Welcome, readers, to Brig's second print edition of the year, right on time for the autumn semester coming to a close and everybody gears up for the holidays.
This time of the year is always an emotional one. The mad rush of final assignments, arranging plans with friends, with family, with partners, begging your boss for the day off so you can go to the Christmas market or sitting in front of a draft newspaper, wondering why the images don't fit no matter how may times you move them. As i write this, it's winter graduation day, and the atrium is flooded with happy people in caps and gowns. In a couple of months, I'll be among them, which is terrifying to think about.
My main focus is for now, however, how much Brig has changed since the beginning of the semester. We welcomed some brand new committee members halfway through, and i am genuinely blown away by how quickly and energetically they have thrown themselves in their new role, and how dedicated they have been in taking on board all the skills they need. The whole team has worked tirelessly to create this edition, and has done it all with smiles on their faces. We have welcomed so many fantastic new writers into the society this year, who have written some truly fantastic articles, and are already proving themselves to be vastly more talented and better organised than I was when I was in first year. Brig is also producing new columns, giving new talks, running new projects, and has just organised what may be the Christmas party to end all Christmas parties. Now, the team gets to go into the holidays congratualting themselves in everything they have achieved here, and I will only get more excited. We will have two more print editions of Brig this year, and I cannot wait to see what we do with them.
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STIRLING UNIVERSITY SHELVES 100%PLANT-BASED UNION
By Leonie MacLeod NEWS EDITOR
After voting to become the first 100 per cent plant-based union by 2025, Stirling University will not be going ahead with this aim.
In November 2022, the Students’ Union made national headlines over the controversial passing of the plant-based motion, which was put forward by students involved in the plant-based universities campaign.
It affected Union eateries Studio, Venue and Underground – previously of the Robbins Centre. University-owned eateries were excluded from the motion.
The Union achieved the motion’s aim to make their menu 50 per cent plant-based by the 2023/24 academic year.
However, the transfer of Union eateries to the University’s Stirling Hotel Services Ltd. put the future of the motion into question.
On March 14, 2024, it was announced that the Robbins Centre could not operate under the Union charity anymore and would transfer ownership to the University.
The impact of RAAC closures and lack of customers were among the reasons for the transfer, with theUnion sitting at a £180,000 deficit
After the transfer, the University commented that it was “excited to work with the Students’ Union on future catering options” but did not promise to fulfil the aims of the plant-based motion. The passing of the motion was controversial among the student body.
Brig carried out a survey of 120 students’ opinions on the motion in 2023, which found that 64 per cent of respondents did not agree with a fully plant-based menu.
Motion seconder, Imogen Robertson, said they “don’t think there’s any way to argue” that the majority of the student body were not supportive of the motion.
Imogen is still passionate about it, though: “I think that that's the most environmentally just thing to do.
“If I'm talking to people who are climate oriented, support is 50/50. I’ve definitely met students who are pretty passionate about it and who know the science and what the empirical data looks like.”
Recognising that it was a “busy” and “stressful” time for the Union, Imogen felt that the Union have been “avoidant” of the motion’s progress since the transfer: "I was working with the union on the plant-based menu. But after those
initial conversations and the initial formulation of the new menu, they’d made it pretty clear that they weren’t going to go the full 100 per cent”.
While the Robbins Centre facilities are sitting at 50 per cent plantbased, with vegan options that “look better” than they did in 2023, according to Imogen.
Additionally, the University has implemented a 100 per cent plantbased menu at SUP. Brig asked the University if it was committed to achieving the aims of the plantbased motion. We also asked if there was collaboration with the Union to achieve this.
A spokesperson responded: “We are proud of the wide range of catering options available on campus, which include a number of vegan offerings and fully plant-based outlet SUP, and are committed to providing a choice for all.”
Addressing the same questions, a Union spokesperson responded: “Following the transfer, Union personnel meet regularly with the Stirling Hotel Services Ltd team. This is demonstrated by the Vice President’s updates on disposable coffee cups and cutlery earlier this semester.
“The University have a range of
plant-based options on the menu in Venue and will continue to monitor their offer to ensure they are responding to student demand.
“We will meet via the Robbins Working Group to provide feedback from students on services available and will provide any relevant information to members as and when we can.”
Brig also reached out to PlantBased Universities co-founder Nathan McGovern, who responded: "Whilst we are saddened to see the University row back on the 2022 Students' Union vote, we hope to be able to work to see a transition to 100 per cent plant-based catering at Stirling as soon as possible.
“We understand the tricky economic situation for the Union following the RAAC scandal, however recent research has indicated that plant-based menus are markedly less expensive than any alternatives.
Since the landmark vote two years ago, 11 more universities across the UK and Mainland Europe have seen their students vote for similar measures. We hope to see Stirling find its way back to the path."
STIRLING SEWING CHARITY FACES UNCERTAIN FUTURE
By Emma Christie DEPUTY EDITOR
Làmhan, the Stirling-based sewing charity, has shared fears over an uncertain future. After a lack of orders, the team cancelled their planned workshops for November and December.
The charity has a focus on keeping Scotland’s textile history alive while providing help to those in need. At Làmhan, many self-sustaining and employable skills are offered to those who need them.
Làmhan aims to promote environmental sustainability by reusing leftover materials in their classes.
They also want to advance artsand culture through reviving
traditional tailoring, kiltmaking and dressmaking.
They hold hands-on workshops, apprenticeships, and public education.
In a Facebook post, Làmhan wrote: “This decision wasn’t made lightly, but unfortunately, it’s become necessary given out current circumstances. We have refunded all orders through Eventbrite.
“Right now, we’re unsure what the future holds for Làmhan. As a small charity, we depend on workshop participation, orders, and funding to keep our mission alive.”
Currently, the charity is exploring possible grants and other methods to keep their doors open, noting
that it is a “challenging time”.
Làmhan was founded to provide affordable and high-quality sewing tuition in Scotland – something that was missing from the industry.
At their roots, they have strong morals and simply want Scotland’s heritage to be kept alive.
“To all our supporters, thank you for being with us on this journey. Your encouragement, engagement,
and belief in what we do mean[s] the world to us. We’ll keep you updated as we work towards a path forward”, Làmhan said.
They ended their post by asking supporters to share their story and spread the word.
Information can be found on Làmhan’s official website or you can visit them at 80 Murray Place.
Image Credit: The Vegan and Rights for Animals Society / Harry Williamson
Image Credit: Pexels
FREE BREAKFAST AT STIRLING UNIVERSITY
RETURNING NOVEMBER 25
By Hamish Bell
Free breakfast will be provided to Stirling University students every Monday in the chaplaincy on campus. The program will start on November 25, courtesy of Global Justice Stirling. The breakfast will include accessible options to meet the food needs of students and will run from 8-10 am on Mondays.
Global Justice Stirling will be the primary volunteers behind the program. In the future, additional volunteer opportunities may become available.
Global Justice said they were looking into options to continue the programme over the Christmas b-
reak despite the chaplaincies closure.
They stated that they were motivated to organise this program after a student approached them about the discontinuation of the prior free breakfast plan.
Global Justice has worked on food issues before, including food accessibility options on campus and the community fridge.
The old free breakfast plan took place during the second semester of the 2022-2023 year.
Provided by the Students’ Union, that program provided numerous breakfast options to students every Wednesday and was arranged through Studio.
With Studio’s closure in early 2023
STIRLING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE CAMPAIGN PAUSED DUE TO "PUSHBACK AND LACK OF CHANGE" AT THE UNIVERSITY
By Ali Rees SECRETARY
IIn a statement published on October 24, Reclaim Stirling confirmed that they will be pausing its campaign due to “frustration with pushback and lack of change after years of work,” as well as the organisers no longer being students at Stirling.
Reclaim Stirling was started by Jess Reid, former VP Communities, as a student-led campaign to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) at Stirling University.
Key to Reclaim Stirling’s campaigning was the reports that it produced, the most recent in 2023, which collected data from Scottish universities on GBV taking place as well as the disciplinary action taken as a result.
They also organised workshops, marches, events, and other activities to bring education and change to the culture at Stirling.
The most recent person to take the helm was Alison Simm in 2022, supported by Amelia Armit shortly after.
After they both graduated in 2023, Amelia stayed to do a master's and kept managing Reclaim Stirling until she graduated in September 2024.
Amelia spoke frankly about the challenge of running Reclaim while juggling university work and jobs, among other responsibilities: “We always did our best, it just took a lot of planning.”
However, these weren’t the only barriers the campaign faced: “We certainly experienced difficulty with the university’s response, as often they did not respond or did not believe the Emily Test Charter was a worthwhile investment.
“It seemed that they had their idea of how to deal with GBV and did not really want to hear from students on it,” said Amelia.
The Emily Test Charter is an
award that shows an institution meets a minimum standard in its response to GBV which it is believed would have been enough to save the life of an Aberdeen University student named Emily.
The University of Stirling is not currently an Emily Test Charter accredited institution.
Amelia said that Reclaim’s campaign faced “pushback”: “When passing our union motion, some students were not very supportive of the idea but ultimately it was passed.
“A lot of the issue is simply it’s a difficult issue that the uni does not truly know how to deal with or does not want to invest in genuine solutions.
“Obviously, there is a lot of business and budgeting decisions that go on behind the scenes that we will never see or understand. In reality, students do not receive adequate support or initiatives that could really help.”
She continued: “We’re very thankful for everyone who has supported us whether that’s simply following our socials or attending events etc, it’s all been such a good help.
“I really do hope that someone else is as committed to tackling the issue at the uni and that eventually it does get better.”
The University was asked about not responding to Reclaim and its alleged disinterest in investing in the Emily Test Charter. A spokesperson responded: “The University is committed to taking all steps in our power to prevent and tackle gender based and sexual violence, working in partnership with the Students’ Union.
“Our joint strategy on preventing and tackling gender based violence is nationally recognised and reflects years of partnership work with students, staff and our community partners.
“We provide support through the training of a team of Sexual
Violence and Misconduct Liaison Officers (SVMLOs), and deliver comprehensive training for students, staff and sports club coaches and officers, instilling into University culture that sexual and gender-based violence will not be tolerated and that everyone is accountable for challenging this behaviour in all forms.
“This training includes the new Consent Matters module to provide training on sexual consent, communication and relationships, and bystander intervention. Additionally, we continue to raise awareness including through the Erase the Grey and 16 Days of Activism campaigns.
“Anyone affected by sexual or gender-based violence who needs support can speak to a SVMLO by emailing svmlo@stir.ac.uk, or by visiting the webpages for contact details of a range of external partners.”
A union Spokesperson commented: “Like those previously involved at Reclaim Stirling, the Students’ Union is committed to ensuring
student safety on and off campus.
“We encourage all students to download the SafeZone app and we have also worked with the University on new consent and tackling harassment modules which all new students are expected to take.
“Looking ahead, the Officer team are working with the Feminist Society on a busy programme of events to tie in with 16 days of activism launching later this month, including a walk around campus, as done previously with Reclaim Stirling as well as a round table discussion”.
barriers the campaign faced: “We certainly experienced difficulty with the university’s response, as often they did not respond or did not believe the Emily Test Charter was a worthwhile investment.
“It seemed that they had their idea of how to deal with GBV and did not really want to hear from students on it,” said Amelia.
The Emily Test Charter is an award that shows an institution meets a minimum standard in its
due to the discovery of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), it did not return the following year.
The Students Union commented that the plan “was part of our wider programme which is still in place and aims to tackle the costof-living crisis which impacts students as well as the rest of society.”
They also commented on the new free breakfast provided by Global Justice Stirling, saying, “it is pleasing to hear that Global Justice are planning to offer support for students in this way.”
response to GBV which it is believed would have been enough to save the life of an Aberdeen University student named Emily.
The University of Stirling is not currently an Emily Test Charter accredited institution.
Amelia said that Reclaims campaign faced “pushback”: “When passing our union motion, some students were not very supportive of the idea but ultimately it was passed.
“A lot of the issue is simply it’s a difficult issue that the uni does not truly know how to deal with or does not want to invest in genuine solutions. “Obviously, there is a lot of business and budgeting decisions that go on behind the scenes that we will never see or understand. In reality, students do not receive adequate support or initiatives that could really help.”
She continued: “We’re very thankful for everyone who has supported us whether that’s simply following our socials or attending events etc, it’s all been such a good help.
The University was asked about not responding to Reclaim and its alleged disinterest in investing in the Emily Test Charter. Image Credit: Forth Valley Rape Crisis Centre
STIRLING UNIVERSITY STUDENTS MISSING CLASSES DUE TO "WORSE THAN EVER" PARKING
By Leonie MacLeod NEWS EDITOR
Stirling University students have raised concerns about on-campus parking, which has caused them to miss classes and has negatively affected their education.
Over a third of respondents reported spending 20-30 minutes finding a parking space, with many agreeing that it can take over an hour.
Timing was also highlighted as one student noted: “if you have an 11 am lecture, no chance of finding a space. A 9 am lecture, 5-10 minutes.”
This year has seen the closures of ASH and the Geddes car park (beside Airthrey Park Medical Centre), with no additional parking. A student stated: “This year is by far the worst because of the blocked-off
car parks.”
A University spokesperson responded: “Alternative car parking is currently available near the Golf Pavilion and the Gardens and Grounds Maintenance Depot during accommodation works”.
However, one respondent highlighted: “When I have classes in Pathfoot I’m having to park by Ali court and the golf pitches which is not ideal.”
90 per cent of respondents said that they have missed classes due to not finding a parking space.
One respondent said that they “wouldn’t go as far” as stating that parking has affected their education, it is “just an annoyance”.
However, other respondents have agreed that parking has negatively affected their education. One student said: “I always go to my lectures but makes me dread going
into uni.
“I chose early classes […] to get parking. Early classes aren’t ideal for me since I have late night sports training”.
A few students reported being sa-tisfied with parking options but acknowledged the broader frustration, as one stated: “My lecturers and colleagues have often been late to work or classes due to issues finding a space.”
The University was asked about these issues. A spokesperson responded:
“The University regularly reviews parking to ensure that, as far as practical, the demand for parking and the availability of spaces is optimised […].
Stating that the uni “recognises frustration felt by some students over parking”, the statement cites sustainable travel alternatives
for students such as bus services and its proximity to two train stations. Additionally: “We also fund a corporate subscription with nextbike which allows all students and staff rental of a bike for the first 30 minutes of every ride.”
They added that the campus’s Historic Garden designation limits the ability to expand parking, which is something advised by “all planning authorities.”
The Students’ Union also recognised the concerns of students, stating that they “have raised concerns consistently in meetings with the University.” They also state that they have asked that the uni “rationalises” closed parking to free up spaces.
Stating that they understand many students find the bus service unreliable, they continue: “We have been in regular meetings
with McGill’s and the Council about improving the bus service […] We are also aware however that many students drive to class beca use it is their only viable optionand […] we are aware that the lack of parking is causing a lot of unnecessary stress.
“We are engaging with the University about longer term solutions, not least as we know how this deeply affects commuter students and their ability to access their education.”
The Union encourages students to complete its bus feedback form and Stirling Council’s survey on transportation. Both statements were condensed for print but will be available infull online.
Stirling University's Dr Megan Dee addresses missing information on nuclear policy expertise
By Cameron Inglis
On October 31, 2024, Senior Lecturer in International Politics at the University of Stirling, Dr Megan Dee, published the report ‘Networking nuclear research in Scotland and the UK.’
Highlighting British foreign policy towards nuclear weapons and public debates about security and politics, the report saw the need for a “detailed map of nuclear weapons policy expertise at UK universities.”
In collaboration with the Univers ity of Glasgow, the report aimed to expand the sharing of expertise and discussion on nuclear weaponsresearch and policy across the UK.
Steps towards achieving this am bition have now been taken, with Nuclear Researchers Network UK being established as a “strategic
framework for connecting that expertise”.
The notion that nuclear weapons could become desensitised in public and policymaking discussions is one that Dr Dee questions. This depends on your “lived experience of nuclear weapons”, she says.
For example, locations such as Hiroshima, Nagasaki and the Mar shall Islands have cultural experience of nuclear weapons testing or detonation ingrained in their national history.
In the UK, Dr Dee suggested that two factors have contributed to increased public apprehension of the Russian invasion of Ukraine with the “increasing use of nuclear rhetoric by Russia” occurring in regional proximity to the UK. The second factor was films such as Oppenheimer which really “amplified the history - and threat of nuc-
lear weapons development for many”.
Dr Dee’s next study is “how states use the language of nuclear responsibility within the global nuclear order”.
This will highlight the tension between countries which don’t possess nuclear weapons and those that do. Non-nuclear weapon states often perceive nuclear weapon states’ continued investment in “modernising and increasing their arsenals, rather than working towards nuclear disarmament” as irresponsible behaviour.
The motivation for this research is to find “ways that governments can have more constructive conversations about nuclear responsibilities”, Dr Dee tells Brig.
Dr Dee’s publications and research can be accessed through the University Research Hub.
Image Credit: Alex Paterson
Image Credit: University of Stirling
STIRLING CELEBRATES A SPECIAL 900 YEAR ANNIVERSARY
By Emma Christie DEPUTY EDITOR
Stirling’s Royal Burgh is one of the oldest burghs in Scotland. The burgh was founded in 1124 by King David I, 900 years ago. To celebrate this landmark occasion, Stirling is hosting a programme of events.
Celebratory events started on April 26, 2024 and will conclude in March 2025 – plenty of time for people to get involved if you haven’t already.
Back in April, events commenced with a ceremonial opening of Stirling Castle’s gates followed by the Church of the Holy Rude’s bells ringing for an hour.
Past events also included a walking of the Marches, the annual George Buchanan Creative Writing Competition, the Forth Valley food and drink festival, and a history and heritage of Stirling course – held at Stirling’s own university.
One ongoing event is the Stirling 900 Family Trail. Local artist, David Galletly, partnered with Stirling City Heritage Trust to deliver a drawn Family Heritage Trail.
The trail can be found in Stirling’s city centre and takes you on a historical journey of Stirling that features some interesting characters – including Scotland’s national animal.
The trail booklet can be picked up for free at the following locations: The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum, VisitScotland Stirling iCentre, Stirling Old Town Jail, Cowane’s Hospital, Tolbooth Stirling, The Albert Halls, and Stirling Central Library.
A Stirling 900 finale will be held from February 20 next year as thecity counts down the 900 hours to the finale weekend.
March 28, 2025, marks the end weekend for celebrations and more events relating to this will be announced on yourstirling.com.
A brief history
The 900-year anniversary is no small thing for the Stirling residents, proven by how many celebrations have been put in place.
King David I’s granting of Stirling’s Royal Burgh created a special bond between him and his people.
The Royal Burgh meant that the King’s Burgesses and Freemen could have privileges; “to hold their land and property directly from him, to elect a Council, to hold markets, to levy local taxes”.
Sadly, historians believe that King David I’s instructions for the Royal Burgh were verbally executed.
Therefore, no written documentation exists of the original granting of burgh status.
The full programme for 900 Stirling, alongside many other events in the area, can be found on yourstirling.com.
Featured Image Credit: YourStirling.com
The Stirling Observer's 17th "Give a Gift" appeal has begun
By Isla Barker COMMENT EDITOR
Once again, the Stirling Observer is appealing to those who are able to donate what they can so children who are less fortunate can have a special Christmas.
The Give a Gift appeal has been giving presents to less fortunate children since 2008.
The need for donations has grown year on year alongside the charity’s reach. Students can help by donating new toys and gifts to the appeal. As well as spreading the word of this project.
Vouchers are also now accepted after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, gifts should be unwrapped and for hygiene reasons, people are advised to not donate cuddly toys.
Kaiya Marjoribanks, a reporter for the Stirling Observer, says “A gift donated to the appeal isn’t just a parcel to open Christmas morning. It’s a sign to families, to children and to local charities, that we care.”
They can also organise an official drop-off point for donations at the university by emailing news@stirlingobserver.co.uk.
Current drop-off points in Stirling are the National Building Society on Port Street, Morrison’s in the Springkerse Retail Park and Waitrose in Burghmuir Retail Park. In Bridge of Allan, you can leave donations at Andrew Anderson and Sons Funeral Directors on Henderson Street. Anyone interested in donating or finding more information can email news@stirlingobserver. co.uk and kaiya.marjoribanks@ reachplc.com.
Image Credit: Pexels
Stirling City Centre Family Heritage Trail. Image Credit: YourStirling.com
GRASPING THE NETTLE: THE FIRST LABOUR BUDGET IN 14 YEARS
By Cameron Inglis
In a giddy and restless House of Commons, Rachel Reeves set out her first budget as Chancellor on October 30 2024.
The backdrop for Reeves’ announcement in Parliament was that of energetic Labour MPs engaged in much cheering. This mood was not necessarily shared across the viewing public, watching in anticipation of a formidable budget.
The budget was comprehensive. Over an hour-long speech, the Chancellor reeled off a stream of dizzying multi-billion-pound figures. This budget was put into context regularly by Labour Ministers by evoking figures of perceived Tory mismanagement.
With ample analysis available on some of the biggest changes such as Employers National Insurance increases and funding for healthcare and education, this article will focus on issues most relevant to students in Scotland.
There will be a one pence reduction in the price of the average pint
in a pub from February 2025. This nominal reduction may be seen as cheap politics, especially by distillers of whiskey and other spirits who saw the consumer tax due on their produce move in the opposite direction. A new tax on vaping products, due in October 2026, will engage with a further increase in tobacco taxes to try and persuade people to quit. This is intended to reduce the number of patients requiring treatment for preventable respiratory and cardiovascular illness.
For those working a minimum wage job the budget was
favourable. From April 2025, people 18-20 years old will gain an increased wage of £10 per hour. Whilst those aged 21 and over will be entitled to £12.21 an hour.
Reeves jibed Rishi Sunak with her plan to increase air passenger duty by 50 per cent for private jets. Alongside this policy the increased Energy Profits Levy on revenues from fossil fuel extraction and sale can be seen favourably by those environmentally minded.
A PROFILE OF KEMI BADENOCH: THE NEW LEADER OF THE CONSERVATIVES
By Paul Smith
Kemi Badenoch, 44, has rapidly ascended the political ladder as a Conservative MP for the constituency of Northwest Essex since 2017. This was proven recently when she defeated Robert Jenricks to become the Conservative Party's leader.
Currently serving as the Shadow Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government, Badenoch was previously Secretary of State for Business and Trade from 2023 to 2024. Before that, she was President of the Board of Trade and Minister for Women and Equality from 2022 to 2024.
Despite this, a YouGov poll shows that, compared to the end of July, the number of Britons with an unfavourable opinion of Badenoch has risen from 37 per cent to 45 per cent, compared to a smaller 12 per cent of Britons who view her favourably.
As the daughter of Nigerian immigrants, Badenoch was educated at the University of Sussex, earning a degree in Computer Systems Engineering in 2003. At 16, Badenoch worked at McDonald's, claiming it made her working class.
Badenoch’s early career was in IT and then the banking sector, whilst also being the digital editor of The Spectator from 2015 to 2016. Early in her political
career, Badenoch was recognised for her forthright style. A vocal advocate for a meritocratic society, Badenoch believes individuals should be judged by their abilities rather than their backgrounds.
No politician is without controversy, and Badenoch is no exception. For example, as a candidate in the Conservative leadership contest, she described maternity pay as
“excessive”. Badenoch would, however, backtrack on the comment, stating, “Of course I believe in maternity pay”.
Badenoch has been notably critical of identity politics, instead emphasising personal responsibility. Such views have placed Badenoch under immense criticism, with actor David Tennant telling her to “shut up” and wishing her inexistence.
For instance, her speech at the Conservative Party conference highlighted the need for a curriculum that promotes critical thinking rather than divisive identity-based narratives.
Her unsuccessful bid for leader of the conservative party in 2022 helped gain her media attention. Badenoch positioned herself as a breath of fresh air, acting as a dynamic voice advocating the party's
progress. Badenoch’s voting behaviour underscores her conservative principles, both socially and economically. For example, Badenoch supports measures that aim for economic growth, such as tax cuts and market deregulation. Her support of the 2023 Autumn statement as Secretary of State for Business and Trade serves as an example.
Overall, Badenoch’s background proves her to be a rising figure in UK politics, whilst her voting behaviour accentuates her principled conservative beliefs.
SHE’S A KAMALANOMENON, BUT SHE COULDN’T CLOSE THE DISTANCE
By Elliot Johnston HEAD OF BROADCAST
Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign became inescapable for many on social media with every week delivering a new meme format with the VPOTUS at the heart of it all.
For the 107 days that Harris ran her campaign, her team launched an onslaught on social media that not only embraced the trends of Gen Z but shaped them.
The main account used by the campaign, Kamala HQ, amassed 5.7 million followers on TikTok while Kamala’s personal account reached 9.3 million.
Tim Walz also launched an account on the app that generated two million followers in less than 90 days.
While these numbers are incredibly impressive for how little time the accounts were running, they were not close to catching up to Donald Trump’s 14.3 million followers.
What made Kamala’s campaign truly special amongst political campaigns, however, was how Kamala HQ embraced internet meme culture.
Since the beginning of the
campaign, Kamala HQ has used trending songs and videos to both promote the democratic message and fight against the Republicans.
This approach humanised Harris in the eyes of many and leaned into the campaign’s largely optimistic tone while painting the Republican opponents as weird and crazy.
A lot of young people have said that during the campaign they saw overwhelming amounts of support for the Democrats online but, seeing as the Democrats lost, this clearly wasn’t entirely true.
While there was lots of energy for the Harris campaign as a lot of it was coming from the campaign themselves, with Kamala HQ alone often releasing at least half a dozen videos a day.
The sheer amount of content being produced combined with the refreshingly positive nature of many of the posts created a real impression with viewers.
However, what many did not realise was that they were in a bubble.
This is not any individual viewer’s fault as this is how social media algorithms are designed.
By putting users into bubbles, they increase retainment and can reinforce a narrative about the world and politics which may explain why so many democrats were so surprised by Harris’ defeat. The same has undoubtedly happened with Republican voters and with those who do not engage with politics entirely unbeknownst to each other.
So, while embracing social media culture allowed the Harris campaign to light a fire under a new block of voters, it was just too little, too late.
The algorithmic bubble that many have found themselves
in has given many a false sense of this election. However, if the Democrats can produce much energy with young people in 107 days, then a full-length campaign in 2028 with a similar social media strategy may deliver the results they were hoping for this year.
TRUMP'S VICTORY CASTS A SHADOW OVER THE PLANET'S FUTURE
By Jolan Mackin
Now that Donald Trump will be back in the office, it is only a matter of time before America is withdrawn from the Paris Agreement again.
Donald Trump’s climate policies for 2025 are set to resemble his prior stance of prioritising economic growth over aggressive environmental issues due to his beliefs that climate change is a ‘hoax’. Trump famously withdrew the U.S from the Paris Agreement during his last presidency, arguing that it was not fair on business owners or the economy.
Trump’s Administration intends to dismantle the current policies using the guidelines of ‘Project 2025’, with climate change being the least of his concerns.
America will no longer favour special interests and progressive causes as the Trump Administration intends to roll back restrictions on coal mining and boosting natural gas exports, increasing air pollution significantly. Under his leadership it
is more important to continue with the usage of oil and natural gas through the use of artic drilling as the economy will profit better.
Artic drilling leaves an uncertain future for biodiversity and ecosystems as the drilling threatens fish and marine mammals that Indigenous people in the Artic rely on, and the infrastructure for these types of industries negatively impact other species and habitats.
Under Trumps governance, the energy crisis is set to be blamed on the cause of ‘extreme green’ policies that are in place in order to
combat climate change, criticising the Biden Administration for pushing the agenda of greener administration, manufacturing and other industrial activities. The Trump administration intends to remove these green policies and use the funds elsewhere for the economy.
Currently the Biden Administration uses taxpayer dollars to create more wind and solar projects, in an attempt to end the dependent use of fossil fuels. The Trump Administration intends to undo this through repealing the Inflation Reduction Act, which currently stands as the strongest
action taken in the US to boost renewable energy. The action taken will have huge consequences and it is likely the US will see the consequences of this in a few years.
Trumps re-election could cause renewable deployment falling by 30 per cent if the tax credits are discontinued for that sector. His climate vision will have long term effects for the US and under his governance it could result in 500 million tonnes of additional carbon emissions in the energy sector by 2030.
My Mum was the first to know I was gay. She said that when I graduated nursery, I went up on stage, very proudly accepted my medal before putting my hand on my hip and striking a pose.
Since then, I never really came out to anyone. I never had to, people just assumed my sexuality based on my mannerism and the pitch of my voice.
It was never really a problem for me, my Mum and Dad were as supportive as I could have hoped for, my Dad ecen did a 96 mile walk raising about £1,800 for TIE campaign which hopes to teach LGBTQIA+ issues in Scottish education. Then came high school.
It all started off with small, probing questions like, "Do you like other boys" or straight to the point, "are you gay", by this point I decided not to lie anymore and was open about my sexuality, although now I know it was never for everyone to have the right to know.
Then the homophobia started, the changing rooms filled with comments, "Dawson's looking at you" or "don't try and kiss me!", passing comments, threats and slurs such as, "I'll batter you, fa*got." Switching between that, "poof" and "gay-boy."
My school did virtually nothing to prevent this or hold people accountable for their actions. It got physical a handful of times, making me scared to even leave my bedroom for fear that I'd be bullied again every day at school.
I always got told: "When you are older, it'll be so much better."
Being an out gay adult
Since turning 18, just about every single time I have gone out for a night out, I've faced death threats, more homophobic slurs, (even when I'm just trying to use the toilet or have a drink in a casual bar) and minor physical assaults in the form of pushing, kicking, punching.
It's hard for people around metunderstand.
Every single time I go out, it's the only thing on the front of my mind.
It ruins my social life,it's bad for my mental health and the stress is terrible for my physical health, all over something I did not choose to be nor can help, but I try to go out as much as I want and not let them win.
Since going back to university, I have had around the same experiences, not as bad as before, but I have still had homophobic slurs, threats, and bumps and bangs in the oh-so-lovely Fubar.
It's a universal experience among the LGBTQIA+ community; we hald expect it every single time we are
INVENTIONS I WANT TO SEE: SMELLOVISION
By Isla Barker COMMENT EDITOR
Have you ever sent a picture of freshly baked brownies or a field of flowers and thought:
"I wish you could smell this!"
What if you could? Imagine if someone invented a device or a software extension to transport smells over social media!
Smell is a diffcult sense. There are many ways to measure it so it can become difficult to research.
Cameras capture light with lenses and image sensors. So what about an olfactory sensor that accessorises your photo of a unique scented candle?
4D movies sometimes add smells to heighten the immersion. And being able to smell something is part of the experience. It unlocks memories and takes you back to another time. Whether it's real or in a film.
I had a conversation with my Dad. And he told me during theCovid-19 pandemic, there was more research done on smell.Because of Covid's impact on it. Since smell comes from the olfactory nerve, maybe there could be a way to trigger this nerve to simulate a scent.
It's just an idea and there is still a long way to go. But. there are ideas and plans as well. So I look forward to seeing how this goes in the future.
in public to experience some form of intolerance towards us. When I am with a partner or friends, it's usually smirks andlaughs, stares and frowns, whispers and comments in the street.
I hope it does get better and that it's not just something people say to cheer you up; I've experienced postive andheartfelt moments, people telling my partner and me how cute of a couple we are, having a strong community of LGBTQIA+ friends, having people to speak to about it to make me feel better.
I would love Scotland to become more accepting, to be able to go to a nightclub other than POLO and still have a good safe night out free of slurs. To be able to walk down the street with my partner and not get stares for holding hands, for simply being who I am.
If you are struggling with yoursexuality, or are facing homophobia and prejudice, Switchboard offers support on their website and via email, E-chat and a 24/7 phone line for a safe talking space.
Switchboard Helpline Phone Number: 0800 0119 100
Image Credit: Irina Iriser
Does commuting as a first year ruin your university experience?
By Rae Archibald
When I applied to Stirling University, I was asked by UCAS if I was planning to stay on campus or stay at home. I reasoned that if I went to Stirling, I should stay at home, since I only live around a half hour drive away, and that taking out a student loan to pay for accommodation might not be worth it. However, at 16 when I applied, I fully expected that 18-year-old me would be able to drive.
I took a gap year after school and deferred my university place. During this year I moved out, so my driving lessons weren’t regular enough to make my instructor believe I was ready for the test.
As the time ticked down to starting first year, I was in denial that I was going to have to take the bus into university. This specific bus turns a 30 minute drive at most, into at least a 50 minute one, because it stops everywhere. It doesn’t have a late timetable, and only comes once an hour. Also, this isn’t the only bus I would have to get, as I would need to take the Uni Link from the city centre.
However, as a young Scottish adult, bus travel is convenient due to the Scottish bus pass scheme. This meant that travel costs were not an issue.
When I first had to get the bus into university during welcome week, I was surprised by the ease of the journey. Even though it takes over an hour each way, I was happy with my choice. I also noticed that I was not the only person who regularly used this bus to get to Stirling University. It wasn’t until first semester progressed that staying at
LIVE-IN HOSPITALITY: A TOUGH WAY OF LIFE
By Alice Pollard BRAW EDITOR
Live-in hospitality is a great way to earn a lot of money in one go, whilst saving on rent, food, and travel.
However, having worked a couple of live-in jobs I can confidently confirm that it is not all that it seemsI was underpaid, overworked, bullied, and the best bit? There was no way to escape because guess what - you live there.
Experience 1
I was employed as a Stewardess for a small Scottish cruise line. It was framed as an ideal job - I was incredibly excited to be heading on a ten-day trip around the Hebrides, living on a small boat with three other staff members and ten guests.
Here’s what went wrong (tip of the iceberg!):
You cannot escape. You can’t leave the guests for a minute. They won’t leave you for a minute.
with a maximum 30-minute break. I went to bed at 10.30pm.
That’s a 16-hour shift with a 30-minute break (and maybe some shore time if I was lucky)...for ten days straight. I was paid £100 per day. That equates to £6.25 per hour (not enough!!)
Experience 2 .
The Isle of Skye is renowned for being a stunning tourist destination—beautiful scenery, good food, and of course: high-end hospitality.
In the name of adventure combined with the need to earn money, my partner and I took a job there, with plans to work five days a week and enjoy our promised two days off exploring a new place.
Upon arrival at the 4-star, ~£600 per night hotel, we were excited, anxious, and ready for a new challenge.
Lies about expenses - our rent was double what we were told in the interview. This is when we handed in our notice after only two weeks. You opted out of the advised maximum 48-hour working week when you signed your contract. They had you, from your bed to your food to your toilet breaks.
Shift patterns. 7am - 12pm, break, 5pm - 11pm. Every day. Days off were few and far between - we did not get to explore. Living onsite, you get out of it. Being restricted to 6 hours of sleep (if you were lucky) every single night makes it hard to keep going.
Our tips were stolen. We never saw sight nor sound of them, despite prolonged email arguments.
home became an issue.
Due to my bus home not running a late timetable, if I wanted to attend an evening society meeting, or go out with friends, I would need to organise a lift home the day before. This has mostly worked well, but sometimes is just not possible, and as my social calendar began filling up, I did have to begin saying no to people because I wouldn’t have a way of getting home.
This was especially bad when the roadworks in Causewayhead were still there, as it made getting the Uni Link back in time for the last bus home stressful, even when I left in plenty of time.
Another con is that I have two 9am lectures, and to get to them on time I have to be up for a 7am bus. A positive of this though is that I am mostly on time for lectures, unless of course I miss the bus, or it comes late.
I am glad though, that I live in Stirlingshire. Talking to other first year students who are commuting, there are students getting here regularly from much further distances than me by train, from regions such as Ayrshire and Lothian.
I’ve also met first year students who already live in Stirling, or like me Stirlingshire, where commuting was a no brainer for them. Do I still think that taking out a student loan to pay for my accommodation wouldn’t be worth it? I do. Due to me commuting I have a job where I live, I’m saving money, and I enjoy being able to still do things with my family. When you find your friends, you are not left out of plans due to not living on campus, instead you make solutions that work.
I did not receive proper food as the chef kept forgetting… for ten days straight. There was nowhere else to get food when you couldn’t leave the boat.
The hours were insane. I woke at 6am to prepare tea and coffee for when the guests woke. I served, cleared, and washed up breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner,
Doubts began when we learnt that the longest-serving non-management staff member had only been there three weeks, and our supervisor had only been working in hospitality for six days.
Management was always watching…and listening. The pastry chef was fired for bad-mouthing the boss, overheard on a security camera.
There is so much more to these situations, but you begin to get the gist. If you’re planning to undertake a live-in hospitality position, then be warned: it is certainly not easy.
Image Credit: Aayush Srivastava
Image Credit: Pexels
Gigi Perez: The rising star of queer anthems
By Emma Christie DEPUTY EDITOR
The artist behind TikTok sensation Sailor Song , Gigi Perez, has become a recent backbone for the LGBTQ+ community.
Sailor Song has amassed more than 300 million hits on Spotify.
Unlike many TikTok hits, Perez isn't a one-hit-wonder. She has more than 26 million monthly listeners on Spotify - it's been months since Sailor Song blew up.
Currently, it's looking like Perez is here to stay as she fills a gap in the music industry, one that sorel;y needed attanetion.
Sailor Song grabbed the queer community, and others, quickly and unrelentingly. The track has been used in various ways over social media platforms. One of which was its use in TikTok poetry videos about queer love.
Fable , Perez’s latest release, is heading the same way – partly due to its timely lyrics.
“Capital loss, love was the law, and religion was taught” continues to evoke raw emotions from the queer community, especially with Donald Trump’s recent presidential victory.
Perez’s Spotify bio reads “sims 2 emo lesbian love story but in the medium of music”.
As funny as it is, this sentence does sum up her music rather well. She is currently touring with Girl in Red as a support act, another win for queer fans.
Her music stands out against other queer artists, simply because of her religious undertones and themes she incorporates.
It’s well-known that many queer
religious people struggle with their identity (but it’s important to note here that not every place of worship or religious community is hateful towards LGBTQ+ people), fighting between who they love and who they worship.
Many are told that they are sinful, that they can’t love the same sex, they have their identities dismissed.
So, having an openly queer artist sing about religion and love is hard to come by.
This is why so many fans have grabbed on to Perez and boosted her to quick stardom – one well deserved as her music has a unique style, a breath of life for the music industry right now.
This fame rocked Perez, however, and she posted on Instagram last year explaining her feelings of being in the spotlight.
“I felt there was a target on my back, a pressure and expectation of what had to happen next for my music, following the height of Sometimes
“I knew that I would be playing catch up for a long time.”
She goes on to talk about how she wasn’t ready to talk about grief, addiction, and the reality of the music business, explaining that this held herself back for the last few years.
“God has humbled me in ways unforeseen this year”, she continues, finishing by thanking fans for connecting with her music.
After Sometimes released in 2021, Perez took a break before releasing her EP How To Catch A Falling Knife in 2023.
GRAMMYs Big Four Round-Up
By Becs Gruber HEAD OF SOCIAL MEDIA
The GRAMMYs have just announced their nominees for the 2025 award ceremony.
While the awards themselves are a while off, the nominees for the big four categories (best record, album, song of the year and best new artist) are running a stiff competition this year, both with the artists and the cultural impact they carry.
Brig aims to examine why the competition will be tight this year.
Record of the year includes the following nominations:
Now and Then - The Beatles
TEXAS HOLD “EM- Beyonce
Espresso - Sabrina Carpenter
Now, in 2024, she is back again with hits including Sailor Song, Fable, Please Be Rude, and Normalcy
It will be interesting to see where she goes next, but the break she took was a wise move and if she takes another with her boost in fame then hopefully fans will respect that.
We have seen time and time again, lately with Chappell Roan, what ‘overnight’ fame can do to an artist.
Gigi Perez’s music can be streamed now on Spotify, for those
360 – Charli xcx
BIRDS OF A FEATHER - Billie Eilish
Not Like Us - Kendrick Lamar
Good Luck, Babe - Chappell Roan
Fortnight - Taylor Swift Featuring Post Malone
All of the nominated songs debuted within the Billboard Hot 100, providing a tough competition for the Academy to be able to pick a winner.
While the Grammys don't have a public input like the VMAS, it's usually easy to see a few standout songs in the nominations list.
But with this absolutely star-studded nominee list, it's impossible to tell.
Album of the Year holds similarly stiff competition with Andre, Beyonce, Carpenter, Charli xcx, Jacob Collier, Eilish, Roan and Swift all up for the big award.
The close competition in songwriting, stylistic choices and cultural impact all affect how close the competition will be within this category.
Song of the Year has eight nominees:
A Bar Song (Tipsy) - Shaboozey
BIRDS OF A FEATHER - Billie Eilish
Die With A Smile - Lady Gaga and Bruno Mars
Fortnight - Taylor swift and Post Malone
Good Luck, Babe - Chappell Roan
Not Like Us - Kendrick Lamar
Please Please Please -Sabrina Carpenter
TEXAS HOLD ‘EM - Beyonce
The difference between song of the year and record of the year is as follows.
Song of the year is won by the songwriters over the singer as the award aims to praise those for behind the scenes work, even though the singer is usually credited as at least a partial writer.
Record of the year focuses on the singer themselves, rather than looking at the songwriting aspect.
Best new artist nominees are Benson Boone, Sabrina Carpenter, Doechii, Khruangbin, Raye, Chappell Roan, Shaboozey and Teddy Swims.
The award goes to an artist whose eligible release has achieved a breakthrough into the public eye and has notably impacted the music sphere.
This is how artists who have been creating music for more than a cycle are eligible for the award.
The 67th GRAMMYs will be live on 2 February 2025. It'll be broadcast to CBS and Paramount+.
To see who won what at the last GRAMMYs, you can check out their YouTube page and other social media for videos of the biggest highlights.
Image Credit: Gigi Perez / Spotify
Image Credit: Gigi Perez /Gigi Perez Music
Hit Me Hard And Soft Album cover. Image Credit: Billie Elish / X (formerly Twitter)
MUSIC
By Becs Gruber HEAD OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Chappell Roan exploded into fame when she opened for Olivia Rodrigo on the GUTS North America Tour. Between her songs and her backstory from humble beginnings, the internet flocked to her.
But after a wave of controversy, she's becoming incredibly polarising. Here's why.
Roans' rise to fame started early 2024, when she opened for Olivia Rodrigo. At this point in her career, she had a small but loyal fanbase to her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess and already had the background of a small indie artist.
Roan grew up in a small town in Missouri and moved to LA, made an EP and was dropped from her label. She made it big on her second try.
The GUTS tour opened her up to a whole new realm of music coupled with a blow up single in Good Luck, Babe! which was released in April. Almost overnight, Roan was everywhere. If you knew, you knew, and if you didn't, you were about to find out.
But as the fame got bigger, Roan began cancelling on smaller venues and dates she had set in stone for weeks.
She broke down on stage in June of this year, expressing “I think that my career is going really fast and it’s really hard to keep up.”
The singer also expressed how scary it can be with fans who are stalking her and finding out personal information about her and her family and setting hard boundaries with her fans on an Instagram story.
This was almost the start of her overarching career hitting a downward spiral and could be seen to be the start of the public opinion shift.
The singer cancelled a few of her Europe shows after being announced to perform at the VMAS which led to clapback from fans.
Many lamented that she was replacing the fans with bigger opportunities instead of remembering her roots and how she got to the level of fame that allowed her to perform at the VMAS.
While she was there, she shouted at a photographer, though recounts of this are fuzzy.
Roan addressed this issue in a Newsweek comment. She said: "I'm very turned off by the celebrity of it all.
"Some girls have been in this [the
spotlight] so long that they're used to that [referring to the photographer allegedly telling her to 'shut the f*** up at the VMAS], but I'm not that girl. I'm not gonna be a sweetie pie to a man who's telling
me to shut the f*** up."
Many people don't like the way she is outspoken and opinionated when compared to other pop stars alongside the way she has laid down boundaries with her fanbase.
However, the overall opinion of Chapell Roan still seems to be positive despite the controversies. It's simply made the people that like her, like her more.
Bob Dylan Live At Glasgow: A performance that will leave you teary
By Ben Macswan ARTS EDITOR
Bob Dylan returned to Scotland to play two nights at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall on Tuesday, November 5 and Wednesday, November 6. The concerts were part of the second UK leg of his ongoing Rough and Rowdy Ways Tour, which played Glasgow in October 2022.
Dylan, at 83, has nothing left to prove — with 40 studio albums and over 600 songs under his belt. But he infuses his classic songs with a new energy, with vastly different instrumentation.
His voice has always been marmite, and with age as a factor, it’s even more so. In fact, two people sitting next to this reviewer left early. That is to say, go into a modern Dylan concert expectation-less. He may no longer be the freewheelin folkie he once was, but this set-list is carefully crafted to reflect on later-life themes of growing old and death, comprising heavily of songs from 2020’s Rough and Rowdy Ways.
Newer tracks, from that album, are played as on the record, but for his ‘greatest hits’ things are rather different.
Desolation Row has a driving, acoustic guitar lick and a steady drum beat that had some audience members dancing, and It’s All Over Now Baby Blue replaces the acoustic guitar with piano. An instrument which Dylan seems to now favour.
From the Rough and Rowdy tracks, the highlights were False
Prophet and Key West . One an upbeat blues track, the other a sprawling ten-minute epic about finding immortality.
Dylan ended the night on a perfect note with Every Grain of Sand, from his divisive Christian period, but the song brought many audience members to tears and continues to be one of the few classic hits from that time.
As the final bows were taken, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.
Image Credit: Chappell Roan / X (formerly Twitter)
Chappell Roan at the VMAS. Image Credit: Chappell Roan / X (formerly Twitter)
Bob Dylan Image Credit: Columbia website
Paddington in Peru: Almost as good as bear-fore
Paddington. Playing the Reverend Mother, Colman had a blast with the bears whilst living out her Sound of Music fantasy. Her presence moved the film from near-perfect to perfect.
The story itself is a classic Paddington problem where everything can be solved by the power of love and family. It shows the greed of humans, the kindness of humans and the importance of having good manners. However, the magic of the internationally, generationally and critically acclaimed Paddington 2 was not present. Director Paul King was not involved in Paddington in Peruhis absence is felt. However, Dougal Wilson done a more than great job at directing Paddington in Peru. Even if King was involved in the third film, it’s unlikely the quality of Paddington 2 could be reached again. There’s lots of Renaissance art, but only one Sistine Chapel ceiling.
By Alex Paterson FILM AND TV EDITOR
Britain’s favourite bear has returned with another nutty adventure: Paddington in Peru . Armed with marmalade, beautiful manners and his wonderous ability to cause joyous chaos, Paddington is back and delivering a fact he wishes to remind everyone of: Paddington is an immigrant.
Paddington has been embroiled
in political culture the last several years. From the death of Queen Elizabeth II to the death of several other prominent British figures, Paddington has become a symbol for Britishness that isn’t always positive. Online culture has weaponised the bear, turning him into a symbol for British purity.
Paddington in Peru reminds audiences what values and traits actually define Britishness. A little clue: it’s more than your accent.
By Ben Macswan ARTS EDITOR
David Lynch is the surreal director behind some of American cinema’s most enigmatic films. From his early surrealistic Eraserhead (1977) to his most recent short films like WHAT DID JACK DO? (2017), his works have gained a mystic reputation, even leading film theorists to coin the term ‘Lynchian’ when describing other works. However, nobody has done it like the man himself. But how does the man do it?
Dreamy imagery is a stylistic choice that permeates throughout Lynch’s filmography. Speaking to BAFTA, Lynch once said: “You work so hard, after the ideas come, to get this thing built. All the elements to feel correct, the whole to feel correct, in this beautiful language called cinema.”
“The second it’s finished; people want you to change it back into words. It’s very, very saddening. It’s torture. When things are concrete, there are very few variations in interpretations. But the
more abstract a thing becomes, the more varied the interpretations. But people know inside what it is to them.”
Most of the director’s movies have a dream-like quality. Take Mulholland Drive (2001), where a majority of the story is commonly interpreted as taking place in a fantasy, dreamland and the second part of the film breaks down that dream and plunges us into reality. Or the Mystery Man in Lost Highway (1997), a film that is not dissimilar in style and story to Mulholland Drive
In one of the most popular scenes from Blue Velve t (1986), perhaps the most mainstream of Lynch’s cinematic works, Dean Stockwell’s character Ben dances around lip-syncing to Roy Orbison’s In Dreams , the scene itself being reminiscent of one. Not much later in the film, the song is played again as Frank pulls Jeffrey out of the car as a woman dances atop it. Surreal, dreamlike and uncanny.
To deliver its sentiment, Paddington in Peru shows the importance of kindness, family and connection. Through Paddington, Aunt Lucy, the Browns and all the new characters, Paddington makes sure to emphasis bravery, empathy and the irreplaceable treasure of love- and why love must be prioritised. The film is a whirlwind of laughs, sweetness and joy from start to finish. It’s family friendlyas in fun for kids and adults alikewith some surprisingly sharp witty jokes. It deserves to sit amongst the other films in the Paddington trilogy as the benchmark for children’s films.
But it is in Twin Peaks (1990) that Lynch’s dream imagery takes full form, with Agent Cooper using his dreams of the Red Room to help unfold the central mystery. The line, “We live inside a dream”, which fans have speculated on for years, also shows up in Fire Walk With Me (1992) and Twin Peaks: The Return (2017).
Also prevalent in both Twin Peaks and Blue Velvet is Lynch’s exploration of American Suburbia’s dark underbelly.
Blue Velvet sees teen Jeffrey investigating a nightclub Singer, Dorothy Vallens, and her connection to gangster Frank Booth. In Twin Peaks , Agent Dale Cooper enters an idyllic northwestern town to investigate the murder of the local homecoming queen, Laura Palmer. It’s a place where everyone has their own mysteries. Both texts pull back the curtain and expose small-town secrets. Blue Velvet opens with a, yet again, dreamy sequence of suburbia before a man drops onto the ground while watering his lawn and the camera leads us into the ant-ridden ground.
Lynch is one of the greatest directors ever and his work will continue to be analysed for decades yet.
As always, the Brown family have the whimsy and eccentricism that audiences have come to know and love. As always, Hugh Bonneville takes the marmalade cake with his performance as the risk-averse father, Mr. Brown.
However, a new character featured in Paddington in Peru who not only stole the show, but who also clearly had the absoloute time of her life being involved. In a similar vein to Hugh Grant, who told Variety Paddington 2 is the best film he’s ever been in, Olivia Colman’s presence in Paddington in Peru was stellar and she clearly excelled in the whacky world of
Ultimately, despite its miniscule shortcomings, Paddington in Peru is a perfect example of why the moral nature of films is essential. Kids and adults alike pay attention to movies, and are influenced by the characters they love. Paddington in Peru , as do the other Paddingtons , show the importance of niceness. And, with more clarity than ever, the third Paddington shows the meaning of what is to be British.
Yes, Paddington is the quintessential British gentlebear. Yes, he’s from Peru. Britishness is not defined by the soil you're born on. To be British, is to be like Paddingtonand that’s not invitation to cover yourself in marmalade.
Paddington poses at the airport Image Credit: StudioCanal UK
Mullholland Drive (2001). Image Credit: Pathé Distribution
HippFest 2024 Nosferatu (1922): Horror in silence
Over 100 years since its release, Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror remains a seemingly untouchable horror classic. HippFest’s 2024 Taste of Silents’ screened the film, elevating it with live musical accompaniment by musician Hugo Max.
Historically Nosferatu is known for one thing: its illegal production. Filmed as an adaptation of Bram Stoker’s Dracula , the film was made without the permission of Bram Stoker’s estate. Due to its illegal nature, most copies of the film were destroyed. Thankfully, a couple remained hidden, allowing Nosferatu to become something of a cult classic in the horror community.
Being a 1922 silent film, much of the horror that comes from a good soundtrack is lost. But due to Hugo Max’s eerie score and unsettling instrumentation, the film becomes a horrifying look at one of history's most famous vampires.
Since the film is fundamentally a rip-off of Dracula , character names have been changed, but much of the story remains the same. Count Dracula becomes Count Orlok (Nosferatu), Mina Harker becomes Ellen Hutter, and Johnathan Harker becomes Thomas Hutter. The story follows Thomas Hutter venturing to meet the mysterious Count Orlok, since Orlok wishes to buy a home in Thomas’ hometown. After arriving at Orlok’s castle, Hutter is exposed
By Connor Peebles GAMING AND TECH EDITOR
to who Orlok truly is: a bloodthirsty vampire.
The film is split into five acts, similar in structure to a play. What made this structure such a joy was Hugo Max’s incredible soundtrack and his ability to change his playing to fit the different acts.
A majority of the soundscape was created by Max’s 100-year-old viola. The sound created by the instrument is something otherworldly. He began by playing a haunting, shrieking melody during the opening text scrawl before swiftly transitioning to a beautiful, warm verse that symbolised the blissful love the Hutters felt for each other.
The impact Max’s soundtrack had on the film cannot be understated. He found a way to elevate the terror and bring it to new heights, especially in the story’s darker moments. Scenes like Hutter hiding in his bed chambers and the entire boat journey are incredible, partly due to Max’s masterful use of his instruments.
Not only did Max score the entire film, but he even went out of his way to set up musical motifs for characters and change the musical style for each act of the film. Moving into Act two, Max employed a piano primarily to build the atmosphere. This change brings a different atmosphere to Hutter’s arrival at the castle. His journey is complete and
the piano scoring his actions builds a mood that’s unparalleled. The film wraps with Count Orlok finally encountering Ellen Hutter. He bites her in one of the most ominous shots of the film. After feeding Orlok quickly realises the day has broken. As he walks away from the bed, he burns away in front of the window. This ending is largely important for the popularisation of vampires being affected by sunlight since it was the first on-screen depiction of a vampire dying due to exposure to the sun.
Like many modern masterpieces of animation, the League of Legends Netflix adaptation Arcane took a very long break in between seasons. We have seen this before, such as with the Spider-Verse trilogy having five years between the first and second movie – and
another long wait until the third. Recently, there have been disruptions in the media industry, including the writers strikes and the pandemic. These caused many shows and films to have to extend their release dates, inadvertently easing fans into the long waiting period
between content.
Arcane’s three-year wait is nothing compared to some other franchises, yet it left fans chomping at the bit for more content. Season one attracted high praise in general, with a focus on the animation and art style.
After the curtains were drawn Hugo Max held a short Q&A for the audience. Brig was able to ask him a quick question about what inspired him to score Silent Horror: “Particularly for a film like Nosferatu and the other films of German Expressionism like The Cabinet of Dr Caligari and Der Golem they’re not purely horror films and that’s what compels me to score them because they are using horror to do something far more symbolic… I just find it a really thrilling way to interact with a
Why the
film, through improvisation, not trying to enforce anything onto the film itself. We’re all together in this space, this amazing space, and I think it’s a wonderful way to ask questions about the film and impacts the experience of seeing it together”
Nosferatu is a must-see for fans of Expressionist cinema and anyone looking to see what all the fuss is about. Plus, there’s no better time to give the original a watch since Robert Eggers remake is set to release in a few months.
long wait, Arcane?
With season two consisting of nine episodes, it’s interesting to see where the time went between seasons. Firstly, it took co-creator Alex Yee roughly 27 hours to nail down the final line for the show. Season two marks the end of Arcane , so deciding what note it’ll end on is an extremely daunting task – especially for a show so loved.
Secondly, to give you an idea of just how much work goes into the show, it reportedly cost around $250m to create and advertise. That’s a huge chunk of cash for an 18-episode show.
Most obviously, the animation had a big part to play in the release schedule gap. Riot Games CEO Nicolo Laurent explained that they wanted “quality” which can’t be rushed. This makes sense as Arcane gripped viewers from the first few seconds with its nuanced and fleshed out storylines, characters, and animation.
Laurent also said that they didn’t start season two until much later
By Emma Christie DEPUTY EDITOR
due to not knowing if season one would be a success. Well, luckily for us it was received with love and season two began production. Consequently, these reasons combined made for such a long wait between seasons. However, season one took six years to produce (due to a two-year hiatus), so fans can be thankful that the wait time has been slashed in half. Amazingly, even with a shortened wait time, the Arcane team have managed to up the animation to a whole new level. It was already breathtaking in season one, but in season two almost every frame could be its own piece of art. Emotions are more expressed, fights are more fluid, and the special effects are ripped from the mind of a comic creator.
Season two Acts one and two of Arcane are now streaming on Netflix. The final act, marking the end of Arcane’s journey, releases on November 23.
Nosferatu (1922) Image Credit: Film Arts Guild
Image Credit: Netflix
Local Matters
A new voice for Stirling
Isla Glen, The Courier’s Stirling reporter, graduated with a BA (Hons) in film, media, and journalism from the University of Stirling in 2023.
Former editor-in-chief of Brig Newspaper and contributor to Air3 Radio, Isla focuses on highlighting local issues and shining a positive light on Stirling.
EXPLORE MORE: DAILY STIRLING NEWS, MADE FOR YOU
BRIG 2024/25 EDITORIAL TEAM
Niamh Brook EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Emma Christie DEPUTY EDITOR
Ali Rees SECRETARY
Leonie MacLeod NEWS EDITOR
Anya Diggines SPORTS EDITOR
Jess Uruqhart POLITICS EDITOR
Plum McKechnie LIFESTYLE EDITOR
Isla Barker COMMENT EDITOR
Ben MacSwan ARTS EDITOR
Alex Paterson FILM & TV EDITOR
Connor Peebles GAMING & TECH EDITOR
Carlin Braun FEATURES EDITOR
Alice Pollard BRAW MAGAZINE EDITOR
James Henderson CHIEF SUB EDITOR
Andrew Scott HEAD OF DESIGN
Robbie McAvenue MUSIC EDITOR
Kathryn Nutt NEWS EDITOR
Melissa Thompson SPORTS EDITOR
Edward Jewsbury POLITICS EDITOR
Kerry Lloyd FOOD EDITOR
SURVIVING SEASONAL AFFECTIVE DISORDER THIS WINTER
By Alice Pollard BRAW EDITOR
Seasonal Affective Disorder impacts more people than you may think - and it’s far more serious than just a case of the ‘winter blues’. Interestingly, it’s not just related to winter - some people affected may feel better in winter than they do in summer. Don’t panic if you don’t know much about it - here is Braw’s comprehensive (but not too intimidating) rundown on the condition, identifying symptoms, and most importantly: how to start feeling better.
What is SAD?
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression, influenced
by the change of seasons. It can be known as ‘winter depression’ (despite not being limited to winter) as symptoms can become more obvious and serious during the darker and colder winter months.
The nights get longer, sunlight becomes a limited resource and therefore infinitely valuable, and temperatures drop. Once the bright, festive lights of Christmas and New Year have passed, January and February always strike me as dark, endless nights before the flowers and leaves make a reappearance.
The NHS states that the exact cause of SAD is not fully understood, however, the main theory is
that the lack of sunlight exposure causes the hypothalamus to stop working to its full capabilities. This can lead to increased melatonin (making you sleepier), decreased serotonin (the happy hormone), and a disrupted circadian rhythm (the body’s internal clock). All in all, this can lead to depressive symptoms.
Symptoms of SAD
Symptoms of SAD, according to the NHS and mildly adapted by myself for clarity, include:
* A persistent low mood
* A loss of pleasure and/or interest in normal everyday activities
* Irritability (more so than your flatmates not doing the dishes, again)
* Feelings of despair, guilt and worthlessness
* Lacking energy and feeling sleepy during the day (more so than when you actually attend your 9 am)
* Sleeping for longer than normal and finding it hard to get up in the morning
* Craving carbohydrates and gaining weight (I’d argue that this is just winter hibernation preparation)
* Difficulty concentrating
* Decreased sex drive (more so than when your partner chews with their mouth open)
How to Feel Brighter
(the important bit)
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends that SAD should be treated in the same way as other types of depression. This includes therapy and medicine such as antidepressants. However, there are ways to feel brighter during winter that don’t involve an anxiety-inducing trip to the GP and months on a waiting list.
Getting Outdoors : You hear it over and over again but increased outdoor activity does actually help. It doesn’t need to be muchyou don’t need to hike up a Munro. Heading out for a gentle walk will help to increase sunlight exposure. It can be to the shops for a sweet treat, a lap around the garden, or a 5k jog. At the end of the day, as long as you’re outside then you’re doing better.
If walking and running aren’t your speed, then you could try a different outdoor activity, such as wild swimming. Cold water has proven mental and physical benefits, which studies show can improve depressive symptoms.
More Light!: Make your home environment light and bright if you can. Open the curtains, get some funky lamps, and sit near the windows when you can to help increase those sunlight hours. Suncatchers are a fun idea to fill your home with rainbows if the sun does come out.
Light therapy is a popular and well-known treatment for SAD, however, there is some speculation as to the effectiveness of the treatment. It involves sitting in front of a specially designed light which mimics the effect of natural sunlight - you can find plenty online.
Life in the Home: Investing in some easy-care indoor plants (such as snake plants and spider plants) is a wonderful way to bring the outside in and brighten up your space. Ask friends for plant babies to grow your own from or have a look in shops like Lidl for cheaper options. Combined with the suncatchers, your home will be feeling lighter in no time.
Talking: Talk to your friends - chances are, they’ll relate and understand too. Having a supportive community around you when things get tough has a lot to be
spoken for - you just need to ask for help and people will be there.
Extra Help: The steps outlined here are only going to help to an extent - if you feel that your mental health is declining then talk to a medical professional who can refer you to further help and resources. There is no shame in seeking professional help - it is there for a reason. The most important thing is that you start to feel like yourself again.
Mental Health Resources
University of Stirling
There is a range of mental health resources available right here at the University of Stirling.
The mental health team provides comprehensive, specialist support to all current students.
You can get in contact via the Student Hub. They offer face-toface appointments or online appointments, both of which last around 50 minutes.
Alternatively, the University offers "One at a Time Counselling". This means they will focus on the most significant issue for you at the time of your session.
Mind support line
Call Mind's support line on 0300 102 1234.
This is a safe space for you to talk about your mental health. Mind’s advisors are trained to listen to you and help you find specialist support if you need it. They are open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday.
Samaritans
You can contact Samaritan 24 hours a day, 365 days a year: * Call 116 123 (free from any phone)
* Call the Samaritans Welsh Language Line on 0808 164 0123
COLD WEATHER, COLD MOOD. Image Credit: Pexels.com
EMBRACING DARK NIGHTS
By Helena Cochrane
Every year when the clocks go back towards the end of October, it sends many people into a state of hibernation. As we lose daylight and the nights get darker, our body clocks become confused, and it is not uncommon to feel extremely lethargic with a lack of motivation. My escape from this looming seasonal feeling lies in the sky, where I see the dark nights as an opportunity to find solace in the stars.
In the Northern Hemisphere, we
have winter in December as the earth’s axis of rotation tilts us away from the direct light of the sun’s rays. Along with this change in daylight, temperature changes occur too - these are both key factors for a successful night of astronomy as they contribute to crystal clear seeing conditions. The shortest day of the year in Scotland lies at around 7 hours in the capital city of Edinburgh. On a clear night, this gives ample observation time of 17 hours which is incredible for viewing astronomical events such as
meteor showers, comets and aurora displays. All of these can be seen with the naked eye and require no specialist equipment. Either with university friends or with family, they are such great excuses to get wrapped up in your cosy winter gear with a big flask of hot chocolate and head out into the middle of nowhere to escape the busyness of the world. Take wee hand warmers to stuff into your boots, a red head torch to preserve your night vision and a nice big tarpaulin to lay on the frosty grass and watch as the
constellations pass overhead.
Winter reveals some of the nicest constellations and nebulae to see with the naked eye. The Orion Nebula, Pleiades and The Andromeda Galaxy are great examples and can be found using printout star charts or apps such as ‘Sky View’ on your phone. If you have a wee pair of binoculars, these are an absolute gem to magnify objects further.
Stirling is honestly such a happy medium when you want to go stargazing. It is not too far from nature, and even in the city centre you can look up and see brighter planets
such as Jupiter and Saturn when they are out. This has definitely given me peace of mind – as weird as that sounds. Knowing I can still see the sky through the city’s small amount of light pollution makes me feel at home. The Geminid meteor shower is coming up next month, so why not get yourselves out with flatmates to watch the show? As grumpy as they might be for getting them out in the cold to start with, I can assure you it is a memory that will last a lifetime.
THE PROBELM WITH GIFT GIVING
By Sarah de Beer
‘Would they like this?’
That’s the question that pops into my head when I hold anything in a store during November. Gift-giving for Christmas is around the corner, and I am not prepared.
I never am. I forget about the fact that people are getting me gifts –which, of course, means I must give them gifts, or I will be considered ‘rude’.
I hate gift-giving. Not because I secretly hate all my friends, and family (can’t forget them). But because I can never figure out what to get any of them.
A new problem I have since going to college last year and starting university this year is that I have too many people to get gifts for now. I never thought I would ever complain about having too many people to give gifts to.
Deciding who I should get gifts for and who I shouldn’t get gifts for is like a unique form of torture for me. A combination of not knowing what to get people and then finally finding something to buy them –only to realise that the gift is not in my budget.
I still need to cover rent, groceries, subscriptions, other funds, etc. Buying gifts for Christmas is at the bottom of my list for funding, if I didn’t have savings – I just wouldn’t be buying anyone gifts this year.
It’s an added stress to my already full schedule of working on assignments and studying. I don’t have enough time to go to the stores to find a gift or scroll for hours trying to find the perfect one online –when I could be using that time to work on my assignments.
Gift-giving solutions?
What if we just did Secret Santa?
Not to exaggerate but getting that message from one of my friends in college was my lifeline when I started thinking about gift-giving. I went from having to figure out gift-giving for 20 people to only having to get gifts for maybe 7 people. It also allows me to get bigger gifts since I’m only giving a few people gifts instead of getting small gifts for a large group of people.
They would’ve all got chocolate if that was the case.
It’s a classic, but easy way to solve problems with gift-giving. Secret Santa takes away the anxiety of trying to figure out who to get gifts for and what to get them - and it’s fun. Everyone loves Secret Santa (in my experience, at least!)
THE NORTHERN LIGHTS. IMADE CREDIT: HELENA COCHRANE
OBSERVING THE MILKY WAY.Image Credit: Helena Cochrane
Banner designed using Canva
JUSTICE COMICS: STIRLING'S BEST KEPT SECRET
By Isla Barker COMMENT EDITOR
One day you get off the bus on Murray Place and step inside the Stirling Arcade to get out of the rain for a few blissful minutes before moving onto King Street.
After loosening your wet coat, you look around the different coffee shops and nearby shops.
And there you see a small sign on the wall reading: Justice Comics.
The shop windows welcome you with Funko Pops from Cruella De Vil to Erik Draven, and posters of heroes and villains.
The small space fits wall-length shelves of pretty much every graphic novel, manga or comic
book you can think of.
Opening on June 26, 1993, Justice Comics has brought Batman , Hellboy , The X-Men and dozens of other comic book and graphic novels to Stirling.
"We love comics, it's in our bones."
And owner Brian King is dedicated to this shop and the stories it holds. “We love comics. It’s in our bones.”
Justice Comics cares about its readers and is accommodating to anyone Be they novice or expert.
And if you can’t pay the shop a visit, there is an online store
equipped with a comic book lover’s essential. Which brings your favourite characters and stories to you across the UK.
ImageCredit:ThomasNugent
The best Christmas gifts for musical theatre lovers
With the Christmas season finally here, Brig rounds up the best gifts to get the theatre lovers in your life.
Hadestown Live in London Vinyl
Hadestown made its West End debut this year and what better way is there to celebrate than through this live cast recording featuring ten highlights from the show, including Wedding Song, Way Down Hadestown and Wait For Me.
Wicked merch
With the long-awaited film adaptation of Wicked finally hitting UK screens, there is merch to suit every lover of the musical. From clothing, makeup, coffee cups, and even a whole line of funko pops - unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, the colour changing Macaroni Cheese is not available in the UK.
Books
There are plenty of musical books — whether it’s script copies, or behind the scenes looks in books such as The Wicked Grimmerie or Hamilton: The Revolution or books that inspired shows like Dear Evan Hansen
Maybe the most obvious of the lot but what better way to please the theatre lover in your life than tickets to their favourite show. With musicals like Chicago, Miss Saigon and Hairspray on UK tours in 2025, there’s variety for all tastes,
By Ben Macswan ARTS EDITOR
A Medieval Christmas, by Isla Barker
Hadestown original London Cast. Image Credit:Nimax Theatres
Ariana Grande & Cynthia Erivo in a photshoot for Wicked. Image Credit:UniversalStudios
CAPTURING THE TRUTH: WHAT PHOTOJOURNALISM IS AND ITS IMPORTANCE
By Erin Schoolar HEAD OF PHOTOGRAPHY
What is photojournalism?
Photojournalism is a key and crucial branch of journalism that uses photography as a medium for telling stories about the world around us. By using the art of photography with written word and language photojournalism at its core captures key moments in life that show emotion, rally for action, and shape the publics views.
What photojournalism is as a definition is the practice of communicating news to the public through photographic media. Although photojournalism is much different from other forms of photography as unlike other branches photojournalism is rooted in ethics instead of aesthetic with a focus on accuracy, integrity, and truthfulness.
Photojournalism encompasses a range of different photographic genre such as war photography, documentary photography and sports photography, among others. Each of these areas hope to capture the unique moments in human existence and reveal stories that may
go by unnoticed otherwise.
Why is it important?
The first important part of photojournalism is its aid in visual storytelling as sometimes in a world full of words and information the true humanity of the situation can be lost and emotions buried underneath complicated words. A photograph can tell a story in an instant, conveying emotions and real-life context that otherwise may be lost within the words of an article.
Photojournalism is also very key in the documentation of events as photojournalists capture historical moments in the moment. From a simple sports game to a war, the images serve as historical evidence preserving the truth of what transpired for future generations free from bias, so these events are never forgotten in time.
Another key role of photojournalism is the ability of raising awareness and influencing public opinion as powerful images can draw attention to important issues such as human rights violations to climate disasters. These images can pioneer change and prompt discussions around the topic. Such as the flower child by Marc Riboud that inspired the hippy movement in the 60’s and 70’s and became a
Cosy books to keep you snug this winter
Winter is well on the way. Here is Brig’s winter book list to curl up with under a fluffy blanket, keeping you warm, snug, and entertained through the dark months.
The Snow Child - Eowyn Ivey
The Snow Child is set in a small 1920s community in the Alaskan wilderness and follows the story of Jack and Mabel. The ageing couple always wished for a child, until they come across a young girl alone in the woods. A magical, beautiful, heartfelt, heartbreaking story follows, making for a perfect winter-themed snuggly novel. The setting of deep snow, cosy log cabins, warm fireplaces, and wild woodlands means it can only be read during the winter months for maximum cosy vibes.
Northern Lights - Philip Pullman
Northern Lights is the first in Philip Pullman’s His Dark Materials Trilogy . The powerful story, set in the Far North, combines magic with intriguing characters and talking animals to create a comforting and familiar
peaceful opposition to the Vietnam war.
Finally, one of the main key jobs of photojournalism is to promote accountability as photojournalism serves as a check on power by documenting events and exposing wrongdoings. Photojournalists hold people, governments, and companies accountable for their actions. The work can unveil corruption human rights violations and other societal issues fostering a more informed society that can push for change.
Despite its significance photojournalism faces challenges. Firstly, physical dangers faced by photojournalists in conflict zones or hostile environments cannot be understated. Secondly, Ethical dilemmas also arise as photographers must navigate the line between capturing the raw truth and respecting the dignity of their subjects this can lead to mental health issues for photographers as the choice between photograph and helping can be agonising to
choose between. In conclusion photojournalism is a powerful tool for communication advocacy, through images photojournalist document our world, challenge, inspire justice and change. The role of a photojournalist remains essential reminding us of the humanity behind the headlines.
story, all set under the Aurora Borealis. The first book appeals to all ages, however reading on to The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass creates a complex narrative exploring religion, multiple universes, and life after death. There’s no better winter fantasy world to escape to, especially if you’re into talking polar bears.
Before the Coffee Gets ColdToshikazu Kawaguchi
Kawaguchi’s 2015 novel explores the question of time travel - what would you do if you could go back in time? Before the Coffee Gets Cold is set in a cafe in Tokyo that gives customers the power to travel back in time, as long as they return before their coffee cools. The book has a collection of stories from different customers, with unique characters and adventures, making for a heartwarming, easy-going winter read.
By Alice Pollard BRAW EDITOR
A powerful example of photojournalism ImageCredit: MarcRiboud
Before the Coffee Gets Cold cover. ImageCredit:Pan MacmillanUK
The Snow Child's enchanting cover. ImageCredit: HeadlinePublishingGroup
A group of Roblox characters.
THE NEW GENERATION OF PROTESTORS: ROBLOX PLAYERS
By Sarah De Beer
Protesting is dangerous in public – with the risk of it escalating into a riot at any moment. Young people going to protests are always at a risk of being trampled, getting into fights with counter protesters, or police being particularly aggressive with them.
However, these risks aren’t as common with digital protesting. Like the one on a Malaysian-based Roblox server that allowed Roblox players to participate in a ProPalestine protest.
The server went viral on TikTok after clips of these blocky avatars flooding the screen flying their Palestine flags. Kids that banded together on a server that was visited over 157,000 times – to protest despite not having to see each other in the streets of their nearest city at a nearby Pro-Palestine protest.
Roblox is a platform that 60 per cent of the users are aged 16 or younger. You would expect children in these age groups not to be socially aware enough to protest, but here they are proving that assumption wrong. And it isn’t the first time it has happened.
In 2016, 2020, and now 2023/24, protests have been consistently happening in games like Roblox, Minecraft, Toontown, Club Penguin, Habbo, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Users of these gaming platforms have protested the election of Donald Trump in 2016, Black Lives Matter, and now Pro-Palestine.
There are many reasons that young people have used gaming platforms like Roblox to protest –safety, availability, parental control, governmental censorship, etc.
It also allows young people to experiment with their
self-expression. They use the tools in front of them – which they normally use to play games and use them to experiment with political expression.
These digital protests are most likely the first time that these young people have protested and utilised their voice for political reasons. It gives them a chance to voice their opinions and frustrations with what they see on the news or in the world, in a safe way as well.
Young people are limited to what they are allowed to do in society. They can’t go anywhere without their parents’ permission and most parents won’t allow their children to go to protests especially if they’re under 16 years old. But it isn’t only parents that limit what young people can do governmental censorship can too. Depending on which country you live in, the punishment for going to a protest can range from a slap on a wrist to being killed. This limits not only young people, but also the entire population.
Platforms like Roblox allows people (not just young people) to express their frustrations in a safe environment that can’t be traced back to them since there’s an option to be anonymous. However, there’s some drawbacks to this form of protesting.
Roblox has an existing moderation tool that censors certain words and phrases to avoid servers to get hostile. Words like ‘Jews’, ‘Hamas’, and ‘Free Palestine’, are always censored in the Malaysian-based pro-Palestine server. Due to this moderation tool it isn’t as effective as the platform probably hoped, since trolls and users found ways around the censor by replacing letters with different characters.
‘Free Palestine’, might not be able to be used, but other phrases in the server can still be used like ‘Palestine will be free’. It could be argued that these types of censorships push young people to be creative in the way they communicate on the platform. This is because of the platforms community guidelines and the platform wanting to provide a place for friendly debate about issues. This leads to prohibition of discussions of certain political topics.
According to Roblox, these topics range from discussing candidates running for President (particularly U.S.), or elected officials in office, political parties, and “inflammatory content related to real world border, territorial, or jurisdictional relationships.”
So according to these standards, the Malaysian-based server is allowed if it doesn’t become ‘inflammatory’ by Roblox standards. It nearly did, when it got taken down for review in October 2023, however it eventually returned online without any comment from Roblox. This is due to the history of Roblox of having violent activity in the past, where they had to remove a game that allowed players to fight each other while role-playing Russian or Ukraine soldiers.
Despite being safer than public protests, there’s still possibilities of these protests online being dangerous for young people. Nothing can be 100 per cent safe, especially when protesting a controversial topic where different people have drastically different opinions about.
The best JRPG’s for the winter season
By Matthew Ponticelli
JRPG’s have had a fantastic year in 2024, and as we get into the cosy season it’s great to have a long game that will really last. Here’s a list of JRPG’s that came out this year that are all great picks for a long time indoors:
Final Fantasy VII: Rebirth
The second part of the ongoing Remake trilogy covers from the point the party leaves Midgar up until the climactic midpoint of the original game. If you’re new to the franchise you should start with the first part, but between the two instalments so far there is a lot of content to hold you over to the final part. Plus, if you enjoy that, there’s a lot of other entries in the Final Fantasy series to get stuck into!
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
The eighth mainline Yakuza game continues the story of new protagonist Ichiban and the returning Kiryu. With a massive story, minigames galore and the new Dondoko Island, Infinite Wealth offers a ton of content. If you’re new to
the franchise you can start with Yakuza 0, similarly stuffed with things to do.
Metaphor: ReFantazio
Atlus have had a great year in more ways than one, with Persona 3 Reload, Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance and now their new turn-based RPG which brings Persona-like time-management to a fantasy setting. Featuring their iconic press-turn combat system and the new Archetype system, Metaphor offers a lot of room for party customization.
A Return to Form
After falling out of love with JRPG’s in the late 90’s, the past couple years have seen a resurgence for the genre. Next year brings another Yakuza entry and Xbox’s own Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. With Persona 6 likely on the horizon as well, it seems the genre is back in full force.
Image Credit:Roblox Corporation
Metaphor ReFantazio. Image Credit: Sega
GAMING
Board game covers. Image Credit: Stonemeir/Dire Wolf/ Wizards Of The Coast
THE BEST DIGITAL BOARD GAME IMPLEMENTATIONS
By Ali Rees SECRETARY
Going home after term ends and missing your board game group, or just want to keep yourself occupied during the long nights of winter? There are tons of incredible digital implementations of board games available now on both PC and iPad that capture the fun of a board game night but without the hassle of set up, and with the convenience of being able to play solo. Here are some of the best out there:
Wingspan
Wingspan is a wonderfully gentle tableau and engine building game themed around attracting various birds to your wildlife preserve. It is centred around a fun mechanic in which, as you play more birds onto your board each of your actions gets better, and you can construct combos to meet goals and score points. Every card is gloriously illustrated and has a fact about the bird printed on it. The digital version is smooth and gorgeously rendered with a wonderfully relaxing soundtrack and bird sounds, operating as the benchmark for digital editions of board games. When you get to grips with the base game, the European and Oceanic themed expansions are both available digitally too.
- Available on: Steam, Switch, Xbox, iOS, and Android
Scythe
Scythe is a strategy game set in an alternative-history 1920s with huge mechs. It focuses on resource management and engine building, and each player represents a fallen leader trying to restore honour to themselves and their faction. It’s hugely popular because of its strategic depth, quick pace, and cutthroat
competition. Players can choose to farm the land, fight their opponents, and discover technological secrets to try and gather the points needed to win the game. The digital edition leans into the incredible world building and artwork of the physical game, and the AI is reasonably challenging to face off against. Unfortunately, the game’s expansions aren’t in the digital version and won’t be, but it’s still a great game in its own right.
- Available on: Steam, iOS, Android
Lords of Waterdeep
A classic worker placement game that captures the theme of a fantasy setting like Dungeons and Dragons, Lords of Waterdeep is a favourite for many. It’s fairly quick to play and to teach, making it an ideal introductory game for anyone looking to dip their toe in. Players recruit adventurers and send them off to complete quests, which earns them points, which are needed to win the game. The flow is relatively simple but never pretends to be something it’s not. The digital implementation is smooth and familiar, and both expansions (Scoundrels of Skullport and The Undermountain) are available online too, which is great because Skullport especially adds a lot of depth to the game.
- Available on: Steam, iOS, Android
Dune Imperium
A game that combines deckbuilding with worker placement and then slathers the lot with the theming of Dune, Dune Imperium is one of the most-hyped games of the last few years. It’s one of those games where you never have enough actions to do everything you want, so have to be
PlayStation 5 Pro: Sony’s
latest scam
By Connor Peebles GAMING AND TECH EDITOR
strategic with your decision making throughout. It’s a race to 10 points, which means it never drags on. Some franchise tie-ins slap the theme on in a superficial way, but Dune Imperium really feels like it works, taking the world’s factions and creating ingame thematic mechanics for them. The digital edition features solid AI as well as solo challenges and is widely regarded as one of the best digital adaptations available for any board game. The first expansion, Rise of Ix, is also available.
- Available on: Steam, iOS, Android, Xbox
Quilts and Cats of Calico
In Calico, players are tasked with making a beautiful quilt which will attract cats to sleep on it. Under the cosy theming is a devilishly tricky tile laying game that relies on a little bit of luck, a little bit of forward planning, and a lot of not accidentally ruining things for yourself. The digital implementation has a full campaign story mode where you complete specific challenges using the game's mechanics, just in case you need an extra challenge. The soundtrack is gentle, the graphics are charming, and you can pet the cats that wander along to sleep on your quilt. Perfect with a hot chocolate.
- Available on: Steam, Switch
Sony have announced the latest edition to the PlayStation family, the PlayStation 5 Pro. Though not being a new console the PlayStation 5 Pro packs major upgrades, and a steep price tag. Released this month, the PlayStation 5 Pro has been in the works for a number of years.
The console was built to enhance the power of the PS5 and provide greater immersion to first-party titles like Spider-Man 2, God of War: Ragnarök and The Last of Us Part 2 Remastered.
The console allows for 4K resolution support and 60 frames per second alongside each other. Both qualities were not available together on the standard PS5, making the Pro an enticing offer for some fans that crave for their games to run smooth and look perfect at the same time.
Though the pros of the console seem to out way the negatives, the lack of a built-in disk drive and the price starting at £700 has lead to fan backlash being severe. When the original PS5 console was sold in 2020 it cost £500, a digital version was also available as a cheaper alternative costing £400.
Purchasing games through the in-built PlayStation store has become common practice, though many gamers still believe the only way to own a game is to physically have a copy of it. Many PS5 games have transitioned from being disk and downloadable to strictly download only, last year’s Alan Wake 2 for example only recently got physical copies to mark its first year anniversary.
Sony's shift away from physical games has been slow but with the PS5 Pro being the first new all-digital console
the company has released, there's no telling what the future holds for the PlayStation 6. What makes the PS5 feel like a slap in the face to fans of the console is the fact Sony has sold a disk drive separately to try and get consumers to spend more money.
In a bizarre move the console also lacks a stand, but at least the controller that comes with the console has a longer battery life. For all the technical enhancements, key parts of what makes the PS5 such a good console have been left out. The enhancements the console brings may seem game changing, but in reality, for the price it is being charged at, it's subpar.
You can spend half as much on a second hand PS5 that comes with a disk-drive. The graphical enhancements shown off earlier this summer didn't do much to sell many on the console since when put side by side, many games looked the exact same between both consoles. Surprisingly, the console has sold out at most retailers and has received the same scalper prices the PS5 had during its first launch cycle.
If you're desperate for your PlayStation first party titles to have a major boost in frame-rate and graphical fidelity, invest in a PC, most of the games that were toted as "Exclusive" on launch have been ported over making the PS5 Pro just another scam pulled by Sony.
The PlayStation 5. Image Credit: Sony
DEALING WITH STUDENT LONELINESS
By KERRY LOYD FOOD EDITOR
Coming to university is an incredibly daunting experience and it can be difficult prioritising your mental health when everything is moving so fast.
It is easy to get swept up in the expectations of fresher’s week when it is made out to be full of constant fun and activity, when the reality for many students is instead a wildly disappointing week, where loneliness begins to creep in.
Watching your peers immediately form seemingly tight-knit groups is difficult to see when all you want is a single person talk to.
How do you combat this feeling when you feel like the only person in world going through it?
It is important to remember that every student you meet will have, at one point, felt immensely lonely. It is a common effect of starting a new chapter in your life.
A few strategies to help deal with this feeling include joining university societies, keeping in touch with hometown friends, and remembering to prioritise what you enjoy.
It’s very cliché to say joining societies helps combat loneliness, but it is a cliché because it’s true. Any university will have an abundance of societies that include varying interests, so it is an amazing opportunity to meet like-minded people who share your interests.
Simply surrounding yourself with other people who enjoy what you enjoy will make you feel less alone. Societies create a feeling of community, so whether you join one in week one of first year or semester two of third year, you will immediately be accepted.
For some it may be difficult to keep in touch with hometown friends when everyone has split off into different cities and are all experiencing new things. Remaining in each other’s lives is an important way to remind yourself that you do have people to talk to, especially when you are stuck in your room, scared to talk to your new flatmates.
Make sure you keep to your hobbies. These activities keep your mind busy and your mental health up. The lonely feeling gets pushed to the side when you are doing something you enjoy – so prioritise this. If this hobby relates to a society, then you have the perfect opportunity to meet new people. So, try to combat the loneliness you may feel as a student in any way you can, because you only experience university once in your life. Why waste this experience with feeling low?
MONTHLY THEME MENTAL HEALTH
MENTAL HEALTH DURING THE HOLIDAYS
By PLUM MCKECHNIE LIFESTYLE EDITORDITOR
The holidays are always a tense time. All your family are around, you spend more money than you mean to, its cold, wet, and dark and it’s also the first time since September you get to rest from university.
Of course, it’s nice being around family and friends and letting go of some pressure from uni, but because of this often we get a burst of bad mental health.
Theres a pressure to feel happy around this time of year, but it’s completely natural to not. The holidays make us feel lots of different things. You miss people who are no longer in your life, you are for the first time in months relieved from constant university work, you might be worrying about your dissertation or maybe a semester abroad. On top of this, you might not even get a break because you have to work.
So, here are three things to do to keep your mood up during the holidays.
1 – Give yourself time! Its okay to not relax right away, don’t feel like you have to! Its normal to be stressed after the semester ends, your brain doesn’t automatically fall out of the sort of flight or fight mode you’re in all semester just because it’s over. You’re allowed to feel like you’re not doing enough, you’re allowed to feel like you’re not meant to rest. It’s completely normal to be stressed, so don’t worry.
2 – Go Outdoors
Whether it’s a short walk down your street or a wee trip to the shops, make sure to spend sometime outside! Its so easy to fall into staying in all day when you’ve not got a reason to go out, but its never good for your mental health to stay in all the time. A breath of fresh air and half an hour to yourself appreciating nature surrounding you is always beneficial.
3 – Do what YOU want to do Make sure to do what you want to do. Its easy to go along with everyone else or forget to enjoy your time off, but you’ve got to prioritise you! Read the book you’ve had on your shelf for ages but never got round to reading, rewatch your favourite show, go ice skating, paint a picture, explore the Christmas markets around Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Of course, none of these things can completely solve your mental health issues, depression and anxiety doesn’t just magically disappear because you go outside. But they might make a little difference to your day, and even a little helps. Always speak to someone if you’re struggling and remember that you’re not alone. Theres so many people who go through the exact same thing as you and there’s always people to help.
There are several services the university offers via the website under student support services.
Don’t be afraid to reach out.
24/7 Student Support helpline Call 0800 031 8227 (freephone UK) or 00353 1 518 0277 (international). Arrange a call back via WhatsApp by texting 'Hi' to 07418 360 780.
Sign up for Spectrum.Life to arrange a call through their live chat (organisation code: Stirling).
Information via Stirling University website.
ImageCredit:NicoleMichalou/Pexels
ASHWAGANDHA: A SUPPLEMENT FOR NOVEMBER
By CAMERON JOHNSTON
November brings along stressful assignment deadlines and sleepless nights spent up late studying. To deal with this, I've started using the supplement Ashwagandha to help me relax and sleep better. Here is all the information you need and the reasons why I think you should start taking Ashwagandha this November.
What is it?
Ashwagandha is an evergreen shrub from Asia and Africa. The supplement has been used in Ayurvedic medicine, a field of traditional medicine native to India practiced for more than 600 years, to treat clinical depressive disorders as its effects are comparable to modern-day antidepressants.
Regular usage of this supplement lowers blood pressure and calms the brain. It can also improve support of the immune system. It acts as an adaptogen, meaning that when consumed, it targets specific stressors in your body. This can help improve mental and physical disorders.
Personally, I use it for my anxiety. This time of year, it gets worse with all the assignments coming up and I find it hard to sleep. Ashwagandha helps a lot with this.
The benefits
Aswell as helping with anxiety, it can be effective for those with diabetes because they help manage your blood sugar levels and lower possible insulin resistance. Ashwagandha may also help with the prevention of diabetes and other metabolic disorders due to its antioxidants that support brain and nervous system activity.
Studies have suggested neurodivergent people have seen a benefit
from taking ashwagandha. This is because ashwagandha has been shown to improve reaction time in children with ADHD. This is due to the supplement increasing the dopamine levels and norepinephrine in the brain and central nervous system which results in the reduction of inattention and hyperactivity, as well as managing impulse control.
Sleep is also an area in which Ashwagandha improves as studies have found benefits of improvements in sleep efficiency, total sleep time, how long it takes for you to fall asleep and how easily you wake up in the morning.
The risks
There are several risk factors to consider when taking ashwagandha. Initial side effects of regularly taking this supplement may result in stomach discomfort, nausea and drowsiness. These symptoms may progress into vertigo, decreased appetite, and skin rashes.
Those who take medicine medications that treat depressive and nervous system disorders may have to adjust their dosage before taking ashwagandha. Pregnant women should be aware that at higher doses, ashwagandha causes miscarriages.
November really takes a toll on my mental health, and I know it’s the same for many other people. This isn’t a miracle vitamin that will solve all my issues, but it does improve my wellbeing and I’m feeling much better off this time this year than I was last year.
If you are considering taking the supplement, make sure to read into the risks and benefits to ensure it really is the best thing for you to take.
FIVE THINGS I DO TO KEEP MY MOOD UP IN WINTER
1 - Have at least one mug of hot chocolate a week! Nothing beats a warm mug of hot chocolate on a freezing day!
2 - Walk my dogs! It's a challange to brave the cold outdoors, but once you start walking its not bad at all!
3 - Stay warm! It might seem sily, bit staying warm in the cold weather really can improve how you're feeling that day, and allows you to appreciate the outdoors if you're not shaking with cold!
4- Baking! There's no better taste than homemade! During the holidays is the per- fect time to get your bake on, and if you need inspiration Brig's food section is filled with good ideas!
5 - Something artsy! I find the best way to distract my mind from my anxieties is to sit down and be creative. Whether that's writing, drawing or painting, it always helps!
ImageCredit:Mik/Pexels
HOW POLE FITNESS IMPROVED MY MENTAL HEALTH IN JUST A MONTH
By KATHRYN NUTT
Pole-dancing has been stereotypically at the centre of bars and is often a sexualised activity, but what’s missed in that assumption is the physical and mental fitness aspect of pole fitness.
I started pole-fitness in September with two of my friends just to try something new and better my own personal fitness. One friend had been going to pole fitness for over a year, and my other friend was as new to it as I was.
The first week was for testing the waters, and at first, I really wasn’t sure. I didn’t want to be seen in front of everyone in just a cropped top and shorts, I was constantly fixing my clothes to cover more and was generally very fidget-y when we weren’t trying our hand at being on the pole.
A month and multiple sessions later, my confidence in my body has gradually increased. I became familiar with the activity and the group, and didn’t need to think twice about the others looking at me during the class. I got confident
enough to post my pole progress on my social media for everyone to see.
Pole fitness is all about using your body as it is and making it work for you. You are taught to lock your legs and ankles to hold yourself on the pole, and to twist yourself in different ways to pose and test yourself. It doesn’t demand a tight, strict schedule or any change in diet, you just come as you are and put as much effort in as you can. Physically, my back, arms and legs have strengthened and bulked up a little without doing any extra workout routines.
The weekly fitness among friends has provided a place for self-expression and fun that I look forward to each week. Seeing and feeling my progress over the weeks has been reassuring and empowering and watching the videos of myself taken throughout the class highlights points for form improvement and something to share with others.
a trial-and-error procedure until you find something that does really click. Pole fitness was something I had never tried before and never imagined myself doing on a regular basis. And despite the newness of it, I put the effort in while there and focused on getting the poses right and having a good time with my friends.
If you’re looking for something to put on your new year’s goal list, consider pole fitness!
Covering Genesis: Blending Passion with Originality
By Dylan Burt
It’s one thing to love a song, but it’s another to live it. For Genesis Visible Touch, a Genesis cover band, performing classic hits isn’t just a gig—it's about evolving alongside the music they love. Not just recreating.
This is according to the band’s drummer and lead singer, Gary O’Toole. Who I spoke with about his and the bands experiences.
A Source of Inspiration
In his words, “We’re not trying to be them; we’re trying to give the songs our own energy.”
This isn’t just a cover band but an experience that honours and reshapes the spirit of Genesis for both die-hard fans and newcomers alike.
Gary, who has an extensive musical background, including years spent performing with Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett—shared how his deep connection to Genesis evolved. Having been raised in a musical family, he was exposed to various genres, from jazz to rock, and Genesis struck a chord early on with its complex musicality and innovation.
However, it was Phil Collins’ drumming and singing that captivated him, particularly on albums
like Trick of the Tail, which helped shape his admiration for the band.
“Phil was amazing,” he shared. “Phil Collins playing drums was just amazing to me. I loved it. There was something inside me that was going ‘I can do that.’”
His progression from playing working men’s clubs in London with his parents to joining Hackett’s touring band speaks to a lifelong passion for musical evolution and versatility.
Finding Balance Between Precision and Personality
This admiration for Genesis, though, does not limit them to strict imitation. Instead, the band takes a more organic, flexible approach. When asked if the goal was to meticulously recreate the Genesis experience, Gary emphasised the importance of originality, a lesson he learned from Hackett.
During their years together, Hackett encouraged him to bring his style to the music rather than simply replicating Collins’ performances.
"When I played with Steve, he always encouraged me to make it my own,” he explained. “It’s about respecting the music, but not losing our personalities in it.”
For GVT, maintaining this balance is key. They aim to be “close but not perfect,” understanding that part of what makes live music
special is its ability to breathe and evolve in real time.
Capturing the Spirit of Genesis
While some tribute bands work to painstakingly recreate every detail of the original Genesis concerts— from costumes to stage banter— the members of GVT focus on creating an emotional connection through music.
For them, the value lies in celebrating the music’s essence rather than in perfect replication. When the band performs, they want the audience to feel the music as something alive.
Something that still has the power to move listeners, whether they’re Genesis veterans or new to the band.
Gary shared a story about how they once toyed with the idea of dressing to match the original band’s style.
“Maybe one night we’ll all be in black, another night all in white,” he laughed, “but it’s not about replicating outfits; it’s about the music first and foremost.”
The band’s organic take on Genesis songs also makes room for impromptu moments and creative adjustments.
These creative liberties keep the performances fresh and engaging for the musicians as well, helping
to prevent the performances from becoming rote or mechanical.
“The music needs space to breathe,” he said, adding that, in the end, Genesis’ music was always progressive and open to interpretation. “Music should be malleable,” he emphasised.
Bridging Generations of Fans
For the members of GVT, there’s also a sense of joy in connecting with the audience.
Some fans come to the shows hoping to relive Genesis concerts from years past, while others are encountering the music for the first time.
One of Gary’s favourite parts of performing is seeing younger faces in the crowd and knowing the band is reaching new listeners.
He’s had moments where he could share his drumming expertise with aspiring musicians or talk to fans about their love for Genesis.
“I’ll show them a thing or two on the kit if there’s time,” he chuckled. “It’s about making people feel welcome and part of it, showing them that I’m just a regular bloke lucky enough to be in the industry.”
Original Music and Future Aspirations
As for original music, the band members each bring their unique influences, but they acknowledge that Genesis has inevitably shaped
their artistic voices.
Gary explained that while he hasn’t heard all the original material by his fellow members, he’s certain that Genesis’ impact is present in each of their creative works.
Looking to the future, GVT plans to expand their setlist, potentially introducing lesser-known Genesis songs while keeping fan favourites alive.
They hope to continue bringing Genesis’ music to both seasoned fans and curious newcomers, inspiring an appreciation for a band whose influence has endured across decades.
“If you give someone a good show, they’re going to talk about it,” the drummer noted, “and that’s what we’re here to do.”
GVT stands out by blending respect for Genesis’ legacy with their own artistic contributions. They don’t just cover Genesis; they celebrate its enduring relevance, reminding audiences why this music is worth revisiting—and reinterpreting—again and again.
GVT will be playing in Stirling’s Tolbooth on Saturday, November 30.
Image Credit: Genesis Visible Touch WebPhotos
Crime and Punishment in Stirling: inside the Stirling Old Town Jail
By Murron Carscadden
Brig writer, Murron Carscadden, went along to a guided tour at the Stirling Old Town Jail and spoke to the jail’s director. Read along to see how she found it.
I walked up to the old jail with a sense of building anticipation. It was a bleak Sunday afternoon. Quickly, the excitement set in, and I was ready to uncover the history of what crime and punishment was truly like in Stirling. Before tours participants are given a phone with information about each cell.
The attraction is focused on giving guests an informative experience, this shines through the deeper into the jail you go.
Our host Adam dazzled in a oneman show playing each character with tremendous finesse. He was spectacular at dropping in and out of character with ease and kept visitors completely entranced in what was going to happen next. This character-based approach is ideal for the tours and allows visitors to find out what went on in each cell and how the prisoners were treated in an engaging way. This, I believe, is the heart of their success.
I wondered, what sparked the idea?
“What you’re getting in here is history, but history in an accessible
manner.” said Creative Director of the jail, David Kinnaird.
David made the connection that in comparison to attractions such as the castle, the jail offers a more local view in terms of how real people were treated in the jail.
“It’s that same connection to the past, to the community… you’re telling local stories.”
Besides just giving a tangible connection to the past, David explained how the tours have the added intrigue of crime and punishment and investigating the morality behind it to see how society has changed.
After the performance you get to roam free around the jail, popping in and out of different cells and really taking it all in. There is even a lookout tower with a fantastic view of the city.
The jail also hosts Ghost walks and escape rooms.
The Stirling Old Town Jail has and will continue to bring so much to Stirling’s attraction and entertainments sector. It brings both history and entertainment together for a well-rounded fun experience for all.
Image Credit: Nicola Pulham/Shutterstock
A GUIDE TO THE PERFECT CHRISTMAS COCKTAILS
By Kerry Lloyd FOOD EDITOR
With Christmas fast approaching, it has reached the time of year to start practicing the perfect drink for Christmas Day. Take a look at these six festive recipes and get inspired!
Day-drinking is acceptable at Christmas, so start the day off right with a glass of Buck’s Fizz at breakfast. All you’ll need it:
1/3rd fresh orange juice
2/3rd champagne (or prosecco for a cheaper option)
Fill a champagne flute one-third full of orange juice and top with the champagne.
If you’d rather start with a hot drink, an Irish Coffee will be perfect:
60ml Irish Whiskey
2 barspoons demerara sugar
Coffee
Fresh cream
Stir the sugar and whiskey into an 8-oz glass containing hot coffee. Float the cream on top by pouring over the back of a warmed spoon. Do not stir.
Alternatively, there is a Baileys
Hot Chocolate :
50ml Baileys Original Irish Cream
1tsp hot chocolate powder
100ml milk
Cream
Make a hot chocolate, add the Baileys and top with cream.
Eggnog is a Christmas classic, why not give it a go:
50g caster sugar
4 egg yolks
1tsp vanilla essence
397g can of condensed milk
100ml brandy
Simmer the sugar in a saucepan with 75ml water until the sugar dissolves, then cool and chill. Beat the yolks with the vanilla until smooth. Add the condensed milk, brandy and sugar syrup. Mix well and chill for at least two hours.
Mulled wine is the perfect drink to warm you up on a cold winter day.
Here is a Christmas Cheer Mulled Wine recipe for 30 people:
4 bottles red wine
1 pint of water
¼ bottle dark rum
1 lemon
12 cloves
½ ground cinnamon
Nutmeg
Heat the wine, water and rum together
Stick the lemon with the cloves and bake in the oven for 15 minutes at 175C degrees. Add the cinnamon and a little grated nutmeg to the wine mixture. Float the hot lemon on it.
A Hot Buttered Rum will have the same warming effect, with less steps:
60ml dark rum
1 cube of sugar
1 small slice of butter
4 cloves
Place all in a glass and fill with boiling water. Stir.
Any of these drinks will go down
IAN'S STEW - THE WORLD'S GREATEST BEEF STEW
Also known as Grandad’s Stew, this meal was a staple within our family’s cooking.
Serves six
Ingredients
1 kg of rump steak cut into slices (cheaper cuts can be used)
1 large white onion finely chopped
6 or more sticks of celery finely chopped with the strings removed 500ml of beef stock (oxo cubes can be used)
Add a good glug of red wine (wine that’s good enough to drink)
Seasoning to taste (sea salt, freshly ground black pepper and a dash or Worcestershire sauce)
Method In a frying pan, brown the meat on high heat, a few pieces at a time, to seal in the juices.
In the same pan, to benefit from the meat juices, melt 28g of butter and sauté the onions and celery until translucent.
Add together in a pot and add the stock.
Bring to a boil and simmer for an hour.
Add the wine and simmer for a
hour if meat is not as tender as you would like or if you have made in advance and are reheating. Serve with buttery mashed potatoes and green vegetables
By Isla Barker COMMENT EDITOR
Image Credit: Mindaugus Skrupskelis from Pexels (right) and cottonbro studios from Pexels (left)
Image Credit: tomateoignons from Pexels (above) Ann MacTaggart (left)
HOW TO THANKSGIVING, WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE (THANKS) GIVING UP
Prior to the election this article would have been very different. My joy for my silly American(ish) traditions is still fighting its way back.
I am grateful for all my friends at Stirling and home in Washington who have banded together to support each other under trying times. This year at Thanksgiving I want to remember them while marching forwards into the dark times to come. I can’t let my rage take a holiday that I love and so this year I will celebrate what is important and not the sinking feeling that has been omnipresent since the election. But if the terror and rage persist this year, wine is always an option.
Thanksgiving is not a holiday that my immigrant family ever really picked up. We would spend a couple days off school going camping or going out on day trips but no grand celebration. It was a holiday I generally disliked, I felt left out, and November is a really cold time
to go camping in the Pacific NorthWest. It seemed from the outside a very patriotic holiday with sketchy roots that only get worse as you learn more about it. Now it is all those things: the celebrated pilgrims did catastrophic things to Native Americans, and it is only celebrated in the US. However, what it is built upon and stands for are not the same.
Friendsgiving is a time to gather with the people who are special in your life. For me it has always been about recognising the value of friendship and comradery with less of the holiday pressure surrounding it. When celebrating at uni I like to cook seasonal but untraditional things like sprout casserole, or butternut squash soup. Encouraging everyone to bring something of their own potluck style and being extremely liberal with the invitations. The general ‘rules’ of thanksgiving go out the window. It's just a good time with good food.
Below are a few different ideas of what to do for your own thanksgiving meal.
Hasselback roasted butternut squash - a large and impressive looking but cheap centrepiece using seasonal veg. The seasoning is customisable to your taste, you could do garlic butter, a balsamic glaze, honey mustard or anything you heart desires.
To make the Hasselback slice your butternut squash in half, clear the seeds and stringy guts from the centre and then slice the squash short ways, not quite slicing all the way through leaving about 2 cm at the base. Season to taste and roast at 200C degrees for 30-45 minutes or until the squash is soft.
Cooking a squash like this is much faster than doing so whole and so uses less power which is nice when it comes to paying your bills. Plus, it looks fantastic at the centre of the table.
A LOVE LETTER TO GARLIC BREAD
By Alice Pollard BRAW EDITOR
It’s a classic, a family favourite, a well-loved accompaniment to any dish. Try and find a meal that isn’t improved by garlic bread, I dare you. We all know and love garlic bread in all its wild and wonderful forms. As ciabatta, sourdough, vegan, a baguette, gluten-free, 37p from Lidl - it’s impossible to go wrong. The only reason to avoid the stuff is if you have a garlic allergy (or if you’re a vampire, no judgment here.)
I’m obsessed with it. You’re obsessed with it. Your partner’s Mum’s therapist’s dog is obsessed with it. There’s no escaping the lure of a buttery, garlicky, herby, crunchy, maybe even cheesy baguette to go with the sad student pasta you just made. It levels up
dinner, it levels up life. Make your own if you’ve got extra time. Mix garlic, butter and herbs and lather it over any bread, all bread. Add brie if you’re feeling fancy, maybe parmesan and cheddar too. Chilli flakes for an extra kick. A drizzle of honey over the top. Serve with a rich pasta sauce, tomato or cream-based, or just gobble it straight down to appease the little garlic goblin that we all have hiding inside of us (mine’s come out to write this).
When there’s none left in your fridge or freezer and the lasagne is in the oven, there’s no worse feeling - absence makes the heart grow fonder, but the heart is distinctly more disappointed when there’s an absence of garlic bread. Stock up, even if it is only the 37p Lidl
baguette. Keep some in your freezer, your friend’s freezer, under the sofa, in your socks - be perpetually overloaded with the meal-saving, drunk appetite-appeasing, cheapas-chips creation. Go forth, garlic goblin. Eat your fill.
0. Warm salads, roast your seasonal veg all together and throw a dressing on top, maybe stir in some cranberries and cashews for additional autumnal vibes and a pop of brightness in the salad. Most roasted veg is fairly forgiving and can be put in the oven at any temperature to cook if you're roasting or baking anything else.
1. Pecan cookies - take your favourite cookie recipe, sub in pecans for chocolate, when baked top with salted caramel. If you're wanting to push the boat out, buy ice cream to sandwich in between the cookies.
2. Ask your American friends! Every family sets a slightly different table, and most people have their own needs, wants, and faves.
3. Bring something your family makes/eats a lot together, thanksgiving is a time of reflection and community especially for us celebrating so far from home,
so bring a bit of your home to the table.
We all celebrate thanksgiving differently, my love for the celebration does not come from the food, definitely not the history, and there isn't really much to build sentimentality off, but the people that I celebrate with make it special. It has been a hard November for many Americans, myself included, I think many of us could use a day where we set our fear and anger aside and remember some of the good that has come out of the past year. Or maybe you want to cry about the current political state of the US with some turkey and wine, either is valid!
By Spencer Haynes
Your First Visit to a Climbing Gym
By Helena Cochrane
Coming from someone who has never involved themselves in sports, starting indoor climbing was daunting. However, I soon found the climbing community to be filled with such friendly and approachable people. Everyone has their own reason for taking it up, mine being to give my mind a focus. After passing my introductory course at the Glasgow Climbing Centre, I have created a wee list of tips for those who are keen to get started.
Buddy Up
If you know anyone who is a competent climber, ask if you can tag along on their next session. They can sign you in if they are happy to supervise and be responsible for your safety. This is a good way to get a taster without committing to a course just yet.
Choosing a Course
Once you’ve decided you want to be more involved, look up courses at your nearest climbing centre. The Peak in Stirling is only a ten-minute drive from the university and has an adult introductory course for £27. If you’re looking for something that goes into a bit more depth, the GCC offers a course that runs over two three-hour sessions. It covers everything from stepping into your harness to catching someone falling from the wall. It’s not as scary as it sounds – I promise!
What to Wear
Comfort is a must for your first climb. Don’t wear anything too restrictive. Some joggers and a t-shirt are perfect. Take a hoodie as you’d be surprised at how cold the buildings get in the evenings! Make sure your nails are short, so they don’t get caught in the climbing holds, and tie your hair back. Leave any rings at home, you want your hands to be free of things that can snag and catch on rope. Definitely take water and some snacky foods
to fuel you up.
Types of Climbing
Bouldering is a good place to start as you don’t need a harness, just climbing shoes. The walls aren’t high, and you climb above crash mats following different route levels. It’s useful for getting a feel for the holds and developing a technique.
Top roping involves two people, a climber and a belayer. The belayer controls the rope that the climber is attached to, catching them if they fall, holding them as they climb up and giving them slack when they have reached the top of the wall to climb back down. This is something you should always do with an experienced climber. Make sure you have seen them belay someone and that you’re comfortable with them belaying you.
Auto belays are great if you don’t want to rely on others. You simply clip yourself in and start climbing. The device holds you all the way up and lowers you back down when you jump from the top.
In all of these, your feet are the most important. The more you concentrate on where they are and accessing more footholds, the more height you gain to access hand holds. I used to only think about where my hands were going and wondered why I was never able to make progress up the wall.
Equipment
Don’t worry about needing a large amount of gear to start with. Take advantage of the gym’s rental equipment and use it to get a feel. Climbing can get expensive, so renting shoes, harnesses, belay devices and carabiners in the beginning is a good shout. This also means they have been thoroughly checked over by the gym, so you know you’re completely safe. If you
are ever unsure about your own gear once you get it, ask to get it checked by a member of staff. One thing to consider is purchasing a small bag of chalk. It’s so useful if you’re prone to sweaty hands. Chalk powder absorbs the moisture and increases your grip, allowing you to stay on holds for longer.
Most importantly, just relax and have fun. Climbing is a really chilled sport and is great for sharing with friends, and for making new ones. On my course with GCC I met a fellow beginner who just moved from Australia, and we now go on climbs. We treat every route on the wall as a puzzle and solve them together, where whoever is belaying on the ground shouts out possible paths for the climber to take to reach the top. Three-hour sessions fly by, and I never want to leave the gym even when my tired arms are telling me otherwise. This is honestly just a wee taster, there is so much more to cover but I’m learning more every time I go. Get yourselves down to The Peak or GCC, they are such great communities for your first session.
Jumping for Joy: Stirling University’s Trampolining and Gymnastics Club Competition Success
By Anya Diggines SPORTS EDITOR
The competition that took place on Saturday 9 November featured 20 different competitors from the club.
In individual trampolining, the team snatched four gold medals. In the Elite Men category Max McCourt took a medal home and Lewis Galloway got top spot in the Intervanced men category.
Isabel Best got gold in the Intermediate Women category and Sophie Sigsworth secured gold in the Disability category.
Silvers went to Jamie Wilson, Rob Aitchison and Ruth Wright in the Pro Elite Men, Preadvanced
Men and Disability categories, respectively.
Finally, Jorja Clarke got bronze for her performance in the Elite Women category.
The medals didn’t stop there however, as Georg Hopfgartner got gold in double mini trampoline in the advanced category and Galloway got a bronze in the novice category.
Furthermore, the team won the gold team medal, awarded to the team with highest score overall.
Not only did the club have athletes at the competition, but they
also had some of their own members act as judges.
13 members took part in judging the competition, with many of these being first time judges.
Lewis Galloway, who is part of the club’s committee, said: “We’ve managed a lot of growth in terms of participation from new members, which we are very proud of.”
Image Credits: Helena Cochrane
Brazil F1 Grand Prix Rundown
By Erin Schoolar HEAD OF PHOTOGRAPHY
The Sao Paulo grand prix, held in Brazil at the Interlagos circuit delivered one of the best races seen this season. It was the twenty first round of the 2024 formula one championship and saw Max Verstappen take a leap closer to winning this year’s world championship winning the grand prix from 17th on the grid and joining the ranks of only six drivers before him who have won from 17th or lower on their grid starting position.
It was Verstappen’s first victory since the Spanish grand prix in June and saw the Verstappen versus Norris rivalry heat up again. Max Verstappen now has a 62-point lead over Lando Norris who’s title chances have received a large blow starting from pole position to dropping to sixth.
This was a race for the record books with high levels of torrential rain, the race encountered four drivers crashing with Alex Albon, Fernando Alonso, Lance Stroll and Franco Colapinto crashing during qualifying with further delays due to Lance stroll crashed during the formation lap with a total of five red flags given during qualifying of the race and a singular black flag for the first time in 17 years given to Hulkenberg.
Alpine secured an amazing weekend with both drivers, Estaban Ocon and Pierre Gasly, finishing second and third respectively, Alpine has been struggling this season but saw a remarkable comeback this grand prix with their first double podium since the 2013 Korean grand prix with Kimi Raikkonen and Romain Grosjean under its original brand name of lotus.
In one of the best wet weather races we have seen Norris, who had started from pole position, lost his lead to Mercedes George
Tennis Star Jamie Murray To Be Recognised by University of Stirling
By Melissa Thomson SPORTS EDITOR
Jamie will join his mother, Judy, and brother, Andy, as honorary graduates of Scotland’s University of Sporting Excellence, in the National Tennis Centre, where both Jamie and Andy trained. Jamie will be awarded an Honorary Doctorate for his contribution to Scottish and UK tennis. Jamie is a Davis Cup winner, seven-time Grand Slam doubles champion, and former doubles world number one. He attended school not far from Stirling, in Dunblane, and by his early teens was among the top three players in Europe, alongside Rafael Nadal and Richard Gasquet. From the ages of 10-17 he was a Great British Junior Internationalist and in 2002 Jamie was the National 18 and Under Boys Doubles Champion.
player in 20 years to win a senior title at the tournament. Jamie went on to the Australian Open and the US Open, both in 2016, where he won two men’s Grand Slam doubles titles with partner Bruno Soares, before winning another two mixed doubles Grand Slam titles in 2017 at the US Open and at Wimbledon with Martina Hingis. He gained the seventh Grand Slam victory of his career with Bethanie MattekSands at the 2018 and 2019 US Open.
during the 2016 Birthday Honours at Buckingham Palace for his services to both tennis and charity. Jamie organised the ‘Battle of the Brits’ in 2020, which was an indoor tennis tournament, in an attempt to raise money for NHS Charities Together, and they managed to raise an incredible £120,000.
Russell while Verstappen gained a shocking six places on the first lap and by the sixth lap was already 12th. Levels of rainfall continued to smash Brazil causing a red flag on lap 32 following Colapinto’s crash shortly after Russell and Norris pitted just as the virtual safety car period ended.
This meant that Ocon was leading followed by Verstappen and Gasly when the race resumed but after another pause following Carlos Sainz crashing. Verstappen pushed into the lead with the three-time world champion winning in one of if not the best races this season with a gap of 19.477 seconds with Ocon then subsequently Gasly.
Verstappen said: "My emotions have been a rollercoaster, with the red flag in qualifying starting P17 I knew it was going to be a really tough race. We stayed out of trouble; we stayed calm, and we were flying. All these things made this possible."
Norris said after the race: "Just unlucky. Sometimes it just goes your way. Nothing we did wrong. I don't care what people say.
"Staying out was not the right thing to do, it shouldn't have been red flagged. But there was a crash in the end that caused the red flag. You take a gamble. It has paid off for them. It's not talent, it's just luck. A bit unlucky."
After he decided to focus solely on doubles as his career in 2006, Jamie won his first Grand Slam title in the Wimbledon mixed doubles with Jelena Jankovic, and Jamie became the first Great British
In total, Jamie has 32 ATP Tour doubles titles and was a part of the Great British team that won the Davis Cup in 2015, which was Great Britain’s first Davis Cup win in almost 80 years. Jamie and the team went on to win the BBC Sports Personality Team of the Year Award in 2015 for their historic victory in the tournament.
Jamie was awarded an OBE (Officer of the Order of the British Empire) from Queen Elizabeth II
In 2023, Jamie was appointed the role of tournament director for the 2024 cinch Championships which took place at the Queen’s Club and he was featured in the Lawn Tennis Association’s film series ‘From Champion to Tournament Director’ which offered behind the scenes insight into his first year in charge.
Jamie and his wife, Alejandra, currently live in Wimbledon, London, with their daughter, Ava. When not playing golf, Jamie is Image Credit: Univerity of Stirling
Image Credit: Zak Mauger / Motorsport Images
Image Credit: Reuters
Club Spotlight – Stirling University’s Surf Club
By Cass Roberts
For those who surf it isn’t merely a sport it’s a lifestyle and a community, Scotland’s wild coasts form the perfect spots for surfing all year round.
The Surf Club at the University of Stirling is breaking into its second year of catching waves. They are all about inspiring a tight knit community of people passionate about surfing and building lasting friendships. Believe me, when you’re pushing each other into waves and cheering people on as they’re shredding or falling off waves it’s a moment you’ll never want to end.
With the opening of Lost Shore Surf Resort near Edinburgh imminent the club will be sure to make
the most out of Europe’s largest wave pool being so nearby.
Brig spoke to Luke, the clubs President, about the experience you’ll get in the club and hopefully to answer any questions someone hesitating to join might want to ask.
The question we hear the most is where we go surfing, being in such an inland area of Scotland:
“Usually on the east coast of Scotland, mainly Belhaven Bay (just east of Edinburgh) because it has a surf school where we can hire equipment. But we also surf all over Scotland’s coasts and even England.”
We asked him about what kind of socials the club hosts to boost the sense of community.
“We do lots of chill pub socials with a couple of drinks and pass the pigs, bonfires with s’mores and joint socials with tangential clubs. This year we’ve already done a pumpkin carving competition and a joint bonfire and fireworks night with the Badminton Club to name a few.”
Next Luke spoke about his experience with the club.
“We inherited the club a year ago, after it being dormant, so it could be a place where we could find people to surf with. I’ve just met a lot of cool people really, it’s a very
LEAP Sport’s Conference Kicks-Off in Stirling
By Amelia Fryer
A successful and insightful event was held as the LEAP Sports Scotland Conference took place in Stirling Court Hotel on the University of Stirling Campus on October 30, 2024.
LEAP Sports Scotland is an organisation dedicated to improving atmosphere for the LGBTQIA+ community and ensuring comfortability and togetherness within the world of sports.
A huge turnout was seen with tables filled and people even struggling for seats. Those that attended were chatty and eager in regards to the topics surrounding the event and the causes they were there to fight and advocate for.
Opening Speeches:
A friendly and welcoming atmosphere was created by staff and leaders as people were there to
learn more about the opportunities for the volunteers of the organisation and for what the it can do for both the community and for the individual sports.
Former MP for Livingston (for nine consecutive years) Hannah Bardell gave a welcoming and insightful speech to introduce the conference while saying it was “A huge honour to be here today” as she elicited excitement throughout the attendees.
MSP Maree Todd, Minister for Social Care, Wellbeing and Sport, continued this welcoming atmosphere during her opening speech as she exclaimed that: “... there’s not enough seats for us, that’s amazing!”
Maree Todd continued her speech encouraging the values of the conference as she stated that: “I truly
believe that sport and physical activity is for everyone.”
People were entirely and wholly interested and focused on what was said during these speeches.
‘Our Community, our voice – lived experience in Scottish Sport’ Panel: The opening event of the event was the ‘Our Community, our voice – lived experience in Scottish Sport’ panel held by Sports Journalist and creator of Pride of the Terraces (October 2019) Andrew Henderson. Both positive and negative experiences were shared throughout the panel as a group of current and former athletes were interviewed for their roles in both the sports and LGBTQIA+ communities and how they affected their lives and views of the atmosphere of the worlds combines.
“I segregated my life”
welcoming and beginner friendly club.
“After most surfs we come back in and chat about the experience and go for a lunch together at a local pub.”
People beginning surfing may be worried about needing equipment but the club itself has some, right?
“Yes, currently we have three foam (beginner friendly) boards, and six wetsuits. But soon we’ll have six boards and six suits so when people come on trips, we have enough to give people.
“We also have a go pro for filming footage and sharing content for
everyone to see and look back at together.”
The thrill of catching a wave is unmatched and the stunning coastlines make it worth the trip. So, whether you’re mental about surfing or just looking for a chill community of like-minded people surfing would be stoked to have you!
You can find information about joining the club on the Student Union Clubs page, or on Instagram at @stiruni_surf, which also posts upcoming socials and plenty of fun videos to show off the kind of exciting outings the club does.
– semi-retired rugby player (currently coaching at Caledonian Thebans RFC) Colin Arthur said when discussing his sexuality and his love for his sport.
“Growing up getting the hand me down kits from the men’s teams” and “they resented you for being there” – Atlas Martin (player for the Perth Parrots floorball team) said when discussing the discouragement and discrimination from others towards the transgender community in sports.
“Just because there aren’t trans people in sports doesn’t mean they don’t want to be.” – founding
member and welfare officer for the world’s first and only transgender rugby club: the Transmanian Devils, Rueben Jarvis on the want for change for the LGBT community, specifically the trans community in sports.
The inclusive atmosphere of the event was continued throughout the day as more insightful presentations and workshops took place in order to iterate these important messages and values.
The welcoming speeches and the opening event were certainly main and influential highlights of the 2024 LEAP Sport’s Conference as
Image Credit: Luke Robinson
Image Credit: Erin Schoolar
Stirling Defeat Edinburgh University in Tough Season Opener
By Melissa Thomson SPORTS EDITOR
University of Stirling
Clansmen
– 10
Edinburgh University Mavericks
– 8
The Stirling Clansmen fought to defeat the Edinburgh Mavericks and bring home the win in their penalty ridden season opener.
In the Clansmen’s homecoming game, they came away with a 10-8 victory after a physically tough game against the team that head coach Victor Peredo believes to be the best in Scotland at this level.
I caught up with Willie Stevens and Tc Masango before the game, and they said the Clansmen were “feeling excited” and “absolutely” looking for revenge after a loss to the Mavericks last year.
The Clansmen won the coin toss and elected to receive the ball, but their offence struggled to get started against such a strong Edinburgh defence, which held them to a handful of yards and no completed passes on their first attempts.
Once the Clansmen’s defence took the field it was clear that this would be a game defined by the defences, because as much as the Clansmen had struggled, Edinburgh’s offence was struggling just as much. And this is where the penalties started flooding in, in Edinburgh’s first series of plays, they accumulated two flags, both of which set them back ten yards. Despite Stirling’s defence, Edinburgh managed to move down the field and almost scored a touchdown but the ball was knocked away by the Clansmen, forcing Edinburgh to attempt a field goal from around the 30-yard line which was wide of the uprights and left the score 0-0.
The Clansmen took the ball and got their first penalty, a false start for five yards, followed not long after by a holding penalty. Stirling’s run game began to shine with the
Clansmen running for two first downs, and a quarterback run for another before they had to punt the ball away at the end of the first quarter.
Edinburgh’s offense took the field – but not for long – as on their second down the ball became loose, and the Clansmen’s defence recovered it. The Clansmen’s offence took the field, but Edinburgh’s run defence was becoming suffocating, and after two short runs and high snap for the Clansmen, Edinburgh’s offence takes the field again. The ball ends up loose yet again, but this time Edinburgh manage to recover it and attempt to gain some passing yards, but the ball was deflected by the Clansmen, and a second Edinburgh player goes down with an injury. Stirling’s offence takes the field and manage to complete some good passes for a first down, before throwing it downfield towards the endzone, but Edinburgh’s defencive backs had too long to get into position, and the ball was deflected. The Clansmen try again, and this time it was caught within the five-yard line. Taking the field on first and goal, the Clansmen revert to their run game, and run the ball in for the touchdown, and after their extra point was good the Clansmen took the lead 7-0.
Edinburgh take back the ball, and the Clansmen’s defence comes out fighting, and intercepts a throw from Edinburgh that was nowhere near any receivers. Stirling take the ball, but once again the penalties get to them, and they punt it away just after the two minute warning. Edinburgh throw a fair number of completions as the Clansmen’s defence pressures Edinburgh’s quarterback, and the Clansmen’s offense comes back onto the field. Edinburgh’s defence is putting lots of pressure on the
ball in for the two-pointer.
Stirling take the ball back, and their run game is on a roll again, gaining over 40 yards, before their offence fumbled the ball, and Edinburgh recovered it. Stirling’s defence took the field, and while they took a bit of a dip during Edinburgh’s scoring plays, they came back and sacked Edinburgh’s quarterback, forcing them to punt the ball back to Stirling who proceed to fumble the ball yet again, this time managing to recover it themselves. After a brawl almost broke out between some of the players, and even more penalties were called, the Clansmen ran for a first down, followed by a few low snaps that were recovered, the Clansmen did a quarterback run straight through the middle for a touchdown. Or so we thought. A flag was thrown on the play for holding on the offence, and so the touchdown was disallowed, and the clansmen had to settle for kicking a field goal to go up 10-8.
Clansmen 2024 Regular Season
November 3 vs Edinburgh Mavericks (W)
November 10 @ Napier Knights (L)
November 24 @ Edinburgh Mavericks
December 1 @ UWS Pyros
December 8 vs Napier Knights
January 26 vs Heriot-Watt Wolvrines
Clansmen’s offence and manage to sack Stirling’s quarterback just before half time.
The Clansmen come out with a vengeance at the start of the second half, holding Edinburgh’s offence to a three and out, and when the offence takes the field, running the ball through many Edinburgh defenders. Like the Clansmen, Edinburgh come out fighting too. Stirling fumble the ball on a run play, and while it could have been recovered by the Clansmen, no one noticed it fast enough, and Edinburgh managed to fall on the ball and take possession, and make some successful run plays, before running it into the endzone for a 15yard touchdown. Instead of kicking an extra point to tie the game 7 all, Edinburgh decide to attempt a twopoint conversion to take the lead 8-7, and they manage to run the
Edinburgh try and fight back in an attempt to take the lead, but they were shut down by Stirling’s defence, who recovered a fumble but did not gain possession as the ball was declared dead by that point, and who on a crucial fourth and goal for Edinburgh, forced another fumble during a quarterback run to take possession. Stirling punt the ball away and Edinburgh’s offence runs through Stirling’s defenders, until the Clansmen pressure Edinburgh into throwing an incomplete pass and having to kick a field goal, which gets deflected and allows the Clansmen to take a knee twice and run out the clock to secure a 10-8 victory over the Edinburgh Mavericks. While there were some mistakes and growing pains throughout their win, the upcoming season looks bright for the Clansmen, and Coach Peredo agrees that “if we keep working hard, we’re going to do well.”
I spoke to players Willie Stevens and Tc Masango, and head coach Victor Peredo, about what being part of the Stirling Clansmen means to them. Stevens joined Stirling having never played American football before the Clansmen; “I used to play rugby, and I showed up and decided I’d try something new, and I’m absolutely glad I did. This team is like a family, it gives you structure, and I really don’t know what I’d be doing without it.” Masango had also never played before joining the Clansmen, and he joined because “it looked cool, something different, but I didn’t expect to meet the lads that I did, kind of formed quite a strong friendship with the guys here that I wouldn’t have formed elsewhere.” Peredo played for the Clansmen during his masters, and he stayed for a PhD and to coach the team, because of the “camaraderie and the family environment” that the Clansmen have, and this is clearly visible in the chemistry that they have with each other on and off the field.
February 2 vs Aberdeen Bulls
February 9 @ Glasgow Tigers
BUCS American Football Standings
MORE MOUSTACHES ON CAMPUS
By Rae Archibald
This November, sports societies at the University of Stirling have been fundraising for Movember, a charity working to tackle issues facing men’s health. The Movember charity funds men’s health projects focusing on mental health, suicide prevention, prostate and testicular cancer. In order to raise money for this cause, the Movember charity encourage men to grow moustaches in November, as a fundraiser and conversation starter.
Societies including shinty, and cricket have stated on Instagram that they are taking part in Movember to raise awareness for men’s mental health.
There have been various approaches to fundraising this November. Stirling University power lifting society are holding a mock meet up with St Andrews powerlifting and raising funds for Movember through this. The cheer society will be hosting their bring a boy to cheer fundraiser at the end of the month.
The sports societies fundraising for Movember had already passed
£10,000 after the first week, out of the £25,000 target. With a wide variety taking part and organising events, the week one Movember leader board was recently revealed on the Stirling University Movember Instagram. The men’s rugby society were on top of the team leaderboard, with a total of £3,054.01 raised. Marcus Scullion, one of the university’s Movember ambassadors, claimed the number one spot for individuals, with a total of £1,760.50.
Although Movember is a men’s health charity, it is not just men who are taking part. The Ladies Gaelic Football Society are competing against the men’s equivalent in a Movember distance challenge, with forfeits for the losing team.
Sophie Bryson, who is also an ambassador for Movember at the university, is part of the team.
When asked why Ladies GAA believed it was important to take part in Movember, the committee said, “Ladies Gaelic Football supports Movember, because we all share the same passion to support our
brothers, dads, grandas, cousins, uncles and male friendships who mean the absolute world to us. Ladies GAA supports Movember, as according to statistics men are three times more likely to commit suicide because of poor mental health. Society today has normalised through cultural influences to perpetuate the myth that men asking for support for mental health struggles are weak. We want to break this stigma, especially when mental health affects how we think, feel and act daily. Showing support is vitally important, as it encourages our male colleagues and other men to seek support and feel empowered through talking to someone or even playing sport with them.”
Sports societies at Stirling have been proving this month that they believe that men’s health is a worthy cause, as well as showing solidarity between different sports.
Renowned Swim Coach Ben Higson Appointed as Head Coach for Stirling
By Alice Pollard BRAW EDITOR
International swim coach Ben Higson has been appointed as Head Coach of the University of Stirling’s high-performance swim programme. Higson will be replacing Steve Tigg, who has been appointed Swimming Head Coach at Aquatic GB.
Higson worked with the University of Stirling between 2013-2017, before taking on the senior roles that led him to the Olympic coaching. Higson has coached the Olympics thrice, with Aquatic GB at multiple world championships, and Team GB at the Commonwealth Games 2014.
Before spending time training at the University of Stirling, Higson was a competitive swimmer with Duns Amateur Swimming Club in the Scottish Borders. He gave up competitive swimming in 2010 to pursue coaching.
During Higson’s prior coaching period at the University of Stirling, he coached four Olympic swimmers: Duncan Scott, Ross Murdoch, Robbie Renwick, and Craig Benson. Upon his appointment, Higson commented on his return to the University of Stirling:
“I am privileged to be appointed Head Coach at the University of Stirling and to follow on from the success the programme has experienced under Steven Tigg. Alongside his coaching team, they have created a world-class environment for athletes to consistently achieve international honours.
“I look forward to working with the athletes and staff to build on these achievements through a collaborative approach that enhances the swimming programme’s contribution on the international stage.”
Scottish Swimming’s National Coach Ian Wright commented on Higson’s return to the University of Stirling:
“As the National Coach for
Scottish Swimming, I am absolutely delighted to welcome Ben Higson back to the University of Stirling. Ben’s return marks a significant moment, as he brings invaluable international experience from his successful tenures with Swim Ireland in Dublin and at WAIS, Perth, Western Australia.
“Having worked closely with Ben when we were both part of the London Roar ISL team, I have seen first-hand his ability to inspire and lead elite athletes at the highest level. His previous work at Stirling helped shape the programme’s legacy of excellence, and I am confident that his return will only strengthen this.”
David Bond is the Head of Performance Sports at the University, and shared confidence in the appointment of Higson:
“Having previously led the high-performance swimming programme at Stirling, Ben is no stranger to the environment, and his subsequent experiences at the highest levels of the sport will give him a strong foundation for success.”
The University of Stirling offers a world-leading high-performance swim programme, accompanied by world-class coaching by renowned figures, performance mentoring, and state-of-the-art facilities. World-renowned athletes have emerged from the programme, including Duncan Scott, Katie Shanahan, and Kathleen Dawson.
