Brig Vol. 50 No.1: Freshers 2019 by Brig Newspaper

University of Stirling’s student newspaper | Freshers’ Edition | Vol. 50 No. 1

Chaotic study abroad in heart of Hong Kong • Student’s analysis from inside the action

Interview: Stirling author on conquering Freshers’ fears • "Everyone puts on a brave

face but I just got the 54 hame"

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University faces twenty million in flood damage

Est 1969

Credit: Brig Newspaper

Harry Williamson News Editor

Overwhelmed Union Pres suspends studies at Stirling Abigail Taylor Editor-In-Chief UNION President Nelson Acquah shocked supporters and students when he resigned from his post as at the beginning of August, just eight weeks into his twelve-month term. Acquah, who was selected at March’s union elections with just a majority of 29 votes, began his term on June 1. The 32-year old cited “personal reasons” in his resignation statement but remarked that his election “made history”

as the first black and first post-grad student to hold the post. His exit now has the additional distinction of having served as one of the shortest sabbatical officers in recent union history. The now former president has admitted to Brig that he had become “overwhelmed” by his role as further responsibilities made his job impossible to perform. “Looking at the things that I took on at the time, continuing on with the position

came along with many responsibilities,” he said. While Acquah would not share details of what was preventing him from committing to his sabb position, which came “after [he] took on the role,” he did express that this would have distracted from his ability to implement his mandate. “I think if you’re pushing the student agenda, you shouldn’t also be taking on other responsibilities where it wouldn’t affect the students.”

DAMAGE caused by June’s flash flooding could cost the University of Stirling between £15-£20 million. At an event held in the aftermath of the university flooding Principal Gerry McCormac revealed the estimated cost of the damage, and that a combined area the size of Pathfoot needed repairs. The university has confirmed that sections of the Pathfoot building will take longer to repair, due to the building’s A-listed status, and that they will be working closely with Historical Environment Scotland on this issue. Heavy damage to both the Pathfoot and Cottrell buildings has been reported, with areas cordoned off. Construction workers have been working on repairs over the summer. Minor damage to some university accommodation was reported but this has been resolved and won’t affect any accommodation placements. McCormac reportedly stated that the university’s aim is to have all classrooms repaired and fit for purpose for the start of the autumn semester. However, there are concerns that repairs of water damage won’t be ready in time for the new semester, which starts on Monday September 9, and will add further disruption to students and staff alongside ongoing Campus Central redevelopments. The cause of these concerns was industrial drying equipment being spotted on campus as well as desks and other furniture being removed from lecture theatres. A university spokesperson previously said that they are confident that the “majority of rooms” will be ready by the time teaching starts and that priority teaching spaces in Cottrell will be ready by the start of the autumn semester. The university’s insurance arrangements will cover the cost of the damage and staff have been praised for their work in the immediate aftermath of the flood damage.

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Police warn students over “sextortion” rise Harry Williamson

Editorial

Abigail Taylor Editor-in-Chief

MY experience as a young woman in today’s society has been one full of activism. From a young age I have campaigned for women’s rights and equality, particularly in Northern Ireland, where I’m from. I’ve witnessed my friends go through the struggles of some of the strictest abortion laws in the world, peoples identities being forgotten and abused for who they love. Northern Ireland is a country that has become so lost in its religion that it has left behind its people. I look on to the republic as a beacon of hope following the success of the repeal the 8th campaign, and the help of Westminster to drag my country out of the dark ages. Equality is coming, we just have to keep fighting for it. My time at uni here so far has been made by Brig, I’m incredibly honoured to be Editor-In-Chief for this year. It’s something that I will take pride in and I’m looking forward to what’s to come. Since taking over in June, Brig continues to amaze me, from the writers to the editors to the readers. We’ve been viral on Facebook and featured on the BBC, the Prime Minister came to town and buildings have been on fire and Brig has been there at the front to make sure the news is there. We’re here to tell the stories that you want to hear and we will hold those in power to account. Most importantly, we’re here to tell your story.

STIRLING Police have warned students over a rise in “sextortion” type crimes in recent months. Sextortion offences see online criminals demand money from victims under threat of having intimate images posted online. The rise was highlighted at a meeting of Stirling Council’s Public Safety Committee, where Chief Inspector Gill Marshall (pictured), the Stirling Area Commander, outlined this type of crime and how officers will be working to help victims and prevent people from being affected by online criminals. She stated that “the cyber element of criminality is up front and

centre.” Marshall said that the rise in crime was due to an increased awareness from victims, making them more inclined to come forward and report these crimes. Most victims are aware of how to deal with being a victim of sextortion, according to the police performance report delivered by Marshall. “Most of the cases we have seen have not resulted in any financial loss from the victims.” This was credited to awareness work already carried out by officers, especially with Stirling university students. The advice given is to completely disengage when targeted online, and to immediately report it to the

police. She added that educating young people on the risks of sending photographs to unknown people online was a priority for officers. Raising awareness about these risks to students was highlighted as a main task for the police. Marshall stated that students and young people are at a much higher risk of being targeted by cyber criminals due to the amount of time they spend on social media. “We will have a stall at Fresher’s week where we can talk to students about these risks and how to stay safe online. “We want students to get used to a police presence and feel confident about coming forward to re-

Credit: Twitter @CIGillM

port crime. “Educating people contributes to the ways and means of tackling crime.” Marshall told Brig that student safety is a police priority during Fresher’s week.

New measures to combat the construction chaos Sam Ormiston News Editor

President quits after eight weeks in office FROM PAGE 1 Two of his opponents – Charlene Gregaitis Schikler and Georgia Laverick – both called for a by-election following his notice, however, they’ve expressed that they would not re-run for the position. Acquah said: “I don’t think it’s unfair to the other candidates. It would have been unfair if I knew in advance that I would have these extra responsibilities and I still ran for election.” He also believes that whoever succeeds him as president will “be much better qualified than I was.” A by-election will be held in October, which was decided by the union’s Board of Trustees. A potential successor will therefore have to suspend their studies. In the meantime, the three current sabbatical officers will share

the role of president ahead of Freshers’ Week and the start of the new academic year. “The Board has also confirmed that in line with the Union’s Constitution and Schedules, a by-election will be held in mid-October to provide an opportunity for the vacancy to be filled,” Acquah said. “In the meantime, everyone in the Union is focused on delivering for students at the start of a new and exciting term, ensuring we all work together to make students’ lives better. “The rest of the sabbaticals are extremely up to the task and anyone who steps up to the job will be fine because of them.” Acquah hopes to continue his studies at Stirling for his PhD depending on funding following a year out.

PLANS to improve disabled access on campus are now being put in place, following the concerns of worried students. Last month, Disabled Students Officer Sonny Bailey hit out over the lack of access during the construction works. He recalled walking through the ‘maze-like corridor’ between Haldane’s eatery and the Atrium. He said: “It felt like a very tight space. All around me was nothing but white. There is nothing to grab hold of and it was an extremely uncomfortable experience. “I see that the wheelchair ramps haven’t been addressed either. So just exactly what is this money being invested in to make campus look so good?” VP Education Amy Smith shared Sonny’s concerns, which she raised at the Campus Central project board. She said: “Magnets are being added to the fire doors so that wheelchair users do not need to push the heavy fire doors at either end of the corridor. She also highlighted that the union will be implementing a quiet hours policy from 10-11am at Fresher’s Week events, which will be held in a marquee outside the Union due to the

ongoing works. This is in line with the motion passed at the last Union General Meeting, to make campus more accessible for all. Jacqui Lenaghen, the university’s head of accessibility said: “A consultant has fully appraised the Campus Central Project Design. “As planned, one side of the connecting corridor in the Atrium was painted grey earlier this week. And last week, graphics depicting the history of the university were added to the other side of the corridor. Lenaghen added: “Money from the Vice Chancellor’s Fund will provide a transition event for autistic and visually impaired students and wheelchair users.” However, the corridor between Haldanes and the Atrium is still not accessible for all. Both doors only open in one direction, meaning that wheelchair users and those with poor upper-body strength will have to wait for somebody to open the door for them. VP Communities Joshua Muirhead said that these concerns have been raised. Responding to the updates, Sonny replied: “I’m happy there are now things in place to help disabled students out, but I am still concerned with wheelchair access. “I just hope that the level of support being proposed continues.”

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Credit: BBC

Concerns rise as migrant numbers fall

Credit: The Sun

Sam Ormiston

Bracklinn Falls tragedy leads to extra safety call Harry Williamson

FIRE chiefs and local councillors have called for additional safety measures at Bracklinn Falls after an incident in August which left a young woman dead. Stirling SFRS Area Manager Roddie Keith faced questions from councillors when he revealed that fire crews had been deployed to Bracklinn Falls on four occasions this year. Outlining the fatal incident, Keith highlighted that “significant resources” were deployed to aid the rescue, including a Water Rescue unit from Stirling and

two Rope Rescue units from Loch Katrine and East Kilbride. The Scottish Ambulance Service, Police Scotland, Coastguard, Mountain Rescue and Air Rescue units were also all in attendance. Two women needed rescue by emergency crews. Stirling student Eilidh McNab was pronounced dead on the scene. Councillors and the Fire Service discussed ways to increase safety at the popular tourist spot. The Fire Service said that Bracklinn Falls has a certain risk associated with it as it is a remote

location which attracts frequent visitors. “Bracklinn Falls is a risk, and we should work as partners to prevent another tragedy; new safety measures are needed,” Keith urged. Some ideas put forward to increase safety were additional signage in the area and more floatation aids. Keith also said that “preventative” measures are needed by educating people on the dangers associated with the popular beauty spot. Councillors raised concerns about the ongoing problem of the theft of floatation aids from the Stirling pontoon, and whether this issue would impact safety at the falls. One of the most vocal in call-

ing for additional safety was Councillor Evelyn Tweed, whose Trossachs and Teith ward covers Bracklinn Falls. She questioned where responsibility for implementing safety measures lay. “Who will take responsibility? Tweed asked. “That’s the important thing. “Four incidents in the past year: in my mind that’s four too many. Something needs to be done.” “Going forward, we have to give the public confidence and ensure that they know what the risks are.” Councillor Tweed ended by stating, “I don’t feel that the public are safe in that area, there are definite and obvious risks.” Read our tribute to Eilidh McNab on page 32.

constantly ignored. He said: “I sent numerous messages and emails, with no response. “I sort of gave up, and then two weeks later I was sent my P45.” Birds and Bees owner Ross Henderson replied: ““I am unsure as to the exact details of Matthew’s situation as it was more than a year ago. One thing I do know is that if Matthew had advised us that he was only available at certain times on certain days, we would certainly do all we could to work around these times as we do for all our students that work with us.”

Zero-hours contracts have their good points and their bad points. But what happens when you haven’t signed a contract at all? Duncan Hewitt and Ribh Lennox, who both worked at Banditos Burrito Company before it was forced to close, claimed that they were not working on a contract. Duncan, who worked there for four months, said: “Nobody was on a contract at all, even though we had all pressured him [the director] to get it done.” Former company director Steven Hughes has vehemently denied the allegations.

Zero-hour contracts on the rise in Stirling Sam Ormiston

ZERO-HOUR contracts have been a force of contention in British political circles for decades; the main opposition, Labour, want to abolish them completely. Around one million Brits rely on zero-hour contracts for their main source of income. The recent forced closure of Banditos Burrito Company, where workers were left without a wage after their liquidation, has highlighted a wider problem in Stirling. Although many local business-

es, including all the Greene King pubs, partially operate on zerohour contracts to meet company requirements, there can be instances when they give too much power to the owner. Fourth-year student Matthew Dow worked last summer at The Birds and Bees restaurant in Causewayhead. After taking time off to visit his fiance, he returned to the realisation that he was no longer receiving shifts. This is all well within protocol, but when Matthew tried to contact management, he claims he was

MIGRATION from the European Union to the UK is at its lowest level in six years, according to the most recent government figures. MSP Bruce Crawford (SNP, Stirling) has blamed the Conservative government in Westminster for the plummeting figures, while highlighting his concerns for the local economy. He said: “Immigration is a necessity for places like Stirling; we have a huge tourism sector here and local businesses I have spoken to have said that they are screaming out for people, both low skilled and no skilled, to come here to work. “The Tory government is threatening Scotland’s economy and Stirling’s public services with its hostile environment immigration policies, which it knows will leave places like Stirling poorer and worse off.” The figures published by the National Office of Statistics also revealed that since the referendum on EU membership, net migration from the region fell to just 59,000 in the year ending in March 2019 – less than a third of the level four years ago. Earlier this year, Crawford made a plea to EU citizens, assuring them that they will always be welcome in Stirling. And he was a huge supporter of the campaign to push the UK government to scrap the £65 settled status fee for EU citizens. MEP Alyn Smith, who recently set up his parliamentary office in Stirling, added: “By cutting off much needed immigration for Scotland’s economy, the UK government is sending the working age population into decline. “Yet again, Scotland is being completely ignored by this Tory government and our interests have been put to the side.” Stephen Kerr MP has been contacted for a response but was either unavailable or unwilling to comment by the time of going to print.

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at rise Stirling set for biggest student flat build yet Anger of emergency Cameron Gray

AN ambitious proposal to build almost 300 student apartments in Stirling town centre has been unveiled. Student property specialists Scape Homes aim to offer “high quality accommodation at great value for money” at the Orchard House site, next to Union Street. Plans outline the development of 205 cluster apartments and 91 studio apartments, with an onsite gym, games room, cinema and study spaces. The operator behind the project is also considering letting all Stirling student card holders use some of the facilities free of charge. Lead architect Graeme Feechan said that there has been “successful dialogue” with the university, regarding the build. “It’s a product that is not readily available in Stirling and if you look at the other university towns, it does exist. “If the university doesn’t have this back up to their core activities, it lessens their offer to the populous. “One could be delighted to image that the private sector is going to deliver this on their doorstep,” Feechan said. Across the UK, the increase for

purpose build student accommodation (PBSA) has risen dramatically, with 30% of first years choosing to live in these modern facilities, jumping from 22% five years ago, according to figures from Knight Frank. Planning Partner Craig Wallace, from charted surveyors Montagu Evans, said that the “massive pressure” that universities have on their finances allows the private sector to meet students’ needs and fulfil demand for accommodation. The Orchard House proposal, which would open by 2021 at the earliest, is just one of five potential student builds in Stirling. A flat build behind the train station has been brought to planning, and the public toilets at Dumbarton Rd., next to City Walls, are also set to be transformed into PBSA. Wallace said: “These are all coming through in response to the opportunity for growth in the university and the fact that the university isn’t necessarily investing in their own accommodation, and are quite happy to admit that as they are spending their money on new sports facilities and student hub. Students will also be begin-

payments Sam Ormiston

ning this academic year from the recently opened Riverside Quay development, which was criticised for by student housing activists for its “completely unaffordable” prices. This development consists of mainly cluster apartments, with shared kitchen, dining and lounge spaces, so costs should be slightly lower than all-in-one studio. A planning application was previously lodged for the area which would have included two fast food drive throughs and a residential care home.

The new plans retain the care home but not the commercial units, which Councillor Jim Thomson has welcomed: “The layout is much better suited to the area, compared to the drive throughs previously given permission.” But he cast doubt that the private build would be cost friendly to students. Thomson said: “I’m not convinced the student accommodation is necessarily affordable but there is a known shortage of available student accommodation.”

important to me and the union. “It’s important that we recognise that some students don’t always have the support network or the community necessary to overcome challenges and enjoy their time at Stirling. “This is where Nightline comes in – who better will understand and empathise with students than their peers?” In addition, the Mental Wellbeing society was awarded money to create posters which will be distributed around campus to encourage students to prioritise their mental health. The club’s president Neda Shishmanova said: “We have included info on anti-anxiety breathing techniques and how to get help on campus, like the Student Services Hub. “This will ensure that students know that there’s professional help on campus 24/7.” Among other recipients were Drama, Live Music and Musical Theatre’s ‘Cottage Collaboration’.

Drama president Abby Ferguson said: “The VC Fund awarded us money towards the continuing renovation of Airthrey Cottage, which is used by the three societies to expand our creative output. “For us this means being able to run workshops and training experiences in disciplines that support the dramatic arts, such as costuming, special effects makeup and set building.” The University of Stirling Womens’s Football Club received £750 to buy new equipment, provide up to date first aid kits and enhance the training experience for members. The media societies all won funding for individual projects, while the Sports Union received £500 for yoga sessions. Elsewhere, G-Soc received funding for a Playstation Virtual Reality system and a PS4, while Strategy Gaming and Roleplay were awarded £900 towards the cost of their annual national championships.

Mental health projects receive funding from Principal

Sam Ormiston

CLUBS and societies are celebrating the start of a new semester with a welcome boost, thanks to the Vice Chancellor’s Fund. Established in 2013 to meet the needs of the student body on campus, the fund is made possible by the personal contribution of Principal Gerry McCormac. Two of the recipients of the fund

this year surround the topic of mental health; the first is Nightline, a phone line run by students, for students, to help them in times of distress and isolation. The service is a partnership between postgraduate student Jennifer Littlejohn and the Students’ Union and has been awarded £2000 over the next two years. Jennifer said: “Student mental health is a topic which is extremely

CLOSE to 56 emergency payments were paid every week to struggling Stirling residents last year. During 2018/19 a total of 2,920 Scottish Welfare Fund crisis and care grants were paid to hard-up families and individuals - a rise on the previous year’s figures. The figures have been condemned by local SNP MSP Bruce Crawford. He said: “The Scottish Welfare Fund is a vital lifeline for many people facing poverty or personal crisis. “The fact that so many households in Stirling are in need of emergency financial help is appalling, and a sad indictment of the UK government’s record on austerity and welfare changes.” The figures, which show a steady increase in the number of payments since 2017, were released last week by the Scottish government. Mr Crawford, who represents Stirling at Holyrood, believes continuing austerity measures from Westminster are to blame. He added: “The UN Special Rapporteur on poverty described it as outrageous that the Scottish Government had to divert funds to protect people from Westminster’s mess. “The SNP will continue to do everything in our power to tackle poverty and support low income families. “It’s time for the Tories to end their austerity agenda and stop forcing Stirling families into poverty.” The Scottish government introduced the Scottish Welfare Fund in 2013 as part of a £125 million annual package to mitigate the impact of Westminster austerity and benefit cuts. Since its launch, the fund has paid out more than £200 million to support over 336,000 households across Scotland, with a third of recipients being families with children. The latest figures also reveal that only 66 percent of all applicants in Stirling were accepted for payments through the Welfare Fund. Local MP Stephen Kerr has been contacted for a response but was unable to comment.

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Chancellor slams the “cancer” of sectarianism

Sam Ormiston A PROFESSIONAL tennis player is launching a campaign to bring his business dreams to life. Fourth-year French and Spanish student and CEO of Cancha, Jack Oswald, has invented a durable life-proof backpack designed to keep up with an active, travel-hungry lifestyle. He said: “The aim of The Ascendant pack began with a desire to make life easier for athletes travelling on tour. “But I soon became aware of the demand for a highly adaptable, customisable pack that went beyond my own needs.“ After spending more than two years perfecting the design, Cancha is set to launch its campaign on Indiegogo next month, where backers will receive a 30 per cent discount of the planned retail price. Despite training for five hours a day and working on his studies, Oswald has still managed to find time for his business initiative. He spotted a gap in the market, and has designed a prototype that separates Cancha from its competitors. Oswald explained that the bags’ unique modular attachment framework is based on the British and American military-grade design. This added feature allows backers to customise their pack with pre-existing attachments, or Cancha’s own range of add-ons that

Harry Williamson

Credit: Cancha

Student turns CEO ahead of business launch

support a wide range of sports and activities. Oswald added: “Cancha believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue their passions. “The Ascendant pack has interchangable shoulder straps, as well as compression straps for carrying bulky items like camera tripods. It is made from high tenacity, abrasion-resistant nylon fabric that is sourced from environmentally friendly suppliers and features water resistant zips.” Oswald draws a lot of inspiration from his father, who has owned his own business since he was young. He said: “I always thought I would like to get into the business

world, but I never thought it would be so soon. It all came together at the right time.” The proof will be in how much the online campaign raises, but Oswald is optimistic about Cancha’s prospects. He said: “Early next year, we will ship out the bag to all our backers, before hopefully becoming a fullyfledged company. “I already have people asking me where they can by the bag, which is amazing. “It’s hard work but enjoyable, and that’s what this brand is about. Making the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.”

Read more online at brignews.com

Stirling grad challenges herself to change the world in Zambia Sam Ormiston

A GRADUATE from the University of Stirling is reflecting on her time volunteering overseas. Tanaka Musakambeva, 26, who has a Masters in International Conflict and Co-operation, spent three months in Zambia’s Samfya district earlier this year with Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO). Being born and raised in Zimbabwe until she was a teenager, Tanaka understands first hand the effects of poverty in a developing country. She said: “I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to pursue my higher education in Scotland. “As a result, I made the conscious decision that I want to work within international development and fight against povery in impoverished countries. In Zambia it is currently estimated that around a third of of teenage

women and girls are either pregnant, or have already given birth at least once. The bulk of work that Tanaka was doing in Zambia involved educating young people about sexual health, including preventing STIs and HIV. And staying with a young host family, she became accustomed to day-to-day life in Zambia, including getting up early, heating up bath water and cooking ‘nshima’, a local delicacy. She taught and led a variety of different sessions to both small and large groups. A particular highlight, she explains, was a session she led at Samfya Primary School with the visually and hearing impaired. “I think that session made me realise that VSO’s mission of leaving no one behind is a strong pillar.”

VSO volunteers from the UK get paired up with national volunteers. Although she was nervous at first, Tanaka’s partner, Mulemba, became like a sister to her, guiding her every step of the way. At times, Tanaka admits that it was emotionally heavy and traumatic witnessing the effects of poverty first-hand. She said: “There were many vulnerable teenagers within the community who had dropped out of school as a result of pregnancy. “And it was difficult to watch the impact of HIV on families up close.” Despite this, she was amazed that the communities had so much joy and love in their hearts. While in Zambia, Tanaka was part of the ‘media committee’, meaning that she was in charge of updating the rest of the world on their work through social media.

THE university’s Chancellor and former First Minister Lord Jack McConnell has condemned the culture of sectarianism in Scotland following the riots in Govan on Friday August 30. McConnell criticised the Scottish Government for taking “the foot off the pedal” when it came to tackling sectarianism. He has called for more national leadership to address sectarian violence in Scotland. “The big problem with sectarianism is that it’s back. It’s back on our streets and it’s back in our football grounds. “The problem with a cancer like sectarianism is if you don’t kill it off it never really goes away. The office of First Minister can bring people round the table, it can force people to make commitments and then ask them what they’ve done.” He also expressed his willingness to help the First Minister and the Scottish Government tackle sectarianism. “If the First Minister is willing to do that, I’m certainly willing to help.” “The best way to deal with this is to challenge the culture of sec-

tarianism and to make sure the marching organisations are on board for the change in culture that’s needed. “We need less violence on these marches, less alcohol, less aggression, better routes and we need better dates. “The best way to achieve that is to get the marching organisations round the table and agree with them a better way of conducting themselves.” When McConnell was in office as First Minister, he arranged national summits to address sectarianism, these summits were scrapped by Alex Salmond when he succeeded McConnell in 2007. In the aftermath of the riot, McConnell has called for these summits to return. “I really believe what we need is the local authorities, the Scottish Government, the football clubs, the employers, the religious organisations, the schools, pulling together as one under strong national leadership to make sure we can put sectarianism in the dustbin of history.” Despite concerns from this riot, Glasgow City Council have allowed two other republican marches to go ahead as planned. Credit: Tanaka Musakambeva

She also ran a JustGiving page, which resulted in raising enough money to buy resources to renovate a youth friendly space in the town, where local youngsters could get together. On her return back to Stirling, Tanaka is continuing to volunteer in her spare time. Last week, she signed up to be an independent age volunteer, where she will be having a chat and visiting an older person regularly.

Tanaka said: “My time in Samfya was a unique journey and a most rewarding experience. “It has left me with a keen sense of purpose while opening my eyes to burning issues to do with life and the world we live in. “To say that this has been a life changing experience is an understatement. “I never thought I would’ve learned so much about myself, and those who are in need the most.”

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Smith’s An inside understanding of MEP new Stirlingthe Hong Kong protests based office Nate Wilson AS a third-year student studying at Hong Kong’s Lingnan University, I have found myself in the midst of the pro-democracy movement protesting that residents are calling ‘the revolution of our times.’ I have spoken to countless protestors and supporters of the cause, some of which I have the honour of calling my friends. Since March 31 this year, Hong Kong is witnessing its worst series of protests and riots in the last five years in the form of the Umbrella Movement of 2014. Though many know of the action protesting taking place, it is important to acknowledge the real reasons behind this movement and thus its true aims. To say that Hong Kong has a coloured past would be an understatement. Its position in the geopolitical world is by far unique, but its current placement is more due to its potential future than to its past. In 1841, Hong Kong island became a British colony. This colony was expanded in the following years to include the Kowloon Peninsula and later in 1898 to include the New Territories in the form of a

lease with the Chinese. This lease of ninety-nine years was set to end in 1997, after which Hong Kong would be officially handed over back to China and would begin a special period in Hong Kong’s history. This is of the Special Administrative Region (SAR), which was initiated when the UK handed the island to China. As part of this handover there is a 50-year transition period called the “one country, two systems.” This transition is cultural, political and economical, with 2047 being the year that Hong Kong officially becomes absorbed into China. So, you might be asking why the protesting? The protesters, most in their early twenties, are Hong Kong citizens who fear China. They fear a domino effect: when one law passes that violates their civil liberties, another may follow, and so on so forth. The ‘Extradition Bill’ is set to be the first piece to fall. This legislation relates to the murder of Poon Hui-wing, who was killed last year in Taiwan by Hong Kong man Chan Tong-kai. After Mr Tong-kai murdered his partner, he returned to Hong Kong, closing the door

on Taiwanese investigators chance to question him. Chan will never face trial because of legal “loopholes.” The bill aims to stop Hong Kong from becoming a shelter for criminals w i t h i n S o u t h E a s t A s i a , which s o m e of those on the streets view as opening the door for further attacks on civil liberties. More sinisterly, many citizens believe that China will use this legislation to falsely arrest and imprison those who are critical of the People’s Republic. Alongside this view, many of the umbrella-wielding citizens have a mistrust of Hong Kong politics and of the Chief Executive, Carrie Lam. Some Hong Kong citizens view its legislative as a vessel for mainland China to exert its own political influence upon a non-consenting Hong Kong. What this does is set the tone of why the protesting has been

Above: Vox Credit: Vox

explicitly aimed at the local government and at China. We see this with the storming of the Legislative Council Complex on July 1 and the protesting on the Hong Kong liaison office on the July 21. T h e aims of the protesting can be broken d o w n into two parts: the physical and philosophical aims. Firstly and physically, the ‘five demands” set by the protestors outline the complete withdrawal of the ‘Extradition Bill’. The first demand is the retraction of the “riot” characterisation, as this branding has been abused and used to justify severe police actions. The creation of an independent inquiry into police conduct and use of force during the protests. The release and exoneration of arrested protesters and finally, the resignation of Carrie Lam and the application of universal suffrage for Legislative Council and Chief Executive elections in Hong Kong. These demands are, according to the protesters, non-negotiable. Philosophically the aim of the movement for the protesters is to stand up against this “slow creep of Chinese authoritarianism,” which is supported by the government and an “overtly aggressive police force.” The police force which has allegedly allowed local gangsters to attack peaceful protestors in Yuen Long Station in July of this year. The clock on the ‘revolution of our times’ has yet to strike peace. Umbrellas won’t be downed until the five demands are met.

Ryan Barclay Politics Editor

ONE of Scotland’s six MEP’s has decided to open a new constituency office in Stirling. Alyn Smith, who has been an SNP MEP for Scotland since 2004, explained the choice of Stirling as the location and the impact that he hopes it will have. Smith described Stirling as “at the heart of Scotland both historically and in terms of accessibility,” and said Stirling has a “strong rural connection” and that he has a “soft spot for the place.” Asked about the implications of this office for the people of Stirling, Smith said “Stirling voted to remain in the EU, yet is currently being represented in Westminster by a leave-voting MP.” Smith hopes to “balance that out” by being an MEP with a “base” in Stirling. The European Parliament has a liaison office in Edinburgh, and Smith explained the differences between that office and the one in Stirling. The liaison office is “there to support the work of the institution itself and provide educational materials, although it does also highlight the work of the six MEPs for Scotland, quite often through speaking events.” Smith added that the “looming spectre of Brexit” and the “associated uncertainty” meant that it “makes sense” to work even more closely and “‘buddy up’” with local politicians. Smith said that some of the new MEPs who represent other member states of the European Union “may well consider doing something similar with their own local representatives,” particularly if that member state has “engaged more fully with the EU than the UK traditionally has.”

Politics News

Scot’s Greens boss: “SNP talk the talk but vote with vested interests” Ryan Barclay

LORNA Slater took office as coleader of the Scottish Green Party last month and discussed a few current issues, including environmental politics, Scottish independence, and political diversity. Slater explained when she first became involved with politics, and why she believes in the Scottish Green Party. “I had voted Green my whole life, especially when there were proportional elections happening, but I hadn’t gotten involved, largely because it was something that other people did.” That all changed though during the Scottish independence referendum, when Slater said the Scottish Green Party “appeared to be a force to be reckoned with and a significant element in the movement for independence.” Slater joined the party two weeks later, aiming to “make a serious impact and really make a difference in the world.” With environmental issues high on the political agenda, Slater then explained how she would encourage student environmentalists to vote for the Scottish Green Party. Slater is “very excited” about increasing the number of young people involved in politics. “I think

the way we connect to young people is getting more young people ourselves in the party, standing for election and hopefully getting elected.” She references the EU elections that took place earlier this year as a time when she worked to get young people into politics. “We had a slate of young Green candidates – excellent candidates – put forward, and I was helping mentor and support some of them. Particularly women, because I’m very interested in getting more women in politics, to make videos, and be more confident with social media and public speaking.” On the topic of elections, Slater moved on to say what she thought were the key differences between the SNP and Scottish Green Party, as sometimes voters don’t see the difference. The two parties have “very few policies in common,” she explained. “One of the few is independence. Mostly, if you look at the voting record, the Greens vote with the Labour party and the SNP vote with the Tory party.” Slater later exemplified her view through a recent policy bill. “In the planning permission bill, there was a chance of the SNP government to reform planning, to make more community engagement, to

give people more say as to what happens with planning in their communities. “They totally blew it; they sided with the Tories.” “A lot of people have this idea that the SNP are super progressive, and they simply are not. They talk the talk, but when it comes to voting they vote with the landowners and vested interests.” I then asked if there was an environmental case to be made for independence and its implications for Scotland. There was “absolutely” an environmental case for Scottish independence, she said, but wanted to shift the focus of the independence debate to “the kind of Scotland we want to see.” The referendum is “a means to an end.” Slater urged more conversation around “healing the planet,” instead of “reducing consumption to reduce our carbon footprint.” An improved environment is useful for the Scottish economy. Some elements of renewable policy that would be effective are devolved to Westminster, she said, arguing that “until we have those powers, we won’t be able to make full use of our resources. “I think there’s possibly an element there where maybe Westminster doesn’t want Scotland

The best books to buy for struggling politics students Dominic Cooper Politics Editor

GREEN Political Thought Andrew Dobson As the increasingly relevant climate crisis becomes an inevitable part of seminar discussion or essay assignments, Dobson’s introduction to the Green movement is essential. It discusses the general goals and sentiments of environmentalism and ecologism, their origins and how they’ve influenced other ideologies such as liberalism, conservatism or socialism. With five distinct and easy to read chapters,

Green Political Thought is a versatile source that reveals the many different ideas and factions within the movement. The Power of Just Doing Stuff - Rob Hopkins After spending countless nights reading about theories of inevitable economic crashes, ecological collapse and rising fascism - it’s easy to become disillusioned and depressed when studying the state of the world. Hopkins’ ‘The Power of Just Doing Stuff’ has been able to pull me out of the doom and gloom mindset by demonstrating the effect that you, the individual, can have upon

the world around you. Filled with examples of successful local action, this book serves as a reminder that it’s not just politicians and corporations with power - but anyone who wants to make a change. Capitalist Realism - Mark Fisher A whole generation has passed since the collapse of the Berlin Wall and with it a sense that we’ve reached the end of its history. Francis Fukayama has come up frequently on the course, stating that liberal-capitalism is the final major societal stage, having defeated its opponents- communism and fas-

to have an independent energy source and an independent source of revenue like that, but we do.” “My speculation is that anything that makes Scotland look wealthy, powerful and full of resources would encourage independence. “We have ways of generating revenue, ways of creating jobs and industry in Scotland that would promote Scottish independence. “I don’t think that’s what Westminster wants.” I asked if she thought gaining a large number of seats in the next election was a mandate for Scottish independence, rather than

having a referendum. It’s “about more than just having referendums,” she said, but added “I think we do need to have a referendum.” She believes it’s the “correct path to independence,” and “it would be much worse to hold some sort of illegitimate or illegal referendum.” Returning to the environment, Slater was asked what promises the Scottish Green Party would make if a coalition with the SNP arose. She said, “We are definitely not going to go into coalition with the SNP.”

Credit: The Edinburgh Reporter

cism. An invaluable companion to this sentiment, Mark Fisher explores why it’s easier to imagine the end of the world than the end of capitalism. What makes this book more accessible is Fisher’s usage of pop culture and movie references to forward complex political concepts. It explores the psychological effects of economic and cultural systems on its subjects. How the West Came to Rule - Alexander Anievas and Kerem Nisacioglu Anievas and Nisacioglu explore the origins of global capitalism from an international perspective, rather than the popular Euro-centric view in current academia. For the most part, the book doesn’t assume the reader is familiar with all its themes and concepts,

making it accessible through provided definitions. This not only served as a great introduction to political theory but also global history, tackling subjects such as the Ottoman Empire, Mongolian expansion and British colonialism. The Penguin Dictionary of Politics - David Robertson This has been my most useful companion to political science. There have been plenty of occasions in which I have been confronted with dense sources, full of overly-academic terms, and felt like they’re indecipherable. This dictionary helps break down political concepts to a simple and comprehensive form. With this book you can confidently say equivalent mega-tonnage in your Cold War seminar.

Comment

What they wished they’d known: fourth years’ top Freshers tips Credit: Stirling Uni Facebook

Martina Rebecca Inchingolo Comment Editor SEPTEMBER is here, which can only mean one thing: Freshers week! This is your chance to meet new friends, start afresh and broaden your horizons. I’m a fourth-year student and so far, my first year has been my favourite. Even if it wasn’t all unicorns and rainbows. Here is some advice from final year students, for those who are just starting their university ad-

venture. So relax, sit back, and learn from our mistakes and awkward experiences. 1. Don’t stick to the one friend group. Branch out and try new things, because you never know who you’ll meet. 2. Join a society or a team! With so many different extracurricular clubs to choose from, try something new and make friends that you may have otherwise not met. Get the Give It A Go! Booklet and try as many

things as you can. These tasters let you know what you’re in for. Freshers’ Fayre is another great way to learn about opportunities around campus. 3. Don’t give in to the pressure. You don’t have to drink or go to all the parties. Focus on settling in and finding your feet, you are not missing anything if you choose not to go to a few events – go wild next year. 4. Don’t buy the freshers’ party wristbands! There’s a cheaper way to do Freshers’ week. Buy one and you’ll be wasting money.

5. Don’t avoid social evenings if you don’t drink just because you assume you will be the only one and don’t want to be awkward. You’d be surprised how easy it is to have a good time sober. 6. Don’t let worries build up, talk to someone. Chances are you’re not the only one feeling that way. Make your mental health a priority. 7. Don’t go overboard with drink the first week- know your limit. You risk passing out and spending the next 4 days at home, eating chicken soup and feeling dizzy every time you leave your bed. It’s a waste of a week. 8. Don’t be scared to go to an event by yourself during freshers week. If there is an event in the Venue you want to go to, but nobody to go with, just go! You’ll meet new people there to spend time with, believe me! 9. Buy a frozen pizza from the shop before you go out. You’ll save money at the end of the night when you are drunk and hungry. Eating too much Dom-

Pics or it didn’t happen

Ilaria Olini

“PICS, or it didn’t happen”. This catchphrase seems to sum up our generation quite well, considering the escalating popularity photography has experienced throughout the last few decades. Cameras are now ubiquitous within our everyday lives; we are bombarded by pictures via social media so much, that whatever can’t be photographed seems to be of little to no importance. Almost a century has passed since the introduction of the legendary Leica, the first viable portable camera. It wasn’t long before we had said goodbye to the darkroom era- waiting for

film to be developed and welcomed the advent of digital photography. We are now used to and expect, with reason, to have everything at once. As an avid photographer myself, what I’m being critical of is not the act of taking pictures, but perhaps the spirit with which they are often being taken. In the 1970s, Susan Sontag reiterated the notion that our age prefers the photograph to reality: appearance before experience. She argued that being photographed gave humans a sense of being real and existing, which today, in the times of social media, seems more relevant than ever.

We know that we have always had an impulse to record memories, to conserve the past by freezing a moment in time; what philosophers used to call the “hic et nunc,” the “here and now.” Be it through painting, writing or “drawing with light,” which is what photography essentially is, it has always been a means to an end: but what is the end now? If once photographs served as testament to the world, “today people are limited to telling personal facts that nobody cares about,” said award winning photographer Gianni Berengo Gardin. It is exactly because we are able to photograph everything that we then avoid making a

ino’s pizza can hurt your wallet. 10. Don’t write your essay at the last moment. Spending the whole night studying is not fun. Organisation is seriously underrated. 11. Usually, each module will have a group chat. Ask around and make sure you are in it. They can be really helpful- especially if you find yourself stuck on an essay. 12. Don’t be scared to leave campus. The town centre is full of cosy coffee shops to study in, there are trains every hour to Edinburgh and Glasgow and a hike up Dumyat will show you a whole new side to Stirling. 13. My advice, as a foreign student who 3 years ago came to Stirling with “not so good” English, is don’t be afraid. It gets better, don’t let the language be a barrier, just because you are unsure of how to express yourself. These are just a few tips to help you start this new journey, which is going to be fun and unforgettable. Just remember, you’ll find your way. Credit: Eventbrite

selection of what we capture something we were forced to do when the film roll had a limited number of pictures. Now we pay less attention to detail, because we tend to remember more vividly what we do not take pictures of.

To put it in Sherlock Holmes’ words: “you see Watson, but you do not observe.” It seems that we are mostly spectators of our lives instead of the ones living them. But is reality not better than its representation?

Comment Martina Rebecca Inchingolo IT’S time for a change. Costumers are now becoming smarter and instead of changing their bodies to fit in, they look for clothing items that fit their natural bodies and make them feel beautiful without having to change themselves. This is one of the many reasons why big brand names like Victoria’s Secret are slowly fading away and losing customers’ interest. The famous lingerie brand is not going to host their annual runaway, as announced by one of the “angels”, Shanina Shaik during an interview to the Daily Telegraph. “Unfortunately, the Victoria’s Secret show won’t be happening this year. It’s something I’m not used to because every year around this time I’m training like an Angel… But I’m sure in the future something will happen, which I’m pretty sure about. (…) They are trying to work on branding and new ways to do the show.” The Victoria’s Secret show was often under fire for the unattainable perfect body they portrayed. In an interview for British Vogue, ex-angel, Karlie Kloss talked about the reason that pushed her from leaving the brand and changing her image.

A secret for all sizes Credit: Flare

“The reason I decided to stop working with Victoria’s Secret was I didn’t feel it was an image that was truly reflective of who I am and the kind of message I want to send to young women around the world about what means to be beautiful” Being an angel is an exhausting job, which takes months of preparation ahead of every show. The chosen models must follow strict diets, some of them stick to liquid food for a couple of days before they walk the runway, and

workout up to 6 times a week. Even if just for a couple of months a year, this kind of lifestyle is not healthy and shouldn’t be an example for young girls that aspire to be like them. I know something about that… My friends and I would google tricks and diets that Victoria’s Secret angels would follow, hoping one day to become as skinny as them and therefore ‘perfect’. We were around 11 or 12 years old and ignorant about what healthy looked like. All we knew

choices of everyone, even our fellow vegans. When becoming vegan, there is a ton of research that goes into building up the beliefs that contradict years of learning that animal products are an essential part of the food pyramid. For as long as I can remember, I have been taught to associate protein with meat! All of a sudden, I was looking at vitamin intake in a whole new light and batting off the ever-present question of “but where do you get your protein?” So why is that some vegans feel the need to judge other vegans? The truth is, every vegan or vegetarian has probably been guilty at some time or another, of critiquing the diets and lifestyles of the people around them- whether verbally or not. Everyone has a reason for going vegan. Whether it’s for the surprising health benefits, the ethical struggle over animal rights, the clear correlation between agricul-

ture and fishing industries and the environment, the worrying impact on those with lower socioeconomic backgrounds; there are a hundred concerns that veganism addresses. Somehow, amongst this deep dive into the issues mentioned above, we surface with this sense of doctorate-level knowledge and a burning passion to enlighten the rest of the world. We are so startled by how readily available the cons of consuming animal products are if you just look in the right place, that suddenly, a desire is born within us to run down the streets waving our imaginary diplomas and screaming our rallying cry. But really? Who does that help? No one ever thought “ah, that crazy, critical cult member looks like someone I want to talk to!” And the most important thing, when it comes to any issue, is creating a safe space to have a dialogue. You are much more likely to get your point across if you discuss it in a clear and calm manner.

Is veganism just a trend? Elizabeth Dryburgh

ACROSS the board, from the war-on-meat warriors to the steakeveryday sticklers, veganism has at some point been described as a passing craze. Every day, trendsetters are accusing one another of simply following a lifestyle, whilst not really believing in it 100%. I understand both perspectives. As a vegan, I get that protective instinct, that pride associated with such a noble cause. Putting a plethora of issues relating to the environment, ethics and health, above the temporary satisfaction of your taste buds and the convenience of eating out or shopping about. For those religious meat-eaters, it can be annoying having your feeds constantly congested with post-after-post of #friendsnotfood or #vegangains. The vegan movement has been known to infect us with a holierthan-thou attitude that has us nitpicking at the diets and fashion

was that those women were the goal everyone aspired to, they were celebrated and stunning according to society’s standard. That time in my life, where I would miss meals and constantly weigh myself, makes me sad and feel sorry for that group of girls who thought beautiful only came in a size 0. Today is different, there is more representation and better and more inclusive lingerie brands. Aerie, Savage X Fenty, Chromat and many others size-inclusive

brands are eclipsing close-minded brand like Victoria’s Secret, which needs to change its ways or risk falling behind. Ex-Chief Marketing Officer, Ed Razek explained why they would never hire transgender or plus size women in their show. “I don’t think we should, because the show is a fantasy”. This kind of horrible, insensitive and ignorant affirmation is part of the reason why they had to close around 53 shops in the USA, due to a drop in sales. Ed Razek had to resign after the controversy due to his interview. Since then, the brand has had to cancel the famous event to fix their image and finally work on changing their point of view. At the beginning of August, model Valentina Sampaio was hired, becoming Victoria’s Secret‘s first transgender angel. After years, the brand has finally got its wake-up call and is working to become more inclusive and up to date. I’m hopeful that there will be a show next year, bigger and better than ever, helping the next generation of young girls to love their body no matter the shape or size.

Credit: The Financial

So how do I feel towards vegans who treat this as a way to up their Instagram game? It’s a victory. There is a whole new demographic of people who are cutting down on meat and becoming more aware of what they consume, consciously or not. Maybe they learn that shopping for vegan products isn’t that hard. Maybe they help inflate demand for vegan products, making veganism a mission for the capitalist culture to take on. Maybe they realise that a meal doesn’t have to be topped off with chicken to make it edible. These things add up. I realise that fad followers give the opposition another cheap remark to spout, but at the end of the day,

someone is going to have something to say regardless. And if they’re going to throw out low ball comments, I’m not interested in engaging. I am by no means a perfect vegan. I have caved to cheese on holiday, forget to check clothing labels for wool and just cross my fingers at restaurants because I’m too embarrassed to admit to the waiter that I’m “one of them.” The stigmatising of vegans will get us nowhere, just as shunning meateaters will just further the divide. Veganism is not just a trend. It is here to stay. So it’s time we all lay our weapons down and acknowledge different opinions: the world would be a very dull place otherwise.

My Student Days Q&A

Y o u n g a d u l t a u t h o r R o s s Sayers:

“Eveyone puts on a brave face but I just got the 54 hame”

All students have a horror story from Freshers’ week. The Stirling grad and Sonny and Me author shares his experience of initial awkwardness, mistakingly trying out for the football team, and how his time at uni shaped his passion to write. Interview by Cameron Gray. Do you have any fond memories of your first week at uni? I had my driving test the first day of classes and I was terrified that I was going to miss them, which obviously matters for nothing in first year. I’m from Stirling and I stayed at home throughout uni, so I never did Freshers ever until maybe my Masters. I did one day and happened to be in Dusk on a Monday with my work crew and it was so busy I couldn’t even breathe. I remember in the first week just being really awkward and not knowing where to go. I tried to hang about with the couple of guys I knew from high school who were branching out and meeting new people and I was just trying to cling onto them, like: “No no no remember high school? Let’s stay together and show me where to go.”

Just being awkward and weird all the time and not wanting to talk. There would definitely have to be a bit about no one ever doing the reading in the first couple of years of English. The teacher would get visibly annoyed at seminars because no one could answer and if you did you were teacher’s pet. It would be ten people sat in a room in dead silence with the teacher lowering the questions down and down until it was just: “Did anyone like the book?” or “did anyone read any of the book?”

a creative writing module in third year and saw that I could go on to do that as my final project, which saved me doing a proper dissertation. I did alright with that, using the two grand scholarship for getting a first to do the Creative Writing Masters, which I wouldn’t have been able to do otherwise. That’s when I wrote my first book. It’s quite a boring story. A lot of writers have backgrounds like “I used to be a policeman or a firefighter.” I have “I used to be a student who studied creative writing.”

How involved did you get in uni life?

Where’s the best place in Stirling?

Since I stayed at home, I would usually walk into town, get the UL in, come back and go home. I was in Brig for a semester at the very start but I was just too socially awkward, shy, and nervous. I tried to put myself out there more when I did my Masters. I joined the drama society and tried out for the football team and I don’t know what I was thinking. I did not belong at all with all these people who were super fit and took it super seriously. I feel like everyone found their cliques and I never quite found it.

When I was in first year, me and my pals went most days to a place called Whistle Binkies, which isn’t even open anymore. It was always dead apart from us. For current places I’d go Kilted, which was Outback in my day. You’ve got the quiz on Wednesday, musical bingo on Monday. Classic.

Credit: Cranachan Publishing

Where were you most likely to be found on campus?

You channelled your high school experience into Sonny and Me but what would form a book about your uni days?

Bus stop going back home! I liked to grab those seats in the middle of the library that look down through the window because it helps to skive. I felt like the really serious people claimed a table on the outside and were there all day with twelve coffee cups.

How did your time at uni inspire you to become an author? I wouldn’t be a writer without Stirling. I think I got the last place on

What response did Stirling locals have to their depiction in Sonny and Me? I think they liked it. There was a lot of my family in it so they gave me a lot of feedback. I tried to depict Stirling as I saw it.

As you write in Scot’s dialect, what nuances does the Stirling accent have that other parts of Scotland don’t? Because I’m from Stirling I see it as I speak normal and everyone else speaks a bit daft. There’s probably bits in it that I wouldn’t even recognise as being local to Stirling. I’m sure that people from Glasgow would probably read it and think there’s tons of teuchter stuff. I try to be realistic without being too twee, like gift shop Scottish

and having people say “haud yer wheesht.” Very rare you’re going to hear someone saying haud yer wheesht, maybe once a year and not ironically.

What is something that people wouldn’t expect about being an author? I’ve got a full time day job so it can be tricky to fit in. It’s essentially like having homework all the time but it’s great. It takes a lot of making yourself seem like you’re always doing something through maintaining an online presence. The way it has been romanticised in the past as the recluse writer, that doesn’t really exist anymore. You’ve got to be out there all the time or people will forget about you.

If you could pull a JK Rowling and make a retroactive change to one of your novels what would it be? I don’t want to get cancelled, they’re perfect.

A crime usually underlines your books and your characters seem to be ageing up from primary (first book Mary’s the Name) to high school age. Could you envision a uni based young adult crime novel? I’ve toyed about with the possibility of a Sonny and Me sequel, either about them or different characters at the high school. But it would be like the bit in 21 Jump Street, Sonny and Daughter go back to school but it turns out they need to go to university because there has been a crime in a ‘we’re going to col-

l e g e ’ moment. Stirling is such a good campus that it would make for a really good setting for a crime, like someone turns up in the loch on a spooky winter’s night. I’ll add that to the list.

Cranachan Publishing, who you work with, focuses on young adult fiction, which exploded with dystopian novels like The Hunger Games. What event could Scottish teens save the world from? They took away our original recipe Irn Bru and nobody did anything to stop that! I don’t know if the teens are really up to it. If I wrote something like that it would need to be low key. I think there are too many film and book series where the world is ending and the stakes are way too high. It would be like there was a ban on young teams, and the young teams have to rise up and show that being in one shapes you. What advice would you give to your first-year self? Just get out there a bit more and stop being so feart. Dinny be so scared because probably everyone else is just as scared as you are. Everyone puts on a brave face whereas I just got the 54 hame back to Stirling and escaped. Sonny and Me is available online and in all good bookshops.

Music

The legacy of Frightened Rabbit A tribute album and charity commemorate lead singer’s suicide Elizabeth Hunter Music Editor “SCOTT is Frightened Rabbit” said Frightened Rabbit bassist Billy Kennedy. “It doesn’t exist without Scott at all.” Frightened Rabbit have been a cornerstone of Scottish indie music since the release of their first album in 2006. However, the band was struck by tragedy in May of 2018 when lead singer Scott Hutchison committed suicide after a long struggle with mental health issues. An outpouring of tributes came from fans, friends and fellow musicians. Albums Thank You For Today by Death Cab for Cutie and It Won’t Be Like This All The Time by The Twilight Sad were dedicated to Hutchison, and fans took to Twitter to express their love and support for the band. After Hutchison’s death, fans were unclear what the future had in store for Frightened Rabbit. The band cancelled the concerts they had scheduled for June, refunding the cost of tickets, but encouraging fans to donate to the Scottish Association for Mental Health instead. In August 2018 they played at the Sleep in the Park charity event in Glasgow. Many guest vocalists joined the line-up for the day, including Simon Neil of Biffy Clyro and James Graham of The Twi-

Credit: Pitchfork

light Sad. May 2019 saw the creation of Tiny Changes, a mental health charity named after a lyric from their song Head Rolls Off. Tiny Changes aims to raise awareness of mental health issues in children and young people and promote initiatives that provide mental health support. Since its creation, they have placed billboards around Glasgow, notably in front of the Barrowland Ballroom, which feature Frightened Rabbit lyrics and encouraged

people to donate to the charity. In addition to this, the signed Chewbacca mask that Lewis Capaldi wore at TRNSMT was auctioned off for £7,401, with all proceeds going to Tiny Changes. Midlothian MP Danielle Rowley also brought attention to the charity in the House of Commons in May and encouraged a debate around young people’s mental health. In July 2019 the album Tiny Changes was released. Initially intended to be released in 2018 as a celebration of the tenth

anniversary of Frightened Rabbit’s The Midnight Organ Fight, the album consists of covers performed by other bands. Contributors included Biffy Clyro, Daughter, Lauren Mayberry of CHVRCHES, and The Twilight Sad. Hutchison was personally involved in the production of the album before his death, and a large portion of the proceeds from album sales will go to the Tiny Changes charity. Every artist featured has put their own spin on a song that they admire, which has resulted in a re-

cord of songs that range from uplifting to haunting. Highlights include Benjamin Gibbord’s Keep Yourself Warm and Bright Pink Bookmark by The Philistines Jr. Both are slowed-down, carefully crafted softer versions, which bring a new take to the song and emanate respect for the originals. The Twilight Sad had the hard job of covering Floating In The Forth, a song which expressed Scott Hutchison’s suicidal thoughts. To say they did a remarkable job would be an understatement – it’s a heartbreaking, haunting tribute to a friend lost too soon and it doesn’t hold back in showing it. All in all, is a beautiful album. Frightened Rabbit have done the remarkable – they’ve taken a tragedy and used it to help other people. This album isn’t just a celebration of a successful record, it’s a celebration of what Scott Hutchison was able to do with his life. It’s a tribute to the influence that his music had on his friends and fans. It’s an emotional collaboration and, if this is the end for Frightened Rabbit, it’s a fitting send-off. This album captures the spirit of the charity and the message of the lyric that named it – ‘while I’m alive, I’ll make tiny changes to the world’.

Ten Year Throwback: Brand New Eyes by Paramore Elizabeth Hunter BRAND New Eyes was the third album by Paramore, released on September 29, 2009. At the time, it was praised highly, winning Best Album at the Kerrang Awards 2010 and reached number one in the UK album chart. In 2016, Brand New Eyes was certified platinum in the UK. There is a clear difference between Paramore’s first three albums and their most recent – their sound has moved slightly from emo to pop. That’s not a critism though – they have undeniably done a brilliant job of staying relevant,

while other, similar bands have fallen into obscurity. But ten years and several style changes later, how does Brand New Eyes hold up? This album is a pop-punk classic. Listening to it again for the first time in ten years will remind you of all the reasons why poppunk was popular in the first place. Filled to the brim with angst, emotion and a fuck-you attitude, this might just be Paramore’s best album of all time. The Only Exception received a Grammy nomination for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with vocals. In hindsight, the nomination

was well-deserved. It’s a beautiful ballad that doesn’t sound corny or cringey ten years later. You might have related to it in 2009 because your crush didn’t poke you back on Facebook, but the themes of love and heartbreak still ring true in 2019. For an upbeat pop-punk anthem, take a look back at Where the Lines Overlap, which was underappreciated when the album was released. Looking back, however, it’s a fresh, optimistic song about being happy with your life as it is, a song that wouldn’t be out of place if it had been released today.

Another standout is Misguided Ghosts, an indie-leaning acoustic song that wouldn’t sound out of place on a Daughter album. The one song that doesn’t quite hit the mark in 2019 is Looking Up. While it’s objectively still a good song, it sounds dated. There are definitely some cringey points in it – like the ‘breaking the fourth wall’ lyric of “God knows the world doesn’t need another band/but what a waste it would have been.” It sounds just a little too 2000s-pop-punk to stand the test of time. Overall, however, if you’re a fan of modern Paramore that

hasn’t delved into their discography, or if you just want to relive your emo days, Brand New Eyes is absolutely worth the look back. Who knows, you might find it’s gotten better with age.

Credit: Amazon

Music

Miley Cyrus is your new rock ‘n’ roll queen Credit: Yahoo Below: Hello

Anne Stoop FROM blonde wig to brief Bangerz rebellion, pop sensation Miley Cyrus seems to match any new music phase with a drastic change in hairstyle. In She is Coming, Cyrus shocks by rocking a style identical to the role that brought her fame. The blonde bangs hint back to Cyrus’s Disney past when she played the smiley star Hannah Montana, but the 2019 version has added a big pinch of rock and roll and some loose curls. She Is Coming presents a more mature Cyrus who’s developed her raunchier side into a grungier sound. She makes strong political statements about female empowerment in Mother’s Daughter, and bellows emotional ballad The Most. Staying on brand though, Cyrus can’t resist including a rebellious flare. The party anthem Unholy features lines like “Wake up in the middle of a breakdown/Have sex on the table with the takeout,” and the music video for Mother’s Daughter features balloon nipples and Cyrus cosying up with a stoic model. This combination of vulnerabil-

ity and recklessness was mirrored in Miley’s now legendary Glastonbury performance. Joined by her father Billy Ray Cyrus and rapper Lil Nas X, the trio performed the mega-hit Old Town Road. Add her latest hit as a fictional pop star, I’m On A Roll, from her performance as Ashley O in Black Mirror, and the crowd hits the roof. Her set included a variety of excellent covers from Amy Winehouse and Dolly Parton to Led Zeppelin and Metallica. What truly blew the critics away though were Cyrus’s powerful vocals. Her performance of Wrecking Ball showed once and for all that the former child star has become a global powerhouse. With her dark, unique country voice, the singer has proved herself to be a force of her own, rising high above most

other female vocalists. Combine this with her dominating stage presence, electrifying looks, and mischievous energy, it’s no wonder she’s risen to the top. It’s remarkable how Cyrus’s career, which is soaked in controversy, has managed to reinvent itself, constantly managing to remain relevant and refreshing. This latest rock and roll transformation perfectly feeds into the MeToo era. Speaking up for women’s rights to own their sexuality and beauty is something that Cyrus herself actively embodies both on and off stage. While Miley Cyrus has turned a new page on her career, for some she will forever remain the girl who twerked on MTV with a big foam finger. For others though, she’ll be living proof that you can truly become whatever version of yourself you want.

Album Review: Let’s Rock by The Black Keys Elizabeth Hunter

THE Black Keys have returned with their first album in five years. The title, Let’s Rock, sets out their intentions from the get-go, and the album does exactly that. With eight albums preceding Let’s Rock, The Black Keys have had a long time to experiment and with this record, it seems that they’ve settled on their style. This album takes the psychedelic sound of Turn Blue, the scraping guitar riffs of Thickfreakness and the old-school blues of Brothers and combines it all to create a polished, timeless sounding bluesrock record. One of the stars of the album is the first single released – Lo/Hi. It’s catchy, it’s bluesy, it’s exactly the kind of song that brought The Black Keys to the height of their fame. Another memorable song is Every Little Thing, which features smooth-as-silk guitar solos and a sinister tinged chorus, with the lyrics “every little thing that you

do/is always going to come back to you.” It isn’t without its faults however. It’s not very experimental, but that’s not always a bad thing. It’s classic rock and roll and it’s exactly what fans have come to expect from The Black Keys. If you’re looking for something innovative and different, this probably isn’t for you, but if you want basic, no-frills-attached rock and roll, you won’t be disappointed. Overall, Let’s Rock is a solid record. It’s fun, it’s bluesy - it’s got everything you could want from a Black Keys album.

Credit: Amazon

The National @ Bandstand Festival Archie Veitch

THE National didn’t allow the pouring rain of a typical Scottish summer night to ruin the mood at the Bandstand Festival. Built in 1924, the Kelvingrove Bandstand fell into disrepair after closing its doors in 1999. It returned to its former glory and old-world charm in a 2014 restoration, making it the perfect venue for a band like The National. As the crowds filed into the bandstand, This is The Kit performed a short set. The band’s lead Kate Stables, on vocals, guitar, and banjo, would later join The National to perform songs from their latest album, I Am Easy to Find. When it was finally time for The National to take to the stage, the heavens truly opened. Considering the often-sombre mood of their music, it could have been considered an appropriate accompaniment. That is not to say the crowd or

the band was in a dour mood, as the excitement built throughout the night with lead singer Matt Beringer frequently diving into the sea of plastic cagoules that was the audience. He even managed to accrue one himself on a visit into the crowd. Another highlight of the show was a surprise appearance from CHVRCHES’ Lauren Mayberry who joined Beringer in singing I Need My Girl. In a touching tribute, the band and Mayberry performed a cover of Walking Backwards by Frightened Rabbit, whose founder and main songwriter Scott Hutchison passed away last year. Despite the fact that fingers were starting to wrinkle in the torrential rain towards the night’s end, The National closed out the night with a crowd-led rendition of Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks. It was clear that the downpour couldn’t dampen the electric atmosphere of a terrific summer night.

Music

Album Review: We Are Not Your Kind by Slipknot Elizabeth Hunter UNTIL now, the only Slipknot album to reach number one in the UK album charts was their 2001 release Iowa. In August 2019 though, after overtaking Ed Sheeran, their newest album We Are Not Your Kind has hit the number one spot – and for good reason. One thing that never seems to change with every Slipknot album is the sheer rage that frontman Corey Taylor puts into his vocals, and this album is no different. We Are Not Your Kind is just as venomous as their other releases, but in a more polished and controlled way. Veering into the political, Taylor puts this album forward as a response to “the divisiveness in not only the culture right now, but the world at large.”

The album opens with Insert Coin, a sinister instrumental that sets the tone for the rest of the record. Unsainted follows, and it is one of the standouts of the album. This song has so much going on – Taylor’s trademark snarling in the verses, Duality-reminiscent catchy choruses and even a chorus of children singing that strangely doesn’t sound out of place. Nero Forte is another standout, featuring thrashing guitars, skull-beating drums and a strangely creepy chorus. Spiders, however, takes a completely different turn. It’s sinister, dark and a little unsettling, in a surprisingly enjoyable way. While the lyric “the spiders come in side-by-side” is a little reminiscent of Charlie Kelly’s song in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, overall, it’s a

Credit: Kerrang

perfect way to kick off the end of the album. A Liar’s Funeral is another song that feels different to Slipknot’s usual sound. It’s similar in a way to Snuff, from 2008’s All Hope Is Gone, but with a little less self-loathing and a little more anger. It starts off as a slow, emo-

tional ballad, before breaking into a more traditional metal song midway through. There isn’t really anything bad to say about We Are Not Your Kind. It delivers what old-school Slipknot fans expect in the form of aggressive riffs, pounding drums and growling vocals, but can also ap-

peal to new fans, with several catchy choruses and slower songs. It’s Slipknot’s most radioplayable album yet, but it doesn’t lose any of their original appeal. We Are Not Your Kind is a modern metal masterpiece that is well-deserving of the number one spot.

Ten Year Throwback: Pitbull Starring In Rebelution

EP Review: Live by Twin Atlantic

YOU might have heard some of this album on a Monday night in Dusk, but how does it hold up ten years later? Pitbull Starring in Rebelution was Pitbull’s fourth album, released in 2009. As you might expect, it doesn’t sound much better ten years later. If you listen to this album in 2019, you might recognise the song I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho) from any house party or cheap nightclub. Unfortunately (and unsurprisingly), it didn’t have quite the same appeal when I listened to it alone and stone-cold sober. From there, it only gets worse. Pitbull’s collaboration with Ke$ha, Girls, raises many questions. Namely: why? Why did someone think this was a good idea? Why did the lyric “I don’t need ecstasy to get you roll-

IN the midst of Twin Atlantic’s busy festival season, the Glaswegian rockers have released an EP featuring five songs from their December 2016 Glasgow show. The EP, aptly named Live from the World Famous Barrowland Ballroom, immortalises what was a legendary concert. It kicks off with what was the encore at the time, the smash hit No Sleep. With the crowd screaming along, and singer Sam McTrusty’s expletive-ridden improvisation, this song will have you kicking yourself for not being at the show in the first place. Also featured on the EP is arguably Twin Atlantic’s first big hit, Free. McTrusty’s impressive vocals are on full show here, as are the equally impressive vocals of the thickly-accented crowd singing along. Next comes a questionable choice to be featured – Brothers and Sis-

Elizabeth Hunter

ing/knock them down like I’m bowling” need to be written? The only standout on this album is the classic Hotel Room Service – but not for any good reasons. It is catchy, admittedly, but it stands out mostly for its brazen, unabashed cringe. It’s fun to listen to Mr. Worldwide try to be sexy. The lyrics “Your man just left, I’m the plumber tonight/I’ll check your pipes’’ stand out in particular.

This song will get you thinking – did Holiday Inn sponsor Pitbull? There’s no question about it, this album doesn’t hold up to 2019’s standards. The instrumentals are dated, the lyrics are questionable at best, and the featured artists are largely irrelevant now (Akon who?). Starring in Rebelution, and Pitbull himself, are probably best left in 2009, or at least until you’re several double vodkas down.

Credit: NME

Elizabeth Hunter

ters. Compared to the rest of the EP, this song seems fairly lacklustre. It doesn’t have the same popularity as the rest of the songs on the record and the live performance is nowhere near as electric. However, the real star of the show is Crash Land. This recording sounds incredible. Not a single person in the Barrowlands stayed silent during this song, or so it would seem when you listen to the sheer volume of the crowd singing along. If you enjoy listening to 2,000 thick Scottish accents shouting “we’re fucked” in unison, you’ll enjoy this. The EP finishes with a strong performance of Heart and Soul, which is a fitting and uplifting end to the record that will have you dying to see Twin Atlantic live. Overall, if you were at the concert, this is a great way to relive the experience, and if you weren’t, this EP will convince you that the next time Twin Atlantic play, you have to be there.

Arts

Feeling the fear in Darkfield’s Coma Dominic Cooper Arts Editor

Credit: The Skinny

HE emerged from the towering doors of a shipping container. A dozen strangers turned in unison, clutching their tickets to protect them from the unrelenting downpour. “Phones, smartwatches, any source of light must be switched off,” he said. “If it ever gets too much for you, take off your headphones and wait for it to end. Once you go in, you can’t leave.” The theatre company, Darkfield, provide immersive, anxiety inducing experiences using enclosed environments, total darkness and binaural 360-degree sound. In recent years they’ve made a name for themselves at Edinburgh Fringe Festival for their terrifying and acclaimed productions, Séance and Flight. One by one, as we entered the container, the busy noise of the city faded out. A voice echoed from the metal walls, command-

ing us to lay in hospital bunk beds that filled the room. On each bed there was a set of headphones and a tiny red light directly above the pillow. “To your right,” said the voice, “you will see a small, white pill in a metal tray. It’s entirely up to you whether or not to take it.” “Coma” was etched into it. I decided, in order to get the full experience, to the take the pill. Even though the rational part of me knew its effects would be purely placebo and that it was just a theatrical device, I couldn’t shake my growing anxiety. I’d just taken a random drug in the middle of a locked shipping container for an event I’d just read about online. That paranoid voice in the back of my mind forgot I was still in the city. All I could feel was the pill slipping down my throat and the lights starting to fade. “The drug should be starting to take effect. Do not be alarmed.” This continued until the only thing I could see was the tiny

red dot in front me. The participants, the bed, the container, had all ceased to exist. The voice had grown deeper and louder. “You are about to take part in a collective experience,” it bellowed. The red dot disappeared. I was plunged into complete darkness. The claustrophobic confines of the room became an endless void where anything could be lurking. What ensued was twenty minutes of unbearable tension and dread. I won’t spoil what occurs in the darkness. What I will say is that the experience was exhilarating and left me feeling more alive than when I entered. Darkfield have created a unique and ground-breaking form of theatre, one that completely immerses its audience through sensory deprivation. If scary movies aren’t doing it for you anymore, this production company is one to keep an eye one, and I’m sure they’ll be back with something even more mindbending in the future.

Film & TV

2019’s best Netflix shows... so far

Credit: Netflix Below: Independant

Peter Stewart Film & TV Editor SETTLING in for what should be a chilled night in front of Netflix has become a daunting prospect, with the sheer haystack of titles increasingly overwhelming. In response to this eternal struggle and the fact everyone loves a list, we have selected our top five Netflix Original series released in 2019 so far – including new seasons of existing shows.

5: The Society This teen mystery series made its debut in May, and the first season of Christopher Keyser’s The Society overcomes a slow start to reveal a well-constructed, impressively paced and substantial drama that ticks not only all the teen boxes, but a few more. An ensemble cast including Kathryn Newton, Rachel Keller and impressive newcomer Toby Wallace play a group of high school students in the fictional West Ham, Connecticut, who return from a field trip to find that every adult in the town has disappeared without trace. Some take initial joy in their sudden freedom, but others try to maintain order and establish authority while attempting to get to the bottom of their mysterious predicament. Despite an initial tiresome concern with petty romantic dynamics and familiar conflicted loyalties, the show gains momentum, with twists and turns becoming increasingly wrong-footing, while

its ideas are well-drawn – an obvious comparison is to William Golding’s Lord of The Flies and its questions of absent authority and the dangerous folly of youth. That it manages to be engaging while only sporadically addressing the initial premise is testament to how strong the writing is. Add in strong performances and it is little wonder that Netflix renewed The Society for a second season in July.

4: Stranger Things We don’t need to wax lyrical about how great Stranger Things is – since arriving in 2016, it’s become as much of a pop culture fixture as the 80s references so influential to the Duffer Brothers. If you don’t know who Eleven is or haven’t heard of the Upside Down, you must have been living under a rock for the last three years. Even without seeing a single episode of the 80s sci-fi series, there’s every likelihood the adventures of Will (Noah Schnapp), Mike (Finn Wolfhard), Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) and friends as they investigate the odd goings-on in their town of Hawkins are somewhat familiar. Netflix famously withholds viewing figures, but it’s safe to say this has become their most successful original product. The third season – presented as Stranger Things 3 – does not suggest the hype train will be slowing any time soon. Some had questioned if the child stars, growing up fast, could still be as endearing and believable as adolescents.

The Duffers responded by crafting the most vibrant storyline yet and a changing world mirroring the coming-of-age experiences of the gang, while packing a mighty emotional punch. Add in the now-iconic Scoops Troop (if you know, you know) and a healthy dose of Russian conspiracy, and Stranger Things 3 reaffirms the show’s place as the millennials’ Goonies or E.T.

3: Mindhunter Mindhunter’s second season, released in mid-August, was one of the most anticipated Netflix releases of 2019 – the show holds a 98% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Joe Penhall and David Fincher’s periodic procedural crime drama is based on former FBI agent John E. Douglas’ true crime b o o k of the same name, b u t laces i t s recreations of real history with dramatic freedom and doesn’t play hard and fast with the truth. Its first season centred around the creation of the FBI’s Behavioural Science Unit (BSU), a division of the bureau set

up in the 1970s to investigate not only the what and why but the how – how a killer’s mind works. The BSU’s methods centred around interviews with the most notorious serial killers in America, including the ‘Co-ed Killer’ Ed Kemper, brilliantly played in Mindhunter by Cameron Britton. Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany are Holden Ford and Bill Tench, fictional versions of Douglas and his partner Mark Olshaker, who conduct the interviews and begin to apply their findings to active cases. The strange thing about Mindhunter is a conspicuous lack of conventional action. Excluding the very first scene of season one, there is little to no violence and no death scenes, which makes the show all the more impressive that it stays intense, engaging and suspenseful throughout. Season two is a masterclass in all of that and more, the agents’ work encroaching on them in new and frightening ways, while the Atlanta child murders of 1979-81 provide the grim backbone of the story arc.

2: The OA The second season of Brit Marling and Zal Batmangij’s mindbending creation was also its last – despite a critical response hailing a world that pushed TV’s boundaries, Netflix cancelled the show in August, five months after The OA’s second season (Part II) dropped. An outraged ‘#SaveTheOA’ campaign followed, and while the show apparently never boasted enough viewers to merit renewal, t h o s e who did watch were so captivated t h e y t o o k the cancellation personally. Why? Because The OA is one of the richest, most vividly conceived sci-fi worlds ever to grace screens big or small. Marling is not only creator but

star, playing an adopted young woman called Prairie who, at the beginning of season one, makes a mysterious return after being missing for seven years. Previously blind, Prairie will not say where she has been, but her eyesight has returned and she now has strange scars. She assembles an odd-ball group of people, selected to hear the truth and help her. That plot summary feels inadequate as The OA defies explanation. It is a sprawling work of epic proportions that Part II somehow expanded further. The writing is remarkable, the level of realisation staggering, the cast impressive, the score mighty and moving. It might not be coming back, but it’s not too late to discover this delightful world.

1. When They See Us This dramatisation of the true story of the ‘Central Park Five’, five young men wrongly convicted of a New York assault and rape in 1989, is as harrowing as it is remarkable. When They See Us is a four-part limited series created, directed and co-written by Ava DuVernay, and it is an essential triumph of humanity and empathy with passionate performances and a shocking portrayal of corruption at its heart. Kevin Richardson (Asante Blackk), Antron McCray (Caleel Harris), Yusef Salaam (Ethan Herisse), Korey Wise (Jharrel Jerome) and Raymond Santana (Marquis Rodriguez) were accused of the crime with the authorities under pressure to act. The drama details their arrest, trial and the far-reaching consequences for the young men’s lives. Prior knowledge of the real-life events will not dampen the staggering impact of this retelling, and it gives nothing away to say that the sheer abhorrent injustice portrayed will evoke anger, tears and wide-eyed horror. The tragedy of the fact is such that when any hint of redemption arrives, it offers profound uplift. Jerome (Moonlight) is particularly strong, but the ensemble produces electrifying performances. With more than a hint of sad contemporary relevance, DuVernay’s creation is not an easy watch, but it is also utterly essential.

Film & TV

The Breaking Bad Movie:

Everything we know so far Peter Stewart

A FEW weeks ago, a Google search of “El Camino” would have brought up pretty mundane results. A company that makes travel bracelets. An album by The Black Keys. A bar in downtown Bozeman, Montana. A classic Chevrolet that ceased production in the 1980s. Only that last disambiguation would have had any link to the then-unconfirmed Breaking Bad film. But on Saturday, August 24, a title and minor details for El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie were let slip by way of a placeholder image and blurb in the Netflix catalogue – where it had been r u moured for release. Earlier that week, Breaking Bad actor Bob Oden-

Credit: Clean PNG

kirk had told The Hollywood Reporter the film had finished shooting, expressing surprise that no-one knew already. And duly, shortly after the leaked title appeared, Netflix made an official announcement and dropped a trailer in a tweet that read: “What happened to Jesse Pinkman? El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie. October 11.” So besides giddy excitement, we have a title, trailer and release date. But what else do we know about El Camino? As the tweet suggested, the film will focus on what happened to Aaron Paul’s character, the brash, cocksure Jesse Pinkman, after Breaking Bad’s finale. In 2013, the curtain fell on the meth cook and one-time partner of Walter ‘Heisenberg’ White (Bryan Cranston) behind the wheel of the titular El Camino and fleeing a scene of spectacular finality. A prequel show, Better Call Saul, has four seasons on Netflix and focuses on the origins of crooked lawyer Saul Goodman (Odenkirk). It offered a glimpse of the world before Jesse met Walter, while El Camino will exist post-Breaking Bad. Paul himself had d o u b t s about returning as Jesse, but those vanished after he read the

17 script. “I couldn’t speak for a good 30, 60 seconds,” he told The New York Times. “I was just lost in my thoughts.” That script was written by Breaking Bad creator Vince Gilligan, who also directs, news that promises much. Gilligan’s involvement in the critically acclaimed Better Call Saul suggests that his powers have most certainly not waned since 2013, the execution of the prequel just as measured, impressive and gripping as its parent show. With his genius behind the project, hopes are high, but it remains to be seen how Gilligan’s TV prowess will translate to the parameters of a film. After all, part of Breaking Bad’s success was down to the rewarding of keen-eyed viewers, who spotted nuggets and clues in cryptic opening sequences or fine details. Fans will wait with baited breath to see if the film will be as layered and allow for such subtlety. Back to that trailer, which confirmed at least one other returning character other than Jesse – Skinny Pete (Charles Baker), who we see refusing to tell the authorities what he knows about his friend’s whereabouts. There is no clue of any other characters coming back into the fold, and certainly not of Bryan Cranston’s Walter White. No Breaking Bad spoilers here, but the rumours of Heisenberg’s return turned heads. When asked what he knew, Paul was as evasive as Skinny Pete. “All I can say, I think people will be really happy with what they see,” he said. Meanwhile, Cranston had earlier commented: “If Vince Gilligan asked me to do it, sure, absolutely. “I can’t wait to see all those people again…even if I just come by to visit!” Take from that what you will – and perhaps kill the time until 11 October by re-watching Breaking Bad. Maybe you are even lucky enough to be discovering it for the first time. El Camino: A Breaking Bad Movie is out on Netflix on October 11.

Fou r T V e ndings that broke our hearts Credit: Cosmopolitan

Martina Rebecca Inchingolo YOU spend years watching every episode, getting involved with the characters’ storylines and falling in love with them. Then the big finale comes and it’s a huge disappointment. Here’s four terrible TV endings that broke our hearts. Game of Thrones I was late to Game of Thrones, but within a month of starting I’d finished five seasons. I bought every piece of merchandise, and each week I’d sit with a glass of wine, Cersei style, and watch as the show aired at 2AM. As the final season began, it was disappointment after disappointment. The pacing was sporadic, the epic fights were shrouded in darkness, and character development went out the window. Daenerys became the mad queen, which would’ve been a fantastic twist, but they forced it and ruined the effect. Then Jon Snow is banished, two major characters, Cersei and Jamie, die without a fuss, and Bran is chosen to be the new king. What?! How I Met Your Mother The plot sees Ted Mosby narrate to his children how he met their mother (surprise). Ted is a romantic guy who believes in true love, and we were all expecting one of the most romantic and “meant to be” love stories ever. But our dreams were shattered. His wife is actually dead, and finally Ted gets back with Robin, his on and off girlfriend. Nine seasons are spent talking about this one true love that just isn’t. We also spent a whole season on the beloved Robin and Barney’s wedding, and even that ended in divorce.

The O.C. This one hurts most as it was my go-to show. A troubled guy, Ryan, moves to Orange County, California, to live with a public defence lawyer and his rich family. He finds himself in a series of dramatic events as he tries to survive amongst the alien high-class society of Newport Beach. I loved it, watching every episode over and over. Until, at least, the final season, as season three’s ending completely ruined it for me. A main character was killed off, completely changing the story and so I refused to finish it. Apparently others did the same, as the show was cancelled after season four. Jane the Virgin This show was so funny and original, as the story of a girl accidentally artificially inseminated. It had everything: crime, love, drama, but its last season ended up being soppy and predictable. Its first mistake was portraying Jane’s first love, Michael, as her one and only, showing all the reasons why they should be together. Then Michael dies, breaking our hearts while Jane decides to date her baby-daddy, Rafael. Then they decide that no, Michael isn’t really dead, but instead was part of an evil plan by the show’s villain. He can’t remember the life he had before his fake death, so Jane helps him remember, and the two relive their love story. We’re officially back on team Michael. But all that doesn’t matter. In the end, Jane chooses Rafael, and from that moment the show becomes a big, boring cliché. I decided to never become invested in a show again, but who am I kidding: what’s next?

Gaming

An ode to Odyssey Rowen Rennie Gaming Editor

THE Assassin’s Creed series is one of the best-known franchises in gaming, with countless instalments, spin-offs, books, and even a Hollywood movie. With early titles being critically acclaimed, the sequels in recent years have been plagued with bugs, follow up payments, and sequels which failed to impress. A soft reboot after a yearlong hiatus in 2017 gave the franchise a second chance, and with last year’s Assassin’s Creed Odyssey (the second game since the reboot), the opportunity to excel has been taken. Despite the game being released over a year ago, it is still relevant. For one thing, the price. You can pick up a new copy for as little as £10 and still get your money’s worth many times over. You are able to enjoy months of gameplay before reaching a conclusion, and while a game with a long playtime can be a turn off for some, Odyssey manages to keep attention with its incredible world design. The ancient Greek World is fully realised in immense detail, with

FAITH Chapter II: Pixels that pack a punch Irina Nakon

Credit: Polygon Right: Airdorf

historical locations that lie as ruins today recreated. This attention has been praised by historians for its remarkable accuracy in the setting and locations of the game. This works well with the more sci-fi/fantasy elements of the universe. Greek history and mythology come together in harmony to create a world where you can bump into real figures from 2000 years ago, explore the temples and cities of Greece before using a Spartan Kick, reminiscent of the “This is Sparta!” scene from 300, to push an enemy off a cliff. On the topic of 300, the hero that serves as the protagonist, the Misthios or mercenary, is the grandchild of King Leonidas of Sparta. The character’s story is intrinsically linked to the war between Sparta

and Athens. While as a mercenary you can fight for either faction, you are asked to make difficult decisions. These choices were the tip of the iceberg however, as RPG elements trickle into Assassin’s Creed. With dialogue trees, shed-loads of equipment and a levelling system, Odyssey allows you to customise the way you fight, explore and treat the characters you meet. Despite the fact it came out over a year ago, new stories and quests are still being added. With all of this in mind, it is whole- heartedly recommended that if you missed Assassin’s Creed Odyssey when it released a year ago, that you pick it up and take it for a spin. Like the other games in the series, it’s a city break back in time.

WITH everything ‘80s making a strong comeback lately, the FAITH sequel has landed into multitudinous welcoming arms of players who love the nostalgic pixelated feel of MS-DOS and Atari classics. The horror sequel is set in the “Satanic Scare” of the 1980s, a period of increased paranoia of witchcraft and occult practises on both sides of the Atlantic. Two priests arrive at the Martin family home in Connecticut to investigate a case of demonic possession, while encountering dark entities throughout the house and surrounding woodlands. Only one of the priests survives, and is then plunged into a new nightmare. Historically, some of the best horror titles were pixelated, simply because their transparent design leaves so much spookiness to the imagination. That is very much the case for FAITH as well. The voice-over, the simplistic graphics, the monotone music and primary colours make for an amusing and pacify-

ing scene, which is at stark odds with the jolting jump scares and horror revelations the player uncovers along the way. Don’t be lulled into a false sense of security, the game is solid and fast-paced horror, which is also well-executed and peppered with dozens of Easter eggs. As with the original FAITH, there are multiple endings, optional objectives, and replayable conclusions. The death mechanics are tough and unforgiving, keeping the players on their toes at all times, and the cutscene graphics are as gorgeous and atrocious as those in the original. In short, it’s a uniquelydesigned title which showcases all the best of vintage horror and the latest mechanics. It’s also super cheap, so go and support your talented indie game developers.

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Lifestyle

Keeping up with the alumni

Aine Donnellan Lifestyle Editor

WONDERING where your unidegree might take you? Time it right, and you could end up managing the Olympic Games broadcasting, according to Hanif Hosseini! Hosseini graduated from the University of Stirling back in 2007, with a BA of Hons in Film, Media and Journalism. Since then, and partly due to Zlatan, he has climbed the corporate ladder, to a stile where he is practically in charge of all sport broadcasted in Sweden. Here’s his story, and some lifeadvice he’s picked up on the way. How would you describe your time at Stirling? “Pretty decent! The long Christmas and summer holidays came as a blessing to me, being a foreign student and all. Flying back to see family and friends was so valuable. I found the study pace just right; you didn’t need to be glued to your books to get through it. “Most of my focus and energy was spent partaking in various sports teams. I played everything from football, to badminton, tennis and volleyball. And I loved it. Stirling University was perfect in that sense, as I am a bit of a sports-nerd.” From doing sports in Stirling, to broadcasting it worldwide: how did you get there? “I’ve done the whole climb! And

I’ve climbed fast.” He explained that he received his first temporary position as a reporter for the Swedish National Public Television Broadcaster (SVT) due to luck, and modestly points to the importance of timing. “Strolling around Stockholm in the hunt for Christmas presents in December 2004, I spotted a senior manager at SVT, whom I had briefly met during my two day internship there the previous summer. I decided to go up and say hi.” This conversation landed Hosseini a six month contract as a reporter for SVT, after which he started a production company with a friend, making “how-to” videos. Producing classic Youtuber style videos starring make-up and sunscreen appliance advice, the initiative must have been too early for its time. He said: “We were actually the first ones to bring instruction videos like these to Sweden. Unfortunately, we didn’t break through. The Swedes weren’t ready for us,” he says with a chuckle. Some years later, having worked as an editor at SVT’s Lilla Sportsspegeln (a children’s sports show) for a while, Hosseini decided it was time to step things up. The 2012 Olympics in London were fast approaching, and SVT needed a sports editor to run the show. “I was super-keen to tackle the challenge, which I told my boss.

Picture perfect Elizabeth Hunter

WE’VE all encountered the pressures of social media in one way or another. It’s so easy to open Instagram and compare yourself to the pretty girl from your seminar or the buff guy from the uni gym. However, it’s important to keep in mind that on social media, nothing is what it seems. It’s so easy to see airbrushed and edited pictures and wonder why

you don’t look like that – until you realise that nobody looks like that, not even the person who posted it. Anyone can download an app on their phone and change the way they look in a picture, and lots of people do. Influencers have come under fire recently for the most bizarre reasons – one Instagram star was caught using a photo editing app to edit clouds into her travel pictures just to make them look even

20 However, she was sceptical, considering my lack of experience was very much a risk. She asked me to tell her more about myself, and what I could bring to the table.” Initially taken aback by the negative response, Hosseini decided to “do a Zlatan,” having just read the football legend’s book. “I replied: ‘I am not a coward. I dare to win. And I hope that you do, too.’ Two to three weeks passed. Utter silence. Then, one day, she sat down next to me and said: ‘Okay, let’s do this!’” The Olympic games went grand, securing Hosseini a permanent position as a sports editor at SVT. But he got bored quickly. “I get bored quite easily careerwise, as I constantly want to move forward, to develop.” And this boredom drove him to where he is today, with the title of Sports Director for Discovery and Eurosport Sweden. However, his journey hasn’t always been a bed of roses. “It’s been really rough at times. I’ve been turned down, let down, and it’s not always easy being an immigrant, a wog, among all blonde Scandinavians. Often, when things go your way, and a new chance is presented, you’ll hear someone blaming it on the minority card.” What is the biggest life-lesson you’ve learned throughout this journey? “Dare to be yourself! Say what you want to say, and don’t apologise for having an opinion. Learn from your mistakes. Mistakes are invaluable; without them you cannot succeed.” Reflecting upon this question, Hosseini once again points to how crucial timing is within your career. “Don’t stress about climbing career-wise. Enjoy the process, and trust that things will happen more perfect. Another influencer, Tiffany Mitchell, has recently been accused of staging a motorbike accident after posting seemingly fake pictures of the crash to her Instagram account. The photos show no visible injuries and there are even rumours of the pictures being sponsored – one shows a very confusingly placed bottle of Smart Water, label facing the camera. It’s important to keep in mind, as you’re scrolling through endless streams of perfect people in perfect places, that it’s not reality.

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Age: 36 Nationality: Swedish (born in Iran) Family: Partner and two daughters Pet-peeve: People with bad breath Guilty-pleasure: Eating crisps with tzatsiki Super-power of choice: Bullshit man (spot lies a mile away) at the right time. I got my current job because I’m good at what I’m doing – correct. But if the previous guy would not have been promoted, that opening would not have been there – and consequently, I wouldn’t have been, either.” What piece of advice would you give to a current university student? “Work wise, don’t let other people pressure you into doing things you don’t want to do; follow your heart. Or else, you will not enjoy your work, and seeing that it

makes up for more than half your life, you won’t enjoy your life. “When building a career, be ready to get your hands dirty. But remember, to always stay humble and play a fair game. Know your values and stick by them. Then source out companies or workplaces that support the same ones. It’ll be a match made in heaven!” Last but not least, would you choose Original Strongbow or Dark Fruits? “Neither. Guinness every day of the week!”

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Lifestyle

Motivational mottos to live by Aine Donnellan

LIFE is strange. It’s chaotic. Ever-changing. Full of grey areas but simultaneously complete with magical, enigmatic colours. And this whirlwind called existence is just about to turn up a notch, as the dawn of another university year is on the horizon. What follows is life-advice, which aims to equip you with the tools necessary to ride the waves of emotion that student life will most probably wash up your way. Surf’s up mate! Cash is King Living a student life can get really pricey, so make sure to get into good money habits from the get-go. One such idea may be to take out money and pay by cash more often than not. The physical act of handing those sweet dollars over might

stop unnecessary splurges, as you’re more aware of the transaction taking place. Hakuna Matata Arguably one of the biggest topics on everyone’s mind going into university, is friendships. Just know, that there is no deadline to making friends. Some friendships spring up out of the blue when you least expect it, others blossom over time slowly, but steadily. Don’t worry if you haven’t vibed with anyone yet. Patience, young grasshopper, all in good time. Flexibility is Key With new friendships, living situation, routines, and habits, university will push you to expand your comfort zone a tenfold. It will force you to occasionally change and to become flexible. And that’s only a good thing.

Learning to adapt to any kind of situation will not only prepare you for what’s to come after the four year university bubble bursts, but also makes your time in the bubble all the more enjoyable. Set boundaries On the flipside of the previous piece of advice, you should not let yourself be pushed around. This is your uni experience and you are in charge of how you want it to turn out. Knowing and setting your own boundaries will make it easier for people to approach you in the right manner. Also, know and respect limits set by those around you. We are all different, and that is okay. Get to Know the Pros One thing that many people regret upon leaving university and entering ‘the real world’, is hav-

ing not engaged with all the networking events put on throughout the years. These happenings are brilliant opportunities to grow your social network, often with likeminded people. Remember to also make use of the close contact you have with all your knowledgeable professors. Usually, they will happily give you both help and advice. The Journey is the Destination Dare to get hurt, to open up, to make mistakes, to succeed, to try, to cry. This is your time and it will not come again so experience it to the fullest. But know that it’s okay to not have the best of times, all of the time. It’s okay to feel homesick, to feel down, or isolated. If you do, please share it with someone and know that this too shall pass.

Five house plants with the survival instincts of John McClane Aine Donnellan

WANT your flat fashionably bedazzled with luscious, leafyblossoms yet, only want to put minimal effort in caring for these elegant decorations? Fear not, this list of die hard indoor plants will turn your home into a radiant, bohemian haven without hardly requiring any assistance in the process.

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3. Shamrock Plant Light Needs: Medium In need of some extra good fortune in the run-up to exam period? This Irish lucky-symbol that only requires water once a week may be just the thing for you.

1. Boston Fern Light Needs: Low This abundantly popular indoor plant calls for a cool, humid room to be on its best behaviour. Making it a perfect fit for all single-glazed flats out there.

4. Aloe Vera Light Needs: High A succulent way to spend your day? Why, taking a nap while your self-sustaining Aloe Vera plant produces some sap, of course. This juice can then be used for skin moisturizer, or to ease off the rare Scottish sunburn.

2. Philodendron Light Needs: High With its sweet, heart-shaped leaves, this adaptable plant makes for a beautiful, romantic gift. Public safety notice: regardless of how low your funds get, never snack on this poisonous green.

5. Snake Plant Light Needs: Flexible An evergreen perennial for the millennial. With the ability to reach incredible heights, whilst only needing water every 2-6 weeks, this plant is ideal for the busy, multitasking lifestyle of Generation Y.

In the loop with Stoop :

That new year atmoshphere Anne Stoop

I FIND myself in a fancy office, overlooking Aberdeen’s modest skyline, while wearing a slightly uncomfortable fancy top, pretending to blend in with fancy office people. Besides the top, there’s nothing fancy about me. I even woke up on the living room floor in a friend’s flat, thanks to the air mattress consistently not carrying out its one job. Me and my sore back are on work experience, one designed to push me out of my comfort zone. Forcing me to leave the safety of being a student behind, while slowly venturing into my upcoming role as a working adult. It feels strongly familiar to the time I left high school and rolled into university. The building felt too big, the people convincingly smart and I overwhelmingly inadequate. Over time, that once scary structure began to feel like home and the people in it like family. However, I might have overlooked how adequate I’ve actually become. Growth is slow, so it’s easy to miss if you’re up close. Those essays you’ve written in high school? Peanuts compared to that piece on globalism you handed in late. Your haircut? Much better. Your twerking skills? Much improved. Whatever transition you’re making, there will always be fresh challenges that manage to make you feel ever so small. The truth is, without some discomfort we would never be able to grow into the people we are meant to be. We can’t be the successful CEO, loving parent or award-winning writer without having hurdles that show us what we’re really capable of. Those days you felt would be the end of you? Survived it. That dream to get accepted into your dream course. Did it. Remember that you once wished to be where you are right now. Remember that working towards your future is highly recommended, but so is taking in the view while you’re at it. We have triumphed through so much already, why stop now?

Food

Surviving the Freshers’ kitchen

Heather Dalgleish Food Editor

FOOD doesn’t have to be a daunting experience during Freshers. Even if it’s your first time in the kitchen, it’s easier than you think to progress past beans on toast and oven chips. Here are five friendly tips on how to cope with cooking during an already stressful week. BE BASIC: While you will encounter budding Gordon Ramsay types, a cramped and sticky halls kitchen isn’t exactly

an ideal place to let your culinary skills flourish. Look for easy recipes that you can perfect before moving into the big leagues. PRACTICE: Cooking is a skill. It takes time to learn, so don’t expect to become a natural immediately. It’s going to be messy. You’re going to burn things. But you’ll learn each time, and your confidence will grow with your ability. DON’T BE INTIMIDATED: If you have an expert chef in your university kitchen, don’t

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be alarmed. Just because they’re whipping up a fresh crème brulee doesn’t mean they’re better than you. Cooking can be as simple as following instructions. Take things slow and don’t lose hope. MICROWAVE MEALS ARE TERRIBLE: They may look appetising and come with an element of ease, but in the end, you’re simply swindling yourself. Most of these meals are incredibly cheap to make yourself, plus way tastier. Don’t be fooled by their glorious looking packaging; the meal has probably taken upwards of a week to arrive in your fridge. EMBRACE THE FUTURE: Halls can be pretty distant from the outside world and, here in Stirling, immersed in thick forest and plonked on what feels like a slope steeper than Mount Kilimanjaro. Look to do a substantial shop online rather than opting to drag all your shopping back from town. Often if you order with a friend you can group together and get free delivery as well.

£5 recipe: spicy chicken shakshuka

George Ford

ORIGINATING in the Middle East, shakshuka is the perfect comfort dish. It’s flavourful and easy to make, only requiring one pan. It’s perfect for students, cookable in 30 minutes, as well as having easy to find, simple ingredients that cost less than a fiver. This recipe is healthy, it produces four solid portions, and the chicken can be swapped for potatoes or aubergine to suit a vegetarian diet. More importantly, it may convince your parents you’re capable of surviving on your own. Ingredients • Chicken thighs - £1.24 • Canned tomatoes - 30p • Onions - 10p • Eggs - 85p • Paprika - 85p • Chilli powder - 85p • Coriander - 70p

Method: Season the chicken by rubbing paprika and chilli powder on it, then place in the oven for 30 minutes until cooked through. It can be cooked with the rest of the ingredients in the pan, but I’d recommend oven-baking it first as it ensures the chicken is cooked through and adds a nice crispy skin. Next, oil a pan and chop the onions into small cubes. When the pan is hot, add the onions and fry until soft and translucent. Then it is time to add the canned tomatoes and bring the heat down to a simmer. Afterwards, add around 2 tbsp of paprika and 1-2 tsp of chilli powder, as well as a small handful of coriander and stir while simmering so the flavours mix. Now it’s time to add the eggs. I would recommend 2-4, just so there’s room left in the pan for the chicken.

All you have to do is crack them into the pan over the tomatoes and let it simmer. Place a large pan over the top, as this helps the eggs poach evenly and quickly. Once poached, add in the chicken. All that’s left is to add some of the remaining coriander over the top of the dish as garnish. And that’s it: you have now cooked authentic shakshuka.

BOSH! is the hottest new vegan cookbook Heather Dalgleish

WHEN it comes to vegan food, most of us don’t know what to expect. Will it be flavoursome? Will it be anything more valuable than a salad? Is it a falafel? The main problem surrounding vegan food is the stigma. There seems to be a prominent feeling that veganism is like being a rabbit, eating leafy greens and not much else. As a vegetarian, I always presumed the lifestyle was pretty extreme, and progressing into veganism wasn’t an easy transition. However, this cookbook has been a gamechanger and has destroyed all bias, judgement and prejudice I held against veganism. BOSH! Is a company founded by Ian and Henry from London with just one message: to educate people on how to thrive on plant-based foods. In a world riddled with climate problems, there never has been a better time for change. So, in true reviewing style, I bought the book, which was surprisingly cheap at £6.99, and decided to take the plunge to the outside of my comfort zone and try something new. With the company’s social

media and publicisation efforts reaching over half a billion people last year, there was no one better to lead my vegan conquest with. The book, albeit stuffed with delicious and intriguing meal options, is a little daunting. With so many different ingredients which were not usually found in my cupboard, it was also a little expensive. However, most of the ingredients appear in multiple recipes, meaning that you end up using them several times. So as far as cooking goes, some are tougher than others, but most are relatively easy and will make you seem, both to yourself and dinner guests, like a master chef. Many recipes are similar to their vegetarian/meat counterparts, with interesting twists that allow them to become vegan. For example, BOSH! suggests a twist on the classic carbonara by replacing the cream with a sauce made with cashew nuts – with surprisingly little difference in taste. Even the most dedicated carnivore is sure to find something appealing in BOSH! As illustrated on their website: this book makes for easy cooking with impressive results, presented in arguably one of the most creative recipe books out there.

Travel

Features

Depression and anxiety on the rise in students Blair McPake Features Editor

“IT feels like you’re drowning,” said a third year student at the University of Stirling. “Like it’s never going to get better. I never really know how to explain anxiety to people. I feel like every student in our generation can relate to those feelings a little bit.” In recent years, there has been a notable and worrying rise in anxiety disorders and depression within university students across the UK. Numerous studies undergone by facilities such as Insight Network have revealed that struggles with mental health are now a consistent benchmark of student living. More than one in five students in the UK have reported a diagnosed mental disorder.

Statistics taken from an Insight Network survey report show that half the students who partook have had thoughts of self harm at one point or the other. It was also revealed that 9.4 per cent of students in the survey often think of harming themselves, some even daily. New data has revealed that levels of anxiety within students are alarmingly high with 87.7 per cent of students admitting that they struggle with the disorder. Depression is also the other leading factor contributing to the decline in the mental health of university students. While mental health services tend to target the Freshers who have just moved away from home, figures show that it is the second and third year students who are more at risk

24 of declining mental health. Second year university students have been reported to have higher rates of suicidal or harmful thoughts than any other year. The stigma around mental health is slowly disappearing within university campuses: it has been theorised that this is naturally due to the large number of students who are suffering from an ongoing mental illness themselves. There are supposedly many factors regarding the mental health of students, such as substance abuse, stress, technology and other factors like financial instability. The state of the future also seems to be a huge factor for some students who suffer either from anxiety disorders or depression. A second year student said: “I am absolutely worried about the future. Who isn’t? Sometimes it keeps me up at night but I try not to think about it too much, I stopped reading the news and stuff like that.” This generation of students are now facing much higher rates of debt than any other generation, causing constant worry about their financial futures. One student who also wished to remain nameless stated that she works twenty hours a week to support herself and often has to forgo sleep to keep on top of her coursework. This seems to be a relatable experience with a vast majority of students worrying about

how to repay their debts once they graduate. The prospect of finding a job upon graduation also directly links to feelings of stress regarding the future. The job market is now significantly more competitive than it has been in the past several decades. Loneliness is another reason for high depression rates among students. There have been reports published that show students feel pressured and isolated due to the prevalent drinking culture and lingering cliques. Isolation has been shown to increase the risk of mental health problems like depression and is theorised to be a leading factor in the declining mental health of university students today. Counselling services are available to those who feel they need it, however most services at universities across the country find themselves struggling under the sheer demand and need of students. Waiting lists often mean that students can find themselves waiting for up to a year before they are seen by a counsellor. The wait can occasionally lead to substance abuse, with two in five students in the UK admitting to taking drugs or drinking heavily according to a study from the National Union of Students. While the figures may seem to suggest otherwise, there are many services out there who are able to support students suffering from a mental disorder. Think Positive is the National Union of Students mental health drive, and aims to support students with poor mental health as well as to eradicate prejudice and spread wellbeing. Their website, thinkpositive.scot, has links to resources and support for students who are struggling. They can also be reached at thinkpositive@nusscotlant. org.uk and are based in Edinburgh. There are also links to independent counselling services for students who are not comfortable seeking help from their university. Just remember, there is always help out there for those who need it.

Five ways to cut down on single use plastic Blair McPake

WITH the UK in the midst of a climate emergency, it is now more important than ever to reduce your carbon footprint. Alison Ross, an avid activist for the environment recently released a radio documentary called Drowning In Plastic where she listed numerous approaches to dropping single use plastic from our lives. 1. Reusable coffee cups and water bottles: investing in an eco-friendly and reusable water bottle is both helpful and simple. Over a million plastic bottles are bought every minute throughout the world, according to the latest research by The Guardian. 2. Bulk buying and loose produce: unnecessary plastic packaging of food is one of the biggest negative contributors to the environment. Bulk buying by bringing your own containers to supermarkets, such as small glass jars and bottles can also help to make a difference. 3. Avoid disposable cutlery: disposable cutlery is an unnecessary but prevalent example of single use plastic. The majority of restaurants are now refusing to give out plastic cutlery unless specifically asked for. Carrying your own set of metal cutlery is an easy way to help keep plastic out of your routine. 4. Use tinfoil instead of clingfilm: unbeknownst to some, clingfilm is not recyclable, but tinfoil is. By using tinfoil to wrap your sandwiches or other perishable food items, you can vastly lessen your plastic footprint. 5. Recycle: studies show that only 9 per cent of plastic is actually recycled. By ensuring that you are recycling responsibly and consistently you will be helping to aid the fight against climate change. The climate emergency may seem daunting but there are so many ways in which you can contribute and help to save the environment. “We know what to do but we need to put it into action, as well as encouraging everyone else to do the same,” said Alison Ross.

Features

The CBD phenomenon is growing like a weed Irina Nakon Features Editor

TALK about sprouting strong – CBD product sales in the UK have gone up over 99% this year alone and have doubled since last year, carving a solid niche in the health and wellbeing industry, as well as expanding to the restaurant sector, and being snatched up by major skincare and cosmetics retailers. From oils to tinctures, spa treatments to cocktails, vapes to chewing gum and mascara – the CBD wave is omnipresent at the moment. So, what made it such a lusted-after ingredient? Molecular Miracle CBD, or cannabidiol, is a nonpsychoactive compound extracted from marijuana. Not to be confused with the hemp-extracted THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is the substance responsible for producing the ‘high’ commonly associated with marijuana use, CBD contains less than 0.2% of THC and is therefore legal to consume in the UK. Not merely legal but revered, in fact, since CBD is believed to hold a range of therapeutic benefits, as well as being a strong antioxidant and neuroprotective. This led to the substance being used for a wide variety of ailments, from pain management to anxiety and depression, as it is thought to provide strong pain relief for both minor tensions and afflictions as well as a number of serious conditions, including multiple sclerosis and cancer treatment symptoms. Not only that, but it is believed to regulate sleeping patterns, help lower blood pressure and slow Alzheimer’s, while numerous universities and research centres in the US, Dubai and Spain are studying CBD as a potential treatment for autism disorders, and even as a possible aide in bone-marrow transplants. The world of A-list celebrities followed suit, vouching for the potency and effectiveness of the extract, with stars like Jennifer Aniston, Gwyneth Paltrow, Emma Roberts and Morgan Freeman being open about their CBD use to aid with pain relief, stress and general anxiety. Kim Kardashian, meanwhile, threw a CBD-themed baby shower earlier this summer, where guests were encouraged to blend their own CBD bath oils, while sipping from

a CBD-infused chocolate fountain. Many professional athletes are also public proponents of CBD – Welsh rugby player Dom Day and his teammate George Kruis treat cannabidiols as daily supplements, claiming that they help recover from previous injuries and normalise sleeping patterns, while former WBC champion boxer Tony Bellew was in the habit of drinking CBD-infused “hemp water” in preparation for his fights. But how exactly did CBD garner its reputation as an all-round healing hemp? According to CBD expert and creator of Graces London skincare line Shiona Redmond, the answer lies in the process of homeostasis. Human bodies have cannabinoid receptors, which are part of a self-regulatory system called the endocannabinoid system, whose primary function is to create and maintain consistent internal balance within the body.

ments, offering anti-inflammatory CBD facials and massages. CBD oil is becoming popular in e-vapes, and features in numerous new brands of organic chewing gum, while global giant Coca Cola is even considering launching a new beverage with added CBD extract. Cocktail bars and restaurants all over Britain are also getting in on the hype, including Glasgow’s own Pizza Punks on St. Vincent Street, who are now proudly serving the Dazed and Confused cocktail – a citrusy CBD-oil infused drink. Glasgow health food restaurant Down to Earth, meanwhile, hosted an entire CBD-infused food and cocktail night this April. Dubbed ‘An Evening with Mary Jane’, the event offered drinks and dishes which all featured cannabidiol. For those who would prefer not to ingest CBD orally, topical products such as skincare balms, Credit: Heart Radio

“The endocannabinoid system plays a key role in maintaining our overall health and is vital in the regulation of hormone secretion, particularly the hormones related to reproductive function and stress response,” Redmond says. “So, while our bodies actually produce their own cannabinoids, these have the same composition as cannabidiol, so CBD intake can therefore help maintain the body in the coveted balanced state of homeostasis.” Hemp craze Despite CBD oil being around since the early 1940s, it is only recently that this wonder extract received a massive spotlight and made its way into the leisure, wellness and hospitality industries. Now, CBD oil is everywhere. Spas all across the UK are incorporating it into their treat-

body oils, face masks and bath bombs are available. The new CBD beauty brands include CBD Daily, Herbivore and Milk Makeup, the latter being a newcomer to the UK market this year. Milk Makeup’s new Kush line of CBDinfused lip balms, glazes, and volume-enhancing mascaras are flying off the shelves, while prominent brands are racing to keep up by releasing their own cannabidiol products: Holland & Barrett launched a cannabidiol Day Cream and a post-workout CBD Muscle Balm, and both Boots and Holland & Barrett are now stocking the entire new Ambience CBD line of skincare which features everything from face moisturisers to foot treatments. This summer even saw UK’s first-ever CBD Expo held in London, which featured hosts of industry speakers, more than

80 exhibitors, and thousands in attendance. Additionally, Facebook has recently relaxed its rules on CBD advertising, now allowing for the promotion of topical CBD products, which will massively expand outreach. However, as is the case with most popular novelty products and proposed miracle cures, there is a fine print. So, what are the downsides of this worldwide cannabidiol infatuation? Jumping on the herb wagon The most pressing concern for CBD use is quality control. With the substance becoming so popular so quickly, a host of online and overseas companies are selling unregulated CBD products, for a fraction of the high street cost, which pledge to deliver all of the extract’s benefits. As a result, numerous products found on Amazon, Ali Express and other major online retailers are ridden with reviews reporting fraudulent marketing at best, and harmful side-effects at worst. Moreover, the same lack of quality control is evident in many high street CBD oils as well. UK research centre PhytoVista Laboratories recently published a report for the UK Centre for Medicinal Cannabis, which revealed numerous instances of poor practice among producers of cannabidiol products. This was discovered through a blind test of 30 major retail CBD oil brands, in which 38% of the products had less than half of their advertised CBD content, and one product was completely free of CBD. Moreover, 45% of the products contained significant amounts of the psychoactive TCH – with values averaging at 0.4% - making the products technically illegal. Another marketing issue that is often flagged up with CBD is the mix-up between hemp oil (or sativa seed oil) and CBD oil. Sure, they both come from the same plant, but they are two completely different compounds. Hemp oil is primarily viewed as a superfood which adds a nutritional value to your diet, while in skincare it

Credit: Kudzubrands

acts as a lightweight, non-greasy moisturiser and antioxidant. It does not, however, hold any of the other anti-inflammatory, pain relief, neuroprotective properties that CBD claims to hold, since hemp oil contains absolutely no cannabinoids. Marketing the two extracts as the same substance is therefore inaccurate and unfair to the consumers who may be expecting to find the benefits of CBD in a hemp oil product, or paying more for a marketed CBD product which in fact contains no cannabidiol. Finally, the great sceptical elephant in the room must be addressed – the proposed virtues of CBD use have almost no scientific data to back them up. To date, the only use for cannabidiol that has significant scientific evidence supporting it is the use of CBD to treat two rare forms of childhood epilepsy. This treatment comes in the form of CBD medication called Epidiolex, which is currently awaiting UK licensure by the NHS, having already achieved a full license in the US. Besides this sole medical use of cannabidiol, there is currently insufficient data to corroborate any other properties off CBD’s long list of benefits, leading many to believe that cannabidiols are a temporary hype and the raving reviews are the result of placebo effect, akin to the rise of homeopathy a few decades ago. However, soon there will be tangible evidence to either verify or disprove the claimed CBD wellness properties – case studies are ongoing on both sides of the Atlantic. In the meantime, following the current trajectory, Forbes predicts that the global cannabidiol market is expected to grow by 700% and be worth £1.8 billion by 2020, so the lack of concrete proof does not seem to spoil this herb’s blaze.

Features

Determination is all that remains at Our Place café Ryan Dinsdale

THOUGH menus still grace each table, Our Place café’s homely aroma of fresh baking and simmering soup has been ejected by a damp, musty odour. June’s severe flooding forced a foot of water into the Stirling café, and twice as much into the downstairs kitchen. “A 30-minute shower wiped out five years of hard work,” said Alan Rodgers, who co-owns Our Place with Helen, his wife. The couple sat now, tired but smiling, in their empty café: their instrument for doing so much good. It’s appropriate they met helping others, through a charity walk on the Great Wall of China. They kept in touch back in Britain, eventually entering a relationship despite the 400 miles between them. In 2013, Alan moved from Wiltshire to Stirling, and the couple set their sights on opening a café. They took over what’s now Our Place in December, the busiest period, Alan explained, “with no experience in the café and no experience of running one. “But we threw ourselves into it, and just started the great pleasure of running a café.” Helen laughed. Their first day off was Christmas, as the pair worked three chaotic weeks in a row. They struggled with a hectic twenty-member staff, a far cry from their original plan of having perhaps one extra person. Equipment proved problematic

too. When Alan left each month to visit family at home, as if on cue, something would break. A fridge, a freezer, a coffee machine; “the electrics in the whole town went down once and he hadn’t even got to Cumbernauld.” New supplier relationships needed established as well, and Alan and Helen quickly introduced the ethos of supporting local. Everything they use and sell comes from Stirling and the surrounding area: Falkirk, Dunfermline, Edinburgh, Glasgow. “We wanted everything to be local, from local suppliers, and we wanted to be the local café that employed local people.” That focus on the Stirling community inspired the name of Our Place. Helen’s Place was Alan’s first instinct, because “Helen knows half of Stirling and the other half knows her.” And his transition wasn’t as smooth. “They keep calling me Paul!” he’d said, before eventually realising his English roots were just misunderstanding “pal.” So Helen’s Place made sense in that regard, but not when they considered their community focus.

Credit: NovaLoca

It wasn’t just for Helen, or Alan; it was the staff’s place, the local’s place, the town’s place. It was Our Place: everyone’s. A notice board advertised local events, and a Stirling artist was given free reign to display their art. “It just felt like it was all coming together,” said Helen. They’d bought a house, their business was thriving, and the community was being supported. “We thought we’d made it.” A scaffolder came in one day in Autumn 2017, announcing that work on the building would begin next week. “What work?” asked Helen. Scaffolding would surround the café for the next five months and, for business, “it was like turning off a tap,” said Alan. “From the inside it looks like a building site and from the outside it looks like something’s wrong.” And this was just the beginning of their business woes, as the following months featured a large fire across the street, major road closures, and heavy snowfall that crippled the whole town. Through the icy conditions, Alan and Helen walked three hours each day to open Our Place, serving whatever they had available, and “people were really lovely during that time,” Helen said. “Nobody complained, and the atmosphere was really good.” “Every time we get a difficult customer,” Alan added, “we get fifty, a hundred, a thousand beautiful, terrific, wonderful customers. “That’s what makes it worth doing,” he said, though they’ve often gone without pay. Because being a small business owner isn’t easy. Large chains can produce more for less, advertise on a larger scale, and employ more people to do it.

But that money doesn’t stay in the area. Alan and Helen feel they “create an incentive of responsibility within Stirling,” and “try to stand up for other small businesses.” This responsibility extends to Stirling’s residents as well, as Alan and Helen offer their staff certified training at work. “It’s giving something back,” Helen explained, “and we like seeing these staff progress.” So much so that they offer help in writing CVs and encourage the pursuit of other opportunities. “It’s like having twelve extra kids,” she laughs. Last month, when Stirling flooded, staff members old and new rushed to offer their help. “But there was nothing they could do. We all just cried together.” As Alan and Helen sat down to dinner on June 24, they received a call warning them of rising water in the high street. “I’ll sort it out,” Alan said, “I’ll be back in twenty minutes.” “He wasn’t back in twenty minutes.” Helen pursued and received another call, this time from Alan. “It’s gone,” he said. “It’s underwater, it’s gone.” They spent the rest of the night draining water, leaving at midnight, exhausted and in shock. The next morning, Alan and Helen arrived optimistic. “I want to be open again at the end of July,” he told the loss adjuster, who laughed in his face. The damage was horrendous. Five fridge-freezers, an electric grater, under-cabinet fridge, and all the cooking trays need replaced. The cake cabinet, refrigerated unit, every dish, and the lights need replaced. A small

Credit: Ryan Dinsdale

freezer, the cooker, three fullsize fridges, and the floors need replaced. The walls and the ceiling need replaced. “It feels like a death,” Alan grimaced. Our Place will be shut for at least half a year, and it’ll take even longer for business to become normal. “We’re in for a really tough twelve months.” “But we’ll still be here; we’ll be fighting. We’ll come back bigger, stronger, happier,” he said, and support each other in the meantime. “I think a strong relationship is vital to survive things like this,” he continued, “and to do business together.” They’ve had just one argument in eight years – Alan’s fault – and “if we’re not going to fall out now, we’re just not going to fall out,” Helen adds. “It’s sickening,” she laughs, “people must hate us.” A sign on the door reads “hope to see you all soon,” and you trust that it’s genuine. Alan and Helen want to see their customers again, and their customers want to see them. For the sake of good food, a friendly face, and a thriving city; all of Stirling hopes to see Our Place come back.

Careers

AUNT EM-PLOYABILITY

HERE TO ANSWER ALL YOUR CAREER QUESTIONS WELCOME to the start of a new academic year. It’s an exciting time with everything ahead of you. Whether you’re just starting first year or facing your final year at Stirling, this time of year can be exciting but daunting as well. New beginnings bring with them lots of emotions and feelings which can affect people in different ways. In the Careers and Employability Service, we see many students who suffer from lack of confidence, especially when it comes to applying for jobs, being interviewed, and networking. Here are some great confidence building tips to try out for yourself.

Be nice to yourself It’s so easy to tell yourself that you can’t do something, and you won’t be good at certain things. If you tell yourself that enough, then it will start to affect your confidence and your willingness to try new things. Would you talk to a friend the way you talk to yourself? If a friend came to you worried about an interview, would you agree that that they would make a fool of themselves and it’s best they just didn’t go? Talk to yourself as if you’re chatting with a good friend and you’ll start to feel like you can achieve anything.

Try new things You never know what you’re capable of until you push yourself. If you get out there and try new things you might just surprise yourself. Meeting new people and gaining new experience is great for building your confidence. Try out one of the Student Union’s clubs or societies during the Give-it-a-Go week. Everyone’s new at these events so it’s a great chance to meet people in the same boat. Volunteering is another great way to gain experience, expand your network, and boost your confidence. You can do anything from helping run a shop to counting bats, so contact the Student Union to find out what you can do.

Identify your skills It can be difficult to know exactly what your strengths are, and sometimes you don’t know what you have to offer. That’s where the Careers and Employability service can help. We have various skills audits that we can take you through which will highlight your strengths and help build confidence in yourself. If you are undertaking any extra-curricular activities then sign up for the My Stirling Award. It gives you recognition for your extra-curricular activities and will appear on your academic transcript. It’s a great addition to your CV and helps you to articulate all the skills you have gained.

My Future Self We are running a confidence-building personal development course which is completely free to University of Stirling students. The course takes place on October 5 or October 19, whichever works for you, from 10AM to 4:30PM. You can develop your presentation skills, goal setting abilities, and overall confidence to become whatever version of yourself you want to be. Spaces are limited so book online as soon as you can on the university website. Hopefully this has helped you and given you some ideas to build your self-confidence. If you have any career-related problems or questions, just email ask@stir.ac.uk.

Sport

Student coaches bring summer of sport to Zambia Ryan Dinsdale AS Rebecca Main sat in a seemingly standard sports studies lecture, her interest peaked at the mention of a volunteering opportunity in Zambia. Several months later, she found herself flying to Lusaka, the country’s capital, with eleven other British students. Stirling sent four in total. Silvia Puig Saltor and Danny Cockroft participated in the second exchange, while Cara Steven joined Rebecca on June 1. Landing in Zambia, the pair queued an hour for visas before finally setting foot into the country they called home for the next six weeks. It was warm, but not too hot, as the group met their driver, Albert, who helped them load cases onto a bus through its back windows. Too mesmerised to notice the tight fit, they marvelled at the new world around them. Cars, buses, and bikes interwove in a somehow functional free-for-all, while locals strolled the roadside, stopping at various markets that dotted the landscape. The bus approached what seemed a fortress. Tall white walls were fastened in the middle by a large, blue, iron gate, that slid open as Rebecca and Cara were introduced to their temporary

Credit: Cara Steven

home. Inside stood an enormous house and the group were given a tour. White, tiled floors blended with white walls, but mismatched with the random assortment of furniture decorating the living room. Arriving on Monday, June 3, Rebecca and Cara enjoyed a couple of induction days before jumping into volunteering on Wednesday. They parted ways in the morning, heading to their separate sites. Rebecca strolled to the road end and took a bus, then a taxi, and then walked further to Tionge Primary School. Here she taught PE classes in dusty squares surrounded by low, stone buildings. She had to plan and teach every class, each of which contained at least 50 children. It was challenging, “but they were all so enthusiastic,” said Rebecca. “They would all come running up to you and hold your hand to walk you to the school.” Important social lessons were taught through the PE classes, like teamwork and understanding peer pressure. “We were able to integrate these topics into games and talk about them in a way they understood.” In the afternoons she walked to Munali High School to boost involvement in volleyball. Rebecca set up regular tournaments,

28 Credit: Wallace Group Below: Wallace Group

brought in new schools, and so on. This job wasn’t too time consuming, so she joined in coaching or visited other placement sites as well, which “left me with a more well-rounded experience of Zambia as a whole,” she said. One she didn’t get to visit though, was Kabwata Playpark where Cara volunteered. Kabwata features a basketball court, a park, and a sand football pitch sectioned off by concretefilled tyres. Tall, cinder block walls encase the entire space. To get here, Cara took a bus at 8AM each morning, and after haggling with the driver, would sit down and enjoy the journey. It varied each day, as drivers would traverse side-streets until the bus was full. Sometimes it took 30 minutes, sometimes three times that. “You had to squeeze lots of people onto the bus, and sometimes you’d have children or chickens on your lap,” she said casually. Once there, Cara taught basketball to groups of 20-30 teenagers, in what became the most rewarding experience of her life. Before she left for Zambia, the university lacrosse team donated their old kits to Cara. Through

teaching basketball at Kabwata, she formed a squad and passed on the kits. Each week, that small community team in Lusaka dons Stirling colours to play their matches. “It’s amazing,” said Cara. “They’re still wearing it every week, even after I’ve gone. I keep getting photos; it makes me so proud and emotional.” She also spent a few hours each week at the Fountain of Hope orphanage, teaching netball, and on Monday’s she visited other placement sites and worked to boost participation. Weekends were free for Rebecca and Cara to explore their beautiful surroundings. They walked amongst cheetahs at Chaminuka Nature Reserve, relaxed in the man-made lake of Tiffany’s Canyon, and witnessed

the incredible Victoria Falls up close. For Cara, none of these matched a quieter weekend spent with her peer-leader, Agness, who’s from the Kabwata suburb of Lusaka. Agness took Cara to her community church. The building was more reminiscent of a barn than a chapel, and still in construction, with rows of seats expanding past the entrance. Yet it couldn’t feel more secure. The community spirit was u n l i k e anything Cara had felt, even as an outsider. “Everyone was so lovely and made me feel so welcome,” she said. “It was so emotional, and such an unforgettable experience,” even though Cara had been nervous beforehand. “Before the project I was quite quiet,” she continued, but “I’ve come back a totally different per-

Sport

Ironman crosses Finnish line for Make-A-Wish Sam Ormiston

son. “I struggle to put into words how much it has done for me.” Rebecca reiterated this as her confidence also grew exponentially during her time in Zambia, due to everything from their living situation to teaching the children. The latter is what the entire trip is about though, and the aim of Volunteer Zambia is to not just provide coaching for six weeks, but to establish a foundation for better opportunities going forward. Cara and Rebecca also taught the Zambian coaches new techniques to implement, to uphold a high standard even after they left. This extended to the older students as well, Rebecca explained, so they’re able to teach younger children in the future. Conversation moved to education, health, culture, and so on, as the two parties learned from each other, creating a positive cycle that they hope will continue. Volunteer Zambia was valuable for everyone involved. “It was hands down the best and most rewarding experience of my life,” said Cara. “It’s shaped me as a person, and I can’t wait to go back.”

A SMALL minority of people can say that they have completed an Olympic distance triathlon – imagine doubling that. A ‘Half Ironman’ consists of a 1.2-mile swim, followed by a 56mile bike ride, before topping it all off with a half marathon, totalling 70.3 miles. To many this sounds both impossible and delusional. However, fourth-year economics student Alex Zemek-Parkinson has proven that he was up to the challenge, completing his second Half Ironman in Lahti, Finland, in a time of 6:40:13. But the challenge didn’t come without its trials – after just ten kilometres on the bike, the wheel on the bike in front of Alex came off. A chunk of carbon fibre exploded off the wheel and chipped away at his gear lever, reducing his 21gear bike down to just two gears, making his race much more difficult than anticipated. He said: “This meant that I could achieve a top speed, and climb, but I could do nothing in between. “I had to cycle the remaining 80 kilometres in that way; I was so relieved when I got off the bike.” Alex chose to raise funds for Make-A-Wish UK, a charity that creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. He said: “Somebody should benefit from my pain. “I have three younger brothers and my youngest brother had complications at birth.

“Everything was fine, but I always think if a child’s life is cut short, then you want to make that short life as good as it can be.” Alex, who is the president of the university’s triathlon club, has been involved in swimming, cycling and running since he was 16. He said: “I was really overweight and my parents were divorced – I was just constantly eating rubbish and not exercising. “My dad then dragged me along to the gym every week, and I just got fitter from there.” At 18, he completed the Berlin Marathon and has since ran the Stirling Marathon twice. He also works as a casual fitness officer and a personal trainer at the university gym. His original plan was to run five marathons by the age of 25 but he soon realised that he could push harder and go farther. Thinking back to where it all started, Alex recalled the death of his friend when he was younger. He said: “My friend was killed by a taxi a few years ago. “I wasn’t there but the taxi driver couldn’t get phone signal from the scene of the crash. “He had to run around a mile up a steep hill in order to get signal, but was so unfit that he didn’t make it in time. “I want to make sure that I am always in a position to be able to help people in a situation like that.” Reflecting on his recent achievement of crossing the finish line at the race in Lahti, Alex admitted there were tears in his eyes when the end was in sight.

He said: “I ended up sprinting the last 800m. “When I crossed the line, one of my first thoughts was ‘I could do more, I can do the full one next.” Most people tend to treat themselves to a holiday or some time off when they graduate, but Alex has different ideas. Next year, he will be putting

“The pitch will never be quite the same without you kid.” FROM PAGE 32

They said that Eilidh was a great leader, and that the structure and support that she brought to the team will be missed. “She was the life and soul of the team, the glue that held us together.” Sports President Gill Thayne paid tribute to Eilidh and offering condolences to her family and friends on behalf of the Sports Union. “Eilidh will be remembered for a long time as a strong player with fantastic talent. However, it’s what

she brought off the pitch that will be missed the most. The impact she had on others was second to none. She cared so much about others and did a lot for everyone else that was above and beyond what was ever required of her. There is now a hole in the sports union heart without her. She was family. “My thoughts are with Eilidh’s teammates, friends and most importantly family. The Sports Union will continue to honour her.” Stirling County Women’s Rugby remembered Eilidh as a “strong and talented” player,

himself through the paces again next summer, when he hopes to conquer the full Ironman in Estonia. The race will see him take on a monster task of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile cycle and a full marathon, which he believes he will complete in between 12 and 14 hours. Credit: Stir Uni WRFC

paying tribute to her talent as a rugby player. “Our thoughts are with Eilidh’s friends, family and team-mates, past and present. “The pitch will never be quite the same without you kid.” One step being taken to honour Eilidh is a donation to Back

Onside, a charity supported by Eilidh, a just giving page has been set up. If you wish to donate please use the link that can be found on the Women’s Rugby Facebook page. Support for anyone in need is available from the University.

Sport

Netball star suits up for Scotland Stirling’s Lauren Tait overcomes injury to fulfil World Cup dream Sam Ormiston STIRLING graduate Lauren Tait has finished her university run in style after representing Scotland at the Netball World Cup. Lauren, 23, formed part of the twelve-strong squad that travelled to Liverpool in July to face off against the world’s best. Scotland finished just outside the top ten in 11th place: an impressive result considering the average age of the team was around just 23, and only a handful of players had World Cup experience. It’s not all been smooth sailing for Lauren, though. Playing in the defensive positions of either goalkeeper or wing defence, she is much more likely to face physical contact than some of her attacking team mates. Following two ACL ruptures, she only returned to the sport around five months ago after a tough two years out of play. After undergoing surgery in July 2017, she had a full season off the court, and only came back to training in November 2018. Lauren told Brig: “I was out of netball for two years trying to get back. It was a really long time.” And although she was still in-

volved in netball at the university, it was difficult to stand on the sidelines. She said: “I found it hard watching others play because it reminded me of what I couldn’t do. “I couldn’t watch the Sirens playing for the first year, but I took up coaching at Stirling. “It definitely made me mentally stronger fighting through it all. “I was worried that I wouldn’t get back to the same level. I spent three months just trying to learn how to run and change position. “When I eventually came back to training, it went from zero to a hundred.” Lauren was selected for the Scottish national team in June, by which point she had only been back training for a few months. In a fortnight of intense netball at the tournament, the team played eight games, as well as two practice matches against the eventual tournament winners, New Zealand. Lauren got to play in four of the matches, a significant achievement given that she only made her grand return to netball a few months earlier. “It was a great experience, and to be part of the twelve-strong

Twenty mil sports centre on track for 2020 finish

Charlie Harris

STIRLING university’s new multi-million pound sports development remains on course to be completed by June 2020. Morrison Construction, who are managing the redevelopment of the sports centre, confirmed in August that the £20 million project should be completed within the original timeframe. This was also confirmed by Sports President Gill Thayne. Construction work has been underway over the summer teaching break, with new buildings emerging on site of the former Gannochy sports hall and university gym. While there has been some level of disruption during the ongoing redevelopment process, particu-

Credit: Netball Scotland

team that were selected was such an honour.” Her two favourite highlights of the tournament were playing in the matches against England and Samoa. Although she only made it on for the last five minutes of the group match against Samoa, she was thrilled to be a part of it. Playing in the same group as England, she came up against some big netball names, including attacker Jo Harten and Geva Men-

larly in regards to lack of changing areas, this is set to lessen as work progresses. One of the major developments on Credit: University of Stirling site is the new and improved three fitness suite, an indoor cycling stucourt sports hall, creating more dio, as well as a strength and conroom for more clubs to use the ditioning studio. area at the same time. The sports redevelopment will Sports President Gill Thayne work hand in hand with other imsaid: “it’s going to be fantastic for provements made oncampus, inclubs,” adding that, “it’s going to cluding investment in more study change things in a way that you areas in the library. can have more space for different Gill added that: “I think that it’s teams to use the court.” going to be a very special year with This means that all clubs will the big build up, and I’ll be there have equal opportunity to make to help and contribute to students the most of university facilities. getting excited for it. The new facilities on campus “We’re getting there now, it’s rewill also include a state-of-the-art ally, really exciting.”

tor, one of the best goal keepers in the world. Lauren added: “I was injured during the Commonwealth Games and had never been to an event of that calibre before. “I definitely did think about who I was up against, but at the end of the day, it’s just like another netball match. Lauren was lucky enough to have a network of family and friends supporting her in Liverpool, which made all the difference.

“My parents came to every match, and some of the girls from netball and touch rugby also came down to support me – it was so lovely to have the support and make them proud.” In her next step, she is moving to the University of Glasgow to study a masters in sports medicine. She will re-trial for the Scottish Sirens in September and is currently discussing future plans with her coaches.

Stirling Olympian prevails and protests Petra Kotkova IT has been an eventful summer for Stirling’s own Olympian, Duncan Scott. He has achieved a prestigious BUCS title, two medals from the FINA World Championships, and an earned respect from the swimming community. The BUCS Awards Ceremony took place in July, where Scott was awarded BUCS Sportsman of the Year for his exceptional performance. During his 2018/2019 BUCS season, Scott was able to gain double gold at the Long Course Championships, five medals at the British Championships, as well as set his new personal record for the 200m individual medley, also setting a new British National record in the men’s 100m freestyle.

From the FINA World Aquatics Championship in Gwangju later in July, Scott brought home two medals: gold for his part in 4x100m medley relay and a bronze for his individual performance the in 200m freestyle. However, it wasn’t Scott’s performance in the pool that got the world talking. He protested against gold medallist and alleged doper, Sun Yang, that caused a shockwave in the swimming world. When accepting his bronze medal for 200m Freestyle, Scott refused to take a picture with Yang or shake his hand, ignoring Yang’s remarks: “I am a winner. You’re a loser.” While FINA officials didn’t approve of Scott’s protest, the swimming community certainly stood behind him.

Sport

£12k raised in coast to coast cycling tour Harry Williamson

A STIRLING student embarked on a journey from John O’Groats to Land’s End, cycling the length of the UK to raise money for a charity supporting people suffering from brain tumours, and supports research into battling tumours. Josh Wood, 23, a second-year accounting student’s thousandmile journey has raised over £12,000 for The Brain Tumour Charity. Wood embarked on the journey after seeing his Uncle Chris undergo treatment for a brain tumour and was inspired by his Auntie Jan’s resolve in a difficult time for the family, just after the passing of his nan. “Speaking to Jan, you would have no idea that she had just lost her mum and that her husband was undergoing this treatment. The courage and selflessness she portrayed was unbelievable,” Wood said.

Remembering how his nan’s life was dedicated to her family, he decided to honour her memory by challenging himself with the cycle. Wood’s nine-day journey saw him travel a total of 1012 miles and cycle eight hours every day. He recalled some of the toughest moments of his endeavour. “The second and seventh days were definitely the hardest. The second day saw me cycling through the Cairngorms from Dingwall to Pitlochry in some of the most atrocious summer weather I’ve ever experienced. Close to freezing point, torrential rain and over 40mph winds at the Drumochter Pass. “The seventh day was the longest, I cycled 135 miles from Leebotwood in Shropshire to Cheddar,” he said. Cycling through South Wales, he endured the worst conditions in the country: narrow roads, potholes, mud, gravel, 10ft hedgerows, blind corners, floods, ri-

diculously steep sharp hills and fallen trees blocking the whole road. “It was like traversing through a maze filled with booby traps.” Although Wood recalled some of the more pleasant highlights of his trip. “Some highlights of the journey include riding through the borders on a calm summer evening, reaching the summit of the Kirkstone Pass and admiring the views, even though it was raining. “Flying down Cheddar Gorge at 9:30PM when no one was about, laughing uncontrollably at dinner with my parents about escaping the hell hole that was South Wales, and having the sun come out in the last 50 miles, reaching Land’s End with beautiful blue skies.” Wood said he was “totally overwhelmed” by the amount of support he received from his hometown community on Islay, and that he was touched by their kindness and generosity. Credit: Josh Wood

Inclusion top priority for Sports Pres Thayne Sam Ormiston Sports Edtior

DISABILITY inclusion is at the top of the agenda for Sports President Gill Thayne, after a busy summer of conferences and groundwork. Thayne has announced that the Sports Union will be hosting disability inclusion training at the start of the semester, which will enable club members to feel equipped to host different types of training sessions to cater for specific needs. She said: “It’s about asking the questions like ‘what can we do to make this session work for you?’ “I have a strong background in Scottish Disability Sport, and I don’t want to forget about that passion. “I want to make sure it’s a common theme throughout the year because it’s a cause close to my heart.” Thayne highlighted that there are already sport wheelchairs for basketball and tennis, but she aims to make as many sports as accessible as possible. After attending the BUCS conference in Bristol at the beginning of July, Thayne recalled the experience of keynote speaker Clarke Carlisle and his wife Carrie. Clarke, a former professional footballer, spoke of his struggles with Complex Depressive Disorder, while his wife told the story from the perspective of living with someone affected by mental health.

She said: “It was such an interesting talk, and it was really informative and helpful to listen to the story from both sides.” Following the resignation of Union President Nelson Acquah, it has been revealed that each of the other three sabbatical officers will take on a share of his roles, until he is replaced at the by-election in October. However, Thayne was keen to emphasise that her priorities lie within her remit as sports president and with making students’ lives better. She said: “It will be a huge team effort from everyone involved at the union, and we will all continue to make sure that we are working to improve the student experience.” Thayne has also been preparing for the sports bazaar, which takes place this Wednesday in the Sports Centre. She also spoke about BUCS play, a new easy to use phone application which will be used for sports teams and individuals to register to play in fixtures. Clubs will be fully trained at the start of the semester. And finally, on the issue of kit orders, which sports teams had a lot of trouble with last year, Thayne said: “We’re getting there. “We have been in communication with sports teams to make sure everyone is on the same page, and to let them know we are here to help if any problems need ironed out.”

Footballer steps onto the continental stage Charlie Harris

STIRLING university was represented this summer at the Under-19 European Football Championships by Scottish defender Rachel Connor. Connor, who is a regular for the university’s team, impressed in an overall dismal competition for Scotland on home soil. The right-back made three appearances at the championships, including a start against The Netherlands, and substitute appearances against Norway and France. Despite Scotland losing all three games, Rachel received valuable game time at a high level of competition. The European Championships, held in Scotland, played host to eight teams. Rachel and her team-

mates, who qualified automatically as hosts, found themselves competing with some of the strongest sides in the world, such as Spain and Germany. International youth set-ups are a stepping-stone for players to move into international first teams, with Scotland stars such as Kim Little and Caroline Weir playing for the under-19s in the past. Scotland Under-19s head coach Pauline Hamill said: “we want to inspire the next generation and also provide a platform for these young players to take the next step.” Emma Craig, who scored for Scotland at the championships added that: “It was good to get out and raise awareness and try inspire a lot of young girls to get involved in football.”

Sport Brig

Volunteer Zambia • “I struggle to put into words how much it has done for me”

Tributes paid to student rugby player

Credit: Daily Record

Harry Williamson

All-star staff open GB Tennis Academy on campus Credit: The Herald

Ryan Dinsdale Sports Editor

A national tennis academy has opened its doors on Stirling university’s campus. The academy will train eight elite talents, aged 14 to 18, who may progress into Stirling university as tennis scholars. “A world class team” will run the academy, said Tennis Scotland’s Chief Executive Blaine Dodds. Leonardo Azevedo will head the staff, an international renowned coach with over 20 years experience, including a stint coaching former world number one, Juan Carlos Ferrero. On his appointment as head coach, Azevedo told Metro: “It is an honour to be appointed as the first head coach of the new GB

National Tennis Academy at the University of Stirling. “We don’t need to look far from Stirling to be inspired by what is possible .” Colin Fleming is one of these Stirling talents, who is the academy’s lead performance coach. Fleming attended the University of Stirling in the 2000s but has trained in its facilities since he began his career in the nineties. He’s gone on to win eight ATP World Tour doubles trophies, citing Stirling university as a “massive” influence on his career. Also on the coaching team is Leon Smith, who served as Captain of Great Britain’s Davis Cup team since 2010, and Esteban Carril, who has coached some of the world’s best players both in male and female tennis.

“I’m confident we have put everything possible in place to help young talent thrive in Stirling,” said Dodds. The campus was chosen for its status as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence and as a good wider performance environment, Dodds explained: “Stirling has produced some of the finest British talent in history.” He also cited the £20 million sports redevelopment as a reason for choosing Stirling, as the new facilities will create a “world class setting.” Stirling’s Director of Sport, Cathy Gallagher, commented that: “This development will mark the beginning of another exciting chapter for sport at the university and within the Stirling area.”

Sports President Gill Thayne reiterated this sentiment: “It’s an exciting time as it once again puts Stirling in the spotlight for tennis. “It’s brilliant that such great talent will be coming into campus. It just strengthens the sporting excellence that we already have.” Though not at university age yet, the academy will be “integrated” with Stirling’s International Sports Scholarship programme, suggesting that any successful candidates can continue to train at and represent the university. The ultimate goal is to make Britain one of the most respected tennis nations in the world. Azevedo specifically made clear that he aimed to find the next Andy Murray.

MEMBERS of the Stirling community have been mourning the tragic passing of Eilidh McNab, who lost her life in an accident at Bracklinn Falls near Callander over the summer. Eilidh was a valued and muchloved member of two University Sport teams, Women’s Rugby and Touch Rugby, as well as local teams such as Stirling County Women and Grangemouth. Women’s Rugby paid a touching tribute to Eilidh, posting to their Facebook, “Eilidh was a great friend to every one of us. She was always looking out to make sure everyone was included, and she was a true friend to everyone. Eilidh’s presence will not only be missed on the pitch but off the pitch too. “We are honoured to have shared the pitch with Eilidh. She was a blessing in our lives, and we will forever carry her in our hearts. You will be missed, Always.” Eilidh was named as the Most Valuable Player of 2019 for Women’s Rugby, which the team describe as “a small token to just how valuable she was to the team over the years.” Members of Women’s Rugby described Eilidh as one of the most passionate on the team, confident, and that she helped boost the confidence of other players on the team. - Continued on p.29