Konect Broxburn August 2020

AUGUST 2020

CHARITY:

FEATURE: LOCAL ENVIRONMENT:

P15

W

e’re back after an enforced break in production, and the pages of this magazine are testament to the resilience, positivity and determination of local people and businesses to rebuild. The incredible adaptability I’ve seen all around as I pulled this edition together has been truly inspiring.

I’m delighted to restarting print with a new column on Local Environment, bringing stunning photographs of wildlife by local photographers Scottish Sisters Photography. They have a permanent gallery on the BBC Wildlife Magazine website and are now sharing in a monthly Konect column too.

Cara has interviewed a local family who share their experiences relating to the Black Lives Matter movement. We’re also running an appeal from the School Bank West Lothian for local people to sponsor a child’s uniform and other school kit so that every child can go back to school with a feeling of belonging and pride.

Please support local businesses where you can.

This magazine is smaller than usual because some of those who usually brighten its pages are not able to get back to work yet.

Thanks for reading. As ever, drop me a line and let me know what you think.

u can know yo Did you to receive each e subscribissue of Konect e here new Subscrib online? scribe b u s scot/ konect.

THIS ISSUE Feature: #BLM - The Pandemic of Racism......8 Gardening: Summer planting.............................10 Property Matters......................................................12 Local Environment: Skilful Acrobatics.............15 Health & Beauty......................................................18 Parenting: Back to School but is it back to normal?.......................................................................20 Charity: Sponsor a Child......................................21 Puzzles.......................................................................22 Film Review...............................................................22 Charity: Wonder Woods.......................................23 Feature: 5 Reasons to Shop Local...................24 Local Lab: Conspiracy Theories.......................30

Konect is delivered monthly to 7,500 homes and businesses in Uphall, Broxburn and Winchburgh.

Copies are also left at the library, post offices, convenience stores and other locations.

HELEN-JANE SHEARER Editor

E: editor@konect.scot

CHARLENE GAFFNEY COVER IMAGE: Wild flowers on the banks of the Union Canal at Broxburn. @KonectMagazines

Account Manager

M: 07772 941899 E: charlene@konect.scot BROXBURN | 3

4 | BROXBURN

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BROXBURN | 5

6 | BROXBURN

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BROXBURN | 7

Black Lives Matter: The Pandemic of Racism

The #BLM protests have dominated the headlines

#blm If you’ve been paying attention to the news recently, you’ll know that, alongside the global pandemic, the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement has dominated the headlines. In the current political climate, the pandemic of racism runs as rampant as the coronavirus. Last month, I spoke with Malcolm King, a highschool English teacher in West Lothian - originally from Sierra Leone - about his experiences of racism, and his thoughts on the BLM movement.

On 25th May 2020, a Black man, George Floyd, was arrested and killed by four policemen in Minneapolis, for allegedly using a counterfeit bill. His death represents a cacophony of Black people who have died at the hands of state violence and police brutality. Yet something about his story sparked an unprecedented surge of activism for the BLM movement. Since his death, millions of people have flocked to the streets in protest, not just in the United States, but across the globe.

Malcolm’s daughter attended one of these protests in Glasgow in June 2020. He told me: 8 | BROXBURN

“The whole movement is about trying to address an imbalance that exists and has existed for a long time.”

After asking Malcolm to explain more about his experiences of this ‘imbalance’, he shared with me a deeply tragic story about his friend, Sheku Bayoh, who was killed by policemen in Kirkcaldy in 2015.

“When you get the phone call to say ‘Sheku Bayoh has been killed’. You sit there and say ‘what does that mean?’ I remember telling my friend from Sierra Leone that Sheku had been killed by the police, and you’re thinking, that doesn’t make any sense

because we live in Scotland.

What does that mean?”

Sheku Bayoh had allegedly taken drugs when he was arrested in Kirkcaldy. Nine police officers arrived on the scene , tackled him to the ground and restrained him.

After falling unconscious, Sheku Bayoh was taken to hospital and pronounced dead - he had 23 injuries.

Malcolm described the shock and distress he felt, while his daughter sobbed in Sheku’s livingroom.

“Even the night we got there, the article that was in the press about the killing, was so skewed. The narrative they pushed was how this extremely big, black

@KonectMagazines

man had attacked a female police officer…

And of course, I’m an English teacher, you understand spin, you understand how they’re playing with words. But what got me the most was the article written about it more or less saying that their thoughts were with the family of the police officer. And I’m thinking, but somebody has died here.”

screaming underwater and nobody really hears you…you can’t seem to win at times.”

Too often Black people are told their experiences aren’t real. And sadly, the Black Lives Matter movement has experienced a lot of backlash from White people. Yet, Malcolm repeatedly told me: “There is hope.”

Devastated by his death, Sheku’s family and friends protested against the injustice of his murder.

“It got to a point where we used to go over there everyday, we marched, we demonstrated, we spoke.

And then we went through to Glasgow. People spoke, for example relatives of Black men who have died in police custody in the UK, and we heard their testimonies. And then of course you google their names and you see, oh my god this has happened in so many places.”

This pandemic of racism, systemic oppression and police brutality is happening here. At times it may feel far away in the United States, but make no mistake: it is right here in our country too. As the BBC stated, ‘Sheku Bayoh is not George Floyd and Kirkcaldy is not Minneapolis, but there are striking parallels in both these deaths.’

Malcolm went on to describe the helplessness he feels when people dismiss the Black Lives Matter movement, when they are faced with such incontrovertible evidence of systemic racism.

“Some people do refuse to see it…it’s like you’re @KonectMagazines

because that’s the only way you can get things to change.

I mean I’m even looking at these cops who have been charged. That’s a step in the right direction…But it takes time for these changes to take place. It really does take time.”

There have been victories, but the BLM movement is far from over. There is still justice to be found for countless other Black people who have died at the hands of systemic racism, and race-based violence.

“Sheku Bayoh for example, we don’t even know the name of the cops who killed him, nobody knows. You cannot do that to somebody and have immunity.”

The reason behind the BLM movement is both horrible and tragic. However, the fact that these protests are happening across the world is positive.

“If you think about the American Civil Rights Movement for example in the 60s, or Rodney King in the early 90s, I don’t think any of those have been a size as big as this. It has resonated right across the world…And we’re already seeing changes.”

Indeed, due to the surge of protests and petitions calling for justice for George Floyd, the police officer who kneeled on George Floyd’s neck until death has been arrested and charged with murder.

“I think you need to keep on demonstrating, you need to keep on marching - peacefully, of course -

This injustice is happening here. But, the fact that people are talking about this, that I’m writing this and you’re reading it, means there is hope. Things will change - if enough people act. Educate yourself and those around you. Check your unconscious bias. Sign the petitions. Attend the protests, if it’s safe to do so. We need everyone on board.

This article was written

by Cara McKeown. Cara is a former Balerno High School pupil who is going on to study a Publishing Masters at Edinburgh Napier University. She is a Social Anthropology graduate and intersectional feminist interested in bachata dancing, painting, and yoga.

BROXBURN | 9

Summer planting for winter harvesting Did you grow some edible crops during lockdown? Whether you did or didn’t, can we suggest that August is a great month for starting to grow your own Winter crops?

It’s now too late in Scotland to try growing new potatoes for Christmas but you can be establishing various herbs to use in the winter months. Coriander for leaves, Chervil and both types of Parsley, flat leaved and curly, can be bought as young plants or grown from see this month. Pick these to add flavour to your dishes.

For more flavour in salads you should try sowing mizuna, mustard, pak choi, winter lettuces or lambs lettuce. To prolong the harvesting into the early winter try protecting them under a cloche which will also keep the

10 | BROXBURN

A well-earned rest after planting veggies pigeons off or in a cold greenhouse if you have one!

You would need to plant young plants of leeks, spring cabbage, kale and purple sprouting broccoli as it is too late to start them from seed. You may be able to get plants from the garden centre this month.

The gardening project is contributed by Dougal Philip, New Hopetoun Gardens.

Inspiring, informing and entertaining, for more than 40 years.

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BROXBURN | 11

There’s

NO PLACE like

Over the past few months, day-to-day life has changed radically and at times it’s been difficult to imagine things ever getting back to normal.

Our homes have become, for some, a welcome reminder of the things to enjoy and why they chose to live there. For others, it may be the opposite as they have suddenly found themselves working full time from home with no easy workspace, a house full of home-schooling children and no garden or green spaces nearby in which to enjoy the fortuitous weather that blessed us through the spring.

Several months of displacement from the daily routines has presented unplanned opportunities to re-evaluate the things that matter most. Many people are now making changes in their lives that they previously may not have considered: a new career, a better work-life balance, a new business idea and of course, a new home.

A recent Rightmove report provides new insights into the changing behaviour of property buyers during and after the lockdown period. The data and patterns shown in this report bodes well for sellers across West Lothian and closely reflect the patterns our agency has also witnessed in recent months.

50% of buyers said the lockdown had impacted what they will look for in their next property. The study showed the new property ‘must haves’ (% more important): • Internet connection 70% • Spare Room 62% • Size of garden 58%

12 | BROXBURN

Also, 39% of buyers said their priorities had changed and are now looking for (in order of preference): 1. A bigger garden 2. A bigger home 3. Access to parking/garage 4. A better home workspace 5. Green spaces nearby

Rural West Lothian not only has some spectacular scenery but also some spectacular homes. It’s surprising how many properties around the county are hidden away on the edge of a town or village or nestled into a countryside lane that no one would ever know existed. Some of these houses, may well have been discovered and admired recently as we ourselves re-discovered the beauty and benefits of walking around the West Lothian countryside.

Several months of lockdown undoubtedly made us value what we have and appreciate some things we may have previously taken for granted. It may even have made us re-evaluate where and how we want to live and now, more than ever before, there really is ‘no place like home’!

The monthly Property Matters column is contributed by Craig Turpie. Craig is a director at Turpie & Co Estate Agents and Letting Agents with extensive knowledge of the West Lothian Property Market and over 20 years experience in bespoke sales and marketing. @KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BROXBURN | 13

Please contact us if you would like your business included in our Pet Services pages.

Contact details are on page 3.

Mackie

Veterinary Surgeons Ltd

Established

1 9 3 0

Brechin

“All creatures great and small, we care for them all�

Our caring, experienced and dedicated veterinary team is committed to providing the best possible care for your pet, horse or farm animal in the Linlithgow, Edinburgh, Lothian and Central regions.

Our practice is modern, well-equipped and progressive, with a strong emphasis on preventative healthcare and advice.

Linlithgow Branch Surgery, 256 High Street, Linlithgow, EH49 7ES Tel: 0131 333 3203 reception@mackieandbrechin.co.uk www.mackieandbrechin.co.uk

24 HOUR ON-SITE EMERGENCY SERVICE At our Kirkliston Surgery, 29 Main St, Kirkliston, EH29 9AE Tel: 0131 333 3203

14 | BROXBURN

@KonectMagazines

LOCAL ENVIRONMENT

Skilful Acrobatics: Long Tailed Tits

If you’re lucky enough to have these boisterous little birds raiding your feeding stations already then you’ll be very familiar with their antics but in case you aren’t, let us introduce you to one of the cutest birds in the UK. They’re common across the country and you can commonly see them zipping about the canopies of the trees in the woodlands and parks.

On a trip out to look for deer and foxes locally, my head was turned by a high pitched, excited call moving towards me and suddenly a flock of long tailed tits and their recently fledged young surrounded me to perform skilful acrobatics on the willow trees whilst collecting food.

This adult had found a tasty little caterpillar for its six chicks gathered in the hawthorn bush above me. The only way to describe them is black, white, and pink fluff balls, who hadn’t quite grown their characteristic long tails yet. Staying silent whilst Mum and Dad were away, as soon as they came back the chicks certainly let them know it was feeding @KonectMagazines

time. Eventually they moved off in to the higher branches but when an animal or bird as small as a long tailed tit lets you watch them at close quarters you can’t help but walk away with a huge smile on your face.

They’re well worth looking out for and spending a few minutes watching them hanging upside down in the trees - we can guarantee you’ll have the same feelings we do.

This column is contributed by Clare Harte and Kate Stevenson, who grew up in Edinburgh and now live in West Lothian. Together they run Scottish Sisters Photography and travel around the country to watch and photograph amazing wildlife and scenic landscapes. www.scottishsistersphotography.com BROXBURN | 15

LIFE COACHING

Getting on with EACH OTHER

Written on the eve of reopening the salon, Sophie captures the feelings of the moment in her column this month.

Tomorrow marks the day that I can return to my salon and clients post lockdown. I knew it was going to be tough, but I truly had no idea how hard it would be to open a salon under the new guidelines given.

As a contact service we have had to restructure the way we do everything. Making sure our staff and clients are safe has always been our priority, however we have never experienced anything like this pandemic and fear has been established in all of our minds over the last few months.

Cross-checking guidelines, risk assessments, panic buying, 9 hours a day on the phone, deep cleaning and responding to messages until midnight has been my reality for the last two weeks. My team have been incredible, understanding of changes that need to happen, and just ready and willing to adapt to anything thrown at them. I’m not going to lie: my head is bursting.

The reality is that this is a completely new way of working for hairdressers across the country.

It’s not just PPE; we know we will get used to that. It’s the things you may not see – timings, equipment, the way you enter the building, the way we work together. It’s any kind of human contact; and that is really difficult for us.

If we all work super-hard to get this right, maybe the new normal doesn’t have to be the new normal? Maybe it’s just the beginning of our return to living without fear.

The Hair column is contributed by Sophie Laidlaw. Sophie is Director @wonderland Livingston. www.wonderlandlivingston.co.uk 18 | BROXBURN

During the lockdown many of us have experienced a real sense of isolation, and some of us may have lost confidence in interacting with others; a little ‘rusty’ in the art of casual conversation.

As we emerge from lockdown, we will all need to adapt to the ‘new normal’ and relearn how we can easily mix with other people, while continuing to maintain that crucial social distance.

In NLP, we talk about ‘Mirroring’ and ‘Matching.’ People tend to like people who are like themselves, so when we mirror those we are communicating with, we build rapport and emphasise the connection between us.

Can you remember the last time you had a conversation with someone who was paying scant attention to what you were saying?

Perhaps they were looking in the opposite direction when you were talking to them, didn’t make eye contact and just seemed at odds with you.

Really listening to what people are saying, standing when they stand, sitting when they do and even mirroring their movements can really help us to build rapport with those around us.

If you stand or sit the way the other person is standing, you automatically form a connection and signal to them that you value them and are interested in what they are telling you.

But remember subtlety is key. If you are too overt, it can look like you are mimicking and will almost certainly break rapport and have the opposite effect.

The Life Coaching column is contributed

by Francine Orr. Francine is an NLP coach, hypnotherapist and reiki practitioner.

She supports people to find real and practical solutions to the things that hold us back in life. Francine usually works within Linlithgow Chiropractic, but currently working online via Skype, FaceTime or Zoom. Please contact her at francine@orrganise.co.uk @KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BROXBURN | 19

Back to school, but is it back to “normal”?

For a lot of parents across West Lothian August means sending the kids back to school for the first time since March. It means getting back to something vaguely resembling the routine we once knew. But truth be told the new normal might not feel very normal at all. For us or for them.

So how do we equip our kids and ourselves for returning to a “normal” life again?

Lockdown restrictions have gradually been lifted but for many, life has far from returned to what it once was. Back in March the prospect of home schooling, while working from home, felt like an impossible challenge. But now after so many weeks and months, spent predominantly in the safety of our own home, it is strangely the prospect of sending the kids back to school and into the outside world alone that feels more challenging.

Every family will have had a different experience during this pandemic. We’ve enjoyed

some wonderful family time that we almost certainly would not have had. We’ve explored loads of local places within 5 miles of home from walking to Linn Jaw Waterfall to cycling to East Calder and Almondell Country Park. But we’ve also struggled with two workingfrom-home parents trying to work and home school and look after two kids. We have all at least stayed healthy and for that I’m grateful.

We now face the prospect of sending our youngest off to start Primary 1…and what a strange start it is going to be.

Before all this we were excited about her going off to “big school”. But now I’m not so sure what there is to be excited about (not that I tell her that of course).

We won’t be looking forward to her first Halloween disco, or our first parents’ evening. I won’t be talking to her about eating her packed lunch in the big hall with the other boys and girls or having a story read to her by her P7 buddy. Because I don’t really know if any of those things will happen and in all likelihood they won’t. I can’t 20 | BROXBURN

prepare her for what is to come because honestly I’m not sure anyone really knows what the next school year has in store.

What I can do is talk to her about seeing her friends again. About getting to know her teacher and learning lots of exciting new things. In the weeks before she starts school I can make sure I take her to the shops, out to the park or to the zoo so that going out into the big bad world again doesn’t seem quite so daunting.

And I can keep to myself any reservations and anxiety I might feel about school starting again…and just be glad that I won’t have to deal with the daily self-doubt of teaching her myself!

The parenting column is contributed by Laura Archibald. Laura lives in West Lothian with her family and their campervan Hank. She is mummy, wife, blogger and full-time personal assistant to her two girlie girls. @KonectMagazines

Can you sponsor a child?

You can donate to sp onsor a child this summer by visiting the Sc West Lothia hool Bank n website schoolban k-westlothia at n.org and followin g the Vir Money link gin

Can you imagine waving your child off to school on the first day back in a uniform that doesn’t make them feel good? Sadly, for too many families in our local community, this is a reality.

School uniform is so much more than shiny shoes and stripy ties. It gives a feeling of belonging to a community, of pride, of being just like your classmates. When kids don’t have to worry about how they look, they are free to focus all their efforts on their learning.

At The School Bank West Lothian, we know the transformative power of school uniform.

Our annual “Sponsor a Child” campaign helps to

ensure that children in West Lothian experiencing financial hardship, don’t miss out on this. Last year, an incredible 389 sponsors, people just like you, provided a child with school uniform – letting them be just like all their other classmates.

Due to the coronavirus, the campaign looks a little different this year. Instead of heading to the shops, we would love if you could head to our Facebook page and click the link to donate. A donation of £5 would provide a full PE kit, or £20 would buy shoes and a bag for a child. Even more important than how much you can give; your donation will put a smile on their face and a spring in their step.

Please spread the word. We sincerely appreciate anything you could do to support families in your community.

This column was contributed by the School Bank West Lothian, a volunteerled group aiming to improve the lives of children in West Lothian whose families are experiencing financial hardship. They provide a brand new school uniform and other clothing and equipment required for the school day.

Website: schoolbank-westlothian.org Facebook: @theschoolbankwestlothian School Bank West Lothian is a charity registered in Scotland number SC046483.

@KonectMagazines

BROXBURN | 21

PUZZLES

CROSSWORD

Arctic is the first film by Joe Penna who, before making this film, was a successful YouTuber. His most popular video on the platform has nearly 17 million views.

While Youtubers who venture into filmmaking typically make films for their fans, and in my opinion would not be classed as a piece of art, Arctic is an exception to the rule.

It can truly be classed as art that anyone can watch and enjoy.

Arctic revolves around Overgård, played by Mads Mikkelsen, who is stranded alone in the arctic living his life somewhat well. But one day Overgård has to make a decision. Does he stay where he is and remain safe or, does he voyage through the treacherous arctic?

Solution in the September edition of Konect ACROSS: 1. Cut short (4), 3. Adversary (8), 9. Error (7), 10. Board game (5), 11. Very eager (12), 13. Informal (6), 15. Small piece of food (6), 17. Books, giving meanings of words (12), 20. Relating to the moon (5), 21. Absence of sound (7), 22. Moving very fast (8), 23. Spheres (4) DOWN: 1. Business (8), 2. Start of (5), 4. Written in rhyme (6), 5. Now and then (12), 6. Protect the eyes (7), 7. Throw (4), 8. Produced (12), 12. Small bunches or groups (8), 14. Physics or chemistry (7), 16. Untie (6), 18. Lying within (5), 19. Add to (4)

Solution in the September edition of Konect

SUDOKU

22 | BROXBURN

I am not going to spoil why he might have to make this decision as I think you should experience this film for yourself. Mads Mikkelsen is just incredible; a lot of this film’s story relies on visual storytelling rather than being dialog-driven. and Mads Mikkelsen sells all of it expertly. Its heavy use of visual story telling is very well done and stops the film from treating the audience like an idiot.

Honestly Joe Penna did a great job both writing and directing this film.

Arctic is simply a great film. While everyone might not enjoy its simplicity and slow pace at times, I personally really enjoyed it and would recommend Arctic to anybody.

The Film Review is contributed by Robert Ewing. Robert is passionate about film as an art form, and shining a light on films that may not be on people’s radar. Robert is from Kirknewton.

Wonder Woods is a nursery where children are immersed in nature to explore, play and develop. It’s the first registered childcare nursery in West Lothian specially designed for full-time outdoors play.

Nestled in a woodland near Harburn, West Calder, it is the newest addition to the Simply Play family of nurseries and opens in August

“Whilst other nurseries have outdoors areas that the children spend plenty of time in, this is the first one that is specifically designed for them to be outdoors full time,” says Raymond Branton, Simply Play’s CEO. “We do have a cosy log cabin, as well as other shelters and dens in the woodland for wet days, but the idea is that the children will be outdoors everyday - except when stormy weather makes it impossible.”

Three days a week, Tuesday to Thursday, your pre-schooler can benefit from the multi-sensory environment, exploring, playing, using tools and enjoying the campfire, all outdoors and all within the structure of Simply Play’s play curriculum.

The mental and physical health benefits of outdoors play are well documented, and especially in the wake of Covid-19, it’s considered a safer space.

There will be a clothing bank of outdoor clothing available, so the cost of good outdoors gear doesn’t need to be a barrier for families who want to benefit from this facility. Transport may be available too.

The plan is to offer funded places as a council partner - Simply Play is awaiting confirmation of this at the date of print.

For enquiries, open day information and booking, please email admin@simplyplay.org or visit www.simplyplay.org @KonectMagazines

This article was written by Helen-Jane Shearer after speaking with Raymond Branton, CEO of Simply Play. Helen-Jane is the editor of Konect magazines. Simply Play is a charity registered in Scotland SC041420.

BROXBURN | 23

“WHEN YOU BUY FROM A LOCAL BUSINESS, YOU ARE NOT HELPING A CEO BUY A THIRD HOLIDAY HOME; YOU ARE HELPING A LOCAL KID GET DANCE LESSONS, OR GET THEIR CLUB STRIPES; YOU’RE HELPING A LOCAL FAMILY PUT FOOD ON THE TABLE, OR A STUDENT TO GET THROUGH COLLEGE”

One unexpected and welcome outcome from the lockdown is the way in which many small businesses have been able to adapt so that they can keep trading. We’ve seen cafes become grocers, restaurants develop collection and take-away services almost overnight, shops develop online e-commerce stores, and salon owners becoming YouTube stars as they share their skills and expertise with ever widening and appreciative audiences.

Even during times of crisis, the demand to shop can open up new opportunities in many industries. At Konect we’ve always believed that shopping local plays a vital role, and no matter what our world will look like in the future we should all carry on supporting local enterprise.

So, as we emerge from lockdown, here are 5 reasons why shopping local matters, now more than ever.

It builds our local community and strengthens the local economy When you support a local business, you are supporting your friends, family, and 24 | BROXBURN

neighbours. The availability of local shops is especially important for the elderly, vulnerable, young people and those without access to private transport. Plus the more money that local councils make in rent and rates, the more they can spend on supporting local infrastructure and public services.

Local small businesses add character to our towns and villages

A small business or boutique shop adds character to the town when you walk or drive by. In a world that has become increasingly dominated by chain stores, a local business’s branding

@KonectMagazines

is unique and often quirky, adding something different to the High Street, offering an alternative experience, and bringing a much needed breath of fresh air into areas populated by generic stores and companies.

Shopping local creates more job opportunities and encourages entrepreneurship A local business that becomes a success will grow, and as they grow they’ll recruit more staff from the local population. Plus their success will encourage other local businesses to open up to take advantage of the footfall, encouraging other people to take the plunge and become entrepreneurs too!

You get a more personalised service Local business owners are friendly and engaging, they get to know their customers at a personal level and can provide better advice about their products and services.

Local traders value your business more since their survival depends on their good reputation and repeat business. They can often adapt their products to suit your personal requirements, or source something bespoke for you, which big chains won’t do.

It’s better for the environment

“When you buy from a small business, an actual person does a little happy dance”

Shopping local means less mileage and petrol costs for you, which helps reduce CO2 emissions. Plus local shops often stock locally sourced goods which not only supports the local economy but also reduces transport times and costs of the goods, which impacts positively on their carbon footprint.

We know it’s tempting to default to the big chains. But shopping locally is usually just as cost-effective and convenient, plus you are supporting your local community and looking after the long-term, rather than putting money in nameless and faceless shareholders’ pockets. @KonectMagazines

BROXBURN | 25

ESTABLISHED 1985

FOR ALL YOUR DECORATING REQUIREMENTS: Interior and Exterior Paperhanging Coving Plastering Free estimates

Tel: 07585 509 811 Email: manicstpainters@hotmail.com 71 Marjoribanks St, Bathgate, EH48 1AL

26 | BROXBURN

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BROXBURN | 27

We repair Washing Machines, Tumble Dryers, Electric Ovens, Dishwashers and Washer Dryers

0772 965 1692

info@home-appliancerepair.co.uk www.home-appliancerepair.co.uk Like us on Facebook

28 | BROXBURN

@KonectMagazines

@KonectMagazines

BROXBURN | 29

LOCAL LAB

With every major event over the past 2,000 years, there have been conspiracy theories - moon landings, presidential and royal assassinations, Bigfoot... and now COVID-19.

Dr Joe Stubbersfield

But what’s the allure of these theories? Why are we so susceptible to them, and how can we resist falling for them? Dr Joe Stubbersfield, Assistant Professor in Psychology at Heriot-Watt University, is addressing these topics in his research, and in a new online show this summer.

Why are conspiracy theories a problem?: Conspiracy theories are accusations of conspiracy, which persist in society despite having been disproved or having failed to find compelling evidence.

The conspiracy theories surrounding COVID-19 provide troubling examples of the negative impact they can have on society. We’ve seen COVID-19 conspiracy theories inspire racist attacks on East Asian people, vandalism of 5G transmitter towers, and contribute to negative attitudes towards a potential COVID-19 vaccine. These kinds of stories are popular and persist because mentally, we are all natural conspiracy theorists.

Why are we all conspiracy theorists?: Conspiracy theories survive because of how our brains work. Like other aspects of our biology, the human brain has some evolved predispositions – tendencies to think or behave in a certain way. Just as we have a predisposition to enjoy the taste of salt, fat, and sugar, which leaves us susceptible to eating too many burgers, 30 | BROXBURN

predispositions in our mind makes us susceptible to conspiracy theories. These predispositions of the mind are called ‘cognitive biases’ and conspiracy theories tick off a number of them. Firstly, they exploit our bias for believing there are intentional actions behind events where there is none. They also appeal to our bias for social information about the activities of others. Importantly, they appeal to our bias for focusing on the negative or threatening aspects of our environment, and for thinking more negatively about people outside of our culturally-defined ‘in-group’. All of these aspects make them a very tasty burger for the mind, and difficult to resist.

What can we do about them?: Unfortunately, conspiracy theories are difficult to combat, because they are so appealing to human minds.

The most successful proposed interventions are based on ‘preemptive exposure’, essentially ‘inoculating’ people against them. These include educating people about the techniques

used in the spread of theories and the nature of online misinformation. Understanding the appeal of conspiracy theories and being vigilant of our own biases is a great form of prevention and can help us fight our natural predisposition to be conspiracy theorists.

Interested in the psychology of conspiracy theories? Catch Joe performing in the Cabaret of Dangerous Ideas this summer. Hosted by comedian JoJo Sutherland, CODI is a blend of controversial academic research, audience interaction, and a dash of comedy. All shows this summer are available via the Stand Comedy OnDemand - the virtual venue of the worldfamous Stand Comedy Club.

Visit ondemand.thestand.co.uk for more info.

The Local Lab column is contributed by Heriot-Watt University to engage the public in a range of their research projects. @KonectMagazines

rlene Please call Cha

on 07772 941899 t www.konect.sco

@KonectMagazines

work o t k Bac : TO DO nect o K l l Ca tting re: ge more ers m o t s u c BROXBURN | 31