Keenan: Lowering rent ‘extremely difficult’
Warren Hardie News Editor
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nion President Dave Keenan has signalled that he will not be pursuing lower rent prices for university accommodation, a policy which was central to his presidential campaign. In a blog post on the Stirling Students Union website, Keenan stated that “it is extremely difficult to argue the case for material rent reductions in the current climate”.
Credit:facebook.com/people/Dave-Keenan-Union-Pres/100012453300243
Keenan also announced that he has “some creative ideas” that he feels will assist “students who most need help”, the contents of which will be outlined in a report coming out later this month. Reducing the cost of student rent was a key tenet of his campaign for Union President, a campaign which saw him win in a landslide. Currently, rent prices for student accommoda-
tion, excluding the newest halls, are frozen for the 2016/17 academic year. Yet with this announcement from the Union President it is now unclear whether these prices will see an increase in the 2017/18 academic year. Brig sat down with Keenan to discuss the progress of his fair rent campaign. When asked to clarify his statement on rent reductions, he said: “What
I meant by saying that is right, okay, we might not be able to get across the board rent reductions, but there are ways around that to ensure that we might be able to get some sort of subsidy for the students who actually need it. That’s what I’m aiming for here.” Keenan highlighted the importance of his Big Rent Review, a survey on students’ experiences in student accommodation,
which received more than 400 signatures. Now that it appears rent reductions are off the table, it is uncertain what Keenan’s “creative ideas” will entail. When asked to clarify whether these ‘creative ideas’ would involve another discretionary fund, Keenan explained: “It’s a reworking of [the discretionary fund] to make sure that it’s actually utilised. One of the biggest issues with the housing fund is that it’s been under-publicised, it’s been under used and it’s become ineffective.” “I encourage the Rent Review Group to say, look, let’s think about how we’re using that fund. Is it appropriate to say to students ‘We’ll give you support, when you hit financial trouble’ or start firefighting when it gets too bad? “Or do you want to be pre-emptive about this and get people from the start, when they first go into accommodation?” In the previous year, then-Union President Andrew Kinnell secured a freeze on the majority of student halls with a £50K discretionary fund to assist students who were Continued on Page 3
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SAAS expands postgraduate funding Ross Brannigan Deputy Editor
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he Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) has announced it will now be providing a loan of up to £10,000 for all students studying a taught postgraduate course. The award will be available to Scottish domiciled students, and will comprise of a tuition fee loan of up to £5500, and living cost loan of up to £4500. Students studying parttime courses will also be eligible for funding, and can apply for a tuition fee loan of £2750 per year for the two years of their course. The news will be warmly received by students considering postgraduate courses in 2017/18, with Stirling reportedly hosting over 3000 postgraduate students. Matt Adie, VP Education, said: “The government’s decision to introduce a universal student loan entitlement for postgraduate programmes from 2017/18 takes a big step towards tackling one of the largest barriers students face in accessing postgraduate study. “These loans, designed to cover both tuition and living costs, will contrib-
ute towards making postgraduate study attainable for all. “That said, whilst we welcome this development there is still a pressing need for the government to invest more within the Scottish higher education sector to address the growing funding gap and ensure Scotland’s universities continue to lead the way in terms of the student experience they offer. “It’s only through this, that we can assure positive developments, like the postgraduate loan entitlement, do not come at the expense of rUK and International students.” Stirling University said it welcomed the new funding arrangements, and praised SAAS on distinguishing between the tuition and living cost loans. The university added: “The University of Stirling has significantly expanded taught postgraduate places and will continue to grow the number and variety of taught postgraduate courses to upskill students from across Scotland, the United Kingdom and internationally.”
University’s anniversary, p.2
Campus Supermarket
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2 Brig | January 2017
University celebrates 50 year anniversary Ross Brannigan Deputy Editor
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he University of Stirling is celebrating its 50th anniversary since it first opened its doors to students in 1967. In 1964, the UK government announced a new university was to be built, and later that year the Airthrey Estate in Stirling was chosen as the location for Scotland’s next “baby boom” university. In the 1960s, the number of Scottish universities doubled, with Dundee University, Strathclyde and Herriot-Watt also opening in that decade. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of its opening, Stirling is to host a plethora of events to mark the occasion, from lectures and exhibitions, to science fairs and a “Dragon’s Den style” competition. The first event of the
The University of Stirling was founded in 1967...
year will take place on January 26, with the first lecture in the Innovation and Excellence series, “The Future of Cyber Security”, chaired by Professor Holger Nehring. Kerry Bryson, Director for Advancement at the University of Stirling, said: “2017 marks a milestone year for the University of Stirling as we celebrate our 50th anniversary. “Scotland’s first new university in more than 400 years was built on a pioneering spirit and principles of innovation and excellence that still hold true today. “Since gaining Royal Charter in 1967, our high quality teaching and research has helped make a real difference in the world and throughout 2017, we will celebrate this vibrant past with a fantastic calendar of events.” Bryson also encourages
members of the public and alumni to get involved in the events, and to reunite with old university peers. The class of 1967 comprised of just 164 undergraduates, compared with over 12,000 today. By the end of September 1967, the university employed just 183 staff – today that number has increased tenfold. Over the years, the university has seen some now-famous names graduate from it: writers Greg McHugh, Iain Banks and Alan Bissett; politicians such as former Scottish First Minister Jack McConnell, leader of Solidarity Tommy Sheridan; and sports stars Ross Murdoch and Angela Mudge. You can see a list of all the events, including a timeline of the university’s history at the Stirling University website.
Vice-Chancellor gets another pay rise Warren Hardie News Editor
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niversity of Stirling Vice-Chancellor and Principal Gerry McCormac has received a salary rise of £6,000 for the year 201516. This rise amounts to an increase of 2.3% from £261,000 in the previous academic year of 2014-15, an increase above the rate of inflation. Last academic year also saw the number of staff at the University of Stirling earning more than £100,000 per year rise to 16, from 12 in 2014-15. A spokesperson for the university told Brig: “The Principal’s salary is set by the university’s remuneration committee, at a level that is appropriate to the size and scale of the job and is adjusted in line with performance. “The Principal only ac-
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et cuts, with staff being overworked and underpaid, and too many students struggling to get by on the support on offer. “We cannot, and should not, accept a system at any university where senior staff are on a separate pay scale to other staff.”
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cepts pay increase awards given to all staff. “Any increase beyond this is donated to the Vice-Chancellor’s Fund, to support a range of University of Stirling student projects, to directly enhance the student experience on campus.” Union President Dave Keenan, who as a candidate called for the Principal to take a pay cut and invest part of his salary in student accommodation, struck a diplomatic note.
Keenan said: “For several years now, the Principal has kindly donated his salary increase to the Vice-Chancellor’s fund of which our clubs and societies and individual students have been able to apply for funding from.” While McCormac’s pay has been the subject of contention in recent years, his salary is modest in comparison to Scotland’s highest paid principal: Strathclyde University’s Sir Jim McDonald. McDonald receives a staggering £360,000 a year, and has received stark criticism from groups such as NUS Scotland. Speaking to the Herald newspaper, NUS president Vonnie Sadlan criticised the pay of principals in higher education as “disappointing”. “In a sector facing budg-
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Well, it’s good to be back, sort of, isn’t it? I hope you all had a smashing Christmas and New Year. My Christmas was great. I didn’t have to cook like the year before and was able to fully commit to getting smashed. My New Year was pretty good. My resolution for 2017 is to quit smoking. I knew this would be difficult, as editing this newspaper stresses me the hell out. But you’ll be pleased to learn that to deal with stress, instead of smoking, I have simply been punching myself in the face repeatedly. It’s a big year for the university. Little ol’ Stirling is turning 50! This seems old but in Scottish university terms is roughly the age of a sulky teenager. Still, it’s better than being the University of the West of Scotland, who are actual toddlers with nappies and everything. Lots of great content here for you to read this month.
The Brig News team have crunched the numbers on whether you can trust uni league tables. We’ve launched our new campaign against exorbitant graduation costs. We’ll be following the Rent Review Group’s progress closely following our exclusive interview with Union President Dave Keenan. Our Comment team have a fantastic spread looking to the year ahead (unintentional rhyme) while our resident film buffs are getting excited
about awards season. Features are looking at the art of studying, while Music interview Glass Mountain. Sport have an exclusive interview with basketball pro and student Adam Hammerschmidt - and don’t forget they’ll be returning to your computer screens soon with the weekly Brig Bleeds Green! Meanwhile, keep a look out for a new project between us and AirTV, called Focus. Happy reading! Dan Vevers
News
3 Brig | January 2017
Keenan claims ‘not a broken promise’
Credit: Stirling Students’ Union
Continued from front
struggling to make their rent payments. During his campaign to become President, Keenan described this funding as the university “buying out students”. Asked if he felt he was breaking a campaign promise, Keenan said: “I think that’s kind of fishing for a story that’s not
quite there. Which is fair enough, journalists have got to do that.” “Students will always be the judge of whether or not I’ve broken my promises, but I think if I get the deal that I desire, I don’t think I’ll have broken any promises, I think I’ll be delivering.” In an interview with Keenan during the cam-
paign, he pledged that he would “make a promise to students that [he] will fight tooth and nail to ensure we get a fair rent agreement for 2017-18”. In the same interview, Keenan stated that the university must “start seriously looking at a rent reduction. Students shouldn’t be paying a 5-star premium to live on
campus.” In recent years, Stirling University has replaced existing student accommodation with new luxury accommodation each costing over £5000 a year - 93% of a maximum SAAS loan. The University has been reluctant to lower student rent, agreeing this year to freeze rents on all accommodation, except the new buildings which were increased by 2.5%. Stirling has argued that their rents have increased by market rates, but students are still struggling to make these payments as their loans are not increasing at the same rate. Student rent has been the subject of vociferous debate this past year, and was the key issue of the union elections. Keenan, who has been an activist for fairer student rent before his presidency, won the election on a pledge of fairer rents for students. A spokesperson for the University told Brig that the rates for the next academic year have yet to be agreed.
What Candidate Keenan said...
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It’s quite frankly disgusting that students have to pay £137 per week, for a single bedroom and shared facilities, when the lowest student loan stands at £475 per month. What we also have to bring into question is the fact that the Principal of the university gets a pay packet of £262,000 and lives rent-free in his university bungalow. There is a growing sense of unfairness and discontent amongst the student body. Students have now had enough of paying extortionate rent.”
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Reported on brignews.com, February 29, 2016.
I’m going to make a promise to students that I’ll fight tooth and nail to ensure that we get a fair rent agreement for 2017-18.” Interview published on brignews.com, March 17, 2016. He was also asked if he thought he could get a better rent deal than Andrew Kinnell.
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Yes, I really do. And you have to have that belief in the first place to actually go out and secure a better deal. I mean, although the 2.5% increase on some of the properties is below the market rates, and although we’re getting this £50k discretionary fund, which might only help around 100 students on average, I believe we should be doing more. And I don’t believe that the university has bent over backwards to help students, not at all. This £50k is essentially just buying out students.” In the same interview, on what he’d do in his first 100 days as Union President:
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We’ll have to start opening serious dialogue with senior management and the JPPRC (Joint Policy, Planning and Resources Committee) so that we actually start seriously looking at a rent reduction.”
Labour MSP says Scottish students are being ‘locked out’
Credit: BBC News
Craig Paton News Editor
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he Scottish Government are facing pressure to relax
IN BRIEF
the caps on funding for Scottish university students. Labour MSP, and education spokesperson Iain Gray, stated that there was a risk of Scottish students being “locked out” of higher education due to a lack of funded places. Gray pointed to statistics published by Audit
Poems, dance, food - come celebrate Scotland’s famous bard at Stirling
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air fa’ your honest, sonsie face, Great chieftain o’ the pudding-race! Tickets are now on sale for the Stirling University’s annual Burns’ Supper, held at the Stirling Court Hotel. The event will include music, dance, food and the traditional piping of the haggis. The tickets are £12, and can be purchased via the link on the Portal, or on the Online Shop on the University of Stir-
Scotland, which revealed how many Scottish domiciled students were offered a place at universities across the country. Further down the list was Stirling University, with an offer rate of 43%. The best rate for Scottish students was found to be Abertay, with 77%.
ling’s website. Guests are encouraged to come in traditional Scottish wear, and to bring their dancing shoes for the ceilidh. Tickets will be in high demand after the last four Burns’ Suppers at the university have sold out. The event will be held from 6.45pm on January 27. See some Burns poems in our Feature section on page 24.
The worst offender is Glasgow School of Art, which offered just 13% of their places to home based students. The next were Edinburgh and St Andrews, often described two of the ‘ancient universities’, which offered domicile students places at 30% and 35% respectively. Gray said “These figures will be a cause for concern for families across Scotland, but they should also have government ministers sitting up and taking notice because they will have a real long term impact on our economy. We need to give our people the skills they need to compete for the jobs of the future, but we can’t do that if they are repeatedly locked out of higher education.” He continued: “Labour supports free tuition but
universities have to be adequately funded for the policy to work.” A spokesman for St Andrews University told the Courier “Restricted numbers have always been a consequence of the Scottish system, but we are committed to work with the Scottish Government on a shared objective of ensuring that as many bright young Scots as possible are able to benefit from a university education.” Audit Scotland’s report states that the cap on Scottish students increased by seven percent, from 103,503 to 110,650, between 2012/13 and 2014/15. However, over the same period, the number of applications from Scottish students increased by 15%, making the application process more competitive.
Audit Scotland recommended that Government and Scottish Funding Council should “undertake and publish research on trends in applications, offer rates and acceptances for Scottish university places to assess what impact the limits on funded places are having on access to the university system for Scottish and EU students. They should consider the implications of this research for existing policy ambitions and funding approaches.” The report also branched into the changes in student finance in recent years. Between 2012/13 and 2014/15, funding from bursaries and grants fell by 40%, whereas funding from student loans increased by 86% over the same period.
"We need to give our people the skills they need to compete for the jobs of the future, but we can't do that if they are repeatedly locked out of higher education."
Locals to pitch ideas to make the city better at Stirling Soup 3
Practical postgraduate education takes centre stage
ocal community project Stirling Soup is preparing to host its 3rd event in February. Dubbed ‘Soup3’ on Facebook, it will see around 4 or 5 local people and charities pitching ideas and projects to the audience which will “make Stirling a better place to live”. There is a £5 donation (or more, if you like) to enter, for which you will be treated to
ducation leaders have gathered at the university to showcase the Scotland-wide Making the Most of Masters (MMM) programme, which uses work placements as an alternative to Masters dissertations. Delegates were joined by keynote speaker Professor Sue Rigby, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Lincoln, to hear more about the innovative scheme which has now created
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homemade soup, rustic bread and live entertainment. All the proceeds then go to the winning pitch. The event will kick off at 7pm on Friday, February 24, at Stirling County Rugby Club. A local food blogger will be collecting old cookbooks to add to a free library for people who can’t afford them. The last event was won by local food bank Start Up Stirling.
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work-based projects for almost 1,500 students in Scotland since its launch in 2011. Rosemary Allford, Stirling’s MMM Project Manager, said: “Employers are increasingly looking for postgraduate students that have experience applying research in the real world. We want to support skilled postgraduates to contribute directly to research and enterprise in Scotland’s economy.”
News
4 Brig | January 2017
University launches crowd funding page to protect archive
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Craig Paton
tirling University has launched a crowd funding page to archive and catalogue the materials of Peter Mackay. The page aims to raise £8,000 which will be used to appoint a Project Archivist, who will then
Photo: Peter Mackay/University of Stirling
help to make the archive available to the university, as well as researchers across the world. Mackay’s family is originally from Doune, just outside Stirling, and it was his wishes that the collection be taken by the University.
Originally born in London in 1926, Mackay enlisted in the British Army, where he became the youngest Major ever to serve in the Brigade of Guards. He left the Army in 1950 to start a new life as a farmer in Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe.
Described as strong willed by his peers, Mackay’s growing disdain for white Rhodesians, who he saw as snobs, led to his involvement in the liberation movements of Malawi and Zimbabwe. Through his time as part of these movements, Mackay helped to funnel hundreds of blacks out of white-ruled Rhodesia. He also organised a conference in 1967 where people of many different ethnic backgrounds signed a document calling for the end to all-white rule in Rhodesia, as well as helping to organise a march through the city of Salisbury, now Harare, attended by 7,000 people. Spending the next 20 years working for liberation, Mackay felt disillusioned with his peers following Zimbabwean independence in 1980,
believing many in the movement chose lives of corruption and wealth. Due to this, he moved to Omay, Zimbabwe, where he helped build clinics, schools and agricultural settlements for the 15,000 poor citizens who lived there. The collection charts Mackay’s time in the African liberation movement. It includes personal and political papers, as well as photographs and journalistic articles written by Mackay. The archive has been at the university since 2013 when it arrived from Zimbabwe, where it survived several different break in attempts, homed in 28 large crates. The last 2 years of Mackay’s life were spent bed ridden, partly due to an attack at his home in Zimbabwe by armed
robbers in 2007. He died at home in 2013. Historian Lawrence Vambe said of Mackay: “Peter was a saint. A non-religious saint but a saint nevertheless.” The crowd funding page is under the name “Help Stirling to protect The Peter Mackay Archive”. It has reached 32% of the required goal, and closes on January 24 at 9am. An interview with Karl Magee, the head archivist at the University, is available on the page. Magee says that there is an opportunity for students who wish to be archivists to volunteer in order to get experience on the project. The university’s head of fundraising, Stuart Rennie, told Brig: “A key aim of our project is to make the archive accessible to scholars and students
Brig launches new campaign
in Africa. This reflects Mackay’s own life-long commitment to liberating and developing his adopted African home.” When asked about the progress of the campaign, Rennie said: “With two weeks of the campaign left we have raised over £3k, with the promise of more donations to come. We are confident that the fund is going to reach the £6k target, which will also enable the project to receive an additional £2k from the Heritage Lottery Fund.” “The ultimate outcome is for the digitised material to be made available through the JSTOR resource Struggles for Freedom, which has been made freely available to over 900 universities and colleges in Africa through JSTOR’s Africa Access initiative.”
We are calling on the university to scrap the Graduation Tax!
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o you think £50 is a fair price for a fancy certificate?
Especially on students who have spent four years working hard to finally get their degree? Do you think a blanket £50 bill to graduate, irrespective of that student’s financial situation, irrespective of whether or not they attend their graduation ceremony, is appropriate? Brig Newspaper don’t. Let’s count up the costs of graduation for students at the University of Stirling, going by the 2015/16 academic year: £50 for your degree certificate £48 for your compulsory robes if you attend your graduation ceremony 2 free tickets for your graduation – but an extra £12 a ticket for anyone else you want to bring Let’s not forget that your family will likely be wanting a plush meal afterwards to celebrate (and after sitting there watching everyone else get their certificates for hours, who can blame them?) And if you want to cap it all off by attending the Graduation Ball, that’ll be another £60, thanks very much In short – should you dare to want your family and loved ones to share in your achievement after four years of hard graft, and watch you collect that bit of paper, you’ll be doing pretty well if it costs
you anything under £100. £100 for a student can be the difference between paying your rent and running into arrears, between eating and living well and not. We don’t all have well-off parents to
Credit: asisqld.com.au
bail us out. We don’t all have large student loans. We don’t all have parttime jobs. To paraphrase a former Union President: graduation costs are too damn high. And if you can’t or don’t want to attend your ceremony and graduate in absentia, you still have to pay £50 for the privilege. For a piece of paper. A nice piece of paper, for sure. But let’s not pretend you couldn’t get it done at
MailBoxes for a quid. This is a tax on graduating, pure and simple. And where is the money going? Is it pure profit for the uni? Former VP Communities Lauren Marriott cam-
continue ripping off students? That’s why Brig are announcing this campaign. We will shortly launch a petition open to all students, in the hope you will support our key two aims:
paigned on these issues last academic year, to little avail. The university told her they would not be re-evaluating graduation costs until this academic year. This was despite research Marriott carried out, showing how hugely unpopular the £50 degree certificate was among the 200 students she surveyed. Graduation is only around five months away, and the university needs to decide: is it going to
Scrapping the £50 graduation tax for all students. No one should have to pay for a degree certificate. The university should foot the (modest) bill for these themselves. £48 to hire a set of ceremonial robes for a few hours is too much. We propose that £20 of this sum should be a deposit that you get back provided you return the robes on time and in the same condition you found them.
#ScrapStirGradTax Campaign Aims 1. An end to the £50 Graduation Tax for all students 2. A reduction in the cost of ceremonial robes
5 Brig | January 2017
News
NUS Vice President conspired with Israeli embassy to oust President Malia Bouttia Warren Hardie News Editor
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vice president of the National Union of Students has been caught conspiring in a bid to oust President Malia Bouattia. The footage was captured when the VP, Richard Brooks, revealed information to an undercover reporter from AlJazeera. As revealed in the footage, the reporter asks Brooks who he should speak to if he wants to oppose Bouattia. Brooks, signifying himself as a key member in the opposition to the NUS President replies that “[If] you want to speak with someone in a certain geo-
graphical area, I’ll point you at the right people,” and suggests that the reporter should contact him if he wishes to further discuss ousting Bouattia. Brooks reveals in the tapes that he visited Israel on the invite of the Union of Jewish Students (UJS). Facing calls for his resignation, Brooks has released statements on his social media accounts in an attempt to stop what he calls “misinformation being spread”. “Myself and the far left elected leadership of the NUS politically disagree on lots of things. “It’s therefore not a shock or expose that I politically organise against what I think to be an ineffectual and damaging
Richard Brooks was caught conspiring against NUS President Malia Bouattia Credit: Middle East Eye
Presidency for Students’ Unions or students,” said Brooks. Brooks also dismisses
allegations of conspiracy and states that he is proud to work with the UJS. Brooks added that he
had “never met – to my knowledge – someone from the Israeli Government”.
where St Andrews get pipped by Glasgow to 2nd in Scotland.
university. This data is taken from 2014. The degree completion score is also based on a projection, taken from a small sample of people who are expected to complete their degree and therefore is not based on the levels over recent
results-based criteria.
It was revealed in this footage that the Union of Jewish Students receives funding from the Israeli embassy. “Once you’re involved with the Union of Jewish Students, they then connect you,” Adam Schapira, a pro-Israeli activist who unsuccessfully ran for UJS president, tells the undercover reporter. He adds: “My sister worked for the embassy for a bit, as her first job. It’s a good platform to do for like a year.” It is during this conversation that Schapira tells the reporter about the Israeli funding which USJ is receiving. The documentary also reveals that Schapira has received further fund-
ing from Israel to establish his group the Pinkser Centre, who describe themselves as “a coalition of young people educating about Zionism and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” Malia Bouattia has yet to publicly comment. This film was released as the result of a six-month investigation by Al-Jazeera in to the Israeli lobby in the UK. The film also revealed that disgraced diplomat Shai Masot, who worked at the Israeli embassy in London, was attempting to “take down” MPs including Jeremy Corbyn and the shadow foreign minister.
The Guardian’s tables have been compiled by a group called Intelligent Matrix, a specialist consultancy firm which looks at higher education performance. The National Students Survey (NSS) and the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) comprise their main sources of information for their rankings.
both student satisfaction and research quality but also examining indicators like entry standards, proportion of students graduating with 1sts and 2:1s, graduate prospects, degree completion rates and services & facilities spend. Its results for student experience and teaching quality - the two categories which make up student satisfaction, are derived entirely from the NSS 2016, while its figures on research quality come from the Research Excellence Framework 2014. Most of their data is fairly recent, but their results on research quality aren’t the only examples of being a teensy bit out of date. Their calculations on the proportion of 1st and 2:1 degrees come from 2015’s figures, while the number of people completing their degrees hark back to statistics from 2013-14. Stirling comes in here at an impressive #43 - up seven spots from the year before and ahead of Aberdeen and Strathclyde. Topping the overall list is Cambridge, much to Oxford’s dismay, while St Andrews tops Scotland. Edinburgh, meanwhile, have slipped 15 places to #37 - behind Glasgow and Dundee.
University league tables: Can you trust them?
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ni league tables are all a bit confusing. For one, they all seem to say different things.
Depending on which one you read, Stirling is ranked UK-wide anywhere from the high 30s to the high 50s. One of them claims that St Andrews is the best uni in Scotland and places the University of Edinburgh at an embarrassing #37 in the UK, while another puts the University of Edinburgh at #1 in Scotland and St Andrews behind Glasgow. When they differ so wildly, can we trust any of these league tables? The team at Brig News have taken a look at four of the biggest to see what we can glean.
Times Higher Education World
University Rankings Not to be confused with The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide, this ranking system measures institutions across the globe on 13 critical “performance in-
dicators”. Each of these indicators belong to one of five key areas: teaching, research, citations (the influence of research carried out at an institution elsewhere in the academic community), international outlook, and how much research income an institution generates from industry. In other words, it’s all very high-brow stuff. In fact, even in the teaching area, there is no data collected on the actual learning experience of students. Instead, it measures indicators like “academic reputation”, institutional income, doctorates-to-academic-staff ratio and doctorate-tobachelor’s ratio. The only thing it measures which directly relates to the student experience is the student-to-staff ratio. But every league table does that. Stirling lands at joint-
38th in the UK in this list. Not bad going. We score best in international outlook, with a whopping 77.7. Oxford tops the list both in the UK and globally, while Edinburgh is the top Scottish uni (and a respectable 27th in the world). This is the one
Verdict: A good egoboost for the usual stuffy old universities, but distinctly lacking in any data as to what it’s actually like to study there.
The Complete University Guide The Complete University Guide (CUG) look at ten different criteria that decide where each university ranks. These criteria include research, spending, graduation rate, entry standards and several other key areas. To gather information CUG mainly uses statistics from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). However, based on their own methodology, CUG does not use HESA data from 2015-16. The most recent is the year previous. The furthest the information goes back is to 2012. Other information is brought from the Research Excellence Framework, looking at any research that is done by a
years. The guide also has issues with scoring consistency. Many of the different areas are scored completely differently. Some are percentages, which can’t be helped; some are scored out of 5; some are averages; some are ratios; and Research Intensity is scored out of 1. This could cause some confusion to laypeople who consult the CUG. In the Complete University Guide 2017, the University of Stirling placed 39th overall in the UK. This is up eight places from last year. Verdict: Some of the criteria chosen could also be seen as unnecessary to the average student. Questions could be raised as to whether the research profile of certain universities is important to most students, and more focus should be put on the graduation rate, the rate of good degrees achieved and other more
The Guardian University Guide The Guardian distinguishes itself from other uni league tables, stating that “Our guide is different from other guides you
might come across on the web. Very few of them rank universities.” Stirling is ranked at 58 in the Guardian University Rankings 2017, an increase from their previous 65 spot. Of the university rankings which we have looked at, this table places Stirling lowest. The Guardian state they don’t feel research scores are important to students, therefore they do not focus on them in their ranking of universities. Instead, areas such as coursework feedback, student opinion and graduate employability are viewed by The Guardian as being more important to students. To create their tables, The Guardian takes advice from an ‘expert review group’ comprising experts from a number of UK universities. The group meets on occasion to discuss alterations to subject areas as well as their own formula.
Verdict: In its favour, the student experience is highly valued. But if your thing is prestige and reputation, this one won’t be for you. On top of that, #58?! I mean, really. Behind Robert Gordon? Come on.
The Times & Sunday Times Good University Guide
First up - word to the wise - you actually have to pay real money if you want to look at this one. Trust Rupert Murdoch to charge you just to find out if your uni’s any good. It is, it must be said, one of the more comprehensive league tables, giving slightly more weight to
Verdict: Hardly faultless, but it has some cause to call itself (as it does) “authoritative”. It has a nice balance between student experience and academia, although they could certainly do in places with fresher data.
6 Brig | January 2017
Politics
Is the demise of the EU near? Was Brexit just the beginning?
Brexit could lead to other countries breaking away. Source: the telegraph
Rebecca McCurdy Politics Editor
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hat Brexit means for the UK is the big question on everyone’s lips, but does Britain’s exit from the European Union actually have bigger consequences in store? The UK putting plans in motion to leave may ultimately lead to other countries questioning their relationship and where they stand with the EU. Of course, it is still unknown when Britain will trigger Article 50 but importantly, it is certainly opening up debate as to whether it really is the beginning of the end for the EU. Rise of the Right In many member states across Europe, austerity policies have been rolled out, similar to that of the
UK’s, which has resulted in recessions and job loses across the continent. For many, the reaction appears to be to reject the system in place and support radical right-wing parties. It is the rise of rightwing populism that will cause the most problems for the EU. These parties tend to focus on issues affecting their country, rather than that of Europe, with topics such as immigration and national identity becoming a major talking points. It is this which could lead to the demise of the EU. Right-wing parties have been on the increase across Europe and 2017 looks no different, with the National Front in France, for example, contesting the French Presidency. Whether this will see mainstream parties swing
to the right to appeal to voters is yet unknown. Undemocratic? Eurosceptics criticize the EU for not being democratic enough, claiming that it is hard to maintain control when it is run by unelected bureaucrats. While reality is that each government chooses someone to represent them in the European Commission on their behalf, it does not quiet the disapproval. When addressing the current discontent following Brexit, President of the European Commission JeanClaude Juncker failed to acknowledge the growing problem. His dismissal, instead calling for more unity, could be his downfall when other countries follow suit and take steps to leave the union.
If left unresolved, governments across Europe may decide to leave to escape an EU seemingly intent on diminishing their authority and making them follow a set of laws and rules they no longer feel invested in. Time for Change? In truth the EU has to change in order to prevent unhappy member states from breaking away. The EU is very desirable in terms of benefits such as the single market but if there is a surge in rightwing parties winning elections across Europe, will they be accepting of free movement too? A plan must be put in place to put an end to concerns instead of ignoring the problems or the EU may have bigger issues than Brexit in the next few years.
Free movement: Looking at the good and the bad
Rebecca McCurdy
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ree movement was one of the biggest talking points of the EU referendum, but it is it actually good or bad? With the possibility of populism growing across Europe, it could be that the EU’s insistence of enforcing the freedom of movement on its members is its greatest downfall. Public concern has continuously grown over the years but it is Brexit which has shot the legislation into the forefront of critics. Perhaps the biggest critique is that the expansion of the bloc sees citizens of poorer EU countries seek to move in the hope for higher wages and a better standard of living; however this ultimately has a negative effect on coun-
It’s still too soon for another indyref
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Rebecca McCurdy
s a huge supporter of the 2014 campaign for Scottish independence, it’s difficult to say that now certainly isn’t the time for another referendum. That’s not to say there’s no longer a place for it, it just seems like there are much bigger issues at hand which are far more pressing. In many ways, it feels like it’s more about making history for Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP than actually putting the needs of the country at the forefront. To press for a second referendum on independence off the back of Brexit comes across as extremely rushed. Voting to the remain in the EU doesn’t equal voting for Scotland’s independence and it shouldn’t be assumed that the two
Scotland isn’t ready for another referendum. Source: BBC News
connect. In my opinion, it would be extremely difficult to achieve a majority based on EU membership alone. This would be ignorance on the SNP’s part and completely ignores the issues that need addressing after the first referendum.
On reflection, the uncertainty surrounding specific issues in the campaign for independence resulted in the defeat, particularly with vague answers surrounding currency, for example, where the issue seemed to be brushed to the side all too often.
Clearly many people struggled to see the point of view that Scotland could be better off independent from Westminster and the SNP would do well to tackle these issues instead of jumping into a new referendum without knowing what awaits from Brexit.
A recent poll from the Herald highlights the concern, showing that 61.5% of Scottish voters oppose the idea of an independence referendum this year. When this is broken down, it shows that even among those who voted Remain, support for independence has not increased. Scotland’s EU membership isn’t exactly set in stone with independence and the long drawn-out process would take time, so basing a campaign off of that is careless. Dragging Scotland into a potentially fractured EU is wrong since it is unclear what state it will be in after Brexit. Independence is inevitable, but it takes time. The SNP need to play the long game instead of trying to capitalise on the anger and confusion following the Brexit vote.
tries – such as the UK – or at least that is what the right-wing parties claim. The migrant crisis gripping Europe has lead to debate on whether stricter immigration policies should be enforced. Debates about free movement seem to focus on the negatives but the flip side is scarcerly mentioned.
“Without free movement,the wholeprinciple oftheEUcould be at stake” Free movement affords us the privilege of living or working in Europe too and if this was taken
away, who knows what this would mean for holidays in the eurozone. Of course trade and free movement co-exist for members so while it may be appealing to scrap it entirely it comes at a high cost and may hinder their plans. Without free movement, the whole principle of the EU could be at stake. Its existence creates peace and integration among members and it is unknown where the EU would stand without it. It is certainly a divisive topic and with the potential rise of populist parties across the continent, it is looking likely that it is something which needs to be addressed in the coming months.
Nostradanus: Predictions for 2017 Dan Vevers Editor-in-Chief Now, I don’t pretend to be a seer. But last year, I did predict an SNP minority government, Brexit, and the election of Donald Trump. So, you know. More Nostradamus than Professor Trelawney. Just. (I did first forecast that Bernie Sanders would win the US Presidency for example.) In other words, betting on these predictions is no sure thing, but of course, that is the thrill of gambling, which Brig always actively encourages. Hang on, excuse me, that’s our lawyer calling. So without further ado, here are my cast-iron guarantee* predictions for 2017. *no guarantee
- Article 50 to be triggered in the spring, and while it will be some time before negotiations fully take shape, it’ll be pretty clear by the end of the year that we’re going for the hardest of hard Brexits. - Marine Le Pen to be elected French President. - Angela Merkel to cling to power with a dimished coalition. - Scottish Labour to be removed from power by voters at Glasgow City Council and Stirling, to be replaced by SNP-led administrations. - Donald Trump to be impeached in the first 100 days of his Presidency (more hope and prayer than prediction).
7 Brig | January 2017
Politics
Something’s up in Turkey. Should you care? Yes, you should. Turkish President Erdoğan is operating through odd and dangerous strategies, and 2017 will see a lot more of it. Angelo Bakoulas Politics Editor
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new year has begun and, judging from the articles in the last issue of Brig, we could not wait to get rid of the old one. Even when speaking strictly politically, Brexit, Trump, extreme right popularity and new instabilities in Italy marked 2016, but I know you have heard it all way too many times. So, let’s look to the new year and one of the not-sopositive things coming our way with 2017. In three words, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. And yeah I know this guy has been the leader of Turkey since 2003 – as prime minister until 2014, and as president since then. Yet, if all goes to plan, the Parliament of Turkey will support his radical constitutional amendments this year, handing him more power and autonomy as well as a 3rd term as president. Assuming he gets reelected at the end of his first term in 2019 and holds snap elections in his second term, he would then be eligible for a 3rd term, despite the limit staying at two terms for presidents. This would mean that Erdoğan could stay on Turkey’s leadership up to 2029. Would that be so bad? Probably. The Turkish President has been accused of behaving in an authoritarian manner, of pushing Turkey ‘backwards’ socio-politically, and of prosecuting anyone that seems to be standing in his way. And the evidence is pretty much as bad as the accusations. While some are rumours and some are facts, during the Erdoğan presidency since 2014, worrying tendencies have increasingly come to the fore. Various activists, journalists with opposing views and public figures that have spoken openly against him have been prosecuted and many of them sentenced with fines, and in some cases imprisonment. Turkey has been internationally criticised for its unfair treatment of refugees and for allowing the illegal transfer of refugees into Greece and Italy by traffickers in poorly maintained vehicles and lifethreatening conditions. This summer a failed coup attempt brought immense chaos which fin-
Credit: South China Morning Post
ished with extravagant riots in support of Erdoğan which many saw as staged. In fact, while nothing has been proven, the authenticity of the coup itself has been questioned since it now serves as a justification for more arrests and prosecutions against ideological enemies of the Turkish president and his conservative regime. If all that was not enough, the construction of a 1100room presidential palace has been described as a gross abuse of state funds for personal gain, as well as an attempt by Erdoğan to increase his status and expand the public’s perception of him as a result. So, smaller and larger incidents have triggered concerns regarding the personal aspirations of the Turkish president and possible plans he may have to push Turkey into an authoritarian state with less public freedoms and a stronger power elite with him at its centre. And now he wants extended and further unregulated powers. Turkey has been caught between a cultural and religious geopolitical divide for years and tension has been boiling within it until it finally tipped over. While a new rendition of an Arab Spring could have happened, Erdoğan was always there to use the tension for his benefit. Those attacks and incidents that are caused by outside powers are immediately employed within his rhetoric
and those incidents that have been described as government-created by critics are conveniently placed within fragile spaces of everyday life and of the cultural narratives and traditions of the country. Can it get worse? Just make him an almost absolute leader and you will see. Maybe right about now some of you may be thinking: “Why do I not know more about this?” Turkey is mentioned in news segments around action against ISIS, terrorist attacks in Istanbul – by far the most ‘Western’ part of the country - and the refugee crisis. Yet, the internal politics of the country often remain out of the international spotlight and are deprived of the attention of global audiences. This does not mean they are not active though. National politics is very active and since Turkey is there in all the topics mentioned earlier, its internal affairs may affect more than what sits within its borders. Of course, most of this is discussed based on the current pictures of the issues in mind. We do not know what Erdoğan has in mind or what the Turkish people believe about all this. Yet, what we do know is that it would not hurt to hear a bit more about Turkish politics alongside all the other international news narratives. We should all be sitting up and paying attention.
8 Brig | January 2017
Comment
It’s 2017, yet it still sucks to be a woman Amy Beveridge Comment Editor
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new year means a new beginning. A new chance for progression in our lives. Unfortunately, as we advance into 2017, our society seems at times to be moving backwards instead. If you happened to be a woman in the run-up to 2017, it won’t have escaped your notice that this new year may bring as many problems as resolutions. Women make up around 49.6% of the world’s population, but even in these modern times equality still seems far off. From education to work to legislation, the truth is if you are female you are more likely to be disadvantaged. We can’t talk about the terrible treatment of women without mentioning those two little words we are all sick of hearing – Donald Trump. His misogyny – both publicly proclaimed and clumsily concealed – is almost unbelievable in this day and age.
The rape allegations, the sexist name-calling, the judging of women’s bodies; he has committed so many atrocities against women that listing them all would need its own article. While these gained attention for all the wrong reasons during his campaign, it’s his actions during the upcoming presidency that could seriously impact women across America. Trump has previously said that women should be “punished” for having abortions, and his own healthcare plans would reduce access to abortion, contraception and preventative care. This would not only limit women’s sexual freedom, but also their right to make their own life choices. His comments aren’t just crude now; they’re downright scary. For ‘The Greatest Country in the World’, the US still seems pretty backwards on how it treats its women. But it’s not just in America that women’s rights
are used as a political football. A lot closer to home, Northern Ireland still has laws that ban women from getting an abortion - even if the pregnancy is caused by rape or incest, or there are fatal foetal abnormalities. If women wish to have an abortion they have to travel to the UK and pay for the procedure, or take abortion pills bought online. It’s staggering that two women born a few miles apart across a border can have such different rights that affect their lives. However, within the UK men and women are still treated differently – even with equality legislation. The Equal Pay Act 1970 “prohibits any less favourable treatment between men and women in terms of pay and conditions of employment.” Yet on average women earn 18% less than men, and this increases if a woman has children. Women are also less likely to enter high-paying careers, and are underrepresented in jobs
Shouting, whistling and stalking may seem shocking, but in reality it is an everyday ocurrence for women. Source: theodysseyonline.com Graphics: Stuart Graham
such as STEM. Despite more women than men graduating from university, Britain has a stubborn gender pay gap that will just not go away. Outside the workplace women also have it tough. A modern life means modern expectations. Social media puts pressure on women to document themselves and what’s happening in their lives. Now more than ever women must show their perfect relationship, perfect family, perfect career,
and perfect body, and woe betide anyone who does not meet these impossible standards. By displaying themselves for anyone to see, women are leaving themselves open to judgement and criticism – even from other women. Issues such as low selfesteem and mental health problems can arise from such an intense pressure to be perfect. But by putting their lives online, it also provides another platform for women to be torn down and told their opinions do
not matter. Hatred and misogyny comes anonymously from behind a screen, and any woman online is at risk from being told how ugly, stupid or slutty she is. Women are an easy target for trolls, as any calm and considered response can be countered with “Get back to the kitchen!” from an anonymous egg. It doesn’t take much for comments to become violent and sexual, and things are typed which would never be said to a
woman’s face simply because they are so shameful. Perhaps what is most shocking about this lack of respect towards women is how common it is, and how it is still accepted in our society. Women still suffer from domestic violence. Women are still raped. Women are still whistled at and threatened in the street. Sexual harassment is never a compliment, and it always makes a woman feel ashamed and scared. Not convinced this is an
It is testament to both genius marketing and inept resistance. The separation between the people and the governing class created a vacuum which Trump filled, and by appealing to grievance and disillusion, he gleaned a support base which exponentially grew. It became immune to the accusations of racism and misogyny, because by then they had ceased caring about his decorum. His outsider status was his asset, and thus his support was joined by those driven to such despair that they cast for chaos. Even democracy will, in malaise, unearth a Caligula. Despairing as this outcome may be, it also points us in the direction we must take in 2017.
There surely can be little doubt that the standard of debate last year was abysmal. Accusation and counteraccusation were primary weapons, and when they eventually immunised opponents, were replaced by slander, insult and violence. ‘Criminal’, or ‘racist’, or ‘unfit’, or ‘evil’. Such hyperbole and nonsense barracking mimicked street level dispute yet provided a blueprint to those who knew better. Broadsheet journalists spoke of hatred winning the day. CNN’s president admitted it might have been a mistake to air a presidential candidate’s speeches in full. Within the battles themselves, there was seldom reasoned discussion or
argument, few crossings were led by analysis of the facts, and the routine use of blatant lies and obvious scaremongering went unchallenged. Failure to defend the point and to present the case is political incompetence, yet seems in line with a continuing slide from interrogation to subjugation on the public platform. Debate, that most powerful of tools, is routinely ignored, routinely banned and routinely undervalued even when the political climate is crying out for views to be properly explored. You don’t have to be a utilitarian to respect John Stuart Mill’s assertion that reason is a science, and thus should be scientifically tested at the dais, lest the truth pass our echo cham-
bers by. Post-truth goes both ways. When slavery was abolished here, it wasn’t because its evil was self-evident, hideous a thought as that may be. It was because of lobbying and a series of debates which demonstrated that economic pragmatism could not outweigh the immorality. Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution by Natural Selection was born out by scientific fact, but what secured intellectual consensus was the 1860 Oxford Evolution Debate and the arguments of Thomas Huxley et al. Just as it looked like the BNP might become a tertiary force in British politics, their leader Nick Griffin was summoned by Question Time
2017: The year debate must rule supreme over post-truth
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Scott M Patterson
s a flurry of Tweets, Facebook comments, TV panel show clips and newspaper articles indicate, 2016 was somewhat mad. To a great many, it was more apocalyptic than idiosyncratic, a cultural step back as ignominy after ignominy came to pass, events once unthinkable but now a reality. The tone and mood was that of Thomas Hardy despair-fetish as broadcasters wept on live television and borderlinesociopathic politicians railed against the immortality of the public and the culture itself. There was Orlando, Syria, Yemen and Istanbul, unimaginable suffering imparted by near-diabol-
ical design. This is to virtually ignore what is spoken of most as we bring in 2017, the politic. The extraordinary occurred twice last year on this battleground, as first the United Kingdom exited the European Union amid acrimony and barefaced contempt, and then the United States concluded months of bitter hostility by electing Donald Trump. Said nations didn’t live up to their names, and the tried and tested methods of persuasion failed. Whether you celebrated or regretted these comings, there can be little doubt they changed the face of modern politics. The reasons for such outcomes are many, wildly contrasting and almost impossible to summarise
succinctly. What it demonstrated, however, was that there is a divide within Western Civilisation. France, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden are other core examples of a widening chasm that may enable toxic regressions, but also reflects legitimate fears. Trump, post-election and post-truth. A blatant demagogue, he was able to ascend to the greatest heights available through sheer opportunism, fulfilling the egoist’s dream, laying bare a superpower’s most hideous dirty secret; a tycoon who lied about funding his own campaign was depicted as a ‘man of the people’ and followed that narrative all the way into the Oval Office.
9 Brig | January 2017
Comment A red, white, and blue, hard, soft, eggsover-easy Brexit
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issue? Speak to your mother, your sister, or your friend. Speak to any woman. Every one has a story of a time they were treated in a way in which no human should be treated. Websites like The Everyday Sexism Project document women’s – and even young girls’ - own stories of harassment. At some points it is difficult to read because it is so horrifying, but it’s important to show the prevalence of this behaviour towards women. Despite the severity of
these issues, one of the worst problems for women in 2017 is that fact that feminism is still not taken seriously. Women’s fights for their rights are ridiculed and deemed unnecessary. The outdated stereotype of the unshaven, butch, preachy feminist is still widespread, even though feminists really look more like Emma Watson, Benedict Cumberbatch and Malala Yousafzai. It’s no coincidence that the people who say women are equal now also tend to be the same people who
tell jokes about rape and violence. What many people don’t realise is that better rights for women go hand-inhand with better rights for men – equality means life is better for everyone. No matter how many times a woman is called a dyke or a feminazi, one thing is true – if women are still being treated unfairly, then feminism will always exist in one way or another. Going into 2017 we can be hopeful – a resurgence of female leaders, such as Nicola Sturgeon
and Theresa May, means that important decisions affecting women are not all made by old white men. Slowly changes are being made, but there is still a way to go. As long as women are still being judged on their looks and marital status rather than their achievements, they will not be equal. Perhaps in 2017 we will begin to progress towards equality for everyone, no matter what their gender.
and showed himself to be disingenuous and myopically blinkard. His odious party’s popularity plummeted. By challenging ideas presented and arguing your own clearly, you can open up truth to the many. Great things can be accomplished, and the worst society has to offer exposed. The lack of such scrutiny was a huge reason for Trump’s election. As he played fast and loose with facts, lies and polices, Clinton failed to nail him down. The ‘basket of deplorables’ needed more than revulsion, and they never got that disincentive. The policy of condemnation created a siege mentality within the Trump camp, solidifying their conviction. Read the same for Brexit, the Remain side failing to utilise the testimony of economists when it
became clear most people were focussed on the practical. Try to scare them, and they question your motives. Insult potential allies and they turn their backs for good. Scream ‘bigot’ a thousand times and it loses its stigma. What never loses its power is a reasoned and sound rebuttal. The absence of such has birthed post-truth as ideological models of reality go unchallenged. Were we to rediscover the verisimilitude of the great debates, it would at least create a dialogue where currently there is merely spittle. At the end of 2016, the Politics and Debating societies co-chaired a panel discussion regarding Free Speech on campus and, though the house wasn’t packed, it made for vigorous discussion. Beyond the odd snarky
remark and non-sequitur, it was well argued, diverse enough to serve a purpose. It also broached a very significant point, harking back to a hot topic months before, when a motion to introduce political neutrality was presented to Stirling’s Student Union. While the motion was overwhelmingly defeated, the vastly outnumbered incumbents still had to endure verbal abuse and straw man retorts, outrage inspired by conjecture. While dire, such a reaction has a foundation, indicative of a lack of practice fielding reasoned argument and open discourse. A small example it may be, but microcosms are notoriously diminutive, and it perhaps holds the key. This writer would urge any on campus who take stock in the Union’s ac-
tions to consider participating in the discussions and votes, as a greater variety of voices would be heard, and your peers would be strengthened by the exertion. It is this method which represents the most rational means towards reversing the most noxious of political trends and, at the very least, should rid us of some of the hostility by replacing shouts with ripostes. The alternative would be polar strands of totalitarianism, a historically tested guarantee of misery and death as the middle ground becomes a toxic wasteland, no longer fit for living or for a meeting place. To avoid bleaker years, the dialogue and debate must rule supreme, lest we be divided still, for more of the same malignancy.
Jamie Grant
t’s been a winter of discontent for the PM. Union strikes, a collapse of NHS Ambulance services, a Civil Service in disarray and revolt, more types of Brexit favoured and mentioned than McDonald’s breakfast options. Alas, spring won’t bring much relief. Theresa May has played the long-game her whole political career. Quietly at the sidelines, attempting to implement unrealistic immigration quotas, harass members of the public to ‘Go Home’, or spitting in the face of international student visas, she had a good ol’ run for the office of PM. Famously tight-lipped and ambiguous, what began as a strength in the immediate wake of the Brexit vote has evolved into a type of Monty-Pythonesque joke. Three months until the triggering of Article 50, and the beginning of the long, arduous process to leave the European Union, and we are no clearer on her negotiation stance than we were all those months ago. Whilst supporters of her approach will claim this is a sensible negotiation tactic, they are ignoring the reality of the political situation. Subtle overtures from British politicians to their European counterparts of
cherry-picking aspects of memberships have been rebuffed. Arrogant overtures have been slapped-down even harder. We have burned through what little goodwill remained in Europe’s capitals, with May and co giving European leaders all the political ammunition and opportunity needed to quash their own domestic populist rebellions. With French, German and Dutch elections looming in the coming year, the attitude of the Brexiteer anti-European Union UK government will, perhaps ironically, prove to be the project’s saving grace. In the post referendum fallout, support for continued EU membership across the continent has largely increased. Britain is proving to be every bit of the example of what not to do when wanting to butter up your colleagues across the channel. Some may claim this too is part of a more wider strategy May is following to solidify Conservative rule for years to come. By botching the preamble to what will prove to be the greatest political challenge of a generation, May has positioned herself and her government to play the ‘nasty EU card’ rather well. Perhaps anticipating a backlash from Paris and
Brexit? Breakfast? Or just a dog’s dinner? Source: eatcluck.co.uk
Berlin, the Conservatives have provided themselves an everlasting get-outof-jail-free card from any negative consequences of a hard Brexit. Putting party over country appears to be all the rage these days. So despite the gloom, what is the next twist in the long rollercoaster of Brexit? March will see the formal triggering of Brexit, beginning a twoyear countdown to the departure of the UK from the EU proper. Since May cannot decide within her own party what Brexit means, how this messy intent of departure will translate to the capitals of Europe are anyone’s guess. Retaining Single Market membership will involve meeting the very regulations we were told Brexit would alleviate us from, whilst the indivisible nature of Europe’s four freedoms will result in either two things: we maintain our current set of affairs, at the cost of electorate anger and a loss of political capital and representation in the EU; we accept the mutual exclusivity of wanting to maintain the benefits of market membership, but not accepting the responsibilities this imposes, and we go for the hardest of hard Brexits. We’re talking stale toast and rotten eggs Brexit.
10 Brig | January 2017
Comment
Dreaming of travel? There is an adventure right on your doorstep Amy Beveridge Ross Brannigan
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am scrolling through Facebook, and I see yet another one. Someone has posted yet another picture of a pretty girl looking longingly out to sea, with a quote over the top reading “If travelling was free, you’d never see me again”. Last week it was “Collect moments, not things” and the week before “We travel not to escape life, but for life to escape us”. Travel is seen in our country as a great leveller. The popularity of gap years and summer volunteering camps confirms it. We believe that to develop as a person you must embrace another culture and see how other people live differently from you. People view travel as an escape from their monotonous lives, and so want to get as far away as possible by going to some far-flung, exotic country. But perhaps you don’t have to go to such a remote location to get the most out of your travelling. In the Rough Guides’ list of “must see” destinations to visit in 2017, Scotland is second place.
Our tiny yet humble country has so much to offer, and it is literally right on our front doorstep. Even if you have always lived in Scotland, there is so much you have yet to see and do. Not from Scotland? Even better – you have the chance to explore and learn more about the country you have decided to study in. Besides, on a student budget the closer the better. You may even be able to save some cash by crashing with friends whilst hopping from place to place. So why not explore Scotland before you explore the world? Take a Tour Scotland has decent rail, bus and ferry links that can take you almost everywhere you want to go, from the big cities to remote islands. If you’re up for driving, then Scotland lends itself well to a good
old-fashioned road trip – the North Coast 500 route takes you around the coast from its starting point in Inverness. You can soak in all the breath-taking scenery along the way, including the Bealach na Ba, and the fairy tale-like Dunrobin Castle. What is amazing about Scotland’s landscapes is that it has a diversity that can be found nowhere else. From white sandy beaches to deep lush forests, snow-capped mountains to rocky islands – no matter where you go, it never fails to astound and amaze. History Dotted around our magnificent landscape are the sites that map out Scotland’s fascinating history. Why not visit the places you learned about in history class? The Scots fought for their independence for hundreds of years and the battlegrounds still remain,including Culloden near Inverness, or Killiecrankie, which is close to Pitlochry. Or visit the homes of some of our national treasures, such as Robert Burns.
Photos (clockwise): Buchaille Etive Mor, Glencoe; Ben Ledi summit, Callander; Crathes Castle, Banchory; Royal Mile. Source: All photos Ross Brannigan
Shop and Eat Scotland is as much about the present as the past. With several bustling cities, including the largest city Glasgow and the historic capital Edinburgh, you can explore, shop and eat to your heart’s content. Once you’ve tried haggis and a deep-fried Mars Bar, you may believe that you’ve eaten everything Scotland has to offer. But our country is also famous for its seafood and game. Scotland’s cities offer
a thriving cuisine scene, letting you try exciting dishes from all around the world. Scotland is also home to 13 Michelin Star restaurants – so we must have good taste! If you’re after something a little stronger then Scotland does not disappoint. It’s the home of whisky, and there has been a recent revival in Scottish gin and craft beer. We have breweries and distilleries dotted all around the country, most of which provide tours and the all-important tasting session.
Sport and Events Luckily, Scotland has many ways to work off all of that food and drink. With mountains to climb, slopes to ski down, and rivers to kayak, we offer the best in outdoor
activity. Glasgow was host to the Commonwealth Games in 2014, meaning that the city has new sports facilities open to the public – the most impressive of which being the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome, named after one of Scotland’s most successful Olympians. The Commonwealth Games was just one of many events held over the years that showcased Scotland’s culture. We have a full calendar of events – starting with a bang at Edinburgh’s world-famous Hogma-
nay celebrations, through a summer of sporting events and highland games to ending the year with Christmas markets and events. There’s music all year round in the form of concerts, festivals and gatherings, so there’s no doubt you’ll find something to enjoy. It would be a shame to miss out on an opportunity to explore just because you think you’ve seen it all before. Whether you’ve been in Scotland your whole life, or just a few days, there will always be something else to see and do. Why not make Scotland your go-to destination this year? Even just leaving your house could turn out to be an adventure.
Don’t worry - 2017 is going to be okay Claire Keraudren Comment Editor
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he news mill has brought little positivity to 2016’s legacy and it – along with the people – begged for 2017’s arrival. The New Year couldn’t come soon enough; it would pull us out of the icon-killing vortex, into an era of prosperity and of broken glass ceilings. Such was the promise of Secretary Clinton’s inspiring, modern presidential campaign, “I’m With Her.” That November night was a sad time for many women, people of colour, and Democrats. We woke up the next morning wondering if we were subject to someone’s idea of a sick joke, or if Back to the Future had actually been a prophecy. It wasn’t – the US electoral system failed its people and made victorious an art of demagogy we once proudly said was left in the 40’s.
Then, the Internet went mad over Syrian President Bachar Al Assad saying he slept fine knowing his people were being murdered in his own country’s civil war. One really wouldn’t think this were the 21st century. Whatever happened to white latex turtlenecks, spaceships for cars, and an improved quality of life for every human being on Planet Earth? This is not the 21st century we were promised... Or is it? This year alone, we’ve had a new Star Wars film (which some argue was better than Episode VII), a revival of The X-Files, US First Lady Michelle Obama went all out to battle the explicit bigotry validated in then-presidential candidate Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” (he forgot that America’s a vast continent), Nicola Sturgeon spoke up against Prime Minister May’s
accepting the US election results, and Brexit is still a question mark looming over every MP’s head in London. A general concern over Trump’s election to be what is dubbed the Leader of the Free World, is what he’ll do to his country. Rest assured, those who survived because of the past 8 years: outgoing President Barack Obama has taken measures to protect his country’s weakest links before President-Elect Trump’s inauguration. He has ensured that Planned Parenthood should never be defunded and has drawn limits over locations where oil companies could drill in the Atlantic. This seems US-centric, until you realise that part of the endangerment of aquatic wildlife is due to oil leaks in the ocean, and that is not only an issue for our omega-3 intake, it also harms our little green planet’s ecosystem.
To continue the conversation about the environment – which you should be concerned about regardless of your dietary preferences – German Chancellor Angela Merkel has announced she will be running for another term. Next to the Queen, the German politician seems to have seen world leaders come and go, and has remained true to her values. On top of that, she’s leading her country into energy independence. Praise be to her. With little guarantee to a stable and safe 2017, one thing is for sure: it will be an interesting year. The Trump administration is concerning, but his mandate is unpredictable. Prime Minister May refuses to talk about Article 50, which leaves many wondering what will happen come March, and television is ever stranger in its nostalgic choice of material. We’ll see you there.
Taking care of our planet means a better future for us. Source: lovethesepics.com
Music
12 Brig | January 2017
Meet GlaSs Mountain
Brig chats with Bradford band about touring & new music JACK PICKLES
H
ailing from Bradford and proud of it - Glass Mountain are a four-piece, formed through the deaths of other bands, making transcendent guitar music of a cinematic scope.
Heavily influenced by forgotten ‘Sadcore’ pioneers Codeine, the band blends that slow, emotionally heavy sound with a touch of shoegaze and a dash of good old 90’s alt-rock - think Dinosaur Jr and Smashing Pumpkins. Glass Mountain have just come off a productive year, having dropped their EP ‘Glacial’ in June, then touring with Embrace to bookend the year. As a showcase for a band’s talent and diversity, ‘Glacial’ is very effective. Filled with thick, fuzzy basslines, Bonham-esque drum beats, and guitars that wash over everything in a cascading wall of sound, the band can jump between
expansive, brooding pieces, and more direct, danceable rock tunes. With Glass Mountain already showing so much promise, I spoke to bassist, keyboard player and founding member, William Sands, about what 2017 holds for the band. In the true spirit of phone conversations, we both accidentally spoke over each other and went down long diversions in a revealing, and decidedly casual interview. “Everything’s going so well. Ever since the EP dropped we’ve been pretty busy, ‘cause apart from gigging, we’ve been writing and recording. Then of course there was the tour with Embrace at the end of last year, which was brilliant, ‘cause we were treated like rock stars really. Normally bands at our level sort of sleep on floors and travel around in the back of a transit van. but we were living in total luxury.” Glass Mountain’s tour with Embrace has been a milestone in the band’s career so far, so I ask William how that experi-
ence was for them. “Well, you know, to be playing in front of hundreds of people every night, normally at our level you’d be playing in front of fifty or sixty people, but to be playing in front of that many, it speaks for itself doesn’t it? Also, the Embrace
Glass Mountains concluded their tour at Queens Hall in Edinburgh, their first gig in Scotland, and it’s at this point we take our first detour as we both gush about how pretty Edinburgh can be, and start comparing it to European cities. Realising I need to get the conversation back on track, I ask
fundamentals.” With at least one song confirmed for release, I have to ask if any more are to follow. “Well with the single, which will be called ‘Cowboy Song’ by the way, there’ll be a B-side. One of our favourite films is ‘Lost in Translation’, and
IMAGE: GLASS MOUNTAIN’S OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE
crowds are so attentive - it seems like people really connected. And the thing is once you’ve done a tour like that you just want to spend your life on the road, playing more and more gigs. So, we’re probably going to put a single out mid-March, and see if we can jump on another tour.”
William about that single he mentioned earlier. “Yep, we want to drop it mid-March. It’s all recorded, we just need to make final touches to the mix, then we want to shoot a video. The song itself follows ‘Glacial’ very well, it’s very atmospheric, and it’s got a really strong mood to it.”
there’s a moment in the film where Bill Murray’s sat drunk in a karaoke bar and starts singing Roxy Music, ‘More Than This’. It’s a spine tingling moment, and we just finished recording a cover of it yesterday. We’re playing it dark, like Jesus and Mary Chain meets Codeine, stripping the instrumentation back to its
Having went into full stalker-mode prior to the interview, I bring up something the band said when speaking with Wow 24/7, about how seeing a band live should always be different to hearing them on record. I ask William to explain this which prompts a reserved laugh. “It was Harry that said that actually. I think what he meant was that there’s nothing worse than seeing a band, and 80% of it could be on a backing track and they’re just going through the motions. I won’t start naming, but all of Glass Mountain went to see a band last year. We were really excited to see them, but alarm bells started going off about halfway through ‘cause between songs, you couldn’t really understand a word the singer was saying, and then as soon as every song started, the vocals were coming through so perfect we all thought, hang on a minute! This is cheating. Every show should be unique, flaws included.”
The large amount of space in ‘Glacial’ is very much an intentional choice, and a crucial part of the band’s song writing ethic. “One of the things we found when we’re recording and writing is that it’s often what you don’t play that makes the music special. The skill I think is in decorating the space with as little as you can. ‘Cowboy Song’ was recorded entirely and we were really happy with it, then we listened to it a few weeks later and we weren’t getting the feeling we had when we finished ‘Glacial’. In the end, we realised that we recorded it slightly too fast, so we scrapped it and started over just a bit slower, and suddenly we were all getting those goosebumps again.” If you have half an hour to spare give Glass Mountain’s EP a listen. If you don’t mind feeling just a wee bit emotional, then there’s a lot to explore with it, and given the bands plans for 2017, a lot to look forward to.
album review: ‘NIGHT PEOPLE’ by YOU ME AT SIX
IMAGE: RORMAN RECORDS
is no longer happy with tongue-in-cheek lyrics but instead heavier with deeper, more meaningful lyrics whilst still maintaining an upbeat nature.
CAMERON WATSON
F
inally, after three years of waiting, we have an adrenaline fuelled kick-start to 2017 in the form of ‘Night People’ by You Me At Six.
It is the fifth studio album
from the English rock band and, after being a fan since 2008’s ‘Take Off Your Colours’, You Me At Six have still managed to keep me hooked as ‘Night People’ is certainly a hit for me. From the outset, you can tell that they have obviously matured a lot over the years as their sound
The best way to describe the majority of the 10-track album is heavy, with huge guitar riffs and big drum beats focusing front and centre, leading to a powerful sound that you can’t help but instantly head bang to. Rock music can often sound very samey which is one of the drawbacks of the genre; however, each song stands out beautifully on the album with each being an instant hit. I would not be surprised to see the band play their newest hits on the festival circuit this summer. The album opens with the title song ‘Night People’. This is the one that you’ve likely heard on the
radio as it was initially released in August 2016 and brings a punchy, thumping start to the album. Opening with a distorted cry of the chorus then into a stomp/clap beat accompanied by a heavy guitar, the album starts how it means to go on. Although not completely rich in its lyrics, it definitely isn’t made to have an emotional message, but simply to be chanted in a sweaty mosh pit on a summer’s afternoon and in that respect, it’s bloody good!
story of a couple, with Franceschi explaining he would do anything for his partner, exclaiming: “Nobody knows you the way that I know you/ Look in my eyes I’ll never desert you”. The song builds throughout with layered guitars and backing vocals before finally erupting into a choral “ohhh”. Although it does nothing to detract from the power of the song, I feel a band who has been around for over a decade could have found a better climax to the song.
‘Take on the World’ is a stand-out track due to its incredibly soft and contrasting nature in comparison to the rest of the album’s material. The song opens with frontman Franceschi quietly singing over a delicate guitar before building up to be a strong, emotive and modern rock ballad. The lyrics tell the
‘Swear’ continues the heavy sound throughout the album. A crash of drums and a huge guitar riff opens the song before the bass comes in to set the tone. This then collides into a headbanging chorus and will no doubt be the song that people will sing loudly at festivals. The lyrics tell the story of a guy who
no longer cares for a past friend’s opinion, with Franceschi singing: “Well this is my town/Word gets around/And I don’t think you have a hideout” before asking his opponent: “Who really wants to hear the sound/ That comes out of your mouth?” It is a relentless track that is personally my favourite due to the epic breakdown after the second chorus, which takes me back to every mosh pit I have ever been in. The biggest surprise however was in the second last song ‘Spell it Out’, it is the biggest departure from the band’s traditional style and works beautifully. It begins with a dark, unnerving atmosphere and a gentle guitar riff, with drums then thudding rhythmically while layered distorted guitars build before hitting the
climax that results in a truly hard-hitting instrumental before creeping out the way it began. Overall, the album is full throttle from beginning to end and takes no prisoners. The band has shown that over the ten years they have been around they can still surprise and delight listeners with a sound that is still You Me At Six however feels more advanced. It is loud, lively, and eerie at times but mostly just a thrill ride of a journey.
Rating: 3.5/5
‘Night People’ is out now.
Music
13 Brig | January 2017
The most anticipated albums of 2017
a round up of the biggest albums dropping this year AMY POLLOCK
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016 was undoubtedly a memorable year for music however not entirely for the right reasons. We sadly witnessed the loss of countless musical legends - with the likes of David Bowie, Prince, Leonard Cohen and George Michael being a mere fraction of deaths that we mourned. Last February also saw the tragic car crash which killed up-and-coming English indie-rock band Viola Beach and their manager, who were touring in support of their selftitled album. Despite experiencing deep sorrow, it’s time for 2017 to prove a promising and optimistic future for the world of music. This year will see a surge in new music from newcomers and classic artists alike. You know what they say... it can only get worse be-
fore it gets better, right? So, here’s a list of albums that are bound to get you hyped for this year of music:
The xx - ‘I See You’ It’s been a long four years, but the indie-pop band is finally ready to release their third album ‘I See You’ on January 13. Since May 2015, when Jamie xx teased that his debut album ‘In Colour’ “definitely informed what [they’re] doing for the next album” and with the band reporting that the record will have “a completely different concept” from their previous records - there’s been an undeniable lingering, amassed anticipation for ‘I See You’. You can listen to the album’s lead single ‘On Hold’ right now, which showcases The xx’s staple sound but with an interesting twist; it’s slow, evocative and everything that you would expect from The xx, but with a surprising, complex beat to satisfy your long-awaited fix but keep you on your toes for what’s to come.
Major Lazer - ‘Music Is the Weapon’ We all know this album’s lead single ‘Cold Water’ featuring Justin Bieber and MØ which turned out to be a massive summer hit. But, in what feels like ages since that hugely successful release, what else does Major Lazer have in store for us with their fourth studio album ‘Music Is the Weapon’? Well, amid the release of subsequent singles ‘Believer’ and ‘My Number’, the American electronic band were confirming collaborations literally left, right and centre last year. Collaborations set to feature include: Sia, Bonnie McKee, The Weeknd, Nicki Minaj, Iggy Azalea, Fifth Harmony’s Camila Cabello, Gwen Stefani, Usher, Travis Scott and PARTYNEXTDOOR to name a few.
Paramore - TBA Paramore’s fifth upcoming album will be the first record since the departure of Jeremy Davis, yet also sees the return
of ex-band member Zac Farro on drums. Although Paramore’s hot-and-cold member dropout has undoubtedly been a knockback for still-standing members Hayley Williams and Taylor York - the pair have reaffirmed that Paramore is nowhere near close to calling it quits. The two have reportedly been writing and recording since March 2016 with producer Justin MedalJohnson, who’s known for his work with Jimmy Eat World and Beck.
Liam Gallagher TBA This year is sure to be an exciting one with Liam Gallagher’s first ever solo album hitting the music scene since his post-Oasis project Beady Eye ingloriously flopped; a complete contrast to his brother Noel’s continuous stream of success, which people have definitely not failed to remind him of... However, after landing a huge record deal with Warner Bros - who have worked with bands
Biffy Clyro, Muse, Foals and Royal Blood - Gallagher said of the news: “Looking forward to making some super sweet sounds” in spite of initially denying going solo because he is: “not a c**t” in typical Liam fashion.
Katy Perry - TBA Katy Perry has also been hard at work, especially considering she ditched half of her fourth album to write songs about Donald Trump’s election victory. “It’s funny, sometimes people who disagree with me just say, ‘Shut up and sing,’” she wrote earlier this month. “Boy, will I do so in a whole new way... next year. Hell hath no fury like a woman REBORN.” Is that a hint at a potential album title perhaps? Whether it is or not, this album is sure to be a fascinating one, and one that’s probably going to attract a lot of attention and support. Kudos to Katy though, using the platform she has to sing about something relatable, current and extremely important to the
majority of her fan base.
Stormzy - TBA Last year was certainly an epic, spotlighting year for grime. With Skepta and Kano releasing what has previously been described as ‘career and genre-defining’ albums, its Stormzy’s turn to either make or break this high standard he now has to live up to. South Londoner Stormzy, who is most famous for his record ‘Shut Up’, says the finished product will help fans “understand who I am, what I love, what I hate, what I treasure, what has stunted my growth [and] helped my growth”. Sounds like the right mix for a successful and insightful debut album - something that will surely contribute to making 2017 another staple year for grime music. We can also expect albums this year from Beck, Ed Sheeran, Fleetwood Mac, Gorillaz, Haim, The Killers, Dua Lipa, Nine Inch Nails, Vampire Weekend, Wolf Alice and Zayn.
WHAT’S ON A Day to Remember 23-Jan-17@SSE Hydro Glasgow Black Sabbath 24-Jan-17@SSE Hydro Glasgow Drake 25,26-Jan-17@SSE Hydro Glasgow Cage the Elephant 17-Jane-17@O2 ABC Glagsow Rae Sremmurd 19-Jan-17@O2 ABC Glasgow The Pretty Reckless 22-Jan-17@O2 ABC Glasgow Black Peaks 30-Jan-17@King Tuts Glasgow Union J 3-Feb-17@O2 ABC Glasgow Pronto Mama 3-Feb-17@Oran Mor Glagsow Kate Nash 6-Feb-17@Oran Mor Glasgow Band of Horses 16-Feb-17@O2 Academy Glasgow Busted O2 Academy, Sun 26th Kings of Leon 27-Feb-17@SSE Hydro Glasgow
ones to watch
BRIG MUSIC RECOMMENDS that poppy & white Mark Cruikshank
W
ith over two and a half million hits on her ten-minute-long video ‘I’m Poppy’, the strange bubblegum-pop singer-songwriter That Poppy is beginning to make a name for herself in more ways than one.
IMAGE: TITANTIC SINCLAIR
Her first and only EP ‘Bubblebath’ has rewarded Poppy with
thousands of fans at this early stage in her career. It is quintessential pop. Each track is extremely chart friendly and subtly catchy without becoming overly annoying, with the reggae inspired track ‘Lowlife’ being the highlight of the collection. Alongside her music, the quirky singer also has a very popular YouTube channel which has caused quite a stir online. Amassing over 41 million views with only 120 videos, Poppy has been the
topic of conversation in the YouTube community due to her short abstract videos that many believe are a damning indictment of society. Others believe they are nothing more than promotion for her music career, but as Poppy refuses to comment on the meaning of her videos, we may never know their true purpose. Whether she is sending a message to the public via her videos or simply establishing herself as an artist, That Poppy is without a doubt capturing the attention of thousands around the world, and with new music promised for 2017 we are definitely not done hearing her name.
lines.
IMAGE: WHITES OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE
Jack pickles
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ssociated with other rising Scottish acts like Baby Strange, the Glasgow outfit have already experienced success with a well-received slot at the ‘Bubblebath’ is available to Great Escape Festival, stream now on Spotify. and appearances on the Quay sessions. With their debut album slated
to come out this year, now is the time to start paying attention to WHITE. While 80’s revivalism has been in for a few years now, most acts on that bandwagon tend to crib from the naïve, larger-than-life synth-pop the era produced. WHITE instead draw in the glam sheen of new romanticism, as well as the cold, harsh electronica of early pioneers like Tubeway Army, reimagined with a focus on sharp, funky guitar
Vocalist Leo Condie encapsulates the mannerisms of that era’s best performers, his mopey but still energised stage presence injects a colour into live shows that is in stark contrast to the band’s name. The man is capable of some stunningly versatile vocal performances as well, jumping from a Bowie-esque croon, to piercing falsetto, to gear-grinding screams across the course of their four-song EP, ‘Cuts That Don’t Bleed’. This EP is all bubbling bass, popping drum beats, angular guitar riffs and ghostly synths, tied together by strong hooks that demand repeat listens. It’s rounded off with one of the band’s strongest singles so far, ‘I Liked You Better When You Needed Me’ that showcases their ability to be eerie, perverse, yet totally danceable.
Film & TV
14 Brig | January 2017
Award Season special Oscar bait
Early predictions Stuart Graham
race who arrive all over the earth and turning it into a film about humans this is the last is- ity’s understanding of sue of Brig before language and visual meboth the BAFTAs diums was quite simply and Oscars I will be attempt- genius and deserves some ing, and most likely failing, sort of recognition during to predict some of the films this year’s award season. to keep your eye on over the Another film that innext month or two. trigues me for its scriptNow obviously it is rather early writing potential is the to be naming definite win pre- 21st century war drama dictions for any award but this arBilly Lynn’s Long Halfticle will at least serve as a guide to time Walk, written by what I believe will be in contention Jean-Christophe Castelli for some of the categories at these and directed by Ang Lee. award shows. Focussing on Billy Now I could be completely off with all Lynn’s experiences after of this; so in two months if none of the a widely media covered films I name are even mentioned at the battle in Iraq, the film award ceremonies, please don’t walk should allow for the script up to me and say I’m stupid – my brain to delve intensely into the will be taking care of that anyway. horrific effects of PTSD as Firstly for Best Animated Feature. well as the media’s treatI’m not going to pretend I don’t love a ment of their named war simple heart-warming children’s story. heroes. However it is when these films weave I also wouldn’t take my in some more developed adult message eye off Jackie, written by that they really have you blubbering as Noah Oppenheim, that the credits begin to roll (that’s right Toy follows Jackie Kennedy’s Story 3, I still haven’t forgotten what you life at several significant did you me you beautiful callous baspoints, the most notable tard). being the hours and days Now for this award I see it as a toss-up following her husband’s between three films from the last year. The assassination. first is Zootopia, the film works as a simple Nor would I forget to tale of acceptance for children yet for adults consider Tom Ford’s shines a very revealing mirror at our troubling film Nocturnal Animals, discriminatory society. an adaption of Austin The film is beautifully written and quite simply Wright’s novel Tony and brilliant, anyone who disagrees can fight me. Susan. My only concern is that the film’s release in the Now normally I would US was February 2016 and March in the UK and spend a little time exwill not be as fresh in people’s minds as some plaining the premise of more recent animated features. Ford’s newest feature but Disney however will not be placing all their eggs in having cast my eyes over a simply the Zootopia basket as I see Moana taking this hypnosis I could not succinctly do so in less than year’s awards by storm not simply for animation but for 200 words as the plot is Best Original Soundtrack, Best Original Song with “How quite simply complex as Far I’ll Go” and possibly, very possibly, Best Picture – now don’t hell, for lack of a better quote me on that but it’s too early to rule it out as a possibility. The dark horse in this race however is Kubo and The Two Strings, despite the phrase. fact that I still haven’t seen this yet, the stop-motion style of animation brought Bringing our gaze back by the Laika studio has not failed to impress in the past, having won Coraline an to Britain for a moment I Academy Award and a Children’s BAFTA in 2010. would also not disregard I mean who knows really, Sausage Party might inappropriately jump from the A United Kingdom, writback of the pack (of sausages, ayyy!) and orgy its way to the winning stop. ten by Guy Hibbert, as a Moving on from food puns and orgies, Best Screenplay, both Adapted and BAFTA screenplay conOriginal, are rather essential when it comes to non-factual filmmaking. tender. It focuses on the I entirely realise that Adapted Screenplay and Original Screenplay are difreal life relationship beferent categories but I didn’t want to predict a film as a front runner for Origitween Seretse Khama, the nal Screenplay to then find out it was in fact based on a novella written by a Prince of Botswana, and homeless Venetian writer in the 17th century and look Ruth Williams Khama, a like a total burke. Quite frankly I couldn’t be London office worker. bothered with the effort involved in The premise holds poseparating the films into the two tential to show how raccategories so I’m rolling this into ism can work two ways one. depicting exactly how Fences seems to be an obvious caucasian Ruth had to pick for the Adapted Screenplay deal with extreme prejunomination. dices as a white woman Originally a play and now screen- trying to many a Botplay by August Wilson, Fences swanian Prince in 1948. focuses on an African-American Another contender I family in the 1950s trying to get hope will be chosen for by as best they can despite some Best Screenplay is Lion, traumatic life events earlier in the by Luke Davies, which central characters’ lives. follows a man (Dev PaDirected by Denzel Washington tel) attempting to find the and staring himself and Viola Da- family he lost as a child, vis among others, this adaption 25 years ago. promises to be one of the more inSpanning India and tense dramas from this year. Australia this entry takes Another pick for this year’s us out of the Americaawards is Arrival, now anyone that centracism and exposes read my 2016 screen review knows us to various alternaI bloody love Arrival and will cut tive cultures yet with the anyone who says differently. the universal underlying Taking the premise of attempt- theme of family that binds ing to communicate with an alien
A
all audiences together. This film also holds the possibility of receiving a nomination of Best Original Song for Sia’s Never Give Up from what is described as an impressive soundtrack. Another possibility (although I’m not sure how much faith I have in the academy after last year’s shitshow) for Best Screenplay is Moonlight, an LGBT film written by Barry Jenkins that focuses on one boy-cum-man over three stages of growing up and coming to terms with his identity. From trailers and clips I also do not rule this out as a potential nominee for cinematography and maybe even Best Film – again, don’t quote me, this is wishful thinking. Now onto Best Performance predictions. With the low number of films I have seen it’s hard to make predictions about performances I have not seen, for this reason I will just be naming both Males and Females who I have either seen do incredibly in a film this year or who I know to be starring in films yet to be released in the UK but who I adore as performers and am sure will play the role wonderfully. First I am almost certain Amy Adams will receive at least one nomination, if not two, for either Arrival or Nocturnal Animals. The worry here being she gets nominated twice, splits the vote and so lets another actress slide up and take the title. Viola Davis is another actress I have complete faith in. Fences is very much at the top of my cinema trip list and I’m sure Davis will be one of the film’s highlights. Putting Suicide Squad out of our heads forever, Davis has proven on several occasions that she is quite simply not to be fucked with when it comes to very visibly losing her shit on cue. Fans of How To Get Away With Murder know well that Davis’ range is beyond description and if she brings even a fraction of the talent she took to Prof. Analise Keating I know her performance in Fences will earn her a nomination. Emma Stone and Natalie Portman also shouldn’t be counted out of the race too early for their roles in La La Land and Jackie, respectively; the game is still in play for this award.
To find out my predictions for Best Picture head over to www.brignews.com
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Jamie Harris
Film & Tv Editor
t’s that time of year again. For many, January is the depressing doldrums of the year but for film fans it’s like Christmas 2.0 as we are bombarded with films vying for awards season glory. Some films released at this time of year are genuinely brilliant whilst others are clearly made as box-ticking exercises in order to get Academy Award nominations. These movies are usually either lavish period dramas or films about ‘inspirational’ stories of characters overcoming something. This year, Will Smith’s attempt at an ‘Oscar bait’ film, ‘Collateral Beauty’, has already been slaughtered by critics and is now unlikely to receive any Oscar nominations. On the other hand, there are front-runners that are clearly ‘Oscar bait’ including ‘Jackie’, ‘Manchester by the Sea’ and ‘Hackshaw Ridge’. The past year has been full of controversy for Hollywood, between the #Oscarssowhite backlash and the sexual assault accusations that have followed Casey Affleck and Nate Parker. But will these issues be reflected in the films that receive nominations this year? Maybe. probably not, though. While the President of the Academy who vote for the Oscars, Cheryl Boone Isaacs, is the first African American to hold this office, and the third woman, the majority of voters are still older white men. With the number of biopics about prominent white people that win awards every year, such as ‘The King’s Speech’, ‘Spotlight’ and ‘The Imitation Game’, it is clear that voters favour certain types of film. A couple of years ago, ‘American Sniper’ received six Academy Award nominations compared with only two for the far superior ‘Selma’. If this doesn’t highlight the issue of specific films being ‘Oscar bait’ then what does? In terms of this year’s front-runners, ‘La La Land’ is the clear favourite for awards glory. There are a few films with an African American focus that are also vying for attention such as ‘Hidden Figures’, ‘Fences’ and ‘Moonlight’. Shane Slater (a fellow film writer) has shared his doubts over whether they can succeed. He said “Watching ‘Moonlight’ with my superconservative mother, she bailed about 30 minutes in, this has me wondering how much of an Oscar contender ‘Moonlight’ is. She has very similar taste to AMPAS members.” We’ll just have to wait until February 26th to see if the Academy votes for the usual ‘Oscar bait’ or tries something new for a change.
Film & TV
15 Brig | January 2017
Coming soon in 2017 (jan - MAr): T2 Trainspotting, Iron Fist and More... Stuart Graham Film & TV Editor
A look forward at what’s to grace our screens, big and small, in the months to follow. Firstly, by the time this paper has gone to print Netflix’s revival series of Lemony Snicket’s A Series of Unfortunate Events will have been available online for a few days. With a revamped cast featuring stars such a Neil Patrick Harris, as the iconic Count Olaf, Joan Cusack and Patrick Warburton who takes over Jude Law’s former role as Lemony Snicket within the series. So I look forward to seeing how Netflix sets itself apart with some new creative takes of the children’s book series. And I pray that, after all the hype surrounding this new series, it isn’t a simple rehashing of the 2004 film simply spanned over 8 episodes as opposed to an hour 47 minute running time. Another big January release, for us Scots in particular, is Danny Boyle’s
long awaited second instalment to the 1996 cult smash Trainspotting. T2: Trainspotting is released to the masses on the 27th of January after the world premier held in Edinburgh on the 22nd. The sequel sees the return of almost the entire original cast with a few new characters thrown into the mix to keep things exciting for the former heroine-addicted Edinburgians (is that their name, Edinburgers?) February sees the premier of yet another Mar-
vel comic book adaption television series. Belonging to the X-Men universe as opposed to the more aclaimed MCU, the new FX studios show Legion follows character David Haller as he is diagnosed with schizophrenia but as the series progresses he learns there is more to the illness that simply its effect on his mind - the effect could be seen something rather mutant.
The show premieres on FX will be on the 8th February - most likely available online for UK viewers by the 9th.
book theme February will also mark the release of The Lego Batman movie, a sequel in some ways to 2014’s Lego Movie yet taking only a few of the featured characters and telling an entirely different story. The trailer gives us a glimpse of some beloved Batman regulars and also promises a very comical watch, which is a happy change to the poor recent attempts at the dark broody “Bats” (as the Joker calls him) we saw in 2016. The Lego Batman
Staying on the comic
greater MCU, Iron Fist should be another dark fan-pleasing step towards assembling this second super group. Iron Fist (aka Danny Rand) will be portrayed by Game of Thrones’ Finn Jones and comes from the director of Dexter, Scott Buck.
March will also see the release yet another nostalgia boner being cashed in on in the form of Power Rangers. Despite this being yet another bloody remake (oh my God, Hollywood please stop) I would say the trailer does intrigue
Image Source: http://screencrush.com
Kaia Kryda Film & Tv Writer
Image Source: http://abcnews.go.com
It is not a typical biopic - but then this story of a personal apocalypse couldn’t have been told in any typical way. Before the 22nd of November 1963, Jackie was known for her sense of style and impeccable
Image Souce: http://news.tokunation.com
Marvel’s Iron Fist will be added to Netflix libraries worldwide on The 17th of March.
Film Review: Jackie
Pablo Larraín’s film is a portrait of the most iconic first lady of the 20th century, Jacqueline Kennedy, in the immediate aftermath of her husband’s assassination.
Movie is due to be released on the 10th of February. March will see yet another instalment in the MCU in the form of Marvel’s Iron Fist who will fit into the supergroup The Defenders, which isn’t stupidly similar at all to another supergroup already at the face of the MCU. So far we’ve been given Jessica Jones, Luke Cage and two series of Daredevil from this Netflix based franchise and with character and stories overlapping with one another as well as the
manners - then suddenly her poised image got permanently marked with gore. There wasn’t anything regular about her ordeal: nothing could have prepared her for having her husband shot next to her, being covered in his blood, or holding his lifeless, fractured head together in a 6-minute ride to the hospital that possibly felt like a lifetime - and all that while the world was watching.
Larraín acknowledges that, and paints Jackie’s portrait with an astounding level of emphatic insight. Her story, shot on grainy, 16mm footage, is told in a way that’s non-chronological, often impressionistic - but its emotional impact is clear and acute. Natalie Portman in the titular role gives a flawless, intense performance, superbly imitating Jackie’s unique
manner of speaking: a finishing-school-taught transatlantic accent with a detectable Long Island twang. Guiding us through her layered pain is the entrancing soundtrack by Mica Levi, combining Wagner-esque gravity with perfectly measured dissonances - like Jackie’s grief, grand and total, but also manic; showing glimpses of insanity. As we see Jackie frantically planning the fu-
neral, or walking around the empty White House, numbed by pills and alcohol, it isn’t clear whether it’s the death of her husband she’s lamenting or the end of an era she’s played a central part in. JFK’s assassination shattered her private life, but also the tenets of her masterfully constructed public image, which she’s at times put it in front of her own identity. It quickly becomes obvious that what we’re witnessing is not just grieving; it’s a furious act of rebranding. And as we watch the over-the-top funeral procession, it’s hard not to ask ourselves whether it’s mad, or infinitely wise of Jackie to offer the world this last, cathartic performance. Larraín’s film is full of opposites: it’s both nostalgic and modern, both composed and strident. When it comes to Jackie’s very myth, it’s as eulogizing as it is iconoclastic. And it’s how it embraces those contradictions that make it into the powerful, immersive experience it is.
Rating: 5 / 5 stars
me and gives me hope that they’re taking the cheesy 90s/00s smash and taking it in a more dark, stylised direction, with Halsey’s hypnotic vocals giving the trailer some modern edge.
Power Rangers Mega-Morphs into UK cinemas on the 24th of March. It is most definitely too soon to make a call on 2017 being a superior year on the big and small screen than last year, but looking at some of the big Oscar baiters and those mentioned in this article I am optimistic that the next few months hold some true gems.
Showing @ The MacRobert (Jan - feb)
A monster Calls: 20th - 26th Jan La LA Land: 20th - 26th Jan Trolls: 21st - 26th Jan Warren Miller: here, there and Everywhere - 25th Jan silence: 27th jan - 1st feb Manchester by the sea: 27th jan - 2nd Feb you only live twice (1967): 28th jan - 29th jan lion: 3rd Feb - tbc Split: 3rd Feb -tbc
Arts
16 Brig | January 2017
Listen Close: My Winter Wish List of Audio Books Hayley burrell Arts editor
I
used to see those literary memes (y’know the ones that are like #lifegoals is having my own library) and didn’t think they applied to me. Having dyspraxia means I can’t sit still long enough to read one good book let alone a library (which does sometimes make studying English a bit difficult) but when Audible had a 40% members only sale over Christmas and I mentally reshuffled my wish list to get the best book for my buck, I realised I am one of those people - just with listening instead of reading. So here are my favourite listens from the festive season and why audio books can have the edge over reading.
In at number one is Jodi Picoult’s latest novel Small Great Things. Middle class black-American nurse Ruth Jefferson is a woman who was worked her entire life to blend in to a white-washed world but when the baby of a white supremacist couple dies under her watch, her professional reputation is on the line when she is taken to court and accused of murder. The novel is told from three perspectives nurse Ruth, racist father Turk Bowers and liberal public defender Kennedy McQuarrie. Ruth’s voice is read by Noma Dumezweni whose warm, wisdomous, and occasionally no-nonsense Swazi English accent is refreshing and makes it impossible not to root for Ruth.
It also convinced me that Dumezweni would do Hermione Granger justice in the West End show Harry Potter and The Cursed Child. Turk’s (Jeff Harding) hate speech can be uncomfortable reading/listening almost to the point of switching off but I would beg of you to bear with and press on for the outcome. Kennedy (Jennifer Woodward) is portrayed as the typical internet white knight who would never dream of being overtly racist. It was eye-opening for me who went into the novel believing it was set in 1960s America and not in the 2010s, to see that different forms of racism both active and passive are still rife today. Picoult’s novels are
always impeccably researched and this novel has been waiting in the wings for 20 years so that she could do it justice. She admits that some well-intended misguidance in the novel is from her own experience as a white woman and she conducted personal interviews with woman of colour to find out the difficulties they encountered every day. Small Great Things is arguably Picoult’s most socially challenging novel yet. A lighter listen was Gilmore Girls’ star Lauren Graham’s autobiography Talking As Fast as I Can. Now here I will argue there are some things from you get from an audio book that you just can’t from the printed/ebook versions. The audio
book offers Graham’s shuttle speed narration, vocal quirks and tangents that make the book seem like a 4.5 hour long Lorelai Gilmore monologue. Not only does the book reveal her rise to fame and the joy of playing of a beloved TV mother who set parenting goals to another-worldly level, but she also kept a diary of set goings on during the making of the 2016 revival Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life. In Chapter 12 Graham makes a touching reference to the late Carrie Fisher and how her semi-biographical novel Postcards from the Edge was an inspiration to Graham who wrote her own semi-biographical novel about a struggling
Scottish Ballet’s Hansel and Gretel review: a colourful treat with a bite Irina Nakon
T
he latest instalment in Scottish Ballet’s repertoire is a multifaceted indulgence. Heading in, I expected a more-or-less traditional take on the classic tale - abundance of bright candy-wrappers, and avoidance of the Grimm story’s morbid essence. However, the audience was actually treated to a much more real and relatable retelling of the tale, set in an average ordinary 1950’s home, inhabited by a boozy father, puffing and selfish mother, and two kids left to scramble for both food and kindness. This modernised take was highly unexpected and hit a little too close to home for some, I noticed, as mothers were seen subtly dabbing at their eyes and holding their little ones closer. For me personally, this interpretation and the creation of a darker, realistic context made the performance much more compelling, giving one a unique opportunity to see that the protagonists weren’t simply a pair of kids who suddenly decided to run away (as portrayed in some productions), nor were they led into the woods by their
starving parents (as the original story depicts) here they are two lonely and neglected siblings who ran from a broken home. As the brother and sister make their escape through unknown streets, their still-innocent big-eyed wonder (and Hansel’s ever-present teddy) is sharply contrasted with the gangs and streetwalkers they encounter. Once they meet the elegant, fairy-like woman who casts a sleeping spell on them, they dream about their parents - a glorious vision of elegance and unity, where their father is no longer dressed in ripped worker’s overalls and swaying with a beer bottle, but is in a shimmering tuxedo, sipping whisky; their mother no longer in a tattered robe, slippers and with a hanging cigarette, but in a glamourous white evening gown and pearl cigarette-holder. This vision, very Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, then proceeds to waltz around the sleeping children. This touching scene was phenomenal. Not only was it an aesthetic and technical feast, but the painful undercur-
rents that drove it, of two deprived children remembering their parents with such false ideology, or perhaps wishing for this reality, made this a very adult angle indeed. However, there was also a fair bit of truly witty comedy to be found. From unexpected quirks of the protagonists, to their surprising responses (such as Gretel obediently feeding her caged brother in order to fatten him enough for the witch), the entire production seems laden with these seemingly incompatible fusions of humour and darkness. Which is great - it’s what Grimm would’ve wanted. The most technically and choreographically sound moment of the production, for me, was the witch’s transformation from elegant woman to old hag: it was impeccable the way she, while retaining the same white tutu, goes from being this magical fairy-like creature to a humped, bald, bunny-slippered, limping crone with a passion for cancan. The audience were in stitches, to the dancer performing the role of the Witch - chapeau bas! Given how much I appreciate tasteful blend-
ing of the innocent with the morose, it’s needless to say I was pretty enthralled. The stage sets caught my eye next, as their interactive movement and utility is so subtle you don’t immediately realise their versatile transformation. The same set served as both the siblings’ and the witch’s home, as well as the streets of the town, rotating at different angles to show the vastly different settings. The multi-tiered set of the forest was also exceptional - the way the sets framed the stage and intensified the colour schemes (or the bleakness of the woods) was a technical ace. As you can see, therefore, it’s challenging to label Hansel and Gretel as either sweet or melancholic, light or heavy, childish or adult, as many of these sentiments and attitudes are skilfully whizzed together to produce a complex, layered, and dazzling performance. It is undoubtedly a delicious dish, however, one that should be tasted and mulled over, lest the hefty morals of Grimm stories should be forgotten.
Credit: GlasgowTheatreBlog
Credit: Bachtrack
actress about to kick the dream called Someday, Someday, Maybe. For Carrie Fisher fans, my last listen Wishful Drinking needs no introduction. But for those of you, like me, who were not really a follower of Star Wars and unaware of her battles with drug addiction and advocacy of mental health, this is the ideal book to be-
gin your journey into the innerworkings of a captivating woman who was more than just Princess Leia. Although at times listening was bittersweet, the beauty of having an audio book read by the author after they have passed, is like having a loved one’s voice preserved so that they can live on to inspire future generations.
50p Tickets
MACROBERT ARTS CENTRE IS CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF THE
For University of Stirling Students
To celebrate this landmark year for the University of Stirling, 50p tickets will be on sale to UoS Students for *every live event in 2017. ON SALE:
Tue 17 Jan, 12noon
EVENTS:
All live events from Jan to Apr (more to follow later)
TERMS:
One ticket per event, per student
BOOK:
In person at the Box Office (Macrobert Arts Centre) *A limited number of these will be on offer and are subject to availability. Student ID required at time of booking.
01786 466 666 I www.macrobertartscentre.org MacrobertArtsCentre
@Macrobert
macrobertartscentre
18 Brig | January 2017
Gaming
2017: new game releases to get you through the winter Irina Nakon
N
othing really beats an immersive game on these long, dreary evenings the winter brings. 2017 just got here, and apart from the cold and gloom, brought with it some pretty big names to fill the void until other highly anticipated projects of this year - including the new Mass Effect, Resident Evil, Outlast, and The Legend of Zelda instalments - are released. So, let’s take a gander.
Dead Rising 4 Platform: Xbox One, PC
The Dwarves Platform: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Mac
A well-established beat ‘em up, Dead Rising doesn’t need an introduction. This latest instalment does not disappoint, as it adds the quirky festive humour into your zombie massacres, offering you yet more options of dispatching the walkers creatively, and watching them turn into exploding confetti or light up with fairy lights. It’s amusing, addictive, and also massive. If fastpaced survival horror (with some dark humour) is your thing, this should be your next purchase. For me personally the monotony of the actions, albeit varied and creative, got a bit bleak too quickly. The impressive graphics and improved controls do add credit to this project, though, as does the morbid humour, so I’d give Dead Rising 4 a 7/10.
Dead Rising 4
Based on the award-winning novel, the Dwarves’ intention was to create a story-based, lore-heavy game. And in that, it has succeeded. Unfortunately, in other aspects, like - uhm - gameplay, it has not. The graphics and controls have a whiff of early 00’s strategy games about them, like a more colourful and hectic Starcraft or Total War instalment. The idea of having 15 playable lead characters, each with his own unique skills and strengths, was a good effort, but again proved irrelevant when trumped by stubborn controls and bad camera angles. The dialogue, story, and score are remarkable, though. So it’s a crossroads: if you’re an avid fan of lore-driven games or have read and appreciated the original novel, you will enjoy this project by default. If, however, you are in it for the gameplay and immersion of the moment, this is not a promising release for you. So, remember to do your research. With today’s vast variety of novelty gameplay, ‘new’ is not necessarily synonymous with ‘good’, but I digress. I personally enjoyed this release, being a huge Tolkien fan and catching glimpses of his influence in some of the lore. I would not replay this game, however, nor recommend it to an objective gamer. 6/10.
Credit: Destructoid
Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun Platform: PS4, Xbox One, PC, Mac This game is definitely an impressive and well-thought out specimen of a tasteful stealth game. That is to say, it’s compelling and intelligent without being too pretentious and technical. The game’s approach is subtle and very interesting - you command a small team of assassins, with all events taking place in real-time, and you are able to fine-tune each individual move and approach, employing a range of tactics and elements to customise your kill. It reminded me of a blend of the good bits of Assassin’s Creed with the better bits of Tenchu, but the execution of the concept is like nothing I’ve seen before. What I also like is the fact that you’re heavily penalised, in the form of heavy enemy reinforcements, if you do not fulfil a mission using stealth or if you’re too sloppy, making you analyse your every move with care as you would a highly-pressured game of chess one with great immersion, soundtrack, and gameplay customisation capabilities. Would definitely recommend it to any gamer with an open mind. 9/10.
Credit: Softpedia News
Walking Dead: A New Frontier Credit: VG247
The Walking Dead Season 3: A New Frontier Platform: Xbox One, PS4, PC, iOS, Android
Credit: TrueTrophies
Telltale Games stepped up for Season 3. We are brought right back to the outbreak, introduced to an entirely new group of characters, with their own complex triangles and contentions. Then we’re propelled all the way forward, and see our much-beloved Clementine return, as a mature and distant teen, joining the new characters and missions. There were quite a few jaw-dropping moments here, and the decision-making is becoming increasingly tough, meaning the player is invested. Season 2 was a predictable and anticlimactic affair, in my opinion. So here I went in with my expectations minimal, and was hugely impressed. The new characters add unpredictability
The Last Guardian Credit: Gamespot
and edge, while returning characters add grounding and history. Also, the new urban developments and the problems occurring between different survivor groups, all set to the back-drop of walkers of course, make for exciting and multi-tiered experiences, showing that the developer finally got the balance between story and gameplay just right. 9/10.
The Last Guardian Platform: PS4 You most probably heard loads about this release or have played it by now - if you haven’t, then what are you doing with your life? Team Ico has announced this title a formidable 7 years ago, after which fans have gradually lost hope. Yet here we are and, at least in part, I’d say it was worth the wait. You are tossed into an exceptionally vivid world, joined by a giant eagle-cat, who is the most weird and adorable thing, and your unlikely duo are to make your escape. The ending is poignant, yet unexpected, as the designers purposely focused on creating an emotional bond between you and your new buddy Trico. The main reason this game was in development for so long was the AI and the score, and I can fully vouch for the perfection of the latter, but not so much the former. This was a very ambitious project, relying on a level of AI for Trico never attempted on a non-playable character before. For the most part, it’s awe-inspiring, but the controls and camera angles get wonky, making commands vague and repetitive which, sadly, turns endearing moments annoying. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not propagating this as a traditional ‘game’ - the player’s input in this tale is minimal: you are led to different areas for some platforming and puzzle solving, but that’s about it for your contribution. In this game, you’re simply filling in the gaps between the cut-scenes. The actual project is the story. I also loved the lack of introduction, tutorials, or even hints - you are simply thrown into the first scene, as lost as the character you portray. You are a guest in Trico’s world, and are viewing it as you would a painting through a keyhole, interpreting and deducing to the best of your ability. If fast-paced action or FPS is your thing, then take a deep breath, as this is a new journey and in-game media amalgamation, which requires patience and interest. Nonetheless, I would recommend this to absolutely everyone, as the world you’re immersed in, the ambience, the soundtrack, and the indescribable bond you silently form with this creature, are worth pushing through the unreliable controls for. If nothing else, this project brought the developers and the community a giant step closer to affirming the question debated for so long - whether videogames are art. 10/10.
Book now for Valentine's Day
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THE AMERICAN SOUTH IN STIRLING CITY CENTRE www.smiling-jacks.co.uk
Book your table today 01786 462809
Smiling Jacks, 17 Barnton Street, Stirling, FK8 1HF. Advert.indd 1
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OPEN: Mon-Thu 12pm-9pm, Fri-Sat 12pm-10pm, Sun 2pm-9pm 15/08/2016 16:50:44
Lifestyle
20 Brig | January 2017
TOP 5 HANGOVER PREVENTION TIPS
A
s the holidays come to an end, the festive spirit has started to slowly fade away. What won’t fade away as easily, however, are the vivid memories of the various hangovers you had this holiday season. From wining and dining with the family over the Christmas weekend to the Hogmanay celebrations, the winter break sure did remind us that we might want to take it a little bit easier this Janu-
ary. However, if you are anything like me and that planned failed, here are my top five hangover prevention tips to help you cope this semester. 1) Shop for your hangover just in case: It might not sound very glamorous but if you know you are set for a good night, even if you ‘won’t stay out too long’, make sure you are prepared. When you go booze shopping you might
as well pick up the things you KNOW you will be craving (or needing, rather) in the morning: fresh juice, bacon, painkillers, etc. 2) Drink water: Yes, it might sound like a no-brainer, but most people will often forget to drink water throughout the night and before bed. It won’t kill your buzz but will keep your head clear. 3) Eat well: Whether that is before and/or after the drinking, it always
Beatriz Tellez
helps to get some food in your system. Again, another obvious tip that is easy to forget. 4) Take breaks: If you start feeling a little too tipsy, give yourself enough time to recover. Stop drinking for a bit (or altogether Photo Credit: reachingutopia.com if you need to) and enjoy the rest of the icantly less pain- home to clear and start to get night. ful. Stop drinking your head and get some rest while about 30 minutes some fresh air. you do this but 5) Sober up before to an hour before If you still need it will prevent falling asleep: This the night official- more time, you you from fallone is key. If you ly ends. Ideally, can always play ing asleep right are sobered up by if it’s manageable a show or some away. the time you get to and if you have a YouTube once bed your hangover, friend with you, you get home. if any, will be signif- you should walk You can lie down
The Crook Bar: Bridge of Allan’s new quaint tapas hotspot Irina Nakon
A
n unknown, faceless pub in the heart of Bridge of Allan got granted a second life when, just a few months ago, the new owners turned it into The Crook Bar – a charming new spot, which already boasts a large loyal follow-
ing and steadily increasing buzz. The authentic Spanish tapas dishes served here are bold and delicious, the atmosphere is very homey, and the staff are attentive. It also hosts regular live-music events, offers special occasion set-menus, and
is dog-friendly. Tapas is obviously created to be shared, and this is the perfect setting for it – the vibrant wooden interior serves as a great location for both friendly group gatherings and intimate soirees. Our group of four got two tapas
Photo Credit: KST Marketing the scallops and the squid, which were equally enjoyable. Paired together with a good wine or ale, this makes for a great meal out. ‘Wine & tapastasting’ events are also a regular thing, so make sure to sign up for the next one for a
unique match-set of an eight-course meal paired with a variety of wines. So, if you want to treat a special someone to a great Valentine’s Day evening, or you and your friends just need a warm place with delicious food
to shorten these long, gloomy winter days, The Crook Bar is definitely the place to go. It’s super casual, really cosy, and the prices are reasonable. Whether it’s for a meal, a coffee or cocktail, or a bit of live music, the
authenticity and atmosphere of the place will probably make it your regular haunt. Thumbs-up to the owners, as this colourful, mellow low-key spot is a warming breath of fresh air for Bridge of Allan.
Photo Credit: The Crooked Bar
V-day Edition
boards to share and were genuinely impressed with the flavours, particularly of the chorizo and the different olive varieties. The portions were generous and everything was incredibly fresh. On a separate occasion, we tasted
Lifestyle
21 Brig | January 2017
V-day Edition
Steal That Trend: Embroidery Gabrielle Holden
E
mbroidery has been the key trend this season and it’s easy to see why. Designers like Gucci and Valentino have been owning this trend with gorgeous embroidered jackets and jeans. With the popularity of this trend the high street has latched onto it with both arms and they are nailing it. You can pick up amazing items from shops like New Look, H&M and Topshop, who
all have everything from jeans, leather jackets, denim jackets and bags if you just want something subtle. With Valentines Day coming up I thought this would be an amazing trend to create a romantic vibe to a casual day outfit. Whether you are spending it with your loved one or just spending the day with friends, this outfit will get you through especially since the weather has been a bit cold recently. If you read my last article you will know that I love
my layers and I am back at it again with this outfit because it allows so much dimension to your look. The embroidered item that I went for were these beautiful floral embroidered jeans from Topshop, the embroidery is the perfect way to add a little bit of colour to an otherwise monochromatic outfit. With the amount of colours adapted into the floral pattern you can easily find accessories to match, I went with a more neutral option with this
ash-brown bag to match the flower stalks on the jeans but of course you can go for more of a colourful option. Add some black boots and a pom pom hat if it’s cold your set for your day time look. If you want to transition this into more of a night time look switch out the boots for some heels and take off the jumper t show the crisp white shirt underneath and add a statement necklace for an effortlessly glam look.
Jeans,Shirt,Hat&BootsTopshop Jumper - H&M Bag - Michael Kors Sunglasses - Amazon
Photos by Frances Glancy | Model Gabrielle Holden
H
Coat, Shoes & Bag - New Look Jeans - Topshop Shirt - H&M Choker - ASOS
owever, if you’re wanting to go for something a bit more subtle then this outfit is perfect for you. The only embroidery you’ll see on this is in this statement bag from New Look that has
pink floral details across the front. This is a very casual outfit and is perfect for a cinema date because it’s not too warm for an indoor activity with this sleeveless coat and ripped denim. In my attempt to stay away from
black boots I opted for some white trainers which is always a go to when you want to be comfortable and equally stylish. The embroidered bag adds the perfect amount of detail to this out-
fit without being too overwhelming and I think this is the perfect outfit for whatever you are doing on VDay.
FOR MORE FASHION TIPS & TRENDS VISIT GABRIELLE'S WEBSITE WWW.WHATWOULDGABRIELLEDO.COM
s r e h s e ReFr 2017
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24 Brig | January 2017
Features
To read or not to read? Katie Williams
Poems to get you through a Robert Burns’ supper Red, Red Rose
O my Luve’s like a red, red rose That’s newly sprung in June; O my Luve’s like the melodie That’s sweetly play’d in tune. As fair art thou, my bonnie lass, So deep in luve am I: And I will luve thee still, my dear, Till a’ the seas gang dry. Till a’ the seas gang dry, my dear, And the rocks melt wi’ the sun: I will luve thee still, my dear, While the sands o’ life
shall run. And fare thee well, my only Luve And fare thee well, a while! And I will come again, my Luve, Tho’ it were ten thousand mile.
Address to a Haggis
Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face, Great chieftain o’ the pudding-race! Aboon them a’ yet tak your place, Painch, tripe, or thairm: Weel are ye wordy o’a grace As lang’s my arm. The groaning trencher
there ye fill, Your hurdies like a distant hill, Your pin was help to mend a mill In time o’need, While thro’ your pores the dews distil Like amber bead. His knife see rustic Labour dight, An’ cut you up wi’ ready sleight, Trenching your gushing entrails bright, Like ony ditch; And then, O what a glorious sight, Warm-reekin’, rich! Then, horn for horn, they stretch an’ strive: Deil tak the hindmost! on they drive, Till a’ their weel-swall’d
kytes belyve Are bent like drums; Then auld Guidman, maist like to rive, Bethankit! hums. Is there that owre his French ragout Or olio that wad staw a sow, Or fricassee wad make her spew Wi’ perfect sconner, Looks down wi’ sneering, scornfu’ view On sic a dinner? Poor devil! see him owre his trash, As feckles as wither’d rash, His spindle shank, a guid whip-lash; His nieve a nit; Thro’ blody flood or field to dash,
O how unfit! But mark the Rustic, haggis-fed, The trembling earth resounds his tread. Clap in his walie nieve a blade, He’ll mak it whissle; An’ legs an’ arms, an’ hands will sned, Like taps o’ trissle. Ye Pow’rs, wha mak mankind your care, And dish them out their bill o’ fare, Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware That jaups in luggies; But, if ye wish her gratefu’ prayer Gie her a haggis!
My Heart is in the Highlands Farewell to the Highlands, farewell to the North, The birth-place of Valour, the country of Worth; Wherever I wander, wherever I rove, The hills of the Highlands for ever I love.
My heart’s in the Highlands, my heart is not here, My heart’s in the High-
lands, a-chasing the deer; Chasing the wild-deer, and following the roe, My heart’s in the Highlands, wherever I go. Farewell to the mountains, high-cover’d with snow, Farewell to the straths and green vallies below; Farewell to the forests and wild-hanging woods, Farewell to the torrents and loud-pouring floods. See story on page 3.
25 Brig | January 2017
Features
How I Study (or fail to do so) Stuart Graham Features Editor
A
s university students quite a massive chunk of our education is made up of studying, it’s in the name – well, almost. When I say studying I do mean learning or revising information, or at least attempting to, without the help of being in a lecture, seminar or workshop. I mean independent study time. The average student studying an Arts and Humanities degree is advised to conduct one hour of independent study for every hour of taught learning per week, this increasing the further up you go within Higher Education. However even with the rather light timetable that comes with studying a Film and Media degree, I still never find myself even coming close to this relational amount of hours per week doing independent study. Whether it be pushing studying aside to organise a social for a society, editing photographs from an event two months ago or even writing an article about my bad studying habits for the student newspaper; I somehow always find a way to justify not getting my head into a book and actually learn-
ing. At these times my thought process works as follows “If I’m being productive I’m being productive, doesn’t matter if it’s in the wrong area at the wrong time”. It takes a friend coming and dragging me out of a “highly important coffee meeting” in underground straight to be library with them to actually get me to open a book that isn’t Empire Magazine (if you’re reading this Empire Magazine, I love you lots… A boy can dream, can’t he?) Even then I find myself stuck with another problem - humans. The endlessly distracting and talkative creatures that are humans. Now I must include now that I am not accusing my closest friends who I grace with my presence when studying of being the reason I fail to get much done - I know very well I am the problem. I distinctly remember my second ever teacher at school once telling me and a whole classroom of other kids, “Stuart, you could talk to a brick wall if someone drew something even remotely resembling a face on it”. Although I do hate to admit it as this woman was completely off her rocker the whole time I was under her care, she
was right. If I’m allowed to spark up a conversation with anyone in my proximity I can pretty much call that apparent study session a write-off. Some people find other more complex ways to distract themselves like doing some “essential summer clothes shopping” or researching the origins of the word shenanigan, “just for bantz, y’know”. However, I find myself stupidly simple in that if I see someone I know when I should have my face in a book I cannot help myself but ask how their family dog in despite the fact that I know they haven’t seen it since I last spoke. It is from there the conversation tangents into hours of pointless ramblings – which I think I’m going to coin for the name of my autobiography. But with recent recognition of this fatal flaw in my habits I have began to take measures to make myself a more effective studier. So at fear or this article descending into a Buzzfeed listicle, here are a few unnumbered tactics I now use to make myself actually study that will not be accompanied by a relevant meme or gif for each tactic, thank you very much. Headphones to block out the world – now don’t underestimate
the power of sound to shut out sound. By simply blasting music so loud into your poor little ears that they do not pick up traces of conversations being had around you, you find yourself not drawn in to other people’s exciting conversations. I find it best to listen to Movie soundtracks or Classical music as the lack of words stops me mouthing along and subsequently writing whole lines of song lyrics in my essay notes. Just don’t have Facebook tab open you silly, silly tit – all it takes is one notification from the oh-so-distracting tab that someone likes a photo from last week and you end up loosing ten minutes creeping on the likers profile researching the last week of their life to find out why it took them so long to like the photo, were they stuck under a boulder after a well photo-documented walk in the highlands – no? Just me? Okay, moving swiftly on. Youtube videos are not academic sources and never will be – no matter how informative they are and how much you think a list of Top 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Alfred Hitchcock will help with your analysis of the film Psycho, you know deep down that you are procrastinating
Can You Study With a Hangover? Danni Martin Features Editor
T
Image Source: http://spoilednyc.com
he writing is too small, the font makes you squint your eyes and having to read the same sentence for what feels like the 10th time is giving you even more of a headache than you already have. Getting out of bed was hard, washing up was bothersome and dealing with people who look like they have a clue is annoying. You’re thirsty but can’t
be bothered to drink and hungry but food is making you feel sick. Studying with a hangover is not your (currently unappealing) cup of tea. Hangovers in any case call for a pyjama day where the only time you deem to get out of bed is when you’ve finally decided to crawl from your dark cave and scrounge whatever treasures you can find in every and any cupboard, to then flop back into bed and cancel any plans that you were optimistic enough to have
made. But in case you’re not allowed to be the disgusting mess that you were so hoping to be and must brave the library - then try and not to sit next to someone eating. Though there are no judgements ever made by those who enjoy the ‘occasional’ beverage if you’ve got an exam in the morning, you should probably know that hangovers actually can affect your memory. An article in the Telegraph quoted a psychologist who studied the impact a hangover has on the brain. They found that it impairs the way that a brain works so you’ll be less likely to retain information and do simple arithmetic. You’re 30% more likely to make mistakes when you’re hungover, which may not be overly surprising. Apparently when you’re drunk the best thing is to forego the greasy food.
Hangover foods should be stodgy and filling, something definitely unhealthy and delicious, but apparently that will actually make you feel worse. The food that you should be eating are fruit, - particularly bananas and kiwis - eggs, and toast. Eggs contain amino acids, while potassium in fruit is good and toast is good for when you might not be able to keep anything else down. Basically, do all the healthy things like exercising and drinking water and though coffee may seem like ambrosia it will make you even more dehydrated. Now actually trying to study is the hardest bit, hungover or not, getting off your phone or stop talking to the distractions
“Hangovers actually can affect your memory”
and your time could be better spent. There is only one excuse to have Youtube open while attempting to study and that is to listen to the Inside Out soundtrack on loop till you’re crying. Breaks are actually helpful, but dinnae take the piss – so studies somewhere by someone have shown that a person can only fully concentrate for about 50 minutes and then need to take a break to let their brain take a breather. Having said that, a break can be a trip to Nisa for a little snack but most definitely cannot be going for a pint or four in the union or watching the entire running length of Hot Fuzz (you know who you are). I could go on and on about how useless I am when it comes to sitting down and studying but I feel like I have taken up enough of your time reader. Somehow I am about to start my forth semester at university so when it comes down to it I can get my head down and get at least some stuff done, and I feel like it’s the same for all of us. All I can say is deadlines and grade deductions are the best motivation possible - here’s to another semester of confidently scraping a pass!
that are known as friends. There is genuinely no point in looking at a page and not being able to understand a word, so rather than go over information that you don’t know and have no chance of comprehending, reading or concentrating on, do easy stuff - the work that you do first anyway. Other ‘helpful’ hints that I’ve found is to have an enforcer to help you study (which can end up being your partner in procrastination or the friend/ mother who you’ll end up loving or hating depending on what you head is saying.) Another one is to get out of bed which is always helpful and to give yourself treats after you’ve done some work. I like this one. Write a paragraph and then you get a chocolate bar or a break. All in all a hangover is a sensitive time for anyone and if you’re studying out of the cave and managing then you deserve to enjoy your tea.
Study Stats
We asked a group of 60 University of Stirlng Students a few Questions about their stuy habbits and this is what we learned:
30%
stated that they never go to the library.
While
26%
said they go once
a week and another 26% say they go once a month. Only
18%
claimed they go all the time.
78% of the group
said they wish they studied more.
22%
With only being okay how much study. Over
three
with they
quarters
of the group admit to having started an essay the day before it’s due.
16%
With
saying they do it all the time.
53%
prefer studying at say home while they prefer not to.
47%
Of those who prefer not to study at home, 64% say this is because they procrastinate, with 27% saying they simply can’t concentrate. Only 9% say it’s because they prefer the library.
60%
With
prefer studying during the day. prefering to study at night.
40%
84%
would rather study alone than in a group.
64%
And of the group believe listening to music helps then to study.
26 Brig | January 2017
Features
We are becoming too easily offended Cameron Watson
R
ight, first things first: I realise that I am a straight, white, middle-class male, and so have the highest amount of privilege at the age of 20, so might not be the best person to talk about this. But over the years it appears that we seem to get
more and more offended over things that wouldn’t have even caused concern years ago. Just today, Tuesday January 10, a year on from David Bowie’s death, British Gas tweeted out “Morning all. A year today we lost a pop icon David Bowie, time flys don’t it? We’re here till 10pm if you need anything. Thanks, Paul #RipDB”, and the public quickly made it known that this was unac-
“Customerservice should be about sharingagenuine humanemotion”
ceptable. Comments included: “That’s really bad taste. I’m shocked a business account has written that.” “Why is one of your colleagues hijacking someone’s death?”
Credit: Rock of York
“Well done Paul, showing a human side to a big company.” Taking a glance at this tweet, I can understand that this may appear crass at first. A big company using a hashtag in order for them to get into the trending tab so their appearance gets as big as possible, it doesn’t look too good. However taking a second glance, people need to take time to think things through before heading to their keyboards. To put it simply - “wow. Pure crass.” However some did side with the company, saying that you should actually pause for a second before taking your fury to the reply button - as it is coming from a customer service account; an account for human interaction, giving a face to the company, helping people with concerns and problems. This is what companies SHOULD be doing.
What would you prefer, a huge soulless company with no public face or apparent care for the world and only focusing on profits, or a company that is taking the time to talk about the world around them, expressing genuine human emotion about a pop icon? The world needs more people like Paul on their Twitter accounts. Customer service should be about sharing a genuine human emotion to the customer and helping them through the issue at hand and so this tweet coming from that account seems perfectly okay to me. If it was from the main business account, an account used for selling
am almost finished final year. I want to take a year out and maybe travel because I feel like I deserve (and need) a break. Will a gap in my CV look bad to future employers? So firstly I would say, where are you going? Can I come? Can I come? I’ll be really quiet – you’ll hardly know I’m there. Then I would calm down and say a gap year doesn’t look bad as long as you are able to clearly articulate what you have gained in that time. You can develop in so many ways through travel, volunteering, experiencing new
cultures and meeting new people but it’s important to make the most of your time and show employers how this has benefited you and in return how it may benefit them. Skills such as planning an itinerary, budgeting, learning a language, adapting to a new way of life and being sensitive to other cultures and are all transferable and would be desirable for many employers. You might need to consider keeping your industry skills up-to-date as you will be competing for jobs alongside newly qualified
Credit: Pinterest
goods, then it would be an offensive way to sell a product. People need to take time to think things through before heading to their keyboards to talk about a hugely offen-
sive move when really, someone maybe wanted to mourn the loss of an icon.
Aunt Em-ployability: Here to answer all your career questions Emma Hill Careers Service
S
o here we are at the start of another year – time to try and get back into your ‘Pre-Christmas eating’ clothes and to make lots of resolutions that you’re definitely, honestly going to keep this year but in reality you’ll be over them all by February! It is also the time that people start to think about the future…and that’s where I come in! I will be here in Brig to try and tackle any careerrelated problems or issues you might have and help create a more employable you. One question I have had from a second year student Niamh Pollard is: I always seems to be able to get through to the interview stage but then never get the job. I think my lack of confidence holds me back when I’m being interviewed so do you have any advice that might help? Well Niamh, you’re not alone. Lack of confidence is an issue for so many people, particularly students who are just starting out in their career. Without getting all ‘motivational quotey’
on you I would say, you are awesome – believe in yourself. Each person has so many different things they can bring to a job so it’s usually just a case of identifying what you have to offer and then practice telling employers. There are a few things that you can do to improve your confidence in interviews. You can try the Careers & Employability Service Interview Stream (https://stirling.interviewstream.com). This allows you to record yourself answering common interview ques-
tions and then review (or get someone else to review!) how you’ve done. We are also running Lift Off in the Spring Semester (www.stir.ac.uk/ careers/liftoff) which is a 6- week course, every Thursday evening, to help you improve your confidence when it comes to your self-image, communication, presentation and interviews. It’s been a huge success in previous years, so sign up and see what a difference it could make to you. I have had a question from another student Derval McCormack: I
graduates a year down the line. If there are any short courses or online courses that you could do it might be worth spending a bit of time on those during the year out. It’s probably worth your while coming to This is Your Life on February 2 (www.stir.ac.uk/careers/ tiyl). This is a careers fair with a difference – offering students the chance to find out about volunteering, internships and working abroad in order to gain experience and broaden their horizons. A gap year can be a fan-
tastic experience and can open up opportunities that you hadn’t necessarily considered so I would say go for it…and send us a postcard! If you would like to contact me with any career questions or concerns then just email me on emma.hill@stir.ac.uk. Emma is the Student Engagement and Events Co-ordinator for the Careers & Employability Service at the University of Stirling
28 Brig | January 2017
Sport
Get in gear this year with USCC Ross Brannigan Deputy Editor
C
ycling has seen a revolution in the past five years: Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome have stormed to victory in the Tour de France, and more people than ever are taking to two wheels. Cycling is not just limited to the road, however, and British success does not only come at the Grand Tours of Europe. Last year, Rachel Atherton took victory at the Fort William UCI Downhill Cup. She went on to defend the overall UCI World Championship title, with fellow Briton Danny Hart winning the men’s classification. Even in the cold winter months, the University of Stirling Cycling Club has been making the most of Scotland’s nearunbeatable conditions for road and mountain biking. Stirling is well-placed for cycling, with the iconic figure of Dumyat acting as an exhilarating area for mountain bikers to hone their skills – and have a laugh, mainly. On the road, Scotland has some of the most gorgeous countryside to cycle through, and with the right planning you can ride a 40-mile route on roads with minimal interruption. Connor Launder, club president and second year Enviornemtal Science student and the, has a vision for the club to expand its membership
and get people involved who share an interest in cycling. He said: “People should join the club if they like riding bikes or want to. Stirling has everything right on its doorstep. “Just this October the BUCS Hill climb was held on Logie Kirk – literally next to the campus. In addition to that, we have trails coming off campus into hermitage and mine woods that are ideal for getting rad on mountain bikes without having to travel anywhere. “And of course, the easily scalable hill, Dumyat, is just off campus, and one of the best descents in the Stirling area.” Last November, the USCC took to the gravel, mud, tarmac and fields in the #Stir5Ka-
day challenge. For a club of just 17, they racked up over 2500km. Being a small club makes the USCC a close group of friends, who welcome new members from a range of different backgrounds. Speaking as a new member myself who has only been taking a serious interest in cycling for little under a year, I can say they have quickly made me feel like one of the team. For those wanting to take their cycling to the next level,
Elena Melton, first year member of USCC, tackles BUCS Hill Climb up Logie Kirk. Photo: The Press Room
the USCC also provides members with funds to take part in competitive races. This year’s Crit on the Campus will be held at the start of April, and members will have a chance to get involved and display the hard work they have put in over the winter break. Chris Hartley, a PhD student in sport psychology, joined the club because of a love for cycling, and was excited by what the club offered. Coming from a downhill mountain biking background,
Chris has dabbled with track, road and mountain biking, and says anyone interested in cycling should get involved in the club. He said: “Bikes have always been a big part of my life, and it means a lot to me that I’m able to express my social identity with people who have a similar passion for 2-wheeled madness. “It’s awesome to make some friends and have a laugh while sharing an awesome experience like watching a sunset from 3000ft up before a descent.” He added: “I think people should join the club because it caters for everyone; from complete novices to competi-
USCC announces new partnership with Stirling Cycles
T
he University of Stirling Cycling Club has announced a new partnership with the Stirling Cycles bike shop on Causewayhead. The new partnership has seen a new kit design for the club, with added Stirling Cycles’ logo across the back and front, accompanying USCC’s iconic “Chain Ring and Wallace Monument” logo. Speaking about the new kit, President Connor Launder said: “We are very excited about the new kit, and at announcing our partnership with Stirling Cycles. “We have put their logo on our new kit in return for 10%
off, and a Tesco club card scheme that earns points when you buy things. “Personally, I love the new kit; it’s Stirling green, it shows off our logo and the university, as well as staying true to the Scottish roots with the plaid print.” Craig MacFarlane, owner of Stirling Cycles, said: “We are delighted to be working with the University Cycling Club. “The early signs are really positive, with club representatives working hard to get us involved and promote our shop. We’re very appreciative of this, and will be doing all we can to ensure we offer great benefits for members in return.”
tive level. “Everyone is keen on seeing the club grow, and your enthusiasm to join will only be
comes with a race license, insurance discounts, and much more. Work has also begun on a new websiet, and a new part-
USCC President Connor Launder. Photo: The Press Room
matched by our enthusiasm to see you get on a bike and enjoy yourself!” Connor Launder has big ambitions for the club, and some have already come to fruition. The club now has an affiliation with British Cycling, giving members a discount on their British Cycling membership, which
nership with Stirling Cycles has seen a new kit made for the club (see story below). He added: “However, the most important thing is that those members now just have a good time, and we just ride bikes with one another.”
USCC member benefits
• Discounted club kit • Access to club road and mountain bikes • Access to extensive tool box • BUCS race entries paid for • Other races paid for/subsidised • Subsidised trips • Help with travel expenses to races • Discounted membership of British Cycling
Sport
29 Brig | January 2017
Will Scottish clubs move down South?
T
Peter Lynch
he age-old debate is once again the centre of attention for many Celtic fans as their team marches on towards another league title; should they be playing in England? Football League Chief Executive Shaun Harvey explained the ‘five division’ proposal at the start of the season, with a final decision expected to be made in June of next year. This would see the re-arrangement of the current four division domestic system into five divisions of 20 teams from 2019 onward. This aims to improve fixture congestion, one of the biggest concerns in English football. This therefore once again provides Scottish clubs with the opportunity to have their names in the hat for English football contention, especially as Welsh clubs like Swansea and Cardiff have been competing in the country for many years.
Photo Credit- Mirror Sport
There will however be a number of barriers preventing their move down south, with the journey to stadiums being the one of the more straightforward potential problems. The list of complications is long. Celtic fans may strongly believe that their club is capable of competing with the top teams in England and therefore suitable for the Premier League. Other fans meanwhile will undoubtedly view the matter differently, not to mention the unjust and complicated matter of entering a completely new team into the Premier
League at the start of a new season. Many supporters of English football clubs may not be aware of the gap between Celtic and Rangers and feel that the two clubs go hand in hand, and although Celtic appear unstoppable, Rangers are sitting second in the table and so require a certain level of respect regardless of opinion. The gap in points is obviously strongly in favour of Celtic, but second place is a respectable position for a club playing their first top-flight season in years. If the Scottish champions are the only club taken seriously enough to be drawn up for the new Football League plan, this will cause serious conflicts throughout the nation. Firstly, other clubs will put their case forward as to why they deserve to compete in England if that is what they desire. Secondly and perhaps more significantly, FIFA are always vigilant about protecting national associations, and would therefore be against any changes to Scottish football. Their viewpoint is understandable and logical as the removal of the top clubs in any league may cause a collapse throughout the entire structure, but then again the Scottish Premiership is not like many other top-flight leagues. Celtic fans are overjoyed at their club’s dominance over many recent years, but the song regarding ten consecutive league wins is a rare sound across almost every football league in Europe. Placing them and their rivals in England provides a rare opportunity for a different club to grab the limelight and win a league title, also providing Celtic with a genuine title challenge, an unfamiliar concept to many at the club. Countless groups would welcome the change. New stadiums, new supporters, and new players - all very exciting features that would surely improve what is indeed a business after all. Bigger crowds generate more money, which could be spent on players that will want to drive these clubs up the lower leagues of English
football. Moreover, Celtic held their own against Premier League opposition in the Champions League this season, and they along with Rangers have Premier League experience, quality, or indeed a mixture of the two among their ranks. The former are under strong
What is the role of your Sports Communication Officer? Harry McArthur Sports Editor
K
elsey Blemmings, is a second year who is studying sport studies, whilst fulfilling the role of Sport Communication officer.
go out and film the clubs, even in minus temperatures.” Kelsey said. “Sports Ball planning is going to start getting very busy this semester, so I look forward to helping plan that. As well as other general help and events within the Student’s Union
Sports Union on social media, and if you need any assistance with your club’s social media coverage make sure to contact Kelsey and she would be more than help out.
Photo Credit-Daily Record
leadership in a manager that came so close to winning the title itself, while the latter have provided English clubs with various talented players down the years. Scottish football is in desperate need of a shake-up, not just in developing homegrown talent, but also in terms of promoting the standard of the game and to provide higher quality players to a national team that is continuously failing at international level. A four league system of 40 teams is certainly unique, but ultimately outlandish, and so perhaps losing the top performing teams in the league may cause the SFA to update this league format. Improved squad selection and managerial decisions may additionally generate an improvement at national level, but that argument is more suited for another time, perhaps after the remaining World Cup Qualifying fixtures. Therefore if Scottish clubs transfer to England, and that is a strong if, the only feasible option is to grant them status in the lowest league. This will force them to work their way up through the leagues, thus testing their capabilities and aspirations over a long period of time. To put it simply for the longrunning champions Celtic, they need a challenge, and this is the perfect opportunity.
SPORTING SNAPSHOTS
A selection of the best sporting action from recent weeks, courtesy of Hannah McNicol
Photo Credit-Hannah McNicol
We managed to speak with her and find out more about her role at the university. As you can probably tell from her title, it is a job that keeps her busy. Kelsey attends as many of the university matches on campus as she can and helps out with coverage on social media. “I absolutely love my role as Sports Union Communication Officer. I was nervous coming into this role; however it has been amazing so far. In this role I not only get to support all of the work going on in the sports union, but I get the chance to meet all of the members. I’ve gotten to know so many people, and it’s always so nice to have a chat with people from a variety of clubs and sports and see how they’re getting on.” Kelsey continued, “One of the best things about being a communications officer is definitely supporting and celebrating our teams on social media. I love tweeting about what our fantastic students are up to and shouting about our success.” We then discussed her future aspirations in her role, in particular her aims for the upcoming semester. “This semester my main priority is finishing off the sports union video. This video will feature all of our sports clubs, and it has taken a lot of time to
and supporting Jess alongside my fellow sport executives. I also hope to increase interaction on social media even further, and really show off how amazing Stirling is from participation to performance.” I had the knowledge that she had participated in volunteering, so she explained to me the impact that it has on her role, as well as on her life in general. “Volunteering is so important to me, the life skills that I have learned and the people that I have met through giving up my own time are amazing. I will continue to volunteer with the Sports Union, as well as coaching at the university and in the local community. I really appreciate the work of our volunteers; and I know that there are plenty here at Stirling, from club committee’s to coaches and officials. This semester I really want to promote upcoming volunteering opportunities as well as all of the hard work that our volunteers do, because without them sports clubs simply wouldn’t function. So keep an eye out on social media for that!” Kelsey will continue her role throughout next semester and hopefully beyond that. If you have seen her and Jess at any of your sporting events and are curious to see the end product of the video they are making, be sure to follow the
Follow the Sports Union on Twitter: @Stir_Sports
Sport
30 Brig | January 2017
Stirling Clansmen - who has stood out so far this season? Harry McArthur Sports Editor
A
t the midway point of a frustrating but promising season, the Clansmen sit at second in the Premier North Division behind fierce rivals; the Durham Saints. The University of Stirling’s American Football team are renowned across the British game, having appeared in three national finals in consecutive years and winning two, we are known for always having spectacular talents. In American football there are three key units in every football team; the Offense, the Defense and the Special Teams. This season the Clansmen have had several valuable players on each, but this article will look at the three players that I have found most impressive so far. On the Offense there were a few candidates I was torn between. The team can boast about the terrific offensive line; however these guys play as a unit so singling one out wouldn’t be fair. The receiving core has been fantastic as ever, with veterans like Lightbody and Klein mak-
Photo Credit- Jimmy Thomson
ing a name for themselves as usual, as well as rookies Nathaniel Prince and Mykel Nixon, who have been equally as impressive. Stand in QB, Alex Crowe,
deserves praise for stepping in place of the injured Garcia, and conducting a 2-1 record as a starter. All this aside my Offensive player of the year so far is running back Thomas Campbell. A clutch player who is feared by other teams across the nation, Campbell is a power back that will break through tackles
Photo Credit- Jimmy Thomson
using his impressive power. He also has an incredible speed leaving opponents in his wake when breaking into open field. With 6 touchdowns scored after 4 games, this GB star will be looking to continue this form as we enter the second half of the season. He has a strong opportunity to claim the coveted MVP title for this season. With many players making big plays, the Defense have also shown a lot of promise. It is here several playmakers have been shining: team captain Kovacs never stops causing mayhem, scoring a safety this season alongside getting an interception. Conner Rimington, a fellow lineman, has also made a name for hismself this season. His constant pressure from the interior has resulted in huge plays; including a game winning force fumble in overtime against Loughborough. Another name to be made has been prominent performer Clansmen rookie Calvache, who’s aggressive play style has disrupted several opponents’ offensive plays this season.
SPORTING SNAPSHOTS 3K Christmas Fun Run
The secondary has boasted some solid performances but no one has impressed as much as free safety Ashley Hopkinson. Last season’s MVP and Team GB member seems to be improving with every passing season and every game he plays. Averaging more than two interceptions a game, he has put up nine interceptions in the four matches he has played. With a masterful reading of the game he more than warrants all the praise received this season. He has scored twice this season, both coming in the same game at home to Nottingham Trent in the 34-20 victory. The veteran is looking likely to be named MVP in a back to back win. The final unit is the special teams, and once again it is fiercely competitive. There are several rookies who have been making a major impact on this unit. Rookie Kerr Thomson has replaced last year’s kicker, long time Kicker Greg Atkinson, and has been very efficient. Last season’s punter did not return which has led to QB
far has been the rookie kick and punt returner Prince. When the ball is in this man’s hands it is scary for any opposition to face. One of the fastest players you will see at this level he does an excellent job at finding the gaps made by his teammates. Debuting against the Derby Braves, Prince scored a kick return touchdown, which added a twist to the Clansmen’s most exciting game so far this season. While he has not scored on special teams since, he has been instrumental in ensuring the offense can drive down the field by gettimg the ball deep in the opposition territory. Currently sitting at 2-2 the season is still wide open. These individuals could dramatically change the outcome of this season to build upon the fighting team spirit and boost the score to the regular season 6-2.
Fact: The last time the team was 2-2atChristmas they went on to win the BritishNational Championship (2014)
Futsal teams find their form Andrew Baxter
F
utsal is a sport that is on the up in Scotland, and Stirling University’s Futsal club have come on leaps and bounds in the last couple of years. The men’s first team defied all the odds in 2015 to finish second at the National Championships, narrowly missing out on qualification for the preliminary rounds of the UEFA Futsal Cup- the futsal equivalent of the Champions League. Last season, the club reached the pinnacle of university-based futsal. They were outstanding in winning all 8 games during their Scottish 1A campaign, going on to clinch the Premier Northern Playoff Trophy, earning them promotion. The success has seen membership to rise and the interest in their September Give-It-AGo has meant they are able to field three men’s teams and two women’s in this year’s competitions. The men’s firsts are coping well against the best in the UK, and are competitive in a very tight Premier Northern division. It’s been a baptism of fire so far, but Stirling have only lost by more than 2 goals once this season. Their highlight of the season was a 5-4 win over Sheffield at the Gannochy: their first win in the top division. Whilst their league position
needs to be improved before the end of the season, a threegame unbeaten run will have boosted their confidence. With two of their remaining three games at home, there is every chance that Stirling will survive amongst the cream of UK BUCS Futsal. One of the most eye-catching stories of the season has to be the dramatic finale to the women’s first team’s season. Needing a big win in their last league game, Stirling thrashed Dundee 1sts 22-2. This result was good enough to see them win the league on goal difference, by just one goal. Clinching the league title means that the women’s first team will play their Futsal in the Premier Northern league too next season. They’re also still in contention in the BUCS Trophy: next month they will travel to play the Sunderland 2s, a side that has been struggling so far this season. A win against them will see them play either Teeside or Sheffield at home in March to secure Stirling women’s a place in the quarter-finals. It is an exciting time to be following Stirling’s Futsal teams and we wish them continued success this year and with the big games coming up for both First teams.
Photo Credit- Katie Stepek
Garcia to fill the duty. He has been doing a fantastic job ensuring that a good field position has not been achieved by the opposition which is key in tight affairs. The most notable player so
Photo Credit- University of Stirling Futsal
31 Brig | January 2017
Sport
Exciting second semester ahead for Stirling University Men’s Football Club Peter Lynch
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ith a successful start from many of the football teams at the university in semester one, all six sides will be looking for further improvement as semester two arrives. The New Year arrives with a number of significant fixtures in the remainder of BUCS and Saturday leagues, and Brig takes a look at how each team is handling the busy second half of the season. The 1st XI have somewhat struggled in their BUCS Premier North league campaign, with only one game remaining. The league, as competitive as ever, has produced some of the highest quality in recent years. Stirling can however leapfrog their final opponents Northumbria in the last league game of the season to finish in a respectable third place, but also have a Queen’s Park Shield journey to look forward to in spring. Their Lowland League campaign has however witnessed an improvement in form. With just under half of the fixtures remaining, they have climbed up to a strong position in fifth with games in hand. A vital derby with East Stirlingshire looms, and the university can certainly claim a top four spot with a strong end to the season. The 2nd XI meanwhile needs no introduction as their actions haven’t gone unnoticed this season. They sit comfortably at the top of the BUCS Scottish 1A with two games remaining, having gone undefeated throughout autumn. They look certain to clinch another title and can do in their upcoming tie with Abertay 1st XI in early February. They sit in seventh place in their Saturday East of Scotland League, comfortably away from anyway relegation fears and more significantly not far from the top four with plenty of matches still to play.
In the Scottish 2A, the 3rd XI will undoubtedly use their remaining five games to climb up the table from their standing in fifth place. In a highly contested Stirling & District Premier Division, the university side are in sixth place and can certainly move up the ranks throughout the rest of the league campaign. It’s all to play for in the 5B as the 4th XI boast the top spot with three huge games left, while a Conference Plate tie with the 6th XI will settle university bragging rights for quite some time. The side are third in the Stirling & District Division 1A and are in prime position going into the New Year, with some fantastic results in the first half of the season. The 5th XI can in fact catch up with their university counterparts in the 5B with four wins from their final four games; however a mid-table finish is undoubtedly respectable in this competitive division. Meanwhile the 6th XI, along with their intriguing Conference Plate match with their Stirling colleagues, still has an incredible seven league games left. They lie third in the 6B and can use the remainder of their matches in the spring to challenge for a spot at the top of the table. The new side at the university, the under 20s, sit just three points off top spot in their Lowland Development League table. A remarkable position for this newly formed squad, who still have a long way to go in their fixtures against some of the top youth sides in the country. The future certainly looks bright for the boys and for the rest of the squads throughout Stirling University, and the spring semester will hopefully see much success at the Gannochy and further afield.
Photo credit - Hannah McNicol
Stirling’s Spectacular BUCS Rise Harry McArthur Sports Editor
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ince being chosen as Scotland’s University of Sporting Excellence in 2008, the facilities at the university have vastly improved. We have seen upgraded playing fields, swimming facilities and even the Commonwealth embossed free weights facilities in the gym. In recent years this evolution has not shown much development in our sporting results, as far as BUCS is concerned, however that is beginning to change. In the five academic years prior to 2015/16 the team have always finished the year in the mid 20s (ranging between 2127). However, last year saw a remarkable jump that saw the team go up ten places in the league tables from 27th 2014/15 to 17th this last year. This trend is set to continue with the University being in 10th position at the midway point of the BUCS season. This excellent position can be put down to a lot of the
Another big year ahead for Andy Murray
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Peter Lynch
t’s fair to say that the Dunblaneborn superstar had a pretty decent 2016, but what does 2017 hold in store for Sir Andy Murray? The honorary graduate at the university topped off a recordbreaking year by receiving a knighthood in the Queen’s New Year Honours list. Just before the New Year in Abu Dhabi, the Scot managed a win over Canadian Milos Raonic at the Mubadala World Tennis Championship, to take third place at the exhibition event. Fans and peers around the world may take some time to get to grips with calling the world number one ‘Sir Andy Murray’, and he may even struggle to comprehend it himself, but he can’t afford to take time off as the 2017 season
Photo Credit- Sky Sports News
university’s different sports clubs. However a lot of credit must go to members of ‘individual’ sports as the most notable points are being scored in the sports like Swimming and Golf. We tip our hats to their incredible form last semester. With a massive total of 298 points, our praise must go to Tennis. They currently hold the most points in the BUCS table and it is encouraging to see that both the Men’s and Women’s teams are scoring consistently. With several teams, such as Football and Futsal, entering the second half of the season means there are more cup competitions to be played in, which hopefully means this positive trend can continue into the latter half of the year. With several teams in the football teams, most notably the 2nd XI, the ‘Team’ score will catch up with our opposition universities, and would go a long way in our university claiming a spot in the top 10 come the end of the season.
kicks off. He started his major tournament schedule with an Australian Open challenge, which began last week. This elusive title will certainly be near the top of the list, along with the French Open at the end of May. Next up is Wimbledon in July, and finally the US Open in August. There are no Olympic Games to distract Murray this year, but he will of course be under pressure as he enters 2017 as world number one. Murray presented the Davis Cup to fortunate viewers at the university in September, and will no doubt be back at some point throughout the year showing off further success.
Sport
Refreshers edition January 2017
Life as a professional student-athlete An interview with Adam Hammerschmidt Heros Lubangu
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tudent-athletes are often praised for their commitments to studying whilst playing sports, because the collective hours of studying, training and competing is like a full-time job. Adam Hammerschmidt is a student-athlete from Austria who studies Sport and Exercise Science at the University of Stirling. Previously a basketball player on the University of Stirling Men’s team, his commitment to his new career path as a professional has proved to be challenging and rewarding. With a brief Q&A session I managed to catch up with Hammersmith and find out more about the Austrian athlete. HL: Okay, so what can you tell me about your beginnings in basketball? AH: One day after school, friends asked me to join them in a 2 v 2 basketball game. We played a few games and kept switching teams, but my team kept winning. That’s when I fell in love with the game. Shortly thereafter, I joined an U14s team in Vienna called UAB. HL: This begs the question, what was your first competitive experience like? AH: My first game was in Vienna and I was very excited. It was very shortly after I started playing and I wasn’t aware of all the rules. I remember us losing the game and I managed to score 2/2 from the free throw line. However, I stepped on the line and only one of my free throws counted. HL: At what point did you decide that basketball was your sport? AH: I knew after play-
Photo Credit- Stirling Knights
ing 2 v 2 with my friends. I kept returning to that same basketball court every day after school. Even during rain and darkness. I was obsessed with trying to touch the backboard after scoring a layup, as well as dribbling the ball between my legs multiple times. HL: Did you have any goals in basketball prior to your University/Scottish career? AH: My goals were to represent my country at the European Championships, as well as playing for the Glasgow Rocks in the British Basketball League. Both of which I have managed to achieve. My new goal is to win the cup, league and playoffs with my current team in the Scottish League, Falkirk Fury. HL: What pushed you to attend the University of Stirling? AH: The great reputation for the course I am doing, plus the beautiful campus, inspired me to attend the University of Stirling. I have never regretted that decision, and I am looking forward to conducting my research project as my final step to attaining my honorary bachelor degree. HL: With basketball increasing in participation and such, how did you manage to obtain exposure whilst at the University? AH: Exposure through social media – YouTube and Facebook mainly – as well as trying to play my best during every game as you never know who’s watching. While scouts and coaches watching shouldn’t be the main incentive of playing your best, it can push you a little, nevertheless. HL: Would you have considered dropping University to pursue your professional career?
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AH: I never even considered discontinuing University... Ever. What I did consider however was studying part-time while playing professionally. I did continue studying fulltime, however. All in all, it was a lot more effort, but worth it. HL: As a professional student-athlete, what daily challenges do you face? AH: The biggest challenge is time management, keeping track of all trainings and workouts. Also, the determination to commit to a busy schedule and, sometimes, a strict diet and sleep routine. HL: Where would you like for your Basketball career to lead you? AH: To head to Spain would be a dream come true! HL: If there was something that you would like to tell student-athletes at Stirling who have a chance to compete professionally and study, what would you tell them? AH: I would say that there are enough hours in a day to commit to both full time. However, time management and determination are vital in achieving one’s goals. As the English proverb says: where there’s a will, and several genetic prerequisites, there’s a way. HL: Well, thank you Adam for your time today answering these questions. AH: Thanks, feel free to ask more. The tale of the Austrian basketball player is far from finished as Hammerschmidt continues his progress as a student and an athlete, you can also keep up-to-date with his progress and any news related to his professional career on his official Facebook page.