St Andrews in Focus Issue 59 Jul Aug 2013

St Andrews in focus • shopping • eating • events • town/gown • people and more

July/August 2013 Issue 59, £2.00

the award winning magazine for St Andrews www.standrewsinfocus.com

St Andrews in focus • shopping • eating • events • town/gown • people and more

From the Editor Without a computer there’s no way this magazine could have been conceived, or made to happen. In that sense, for me, as for millions of others, the computer is a blessing. It sometimes also provides me with the perfect excuse if I’m late for anything, “sorry, the computer stole my time”! Bless or curse the concurrent internet: it all depends how you use it. It too, can steal time, as well as inform, educate, entertain, or corrupt, deprave, whatever.

In the free world we have created, the way we use the internet is a personal responsibility. Any country that tries to control it, might just as well try to control the wind. To me, the internet is magical – especially as it has just enabled me to reconnect with someone I haven’t seen since I was 6 years old! But that’s another story….

Happy logging on, everybody!

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Flora Selwyn

The views expressed elsewhere in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor. © St Andrews in Focus (2003) JULY / AUGUST 2013 EDITOR Flora Selwyn Tel: 01334 472375 Email: editor@standrewsinfocus.com DESIGNER University of St Andrews Print & Design (printanddesign@st-andrews.ac.uk) PRINTER Winter & Simpson (ken@wintersimpson.co.uk) DISTRIBUTER Distribution Unlimited (billy.shepherd@distributionunlimited.co.uk) PUBLISHER (address for correspondence) Local Publishing (Fife) Ltd., PO Box 29210, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9YZ. Tel: 01334 472375 Email: editor@standrewsinfocus.com SUBSCRIPTIONS St Andrews in Focus is published 6 times a year.

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Contents FEATURES • Louden’s Close • Johnny Paul at 90 • Spanning the Century • John Cameron remembers • The Lade Braes recalled • Mistranslation • Addendum to the S W H article • Ask the Curator • Reviews – Principal James Playfair – St Andrews University

3 4 5 6 6 6 7 7 8 9

SHOPS & SERVICES • Restaurant review • Changes to conveyancing • The Osteopath advises • Should I become a landlord?

• ToonSpot • Roving Reporter

10 11 12 13 13 14

CENTRE SPREAD FEATURE • The Sweet Smell of Diesel

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ORGANISATIONS • Fairtrade matters • Coastal rowing returns • ‘Wouldn’t it be luverly?’

• St Andrews Harbour

18 19 20 21

EVENTS • Theatre Someone • Art Exhibition • George Finley’s Art • Selected Events

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TOWN & GOWN My friend Ron Mitchell Feedback Another door opens

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OUT & ABOUT • Cambo training • Kingarrock at Hill of Tarvit • A paean to Dundee • Seeing is believing • Telling the time

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• • •

NEXT ISSUE – Sep/Oct 2013 COPY DEADLINE: STRICTLY 28 JULY

All contributions welcome. The Editor reserves the right to publish copy according to available space.

Cover: Louden’s Close, an original painting by Roy Robertson

FEATURES Roy Robertson, winner of this year’s Annual Competition of the St Andrews Art Club

Louden’s Close

St Andrews Art Club always appreciates being invited to have a painting selected for the cover of St Andrews in Focus.

My painting is of Louden’s Close, one of the lovely old closes which help to make up the character of our unique town and are, of course, a delight to paint. We should always be indebted to the Preservation Trust, who helped to save these picturesque corners from being demolished; Louden’s Close was perhaps their first example of restoring old properties.

Having always been interested in art, on my retirement I was grateful to John Johnson, a past president of the Club, who persuaded me to join the Art Club.

With a membership of 160 the Club is extremely active, providing wonderful facilities where members can benefit from lectures and demonstrations by visiting artists, also participating in a variety of classes and workshops. The Club is now busily looking forward to their summer exhibition, which will run from Saturday, 13 July until Sunday, 28 July.

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FEATURES Johnny Paul has just celebrated his 90th birthday. To mark the occasion and wish him all the very best, here is one of his poems, and also the story he relates of the water tower at Lathockar, Cameron:

The Stable Lamp

The Water Tower

Ye’re hingin there puir thing I see Yere services nae longer required Ye’ve been a vital pairt o’ life tae me But noo ye seem tae be retired.

After the war, one of the The water tower is registered as an prisoners from the camp, an Eastern Ancient and Historical Monument, European, returned to Fife, searching close to a former WWII Prisoner for the tower. of War camp. Built Johnny saw the over 100 years ago Johnny saw the man man twice on the to provide water to twice on the roads at roads at Dunino and the Lathockar estate Dunino and at Balone at Balone. The man when the manor was also reported house still stood, a to have asked a forester’s wife in hydraulic ram brought the water from Cameron for directions to the tower. the Cameron Burn behind Cameron Periodically a forester checks the Village Hall. Before that, water had water level in the tower. When the been carried to the house manually forester went in on one of his regular

by Christy Scott, who lived in what is visits in November 1956 he thought now a derelict cottage in the woods he saw a man inside. To his horror behind the Village Hall. he realized that the man’s feet didn’t touch the ground! The ex-prisoner had hanged himself, having come all the way from East Europe just to commit suicide.

Wie yer globe aw reekit ye canna see Yer body aw covered wie isle and stoor A faithful freend ye’ve been tae me Ye gien me licht for mony an oor.

As ye hing there on the stable wa I see ye every time I pass Gie puir reward for licht in wind and snaw But I’m gaun tae hae ye cleaned at last.

There noo, I’ve got ye cleaned and shinin braw My conscience noo feels better Ye’ll get hung wie honour on my hoose wa Wie polish mair ye’ll aye shine better.

Ye’ve noo been retired for mony a year I must say ye’re noo lookin weel, Mony a time I was near tae tears And I threatened ye wie the Diel For aye gaun oot at the warst o’ times And often ye ran short o’ isle, But noo oor licht comes for miles and miles And it maks ma life worthwhile.

It’s this progress thing that’s replaced yer use Its current runnin through lots o’ wires It’s noo installed in near every hoose For the cookers and electric fires.

But this progress thing is awthing but cheap And mony a time ye get shocked In your day the cost was some isle and a weak And see that yer globe never got knocked.

Accustomed I am noo wie this brilliant invention I could nae noo dae withoot In hingin ye wie honour on ma hoose wa It is my intention tae ask for yer help when oor new licht gans oot.

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PS – the tower is still sound, and the POW buildings are currently used by a local builder for storage.

However, since the tower is not listed, it may soon be demolished; anyone interested in seeing it had better hurry!

PPS – Martin Tomlinson adds, “I was told that after the war the chap who hanged himself had settled in England, then in 1950 or was it 1956, on hearing of a link with cancer and smoking, he self-diagnosed cancer, returned to the camp and hanged himself from the tower.”

Below: Johnny is second from the right. The road sign was made in his honour. (Photos courtesy Martin Tomlinson)

FEATURES Archie Armour chatted to Flora Selwyn

Spanning the Century “I understand that the day I was born, 3 June 1920, I was held up by the out once women got the job, because “I don’t think there was a Latin nurse to see out the window the cattle going down the street to the cattle equivalent for a lady rector, so they started changing it to head teacher.” show in Paisley that day.” So began Archie’s eventful life. He reminisced, Archie was elected President of the Educational Institute of Scotland “I just had a normal childhood. I had my entire secondary education at (EIS) in 1976/7. As it was the year of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee, “I got Camphill School. I went to Glasgow University for a year, hoping to get invited to umpteen functions. It cost me a lot of money for new hats for an Honours English, when the war started.” my wife Margaret!” Meeting the Queen, Archie A neighbour had persuaded Archie to join found her “the most interesting person to War service took Archie all over speak to; she’s very well up in everything … the Territorial Army before the official call-up, “because it might be safer than anywhere else the Mediterranean, North Africa, what she didn’t know about education was not if the war did come! So the pair of us were worth knowing…what she doesn’t know she finally the Far East mobilized 2 or 3 days before the war started. keeps asking…she’s a very delightful lady to I was in the Medical Corps for about a year I speak to, and very good looking!” think, and then I was sent on an intelligence course, and it turned out Archie has a pragmatic view of modern education. He regards it as to be what they called ‘a low-graded cypher course’. I did that for a nonsense to expect some 50% of the population to go to university. “My year, and then I was sent on a high-graded cypher course. This was father was an ordinary working engineer in Glasgow, and I often think much more interesting and much more difficult. That was my medical that people like my father could have run the country better than the career finished. Eventually I found myself transferred to the Royal Signal politicians. What these men had was a sense of duty and a big sense of Corps… I volunteered for the Parachute Regiments, and became a common sense. My father was a shop steward.” Archie’s mother, from parachutist for the rest of the war.” War service took Archie all over a big family, worked before marriage in the counting house of one of the the Mediterranean, North Africa, finally the Far East. When America Paisley Clark mills. “We need tradesmen. Who’s more important? Is it became involved, Archie found the plumber, or the headmaster himself picked with three other of a school? Or is it the guy sergeants to be under the who sweeps the streets and command of General Patton. In keeps us free of diseases…I Rabat, Morocco, the Americans don’t know.” Convenor of told the British soldiers that “many committees” as Union there was a café run by an Executive in the EIS, Archie English lady married to a was also involved with French Count. As soon as this discipline, “the only committee lady heard there were British that had no budget; whatever soldiers, she invited them to we needed to spend, we spent return regularly. “So we did, of it, because we had the power course, and we were introduced to consult a QC, so we had to all the young ladies who no limit to our budget. There worked there, all obviously very was no question as to the high-class young ladies.” finances. A teacher had to have It was then that Archie protection, if he/she was in the suffered acute appendicitis. As right.” he also developed pneumonia, In those days the Rev’d he was operated on with only Bill Henney, incumbent in St local anaesthetic. The café Paul’s Church, Johnstone, lady, and her assistants, visited before becoming well known as Archie in hospital, afterwards a minister in St Andrews, was inviting him to have tea in her joint convenor with Archie on “big house”. Here Archie learned that the lady was a cousin of King the Scottish Joint Committee on Religious Education (the EIS + Church Leopold of the Belgians, whom she referred to as “poor Leo”, as he had of Scotland). Coincidentally, Archie had become Session Clerk, initially a bad press for not resisting the Germans. She explained that he had for only one year (which became 17 years). Organist at his church in tried to save his country from being devastated as it had been in the First Elderslie, Archie had previously been asked to substitute for the St Paul’s World War. organist who became ill.

Archie got to know General Patton. American soldiers saluted Archie first came to St Andrews at the invitation of his wife’s uncle, whether or not they wore a cap, while British soldiers were required to serving in the RAF at Leuchars. He recalled saving up 5/- (shillings) to salute only “if you wore your cap; otherwise it was an eyes R and an play golf on the Old Course. On Sunday mornings, “I used to go and eyes L.” Archie was walking towards Patton and sit down at the old harbour before they built all gave him a smart eyes R. “I kind of felt thunder in these high posh flats. I used to sit on one of the Today Archie divides his the air and then I heard him shout, ‘Hey you!’ So I benches just in front of them & smoke my pipe, about turned and marched smartly back, stopped in at ease with the world, thinking this was fantastic. time between St Andrews front of him to attention, and said, ‘Sir, the King calls There was nothing better than sitting there on a and Elderslie me Sergeant!’ He turned & walked away.” Archie Sunday morning on a nice summer’s day, puffing was certain he would be court martialled. “Sure on your pipe. Eventually my wife Margaret would enough I was summoned to the Presence, and he said, ‘thinking of that, come down with the bairns and we’d go somewhere. And I thought, this you were quite right. That was a bold thing to do.’ So every time I passed is paradise.” He joined the New Club, “I could never get any of the New him after that he said, ‘Hi there Sergeant!’ He may have consulted my Club members to tell me how much it was to be a member of the R&A, officer to find out what the protocol was in the British army, for all I know”. so I didn’t know if I could afford it.”

Eventually, demobbed from Batavia, Archie returned to Glasgow Today Archie divides his time between St Andrews and Elderslie.

University to finish his degree course in 1946. His first job thereafter Until last year he drove, but now his daughter or son chauffeurs him. was teaching English in his old school, Camphill Secondary, “and in He worries about machines taking over the world, and comments that the these days if you were an English teacher you also got history and whereas the Queen once sent out 400 cards to centenarians, she now geography classes to take, whether you knew the first thing about them sends 4000, but “can we feed the increasing world population for ever, didn’t matter, that was automatic. I had a qualification in history, but I wonder?” Nevertheless, he admits he thoroughly enjoys his own large what I knew about geography could have gone on the back of a stamp.” family, together with his 4 great-grandchildren!

After a few moves in line with promotion, Archie was appointed Rector of Camphill for 10½ years. He remarked that the name ‘Rector’ died (Photo by Flora Selwyn)

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FEATURES John Cameron remembers

Ten Pound Poms In the aftermath of the Second World War, extreme conditions. On an Aussie building site, trade certificates were an Australia initiated a Populate or Perish policy irrelevance; if an immigrant said he was a joiner and could hammer two to increase immigration from the UK, and to bits of wood together – he was a joiner. In addition, unlike many British supply workers for its booming industries. For families, their wives were used to working and earned high wages during those living in grey, broken the war at the dangerous Nobel explosives plant near Around a quarter of Britain, enduring rationing Falkirk. So they hit the ground running and were not at even worse than wartime, all upset to start their new life in a Nissan hut because the village packed the prospect was incredibly enticing, so vast numbers after a miners’ housing row, an indoor toilet and bath was their bags and headed became Ten Pound Poms. In return for £10 (children the height of luxury. But the one thing they would not do, down from the high travelled free) British adults enjoyed an extended cruise to unlike Welsh and other miners, was go underground; for moors to a better life the sunshine of the ‘Lucky Land’ where jobs and housing better or worse – usually very much better – they were were government guaranteed. During the next quarter of a now surface workers. The other aspect of their new life century more than one million citizens left these shores, the only surprise, that changed everything for them was the Australian attitude to authority for those of us who recall the period, being that there were not more. and their virulent reaction to any traditional sense of place.

In those days I lived in Slamannan, an old pit village in the westThere were never as many academically gifted children in a village central coalfields, where thin-seam mining became uneconomic after the like Slamannan as some argue, but there were a few and, as parish industry was nationalised in 1947. Thus the invitation from Australia could minister, my father had tried to help. He would visit the mother and the hardly have been timelier. Around a quarter of the village packed their granny – women took such decisions in a working class community – to bags and headed down from the high moors to a better life. Slamannan encourage them to let the child go to the local senior secondary school. miners were the ideal kind of post-war Australian immigrants because, Among the few professional people they knew was the GP, so he might there having been no demarcation underground, they were all multisuggest the boy could become a doctor, but would be told, “Minister, that’s skilled. no’ for the likes of us.” Such self-imposed ceilings were abhorred Down All had done some joinery, plumbing, wiring, or building, plus the fact Under, with the result that, until his death in 1968, my father regularly got that they were immensely tough, hardworking men used to operating in news from Australia of success beyond belief.

Ian Seeley

St Andrews, Lade Braes Recalled From old Law Mill to Cockshaugh Park A babbling freshet found its way Past cooing dove and soaring lark And golden cornfield in full sway; It was the country come to town, With sleek brown trout in deep still pool, So far removed from academic gown And books that turn the brain to wool In Sally’s* cloistered courts.

The ambling fresh young lovers’ choice, A sylvan backdrop to the tend`rest thought, Where hand-held rapture trounced the voice To say just everything they sought.

Ah, golden youth; a passing idyll Like Kinness’s haughs and bowers, A sometimes distant scene, yet still Recalled in life’s reflective hours.

Who o’er that green cornfield did pass, Could not be better served. * St. Salvator’s College

Oh the perils of (mis)translation!! In time for the holidays, courtesy the Internet.

Brochure circulated by a 5-Star Chinese Hotel . . .

Getting There: Our representative will make you wait at the airport.

The bus to the hotel runs along the lake shore. Soon you will feel pleasure in passing water. You will know that you are getting near the hotel, because you will go round the bend. The manager will await you in the entrance hall. He always tries to have intercourse with all new guests. Hi Hi he will laugh at pleasure with you.

The hotel: This is a family hotel, so children are very welcome. We of course are always pleased to accept adultery. Highly skilled nurses are available in the evenings to put down your children. Guests are invited to conjugate in the bar and expose themselves to others. But please note that ladies are not allowed to have babies in the bar.

We organize social games, so no guest is ever left alone to play with them self.

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The Restaurant: Our menus have been carefully chosen to be ordinary and unexciting. At dinner, our quartet will circulate from table to table, and fiddle with you.

Your Room: Every room has excellent facilities for your private parts.

In winter, every room is on heat. Each room has a balcony offering views of outstanding obscenity. You will not be disturbed by traffic noise, since the road between the hotel and the lake is used only by pederasts.

Bed: Your bed has been made in accordance with local tradition. If you have any other ideas please ring for the chambermaid. Please take advantage of her. She will be very pleased to squash your shirts, blouses and underwear. If asked, she will also squeeze your trousers.

Above all: When you leave us at the end of your holiday, you will have no hope. You will struggle to forget it.

FEATURES Reader John Birkett in St Andrews very kindly contacted the magazine with this addition to the article on the Scottish Women’s Hospitals in WW1 in issue 58

Ishobel Ross

I recognized the lady positioned second-right She had kept a diary until her return in July in the top right-hand photo on page 7. She was 1917, but it was only several years after her Ishobel Ross, my cousin twice-removed. death in 1965 that her daughter, Jess Dixon, Born in 1890, she grew up in Broadford, read it in its entirety. Jess had it published by Isle of Skye, as a daughter of Eleanor (née Aberdeen University press in 1988 (ISBN 0 08 Mackenzie) and James Ross, who leased the 036419 5) as a book of 93 pages entitled “Little Broadford Inn from Macdonald of the Isles.

Grey Partridge”. This was in recognition of the His father, John Ross of Scalpay, held the affectionate nickname the admiring Serbian original recipe, brought to Scotland in 1745/46 soldiers gave the Scottish women due to their by a French officer supporting Bonny Prince rapid bustling walk around the hospital unit in Charlie, which James refined and perfected their trim grey uniforms. It is illustrated with into the liqueur we enjoy today which he named dozens of photos, including the one I mention “Drambuie”, trademarked by him in 1893 at the above, and other documents.

London Patent Office.

The four others in that photo are identified Ishobel qualified at Atholl Crescent School only as Woody, Ethel, Adam, and Duncan; of Domestic Science in Edinburgh and when the rule was that surnames were always WW1 broke out she was teaching to be used, except for Ethel, cookery in a girls’ school there. presumably as hers was Hore!

She had kept a In 1916 she went to hear Dr Elsie While not pretending to be diary until her Inglis speaking about the SWH’s a military or medical historical return in July 1917 work and their desperate need for document, it is an interesting volunteers to go to Serbia, our ally. day-by-day record of a young She was inspired to volunteer as a cook, was woman’s experiences of the exigencies of life accepted into the America Unit of the SWH (so on the Serbian front in the “war to end all wars”, named as it was financed from the USA), left for but which in fact of course created the whole London in July 1916, sailed from Southampton ghastly 20th century from which humanity on 3 August, and arrived in Salonika on 13 might recover by the end of the 21st if we’re August en route to Ostrovo in Serbia. The unit lucky. She found many similarities between the comprised 55 women.

Serbs and Scottish highlanders, in appearance,

temperament, and haunting sadness in much of their music; and also in the hills and landscape.

Ishobel had become engaged to Major Richard Mitchell before leaving London, and they married in January 1918; otherwise she would certainly have volunteered to return to the SWH in Serbia for as long as the war lasted. Their son Ross Mitchell was born in 1920, qualified in medicine, wrote several text books and became a very respected Professor of Child Health, firstly in Aberdeen University in 1963 and then in Dundee University from 1971, which of course had a long association with the University of St Andrews.

Unfortunately I can find no reference in the book to the five women covered in your article, which would have been an even better coincidence!

(Photo courtesy Alan Cumming, reproduced from the original article)

From Samantha Bannerman, the Preservation Trust Museum Curator.

Your Questions Answered Q. I walk past the large Polish mosaic at the top of Queen’s Gardens every day, but only recently stopped to look at it. It says it was given to St Andrews by Polish soldiers. I was wondering if you could give me some of the history behind this.

A. The mosaic panel on the Town Hall building was unveiled on the 21 October 1941, as a gift to the citizens of St Andrews from billeted Polish soldiers stationed in the town during the Second World War. The mosaic was the work of three Polish soldiers – Wladzimierz Klocek, Jan Sterling, and Ewaryst Jakubowski. It depicts a Polish soldier with the effigy of St Andrews behind him.

With the collapse of France in 1940, thousands of refugees and members of the Allied Forces made their way to Britain. The Polish Government were in exile, so, under an agreement between the British and Polish Governments, members of the Polish Army settled in Scotland. Organised into units led

by Polish Commanding Officers within the framework of the Allied Forces in Britain, they were warmly welcomed by local communities as defenders of freedom and Scottish soil.

The Polish soldiers integrated into the town through undertaking courses at the University – 82 Polish men matriculated during the semester of 1942/43. During this time, the Association of Polish Students was formed. Soldier students received army pay, their fees being later paid by the British Council. In addition, a large number of soldiers attended local art classes, and their work was exhibited in the National Gallery of Scotland in 1943.

In early 1944, many of the Polish soldiers were recalled to their army units; some were killed in action. When hostilities ended, others returned to St Andrews to finish their education. Many went on to distinguished careers in academia, the sciences and industry. Polish surnames are not uncommon in St Andrews today, with many of the soldiers marrying local girls and settling down in the town.

PS – see issue 4 of this magazine (May/June 2004) The Polish Enigma, by Jurek Pütter (Photo courtesy the Preservation Trust)

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FEATURES: REVIEWS Marion M Stewart reviews

Principal James Playfair: Life and Legacy

by Hugh Playfair

Published by the University of St Andrews 2012. ISBN: 978-0-901728-24-1. Price £9.50.

Principal James Playfair and his remarkable – and numerous – progeny, figure so largely in the shaping of nineteenth century St Andrews, both town and gown, that the appearance of Hugh Playfair’s Principal James Playfair: Life and Legacy is most timely. This book is more than a simple biographical account of James Playfair – plucked, unexpectedly, from the relatively obscure life of a country minister to become principal of the United College of St Salvator and St Leonard in the then-decaying University of St Andrews in 1799, a post he held, through bruising conflicts, until his death in 1819.

Because Principal Playfair left several diaries, as did his daughters Jessie and Jane, his eldest son, George, and George’s wife, (also called Jessie) and because so many members of this family as well as their successors were wonderful letter writers, Hugh Playfair has had a rich seam on which to draw for the details, anecdotes, and opinions bringing the various characters in the account, with their world, vividly to life.

Already, in the 1770s, as minister of Meigle, James Playfair was showing the prodigious aptitude for study – illustrated by Hugh Playfair’s extracts from his remarkable reading list of 1778-1779 – which was to produce the first of his formidable works of scholarship: A System of Chronology – a sort of chronology of world events since the beginning of recorded time. This work was not to see publication until 1884 despite his attempts to hawk it round publishers and booksellers on his trips to London, as outlined in extracts from the diaries of his London visits in the Appendix of the book. Other weighty tomes followed, including A System of Geography: Ancient and Modern published between 1810 and1814; General Atlas Ancient and Modern in 1814; Geographical and Statistical Description of Scotland in 1819. Before his transfer to St Andrews, he had already been awarded a DD from the University and been appointed by the Prince Regent, Historiographer Royal for Scotland.

This was no intellectual lightweight.

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James Playfair’s tenure of office at St Andrews was by no means trouble-free.

Hugh Playfair highlights the corrupt, enfeebled state of the University at this period, giving a detailed account of the scandal and slander which dogged the Principal’s heels due to the animosity between him and his powerful, nepotistic rival, George Hill, Principal of St Mary’s College. It forges a clear path through the tangle of rumour and malice that surrounded Principal Playfair at this period.

Arguably, Principal Playfair’s determination to take the disputed election to the Chair of Natural Philosophy as far as the House of Lords, there to win his case, may have fatally undermined the University’s prevailing culture of nepotism in its appointments. Certainly, Hugh Playfair’s book shows him to have been a dogged fighter both for his own reputation and against practices he felt to be damaging to the University.

In relation to his family and private life, perhaps Hugh Playfair is a trifle hard on the Principal. His determination to rule his daughters’ matrimonial choices was surely no more than the norm for that patriarchal period and, though (as Hugh Playfair justly observes) he set his face firmly against their choices initially, he was soon reconciled. His papers retain letters of the warmest, most generous affection to the runaway Jessie, welcomed home by him without hesitation after her husband’s untimely death. As Hugh Playfair’s extracts from the London diaries in the Appendix to the book show, the Principal busied himself with furthering the careers and prospects of his children, obtaining letters of recommendation for his sons Hugh and William for their careers in the East Indian Service, purchasing a grand piano for one of his daughters, a flute for his son James, paying 60 guineas to a milliner in Dover Street for an apprenticeship for his daughter, Margaret who subsequently had her own successful millinery business in Edinburgh. He was certainly critical in many of his remarks, but his judgements show a shrewd, honest man, at least as much as a grumpy one. Certainly, the confidence, intelligence, and affection that shine through in the letters and diaries of his offspring indicate

a warm, happy family life under a father who was perhaps as generous and caring as he was strong-minded.

The second portion of this book is given over to what Hugh Playfair rightly entitles “Legacy”. It consists of brief biographies of the Principal’s offspring. Here it becomes evident how well their upbringing had fitted them for adult life, for all of them had strong, successful careers. Of particular interest, is that of Sir Hugh Lyon Playfair (1786-1861), who followed a distinguished military career in India with almost twenty years as a highly influential provost of St Andrews. During his somewhat despotic term of office, as Hugh Playfair describes, roads were paved, the harbour restored, slums cleared away, new terraces built, the cathedral ruins stabilised and the college quadrangle completed, so that “St Andrews became known as the Scarborough of North Britain”.

His influence in the golfing world was also enormous, the building of the clubhouse being largely due to his energy and drive.

The final section of this book consists of extracts and synopses of the diaries written

by Principal Playfair during his numerous trips to London, including his voyages there and back each time. It is right that this section should be included in the book, for it provides a fascinating glimpse into the life of a wider world seen through the eyes of a critical, intelligent visitor. It is also sensible to keep it as an Appendix, for this material lies outside the book’s main content, which is firmly rooted in St Andrews.

Nobody could have been more suitable to write this book than Hugh Playfair, the Principal’s great, great, great grandson. His knowledge of the family – all its individual members, their lives and careers, in many cases, their very characters – is truly phenomenal, the result of years of painstaking, meticulous research. Furthermore, his understanding of and affection for St Andrews – town and University – is evident in all he writes.

As one who has shared his pleasure of reading the letters, diaries, and papers left by Principal Playfair and his descendents, I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this book.

FEATURES: REVIEWS Jennifer Elliott reviews

St Andrews University, 1413-2013

by Frank and Joan Riddell

Published (Blurb) April 2013 http://www.blurb.co.uk A first print run of 60 soft-backed copies has been bought by the authors and is sold locally through Waterstones on Market Street and Innes on South Street in St Andrews for £19.99.

It is also available online through Blurb – SB £18.60, HB £24.60 (plus postage, approx. £5.00).

Founded in 1413, The University of St Andrews is Scotland’s first university, the third oldest in the English-speaking world.

In this informative and luxuriously illustrated new book, Frank and Joan Riddell have recorded the evolution of the University since its beginnings six hundred years ago to its current position as one of Europe’s leading centres for teaching and research.

The book begins with the founding of the University by Bishop Henry Wardlaw. It mentions historic figures of influence, their roles in the development of the University’s Colleges and Chapels, beautifully depicting the process with archive drawings, paintings and photographs along with more recent images.

Prominent people and buildings are very much at the heart of this small book.

Of the buildings, we follow their creation, their changing occupancy, through to

their restoration and rebuilding by notable benefactors. We gain insights into life at particular periods in history, learning about the ‘leper slits’ in the wall behind the altar at St Leonard’s Chapel, which were there to allow lepers from the nearby hospital to come to the services without infecting the congregation.

We are told of tragic lives, such as that of the martyr Patrick Hamilton, also of ‘The Admirable’ James Crichton, both of whose deaths are now marked by plaques, where historic tributes to them can be seen. We learn of Principals, Professors, Chancellors, of their achievements and legacies, of student Elizabeth Garrett Anderson, the first woman in Britain to become a doctor of medicine.

Rectors such as Dr Andrew Carnegie, Field Marshall Douglas Haig, Rudyard Kipling are brought to our attention along with Honorary Graduates from all walks of life, including the chemist and Nobel Prize winner Professor

Jean Marie Lehn, the actor Sir Sean Connery and the sportsman Sir Christopher Hoy. The final section of the book takes a look at modern-day St Andrews University with its new buildings, continuing traditions and people, all of which the Riddells have experience of, having recently retired from teaching and research positions in the Department of Chemistry. Photography, historical research, and publishing now occupy much of their time. In this latest publication their additional passion for the University of St Andrews has resulted in a visually exciting, comprehensive journey through the University’s history.

This book is an excellent souvenir to mark the University’s 600th Anniversary. It will appeal to anyone connected with this ancient institution and also to those interested in history, buildings, people, and progress.

The New Picture House Winner of the RAAM Independent Cinema of the Year Award for Excellence Enjoy a pre-show drink in our lounge or book an exclusive function or children’s party with a private screening

www.nphcinema.co.uk

117 North Street, St Andrews Tel: 013334 474902

9

SHOPS & SERVICES: EATING OUT Hugo D’Bere your Grizzly Gourmet reviews

The Tavern at Strathkinnes both by the glass and by the bottle, the selection seeming very I had never been in this tavern, reasonable and reasonably priced. Tap water was available, produced apart from popping in for a without asking, although it did come in a container which looked as if it quick Coca-Cola while up at had at some stage been used for other purposes in a hospital!

Strathkinnes on a cycle, (I do In terms of value, it cost £143 plus tip for 6 of us, like to exercise my short furry The best description which, given the quality and quantity of the food and the drinks consumed, was excellent value. legs from time to is that this is a gastro I would award it 7½ out of 10. time). The best description is that this is a gastro pub.

It is certainly fine to bring cubs along. The next It is how a pub should be. There is a small, but cosy pub. It is how a pub time I am out for a cycle exercising my furry legs, I bar, which has a wide selection of beers and spirits should be think I may just pop in for lunch, or at the very least and a welcoming atmosphere. On the night in question a quick drink while contemplating the Eden Estuary it appeared to be populated by the young farmer set and the (sadly) closing Leuchars Air Base. By the way, there is a great (presumably discussing their new combine harvesters etc). downhill run to Guardbridge if you are on a cycle, but probably needs a Off the bar is a games room, but off the bar in the opposite direction bit of Dutch courage to do it at full speed – so go to the Tavern first! is a dining room, which is quite a spacious room, although made smaller by the “loud” flowery wallpaper. One of the benefits of this establishment is the fantastic view over the Eden Estuary and down to St Andrews.

Muffy and I went with four friends and I was pleased to note that not only was there a regular menu, but also there were specials. It was probably a good sign that they had run out of some of the specials, because it did indicate that the produce was bought in fresh.

I had black pudding with scallops, which was delicious, and Muffy shared a goats cheese and pear tart which was served with cranberry.

The portions were huge; no doubt to satisfy the young farmers. One of our number had a loin of venison salad with beetroot and this could almost have served as a main course.

There is a good selection of steaks with sauces available. I had orange duck with mashed potatoes and ratatouille vegetables, as had Muffy. Two of the others had succulent steaks. One had a fish stew with plenty of shellfish, and one a pork belly.

There was a limited dessert menu, but because of the size of the main courses and starters, none of us could manage it. Coffee and tea was consumed instead. The usual varieties of coffee, such as latte and cappuccino, are available.

One of the benefits of the establishment is that there is no loud music. Although it is technically a pub, it has a very civilised and laidback atmosphere. There was no ping ping from a jukebox machine, or clacking of pool balls.

In terms of drinks, I had Belhaven Best, while the others just stuck (Photo courtesy Hugo) to their pub-type drinks. There was plenty of wine on offer however,

Hugo also

* * * * *

Goes for Coffee Since St Andrews will soon be full of coffee shops and charity shops, it seemed appropriate to start reviewing some of the coffee shops available.

I had hoped to start with The Swilken in South Street, but it only seems to have been open for a nano second. At least Hamish McHamish seemed to quite like it, since I saw him in its window on a number of occasions!

I decided to have a long walk along the beach and therefore visited the Links Clubhouse on the way back. It is a very good stop along the beach in either direction, (especially for a comfort break). It was a very cold day, so I had hot chocolate. This was not the run-of-the-mill Cadbury’s chocolate, but something called Chocolate Abyss. I would thoroughly recommend it. It was almost as good as Swiss chocolate and it was served with 3 maltesers. Muffy, as always, had Earl Grey tea.

They serve suki teas in a neat little teapot, and there are at least two full cups in the pot.

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We shared a fruit scone. The scone was a bit dry, but served with plenty of butter and a small helping of Wilkin & Son blackcurrant jam. I ate most of it, since Muffy was concerned about adding it to her waistline.

There is a full range of teas and coffees.

It was £2.50 for each of the tea and hot chocolate, and £2.25 for the scone, together with a tip.

The views are spectacular. You get a 270 degree view of the golf courses, looking over to the 1st and 18th on the Old Course and over to The Old Course Hotel. A great stop for a cold day, or on any day. Obviously, they also do a full bar service, and meals, but for coffee it is good as well.

My next visit was to Zest 2 Go in Market Street. This is a tiny coffee shop. I had a latte, which was quite creamy and milky.

Muffy had a raspberry bomb, which was a fruit smoothie of raspberries, bananas, passion fruit, apple juice, and yogurt. It was

the most lurid pink colour, but absolutely delicious.

I am not sure whether it counts as a coffee shop or a juice bar, but it does coffees, teas, salad, soup, and healthy stuff generally. I think the intention is that lots of people come in and take their drinks out, because there is very limited seating inside, with some tables on the pavement outside. You do, of course, know the difference between chairs and tables on a pavement in St Andrews and similar in Dundee: in Dundee it is usually a warrant sale, or so the joke goes. You can, however, sit inside on a stool or bench.

My only real criticism is that, because of the hard surfaces inside and the small nature of the premises (the kitchen takes up about half the space), it is actually quite hard to hear and with the radio going, really quite noisy.

Good for a quick buzz in, and buzz out. The latte and raspberry bomb came to £5.05.

SHOPS & SERVICES David Adie advises. This Article is intended to give only very general advice and is no substitute for taking full and proper advice, taking into account your own circumstances.

Changes to Conveyancing

Many people think that conveyancing is very boring, dull and staid and This is about to change yet again. Solicitors nothing ever changes (they may be in part correct). Fortunately, or acting for a house purchaser by convention unfortunately, during my lifetime in practice there have been innumerable also act for the lender, be it Bank or Building changes, the whole of Land Law in Scotland has been recast, with the Society, and create the mortgage deed known abolition of the feudal system and changes following upon that. The pace as a Standard Security for the lender. It is of change, however, has not slowed. allowed by the Law Society so long as there is There is a new Land Registration Act, which re-casts some of no actual conflict of interest. Unfortunately, it is the existing Law, making some improvements. I will not go into much now perceived that there is an increasing conflict technical detail, but included in the provisions are a thing called “advance of interest between the borrowers’ and the lenders’ position. This has notice” allowing you to give advance notice to the Land Register that you been exacerbated by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) handbook; are about to buy, sell, or re-mortgage. It protects your position against any solicitors, in creating a mortgage document for the lender, have to comply other entries appearing in the Land Register in preference to your interest. with it. This document is online and gives instructions to solicitors on what This is only one of the very useful reforms in the new legislation. they must and must not do, what they have to report to the lender etc.

Of more concern to members of the public is the way in which house Unfortunately, there is a basic version of the handbook, each individual purchase and sales take place and the increasing delays involved in the lender having their own variant of it, some of these being varied on a whole process. In Scotland, you concluded a contract by sending an offer monthly basis. to the other solicitor, who would come back with a few qualifications in Many lenders, particularly secondary lenders, have been using a a separate letter. You would probably accept these, thus concluding a technical breach of the CML handbook by the solicitor to take action contract. There would then be a period of say 4-6 against the solicitor in the event of a repossession. weeks during which time the conveyancing would In other words, the solicitor is the insurer of last It never was the case that be done, the appropriate drafts prepared, searches resort, and very often the lender will try to recover done etc. any losses from the solicitor because he is, of in Scotland a verbal offer This procedure has broken down, largely course, insured. Many of the breaches they rely was accepted, or that because of the property market, and largely because on are purely technical, but they claim that it is a of the attitude of the lenders. The property market missives were somehow breach of contract with the solicitor and that the is very slow at the moment, people being very breach is material to the lending decision. This is instantly concluded reluctant to conclude a contract until they have sold patent nonsense, though to be fair, there have been their own properties. This therefore tends to create some careless solicitors in some cases. a chain. It is a great advantage not to have something to sell and not to The other professional party, also insured and who is in the firing line be in a chain. So some people are now selling, renting for a while, then of the lender’s wrath tends to be the surveyors. If the lenders can find buying. anything in what the solicitor or surveyor has done which is not 100%, Solicitors are very reluctant to conclude a missive or contract on then there is a risk to that professional. behalf of their client unless they have received a Bank or Building As a result, the Law Society recently passed a motion that in future, Society’s offer of loan. Everyone is concerned that the Bank or Building all lenders will have to have separate solicitors representing themselves Society does not issue the offer of loan, or more likely does not issue it and not the borrower’s/purchaser’s solicitor acting for them as well. This until the very last minute. If there is a contract concluded, then you may will further delay the completion of the conveyancing process, because be liable for penalty interest and damages to the seller if you cannot come another firm of solicitors will have to be involved. It will also add to the up with the money on the due date. cost, because it is certain that the lenders will not bear this additional cost This means that if you are moving into your house on say, 1st June, themselves. the contract is only concluded in the last few days of May, creating a great I think the solicitors generally regret that this situation has arisen, but deal of uncertainty. Although usually it all falls into place in most cases, it they have been forced into it by the lenders. It is to be hoped that some creates a great deal of stress both for the client, and the solicitor. swift and relatively efficient process can be worked out between all parties Blame for this situation can be laid firmly at the door of the lenders, to ensure the smooth process of transactions, but this is on the horizon whose criteria are so strict that it delays the issue of offers of loan. These and it is part of the box-ticking brave new world in which we live. offers are processed in large centres, so it is very difficult to push them It never was the case that in Scotland a verbal offer was accepted, on. In the past (pre-banking crisis), if you ticked 15 out of the 25 boxes or that missives were somehow instantly concluded. There were certain required, you would get the loan, now you have to tick 74 out of 75 boxes. minimal processes which had to be gone through, but like everything else Solicitors have tried to shorten the process by introducing standard terms in life we are now in the position where we are chasing paper to achieve and conditions of purchase and sale, which have to some extent worked. what was done more simply 20 years ago

FOR OUT OF TOWN LEGAL ADVICE Wills / Inheritance Tax Planning / Executries / Powers of Attorney / Guardianship Conveyancing / Commercial Property / Business Law

We can consult locally

ADIE HUNTER Solicitors and Notaries 15 Newton Terrace Glasgow Telephone: 0141 248 3828 Fax: 0141 221 2384 email: enquiries@adiehunter.co.uk

11

SHOPS & SERVICES Hannah Markham is retiring after 8 years at the helm. This magazine has ample reason to be grateful to her, and takes this opportunity to wish her well; ‘lang may yer lum aye reek Hannah!’

Heather Lang is filling the void, after long experience working in Scotland, Canada, and Northern Ireland.

Welcome back to St Andrews Heather!

“The flesh is the surface of the unknown” – Victor Hugo

Hip pain, more than any other common clinical presentation, can cause the sufferer a tremendous amount of unnecessary fear, anxiety, and suffering. There are many reasons why an adult may be experiencing pain in the hips, but osteoarthritis is almost always the first one that springs to mind, leading to a fear that the condition may require, or may eventually require, a hip replacement.

It is not unusual for people to live with the pain rather than have the condition professionally addressed for fear of an unfavourable diagnosis. In most cases, the hip pain is treatable, but due to postural changes favouring the painful area, the opposite hip is often placed under strain. Ironically, not seeking help due to this fear of the unknown can lead to an increased risk of arthritis in the other hip!

Just as a light bulb is separate but dependent on the light switch, hip pain can be misleading, for it has often travelled along the nerve from the low back or pelvis and has no connection to the hip itself. As a general rule of thumb, pain arising from a problem in the actual hip is felt mainly in the groin and in the front, or inner side, of the thigh. Pain from the hip can also often travel to the knee and indeed, pain in the knee can sometimes be felt as the main problem.

In contrast, hip pain that is referred from the back is felt mainly in the buttock region and often spreads more down the back of the leg.

There are also differences in the activities that worsen or ease the pain.

Your osteopath would be able to talk you through a case history, asking about all aspects of the condition, then using knowledge of how all the different muscles, ligaments, joints, and physiological processes work and react, diagnose what is likely to be causing the pain. They would then perform some gentle testing of the hip and back in order to confirm this diagnosis before treating the pain and reducing the risk of further problems.

Osteoarthritis is not a disease; it is what is commonly referred to as ‘wear and tear’ when it shows up on x-rays. Anyone from their midtwenties onwards will show some degree of osteoarthritis, or ‘wear-andtear’, but obviously for the most part, it is asymptomatic and genuinely nothing to be concerned about. Unfortunately, sometimes degeneration of the hip can be the cause of the pain and yes, on occasion, a replacement is required. In this case, it is desirable to undertake a pain management programme to delay the hip replacement for as long as possible. Your osteopath can help by discussing your options and working out a plan that fits your needs.

“The oldest and strongest emotion of mankind is fear, and the oldest and strongest kind of fear is fear of the unknown.”

– H.P. Lovecraft, American writer.

Heather Lang is an osteopath at St Andrews Osteopaths and Natural Health Clinic, South Street. She is also an ergonomic consultant who has been conducting bio-mechanical analysis and postural assessments for 20 years. She is a keen surfer, scuba diver, and a less keen runner!

St Andrews Osteopaths – Providers of effective treatment since 1998 136 South Street, St Andrews, KY16 9EQ. Tel: 01334 477 000 www.standrewsosteopaths.co.uk

at Elspeth’s of St Andrews 9 Church Street Tel: 01334 472494

12

SHOPS & SERVICES Harry Maclean advises

Should I become a Landlord?

Over a series of issues, Beechfield Consultants, Property Management experts, are going to advise the readers of St Andrews in Focus on an area close to the hearts of many St Andreans. A Chartered Surveyor of many years’ experience, and Principal of Beechfield Consultants, I operate in Fife and the surrounding area as an independent specialist. I work for a number of agents, individual owners, and charities, advising them on their properties and assets. With a Master’s Degree in the Conservation of Historic Buildings from the University of Bath, I am also well versed in the finer points of looking after older properties, including the particular requirements imposed on them

by Local Authorities and other interested bodies. A structured set of professional standards for letting agents is still required to make the private rented sector a more secure, dependable option for families and individuals.

The University of St Andrews is a diverse, international community of over 9000, comprising students and staff of over 100 nationalities. It has 7500 students, 6000 of them undergraduates, employing approximately 1800 staff – made up of about 700 academic and c.1100 support personnel, including many visiting academics on fixedterm contracts.

The current trend for rental is strong in this geographical area due to a number of factors: • • •

Transient nature of academic staff and students First-time buyers’ difficulty raising the size of deposit required to enter the housing market Poor returns on bank investments, with house buying still remaining a better potential long-term investment return

For most families or individuals their largest single asset is their home, which may have been with the family for generations; or may not be needed for a period, due to circumstances such as accepting a job elsewhere for a period.

What do you do in such circumstances?

Leave the house empty, perhaps mothballed, or do you realise its value as an asset and rent it out during your period of absence? In this initial article on the subject I aim to give you some ideas on what it is like to be a landlord, also offer some advice on the potential minefield of house rental. The subject is broad and can be complex, so over the coming issues of St Andrews in Focus we will consider most of these; here, though, we will focus on the outline and consider – Why might you want to rent out your property?

You may find yourself with a property, in most cases your largest single asset, but with the slower moving sales market, for a number of reasons it may not have sold. Empty properties in general are not good, for decay sets in unless carefully managed and aired properly.

How do you pick the best solution?

Consider whether you want to advertise, interview, select and manage tenants yourself?

Or do you follow the route of recruiting a letting agent; if you follow the latter route what questions should you ask?

How long might it take?

There is no set time for this. Generally properties in St Andrews rent quite quickly, if a realistic rent is set, as do well-appointed properties elsewhere, again as long as the rent is fair. However, properties in Cupar, the East Neuk, Leuchars, and Auchtermuchty can also be rented very quickly if they hit the market at the right time – sometimes surprisingly quickly.

How long do you have to rent your property out for?

As a minimum you should look to agree a Short Term Tenancy Agreement lease for an initial 6 months.

This initial period allows all parties, including Landlord, Lessee, and Agent to settle in, ensure that rent gets paid on time etc: for example, the rent gets paid on time, repairs are done as and when required, funds reach the landlord’s account without undue delay or deductions.

Do you have to accept the first tenants that come along or are presented to you?

No. As landlord you can choose to accept or decline potential tenants who approach you, or are presented to you by others. Reputable agents will always do reference checks on tenants going through them, or coming to them.

If in any doubt, further reassurances may be required. Others do credit checks. However, if a track history of non-payment of rent can be seen then it is often just wiser to wait for another tenant to be suggested.

In future articles we will look at other aspects including: • • • • • •

How to become a Registered Social Landlord Being a responsible landlord Property Inspections – types Professional bodies in the property arena Using qualified staff Typical problems encountered when renting

13

SHOPS & SERVICES

Roving Reporter . . .

1. Reporter’s eye was caught by a colourful awning in Market Street by the fountain. His eye was even more caught by the goods on display! So he talked to the owners, Gary & Giselle Gilbert who trade under the name of Perfectly Peruvian. Gary told Reporter, “Perfectly Peruvian is our new business venture. As we travelled back and forth between Scotland and Peru over a period of several years, we discovered a lively current of new and creative Peruvian designers producing wonderful things. So that’s why we decided to bring handmade articles here from South America, to give Scotland some of Peru’s vibrant Latin colour and flair. We supply Ecofriendly Amazonian jewellery and Alpaca accessories. Our scarves and capes are made from Peruvian Alpaca wool, which is rarer than cashmere and warmer than sheep’s wool. All our jewellery is made in Peru from natural seeds from the Amazon rainforest. Our jewellery is predominately made from Tagua which is a seed/nut found within the pods of the Ivory Nut Palm. The seeds’ colour, hardness, and density are very similar to animal ivory, making these amazing seeds the only natural and totally sustainable alternative to ivory. Tagua is known as the “ivory of the rainforest”, or “vegetable ivory” due to its exceptional carvability, and since it serves as a viable alternative to animal ivory, it thus protects many endangered animals. We have just begun trading once or twice a week in Market Street at the fountain. We invite everyone to come and have a look at our merchandise, with the possibility of finding a unique, quality handmade product, which can be shipped to any address worldwide.

Find us at www.perfectlyperuvian.com ” Seeing is believing, Reporter enthuses!

etc.” There are Yankee candles, collectable bluenosed teddy friends (unique to St Andrews), Boofles, beautiful gift bags and lots more. Do visit, says Reporter, it’s bound to make you feel happy!

3.

*****

(Photo courtesy Gary Gilbert)

*****

2. Reporter is both thrilled and delighted that he has new privately-run businesses to introduce. The first belongs to Fiona Woodcock. She has totally transformed the old premises at 68 Market Street (01334 474 252) into an airy, colourful space for her cards, gifts, also everything the party-goer could wish for. Occasions has to be seen to be believed! Reporter could hardly believe his eyes, the transformation is so complete. Fiona worked briefly for Clinton Cards before its demise in town. She is ably assisted

by Leza Whyte, who worked there for 13 years, (having first moved around Scotland as shop manager for David Sands). Fiona, who lives in Crail, listed all the goodies she has on offer, including amazing balloons, “we make anything unusual on request, such as giant giraffes, zebras, clowns,

14

*****

exclusive brands grace the shop, such as the 24 different kinds from the Jersey Pottery. There are wonderful things from Copenhagen, Barcelona, Estonia, as well as handmade pottery from the Isle of Wight.

There are Padstow Mussel Company tea towels, aprons, oven gloves, also candle holders, even greeting cards. Prices range from £2.30 for greeting cards, “all the way up to £150 for a special picture of St Andrews”. There is pottery at £7.90, or £125 for some handmade pieces. Reporter loves Mark Keracher’s enthusiasm, agreeing that these days retailers have to be on the lookout for good ideas, be ready to diversify, try new products – or stagnate. The long tradition of familyowned businesses in St Andrews, Reporter asserts, has received a definite, welcome boost.

4.

The next shop Reporter went to was at 15 Bell Street (01334 467 900) another change of ownership. Sara and Grant Campbell have opened a new Mail Boxes Etc. For seven years Sara and Grant have been running a Mail Boxes Etc branch in Dundee. Working with The Old Course, Fairmont, and Rufflets Hotels, Sara told Reporter, “we thought it was a golden opportunity to open in St Andrews itself.”

Services include Royal Mail, couriers such as FedEx, Parcelforce Worldwide, DHL, TNT. No need to pack anything yourself, Sara will do it for you, no matter how fragile, small or large, the item is. “We do a lot of work for auction houses. One difficult parcel we successfully packed and sent off was a large bust. But we’ve also had small trinkets.” The shop has state-of-the-art copiers, and computers. Businesses can also make use of dedicated mail boxes (as the name implies) which “give a presence”.

Papers can be laminated, a boon for students. Sara enjoys her work, “I meet many different people from all over.”

Reporter isn’t surprised. The premises, too, are light and welcoming. Another great asset for the town!

*****

5. Reporter heard from Ken Sharp, who, “For many years has been photographing rock stars, actors, authors and more recently, children. He and his wife Lesley moved to St Andrews six months ago after many happy years in London and Glasgow. They are continuing their family photography business with a plan to enjoy more outdoor shoots, with the local residents and families on holiday.

As well as enjoying being closer to his grandchildren, Ken is loving the stunning scenery around Fife, with its wonderful light and beautiful vistas, and is looking forward to incorporating them into his family portraiture. You can see his beautiful photographs of children, as well as a lot of famous faces, on his website www.kensharp.com If you prefer to see the real thing, pop into Beanscene, Bell Street, or ring Lesley on 07855 402 053 for more information.” Reporter wishes them well and welcomes them to St Andrews.

(Photo, courtesy Ken & Lesley Sharp)

*****

Then Reporter learned that the Keracher family decided to diversify, opening a new, exclusive pottery shop at 81 South Street to complement the family business at 73 South Street. Granddad, James Keracher is the manager, aided by the rest of the family, including grandson Ross. Many

6. Sharing success stories gives Reporter the greatest pleasure. This year Zulfi celebrates 15 years as owner of the Jahangir Restaurant, 116a South Street (01334 470 300). He opened on 19 July 1998. With loyal staff (one has been with him for 10 years) and hard work, Zulfi has been proud to serve many famous visitors to the town, always making his guests feel welcome. Reporter has often enjoyed the creamy Kormas made by chef Wali, Zulfi’s brother. With a comprehensive menu to choose from, competitive prices, pleasing surroundings, a visit is bound to satisfy. No wonder the Restaurant has attracted awards, including being among

SHOPS & SERVICES

. . . sure has a full notebook this time! the Top 200 Masterchefs UK! Issue 32 of this magazine (Jan/Feb 2009) has fuller details. Go for it, says Reporter!

to be there on Saturday mornings from 11.30am till 1.00pm.” Also in the pipeline are “other crafts, such as weaving with recycled plastic bags, making toys from junk, and collage work.” Roz told Reporter she hopes the children enjoy themselves, “so much that they will feel encouraged to keep coming back for the next project, bringing their parents and friends too.” Roz can be contacted at: rozhartart@gmail.com or at: 01334 479 508. Reporter is smitten!

*****

7. Reporter was goggle-eyed when he attended the launch party at Forgan’s, 110 Market Street (01334 466 973). He says it was like opening the door to another planet! Once a factory making golf clubs, now it is a 21st century concept space for dining, wining, dancing, generally celebrating! But there’s more – films are planned, as well as craft workshops, weekly ceilidhs, a book group, and even more than that. Reporter caught sight of this, “We work with the best local artisans who believe in sustainable agriculture” – Forgan’s is a member of the Sustainable Restaurant Association. It really has to be seen to be believed, says Reporter. Details can be found at: www.forgansstandrews.co.uk

*****

8. Roz Hart is a freelance local artist. She contacted Reporter to tell him the exciting news that she has been asked to run children’s workshops in the new Forgan’s in Market Street (see 7, above) Her first foray into this new world involves an 8-week workshop on Thursdays at 3.30pm for little people to make models of Hamish the cat, out of papier-mâché. Her photo shows one young participant looking for inspiration in a famous book! Every week now, Roz can be found using her skills transforming children through face-painting, “the plan is for me

and her staff are committed to “supporting and developing individuals who, for a variety of reasons, are in need of help to find their own feet both in a place of work and in the community at large.”

Risky though it might be considered by some, this involves long-time unemployed people, offenders serving prison sentences, anyone in need. Lisa’s determination has been rewarded by several of these trainees graduating to paid employment. Zest’s regular staff are encouraged and supported in their own continuing professional development.

In addition, Lisa works with Fife Council developing a Skills Academy. First and foremost, however, Lisa is committed to providing fantastic food at affordable prices for the public at large. How does she do it, wonders Reporter, raising her a toast for her future!

(Photo courtesy Roz Hart)

*****

9. Recommended by a loyal advertiser in this magazine, Reporter was pleased to be contacted

by Donald Mackay who, “helped by his wife Innesclare,” has launched Regal Chauffeuring, featuring their long-wheel-base Mercedes S-Class, Herman. “We want,” explained Donald, “to provide transportation with a difference; a customer recently referred to our service to Edinburgh Airport as ‘magic carpet-like.’

Our charges for airport specials are set at £90 for Edinburgh, and £150 for Glasgow or Aberdeen, which has to be ultra-competitive for such a vehicle, with the care taken of you therein. Enjoy door-to-door luxury on any journey tailored to your needs from £30 per hour. Business to business, weddings, scenic trips, evenings out, days at the races, shopping trips (plenty room) – ‘magic carpeted!’ It is hoped that our pricing will make us available to many in St Andrews and the East Neuk. We would like our client base to be cosmopolitan, and very much look forward to meeting you. Be assured of respect, friendliness, and confidentiality.” Regal Chauffeuring can be contacted at: 01333 313 263 www.regalchauffeuring.co.uk

*****

10. Reporter loves congratulating people – especially when he knows how hard they’ve worked for results! Lisa Cathro’s, Zest, in South Street was short-listed for the Catering in Scotland Excellence Awards, known as Scotland’s ‘Catering Oscars’. The awards ceremony, regarded as supreme in the Scottish catering industry, was held in Glasgow on Thursday, 23 May. To be among the top 3 short listed was indeed a huge achievement. Lisa told Reporter that she

*****

11. Emily Noakes told Reporter that a small group of North East Fife Photographers would be exhibiting in the Pittenweem Arts Festival (see their advert on page 29).

She’s keen to see Fifers at Venue 44, at the Old Coal Yard, 66 High Street, Pittenweem, 10.00am-5.00pm daily during the Festival. Contact through: www.standrewsphotographers.com

*****

12. Patrick Woods of Scotland’s Portable Crazy Golf “For Hire” contacted Reporter. Together with his wife and daughters, Patrick recently set up his business, providing entertainment for everybody. He explained, “I take the 9-hole crazy golf course to events all over Scotland and can set it up indoors or outdoors to suit each venue. Bookings range from weddings to parties, business launches to golf clubs, hotel conferences to team-building days. There is an endless list of suitable events. This fun, new concept is taking Scotland by storm.” Patrick will be, “at the East Sands throughout this Summer (where the putting used to be), and will be open every day from 10.00am.” During the Woman’s British Golf Open, he will even be on the roof of the British Golf Museum!

Contact him at: www.hirecrazygolf.co.uk or phone 07455 182 027.

15

CENTRE SPREAD FEATURE

Jurek Pütter

The Sweet Smell of Diesel She manifested herself – standing on the Never was she known to smile, for she deployed motorbike – like ectoplasm out of the blue. At the demeanour of disdain. If she had her own the time, and for a handful of years afterwards, it muse, then it was Connie Frances, whose bitterwas agreed that no one had ever witnessed her sweet rock and roll ballads were at that time actually mounting the bike; it was as though she emerging. Her unchanging outfit was that of effected an acrobat’s – a magician’s – sleight of Connie Frances: white blouse, upturned collar, hand; among us no memory of her displaying black skirt, tight fitting, the epitome of ‘Cool’. any clumsiness, however brief, which could Other observers – older more experienced threaten the wonder of her act. It was agreed minds, instinctively concluded that she had however, that she never appeared on the circular been ‘bred and born to the machine’. Her grace, decking amidst the motorbikes and benches when her ease, her poise, her sublime performer’s the machine began to move, and all the more conceit, all in the face of real risk and danger, remarkably we conjectured, by stepping up onto more than suggested that she had ‘trodden the her mount backwards. The ‘Jungle Ride’ was her boards’ before she had words and language. domain, her stage, her theatre, illuminated by all Each and everyone of her hypnotically-assured its hundreds of coloured light bulbs. It was her performances were flawlessly delivered; never a elevated wooden arena; her undulating circus of slip, never a detracting stagger; and more often a myriad of gaudily painted parts with her hands clasped behind whose periphery accommodated her back; no tightrope walker’s the jam-packed audience of balancing pole for her.

She manifested teenage spectators. The machine herself – standing itself lived; it possessed its own on the motorbike – For us she will forever be powerful life force – a gigantic seventeen; forever that all-toolike ectoplasm out electric motor – its ‘heart’, which brief enigmatic iconic element of of the blue hummed and flexed itself beneath the Lammas Market; forever the the central control consul. Its brain first week in August in St Andrews was a simple horizontal lever under when summer reluctantly which was inscribed a scale of speed – ‘slow’ to surrenders to Autumn; when it’s dark by nine‘fast’. And fast it could go; the rotating platform thirty; when people say that when the Fun Fair made up of wedge-shaped hinged decking; the departs, ‘Well, summer’s over’, and the schools bikes, the bench seats, all rising and falling with go back the following week; when for a few days ever-increasing rapidity and all accompanied by each year people emerge from the proverbial an ever-increasing cacophony of female screams woodwork to proclaim their existence; when and masculine yells; and metal wheels ticketyghosts and wraiths of folks past and departed retacketing over the single supporting rail track. And appear and make us briefly frown questioningly; the supporting structure picked up the rhythm and above it all hangs the persuasive perfume of the swayed and rocked to and fro, the music blaring Lammas Market; candy floss, hot dogs, burgers from 78s and 45s harmonised; machine and man with onions and mustard, and – not least – ‘the and music and motion became a single unified sweet smell of diesel’. pulsing living entity. And all this short explosive, while the Showman Owner’s Beautiful Balancing Illustration and text, © Jurek Alexander Pütter Daughter revolved backwards retaining her elegant poise, her head but a few decapitating inches from the light-bulb-laden radiating roof beams.

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CENTRE SPREAD FEATURE

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ORGANISATIONS Marie Robinson, St Andrews Fairtrade Town Campaign Group & Fife Fair Trade Forum.

Fair Trade Matters!

“Scotland is a Fair Trade Nation.” “Fife is a Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly Fairtrade County.” “St Andrews is a Fairtrade Government) were met, ranging from all Town.” True or false? You may be surprised to Scottish cities being Fairtrade cities, 100% learn that all three statements are true. Next of local authority areas having active groups question – what does all this mean? working where necessary towards Fairtrade Many residents of St Andrews will be status, and 40% of Scots buying a Fairtrade familiar with the certificate displayed in shops product regularly. All our universities have and cafés (pictured) where Fairtrade goods Fairtrade status. It is estimated that over can be bought, or Fairtrade 80% of Scots know about Fairtrade is not charity: tea and coffee enjoyed – and Fairtrade.

A typical rice co-operative in Malawi might in clubs and organisations, or That’s all well and good, bring together several thousand farms of 1 it’s a certification scheme workplaces, where Fairtrade but what does it mean for or 2 acres, worked with traditional tools such refreshments are available for staff. Your those at the other end – the farmers and their as hoes; part of the co-operative’s profits is local church may have a regular Fairtrade/ communities who produce the Fairtrade coffee, invested into local projects chosen by the Traidcraft stall. All this indicates that the pineapples, cotton, and so on? Fairtrade is not communities. Malawian schools and hospitals level of support for Fairtrade in St Andrews charity: it’s a certification scheme, which helps have benefited from sales of fairly-traded rice is sufficient to earn it ‘Fairtrade Town’ status, consumers to know that what they are buying in Scotland. Electricity has been brought into which was awarded in 2005 by the Fairtrade conforms to certain standards. It’s about better, homes, allowing school pupils to study in the Foundation based in London. Every two stable prices, decent working conditions, evenings. Improved roads make marketing years this status has to be re-assessed, and local sustainability, and fair terms of trade for easier. Processing plants mean that local hopefully renewed – this is where the local farmers and workers in the developing world. producers retain a larger share of the value steering group comes in. It takes a lot of time Around 17 out of 20 of the world’s farms are of exported goods, such as the groundnuts and effort to keep the records up-to-date, 2 hectares or less (under 5 acres) in size. processed at the Afri-Nut facility that is partadd new supporters or suppliers to the town Fairtrade usually works with co-operatives. owned by the farmers. The list goes on! directory (www.fairtrade-standrews.org.uk), spread the word about Fairtrade. This is where you could come in, too – does your business support Fairtrade? For instance, do you run a B&B that offers visitors a Fairtrade cuppa in the morning? We would love to know. If you would like to use more Fairtrade products, but don’t know where to find them, the town directory lists both wholesale and retail suppliers.

Two years ago, the Kingdom of Fife was awarded Fairtrade County status on much the same basis – by fulfilling several criteria that relate the number of Fairtrade outlets and supporters to the population of the area. Fife has its own Fairtrade website (www.fifefairtradeforum.org), and a Fairtrade logo that resulted from a schools’ design competition. The schools in general are enthusiastic and knowledgeable about Fairtrade, in part because it fits in well with their ‘global citizenship’ studies. In recent years overseas producers of Fairtrade sugar, olive oil, tea, and so on, have visited schools, You can learn about Malawian rice and where to buy it at www.justtradingscotland.co.uk. inspiring children and staff alike with stories of Or find out about the new ‘Make Food Fair’ campaign, and the ‘IF’ campaign, at how Fairtrade makes a difference to them and www.fairtrade.org.uk. The best thing we can do to help is very simple: just buy Fairtrade their communities. goods! Fair Trade matters.

The most recent accolade – Scotland as a Fair Trade Nation – was awarded earlier this year. Eight targets (set in 2006 by the (Photos courtesy Marie Robinson)

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ORGANISATIONS Stephen Spackman

Coastal Rowing Returns to St Andrews As late as the 1950s, in-shore rowing for leisure and competition the bug! In Anstruther, the Fisheries Museum has provided an institutional flourished in home-built vessels made of timber discarded from the pits in home. Some groups have built under the auspices of a sailing club, the fishing villages and coastal towns around the Fife coalfields. There are like Portobello, but most, like Crail and Pittenweem, have gone it alone, still members of St Andrews Sailing Club (which began life as the Sailing forming their own club to raise funds and publicise the cause! and Rowing Club) who can remember when those who wanted to sail or Once the skiff is in the water a major objective of the racing rules is to row had to build their own boats; on the walls of the clubhouse there are make it available to as many people as possible; regattas have classes posters advertising the Annual Regattas of the St Andrews Boating Club, for both sexes and all ages. The SCRA constitution promotes coastal which look to date from the fifties. rowing as “a healthy activity which can be done safely by people of all This tradition of coastal rowing is now enjoying an extraordinary ages at a level suitable to their competence”, while further bringing them renaissance. It began in 2009 when the Scottish Fisheries Museum in into close contact with nature and wild life, goals obviously consonant Anstruther asked local kit-maker Alec Jordan to run a course on boatwith much national, regional, and local policy. The skiffs now taking part building at the Museum. Alec suggested using an old in regattas have several crews each, drawn from a four-oared Fair Isle skiff (the indigenous descendant wide variety of affinity groups, from the dedicated One hundred kits have been of the smaller Viking boats) as a model; the Museum rowing clubs themselves, to schools, churches, sold, about half of them already commissioned a design suitable for kit building service organizations, and occupational groups. built in seven countries from the well-known marine architect Iain Oughtred.

So where is St Andrews in all this? Absent Since the prototype in Anstruther, about fifteen so far, is the unfortunate answer, for where St Ayles Skiffs (as the craft is called), have been built along the Forth – could be a better home for coastal rowing than our Royal and Ancient a second boat in Anstruther, one each in Pittenweem, Crail, and North Burgh? With its harbour and marine facilities, its diverse population of Queensferry, while along the southern shore, at South Queensferry (2), energetic and active citizens, with its range of voluntary associations, it Newhaven, Portobello (2), Musselburgh, Port Seton and Dunbar. On the would be the perfect home for a St Andrews Skiff (or two, or three…!!). west coast there are now boats from Achiltibuie in the north to Maybole The experience of boat building and racing would be a bracing tonic in the south. In England there are skiffs in Newcastle; they are also in these difficult, depressing times. Working to bring this about are building in East Anglia, the South Coast and the West. The St Ayles Skiff Nigel Ford and Steve Spackman, who have already raised the funds has crossed the Atlantic to New England, also finding homes in South to buy the hundredth St Ayles kit, and who have negotiated with the Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. One hundred kits have been sold, St Andrews Sailing Club to build the skiff during the winter months in the about half of them already built in seven countries. clubhouse on the East Bents. The plan is for a spectacular launch in the The Scottish Coastal Rowing Association was formally constituted Spring of 2014, which will involve lowering the skiff from the clubhouse in 2010 (www.scottishcoastalrowing.org). During the summer season, viewing balcony, and its welcome in the water by a flotilla of skiffs from regattas are being held almost every weekend somewhere along the around the coastline of Fife. In the meantime a steering group is being coast of Scotland – a sort of maritime equivalent to Highland Games! The organized to formally establish a club, to attract membership and to first World Coastal Rowing Championship,The World Skiffies, will take prepare a fund-raising campaign. Over the rest of the summer and the place in Ullapool, 5-12 July 2013. early autumn a number of events will be taking place in St Andrews Central to this whole phenomenon, both to the concept of the design to publicize the project, to encourage interest and support. Watch out and the success of its realisation, have been the ideas of economy, for Coastal Rowers on the streets of St Andrews and a skiff in Church practicality, and community involvement. The cost of getting a boat Square on Saturday, 7 September! into the water is remarkably low – the kit costs little more than £1,000, the further building costs and accessories (rudder, oars, and trailer) amounting only to another £5,000. The resulting boat is both beautiful Anybody interested in either building or rowing may contact and seaworthy – stable, light, easy to row. Because the kit demands little Steve Spackman (01334 476 884 sgfs@st-and.ac.uk), or more than handicraft or DIY skills and good physical co-ordination (though Nigel Ford (01334 8503 385 gailford3@gmail.com) it clearly helps to have joinery experience at hand), it does not need a team of specialists to build. Most boats have been built over a few winter months in garages or outbuildings, by a dozen or so enthusiasts bitten by (Photo courtesy St Ayles Rowing Club)

Leuchars Station £10 Dundee City Centre £25

Print & Design

We welcome commercial enquiries Edinburgh Airport £70 St Katharine’s West, 16 The Scores St Andrews, Fife KY16 9AX

T: (01334) 463020 E: printanddesign@st-andrews.ac.uk The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland, No: SC013532

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ORGANISATIONS Anne Lightwood, speaking practically…

‘Wouldn’t It Be Luverly…’

“I hope that over the coming year the University and the Town will come together to celebrate six centuries of sharing this beautiful space and to lay the foundations for an even brighter future.” These words of University Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Louise Richardson concluded an article in St Andrews in Focus in December 2012.

In January 2013 a crowded public meeting in St Andrews was told that ‘The Botanic Garden is no longer part of the strategic plan’ within the University.

The land where the Botanic Garden is sited belongs to the University. The lease expires in September, but could be continued, should the proposed business plan presented by the Friends of the Botanic Garden be accepted by the University Court.

The Garden is loved and valued by the community – as pledges of over £100,000 together with almost 11,000 signatures on the petition to save the Garden, currently demonstrate. It is also a four-star tourist destination for many international visitors every year.

The Garden contains a living collection of 8,000 plants and trees from all over the world, and a Herbarium containing over 30,000 specimens. The collections belong to the University, which has a responsibility and duty of care for its maintenance, just as their other special collections do. A botanic collection cannot be filed and stored as an archive; it must be nurtured.

Fife Council has managed the Botanic Garden with financial and volunteer support from the Friends for the past 25 years at public and private cost, not borne by the University.

The existing facilities are now inadequate to meet modern visitor expectations, or the needs

Total

of educational projects for schoolchildren and New building, incorporating meeting space, adults alike. The demand for courses has IT connections to other institutions including grown exponentially in response to current Botanic Gardens internationally, with a café, concerns about climate change, food security, library, Herbarium, plus other educational needs sustainability, and biodiversity. open to students and the public, these could To access funding for capital projects there form a working hub linking town and gown. must be security of tenure for a considerable Outdoor space and polytunnels could period of time – preferably longer than the provide practical demonstration as well as 25 years under discussion. Realistically, a growing areas for both experimental work and business plan must be practical, including propagating plants for use in the Garden, also figures for both capital spending and revenue for sale; providing learning opportunities for income, indicating a development timescale. apprentices and for adult involvement.

It is a chicken and egg situation: no borrowing Recently, the RHS appointed a Scottish without a lease; no lease without a business Officer who endorses the work the Education plan.

Trust already does in the Garden. He looks Selling pieces of land (as has been forward to expanding collaboration further in suggested) in the current state of the market future. Nationwide the RHS is concerned at the will not provide sufficient interest lack of qualified staff and the from an endowment fund to act need for trained professional as security for borrowing. It will gardeners. Surely this is a gap . . . there is a raise other problems of planning that could be filled here. and land use.

Just a dream? No, it is all brilliantly simple However, there is a brilliantly possible! solution . . . simple solution: the University Every one of these ideas could grant the land to a has been suggested over many Community Trust in perpetuity months – even years by now. It as a long-term legacy, costing them nothing, just needs thinking outside the box. Wouldn’t but allowing the Trust access to funds for a thriving, ecological, environmentally sound, development, allowing, not just St Andrews, but educational, therapeutic, living Garden make the wider world to benefit. a wonderful long-lasting legacy benefiting Student accommodation built on the community, involving many within it, and Passivhaus ecological principles (see this something to be proud of? magazine, Jan/Feb 2013) could utilise some What other University could offer such a of the depot land. It could be used for postrange of facilities within easy reach, setting an graduates on sustainable development courses example to other institutions, looking forward to which already exist during the academic year the next centuries? It would bring real meaning for horticulture students or apprentices, and for to ‘Ever to Excel’. environmental courses in the summer vacation.

Or should the answer be flats for ‘later All would contribute income, as well as practical living’, as has also been suggested? I know work to help maintain the Garden. what my answer would be.

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ORGANISATIONS Cameron Rae, Trustee

Making way with improvements at St Andrews Harbour The history of St Andrews Harbour is one that spans the centuries and increased leisure activities it is also a working harbour, so it is keen to is inseparably linked with the life of the coastal town it serves; indeed ensure that the local fishing fleet also benefits. at one time the very life-blood of it. No doubt the Harbour’s footings are For instance, visitors to the Harbour in recent weeks will be aware to be found in nothing more than the unimproved shores of the Kinness of dredging and levelling work that has been on-going to improve Burn, around which the early inhabitants of the town, then still known as berthing arrangements and access. The work being carried out will go Kilrymont, would go about their some way towards removing an simple lives of fishing and farming. accumulation of up to 2,000 cubic During medieval times and meters of silt, which has reduced through to the 16th century the the depth of water available, harbour would see significant restricting the movement of boats. development, with the construction This is good news for boat users, of the original stone-built piers and who will be able to navigate quays to serve the many travellers around the harbour for a longer and merchants of the time, the period of time either side of high town developing as an important water. The Trust is delighted it will academic, ecclesiastical, and now be able to offer additional trading centre. Today, the 18th berthing to an even greater to 20th century extensions and number of boat owners. developments to the Long (North) The silt problem was Pier and Cross Pier form the wellworsened considerably in sheltered havens of the Outer and the autumn of last year when enclosed Inner Harbours, home unexpected storm damage to the to a small, but growing, flotilla of harbour gates meant the harbour pleasure craft and a small fishing could no longer be scoured by fleet that in its heyday would have flushing with water stored behind numbered fifty vessels and more. the gates in the Inner Harbour.

Missing gates with silt accumulations in the Inner Harbour, now being The long heritage associated As we speak however, and after remedied through dredging and new gates soon to be installed. with St Andrews Harbour is a successful campaign to raise one, that for a number of years, the necessary funds (in excess many with connections to the of £100k) through generous town have been keen to protect donations from individuals and and develop. In 1995 a steering charitable and government committee, comprising various organisations, this situation is local organisations and national being resolved with new gates in and local government bodies the final throes of manufacture, was established, which two years with installation planned for early later produced a report on the June. Although a diversion in regeneration of the harbour area. time and effort for the Trust, their Although widely welcomed, funding enforced replacement does mean that would have allowed these the gates will be brought to a high plans to be brought to fruition standard with better seals and was regrettably not forthcoming. hydraulic operation, which along A new approach was required. with the new bridge installed a few After much public consultation the years ago, will make for easier Harbour Trust, originally formed by access to the Inner Harbour. an Act of Parliament in 1897, was In a separate Trust project, reconstituted in 2010 to become a entering the Harbour in the dark Getting stuck in, dredging the channel in the Outer Harbour. new Trust Port Authority operating or reduced visibility is also now in accordance with the Government ‘Modernising Trust Ports – A Guide much safer through the installation of much improved and state-of-theto Good Governance Initiative’. Importantly, the now reformed Trust has art navigational lighting to guide vessels through the narrow harbour greater powers to raise funds through grant support and ‘commercial’ entrance. Located in the old Coastguard Tower, approaching vessels now activities, with all surpluses reinvested in improving the harbour area, as see different coloured sector lights being beamed out, green to the north befitting the Trust’s charitable status. of the preferred line of approach, red to the south The new Harbour Trust Board comprises and white when on-course. Looking back from a This is truly an exciting time twelve Trustees; ten appointed by the Trustees walk out the Long Pier or Cross Pier you should for St Andrews Harbour and two by Fife Council. For the Trust to operate have no problem seeing the green or red lights – effectively it is important that it have a mix of wellswimming in the harbour is not permitted though, selected individuals with different, but relevant, experience. The current so unless you’re on a boat take our word for it, there is a very bright white Trustees are drawn from backgrounds that include fishing, legal services, light to be seen from the entrance channel! commerce, academia, and local government. Between them they have This is truly an exciting time for St Andrews Harbour. With further an extensive breadth and depth of experience that includes project improvements in landscaping, berthing, also new and improved shore management, legal matters, engineering, leisure, and commercial use of facilities planned, the harbour will surely attract more commercial harbours. and leisure boats to become a vibrant focal point of the town. Further So what is the Trust up to these days? Well, it is very active and information on the Harbour and Trust activities can be found on their keeps the overarching aim of providing St Andrews with a harbour that website: www.standrewsharbourtrust.org is a focal point in the cultural and economic richness of the town, but at the same time respecting the sensitivities associated with the Harbour’s historic past and location. It is not easy however. There is no doubt that PS – Sunday, 4 August, The Harbour Gala. the Trust’s activities continue to be constrained by the availability of funds; Contact: Pat Dodd 0792 317 66 76. a balance has to be struck between maintaining the existing infrastructure and being able to invest in new developments. The Trust is also very mindful that while growth in use of the harbour will most likely come from (Photos courtesy of the Trust)

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EVENTS George Finley

John Peacock announces

Theatre Someone Following on from last year’s sell-out performance, Theatre Someone is returning to the Village Hall, Blebo Craigs at 8.00pm, tickets at the door £5.

Tuesday, 13 August, A Poem for My Sister, a modern ghost story.

Saturday, 17 August, The Devil and Billy Markham.

“Billy plays dice with the devil and loses....or does he?

Devilishly funny, but definitely not suitable for children!

First published in USA Playboy magazine.”

Music for both performances created and played by Sean Layland.

Theatre Someone is based near Geneva, Switzerland. “It grew out of conversations between like-minded theatre enthusiasts who were interested in using their various talents to present small, innovative productions simply staged in interesting venues.” Positive responses to their in-the-round stagings encourage the Company to tour.

Please see their website for further information: www.theatresomeone.com

My Art My artistic passion is to portray human relationships. To achieve my aim, I have developed my “New Line”, which is a unique, abstracting technique.

The impetus for me to create my “New Line” style was the horrible event in the US in September of 2001. Ever since, I have focused my art on depicting people in constructive contact with each other: talking, listening, raising families, creating and acting together to shape a better world. Alone we cannot do it.

With my “New Line” style I hope to provoke reflection on how we humans interact in our families, communities, nations, and in the world. To achieve interaction in a painting, I use an applicator to create a raised line of glue to delineate my figures linked together by a continuous line. My backgrounds are painted in oil on canvas and consist of only a few colours: cool blues and greys; and a warm red to underscore the energy from the human activity I am depicting.

I have shown my work at one-person exhibitions in the US, Germany, and in Scotland. This August will be the thirteenth time that I will display at the Pittenweem Arts Festival.

Have my paintings created a better world? I will never know.

However, the many visitors to my venue in Pittenweem continue to give me hope. Their lively reactions and thoughtful comments to my paintings encourage me in the belief that we humans can effectively deal with the challenges facing us and future generations. We just need to get on with it – together.

Anne Dunlop’s & Linda Paton’s

Forthcoming Art Exhibition After two successful Art Exhibitions in Elie, Anne Dunlop and Linda Paton are holding their third exhibition in the Old Post Office, Links Place, Elie, from Friday, 26 July to Sunday, 11 August 2013. Both are members of St Andrews Art Club. This year they have very exciting paintings in vibrant colours and have a selection of exhibits in new styles they have developed.

Also from Saturday, 3 August to Sunday, 11 August 2013, they are exhibiting in a garage at Pittenweem at the entrance to the Festival car park. They will be present each day at Elie or Pittenweem and do hope will you will find time to visit one or both of these venues.

They promise to brighten up your Summer even if the weather is miserable!

I have a studio in St Andrews and also in Germany: www.georgefinleyart.com (Images courtesy George Finley)

CHRIS TULLOCH

PAINTER & DECORATOR 01334 479756 07841435477 FREE ESTIMATES (Image courtesy Anne Dunlop)

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EVENTS

Selected Events Now, till Sunday, 25 August – The Fisheries Museum, Anstruther.

Home from the Sea. An exploration of fisherfolk dwellings, their distinctive influences on lived-in houses today. For information: www.scotfishmuseum.org Thursday, 4 July – 12.45pm. St Andrews Cathedral. Margaret of Scotland, 1281: The story of Scotland and Norway, the Royal Wedding and the lead up to the Wars of Independence, told through music and song of the time. Simon Chadwick, Medieval clarsach recital. Free, but please collect a ticket from the Visitor Centre: 01334 472 563.

Friday, 5 July – 1.00pm. Preservation Trust Museum,12 North Street.

Cynicus, a Gallery Talk. Booking required. Contact: curator@standrewspreservationtrust.org.uk Saturday, 6 July – 9.00am to 1.00pm. Argyle Street car park.

Farmers’ Market.

Sunday, 7 July – 10.00am to 4.00pm. Glass Class, Botanic Garden. Willow Weaving Workshop. Make decorative & useful items for your garden. Price: £45 (includes materials). Please contact: Education Trust Secretary, ed.trust.sec@st-andrews-botanic.org – 11.00am-4.00pm. Madras School Grounds, South Street, St Andrews. St Andrews Vintage Car Rally (see photos below).

All vintage/classic cars welcome, entrance free. Contact: Bob Archer, 01334 475 716 or bobandjoanarcher@gmail.com Monday, 8 to Wednesday, 12 July – Madras College, Kilrymont Road. New Dawn in Scotland – a Catholic pilgrimage conference.

Contact: 0131 447 6153.

Thursday, 11 July – 10.00am to 3.00pm. Glass Class, Botanic Garden. Amazingly Edible Workshop. Introduction to sustainable foraging. What edible plants to look for in summer. Cookery demonstration. Price: £22. Please contact: Education Trust Secretary, ed.trust.sec@st-andrews-botanic.org Saturday, 13 to Sunday, 28 July – Art Club Rooms, 14c Argyle Street. St Andrews Art Club Summer Exhibition. Free entry.

Contact: info@standrewsartclub.co.uk Tuesday, 16 to Saturday, 27 July – Crail Festival. Various times & venues. For details see: www.crailfestival.co.uk Saturday, 20 July – 10.00am to 12.30pm. Glass class, Botanic Garden. Digital Photography Workshop. Flower & garden photography – before the August competition.

Price: £15. Please contact: Education Trust Secretary, ed.trust.sec@st-andrews-botanic.org Sunday, 28 July – 10.30am. Station Park, Old Guardbridge Road.

St Andrews Highland Games. Contact: 01334 476 305, ig2@st-andrews.ac.uk

Till Monday, 30 September – British Golf Museum, Bruce Embankment. Ladies First: Pioneering Moments in Women’s Golf. Contact: 01334 460 046.

Thursday, 1 August – 12.45pm. St Andrews Cathedral.

‘Pibroch’ music for the harp, composed by one of the last of the old Scottish harpers about three hundred years ago, with associated stories and anecdotes about the tunes.

Simon Chadwick: Medieval clarsach recital. Free, but please collect a ticket from the Visitor Centre: 01334 472 563.

Friday, 2 August – 1.00pm. Preservation Trust Museum,12 North Street. Cynicus, a Gallery Talk. Booking required. Contact: curator@standrewspreservationtrust.org.uk Saturday, 3 August to Thursday, 5 September – Fife Fotospace Gallery, Rothes Halls, GLENROTHES. Dreich; a photographic exhibition by Ian Watson of Fife-based landscapes and seascapes. This is Ian’s first solo exhibition: photographs purely dependent on the image, pace, and influence of mood.

Contact: iwatson145@gmail.com Saturday, 1 August – 9.00am-1.00pm. Argyle Street Car Park.

Farmers’ Market Friday, 9 to Tuesday, 13 August – Lammas Market 2013 Tuesday, 13 August – 8.00pm. The Village Hall, Blebo Craigs, Fife. A Poem for My Sister, a modern ghost story by Theatre Someone. Tickets: £5 at the door. Contact: Director Sue Humphreys, +33 450 201 232 or John Peacock: 01334 479 414.

Thursday, 15 August – 10.00am-4.00pm. Victory Memorial Hall, St Mary’s Place. Craft Fair – made in Scotland. Fife Craft Association. Contact: 01592 743 539.

Saturday, 17 August – 8.00pm. The Village Hall, Blebo Craigs, Fife. The Devil & Billy Markham: A Theatre Someone production. Tickets: £5 at the door. Contact: Director Sue Humphreys, +33 450 201 232 or John Peacock: 01334 479 414.

Sunday, 25 August – 2.00pm-4.00pm. Cambo Estate, Kingsbarns. Low maintenance gardening by Head Gardener Elliot Forsyth. Tickets: £15 (RHS members & Friends of Cambo, £12.50). Contact: cambo@camboestate.com Saturday 24 August – 7.30pm to 10.00pm. Botanic Garden.

We’re all going on a Bat Hunt: Introduction to bats with ultrasound detectors; find which parts of the gardens they like; what species we have. Price: £5.00 (children free).

Please contact: Education Trust Secretary, ed.trust.sec@st-andrews-botanic.org

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TOWN & GOWN George Phillips eulogises

My friend Ron Mitchell Forty years ago Professor Ron Mitchell (1921–2007) encouraged me to attend a mathematics conference at the University of Calgary in Canada.

I first met Ron when he was convenor of the committee that interviewed me in 1967 for a lectureship at the University of St Andrews. During my interview, I was trying to persuade the committee that I was worthy of being appointed to a lecturership in Applied Mathematics. Regius Professor Edward Copson (1901–1980) asked me why I thought I was up to this, given that I took my first degree at the University of Aberdeen, which was much more concerned with Pure Mathematics. (How I hate these sub-divisions. Now I always simply call myself a mathematician although, in earlier days, if I met a stranger in a pub I would rather say I was a bricklayer, thinking that I would therefore be treated with more respect. But later I came out of the closet and have continued to tell the truth: I am a mathematician.) I can’t remember exactly what I said in reply to Professor Copson, who was such a fine man and an excellent mathematician, but I must have struggled with his question. Later he asked what I could teach in the Department of Applied Mathematics. Although this was essentially equivalent to his earlier question, it seemed much easier to me, and I began with a confident reply. However, to my surprise, I was interrupted by Ron Mitchell, who answered this question for me. He said that I could obviously give introductory courses in the calculus, and in complex variable, as well as courses in my speciality, numerical analysis. I was very pleased, because it seemed clear that Ron Mitchell was on my side. When the interviews were over, I was delighted and relieved to learn that I was the successful candidate.

Ron was then Reader in Applied Mathematics at St Andrews. He was the most notable numerical analyst in Scotland, about to take up a chair in his native city of Dundee, where the University was in its first year as an independent University. Ron was immediately joined in Dundee by a former student of his, Jack Lambert, from the University of Aberdeen. I was much influenced by Jack, an outstanding lecturer. Strongly supported by his colleague Professor D S Jones, Ron soon built up a very strong numerical analysis section in Dundee which, arguably, became the strongest in the UK. Numerical analysis is concerned with finding efficient ways of solving certain mathematical problems by using numerical methods. In the early

years of the modern computer, numerical analysis was often described as being a new topic in mathematics. This is incorrect.

I knew very little about Ron. I did not know that he had also been a very successful professional footballer. After his graduation in 1942 he was called up and sent to the wartime Ministry of Aircraft Production in London, where he remained until after the end of the war. While he was in London, he played several times for Chelsea. After the war he played for a number of Scottish clubs including St Johnstone, East Fife, and Brechin City, before ending his playing career at Berwick Rangers in 1955. Ron was always very fit. If he had no University duties in the afternoon he would take the train back to his home in Dundee to pursue his research without interruption. A former postgraduate student of his told me how, more than once, he went to ask Ron a question as he was ready to head for the station. He would be invited to accompany Ron to continue their discussion. The student would trot along to keep up with Ron who walked very briskly.

Ron was very good with people, influencing not only his own students and colleagues, but also many others. I attended some lectures that he gave on his then new topic, the finite element method. One outcome of this was two papers written jointly by Ron and me, published in 1971 and 1972. Thanks to him also, I made the first of many visits to North America, spending my 35th birthday in 1973 in Calgary, at the conference on the finite element method.

Ron was much admired and loved by his colleagues and students. In my whole career I cannot think of another academic who had such a following.

His colleagues produced a fine book Numerical Analysis: A. R. Mitchell 75th Birthday Volume in 1996.

In it are lots of papers written by his many friends, and there is a list of his 27 PhD students, an amazingly large number, over a long period, the first graduating in 1955 and the last in 1991. His colleagues also arranged for a special issue of the IMA Journal of Numerical Analysis, with all papers dedicated to Ron, that was issued in 2010.

Ron had such an infectious sense of humour. He was always so interested in what one said, often commenting, “That’s incredible!”

Professor Alistair Watson gave a fine address at Ron’s funeral service, given as if he were a son as well as a colleague, and full of the humour Ron would have admired. Alistair knew Ron much better than I did, and I thank him for his helpful comments on the first draft of this article.

FEEDBACK: as a direct result of his article in issue 57 of the magazine, George Phillips has had his long-missing copy of A Mathematician’s Apology returned to him. He is naturally delighted, especially as the cover is more attractive than the one on the replacement copy he bought!

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TOWN & GOWN Laura Clydesdale

Another door opens…

As I write this piece, it’s that time of year again. Yes, life at the University of St Andrews is winding down once more, with family cars driving away in all directions, laden down with the contents of flats, and parents wondering aloud, as no doubt they do every year, “Just where did you get all this stuff?” Students are hugging each other goodbye before heading off into the horizon, promising to catch up during Freshers’ Week and exchange tales of summer adventures – and, of course, to plan more adventures for the year ahead.

However, for the Class of 2013, change is in the air. The coming months will see them venture out into the big, wide world, as postgraduate students, employees, or job-hunters. Perhaps this is you, or perhaps you are the family member or friend of a Final Year student. I certainly can relate to this situation. This June marks five years since I graduated with a Master of Arts (with Honours) undergraduate degree in Social Anthropology from our University.

I then stayed on for a further year as a Social Anthropology postgraduate student, graduating with a Master of Research degree in November 2009.

But what next? Like many other young people, I had lots of ideas for what I wanted to do with my life, but I know that at times the number of options you have available to you can feel overwhelming. Something, though, that I have always been interested in is museums, having visited them from an early age. I have long thought that working in a museum would be an interesting job – so you can imagine that when, in early 2010, I spotted a poster inviting applications for a new museum youth panel, I jumped at the chance to be a part of this initiative.

This youth panel was established by National Museums Northern Ireland (NMNI)

as an important part of its ‘Rhythms of the Year’ project – NMNI’s contribution to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games Cultural Olympiad. The Youth Panel afforded young people aged between 16 and 25 years, from diverse religious, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds, the chance to get involved with NMNI’s work and to set up a major touring museum exhibition. This exhibition focused on seasonal customs in Northern Ireland and took a fresh perspective on NMNI’s extensive and varied collections.

I became a founder member of the Panel in March 2010, staying on for the duration of the Rhythms project. As a Youth Panel member, I was able to learn from the expertise of museum professionals and gain hands-on experience of working with museum objects while putting something tangible and positive back into NMNI. I loved my time with the Youth Panel, and my membership was invaluable training for the next step in my museums career.

In late 2010, I applied for and was awarded a bursary by the Heritage Lottery Fund, delivered jointly by NMNI and the Northern Ireland Museums Council through the ‘Collections Skills Initiative Northern Ireland’. Known as ‘CSI NI’, this was a oneyear training programme offering future museum professionals opportunities to hone their practical skills in different areas of contemporary museum work. I took up my bursary in January 2011 and was based for its duration at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra, Co. Down (which is part of NMNI), under the supervision of Linda Ballard, the Museum’s Curator of Folk Life, who was also the Supervisor of the Youth Panel.

My bursary, which was centred on Rhythms of the Year, enabled me to delve deeper into the project and oversee aspects of it which complemented and extended my work with the Youth Panel. One aspect of which I am particularly proud involved managing the set-up of a new display at the Folk Museum of a selection of statues of

the Buddha from NMNI’s collections, which opened in June 2011. I also researched, wrote, and presented a paper on this display at the Annual Conference of the Society for Folk Life Studies, in Newcastle-upon-Tyne that September. I later arranged for a group of visitors from the Chinese Welfare Association, Belfast to see the display and other parts of the Museum, with lunch and transport provided. This was a really enjoyable day, and it was very interesting and informative to hear what members of the local Chinese community thought about my display.

As bursary-holder, I also became Convenor of the Youth Panel, acting as the main point of contact between the Panel and NMNI, and gaining experience of managing a team of young museum volunteers.

When my bursary ended in January 2012, I stayed on at the Folk Museum as a volunteer and as Youth Panel Convenor, and in May the same year successfully interviewed for the role of Casual Visitor Guide at the Ulster Museum, Belfast. The Rhythms of the Year project culminated in September 2012 with the opening of the Youth Panel’s exhibition at Armagh County Museum. The exhibition is currently being hosted by the Folk Museum and I strongly encourage you to include it as a ‘must-see’ on your next trip to Northern Ireland – you won’t regret it.

My ongoing career development sees me returned to St Andrews this year as a postgraduate student reading for a Master of Letters degree in Museum and Gallery Studies, building upon and enhancing my previous professional experiences. A highlight of this course for me was being part of the student team behind the Botany: Cultivating Collections exhibition, which you may have recently seen at St Andrews Museum.

I am really happy to have been back in St Andrews this year and I am excited about what I’ll do next. Maybe I might even include in my future plans a visit to the town just in time for Freshers’ Week 2013 – well, you know what they say, once a Fresher… .

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OUT & ABOUT From Fay Smith

Horticulture students at Cambo, 2013 For nearly 20 years, practical garden tuition and placements for student gardeners have been offered at Cambo Estate. Recruits come from all over Europe and beyond.

There is, for example, Mark Dixon from Dublin. He is the third gardener to be awarded a year’s traineeship through funding by the Historic and Botanic Garden Bursary Scheme. At the end of his year in Cambo, with a travel bursary from the Royal

Horticultural Society’s Coke Trust Fund, Mark Fiona plans to go on to the Hermannshof will work at the Prairie Moon Nursery for Garden in Germany, eventually moving into native plants in Minnesota, horticultural therapy.

USA. Nicolas Jeanmonod, Recruits come from all Fiona Coull is from a student of landscape Canada. She was drawn to over Europe and beyond architecture, comes from Cambo Gardens, knowing Paris. He is particularly it is very much a designinterested in golf course based garden. Awarded a Susan Pearson architecture, and finds Cambo’s innovative Bursary by the Royal Horticultural Society, approach to garden design of great interest.

There will be several garden students from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh this summer. At present the number of practical training places for student gardeners is only limited by lack of space for students, work space for practical work, with inadequate glasshouse and propagation facilities.

The charity, Cambo Institute (SC028131), creates opportunities for learning in heritage, environment, arts, culture, and horticulture at Cambo Estate. Currently it is awaiting approval of a Stage 2 submission to the Heritage Lottery Fund to restore and renovate the historic stable block (dating back to the 18th century) and the glasshouses into fully operational and sustainable buildings, conserving the heritage of a unique walled garden for the future.

The Gardens at Cambo are open to the public every day throughout the year.

For further information, please contact: mail@camboinstitute.org.uk or phone: 01333 450 054.

(Photo courtesy Cambo Estate)

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OUT & ABOUT From David Anderson

Kingarrock at Hill of Tarvit Kingarrock is a magical, A 200 year-old fanciful, whimsical nineunderground conduit has hole golf course found on been opened and repaired. the former Sharp Estate It now provides a lovely situated south of Cupar, feature, as well as helping less than a mile from Ceres. improve the drainage of It lives in the dream world of the field. A natural pond the Roaring 1920s and, like has appeared, both fauna Peter Pan, refuses to grow and flora have increased up or abandon its early dramatically. roots. Those who enter It is a “green” course its enchantment will begin in both the historical and the adventure by sipping ecological understanding a friendly libation poured of the term and there is a from a crystal decanter in long-term plan to maintain the hospitable hands of the property with period David or Michelle, the hosts farm equipment, even the of the Golf House. At the occasional use of horses to end of the round, you can supply power. expect to sit about a long Kingarrock has become oak table in order to taste a timely experiment in local shortbread and quaff sustainability. Senior some home-made ginger representatives of the R&A, beer. In between all this St Andrews Links Trust, come the simple joys of Scottish Golf Union, and playing hickory golf as it Elmwood College have was enjoyed a century ago, formed a Trustee Group when the game was a little that meets regularly to kinder and gentler. measure the progress made.

In fact, all golfers at Their support, interest, Kingarrock are required and encouragement have to use wooden clubs; proved very motivating for all 1920 replica balls happily involved. supplied by your host.

Now if you are the type There are no dress rules, of golfer who always wants but any guests that wear to shoot a low score or period garb, such as ladies beat your opponent into the in long skirts or men in ground in a serious game plus fours, receive a free wrapped golf ball. The of highly competitive golf, stay away from Kingarrock has become a timely whole point of the plan is to enter into a former Kingarrock! However, if you long for a round experiment in sustainability era and enjoy the thrill of being an invited guest of imaginative golf in a beautiful and private at an exclusive estate – a Great Gatsby for a setting; if you yearn for a friendlier period of golf modest fee. history in a bygone era; or if you simply refuse to grow up and act your The course itself is a modern miracle of sorts. Formerly age, then Kingarrock is a site you cannot afford to miss! abandoned to support the war effort in 1939, it was left to its own devices, used simply for crop growing, or animal pasturing. However, those with keen minds and golfing imagination not only resurrected The course is open from Easter to October. See, Kingarock.com the original course, but now maintain it in period fashion, declining all to reserve the first tee with a one-hour gap, and/or make a group use of modern chemicals or pesticides. Molehills are collected from booking for a “fun” day out. inside the course, heated in a home-made oven using dead wood from the estate to get rid of impurities, then used as top dressing on the greens.

(Photos courtesy David Anderson)

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OUT & ABOUT Lynda Samuel – a Dundonian, residing in a spacious flat in a huge refurbished jute mill.

A Paean to Dundee – City of Many Discoveries

Dundee, fourth largest Scottish city, on the eastern coast, Has the most striking setting that a town could hope to boast; Resplendent on the Tay’s north shore, ‘the Tay, the silvery Tay’, McGonagall, in verse, observed ‘it flowed past every day’.

Her scenic waterfront is soon to house a V & A Museum, with a Japanese design from far away.

It may be relocated from the water to the land, And not projecting out into the river as was planned.

Her undulating skyline boasts two gentle sloping hills, And multiple church spires, large buildings; yes, they’re old jute mills.

Dundee was famed for jute and jam and journalism – three ‘Js’.

Some workers came to staff the mills from Ireland in those days.

Still journalism marches on in D C Thomson’s name, Whose comics, Dandy, Beano, have assured her worldwide fame.

Plus Desperate Dan, Oor Wullie, Broons, and mags. like ‘People’s Friend’, The Courier, Scots magazine – there really is no end.

In days of old Dundee had links with India’s Bengal.

Now all that’s left is Cox’s (chimney) Stack, resplendent, tall; And Verdant Works, a showpiece for her slavish jute mill past; And many mills converted into flats, quite unsurpassed.

Come, see around ‘Discovery’, and learn about the trip That Captain Scott and his brave crew did make aboard that ship.

They reached the Pole but, sad to say, his diary entry told, They never got back home alive, the weather far too cold.

McManus Gall’ry, all spruced up, is worth a lengthy visit; It features Mary Slessor and old portraits – quite exquisite.

‘Who’s Mary Slessor?’ did you say? She sailed to lands afar, And then made sure that baby twins survived in Calabar.

The city centre’s changing fast, from Tay Bridge, railway station, And next to that, the Science Museum, well-named, it’s a ‘Sensation.’

So come, discover for yourself the thriving Dundee City; And if you don’t, you’ll miss a lot, for you ‘twould be a pity.

(Photos courtesy Bede Pounder, Dundee)

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OUT & ABOUT

Invite you to visit a hidden treasure in the heart of St Andrews OPEN DAILY ALL YEAR ROUND SUNDAY AUGUST 4th Open Day – Free Entry Entertainment for all the Family Activities for Children, Craft Stalls, Live Music Ceramics & Paintings for sale in Gatehouse PLANT SALES AREA AND GATEHOUSE Open till end of September TO JOIN THE FRIENDS AND SUPPORT THE GARDEN CONTACT MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Tel: 01334 476452 Charity No. SC006432

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OUT & ABOUT Alistair Lawson of ScotWays on

Seeing is Believing Some time ago, I wrote in these pages about the Black Beast of Blairadam. At the time, I have to admit that I was hesitant to say with certainty that there was such a beast and was more inclined to wonder whether a series of Chinese whispers had led to the tale becoming “fact”, or whether all “sightings” had been late on a dark night after drink had been taken.

However, I have now met a sober, intelligent, credible, personable, calm, unexcitable, law-abiding, persuasive, logical, eminentlybelievable citizen of the district, who tells me in all seriousness that he has seen the Beast. More than having seen it, he has also seen the evidence of its depredations, in other words the sad and sorry corpses of his one-time prized and caringly-reared chickens.

So, the moral of the story is that those readers who, like me, were inclined to doubt should revise their thinking and accept that there are non-native species prowling the countryside – and maybe even somewhere near you! Records of sightings include places as far apart as Buchan, Tillicoultry, Norman’s Law, Leuchars, Balmullo, in the hope of experiencing a close encounter yourself. You will find it Edzell, even – yes – St Andrews. One might group certain of these near Kelty, in the angle between the M90 and the B914. You will find together, concluding that one beast’s range that the Forestry Commission, the Kelty included Norman’s Law, Balmullo, Leuchars, There is a Scottish Big Cat Trust; Heritage Trails Group and ScotWays have and St Andrews, but the sightings in Tillicoultry, together sign-posted many of the trails. You you can find it on the internet Edzell, and Buchan surely suggest that there can enter from the B914 or over the M90 are others on the prowl as well, each with its footbridge from Blairadam Park within Kelty. own territory. The commonly-accepted theory is that they were formerly As I said in my earlier article,“If you go down in the woods today, you in captivity, have either been released into the wild, or have escaped. (may get) a big surprise”. Can any other readers add to this story?

There is a Scottish Big Cat Trust; you can find it on the internet.

At a more practical level, you might like to patrol Blairadam Forest, (Illustration by Sheila Fisher)

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OUT & ABOUT Arlen Pardoe, focussing on features that are in plain sight, but often overlooked

Hidden Gems in St Andrews (in plain view) Telling the time St Andrews has a number of interesting clocks, visible from many locations about the town. They function both to indicate the time of day, and as ornate objects in their own right.

The clocks high on towers of churches, and other buildings, are the most distinctive and colourful. To some extent they superseded the bells that were rung to call townspeople to prayer and to warn of danger.

However, the clocks have not entirely replaced the bells; the church bells still ring on Sundays and special occasions.

To the consternation of many visitors to the town the 8 o’clock curfew bell still rings 100 times in the Town Kirk bell tower.

Other clocks provide an identifiable service; for example, at the University Sports Pavilion for timing games, the clock

on the R&A building for starting golf matches. The clocks are not always recent additions to the town; an engraving from 1767 shows a clock on the bell tower of Holy Trinity Church, and in church records of 1449 there is mention of a duty to maintain the clock. It also seems likely that there was an early clock on St Salvator’s tower, as there is a record of instructions for the maintenance of a clock in the visitation of 1533-34. It is worth noting that some of the clocks are powered by electricity, but mechanical systems are still used in other cases.

Finally, the ‘grandfather’ clock on the Lloyds TSB Bank building stands out as an interesting example of the Art Deco style.

Clocks on towers

Holy Trinity Church Clock dating from the rebuild from 1906 to 1909

Royal & Ancient Clubhouse

The Central Bar

Rolex clock inside R&A

Town Hall

St Leonard’s School

University Sports Pavillion St Salvator’s tower Faces replaced in 1999

Kinburn House Museum

Art Deco Grandfather clock Lloyds TSB building

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