Glasgow West End Today magazine Issue #3, Sept-Oct 2022 by glasgowwestendtoday

Already we have our third issue for you to digest and enjoy. And we have been heartened by the positivity and good wishes received so far We are determined to provide a source of quality local content that readers value and that businesses value The formula is simple: give people something relevant to them that is well written and they will stay with you. Whether you come to us here or by our website, social media, or newsletter, we want to be a voice you can trust. Finally, we want to involve more of you Get in touch if you have any ideas for articles or content, and thank you for your support EDITOR'S NOTE IN THIS ISSUE FOOTBALL'S COMING HOME Historic match to be marked 150 years after it was played in Partick 22 5 BEATS, LEAVES & SHOOTS Centre: How music and arts venue SWG3 turned a wasteland into garden oasis REGULARS LIFE ON THE EDGE OF SCOTLAND Travel: Writer Cate Devine makes a journey of a lifetime to St Kilda I.M 32 ThecontentofGlasgowWestEndToday(andwebsite)doesnot necessarilyreflecttheviewsofthepublisherandaretheviewsof contributorsandadvertisers Thepublishersacceptnolegal responsibilityforlossarisingfrominformationinthispublication No partofthispublicationmaybereproducedorstoredinaretrievalsystem withoutthewrittenconsentofthepublishers Allrightsreserved Ian Marland @glasgowWEToday @glasgowwestend @GlasgowWestEndToday Printed in Scotland by J Thomson Colour Printers Ltd, Glasgow Published by Glasgow West End Today. Call 07803 970 319 or email advertising@glasgowwestendtodayscot www.glasgowwestendtoday.scot Working Lives Me And My Dug Books 14 18 36 Caring City 42 Cover photograph: Martin Shields 39Property 3 Gardening 9

5 of the newly constructed Partick Burgh Hall, two football teams, one from Scotland, one from England took to the field at the West of Scotland Cricket ground at Hamilton Crescent In good conditions and autumnal light, the players began a rivalry that exists to this day. The game ended 0 0 and Scotland had a goal disallowed It was the first international football match the world had ever seen and a precursor to the modern game The report in the Glasgow Herald the following Monday read: “On Saturday afternoon, a football match between teams selected from England and Scotland took place on the West of Scotland ground, Hamilton Crescent, Partick. This was the first occasion on which an Association team has contested a Scotch eleven on this side of the Border, and the event naturally created an unusual degree of interest. The weather, happily, proved favourable, and there was a large attendance of spectators. The Scotch men won the toss, and the strangers kicked off at a quarter past two.”

"But what happens is 2,500 people turn up and pay a shilling each. And that was enough to fund the return leg the following year, and to set the ball rolling on so many other things You see, so much happens in the next two years after that match. The Scottish Football Association is created (1873), the opening of the first Hampden Park (1873) and the first Scottish Cup final (1874). From a West End point of view, you should be absolutely screaming from the rooftops ‘International football was founded in the West End of Glasgow'. Let’s be clear, in the West End of Glasgow international football was born. That should be the headline " Several events are being organised to mark the anniversary, with full details to be announced soon. Meanwhile, West of Scotland Cricket Club is in discussions with the SFA about an official ceremony or event to mark the anniversary.

Colin Mair, WoSCC chair, said: “West of Scotland Cricket Club is very proud of our heritage as an international venue in four different sports (cricket, football, hockey and rugby), the most famous of which was the first ever Scotland v England football international on 30 November, 1872. We certainly intend to mark this important occasion and are currently liaising with interested parties, including the SFA and the Hampden Collection.”

The date Saturday November 30 St Andrew’s Day - 1872 is one of the most important in the history of sport. Yet, the event and its importance are not widely appreciated or recognised Only a small plaque on the side of the present cricket pavillion marks the spot where history was made.

The encounter between Scotland and England was played in Partick. Ian Marland reports ittle did the 2,500 or so spectators 150 years ago realise they were witnessing the birth of a global sport. In the shadowL

travel, they had to manage the whole event. And they were really worried that they would go bust Remember, this is only a club that has existed for five years up to this point.

“Queens Park (football club) underwrite the match. They have to organise the hotels, they had to organise the

Football heritage group Hampden Collection are determined to mark the sesquicentennial in a few months time. One of the group ’ s founding members Graeme Brown said it was impossible to overstate the importance of Hamilton Crescent and 1872 “Hamilton Crescent is really the incendiary point for Scotland taking control of what becomes the beautiful game Events are being planned to mark the first international football match 150 years ago.

Finn Boyd has amassed an incredible 100+ parkruns as a runner and 150+ as a volunteer, and is now run director at Elder Park parkrun in Govan. He has echoed a call by Scottish cycling legend Sir Chris to encourage more people to try out their local parkrun, especially if they have been inspired by the summer of sport.

Sir Chris is National Lottery ambassador and former Olympic and Commonwealth Games champion “We need to do all we can to encourage children to be more active – every week parkrun, which has had £3.6m of investment from The National Lottery, provides a brilliant opportunity for kids to get active in the great outdoors "

Finn Boyd found solace and compansionship at his weekly run in the park. He wants others to check out the benefits. Ian Marland reports “This was the first real opportunity I had to run alongside more experienced runners, and I loved

FinnBoydwhois nowrundirectorat ElderParkparkrun inGovanhas echoedacallby Scotscycling legendSirChris Hoytoencourage morepeopletotry outtheirlocal parkrun,especially iftheyhavebeen inspiredbya summerof achievementby Scotssportstars

Finn said: “In late 2018, I had a major setback in my mental health. The one thing that kept me grounded and in some sort of positive mindset was my running Going along to parkrun on a Saturday as either a volunteer or a runner gave me a sense of belonging and community that I didn't really have anywhere else at that stage in my life "

A Glasgow parkrunner has joined Sir Chris Hoy in calling for people inspired by this summer ’ s Commonwealth Games to try out their local Saturday 5km gathering.

Finn, 21, from Ruchill and now living in the West End, said: “I got into parkrun in 2017 when I found out that there was a new parkrun starting near where I lived in Ruchill I had heard of parkrun through my aunt who ran every week at Pollok, but this was a little far to get to on foot so I had never ran a parkrun until April 2017 7

'Parkru has kep ground and pos and it c help yo that atmosphere. Everybody was so friendly and welcoming, I couldn't wait for the next one. I had definitely caught the parkrun bug! I went along every week that I could and got to know the core team by volunteering after my runs. I then asked if it was possible for me to join the core team as a run director, and the team were delighted to welcome me in." Parkrun is the UK’s biggest mass participation community event and has so far benefitted from over £3.6m in National Lottery funding. People can walk, jog, run, volunteer or go along to watch, and parkrun can now be found in more than 1000 communities across the UK. There are six events in Glasgow Elder Park, Drumchapel, Ruchill, Victoria Park, Tollcros Park and Pollok Park, which was Scotland’s first parkrun.

SpanningtheClyde onepileatatime

Photocredit:GlasgowCityCouncil/GlasgowCityRegionCityDeal/Farrans/WhiteHouseStudios

The first steel pile has been successfully positioned at the site of a new river crossing on the Clyde The landmark stage was recorded off Pointhouse Quay where Farrans Construction is working on the £29 5m Govan Partick cycle and foot bridge Farrans project manager David Buchanan said work was on schedule and the pile was the first of many. “Piling works will be ongoing from now until next June and July, not continuously but in periods alongside concreting work To be involved in the building of what will be an iconic structure in the city is wonderful We hope the bridge will mean a lot to communities on both sides.“ The quay wall by the museum is being extended to create a new line for the crossing, while the old Govan ferry inlet is being filled in Work will begin on the first of two coffer dams to allow construction of the bridge piers The steel bridge structure which is being fabricated in Belgium is due to be positioned this time next year. The bridge will open in 2024 Councillor Susan Aitken, Glasgow City Council leader and chair of the Glasgow City Region Cabinet, said: “The work on Govan Partick Bridge will lead to the creation of a key connection across the Clyde But this is more than re establishing a historic connection between Partick and Govan: this will bring real and lasting economic, environmental and social benefit."

WITH WITH MARTIN MMCCARRON ARTIN MCCARRON WEST END GARDEN CENTRE 40 44PEELSTREET PARTICK GLASGOW 9 IN ASSOCIATION

3. Eucalyptus Gunnii. A beautiful evergreen tree offering amazing contrasts in colour and texture for your borders These plants do grow to a fair size so they need to be managed and kept to a height that suits you. However, they actually look their best when kept small, as they turn into an incredible lush silver beacon 4. Cyclamen. The best flowering plant for autumn. This wee cracker provides a much needed vibrant splash of colour during the autumn winter months, coming as they do in such a variety of colours from whites, pinks and rich reds They are ideal for containers when added colour is required.

5. Callicarpa A popular choice for autumn colour in the garden, and is a firm favourite of John here at the garden centre. An upright shrub, this plant can fill any gap in your flower or shrub border During the summer, the plant is clothed in long leaves, followed by panicles of small lilac blooms. The foliage turns rosy red in the autumn, followed by the main event: glorious clusters of purple berries. Now that really is a spectacle for any city garden. With so much to choose from, you shouldn’t have any problem creating a vibrant display as the days shorten and the air begins to cool Happy gardening utumn is perhaps my favourite time of year in the garden. I just love shrubs and trees which come into their own and the

IN IYOUR N YOUR WEST WEND EST END GARDEN GARDEN

Colours and contrast make Autumn fun

incredible colours the garden produces from September onwards What makes the season so much fun is how you can easily add bright foliage and berries to borders and pots, creating great contrasts and effects I particularly love containers planted in the autumn, and the choice of plants you can use is huge. Here, I have chosen my favourite plants which all work really well in a West End garden: 1. Leucothoe Curly Red. This incredible compact shrub is perfect for patio pots and the front of your garden border. Starting off lush green through spring and summer, the colour changes the colder it gets So in winter it is a scarlet red with interesting twisted foliage. We just love it at our garden centre in Peel Street 2. Skimmia Rubella. A stunning shrub that will give you six months of colour in the garden Starting off in autumn, this evergreen will produce clusters of small red berries which remain through the winter. Around March April of the following year the berries burst into flower producing clusters of white flowers It’s a wonderful plant with lots to offer. WITH

Follow on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook 11 arco Stevenson admits it himself He likes to keep under the radar No fuss, no bother. But his new venture is makingM in the team We are starting a new business from scratch. “But I am sure we will get it right in the end, and people will come to love what we are doing here I am genuinely excited about what we have created. It’s better than I could have imagined it in my wildest dreams ” Community and the importance of 'local' hence the name are fundamental principles for Marco and his team “Hyndland and the West End have given me so much over the years and I feel privileged to be part of the neighbourhood,” he says "I have never lived here but I consider it my home because of the friendliness and warmth of my friends and the local community."

Nostrana arrives at the Nstation ostrana arrives at the station

The build and fit out of the former shop units that Marco has owned for many years on Hyndland Road that once had Hyndland Station nextdoor before that building was demolished is a stunning makeover.

The space has been transformed and one of the most desirable locations in the West End opened up And then there is the food offering, which includes authentic Italian pizzas made by an award winning pizza chef (Marco), and delicious home made pastas from head chef Martino Ministeri. Nostrana wants to be a ‘place for everyone ’ at any time of the day or evening, where people can relax, enjoy a fresh coffee or beer, or indulge themselves from the menu.

Marco said: "We are really excited about what we have here. I have struggled to define Nostrana as just a restaurant serving good food we want it to be a place where people can come for anything; drinks, a coffee, a meal, as a couple, as a group, or by themselves. However people experience Nostrana, they can be assured of a warm neighbourly welcome, a friendly smile, and quality food and drinks at reasonable prices.” He adds: "My wife Angela has been a huge motivation and has encouraged me all the way She should take all the credit for the look and feel of Nostrana Neither of us have done anything like this before and it has taken a tremendous amount of work by a lot of people to get to this stage."

It’s been a long time coming, but Marco believes the wait has been worth it “It hasn’t been plain sailing, not by a long shot. We have had our problems and hold ups, but I am putting all that behind me now Things are not going to run smoothly from the off, and we are going to have teething issues with systems and the way we do things. We are bound to make mistakes, this is all new to me and to everyone

that mantra increasingly difficult to follow. It may be that Nostrana has been so many years in the planning, and that the anticipation has been building for an age. But in recent weeks, the clear evidence is that Nostrana is going to be a very special place indeed

MARCO STEVENSON AND TEAM ON HYNDLAND ROAD: 'WE ARE REALLY EXCITED ABOUT WHAT WE HAVE HERE '

Nostrana (meaning 'local' in Italian) is serving freshly made handcrafted pizza, pastas, mains, snacks and desserts from noon to evening in a stylish and relaxed setting Fully licensed and serving fresh coffee, draft beers, cocktails, and organic wines, for further information, call 0141 339 8544 or visit the website at www.nostrana.co.uk.

We are delighted to be celebrating our fifth year as a group in the West End, and follow the motto: Learn, laugh, live We are keen that our members should come from all walks of life, and we are working hard to make sure our organisation is completely open to everyone u3a is a national organisation, but individual groups are given the freedom to run themselves. We elect a committee, and everybody just gets on with it

We tend to be over 60s, but we don't actually have an age restriction. You know, you could be younger and join us But typically, I would say our average members are probably in their late 60s, early 70s. But we ' ve got members in their 90s and we ' ve got a few in their 50s as well So there's a wide range

Membership is actually good value at £15 pounds a year. Monthly meetings are free, though people pay 50p for tea and coffee After that, things self finance. So, if you ' ve got a group that goes for lunch, individuals pay for their own lunch. We're hoping that it's accessible to all Some groups are completely free, like the walking group. Your financial situation shouldn't put you off joining.

We have a monthly meeting on the third Thursday of every month in the community hall in Novar Drive, with a speaker and tea and coffee. And then we have about 30 plus interest groups, and that's everything from languages conversational German, Italian, French, whatever to book groups, walking groups, history groups, all kinds of things. Anyone can set up a group

We've got about 300 members. I suspect there's an awful lot of people in the West End that could be members, but a lot of people have never heard of us. We keep groups up to date on WhatsApp and we try to make things as easy as possible The vast majority of our members do live somewhere in the West End, from Charing Cross to Anniesland. Because we celebrate five years this year, and the national organisation is 40, we ' re running a number of special party type events These include a barbecue, afternoon tea at the Grosvenor, a walking West End quiz, and a quiz night in one of the local bowling clubs 13

Members of u3a meet at Novar Drive community hall

It's just all about people coming together, socialising, learning a bit as well sometimes and making friends, which is great when you ' re retired or semi retired. I got involved when I came back from England The pandemic had just started We managed to do lots of things on Zoom, and keep people in touch with each other over the months in lockdown The third age just means when you're no longer full time working. So, the first stage being when you ' re a child, in education And then second age, working, mortgage, bringing up kids, that sort of thing. And then the third age is when, in theory, you have fewer responsibilities Most of our members I would say are fully retired.

COMING OF (THIRD) AGE

You can contact West End of Glasgow u3a for enquiries and further information via https://u3asitesorguk/glasgow west end/welcome Or via https://wwwfacebookcom/GWEU3A

u3a celebrates its 40th year nationally this year and five years in the West End. Chair Gail Donaldson spoke to Ian Marland about how the group previously called the University of the Third Age works and why she thinks more people should get involved

WORKING LIVES

It’s true there’s a lot of shops, but there’s always room for more. The bigger we can get together as a city, the more we can rival the likes of London and show the world that Glasgow knows good coffee Tell us about throw down events? We meet up, throw a dice with different patterns, and go head to head in rounds to see who can pour each roll the best. Sometimes we shake things up and use alternative milk or do the pour blindfolded etc Afterwards, we crack open a few beers and eat some pizza and chat nonsense about coffee that a passer by would be bamboozled at What makes a great serve? A pour that is as close to a carbon copy as the design on the dice Judges look for contrast, symmetry and centre placement in the cup. What does it take to become a great barista? It isn’t just about pouring silky milk and tasty coffee It’s about being approachable and making a customer’s day every day. Without great hospitality, people won’t come back. What’s the dream? I want to be the guy you go to for any help with coffee. Whether that be setting up a shop, training, advice on equipment, roasting, brewing, judging. I want to do it all.

WORKING LIVES BARISTA&ROASTERYASSISTANT INTERVIEWBYHEATHERSUTTIE

'I want to be the guy you go to for help with coffee'

What training have you had? Just basic training from cafe to cafe. Everything I’ve actually retained I’ve either debunked or expanded upon from many different books, videos and conversations From coffee history and different origins to knowledge about bean varietals and processing methods. Where have you worked? Café Monza in Partick is an independent cafe focused on community and friendly hospitality Perch & Rest on Otago Street is where I really upped my game Now I’m working with Dear Green by the Barras, where I’m learning more about coffee roasting and production It's early days but I hope to dip my toe in all areas here. What do you love about the industry? Community is everything. It's filled to the brim with passion. People share their knowledge and skills and we all want each other to do the best Even competitors collaborate, and I love the opportunities that arise from a simple DM on Instagram How big is coffee in the city? Glasgow has a massive coffee scene, with passionate baristas and roasters from the industry as well as a massive group of consumers and home baristas. I'm proud to say I've made good friends with many regular customers We’re like a big group of pals in a really small niche area of the whole coffee community. Everyone knows everyone in a sense.

Does Glasgow have room for more coffee shops?

When did you start loving coffee? I got into coffee in my first part time job at a popular high street chain, but it wasn’t until I discovered speciality coffee that I found myself absolutely intrigued by all the equipment and high grade coffee. That’s when I started my quest to learn as much as possible about coffee and the industry.

ADAMINNES,23

'The low buzz of insects is enough to hush any faint echoes of distant traffic'

P h o t o : P e t e r S a n d g r o u n d / S c o t t i s h C a n a l s

My daydreaming is interrupted by the trill of bicycle bells, before a family group race past with cheery smiles and nods It’s a reminder I have my own trek to embark upon, writing about two Glasgow stretches of the Forth and Clyde Canal, from Possil Loch to Stockingfield Junction, and south east along the city branch of the waterway to Pinkston Basin, for a project that explores and celebrates how people relate to and interact with different places.

so many green spaces, and this magnificent waterway that runs like a silver thread through the north west. In the heat of a summer afternoon, a breeze tickles tall grass and draws back curtains of ferns, revealing tangles of ripe red raspberries. The low buzz of insects is enough to hush any faint echoes of distant traffic Bliss I watch as dragonflies flit among the wildflowers, through the bulrush, and then over the lily pads. A moorhen kicks and splashes Just for a moment, I am lost in time. This could be any day, I think. Any year. Yet just steps away from the Possil Marsh nature reserve, immersed in tranquility, it’s difficult to imagine how the people who lived and worked here 218 years ago must have felt when a blazing meteorite burst tumbling from the sky and plunged to the ground. The event of April 5, 1804, produced a thunderous sound that could even be heard in Falkirk, with quarry workers describing the fizzing of this fiery rock on the last moments of its celestial journey Although the High Possil Meteorite did still have a little more travelling to do, with the main four 15

WRITER GINNY CLARK REFLECTS ON A FAVOURITE GLASGOW JOURNEY AND ITS LAYERS OF HISTORY AND MEANING alking alongside the Forth and Clyde Canal, I feel lucky to live here in Glasgow, a city woven withw and a half billion years old fragment now in the Hunterian Museum, at the University of Glasgow

The drama of the High Possil Meteorite fall, and the location of the quarry, now a marshland nature reserve, close to the nearby site of a Roman fort at Balmuildy, provides me with a starting point for my contribution, ‘2000 years in five miles’. Canals are fascinating subjects, and the Forth and Clyde, which has undergone significant regeneration since the turn of the millennium, has an amazing legacy. Just last year, data scientists from Glasgow Caledonian University found people living in deprived areas within 700m of the canal had a 15 per cent lower risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke or high blood pressure, and 12 per cent lower risk of diabetes, compared to others living further away.

2000 YEARS IN 5 MILES

Photo: Peter Sandground/Scottish Canals

See ceramic tiles, produced by citizen artist Louise Nolan and community groups, at Stockingfield Bridge At Ruchill Street Bridge, visit the Charles Rennie Mackintosh church hall in Shakespeare Street

* Ginny Clark is a journalist and writer based in Glasgow ‘2000 Years in Five Miles’ was written for the 4th World Congress of Psychogeography See more at 4wcoporguk and @ginnyclark

Catch the views from Hamiltonhill Claypits Local Nature Reserve claypitslnr co uk Try whitewater kayaking, see pinkston.co.uk.

PLACES TO GO, THINGS TO DO

It’s not surprising The natural beauty attracts many of us to the towpath, just to stroll in the peace and quiet. Others run and cycle, or paddle and sail the water For much of this route, the canal is bordered by a dense line of trees that creates an impression of wilderness, and it’s only in the darkest months when houses, industrial units and busy roads are exposed, lying just beyond the bare branches. However, the canal doesn’t only contribute in this way to our mental and physical wellbeing, but also provides a focus for community organisations, architectural heritage, exhibitions and arts studios even football matches It’s when you consider the history of those areas that surround the canal, and the waterway’s impact on the city, that you can start to see its recent revival as something even more than the successful tale of urban renewal and development it clearly represents That silver thread stitches together whole communities. Although man made, the Forth and Clyde canal has become central to how this small part of the world continues to transform itself. My walk takes me from Possil Loch, to Lambhill Stables and onto the the newly opened Stockingfield Bridge, where the main canal continues west to Bowling and the Glasgow branch veers south east towards the city centre The bridge towers over this intersection, uniting Ruchill, Gilshochill and Maryhill, as the canal charges on. Maryhill Road accompanies the canal along the first section, weaving past Lochburn Park’s Maryhill FC, the Charles Rennie Mackintosh designed Ruchill Church Hall in Shakespeare Street, lifting over Ruchill Drive on the way to Firhill Basin, with a changing of the guard, as Garscube Road takes over The canal passes Murano Street student village where glass works once thrived, named after the famous Venetian glass before encircling Partick Thistle FC, at Firhill, and on to the incredible Hamiltonhill Clay Pits nature reserve, past the Old Basin, heading for Port Dundas, with arts venue the Glue Factory and Sculpture Studio nearby, before finishing at the watersports centre at Pinkston Basin Old buildings, new life The Forth and Clyde Canal, that silver thread, has sewn itself into the heart of Glasgow. 16 Enjoy a cuppa at Lambhill Stables, hub and cafe lambhillstables.org

Pinkston Basin: 'The canal has become central to how this small part of the world continues to transform itself'

But not all of our buildings have been so fortunate The former Church Street School swimming pool and janitor's house, off Byres Road, doesn't share the same fate.

A new exhibition will highlight Glasgow’s derelict buildings through the words of its people.

matters

The category C listed building, located at the prime site between Church Street, Torness Street and Byres Road, has laid vacant for years According to the Building At Risk register, the building's condition is poor and the risk is high. The recommendation is for urgent remedial work to be carried out or the building structure will sharply deteriorate before it is too late. This is one of the many examples of derelict buildings across Glasgow While they are not as historically significant as, say, Kelvingrove Museum or the former Kelvinside Parish Church, now Òran Mór, these buildings hold fond memories to many Glaswegians who grew up around them, and he people of Glasgow are no strangers to derelict buildings We are 'accust-

omed‘ to living among them; broken windows with buddleia growing on facades, or covered openings with plywood panels and wire mesh, exposed to the weathering of Glasgow’s rain and shine. The pandemic has made the situation worse with the changing habits of how we live Derelict buildings can be found in the West End of Glasgow and also city wide Why are these buildings important to us, and why do we need to save them from falling apart? In the West End, many heritage buildings have survived dereliction and demolition thanks to the strong awareness of residents and community groups who have rallied to protect them Take the Category A listed Botanic Gardens Garage at Vinicombe Street as a recent example. This fine building became derelict from 2006 to circa 2014, with a plan to demolish it for residential, retail and commercial use. Luckily the plan was scrapped and it is now retrofitted to house several restaurants and a gym utilised the buildings during their heyday These day to day stories, largely unheard or seldom told now, bring richness and collectiveness to urban living And it was for that reason that the Society wanted to encourage people to share their stories of our unloved and neglected buildings. We believe that storytelling is crucial to the city. It offers a discourse about the past, present and the future of our buildings and the wider built environment that we live in The process allows people to gather thoughts about a specific building, to add intangible values with personal stories, and to raise interest among the community in saving the derelict building. It doesn't mean that the city should turn its back on new developments Instead, we envisage harmonious Glasgow streets where the city celebrates the juxtaposition of old and new architecture from different periods. It's all part of the DNA of our beloved city.

Why building stories matter

Have your say on local things that matter to

you 17

The ‘Building Stories’ exhibition will take place at 1307 Argyle Street, G3 8TL during Glasgow Doors Open Days Festival 2022 September 12

Thierry Lye, chair of New Glasgow Society, explains why storytelling

18 FormerChurchStreetSchoolswimmingpool

Viewpoint Viewpoint

ANDREWMCWHINNIE ANDREWMCWHINNIE

The shop celebrated it’s 20th anniversary in July this year. There have been thousands of volunteers over the years and at any one time we have a team of 40 who help us do what we do Our generous helpers come from the local area and some from the wider global community: Africa, Australasia, America, Asia, and Europe None from the poles yet but that might happen. The effects of Brexit certainly impacted the diversity of cultures but we still have an interesting mix of characters both sides of the counter I have never been bored even once and I have been here since day one as a volunteer and now as manager. I imagine other environments have their own cultures but I would say ours has created it’s very own micro cosmos where people swap info, opinions and stories all day, every day. I am certain this is peculiar to record shops (I imagine nail bars and poodle parlours will have it too) but ours has its own aura We have to be inclusive to all as we sell what’s given to us We take help where given Unlike others, we can’t choose what makes us look hip. We wouldn’t want to anyway as both myself and Lisa (deputy manager) delight in the weird and enjoy nothing more than finding new homes for it. We sell about 1,000 items per week and pass on old stock by the barrel load. This means we are putting out four figure units of product a week so it is constantly changing We have Grant who comes in on Thursdays and is the only one allowed to test electrics so Friday might be a good time if you need some audio gear John has been here for 20 years and concentrates on keeping the classical section primed and pruned. 18

We are rather pleased that our largest ticket item is still the Celine Dion cassette we sold for over £750. It was a promo item donated by a DJ and dear friend to the shop It came in a presentation box with the line “ you may not know the name but you will never forget the voice!” It also had a ticket for The Tunnel in Glasgow where she was playing on her first British tour. It sold online to a Californian gynaecologist which I never tire of retelling. We also got £1000 for some original photos of the Stones this year. They were found in a programme for Jesus Christ Superstar, which was nice We have had celebrities call in but I feel it would be un-GDPR to unveil their full titles. Suffice it to say we ’ ve had Jarvis, Thurston and Seasick amongst others Billy was outside and signed some Humblebum albums. There is another very good specialist music Oxfam in Stockbridge, Edinburgh run by Jamie and his equally lovely crew. Aberdeen and Troon also have very well stocked music departments well worth visiting Here on Byres Road, we are very much reliant on the charity of strangers. We pride ourselves on never knocking back anything of a musical nature at any time. Musical entities are being pumped out front constantly but the Saturday afternoon boys are especially keen at finding treasures of a vinyl persuasion. Oxfam Music Shop on Byres Road is open every day from 10 till 5:30 and until 6 on a Thursday. Sunday, 12 to 5. Donations can be collected, just phone 0141 334 7669

OXFAMMUSIC OXFAMMUSIC BYRESROAD BYRESROAD

CARINGCITY

Interview by Heather Suttie

'OurlargestticketitemisstilltheCelineDioncassettewesoldfor£750'

Scheduled tastings are on a Friday or a Saturday evening and last an hour and a half. Private tastings can be booked for any night in between when Cavavin is able to accommodate With the wine menu, Cavavin is offering a very generous £9 corkage on any bottle in store. Glasses on the menu are also competitively priced Owner Yvonne Cozens said: “We have put a lot of work into the business to get to this point, and now we are here we can’t wait to invite people around our table."

ADVERTORIAL

Cavavin launches wine tastings and bar menu

The bar menu features three reds and three whites by the glass, starting from

The evening is being hosted by wine and spirits specialist Cavavin and its manager Murray Hannah The event marks an exciting new offering from the retailer following the successful award of its long awaited on sales licence Murray said: “We are so delighted to be able to have people in tasting wines It was always the plan to have guests around the table trying out different wines, learning about wines, and enjoying new wines at reasonable prices Our table at the back of the shop here seats up to 10 people and we think it’s a wonderful space to spend an hour or so on a wine adventure ”

heart of the West End, but the experience is taking us on a journey across several countries and wine regions

Tastings include six different wines to try and taste, and are booked on a first come first serve basis. Each event has a maximum of 10 places, and tickets cost £25 p/p To book, call 0141 533 0319 or pop in store to buy your tickets You can follow Cavavin on Instagram or Facebook for details of their weekly tasting events 19 t’s a Saturday evening on Hyndland Road and guests are tasting wines from around the world We are in theI

The new scheduled tastings are running alongside a bar service where customers can order wine by the glass or bottle to enjoy inside the shop or outside in a seated area at the front of the store.

YVONNE COZENS AND MURRAY HANNAH ARE INVITING CUSTOMERS TO ENJOY WINES INSTORE INSET, OUTSIDE SEATING entry level through to something a bit more special There is fizz by the bottle or the small bottle, and there is a rosé by the glass. Private tastings are also being offered where groups can hire Murray and his expertise for a bespoke wine journey “A lot of people go for the same wine all the time, which is fine,” explains Murray “But we would like to introduce people to new wines that people may not know about So they can try new wines at our tastings or through our bar ” Murray adds: “People shouldn’t be scared to try new things I am here to guide them The whole point of the tasting table is about having fun.”

▪ScanQRcodeformore▪ScanQRcodeformore Christmas▪ScanQRcodeformoreFair

NEIGHOURHOOD ENTERTAINMENT ATTHETHORNWOODBAR Speciality coffee shop Hinba on Dumbarton Road is hosting a book swap and social event on Saturday September 24. ‘Sip and Swap’ is the brainchild of writer and broadcaster Byres Road works to begin ork to upgrade the southern section of Byres Road will begin early next year, according to a council update. The stretch, or first phase of the improveW

LOCAL NEWS

Napiershall St plans Christmas Fair at SEC MORE HERE Heather Suttie, who said: "I’m so excited about our event. Hinba is a beautiful spot in the West End." See web story for tickets ▪ScanQRcodeformore HeatherSuttie

LOCAL NEWS

MENSCLOTHESAND ACCESSORIES COMING SOON

The Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair returns to the SEC, Glasgow from November 17 20 Visitors can source everything needed to create the perfect festive celebration under one roof, while supporting small businesses and artisan makers Unique gifts, tips on seasonal home styling, tailored tasting sessions are available, with cooking demonstrations and workshops. For info and tickets visit https://www.countrylivingfair.com ments, will go from Partick Cross to University Avenue. Pavements will be repaired and widened, and a cycleway installed on that stretch. Traffic will be one-way heading up from the Cross and then one way south along Church Street. When that phase is complete, work will begin on phase two of the works - from University Avenue to Great Western Road - in the autumn of 2024, more than seven years after the project was first proposed and consultations started The £9m cost is coming from City Deal money A report to Hillhead Area Partnership concludes: "The Council issued a Tender for Phase 1 in July 2022. Contract award is scheduled for November 2022 allowing a site start in January 2023 Phase 2 Works will commence in Autumn 2024 upon the completion of Phase 1." 20

Hinba coffee shop to host Bookface event Glasgow to return Indian artefacts

A former school in the West End could be turned into 49 homes including four penthouse apartments. Plans have just been lodged for Napiershall Street Centre between Great Western Road and Maryhill Road. Kelvin Properties says it will retain the original features of the 1890s former school building to create 24 homes. Proposals include a rooftop residents’ garden and children’s play area Glasgow Life Museums has become the first UK museums service to repatriate artefacts to India. A transfer of ownership ceremony with Indian dignitaries was held last month at Kelvingrove Museum to return seven antiquities. Duncan Dornan, head of Museums and Collections, Glasgow Life, said: “The transfer of ownership of the Indian antiquities symbolises a significant step for Glasgow."

Reach you can trust. Hyperlocal print & digital advertising #loveprint #lovedigital

omething wonderful is taking root in a tiny corner of post-industrial Glasgow. A once locked in wedge of derelict land with railway lines at either side has been made accessible to the public and transformed into an urban oasis. Much work is still to be done and the colour and richness of what is planned is yet to take hold But the first phase of the project has already been established and an area of 3,200m² has been landscaped and turned from wasteland to functioning garden The project is the latest and, according to its architects, one of the most significant spaces yet at the SWG3 multi arts venue on Eastvale Place, close by Finnieston and the River Clyde.

Once a manufacturing and warehouse district adjoining the former shipyards and docks, the buildings and yards are now one of the most exciting and innovative arts and music zones in Scotland Managing director Andrew Fleming Brown known widely to friends and colleagues as ‘Mutley’ said the garden was an exciting new space for the venue and one that was very much central to its sustainability vision.

“The garden was always landlocked, because the railway lines hem you in and we think this was railway sidings, historically. A build up of contamination over many years meant we had to remove a lot of material at great expense just to be able to create the garden.

S Why

Wthe

“The idea has been with us since our masterplan that we commissioned when we looked at the wider opportunities with the site and this wasteland And what we wanted to do, and what this garden space will help us do, is raise the daytime activity on site here, while thinking about sustainability and the environment, as all businesses are and should be.”

After years of self financing and building revenue, the charity behind SWG3 secured regeneration money two years ago which allowed it to create an access through the warehouse frontage in the form of a lobby area connecting Eastvale Place and the garden. From next spring the garden will be open to the public on a daily basis

If SWG3 and Andrew have provided the vision for the space, the green fingers used to build it 22 gardening ishy gardening is the

Used to staging concerts and festivals, a new garden at one of Scotland's top

SWG3

“Work started in March 2021, and the contamination meant it was not a straightforward garden to build. You have railway lines, yet we were asked by the community to make quiet spaces, so that was a challenge. We were never going to meet the original brief in certain respects but the feedback on the garden from the local community has been pretty positive.”

Another challenge for the design team was the requirement to work around twelve boreholes sunk into the garden as part of a thermal heating scheme “The boreholes have have come from the local community and garden design expert Jeremy Needham. Public consultation and involvement has been a huge factor in creating the space and securing funds to make it a reality. Jeremy and Andrew worked closely with local sustainable food collective Propagate to involve the community.

new graffiti atew graffiti at venues could be its greatest show yet. Words Ian Marland, photos Martin Shields

A feature of the garden will be raised beds and allotment spaces for growing produce, which was a huge requirement of local people. Around 3,000 plants will be brought in over the coming months, and art installations and play areas are also planned.

Jeremy came onboard when SWG3 hosted The New York Times’ Climate Hub during the COP26 climate summit in the city. Many trees and plants which currently take up space in the garden were donated by the media organisation and have been nurtured by Jeremy and venue staff over the months while the garden site was being prepared Jeremy said: “The site was derelict and full of rubbish and contamination. We had to remove something like 800 tonnes of soil from the site just to get it clear and free of waste that had built up over decades of industrial use. A hell of a lot About 600mm of surface soil had to be taken out across the site, and 600mm of clean top soil was brought in. The site was higher than this because it was just a great mound of debris

“SWG3 have just been fantastic to work with and very open to our ideas, and it's been great collaborating with Propagate who have acted like agents with the local community almost, to channel the brief towards us and engage throughout the process.

nSWG3

Mary Redmond is a local resident and member of the Propagate team who helped with the consultation process. “There's a massive demand in the area for space that people can come to for all different reasons They wanted a space where they could relax, space where they could interact with each other, and people wanted to be actively involved in the garden What's happened here is definitely a blueprint for something that you should be shouting about in other parts of the country ” Andrew is looking forward to next spring when the garden is flourishing. He is also looking ahead to SWG3’s 20th year “We are always looking at how we operate on campus, how we can repurpose and reuse, and how to get to a net zero position by the end of 2025. And that will have its challenges, but we might as well have a stab and see where we get to " 25

Top, clockwise: Jeremy Needham has been with the project since COP26; below, venue staff Meg McAuley, Alasdair McKay, Robert Wark, and local resident Mary Redmond; staff enjoy a break between shifts; and how the first phase of work looks with pathways and beds added

been quite a challenge for the design of the garden. Our original concept was to go for quite a woodland feel. But as we began to work around the pipe system, which is quite extensive throughout the garden, we realised that we couldn't put as many trees in as we wanted, because the pipes and boreholes have to be kept a certain distance, about three metres away from the trees And of course we ' ve had to avoid any species that have extensive and deep root systems. “The other interesting thing about the heating system is that, in localised areas, it's going to raise the soil temperature quite significantly. So it's going to be interesting to see how that interacts with the planting. So in time we may develop quite an exotic character to the garden You never know we might grow palm trees!”

Research Centre, or ARC, on the site of the former Western Infirmary. The ARCadia Festival of Ideas will feature brass bands, a retro video game arcade, comedy and drag shows Events also include an outdoor ceilidh, art exhibits, a virtual reality celebration of Robert Burns, and much more. The Children’s Wood, Partick Community Growing Project and the Annexe Healthy Living Centre are among the community groups taking part. Jane Cowie from the Annexe centre said: “Having something where the University is welcoming the community is absolutely massive " ARCadia festival manager Dr Zara Gladman said: "ARCadia is an invitation to the whole community to get involved, and this is reflected in our diverse programme "

"We are really excited. We feel we may have taken a couple more

Play, Pie and Pint begins autumn run

Russian feminist protest collective Pussy Riot will headline, with other acts BC Camplight, Los Bitchos, Scalping, Luna Li, Dan Mangan, and The Bug Club. Scottish acts include Dutch Wine and Iona Zajac Crime double bill to hit the stage at Websters Music festival returns for its third edition

▪CheckouttheQRcodeformorestories

MENSCLOTHESAND ACCESSORIES COMING SOON Theatre audiences are in for a treat with lots of new lunchtime productions at A Play, A Pie & A Pint The autumn season was announced several weeks back and the first plays in the run are under way Artistic director Jemima Levick (pictured) said she was looking forward to staging 12 new productions, with lots of “different flavours” to suit different tastes 26 A double bill of crime drama is heading to Websters Theatre at Kelvinbridge. 'A Robbery at 1.46AM' and ‘Bedsit’ are from the pen of young local writer and producer Will Sinclair, 25 William said: “I think audiences can expect great characters, laughs and just a great night out. I am very excited about how it's all going." The performances are on September 9 and 10

NEWS storythisonmoreforcodeQRScan▪ ▪ScanQRcodeformoreonthisstory

NEIGHOURHOOD ENTERTAINMENT ATTHETHORNWOODBAR ARC to host new free festival two week festival of free events kicks off in the West End later this month A fun programme is being hosted at the University of Glasgow’s newly opened £116m AdvancedA risks than I might have done last season But we ' ve still got a lot of heavyweight writers in the mix with Johnny McKnight and Frances Poet and Morna Young "We don't have as many musicals this season, which will be a big relief for everyone because they require a lot more work I’m pleased with it It feels like it has very different flavours, yet it has a lot that is the same " Highlights include the Scottish premiere of He Who Opens The Door by Neda Nezhdana Ukraine’s leading playwright And Taqi Nazeer (Scotistan, Ghost Light) brings us a supernatural, Middle Eastern horror story with Jinnistan on Hallowe’en itself See www playpiepint com for full details and tickets at Òran Mór.

The Great Western music festival is back for a third outing Bands will play venues along Great Western Road on Saturday November 12.

Bookadvertisingspace Bookadvertisingspace BumperChristmasissue BumperChristmasissue OutNovember15 OutNovember15 NOW! NOW!

MENSCLOTHESAND ACCESSORIES COMING SOON from the crowds And I can tell you it feels so good to be away for just a few days. This weekend, our new beat is unfamiliar and spectacular Here, the only buildings are the scattered boat houses and cottages by the water’s side The only road is the B route that loops around this impressive landscape for miles and miles. Here, the colour of squirrels is red and not grey like in the city And one has just stopped in the middle of the road a short distance off to take a look at the visitors He or she scurries off and we move to the spot where the creature disappeared. After a minute, we get another sight of the nimble tree climber. Great dexterity. We take in the moment: the mottled hills, the trees and ruffled loch. The hurried skies and shifting water. Pure medicine. Nature’s vaccine. Across the water in the far distance, sits Ben Cruachan, the highest point in Argyll & Bute, and the dam and power station that takes its names Cruachan Visitor Centre is open Monday to Friday (9.15am 3.45pm), So, maybe one for another visit On this excursion, we visit Kilchurn Castle at the very eastern end of the loch towards Dalmally The building Here, the only buildings are the scattered boat houses and cottages by the water’s side 28

itself is closed off for what appear to be extensive renovation works, but the path is open and leads to a stunning headland with views along the glen.

SHORT

LochAwe inspiring andnot toofar

Waterside: Kilchurn Castle (above) near Dalmally, with its quiet walks and breath taking views, and (right) Portsonachan Hotel on the southern shore of Loch Awe, and two hours from Glasgow e find ourselves on the banks of Loch Awe, off the beaten track and away

The loch is the third largest freshwater loch in Scotland by surface area, and the longest in length measuring 25 miles It has been“ a favoured spot of anglers and trout and salmon fishing for many years. In recent times, water sports have taken off in its more sheltered quarters and inlets. Paddle boarding is a thing in the warmer months of the year The walks are adequate compensation for now. There is plenty to do and see just a short drive from the city, and then there are plenty of things not to do, if relaxing and doing very little are your thing

We stayed on the southern shores of Loch Awe courtesy of Portsonachan Hotel. The family run hotel has a range of accommodation, from en suite rooms in the main hotel, to converted coach houses and loch side suites, and is totally dog friendly Where we stayed ShortbreaksfromGlasgowfor anightortwoarerewarding andnotlackingindrama,as IanMarlandfoundout BREAKS

We have a timber lodge hidden within private woodland and overlooking the loch Lodges have hot tubs and larger cabins have saunas At the hotel nearby, the restaurant has a full a la carte menu as well as daily menus, set within a spacious conservatory www portsonachanhotel co uk 01866 833 224

daytripper placestovisit,shop,eatandplayinandaroundglasgow This treasure trove of quirky finds and one off pieces of furniture is much loved by antiques aficionados It’s run by a couple of real experts who are committed to sourcing rare and interesting gems 12OtagoStreet,G12, 01413342848 Authentics Ifunderstatement’syourthing, you’llloveHoos:smallbut impactful,stockingaslick selectionoftimelesspieces (localmakersandNordic brandsfeatureheavily),thisisa lifestylestorewithdistinction 715GreatWesternRoad,G12, hoosglasgow.co.uk Hoos Zaha Hadid’s iconic building overlooking the Clyde is as much of an attraction as the incredible contents of this museum 3,000 exhibits all related to transport, from vintage trams to racing bikes Pointhouse Place, G3, 0141 287 2720 Riverside Museum Searchingforahard to find premiummalt?Shane,Matthew andMarkprobablyhaveitinstock. Theirspecialistshopsells interestingspirits(andwinesand craftbeers)fromallovertheworld 21ClarenceDrive,G12,0141334 4312,thegoodspiritsco.com The Good Spirits Co Theownersofthisrecently launchedcafeareself confessed coffeefanatics(theyroasttheir ownontheIsleofSeil,in“pure Hebrideanair”)butcarejustas muchabouttheenvironment, sustainabilityandthefarmers theyworkwith 86Dumbarton Road,G11,hinba.co.uk Hinba Forthelatestreads,kids’ titles,cardsandgifts, browsethisfriendlyand helpfulindependentlocal booksellerwho’sbeeninthe businesssince1982 143 HyndlandRoad,G12,0141 334552 Hyndland Bookshop Part nightclub,part multidisciplinaryartsspace: there’salwayssomething interestinghappeningatSWG3 Thesoon to opengardenisa tranquiloasis,theexteriorartwork iseye catchingandthebeer festivalslegendary 100Eastvale Place,G3,01413371731 SWG3 Immerseyourselfinmaritime historyontheGlenlee,a beautifullyrestoredthree mastedsailingship,builtinPort Glasgowin1896,andnowa uniquefloatingmuseummoored nexttotheRiversideMuseum150PointhousePlace,G3,0141 3573699,thetallship.com The Tall Ship Drop us a line if you would like to feature mail@glasgowwestendtoday.scot 29

Ask yourself these simple questions. Do you:

If this is the case, would you like to: Well, membership of Kelvin Probus offers a solution Visit our website for details of the programme, venue, constitution, application form, meetings, walks and other social events and summaries of our talks

Look for an alternative to the garden, shopping or bridge? Have time on your hands and like to get out?

The club affords an opportunity for good conversation, intellectual stimulus and the chance to widen your circle of friends It does this through regular meetings when you can listen to and contribute to stimulating discussions led by recognised experts and enjoy walks and outings to places of interest and other events ost of you reading this will not be aware of the Kelvin Probus Club If you are a retired professional, business 30 Our 2022/23 programme is similarly wide ranging, covering the Antarctic wastes to the Silk Road, the history of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland to the potential future of Glasgow, climate change and a vision of Scotland in 2070 Recent outings included BAE Systems, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Burrell. Walks have been to Chatelherault, Overtoun, and the Clyde Walkway The annual subscription is a modest £40 per head which covers all Tuesday meetings.

Take part in convivial outings on walks and to places of interest? Make new friends with like minded folk?

SPONSORED FEATURE

Last year ’ s talks included such diverse subjects as an exploration of the significance of James Watt, the story of the reduction in heart attacks and strokes in the West of Scotland, the relevance of the extraordinary John Buchan, an interview with Sir Ken Calman, the former chief medical officer for both Scotland and England, the historical development of Hyndland from 1840 onwards, and space research. or academic person, male or female and live west of the River Kelvin and north of the Clyde, there is a warm welcome waiting for you at Kelvin Probus Club, writes Nick Kuenssberg, president. The club provides a regular locus for those who are now retired, either partly or fully, and have led busy and fulfilling lives and perhaps now find that occasionally time hangs heavy on their hands, that that they miss the social interactions of the workplace or that family support has changed It may be something that is particularly appealing after the long months of pandemic and lockdown

If you are interested and do not know any Probus members, contact us via the website or through our secretary who will be pleased to invite you to a taster event. Indeed members are encouraged to invite friends and acquaintances, whether as potential members or because they are attracted by the topic of the day. This will allow you to savour the atmosphere and ethos of the club before deciding whether or not you wish to apply for membership formally. We look forward to hearing from you and meeting you at Hillhead Sports Club Tuesday mornings are the regular Probus time. There are meetings twice a month at the Hillhead Sports Club from September through to May when we meet at 11am for tea and coffee before a talk or presentation from an expert in a wide range of subjects followed by a Q & A session. You can contact us at www.kelvinprobus.org or via club secretary Robin Hutchison, whose details are robin hutchison1@gmail com and 0141 339 8038

NickKuenssberg

Friendship club is open to new members in West End

Members may then stay on for a lunch of soup and sandwiches at a cost of £5 50 provided by Café Source Too with access to the bar. The meetings include a Christmas lunch with partners On the intervening Tuesdays there are group walks with colleagues around Glasgow and surrounding areas or a guided visit, often taking in a local hostelry

Miss the friendship and companionship of working life?

Hope to widen your circle of friends?

Have a regular date in your diary to meet new people?

Listen to and participate in fascinating talks and discussions with experts?

Giovanna Eusebi wanted to do the climb but was unable to take time away from the business. She knew chef Andrew well, and says: “I really cherished his kindness and friendship and his quiet support I’m so proud of Michael and Nico for doing this. We have to keep Andrew’s memory alive and they are helping do that " Cate Devine. This could be because two key members of staff general manager Michael Prior and deli counter server Nico Eusebi have spent the last six months in intensive physical training for the adventure of their lives: climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the world’s highest free standing mountain in Tanzania, Africa. They’re doing it next month (October 7 20) with 16 others involved in Scottish hospitality across the country in order to raise funds for HITS (Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland), and for a very special hospice in Perth. HITS runs the Andrew Fairlie Scholarship, which is awarded annually to one male and one female chef who attain excellence in the industry. It was founded in memory of the renowned late chef who gained two Michelin stars for his eponymous restaurant at the Gleneagles Hotel, and which remains Scotland’s only two Michelin star restaurant Earlier in his long career chef Andrew in 1996 gained a Michelin star for the restaurant at One Devonshire Gardens in the West End, and lived in St Vincent Crescent in Finnieston at the time Cornhill Macmillan Centre in Perth is where the chef died in 2019, aged just 55, after a long battle with brain cancer Chef Andrew himself had climbed Kilimanjaro in 2011, putting his chemotherapy on pause to raise money for HITS

Michael Prior and Nico Eusebi fprepare or a trip of lifetime

the charities,” he says brightly over a strong coffee in the busy restaurant “I’m not doing it to increase my fitness just for me; I’m doing it because I want to do something useful in Andrew’s memory. ” At 23, Nico, the son of Eusebi's owner Giovanna, is the youngest of the 18 strong group. He is studying Business and Sports Management at Stirling University and is training part time to be a personal trainer. His favourite sport is boxing. “I was quite fit even before the training for Kilimanjaro started, and though I still find it quite difficult I’m enjoying the challenge,” he says. “I was 15 when Eusebi’s opened in the West End and I’ve worked at the deli counter since almost the beginning. Chef Andrew was one of hospitality’s good guys. I feel I’m doing this for him.”

The target for the 2022 challenge is £100,000 and Eusebi Deli is aiming to raise £20,000 of that. In the first months of training which includes playing weekly seven a side football with the Eusebi’s staff and climbing Ben Lomond, Buachaille Etive Mor, Beinn Ann and Ben Lawyers Michael lost a stone “My greatest motivation for doing this is to help 31 he next time you ’ re at the ever busy Eusebi Deli on Gibson Street, you may notice an increased energy about the place, writes

Donations: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/eusebideli

He is focused on a diet that increases his B12 intake to help increase blood flow at altitude (Kilimanjaro is 5895 metres high). Both men express some trepidation at Gthe iovanna Eusebi

thought of the physical effects of the challenging climb. “Altitude sickness is the big unknown factor,” says Michael But when he looks at the stunning background photograph of Kilimanjaro on his mobile phone, he says: “I feel nothing but excitement I really want to enjoy it ”

From Eusebi's to Kilimanjaro

On the day we sailed, it was around 1.7 metres. Not bad, considering!

Our trip had been cancelled last year, and delayed again earlier this time because the swell of the water had been too risky at around 10 feet

GLASGOW WRITER CATE DEVINE JOURNEYS TO THE FARTHEST FLUNG HEBRIDEAN OUTCROP - DRAMATIC ST KILDA suppose you could say that my longed for first trip to St Kilda, the most remote of the Outer Hebridean archipelagos, took thisI

West Ender to the very ends of the West of Scotland, and the world St Kilda is, after all, the furthest flung of all the British islands and Hirta, the home of the famous deserted Village, the group ' s largest I’m soon to witness for myself why St Kilda the remains of a 60 million year old volcano is unique in being a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well as a National Nature Reserve. Our group of nine left our holiday house on Barra early to meet the Hebridean Sea Tours 12 seater catamaran at Ardmhor and start our 70 mile three hour trip over the Atlantic. Its high powered engine roared through the scenic and relatively calm waters to pick up two further passengers at Eriskay pier, and then with a Belgian tourist making our dozen we were off We continued at around 23mph for the remainder of the trip, the noise of the engine reminding us that this was as fast as we could go Once out on the open water I was lucky enough to fall asleep for about an hour, wakening in good time for the excited shouts of ‘land ahoy!’ from others out on the deck.

To view mighty Boreray, Hirta and the famous dark volcanic rock seacliffs Stac an Armin and the fang like Stac Lee as they emerged over the horizon was a pretty emotional experience. I knew this would be a one off experience in my lifetime

A short transfer from the boat to a rib to take us to Village Bay, and at last we were there. The first thing to hit me was the absolute silence of the bay which is overlooked I almost said ‘cradled’ by the curved hillside that sweeps up to Conachair, the highest seacliff in the UK.

WEST END OF SCOTLAND

I was astounded by the magnificence of this lush green sweeping sward, which appeared at first to offer vital shelter to the dwellings in The Village. But in fact the bay, mostly facing westwards, gets the worst of the weather despite the significant presence of Dun opposite; winds would also hurl downwards from Conachair, so it would have been hellish for its inhabitants over thousands of years before the last of them were evacuated in 1930 in drastically depleted numbers I have to confess my next reaction was to 32

P h o t o : c l a f f r a / G e t t y I m a g e s ( C a n v a s t o c k )

P h o t o : E d o T e a l d i / G e t t y I m a g e s ( C a n v a s t o c k )

ST KILDA FACTS St Kilda is the UK’s only dual UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of only 39 in the world 1,400 cleits drystone storage structures unique to St Kilda are found across the islands The St Kilda wren is a larger sub species of the mainland wren, with only a few hundred pairs All Soay sheep in the world are descended from those on Soay in the archipelago St Kilda is one of the best places in the UK for diving because of its clear water and caves SOURCE:NATIONALTRUSTFORSCOTLAND Houses of former inhabitants now used by the island's custodians.

wonder what on earth we could do to pass the five hours we had on land Four and a half hours later, however, we were panicking that we’d miss the boat back. The place seemed to suck us in, slowly revealing its physical self and with it the spirit of a lost way of life. I’d been so struck by its beauty that at first I’d lamented how sorrowful it must have been to leave, but the hundreds of handbuilt drystone cleits for storing birdmeat and feathers dotted all around; the huge drystone enclosures (for the native Saoy sheep that now wander around freely); and the tiny homes, some housing nine people, suggested a desperately hard life and why the remaining 36 inhabitants had petitioned to evacuate (there were 200 in the 1600s) It’s said the final straw was the death of a young girl from appendicitis Over the centuries infantile tetanus, flu, smallpox, starvation and emigration had undermined the population Some have returned to be buried in the small graveyard.

A cheerful National Trust for Scotland warden (NTS has run the islands since 1957) warned us off climbing Conachair, as its top was screened by mist So we climbed The Gap next to it and were rewarded from one side with fabulous views over the cleits and enclosures stretching down to the Village, the beach and over to Dun, and from the other uninterrupted views across to Borerary and Stac Lee, from the steep 200m cliffs There were wheeling fulmars, of course, but in depleted numbers: avian flu has seen off two thirds of the population that had sustained the St Kildans for centuries An enormous pod of dancing dolphins in the waters beyond St Kilda on our return trip was some consolation. Passing the terrifyingly tall, dark Stac an Armin we glimpsed the stone shelter 120 feet above us that in 1727 was home to the three men and eight boys from Hirta who had sailed to catch gannets on its treacherous cliffs The boat that should have come to collect them never did; they had to live on raw birds’ eggs, meat and fish with no means of heat Their ordeal lasted nine months but miraculously they survived only to discover the reason they’d been stranded was an outbreak of smallpox on Hirta which had reduced the population to only four adults and 26 orphaned children. The five hour Calmac ferry trip back from Barra to Oban some days later gave me time to reflect on my experience. The red sandstone Hyndland tenement flat where I live turns 120 years old this year, and I’ve always loved its history and the imagined ghosts of those who once lived and worked in it My trip to St Kilda has put all that into perspective. 35

Photos: Cate Devine

From Broomhill to the corners of the world with a little bit of joy

Describe your book in a sentence. Follow Your Joy shares stories of the world through my eyes, someone who has wandered the streets of 90 countries What made you write the book? As a lover of travelling, I'm constantly inspired by stories shared on my travels and live by the philosophy ' you get from the world what you put into it'. I believe each country visited is the stepping stone to the next, and by following the feeling of joy the universe will reward you with some fascinating experiences. My mantra is 'life is a playground waiting for us to have an adventure'. Are you reminded of Glasgow on your travels? When you travel you quickly realise the world is actually more connected than we probably appreciate. I always love hearing what people from the other side of the world think of Glasgow when I bump into them on my travels. They usually proclaim, ‘Ah, Glasgow, the people, so friendly’ Have you stumbled across any surprising Glasgow links? The Riverside Museum has connections with Baku which I visited back in 2018. The late Zaha Hadid, a British architect, designed both The Heydar Aliyev Center in the Azerbaijan capital and the Glasgow building When I spot the transport museum on my runs, I see the waves from the curves of the building and memories from Baku pop into my mind

BOOKS 36

quelyn Armour oomhill The IT ntractor publish t travel memoir low Your Joy i 21. Gillian Wels her about her b vels, and Glasgo

How would you rate Glasgow from a visitor’s perspective? It is definitely a fun and vibrant city, with lots of depth. From the cone placed on the Duke of Wellington, to the inspiring Kelvingrove museum, and the Necropolis. We really are spoiled for culture and experiences. And of course, as cliché as it sounds, the city lives up to its tagline ‘People Make Glasgow’.

What do you like about the West End? The area has a charm and warmth that radiates from the stunning architecture, quirky independent shops, lively brunch scene, endless parks and, of course, the vibrancy of Byres Road. It has a trendy village vibe about it. We are spoiled. Any favourite places to read a book? I love Roots Fruits & Flowers on Great Western Road where I usually pop in for a coffee and cake, with the latest book I am reading. Both Hillhead and Partick libraries are my go to for a ‘give me all the books’ haul What book are you reading now? Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens It is breath taking and allowed me to escape when I first found it during the pandemic. I love how a book can take you away, into the mind of another author filled with love and loss

What’s next for you? Lots. I am training for my 14th half marathon so will no doubt be spotted at the Victoria Park Parkrun. In October I am off to explore Central Asia for my birthday, and I will do lots more writing from my yellow desk. 'Follow Your Joy' by Jacquelyn Armour Published by That Guys House, price: £1299 Available via wwwamazoncouk and local bookshops

Are you able to see Glasgow as visitors see it? 100% This is my life I believe when your eyes and mind are open you receive more from the world I’m a runner and cyclist, and I love a wee wander. I am constantly exploring this city and finding new spots to light me up My current favourite is the canal on a Sunday, enjoying the nature vibes on my long run.

B O O K F E S T I V A L

(Friday September 23 to Monday September 26) Graeme Macrae Burnet, nominated for the Booker Prize for the second time for Case Studies, will be joining to discuss his developing body of work. And Lin Anderson will be discussing her recent novel, The Party House, set in the atmospheric Scottish Highlands, as well as her series featuring Dr Rhona MacLeod. Jenny Colgan is a readers’ favourite and her latest novel, An Island Wedding, deftly mixes a rom com scenario with a deeper consideration of refugees and belonging Kerry Hudson was nominated for the Saltire Non Fiction Book of the Year award for her book Lowborn, which investigates her own past and what it means to be poor in Britain today Brookmyre’s (inset) new novel, The Cliff House, continues his reputation as a witty, psychologically acute novelist, and George Paterson has been nominated for the best debut novel award at Bloody Scotland for The Girl, the Crow, the Writer and the Fighter. There is a strong Gaelic strand to the festival, with sessions for adults and children. Morag Law’s latest novel A’ Fàgail an Eilein (Leaving the Island) is a compelling, coming of age novel, set on Skye in the 1960s. Poet Niall O’Gallagher has been described as ’ an exciting, new, (this time essentially urban) voice’ and in 2019 was named Bàrd Baile Ghlaschu, the City of Glasgow’s first Gaelic Poet Laureate. Norry Wilson of Lost Glasgow will bring the past to life with an illustrated talk on Glasgow’s rich history

Author Christopher Brookmyre (inset) returns to the festival

cottish authors Christopher Brookmyre and George Paterson are among the line up for the Byres Road Book FestivalS 38 For details and tickets www.byresroadbookfestival.com

On Monday September 26 the focus is on families and young adults Mandy Sinclair will host a workshop with the focus on illustration, and Alistair Chisholm will be sharing his award winning science fiction and picture books with young readers For young adults, Craig Steele will be revealing the secrets of Ultimate Gamer: Career Mode: Everything You Need To Be A Gaming Industry Pro So, join Craig for an interactive and entertaining talk about how you can turn your gaming hobby into a job Hillhead library, Waterstones and the Oxfam Books will host events, along with Gaelic Books Council in Mansfield Street which will welcome a session for children by Gillbride MacMillan The festival organisers are the Byres Road & Lanes Business Improvement District. Chair John Turner said: “It is no surprise to find Byres Road at the heart of all things literary. The Byres Road & Lanes BID is very much looking forward to hosting the Book Festival once again, with a wide range of events and activities for bookworms of all ages. Come along … you never know, there might be a murrrderrr or two along the way!"

BYRES ROAD BOOK FESTIVAL RETURNS TO THE WEST END

Theplacetobe

one is location first and then property Most homes can be recreated, but none can be relocated, so even if you fall head over heels on a first viewing, don’t over romanticise Do a recce at different times of the day and night.

Does it feel safe after dark? Is there somewhere to get a pint of milk at The West End, as anyone who has lived here for any length of time will tell you, is not a homogenous lump; rather, it’s a collection of neighbourhoods, each with its own distinctive characteristics 39 “ incredibly diverse selection of property types. As well as the classics solid sandstone tenements, grand Victorian villas, quirky townhouse conversions you’ll find sleek new build apartments, cute mews flats and even the odd magical cottage

First time buyers often restrict their search to one type only, but it’s worth casting your net more widely and seeing what comes up. Competition is generally fierce, but there are still bargains to be had, particularly if you ’ re prepared to look beyond the hot spots. The West End, as anyone who has lived here for any length of time will tell you, is not a homogenous lump; rather, it’s a collection of neighbourhoods, each with its own distinctive characteristics. Figure out what you want most, whether that’s quick transport links, green space, nightlife, shopping, easy parking or whatever, and that’ll help narrow your search Schools are generally decent across the whole area, but research catchment areas if you have any particular concerns First time buyer or not, rule number T he West End doesn’t just have some of the most desirable homes in the city, it has an First-time buyers should keep all options open when choosing a home, says Gillian Welsh You’ve found the perfect home – the one with ‘loads of potential’. It feels like yours already You’re picturing latenight kitchen discos, WFH in your open plan living area and turning the box room into that walk in wardrobe you ’ ve always wanted But before you send out the housewarming invites, there’s admin to do This is a big expenditure and the deal won’t be done overnight Be open to the odd surprise along the way and don’t stress about time.

h o m e s

MENSCLOTHESAND ACCESSORIES COMING SOON

7 30am? If you’ll be commuting, try the journey at rush hour. Could you face it every day? Check the council website for any developments in the pipeline It’s okay to dream a little too and visualise the route your daily constitutional will take or which coffee house will become your regular haunt. But stay practical and open minded, and you’ll end up with a place that makes you happy for years to come.

Brace yourself for surprises

Don’t go it alone: ask friends and family or consult a professional it can be worth it Paying for advice can be cost effective to avoid expensive mistakes Before you rip it up, work out the practicalities to save time and money Words Gillian Welsh

Planning makes perfect

shelf and towel warming rail As for the kitchen, compile a hit list of what most needs changing and “get savvy with the dosh,” says Lee “Treat it to a mini makeover – a new worktop, new flooring and new splashback tiles. Think about lighting options very early in the planning too.” new place, but there are bound to be bits that need changing too. It can be tempting to start ripping things out straight away, but before you grab the hammer, make a plan. That holds true whether you ’ re overhauling the whole house or just refurbing a single room “Take some time to bed in first,” advises Lee Sowerbutts, an interiors consultant who has transformed many a property in the West End. “It is all very well visualising grand schemes based on the floor plan you saw on the estate agent’s website, or getting excited about colours, but once you ’ re actually living in the house you’ll often find your ideas will change.” Gather inspiration, visit local suppliers and seek advice “Investigate the nitty gritty of who is going to help implement your vision,” says Lee “Ask around about good tradespeople nothing beats a solid recommendation for quality and reliability and visual proof of workmanship ” Kitchens and bathrooms are usually top priority for new homeowners. Starting from scratch isn’t always necessary: they may just need freshening up or being made more practical, such as by adding storage If space is tight in the bathroom, invest in stash all cabinets under the basin, and hang a radiator with a built in Stay practical and openminded, and you’ll end up with a place that makes you happy for years to come S

41 Right: A good pairing colour with a nod to retro, Miso by eco paint Graphenstone o you ’ ve finally moved in.

MENSCLOTHESAND ACCESSORIES COMING SOON

Congratulations! There will be lots you love about your

i n t e r i o r s

Don’t underestimate costs: things are always more expensive than you think, so add on 15 to 20% as a contingency. Having a financial cushion could save you sleepless nights Don’t be a slave to trends. Socials are great for inspiration but your space may be an entirely different proposition to the one that made you drool Lee's advice Don’t rush into a project without considering the fundamentals Before the soft furnishings, check the infrastructure is in working order Wiring, plumbing, roofs and windows are priority.

“ Storage is crucial, of course Wall mounted bars and racks are really handy for organising utensils. Then give the kitchen some personality with decor Colour affects mood: sherbet shades for calm and zesty pops for energising. It doesn’t need to be full coverage and cap it at three different shades to avoid chaos. It’s a myth that small, dimly lit rooms must be painted in a light colour, and vice versa, says Lee. “Don’t be afraid to go off piste. What’s the worst that can happen? It’s only paint ”

Leesowerbutts@gmail.com

How To Be 60 is available on Amazon Music, Audible, Apple and more.

I've lived in the West End forever and that is an official definition of time Since I came back to Glasgow, which was in the late 80s, I have lived here. I was in Birmingham before that. I live with my partner Ian, and my two children Bonnie and Charly, though Charly is at university in Edinburgh, so she comes and goes. The favourite member of my household, Bea, my cockapoo, is my emotional support animal.

Kaye Adams presents Call Kaye on BBC Radio Scotland, and ITV’s Loose Women Her podcast

As she prepares to do battle on Strictly Come Dancing, Kaye Adams talks to Heather Suttie about stepping out with four legged partner Bea 'It's interesting, because Bea is definitely, kind of, my dog, which really annoys the kids' 42 ME & MY

Bea is nine, and I think you'll agree she looks fabulous. When we went to see the puppies, we thought we were going to bring back Nico and Bea. We wanted to take two pups and we thought those names worked well together. Then on the way home we decided, let’s opt for one, and that was Bea It's interesting because Bea is definitely kind of my dog, which really annoys the kids because, of course, they wanted the dog and I reluctantly gave in. But she kind of puts me at the top of the pecking order, which I absolutely love and milk it for all it's worth. And everyone else in the family gets upset. We all feed her but I would have to say it's Charly, my eldest daughter, who's the best at things like cleaning her eyes, doing her tea and things, so she should get the credit but she doesn't.

The work diary is busy, which is good. The podcast ‘How To Be 60’ has been a revelation, actually. I'm really enjoying it to the point that, for some reason, in a moment of madness, I was persuaded to do two live dates at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. So in my 60th year, for the first time ever, I am at the Fringe I've always said that my 60th birthday will pass without any marker at all because it will be a duvet day. We’ll see on December 28

DUG

When we’re away we have two very dear friends who look after Bea. There are some lovely kennels but Chris and Denise take turns, and they both love having her. It makes such a difference to know that she is with people who absolutely love her and she absolutely loves them So that makes going away a lot easier. I spend all weekend tramping the streets with her. And do you know what? For nine years I've gone the exact same route. Absolute Roasters is very good I do recommend their dark roast Planet Blonde on the other side of the road I haven't tried yet, but it looks really nice I’m a huge fan of Eusebi and the wonderful Giovanna and her team I also love Paper Cup. So you can tell I'm having a coffee everywhere I go. As for parks, Kelvingrove is my favourite. And it's funny, before I had Bea I don't think I set foot in there because at that time, it had a bit of a strange reputation which I don't even know was justified or not. Sometimes I walk through the Botanic Gardens and go by the river, but Kelvingrove is always my preferred place.

C M Y K CM MY CY CMY walker wylie .pdf 1 30/03/2022 16:15

Glasgow West End Today magazine Issue #3, Sept-Oct 2022

Articles inside

Glasgow West End Today magazine Issue #3