Brig Newspaper Volume 54 Issue 1

By AJ Whyte

Outside the Students Union. Image Credit Jonathan Boomer

EDITORIAL

By Charlotte Sutcliffe EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

When I first sat down to write this, we didn’t have a front page story, Brig had a home and you could still get a meal deal in Co-op.

By the time I actually wrote it, all of those things had changed in the course of just a week.

Whilst this has not been the easiest week of editing and student journalism (evacuating the media office less than 24 hours before we print was not part of the plan) it is a pretty good reflection on university life.

It moves fast, for good or for bad.

For those joining you will be fine and for those returning, you will also be fine. People need to remember university is for learning and it is very much okay to not know how to deal with everything immediately.

That has been the focus for this edition of Brig . All of our wonderful editors and writers have been working so hard on this edition.

We have articles about being sustainable as a student, strike information, sports clubs, dealing with imposter syndrome at uni, and everything in between.

Have a read, do the crossword, and also… join? Brig has been a very secure constant in my university experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone, not just journalism students.

If not for the opportunity to improve a multitude of different skills, then join for the people. Deputy Editor Freya Deyell has borderline kept me sane this week, for which I am very thankful.

No one ever has uni figured out completely. I interviewed ex-student union president Tash Miller recently and one quote stuck with me: “Maybe there were points where I was swimming and not just treading water.”

You don’t realise how hard you work or how much you’ve achieved until after you’ve done it.

So give yourself a break, take a breath and enjoy this new edition of Brig

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RAAC FOUND IN MULTPLE AREAS OF UNI

By Freya Deyell DEPUTY EDTIOR

Reinforced aerated autoclaved concrete (RAAC) was identified in various areas of the University last week, just as welcome week was about to kick off.

RAAC is a material that was frequently used in buildings between the 1950s and 1990s as cheaper alternative to regular concrete.

It comes as RAAC has been recently found in universities and schools all over the country, leading to the closure of many buildings as the material is “liable to collapse”.

A structural safety inspection was carried out on campus on Wednesday September 6, the day before freshers week events officially began.

The discovery means that everything on the upper floor of the Union will be closed until further notice, including the Chaplaincy, Studio bar, all staff offices and the media office.

The closure of the media office has caused much concern for the media societies which store equipment in the space.

The Union alerted societies at 2pm on Thursday that they must collect anything they need by 5pm that same day.

On Friday, they were contacted again to say that committee members were allowed access to the Union on Monday, September 11, from 2pm to 4pm only.

FROM FRONT PAGE

FROM FRONT PAGE

AirTV is one of the clubs which use the media office.

President Maisie Pirrie told Brig :

“These developments are concerning not only for AirTV but for the University as a whole.

“These closures leave our society without a room to operate from, and despite being able to rescue some of our equipment, we have not been provided with a safe place to store it.

“This has forced us to house it in our members’ homes which are a drive away from the university and less secure. This is very frustrating as we do not know yet how long this will go on for.”

StirPod also store their equipment in the Union.

Chloe Liddell, StirPod president, spoke to Brig as she came to salvage some of what the podcast society owns:

“There’s not that many of us [in StirPod], I was the only one who could’ve done it and I don’t really have the space to house our equipment…

“We have events coming up and I’m hopefully just going to be able to get as much as I can.

“We just need more information about when we’re going to be able to get the rest of our stuff.”

Starbucks and Venue on the lower floor are able to remain open however, meaning freshers week was

not entirely called off.

A spokesperson from the Union said on Wednesday night that these areas “will be open and safe for students” and that Starbucks will offer a limited menu.

They added that “a range of evening activity” will still go ahead as part of welcome week.

This meant that some events were moved from Studio to Venue and capacity limits had to be lowered for evening entertainment.

The spokesperson concluded:

“This news has obviously come as a shock to us and we thank you all for your patience – we are gutted as it isn’t the start to the term we’ve been hoping for but rest assured we’ll do all we can to still make it’s a welcome to remember.”

Additionally, the University made its own announcement via the student portal on Thursday:

“In response to the new guidance, the University has conducted a

review of its estate and is working with specialists, including onsite structural engineers, to carry out further investigations where necessary.

“The safety of our community is paramount and, as a precautionary measure, and to allow further assessments to take place, a very limited number of areas in the Atrium, Students' Union, and Cottrell Building have had access restricted.

“Assessments are ongoing and there is the potential for further temporary restrictions to be introduced.

“The use of RAAC in buildings is localised and, therefore, spaces adjacent to affected areas can remain open. We apologise for any inconvenience caused by these temporary restrictions.”

All information correct at time of publication. Check brignews. com for the most up to date coverage

UNIVERSITY TO CHARGE £34 FOR SINGLE BEDDING AND £52 FOR DOUBLE

By AJ Whyte

When asked for a comment regarding rent increases, a spokesperson for the University of Stirling referenced a previous comment issued and said: “All university-managed accommodation includes energy bills, high-quality internet access and contents insurance within the rental fee.

“The rent levels for the 2023/24 academic year include a rent freeze on 15% of our university-managed accommodation and a variable below inflation increase across the remainder of properties.

“These increases reflect inflationary pressures and rising operating costs – including utilities, staffing and maintenance costs.”

Stirling Solidarity Space first shared the allegations about bedsheets in an Instagram story on Friday, September 1, which was reposted by Justine Pedussel, the Union's housing officer.

It has been confirmed that the University of Stirling will be adding

a bedding pack option for students staying in university-managed accommodation.

The University had previously provided bedding packs as standard, but will now be charging £34 for a single bedding pack, or £52 for a double bedding pack.

They will include 1 single or double duvet and 2 covers; 1 or 2 pillows depending on pack size and spare covers; and 2 fitted sheets.

Justine Pedussel was approached for comment and said: “After an increase in rent for university accommodation of up to 9%, the university has subtly added even more expense for students.

“The university has exacerbated a housing crisis through a higher rate of student intake without adding more housing, and now removing some accommodation, such as Muirhead, as a possibility to live in. We are in a cost-of-living crisis.

“Rather than supporting and accommodating student needs during this crisis, they are pushing students further into poverty through the rent increases. This extra

bedding expense demonstrates little regard, nor understanding, for student welfare.

“Whether they like it or not it will affect students. [It will] disproportionately affect international students, poorer students, and those who are unaware of this extra cost, as there has not been any official announcement regarding this.

“I have been contacted by numerous students both informing me of the new cost of bedding and urging me to take this up with the University.”

Her statement comes following a meeting with the Heads of Accommodation Services on Tuesday, September 5.

Regarding the bedsheet charges, a spokesperson for the University said: “As part of our mission to improve sustainability and reduce waste, the University no longer automatically provides bedding packs to all students living in our accommodation.

“Instead, students can purchase bedding packs at a cost rate, should they be required.

“This decision was taken following discussions with partners, including the Students’ Union, and is intended to reduce the amount of unwanted bedding that is discarded by students.”

In a statement shared with Brig , Stirling Solidarity Space said: “The University of Stirling has added insult to injury - the provision of bedding is a small, simple act that shows the University cares about the students in its accommodation.

“As such, it is hardly a surprise that they have made this decision. Through an unjustified rent increase, mould-ridden flats, and now this insult, it is clear - the University does not care about students.

“We would urge the University to change all of these callous policies and once again listen to the hundreds of students who have opposed the rent increase.

“The VP Communities, and the Union as a whole, will have our full support in opposing the University on this."

Parts of the atrium are closed off. Image credit: Ciara Tait

PLANT-BASED UNION TRANSITION BEGINS

By Julia Benko and Ross Collie NEWS EDITORS

affect university-owned eateries like Scran or Sup.

In a statement, a Union spokesperson said: “Since the passing of the plant-based motion, the Union has been working to assess how we can work towards achieving what the motion set out.

“Students buying food in the Union will see a change across our menus this year with new items added.

“These include jacket potatoes with different plant-based toppings, sweet potato curry, vegan chili con carne, salad boxes, pasta boxes, jalapeno dippers, vegetable pakora, onion bhajis, and sweet potato fries.

are confident that this will meet the current mandate and offer students a variety of food to choose from.

“As ever, one of the obvious challenges will be to ensure we are able to provide a range of meal options that also offer value for money.”

“We have worked to ensure that the pricing of our menu is budget-conscious and competitive but cannot escape the increased prices that everyone will be well aware of.

“As a Union, we are committed to providing value for money, but we are also committed to paying our people fairly.

“We hope we get it right, but will always be listening to students to help shape our service if they think we can do better.”

and sustainable plant-based catering, with the intention of holding academic institutions to account on the issue of climate change.”

The open letter has collected over 800 signatures, comprising high-profile signatories and individuals from Scottish universities like Stirling, Strathclyde, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Many Stirling University lecturers have also signed the letter, including professors of the Natural Sciences and Psychology departments.

plant-based menu that Stirling’s Students’ Union has curated with the help of their consultation. They have provided the Union with a few helpful contacts, such as Made in Hackney, to aid with the formulation of the new menu.

Made in Hackney is a plant-based community cookery school that distributes meals to people in need within Hackney, an East London district. The school seeks to make plant-based meals low-priced, accessible and culturally appropriate.

New menu items have arrived in Stirling’s Student’s Union in line with a motion for “just and sustainable” catering.

In November last year, the Students’ Union passed a motion committing to making their food 50 per cent plant-based by the 2023/24 academic year. It aims to reach a fully plant-based menu by 2025.

These changes will only affect Studio, Venue and Underground; they will not

“Underground will also have a new range of sandwiches, different breads, a soup of the day and new side options.”

The Union also confirmed that some items would be removed from the menu, including the chicken and cheese wrap and pizza toppings such as BBQ pork and meatballs.

The Union will be trialling a range of different plant-based meals across the year to work out what food students want, with customer habits and student feedback forming what they offer in the future.

The Union spokesperson said: “We

Students in several universities across the UK have been pushing for fully plant-based catering on their campuses, as part of the ‘Plant-Based Universities’ campaign which aims to tackle universities’ contribution to climate and ecological emergencies.

Stirling was the first Students’ Union in the UK to commit to serving only plant-based food. It was a controversial decision that sparked both university and national debate. The motion was supported by naturalist Chris Packham but denounced by the Countryside Alliance.

On September 4, Plant-Based Universities published an open letter to “put pressure on academic institutions to transition to 100% just

LOCAL UPROAR AS HISTORIC STIRLING CLOCK IS DEMOLISHED

By Charlotte Sutcliffe EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

A clock on Port Street in Stirling was demolished on September 1 over safety fears after an inspection.

Issues had been raised surrounding the structural integrity of the 117-year-old clock and after recommendations from engineers, emergency work began to extract the head and then also the pillar.

Stirling Council stated that “sections of the clock have been removed intact” and “repair work on the base will commence over the next two weeks.”

A review of a restoration project on the pillar, crown, and clock was promised.

Despite this, local residents of Stirling were left unimpressed by the Council’s handling of the situation.

Videos quickly circulated on social media of the process of the removal showing toppling scaffolding.

Many were displeased that there was no warning of the removal and that it was done late at night, with it finally being demolished close to midnight.

Alistair Mcdonald, a local Stirling resident, was enraged by the Council’s actions especially due to his family’s connection to the clock.

He said on social media: “My father Thomas Mcdonald helped to lead the group that restored the Christie Memorial Clock in 2006 to celebrate its 100th year anniversary through the City Heritage Trust and the Provincial Grand Lodge of Scotland.

“This was a community project and most of the work was done for free or at cost price to allow the project to succeed.”

After concerns from her constituents, local MSP Evelyn Tweed wrote to the Council on September 4 to clarify whether there were prior discussions with Historic Environment Scotland, how much of the clock’s face has been salvaged and whether an investigation will be conducted.

She also asked for reassurance for her constituents that the clock will be rebuilt and restored.

Stirling MP, Alyn Smith, also wrote to Stirling Council leader Chris Kane.

He said: “I’m very clear in my view, the Council should investigate the events leading up to the destruction of the clock, and commit to its full restoration.

“Stirling Council has an important responsibility to protect

Stirling’s heritage, and they must live up to their duties.”

Kane then released a statement on September 5 acknowledging the public upset and emphasising their commitment to rebuilding and restoring the landmark.

“Officers will work at pace to prepare a report for the next Council meeting to provide further information on that plan,” the statement reads.

“The legacy of the Christie Clock will be preserved.”

Brig reached out for a comment from Stirling Council but no response was given by the time this publication went to print.

Local woman Pamela Littlefield watched the process happen. Whilst the demolition crane arrived at approximately 2pm, the cherry picker arrived at 5pm.

“Work should have never started at 5pm,” she said.

“As it took them so long to get the top off the tower when it came to approximately 10pm they just started to destroy the rest of the tower with the crane.

“I do think they had a plan, however, I don’t think they had a backup plan and unfortunately I feel they panicked and that is why it was destroyed the way it was.”

Dr Carol Jasper, a lecturer in Social Psychology at Stirling University, said: “It’s really inspiring that our students here at Stirling University have already voted for the catering of their union to be fully plant-based, ensuring animal harm reduction, and minimising the university's impact upon the environment.”

She hopes that Stirling’s “leadership and drive for positive change” will encourage other universities to follow suit.

Imogen Robertson, one of the students behind the motion, believes there is a possibility for change with more people calling for plantbased catering.

“I think with the visible acceleration of climate breakdown, as seen through news outlets and around us with heat waves, as well as the strength of over 650 academics calling for plant-based catering, there is a new momentum for plant-based catering.”

Imogen is excited to see the final

Imogen added: “I think [the new menu] will stimulate conversation, just as the introduction of the plant-based catering motion did so last semester.

“I know I have worked toward the 50 per cent plant-based menu (100 per cent by 2025) being accessible to those with digestive illnesses such as myself, other dietary-related restrictions, as well as being culturally appropriate for all students on campus.

“I would hope people are more open to plant-based food in light of the evidence that we absolutely need to support a transition to 100% plant-based if we want to mitigate climate breakdown and deliver justice for non-human animals.”

Students will be able to give their feedback on the menu by emailing the union at theunion@stir.ac.uk.

They can also have their voice heard by getting in touch through social media channels, or through democratic channels such as Union General Meetings.

Stirling Christie Clock in scaffholding. Image Credit - The Sun

The motion was passed last year. Image credit: Students Union/VERA

STUDENTS’ UNION ANNOUNCES INITIATIVES AND EVENTS TO BOOST STUDENTS’ WELL-BEING

By Emma Christie

Stirling’s Students’ Union is preparing for the new academic year by announcing new and continuing initiatives and events to help students. The Union have been developing and changing how things work in accordance with student feedback.

can help students find essentials quickly, especially if they are moving into halls.

As well as this, the Union have organised several events for Freshers’ Week to help students settle into university. An IKEA trip, a tour of Stirling and the campus, cinema screenings, various fayres and themed game nights are all on offer.

You can find a full list of what’s available on the Students’ Union website.

The Union website has been revamped based on student feedback. One new development on the site is the ‘Make a Change’ information. The Union wants students to be aware that they can voice opinions as an academic representative, and will be developing how ideas and motions can be submitted to a Union General Meeting.

The Union has also launched a new ‘Events’ platform that will help societies and sports teams, for example offering the ability to scan tickets to events via a mobile app.

STIRLING RESEARCHERS USE COVID-19 CONSPIRACIES TO FIGHT FAKE NEWS

promoting campus sustainability.

The new Sabbatical team for the Union have worked throughout the summer to see what key areas they want to work on this year.

Leen Ali, the new Union President, wishes to showcase student-led events and achievements as well as to work with the University on developing the inclusion and integration approach for international students.

By Julia Benko NEWS EDITOR

University of Stirling experts have investigated COVID-19 conspiracy theories in new research that seeks to fight digital disinformation or ‘fake news.’

Researchers studied social media posts from between March and June 2020 and are using their findings to suggest ways organisations and individuals can better deal with false stories intended to deceive the public.

The study analysed 87,412 posts from X, formerly known as Twitter, as well as four major COVID-19 conspiracy theories that gained attention during the early months of the pandemic. These include the 5G conspiracy; the Film Your Hospital movement; Expose Bill Gates; and the Plandemic conspiracy.

disinformation management has never been more critical, say the researchers.

Dr Wasim Ahmed of Stirling Management School, a co-author of the study, said: “Our findings highlight the need for a digital mindset in combating disinformation during major disruptive crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Government and health authorities may not have the resources to address every conspiracy, and some content may not violate social media policies. That is when the public needs resources, knowledge and a digital mindset so that they can critically evaluate information.”

A Students’ Union spokesperson said: “Everyone in the Students’ Union is excited about sharing plans with our members on what we hope is an exciting year ahead.

“During Welcome Week, we’ve organised a range of events which focus on key areas for new and returning students; making lifelong memories, building skills for the future, providing support and advice if and when it’s needed and providing students with the ability to influence their learning.”

The Union have multiple bundles for sale on their website, including a self-care bundle and a household starter pack. These bundles

Vice President Communities Zoë Crosher has also confirmed that the Community Food Initiative will continue this year after successfully gaining funding. She aims to improve this initiative to help fight against the cost-of-living crisis.

Zoë has also been organising events for this semester that will focus on tackling student loneliness. These include a free board game event on September 19 from 1:30pm - 4:30pm in the Atrium, and a crêpe paper flowers event running on November 9 in the Atrium.

Her priorities for this year include supporting non-traditional students, promoting societies and

NO MORE MEAL DEALS

By Jonathan Boomer HEAD OF PHOTOGRAPHY

The Co-op on campus is now a Nisa shop.

The new branding was installed last week ahead of Welcome Week after the Co-op logos were removed during the summer break.

Nisa had a shop on campus where the Green and Blue Space and student lockers now are, which then closed when the Co-op opened in

late 2020.

While the shop remained opened in its unbranded state over summer, they offered a reduced selection of products.

Despite the change in outside branding, the shop still carries Coop branded ready meals, fresh food and drink, and household items. The major exception in the Co-op line is the loss of meal deals. The lack of bundled sandwiches, drinks, and snacks are a student staple.

Katie Gethings, the current Vice President of Education, aims to run a life skills workshop open to all students to help boost their confidence in areas outside of their studies. She also wants to strengthen the academic representation system to let Student Reps feel more empowered.

The Union’s new handbook for the upcoming academic year has a full rundown of what the Union is offering and what its aims are to make student’s lives better.

The findings showed varying levels of belief in the conspiracies. At their worst, Twitter users denied scientific literature and spread vaccine mistruths, claiming the pandemic was a hoax.

Using the idea of ‘digital mindfulness,’ the University of Stirling team created a DigiAware Toolbox. The purpose of this tool is to help people make informed decisions on fake news stories, drawing on bias awareness, risk perception and principles of crisis management.

Digital mindfulness helps people to be digitally agile and focused without distractions. In the age of continuous digital stimulation and information, the need for digital mindfulness and effective

He added: “Digital mindfulness through something like the DigiAware Toolbox helps people change their behaviour so that they can assess information critically and make more informed decisions. That is vital in countering future disinformation campaigns.”

Conspiracy theories related to COVID-19 have had a range of consequences, said Dr Ahmed.

“For example, the theory that 5G technology is responsible for either spreading or causing COVID-19 led to vandalism and arson of 5G towers and verbal abuse of 5G employees across the UK.

“The conspiracies around Bill Gates and the Film Your Hospital movement aimed to cause distrust in vaccines and healthcare, leading to some medical professions receiving abuse.”

UNIVERSITY ART COLLECTION TO LAUNCH NEW ART EXHIBITION, ‘INSPIRED!’

By Julia Benko NEWS EDITOR

On Thursday, September 21, at 5:30pm, the University of Stirling Art Collection will be launching the 2023/24 exhibition, ‘Inspired!’, in Pathfoot.

Each academic year, the university’s contemporary Scottish art exhibitions, events and workshops have a theme. This year’s theme ‘Inspired!’ will celebrate how the university’s campus and art collections have boosted creativity.

The evening will begin with The Airthrey Dance Trail. Created by professional dancer Grace Turner, the Dance Trail is an

immersive series of dance films set in and inspired by the University of Stirling’s landscapes, including its lochs and ancient woodland.

The self-guided nature trail was funded in 2020 by Scene Stirling, Creative Scotland and Stirling Council. It invites the audience to stop at seven marked points around the campus and view the films on their phones.

After a special performance by Grace Turner at the Boat House by Airthrey Loch, the ‘Inspired!’ exhibition will be launched in Crush Hall. The art to be exhibited consists of multiple forms, from printmaking to fine art.

Emma McCombie, Deputy Head of Collections at the University of Stirling, said: “I’m delighted to announce Inspired! as our Art Collection theme for 2023-24. Improving access to art and encouraging people to engage with it is central to the University of Stirling’s mission.

“I am looking forward to seeing how Inspired! develops across the year and learn how our staff, students and visitors gain inspiration from the experience of being at Stirling and from our wonderful art collections.”

Ticket information can be found at @artatstirling’s Instagram page or Eventbrite.

VP Communities Zoe Crosher. Image Credit: Stirling Union

President Leen Ali. Image Credit: Stirling Union

The campus shop is now a Nisa. Image Credit: Jonathan Boomer

UCU STRIKES SET TO DISRUPT START OF TEACHING

By Ali Rees

It has been announced that the University and College Union (UCU) has called for 15 days of strike action at the start of the 2023/24 academic year.

The dates currently advised for action regarding pay are Monday September 11 to Friday September 29 inclusive.

Students will still have access to campus facilities including the library and sports centre during this time. In addition, the Student Services Hub will remain open to support students.

The university announced to students via the online portal that industrial action “may affect some teaching and activities on those days” but advises that “you should work on the basis that your studies, welcome, and other activities will continue as normal, unless you are advised otherwise.”

While some staff will inform students in advance of any changes to teaching or activities caused by strike action, staff are not obliged to inform students if they intend to participate.

Keep an eye on your university email for information from the university and your lecturers.

STIRLING STUDY FINDS KEY TO PARKRUN ENGAGEMENT

By Ross Collie NEWS EDITOR

A University of Stirling study has found that first-time parkrun runners are more likely to participate again if they run near freshwater and woodland.

The study, by Dr. Andre Gilburn, also found that smaller events with many other new runners would encourage people to return.

Stirling hosts a parkrun on the university campus every Saturday.

It is a 5km run, consisting of just over two laps of the Airthrey Loch.

The university’s parkrun can attract hundreds of runners, as the route is seemingly a perfect fit to encourage participants to return.

The community-organised events take place in many other locations across the UK, with there being 67 across Scotland currently.

Dr Gilburn, who is a regular participant in the Stirling parkrun, said: “parkrun’s mission is to create a healthier and happier planet. They provide free weekly events that encourage physical activity in a friendly and social environment.

“Understanding what factors

UKRAINIAN

determine whether a new participant returns to participate in parkrun again is essential to maximising its effectiveness in promoting good health to ultimately reduce burdens on healthcare systems.

“Identification of these features provides parkrun with additional information that could be used to manage their events to increase their effectiveness.”

Colin Sinclair, event director at Stirling’s parkrun, said: “We are privileged to use a route around the University of Stirling's stunning campus, which takes in Airthrey Loch and local woodland.

“I have no doubt this location encourages new participants to join us and then return time after time. Our parkrun has also attracted visitors from all over the UK and across the world, including runners from as far away as Australia, the United States and South Africa.”

The University of Stirling parkrun begins at 9:30am every Saturday, at the boathouse opposite the Swimming Centre. More information can be found on the Stirling parkrun website.

STIRLING AND CLACKS RESIDENTS SET TO BENEFIT FROM SNP PAYMENT

By Emma Christie

The Scottish Child Payment was introduced by the SNP Government in February 2021. So far, it has aided 7,295 children across Stirling and Clackmannanshire. This benefit pays out £25 per week to low-income families.

Since the introduction of this benefit, £8.1m has been paid to eligible families throughout Stirling and Clackmannanshire. To meet the requirements for this benefit, children must be under the age of 16 and from a low-income family. This is one of five family payments that the Scottish Government has available.

The idea behind the Scottish Child Payment is to provide regular aid and support to financially struggling families. It aims to fight child poverty as well as to support families throughout Scotland.

Having helped over 300,000 children across the country, the Scottish Child Payment has been commended as the most ambitious anti-poverty plan to be used in the UK.

The Child Poverty Action Group has described it as a “game-changer” in combatting child poverty, and the payment has also been hailed as a “lifesaver” by parents.

Keith Brown, SNP MSP for Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, said: “The Scottish Child payment was designed to tackle child poverty head on, so it is great to see the SNP’s benefit providing real support […] “It’s not good news that so many families need this financial support for their children – but it is good news that they are getting it.

By Carly McKim

Ukrainian-owned business, KRASUNYA beauty salon, opened its doors on Barnton Street on August 24.

Beautician Olexandra told Brig that they chose to open on this day as it was the Declaration of Independence of Ukraine.

Ukraine gained their independence from the USSR back in 1991. In 2023, cities around the globe have celebrated this day in solidarity with the country, which has been at war with Russia since February last year.

Over 23,000 Ukrainian people live in Scotland today and according to the Stirling Observer, as of June 7, Stirling is home to 329 Ukrainians across 157 households.

Unlike the UK Government’s benefits policies, there is no cap on the number of eligible children in a family for this benefit.”

Commenting on the current cost of living crisis, Brown said: “I am conscious that, as we head into the winter months, and with the Tory-made cost of living crisis continuing to affect households across Clackmannanshire and Dunblane constituency, families will face even greater challenges, with many struggling to make ends meet. The Scottish Child Payment will therefore be even more vital.”

Brown believes that while “it is clear the SNP Scottish Government is determined to use the powers it has to tackle child poverty and support Scotland’s most vulnerable families,” more could be done if the Scottish Government had more authority.

Brown said: “The profound impact of the Scottish Child Payment, in the face of both Westminster parties' pursuit of cruel policies and cuts, perfectly demonstrates the need for Scotland to have the full welfare and tax powers of an independent country. Only this way can we build a fairer and more prosperous country."

Olexandra has been in Scotland for over a year now. She spoke about how she is finding living in the country and why she opened a business here.

“I think Scotland is very good, the people are welcoming. I’m glad I live here.”

Olexandra explained to Brig that “there are many Ukrainian women who live in Scotland and specifically the Stirling area, who have skills in beauty, which is why we decided to open a Ukrainian/ Scottish beauty salon.”

KRASUNYA, meaning “beauty” in Ukrainian, offers a wide range of services such as botox, manicures and haircuts.

All services along with prices can be found on the salon’s Instagram page: @krasunya_beautysalon.

MSP Keith Brown. Image credit: Holyrood

BEAUTY SALON OPENS IN STIRLING

There is a campus parkrun every Saturday. Image Credit: Stirling Uni

Some of the staff at the salon. Image Credit: KRASUNYA

KEIR STARMER UNDER FIRE FOR CLAIMING THAT HE “WOULDN’T’VE BEEN ABLE TO ATTEND UNIVERSITY” AFTER TUITION FEE U-TURN

By Aidan Firth

Labour leader Keir Starmer has come under fire for comments claiming that he would not be able to attend university nowadays due to Labour U-turning on abolishing tuition fees.

The Labour leader said that his parents wouldn’t have had the spare money to send him to University in Leeds to do a law degree if he were to grow up under Rishi Sunak’s Tory government.

He added that the cost of living crisis was “choking off young people and their aspirations for the future”.

Starmer doubted if he and his family would have been able to afford the cost of living as a student, even with the job he worked at during his time at the University of Leeds.

Keir Starmer refused to properly clarify his position about tuition fees on BBC Newsbeat where he stated that there would be a “fairer system” for students’ tuition fees.

Starmer instead decided to focus on discussing students' struggles purely as a part of the cost-of-living crisis, focusing on this in an interview with ITV News.

Tuition fees in England are £9250, £9000 in Wales, £4530 in Northern Ireland and free at the point of use in Scotland for students although £1820 is covered by the Scottish government.

English and Welsh tuition fees are some of the highest in the world. United States tuition fees for “community college” (publicly owned universities) comes out on average to around half of English tuition fees, which are typically paid with a loan provided by the Student Loans Company on behalf of SFE.

Starmer claimed on LBC with James O’Brien that the reason Labour are “unable” to abolish some of the world’s highest tuition fees like has been done in Scotland is due to the economic damage that Liz Truss has done to the economy. This is despite tuition being free or less than £1000 in many European countries, many of which have had similar cost of living increases in the last year.

Germany, despite being heavily hit with cost of living increases due to the war in Ukraine, has continued to provide free tuition to its public universities since 2014.

Labour leader Keir Starmer. Image Credit: Chris McAndrew/UK Parliament

“Talent and aspiration should drive young people – not the affordability of rent, or soaring food prices. I vividly remember the excitement of moving to Leeds to study law. It was a financial stretch then; if I were a student today, I wouldn’t be able to go.”

- Keir Starmer

SURVIVAL OF THE RICHEST: RISING COSTS ARE COLLAPSING STUDIES

By Natasha Nelson

CROSSWORD

The cost-of-living crisis is detrimentally affecting people globally. Food inflation on items such as bread and milk remain high at 14.9 per cent, forcing people to make sacrifices on their weekly shop.

Students are being hit especially hard during this time as the government is failing to increase loans adequately. According to the National Union of Students (NUS) “one in four regularly go without food and other necessities”.

According to academic Thomas Richardson, there is a strong connection between financial problems and depression. On top of their studies, students shouldn’t have to worry about making ends meet.

NUS Scotland have reported that “many students are at a financial breaking point.” On top of that, the Royal Bank of Scotland’s data supports NUS’s findings, confirming that students are skipping meals, not seeing friends, and 11 per cent are using food banks to survive.

Even before the cost-of-living crisis, students told NUS Scotland that they were worried about

money and relied on credit cards and foodbanks to get by.

It isn’t surprising that student rent is among the affected, with there being an 8.3 per cent increase in student hall rent this year alone.

To keep up with costs, the majority of students are forced to work alongside their studies.

One in five work more than 20 hours a week. 64 per cent of those who do work said it negatively impacted their studies according to the NUS.

University students are also concerned about paying off their debts when they graduate.

According to the NUS, 43 per cent of students surveyed regularly worry about student loan repayments. Recently the government lowered the earning threshold of when student debt would be repaid.

The amount students repay is dependent on their annual salary.

Only when your income is above the repayment threshold, do you begin paying off your loan.

The threshold has dropped by nearly £3,000.

The term for repayment has also

been extended to 40 years according to Save the Student, meaning that 52 per cent of all borrows after September 2023 are expected to repay their loans in full, compared with only 23 per cent currently. Many students will be paying for their degree until retirement.

Summarised well by NUS Scotland President, Ellie Gomersall: “For several years now, the cost of living – particularly student rent – has significantly increased while student support payments have simply not caught up.

“The Scottish Government needs to act urgently and bring forward their commitment to increase financial support for all students in line with the Real Living Wage, along with a comprehensive system of rent controls covering all student housing so that students never again need to skip meals just to keep a roof over their heads.”

With the cost-of-living crisis not going away any time soon, survival is the aim for many. Quality of life has been forgotten about and our government is yet again deemed negligent. More needs to be done.

Across

2. The age you have to be to vote in the UK

6. Where politicians go to make decisions

7. A UK Prime Minister outlasted by lettuce

8. Scotland's leading party who may be losing power

9. An Iron Lady who is not for turning

Down

1. A barge, home of asylum seekers and legionella bacteria

3. An orange Republican with a famous mug

4. A Russian president who denied involvement in a plane crash

5. Someone who works in the public sector of the UK government, and isn't elected

10. Scotland's First Minister

The cost of living. Image credit: Pexels.com

Ellie Gomersall, NUS Scotland president. Image credit: NUS

THE DANGERS OF THE CLEAN GIRL

By Alex Paterson

‘Money talks, wealth whispers’ is how the traditional saying goes, usually directed toward fashion and materialistic pursuits. Now, this saying is affiliated with areas aside from clothes and fabrics; namely natural beauty, or the illusion of natural beauty. Of course, it’s still also about money.

The turn of the decade came with the inevitable change in style. Heavy foundation has been swapped for retinol and snail mucin; brows aren’t thick and angular but are fluffed with gel and a spoolie; harsh contouring has become a soft natural blush with some faux freckles.

Obviously, we can see that makeup is still being worn. The ‘faux’ in faux freckles is not there for fun. However, full glam has been shunted to the side in favour of a new beauty style, commonly referred to as the clean girl aesthetic.

In what’s essentially a rebrand of the timeless ‘no makeup’ makeup look, the clean girl aesthetic revolves around skincare, selfcare, and looking healthy and well. For clean girls, natural beauty prevails.

Your skin is to be seen, your eyelids to be naturally toned and your lips to be only a little glossy.

Clean girls have devalued creating a face with products; an era of self-acceptance is brewing. Or is it?

This shift is less about beauty trends and more about beauty standards. There’s an insidious, biological undertone that relates more to the toxic 2000s – the era where we were manipulated into thinking Bridget Jones was ‘fat’ because she was over nine stone.

The clean girl aesthetic relies on having either what has been classified as beautiful natural features or having money to amend natural features. If your lashes aren’t naturally long, you buy extensions; lip filler creates naturally big lips; Botox or more extreme, expensive surgeries for an authentic tight and sculpted face. A few are even ditching the faux freckles for tattooed freckles.

In 2016, the peak of full glam, hours were poured into watching and replicating YouTube tutorials and careers were built off being skilled at the art of makeup. A lot of money was spent but people could see where the money was going. Makeup was worn and you could tell.

The clean girl aesthetic hides its tricks, convincing you a Gua Sha will give you the look of someone who has routine Botox. Of course, some clean girls are effortlessly fitting into the aesthetic the way that, as always, some people will be naturally beautiful.

On the whole, however, this isn’t the case. For clean girls, a natural look is achieved with little to no natural means. It is money spent

that aims to look like no money was spent. There’s a danger in this. There was a beauty in creative makeup; patterns, bright colours, glitter. It was something you could own. Whilst the YouTuber tutorial-makers may be more talented, the colour in the palette they used was the same as the colour in your own. It was about creation.

This era of being attractive ‘naturally’ – not to be mistaken with looking attractive whilst natural – incites an unhealthy precedent of what it takes to be and what it means to be beautiful.

The viral moisturiser may not do to your skin what it does to the TikTok model’s. So, you find another brand used by another TikToker and see if that one works for you –which it likely won’t.

Yet, it’s still been bought and you still don’t look anything like the clean girl influencer. It’s a farce. Self-acceptance is the sheep’s clothing, and corporations are the wolf.

The moral here, as we’ve been told since the beginning of time by parents and coming-of-age movies, is to be yourself.

Maybe you don’t like last decade’s makeup or maybe you don’t like this decade’s; maybe you like both. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and you’re facing a mirror. Don’t be hoodwinked into bankrupting yourself with products from TikTok shop. Find your stylistic corner and relish in it.

THE SURPRISING CULTURE DIVIDE ACROSS THE BORDER

By Charlotte Sutcliffe

Coming to a different country for university can often be a big challenge but an adventurous one for international students.

I encountered this across various aspects; food, language, sport, schooling, alcohol, and music.

Except I’m not an international student, I’m just English.

Where to begin but the new words

to learn?

Piece (sandwich), scran (eat/food), patch (ghost/sack off), taps aff (tops off aka good weather). The last phrase is rarely used of course.

Pies… Although we have pies in England, the fillings aren’t quite as interesting. Curry, kebab, macaroni, scotch, chilli, and even pizza have made their way into a

Scottish pastry casing.

If that isn’t enough carbs, let me indulge you with the munchie box, which is a variety of deep-fried, fatty takeaway delicacies displayed in a pizza box.

The most shocking difference visually is the caution tape cordoning off the alcohol aisles at 10 p.m. First off, I hadn’t heard that the

licensing laws were different (the no-bottomless brunch was quite upsetting) but to physically bar the aisles created a concerning idea of what might happen if the tape wasn’t there.

Then there’s the football thing. Rivalries exist in England but in Scotland, there seems to be that added edge of bitterness towards

an opposite team: timeless rivalries which some have grown from religion.

Most notably the Glasgow and Edinburgh Derbies. The link between sport and religion is not one seen in England in the same sectarian way and the difference is quite scary – especially in Glasgow. I could go on and on about the differences; I haven’t touched on the different educational systems, governments, and free prescriptions.

Scotland has a uniqueness to it that not many can replicate. With such highs of extreme community and connection but also division and aggression, it’s all part of the charm.

It might sound silly to some to be surprised of the number of cultural differences, but it’s made the whole experience of crossing the border for uni a lot more interesting.

Scotland may be unexpectedly different, but it has definitely become a colder second home.

No alcohol in shops after 10. Image Credit: PA Wire

Image Credit: Carly McKim

By Julie Brinking COMMENT EDITOR

Three years ago, I stood bent over a suitcase trying to slowly zip it all the way while forcefully stuffing it with my favourite pillow. There was no way I was going to university without it. How else was I supposed to get a good night’s sleep after a night out?

I decided not to take a gap year between high school and university, knowing (and hoping) that the experience of moving from Denmark to Scotland would be enough of a culture change that it’d make up for not backpacking in Asia.

THE TALK: IT'S OKAY NOT TO BE OKAY

I was excited about my degree and I was done with home.

To my content, I was right in my presumptions about moving to a new country and now I even appreciate my home more. But university is not always the best time.

First of all, going to university is no small accomplishment – so, well done for getting here! You’re doing good.

Secondly, going to university is also not the only option, so if you’re not quite sure about your choice, don’t be discouraged from taking another route.

University life is often projected to be a big life-changing event that will set you on course for the rest of your life; you’ll make friends for life; and it’ll be the best time of your life.

It feels like a taboo to even think about admitting that university life sometimes sucks.

I’m here to tell you that it’s okay if everything is not okay.

Admittedly, I did not have the ideal start with covid and hybrid teaching that was never delivered. But everything that I struggled with was not directly related to the

pandemic.

I thought I was going to be a new person. I thought I was going to fall in love with the first Scot I’d find. I thought that I would suddenly love clubbing.

Instead I found myself scattered across modules, struggling with friendships at university and from home, things not working out exactly as I wanted.

The only thing that actually did change, was that I learned to drink and like beer.

In an attempt to diagnose myself I turned to Google. I found that so

HOW NOT TO GO GREEN: THE

many people, like me, didn’t have their expectations met. They were not suddenly different people at the moment of entering halls.

Learning that there is nothing wrong with not having a good time all the time helped me appreciate the good moments even more. I feel more secure and confident about life after university knowing that it is okay not to be okay.

If you are in need of mental health support visit the Student Services Hub on campus or the university website.

SHETLAND WIND FARMS

By Finn Rivett

In the midst of a rapidly escalating ecological crisis, the sourcing of renewable energy has taken centre stage in the debate around tackling climate change.

Scotland has taken a leading role in creating cleaner energy infrastructure, to the point that according to Renewable Scotland, just shy of 80 per cent of the country’s green energy is sourced from wind generated power.

The Scottish Government has set their sights on the location for their next big green energy project. Located in the middle of the North Sea, the Shetland Islands became the host of the Viking Energy wind farm, which aims to construct 103 onshore wind turbines to power 475,000 homes across the mainland.

While Scotland should be praised for their sustained commitment to generating clean energy, this new project has sparked anger among

Shetland’s residents, citing concerns that the windfarm and its construction is doing detrimental damage to their local ecosystem. With all of the turbines now constructed, the environmental damage has begun to rear its ugly head. A damning report by the Shetland Islands Council linked the disappearance of the Burn of Lunklet’s trout population to runoff from excavation taking place upstream.

The RSPB have also expressed concern for several bird species present on the island. The Arctic Skua population was reduced to just 10 per cent of its population from 2021. The species is among several that were already left in dwindling numbers by last year’s avian flu outbreak.

The Viking Energy project will be remembered by most locals as a case study of how not to go green.

The failure of the project managers to listen to environmental concerns has only burdened Shetland’s already fragile ecosystem with a new slew of problems that future generations of Shetland residents will inherit.

Damage from the construction has only persisted as the project progressed. Last year, Viking Energy’s failure to follow correct procedures when digging a cable trench resulted in a 72-meter-long landslide, causing damage to the local ecosystem that was easily preventable.

This is not even to mention the long-term affect this will have on one of the economic lifelines of the islands: tourism. With the decline of bird populations, as well as the industrial development of wild spaces, what will be left for tourists to bother see?

Construction in the north mainland of Shetland. Image Credit: Shetland News

Image Credit: Healthline

"The Viking Energy project will be remembered by most locals as a case study of how not to go green."

BRÒGEAL BUILD MOMENTUM

By Euan MacLean

2023 has been a breakthrough year for Falkirk band Brògeal: releasing their debut EP, headlining a sold-out show at King Tut's, and attracting the attention of Scottish music legends along the way.

Part Irish folk-punk and part Scottish indie-trad, Brògeal are one of the most exciting prospects in Scottish music today and has built a following with their confident, electric live shows.

The band is led by Aidan Callaghan and Daniel Harkins, with Euan Mundie on bass and Stirling students Luke Mortimer and Sam MacMillan on drums and accordion respectively.

Luke is the band's newest recruit, joining after the St. Patrick's Day release of their ‘Dirt and Daydreams’ EP. In a short break between packed recording sessions with the band in Liverpool, he talks us through his successful job interview;

"A good number of months back I was offered an audition with the

CONNECT FESTIVAL 2023 AT THE EDINBRUGH ROYAL HIGHLAND SHOWGROUNDS

By Georgia Dalgarno

From playing to 150 people on the Isle of Harris in May to performing to around 10,000 at 2023's Connect festival, Fred Again.. was in transparent disbelief, which I believed reverberated how being at the festival felt like. The festival was held on the grounds of the Royal Highland Centre, just outside Edinburgh, between August 25 and 27.

This was only the festival's fourth year of occurrence, with it originating in 2007 where it was previously held at Inveraray Castle in Argyll and Bute.

The festival took a hiatus between 2008 and 2022 but then was re-organised and re-located to Edinburgh.

The Friday night of the festival witnessed a much smaller crowd than the days to follow, but still produced an electric set from Scottish Rock band Franz Ferdinand and a soulful performance of Primal Screams album 'Screamdelica'.

Paralleling from the main stage acts, performances on the Guitars and other Machines stage ranged from the multi-instrumentalists Jockstrap to ultrapop group Confidence Man.

Saturday rolled around, and with an even bigger crowd than the preceding day, the festival still felt very idealistic and whimsical.

Amongst the Saturday performers I witnessed were Leith Ross, who played a secret acoustic set for the charity Tiny Changes, who hosted numerous acoustic performances throughout the weekend to raise money for young children's mental health resources.

Saturday acts included pop group MUNA, Rachel Chinouriri, and BEMZ, but the headliner of the night was multi-instrumentalist and DJ Fred Again.., who produced

band. It was on a Monday and, hilariously, there was going to be a gig that weekend. However, I was more than ready to accept the challenge."

"The guys were really impressed, so we set off to Dumfries and Galloway on Saturday and that's when I got to know them. The transition felt seamless."

This summer has seen the band feature on BBC Scotland's coverage of the Belladrum Festival and begin a monthly residency at McChuills in Glasgow.

They were due to support The Proclaimers in Belfast, an incredible opportunity sadly called off after the Edinburgh pop icons cancelled their tour dates for health reasons.

Brògeal demonstrates a great gift for storytelling as well as their musical talent, and from the outside, they feel like a band who know exactly what they want to achieve –something Luke sheds light on;

"I play to serve Aidan and Daniel's writing. I believe that playing in the pocket, providing a consistent

They were due to support the Proclaimers. Image credit: Brògeal

backbeat, and accenting certain words with a certain part of the drum, places more emphasis on the folk stories being told by the band. That is really what makes my job rewarding."

Anyone who has been to one of their gigs will recognise this instinctive attention to detail and realise that Brògeal are ones to watch. When asked what it was like to step into a band that is quickly building momentum, Luke says; "It's exhilarating. We've been given the chance to really push ourselves and showcase our talents as musicians."

an engrossing set of perfectly crafted songs.

Sunday, the final day of the festival, was filled yet again with a wide range of performers.

Sets included Christian Lee Hudson, who surprised the audience by bringing Phoebe Bridgers, a member of the headlining act Boygenius and an incredible solo artist, on stage.

Arab Strap was the final secret set act on the acoustic stage, and later provided a perfectly punk ending to the festival.

But the pinnacle of the festival had to be headliners Boygenius, consisting of Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker, and Lucy Dacus.

They brought an unforgettable set of pop and indie folk music, truly providing a once-in-a-lifetime gig.

Boygenius were then followed by joint headliner Loyle Carner, tying off what was an incredible weekend.

Connect not only provided incredible bands and singers but also had a whole host of wellness activities such as yoga and ice baths, supplying something for everyone.

It is safe to say Connect festival is truly a weekend you cannot miss, and I sure hope next year is just as impeccable.

An incredible weekend. Image credits: Georgia Dalgarno

The band. Image credit: Brògeal

A CONVERSATION WITH INTO YESTERDAY

By Carly McKim MUSIC EDITOR

Four-piece indie rock band Into Yesterday performed at King Tut's on August 25.

The Edinburgh-based band formed of drummer Euan Scott, guitarist Matthew Burns, bassist Andrew Dobie, and lead singer Rachael Diver said this is the biggest stage thye have played yet.

After an impressive set, Into Yesterday spoke to Brig about their performance, latest tracks and what they have in store for the future.

"It's the best we have been as a whole." Rachael told Brig. "Everyone was feeling each other."

The band told Brig they were once a three-piece. However, this all changed after Rachael joined in October last year.

Since then, they have released two songs: Midnight and Take it all. What are the meanings behind these two tracks?

Bassist Andy explains that he is the main songwriter of the group and has worked hard on these two tracks alongside guitarist Matthew.

He said, "Midnight is about after you get out of a relationship and feel lost without the other person, so you just try to find loads of things to replace it with."

INTRODUCING THE NARCISSIST COOKBOOK

By Emma Victoria Jenky

The Narcissist Cookbook, AKA Stirling local Matt Johnson, has just returned from their recent tour in the US.

During a recent interview, I was able to find out a little bit about how the artist came about.

Matt is a deeply embedded part of Stirling's local community and has been for a while, hosting a weekly open mic night and quiz at Nicky Tams bar.

Not only is he a friendly face around Stirling, but he is also a talented artist with a quickly growing following. And there's no doubt as to why.

Finding his love for music from his upbringing, and later from the 90s punk music scene, his musical influences are deeply embedded within his very own being. This is later what drove him to teach himself how to play the guitar.

"I learned a power chord in half an hour and could play the intro to my favourite song that evening. Instant gratification," he said.

The name The Narcissist Cookbook is the product of a tough time: "I was lonely, lost and extremely depressed. I had all this stuff I wanted to say."

The music Matt produces is raw and honest; however, this inevitably leaves room for criticism.

"I settled on The Narcissist Cookbook because it's sorta making fun of myself before other people get a chance to."

After asking Matt about the genre of The Narcissist Cookbook, he explained that he couldn't quite put his finger on it. Not quite spoken word but very similar to a monologue at times. Explaining that it came from a love of audio books, podcasts, and YouTube video essays:

"I wanted to try as recreate as a musician the way those things made me feel."

This, in turn, has created a genre that is unique to The Narcissist Cookbook. Something every artist is trying to create for themselves.

Describing his narrative as something that "would've helped

"Take it all is the B-side record and the songs go hand in hand. Exploring when you find someone or something else to fill that part of you but then rely on that too much and you don't really deal with any of those problems."

The band explained that a lot of their instrumentation is based on old pop-punk bands such as Blink 182 and Green Day as well as newer bands like Wolf Alice.

Rachael said "I didn't really know Wolf Alice songs until I met these three, then we stuck with those types of vibes."

So what's next?

After the first releases back in

April, the band revealed to Brig that they will be releasing four more tracks before the end of the year.

Andrew said: "The next single is called Method Acting which will have two tracks on it."

Matthew wrote the track which explores themes of a toxic relationship.

He explains that "there's a lot of imagery about relationships where one person is very controlling, there is imagery of someone watching you with a camera and they are directing your life.

"It's a bit of a darker one for us,

it's different to a lot of the stuff we do."

Eyes All Over You is the B-side track on the single and was written by Rachael and Andrew "It's finding out that your boyfriend cheated on you. Eyes all over you are concerning the other girls' eyes all over him," says Rachael.

Into Yesterday are hoping to release new music for us all by the end of the year as well as supporting The Manatees at Sneaky Petes in Edinburgh on September 27. With more gigs and releases to come, it looks like its only the beginning for Into Yesterday.

me when I was younger", Matt explained that after growing up listening to a lot of pop punk and witnessing the homophobia within that community.

" I know how much it meant to me when I found openly queer songwriters in that field," he continued.

The Narcissist Cookbook is relatable and reliable. They're an artist that is there for all of us. Truly.

"A mix of songwriter and storyteller" is the closest thing to a genre we can pin The Narcissist Cookbook to - because it can't be refined. It's a standalone project. Unique in the most relatable way.

It's no surprise that Matt's music has taken off, just back from a spree of US dates and heading on the road in October for a UK tour. Alongside this Matt is constantly brewing a new project and we can only wait in excited anticipation to see what comes next.

Read the full story and see how Matt became so involved in our local community as well as carving his way in the music industry as The Narcissist Cookbook, at brignews.com.

Matt will be familar to any Nicky Tams regular. Image credit: Phillip Romano

The band at King Tuts. Image credit: Rebecca Craig

EDINBURGH INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL WORLD PREMIERE REVIEW: KILL

By Alex Paterson

Scotland’s murky rural woodland is the perfect setting for Kill , a sinister yet sombre thriller centred on generational trauma and brotherhood.

Kill , director and writer Rodger Griffith’s feature debut, follows three volatile brothers in their bid to avenge their mother and put a definitive end to their father’s abusive tyranny.

A shallow grave, a forgotten element and copious amounts of whiskey later; the boys return the morning after the act to find their father’s body gone. Cracks in the

brothers’ bond appear. Distrust, paranoia, and fear corrupt their relationships with one another, leading to a 90-minute long thriller drenched in tension and tenacious drama.

Starring Daniel Portman (Game of Thrones), Brian Vernel (Star Wars: The Force Awakens), Calum Ross (Wednesday), and Paul Higgins (The Thick of It), it’s a star-studded nearly all-Scottish cast. The exception is Welshman Ross, who puts on a magnificent accent.

The elaboration and execution from the cast as the plot unfolded

kept the film mesmerising. It was blatantly impressive how bewitching and convincing the cast were. Not one character obtained full trust by the audience - to the point that it felt like a whodunnit.

Each of them performed wonderfully, doing their bit to make this film a complete nail-biter. In particular, the performances by Higgins and Portman are unfathomably riveting.

The score, composed by Max Aruj and Steffan Thum, also contributes heavily to the feeling of complete tenterhooks throughout the film.

Ominous as it resounds amongst the hills and the trees, the score’s grip on the film’s mood is suffocatingly tight. The music amidst the rain and rustling of rural Scotland gives an excellently eerie feel, well befitting of a thriller.

Visually, the film’s immense beauty adds to the solemn and solitary feel. Shot on an estate in Kilmarnock, the forestry and farmland give an unshakeable feeling of spooky isolation.

It almost makes the film feel like a survival horror, especially when some unexplained sights and sounds start appearing in the

woods.

The script is another element that adds to the film’s authenticity. The naturally Scottish dialogue, written by Irishman Griffith who now lives in Glasgow, makes the conversations and spats engrossing and believable.

Not many films could do what Griffith has done on a 21-day shoot in East Ayrshire. Emotional and terrifying, Kill is a stellar example of Scottish-Irish cinema. It’s absolutely worth seeing if you get the chance.

WHAT'S YOUR DRAG? AN INTERVIEW WITH THE DIRECTORS OF FEMME

By Rebecca Crockett FILM AND TV EDITOR

When thinking about the gritty criminals that skulk the screens of Martin Scorsese films, drag queens don’t necessarily come to mind. But directors Sam H. Freeman and Ng Choon Ping are out to change that in their spine-tingling feature debut, Femme

Jules' identity and career as a drag queen are destroyed after a homophobic attack. But when he happens upon the assailant, Preston, in a gay sauna he sees an opportunity for revenge.

The Femme directors are clearly not afraid of culture clash as queer expression collides into the hyper-masculine world of neo-noir.

In an interview with Brig , the directing duo described how drag is more than performance art, it’s a chance to

question who you are. Freeman explained:

“We talked a lot about drag. What drag is your character wearing? What character are you performing right now?

“That was true obviously for Jules who is very actively in some form of disguise throughout most of the film. Whether that be as Aphrodite, the drag queen in the beginning, or the other version of Jules that he takes on to exist in Preston's world.

“But ultimately, what he's doing is slowly stripping away Preston's drag and revealing what's underneath.”

Choon Ping added that to find these answers there often was a physical root. Choon Ping told Brig :

“The two actors [Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and George MacKay] were very involved in

prepping all the practical things like costume, makeup, choreography and tattoos.

“These practical processes were such great vehicles for what we were talking about. Why do you want to use this?

Why do you want to pick that?

“It's about really marrying the practical processes of prep with talking about the story and character.”

These story elements are Freeman and Choon Ping’s bread and butter. While Freeman began his career screenwriting, Choon Ping has directed countless productions for the stage.

It’s no wonder that Femme feels razor-sharp in its focus. But Choon Ping argued that more than anything, the experience of making a feature was a great big learning experience:

“What I realised was that in the theatre, in film terms, you're

always blocking in a wide, right? And then suddenly the camera gives you so many other formations to look at.

“It's just been really, really fun. Being able to tell a story with tools that I didn't have before.”

Freeman continued:

“The big joy of it is taking an idea from conception and bringing it all the way to that final point.

“Creating something in your head and seeing it so clearly, and then actualizing it and being like, ‘Oh, we've actually made the exact story that I wanted to tell’. You can't go back after that.”

Femme is set for a UK cinematic release this year.

Read the full interview at brignews.com

(L-R) Paul Higgins and Daniel Vernal star in 'Kill'.

Image Credit: Edinburgh International Film Festival/ CAA Media Financers

(L-R) Directors Ng Choon Ping and Sam H. Freeman with stars Nathan Stewart-Jarrett and Asha Reid at Edinburgh International Film Festival.

Image Credit: Jonathan Boomer

BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER: 20 YEARS ON

By Ben MacSwan

Joss Whedon’s 90s classic Buffy the Vampire Slayer ’s seventh and final season ended twenty years ago. Continuously ranked amongst the greatest television series ever, what is it that makes Buffy so special?

The show was known for pushing both its own boundaries and those of mainstream TV at the time. Critically acclaimed episode Hush saw the town of Sunnydale visited by the gentlemen who robbed the townsfolk of their voices in an episode which is almost entirely silent.

It was a direct response to Whedon’s critics who said his show relied too much on witty dialogue instead of narrative. So, he removed his greatest strength and got an Emmy nomination in the process.

The episode Once More with Feeling can be credited with starting the trend of musical episodes in shows. Although, recent attempts by Riverdale may not have every reader thanking Buffy for this particular trope.

While not all the ideas the Buffy crew had were executed to perfection, when they got it right they

were as entertaining as they were groundbreaking.

Buffy is also notable for its queer visibility, with one of the leads Willow Rosenberg (played by Allison Hannigan) experimenting with her sexuality in season four and later being openly gay with her girlfriend Tara (Amber Benson). It also featured a kiss between two women when this was still taboo for teen audiences.

The show also never spoke down to its young viewership; tackling issues such as addiction, domestic abuse, school violence and abusive relationships in a mature and careful way.

The characters were deeply complex, whether it was villain-turned-anti-hero Spike vying to be a better soul or Buffy herself battling depression and questioning her duties as the slayer. No matter how dark things got, the gang were still there for one another and the character growth felt natural and complete.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer, even 20 years after its finale, is still an entertaining and intricate piece of television that will continue to delight audiences for twenty more.

UNSOLICITED BIOPICS: WHO HAS THE RIGHT TO YOUR STORY?

Biographical pictures, or biopics, are detailed accounts of someone's experiences, often dramatised for the screen. They are usually based on a real person who has authorised their story to be turned into a film. Or so they should be.

The problem starts when these stories are stolen. Filmmakers will cash in on a story, often ones of hardship, and make millions while the real person doesn’t receive a penny.

One example is the story of Michael Oher. Oher is a former NFL player who was adopted by the Tuohy family.

The Blind Side (2009) tells the story of how the family helped Oher overcome his personal struggles to achieve excellence in American football. The seemingly rags-to-riches story has often come under fire for using white saviour narratives.

However, the biggest problem lies with the real Oher. He now claims that the family tricked him into signing over control of his finances to them. He has said that he never made any money from the film and is rightfully angry about this.

The Blind Side raked in over £237m at the global box office, millions more on DVD and home video sales and won Sanda Bullock an Oscar. The film would never have existed without Oher’s own story, and yet he hasn’t been compensated.

Oher released a memoir in 2011 and also recently filed a petition against the Tuohys for keeping his money from him.

But Michael Oher is not the only victim of unsolicited biopics.

Pamela Anderson has suffered with the release of the Hulu series, Pam and Tommy (2022). It follows Anderson and her ex-husband Tommy’s relationship and married

life.

The real Anderson was never consulted about this series and expressed her upset over the series. Anderson then responded to the series with her own documentary. Released in 2023, Pamela, a love story , is a recall of her life events, told from her perspective.

We have seen several other similar instances, sadly of women who are no longer here to defend themselves. Spencer (2021) on Princess Diana, Blonde (2022) on Marilyn Monroe, and not yet released biopic on Amy Winehouse, titled Back to Black Unsolicited biopics are complex matters of cinema. Coming under the guise of celebrating and commemorating people’s stories, biopics can sometimes shed light on a hidden hero. But other times they can feel like cash grabs, benefitting off experiences of the vulnerable.

The cast of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Image credit: 20thCentFox/Courtesy Everett Collection

By Emma Christie

Michael Oher. Image credit: ESPN

BRIG 2023/24 EDITORIAL TEAM

Niamh Brook POLITICS EDITOR

Jodie Hagan ARTS EDITOR

Charlotte Sutcliffe EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Freya Deyell DEPUTY EDITOR

Alex Paterson SECRETARY

Julia Benko NEWS EDITOR

Ross Collie NEWS EDITOR

Emanuela Scalia SPORTS EDITOR

Nathan Hassett SPORTS EDITOR

Jess Urquhart POLITICS EDITOR

Julie Brinking COMMENT EDITOR

Rebecca Crockett FILM & TV EDITOR

Lucie Smith BRAW MAGAZINE EDITOR

Rio Kerr LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Deanna Dawn FEATURES EDITOR

Carly McKim MUSIC EDITOR

Jonathan Boomer HEAD OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Robbie McAvenue HEAD OF SOCIAL MEDIA

Ali Rees GAMING EDITOR

THE TRUTH ABOUT DYSLEXIA: DEBUNKING THE MYTHS IMPOSTER SYDROME AT UNIVERSITY

By Hannah Coyle

Our society is made up of a plethora of misinformation. For every factual Google search, there’s 100 links to articles filling your head with unhelpful myths and people determined to distort the facts. This is no different for the neurodivergent community, where misinformation spreads like wildfire and a lack of representation rings too true.

By Emma Christie

Neurodivergence includes many developmental differences in the brain such as autism, ADHD, dyspraxia and dyslexia.

Whilst most of these differences more often than not co-exist with one another, this article will focus specifically on dyslexia and debunking the myths our society continues to hold on to.

Dyslexia can be described as a continuum of difficulties in learning and processing. Whilst many people still believe that you grow out of this, or that it’s simply a struggle to read and write, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Dyslexics can struggle with auditory and visual processing, phonological awareness, oral language skills, working memory, organisational skills and a plethora of other traits.

So, to minimise it down to spelling mistakes and confusion, is insulting and inaccurate. It is not simply small children who write words backwords, or adults who can’t spell.

Dyslexia is a developmental difference in the brain, that with the right support and tools, individuals can be empowered by their difference, whilst allowing themselves to focus on the promotion of their positive qualities to their neurological

difference. The word itself is not helping either. It is an odd mix of Greek and Latin, the ‘dys’ meaning difficult and ‘lexia’ meaning word, what chance is there when it translates to ‘difficult word’. So instead we must focus on the individual’s lived experience, listen to how their brain processes the world.

Neurodivergent individuals deserve to be understood, accepted, respected, and their differences celebrated just as much as anyone else.

I’ve said it one thousand times and I’ll keep saying it, accommodating differences helps everyone thrive.

If we could collectively understand that these differences are a natural and normal variation of the human genome.

Imposter syndrome may affect you even if you have never heard of it before. To sum it up, imposter syndrome (IS) is a psychological pattern of doubting your own achievements and feats, overall feeling like an imposter. Those who are affected may also have a severe fear of being exposed for being a “fraud.”

It is not a diagnosable illness, but those suffering from these feelings can also suffer from depression and anxiety.

DO

IS can affect lives of those outside of university, but of course where would anxious people doubt their abilities and constantly compare themselves to others? University can be tough on its own. We all know that, whether you are a fresher or a fourth year. Everyone has their own struggles to deal with. IS can make a lot of these issues worse; it can make you feel anxious or even that you do not belong. So, how can we deal with it?

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

It is better to be aware of the symptoms associated with IS. You may give other reasons for your success before you can admit your own capabilities. You may be over-sensitive to helpful criticism or be overly critical of your own work.

Also, you could be dealing with a fear of not living up to expectations and experience self-doubt. These are only a few examples of what people with IS will experience.

Once you recognise why you are feeling this way, you can begin to deal with these feelings in a healthy manner.

USE YOUR REASON AND ADAPT

Acknowledging IS is easier said than done but you must stop comparing yourself to others. Success looks different for everyone, and those you are comparing yourself to may experience similar problems.

An effective way to compare less is by moderating how much time you spend on social media. As we all know, much of it is fake or edited to only show the good parts of life.

BACK YOURSELF

To try and solidify your beliefs, examine your strengths and skills, and write them down so you can look back on them when you feel unsure.

HAVE A WEE CHAT

Sharing your feelings can help more than you may think. Negative thoughts can worsen if you bottle them up, so even consider forms of therapy

Lastly, do not let IS stop you from achieving or pursuing your goals. You deserve to be where you are right now, you just have to let yourself believe that.

Neurodiversity is a term used to explain how people's brains think and function differently - not disordered, just different.

It would encourage individuals to reject the ingrained negativity that surrounds those that live, learn and view the world through a different lens.

BRAW'S GUIDE MASTURBATION: VAGINA EDITION

By Lucie Smith BRAW EDITOR Restrict

For many, university is the first time when the feeling of impending mortification of getting caught with your hand down your pants is faded behind a locked door.

Between the newfound freedom, stress, and sexual liberation that university brings, it's common for students to get more in touch with their bodies via masturbation.

If a vagina-owner masturbating makes you clutch your pearls: it's time for you to leave your preconceived notions and educate yourself.

Vaginas are not these delicate little flowers waiting to bloom, they are the most powerful organ in the body.

Yes, they can cause us pain and make us want to scream. They also can give us the most powerful sense of pleasure (which also might make you want to scream).

Here are Braw’s tips and tricks to help you achieve the most rewarding and pleasurable experience.

Incorporate all five senses

Our senses have one of the most intense connections to our bodies' experience. Therefore, using them in a sensual context can provide our bodies with a more immersive experience but also a sense of safety. Whether it's a certain perfume that your mind links to a calming or sexual experience, the feeling of freshly shaved legs on clean sheets, the sounds of moans and soft gasps, or even the simple sweet taste of fruit - any sense that makes you feel safe or excited can be used to enhance your alone time.

yourself

Teasing is not reserved for partner play. Practising healthy restrictions within sex can help build up sexual tension to make any sexual play more intense and help you orgasm.

Note: An orgasm is not the goal - your pleasure is. Try timing yourself for small interments with breaks in between to watch yourself squirm or only focus on a certain area of the body at a time.

Imagination to empowering masturbation

Masturbation can be an exposing experience for anyone insecure in their own body. However, the liberation you can feel when turning yourself on alone is incredible. Why not immerse yourself in your

favourite fantasy? Now don’t you roll your eyes, we all have a fantasy. Whether that's bondage, power play or meeting a whiskey-drinking biker in a random bar that wants to show you the back roads… you know.

Imagine yourself in that situation: dressing yourself up to fit, and making yourself feel sexy and empowered is the first step to understanding and connecting with your sexy side.

Be kind to yourself

In whatever way you touch yourself, please remember it is okay if things don't feel like you think they should. Or if you just don't like it.

You are not broken. There is nothing wrong with you. You take this at your own pace, what you may perceive as issues, everyone else around you has experienced too, I promise.

AND JUST LIKE THAT IT'S OVER: A GRADUATE'S LOVE LETTER TO FRESHERS

At the tender age of 17, I believed I had reached adulthood, convinced of my all-encompassing knowledge and under the impression that university would be a walk in the park. Little did I know I was yet to endure some of the toughest years I had ever faced.

Out of my close school friends, just one opted for University of Stirling, and the prospect of forging an entirely new circle of friends rattled me. The idea of interacting with new people seemed daunting, as if everyone around me was critically evaluating my every move.

By Robyn Duffy

Thankfully, during the later part of my first year, I had the fortune of crossing paths with two individuals who remained my dearest friends throughout our time there and who I still consider my best friends. Additional friendships blossomed and faded as the years went on.

It also led to finding my partner at Stirling, fulfilling my younger self's dream of a university love story.

It's hard to believe that six years have gone by since I drove through the campus with my family, en route to Donnelly halls back in 2017. The excitement of freshers week was underway, though my heart was aflutter with anticipation for the upcoming four years.

Little did I know that my journey would extend to four years, a resit year and a master's degree. Even though the duration of my university experience took as long as my secondary school years, these past six years have truly raced by in the blink of an eye.

However, anxiety loomed around making friends due to my lower economic background and being the first in my family to attend university. Free tuition in Scotland made it possible for me to enrol, but financial constraints limited my participation in activities like sports teams.

Regrettably, I let anxiety deter me from early involvement with Brig , despite aspiring to journalism.

In my final undergrad year, I summoned the courage to publish articles. A year of writing emboldened me to run for and achieve the head of social media position in the paper you are reading, Brig a role I continued during my master's.

Robyn in 1st year. Image Credit: Robyn Duffy

Robyn at graduation. Image credit: Robyn Duffy

COFFEE AND CONNECTION: THE STIRLING QUEER BOOK CLUB

By Alex Paterson

A sense of community is vitally important, especially for marginalised groups. For queer people, safe spaces - whether online or in person - are crucial for bringing the community together to combat the isolation of a post-lockdown world.

Familiar with these feelings of seclusion, Eilidh, a founder of the Stirling Queer Book Club, is on a mission to connect queer people across Stirling and Scotland over a shared love of books.

During lockdown, Eilidh, a filmmaker from the north-east of Scotland, was living rurally in an area without other queer people. A large part of her socialisation was conducted online, as she began an online book club catered to the LGBTQ+ community for both herself and other isolated queer people.

Upon moving to Stirling in 2022, Eilidh was keen to bring her online success into the physical world, eager to spend time with like-minded people in the flesh.

Speaking to Brig , she detailed

how the Stirling Queer Book Club was born: “When I moved to Stirling last year, I decided I wanted to do something in person to take advantage of actually living near other queer people.

“I started going to the Book Nook regularly, as it felt like the most queer space Stirling had, and it turned out one of the baristas there, Eli was also thinking of starting a queer book club. So, we teamed up, and here we are.”

Meeting Eli meant simultaneously finding a meeting spot, as the meets are held in their workplace, the Book Nook.

Both being part of the LGBTQ+ community, the decision was made to have a focus on queer stories to cater to queer people.

Upon successfully creating this safe space, Brig asked Eilidh what it means to be part of this community that she helped create: “I love meeting new queer people as it can often feel like we already have a lot in common.

“In terms of media, we’ve all consumed a lot of the same stuff, as

HOW TO WRITE POETRY

By Niamh Brook

I thought for a long time about what I’d do, agonising over what I would say, I concluded I had no business writing, yet here I am, doing it anyway. I could make sweeping, existential gestures, about life, the universe and time but, let's be honest, I’m twenty years old, I’m struggling to make this thing rhyme. Perhaps I’ll be softer, and think about love, and its sweet, gentle warmth on my heart, sitting out with my friends, and loving them all, why does poetry even have to be art?

I’ll write about love, in the kindest of terms, without any tricks, or reason, or wit, isn’t love just poetry, without all the words? we can think. we can love. maybe that’s it.

historically there hasn’t been a lot of queer media going around, so we’ve got lots to talk about. And now that queer media is getting more frequent and varied it’s really nice to enjoy that and discuss it with other people.

“For me, it’s also been a great way to meet new people as someone relatively new to the area, so I hope it can do that for other people too.”

The Stirling Queer Book Club is open to anyone over 18. So, whether you’re a freshers student, entering your master’s, or anywhere in between or beyond, the Stirling Queer Book Club is looking for members and friendship. Communities are havens, and this haven comes with coffee and books - what more can be asked for?

You can join the book club by following by reaching out to their official Instagram @StirlingQueerBookClub, or by getting a free ticket on Eventbrite. They also have a Discord for general text discussions, and for those who are unable to attend meetings.

STIRLING THROUGH SEPTEMBER –THE CREATIVE GUIDE

By Jodie Hagan ARTS EDITOR

Stirling is home to a range of arts venues hosting all kinds of events throughout the year. Here’s the lowdown on what the main creative hubs are offering this month.

The Tolbooth

-Mirror/Mirror:Stirling Photography Festival Exhibition –Runs until 23 September

Macrobert Arts Centre

-Bruce Fummey, Stories of Scotland (Comedy) - 15 September

-Girls Night Oot! (Musical) - 16 September

-Dracula: Mina’s Reckoning (Play) - 21 to 23 September

-A Little Life (Filmed live theatre) - 18 September to 1 October

-Thinking Images: A Short Course in Video Essay Making - 21 September

-Cyanotype Workshop with Braw Artworks - 23 September

-The Man Who Could Paint Anything – The Legacy of Thomas Stuart Smith (art exhibition) – Continuous

The Albert Halls

-Bloody Scotland, Scotland's International Crime Writing Festival – 15 to 17 September (and other locations)

Queer book club artwork. Image Credit: Instagram @stirlingqueerbookclub

Made in Stirling

The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum

Various Stirling art venues. Image Credit: Facebook, Made in Stirling, Jodie Hagan, Instagram @macrobertartscentre

SUDS ANNOUNCE THEIR NEXT PRODUCTION: THE LAST DAYS OF JUDAS ISCARIOT

By Jodie Hagan ARTS EDITOR

Judas Iscariot is history’s most notorious traitor; he is the disciple who betrayed Jesus himself. But is this ultimate villain status fair? Could he just be a man who made a mistake?

Stirling University’s Drama Society (SUDS) sets out to address these big questions and more with their recently announced production of The Last Days of Judas Iscariot , a play by Stephen Adly Guirgis.

The play tells the tale of an imagined court case deciding the fate of Judas and will be co-directed and produced by Petra Hanusova, Eilidh Brown, and Phoebe Jenkin.

“The play involves iconic characters such as Satan, Mother Theresa, Saint Monica, and many more who all testify as witnesses,” said co-director Hanusova.

“While it may sound outdated and over religious, it’s actually the opposite – it’s a satirical adult play with a lot of dark comedy.”

SUDS will take The Last Days of Judas Iscariot to the Macrobert stage on October 10 and 11, with

auditions to be held at the beginning of semester.

“We do have a lot of set ideas when it comes to things like stage production that we hope to bring to life, but in terms of actors we are aiming for a more open and collaborative approach where they can have a lot of say about the way their characters should be,” said Hanusova.

Last year, the society took on both Agatha Christie’s murder mystery And Then There Were None as well as Shakespeare’s bloody tragedy Macbeth

With this next production they will be stepping out of their comfort zone and putting on the most modern play they have performed in a very long time.

This semester will also see Freya Stevenson step into the spotlight as president, taking over from Franco Nazareno who held the role for three years.

“Many of our members graduated last term, so my main goal this year is to recruit lots of new members to SUDS,” said Stevenson.

“We are also aiming to continue

our steady run of selling out our shows. We have even added a third matinee show to our next play.” While putting on productions is a large part of SUDS, the performances themselves are not the be all and end all; the society’s weekly Tuesday evening theatre workshops are open to everyone. Similarly, the society does not

simply restrict itself to the stage, its strong connection with AirTV often leads to exciting short film collaborations.

“We are a society that constantly has something going on, with plenty of opportunities for anyone to act, direct, or be involved backstage,” said Stevenson.

If SUDS' entertaining

performance of Macbeth last semester is anything to go by, we can be sure that their’ next production and future ventures this year will carry the same sense of enthusiasm and passion for theatre. With freshers students adding some new blood into the mix, perhaps we will even see some rising stars making their Stirling debut.

BLOODY SCOTLAND REVISITS STIRLING

By Leonie MacLeod

From September 15 to 17, crime writers and enthusiasts will assemble in Stirling for the 11th year of Scotland’s international crime writing festival.

With September kicking off a new academic year for University of Stirling students, this will also be a great way to catch up with old friends and meet new people.

What’s on Torchlit procession

The first night of the festival will see the famous torchlit procession through the streets of Stirling.

The crowd will meet for a glitzy reception in the 600-year-old Church of the Holy Rude.

The procession is from the castle esplanade to the Albert Halls, where a prizegiving will take place for the prestigious McIlvanney

Prize.

Named after Scottish writer, William McIlvanney, the prize is awarded to the author of the best Scottish crime book of the year.

The winner is announced in early September and will lead the procession alongside the shortlisted authors and Stirling and District Schools Pipe Band.

The torchlit procession “would be a great photo opportunity for students new to the area, wielding torches with the castle as a backdrop,” says Fiona Brownlee Donald from the festival team.

Free football match

On Saturday 16, a Scotland vs. England football match will take place in Kings Park from 3.15 p.m. to 4.15 p.m.

It will be free to play and the winners will be presented with the

bloody cup.

Stirling Distillery are also selling special Bloody Scotland cocktails in a pop-up bar at the park.

Brownlee Donald told Brig : “It’s a great way of getting involved with the festival and up close and personal with crime writers.”

Val McDermid

The Scottish queen of crime is coming back to Stirling on Friday 15 September to discuss her latest work and recount her career thus far.

With 41 novels, 19 million sales worldwide, and four TV adaptations, she has cemented herself in the world of crime writing.

McDermid is speaking in the Albert Halls from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. She will be discussing the latest instalment in her DCI Karen Pirie series, set to be published in October.

This series inspired the successful ITV show Karen Pirie, which has just been renewed for a second season.

Other events

CrimeMaster is on Friday, 15 September and Saturday, 16 September at the Albert Halls. It is the festivals take on Taskmaster and will showcase the tasks crime writers have been given throughout the year, as well as a set of live tasks.

On the night of Friday, 15 September, the Curly Coo bar on Barnton Street is opening its doors for its annual Crime at the Coo. Here, you can join your favourite crime writers for a drink. For a full programme and tickets, visit bloodyscotland.com.

Society rehearsal. Image Credit: SUDS

Torchlit procession. Image Credit: Paul Reich

The Bloody Cup. Image Credit: Paul Reich

Player Profile: Hawke Wood

By Ali Rees

EDITOR

In a world where gaming culture is dominated by stereotypes, Brig's Player Profiles aims to introduce gamers outside the norm. Meet Hawke, a disabled & queer actor, storyteller, story-enjoyer, and gamer.

Hawke grew up with a single mum and as a result, they spent a lot of time with neighbours and babysitters. "My childhood best friend had a Sega Megadrive and I remember ruining their score on Streets of Rage 2" reminisces

Hawke. His gaming journey started shortly after. "I got my first PlayStation and a Gameboy Colour for Christmas from my mum and nana respectively. I don't remember asking for them, but clearly, my interest in games was obvious!

Pokémon was a huge part of my childhood and I found out years later my mum used to sneak into my room at night, slide my GBC out from under my pillow, and play while I slept! She didn't keep a save file, so I never knew. I can't complain, I used to get her to do the

cave sections for me because I was too afraid of getting lost."

As an autistic kid, Hawke was satisfied with just a small collection of games "I had Spyro: Gateway to Glimmer and I played it so often that to this day, I know the map of every level by heart. For years I was happy to just keep playing Crash Bandicoot, Smackdown, and Spyro, and a lot of development in the industry kind of passed me by - I was happy in my little bubble." These kinds of deep, specialised interests are a common trait of autism and it's not uncommon for autistic people to derive significant comfort and enjoyment from repeatedly engaging in the same activities. When asked about how his taste in games grew and developed, Hake said "When I was 15, one of my friends invited me over to play his Xbox and it was as eye-opening an experience for me as learning about sex for the first time. It had never occurred to me that games could be anything more than what I'd already experienced and suddenly a whole new world was opening up right in front of me. I already played games a lot, even if I just cycled through the same few, but

now I was searching out new stories, types of gameplay, and a wider pool of developers. I felt like one of the great explorers (minus the awful colonising parts!) uncovering a whole world of treasures left by those that came before."

Hawke was excited to discuss representation in games, to the extent that he emailed a second time to add more details to his answer after our interview. "I was very moved when I played Horizon Forbidden West," said Hawke, "one of the characters loses an arm and replaces it with a machine. It works great, but the character chooses to only wear it when he needs it. He says that he is proud of who he is and doesn't feel the need to hide it with prosthetics."

Hawke also speaks about the positive trans representation in Dragon Age: Inquisition, where you encounter a character whose gender as a trans man only comes out if you get to know him – if you don't, he's just a well-written, likable character. "Believe it or not, there's more to queer folk than being queer!" said Hawke. Indie games are particularly good at this, incorporating minority

representation into characters without centering that facet of their identity. "Sometimes gaming is about escapism, and we want to forget the difficulties in our lives for a while, so having people like us existing without having to deal with the prejudices we may face in real life, gives me a quiet sense of hope for how that landscape could be real one day."

Unfortunately, not all representation is done as well as this. "I have to give a (dis)honourable mention to The Surge." Says Hawke, "I was giddy with excitement when the game began and opened on a protagonist in a wheelchair. There's no explanation, he's just a disabled guy living his life, which I was all for. Ten minutes into the game he gets magical metal legs and even though he's technically still disabled, he's walking around like it isn't an issue. I really tried to play the game after that, but I just couldn't, it made me so uncomfortable. I then read an article with the developers which made it so much worse! They're so self-congratulatory about how they've saved this poor man from his sad disabled life and given him a new chance blah blah blah. It gives the impression that none of the team has spoken to a real disabled person.

safely say this is not the case at all! Just like glasses, disability aids enhance our lives, we don't stop dead without them. Our aids help us do the things we want to do but they do not define us - I am thankful for the freedom my wheelchair gives me to be myself."

In answer to a question about ways developers can continue to improve in this direction, Hawke had a quick response. "Hire diversely! Hire. Diversely. It's really that simple. It's a cop-out excuse to say, 'There's no X, Y, Z in the game development industry.' Make space for them! There are game developers from every walk of life, I promise you, and more will follow if we give them the space to flourish. Your game can have a real-world impact on the industry as well as your audience.

"As an actor, I am incredibly proud that I get to represent young disabled folk and be part of the inclusivity people see, I don't remember seeing disabled or queer characters growing up, and the thought that these topics will be normal for future generations fills my heart with warmth. Make the community you're in welcoming and safe. Encourage diversity, be vocal about being an ally, and make space for marginalised people to be heard."

Hawke is a lifelong gamer and wants the games industry to represent him as a trans, disabled person.

"It's common nowadays for games to feature characters with amputations or other disabilities, which is fantastic and normalising, however, most of these examples include an artificial limb or tool that completely cancels out any 'disability' that disabled people face. It's a common misconception that disabled people are missing something or that aids is because we are lacking. As someone who has been both able-bodied and disabled, I can

And as always, it was imperative to find out Hawke's favourite games.

"I have a lot of favourite games for a lot of different reasons but if I had to name a few, to sum up who I am and my gaming experience, I would choose Spyro, Coffee Talk, Dragon Age, Limbo, Mass Effect, Ikenfell, and Fable and I'm currently playing every hidden object game I can get my hands on!"

Hawke Wood is a model, an actor, and a gamer. Image credit: Hawke Wood

Image credit: Hawke Wood

GAMING

Player Profiles continues Brig's journey through the diversity of gaming. Meet Hawke, disabled & queer actor, storyteler, and story-enjoyer.

Bottom Left: Spyro the Dragon, one of Hawke's favourite games. Image credit: Insomniac Games/ Sony

THE HIDDEN THREAT OF AI

By Alex Paterson

Artificial Intelligence - the epitome of 'fearing the unknown'. However, in this case, the fear is not unfounded. There is plenty to fear.

It's the topic of video games, like Detroit: Become Human, and films, like Ex Machina; albeit they may dramatise a little. Regardless, media like this has allowed society to come to terms with the idea of artificial intelligence existing and substantiate their hesitations toward it.

The indoctrinated fear over the years surely means that now, in 2023, we're ready for this next advancement of technology. Of

course, we can handle the reality of the creation and evolution of AI.

Until we can't. Last month, Snapchat's AI bot stopped responding to messages and posted its (their?) first-ever story. This led to a trending topic on Twitter and had tweens, teens, and twentyyear-olds in a frenzy because they couldn't understand. It was uncharted territory.

What do you do when the artificial intelligence created to serve you, stops serving you?

Naturally, Snapchat confirmed this was a blip in the system and not a real concern. This didn't erase the already widespread fear though. It

substantiated the horror of sentient technological domination.

It's another log in the A.I. scaremongering fire that is nearly untameable.

However, the fear is misplaced. An A.I. revolution is not an imminent problem, but A.I. abuse is. Technology makes life easier, and what's easier than having A.I. do everything for you? Alas, everything is the keyword. Technology can be a fantastic resource unless it's used in situations it should not be used in. In the U.S., lawyers have been caught referencing legal cases that do not exist; they're generated by AI,

and fabricated to be used as false precedents.

This is far scarier than your Alexa refusing to play your Spotify or ChatGPT putting typos in an email. It's far more real than an incognito robot replacing your mother.

Ultimately, the reality is that no one is quite ready for life with A.I.; including those in office. Legally, it's foreign territory so its jurisdiction is wildly complicated, and the popularity of AI is allowing it to grow faster than regulations can be made.

In the age of disinformation, artificial intelligence is an immeasurably large threat. Even if legislation

IS IT GAME OVER FOR BOARD GAMES IN PUBS?

By Emma Christie

The latest internet debate will have you questioning if we have run out of things to complain about. Pub-goers have taken to social media to weigh in about whether board games should be allowed in pubs.

Students and casual drinkers alike often appreciate a selection of classic games to choose from in the cosy corner of their local. Board games are a great way to socialise at the pub, especially since the rise of social media.

However, not everyone seems to respect this culture of gaming at the bar. The main issue people appear to have with it is the noise levels. Fair enough, when a Jenga tower drops or a sudden "whoop!" of excitement erupts in a relaxed pub atmosphere, it can make you jump or interrupt your evening. Although let's be honest, board games are usually not the nosiest

thing you'll deal with on a night out.

One commenter took to Twitter and said: "All the cool people of NYC are playing chess late at night in bars now. Wild times."

Below this Tweet was an image of several people focusing on two sets of chess games.

Opposing this opinion, another user commented: "Don't get all the hate with this. Majority of pubs in Ireland will have a load[...] of board games you can pick up and play from the bar, and we're the authority on what makes a good public house I'm afraid."

From personal experience, those playing at a pub are usually always respectful and keep the noise down a lot more than the rowdier groups that come in.

Another commenter said: "Board games at bars just make me think, we could have done this at home."

was introduced, the technology is now in existence meaning the threat of misuse is indefinitely present. There's a bottomless pit of problems and little to no solutions. What can be suggested, other than to keep your wits about you? How do you prepare to fight an unknown threat? Fearing the unknown is more than justified when it comes to artificial intelligence. Hopefully, we'll be able to fight the brewing war against disinformation with more resources than we currently have because, as it stands, none of our artillery is a match against artificial intelligence.

This is a fair enough opinion to have, especially if you are looking to save money.

One wrote: "I think I'm gonna start going to bars with board games. Seems like a great way to make some friends […]."

Another said that board games at the pub are "a way to go out without the frenzy of a party".

Several people have voiced that games in the pub are a good option to have for an alcohol-free night. You can still come along and have fun with your friends and not feel left out, even if you don't have a beer.

Overall, it seems like the board game community likes to keep to themselves and doesn't cause hassle for other patrons at the bar. I'm not sure who decided to start this debate, but maybe they just lost one too many games of Scrabble on a night out.

The threat of AI permeates all areas of life. Image credit: Pavel Danilyuk/Pexels

cottonbro studio/Pexels

Beer vs Board Games. Image credit: Canva

HOW TO BECOME A MORE SUSTAINABLE STUDENT

By Rio Kerr LIFESTYLE EDITOR

Sustainability can be an afterthought in a student's busy life. However, with Scotland's Climate Week coming up from September 25 to October 1, it is now more important than ever to think about what we are doing to help tackle the climate crisis.

Even the smallest of changes can help Scotland reach their net zero target while also benefiting yourself and your life as a student.

While it may not always be possible to make more sustainable swaps, here are some ideas on how you can do your part to become a more sustainable student.

Go digital

As a university student there are many benefits to go paperless and be a digital student.

Going digital as a student means you won't need to carry so much about with you.

Forget carrying multiple textbooks, notebooks, pens, pencils and more when you can have everything all in the one place: your computer or tablet.

You will even find most required readings will be available online to read and if not, there is always the library where you can borrow them from.

It isn't always possible to go completely paperless but when you can always try.

Ditch disposables

As of 2022, around 700 million single use items were being used in Scotland every year.

In June of last year, the Scottish Government implemented a single-use plastic ban, which makes it an offence for businesses to provide items including plastic cutlery, plates and stirrers.

While this has helped cut down single use plastics entering circulation, it hasn't stopped the use of other single use products.

Many businesses have switched these plastic items for paper straws or wooden forks instead, which still can only be used once before being needed to be thrown away.

However, if you are out and about often you should invest in reusables.

Reusable water bottles are an essential. There are many places to fill your water bottle up on campus so save yourself paying for bottled water.

Other items such as reusable coffee cups, straws and even a cutlery set is a must for on the go so you don't find yourself resorting to single use ones when out and about.

Freeze your leftovers

Food waste is a big contributor to climate change with about a third of all our food being chucked out each year.

In 2019, Zero Waste Scotland conducted a study at the University of St Andrews which showed the average purchase cost of avoidable food waste per student per week was approximately £5.25.

The most commonly wasted type of food was leftovers.

It may be pretty obvious to freeze your leftovers but not everyone does.

If you are not planning on eating your leftover food within the next few days, you should consider sticking it in the freezer.

Freezing leftovers for another night avoids food going to waste and will also save you money on future food shops. Freeze where and when you can.

Avoid driving to campus

While this may not be possible for everyone due to an array of circumstances, where possible there are other ways to get to campus.

Under 22s in Scotland can take the bus for free with the Free Bus Travel Scheme that was launched last year.

With the regular Uni Link service linking campus to Stirling city centre it really is a no brainer.

Alternatively, cycling to campus is another eco friendlier option whether you have your own bike or not.

There are plenty of Santander bike stations around Stirling, Causewayhead, Bridge of Allan and campus where you can rent bikes.

Lastly there is also the option to walk especially if it is a nicer day.

Take a trip to the green and blue space

The green and blue space located in the Atrium offers a range of products from zero waste items to sustainable swaps, repurposing and reselling homeware, clothing and electronics.

They also take donations throughout the year for items including unwanted clothing, homeware, electronics and unopened food (food items are donated to Start Up Stirling).

Take a trip to the space when you can to see everything they have to offer.

MONTHLY THEME:

FRESHERS FRESHERS

FIVE CLUBS AND SOCS YOU DIDN'T KNOW EXISTED

By Freya Deyell

You've heard it a million times before; join a society when you go to uni!

With dozens upon dozens of clubs and sports teams at Stirling, it can be overwhelming to find which one is right for you.

Whilst Brig is without a doubt the best (in my totally unbiased opinion), here are five Stirling societies you didn't know existed.

How to join a club or society

1. Purchase a Student/Nonstdent Societies membership.

2.

Find a society you are interested in and purchase an individual Student/Non-student membership for the society.

Societies that don't need a membership due to equality, diversiy and inclusion are:

• Disabled Students Association Stirling

• LGBTQ+

• Women in STEM

• Stirling STAR (Student Action for Refugees)

Not sure if you want to join?

To find out more about what clubs or societies there are be sure to visit the Societies Fayre on Tuesday, September 12. Here you will be able to find just about every club or society and speak to representatives on more about them.

Still not sure? Most societies host a Give it a Go session for those who are intereted in joining the society. It gives students a chance to get a better feel on exactly what the club or society is about.

Be sure to ask at the fayre or take a look on the club or societies social media to find out when their Give it a Go session will be held.

You can find all clubs and societies and where to buy their memberships on the student union website.

Ultimate Frisbee

Dubbed "one of the world's fastest growing sports", Stirling's frisbee team was established back in 1999 and now regularly competes all over the country.

The sport is described as fast-paced and suitable for all experience levels.

Points are scored by catching the frisbee in the opponents' end zone, and the game can be played both indoors and outdoors

Doctor Who Society

Some clubs can get super niche, and the newly minted Who Society is just one example.

The name is pretty self-explanatory – a place to discuss all things Doctor Who.

The club hosts watch parties for the show, as well as quiz and game nights.

The committee says they have "exciting plans for socials" for the year ahead

Artificial Intelligence Society

Another newcomer to Stirling, the AI soc is intriguing. Only set up in March of this year, the committee says: "Whether you're a seasoned AI expert or just curious about the field, our AI society is the perfect place for you.

"We welcome members from all backgrounds and levels of experience to learn, discuss, and engage in exciting projects related to AI."

Dumyat Dragons

No, there is not a pack of mythical creatures roaming around campus – the Dumyat Dragons are Stirling's quadball team.

Quadball is the new name for quidditch, the fictional-turned-real sport from Harry Potter.

The game was recently given a makeover, as the UK association took on the new name in June 2022 to show support for their trans players –now that's allyship done well.

The sport is open to all genders and Stirling's team competes nationally.

Taylor Swift Society

Perhaps this one isn't as surprising – Taylor Swift is probably the biggest music star alive right now and societies appreciating her work have been popping up at universities for years.

Stirling's Swifties now have their own community after this soc was founded last year.

The club aims to bring fans together, support one another, and provide a safe space for all.

The committee says: "Whether you just like one song or know all the words, everyone is welcome."

SIMPLIFYING YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE

By AJ Whyte

We all love a good skincare moment, right? There's something about spending time cleansing your face, smoothing on your serums and creams, maybe even a face mask or shaping your face with a gua sha.

But it can feel overwhelming. There are so many products, so many routines, so much information! Your everyday routine doesn't have to be complicated.

Three steps not ten

The ten-step Korean skincare routine seems to be the routine that many people try to emulate for various reasons.

The smooth, glass-like appearance of its users might be a driving force behind the obsession, but it doesn't have to be this way! All you really need is a cleanser, a moisturiser and an SPF (yes, those last two are entirely separate).

Those are your basic products and ones that you should be using every single day. Experiment. Find which ones work best together and work best for your skin type. I am a combination girlie, and these are the products I reach for the most.

I swap the products out every so often, just when I'm wanting to try something new, or if my skin needs a different type of TLC.

SPF does not a moisturiser make

A personal skincare red flag is not using a specific SPF cream first thing in the morning. Most moisturisers do contain SPF but the amount people use is not nearly enough to protect your skin properly.

Experts recommend at least two teaspoons worth of SPF, or an easier way to measure to is apply two fingers worth. It's a rule that's been around for decades but became common knowledge on skincare Twitter after licenced aesthetician, Tiara Willis, first tweeted the amount and startled her followers.

"Ever since people started applying two fingers of SPF, I've gotten hundreds of tweets saying they're already seeing results in their hyperpigmentation, dark circles, texture and even acne," said Willis in an interview with Zoe Report.

Don't be put off by the oily appearance your skin gets when you first pop it on, you've got to give 20 minutes to settle! If you're still worried, brush some translucent powder on top to take the edge off and give your skin a beautiful dewy look, without being greasy.

AM vs PM

It's also important to be using different products at different times of the day. You don't want to be using an SPF at night for obvious reasons, and you don't have want to be using a super heavy cream first thing in the morning.

WHAT'S ON DURING FRESHERS WEEK

By Carly McKim

• CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

• The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid

• Soltan Once Age Defence SPF50 Facial Suncare Cream

For me, I've found that using my hydrating cleanser in the morning and the evening works for me. If I've been wearing make-up, I'll do a double cleanse at night and use the

Inkey List's Oat Cleansing Balm to really melt the makeup off my face. Keep calm and exfoliate!

Exfoliation is scary and I am no stranger to the dangers of exfoliation. I overdid it a few years back and completely damaged the top layer of my skin, causing breakouts, sensitivity and just overall unhealthy skin. (Spot stickers were my best friend and I still use ones from Amazon!)

That time of year is upon us once again and Stirling's Student Union has a whole selection of events that are being held across Freshers Week.

But with so many to choose from, it's hard to decide which events to attend.

Here are four things that we think you definitely shouldn't miss out on.

Societies fayre

With over 50 societies at the university, the societies fayre is a fantastic opportunity to speak to club members and find out how you can take part.

From Debating to Taylor Swift, there will be a society for you.

The event is free to attend and will be running at Haldanes and Venue between 12 pm and 4 pm on September 12.

Plant sale

Also happening on September 12, there will be a plant sale outside the union.

Vintage fayre

On September 14 there will be a vintage fayre in Venue. Yellow Jelly Vintage will have an array of items for you to browse. The brand describes its items on Instagram as "One of a kind genuine vintage, streetwear and branded finds from the greatest decades."

Make sure to check them out between 10 am and 4 pm.

Meet the alpacas

I'm personally still wary of it but I use an exfoliating cleanser in place of my hydrating cleanser once a week at night, just to keep my skin feeling soft and smooth.

It's not that deep Skincare isn't meant to be complicated and is a fun way of taking care of yourself while also having a bit of a play around. Mess around, try out different products, just remember consistency is key! Find what works and stick to it to really see a difference in your skin. There's plenty of information online and plenty of experts on social media. Now go forth and glow!

All sizes and types of plants will be available to decorate and purify the air in your accomodation or flat.

A classic Stirling freshers event is back this year. Petting an alpaca is a perfect way to relax after the chaos of Freshers Week.

Thanks to their hypoallergenic fur and all round good vibes, you can get a quick photo with them and pet to your heart's content. This is a free event however it is on a first come first serve basis and will be running between 12 pm to 2 pm so get there quick.

Sports bazaar

Head over to the sports centre on September 13 to meet Stirling University's 50+ sports teams. Here you can find out a bit more information on the clubs and also sign up for the Give It A Go sessions.

Again, this event is completely free.

These are just a few of the many things happening this week at Stirling's student union.

To view all events that will be happening over the week, make sure to visit the union website.

Skincare. Image credit: Pexels

Facewash. image credit: CeraVe

Spot stickers. image credit: Dots for Spots

THE REALITY BEHIND COOL RUNNINGS: AN INTERVIEW WITH DUDLEY 'TAL' STOKES

By AJ Whyte

Everyone knows the 1993 cult classic film, Cool Runnings , based loosely (and I mean, very loosely) on the 1988 debut of the Jamaican bobsled team.

The film follows the impossible challenges faced by the team training for a winter sport in a summer all-year-round climate.

If you don’t know the film, one of the dramatic moments comes when spectators around the world watch as the four-man team crashes in a particularly brutal fashion.

Watching the video on YouTube after a rewatch of the film and its wonderfully heart-breaking ending, I still wonder how on earth they all walked away.

It’s something I spoke about with Dudley ‘Tal’ Stokes, and the impact that event, and the film, had on him.

“I didn’t like it when it first came out," he said.

"It was a time in my career when we were moving from being a joke to being a really competitive team and I thought the movie didn’t do us any favours.

"I didn’t start appreciating the movie until my children were grown, and I watched it with them and saw it in a different light.

"So, I am comfortable now that it’s not a documentary about me, it was a story meant to inspire, which

it did, it certainly did, and it was done in a style, in a way that’s really given it legs and longevity.”

The inspiring message behind such a fun and light-hearted film still hits home for many today. The crash itself had a huge impact on Dudley, but he didn’t see it from a TV perspective for quite a while.

“There was no internet," he continued.

"You couldn’t just search it up on Google.

"I see why people would be scared because it was, and it remains quite a thing. And that’s one of the things I try to convey to people in life, that things that happen to you don’t come preordained with their meaning.

"We as human beings have a unique possibility, certainly on this planet, to embed events with their meaning with how we treat them, and that crash made the movie Cool Runnings a certainty.

"It certainly made my life right now; it’s opened many doors, and it’s given me huge opportunities."

Stokes went on to compete in four more Olympics, and his team finished ahead of all American competitors in the 1994 games.

It was the best finish by a black male driver in a four-man sled and is a moment forever immortalised in Olympic history. Something that helped Dudley in his bobsled successes was his previous training

as a heli- copter pilot in the Jamaica defence force air wing.

However, it wasn’t necessarily the actual piloting that helped him.

“The biggest thing for me was the sort of mental discipline, control, visualisation, that piloting employed.

"That was the most important thing that came across for me. I honed that, and again, that’s one of the things I teach today.

"How, through mental relaxation and rehearsal, we can create the reality that we want. Discipline, imagination; in other words, not seeing all of the disasters that can happen to you.”

Discipline and doubling down is something that is part of Dudley’s DNA.

He struggled with depression in his younger years but has since gotten it under control, stating that he hasn't struggled with it again in any real way.

Sam Bock, part of the Canadian coaching team was part of the massive change in his life and someone that still inspires him today. His mother and father also inspire him daily, particularly for the personal sacrifices they made when raising himself and his siblings. The couple drifted apart once their youngest had left home,

but there was never a moment that the issues ever spilled over into the children’s realities.

The purpose is what keeps Dudley going, and his purpose is to help people take care of themselves and become their best versions.

“Take care of yourself, put yourself in a position where you can achieve your peak performance. When you can consistently perform at your peak, what happens is that your peak goes up. Over time, you become a high performer, which means you’re consistently achieving your peak performance. That’s the message I want to bring to young people, especially young people who consider themselves to be disadvantaged.”

Endings are not the end in Dudley’s mind. They are his pupose. The realisation of his morality is the source of his outlook, but in a way that keeps him going. He thinks of his funeral and how he wants to be remembered.

“I want my wife and my children to outlive me, and to be there, and to be financially secure, and for them to be successful. I want them to have good lives of purpose."

"It's so important to start with the end. Think of your funeral because that’s coming. Some people find that discomforting or depressing, but that’s just a simple fact of life. So, what’s it going to be like?”

"I want people to think of me as someone who tried hard things and lived hard till the end. That they smile at that, they laugh at it, that there’s some humour in the situation. But that they also know there is a level of seriousness and that people know and think that I was there when they needed me.”

- Dudley Stokes

A recent photo of Stokes. Image Credit: Dudley Stokes

Stokes training with a shopping trolley.

Image Credit: Dudley Stokes

BRIG'S GUIDE FOR GETTING IT ON AT UNI

Staying safe

For most people, university is the first time in life you have the freedom to explore sex and sexuality without having to dodge around the obstacles inherent in family life. No more ushering your beloved out the back door while your dad stands in the hall like a terrifying barrier coming between you and your next shag.

But for many of us, navigating the world of university dating, casual hookups, and flings can be a bit of a minefield, and there’s a lot of stuff you’re expected to just know somehow, without ever being told – heaven forbid PSHE lessons covered anything useful. But never fear, Brig’s got you covered.

Consent is sexy

In essence, consent is very simple: an encounter is consensual when all involved parties have agreed to participate by choice and have both the freedom and capacity to make that choice.

This means everyone – consent doesn’t just apply to women, and we all deserve to have our wishes respected.

Consent should be enthusiastic. If someone is unsure, quiet, or seems ‘frozen’, stop. Ask them if they are okay and happy with what is happening. Nothing is sexier than a partner who eagerly wants you to keep going.

It is everyone’s responsibility to make sure an encounter is consensual. Remember to also communicate your consent with your partner.

If someone is too drunk or high to know what’s happening to them, they cannot consent to a

sexual encounter.

It’s important to remember consent can be withdrawn at any time and just because you had sex willingly with someone one day doesn’t mean you have consented to do anything more.

Communication is vital

It can be hard to imagine what gaining consent looks like when you’re with a new partner, or new to sex altogether. If someone is enthusiastically engaging with sexual activity, saying ‘yes, do that, touch me there’, you can feel comfortable that they are consenting. You can also strengthen a relationship by expressing your own boundaries, listening to their boundaries, and ensuring everyone is respected. A quick conversation before things get too heated can be enough.

Some people might find it difficult to have these conversations, especially if the sex-ed in your school was poor. There are a lot of great metaphors for explaining consent online, from cups of tea to handshakes. The websites www.consentiseverything. com and www.bishuk.com both cover it in great detail, and Healthline has some excellent examples – just search for “healthline consent”.

You should only ever have to say or hear ‘no’ once. Consent gained through coercion or manipulation is not truly consent – if you have sex with someone because they said they’d dump you if you didn’t, you weren’t truly consenting; feeling uncomfortable and confused about the situation is natural.

Condoms are the top tool in the kit to get it on at uni. They protect you from unwanted pregnancies but even if there are alternative forms of contraception involved, they perform the vital role of keeping you safe from sexually transmitted infections.

It’s so important to protect yourself from ever getting an STI instead of just treating them if they come up. Some STIs cannot be cured and must be managed long term – hepatitis B, herpes, HIV, and HPV – and some don’t present any symptoms until serious damage has been done. Some STIs can affect your fertility.

encourage students to get in touch with our advocacy department at advocacy.union@stir.ac.uk” – this is a dedicated and confidential resource for helping students in need and no matter how trivial or serious you feel the issue is, the Union aims to respond on the same working day.

For registered patients, APMC offers appointments to discuss all kinds of sexual health and wellbeing issues including STI tests, treatment, and long-term contraception. GP Partner Claire Spearing said “Our clinic runs daily, and we have appointments available on the day or bookable in advance. We would encourage anyone who has any concerns about genital symptoms, or additionally men who have urinary symptoms to make an appointment with us for review.”

Dr Spearing also said that any registered patients can make appointments for reviews or testing if they are not symptomatic or to discuss any contraception needs. If you are not registered at APMC, contact Central Sexual Health 01324 673554, or visit their website on centralsexualhealth.org.

with us.” She also said that APMC can refer people to the specialist transgender health clinic inGlasgow, though people can self-refer if preferred at www.sandyford. scot.

What to when…expect

We can be as careful as possible and still be that 1 in 100 chance that birth control fails. Dr Spearing offered this advice: “Antenatal care is offered to all patients living in Forth Valley.

Once a patient finds out they are pregnant, they can self-refer to the midwife team on 01324 567146. For some people, it may not be possible to proceed with a pregnancy. If a patient is thinking about having an abortion, they can self-refer to FV Termination of Pregnancy Service by calling 01324 673 555 Monday –Friday 08:30 -16:00. This can be a difficult decision and patients may wish to discuss this with a GP – we would of course welcome patients who are registered with the practice to make an appointment to chat further.

Free condoms are available at the from Airthrey Park Medical Centre (APMC).

Getting help

Stirling Students Union is a great resource beyond just free condoms. A Union spokesperson commented, “the health and well-being of our members is of great importance to us. We would encourage any student wishing to seek support to reach out to the services available both on campus and beyond should they need to.” VP Communities Zoë Crosher also said “For any additional support from the SU, we’d

For queer students, Stirling has a well-regarded LGBTQ support system which includes a network of queer staff members on hand to support students and help them solve LGBTQIA+ specific issues and provide a welcoming and sympathetic ear. Search ‘university of stirling lgbtq support’ on Google. There is also an LGBTQIA+ society which you can find on the Student Union website.

Dr Spearing said, “We feel it is important that patients are gven the opportunity to be called by their preferred name and pronoun, and we encourage our patients to share this information

“It should also be noted that we offer mental health support at APMC with both a practice mental health nurse and an enhanced psychological practitioner on site. Appointments are available for all patients registered with APMC.”

Don’t let your newfound sexual freedom overwhelm you – everyone’s learning, we’re at university after all. Just remember, consent, communication, and condoms! Those three C’s have got you covered.

By Ali Rees

Stay safe. Image Credits: Pexels

BRIG'S BITES

STIRLING COCKTAIL WEEK: CHEAP, CHEERFUL AND CHARITABLE

By Alex Paterson

The only thing better than a delicious cocktail is a discounted delicious cocktail. Stirling's first-ever cocktail week is promising this and more.

repeat visits to those they know and, of course, attract tourists and visitors to help the whole area prosper.

Image Credit: Pexels.com

BEST-EVER BROWNIES

By Freya Deyell

Usually I hate braggy recipe titles, but I promise you this one lives up to its name. These are gooey, chewy, proper chocolatey brownies – not cake-like or dry at all.

This an easily customisable recipe, suitable for any occasion or time of year. I like adding mini eggs at Easter or bits of chocolate orange for a Christmas twist.

They can also be made gluten and dairy free with some simple substitutions.

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cooking time: 8 hours

Skill level : 2/5

Makes: 16 brownies

Ingredients

• 200g dark chocolate or plant-based alternative, broken into squares

• 175g butter or baking spread like Stork

• 300g caster sugar

• 125g plain flour or gluten free flour

• 3 medium eggs

• 100g optional extras (white chocolate chunks are my favourite)

Method

Step one: Preheat oven to 180°C/170°C Fan/Gas mark 3. Line a 23x23cm baking tin with greaseproof paper.

Step two: Add the broken chocolate and butter into a heat-safe bowl. Melt in the microwave in 30-second bursts or stir over a pan of simmering water until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.

Step three: In a mixing bowl, weigh out the sugar and add the slightly cooled chocolate mix. Stir until everything is incorporated.

Step four: Repeat, adding the flour, eggs and extras.

Step five: Spoon the mixture into the tin and bake for 30 to 45 minutes, depending on how gooey you want your brownies to be. Leave to cool (if you can wait that long) and cut into squares.

DANISH PASTRY HEAVEN IN BRIDGE OF ALLAN

Aiming to showcase local businesses, cocktail week includes a variety of venues to encompass all atmospheres and audiences. All of which are offering cheap and cheerful cocktails, with some also offering discounted dining.

In association with Go Forth Stirling and Independent Stirling, cocktail week aims to garner support for Stirling-based businesses and provide some affordable fun in times of austerity.

Participating businesses include Kilted Kangaroo, Meraki, King Cons, and Clan Artisan.

As well as this, retail, hair, and beauty spots in Stirling have partnered with the event, supplying a range of offers of their own.

Additionally, cocktail week is donating to the Benevolent Fund (the Ben), a charity dedicated to supporting hospitality workers financially, mentally, and in every other way possible.

Co-founder Alice Christison, 24, from Dalgety Bay, spoke of her joy in staging this event and raising funds for the Ben in the process.

Christison said: "The idea is to help boost trade by attracting locals and students into bars or restaurants they haven't tried, encourage

"We bring in other aspects of 'going out' culture to support other businesses in town like hair and beauty salons, going for a bite to eat somewhere, all the other elements which are related to your night out.

"It works for everyone - the customer gets a cheaper expereince, enjoying the best of local surroundings, venues and drinks at a vastly reduced rate.

"I have had some great nights out in Stirling and I want to show off the city's attractions."

Christison spoke not only of the fun of the event but of its sincerity: "We also felt it was important to show we mean what we say about wanting to support our friends and colleagues in the trade, so once again we are making a donation from every wristband sold to the Ben, a wonderful charity which really helps hospitality workers in need."

The event is happening next month, from 6 to 15 Octobermeaning you actually have two weekends to make use of the savings.

The event is open to anyone who purchases a ticket, with prices starting at £5.95.

To find out more visit: stirlingcocktailweek.co.uk.

By Julie Brinking

Havn is the Danish noun for harbour. However, in the context of a Danish-inspired bakery, it makes more sense that it is the last part of the compound Køben-havn (i.e. Copenhagen). But that's enough linguistics for now.

Denmark is an excellent place for pastries and bread. But if your budget does not stretch to a trip to Copenhagen, why not make a visit to Havn Bakery on Henderson Street in Bridge of Allan?

Classic bakes like tebirkes - almond-filled pastry with poppy seeds (birkes), kanelsnurre/snegl (cinnamon bun/roll), spandauer (pastry with a custard filling) and hindbærsnitter (buttery cookies sandwiched together with raspberry jam) are all on the menu.

Perhaps you are already familiar with Danish pastries, often referred to simply as a Danish (in Denmark, they are named after Vienna). Havn offers its modern take on the pastries known and

loved around the world. You will also find interesting flavour combinations in cakes, such as tahini blondies and lemon lavender cookies.

The menu changes weekly and there are often both vegan and gluten free options. The best way to stay updated is through Havn Bakery's Instagram. Or if you love surprises, just pop in.

Havn is not just a pastry heaven. Naturally, you can get hot beverages, but recently they added reusable bread bags and tote bags with their aesthetic blue flowers and logo.

The bakery is warm and inviting with an open concept workspace that allows you to sneak a look at the baked goods that are freshly prepared from Thursday to Sunday. On the walls, you'll find a city map of Copenhagen (it's almost like being there in real life) and a beautiful mural. If you have ever wondered what the concept of hygge looks like as a place, this is it.

(Below) Delicious Danish delights are on offer. Image credit: Havn

(Above) Many local venues are taking part. Image credit: Pexels.com

SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: THE STIRLING STUDENT BAKING UP A STORM

By Freya Deyell

In the first of a new series, Brig's food section speaks to Hannah Coyle about her fully gluten free business Wildflower Bakes.

Hannah, 25, is originally from Alloa. She now studies English and Journalism at Stirling whilst living in Menstrie.

Her business journey began back in early 2022 when she was diagnosed with coeliac disease – an autoimmune condition where the body attacks its own cells when gluten is consumed.

"I was constantly ill with stomach pains, migraines, fatigue," Hannah explained.

"I was deficient in almost everything and severely anemic. I was under weight and my health was a serious concern."

Hannah's story will be familiar to many coeliacs: mysterious aches and pains, unexplained deficiencies, and exhaustion for months on end. Finally getting a diagnosis can be a massive relief.

There's just one catch: never eat gluten again.

She said: "After getting my diagnosis and the right treatment to get my body working properly again my next task was to change my diet entirely.

"As someone who has severe

THE TRAGIC STUDENT MEAL AWARDS

By Charlotte Sutcliffe

Arguably one of the biggest changes for most university freshers is the cooking.

Not just cooking occasionally at home or helping with meals: now you’re in charge of budget, meal plan, expiry dates, left alone using multiple hobs at once.

As a result, some questionable concoctions occur as freshers and returners alike experiment with finding quick budget friendly options. Brig reached out to Stirling students and here are some of the highlights.

Best of a bad bunch: Uncle Ben’s Mexican rice with Nando’s Perinaise

It’s hard to argue with packaged Mexican rice as a student and the use of the Perinaise straight into the package would defo elevate this into a cheap Nando’s option.

The cult classic: Baked bean pasta

A favourite for many, this is slowly but surely making its way to

sensory challenges when it comes to food, it was no easy change. But a year and a half on I can proudly say I've come a long way since getting my diagnosis."

It was her coeliac diagnosis that inspired Hannah to get busy in the kitchen in the first place:

"I decided to start when I realised I was quite talented with a pipping bag to be honest.

"I got Becky Excell's cookbook for Christmas in 2022 and went from hating the kitchen to thriving cooking food from scratch, food that was safe for me and tasted even better than any takeaway out there."

Once she'd perfected main meals, Hannah quickly moved on to baking sweet treats.

"I spent weeks creating and perfecting my gluten free vanilla sponge," she said.

"Once I'd done that I moved to chocolate, red velvet, and then I got creative with blueberry and lemon, tray bakes, cookies, you name it I have a recipe for it.

"I soon realised that decorating was a skill I had and that practice sure did make progress."

Hannah continued: "I went from avoiding the kitchen at all costs to my partner having to drag me out.

"Creating and baking my own cakes, coming up with new and exciting recipes, and decorating ideas scratched my brain in a way I didn't know I needed.

"I have a hard time with sensory

combination alone is terrifying, let alone the sheer lack of nutrients.

What scared me more was another friend informing me that they had an extension of this, grilling It with cheese on top for a super noodle toastie. Five seconds away from calling Gordon Ramsay over this one.

The innovator: Tortellini and honey

Pasta boiling and you’ve realised you haven’t got a sauce? No worries: just use honey. The original pasta of choice for this was ham and cheese filled pasta which sounds like it would not be the most offensive flavour combination.

issues and overstimulation and baking allowed me to slow down, to focus on something that had a step-by-step process.

"It's helped me in more ways than I could have imagined, but best of all baking calms my nervous system. And when you find something that does that you shouldn't let it go!"

She soon realised she wanted to share the deliciousness with the world, so set up her own business, Wildflower Bakes.

"My business aims to make all those who have coeliac disease feel joy around food again!" Hannah said.

"Food is such a huge part of socialisation in our culture and when you have an autoimmune condition and have to be careful of what you eat, it can become really isolating.

"It sucks to miss out but missing out over something you can't control can have a negative effect on your mental health! I know what that feels like and I wanted to do something to stop others feeling like that."

Wildflower Bakes currently offers a variety of gluten free celebration cakes, cupcakes, and cookies baked to order.

Follow the business on Facebook and Instagram @wildflower_ bakes08 for more information.

Interested in sharing your own small business story? Contact food@brignews.com.

Honourable mentions: Gravy pasta, spuds, beetroot and cream cheese on toast, an entire lettuce eaten like an apple, boiled mushrooms, tuna mayo with nothing else, peas on toast, cucumbers and salt, peas in fajitas.

being a legitimate meal. Says it on the tin (the bean tin that is) for how to make this. Some people have been known to add cheese if they’re feeling fancy.

A fire waiting to happen: Chicken nugget and spaghetti hoops omelette

I do not quite understand how anyone thought this was feasible. The variety in textures and density is a disaster in of itself, let alone the concept of the final piece.

Just no: Super noodles on toast

This meal (if you can call it that) was in fact the inspiration for this article, as I listened in horror as a fresher informed me this was her favourite go-to meal. The texture

One of Hannah's cakes. Image credit: Wildflower Bakes

Noodles on toast. Image credit: Emily Barnard

VOLLEYBALL

Regular social sessions, social events, trainings and competitive matches.

GIAG: September 18 - 3pm

MEN'S LACROSSE

Nobody plays it before uni so give it a try!

GIAG: September 22 - 6:30pm

HANDBALL

A fun and fast-paced team sport. No previous experience needed

GIAG: September 18 and 22

POLE FITNESS

Empowering individuals through dynamic routines that build confidence

GIAG: September 21 - 12:30pm

POLO

An exhilarating sport with a great social atmosphere

GIAG: September 21

BOXING

All skill levels welcome, from beginners to seasoned boxers

GIAG: September 18 - 4pm

JUDO

Your go-to for fitness, self-defence and socialising.

GIAG: September 20 - 4pm

TRAMPOLINE AND GYMNASTICS

Open to beginners and elite atheletes with oppportunies to compete!

GIAG: September 24 - 5:30pm

ATHLETICS

We welcome everyone from the competitive all-rounder to the recreational jogger. We'd love to see new faces!

GIAG: September 18 - 5pm

ORIENTEERING

Outdoor adventure and fast-paced thinking

GIAG: September 19 - 5pm

BADMINTON

A friendly environment and a good laugh

GIAG: September 18

GOLF

One of the most successful BUCS teams with a proud history of developing golfers.

GIAG: TBC

POWERLIFTING

Are you a keen gym goer? Want to put your strength to the test? try the powerlifting society!

GIAG: TBC

TOUCH RUGBY

Mixed touch rugby for all abilities!

GIAG: September 20 and 22

WOMEN'S LACROSSE

We value teamwork and positivity!

GIAG: September 15 - 5pm

BASKETBALL

Play competitively or for fun and make friends along the way.

GIAG: September 14 - Mens 2pm and Womens 7:30pm

MEN'S RUGBY

Learn the game and make lifelong friends!

GIAG: September 20 - 3pm

WATERPOLO

A ball is passed around in a pool, there are no horses involved!

GIAG: September 15 and 18

NETBALL

SUNC Saturdays, Wednesday socials, and one of the largest social and development teams on campus.

GIAG: September 20 - 5pm

SHINTY

We're a mixed shinty team who love having members of all abilities and experience on our team!

GIAG: September 18 - 12pm

FFS: FEMALE FAN STANDARDS IN F1

By AJ Whyte and Emanuela Scalia

Formula 1: The ultimate boys club. Or so it used to be. Recent years have seen a massive rise in female fans of the elite motorsport (40 per cent of global fans are women) or at least a rise in vocal fans. I’ve grown up on F1 but only got back into it in the last few years. I’m not going to lie, the documentary Drive to Survive did influence me to start watching again, but so what? It is quite literally the point of the programme.

It is a toxic fanbase in more ways than one, but the absurdity of the anger at female fans from the wider F1 community is mind-boggling. I can’t remember exactly how many times I’ve been asked random and specific questions about races before I was even born. This is not to say that a knowledge of the history of Formula 1 isn’t a valid way of loving F1, it’s just the extreme standards that female fans are held to.

Mairi Whittle, a master's student at the University of Stirling, agrees:

“Whenever I miss a race, my boyfriend accuses me of not actually being into F1 and sometimes insinuates that I feigned enjoyment of it to grab his attention when we first met.

"Such as judging me whether I’m still Team McLaren or Ferrari or because I don’t know the intricacies of the modifications on the cars each season. It’s stupid. It’s a sport and

COLLEGE VOLLEYBALL GAME TOPS WORLD RECORD IN HIGHEST ATTENDANCE AT A WOMEN’S SPORTING EVENT

I’m in it for the race regardless.”

Sian Campbell, president of the brand new Formula 1 society at Stirling, is also fed up:

“Formula 1 isn’t the first sport I have supported and been called a 'fake' fan just because of my gender.

"The basis of enjoying any sport is understanding the dynamics behind it, and the excitement of F1 is from watching racers push themselves to the limit.

"From my experience, I have seen men instantly connecting over the sport but when a woman tells a man she also enjoys it, the first questions are: 'Name all 20 drivers' or 'Who won the championship in 1987….' or anything else for their satisfaction to see if that woman is up to their standard in knowledge.

"The majority of people, regardless of gender, won’t know every single detail that is associated with it, because that’s normal and we aren’t computers. So who cares how someone came to like a similar interest as yourself?”

Fans aren’t the only ones ‘determining’ why women are into F1. Even top officials are patronising, with Red Bull team principal, Christian Horner, saying: “It’s bringing in a lot of young girls because of all these great-looking young drivers.”

Girls and women are not these

one dimensional, sex-obsessed creatures. It’s the thrill of the race that drives fans to watch. That’s what any sport is about.

The important thing to remember is that female fans are also just fans. We know and have come to love the sport just as everyone else in the world has, and it’s unfair for us to be pushed to the side just because of our gender. There shouldn’t be the stereotype of only men being the real, ‘authentic’ fans.

When I started writing for Brig, one of the first few articles I wrote were on F1 and that was thanks to a fellow female writer. It’s so nice to receive texts like ‘Are you excited for tomorrow’s race?’

As of this year, an all-female championship launched called the F1 Academy and fans were ecstatic to see this change. In hopes of expanding this to have F3, F2, and F1, I am excited to see where this program will take our female drivers.

At the end of the day, sports are for everyone. The ultimate boys club is a thing of the past and should remain there.

Don’t criticise someone because they’re a woman, but criticise them because they don’t think Hamilton should’ve won the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It’s part of what makes Formula 1 one of the most adrenaline-inducing sports for competitors and spectators alike.

By

With 92,003 fans, the current world record of attendance at a women’s sporting event was topped at an in-state volleyball match between the Nebraska Huskers and the Omaha Mavericks at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Volleyball fans got to witness the Huskers beating Omaha 3 – 0 in, what the teams called “a daylong celebration” of the sport. The record-breaking event on Wednesday, August 30, was only the fourth regular game of the season.

The Nebraska Huskers elevated by a cheering crowd of thousands dressed in red, won the match in a sweep: 25 – 14, 25 – 14, 25 – 13.

The hosting team was looking to break the current record with a high attendance, making it a Volleyball Day in Nebraska. Initially, the university set out to sell out three sections of the massive stadium, but when tickets started to sell fast in the first few days, they opened more fan zones to accommodate a larger crowd.

Info provided by the club shows that the game was also the highest attended event held in the stadium, which normally functions as the home stadium for the University of Nebraska’s American football team.

Nebraska coach John Cook said: “It feels like a great accomplishment for this sport called volleyball played by women. It’s a state treasure. We proved it.”

Volleyball enjoys immense popularity in Nebraska, being one of the favourite sports played by girls in the state’s high schools. The National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) president Charlie Baker said: “I don’t think people realise how explosive the growth in this sport is.”

Trev Alberts, the university’s athletics director, said: “Nebraska has the best fan base in the world, the best volleyball fans in the world.”

The Huskers have sold every game during their entire season making it a NCAA record with 306 consecutive regular season matches. The team usually plays at their own Bob Devaney Sports Centre court.

Before the match on August 30, the highest attendance at a NCAA Volleyball match was recorded in December 2021 with 18,755 fans in the ranks. The game was played between Nebraska and Wisconsin in the NCAA final.

The previous world record was held by a UEFA champions league semifinal between German football club Wolfsburg and Spain’s club Barcelona. 91, 648 spectators watched the game in Camp Nou, Barcelona in April last year.

An unofficial World Record acknowledged as the highest attendance at a women’s sporting event was set at the unofficial Women’s World Cup in 1971 in Mexico City which reportedly counted 110,000 spectators.

Lewis Hamilton, Daniel Ricciardo and Sergio Pérez in Drive to Survive Season 5. Image credit: Netflix

Ronja Putensen

More than 90k spectators were at the event. Image credit: Pexels.com

CLANSMEN TO OPEN NEW SEASON NEXT MONTH

By Ethan Claridge

FROM BACK PAGE

Camp will be the start of three days that promise to test the team both physically and mentally. Players will take part in drills and fitness challenges to get them ready for the season, all while learning a new playbook under the watchful eye of their expert coaches.

The Clansmen are set for competitive match ups with universities up and down Scotland. Teams all around the league will have the Clansmen circled on their calendar, hoping to knock off the four-time BUCS Champions and take their place as the top team in Scotland.

The Clansmen aren’t afraid of this challenge though. They are on a mission to meet and surpass their own expectations for what is possible this season. The players readily take every opportunity to compete to better themselves and their teammates.

This desire to get better was illustrated when Willy Stevens, a third-year player and last year's team MVP.

He commented: “Is anlann maith é an t-ocras".

This Irish phrase translates to “Hunger is a good sauce” and the Clansmen are hungry to improve, hungry to compete, and hungry to get back to winning.

Second year head coach Danny Smith said:

“The committee and I have worked hard to secure a larger and more talented coaching staff. When we factor in our new recruits, I believe we are much stronger than last season.

“We find ourselves in a new Scottish National Division One and as the most successful Scottish university team ever, our aim is to strive to dominate that division, with hard work and the utmost determination from everyone in our organisation.

“Nothing, however, in this sport is certain, so absolute commitment across the board will be required to achieve this goal.”

The Clansmen open their season against the UWS Pyros at home on October 29.

"THE OLYMPICS IS A BIG GOAL AT THE MOMENT," SAYS ALDRIDGE

By Charlotte Sutcliffe EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

He was in third place at the European Championships earlier in the year before getting a puncture on the penultimate lap.

Similarly in the 2022 Commonwealth Games, he had been looking on course for a bronze in the men’s mountain bike cross-country final before coming off on a corner.

He ripped the rear derailleur off the bike and finished 16th.

'When I was in the front group, I knew I could do it but it was the matter of actually doing it which is easier said than done'.

Currently, he is competing in the World Cup series across the world with his team. So far this summer

FOUR NATIONAL CALL UPS FOR STIRLING SHINTY CLUB

By Charlotte Sutcliffe EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

this has included races in Andorra, France, Austria and Italy. There are two more this year in America and Canada in September and October, but the pressure is significantly lessened after the success in Glasgow.

He said: “It’s funny because in my head I’ve already kind of achieved my biggest goal of the year so it’s nice, there’s no pressure. I’m kind of chilling.”

Naturally the next question was on the all-important O word.

“I mean the Olympics is a big goal at the moment,” he admitted. A large deciding factor within the Olympic selection is GB’s world ranking, and as they currently sit at eighth, they get to take two

athletes.

However, if they slip to ninth, they will only get to take one. Aldridge said: “I’m just going to train hard for that and hopefully get a spot which would be super but we will see.

“People at home appreciate the Olympics more than the World Championships.

“It’s a big race and obviously only comes around once every four years, so it is a big deal and a big goal.”

With the Olympic selection taking place around May next year and his transition into the senior category, there is a lot in store for Aldrige. This certainly will not be the last time we will see him on a podium.

The University of Stirling shinty club has gone from strength to strength as four of their members received national call ups in recent weeks.

Despite only being established in 2021, the club has expanded quickly, producing a strong and competitive team last season.

President Cameron Purdy and player Al Reed have been called up to join the English shinty team against the Alba squad.

The game will be played on September 16 at Blairbeg Park in Drumnadrochit.

Purdy told Brig : “I’m very proud to represent my country in a sport I love.

“I know the Cornish Shinty team quite well and I joined them on their annual tour earlier this summer.”

Club captain Herbie Patterson and secretary Calum MacDonald were also selected earlier in the month for the under-21s Caol Cup, a prestigious game between the top players in the north and south divisions of Scotland.

The game took place on September 2 in Oban.

Patterson, who competed in the Caol Cup the previous year as well as the Scottish Gaelic team, told Brig :

“Playing alongside and against so many top shinty players is a privilege, but to also play alongside my brother Fred and fellow Stirling Uni player Calum was also great fun.”

On a university level, the club has another exciting year competing in the Scottish Student Shinty League.

Their first match of the season will be in October. Image credit: JC Ryan

Charlie Aldridge (middle) on the podium at Glentress. Image Credit: Michele Mondini

The club is going from strength to strength. Image credit: Jonathan Boomer

STIRLING UNI CONTINUE LEAGUE STRUGGLES AFTER GALA DEFEAT

By Edwin Finsterbusch

Uni head coach Chris Geddes said: “Really disappointing for us. We’re doing well at stages but we’re not keeping the goals out and not scoring many.

“As a coach I need to look at myself, we all do as well because it’s not enough, we don’t look like a team that’s going to win games right now after having an eightgame unbeaten run. Last couple we haven’t played well enough.”

This game began eerily like last week’s game. The uni started on the front foot, pressing high, winning midfield battles, and controlling the game.

It was Gala who would have the first big chance in the game. After some good work off the left flank, 20-year-old Kyle Reid had a pot shot rattle off the bar.

While Gala started to control proceedings, the students came forward with a chance of their own. A first touch ball round the corner from Redwood found Ben Heal bursting forward on the left.

The ball moved from left to right finding Alex James who looked destined to score but had his shot deflected by a last-ditch tackle. This proved to be the wake-up call Gala needed. Just five minutes later, a long-lofted ball straight through the middle found Jamie Semple, who held off two defenders and finished cooly past the keeper.

Alex James would come close twice to equalise. First in the 26th minute, dragging a shot just wide of the mark from a tight angle, and again two minutes before the break. Ben Southern’s effort forced a save from Jay Cantlay, which he parried straight towards James, who was denied again by an outstretched leg.

A minute after the restart Cammy Mckinley latched onto a through ball from Ben Heal, beat his man with ease on the outside, but his shot across goal was saved well by Cantlay.

In the 53rd minute, a whipped corner from Ciaran McAninch was met by Maciver Redwood whose

header strayed agonizingly over the bar.

Stirling were getting into good positions but were just lacking the cutting edge to unlock the resilient Gala defence.

But again, Gala rode out the pressure and were back in the flow of things.

Yan Gromov made a big save to prevent Jamie Semple’s second on the hour mark. Two more chances would go begging for Gala couple minutes after.

As Stirling began to open, Gala sealed the game in the 88th minute. After some great individual work, Semple cut the ball back to Gospel Ocholi who rolled the ball into the empty net.

Gala should have had a third in additional time, rattling the post twice from close range.

It proved to be another disappointing afternoon for the students in the league.

To stay up to date with the latest uni matches, check out Brig’s website: brignews.com.

UNIVERSITY OF STIRLING SWIMMERS WIN SIX MEDALS AT U23 EUROS

By Emanuela Scalia SPORTS EDITOR

University of Stirling swimmers returned from the inaugural under-23 European Championships with two gold and four silver medals for Great Britain. The Championships were hosted by Swim Ireland in Dublin as an open event for competition.

Their success at the event demonstrates an amazing run for the swimmers at Stirling University, known for its sporting excellence.

Previously, the swimmers recently won four medals at the World Championships in Fukuoka, Japan, and 22 (two gold, six silver, and six bronze) medals at the British Summer Championships in Sheffield.

One of the swimmers, 22-year-old Keanna MacInnes, won gold in the 100m and 200m butterfly events and took home silver in the 4 x 100 mixed medley relay alongside fellow Stirling swimmers Evie Davis and Lucy Grieve.

In addition to the mixed medley, Evie Davis also won silver in the 4 x 100m freestyle relay. In other events, Davis recorded a fourth place in the 100m freestyle and seventh in the 200m freestyle.

19-year-old Evan Jones finished the 200m freestyle in fourth and the 200m individual medley in sixth.

SPAIN WINS FIFA WOMEN’S WORLD CUP 2023

By Ronja Putensen

Spain won the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time ever in a jarring final. Last year’s European Champions from England had their foot in the door but were defeated by La Roja.

The first and only goal was scored in minute 29 by Olga Carmona. Despite trying the most to bring the match back onto their good side, the Lionesses were unlucky. They were unable to get the

ball in the box for the remaining 61 minutes.

Spain is now the only nation, besides Germany, to have won both the Women’s and Men’s FIFA World Cup.

La Roja’s victory promptly sent the whole country into an ecstatic state. The 2023 World Cup allowed women’s football to enter a new era, developing a broad enthusiasm for the sport. 14.3 million watched the final across the BBC

and ITV – a new record, highlighting how this tournament won new fans all around the globe and at home.

Sarai Bareman, FIFA’s Chief Women’s Football Officer, says “there will be millions and millions of girls and women around this world who will sign up to play football for the first time ever after this World Cup”, describing the impact the tournament had on the scene.

Bradley Hay, high performance swim coach at the University of Stirling, was also selected to travel to the event to support the British athletes.

He said: “Keanna, Evie, Lucy and Evan gave good accounts of themselves at the under-23 Euros, and I'm delighted that they have returned with six medals between them.

“The competition offered our swimmers to pit themselves against some of the top swimmers in their age group from Europe and beyond – and I'm proud of what they have achieved over the past few days.”

David Bond, head of performance sport at the University of Stirling, said: “Congratulations to the four University of Stirling swimmers who represented Great Britain at the Under-23 European Championships. It’s fantastic to once again see athletes from the University of Stirling succeeding against some of the best athletes from across the world.

“A special mention to Keanna MacInnes who demonstrated her world-class ability by returning a trio of medals, including two gold, as well as Evie Davis on her two medals.”

The full results can be viewed on the LEN European U23 Swimming Championships website.

Keanna MacInnes. Image credit: University of Stirling

The Spanish team after winning. Image credit: BBC

The uni lost 2-0. Image credit: Bill NcBurnie

STIRLING UNI CONTINUE LEAGUE STRUGGLES AFTER GALA DEFEAT

By Edwin Finsterbusch

The University of Stirling men’s team continued their staggered start to their Lowland League campaign by losing to Gala Fairydean Rovers 2-0 at Netherdale.

Gala striker Jamie Semple proved to be the difference, scoring the first goal, and assisting substitute Gospel Ocholi for the second late on.

FULL STORY ON P31

CLANSMEN

TARGETING A BOUNCE BACK SEASON

SCOTLAND’S OLYMPIC CYCLING HOPEFUL: ONWARDS AND UPWARDS FOR ALDRIDGE

By Charlotte Sutcliffe EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Charlie Aldridge is just 22 and already a heavily-decorated cyclist: Junior World Champion in 2019, British National Champion in 2022 and most recently, U23 Mountain Biking World Champion on Scottish home soil.

The Crieff athlete told Brig about his latest win:

“To have all my friends and family there and win with people I've been

riding with all my life, it was pretty amazing.

“The noise on the course and everything, and people shouting me on and then standing on the podium was super cool.”

Aldridge was in a tough race amongst four different winners of this year’s Under 23s UCI World Cup: Oliver Vedersø Sølvhøj, Dario Lillo, Adrien Boichis and Carter

Woods.

The Scot remained with the front pack throughout and it was the final lap where the Perth-born cyclist applied pressure and broke away from the pack and finished the race untouchable in Glentress.

“I suppose I didn’t fully believe I’d won until the final straight,” he continued.

“I was pretty confident that I

could do well and then throughout the race, my tactics were all going towards saving energy and then tacking on the last lap and trying to win.”

Previously, Aldridge had come tantalisingly close to other podium finishes on the international stage.

CONTINUED ON P30

The Clansmen are hungry for more. Image credit: JC Ryan

By Ethan Claridge

The Stirling Clansmen American Football club are aiming for a successful debut into the new Scottish division of BUCS after last year's disappointing season.

The players will return to the pitch on September 8 for training camp after a summer away, excited for the competition that lies ahead.

FULL STORY ON P30

Uni head coach Chris Geddes. Image credit: Michael Gillen

Charlie Aldridge crossing the finishing line. Image Credit: Michele Mondini