap (£4.20) is sure to be a hit.

As always, customers using a reusable cup can score 25p off any drink as a thank you for reducing paper cup waste. The autumn menu is available until at least the end of October.

For the icing: • 250g icing sugar • 125g butter alternative • Food colouring (double check the ingredients to ensure it's vegan) • Flavouring of your choice (such as vanilla, caramel or lemon extract) Method Step one: Preheat your oven to 180°C/160°C Fan/Gas mark 4.

Line a cupcake tin with 12 paper cases.

Step two: Weigh the dry ingredients (flour, bicarb and sugar) into a bowl. In another bowl, mix the wet ingredients together (oil, milk, syrup and vanilla).

Step three: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry. Mix thoroughly with a wooden spool or electric mixer until smooth. Don’t worry if the mixture seems a bit thin - it will not be a thick as a standard cupcake batter.

Step four: It’s easier to pour the mix into the cases than to spoon it.

Using a large jug, fill each case three quarters full.

Step five: Bake in the oven for 20 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. Leave to cool.

Step six: While the cupcakes cool, make the icing. Sieve the icing sugar so there are no lumps.

Add in the butter alternative and mix. Once smooth, add your food colouring and flavourings of choice. If the icing is too slack, simply sift in some extra icing sugar Step seven: Once the cupcakes are cool to the touch, spread the icing on with a knife (or use a piping bag for a more professional look). Feel free to add sprinkles or any other decorations.

Share and enjoy!

If you make this recipe we'd love to see your photos! Tag us @brig_newspaper on Instagram.

28

NEWS 1-5

POLITICS COMMENT MUSIC FILM & TV 6-7 8-9 10-11 12-13

ARTS 18-19

GAMING LIFESTYLE FEATURES 20-21 22-23 24-25

MURRAY'S ON THE MEND DESPITE US OPEN EXIT

By John Turnbull SPORTS EDITOR

ANDY Murray admits he is ‘really proud’ of his efforts in New York despite being knocked out of the US Open by Matteo Berrettini.

The 35-year-old lost 6-4, 6-4, 6-7 (1-7), 6-3 at Flushing Meadows by a power-packed performance from the 13th-seeded Berrettini.

Murray was aiming to reach the last 16 at a Grand Slam for the first time since 2017, and despite leaving frustrated, Murray revealed his pride. He said: “I’m surprised I’m still able to compete with guys that are right at the top of the game.

“Matches like this, I’m really proud that I have worked myself into a position where I’m able to do that.

“I’m really disappointed that I didn’t get over the line today.

But I get reminded that this is the first time you’ve made the third round here since 2016. It’s been a difficult six years for me.”

Any lingering doubt over recent cramp issues was brushed aside in the Big Apple, as the Scot dropped just a single set heading into the clash with the big serving Italian.

A 3-0 first-round win over 24th seed Francisco Cerúndolo of Argentina handed Murray belief that he could exceed expectations.

The former world number one swept America’s Emilio Nava aside

FOOD 26-27

SPORT

HOW TO JOIN A SPORTS CLUB

THERE are OVER 50 Sports clubs to choose from and there are several ways that you can join 1. Go to the Sports Bazaar on Wednesday 14th September at the Sports Centre from 10am to 4pm and meet the club committee members.

2. Message the Sports Clubs via their Social Media accounts.

3. Email the Club Presidents to ask for more info about their club. You can find their email addresses on the Students’ Union website, under Sports Union, then clicking A-Z of Sports Clubs.

Andy Murray. Image: Dustin Satloff / USTA

3-1 in round two before a fourth clash with Berrettini awaited.

The 26-year-old took advantage of a sloppy start from Murray and broke in the first set for a 4-3 lead.

His devastating serves into forehand combination proved a step too far, but Murray’s poor serving helped the Italian into a two-set lead.

Another inopportune double fault, this time in the first game of the second set, gave Berrettini control of the match.

Murray’s low first serve percentage continued into the third set, but the veteran’s fighting spirit prevailed as he saved five break

points across the opening three games and three more at 5-5.

A convincing tie-break performance was due reward for Murray and the comeback appeared on when he went up a break after the first game of the fourth set.

Berrettini hit straight back, though, and closed out the fourth set as Murray fell short of mounting a classic five-set comeback.

The Dunblane star is set to move into the world’s top 50 after the US Open with Davis Cup duties in Glasgow up next for Britain.

can maintain his lead over the Ferrari.

Among the Ferrari vs Red Bull chaos, Mercedes, who started both their drivers on the medium compound then inherited the lead following Verstappen’s stop. Despite not having the pace of the teams above them in the Constructor’s Championship, Mercedes remain keen to show their presence at the front of the grid by keeping Red Bull and Ferrari on their toes when it comes to strategy.

Sir Lewis Hamilton was in the lead of the Dutch Grand Prix until he pitted on Lap 30, changing onto the Hard compound tyres, returning the lead to Verstappen. George Russell, Hamilton’s teammate, pitted on the following lap, also swapping his mediums for a set of hards, looking to remain on those tyres until the end of the race. Leclerc pits on Lap 46 for hards, promoting Hamilton and Russell to P2 and P3 respectively.

The drama began when Yuki Tsunoda of Alpha Tauri was forced to retire his car, pulling over to the side of the track, which brought out the Virtual Safety Car. This allowed Verstappen to pit onto hards, as well as both Mercedes to change to new sets of mediums.

By the time that racing resumed on Lap 50/72, Hamilton had 12-seconds to make up on the race leader, but the drama was not over, as

Valtteri Bottas of Alpha Romero stopped his car at the end of the main straight on Lap 55, bringing out the Safety Car. This allowed Verstappen to pit for a set of softs, which allowed Hamilton to take the lead. Russell pitted from P2 on the following lap for softs, allowing Verstappen a clear run at Hamilton upon the restart.

The vast majority the grid also pitted for softs, including Sainz who could have been allowed to regain a podium which he thought was lost. Unfortunately for him, this wasn’t to be, as the Ferrari pit crew released Sainz into the Pit Lane unsafely into the path of Alpine’s Fernando Alonso, earning him a 5-second time penalty.

Once racing resumed on Lap 61, Verstappen breezed past Hamilton, retaking the lead by the exit of Turn 1, a position the Dutchman would retain as he crossed the line to win his 10th race in 2022. Hamilton, after being left out on inferior tyres also found himself being passed by his teammate for P2, as well as Leclerc for P3. Hamilton ended in P4 and Sainz, after finishing P5 on track, ended P8 due to his penalty.

P5 was claimed by Perez, followed

by Alonso (P7) and McLaren’s Lando Norris (P8). The final points positions were taken by Alpine’s Esteban Ocon (P9), and Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll (P10).

4. Sign up and turn up to the club’s Give-it-a-go sessions via the UoS Sport App. The first session is free so this will let you find a club that’s right for you.

FRESHERS 2022 GIAG

VERSTAPPEN WINS DUTCH GP IN DRAMATIC FASHION

By Ethan Gregg

MAX Verstappen took victory in front of his home crowd for the second year running in a controversial race at Circuit Zandvoort last Sunday.

The Red Bull driver started from Pole, alongside Championship rival, Charles Leclerc.

With both the title protagonists starting on the soft compound tyre, and on a track such as Zandvoort, whoever exited the first corner in the lead was likely to go on to win the race.

As expected, Verstappen not only led the race at Turn 1, but by Lap 3, he was already a full second ahead of Leclerc. Come Lap 15, Carlos Sainz, Leclerc’s teammate at Ferrari, entered the pits from P3, just under 7-seconds behind his teammate. Unfortunately for the Spaniard, the Ferrari pit crew took over 12-seconds to change his soft tyres to mediums. This misery was compounded as the Red Bull of Sergio Perez followed Sainz into the pits and had the same tyre change in 2-seconds. This mistake in the Ferrari strategy effectively removed Sainz’s hopes of his 8th podium appearance of the season.

On Lap 18, Leclerc pits while being 5-seconds behind Verstappen.

Red Bull responded by pitting Verstappen from the lead, and he

* Timetable Accurate as of 05/09/2022. For more information visit the Team's social

SPORT

29

The club are the first to bring the sport to the Stirling area. Image Credit: UoS Handball Club

IT WAS only last year that the Handball Club at the University of Stirling launched.

Following a season which started with a recruitment drive, victory in their first competitive match, and end with a nomination at the sports awards, Brig caught up with those behind the early success.

Looking back, Alice Hedemo, President of the Handball Club, said: “Though the task of starting a Handball club in Stirling seemed daunting at first, the support and interest from the students and Sports Union have been immeasurable.

“With the help of the sports union and events such as Give-it-a-Go and the Sports Bazaar, the club received interest from International and Scottish students, both undergraduates and postgraduates, and grew exponentially in a matter of months.”

Despite being a popular sport in Europe, handball is still relatively new to the UK. Created in Denmark in 1917, it can be described as a sport somewhere between football and basketball.

The quick-paced game only came to England in 1968 and Scotland in 1972. However, it took 40 years for the first British team to be selected for an Olympics in 2012.

The club are the first to bring the sport to the Stirling area, receiving recognition from the Scottish Handball Association following its launch last September. Club President Hedemo added: “The first mixed-gender team in Stirling was

quickly established and with the help of our coach and other students’ experiences.

“We were able to win our first competitive game against St. Andrews with a final score of 36-30!”

Following the club’s first competitive game, they hope to organise many more games next year.

Hedemo said: “This victory has since helped to build the team’s confidence and has encouraged us to play competitively next year.

“The club will continue to train three times a week and still aims to thrive and grow from all experiences.”

A nomination for the best club at the Sports Union Awards 2022 also came the way of the new club, outlining its early success.

Vice President, Alice Coget added: “This is certainly only the start of the Handball club in Stirling and the interest of students has been essential to the success and recognition the club has gotten this year.

“We hope to keep growing and next year, to put everything we learned into action on a competitive level.

“As our coach reminds us before every game, ‘We might be a new team, but we need to build up, we have a chance to win, so let’s take it.’”

The club are actively looking for new members and further information can be found on Instagram

overall health but mental as well.”

On the competitive side, the club has a proven track record of driving the girls’ ambitions. Six members trialed for the national team pathway this summer, as did Stirling University alumni Lauren Tait who was selected by the Scottish Thistles to compete in this summer’s Commonwealth Games.

However, the social aspect remains a vital part of the club, with weekly training and opportunities for friendly games against other universities.

Coach Emma Vondy is excited to get more girls involved, she said: “At social netball, we have so many different abilities ranging from girls who have never played before,

to those who used to play in school and others who can’t commit to playing competitively.

“But as a coach, my aim for each session is just that you leave feeling a little bit more confident in your netball ability.

For social secretaries Ruth Miller and Eloise Berry, it is all about those Wednesday socials. “We’re super excited to have the opportunity to continue the SUNC legacy with some classic socials while hopefully making some new traditions with our fresh ideas.”

The Netball Club will be at the Sports Bazaar on the 14th of September with plans for a Give-ita-Go and trials the following week.

HANDBALL CLUB LOOK TO BUILD UPON SUCCESSFUL FIRST SEASON STIRLING UNIVERSITY NETBALL – THE YEAR AHEAD CLUB

By Charlotte Sutcliffe BLEED GREEN TV RELAUNCHES WITH A NEW STRATEGY THE University of Stirling’s student sports show, Bleed Green TV, has announced its relaunch after a year-long hiatus.

Bleed Green TV Showrunner Cameron Johnstone said: “I decided to relaunch Bleed Green to help solve the confusion students may have when picking a sports society to join.

“I’m sure every student has had an experience of being interested in a particular sport but struggling to find more information about it, hopefully with this relaunch everyone will have an easy platform to answer any question they may have.”

Bleed Green TV was last active in 2021 but focused on longer 10-minute videos posted on the Facebook page. Johnstone has plans to change the format this time round. He said: “The plan

for this year is to take advantage of the popularity of apps such as TikTok and Instagram by posting a short video promoting a club every week and providing everything you need to know about it.

“We will also be focusing on the sports give-it-a-goes throughout freshers to make sure everyone knows where and when to go to each event.”

The society aims to best promote every sports club that Stirling University has, while creating collaborative content with the other media societies and the Sport’s Union.

Bleed Green TV will be at the Sports Fayre on Tuesday 14 September.

The Fayre takes place from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.

AFTER a few indifferent years as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic,, including 7 a.m winter cardio sessions, Netball President Honor McMillian has exciting plans for McMillia the year ahead.

“The upcoming netball year is going to be a mixture of developing plans that are already in place with the formation of new ones with the help of Netball Scotland.

“The implementation of a development squad to act as a stepping stone between socials and BUCS means there is huge importance on making sure that we continue and develop those progressions.

“Due to Covid, numbers for social members were lower than in previous years, but we are working alongside our existing social members to get numbers back to their former glory.”

Encouraging discussions with Netball Scotland have also taken place amid growing hope that a men’s netball team will be launched within Stirling.

When asked why students should join the club, Honor reiterated the ‘sense of ease’ she felt being a part of the netball club. McMillian added: “It helped me make new friends while giving me a routine of physical exercise that promoted not just

By Andrew Robson SPORTS EDITOR

SUNC are excited for the upcoming season. Image: Adele Tait

30

NEWS 1-5

POLITICS COMMENT MUSIC FILM & TV 6-7 8-9 10-11 12-13

ARTS 18-19

GAMING LIFESTYLE FEATURES 20-21 22-23 24-25

FOOD 26-27

SPORT

FORMER STUDENT MAKES SCOTTISH CUP FIRST ROUND DRAW. FORMER Stirling student and Commonwealth Games swimmer Ross Murdoch left the Uni waiting to discover its Scottish Cup opponents.

The students were the penultimate team pulled out of the hat for the first round and will welcome Lothian Thistle Hutchison Vale to Forthbank on Sunday, September 18.

Shortly afrer compelting the draw, the Commonwealth bronze medalist said: "I train at the University of Stirling so I hope they are happy enough that they've got a home tie so that gives them a bit of an edge, but I'll definitley have to go and watchit now."

The East of Scotland Premier side

sits 13th in the table after winning just one of six league games this campaign.

After a fine start to the Lowland League season, head coach Chris Geddes will hope his side can reach the second round of the historic competition again, after doing so in four of the last five seasons he has been in the Uni dugout.

Stirling defeated recent league opponents Caledonian Braves in the opening round last season before being knocked out by East Kilbride at K-Park.

The last time the students reached the third round was in 2018, as Stirling found League Two side Elgin City a step too far.

SUWFC will be in cup action on Saturday, September 18, as Nile Robbins’ team were drawn away to Montrose in the first round of the Scottish Women’s Premier League Cup. The two sides have already faced each other in league action this season, with Montrose taking all three points at Links Park in a 5-0 win.

Following the draw, head coach Nile Robbins said: “I was really pleased when the draw came through, we played them on the opening day of the league and we

severely underperformed, this allows us to go and rectify that performance and demonstrate how much we’ve improved in a very short space of time “In terms of preparation, we have East Fife in the league this Sunday and all our focus is on the game, once that game is played, we’ll be able to refocus on the cup.

“As a squad we have begun to gel and implement our own style of play, so it is about building on that and continually improving as we progress through each week”

STIRLING WOMEN FACE MONTROSE IN PREMIER LEAGUE CUP

Ciaran McAninch in action for the Uni. Image: Rangers

MCCAUSLAND’S STRIKE MAKES DIFFERENCE AS UNI EDGED BY GERS STIRLING UNI RANGERS B

1 2

THERE was little between Stirling University and Rangers B on Saturday afternoon as the students fell to a 2-1 home defeat.

Two moments of quality from the Light Blues on either side of Jason Jarvis’ strike earned the away side all three points.

Arron Lyall put Rangers in front on the stroke of half-time before Jarvis equalised midway through the second period.

But the Uni were soon behind again, as Ross McCausland won the game for the colts on 78 minutes.

Stirling head coach Chris Geddes said: “It’s disappointing to lose the game as I thought we played pretty well, to be honest.

They’re a good side, so we knew they would have a lot of the ball, but Ben didn’t have many saves to make, and I think we deserved a draw.

“We need to stay switched on and the defenders need to switch from side to side and win tackles, but I thought we did that really well. That’s why these players are at that level because they have bits of magic in them and took their chances when they came.

My boys put in a really good shift against a full-time team, and I

thought we more than matched the fitness levels.

“There’s definitely an improvement – we have a stronger squad than last year and the results prove that. We’ve got more options at the back and in the key areas which are really helping us.”

Stirling was back in Lowland League action as Rangers B visited the in-form students on a warm afternoon at Forthbank.

Although, there wasn’t much action in front of either goal in the first half, as the two sides figured each other out.

David McCallum’s side enjoyed possession in the opening exchanges, but Ben Fry remained untroubled in the University goal.

However, as the game headed into the break goalless, Zak Lovelace and Arron Lyall combined to give Rangers the lead.

Stirling felt seconds away from being rewarded for a solid defensive showing in the first 45, but the 16-year-old picked out Lyall in the box who fired past Fry with a well-struck finish.

The hosts looked up to the challenge though as the teams reappeared for the second half and started the second half livelier than the Gers.

Ben MacIver-Redwood led the line well for the students but

couldn’t convert an opportunity past Lewis Budinauckas moments after the restart.

Just as the Uni began to enjoy a comfortable spell of possession, Jarvis capitalised and levelled the game on 67 minutes.

Rangers failed to clear from a Stirling corner kick, and the ball popped up nicely for the midfielder who volleyed home.

Nothing could separate the two sides as the clock ticked down until Rangers found a moment of inspiration just 11 minutes later.

Ross McCausland played a neat 1-2 with Connor Young before the Northern Irishman picked out the far corner to leave the students with nothing to show for their efforts.

University of Stirling: Fry, Heal, Lavery (Torreggiani 86’), Service, Burrows, Berry, Jarvis (Russell 75’), Rae (Mirzasalimov 86’), Stokes, McAninch (McGill 70’), MacIver-Redwood Rangers B: Budinauckas, Harkness, Fraser, Allan, MacKinnon, Strachan, Lyall, McInally (Lindsay 45’), Lovelace (Young 65’), Ritchie-Hosler, McCausland.

By John Turnbull SPORTS EDITOR

Scottish Lowland Football League Table Pos

Club

P

GD

Pts

1

Rangers B

9

13

22

2

East Kilbride

10

10

22

3

Caledonian Braves

10

11

18

4

Open Goal Broomhill

9

5

18

5

Celtic B

9

16

17

6

Civil Service Strollers

9

10

17

7

Tranent Juniors

8

4

15

8

University of Stirling

9

4

14

9

Bo’ness United

9

7

13

10

The Spartans

8

3

13

11

Cumbernauld Colts

8

2

12

12

Berwick Rangers

8

-3

12

13

Gala Fairydean Rovers

9

-9

11

14

Heart of Midlothian B

10

-1

9

15

Cowdenbeath

8

-1

8

16

Edinburgh University

10

-24

7

17

East Stirlingshire

8

-6

5

18

Gretna 2008

8

-14

3

19

Dalbeattie Star

9

-27

1

*Table accurate as of 05/09/2022

SPORT

31

Berry celebrtes the Uni's second. Image: George Vekic

BERRY’S FREE-KICK INSPIRES DOMINANT UNI PAST BRAVES

By John Turnbull SPORTS EDITOR

THE UNIVERSITY of Stirling bounced back after a tough week to down in-form Caledonian Braves 3-1 at Forthbank.

The Uni were well in control in the first half, and James Stokes ensured the Uni had the lead at the break.

James Berry hit a wonderful free-kick before Ben Heal added a third in the second half. The Braves pulled one back through Greig Stewart amid late pressure, but it was only a consolation.

Head coach Chris Geddes was delighted as he said: “To come away

with a comfortable win against a team who had only lost two of their last 20 Lowland League games was quite impressive from my guys.

“To limit them to no shots in the first half and go in one-nil up was really good. We knew they would come out strong in the second half, they changed shape, but we saw out the first ten minutes, and apart from the last seven or eight minutes I think we were well worth the win.”

From the first whistle, Stirling was up for the challenge, as the students looked to get back to winning ways after a tough week against the Old Firm B sides.

Striker Ben Maciver-Redwood

said: “We came out really strong, and overall, the boys played really well in the first half. We put it [the Celtic defeat on Wednesday] behind us, and we were excited to come out and try to make an impact and win the game.”

As the game unfolded, the two sides locked horns in a tight, physical battle, but importantly, Stirling gained control early on.

After building on a solid defensive foundation, the Uni deserved its lead when Stokes smashed the students in front.

The winger picked up the ball on the edge of the visitors’ box before firing a left-footed effort towards the near post.

Having failed to find the target in the first period, Ricky Waddell’s side came out firing after the break, but Cameron Breadner was denied twice by great saves from Ben Fry in the Uni goal.

The key moment after the break came as Stirling opened up a twogoal lead. Captain James Berry whipped a delightful free-kick into the far corner on 64 minutes to give his side breathing room.

It was a goal that “calmed us down” Maciver-Redwood added.

The Uni pushed on from there as Ben Heal made it three just nine minutes later.

Maciver-Redwood held the ball up well before finding Heal on one

of his advancing runs into the box before the midfielder struck in off the crossbar.

As the Braves attacked late on, Stewart lifted the ball into the Stirling goal, but it was too late for a comeback as Stirling had already imposed their quality and secured another valuable three points.

University of Stirling: Fry, Burrows, Lavery, Service, McGill (McAninch 75’), Berry, Heal, Russell (Thompson 62’), Stokes, Rae (Bainbridge 87’), MaciverRedwood (Woloszyn 87’) Caledonian Braves: Henry, Brown, Walker, McDowall, Forrester, Main, Butterworth, Cusick (McNeil 81’), Watson (Stewart 72’), Kelly, Breadner.

STIRLING SPORTS UNION CALLS FULL TIME ON INITIATIONS STIRLING University's Sports Union has joined the Full Time On Initiations campaign.

The movement aims to discourage initiations in an effort to make university sports societies more inclusive towards new members.

Across the UK initiations have resulted in death and harm, with many universities changing their stances as a result.

Initiations are "rites of passage" that allow new members onto the team. They often include excessive amounts of alcohol.

A Stirling Sports Union spokesperson commented: "The Sports Union can confirm that we are taking a stronger stance on initiations through a

social media campaign that is being adopted by the majority of Scottish Institutions.

"The campaign, Full Time On Initiations, encourages all Sports Union Clubs to share the same message that initiations are not tolerated as a tradition, because all students should feel that they are welcome to join whichever sport they like, without feeling pressured to take part in behaviours that make them feel uncomfortable, unwelcomed or unsafe.

"Furthermore, during our Committee Inductions Training Day at the start of September, we were fortunate enough to have the CHANGES workshop delivered again by a member of staff from

Robert Gordon University Sports Union.

"The workshop was well attended by our club's Captains, Social Secretaries and Welfare Officers and is aimed at tackling initiations by highlighting to committee members the negative impacts it can have on new members.

"We hope that our Sports Clubs support the campaign, therefore allowing all students at Stirling to feel part of our sporting community, whether that be at an elite, competitive or recreational level."

Stirling's sports clubs have joined the campaign, alongside other Scottish universities.

James Falls, the president of Stirling University's rugby club

said: "Full Time on Initiations is a campaign Men's Rugby is proud to back.

"We believe that in the current day and moving forward the club should be a welcoming and safe space for all current members and new members.

"Sport should be fun while at university and no one should feel intimidated, embarrassed, or humiliated while playing the sport they enjoy.

"We look forward to having our welfare officer Rob Mathews contribute to the campaign and are excited to see what the club and the committee can produce moving forward."

Netball President Honor McMillan

also commented, saying: "As such a diverse club with many members travelling from all around, Stirling University Netball Club is meant to be a place away from home where you feel welcomed and safe.

"Initiations are poor attempts at welcoming new members with the aim to embarrass rather than include.

"It is because of this that myself and the Netball Club support the Full Time On Initiations Campaign."

By Isla Glen EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

VOL.53 ISSUE.1

13 SEPTEMBER 2022 Ben Heal celebrates with teammates. Image: George Vekic

STIRLING UNI

CALEDONIAN BRAVES

3 1

THE University of Stirling bounced back after a tough week to down in-form Caledonian Braves 3-1 at Forthbank.

The Uni were well in control in the first half, and James Stokes ensured the Uni had the lead at the break.

James Berry hit a wonderful free-kick before Ben Heal added a third in the second half. The Braves pulled one back through Greig Stewart amid late pressure, but it was only a consolation.

Head coach Chris Geddes was delighted as he said: “To come away with a comfortable win against a team who had only lost two of their last 20 Lowland League games was quite impressive from my guys.

FULL STORY ON P31 Duncan Scott won two gold and four bronze medals in Birmingham.

Image: Team Scotland

MEDAL HAUL FOR STIRLING STUDENTS AT COMMONWEALTH GAMES

By Andrew Robson SPORTS EDITOR DUNCAN Scott became Scotland’s most decorated Commonwealth athlete of all time, winning six medals at this summer’s Commonwealth Games.

The swimmer won gold in the 200m Individual Medley and pipped Team GB teammate Tom Dean to the top step in the 200m Freestyle, in a reverse of last year’s Olympic final.

Scott also came away with four bronze medals, one of which came in the 100m Medley Relay with fellow Stirling swimmers McNally and Murdoch. Stirling athletes Walton and Milne were also awarded bronze medals having raced in the heat.

This followed a phenomenal anchor leg to secure bronze in the 4x200m Freestyle Relay earlier in

the week, alongside Stirling duo Milne and Szaranek, and Scotland teammate Jones.

After missing the World Championships in June due to COVID, Scott was delighted to be back on the podium. Speaking to the BBC after bewating Dean to gold, he said: “Rivalries or competition, in general, gets the best out of us. I say that for myself, and I can say that for Deano, we love a race.

“We love getting in amongst it and we love racing each other as well because it gets the best out of each other.”

Also in the pool, Ross Murdoch won three bronze medals and Stephen Milne two, while there were also medals for Cameron Kurle (silver), Craig McNally, Mark Szaranek, Toni Shaw, and Martyn Walton (all bronze). In total, 12 Stirling swimmers travelled to compete in Birmingham.

Shaw and Murdoch secured Stirling’s first medals of the Games

with a bronze each in the S9 100m Freestyle and 200m Breaststroke.

Murdoch has now medalled in the last three Commonwealth Games.

Kurle also bagged a silver in the 4x100m Freestyle Relay with Team England, having swum in the heats.

Competing at her second Games, Business Studies student Shaw said shortly after clinching bronze: “I am absolutely buzzing and I do not have any words.

“I knew it was going to be really close with so many other girls with a similar time, so I am glad to be on the right side of the finish line this time.

“My family haven’t seen me race in person for such a long time, tonight was really special.”

In addition to the 16 won in the pool, two further medals were won by recent graduates of the University’s sports scholarship programme.

Judoka Rachel Tytler, who left the University last year, and cyclist

Finn Crockett, who graduated this summer, both won bronze in their events.

In total, 20 athletes travelled to Birmingham, as well as six recent graduates – and the medal haul far surpasses the 11 won at the Gold Coast Games in 2018.

University of Stirling Executive Director of Sport, Cathy Gallagher, said: “The results and performances over the Games have been fantastic and it’s great to see such camaraderie amongst the athletes.

“The support being shown across the different teams is what the Commonwealth Games are all about and seeing so many worldclass athletes compete in such a positive environment is a brilliant advert for the sport.

“With so many University athletes at the Games, there is a real buzz around campus and the city of Stirling and everyone is taking a lot of pride in their achievements.”

'PROUD' MURRAY CRASHES OUT OF US OPEN

By John Turnbull SPORTS EDITOR

Andy Murray in action. Image: Dustin Satloff / USTA

FULL STORY ON P28