50th Anniversary Special Edition- Refreshers 2019

Editor’s Column- Then and now Current Editor-inchief Harry McArthur’s Thoughts

Brig founder Paul Martin Reflects Way back In 1969, when the very first edition of Brig appeared, both the University and student body were facing a communication crisis. With almost 1,000 people to inform, the output of stray paper was overwhelming and in those days before the internet, Bulletin Boards were the only mass media for staff and students alike. In addition, every other university had a newspaper, led

by Edinburgh with their rather classy ‘Student’ paper, supported by the then president of their student union, a young Gordon Brown, later to find some fame within UK politics.

Having taken my first decision to have a Stirling paper, the first thing was to decide on a title. We initially thought of calling it ‘Bridge’, to reflect a bridge between staff, students and the community but later found out that Motherwell Engineering already had a house magazine of that name. As a result, we changed to Brig, which continued to reflect the inclusive aspect, but also pulling in Stirling ‘Brig’, that historic bridge leading into the town of Stirling The next crucial aspect was funding, and the cash flow for the SRU was (as ever) not large. The student body was funded on a per-capita basis and

as numbers of students small, income was restricted. I spoke to a number of people already involved in newspaper production and discovered that if we could generate a high level of paid-for advertising, we could cover the production costs of the paper, allowing it to be free at point of sale. This was decades before ‘Metro’ had exactly the same idea.There was much debate on this as a free newspaper was seen not to have value, but we overcame objections by pointing out the many difficulties of revenue collection for a small circulation of around 1,000 copies.

We then signed up with an advertising agency (Fee Associates) on a rainy night in Ferrari’s restaurant in Glasgow and secured a printer, Johnston’s of Falkirk, already producing a score of local titles within central Scotland but with the professional capacity to take on a small student newspaper once a month. Whisper it but we had no shame playing the prestige card of working for the university. Johnston’s had also invested in one of the first web offset presses in the UK and were moving away from hot metal into the newest technology available at the time.

The next stage was to actually produce the paper.

In 1969, there was one single mainframe computer in Pathfoot of the punch card variety, but no personal IT and certainly no typing skills for almost all students and staff where all course work either written in longhand or typed for you by experienced typos.

As a result, some of our first contribu-

tions came handwritten, some came typed from departments but most of it was written by students using university clerical backup. I remember turning up in Falkirk on Thursday evenings with a sheaf of papers that typesetters patently converted into professional formats on metal Kodak plates, which we retained. These were then placed on the new presses and the paper rolled off, to be delivered to the door by the Falkirk Herald vans.

Although we respected the inputs of the print pros, we also had ideas of our own about the appearance of the paper and we were influenced by the publications of the day, such as ‘International Times’ and ‘Oz’ which had introduced new approaches to the use of graphics over type. I’ve no idea if the library has preserved all those early editions but I have fond memories of editions that overlaid art work displayed in the university over front page news stories.

We also seemed to be in constant conflict with the authorities because shortage of suitable material meant that we published almost anything received and this did not always have approval, to the extent that for a while we ran a ‘threats of legal action’ page. One area never short of stories was sport who kept us fully informed of all aspects of their endeavours. Anyway, as is the nature of university life, we all moved on and others took over. The amazing thing is that what we created survived as a testing ground for journalistic skills.And what are the chances of ‘Brig’ going totally on-line in this brave new e-world.?

Growing up I always felt like a leadership role was something that I’d be suitable for. I enjoy being part of a team and I like having the power to make an overall choice if required.

However, nothing in life so far has prepared me for the role of running a student newspaper on its’ 50th Anniversary.

It’s a privillege to be able to lead something that is so successful and struggled through so much adversity to get to where it is today. Reading through Paul’s column it is crazy; imagine having to hand write all our own copy for it to be put into the paper.

Back then not only was the process different but it was a completely different life.

Writing this I am sitting in our media office with five computers, and three extra laptops on top of that.

Some of the things that are so often overlooked are mindboggling when you think about them.

I am lucky when I took over to have recieved guidance from my peers in years gone by. My biggest thanks in terms of my Brig life goes to Craig Wright who showed me the ropes and made me realise how fun being a journalist can be. I mention Craig, as Paul never had that. Not only did he gather enough people together to get a newspaper started, find funding for the paper through advertisement and get articles together, he managed to do a really good job of it.

I’m sure he recruited help along the way but he had an idea and stuck to it, and created this paper that you are reading today. Flicking through Brig through the years, the content we have covered throughout has been brilliant and I can only hope in 50 years time we can reflect back and see

how great Brig is then.

As time progresses it is an interesting concept as to whether or not Brig should continue printing or whether we should make the transition to online. I have said that I will continue printing until the end of my tenure. I adore newspapers. Always have and always will. I think it goes back to the days of staying at my grandad’s as a kid, seeing him read the paper everyday and how satisfied he’d feel afterwards. It was a perfect start to the day and, for me, a very healthy routine to get into. I never was a ‘paperboy’ myself however I had many peers who felt rich after picking up their monthly £20 for going around posting newspapers through the mail list.

Even when we recieve our newspapers we all band together to collect it from the delivery driver and distribute it around the university. There is a sense of community surrounding a newspaper, and that feeling isn’t something I could personally take away from future readers and writers of Brig.

Looking forward the future of Brig could take many paths and at one o someone who wants to take that leap and make the transition online. It will save money and will cut down the pressure of having to find news stories to deadlines, the whole vibe will become more relaxed and online content, I’m sure, will have a much more structured flow. But when it comes to editing week it is hectic, busy and incredibly stressful; the quality newspaper at the end of the week makes

it all worthwhile. There’s a quote from Father Ted’s Mrs Doyle that springs to mind, “Maybe I like the misery.”

As we always do to round up my columns a short anecdote into my life. I have always had an affinity for dogs. Small, large, energetic, chilled out; I just love them all. The first dog I ever loved was a gorgeous golden retriever called Zante. He was my auntie’s dog, who was my neighbour at the time, and because I was so young I used to refer to him as uncle Zante. It was devestating for me when he passed away; he epitomised everything I love about dogs.

He was caring, loving, and most importantly, he was happy. A four-legged, fluffy, loving, happy little goober and I will never forget how much he loved me. There is something so special about the bond between a person and their dog, and when you make that connection it is something that never goes away.

If people could aspire to treat one another the way dogs do I think the world would be a better place.

The lessons we can take from dogs are; love others unconditionally, explore everything and anything, enjoy your food and always try your best to be happy.

50th Anniversary Edition

Brig celebrates 50 years

Harry Williamson News Editor

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rom major gig reviews to covering some of the biggest issues in student life, Brig, the University of Stirling’s student newspaper is looking back as they celebrate the newspaper’s 50th anniversary.

Founded in 1969 Brig has

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been reporting on all the issues facing Stirling and its students throughout the years, covering local news and events and discussing some of the major issues of the times.Brig’s first ever Editor-In-Chief, Paul Martin, spoke about the impact Brig has had on its members, and his feelings seeing the publication he helped establish reaching the 50-year

milestone,“I’ve done many things in life since leaving Stirling, but nothing gives me greater pleasure than seeing Brig notch up 50 years. I know it’s been an important seed bed for so many who’ve effortlessly moved into mainstream media having learnt their skills on Brig. Wishing all current and past staff a very happy birthday indeed.” Martin spoke about

he originally wanted to name the paper Bridge, to bridge the gap between staff, students and the local community but couldn’t due to a publication in Motherwell having the name, so he went with Brig, which was a nod to the historic Stirling bridge.

The first editorial team managed to secure funds through advertising agency Fee Associates and

had the papers printed by Johnston’s of Falkirk.

Brig’s current Editor-InChief Harry McArthur also commented on the 50th Anniversary of Brig, and the journey that the newspaper has taken over the past 50 years and praised the paper’s writers for their work, “We’re extremely proud to be overseeing Brig’s 50th year. We’re one of

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4 Brig | Refreshers 2019

New parking charges introduced in Stirling

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Ryan Barclay News Reporter

ecently some local Conservative Party Councillors for the Stirling area have suggested that “pay and display” parking charges may be utilised as part of a solution to address the parking problem as part of a Community Parking Management Plan based on Stirling’s Parking Policy Framework.

An examination of the document reveals that areas in which such measures may be adopted include; Callander,Bridge of Allan and Stirling City .

The move would mean that Stirling follows areas such as Dunblane in adopting a Community Parking Management Plan.

Upon speaking to the Daily Record , Dunblane

Councillor Alastair Majury said he was “extremely disappointed with the proposal “ and said it “is not going to be well received”. Majury also encouraged the council to “rethink this approach”.

However when speaking to the Daily Record , although Jim Thompson the convener of the Housing and Environment committee at Stirling Council said “every area will be looked at individually” and that there are no set charges because they are “consulting with traders and residents”, Thompson did argue that “Pay and Display” charges that were introduced in Stirling City “have improved things”.

The proposal follows after a survey by Bridge of

Credit: donaldstirling

Allan Community Council revealed the extent of the issue in which a majority from over 600 respondents were in favour of waiting time restrictions on streets such as Henderson Street. However a significant number of respondents roughly 26% did not back the proposal , consequently the community council has encouraged the maintenance of the current parking regulations without changes.

Harry Williamson News Editor

Credit: City of Rehoboth Beach

News Editor reflects on Brig’s 50th anniversary Sam Ormiston News Editor

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elieve it or not, it’s 2019. As some of your parents, like mine, may be turning fifty, it is time to look back at the last 50 years of Brig as Stirling’s award-winning student newspaper.

I was recently doing some Christmas shopping with my gran in a prominent Edinburgh art store. I do not have much of an interest in art, but whilst my gran was having a browse, I got chatting to the store owner. I discovered that he too went to the University of Stirling and he too wrote for Brig back in the late eighties. His name escapes me now, but I remember his interesting stories.

From what it sounded like, there were fewer writers and resources back in the day. But that did not stop Brig writers from uncovering stories across campus and all over the town. He mentioned that he “ruffled a few feathers

back in the day.” Some of Brig’s writers have went on to work in a variety of local and national newspapers.

Since going online earlier this decade, Brig has increased its readership and has been recognised locally and nationally as an award-winning student newspaper. Last year, we had our highest ever online readership, with our content circulating the globe.

In 2017, Brig were awarded the Student Publication Association’s Best Publication in Scotland award. We were also awarded Best

number of special anniversary events to celebrate Brig turning 50, and everyone is welcome to join.

Being part of Brig is something special. You do not have to be a journalism student to join.

Brig has allowed me the opportunity to make new friends, make important contacts and interview some interesting people, and I hope it continues in decades to come.

The future is bright – here’s to another 50 years.

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he cancellation of the on-campus shuttle bus service means that students with mobility issues may be disadvantaged as it will be harder for them to get around campus.

The service, run by Mackie’s Coaches of Alloa, was operated on a trial basis last semester and the university has decided not to resume the service in the Spring semester of 2019.

The reason for the cancellation was confirmed

by Mackie’s Coaches and the University of Stirling as low usage of the service.

A University spokesperson said: “Following the initial trial of the campus shuttle service, in Semester 1, it has been decided not to continue with the

above service in Semester 2. Whilst the trial provided very helpful information on the potential for, and challenges of, running such a service, the very limited uptake in use - and consensus of feedback from recent staff and student surveys - highlighted that there is currently an insufficient business case to continue.”

Union President Astrid Smallenbroek raised the issues that this decision would disadvantage students with mobility issues.

Commenting to Brig she said; “The campus shuttle bus was not renewed this semester with a more environmentally friendly option as planned as it was not used an adequate amount. Unfortunately, this will impact on students with decreased mobility, who welcomed the shuttle bus.”

Students shared Smal-

lenbroek’s concerns about the bus service. Ryan Barclay, a second year Social Policy student who uses a wheelchair said that he thought the idea was a “fantastic idea” and “a step forward in improving the access around campus” when it was first introduced.

Commenting on the cancellation he said, “The cancellation of the service is disappointing.”

Chloe Whyte, a first year psychology student who has had Myalgic Encephalomyelitis for 10 years spoke to Brig about how important the service was to students with these issues, she expressed her disappointment that the university has cancelled the service, and has expressed her concerns over the negative impact that the end of the shuttle service will have on her.

“The shuttle bus was

a lifeline for students with mobility issues, and though its existence was short-lived, I’m gutted that the university hasn’t considered an alternative to scrapping it entirely.

“As someone who’s lived with M.E for almost ten years, I often struggle to walk even the short distance from my halls to the Cottrell Building, and fear that without the shuttle bus, my attendance at lectures and seminars will fall. Our beautiful campus can be extremely hard to navigate for disabled people at the best of times, and I worry that now I may be left confined to my flat during a flare-up.”

The bus ran between the university’s new bus hub next to the Logie Lecture Theatre and the Pathfoot Building.

MSP condemns “ridiculous” Scotrail

Ryan Dinsdale News Reporter

S Website by the SSJA in 2017.

With the recent update of the newspaper’s design, Brig has gone from strength to strength. This year we will be hosting a

Students left disadvantaged after shuttle bus scrapped

tirling’s Member of Scottish Parliament, Bruce Crawford, has raised concerns over the “ridiculous” ScotRail situation. Crawford highlights the cancellation of peak Stirling services in early December, and the issue has persisted into the new year.

A series of trains were

cancelled early in the morning on December 3rd, leaving Stirling commuters unable to reach Edinburgh until long after 9am. ScotRail claims the issues were due to staffing shortages.

Crawford wrote to the Managing Director of ScotRail, asking why such a prominent organisation could allow these severe staffing problems. Looking forward, he also requests

an explanation of how ScotRail plans to decrease these occurrences in the future.

Crawford also declared his intentions to emphasise these concerns in Scottish Parliament.

Seemingly not alone in this, the Scottish Government has since requested a plan from ScotRail to address the nationwide problems.

A significant amount

of cancellations continued into January, but this number has steadily lowered over the last few weeks according to ScotRail.

Despite the persistent issues, the price of ScotRail tickets has risen. Peak fares have increased by 3.2 per cent, while off-peak tickets have seen a 2.2 per cent increase.

Campaigns have unsurprisingly erupted during

the debacle, highlighting the increase in price but decrease in quality. These campaigns demand that ScotRail be brought into public control, allowing more revenue to return to the services instead of shareholders.

Stirling seems to be plagued with transportation issues as of late, with First Bus and the university itself contributing to travel problems.

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5 Brig | Refreshers 2019

continued from page 3 the oldest student newspapers in Scotland and I am proud to say the content is still as excellent now as it was when it was founded

by Paul Martin. We have an exciting year ahead and we are going to work as hard as possible to ensure it is a great one.”

In 1969 Brig was a monthly student newspaper and set up a website in the 1990s. Since 2010 Brig has reduced the number of print editions to

four per year, making it a quarterly, and moving most of their regular content online. Brig’s website received over 70,000 visitors in 2018.

Brig has been a part of the University of Stirling community since 1969, bringing students in Stirling the latest news stories, sporting successes, and culture reviews for 50 years.

Many former Stirling students entered the world

of journalism and media through their time writing for the student newspaper.

Brig will continue to report on issues that matter to students in the community and bring quality content to their readers.

From 1969 to 2019, Brig has been there, and hopefully will be there for another 50.

Hidden graduation costs revealed Credit: University of Stirling

Harry Williamson News Editor

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tudents graduating from Scotland’s colleges and universities in winter could face extra costs of over £200, the National Union of Students has revealed.

This information was a result of several Freedom of Information requests that were sent to every college and university in Scotland.

They found that 70% of universities and 16% of colleges operate additional costs for graduation, with every university in Scotland requiring costs such as library fines to be paid in full before a student will be allowed to graduate.

Academic dress and graduation robes are often mandatory and incur additional costs for students to hire the robes. Robe hire can cost graduation students anything between £80 to £225. NUS also revealed that some universities and colleges can receive a commission on each set of robes hired for the ceremony.

Liam McCabe, the

President of NUS Scotland has described the charges as a “stealth tax” on the success of students and has condemned the costs.

“A student’s graduation should be one of the most memorable days of their life as they celebrate their hard-earned achievements.

“However, NUS Scotland’s FOI has revealed

many institutions are putting a price on success

through disgraceful graduation fees, effectively taxing students by stealth.

“Not only do many institutions – particularly universities – demand payment to graduate in the first place, they also require their students to hire and wear expensive academic robes from third party providers.

Stunningly, some institutions even get a kick back on these transactions, receiving commission from the involved companies.

“We would appeal to all institutions across the country to reflect on their graduation fee policies and the impact they have on their least affluent students. Institutions must ensure that, in future, their graduations are free and accessible to all those who have earned the right to celebrate their academic successes.”

A University spokesperson said: “Graduations

are an important rite of passage and our relatively modest graduation ceremony fees allow us to provide a high-quality, memorable experience for our students and their loved ones. Where appropriate, students can apply for support with fees through our discretionary fund; there is no charge for those graduating in absentia; and we provide a free, live online streaming service for those who wish to watch the ceremony remotely.”

The union’s Vice President of Education, Daniel Wright, commented saying; ‘The FOI by NUS Scotland is telling of the similar situation faced by students across the majority of the Universities in Scotland surrounding their graduation. As both a celebration of a phenomenal achievement, and an ending of a unique and life-changing experience studying and taking advantage of many opportunities available to students, graduation should be accessible to all regardless of circumstance.

Graduation free from unnecessary costs is certainly something that should be strived towards by all Universities so that graduates can enjoy their celebration without financial worry in the back of their minds.’

Extra funds made available for Clubs and Socs

Harry McArthur Editor-in-Chief

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lubs and societies that are part of the union are being encouraged to utilise the Club Grant as there is over £3000 left in the fund.

Brig caught up with VP Communities, Jamie Grant, in order to find out more about the Club Grant: “The Club Grant is a funding pot that’s derived from the proceeds of Club & Society memberships. The fund has been around for as long as I’ve been here (I’m old), so 6 years at least, and likely a long time before that. As the number of groups we have affiliated have grown, so too has the amount of money available.

“Clubs & Societies can apply for up to £300 to support their activities; be that a trip, events, or equipment purchases.

Standard charity laws still apply– so no alcohol, gambling etc, and the grant can’t be used to by items for individuals to keep i.e. personalised hoodies. But generally the fund is used to ease the pressure on a club committee to come up with the cash for a bigger project. Those that demonstrate some evidence of fundraising or existing club fund commitment to an idea are much more likely to get funded.”

Grant continued, “We love it when Clubs apply and use the grant because it helps reinforce the message we’ve said all along– the Union is here to make students’ lives better. Funding can be a struggle to come by, so we try to help student

Credit: Air3Radio

groups where we can. It’s also great to support the amazing ideas students come up with, and turn ideas into reality.”

The process from the club and socs perspective is straightforward. …

VP Communities explained the process from their perspective, “Grant applications are decided by the Committee Zone Executive Committee, or CZEC– I chair this as VP Communities, with six elected PartTime Officers, three Club Presidents and two lay members also forming the group. We then vote on and look over applications.

“The Club Grant has funded loads of different activities.

International trips have helped our student Club/Socs go global.

Education, Law and even

event we can showcase different talent and skills of not only our committee members but other societies as well wether that be through, a short story/ poem, singing, artwork etc.

A segment of the night will be a fashion show showcasing African and Caribbean print clothing and also showcasing young African design talent.

For the funds raised from this event a portion will go towards club funds and the rest will be getting donated to a chosen charity.”

Muyaba described the process as ‘pretty straightforward’ and after attend-

Credit: ACCSStriling on Facebook

Wizarding have used it to support their annual Balls. Groups have been successful in repairing/ upgrading equipment, or moving things up a notch to expand what they can offer their members. The fund is there to support exciting and engaging activities that contribute positively to the student experience.”

Faith Muyaba, the president of the African and Caribbean society, told ud about her club’s experience with the grant, “The reason for applying for the grant was so that we had extra funds for what we are hoping will be our biggest event as a society this year. We are planning on having a cultural exhibition/fashion show as an extension collaboration with the international festival.

We are hoping with this

ing a CZEC meeting she to pitch the event she heard back within a week.

If you are interested in this event Muyaba concluded, “Proposal date is the 28th of February in the venue but will be confirmed later on, on all socials. The ticket prices are £6 for non members and £4 for members and will include a raffle ticket + a drink.

“We are also recruiting for people that would like to be involved on the night and showcase their work and also looking for models, male and females for the fashion show. Best way to register your interest/for further details please be in contact on our facebook page @acsstirling” Another recent success was the contribution to the podcast studio that was added to Air3 Radio’s radio station up at Airthrey Castle. Grant said, “One project supported by the Club Grant was the Air3 Radio Studio

renovation in 2017-2018.

On their own backs, the society funded most of it through their reserves, and applied to the fund for some pieces of equipment and furniture. Given the society’s focus on using the space for cross-society campaigns and activities, this application was definitely one of the most impactful.”

Former treasurer of Air3, and current VP Education, Daniel Wright said, “[Applying for the club grant] was extremely easy.

It basically involved filling out a form, talking to Jamie and Elaine in the union about what we want to apply for. We got nothing but positive feedback and we got all the help we needed. I don’t know why people wouldn’t do it.

“The money helped us create a podcast studio that it was really good and could be used by students for years to come. I encourage any society to apply for the club grant.

If you have any ideas that could benefit you and the members of your society to make it an even better experience then apply for the club grant. Most of the time you are going to get a positive outcome out of it.

The union wants its’ societies to be the best they can be.”

The club grant application can be found under FINANCE on the Students Union Website on the Forms and Resources page.

6 Brig | Refreshers 2019

Careers

Aunt Em-ployability Workshops So here we are at the start of another year – time for healthy eating, fresh starts and New Year’s resolutions that you’re definitely, honestly going to keep this year!

It is also the time that a lot of final year students are thinking ahead and wondering what they’ll do after graduation. Many organisations are currently recruiting for their graduate schemes and will be holding assessment centres over the coming weeks. The words ‘assessment centres’ tend to fill applicants with dread so we have a few ways which should help combat those fears!

Canvas

Register with the Careers and Employability module on Canvas and you have access to a wealth of information about applying for jobs, interviews and assessment centres. https://canvas.stir.ac.uk/ courses/3162. Once you’re there you can click into the ‘making applications’ section and find out further information on assessment centres and psychometric tests.

Graduates First Practice makes perfect!

As a University of Stirling student you have free access to practice aptitude tests on Graduates First.

You can register at graduatesfirst.com, using your Stirling email address, and try out verbal reasoning tests, numerical reasoning tests and logical reasoning tests. Graduates First has also got some useful general information on their website about the kinds of aptitude tests you may find in an assessment centre.

Experience

We have workshops throughout the semester which will help you if you are applying online for any opportunities or have an assessment centre coming up. On 23rd January we have a ‘Beat the selection test’ workshop which will allow you to practice online recruitment tests in real time and get some valuable feedback. There is also a ‘Know before you go’ day in April for graduating students who may have missed some of our earlier workshops. This gives you the chance to find out about graduate interviews, LinkedIn, and assessment centres before you leave.

All our workshops have to be booked through stirling. targetconnect.net

Another issue that we hear about a lot, is how lack of experience can be a barrier to getting a job.

Many students have not worked before and are not sure what to put on their CV and who to approach for a reference. Employers do understand that students may not have a long list of work experience but they generally like to see that you have done something valuable with your time. We always encourage students to try and gain as much experience as possible while a University whether that’s through working part-time, volunteering or joining a club or society.

First Step

On 7th February we have our First Step careers fair. It takes place from 4.30-6pm in the Atrium and will have a wide range of organisations attending with part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities and seasonal work. Come along to find out what’s out there for you and start to build up your experience.

My Stirling Award This is a great way to record your extra-curricular activities and show employers the range of skills and experience you have. Applications open in September every year and you have a year to complete the Award.

You can opt for either the Bronze, Silver or Gold level depending on how many hours you are able complete. Further info http://bit. ly/MyStirlingAward

If you would like to contact me with any career questions or concerns then just email me on emma.hill@stir.ac.uk

7 Brig | Refreshers 2019

Politics Stephen Kerr MP warns People’s Vote could damage the Union

The MP for Stirling has told Brig he believes that allowing a People’s Vote, or ‘second referendum’ would create a precedent for a second independence referendum.

Rebecca McCurdy Political Editor

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tephen Kerr, Conservative MP for Stirling has condemned the movement calling for a People’s Vote on the final Brexit deal.

He told Brig that granting ‘a second referendum’ would strengthen the SNP’s claims for holding a second referendum on independence.

Instead Kerr has urged people to respect the outcome of the 2016 EU referendum.

He said: “Calling a second referendum on the EU sets a precedent that unavoidably leads to a second referendum on independence. This means we would be pushed through two more divisive and destructive referendums.

“33.5 million people voted in the EU referendum for 2016, every single one expecting the result to be honoured. If parliament sends the message that the vote will be overturned, tens of millions of people will find themselves disenfranchised. The response to this from the elector-

Kerr was elected in 2017, Stirling’s first Conservative MP since 1992.

Credit: Stephen Kerr/Facebook.

Stephen Kerr with Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson and Stirling campaigners. Credit: Stephen Kerr/Facebook

ate will be mass apathy at best, or mass support for populists at worst. Mainstream politics will be permanently disrupted.”

The campaign for a People’s Vote has been increasing as the Brexit deadline draws closer. The issue has become divisive among high-profile politicians as the course of action for leaving the EU is determined.

Advocates for a People’s Vote stress that a People’s Vote would give the people the ability to vote on

the final Brexit deal. In Brig’s last edition, Stirling’s anti-Brexit group said that the Brexit landscape is still “shrouded in a fog of uncertainty” and therefore a public vote is crucial.

However, the Prime Minister has expressed on numerous occasions that a People’s Vote is not on the cards as the public have already voted to leave the EU. Since being elected in 2017, Stephen Kerr, Conservative MP for Stirling,

has being a strong ally to Theresa May in the support of Brexit. In an interview with Brig, Kerr highlighted the importance of backing the Prime Minister’s deal.

“Parliament needs to support the Prime Minister’s deal as any other result would have serious repercussions for our country”, he said. “No Deal for leaving the EU would cause massive disruption and denies us the chance of a two-year transition period, which is de-

signed to give us all time to adapt to life outside of the EU.” Kerr was elected following the 2017 snap election, where he defeated the SNP’s Steven Paterson by securing a majority of just 148 votes.

The victory witnessed the constituency’s first Conservative MP since 1992.

After his triumph in the election, Kerr told Brig he would value co-operation with his SNP, Labour and Liberal Democrat coun-

AKaitlin NoEaston Deal Brexit: Everything we know so far.

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he UK is set to leave the European Union on the 29th of March this year, although a nodeal scenario is becoming increasingly likely.

Theresa May’s withdrawal agreement has faced wide criticism and she postponed a vote on the agreement, due to take place on 11 December, to buy herself more time. Acknowledging she did not have enough support to pass the vote, Mrs May wanted to gain further assurances from the EU before putting it to parliament.

Her decision sparked further anger from MP’s and she faced a confidence vote on whether she could continue to lead

the Conservative party – winning with 63%.

The Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), who are in a ‘confidence and supply’ agreement with the Tory government, have said they will not support May’s Brexit deal.

May’s government took another hit on Tuesday 8 January as MP’s backed an amendment to the finance bill, limiting the powers of the government in the event of a no-deal.

The amendment restricts tax changes unless they’re approved by MP’s.

20 Conservative MP’s went against the government and backed the change. Among those who rebelled was former cabinet minister Dominic Grieve, who according to BBC coverage, believed

a no-deal presented the ‘gravest peacetime threat to the UK in 70 years’ The withdrawal agreement will now be put to a parliamentary vote on Tuesday 15 January.

So, what is a no-deal Brexit and what does it mean for you?

A no-deal would see the UK leave the EU without any withdrawal agreement. This means that there would be no transition period and we would be forced to immediately respond to the changes instead of easing into them over a 21-month period.

According to an article in The Guardian, a nodeal Brexit will be one of the biggest threats ever faced by the university sector. The Russell Group of Universities recorded a

Theresa May’s Brexit deal has struggled in recent weeks. Credit: BBC

9% decrease in the number of EU postgrad students enrolling to UK universities.

Vice President Communities of Stirling Students Union, Jamie Grant said: “A no-deal specifically is terrifying for students.

Terrifying for the country.

That’s when you’re talking about real logistical flaws and flows – lines at the supermarket for food

and flights stopping – real doomsday stuff.”

The worst-case scenarios of a no-deal Brexit may never become a reality, but some are preparing for any outcome.

3,500 army troops are on standby in the event of a no-deal as the government prepares to deal with high tensions and the possibility of civil unrest.

There is the possibility

terparts in order to get the job done. While at Westminster, this is a goal Kerr holds in high regard.

He said: “I particularly enjoy cross-party initiatives such as all-party Parliamentary groups (APPGs). I’m heavily involved with several including the APPG for Freedom of Religion and Belief, prevention of sexual violence in conflict and whistleblowing.

“The co-operation between people from all different parties means we have a wide variety of opinions and specialities all pulling in the same direction. It’s incredibly effective.”

Being a part of Westminster and representing his constituents is something Kerr describes as a “huge privilege”.

As a former business student at the university, Kerr has vowed to use his extensive experience in the industry to support the local community. With over 30 years in business, Kerr has aims to prioritise issues such as the Stirling City Regional Deal and supporting local business during his tenure as MP. In April last year, Kerr submitted his first 10-minute rule bill in parliament, which aims to crack down on nuisance phone calls.

The bill was submitted with the support of over 100 MPs and is set to receive backing from the government. His proposal would mean tougher penalties on those responsible.

A second reading is due in the House of Commons on January 25.

of a hard border in Ireland as the UK would no longer have a trade deal with the EU – imposing custom checks similar to the Norway – Sweden border. However, the Irish government have said they will never allow this to happen.

Prices and inflation could rise as the UK would need to comply with World Trade Organization(WTO) rules.

Driving abroad in EU countries currently just requires a valid UK driving license but you could need an international driving permit under a no-deal Brexit.

Flights could potentially be grounded as British Airlines would need permission to fly between European countries.

According to The Mirror, British tourists could

be banned from accessing Spotify, Netflix and other entertainment sites in EU countries in the event of a no-deal.

It would be much harder to travel to the EU by bus as it would no longer be part of the ‘Interbus agreement,’ but there are plans for Britain to re-join as a third country.

As the country potentially falls into misery and doom in a no-deal Brexit world, it may seem like you’re disproportionally effected by the up and coming changes.

The elite seem to be unfazed by the possibility, but fear not, their world could soon be crashing down with you. In the face of a no-deal, caviar imports are in jeopardy and could even halt completely. Scandalous.

Politics

8 Brig | Refreshers 2019

Salmond wins legal battle over Scottish government’s sexual harassment procedures

YOUR STIRLING POLITICS SOCIETIES Representing the Labour Party on campus For more For more info email: stirlingunilab@ gmail.com

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Representing the Conservative Party on campus For more info email: stir.consoc@gmail. com Alex Salmond launched a legal battle against the Scottish government over their handling of sexual harassment claims made against him. Credit: The Scotsman.

Rebcca McCurdy Political Editor

A

lex Salmond had launched an inquiry into the Scottish government’s handling of sexual harassment claims made against him last year.

The hearing which was held at the Court of Session in Edinburgh on January 8, found the government had acted ‘unlawfully’ while investigating the claims made against the former first minister.

At the inquiry, the Scottish government admitted it had breached its own guidelines by appointing an investigating officer who had ‘prior involvement’ in the case.

At the Court of Session hearing, Lord Pentland called the government’s procedures “unlawful” and “tainted with apparent bias”.

The Scottish government’s investigation against Mr Salmond was ruled as invalid after it emerged that the official appointed to examine the claims had had prior

meetings with the complainants.

The Scottish government claim they had no prior knowledge of the officer’s involvement with the complainants until December 2018.

Mr Salmond said the case had resulted in “ab-

glad about the victory which has been achieved today, I am sad that it was necessary to take this action.”

The claims of sexual harassment made against Mr Salmond, who served as first minister from 2007 to 2014, were not

wrongdoing.

Mr Salmond also urged permanent secretary Leslie Evans to resign from her post, accusing her of being responsible for the mistake in the handling of the complaints.

It is expected the legal costs of the trial could

Nicola Sturgeon defended the decision to hold investigation into sexual harassment claims. Credit: BBC

ject humiliation” for the Scottish government.

He said: “The last time I was in that court was to be sworn in as first minister of Scotland. I never thought it possible that at any point I would be taking the Scottish government to court.

“Therefore while I am

investigated in this week’s court proceedings, and instead are handled as an ongoing police inquiry.

The allegations made against Mr Salmond by two members of staff date back to 2013, when he was still first minister.

Mr Salmond has strongly denied the claims of any

cost taxpayers around £500,000, as the Scottish government have agreed to pay Mr Salmond’s legal costs.

However, 4,000 people contributed to a crowdfunding appeal organised

by Mr Salmond in order to pay for his legal fees.

He has since said the sum

of £100,000 raised will go to good causes in Scotland and elsewhere.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has said the situation is “deeply regrettable”, however stands by the decision to hold an investigation in order to give complainants “confidence” in coming forward.

She said: “It is deeply regrettable that we are in the situation we are in today, not least for the complainants who had a right to expect that this process would be in every respect robust.

“I think the permanent secretary was absolutely right when these complaints came forward to subject them to an investigation and not to sweep them under the carpet because of the identity of the person complained about.

“That principle remains – the Scottish government, like any organisation has a duty when it gets things wrong to learn the lessons so that people who have complaints in the future feel confident in bringing them.”

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Comment

10 Brig | Refreshers 2019

The Gatwick Crisis and the In- Plus size Hollywood adequacy of Countermeasures by Martina Rebecca Inchingolo

By Siobhan Balie

Drones were a cause for crisis over the festive period with one of Britain’s busiest airports coming to a stand still as a result of apparent sightings in the British controlled airspace.

Despite this event being considered as a crisis, the threat was blown out of proportion and the countermeasures considered were flawed.

About 1,000 flights affecting 140,000 passengers were cancelled across the three days from the 19th to 21st December.

Additionally, a British couple found themselves as the victims of a witch hunt in which they had their privacy and identities completely exposed whilst also finding themselves being referred to as ‘terrorists’ and ‘clowns’ in the media.

This has all seemed disproportionate to the event.

While it has been stated that there were numerous illegal drone sightings over the three day period, these reports have been disputed and now it is being acknowledged that a huge problem in communications may have skewed these facts.

Sussex chief constable Giles York admitted that police drones during the disruption may have added to the chaos, whilst further statements made by Sussex police have also led to questions on whether the drones existed at all.

The response to the drone sightings can also be seen as excessive due to the fact that such instances are not as rare as one might assume.

A report by the de-

“Love is not a fairy tale, people like us don’t get that. Look in the mirror, we are no Julia Roberts.”

Credit: Pixabay

partment for transport last year counted 70 occasions in 2016 where drones had been flown too close to commercial airliners.

This has also occurred in Ottawa Canada, Dubai, Warsaw airport, and at Jiangbei airport in China. The difference however, is that no airport has ever been closed for so long.

With the rapid proliferation of drone use both military and commercially in recent years it has been inevitable that such incidents would occur.

Britain has only recently introduced drone legislation which has made it illegal to fly a drone above 400 feet or within a kilometre of an airport, experts however, have argued that they have acted too late, and have no effective or efficient countermeasures for such threats.

The various proposed countermeasures of such a threat include : shooting down the drone, sending fighter jets to intercept, jamming the signal or hacking the drone.

The inadequacy of the shooting down measure was made explicitly clear with the Gatwick incident with Secretary of State for Transport, Mr Grayling stating ‘’you can’t just fire weapons haphazardly in what is a built up area around an airport’’.

Also the drone inci-

dent in Ottawa Canada in 2016 called into question the cost-effectiveness of using fighter jets against such technology.

Additionally, the use of radio jamming technologies and hacking which Security Minister Ben Wallace has stated are difficult to deploy into civilian spaces have their own problems due to the urban environments where these commercial drones are used.

More so, it must also be made clear that while this event at Gatwick has shown how drones pose a vulnerability to public space, this vulnerability must not be exaggerated as was the case at Gatwick.

Drones were developed as a military technology and have military solutions and countermeasures.

Therefore arguments such as those that officials have acted too late, and have no effective or efficient countermeasures for such threats seem reasonable.

The solutions are military and this means they will not be applicable to commercial drones and their threat to public space.

Furthermore, vulnerability will only cease once solutions and countermeasures become appropriate to the environment in which commercial drones are operated.

This line is from the new upcoming rom-com Isn’t It Romantic?, the story of a girl who doesn’t believe in love. She finds herself stuck in a romantic comedy when she hits her head in a New York subway.

What makes the meta-film new and refreshing is not only its story, but its choice of leading actress; the Australian Rebel Wilson. Wilson now finds her name amongst the short-list of plus-sized women who make up comedic lead roles.

Romantic comedies tend to tell the same story over and over; stunning girl meets handsome boy and they live happily ever after. One beloved moment in rom-coms is the make-over scene, such as in The Princess Diaries. All it takes for Anne Hathaway’s character to be considered pretty by the popular guy, is to straighten her hair, pluck her eyebrows and get contacts. Every time I saw these sort of scenes, I couldn’t help but think how it only took her one day to be perfected and respected within society’s beauty standards; no crazy diets, no exhausting workout sessions, just a good hairdresser.

Don’t get me wrong, I adore romantic films, when I was younger I was addicted to them. I probably have the biggest collection of rom-coms ever; Sleepless In Seattle, Maid in Manhattan, Notting Hill and the list goes on. But it wasn’t until a cold winter night that I finally turned on my TV and I was able to relate to what I was watching. The year was 2005, and Bridget Jones’s Diary was my life. I know what are you thinking, a little inappropriate, I was around 10 years old when I watched it the first time. But I can explain.

Bridget Jones was clumsy and curvy, she would wear compression garments, attempted to stop smoking and drinking and started to exercise, only to then stuff her face with Ben and Jerry’s ice cream and start from scratch the next day. Who doesn’t relate to that? She was a real woman. She didn’t look like she came straight off the cover of Glamour magazine.

Bridget Jones was a large success at the box office, she was funny and different. It was the first time that I had seen someone that looked so familiar and genuine to me. I would watch it every time I would feel insecure and self-conscious; I still do. That film wouldn’t have worked if Renée Zellweger was just the umpteenth skinny blonde girl, unaware of how pretty she was.

Thankfully, Bridget Jones is not the only powerful curvy woman you can watch in films when you turn on your TV. Another famous name is Queen Latifah.

She plays leading roles in many romantic comedies, Last Holiday, Just Wright, Valentine’s Day and many others.

Something beautiful about her films, is that being overweight sometimes wasn’t even mentioned. Her body and the way she looked like had nothing to do with the story. She wasn’t the usual thin girl and that did not matter, because she was funny, kind and smart. Focus did not lay solely on looks, but her as a person.

In 2007, she was starred in the remake of Hairspray. Her character Maybelle Stubbs was a confident woman in love with her body and the unconventional way she looked. Maybelle was a show host that never counted her calories in order to look good in TV. She already looked beautiful without changing herself and she knew it.

But what is really plus-size according to Hollywood canons?

Actresses from size 14 UK and up are apparently considered overweight. I remember once reading an interview where Jennifer Lawrence said people called her plus-size all the time, especially in the early stage of her career. We should not be telling girls that to be considered perfect, they must be a size 0.

This is why having plus size women as lead role in films is really important, for everyone to feel included.

Usually, plus-size characters are unapologetic, confident women, everything they wear and do is a f**k you to society.

A famous actress who is not afraid to embrace herself and show is Amy Schumer. She reached fame with her film Trainwreck, the story of a promiscuous journalist reluctant to love. This film destroyed the perspective of gender stereotypes and gave us a strong, curvy character who didn’t need to change in order to find a man.

I remember buying the DVD, regardless of the fact that I had never watched the film before and I didn’t know if it was good or not (which from someone like me, means a lot). All I wanted was to see someone that looked like me on my screen. Amy Schumer never kept secret the challenges that comes for an actress that doesn’t look like a Victoria Secret’s model nor how easy is to lose confidence in a world that gives women just one way to be.

This summer Amy Schumer was back on the big screen with I Feel Pretty, the story of Renée, a woman who deals with her insecurity on a daily basis. One day during a Soul Cycle-session she falls and hits her head. When she finally wakes up, she sees herself as the most beautiful woman in the world and her selfdoubts finally disappear.

I could see myself in Renée, every time she would stare, unhappy, at the mirror or when she looked at other girls, wondering what it feels like to be “undeniably pretty”.

After her cycle injury, Renee gets everything she always wanted, proving that what we need is not to lose weight to be happy, but to be more confident and believe in ourselves to get what we want in life.

That’s so true, everyone thinks that our weight is other people’s business, something they can talk about, making you feel awful for that domino’s pizza you ate last night. Instead of shrinking in our shells, we should own our bodies and realize that there isn’t such a thing as one kind of beauty.

We need more plus size women representation in films and maybe one day we’ll be able to turn on our TV and see ourselves in the characters, instead of adapting ourselves to be those characters.

Credit: dailymail.com

Music

1 Brig | Refreshers Culture

Jamie’s top 10 albums of 2018 Nicki Minaj Queen While a tad overlong, with 19 tracks, this album was three years in the making and asserted Minaj’s dominance as one of the greatest female rappers in the world. Best tracks: Ganja Burn, Majesty, Thought I Knew You

9.

Florence and the Machine

8.

C a m i l a C a b e l l o

Camila After leaving Fifth Harmony, Camila has moved away from their R&B style to more Latin-influenced pop. It’s a strong debut that balances fun pop with confessional ballads.

Best tracks: Consequences, Never be the Same, She Loves Control

7.

Mumford High As Hope a n d Sons D e l t a After their first three

bombastic, spirituallytinged LPs, Florence Welch returned in 2018 with a much more stripped back sound that still showcased her amazing vocals and introspective song writing.

Rather than playing it safe, Mumford and Sons returned with a more experimental album that retains the banjos and other aspects of their traditional folk sound while reinventing

it to create something new.

Best tracks: If I Say, Woman, Guiding Light

eight years, Robyn has created an album that is a departure from the synth electro-pop sound of her classic tracks like ‘Dancing on my Own’. It’s emotionally charged dance music that actually has something to say about love and loss.

Best tracks: Missing U, Honey, Baby Forgive Me

6.

Shawn Mendes Shawn Mendes

With this album, Mendes sounds like he’s maturing and creating less stereotypical pop.

His songwriting has matured and there is more of a funk influence underpinning it, making him stand out more as an artist.

Best tracks: Youth, In My Blood, Lost in Japan

5.

Robyn Honey With her first album in

4.

Golden Many people had their doubts when Kylie “went country” by recording an album in Nashville but this is a classic Kylie album full of bubble-gum pop and catchy hooks that has a bit of a country twang on it.Best tracks: Dancing, A Lifetime to Repair, Music’s Too Sad Without You

3.

A r i a n a Grande

Credit: tickx.co.uk

Hands down the best pop album of 2018 and Grande’s most experimental to date. The production varies with ease from trap beats to sweeping ballads without ever feeling forced.

Best tracks: No Tears Left to Cry, Better Off, The Light is Coming

Iona Young Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino- Arctic Monkeys.

Arctic Monkeys are one of my favorite bands ever.

This was their sixth studio album released in May this year. It was long awaited by fans after a long break since AM was released in 2014.

This album received some backlash from younger fans who claimed the Arctic Monkeys just didn’t have it anymore, but in truth

Iona’s ingenious three

for what is to come.

MuseSimulation Theory

I reviewed Simulation Theory earlier in the year when it had just come out.

Alongside Arctic Monkeys Muse are one of my all-time favourites so I was excited when both released new albums in the same year.

The Album cover was made by Stranger Things artist Kyle Lambert and has futuristic 80’s vibes with a bright pink neon background featuring members of the band reflecting the tracks on the album.

I genuinely believe this is a fantastic album with a lot of dystopian avantgarde sounds backed with resonant piano and vocals that have the authentic sound of Muse nothing else comes close to. The album

2.

Kylie

Sweetener

their music has developed magically since the boys released Whatever People Say I’m Not over a decade ago.

Each album brings a new sound from the last, and Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino is no exception.

The experimental synths, harmonious piano and basslines make this Album stand out from the rest keeping fans on their toes

Jamie Credit: allmusic.com

10.

Best tracks: Hunger, Grace, Patricia

Credit: bilborecords.be

Jamie Harris Music Editor

has 20 tracks with a variety of sounds from the ambient chill songs to the more atmospheric new stuff. It is great for tuning out of everything going on around you and amazing to see such a talented band still be producing incredible music nearly three decades later.

Marauder-Interpol.

Another fantastic band that has developed through the past decade, also released their sixth studio album this year.

The album is full of nostalgic soft indie rock, tracks for sorting out stuff on a Sunday afternoon.

Editors’ Top songs of 2018

The 1975 A

Brief Inquiry Into O n l i n e Relationships The 1975 upped their game again with this third album that bounces from jazz to rock to pop and has a lot to say about the state of the world. The comparisons to OK Computer are definitely earned.Best tracks: Love it if we Made it, Be My Mistake, Sincerity is Scary

1.

Twenty One Pilots Trench Formed around the conceptual world of Trench, this is Tyler and Josh’s most cohesive album yet while still blending various genres to create their genre-defying sound. Best tracks: Jumpsuit, My Blood, Neon Gravestones

Mixed with more captivating tracks like ‘The Rover’ with the droney bass lines alongside the riff creating a compelling charm. Despite sounding nostalgic the album is distinct from any albums before.

Credit: Pnterest

1.No Tears Left To Cry Ariana Grande 2.Love It If We Made It - 1975 3.Jumpsuits - Twenty One Pilots 4.Thank U Next - Ariana Grande 5.This Is America Childish Gambino 6.Love Lies Khalid and Normani 7.1999 - Charli XCX 8.My Blood Twenty One Pilots 9.Youth Shawn Mendes ft Khalid 10.Focus Charli XCX

Anne 1.Move Me – Mura Masa ft.

Octavian 2.Love Me Right – Amber Mark 3.High Five – Sigrid 4.When we – Tank 5.Honey – Robyn 6.Want To Dua Lipa 7.Switch – 6lack 8.Long as I live – Toni Braxton 9.Heavy California – Jungle 10. TOOTIME TOOTIMETOO TIME - THE 1975

Disagree?

Tweet ut as @ brignewspaper

Music

Upcoming Gigs in 2019 The Streets @ O2 Academy, Glasgow – 21st January Enter Shikari @ Barrowland, Glasgow – 23rd January Kaiser Chiefs @ Barrowland, Glasgow – 24th January The Wombats @ O2 Academy, Glasgow – 24th & 25th January Massive Attack @ The SSE Hydro, Glasgow – 28th January The Vaccines @ Motherwell Concert Hall – 30th January Snow Patrol @ The SSE Hydro, Glasgow – 31st January Hayley Kiyoko @ SWG3, Glasgow – 1st February Bastille @ O2 Academy, Glasgow – 6th & 7th February Don Broco @ Usher Hall, Edinburgh – 7th February Professor Green @ King Tut’s, Glasgow – 14th February Example @ SWG3, Glasgow – 15th February Chvrches @ The SSE Hydro, Glasgow – 16th February

2 Brig | Refreshers Culture

Get your music fix here Anne stoop music editor Do you find yourself listening to the same songs over and over again? Are you the one friend that can never sing along during carpool karaoke, simply because you don’t know the latest tunes? No fear, 2019 is here! With these tips you are sure to enjoy all the music this year has in store.

Youtube

Our number one stop is YouTube, while you might have used it for make-up reviews to bike repair tutorials, YouTube is a goldmine

for anything music. Number one rule? Turn on your Autoplay, this will allow YouTube to send you into the vortex that is ‘recommended’.

Don’t be fooled, the little gnome inside YouTube that decides what video plays next has a great taste in music, making sure that you will find a new artist within your preferred genre in no time.

Do you prefer to pick and decide yourself? YouTube channel ‘Colors’ gives a platform to some of the best upcoming artists against a colourful backdrop. Looking for entire live performances?

The channel ‘Tiny Desk Concerts’ invites some of the biggest and best artists

over, to perform their songs live inside a cluttered office; T-pain’s performance is one everyone should listen to once.

More interested in the meaning behind songs?

The ‘Genius’ channel invites artists over to explain song lyrics, sometimes transforming songs befor

he cannot be labelled or shoved into one category.

From chart toppers like Rockstar and Psycho to deep dives like Over now.

The LP is one that won’t bore soon, finding yourself changing favourites tracks every time you listen to it.

Giving you a gift that keeps on giving.

every song out loud. With songs like Tyrant featuring Jorja Smith and the sultry Spanish reggaeton inspired Nuestro Planeta making it impossible not to grind along in your bedroom. Uchis distinctive voice, song writing skills and fresh mixture of sound gives Isolation a well-deserved spot among 2018’s best albums.

your eyes.

Spotify

While it may seem obvious to include a music streaming service, you might not be fully aware of everything Spotify has to offer. Besides services like your ‘Daily Mixes’, based on different genres, Spotify also automatically

creates personal playlists with the sole aim to find you new music.

Take a look at your ‘Spotify Release Radar’ playlist, here you’ll find any new music released by some of your current favourite artists. The ‘Discover Weekly’ playlist does exactly what is promises, by giving you a whole list with tracks from new artist you would love based on your current streams.

If you want a little more control, follow an official Spotify curated playlist based on a specific genre.

For any R&B lovers, the ‘Are & Be’ and ‘Love, Sex & Water’ playlists are must follow.

Journalism Finally, good oldfashioned music journalism. From the Guardian’s excellent music section, to rollingstone. com and pitchfork.com; the world wide web is filled with people who are happy to share their excellent music taste. Check out reviews on new releases or scroll through the recently released list of 2018 Top albums on the Guardian’s webpage. Rest assured you will find some quality tunes from artist you would have never heard off, but would not have wanted to miss. Amd ofcourse. there is always Brig.

Stoop’s Music Loop from 2018 Anne stoop music editor

The Internet-

Hive Mind After the grand success of Ego Death, released in 2015, many wondered what The Internet could come up with to top their previous success; little did they know Hive Mind was on its way.

The album can be summed up in one word; “groovy”.

The tracks are dripping in sensual slow R&B beats, guided by funky bass lines.

This all topped of with lead singer Syd’s distinctive sexy vocals, there’s no reason not to put this album on repeat asap.

Post Malone-

Beerbongs and Bentleys With every song of the 18 track LP hitting the Hot 100 in the first week since it’s release, it can’t be denied that Post Malone knows how to create universally loved music. With Beerbongs and Bentleys, Malone showcase that

K a c e y Musgraves Golden hour With Golden Hour Musgraves manages to create the perfect mixture of pop, country and folk. With instant classics like Slown Burn and Space Cowboy her seventh album will go in the books as a true masterpiece. Every song is crafted with care and exudes excellence. if you’re in the market for light hearted genius, don’t look further.

Kali

Uchis-

Isolation One of the coolest girls on the block served fans a 15-song masterpiece this year. Uchis manages to make you want to dance in your underwear blasting

Doja CatAmala While the LA based singer/songwriter Doja Cat is mostly known for her viral hit Moo, it is time she’s is recognised for the brilliant musician she is.

With Amala Doja she manages to present a strong, well balanced debut album showcasing her talent of making almost any music genre her own. From absolute bangers like Go to Town, to the ever so sexy Wine Pon You. Knowing that with 23 years old she has managed to create such a well-rounded, grown up record, we can only wait and see what more she’ll get up to. Even if it’s a song about goats.

Lykke Li-

So Sad So Sexy 2018 was the year of unexpected comebacks with albums from Mariah Carey and Lily Allen; Lykke Li’s So Sad So Sexy was one among them. While it immediately becomes clear that time has changed Li, this change has been for the better. The singer traded in her more indie, whimsical sound for a sultrier slow R&B-ish one, showing us a completely new side of her wide musical talent.

K a m a s i Washington Heaven and Earth If you have not heard of Kamasi Washington, 2019 is the year for change. One of modern days best sax players released an album mostly described by one word; genius. The album is divided into two parts, heaven and earth. With earth focussing on the everyday reality and heaven looking inward into Washington himself. If you find yourself uninterested due to more unlikely genre of music, I can only urge you

to listen to Street Fighter Mas, it will blow anyone’s socks off.

BrockhamptonIridescence The American rap group Brockhampton’s fourth studio album Iridescence gives you everything you’ve come to expect.

High energy and witty verses are present throughout the 15 track album. However, Amaar Vann, one of the original members of the 14 membered rap group is noticeably absent. Due to allegations of sexual misconduct Vann was forced to leave Brockhampton, resulting in the group losing one of their strongest MC’s. Despite this unexpected turn of events Brockhampton still managed to produce an album showing off their unique musical ways.

Film & TV

3 Brig | Refreshers Culture

brig’s top five films of 2018

2

We asked you to vote for your favourite movies of last year – brig’s iona young has the results...

018 has been a monumental year for cinema, with Black Panther being the highest grossing movie with $700.06 million.

Greta Gerwig’s directorial debut Ladybird was a raw, candid representation of adolescent angst lead Saoirse Ronan set to win Best Actress at the Oscars. Closing the year was Rami Malek’s incredible performance as Freddie Mercury. Here is Brig’s top five films of 2018 as voted by readers!

5 - Isle of Dogs Number five is the stopmotion-animated, comedydrama – Isle of Dogs, full of Japanese pop culture but still with traditional elements weaved in. The film is set in dystopian Japan and follows a pack of marooned dogs. The film has political parallels throughout, it’s another cracker from Wes Anderson, featuring the voice of Bryan Cranston.

4 - hereditary Coming in at four is psychological horror - Hereditary. Premiering at the Sundance Film Festival in January, the film was an instant hit. It was critically acclaimed and is by A24, the film company behind Ladybird’s top grossing film ever. Hereditary is a gripping horror. Saying too much will ruin it so if you haven’t already seen itwatch it!

3 - Avengers: Infinity War Number three is the third film in the Avengers saga – Avengers: Infinity war.

Received well, the film is full of action and mayhem juxtaposed with a brilliant narrative leaving fans pleasantly surprised. Infinity War’s cliffhanger sets the Marvel Cinematic Universe up for the Captain Marvel film and Infinity War: Endgame, both to be released in 2019.

2 - Ladybird At number two is Ladybird, described as Greta Gerwigs’s directorial debut. The film is a beautiful and true portrayal of a young girl dodging her way through adolescence. The comingof-age film focusses on protaganist Ladybird’s turbulent relationship with her mother and uncompromising desire to move to New York City for college.

1 - Bohemian Rhapsody Of course, number one is Bohemian Rhapsody. I finally got around to seeing it during the first week of January, over two months after it was released, and the cinema was packed full. Rami Malek’s scarily accurate portrayal of Freddie Mercury alongside the brilliant acting from Hardy, Mazzello and Lee makes the film all-consuming to

watch. So, it is no surprise it took Best Actor for Rami Malek and Best Drama Motion Picture at the Golden Globes. In Brig’s review of the film, Rowen Rennie described the film as a “stormy inside story of the world’s greatest rock band” and concluded that criticisms of historical inaccuracies are “ultimately unnoticeable unless you go looking for them.”

Rami Malek and Gwilym Lee in Bohemian Rhapspdy. Credit: Alex Bailey

Wes Anderson’s Isle of Dogs

tv review: you ★★★☆☆

B

cameron gray

oy meets girl.

Boy stalks girl.

The simple set-up to the simply-titled You, Netflix’s stalker drama which makes for unremarkable yet wickedly addictive viewing.

Likeable jawline Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) falls for the whimsical, struggling writer Guinevere Beck (Elizabeth Lail) after a very brief bookstore exchange, but as the credits roll the title-card fills with blood, sinister signposting for the freshly-mint-

ed couple.

Sandwiched between the meme-spawning Bird Box and the game-changing Black Mirror: Bandersnatch, Boxing Day release You is an odd, fun concoction that blends modern concerns with age-old teen TV tropes: where attractive twentysomethings balance relationships with threats from hidden antagonists.

It’s no mistake that You has a cast of Gossip Girl (Badgley) and Pretty Little Liars graduates (Shay Mitchell, as the ferocious Peach, Beck’s’ friend and tormentor). Only this time

the protagonist is also the menace as Joe’s psychobehaviour escalates from cyber-stalking to bludgeoning anyone standing in the way of his happily ever after with Beck. ‘”Every account set to public… you want to be seen, heard, known… I obliged,” Joe says in a creepy and intrusive narration, minutes into the captivating pilot.

An inventive twist that launches a series that sadly struts along familiar ground: Bandersnatch this is not.

Yet, with the creative team of uber-producer Greg Berlanti and Supernatural-vet

Sera Gamble, You is expertly executed, even if it occasionally panders to its millennial demographic, with prosecco brunches and social media crises interrupting the predator-prey thriller.

The fun of this series lies in the secret encounters, Joe – disguised in Hollywood’s camouflage: a baseball cap – observes Beck with terrible men, nights out with vapid friends, and on trips, like a Dickens Festival (cap swapped for a Peaky Blinders-style newsboy).

Shy of winking at the camera, Badgley deftly milks these scenes for all their

Penn Badgley and Elizabeth Lail in You. Credit: Netflix

absurdity with witty monologues and tension-relieving moments that border on physical comedy: what happens outside Beck’s window is best left unsaid.

Badgley gives a knifeedge performance, capable of switching from psychotic rage to effortless coolness; a task required every episode as each instalment hinges on the tension of Joe being exposed. Momentum is carefully built across the ten-part first season, avoiding the runtime bloat that plagues even the best of Netflix’s output.

Although, attempts to flesh-out Joe’s backstory fall flat, as does his relationship with his young neighbour, Paco (Luca Padovan) which grows to be a more unsettling pairing than Beck and Joe. Paco’s abusive stepfather occasionally stumbles into frame, in a misguided attempt to humanise Joe. Beck is an altogether more fascinating, complicated character. A proxy for the social media generation, Beck will be easily identifiable to all those hiding behind an Instagram account.

Lail delivers a breakthrough

performance in a demanding part, that calls for her to be equal parts messy, naïve and effortlessly charming.

Like a Mail Online article, You bullet points its most interesting ideas without substantial follow-up, instead it gets distracted by salacious details (just look at the silly on-screen texts) or scandalous actions, such as Beck’s traumatic childhood. But, also like a good tabloid story, You never fails to be slightly surreal and constantly entertaining.

You is on Netflix now

Film & TV

4 Brig | Refreshers Culture

The football documentary that lifted a city Peter STewart Film & TV EDITOR

T

he thriving but separate worlds of sport and ondemand streaming have bern reconciled – as they always would, sooner or later, no matter how worried Sky Sports executives are by the prospect.

The most vivid illustration of this arrived last month in the unlikeliest of forms, with the most improbable of subjects: Sunderland Asso-

ciation Football Club in Netflix’s Sunderland ‘Til I Die, which gave the Black Cats the Manchester City: All Or Nothing treatment.

Or did it?

The thing is Sunderland ‘Til I Die was nothing like the much-vaunted Amazon Prime documentary on the English Premier League champions, released in August. I showed a friend the trailer for Sunderland ‘Til I Die. “But didn’t they go down last season?”, he said.

At the end of the 2017-18

season, Sunderland were indeed relegated from the Championship, England’s second tier, to the third, League One. When filming began for the documentary, the cameras were meant to follow the team’s pursuit of an instant return to the Premier League.

Astonishingly, the opposite happened, and it made for compelling viewing. The eight-part series was wellreceived across the board, from critics to Sunderland supporters – even if their

enjoyment was bittersweet, the show binged through splayed fingers over the penultimate weekend before Christmas.

On Boxing Day, Sunderland broke the League One attendance record, with 46,039 fans at their home game against Bradford. The newly released Sunderland ‘Til I Die and its surrounding buzz couldn’t have hurt.

Sunderland AFC saw its stock rise this Christmas, even if Netflix had just recounted its almighty fall.

Sunderland fans in the Stadium of Light. Credit: Craig Sugden/Netflix

Sunderland ‘Til I Die, produced by Sunderland fans Leo Pearlman and Ben Turner, saw its success instantly reciprocated by a city that had fallen out of love with its team. The Stadium of Light had been conspicuously half-empty in Sunderland ‘Til I Die, attendances averaging below 30,000 that season.

It helps that Sunderland’s League One campaign is going well. They are third, in position for the play-offs that offer a chance of a return to the Championship. “Dear Lord, help Sunderland,” prays Father Marc LydenSmith in episode one, “because the success of our team leads to the success and prosperity of our city.”

That poignant sequence in St. Mary’s church, along with the title itself, exemplifies something that sets Sunderland ‘Til I Die apart from the polished but oddly cold All Or Nothing: a central relationship with fractured faith. It’s something any haggard football supporter can relate to.

Unprecedented success such as Manchester City’s is the exception rather than the rule. The blue side of

Manchester was a winning machine during the Amazon series. Great for all associated with that club – not so engaging for those of us watching at home.

This documentary preserves the inseparable nature of Sunderland’s football club and its city. In All Or Nothing, Manchester City’s sleek training complex could be in any city, in any part of the world. Even Sunderland ‘Til I Die’s simple title sequence, set to ‘Shipyards’ by local band The Lake Poets, is an ode to the area’s industrial past.

Without a narrator, working class locals such as cab driver Peter Farrier contextualize the calamitous failings on the football pitch.

All Or Nothing was narrated by a Manchester local, but it was actor Sir Ben Kingsley.

There is no starker illustration of the sharp difference between the two documentaries – one strikingly relatable, one distantly inaccessible.

Then there is the issue of protagonists. The closest thing to this in All Or Nothing is the sleek Spaniard Pep Guardiola, the most coveted coach in the sport leading

FIlm review: mary queen of scots

one of its most complete teams. In Sunderland ‘Til I Die, the mercurial, espresso-sipping chief executive Martin Bain is arguably this figure.

Bain’s face grows gaunter as the series progresses, each failed transfer dealing or league defeat adding another wrinkle to the Glaswegian’s features. He seems helpless – and he is, little but a fall guy for the shortcomings and absence of owner Ellis Short and his money. It’s surprising how much sympathy one feels for someone with a six-figure salary.

This sense of crisis, of real people struggling to live up to the hopes and dreams of a city, and that city crying out for its true love to come good again, is why Sunderland ‘Til I Die is a tremendous success.

It’s why sport and TV have a relationship beyond ‘Super Sundays’ and live broadcasting rights.

And it’s given Sunderland AFC new life – just ask any of the 46,039 who were there on December 26.

Sunderland ‘Til I Die is available on Netflix now

Margot Robbie as Queen Elizabeth I

saoirse Ronan and margot robbie star in the new historical drama about mary stuart – is it royalty, or off with its head? Iana murray finds out

I

f you’re aware of Mary Stuart’s story, you probably know that she meets a rather unfortunate fate.

Sentenced to death, the first thwack of the axe missed her neck entirely, and it wasn’t until the third that her head was finally severed.

Mary’s violent death seems ripe for cinematic exploitation in the vein of Game of Thrones, but in fact, her death isn’t featured Mary Queen of Scots at all.

This staunchly feminist retelling of Scottish history is far more merciful and celebratory of its titular monarch, with some creative license to boot.

The relationship between Mary and Queen Elizabeth I has been explored in many incarnations, though this is the first one with the Scottish queen at the forefront.

Where other directors depict the two women as foes in a bitter rivalry, Mary Queen of Scots sees them as kindred spirits, whose sibling-like bond is torn apart by the men who don’t believe in them.

Saoirse Ronan takes up the mantle of Mary - widowed at 18, she comes back to Scotland from France to claim her throne from Elizabeth I. Though her accent is dodgy to say the least, she’s full of the fiery energy and

individuality that is expected from one of the best actresses working today.

It’s a shame then that she’s betrayed by a screenplay (courtesy of House of Cards creator Beau Willimon) that is far more concerned with the ideology-based politics of 16th century Britain, than the women who run the country.

‘it’s contradictory of its own feminist ideals’ Its treatment of sexuality and race is refreshing for how unceremonious it is.

Director Josie Rourke,

hailing from a celebrated career in stage directing, brings a theatrical sensibility to the film that is as welcome as it is inventive.

Intricate staging is paired with colour-blind casting though a point of contention in some circles, it does mark a nice change to see faces like Gemma Chan as members of Elizabeth’s council.

Despite all this, Mary Queen of Scots feels like the run-of-the-mill period drama whose desperation for an Academy Award is unashamedly blatant.

Period dramas don’t have to be staid actor showcases stifled by their corsets - you only need to look at Yorgos Lanthimos’s The Favourite

to prove just that.

For all its back-patting progressiveness, Mary Queen of Scots is contradictory of its own feminist ideals.

What should be a celebration of women who fight in the face of adversity gets bogged down by old-fashioned subplots that involve finding a husband and having babies.

As the title would sug-

gest, Mary should be the sole driver of the story, but instead much of her arc revolves around the courtship between her and Lord Darnley (Jack Lowden).

It’s a choice that seems staggeringly retrograde.

In fact, setting up Mary and Elizabeth as direct foils forces the film to fall into the same traps as its contemporaries.

While Mary triumphs in marriage and child-rearing, Elizabeth is almost villainised as a barren spinster.

Perhaps one day someone will do Mary Queen of Scots justice, but you won’t find it here.

★★★☆☆ Mary Queen of Scots is in cinemas on January 18

Arts

5 Brig | Refreshers Culture

Arts hub announces major developments for 2019 Sarah Robbins Arts Editor

L

A member of the public getting involved at a Made in Stirling Event. Credit: @_thecube_

ast November, a pioneering new arts hub was opened on King Street in Stirling. Following their big success in their first two months on the high street, they’ve revealed plans to expand their vision for the hub in 2019.

The hub has been set

up by local charity, Creative Stirling, founded by Joe Hall, in collaboration with Stirling Council, Go Forth and other contributors. It aims to share and celebrate local creativity in its many forms, while tying together Stirling’s culture, business and art.

At the time being, the

FOR YOUR PERFECT VALENTINES NIGHT IN SINGLE NIGHT IN

Not feeling the valentines love? Why not order a takeaway, settle down for the night with some fellow single pals and put on Daniel Sloss’ UK toured stand up Jigsaw? His pessimistic outlook on love and relationships has been said to have broken up 4000 couples and caused 7 divorces.

If you’re single and cynical this will get you laughing.

Available on Netflix (Tour sold out) Daniel Sloss. Credit: NewsBytes

COUPLES NIGHT IN

Maybe this year the two of you just want a quite night in. If you’re book lovers, why not exchange books and settle down for a cosy night of reading. Going nicely with the release of thr new Mary Queen of Scots film, John Guy has released a tie in. If over the top romance or historical drama isn’t your thing, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Magnetism should do the trick. It’s part of the penguin Great Loves series

hub’s main feature is the Made in Stirling shop, ran by Paul Jenkins and Samantha Green, which sells locally crafted art, jewellery and furniture. Made in Stirling was originally started in 2012 as an ‘outlet for creatives, designers and local crafts people to showcase and retail their products on the

FOR YOUR PERFECT VALENTINES NIGHT OUT SINGLE NIGHT OUT

Rambert: Life is a dream. Credit: Johann Persson

Valentines is all about love, but don’t forget to treat yourself. If an enriching evening in the city is what you fancy, take yourself to see Rambert: Life is a Dream, an Olivier award winning dance performance that will blow you away. Paired with an orchestral score, the performance will transport you to a dreamscape world of fantasy. 14th – 16th Feb @ Theatre Royal, Glasgow. £13 - £33

COUPLES NIGHT OUT

Ever fancied recreating that iconic scene from Ghost, where Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore have a go on the pottery wheel? Now’s your chance! Why not take yourself and your significant other along to a ‘Valentines Clay’ evening, hosted by Hannah MacKintosh?

Tickets £10 @ Made in Stirling

high street’, but now they are working with Creative Stirling to help bring the ‘melting-pot’ arts hub to life.

The hub has already provided a space for over 100 local artists to sell from, and they have been showcasing work in the large gallery space at the back of the shop, where visitors can browse at their leisure. After the success of the Made in Stirling shop and gallery, they have announced plans to expand into the upper and lower floors.

On the second floor, they have plans to open an educational kitchen, café area, and studio pod spaces that artists can rent and work from, and the public can watch the artists at work. The educational kitchen will be used to host baking and cookery classes, and will provide an opportunity to potentially utilise newly learnt skills in the café. Stirling Radio will also be using a studio space in the hub to broadcast from.

They’re even exploring the potential to create a roof top garden to grow vegetables

and herbs to use in the kitchen. Under the shop, they have been able to accommodate a new Men’s Shed, ran by Tipp Maher.

The Men’s Shed is a friendly workshop space where mature men can share and learn practical skills in making and mending. The Men’s Shed is a UK wide initiative that helps combat loneliness amongst older men, but is open to anyone who would like to learn and meet new people. The Hub is all about sharing, learning, and giving back, so it’s hoped that some of the ‘shedders’ will be able to help construct parts of the upper floors with their newly gained skills.

Coming up in the new year, they also have their first ever resident artist moving in. David Galletly is an illustrator and graphic designer originally from Stirling who will be working from the hub and showcasing his whimsical caricatured portraits and cityscapes as of the 24th of January.

The new hub is all about

utilising the space they’ve got and creating a place where people can come to spend time. They’re hoping that creating a welcoming environment will bring them more success than smaller locations Made in Stirling have settled in before. Since leaving their unit in The Thistles centre, they’ve seen a 30% increase in profits in the new hub.

The new hub at 44 King Street is all about supporting local emerging artists, harnessing creativity and bringing the community together all under one roof.

The grand opening of the full arts hub will be the 20th February, and will be open to the all members of the public. Come along for a browse and get involved in one of their many workshops.

The Hub is always looking for new artists and contributors. To get involved, pop in to the shop or visit @ madeinstirlingstore on instagram to find out more.

Coming up in 2019 at The Macrobert National Theatre Live: The Tragedy of King Richard The Second 15/1 The King and I: From The London Palladium 16/1 National Theatre Live: Allelujah 17/1 Royal Opera House Live: The Queen of Spades 22/1 The Royal Opera: La Travita 30/1 - 03/02 Ballet West: The Nutcracker 2/2 Royal

Irina Nakon

pumps. Seeing a potential life raft for his company, Price quickly turns his factory business to the niche market of manufacturing performance and erotic footwear in men’s sizes, saves the family company and, with Lola’s minute guidance, gets his new fabulous stilettos to the catwalks of Milan.

The real-life Charlie Price is known as Steve Pateman, an Earls Barton shoe factory owner whose business was saved by Sue Sheppard, proprietor of a Folkestone glamour wear shop looking for a supplier of dazzling ladies’

Kinky Boots Credit: LoveTheatre

shoes for men. The story of Pateman’s company turnaround was captured by the BBC documentary ‘Trouble At The Top’, which then caught the attention of film-makers and became the film Kinky Boots, before being incarnated as the now-legendary Broadway musical.

‘Kinky Boots’ is both an elaborate visual spectacle and a poignant tale of hope, friendship and open-mindedness, embracing the impact that the warmth of human relationships can achieve,

Don

Peter Pan 16 & 17/3

Kinky Boots: Reboot struts its stuff

The jaunty, dazzling and heart-warming British story has finally come home this winter, as ‘Kinky Boots the Musical’ strutted through the country in its first ever UK tour.

The thrilling and up-lifting musical is the winner of every major Best Musical award, including three Olivier Awards, a Grammy, and a host of Broadway Tony’s – including the Best Original Score award won by the legendary pop icon Cyndi Lauder. Lauder’s electrifying songs are paired with the choreography of ‘Hairspray’s’ Jerry Mitchell, in combination with the book by legendary Broadway writer Harvey Fierstein, creating an onstage spectacular.

Based on a true story, the musical tells the soul-stirring tale of Charlie Price, a thirdgeneration men’s shoes factory owner in Northampton, whose business was overcast with foreclosure until help arrived via an unassuming phone call from the spectacular Lola – a performer searching for some fabulous

Opera: Quixote 19/2

and conquering its audience with the personality and glitz of a truly dazzling performance. I was lucky enough to catch the Edinburgh premiere and watched it hungrily and breathlessly, as the sharp choreography, the palpable energy and the flood of colour transported the audience and got even the Scroogiest of spectators wiggling in their seats.

Should you ever get the chance, do your utmost to catch this accomplished and energising performance, it is a must-see.

Gaming

7 Brig | Refreshers Culture

Digital diversity: First LGBTQ+ gaming exhibition opens in Berlin

Gaming sector now worth more than video and music combined The Entertainment Retailers Association released a report which shows that the gaming industry’s value has more than doubled since 2007, and now sits at £3.86bn, which makes it more lucrative than the video and music sectors combined.

The ERA identifies three games which are largely

Steam announces 12 highest-grossing games of 2018, and they’re all on sale PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds – relive the hype that catalysed the worldwide trend of battle royale games and became, for better or worse, the precursor to Fortnite.

Credit: Polygon

Action-

With Steam being Steam, it decided to offer players a late Christmas gift this year and released the list of its highest-grossing titles, while simultaneously offering discounts of up to 80% for all the games listed.

Moreover, two of titles – Warframe and Dota 2 – are now completely free, so what are you waiting for?

Adventure

FPS

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege – a swelling success for the franchise, it revolutionised customisable soldiers by adding an everincreasing array of ‘operators’ with special abilities for the player to choose from.

Counter-strike: Global Offensive – if you’re one

of the few people left who doesn’t own CS:GO, now’s your chance. Starting off as a Half-Life mod, the title sparked a legendary worldwide community.

Far Cry 5 – one of the best-selling releases of 2018: plunder through Montana as your character faces off against a Christian cult.

GTA V – still one of the most solid releases of the franchise, with continuous upgrades and new mods which keep it fresh.

Monster Hunter World – gorgeous graphics and score, amazing scenery and meticulously-rendered beasts to tame. What else does one need?

Rocket League – a small studio success story which continues to reverberate

around Steam, Rocket League is both accessible and challenging, interactive and rewarding, and fit for most occasions and any player level.

O

p e n World

Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey – the newest game to make it to the list, it rides on the success of the open-world introduced in Origins, while transporting the player to the gorgeous world of Ancient Greece.

The Elder Scrolls Online – building on the monumental success of single-player titles like Skyrim and Elder Scrolls, this MMO is on its way to becoming the most popular open-world RPG at

rapid swell of mobile gaming and the swift takeover of physical units by digital distribution, which would place the figures significantly higher. Fortnite alone, a tired example but useful nonetheless, currently has over two million players around the globe.

The flexibility of online, cloud, and mobile gaming,

Credit: JSTOR Daily

wasn’t a historical understanding of LGBTQ content in this medium. This often means that new games with queer content are perceived as a radical break from the norm, rather than additions to an existing cultural history. It makes it really easy to forget that this kind of content has always been in games.”

The exhibition likewise showcases the queer storylines found in numerous triple-A gaming titles, such as GTA, Final Fantasy and Metal Gear Solid games,

memorates the Gamergate controversy, and the famous World of Warcraft exoneration of 2006 – wherein WoW refused the founding of the first LGBT guild, citing fears of harassment, but later reconsidered their decision and have held an annual WoW pride parade every year since.

Above all else, the exhibition spotlights colourful integration and creativity and, in the words of its curators, presents a ‘love letter to games’, raising awareness, spreading openmindedness and injecting a fresh dose of colour into the community.

ian of Light – available for download until January 20, and World Rally Championship 6, which will be available from January 16 till February 15. Finally, revisit those intriguing and eccentric African missions in Far Cry 2, which will be available until January 31, and relive your days as an African mercenary dealing with malaria as well as assassins.

responsible for the value surge in 2018 – Red Dead Redemption 2, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4 and Fifa 19, with each of the games selling over one million physical units in the UK in 2018.

However, the report does not take into account the the moment, consistently introducing new content since its 2014 launch.

Warframe – both due to its ambitious design as well as its free status, this title is experiencing a massive surge in popularity, blending sophisticated missionbased objectives with openworld exploration.

Strategy

DOTA 2 – originally a mod for Warcraft III, DOTA

combined with the ongoing rise of uncapped in-game monetisation creates a bona fide gold mine for the industry, and a non-stop profit flow which has now solidified gaming as an indispensable cornerstone block of the worldwide entertainment industry. became a worldwide phenomenon which led to the creation of its own sub-genre – the Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA).

Sid Meier’s Civilization VI – with two expansions already out and another anticipated for this February, the game keeps on giving, with millions of players spending hundreds of hours building their nations and conquering lands.

Credit: Redbull

Berlin’s Schwules Museum has opened a new, first of its kind exhibition called Rainbow Arcade, which explores and traces the rich history of queer content in gaming. The exhibit focuses particularly on the last 33 years of gaming titles and showcases prominent and obscure characters alike, from Nintendo’s 1988 Birdo – a boy who thinks he is a girl – to the more recent Radiator trilogy by Robert Yang which features autoeroticism of a gay car, and everything in between.

The exhibit leads visitors around a rainbow, with each colour comprising a different section, and its themes highlighted through memorabilia, fan art, and unique interviews with designers and developers. It also features numerous gaming stations, offering visitors an opportunity to play such rare vintage gems as Caper

in the Castro – which is considered to be the first explicitly queer game.

Based in the famous San Francisco thoroughfare, the game follows a lesbian detective – Tracker McDyke – investigating the disappearance of a transgender woman in the Castro neighbourhood. The game was only recently rediscovered and updated into a playable format, and immediately began to gather traction worldwide. Elsewhere in the exhibition hall, visitors can also take turns at arcadestyle machines to play such quirky and unique titles as Queers in Love at the End of the World – a textbased game set among an apocalypse, and Dominic Pamplemousse – a 2013 stop-motion, detective, gender-explorative musical.

One of the exhibit’s curators, Adrienne Shaw, explained her motivation behind the exhibition and the cataloguing of queer content in gaming.

“Until this archive, there just

If you’re one of the many prudent anticipators, waiting for your Xbox Gold membership to come through and give you that gem title for free, this may be your month. Celeste, the hit new platformer from the creators of Towerfall will be free throughout January (and has been voted as one of the 50 best games of 2018

by The Telegraph). It is joined by Lara Croft: Guard-

Credit: Kickstarter

Irina Nakon Gaming Editor

along with the rich support the content produced from players, as depicted via screenshots of forums. Following that, as the visitors enter the blue area, however, the exhibit highlights some of the discrimination and trolling that creators of queer games had to face throughout the decades, as well as today.

Nonetheless, the exhibition concludes in a definitively positive light. It showcases the overall trend for the diversification of gaming, wider delineations from the norm, and the widening margin of approval for formerly-stigmatised content and ideas. It com-

Free with Xbox Gold: January 2019

Food

8 Brig | Refreshers Culture

Greggs’ Vegan Sausage Roll: Is it Worth the Hype?

Heather Dalgleish Food Editor

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his time round, Britain chose a new and singularly British way of ringing in the new year; a sausage roll like no other, the first vegan sausage roll to grace the high streets.

Whilst this has provoked criticism from people whose primary political concern is the content of other people’s pastry products, it has brought a happy smile to many vegetarians and vegans. Naturally, I visited my local Greggs to see if it lived

up to the ruckus it was causing online.

Firstly, the Vegan Sausage Roll is pricier than the meat alternative, costing one pound as opposed to ninety pence. Then again, 10p isn’t such a huge gap to bridge, especially if it keeps your conscience clear of the animal cost of Greggs selling around 360,000 sausage rolls per day prior to the new Vegan version’s introduction. A symptom of its’ relative youth in the Greggs line-up, then, is that it isn’t stocked in all shops nationwide.

This means that many locations are missing out on the vegan sausage roll – and those that do have it are struggling to keep up

outlet of its type to provide major publicity for new vegan/ vegetarian products, whereas other companies’ offerings have flown under the pastry

Photo credit: Heather Dalgleish

with demand. I had to visit multiple locations before finding an outlet with a few vegan rolls left on the counter due to their surprising popularity. Who knows, this could finally spell the end for the Vegetable

Chunky Vegetable Soup Recipe Heather Dalgleish

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• • • • • • •

Ingredients:

2 c a r r o t s chopped.

2 tablespoons of vegan bouillon.

4 cups of water.

1 onion diced.

2 cloves of garlic finely chopped.

One chilli deseeded and finely chopped.

1 courgette diced.

Photo: twopeasandtheirpod.com

• • • •

1 leek chopped.

400g can of chopped tomatoes.

1 tin of cannellini beans drained (optional.)

1 teaspoon mixed herbs.

Method:

* Fry in oil on a medium saucepan the onion, garlic and chilli until the onions are translucent.

* Fry the leeks, carrots and courgette on a medium heat until they begin to soften. * Add the rest of the ingredients, stirring in well until thoroughly incorporated. * Leave to simmer on the hob for around 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender, season and enjoy!

like this for years, with Quorn offering a range of sausage rolls and the chain PoundBakery offering two-for-apound vegetarian sausage rolls, which are arguably flakier and certainly a touch more cost effective. Greggs is, however, the first

Overall, Greggs’ new vegan offering receives 10s across the board from me. Only a champion carnivore would be able to tell the difference in taste, as Quorn have created a unique filling especially for the product which blends the herbs and spices present in the original with a more ethical choice of sausage. With the range of products on offer more accessible than ever, there’s never been a better time for a vegetarian to visit Greggs.

Tips for becoming Zero-Waste Heather Dalgleish

S

tart the New Year in the healthiest way with this vegan friendly soup recipe, enough to warm you on even the coldest of days. Experiment with your vegetables to create a new delicious combination each time in this one pot dish. Serves 2-4 depending on how hungry you are!

Bake…

Although a fresh face in the Greggs we all know and love, the vegan/vegetarian sausage roll isn’t such a revelation in terms of modernisation. Other establishments have stocked sausage rolls

Greggs has been a UK-wide establishment for over 50 years, but until the present, has been something of a meat-eater exclusive.

Other than a rather tasteless Vegetable Bake, or a chunky cheese and onion pasty, the shop had yet to cater for vegan or vegetarian dietary requirements. However, with rival companies such as Pret-AManger beginning to roll out greater vegan ranges and more and more vegan establishments opening on

UK high streets, veggie and vegans alike can rest assured that the UK food industry is making leaps and bounds in the right direction.

ith global warming at an all time high and a vast amount of rubbish gracing our landfill sites, it’s imperative to take action, even on a miniscule scale. Any effort, however small, can help reduce the amount of rubbish to consume. The following few tips are easy ways to change your lifestyle affordably and help the environment, one little step at a time:

Buy your own coffee cup: If, like me, you are

something of a coffee addict, the easiest swap is to stop using takeaway cups and opt for a reusable alternative. Coffee cups are often lined with plastic, creating a wasteful single-usage product.

However, you can often buy a pretty affordable

one and cafes (big chain outlets or independent) will often give you a little discount for your bother.

ten both durable and affordable.

Pack your own cutlery:

tea:

Taking a set of cutlery with you everywhere can save you both the uncomfortable hassle of using terrible disposable cutlery, and also a negative impact on the environment. It’s a win-win situation - try bamboo products as these are ofPhoto credit: Heather Dalgleish

Drink

loose

leaf

One alarming fact is that most tea bags are made with plastic lining infused, so buy yourself an adorable little teapot and delve into the world of loose leaf tea. You can find a wide variety and become more experimental than drinking the plain old English breakfast for your morning tipple.

Avoid bags when getting fruit/vegetables: Vegetables that come in packaging are often the more appealing option, however, this is often such a waste. opt instead for the loose vegetable options to maximise both cost and environmental factors.

Try to buy in bulk: Buying in bulk, though it may seem daunting, means that you have to buy less in the long run and therefore, consume less single use plastic! Buying pasta, rice or other basic condiments in a larger form will not only mean less frequent stops at the shops but also means you will run out less frequently

Lifestyle

9 Brig | Refreshers Culture

Easy environmentally friendly alternatives

By Nathalie Hollede

1. Shampoo Bars, not Cocktail bars

Lush sells a shampoo bar that is the equivalent of three medium sized shampoo bottles, or so their North America sales representative, Meghan Campbell says. It lasts for up to 80 washes, and eliminates shampoo bottle waste. The ingredients are all natural, and not harmful to our water systems or our environment.

There are many different scents, including “Honey I washed my hair” and “Jumping Juniper”, and you can buy a nice aluminum case for them, but I recommend just letting it dry off on your soap shelf in the shower to avoid it getting sticky.

Shampoo bars 2. Warm turkey

If you choose to say you will cut out meat coldturkey, no pun intended, your risks of “relapsing” are higher. Intentional stress on the word relapse, because eating meat has been compared to an addiction. It may be worth thinking about since it is contributing insane amounts of greenhouse gasses to our environment.

Not only is eating the amount of meat that we do killing our environment, it has been shown by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to cause cancer.

What is a label for a behaviour or habit that you are unable to willingly quit, even though it causes you and your surroundings pain, and even death, for no logical or beneficial reason?

An addiction. Aim to reduce your intake of animal products initially, and you’ll be helping to change the world. Cutting down gradually, for most, is the easiest way to stop eating other living beings.

Read “Meathooked” by Marta Zaraska to learn about why eating meat is a flaw in our culture.

3. Bike, Forrest, Bike!

4. Nature speaks

Us humans tend to not appreciate things unless we are somehow immersed in, or invested in it. If you don’t feel connected to the earth, because you spend all your time appreciating manmade things, how are you supposed to want to save it? The truth is, we are closely dependent on and invested in the earth.

We exist because the earth has an equilibrium of ecosystems designed to breathe and give life, not take it. We are overriding that equilibrium by feeding it poison with all of our materialistic needs.

Think of it as a parent that only wants to serve you, a friend that only wants to help you thrive, and all you are giving them is toxicity. They will abandon you, and in this case, with the earth, you won’t survive its abandonment.

Forget disputes about other worldly things if we cannot even save our own lives - thank the Earth instead of taking a huge dump on it for providing you 5. Brown paper Do you love those little, medium, and big brown with life. bags you get from a certain clothing chain? That might be your good conscience finally coming 6. Go sit on the potty through. You can use that stylish, recyclable type of Toilets may prevent diseases from feces, which conpaper to wrap presents instead of single-use wrap- tain at least 50 diseases, 1 million bacteria, and 10 ping paper, or wrap food instead of plastic contain- million viruses, but our bathroom activities can be ers and cling film. Use brown paper for a chic hipster remodeled, and the control for diseases from excregift, and wrap it with dyed fibre or cotton string. Ac- ment can be remodeled too. We need to restructure cent it with paper gift labels and cutouts for a crea- our sewage systems and scientists are way ahead in the process of developing a new infrastructure for tive finish.

You should and can reuse it, as it is stronger than “doo-doo”. Bill Gates has unveiled a no-waste toilet other paper. Use it to pack your lunch by using wax in November of 2018, which uses no water or sewpaper with your brown paper to pack food items ers, and turns waste into fertiliser. We need to apply for fridge storage, for example, or make your own these new systems, yesterday. waxed brown paper. Check out YouTube videos on Watch Tedx speaker and sustainable building designer, Molly Winter, explain the science and the h o w to DIY it. idea behind it on the Ted website. What an easy way to fertilise the earth.

Try to use public transportation or walk and bicycle everywhere you can manage to. Most public transportation around Europe is being converted into green energy, like in Scandinavia, Japan, and Singapore, and by choosing not to buy a car that uses common fuel like gas, and even worse, diesel, you are helping to reduce air pollution drastically.

A power plant in Squamish, Western Canada are developing and signing agreements with big names to distribute a green type of fuel with no CO2 emissions, which actually takes carbon dioxide out of the air we breathe to make a carbon-neutral fuel. If you absolutely have to have a car, wait a few years until these guys get us that green gas, and until then, do your part to reduce emissions of the harmful type that somehow has been normalised.

7. Trash is complicated

We all learned how to put a square block into a square hole as infants, so why can we not put our garbage where it needs to go? Sort your garbage into food or compost, somewhat biodegradable, and not biodegradable. Aim to reduce the non-biodegradable garbage by not buying packaged foods, fruits, or veggies. If your local grocer still individually wraps fruits or precut veg, simply hand them a note requesting change. If enough people just do this little bit, they might just listen. It is not weird, it is responsible and necessary. We need to be unabashed warriors and fight for the earth this time, not politics.

Brown paper

Pictures: nellysbeautypedia.wordpress.com joelfjohnson.com pinterest.com

Lifestyle

10 Brig | Refreshers Culture

New year, better me

By Aine Donnellan

Stepping in to 2019 feels hopeful. Stepping into a new year always feels hopeful. There is room for growth, for new experiences and for a continued consumption of chocolate and wine – what’s not to like? Commonly viewed as a chance to start anew, a time to check in with yourself, the new year has in its beauty simultaneously turned into a marketing-gimmick.

With a new year ahead, the opportunities for new starts, for taking action and leaving bad habits behind, are identical to any other time of the year. To make changes, better ourselves and the life we lead is not something exclusively tied to the beginning of a year – but something which can and should be practiced continuously throughout our lives.

This is not to say that using the new year as a milestone, to reflect over the year that has passed, is a bad thing. But the way in which this is done, should be given as much reflection as the previously mentioned yearlyreminisces.

If you follow the guidelines set out by marketing experts of various businesses, the new year should equal a new you. This assumes the old you not good enough, deemed unworthy unless you shred the past you, and transform yourself into something new.

A classical new year’s resolution created by this market-forced-mindset is to ‘get into shape’. With the negative vantage-point of being ‘out-ofshape’, it fuels the feeling of incompleteness, upon which consumerism

thrives. Based on a feeling of lack, the resolution thus directly reflects this key component of all marketing strategies.

It allows for the purchase of a gym membership, new gym clothes, protein-shakes, water bottles with inspirational quotes – things to supposedly aid you in your quest of building what media refers to as a ‘dreambody’.

But just like the expression proclaims it, the chances to achieve this type of resolution is but a dream. If they were to be achievable, the feeling of lack and thereby desire would dry out the demand for the markets creating them, hence the mindset of ‘new year, new me’ creates a vicious cycle of unfulfilled resolutions.

Rather than viewing the new year as a time to warp into something you are not, something you lack, look at it as a time to better yourself. Reflect upon your positive qualities, your strong sides and take pride in them.

Find ways in which these strengths can be used constructively to better your weaknesses. Because it is not about moving from bad to good. It’s about moving from good to even better.

Mindset is everything, so set your mind up to resist negative influences telling you what you lack, focus on what you have, and create change by building on that. Make this year a great one, not by becoming a ‘new you’, but by becoming a better version of the ‘existent you’.

Picture: hiveminer.com

An easy guide to the big questions:

By Clara Fors Wisbyse

New year, new start, but the same old patriarchy repeating itself all over again. 2018 came and went with revelations and changes, but when every two steps forward are accompanied by a step backwards, not much is done. Most importantly, not much of a change is felt, and everything might feel way too big and complicated for a university student in Stirling to be able to change, even though that is exactly where we have to start.

Someone very wise once said, ‘To those accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression’ and that is what feminism is here to change. Think of it as if two students were to buy drinks from NISA. Say that the store hypothetically would have a rule stating that male students living up to the stereotypical role of being a white, heterosexual man could buy two bottles for the price of one, but everyone else had to purchase everything at full price. NISA can’t afford to let everyone get the same discount, but of course the benefitting students doesn’t want to give up their cheap deal on drinks. However, that is what they have to do. The privilege that some students would have to give up is not oppression, but would instead be the result of equality. Who knew feminism was as simple as that?

There are so many difficult parts of this inequality that could be discussed, such as the rape culture, the difference in pay between men and women and the representation of minorities on television, but a lot also happens in our everyday life, and here are a few tips on just that:

When someone makes a sexist joke – Dare to contradict!

Even if you are used to this kind of humour and sometimes even crack up when someone jokes about it, it is harmful and only reinforces stereotypical values. Instead of laughing, ask the person to explain why it is so funny, and you are guaranteed to make him or her question their actions.

When someone tries to ‘mansplain’ something to a woman - Listen to women!

Yep you heard it right, mansplaining, which means that a man tries to explain something to a women in a condescending way assuming that she does not know anything about it.

If you are a man, make a new habit out of listening to women and whenever some of your male peers do this, hinder them and get the conversation back to the woman. As a woman you can either say that you know the subject already and that you yourself can explain it from there, or you can just call them out on their behaviour. Either way will probably make them feel slightly embarrassed.

Picture: desenio.com

11 Brig | Refreshers 2019

Features It is characterised by angst, fear of Borderlining life being abandoned, being judged, be-

by Nathalie Hollede “Living with borderline personality disorder is intense. It’s like having third degree burns all over your skin and every slight touch makes you cry, while everyone else is continuing life without that pain.”A student who has asked to be referred to as Amy, has bravely shared with us this illustrative depiction of what life with a psychological disorder is like. She has been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and fought it for many years.

Borderline personality disorder is characterised, in a single word, as instability. So how does one go from just being unstable, to actually getting handed the diagnosis Borderline Personality Disorder?

The DSM-5 of diagnostic criteria for psychological disorders states which behaviours need to be constant and characteristic - and in cases like borderline personality disorder, where instability is a criteria, they look at which patterns are constant. Not only does it depend on your day to day behaviour or habits, or even what is going on in your head, but your way of handling emotional situations, mostly those involving peers. BPD (Borderline Personality Disorder) is largely the inability to regulate or efficiently and logically process emotions and situations.

Credit: KC Green, New York Times

ing disliked, and results in unstable relationships paired with self-injury and confused or impulsive behaviour in response to stressful situations, mostly those involving decision-making. Some call the disorder attentionseeking, and yes, it demands attention just like any physical illness.

Give it.

We are too quick to turn away people who need or crave positive attention. When we turn people away, or ignore them, it triggers an emotional pain that can be compared to physical illness, and physical pain. With BPD, the pain is worse, as sufferers have difficulty, learnt or not, with understanding and regulation of these emotions. If you are confused at what someone is doing, has said, or has done, and get agitated easily by this you are not “borderline”. That would be what society calls normal. A continuous inability to cope with what goes on around or inside you is called Borderline Personality Disorder.

Psychology has focused too long on treating the person who has trouble with fitting in, or into their surroundings, and too little on helping them to help their surroundings improve in quality. A good circle is extremely important to anyone, not just BPD fighters. People with BPD have learnt falsely that they cannot count on any-

thing in this world being forever, or assured. It is true nothing is forever, but as humans we form habits and want to cling to beliefs. People with BPD seem to have a heightened sense of ambiguity and possibility, to actually live life and structure their brains by the saying that nothing is ever as it seems. They are anxious to form stable connections to others and themselves.

The pain of not knowing things for sure, not having things for sure, consumes the BPD sufferer’s brain until life becomes a whirlwind of uncertainty, agitation, and instability. Speaking to Amy, Brig learns that BPD is not just the same as bipolar disorder, in grand mood swings, but is one tsunami mood swing that never returns to baseline. In a sense, you don’t know what neutral is. Either it’s really good, or it’s really, really bad. Either someone hates you, or they love you. She says: “There are so many stigmas attached to any mental illness and everyone’s experience of living with a mental illness is different, however my experience living with BPD has been an extremely challenging journey which has taken various therapies and medications and skills to finally be at a fairly stable and healthy place. One of the best therapies for BPD is called DBT, which has completely changed my life and how I cope with these intense feelings. Medication is something that is a personal choice, and for me it has worked perfectly for managing other mental health symptoms.”

Amy rightly notes that ‘change has to come from within, and it takes a lot of hard work, but it is worth it to finally live again and not be crushed by the intense feelings that having borderline can bring.’ If someone you know shows signs of wanting to please you, or raising strange suspicions and being afraid you dislike them, just think for a moment that something may not be right, and that they need to connect – BPD or not.

Be open and honest, give people attention, be kind, and always be aware that these disorders are not just some figment of the mind, or cause of weakness. A disorder is a false belief system, and with good people around, it can subsidise not only the pain of BPD sufferers, but of anyone. A caring reminder from Amy: “If you or someone you know has BPD, remember you are not alone and things can and will get better with time and hard work.”

Find support and more information on Borderline Personality Disorder at bpdworld.org, join ‘Mind for better mental health’ on Facebook, or contact our campus Student Services Hub. If you are affected by a debilitating mental illness, you can apply for an ARUAA (Agreed Record of University Access Adjustments) at the Hub as well. Everybody should be able to enjoy their university experience equally.

12 Brig | Refreshers 2019

Features Defining Photojournalists

by Elizabeth Dryburgh

In celebration of 50 years of Brig, this issue I decided to take a look at just a few of the names responsible for guiding photojournalism to where it is today. There are countless people whose work has inspired thousands after them, our website hopes to showcase more of these talents over time. For now, here’s four photojournalists that I feel revolutionised their industry.

Photojournalism plays such a key part in story telling. It forces the audience to face the issues being discussed in a way they can’t ignore, giving them the evidence to view for themselves.

Eve Arnold

Perhaps best known for her iconic photos of Marilyn Monroe, Eve Arnold’s work documented subjects that spanned from Jackie Kennedy, to asylum patients in Haiti and American Nazi Party members watching Malcolm X speak in Chicago. Her work features scenes from America, Cuba, England, Afghanistan and South Africa just to name a few.

Born to Russian-Jewish immigrants, Arnold was raised in the US. Her passion for photography started with her job in a Kodak photo-finishing plant. From there, she studied photography at the New School for Social Research in Manhattan under the tutelage of Alexey Brodovitch, who was the art director for Harper’s Bazaar between 1934 and 1958.

In the seventies, Arnold found herself in England, where she worked for the London Sun-

day Times- a period in her career where she found reinvention in her craft through the use of colour.

Arnold’s work went on to be shown as part of various exhibitions, including one for the Museum of Modern Art, which garnered her a lot of attention. Her first solo exhibition came about in 1980 at the Brooklyn Museum, containing images from her time in China. Over the span of her life, Arnold went on to accumulate a number of honours, such as the American Society of Magazine Photographers “Lifetime Achievement Award.” As well as earning herself the title of an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Photographic Society, Arnold was presented with an OBE just ten years later.

Sadly, Eve Arnold passed away at the age of 99 in 2012. Her work remains for the world to admire, a true source of inspiration for anyone who views it.

“If a photographer cares about the people before the lens and is compassionate, much is given. It is the photographer, not the camera, that is the instrument”

Credit: Steve McCurry, stevemccurry.com

later for Life. Whilst photographing the Battle of Okinawa, Smith fell victim to mortar and as a consequence, was severely injured. This led to him needing surgery for the two following years.

Smith’s work also took him to the UK, in which he photographed miners in Wales as part of Life’s anti-Labour stance, following Atlee’s marginally narrow win at the 1950 General Election. Smith’s other notable work includes the documentation of Dr. Ernest Ceriani’s work in the rural town of Kremmling, Colorado. Over the course of a few weeks, Smith photographed Dr. Ceriani’s tireless rounds through the countryside, visiting patients’ homes.

During his prolific career, Smith worked for News-Week, Flying Magazine, LIFE and Magnum. He later died in Tucson, after teaching at the University of Arizona for a year. The W. Eugene Smith Fund, founded in 1980, encourages his humanistic approaches in other photographers, by awarding them for any outstanding achievements in the area. In a 2017 piece in The Guardian, Sean O’Hagan defined W. Eugene Smith as “perhaps the single most important American photographer in the development of the editorial photo essay.”

“A photo is a small voice, at best, but sometimes - just sometimes one photograph or a group of them can lure our senses into awareness.

Much depends upon the viewer; in some, photographs can summon enough emotion to be a catalyst to thought”

Steve McCurry

Credit: W. Eugene Smith, Magnum Photos

W. Eugene Smith

Credits: Eve Arnold, Magnum Photos Marilyn Monroe on the set of ‘The Misfits’, Nevada, 1960.

Smith’s work takes a very humanistic approach that depicts the emotional consequences of the scenes he captures. His black and white images present provocative pieces that once interpreted, leave the viewer’s left wondering what else there is to see. His work is as alluring as it is dark, capturing the essence of humanity in some harrowing and desolate situations.

His most notable work comes from his time spent during the Second World War, trailing American soldiers as they fought the Japanese, working for Ziff-Davis publishing, and

Steve McCurry’s vibrant works demand your undivided attention. The bold colours of his pieces speak to the rich tapestry of cultures that he captures with his camera. His work exudes an excitement and wonder of the world we too often glance over; forcing us to re-examine what we think we know.

Renowned for his work with the National Geographic, McCurry’s photographic career spawned from his role taking photos for the Penn State newspaper “The Daily Collegian,” from there he pursued his new-found passion further. McCurry was soon travelling as a freelance photojournalist to India in 1978. From there he ventured north into Pakistan, before sneaking across the Pakistan-Afghanistan border. Disguised in Afghani dress, McCurry was soon documenting the war in Afghanistan, earning him a Robert Capa Gold Medal after his work was published in The New York Times.

Undeniably his most notable work, the “Afghan Girl”, shot in 1984, remains to this day, one of the National Geographic’s most celebrated published portraits. McCurry spoke about the photo, saying “I noticed this one little girl with these incredible eyes, and I instantly knew that this was really the only picture I wanted to take.” The popularity of the image resurfaced almost two decades later, when McCurry returned to the area and photographed the same woman in 2002.

McCurry’s well-deserved awards and achievements date back dec-

Features

13 Brig | Refreshers 2019

What do selfies tell us about our culture and where we are going? By Shaun Berge Donald I know what you are thinking, what sort of fossilised nonsense is going to follow a title like that? I wonder that as well, so bear with me.

Credit: Steve McCurry, stevemccurry.com ades and span continents. His phenomenal work has cemented his name in the photography world, his work telling the stories that most could not even imagine. His photos take us behind the scenes of worlds we barely knew existed and breathes life into the one we live in.

Don McCullin

London- born Don McCullin got his start in the photography world when his pictures of his friends, who were part of a local gang, were published. From the back streets of London, he later went on to focus his attention on areas suffering from wars. His gritty style artfully is perfect for depicting the desolate reality of violence and its impact on the people around.

In 1953, McCullin was called to join the Royal Air Force in which he worked as a photographer’s assistant during the 1956 Suez Crisis.

Despite applying for the job, McCullin failed the written theory test to become a photographer in the RAF and as a result, spent his most of his time in a dark room. For only 30 pounds, McCullin bought his first camera after being stationed in Nairobi.

In 1958, his photo of a local gang accused of murdering a police officer was published by The Observer and earned McCullin recognition. His overseas work for the Sunday Times Magazine, is probably his most notable. In this time, he covered issues such as the African AIDS epidemic, the Vietnam War and the Northern Irish conflict to name a few.

McCullin has authored numerous books and had a documentary made about him. He has also been the recipient of several prestigious awards.

He was the first photojournalist to be presented with a CBE and was recently knighted for his services to photography.

“Photography has given me a life… The very least I could do was try and articulate these stories with as much compassion and clarity as they deserve, with as loud a voice as I could muster. Anything less would be mercenary.”

As long as fashion changes, there will forever be resistance to it. I still sigh in a pretentious manner when I see someone unashamedly taking selfies on a bus, while waiting in a queue, or just anywhere in public, really. It’s difficult to shake. Yet I’m also guilty of doing it.

we want to go. I begin to think of our outlook on health, relationships, and politics. This might be a stretch and I won’t hold it against you to think so, but by looking at ourselves we are forced to consider our own well-being. If I am not happy with the way I look, then it is about time I did something about it. If I am unhappy with the way my relationships look, then it is about time I made some changes. And therein we bring this to a larger scale, evolve this self-obsession to greater things. I’ll reiterate: bear with me.

So why is it okay for me to take a picture of myself and not others? I think there’s a basic misconception; when we see it happening we assume it to be all about the meme-me of that stranger. Look at me, look at what I’m doing, look at my life. But when we do it ourselves there is always thought behind it.

I don’t like the direction our politics is headed; I am unhappy with the way that our environment is being treated; I am unhappy with much of our literary culture in modern day. If I don’t like it, if it is affecting me by making me unhappy, I can use this self-obsession, this initially shallow mind-set, to start doing something to make myself feel better.

There is something else at play if we strip away our initial judgements. This isn’t selfobsession as much as it is outer-dependence. I am not sending these selfies to myself, I want others to see it. The obsession therefore lies in the opinions of another. I want you to see it because I want you to remember I am a part of your life. Thus, this surge of selfies is perhaps more recognisable as an abundance of existence. We just want to be remembered; this is our imprint.

As a result, I make changes, I take part in new events. And potentially improve the world at the same time.

What does this say about us? Yes, we’re looking at ourselves whilst thinking of others. Yes, we care about ourselves and those around us. But this visual introspection, this wondering ‘who am I and what do I mean to others?’, creates a new prospect. It reinvents our traditional sense of reality. We are solidly in the centre of this vision and while this happens, perhaps it’s the ideal time to look towards self-improvement.

It is universally acknowledged that a picture is an imperfect look at the world. It tells a thousand words and not all of them are true. We smile and so we must be happy, we laugh and we must be having a great time, we cry and we are in perpetual sadness. These images last longer than the moments they depict. So what are selfies telling us?

Credit: Don McCullin, Contact Press Images A picture taken during the Tet Offensive, Vietnam, 1968

We are giving ourselves an opportunity to look at ourselves and do better, improve our lives by knowing where we are and where

There is an organisation called Extinction Rebellion who cause civil disobedience, who discuss methods to force parliament to look seriously at climate change. I think to myself, how can I make a change to this world and my health, so I cut out animal products from my life – benefitting both health and planet. I look to the quote “Be the change you want to see in the world” and I look at my latest selfie and think, I am, I am doing what I can. It’s invigorating. And what of literature? Well, start creating. If you think a culture should change, guess what?

You’d better do it. You are the biggest force of change in your life. Start acting like it.

I am sure many are rolling their eyes.

Thinking, damn this was a preachy piece.

But what do you expect from a topic so selfindulgent as taking pictures of ourselves and publicising them for others to deem worthy? When we look at ourselves, it’s perhaps important to wonder who it is we are looking at.

When I next see someone taking a picture of themselves, I’ll do my best not to pass judgement, because I think we do that enough to ourselves. Maybe it is enough just to be happy that we feel brave enough to proclaim our existence.

Features

14 Brig | Refreshers 2019

Drunk guide for dummies

By Kristina Hnizdilova

Students have just had a horrific month of being back at home. They have doubtlessly been subjected to some good old-fashioned coddling by Mummy and Daddy dearest.

Mummy and Daddy probably don’t think that living solely of Jaffa Cakes and Buckfast is a very good idea. They also think that people should go to bed before 5 am. What, are they mad?! Have they forgotten how to live?

But the holidays are over now, and students have broken free once again. They’re huddled around cash machines, ready to do a run to Tesco. They frantically check the labels of worryingly cheap alcohol. And then the vomit flows.

Sometimes you get those posters in the toilet stalls about the maximum amount of alcohol units you can drink per week without it seriously affecting your health. One unit is supposed to be ½ a pint of 4% lager. According to the newest guidelines, it’s 14 units for both men and women. You’re tuning out already, aren’t you?

No, students will get drunk as long as this planet is spinning. It’s one of the base laws of the universe. And they definitely won’t be doing it within guidelines.

But let’s not forget that alcohol is a drug- a depressant. And while it can make you funnier and other people infinitely more attractive (in your mind), it can also cause some very bad things indeed, like alcohol poisoning, horrible car accidents, and your mate throwing up on your new Ikea rug.

May I present to you: The Drunk Guide For Dummies.

Disclaimer: I have the same medical qualifications as the weird ladies that sell ‘healing rocks’ on Etsy. That means absolutely none.

I have put all sources consulted at the bottom of this article.

1. Try not to set your house on fire.

Yeah, a stir-fry at 3 am sounds like a really, really good idea. The problem is that people who want stir-fry at 3 am usually do not have the best fine motor control. Nor are they very good at putting out fires. Get a kebab or something. That’s why they exist. If you are reading this while your kitchen is on fire, get out of there and call the firemen. Once the firemen are done extinguishing everything, try not to fall asleep with a lit cigarette in your hand.

muscular friend to give you a piggyback ride.

Do not get behind the wheel. Ever. If somebody who looks like they might have had a few is offering you a ride, do not get in the car. Take a taxi instead. It’s better to keep your life than to save money.

5. Extremely drunk people cannot give consent.

Credit: Kristina Hnizdilova

home rather than letting them flop about the street and get hit by a car. Yes, your mate is an adult and it is their responsibility to control their drinking, but it’s better for them to be safe rather than dead. Look on the bright side, you can loudly berate them in the morning when they’ve got a hangover!

3. If they are lying face-down in the bathroom, they aren’t having a nap.

Alcohol poisoning is a real actual thing that happens. No, you are not invincible. Everybody has a limit of how much alcohol their body can take before self-destructing. If you find someone passed out in a bathroom, check that they are okay. If they are unresponsive, please call an ambulance.

Other symptoms of alcohol poisoning are: * Confusion * Blue-ish/pale skin * Vomiting * Dizziness * Seizures * Hypothermia You do not need to have all of the above to have alcohol poisoning.

If you think someone has alcohol poisoning, do not leave them alone. They could choke on their vomit. Roll them on their side, so that any sick will come out on the floor rather than blocking their throat. If they are not improving, give a ring to 999. When they’re well again, you can brag about saving their life, and possibly force them into indentured servitude.

Or make them get you chicken nuggets.

If they are barely capable of standing up, they are not capable of agreeing to sex. Just look at them, they can barely eat that kebab, never mind make life decisions. Having sex with very drunk people is illegal, not to mention an incredibly abhorrent thing to do. Do not do it. If you happen to become a victim of sexual assault while drunk, report it immediately, even if it was somebody you know. If they have violated you, they do not deserve your friendship or respect anymore.

reading this, you are probably old enough to know why driving drunk is a horribly illegal thing to do. Get a taxi, get a bus, get a very tall and

NHS Information https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthyliving/alcohol Mayo Clinic https:// w w w. m a y o c l i n i c . org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-andhealthy-eating/ in-depth/alcohol/art20044551 Fires: https://www. fireservice.co.uk

6. And finally, don’t be stupid.

Sexual assault in* Try not to fight people, especially those that formation and helpline: https://www. can arrest you. * No, you cannot fly. Don’t jump off that bal- rapecrisisscotland. cony. org.uk * Leave those traffic cones alone. * If you take any kind of medication, make sure it is compatible with alcohol first, before you go out on a pub crawl. * Some people like to do drugs. While the official stance of this guide is: “Drugs are bad, m’kay”, the fact is, people will do them anyway. If you do or want to do drugs, you should know that you are much likelier to overdose if you take them with alcohol. But we are not your mother. If you really want to put chemicals in your bloodstream, do not combine substances.

Dying like a rock star when you are not a rock star is stupid.

You have now reached the end of the Drunk Student’s Manual to Health and Safety.

Hopefully, you are now better prepared to survive a night of boozing. Remember that the UK emergency number is 999. You can also use 112, which works anywhere in the world. Remember, have fun but don’t be dumb!

Cheers!

4. Your driving skills do not improve when you’re drunk. GET 2. If your mate is extremely A TAXI. drunk, do not leave them alone. Don’t drink and drive. Just don’t. If you are Look out for your mates. Is your mate a complete mess? Give them a drink of water. If you’re out and about, it’s better to take them

Sources/More information:

Credit: dollarshaveclub.com

If you believe that your drinking might be out of control, please get in touch with your GP immediately. It is one thing to have fun, but excessive drinking can cause huge problems down the line.

You can find helpful information here: https://www.nhs.uk/ conditions/alcoholmisuse/

2019 National Student Survey launches at Stirling The National Student Survey (NSS) goes live for Stirling students on Monday 28 January, and runs until Tuesday 30 April. The NSS is aimed primarily at final-year undergraduates. Each year, nearly half a million students complete the survey on their experience at their chosen university.

Last year, Stirling achieved an overall satisfaction score of 84%, placing the University above the sector averages in Scotland (83%) and the UK (83%). Journalism ranked top in Scotland and third in the UK, whilst Media Studies placed top in Scotland and top five in the UK. Professor Tim Whalley, Dean of Student Experience, said: “The NSS gives you the opportunity to tell us what you liked and didn’t like about your time at Stirling and is the most effective way for us to see how we are performing.”

Daniel Wright, VP of Education in the Students’ Union, added: “‘The NSS is extremely important for allowing both the University and the Student Union to celebrate achievement as well as identify those areas which require improvement. The feedback received from students is invaluable for both enhancement and innovation in the student experience across all aspects of study here at Stirling.”

All online respondents will be entered into a draw to win one of ten £30 Amazon vouchers (exchangeable for a cash alternative). The University will also make a donation to a charity selected by Stirling students through the Students’ Union – up to a maximum of £500 – should they meet the target response rate of 70%.

The survey can be completed through the NSS website: www.thestudentsurvey.com.

Other surveys going live during the survey season include the Stirling Experience Survey, aimed at undergraduates not in their final year; the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey for TPG students; and the Postgraduate Research Experience Survey for RPG students.

Sport

17 Brig | Refreshers 2019

Q&A with Sports President: Clansmen remain upbeat Caitlin Ormiston despite slow start

Sports Editor- Scott Lewis

I think it has been ositive actually, I think we have been able to create a really good team dynamic. At the start of the year with all the development there was loads of unanswered questions but I think we have done really well and took lots of positive steps forward.

I have been really impressed!

The Stir Challenge was obviously a new concept this year, taking over from the 5k a day but I felt it was time for something new and different. I wanted to get as many teams as possible involved and teams like underwater hockey got so involved and done amazing.

Clubs and societies didn’t get as involved but it is something that we could definitely try and wok on for future years. I really enjoyed the shark challenge that clubs were coming out with and the cha cha slide, it was brilliant. We asked everyone to try be unique and different and they done exactly that.

What was your main goals when you were starting out?

What has been the biggest achievement for you so far?

BrigSport recently sat down with Sports President, Caitlin Ormiston, to reflect on a successful year thus far and discuss what lies ahead in a busy final semester.

How do you feel that the year has went so far?

I wanted to make the role a lot more personable, so people see the sports union as approachable and if they have a problem they can come straight to me and we will work with them on it. Mental health and wellbeing is also a huge one, creating a good environment where people can get help and feel comfortable in speaking to each other about stuff was really important.

Campaigns such as the Stir Challenge, Movember and She Can She Will have been particularly successful, what have you made of the student’s responses to these and what has been the most crazy/impressive thing that you have seen so far from them?

Credit: Youtube

I think it has to be Stir Challenge, that was just a little thing I thought of coming into the role that turned into a month long campaign, with so many individuals and clubs taking part.

Hopefully next year we can get more clubs and societies too so yeah im delighted with how far it reached out and I had people coming back saying ‘Oh I tried this today and I actually really liked it I think I’m going to try get involved.” Which to me is just amazing.

Why do you think that Stirling is such a renowned sporting university and the talent levels here are so high?

Obviously it has had that title and platform for however many years now but I think yes it does attract people who are interested in sport but I think the

fact it is so campus based definitely helps. Having the pitches, the running track, the gym, the courts and the pool all just there together makes it really easy.

Having that title of sporting excellence too I feel encourages people to get involved, once you get here you are kind of like ‘Oh, shall I become part of that sporting family?’ and I quite like that.

What are you looking to do in your final few months?

Yeah so as you can imagine it is going to be a very busy few months. We have loads of different things planned, a metal health week in March- which is a cross uni campaign but we are going to be heavily involved. We have pride week in February, we have the sports ball which is the biggest eventn of the year which is getting announced in a couple of weeks.

We have the give it a go’s and the sport’s bizaar and then obviously we have another big round of BUCS fixtures too.

How would you like to be remembered here at Stirling?

I would like people to look back and think I made things more accessible and stuff, like nothing is too far out of reach.

If someone comes and says ‘I want to be there’ we can try make it happen. Like a small club who have only ten members but want to compete in BUCS, well actually by working together we can make that happen. Any problems people feel they can approach me and we can sort it out together, knowing that I am on their side.

Editor in Chief Harry McArthur

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ince the turn of the 21st century the Stirling Clansmen have been one of the most prominent teams at the university.

The American football team on campus have won four national titles since 2003, and have been to the British National final three times in the past five years.

This record has led to the rest of the university holding high expectations for the Clansmen.

However, they have reached the midpoint in the season sitting an unsatisfactory 1-3. In spite of this it is not all doom and gloom, team president, Vangelis Trasanis, explained: “The season could be better, key players getting injured or banned from their next game isn’t the best thing for the team.”

The one victory so far, was a victory over fierce rivals Durham which Trasanis described as the highlight of the season.

Off the field the team has been working hard, to both better themselves and to raise money for charity. Tom Lee has spearheaded a movement called ‘More than a game’ in which people can raise money for mental health by simply playing the sports they love. The team also participated in Movember, again to raise money for mental health. Between both these incentives they have raised over £900 for charity.

Several players also participated in a Podyum training camp, a recruitment agency for players in American football.

Trasanis said, “The Podyum camp was really good. A lot of our players got best in their respected positions. I learnt a few techniques thanks to the O-Line coach Johnson.

He continued, “My individual performance can always be better in my opinion. From missing blocks to simply being stronger and fitter as I am on the field a lot of the time, I can always be better.”

On his role as president he said, “I think I have to be more direct in asking team member and Uni staff to do things as I believe I keep things hanging and not chasing up who’s doing what. This coming semester I have a plan in place of action in place of what I need to do. It’s been a learning curve of find-

Photo credit: Katie Stepek

ing out when to do things along with who is the right person to talk to.”

The Clansmen should remain optimistic as to clinch a playoff berth they simply need to finish above the bottom of the table.

They have two games ahead against the Derby Braves, who currently sit at the bottom of the North division without a win this season, and a home rematch with Durham who they beat on the road this season.

Next up is a home game against winless Derby on Sunday January 27 at midday.

FUNFACT:

The Clansmen have made the playoffs and won at least one playoff game in every season since Coach Peredo took over as Head Coach

Photo credit: Katie Stepek

Sport

18 Brig | Refreshers 2019

Brig lifts the lid on student Stirling to host top athletic sporting injuries Ryan Dinsdale Sports Writer events in 2019 Aidan Donaghy Sports Editor

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tirling is the university of sporting excellence in Scotland: it featured in the UK’s top ten for having a great sports scene in 2017; students can study almost 50 sport-related courses and engage in even more sport societies; and a 20-millionpound sports complex is currently in development, adding to the plethora of campus facil-

Credit: Marta Krauze

ities already available. It can’t be denied that Stirling University lives and breathes sports.

Participating in sports is also greatly encouraged, and rightly so, due to the surplus of physical and social health benefits that accompanies engagement.

But exceptions to the rule exist, and acquiring injuries through sport can create cataclysmic life changes for young people.

Promoting participation is also promoting competition, and the high physical stress that students endure can often result in injury.

Sports like American football bear the brunt of media attention surrounding injuries, but it persists as an issue across many different sports. Despite not being considered as physically brutal, swimming, volleyball, and tennis, for example, all include different elements that can lead to life-changing injuries. A Stirling student that understands this all too well is fourth-year Marta Krauze.

Originally from Latvia, Krauze has been playing tennis for 15 years, and it even influenced her decision to move to Scotland. Tennis is her life, as she credits it for making her the person she is today. Unfortunately, however, Krauze has endured a myriad of injuries in her playing career, saying “people are shocked if I don’t turn

up injured.”

She suffered from golfer’s elbow at age eleven, and it struck again and again throughout her teenage years. Krauze sustained the injury just by using a racket of the wrong weight; something so simple has had catastrophic repercussions.

“I tend to play until I’m in excruciating pain,” says Krauze, making even regular training sessions difficult.

But the physical struggle is also accompanied by a mental burden.

When your entire life is centred around becoming a pro-athlete, what happens if you’re told you can’t?

Krauze always envisioned herself becoming a professional tennis player, but “being injured is like being fired every time.” She tries to forget it ever happened.

Injuries plague the sporting world, but also spark other opportunities within the industry. Physical therapists treat the injuries, journalists discuss the issues, and coaches encourage progression. A passion for sport can be expressed outside of just playCredit: University of Wyoming ing, and Krauze now aims to become a professional coach.

Tennis isn’t something she could ever move away from.

“Without it,” Krauze says, “I’d probably be lost and back in Latvia.”

While Krauze’s injuries have caused her great hardship, they’ve also allowed her to discover a different career that she may never have considered otherwise. Perhaps athletes just carry an extra sense of resilience that allows them to persevere during tough times, as this was also the case for foreignexchange student Bayly Poor, who is spending her fourth year of university in Stirling.

Poor was on a volleyball scholarship for the University of Wyoming, playing in the NCAA Division One: the best college

league in the United States. She was an exceptional player, starting for her team in the regularly televised games.

As Poor was warming up for a demo match at one of the university’s training camps, she landed off balance and heard an uproar of screams from the crowd. Poor fell to the ground having torn her ACL, MCL, PCL, and lateral meniscus, requiring a full knee reconstruction and ending her career as a volleyball player immediately.

Most athletes at this level of play plan to go pro; their entire life revolves around their sport.

A career-ending injury would therefore be, in most cases, completely devastating – but Poor was excited. Though she loves volleyball, it also meant making many sacrifices. “When you play at that level, you give up your summers, your Christmas break, all of it,” she explained. Training consumed six hours a day, and so volleyball just became a method of affording the staggering prices of American university.

Her injury was a blessing in disguise, and Poor had a whole new world void of volleyball to explore. The opportunity to study abroad quickly became a focus, and the University of Stirling stood out. “Once I saw that Scotland was an option,

nothing else seemed right.”

After the $100,000 surgery, Poor took twelve months to recover, but the injury will always affect her. Playing volleyball again is out of the question, but she still assists the Stirling University team as she finishes her degree in Scotland.

Sporting injuries can be awful. They can prematurely end the careers of many young athletes, crushing their dreams in the process. Being denied one life path because of an injury, however, can also open up other, more exciting routes. As seen here, it can create a new career, or even take you halfway around the world.

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tirling’s reputation as a world-class events venue will be further cemented this weekend (Jan 12) when it welcomes thousands of visitors for a sporting spectacular climaxing with the SimplyHealth Great Stirling XCountry.

It will be the first time the city will host the world-famous event, which had been held in Edinburgh for the last 13 years.

Spectators will be able to see the world’s top athletes, including Scottish star Laura Muir

onships are a major sporting event on the international calendar, with an estimated economic impact in the first year of up to £1million, while the added value of media coverage and promotion of Stirling is estimated to be worth a further £3million.

Working with the Great Run Company and Active Stirling, Stirling Council has also ensured the event will have positive health benefits by encouraging residents to get active.

Throughout the day, 1,600

Stirling will provide a chance for families and young people to try out a range of activities on the day, demonstrating our commitment to get people active as part of this international event.”

Convener for the Community Planning and Regeneration Committee, Councillor Chris Kane, said: “Fresh from the success of our spectacular Hogmanay celebrations, we are now thrilled to welcome thousands of visitors to our beautiful city again for this prestigious sporting spectacle, reinforcing Credit: www.greatrun.org

captaining team Great Britain & N.Ireland in the mixed relay.

Competitors will battle it out against the stunning backdrop of Stirling Castle as take on Europe and the USA in a thrilling team competition over a tough cross country course.

BBC One will screen the event live to a UK and global audience, showcasing Stirling as a must-visit destination for tourists and key events venue.

It comes hot on the heels of Stirling’s successful Hogmanay celebrations which saw both Stirling Castle and the Wallace Monument dazzle in a stunning fireworks display in front of a sell-out crowd.

Other recent large-scale events to be staged in the city included last summer’s Runrig ‘Last Dance’ concerts, which attracted 45,000 fans over the course of a weekend.

On April 28, the city will also host the third Great Stirling Run. This event incorporates the Stirling Marathon, a half marathon event and family events.

The Cross Country Champi-

people will make the perfect start to their New Year in the inaugural Simplyhealth Great Stirling Castle Run, an exciting multi-terrain course encompassing some of the city’s most iconic landmarks.

Fun activities will also be available for families in the event village, which will have a selection of food and drink on sale.

Stirling Council Leader Scott Farmer said: “The excitement is now building as we count down the days to hosting another fantastic, top-class event – the first of many in Stirling in 2019.

“We are looking forward to showcasing our stunning city to a world-wide TV audience as a must-visit destination, while the influx of visitors will also deliver an economic boost at a quieter time of year.

“It’s wonderful news that all the places have been filled in the Great Stirling Castle Run, with participants from all over the country grasping the opportunity to take part in this unique and unforgettable event.

“I am also pleased that Active

our blossoming reputation as a host for high-profile sporting events.

“This will be a unique event where people can be inspired by watching elite athletes at close hand, get on their running shoes for the Great Stirling Castle Run and also get involved in a range of fun activities.

“We want this day of top-class sporting action to be the starting gun for anyone, regardless of their fitness levels, to get active and lead healthier lives.”

The event is free to spectate and will be shown live on BBC One from 13:15 on Saturday 12 January.

For further information on the event visit: A Guide To The Simplyhealth Great Stirling XCountry For road closures during the Championships visit www. stirling.gov.uk/roads-transportstreets/planned-road-closures Normal on and off-street parking will be available in the city, aside from those roads which are closed. Springkerse Park and Ride will also be in operation.

Sport

19 Brig |Refreshers 2019

Sports round up: 2018/19 so far

Since the start of the season, Stirling has demonstrated just why it is one of the leading universities for sport. Thanks to some strong team and individual performances, Stirling is currently 12th on the overall leaderboard behind Nottingham Trent. Given our strong start to the season Brig have gathered together some of the highlights so far.

Jessie Hosking Sports Editor

Football:

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he university men’s team made history in October by going on an impressive and record breaking run in the Scottish cup reaching the third round.

Despite losing to semi-professional side Elgin FC, the team’s performance made history.

Speaking before the match, Stirling’s head coach Chris Geddes commented on the enormity of the occasion, telling the university that: “It is already a great achievement for this team – a group of students – to make the third round of the Scottish Cup. For me, if we were to qualify for the fourth round, it would be an unbelievable achievement.”

The Stirling 2nds have been sitting in 4th place in the league over the festive period. With their next match not until January 30th against last place Heriot-Watt’s 1st team, they have the chance to go level on points with Abertay’s 1st team in 3rd place. No nonsense defender

Arron Gunn said, “Overall the season has been an improvement from last season. The league has changed due to the vast amount of teams joining the East of Scotland league so each of the conferences have become very competitive. So far the highlight has to be beating Leeds Beckett Uni-

versity 6-1 in the BUCS cups.

The 3rd, 4th and 5th teams are looking advance from the bottom halves of their leagues in the New Year. the woman’s 1st team currently sitting in 5th have had a tough season so far, the 2nd team are sitting nicely in 2nd position with 4 wins from 4 and two games in hand.

Golf:

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tirling’s first team currently sit at the top of their league after winning all of their matches against Scottish opponents. Their most convincing victory came against University

Credit: Lewis Hunter

of Strathclyde, whom they beat 10-0.

The 2018/19 season saw a valuable addition to their team in the form of English golfer Nicola Slater, winner of the Stirling International event on the Torrance Course at the Fairmont in St Andrews.

There was individual suc-

Credit: SportatStirling

Swimming:

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t the BUCS Short Course Championships held in November in Sheffield, Stirling finished second on overall just a few points behind Loughborough.

Stirling came away with a total of seven gold, eight silver and five bronze medals. Particularly impressive wins came from Duncan Scott, who won two gold and two silver medals.

Following this success, the university swim team were named overall Top Club at the Scottish Short Course Championships held in December.

Over the course of the competition, numerous records were broken by members of the Stirling team. The Stirling swim team came out on top with 1452 points, ahead of second place University of Edinburgh on 956 points.

The Olympic trio made up of Ross Murdoch, Scott and Aimee Wilmott brought in ten medals between them. However, the younger athletes in

Credit: ZwemWa

the team made their voices heard too, with first-year scholars Keanna MacInnes and Cassie Wild both coming away with gold medals. Head coach Steven Tigg said, “There was some impressive racing from our experienced athletes as well as our younger swimmers which is encouraging to see.

Individually, Scott has had a particularly strong start to this season. His success was ac-

Credit: ODU Athletics

knowledged at the recent Scottish Sports Awards, when he was named Sports Personality of the Year.

Six Stirling athletes are currently on a three week altittude training camp with the British swimming team at Northern Arizona University, 6,910 feet above sea level.

Tennis:

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n the National League, Stirling’s men’s first team are currently 2nd behind Loughborough.

Club president Rob Leck has had a strong start to the season, having won eight out of the nine matches he has played.

Freshman and new addition James MacKinlay has also made an impression on the

first and second team. On both teams he is yet to lose a singles match, and has only lost one doubles match.

Similarly to the men, the women find themselves behind Durham in the top flight. Ingrid Vojcinakova has started the season in style, winning 12 out of 14 matches she has played.

In the other leagues, Stirling’s teams are also performing well.

Both the male and female sec-

cess for Chloe Goadby, who has been chosen as part of the initial Great Britain and Ireland squad. A number of matches will be played over the coming months in order to determine who will represent their country in the Vagliano Trophy match against Europe.

Goadby said, “It has been a great semester for the university. We retained our Scottish League title with dominant wins each week. Both the male and female teams brought 6 players to the Yale University tournament in the US, with the men and woman’s team coming 4th and 2nd respectively. After a two week training camp in UAE over the festive period we look forward to continuing our good form in the Spring semester.”

Stirling’s second team have also had a confident start to the season, remaining unbeaten.

Their only draw came against St Andrews.

Stirling’s fourth team sits just above the fifth team in their league, with the latter’s only loss coming against their teammates. ond teams are first, whilst the men’s third team are proving to be dominant in 1st place in their respective league. The fourth team are currently in 3rd position but level on points with St. Andrew’s 2nd team wih a game in hand.

Individually, there have been numerous successes for Stirling’s first team players. Maia Lumsden was the first university student to win a $25K event with her victory in Shrewsbury.

The win contributed to her gaining a career-high ranking of 307 in the world.

Alongside her teammate Scott Duncan, both players earned their spot on the British team travelling to Grenoble for the Master’U BNP Paribas competition in France. Making it all the way to the final for the second consecutive year, Great Britain claimed the silver medal after losing to USA. Back in December team coach Nick Rosenzweig and Stirling student athletes Maia Lumsden, Natasha Fourouclas and James MacKinlay won silverware at the TS open tour masters.

Sport since 1969

Scotland’s university for sporting excellence November edition 2018 | Twitter: @brignewspaper | Website: www.brignews.com

SPA Journalism Awards 2018 - Nominated for Best Sports Coverage

Gannochy time capsule found after Harry McArthur 50 years Editor-in-chief

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s part of the redevelopment plan to upgrade the sports facilities on campus the Gannochy sports centre is being knocked down in order to build a more modern sports complex than the famous Gannochy that was erected in 1969.

During the destruction Sports President, Caitlin Ormiston, received a strange call. “I received a phone call one morning saying can you get down to the Gannochy (building site) as soon as possible - we’ve found a time capsule!”

The steel casket was created

by University employee Josef Jason, who worked in the engineering department alongside Chesterman. Chesterman, who went on to become Facilities Manager and retired from Stirling in 1998, contacted the University about the time capsule after seeing demolition works start late last year.

The casket – inscribed with the words: “Placed by W.G. Farquharson M.C. C.A. Chairman of The Gannochy Trust.

18th June 1969” – contained a bottle of Bell’s whisky; cricket, tennis and squash balls; a shuttlecock; and photographs of Mr Bell and University personalities, including Professor Cottrell. Plans and elevations of

the building; a copy of the University’s 1970-71 prospectus; a selection of currency; a 1969 exam paper; and a copy of the Stirling Observer and Glasgow Herald were also among the items found.

Unfortunately the original copy of Brig came out after the capsule was formed, but Ormiston has vowed to rectify that after confirming that there are plans to make a time capsule, “The sports re-development project board are very excited to carry on the tradition and put another time capsule in the new facilities for staff and students to find in years to come.

I’m not sure what will be in it yet, but hopefully it will include some sports team photos and a copy of Brig of course.”

Present to collect the time capsule alongside Caitlin were University swimming Olympic and Commonwealth athlete Duncan Scott, the University’s Deputy Senior Principle, Professor Lewis MacLeod and Cathy Gallagher, the Director of Sport at the University of Stirling.

Duncan Scott said, “It’s a great time to be an athlete at the University of Stirling – especially with the redevelopment of the sports centre, which will see an iconic new complex integrated

with the existing world-class facilities.

“It’s amazing to see the items contained within the time capsule, to look back at the creation of the Gannochy Sports Pavilion and think about the opportunities it has offered Stirling athletes, students, staff and the wider community over the past 50 years.”

After opening the time capsule Professor MacLeod echoed this excitement, “It is an honour to open this time capsule which was installed in the Sports Pavilion by senior University staff almost 50 years ago. The contents are in remarkably good condition and provide an intriguing snapshot of campus life in the early years of this University, and Scotland as a whole in the late 1960s.

“In the same way that Professor Cottrell and Lord Wheatley would have then been eagerly anticipating the years that lay ahead; today I am excited by what the future holds for this University, with the redevelopment of our sports facilities – and the £21 million Campus Central project – among the biggest infrastructure investments since our foundation.”

Although what the plans are for the present and future of

Photo Credit: University of Stirling

the time capsule are unclear, Gallagher said, “We are extremely grateful to former Facilities Manager, Campbell Chesterman, for informing the University about the presence of the time capsule.

“Its contents provide a fascinating insight into the early years of the University and the creation of the Gannochy Sports Pavilion, which has – over the last 50 years – produced world-class

sportspeople, from swimmers and triathletes, to golfers and tennis players.

“The £20 million redevelopment of the sports facilities is another significant milestone for the University, which demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering an exceptional student experience at Stirling, and will ensure we will continue to produce top athletes in the years

to come.

“We will work with colleagues from across the University, including our Archivist, to preserve the existing items in the time capsule – and add to the collection – before sealing it within the structure of the new building.”

Keep up-to-date with future updates on the time capsule on brignews.com.