St Andrews in Focus Issue 60 Sep Oct 2013

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

September/October 2013 Issue 60, £2.00

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

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

From the Editor

Thanks to my daughter, I went for a walk with llamas; not alpacas, whose fibres provide cosy jumpers. I was much taken by the llamas’ eyes, with their long lashes, as well as their cuddly long necks. They are peaceful beasts, not given to moods. As such, the owners of these particular animals originally bought them to soothe people with learning difficulties, and I could quite see why. Each llama has its own personality, described in loving detail by the owners. One will be the alpha male, with his nose in the air, surely a rather human attribute? Another preferred to take up the rear in the procession. I’d love to know what the llamas thought of us. Alas, I’ll never know. Their only vocalization is a melodious hum. Hmm! Try walking with llamas yourself one day, it’s a nice antidote to the world’s ills.

Flora Selwyn

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The views expressed elsewhere in this magazine are not necessarily those of the Editor. © St Andrews in Focus (2003) SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 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 • • • • • • • • • • • •

Raymond Gatherum Community Council Hamilton Grand Big Fun with the Top guns The Rise and Fall of Cynicus More on the SWHs My French Grandmother Competition Modern Waste Disposal Reminiscences Ask the Curator Reviews – Eyes down knees together

3 4 4 5 6 7 8 8 8 9 10 11

Shops & Services • • • • • •

Noise Rocca New Beginnings Being a Landlord Roving Reporter Is your baby trying to tell you something?

12 13 14 15 16 17

Events • •

Thomas Duncan celebrations Selected Events

18 19

Organisations • • •

Poetry, sans frontières Summer’s sand castle competitions Boys’ Brigade, and Girls’ Brigade

20 20 21

Town & Gown • • • •

A Growing Trend Good Neighbours The recent Film Festival University Maces

22 22 23 24

Out & About • • • • • • • •

The sky is blue Unfinished Business Coronation Walk New Harbour gates Nature Notes Roy Cammack’s monster ToonSpot Hiden Gems

NEXT ISSUE – Nov/Dec 2013 Copy deadline: strictly 28 SEPTEMBER

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

Cover courtesy RAF Leuchars

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FEATURES Billy Anderson has been friends with Raymond for over half a century. This is his tribute on the occasion of Raymond’s 71st birthday

Raymond Gatherum – This Is Your Life

I was playing solo one night in the St Andrews Hotel, when a small RAYMOND MORRIS GATHERUM – Born 8th October 1942 at 132 dapper man approached me and complimented me on my playing, and Lamond Drive, St Andrews and subsequently moved to the family home, asked if I would travel. I thought, ‘oh ! a world tour!’ I said, “oh yes I 2 Watson Avenue, the most welcoming house in the street, where they could travel. Where?” He said, “Dundee! By the way, I’m Ben Lyon, BBC downgraded from electric to gas. That probably explains why Raymond’s Glasgow.” not very good with anything electric!

Well, the three of us worked for Ben Lyon and BBC Scotland for My first recollection was seeing this wee guy playing a side drum with some time, recording 26 radio programs called Country Hop in the the St Andrews Pipe Band parading along South Street in St Andrews.

St Andrews Hotel. That was followed by the LP of the same name, I didn’t know who he was and I have to say, I felt sorry for the wee soul, which was produced by Ben Lyon, featuring a lot of accordion and guitar because he was struggling to carry the blooming thing, but by God, could numbers, which then led us into a lot of Accordion Club appearances, with he play it!

Raymond – drummer extraordinaire!!

Back in 1962, I had just left Madras College and was working in the We eventually hit the Scottish Show biz scene touring with Francie Dundee Savings Bank in Church Street. One of my jobs was to make and Josie, alias Riccy Fulton and Jack Milroy, which was a hilarious the daily pay-in at The Bank of Scotland in Queen’s Gardens. On this adventure for us playing some of the major theatres in Scotland. Also particular Friday afternoon, I recognised this big silver Austin Sheerline the voice of the Highlands, the late Calum Kennedy, who was a difficult coming along South Street driven by the Scottish Dance Band Leader, man to work with, but we did it, bought all the t-shirts and gained lots of Jack Forsyth. Sitting in the back was this wee chubby fair-haired guy experience over the years. reading a book; I realised it was Raymond, having been picked up from Having worked for BBC Radio Scotland, the band was then invited, the leather workshop and away playing at a gig in either Aberdeen, through the late Iain MacFadyen, who was head of Light Entertainment Inverness, Newcastle, or Sheffield ! Ye know, I was quite envious and said for the BBC, to go on a 12-week tour of United States of America and to myself – that’s what I’d like to do!

Canada on which George Robb joined the band on bass.

There he was playing with Jack Forsythe’s broadcasting band all One day in the bus Raymond and George were arguing as to what over the country and here was I starting off in local village halls with the day it was, because, on tour every day is the same. Raymond said it help of local piano player Billy Johnstone from Pitscottie, who announced was a Tuesday, but George was positive it was a Wednesday. But it duly that we had a gig in Kingsbarns and we ought to find a drummer. On the turned out to be a Thursday. We travelled from state to state, everyone night, never having played together, we struck up and played as if we buying souvenirs and presents for our families, like had played forever. Jackie Paul duly joined Raymond fancy handbags, Indian jewellery, Western shirts, and me. We became known as ‘The Temperence belts, cowboy boots, Mexican hats etc, but only Trio’ – white shirts, black breeks, black bow tie, red Raymond could buy 2 saddles, which travelled waistcoats!!

The Gatherums and the in the back of the coach, then duly on the plane We played in village halls, local hotels, Rusacks, Anderson’s have had a from JFK to Glasgow Airport. That was the start of the Star Hotel, Victoria Café, MacArthurs Café, Stables.

University Hall, the Royal Hotel in Cupar, where one great musical connection Edenside Raymond has always been renowned for his Friday night Raymond asked, “who are we playing for decades favourite sport – Golf. Over the years, he’s won for?” and I couldn’t remember, because in these countless medals and trophies and could well have days it was just a phone call start at 9.00 finish at been a successful professional. Any golfer will tell whatever, fee will be... Halfway through the gig, we you, ‘He can fairly hit a ba’. He’s invited on a regular discovered we were playing for the Cupar office of the basis to various parts of the world, by some very influential people just to Inland Revenue! Out of the blue, this fellow says to Jack, “I like your band, play golf --- a’ right for some! you’re very good, do you play a lot?” Jack says, “Oh aye, we’re busy the The Gatherums and the Anderson’s have had a great musical noo, this is oor second job this MONTH!” connection for decades, going back to the daddy of them all, wee Tammy Previously of course, Raymond and Jack had played with the Rebels Gatherum, who occasionally played with my brother and his band. On and were heading for Cupar one day in Raymond’s car, when it ran out one occasion, Sandy pulled up at 2 Watson Avenue, to pick up Tam, and of petrol at the beet factory. All of a sudden, the Police Patrol car drew his wee drum, which Sandy duly loaded into the trailer, which was half a up, “well guys, problems?” Raymond immediately raised the car bonnet, converted mini van with a drawbar, painted the same colour as the car. which covered the windscreen, because he’d nae road tax. However the Having put the drum kit into the van, Sandy told Tammy to get into the car. police very kindly drove into Cupar and returned with a gallon of petrol for But Tammy said, “No no, I’ll just get in here”, thinking the van was part of the stranded pair, and bid them ‘Good Day’. the car. Of course, Brothers Tommy and Ian, both played with my brother Another time, Raymond was coming from Ceres late at night with Sandy’s band over the years, and many a laugh we’ve all had. probably 7 or 8 in his car and with lack o’ elbow room, couldn’t turn the Raymond once broke his ankle, arrived at the gig on the night with steering wheel enough to take the corner, hit the fence and ended up with a stookie on his right leg, and proceeded to play the bass drum with his fence wire wrapped round the axel! So the car was abandoned and the left foot, only to discover the surgeon who applied the plaster that very next morning the police arrived at 2 Watson Avenue. “Eh, do you own car afternoon, was actually in the audience. Back in the Maggie Thatcher registration number bla ..bla..bla..?” Raymond says, “yea that’s mine”, days, Raymond, Tom, and I stopped to eat in a restaurant in Aviemore policeman says, “do you know where it is?” Raymond says, “Aye , it’s in and on receiving the bill and trying to divi up our individual meals and the garage, I’ll just let you see it” Opens the garage door, “My God! It’s what we had eaten, Raymond said, “Who ate the VAT?” been stealt!” (Stolen) Police, “Aye, well whoever pinched it left it outside Raymond, as you know, with his passion for horses, has operated his the Police Inspector’s house in Ceres!!” business at Edenside, breeding, rearing ponies, and has created a riding There was a time when Raymond had his own private registration, school for hundreds of children and adults over the years. The house which was on the car when he bought it: WRG -- Wee Raymond always has an open door, the kettle is always on the boil, and there’s Gatherum! always a choice of horsey boots available in the porch. The kitchen Raymond and I became great friends, and I remember once being contains the same table that Jesus used at the last supper and Liz keeps in the leather workshop, when he was cutting a soft piece of leather with it well stocked. He never carries money, because he says the Queen a very sharp knife and whilst using a steel rule as a guide he accidently never carries money, but if you’re ever stuck, he’ll be the first to help, cut a slice off his fore finger. I was nearly sick and had to rush him to either with a tow, provide you with one of his many cars, bag o’ cement, the Cottage Hospital, where I was nearly admitted myself, and he was plank o’ wood, trailer, tractor, you name it. I sometimes feel I have a share laughing. in Edenside, having held on to the first Shetland Pony in a caravanette Tom Anderson joined the band, then known as the Billy Anderson Trio all the way from Forres, and also took Raymond to America to buy two and we played throughout Fife and further afield, appearing on a weekly saddles. basis with The White Heather Club in Pitlochry with Peter Mallan, the Raymond Gatherum, Surgical Shoemaker, International Drummer, late Bill McCue, comedian Jack Martin, and some of the original White Golfer Extraordinaire, Equestrian Enthusiast, Craw’s Nest Musical Heather Club Dancers. In 1970, we became the resident band in the Old Director, Financial Adviser (Just dinna carry ony), Perfect Mine Host, Course Hotel for the Saturday night dinner dance, and we also had a Friend and Buddy – A Wee Man with a Big Heart. regular gig in St Michaels Inn on a Sunday.

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FEATURES Ronnie Murphy

The Community Council Putting Competition In 2013 St Andrews Community Council revived the town’s Putting Competition, which had not been played for 15 years.

The inaugural competition was held in 1919 with the winner being presented with the Victory Cup. This Cup was created to celebrate the conclusion of the First World War. The Andra Kirkcaldy Cup was believed to have been presented in memory of Andra Kirkcaldy, probably by a member of his family; it has been played for since 1935.

More mature St Andreans will remember the Cups being played for in the 1960s and 1970s over the Bruce Embankment Putting Green. In more recent times it was played for over the Himalayas. In those days the format was one medal round on a Thursday evening with the top 16 qualifying for match play the following evening. The entry fee was £1 with a nominal prize of a sleeve of golf balls to the winner of the two cups.

Previously the Putting Competition was open to all comers, but Graham Anderson (L), Neil Moore (R) on the advice of those previously involved the competition is now (Photo courtesy Ronnie Murphy) restricted to St Andrews residents and local golf club members.

The 2013 competition was held on a Monday and Tuesday Dawson was the runner up. The other finalists were Sylvia night in early June, partly in recognition of the fact that the local Dunne, Mark Eglinton, Gus Watson, and Ian Lumsdaine. The golf clubs have evening competitions on Thursdays. 36 people following night Graham was defeated at the competed on the Monday. This allowed the 20th hole by Iain MacKinnon, who lost in the organisers to use a shotgun start with all the The 2013 competition was semi-final to the eventual winner Neil Moore. competitors finished more or less at the same held on a Monday and Graham Dawson found himself runner up time. The entry fee was £3 per person. The top Tuesday night in early June again.

8 progressed to the Tuesday. The Victory Cup On the Monday the competitors enjoyed was won by Neil Moore who runs the Himalayas sunny weather. Light refreshments were served at the end of the Putting Green, and the Andra Kirkcaldy Cup was won by Graham round in the shape of tea, coffee, juice, and biscuits.

Anderson as the lowest scorer on the Monday evening. Graeme

Flora Selwyn visited

Hamilton Grand By chance I was listening to the broadcast of a music competition in which composers were required to write new music for period instruments, constrained I’m sure by the limitations such instruments would have had in their heyday.

It occurred to me that Herb Kohler was doing something similar with what is now Hamilton Grand; a building constructed in an earlier era, re-invented with today’s requirements. My own memories of the building at the end of The Scores go back to the 1950s when I was a student, when it was a University hall of residence for men. In those days each University hall hosted an annual ball, and Hamilton’s was my favourite, lavishly decorated on one occasion as a haunted house, complete with enormous skeletons and huge cobwebs!

Since then I have been in its hallowed space for many a meeting of one sort or another. It was, therefore, with a slight feeling of apprehension that I met Jo Halliday, Private Client Manager of Hamilton Grand, for a private tour.

No expense has been spared in the restoration. The grand main staircase has been retained; an original piece of the beautiful wooden bannister discovered one day lying in some recess was re-instated with the rest making the whole look new. There are now lifts (of course!). 26 two-, 1 three-, and 3 fourbedroom flats are arranged on different floors,

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with salad, Melba toast and mayonnaise, to each with spectacular views over the golf links, £5.95 for a small portion of baby spinach, pear and the West Sands. The Old Course Hotel and confit tomato salad with balsamic dressing. press release calls them “homes of distinction”, Main courses are from £13.50 for a 250g beef which I’m sure they will certainly become once burger with chunky chips, salad gherkins & they are all fully furnished by their new owners. onion rings (75p each for extra toppings), to At the moment only the show flat is furnished, £9.50 for ‘Craigtoun’ wild mushroom risotto with but what furnishing! Herb Kohler’s interior parmesan crisps. Then there are sandwiches, designers have created a welcoming sense of mostly £7.95, and desserts at £5.95, or Anster quiet opulence, something which no doubt will cheese at £7.50. be copied by many owners. Needless to say, Jo told me that parties will be welcome and all the bedrooms are en suite, their facilities there is a very large, light, beautifully furnished in true, sumptuous Kohler style. What made room leading off from the main pub. me marvel particularly, was the use that the Hamilton Grand newly-restored lead dome could not be in better has been put to, part of St Andrews is extremely hands! St Andrews is one of the four-bedroom fortunate to have this wonderful extremely fortunate to flats; up a short flight of building back in proper use have this wonderful stairs, the space within building back in proper is quite exceptional, with use. The workmen involved were among the ‘porthole’ windows giving an untrammelled view most courteous I have ever met. They must of the Old Course. There is also access onto have caught the enthusiasm of Herb Kohler the roof where coffee tables for residents will be and all his team, for the workmanship is fixed to the wooden decking (to stop the wind superb. There were so many obstacles they wreaking havoc!) had to overcome, because years of shameful Jo then took me down into the basement, neglect had almost succeeded in destroying the the only part open to the general public as a building. Another surprise for me was the inner, gastro-pub, also “of distinction”, called Ham’s hidden courtyard, where a fountain will play, Hame. Available from 11.30am, visitors have surrounded by plantings for the delight of the a lunch menu with very competitive prices: residents. For the first time in my life I wished I starters, for example, range from £13.50 for were very rich! a large portion of locally-caught dressed crab

FEATURES From RAF Leuchars

Big Fun with the Top Guns The most recent combat aircraft to earn its For those Fifers who need to get their annual spurs projecting UK air power is the Typhoon. fix of aerial speed, there is a little less time to RAF Leuchars is home to two squadrons of wait this year for the RAF Leuchars Airshow these cutting-edge, multi-role capable aircraft, which roars into action this year on Saturday, and both 1(Fighter) and 6 Squadrons will be 7 September. much in evidence at the show both in the air The motto of RAF Leuchars is, “Attack and and as part of the static aircraft display. The job Protect” and that will be the theme for this year’s of mounting the single aircraft Typhoon display, event, which will be the 65th Battle of Britain a role performed with distinction by 6 Squadron at Home Day to be held in North East Fife. in 2012, has passed back to Celebrating the ethos and 29 (Reserve) Squadron, the heritage that underpins the Leuchars is the biggest operational conversion unit Royal Air Force and the work air show in Scotland, based at RAF Coningsby of its highly trained personnel, regularly attracting visitors in Lincolnshire. The display the day will mark the heroism from around the world pilot for 2013, Flight of the Dambusters raid 70 Lieutenant Jamie Norris, will years on. RAF Leuchars be showcasing the awe-inspiring speed, power, is one of two UK bases that support Quick and aerobatic capabilities of the Typhoon in his Reaction Alert with the multi-role Typhoon aircraft routine. Other RAF displays will come in the protecting the population around the clock, 365 form of the Falcons Parachute Display Team, days a year. The Airshow will feature today’s Search and Rescue Sea King helicopter, and RAF aircraft that deliver combat air power with Tucano T1, which for 2013 will feature a World speed, agility, and precision – Typhoon and War 2 camouflage design.

Tornado – as well as iconic predecessors led by 617 “The Dambusters” Squadron based the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight – Lancaster, at Scotland’s Tornado Main Operating Base, Spitfire, and Hurricane.

RAF Lossiemouth in Moray will be playing a Leuchars is the biggest air show in significant part in the show on the ground and Scotland, regularly attracting visitors from in the air. This year, the squadron has been around the world. For those that hear music in operating two of their Tornado GR4 aircraft the roar of Rolls Royce engines, whose hearts with specially painted tailfins marking the flutter at the sight of a fitted flying suit, and anniversary of the World War Two bombing delight in aerobatic brilliance, it is an event not raid that gave them their name. There will to be missed. It has more sedate attractions be a commemorative flypast at the airshow too, including a craft fair, military village, and with one of these Tornados taking to the Fife exhibition hall. There will be an interactive zone sky alongside the Lancaster from the Battle with a host of enjoyable activities for visitors of Britain Memorial Flight. Wing Commander of all ages, and for music lovers the traditional Guy Gibson and his men flew 19 adapted blend of military bands, pipes, and drums.

Lancaster bombers on their mission to deliver As one would expect of an RAF-led event, the bouncing bombs to destroy German the Red Arrows, or to give them their formal dams. Another, famous historic bomber, the title, the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, will Vulcan will also be making a welcome return be central to the day’s aerial excitements. The to the Leuchars event as well as the Sea Fury team is made up of serving RAF fast jet pilots fighter from the Royal Navy Historical Flight. who demonstrate the flying skills that have It is not just famous names from the been nurtured by the Service since its creation British military past that will be showing off 95 years ago to ensure that the United Kingdom their thrilling skills, for the Swedish Air Force has an effective air power capability.

Historical Flight will be taking part. They will be bringing the Viggen – a particular favourite with aviation enthusiasts as it was the first aircraft to feature both afterburners and thrust reversers, as well as a Hawker Hunter, an airframe that played a big part in the RAF Leuchars story, being operated from this part of the world with 222 and 43 Squadrons in the 1950s.

As well as the military displays, there will be a host of dazzling civilian displays with star turns likely to be the Breitling Wingwalkers and perennial favourites the Blades, a display team entirely consisting of former RAF and Red Arrow pilots. The great thing about the airshow is of course that visitors don’t just get to watch the displays in the air but to get close to the magnificent aircraft in the static display, and to mingle with the pilots and members of the Armed Forces.

More information on the displays can be found at www.airshow.co.uk and tickets are available to buy online now.

(Photos courtesy RAF Leuchars)

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FEATURES Dr Elspeth Reid summarises

The Rise and Fall of Cynicus A son of Madras College is celebrated this summer in the St Andrews Preservation Trust Museum – the cartoonist Martin Anderson, aka Cynicus (1854-1932). In the 1860s he travelled daily to school by train from Guardbridge, and he reminisced about the return trips:

At the beginning of the 20th century the Post Office relaxed postcard regulations. Now you could have both address and message on one side, freeing up the other side for a full-size picture. It was like a starting gun for a vast craze of sending and collecting picture postcards. The Cynicus Publishing Company Ltd was formed in Tayport with local investors’ money and produced some of the first-ever comic postcards, which sold by the hundred thousand.

Cynicus aimed his new “Immediately after school hours I made for the station then comic designs at the working situated close to the golf course…and pitching my books into masses, particularly their the guard’s van and taking out my golf clubs which I kept there new mass holidays. They I made for the links. Later I might have been seen sitting on the were certainly appreciative railway fence fully a mile from the station holding up a golf club customers – postal workers as the train approached and clambering into the van as it slowed went on strike because of the down and being scolded by the genial old guard…There was just amount of extra mail they had one small engine that plied the branch line and it hauled three to deliver. carriages for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd class passengers, with the guard’s Flushed with success, van in the rear. The working staff consisted of the guard, the Cynicus took the money from engine-driver, and the fireman – all St Andrews men.” selling his copyrights to build a mansion on Lucklaw Hill above Balmullo.

It had a tower to house a museum and a ballroom for parties, with French It was certainly useful windows onto a first-floor balcony. It became known as Castle Cynicus. having a father as stationThis was another sunny period for Martin as the postcard craze grew and master! This happy grew. Yet company profits could not have been great because the balcony childhood memory sparked was never installed. French doors opened onto a drop.

Cynicus’s postcard design Once again the end came swiftly. An economic downturn coincided ‘Our Local Express’. with a fading postcard craze to make the company collapse. Maybe Published in 1903, it harked Cynicus’s humour was also passé by now, no longer a novelty, perhaps back to a bygone age with no longer to current taste. Sales were falling around 1909, by 1912 the its leisurely pace of life. The bills could not be paid, and the bank was quick to call in its loans. The postcard was immensely company closed. Cynicus lost his livelihood while 3 of his sisters, who had popular in its day and bought shares, lost their money. thousands were bought.

Try as he might with assorted schemes to relaunch his career, After St Andrews came several years in Glasgow. The contrast was and he tried bravely over and over again, it was not to be. He and his stark – his artist’s eye noted the gestures and faces of the urban poor, siblings slipped further and further into genteel poverty. In 1924 he slum dwellers, and drunks. These people populated his later cartoons. reached 70, becoming eligible for a 10 shilling-aBut first, Martin became the newspaper illustrator for week Old Age Pension, which was a help. Martin John Leng’s publications in Dundee. This amounted to A son of Madras College Anderson died in his ‘castle’, aged 78. There is drawing buildings and monuments. is celebrated this summer still no inscription on the family gravestone. After Meanwhile a new satirical magazine was being in the St Andrews his death his neighbour bought, then promptly launched in Glasgow called Quiz. For the next 6 years demolished, Castle Cynicus. he poured out weekly sketches with black humour, Preservation Trust Museum The exhibition in St Andrews Preservation Trust visual puns, and comic accidents. Martin wryly Museum, curated by Samantha Bannerman, runs until Sunday, 29 pointed out society’s shortcomings, where hypocrisy masqueraded as September. Copies of the biography, The Fortunes of Cynicus by Elspeth respectability, and money was the only goal. This turn of events shaped Reid and Flora Davidson, are still on sale there, price £15. the rest of Martin’s life.

Keen for fame, he took his best cartoons and had printing blocks made. The prints were coloured in by hand, bound in wonderful covers and sent to London. Martin quit his Dundee job and opened a ‘studio’ in a little shop in Drury Lane. He displayed his most daring cartoons in the window. It worked. It got him noticed. His first book ‘The Satires of Cynicus’ created a great stir.

For the next few years the London critics heaped praise on him; they compared his biting social comment to Gilray and Rowlandson, the big names of caricature, and very collectible. Invitations and commissions multiplied. Still re-working Quiz material, book after book appeared: The Humours of Cynicus; Symbols and Metaphors; The Fatal Smile; and more. The cartoons were colourful before colour-printing had been invented, because back in Tayport a workshop of youngsters was busily hand-colouring the outline prints.

But quite suddenly Cynicus fell from favour. In 1893 he brought out Cartoons Social and Political – it was too scathing, too political, without the laughs and jokes that accompanied his social satires, which was what his public expected and liked best.

Among his new London friends were fellow Scotsmen Ramsay MacDonald and Keir Hardie, two campaigners for the emancipation of the working classes.

Cynicus had adopted and frankly expressed their radical views. Sales stalled. He found himself financially and socially out in the cold. His London vogue was over.

Returning to Tayport, he reverted to drawing new humorous cartoons and took up golf again. Soon he could use all his cartoons once more for a new craze.

(Illustrations courtesy Elspeth Reid)

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FEATURES From John Rankin

More on the Scottish Women’s Hospitals I was very interested to read about ‘Scottish Women’s Hospitals in WWI’, in particular about Elsie Inglis.

But for her, my mother would probably have been a widow, and I a ten-year-old orphan, in February 1945. who had survived up to five-and-a-half years This is the story: in captivity, failed to survive the march. Some My father, the Rev W E K Rankin, then ironically died by friendly fire. By this time the Minister of the Second Charge of Holy Trinity, Allies had complete air supremacy, and tended was called up in 1939 and appointed Chaplain to fire at any columns of marching men, or of the Lothian and Border Yeomanry. Along other moving objects, they spotted. My father with the 51st Highland Division, and several described one such incident – at a stage when other units, his regiment was captured by he and his fellow prisoners were on a train: the Germans at St Valery in June 1940. The

prisoners were then subjected to a very hard “The train had stopped in the country, and march across France and Belgium to Laufen the war-wise driver had put his engine in Prisoner of War Camp, which they reached on a deepish cutting. Most disembarked for 8 July 1940. There followed five-and-a-halfa breath of fresh air and I accompanied years of captivity. In my father’s case this was some a little way across a field. A voluntary, because, as a non-combatant he Mustang found nothing to fight with in was offered repatriation. However, he saw it as the skies and, spotting the train, joyfully his duty to continue his ministry behind barbed buzzed it. We had a good wire. frontal view of two Mustangs February 1945 found he saw it as his duty to with their guns blazing, but my father in Belaria Camp, continue his ministry contracted it into a glimpse, a part of Luft III Prisoner flattening our heads and the behind barbed wire of War Camp for RAF at rest into the blades of grass as Sagan, Silesia. The camp might be. They made but one run, luckily was evacuated, following a message dropped realising the nature of the cargo, and only from a Storch plane ordering the evacuation of punctured the engine’s tender behind, the camp. The prisoners were given less than and wounded a German.”

one day to collect what belongings they could Prior to this my father fell very ill and, unable to manage to carry to support life on a dreadful march any longer, was carried into a hospital at forced march in the worst of weather, away from Nurnberg. He was suffering with a quinsy and the advancing Russians. Sadly, many prisoners

was moved on to a specialist.

“Fortune smiled, for the specialist was a Serb, Dr Matisch, who skillfully and Rev W E K Rankin (almost) painlessly (Courtesy of his son) knifed the throat.

We conversed in French and German.

A distinguished surgeon, he was one of the high-ranking Serbs the Germans had incarcerated. I mentioned that Scotland was my home. It struck me that there was a name that every Serb of his generation should know. I mentioned the name of Elsie Inglis, and he leapt up. He had been a refugee in his native Serbia as a youth of 17 or 18, and she had literally lifted him out of a roadside ditch and nursed him back to life. Then he could not do enough, and I am sure that I even had a bit of his miserable rations.”

Thereafter my father recovered sufficient strength to continue his journey, instead of ending his life in a hospital. On returning home, he made a good, if slow, convalescence, and continued his ministry at Holy Trinity for a further 22 years.

And more surprise connections –

The Ross family

Pat Docherty in St Andrews contacted the magazine to explain that Ishobel Ross’ brother, John, was her step-grandfather. She lent the photograph added here, but she wasn’t quite sure about the identity of some of the people on it. Pat also has a copy of Ishobel Ross’ diary entitled Little Grey Partridge, the cover copied here too.

Leaving Pat’s house, your editor, completely by chance, met John Birkett, who had added information on Ishobel Ross in issue 59 (page7). I showed him the book, as well as the photo, and he was able to identify each person on it, as follows, “the lady in the centre is Eleanor Ross, née Mackenzie, the widow of James Ross of Drambuie fame. The children are from the left: Ina; Ishobel (who went to Serbia); Margaret (Eleanor’s niece and my grandmother); John (who worked as a doctor in Tanganyika, London and Kent) and who is Pat’s step-grandfather; David; and Meg.” – Is this a case of ESP??

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FEATURES John Cameron remembers his

French Grandmother needed its myths just as we needed to turn My paternal grandmother Dunkirk into a victory and the Dams Raid from came from an extended a propaganda exercise into a game changer.

French family of In June my wife and I drove down to the Massif fishermen, peasant Central to wander round the fabulous Auvergne farmers and potters in and the remote Margeride which was the the Concarneau canton spiritual home of the Maquis. of Finistère in Brittany. She went into service It was there following D-Day in June 1944 as a nanny with the family of an international that the Maquisards finally managed to get engineer. On one of her trips abroad she met their act together, launching meaningful attacks and married a Scots missionary in Ceylon. against the German forces racing north. They He was killed in an uprising, but the tiny blew up a main railway line halting the panzers, missionary society which had sent him there but then the typically brutal and senseless many years before was not in a position to bring murder of a Waffen SS officer led to the his family back to Europe. As my grandmother massacre at Oradour-sur-Glane. tried to arrange transport in the port of Colombo The Wehrmacht, which one of her four children died. had until then largely ignored A merchant captain took pity Monuments to their the Maquis, moved regular on her and brought her back to valour are scattered forces into the Margeride to Liverpool. all over the beautiful eliminate this potential menace Without funds to return to hills of the Auvergne once and for all. The result France, she made her way to was never in doubt, but unlike her late husband’s home town 1940s shameful collapse when the words, of Oban, where she later met and married my “Pour qui et pourquoi?” were scrawled on grandfather. She had a further four children. every wall, these men now turned and fought.

After his death in 1938 she finally returned Refusing to surrender, they were vanquished to Brittany to live with an unmarried sister in in often quite small groups. Monuments to their Quimper. It was there I spent my summers for a valour are scattered all over the beautiful hills decade or so after the war. of the Auvergne. As the war drew to a close Like many French people, she had a more the communist-dominated urban resistance ambivalent attitude to both the occupation tried to down-play the part played by the rural and the activities of the Résistance than that Maquisards, but General de Gaul would have portrayed in post-war Hollywood movies. In fact none of it. The fact is there is truth in every comedies like ‘Allo, ‘Allo contain more than a myth and while one man’s freedom fighter is little truth; popular support for the Maquis was another man’s terrorist I was deeply moved by probably not much greater than that enjoyed these neglected and now half-forgotten sites. by the IRA. Yet a broken and humiliated France

Sandra Skeldon

Modern Waste Disposal “How did you sustain such injuries?” the doctor enquired.

“Head first into a wheelie bin, ” I told him, “I nearly expired.”

Falling about laughing ... to his profession an utter disgrace, Rendering him incapable of fixing my shoulder back in its place, Or attending to my other bruised and broken bits and pieces.

I’ve been here all day waiting until his ridiculous amusement ceases.

How could I have dropped my blessed door keys Into the depths of the bin if you please, Where they lay impossible to retrieve.

Then I had a brainwave ... would you believe?

Putting it down flat, I crawled into this filthy contraption, When it shut with a ‘Bang’... it was an added distraction ...

Helped, and freed from the beast... rescued from its clutches, This traumatic experience left me ending up on crutches.

This is a message to all you people out there .....

Beware of the Wheelie Menace …

Take care … Take care

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(Illustration courtesy Sandra Skeldon)

Competition A box of chocolates for the most appropriate caption for this stunning image contributed by Gerald McGarry.

Entries to this magazine by 1st October.

Please remember your contact details.

The magazine’s judgement will be final.

Good luck!

FEATURES Jimmy Macmillan reminisces about

St Andrews Past Next to the chemist was, I consider, Thanks to the kindness and patience of this the entrepreneur of his day. His name was Magazine’s Editor, I was able to indulge in John Lang and he sold suits and underwear memories of my beloved Baker Lane. Now for men. He had two large windows where my daughters advise me that I have a duty to he chalked his bargains. There was little recall commercial St Andrews in the 1920s. to be joyous about in those days, but his My recollections start with South Street contribution to life was a large chalked article, from the East End. The Eastern Cemetery is ‘John Lang’s trousers are down again’. With full of recorded history, so I skip to just before no TV, few gramophones or cat’s whiskers Abbey Street. There was a tiny sweet shop receivers, John Lang’s trousers were a joke in where I first discovered Highland Cream toffee any gathering for many years! and Lucky Potatoes, teeth destroying, but Peter Polsen, the tobacconist followed with the occasional half penny inside. On the where you could buy Ardath coupons opposite corner a baker, McArthurs, where somehow detached from Ardath Cigarette for a penny you could purchase a parkin, packs. Next door was a house where a not really a desirable confection; it was a big policeman lodged, so we did not bother biscuit, so a bargain for the child’s precious his bell with bubble gum. The seller of the penny. bubble gum was an affable little Italian called Across the road was a Co-op, whose Tony who also sold Ogo Pogo Eyes – large great attraction was the annual dividend, round marbles of a sweet that lasted ages sometimes around 1/9d a share, up to as as we sucked our way to teeth demolition. much as half-a-crown. The Co-op also had This café and sweet shop was taken a furniture department whose furniture over by Frank O’Connell and his wife. He found its way to many homes thanks to the brought a radiogram to the shop and played dividend, as well as the interest-free offers. I endlessly records of Kathleen Ferrier and recall Molly Quigley worked there, the sister a very scratchy Caruso. If we young lads of the Quigley brothers who shone in local congregated to listen to Kathleen Ferrier, football and later in the management of senior whether we liked her or not, Frank would English clubs. reward us each with a bag of chips.

On then to a little hole in the ground. After Birrell the greengrocer presented a negotiating two steps you were in the shop large frontage, as did the fruiterers Paterson of Trocky Flemings and his two sisters. All Brothers who displayed their wares outside the very small people, fortunately, who lived and shop as well as inside. The survived to sell newspapers outdoor display consisted and toys. A few doors up was largely of grapes, peaches, a very superior shop selling and plums, all very mouth very fine furniture. Just before If I have missed some watering and easily snaffled reaching Baker Lane was or got them in the by naughty boys such as me a toy shop. I believe it was wrong order, bear with and chums.

Kirks, who later moved to the me and join me in being The Christian Institute, entrance to Central Motors. On a large hall, came next, happy with 90 yearsvacating the toyshop a bakery guarded by a diligent shop moved in called Cadgers, plus of memories. caretaker named Pally which disappeared shortly after.

Waters who took his duties Then on to T T Fordyce’s shop seriously. The shop on and arcade, which displayed the corner of Church Street was the Citizen rather than sold for T T. Next we arrived at the Office, offering stationery, books, maps, and home of a University Professor who suffered assorted games, a very posh shop which the miseries of an electric bell stuck down flourished then as now. On to that massive by bubble gum! Perhaps he should have building, the Church of the Holy Trinity whose placated us by going out for a few apples from biggest attraction was an elderly stone his orchard – we were a hungry lot of vandals! mason often to be seen repairing or replacing Then on to Kirk the chemist who had damaged stonework. He operated largely from an iron bracket erected in one comer of his scaffolding with little protection. In those days shop’s outer wall, allegedly to stop the casual jobs came before health and safety regulations drunk urinating on his building. In his window were in place, but thankfully Jimmy Bruce, he had large glass containers filled with green that stone mason, survived his long sojourn and blue liquids. With suspected lockjaw, protecting this old building. my Dad’s doctor prescribed an anti-toxin, On to the next trade outlet, a chemist provided he paid for the visit to his house, I known as Smith and Govans, later to be taken believe 52 South Street, and the money to over by Boots. On to Mrs Taylor’s popular have the prescription made up by the chemist. ladies dress shop. Next door was the main Such money was not available, so he survived Post Office. Another popular shop was a without for the next 60 years.

Total

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South Street today (Photo by Flora Selwyn) confectioner, R S McColl, which disappeared in the late thirties. Cowie, the photographer ran a very successful business, both in his shop and attending outside events. Haxton the Grocer then appeared on the scene. He also ran a branch in Argyle Street.

T T Fordyce appeared again specialising in school outfits, kilts, and golf attire. The ironmongers, Bridges, competed with Wilson a few shops down, both very busy and successful in their day. Aikman and Terras took a corner site at Bell Street. Johnny Gibson, the popular manager, was followed by a succession of managers who maintained the very high standard he set. The shop flourished despite Cooper and Co. opening a few doors to the East. To recall Aikman and Terras is to remember the wonderful smell of roasting coffee beans. Donaldson the shoe shop was on the opposite corner selling very good quality, expensive footwear.

On to Robertson’s the painter with quite a large staff of quality workmen (see photo). There was a little close adjoining Robertson’s where Mr Hendry, en route from the abattoir, carried pails of blood to a little room to produced black puddings. A more savoury retailer, Miss Gall, kept a wool shop, then came Miss Mercer, who sold china. On to McCarthur the baker, who specialised in morning rolls and a great selection of pastries.

At a later stage Roy Buttercase opened a fruit and veg shop. His neighbour was a quite noisy chap called Buff Wilson, where you could buy pail and spade, windmills, or second-hand clubs. He advertised his shop from the door by loud calls to buy. A pend opened up next door which had Willie Wilson’s garage. Next, a shoe shop run by Miss Litts called Foresters, then Spence, selling men’s and children’s wear – it had the reputation you could buy everything fairly cheaply.

Finally there was Paul Jannetta’s sweet and chip shop. Paul did not accept paper money. Every 6 months, laden down with florins and half crowns, he returned to his beloved Italy to invest his profits there.

If I have missed some or got them in the wrong order, bear with me and join me in being happy with 90 years-plus of memories.

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9

FEATURES Samantha Bannerman, Curator of the Preservation Trust’s Museum provides

Answers to your questions Q. Can you tell me who established the Botanic Garden in St Andrews, and when?

A. Renowned biologist, Dr John Hardie Wilson, laid out the first botanic garden in St Andrews in 1889. His father, James Wilson, ran Greenside Nursery and was the leading horticulturalist in the town. At the age of 22, John became journeyman gardener at the Royal Botanic Gardens, leaving in 1884 to attend Edinburgh University. He returned to St Andrews and graduated BSc, and a DSc, the first awarded by the University.

Dr Wilson’s Garden (Courtesy the Preservation Trust)

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By the late 19th century, success in agriculture was becoming more and more scientific. In 1888, Dr Wilson proposed the establishment of a Lectureship in Agriculture, but the consensus was that this would interfere with the, ‘spirit of pure learning’, associated with the University.

Despite this, he continued his work in conducting experiments in hybridisation, and was later honoured by the Royal Horticultural Society in 1899, having become a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1894. In 1900, he became St Andrews University’s first lecturer in Agriculture and Rural Economy.

In 1899, Dr Wilson established the first botanic garden in St Andrews in the south-east corner of St Mary’s College.

The garden consisted of 78 beds with 828 species. Its function was to supply plant material for teaching and research.

Upon his death in 1920, Dr Wilson left an enduring legacy that has been enhanced and nurtured over many years. His obituary read, ‘The recent death of Dr John Wilson… robs the University and Science of a keen and brilliant agricultural biologist’.

The Garden saw many changes as the University expanded, additional

St Andrew at the entrance to the Garden today (by Flora Selwyn) collections springing up to cater for growing teaching and research needs.

The new Botanic Garden opened at a site in Bassaguard in 1966. The University leased the garden to Fife Council in 1987.

FEATURES: REVIEWS Jennifer reviews

The compelling diaries of Bingo – Eyes down knees together Available only on Kindle, price £1.96 “Everyone has at least one book in them.”

A view that was echoed by Gus Mackenzie, way back in 2009, when he released his first ever novel, Don’t call me Angus, a medium-sized story of the young Mackay family living in the ancient city of St Andrews during the late 1960s and early ‘70s, nestled neatly, albeit tongue in cheek in the fictional, Swilken Bank Hotel, teetering on the very edge of the 18th hole, ‘neebored’ by the Royal & Ancient, and Hamilton Hall.

What made it more appealing was that many who read it, commented on how it brought back a flood of memories, ‘as if it was just yesterday’, – from the distant recollections of the St Andrews train station, the Steppie, Jacob’s ladder, right up to the music and TV from that precious era, not forgetting the Nuns from Greyfriars, the mustard-coloured cars, and the utter anarchy that seems to radiate from the Mackays’ family home-cum-hotel.

Gus is always pleased to point out that the book seems quite a hit in the town’s library. He is even more uplifted by the fact that there is a small child in Australia somewhere, who had heard of these Mackay folk tales and used them for his primary school project Down Under, giving a talk to

his class, placing information on his school notice board, passing on the legend of Kiddies Olympics, toboggan trunks and chicken-thieving Siamese cats.

Now in 2013, it is quite obvious that Gus has caught the writing bug and released his second creation in the Kindle edition, The compelling diaries of Bingo – Eyes down knees together. For this second humorous book, which is set in Edinburgh’s Gorgie and Westfield Road, this larger novel highlights the hilarity of the blue-rinse bingo brigade, but is also interspersed by the sadness and stress of some of the older paying punters, as it appears that the fictional JB bingo hall is ironically the Elephant grave yard of bingo, ‘A place to play, and a place to die.’

However, on the 16th November 2006, the bingo business shouts its last numbers as the inconspicuous Jonathan Barker (JB) buckles to the trend and sells his empire of dilapidated halls and bingo balls, to the allnew; KAN-KAN leisure group. ‘New coat, same wet weather,’ Vinnie the doorman would often quip.

For Gus Mackenzie, who was born and raised in St Andrews, entered into the world of bingo by chance, remaining there for over

10 years. He recalls how he even worked in the old bingo hall in Cupar.

“The Cupar club was a great place for those that liked a small socialising flutter, but what was made odder was that it was virtually run by a group of 6th form school kids from Bellbaxter. I even had to phone the school once to ask a pupil where the keys to the safe were?”

Such anecdotes are the tip of a very adult book, unlike the last. Gus has successfully managed to paint another image of believable characters. The key protagonists are the Assistant Manager, Greg Malone, his seductive boss Trudy, and the comedic celebrity caller Nicholas Money with his pristine pooch, Effie.

As with all soap sagas, nothing ever runs smoothly, which is why on the 26th March 2006, with the introduction of the Scottish smoking ban, socialising smoking and bronchial bingo come to an end, quite literally with a Bang!

11

SHOPS & SERVICES Stuart Lyness, HPC Registered Audiologist, on

What a noisy world we live in . . .

We are all living in an increasingly noisy world. Every day we experience sound in our daily lives, such as the sound from a television, a radio, household appliances in our kitchens, noisy places of work, and traffic. Normally, we hear these sounds at safe levels that do not affect our hearing. However, when we are exposed to harmful noise—sounds that are too loud or loud sounds that last a long time—small, sensitive structures in our inner ear can be damaged, causing noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). These small, sensitive structures, called hair cells convert sound energy into electrical signals that get processed in the brain. Once damaged, our hair cells cannot grow back.

NIHL can be caused by a one-off exposure to an intense “impulse” sound, such as an explosion, or by continuous exposure to loud sounds over an extended period of time, such as listening to very loud music, or power tools in a work environment.

Sound is measured in units called decibels. On the decibel scale, an increase of 10 means that a sound is 10 times more intense, or louder. To our ears, it sounds twice as loud. Sources of noise that can cause NIHL can be for example mp3 players, motorcycles, power tools, and some titanium drivers hitting a golf ball, all emitting sounds from 95 to at least 120 decibels.

The safe exposure times (without hearing protection) deemed acceptable are listed below: • 0db • 10db • 20db • 30db • 40db • 50db • 60db • 70db • 80db • 85db • 90db • 100db • 110db • 115db

• 120db

• 130db • 140db+

threshold of normal hearing breathing rustling leaves whisper refrigerator normal conversation office noise vacuum cleaner, or hair dryer traffic noise area of damage to hearing – 8hrs exposure time lawn mower – 2.5hrs exposure time motorcycle – 15 minutes exposure time a trumpet – 1.5 minutes exposure time thin-faced titanium golf drivers hitting a golf ball – approx 40 seconds exposure time rock concert – less than 10 seconds exposure time – threshold of pain jack hammer – less than a second exposure time shotgun or plane taking off – instantaneous damage

It is surprising how loud certain things can be without us realising it.

As can be seen from the table above long or repeated exposure to sounds at or above 85 decibels can cause hearing loss. The louder the sound, the shorter the exposure time before NIHL can occur. Sounds of less than 75 decibels, even after long exposure, are unlikely to cause hearing loss.

NIHL may be accompanied by tinnitus—a ringing or buzzing sensation perceived in the ears or head. This may disappear in time

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or be temporary after exposure say, for example, after a loud concert.

Hearing loss and tinnitus may be experienced in one or both ears, and tinnitus may be constant or periodic over time. Some NIHL can be temporary and can, in most cases, disappear 16 to 48 hrs after exposure. Tinnitus is usually indicative of damage being done to the hearing, but tinnitus can be evident in people who do not have any noise exposure or hearing loss.

Symptoms of NIHL will increase gradually when a person is exposed to loud noises over a period of time. In most case the high-pitched hearing is affected, which can make speech muffled and hearing in noise difficult. This can be expertly assessed by an Audiologist.

People of all ages are affected by NIHL. This can be at work, or in a social environment. Our mobile phones and mp3 players seem to be constantly connected to our ears. The sound levels that we are exposing ourselves to with ill-fitting earphones for example, means that the sound leaks out and the volume is increased to compensate. This in turn increases the risk of NIHL. Haven’t we all been in the situation when you hear someone else’s loud music on a bus or a train? To ensure that the volume is at a safe level, proper-fitting earpieces or customised sleeves give the best results. This means that the volume does not need to be as loud.

NIHL is 100 percent preventable. We should all be aware of the dangers of noise exposure and how we can protect our hearing: • • •

Protect your hearing by wearing appropriate hearing protection.

Customised protection offers the best protection.

Avoid sounds that are “too loud” and “too close” or that last “too long.”

If you suspect hearing loss, have your hearing checked by a qualified HPC Registered Audiologist.

SHOPS & SERVICES: EATING OUT Flora Selwyn with friends David and Susan dined in the

Rocca, Bar & Grill we could enjoy the view in summer’s late Very many years ago the owner of a top hotel light. The restaurant was busy, buzzing with in England earnestly explained to my husband contented diners, a pleasing atmosphere in and me that hotels and restaurants don’t mix; a well-designed décor. We were regaled with that was the reason his own award-winning an unexpected amuse-bouche, very aptly restaurant was housed half-a-mile away in its defined in Wikipedia as, “…served both to own beautiful building beside the river. prepare the guest for the meal and to offer a Rusacks Hotel in St Andrews has managed glimpse into the chef’s approach to the art of triumphantly to have it all its own way! Adriano cuisine.” It had scrumptious and Susan Pieraccini have Heritage tomatoes, goats created Rocca within the David said the dinner was curd, tomato water, and Hotel, winning the coveted stunning, and that his rabbit Chantelais melon.

AA 3 Rosettes last year. “had not died in vain!”

Susan and I chose the Transforming what was once chef’s recommended warm a dark, gloomy add-on into a asparagus with quails’ eggs as starters, David bright, welcoming restaurant with huge windows had a carpaccio of Angus beef with tartare, overlooking the 18th fairway of the Old Course, foie gras mousse, and horseradish. All agreed, and the West Sands with its wide skies, Adriano delicious! and Susan have further enhanced the culinary We followed that with rabbit, prosciutto San mastery and excellence of our town.

Danieli, cotechino, polenta, wild mushroom The Pieraccinis’ Scottish and Italian for David, a half Anstruther lobster tagliatelle, backgrounds have imaginatively combined food sauce vierge for Susan, and a starter-sized traditions in the seasonal menus, sourcing fresh (because I wanted to leave room for dessert!) ingredients locally, “food for the soul” as Adriano risotto, Pittenweem crab, tomato, chilli, parsley will tell you! for me. We shared a bottle of well-chilled My friends and I were warmly welcomed Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2011. and ushered to our table by the window, where

Asparagus

Carpaccio

Rabbit

Risotto

Half Lobster

Multi Dessert

Amuse-bouche When it came to deciding which of the mouth-watering desserts to choose, I rather naughtily mentioned that my husband and I once deviated in France to a 3-star Michelin restaurant which had plates indented to receive small servings of everything on the dessert trolley. Imagine our amazement when we were presented with exactly that, huge plates with small portions of all the desserts on the menu! I do hope this has set a precedent! It was absolutely wonderful, such an astonishing surprise, especially as it also came accompanied with a glass of Château du Cros, Loupiac 2006!

Finally we repaired to the quiet of the lounge, where Susan had an Earl Grey tea, David had a latte and I an espresso, together with a lavish choice of petits fours. We discussed our evening. Susan and I thought our starters had a lovely combination of flavours.

David said the dinner was stunning, and that his rabbit “had not died in vain!”

Susan thought it was perfection itself! My risotto was delicious, perfectly adequate in size, in fact I thought it would have been too filling as a starter. I was taken by the miniature edible pansies that decorated some of the dishes, also the odd nasturtium leaf here and there, a nice touch of colour as well as flavour. Service was most efficient and unobtrusive.

Prices on the menu are competitive.

Starters range from £8.50 for gazpacho, Pittenweem crab, avocado, melon, to £13.95 for hand-dived scallops, San Danieli ham, new season peas, wild herbs.

Mains are from £17.50 for Agnolotti Goosnargh Farm chicken, wild mushroom and burratina, to £22.50 for Goosnargh Farm duck, ras el hanout spice, foie gras, peach, mead, to £37 for a whole Anstruther lobster, sauce vierge. All the Pasta and risotto dishes can be ordered starter size (as mine was).

The Sweet menu ranges from £7.50 for the raspberry, white chocolate, zeppole, parfait, to £8.95 for the Rocca Tiramisu, and the Five Cheese selection with quince & oatcakes is £9.50.

There is also a wide-ranging 3-course vegetarian menu at £30, including as an example, spring pea soup, poached hen’s egg; baked globe artichoke, fontina, heritage vegetables, Jersy potatoes; Tiramisu; three cheese selection with quince & oatcakes.

And, of course, there is a comprehensive, large wine list, as well as a choice of liqueurs, brandies, whiskies etc.

For a delightfully gastronomic evening with good company, friendly service in pleasant surroundings, Rocca is hard to beat, excellent value for money.

(Photos by Flora Selwyn)

13

SHOPS & SERVICES Congratulations, Jonnie Adamson, on the birth of your son!

New beginnings, old-fashioned values The most recent addition to our family has brought with it much joy, but with it comes the realisation that time is much more precious than it once was. Indeed, when Finbar was born in late May it did mean that I did not manage to gather any thoughts for inclusion in the last issue (apologies to the editor). The extra body also focused the mind when it comes to budgeting, and as many families face times with tighter purse-strings it made me realise that the

perhaps forgotten art of personal budgeting is seeing something of a revival. Whilst many families have managed their financial affairs well, the surfeit of freely-available credit in past years handed the less-well organised an extra length of financial slack. As things have tightened up on a personal level, from both a lending and an inflation point of view, this slack has had to be drawn in in many cases.

Facing the realisation of the constraints on your personal budget is by no means all bad and, although lending has its place, a return to the ethos of saving up rather than relying on the latest so-called ‘interest-free’ deal surely means

Invite you to visit a hidden treasure in the heart of St Andrews OPEN DAILY ALL YEAR ROUND PLANT SALES AREA – Open till end of September GUITAR IN THE GARDEN – 7th September AUTUMN HARVEST DAY – 22nd September Winter Lectures Start 1st Tuesday in October Chemistry Dept. North Haugh TO JOIN THE FRIENDS AND SUPPORT THE GARDEN CONTACT MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Tel: 01334 476452 Charity No. SC006432

14

that some sense returns. With internet banking a number of tools are available, meaning it is easier to set up your finances in such a way that putting money aside in small amounts more often can be made possible, allowing you to save over.

For further information on this, or other matters, please consult: Henderson Black & Co. 149 Market St, St Andrews Tel: 01334 472 255

SHOPS & SERVICES Harry Maclean Chartered Surveyor, contemplates

Being a Landlord Ever considered becoming a landlord? As a Chartered Surveyor in the property field, Harry Maclean of Beechfield Property Consultants advises on some aspects of this.

I want to rent out my property – First Steps?

Getting Started – since 2006 all private landlords letting properties in Scotland must have applied for registration in the register of landlords. This is intended to ensure that all landlords are fit and proper persons. The registration process is simple, but as my business is based in Fife and St Andrews I’ll use this area as an example. Go to www.landlordregistrationscotland.gov.uk OR contact Fife Council. Complete the registration form, pay the fee, reply to any queries from the local authority, sign and return the completed application process. Once this has been done you will receive a licence which will need to be renewed at 3-yearly intervals.

HMO applications (for occupancy of 3 or more unrelated people) will require additional measures, more stringent inspections and management, but this can be discussed with the local authority.

Now I’m registered what do I do next?

You should contact a number of Property Letting Agents to get a clear idea of: • • •

the viability of letting your property what might need to be done in preparation for letting what income you might be able to receive

I would recommend that you approach at least 2-3 agents to establish a figure for the rental that you might attract. Is the figure that they quote comparable either with each agent, or close to what you had in mind? After that, ask

what the agency fees are, along with any lease preparation, tenant finding, or miscellaneous fees. Remember, though, that, as with all things, you tend to get what you pay for! You need to assure yourself that the agent will be diligent in looking after your asset, and ask them to explain in detail and provide evidence for their inspection and feedback process. More will be said on the latter in future articles.

Being a responsible landlord You can choose a number of methods whereby an agent looks after your asset, but the two most common are either to go down the Agency-managed, or Self-managed route.

Agency-managed – typically includes the agent acting on your behalf for all matters relating to the property, including drafting all the initial paperwork, advertising, checking references, and then, once selected, liaising on your behalf with the tenant regarding any inspections or repairs that might be needed during their tenancy. The costs for this can vary, but are normally in the region between 10-15% of the monthly rental income.

Self-managed – essentially this means that once the agent has found you a tenant, then any repairs, inspections, or visits fall on you, the owner, directly, and these may rarely come at a convenient time to you. There is no monthly fee deduction, but you will still have to pay for lease and document preparation, advertising, any viewings, and other miscellaneous costs which vary among different property agents.

not affect you directly, yet which may be very important, or just irritating for your tenant. These might be called in by the tenant or highlighted as part of the property inspection process. It is best to keep on top of these to ensure that your tenant continues to maintain your asset to the best of their ability, rather than letting its condition deteriorate. Therefore ensure that your agent has a robust, qualified, good quality, reliable bank of trades staff at their disposal – and, if managing the property yourself, that you have the same.

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

Property inspections – types Using qualified staff Property inventories Professional bodies in the property field Typical problems encountered when renting Bespoke Home Search services

Beechfield Consultants can be contacted by phone on 07779 910 224, e-mail on harry@beechfieldconsultants.co.uk or alternatively check out their web-site, LinkedIn or Twitter pages.

As with all assets though, it is essential that you re-invest some of the income back into your property. There will be small repairs needed along the way which, as the absent owner, do

15

SHOPS & SERVICES

From our Roving Reporter

1.

House of Hearing, 24 Argyle Street, St Andrews (01334 470 011) welcomed a new team – Stuart Lyness, HPC Registered Audiologist, and Claire Gorgon, Office Manager. As Scotland’s oldest independent, family-run hearing aid specialists, with over 40 years’ experience, Stuart says, “we pride ourselves on our customer service.” Advice and testing are undertaken free and without obligation to purchase an aid. All hearing aids are issued on a free trial basis and subsequent purchase is dependent on user satisfaction. Stuart holds an Honours Degree in Engineering, qualifications in IT, also 11 years of intensive experience as a qualified Audiologist, including the NHS. The Company has an exceptional range of digital personalised hearing aids and accessories. There are protection devices for musicians, industrial workers, even snorers’ spouses! (This last really intrigued Reporter!) Stuart’s responsibilities cover Fife, so he is in St Andrews on Tuesdays and Thursdays. However, the House of Hearing is open Monday to Friday (closed Wednesday) from 10.00am-3.00pm. Please phone for an appointment. Since there was a spare moment, Reporter availed himself of a free ear test. He sat in a closed chamber with inserts in his ears and a hand-held device with a button to press whenever a signal was heard. The end result was a computer printout and Stuart’s explanation. Impressive!

***** 2. As always Reporter is astonished by the

transformations people achieve with old properties. Overnight, so it seemed, a wellknown baby clothing shop has been turned into a welcoming eatery. Tim & Helen McNamara were happy to show Reporter round their Cottage Kitchen, 5 Logie’s Lane, (01334 479 901). Tim from London

and Helen from Angus, were married last year in Glen Clova. Helen is the chef, with long experience, including the Links Trust Clubhouse. Both are passionate about fresh, locally-sourced food, made daily.

Apart from sandwiches, teas, coffees etc. they make brunches, healthy salads, homemade pastas, lunch specials. They offer ready meals for students and the elderly. There is space for private functions and they will also undertake outside catering. What amazed Reporter even more was the unexpected large garden patio space at the rear of the premises (where he took the photo). Here Tim and Helen grow their own herbs and salad greens. Prices are competitive, ranging, for example, from £7/8 for a risotto, to £4 for a special sandwich. As an added bonus for the couple they’ve been fully endorsed by Miss Marshall, who still owns the premises!

Reporter wishes them all well.

4.

*****

3. Scaramanga has moved into 28 Bell Street, (01334 477 407).

Reporter was suddenly transported back to his childhood, for the shop is full of traditional, Store manager, handmade leather Katie White satchels, like the one he carried to school so long ago! Their website (www. Scaramangashop.co.uk) tells you that, “Most of our satchels and other leather bags are made by a family-run business established 75 years ago” using no modern machinery or hi-tech finishing, all ethically sourced. It all began when Carl Morenikeji found a vintage leather satchel in India

in 2006. Today, Carl’s head office, store, and warehouse is in Cupar, and he also specialises in furniture, wooden chests, travel trunks, items “from the turn of the 20th century”. You can order from the shop online with perfect confidence, since Scaramanga is fully accredited.

Opening hours are Monday-Saturday 9.30am-6.00pm; Sunday 10.00am-5.00pm.

A unique retailer, says Reporter, just what St Andrews needs!

*****

Good news always gives pleasure, says Reporter. Embrace Life, Church Street, (01334 478 952) received a nomination for The Great Gift Retailer Awards. Thomas and Alexandra Chan, proud owners, then had to submit an entry form for their shop.

In March a letter arrived informing them that they had been chosen as a finalist in the category “Best Newcomer North and Scotland”. With great excitement on 9 May the young pair attended a glamorous awards lunch at the Savoy, in London.

Alexandra told Reporter that, “the awards lunch itself was a fantastic day, and although we did not win our category we were very honoured to be recognised as a Great Gift Retailer, and to be a part of the Annual Awards by Progressive Gifts and Home.” Reporter offers Embrace Life warm congratulations!

(Photo courtesy Alexandra Chan)

*****

5. Reporter’s heart was warmed recently.

Archie Armour (previous issue) was resting in the sunshine on one of the benches in Market Street, when Mehme, the young son of Kemal, in Marmaris, came unannounced across the road with a cup of tea for him. That, remarks Reporter, is the true spirit of St Andrews – kindness and thought for others.

The St Andrews pet shop!

Stocking the widest range of pet foods, accessories.

Anything not stocked we can order.

78 South Street, St Andrews, KY16 9JT Tel: 01334 470 873

16

SHOPS & SERVICES Heather Lang asks

Is your baby trying to tell you something?

“Tell you what. Let’s get up every two hours to feed the cat for 6 months and if we like it, we’ll talk about having a baby.”

For the most part, the demands of a baby are fairly basic. As parent and Junior get to know each other, the crying associated with each demand becomes recognisable; need food, need nappy change, need sleep.

But then there’s the other cry, the one that doesn’t respond to any of the above. Often at high volume, but sometimes low-level grizzling, or a mix of both. Something is wrong, you don’t know what they want, but they do seem uncomfortable. For many parents, the stress of an unfathomably demanding progeny can be a considerable detraction from the joy of having a new addition to the family.

It’s no easy time for the child. The birth process is exceptionally stressful as enormous forces push, twist, and squeeze the soft body through the birth canal. Fortunately, babies are well designed to cope with this as the soft bones of head and rib cage overlap and contort, creating a ‘compress and spring’ effect through the head and torso.

This squashing and opening of the skeleton helps initiate the essential movement in the chambers of the chest, head, abdomen, and pelvis that helps regulate the internal physiology throughout life. These movements mainly assist chest expansion for breathing and the Cranial Wave, the gentle movement of the cranial bones and sacrum necessary for pumping fluid around the brain and spinal cord. In the following days and weeks, the baby cries, yawns, suckles, wriggles, and kicks, all of which encourages the head and body to fully open up and complete the realignment into an optimal physique.

Unfortunately, this reshaping does not always complete itself.

In cases of a difficult labour or when the use of forceps has been necessary, the baby can find the ordeal quite physically traumatising.

Likewise, Caesarean sections lack the ‘spring’ effects from the compression during birth that help initiate the subtle expansion and contraction movements in the cranial bones. Just as tension and strain cause pain in an adult, these restrictions can cause pressure and discomfort in a baby who has no other way of coping than crying and screaming.

Forces on the head and neck during passage through the bony pelvis, or entanglement with the umbilical cord, can strain the muscles of the neck and base of the skull, putting pressure on the nerves that help the baby to latch and suck. Another reason for poor feeding and regurgitation is that the incomplete reshaping can cause narrowing or twisting of the upper airways, preventing the baby from breathing comfortably through the nose. The baby takes in gulps of air as it feeds and, once swallowed, the air has to go one of two ways. It is either regurgitated or it has to pass through, causing abdominal pain as it stretches and irritates the delicate intestines. The same pressures can also cause the Eustachian tube between the ear and throat to become compressed so predetermining the child to possible ear infections and ‘glue ear’.

It is a huge ordeal for a newborn, but these problems can be addressed with cranial osteopathy. The treatment is very light, gentle and safe, using subtle pressure on specific points as required to assist the release of tension and help the body remould into the correct alignment. The baby is usually very relaxed and often asleep during the treatment, which lasts between 10 and 25 minutes. A full medical case history is taken prior to treatment and the osteopath will work alongside, rather than replace, your GP or paediatrician.

Heather Lang is a GOsC registered osteopath, ergonomic consultant, medical acupuncturist and multi-disciplinary manual therapist. She has worked extensively in osteopathic practice and development throughout the UK, Ireland and Canada.

Heather has been qualified to conduct bio-mechanical assessments for over 20 years and is dedicated to diagnosis and treatment of pain and pathology.

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

17

Events Thomas G Duncan

50th Anniversary in Holy Trinity; Celebrations 28-29 September

Tom Duncan (Photo by Flora Selwyn)

This Autumn marks Tom Duncan’s 50th anniversary as organist and choirmaster in Holy Trinity Church. This remarkable achievement will be marked by a special weekend of celebrations to which all are welcome.

A celebratory concert will be held in the Church on the evening of Saturday 28 September 7.00pm, performed by The Celebration Chorus with The Heisenberg Ensemble, and special guests Emma Kirkby, soprano, Ben McAteer, baritone, and Julie Duncan, flute. The programme will include music by Palestrina, Bach, Handel, Haydn, and Mozart.

Tickets in advance are available by emailing gc5@st-andrews.ac.uk, and at the door on the night. Proceeds from the concert will go to the Choral and Organ Scholarship Endowment Fund in Tom’s name, to continue his marvellous work over the years encouraging and training young musicians; all donations to this fund are very welcome.

A warm invitation is given to those who have sung with Tom in the past and would like to join the choir for the Saturday concert and/or the special service of celebration on Sunday morning, 29 September. For further details, and to register your interest, please email Jill Craig on gc5@st-andrews.ac.uk

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

18

EVENTS

Selected Events Friday, 6 September – 1.00pm. Preservation Trust Museum, 12 North Street. Cynicus, a Gallery Talk. Booking required.

Contact: curator@standrewspreservationtrust.org.uk

Thursday, 3 to Sunday, 6 October – St Andrews Voices 2013.

A festival of concerts celebrating the voice in all its guises.

Contact: standrewsvoices@gmail.com

Saturday, 7 September to Sunday, 8 December – 10.00am-5.00pm Mon to Sat. 12 noon-4.00pm Sunday.

MUSA The Scores, St Andrews. Power & Ceremony; the Medieval Maces. Free admission. Contact: Museum Collections Unit, 01334 461 660 / 1711.

Friday, 4 October – 7.30-9.30pm. The Ballroom, St Andrews Golf Hotel, 40 The Scores. A Taste of Scotland. Wine /Food tasting with Master of Wine Rose Murray Brown. Cost: £30 (over 18s only). Contact: masterclass@rosemurraybrown.com

Saturday, 7 September – 9.00am-1.00pm. Argyle Street Car Park.

Farmers’ Market.

Tuesday. 10 September – 10.00am. St Andrews Public Library, Church Square. Bookbug Session (Scottish Book Trust).

Song & rhyme session for families & babies/ children 0-4 years of age. Admission Free. Contact: 01334 659 378.

Wednesday, 11 September – 7.30pm. St Andrews Town Hall, Queen’s Gardens. Wildlife Crime – a talk by Ian Laing for the Scottish Ornithologists’ Club, Fife branch. Contact: alisonhcreamer@yahoo.co.uk Tel: 01334 828 925.

Friday, 13 September – 7.00pm. The Guid Cheese Shop, 141 South Street, St Andrews. Introduction to French cheese and wine. Cost: £20 if booked in Advance. Contact: info@guidcheeseshop.co.uk Saturday, 14 September – East Bents. Harbour Gala.

Traditional & modern attractions, including human table-football! Grand finale fireworks from the Pier, followed by live music by local bands to round off the day. Contact: www.standrewsharbourtrust.org Thursday, 26 September – 7.00pm. New Picture House, North Street, St Andrews. Othello, live from the National Theatre, London. Tickets £15, Concessions £12. Contact: www.nphcinema.co.uk Friday, 27 September – 6.30 for 7.00pm. Cambo Estate, Kingsbarns. So many plants, so little space, with Bob Brown, an RHS Growing for Success Talk. Tickets include wine & nibbles: £25 (RHS members & Cambo Friends £18). Contact: cambo@camboestate.com Tel: 01334 477 355.

– 7.00pm.The Guid Cheese Shop, 141 South Street, St Andrews. Advanced French Chees & Wine.

Cost: £20 if booked with Introduction of Friday, 13 September.

Contact: info@guidcheeseshop.co.uk

Saturday, 5 October – 9.00am-1.00pm Argyle Street Car Park. Farmers’ Market.

– 5.55pm. New Picture House, North Street, St Andrews.

Eugene Onegin, live from the Met in New York. Tickets £17, Concessions £15. Contact: www.nphcinema.co.uk Monday, 7 October – 7.00pm. St Andrews Town Hall, Queen’s Gardens. Preservation Trust Lectures – Dr Barbara Crawford on the new Bishop Wardlaw’s statue; Dr Frank Quinault on Pedro’s Peñiscola Plaque in Spain. Contact: 01334 477 152.

Tuesday, 8 October – 10.00am. St Andrews Bowling Club.

First new season meeting of the St Andrews Probus Club.

An opportunity for retired professional and businessmen to meet, enjoy talks on a wide range of subjects, participate in discussions. New members welcome. Contact: Secretary, 01337 830 262.

Wednesday, 9 October – 10.00am St Andrews Town Hall, Queen’s Gardens. Christmas craft & gift fair. Contact: fifecraftfairs@gmail.com – 7.30pm. Town Hall Queen’s Gardens. Birds in a cage. A talk by Derek Nieman for the Scottish Ornithologits’ Club Fife branch.

Contact: 01334 828 925, alisonhcreamer@yahoo.co.uk Thursday, 10 October – 8.00pm. Venue tba. Rethinking the Neolithic Revolution. The Mitford Memorial Lecture by Trevor Watkins, for the St Andrews Archaeology Society. Contact: janemwatkinson@hotmail.com Friday, 11 October – 7.00pm. St Andrews Episcopal Church, Queen’s Trerrace. Oktoberfest. Outstanding beers with delicious cheeses. Cost: £25. Contact: info@guidcheeseshop.co.uk Wednesday, 16 October – 7.30pm. Younger Hall, North Street, St Andrews. Scottish Chamber Orchestra concert, Romantic Landscapes. Music by Dvorák, Saint-Saëns, Mendelssohn.

Pre-concert talk, 6.30pm. Contact: info@sco.org.uk Tuesday, 22 October – 7.00pm. New Picture House, North Street, St Andrews. Hamlet, live from the National Theatre, London.

Tickets: £15, concessions £12. Contact: www.nphcinema.co.uk Thursday, 24 October – 7.30pm. Younger Hall, North Street, St Andrews. Concert by The Sitkovetsky Piano Trio.

Music by Brahms, Mendelssohn, Schubert. Contact: music@st-andrews.ac.uk Friday, 25 October – 7.00pm. St Andrews Episcopal Church, Queen’s Terrace. New World Wines Meet Old World Cheeses.

Cost: £25. Contact: info@guidcheeseshop.co.uk Saturday, 26 October – 5.55pm. New Picture House, North Street, St Andrews. The Nose, (Shostakovich), live from the Met in New York. Tickets: £17, concessions £15. Contact: www.nphcinema.co.uk Thursday, 31 October – 7.00pm. New Picture House, North Street, St Andrews.

Frankenstein, live from the National Theatre, London. Tickets: £15, concessions £12. Contact: www.nphcinema.co.uk – 7.30pm. Younger Hall North Street, St Andrews. Concert: Maxim Rysanov (viola) & Fabio Bidini (piano). Music by Bach, Mendelssohn, Schubert. Contact: music@st-andrews.ac.uk

19

ORGANISATIONS Joyce Duncan reports on

The St Andrews – Loches Alliance Poetry sans Frontières : The St Andrews – Loches Alliance Primary Schools Poetry Competition Un singe vit le soleil dessiné sur une page Il emporta dans sa cage ce soleil rond et vermeil, …

The photographs show the prizewinners from Canongate and Lawhead Schools with members of the St Andrews – Loches Alliance.

I’m a tiger Striped with fur Don’t come near Or I might Grrr….

Lines from two of the poems which recently featured in a poetry competition organised by the St Andrews – Loches Alliance for the Primary Schools of both towns.

French and Scottish pupils selected poems in their own language. Poems in English (and Scots) were then sent to Loches, while the St Andrews schools received poems chosen by the schoolchildren in Loches.

The pupils studied the poems with their teachers, then chose their favourite to learn and record. Recordings were swapped, pupils in the partner schools chose the winners.

Finally prizes were awarded to the best recordings.

This was an ambitious project, but one which was well worth doing as poetry introduces pupils to the rhymes and rhythms of a language. However, judging their partner school’s entries was possibly the best fun!

Other Francophile Activities . . .

Which is the most visited tourist attraction in France? The Eiffel Tower? The Louvre?* Just one of the questions in the French / May themed quiz night held recently by the St Andrews – Loches Alliance. It was a fun evening at the Madras Rugby Club with a keenly-fought team competition and a delicious supper. Over £500 was raised to help fund cultural exchanges and partnerships between the young people of St Andrews and Loches.

To celebrate Bastille Day, the Fête Nationale of the French the world over, the Alliance held a wine tasting. Peter Wood of the St Andrews Wine Company, recently opened in Bell Street, introduced six French wines, which he skilfully matched with delectable canapés supplied by the Scores Hotel. The evening was a great success with several new members taking part.

The next major activity is a long weekend visit to Loches, which is to take place at the end of October.

If you would like to find out more about the St Andrews – Loches Alliance, please visit their website: www.standrewslochesalliance.org.uk * The answer to the quiz question?

Eurodisney!

(Photos courtesy The St Andrews-Loches Alliance)

Cathy Kirkcaldy reports on this summer’s

Sandcastle Competitions The annual Sandcastle Competitions were held every Friday during the school summer holidays on the West Sands with participants from the local area, every part of the UK, even from as far afield as Sweden, Canada, Berlin, and France. It was a fun event for either individuals or families with competition being fairly intense, making it quite hard for the Judges, who this year included members of Stayinstandrews, Bill Sangster, Robert Graham (Head of Madras College Community Use), David Joy, and Cllr Dorothea Morrison.

Three years ago Fife Council, at the last minute, decided they no longer wanted to be involved in running the annual Sandcastle Competitions, which had become a tradition for locals and holiday makers throughout the years. The Management Committee of the Cosmos Community Centre decided that, rather than see it come to an end, they would take on the organising and running of this popular event.

For the past two years we have received some funding, use of Buckets & Spades and assistance with Transport from Fife Council.

However, this year due to Council cuts, the Centre was left with the situation where no funding or assistance was available. The Cosmos Centre is a Voluntary Centre, a registered Charity run by a Management Committee who continually strive to provide first-class facilities for the whole community. The Competition is a very important event in the summer calendar, therefore the Management Committee decided to continue the event and set about trying to find Sponsors.

A chance meeting between Larry Reed (Vice Chair of Cosmos Centre) and Ray Pead from Stayinstandrews (the Hotel and Guest House Association) resulted, after negotiations, in the Association agreeing to sponsor the whole event for this year. This has allowed the Cosmos Centre to cover the cost of advertising, also to purchase their own supply of buckets and spades, prizes and refreshments for the entrants. The Management Committee is very grateful to Stayinstandrews for their generous donation, which has enabled the event to continue for the foreseeable future.

(Photo courtesy the Cosmos Centre)

20

Youth Organisations Within St Andrews

ORGANISATIONS

1st St Andrews Boys’ Brigade The Boys’ Brigade meets within the Boys’ Brigade Hall, Kinnessburn Road, St Andrews.

Anchor Boys – Monday evenings from 6.00-7.00 pm. This group is for boys in Primary 2 and 3. They have fun playing games, doing craft, simple baking, and work for badges. The boys can work for 3 badges over the two years.

Junior Section –Tuesday evenings from 6.30-8.00 pm. This group is for boys in Primary 4, 5, and 6. They also have fun playing games, but they also do drill, 5 a side football, indoor hockey, and dodge ball. They work for 4 badges over 3 years. Two in the first year of Junior Section.

Tuesday evenings also see the older boys meeting in the Company Section. This is for boys from primary 7 up to age 18. The boys meet from 7.30 to 9.00pm. They work for badges each year on a wide variety of topics. Woodwork, map reading, cooking, bike care, and learn to play darts, table tennis, badminton, and pool.

We are extremely lucky within the 1st St Andrews Boys’ Brigade to have our own cottage in Glen Isla, where we try to get the boys away at least two weekends a year for walking around the Angus Glens.

If you would like to join please contact Stephen Donaldson on 01334 472 987 for more information.

Arlene Keddie

Introduces… The Girls’ Brigade We’ve all heard of it, but what actually is the Girls’ Brigade? You may have visions of prim girls in neat little pinafores, but nothing is further from the truth. Arlene Keddie from the St Andrews brigade explains the organisation to the uninitiated and clears up some misconceptions.

The Girls’ Brigade is a voluntary organisation for girls and young women, from Primary 1 to Secondary 6. We are just for girls, and we offer a place and space for girls to learn, develop, talk, make friends, and have fun.

There are five companies in Fife, run by trained volunteers and we provide a wide range of activities including crafts, drama, stories, dancing, art, games, music, and baking. With organised fun days, trips, and camps there really is something for everyone, and Girls’ Brigade is for girls of all abilities and backgrounds.

In Girls’ Brigade, the girls work towards one badge a year. The activities they take part in during their weekly meeting will all count as part of their ‘badge work’. Girls are put into groups by school age, starting with Explorers in P1-P3.

Explorers mainly have fun! They play games, do craft, bake, tell stories and make things while earning their badge. The leaders pick a theme each year, like Journeys or Animals, and do badge work activities based on that theme. Doing these activities earns the badge at the end of the year.

Following on from Explorers come the Juniors from P4-P7.

Juniors spend their time with challenges, quizzes, games, marching, exploring, art, music, and lots of other activities. Each year, these are based on a collection of topics and Juniors earn their award by completing a selection of these based on four categories; Spiritual, Physical, Educational, and Service. The fun doesn’t stop with the end of primary school.

Brigaders is the group for girls in S1 to S6. Brigaders take on extra challenges, and the girls, and young women are encouraged to develop by pushing their boundaries and learning new skills. As well as having fun, of course! They also work towards one badge a year, and take part in a wide range of activities including drama, camping, dancing, jewellery making, sports, and lots more.

More information about Girls’ Brigade can be found on the Girls’ Brigade in Scotland website: www.girls-brigade-scotland.org.uk or by contacting your local company. Contact Arlene Keddie, arlenekeddie@yahoo.com /07748 243 906.

1st St Andrews GB is suitable for girls, ages 5 to 17. It meets on Friday nights during term time at Holy Trinity Hall, Queen’s Terrace, from 6.00pm-7.30pm.

21

TOWN & GOWN Alistair Macleod, Transition University, describes

A Growing Trend town maps of the 16th and 17th century.

The recent warm summer weather has been Kitchen gardens, associated with many of great for gardeners, including those involved the University’s older buildings, can also be with the University’s new Edible Campus seen. In the 1980s, there was project. This project forms part Growing food as a a brief pause in these activities of a renewed interest in growing as the University dismantled food within the University of community has lots greenhouses and moved away St Andrews as a route to more of other benefits from growing food for the healthy, social, and sustainable besides eating great- table. However, recently the lifestyles for students, staff, tasting fresh grub University has encouraged staff and local residents. The Edible and students to grow food for Campus project, initiated by the personal consumption, focusing on the health, Transition UStA and backed by the University, social, and environmental benefits of growing it. has rapidly expanded to include 6 growing Today’s journey towards an Edible spaces, dozens of active volunteers, and it Campus was started by a group of sustainable is now producing its first crops. The project’s development students, who created a vision is to make a substantial contribution permaculture garden as part of their course. to the food eaten at the University whilst This site, adjacent to the Observatory on enhancing the environment and promoting Buchanan Gardens, has since developed into a biodiversity. well-used, productive patch. The garden’s ethos Food has been grown at St Andrews focuses on communal growing, meaning that University throughout much of the institution’s anyone can work in, or harvest from the space.

600 year history. Large orchards dominate

Growing lettuce This is very different to the more traditional allotment model of small-scale, private, food growing, but is proving very successful as we see staff, students and a good number of local residents getting involved.

With funding support from the Scottish Government’s Climate Challenge Fund, Transition UStA has looked to support and maintain further growing spaces across the University, working with student halls, departments, and local residents. To date, the Edible Campus project has developed 5 new sites, with proposals being discussed for 3 more plots. The project also seeks to encourage the traditional approach of integrating food growing within the landscape; earlier this year over 100m of native edible hedge was planted at Fife Park.

Growing food as a community has lots of other benefits besides eating great-tasting fresh grub. It also offers a good space to socialise, relax, and to learn new skills.

You can find out more about the Edible Campus project and how to get involved at: www.transitionsta.org.uk or come along to one of the regular growing sessions at: University Community Garden, Buchanan Gardens – Tuesdays, 12.30pm-1.30pm; Albany Park Garden (East Sands) – Wednesdays, 12.30pm-1.30pm Transition UStA – 01334 464 000

First harvest

(Photos courtesy Transition UStA)

Dot Milne contributed this

Good Neighbour Scheme emptying. When I’m on holiday, or out of town, I continue to send the RATS! It was an infestation of rats that first set me thinking of a solution to students a reminder email prior to wheelie bin day! overflowing bins from student flats in my local St Andrews area.

I ask students to email me if they have any problems with too few I decided, prior to Freshers’ Week, to put a letter through the box bins, missing bins (had some success after an SOS email, with lost bins of each student flat, welcoming the occupants to ....... (naming their being returned). During my visit, I give the telephone number to call Fife street). During Freshers’ Week, armed with pad and pen, I call on each Council if they have too few bins at the beginning of the academic year. I student flat to introduce myself, and ask if they would like to join the plan this year, to return with paint pot and brush, “scheme”, whereby I will email them one or two for students to paint their street name and number days before bin day, to indicate colours of bins due I’ve had Christmas Cards on their bins, to prevent them going missing! out. I emphasise that bins should be out at least from students thanking me for Wheelie bins are such mundane items, the evening before bin day, given that they are providing this service yet they can be the means of forging good collected from 6.00am onwards. communication between town and gown. I find it I share something about myself and why I do best to collect student email addresses in the early part of the academic this. I generally ask the students their names, where they’re from, year year, preferably during Freshers’ Week or the following week, before bins of study and subject. I explain that this helps me get to know them a little have a chance to overflow. better. This is a great way to get to know students living in my area of I’ve had Christmas Cards from students thanking me for providing St Andrews, and quite often they convey pleasure at someone from their this service. Just after the student Easter vacation, I email to ask if they locality paying a visit to welcome them. During my emailing, I remind have found my email reminders helpful, and receive much enthusiasm for students of the reasons bin men will not empty the bins. A reminder the “scheme”, in reply. email is sent if bins are out on the pavement for more than 48 hours after

22

TOWN & GOWN Tom Rice reports on the recent

Film Season At the start of the year I wrote a piece for St Andrews in Focus detailing Further screenings followed, including a plans for a film season at the Byre theatre. There would be five film presentation of The Blue Lamp (1950) at St shows, each with a very specific connection to our local history, held Leonards school, a venue chosen because on Tuesday evenings in the recently renovated Lawrence Levy studio. the film’s writer, Jan Read, had made a Days before the first screening, we heard the sad news that the Byre documentary on the school (which we also was closing. We now faced two options; cancel the season or come up showed extracts from) when taking his with an as-yet-unformulated plan B. first tentative steps in film. The NPH kindly The idea of the season had always been to celebrate St Andrews’ allowed us to put on a Sunday afternoon rich cinematic heritage and, through the Byre, to bring film to new screening of the Marilyn Monroe/Clark audiences. These motivations had not changed Gable film, The and we soon realised that the Byre’s sudden Misfits, which closure should encourage us to (re)discover reproduced a screening held at new venues for film. So, we decided to present the same venue almost 50 years earlier by each of the scheduled events in a different the St Andrews Film Society. Our final event venue in town and were heartened throughout highlighted one of the newer venues for by the fantastic support from institutions and film, as we moved our screening of Alfred individuals, who responded to our (often last Hitchcock’s The Birds to School 3 in the minute) requests. In so doing, we established University, a venue used for screenings by new connections, whether with museums, the Department of Film Studies. churches, or schools.

The screening of The Birds marked the The first screening was perhaps the most centenary of St Andrews’ first purpose built ambitious. We wanted to put on a silent film cinema. The Cinema House had opened show with live piano accompaniment. The in December 1913, and showed The Birds programme would include the Buster Keaton to celebrate its golden jubilee in 1963. The comedy Sherlock Jr alongside local footage of challenges of finding a new venue for this St Andrews from the Scottish Screen Archive. recreated screening fifty years on (with The The idea of the season had We decided to present this in a church, the Cinema House now a block of flats, and the always been to celebrate St Andrews’ ‘new’ venue, The Byre, also now closed) venue for many of the earliest film shows (and rich cinematic heritage indeed the highlights the changing cultural landscape town’s first of the town. While the season may not have fixed-site cinema in 1910, The Tin uncovered a long-term solution to this problem, the response of all Tabernacle, was a converted church). connected with the season – from neighbouring film societies, museum To our incredibly good fortune, we curators, and local schools – revealed both the desire and support for found the perfect venue at the Hope film within the town.

Park and Martyrs Parish Church, and once we had the equipment to project In an effort to promote film exhibition within the town, Cinema film onto a big screen (take a bow, the St Andrews is launching a film listings page, which will list all the Colinsburgh Community Cinema), we film screenings taking place in town. You can access this at: were ready for our first show. More http://cinemastandrews.org.uk/listings/ than 150 people gathered for this free screening, a rare chance to see If you have events that you want included on this, please let us know. (and hear) a live silent film show in an incredibly atmospheric and unusual (Images courtesy Tom Rice) setting.

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23

TOWN & GOWN Ella Voce, MUSA Operations Officer

Power & Ceremony: The Maces of the University of St Andrews possibly Paris, where the goldsmiths were renowned for the beauty of The museum collections belonging to the University of St Andrews are their designs and technical abilities. The Faculty of Canon Law shortly a central part of the heritage of Scotland’s oldest university. Among the followed suit, commissioning its own mace in the mid-15th century.

University’s historic collections, the three maces are probably the best It is likely that this was made in Scotland, but a lack known treasures. The maces are intrinsically linked to the of documentary evidence means its provenance is identity of the University, and have been used throughout uncertain. its 600 year history, providing a direct connection to the Other ancient Scottish universities also acquired experiences of past generations of students and staff maces in the early stages of their history, including – many of whom will have stood before the maces at the University of Aberdeen and the University of ceremonies such as graduation. As such, they serve as Edinburgh, although sadly these have since been fitting emblems of the University’s 600th anniversary. lost. The University of Glasgow still holds the mace Maces are emblems of authority, status, wealth, commissioned soon after its foundation in 1451. and power. Historically they originate from two distinct During the Reformation it was taken to France objects, maces used as medieval weapons, and the for safety, but it was returned to its home ceremonial sceptres used by emperors, monarchs, institution in 1590 and continued to be used and other dignitaries. They have been used in ceremonies as a symbol of the University’s ceremonially within parliaments and education, status and identity. still used for this purpose to the present day.

All three of the University of The Scottish Parliament was presented with a St Andrews’ medieval maces are finely mace by HM The Queen on its opening in 1999, crafted in silver and partially gilded. They while within the Parliament at Westminster a are all elaborately decorated, demonstrating mace is processed each day in to, and out of, the remarkable craftsmanship of medieval both the House of Commons and the Lords goldsmiths, but the Mace of St Salvator’s Chamber. Across the world, maces can be found College is the most ornate. Commissioned by within parliaments as ceremonial objects, from the the founder of the College, Bishop James Mace of Parliament in Ghana to The Mace of the Kennedy, it has a fantastically intricate design House of Representatives in Australia. Within the featuring the figure of Christ, angels and institution of a university, maces are a visible scholars, as well as some more unusual representation of an institution’s status. aspects, such as wild men chained to The University of St Andrews has three dungeons. Religious iconography features medieval maces of international importance strongly in the decoration of all three and renown: the Mace of the Faculty of Arts, maces, reflecting the spiritual source of the Mace of the Faculty of Canon Law, and the early University’s authority. The University of the Mace of St Salvator’s College. In fact, St Andrews St Andrews also has three modern maces, the Mace is thought to be the only university in the world with of the School of Medicine (1949), the University Mace three medieval maces. Many of the medieval European (1958), and the most recent acquisition, the universities established before St Andrews, such as Rector’s Mace. This was created and donated the University of Heidelberg, acquired maces early to the University in 2003. It features a stylised in their history, so following the foundation of the Maces are emblems of authority, silver figure of the first Rector of St Andrews University in 1410-1413 one of the earliest acts of status, wealth, and power University, Laurence of Lindores. the Faculty of Arts here was to commission a mace.

When they are not being used, the medieval This was a way of publicly declaring the right of maces of the University of St Andrews are on display at the Museum of St Andrews to be counted amongst the universities of medieval Europe. the University of St Andrews (MUSA) at 7a The Scores. Admission to The commissioning of a mace was considered to be so important that the museum is free. money set aside to buy books from Paris was used for this purpose (Photo, © University of St Andrews) instead. The Mace of the Faculty of Arts was probably made in France,

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OUT & ABOUT Roz Hart, freelance artist remembers

‘The sky is blue, The grass is green, May I have my Halloween?’

Halloween! What does it mean to you? While you think about it, I’m going to tell you what it means to me and maybe revive some of your childhood memories. Traditionally celebrated on the night of 31 October, most notably by children dressing in costumes and going door-to-door collecting sweets, fruit, and other treats. In Scotland the tradition of going door-to-door was called guising, whereas in America and other countries it is called trick or treating. ‘The Sky Is Blue, The Grass Is Green, May I Have My Halloween’, was the thing to say when presenting ourselves on someone’s doorstep, suitably dressed, of course, in the most terrifying outfit you could devise; with the help of mum, naturally, who probably dreaded the event, as she wondered what crazy idea would be thought up.

Having always loved anything paranormal, especially vampires, ghosts, werewolves, bats, and witches, from a very early age, like most children, I had my own image of what a spooky Halloween graveyard should look like. My favourite TV programme at the time was “Cartoon Cavalcade”, and that was where I fell in love with my first ghost. Casper, the friendly ghost, was a cute gentle little ghost who lived with his horrible uncles. But no matter how horrid they were to Casper he always forgave them, and always made a new friend along the way. I imagined being Casper’s friend and sharing all his adventures, how cool would that be!

My young mind thought it would have been the most exciting friendship.

In my eight-year-old imagination my perfect Halloween graveyard image was dark and mysterious, but also beautiful and colourful. There would always be a full moon with, of course, vampire bats flying around (friendly of course), spooky wiry old trees with a ghostly cat to keep my friend Casper company as he floated in and around the spooky trees and the ancient old gravestones playing a game of chase. Silvery spiders’ webs hang from every surface you come in contact with. No fear or just perfect, right down to how red the fake vampire blood should be. I dread in my Graveyard, just a friendly atmosphere with a darkness that enjoyed planning my costume just as much as them, as my friend and has inviting shades of blue, purple, yellow, greens, and reds. Certainly I always escorted them around on their creepy trail. Looking back on atmospheric with amazing welcoming vibrations. Somewhere you would photographs of these past Halloweens take me right back in time to the want to spend time in, not run away from. fun, excitement, and expectations of being a child.

As I’ve gotten older my love for the Halloween holiday has never After all Halloween is the only traditional holiday I can think of that wavered, if anything it’s got stronger. As my three sons and husband will allows you to be whatever or whoever you want to be, dress up in confirm, Halloween lives on all through the year in our home. In my little anything you want, the scarier and the more gruesome it is the better, and studio I’m surrounded with all my favourite spooky images and objects of course gorge ourselves with all kinds of tasty around me. It is a well-known fact that we surround bites. ourselves with the things and people that make us everything had to be just perfect, As we all know it’s not easy being a grown up, feel good. Who cares if they are in or out of season right down to how red the fake and I’m sure there are a lot of you readers who as long as they sit right with us? vampire blood should be sometimes daydream of items, situations, and When asked to write and illustrate this article it places that, in your childhood allowed you to feel was a big leap out of the proverbial box for me, the safe, loved, and secure. There is no reason not to take you back there to thought process has taken me back to look at some great memories and feel that moment once again. Even if it is just in our imagination.

I hope it has done the same for you. If you can delve into my psychedelic The next time you find yourself trying to calm down a child who graveyard I know you’ll have as much fun as I’ve had over the years. thinks there is a ghost in their bedroom cupboard, try telling them that it’s When my children were younger Halloween was as big an event as probably Casper the friendly ghost trying to play hide ‘n seek. WELL! It Christmas; the house was decorated in and out with spooky decorations; could be. we had great fun cutting out pumpkins, the uglier the better, and they (Image by Roz Hart) planned for weeks what their costumes would be, everything had to be

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

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OUT & ABOUT From John Mayhew, Project Manager Scottish National Parks Strategy Project

Unfinished Business – National Parks in Scotland and promote a strategy for more National Scotland’s landscapes rank amongst the best Parks in Scotland. in the world in their richness, quality, and In April 2013 we launched our report diversity. We have wild mountains, pristine Unfinished Business. This summarises rivers and lochs, ancient forests, stunning the benefits which National Parks bring, coastline and islands, all rich in wildlife recommending a number of improvements and history. Our landscapes enhance our to the operation of the two existing and any quality of life as well as our welbeing; they future National Parks. It sets out criteria give us inspiration, refreshment, enjoyment. against which any future National Park should They provide great opportunities for outdoor be assessed, and proposes seven further recreation, including walking, cycling, areas which we consider meet these criteria, canoeing, mountaineering. They are one of therefore meriting National Park status: the main reasons why people visit Scotland, so they support important economic benefits • Ben Nevis/Glen Coe/Black Mount through tourism, our largest industry.

• Cheviots (Northumberland National So, with landscapes of such quality you Park extension) might expect Scotland to have several National • A Coastal and Marine National Park Parks – the principal tool used across the world centred on Mull to safeguard and manage fine landscapes.

• Galloway However, although the world has over 3,500 • Glen Affric National Parks, including 60 in Canada, 29 • Harris in Norway, 14 in New Zealand, Scotland has • Wester Ross only two. Another way of looking at it is that, You can read our report at for example, 20% of Wales and 12% of Iceland www.ruralscotland.btck.co.uk/Projects/ are designated as National Parks – yet only ScottishNationalParks or ask me to send you 8% of Scotland. a copy.

The Scottish Campaign for National Parks ‘National Park’ is the leading (SCNP) and the Association for the Protection internationally-recognised designation for of Rural Scotland (APRS) have been places of the highest national importance for campaigning for National Parks in Scotland natural or cultural heritage, for over 60 years. Both bodies including landscape, wildlife, feel that more of Scotland’s We are now and recreation. It is the highest landscapes deserve designation campaigning for the accolade which can be given as National Parks. We think that the Scottish Government should Scottish Government to a place within its national context. Many are truly wild; have a strategy to implement to implement our others, as in Scotland, are its 2011 Manifesto commitment proposals wholly or partly lived-in, working to “work with communities to landscapes. The sort of worldexplore the creation of new renowned places designated as National Parks National Parks.” However, as it doesn’t, we’ve include Jotunheimen in Norway, Kilimanjaro in written one for it. Since 2010 SCNP and APRS Tanzania, the Galapagos islands in Ecuador, have been running a joint project to prepare Cradle Mountain in Tasmania, the Karakoram in Pakistan, and Yosemite in the USA. We believe that National Parks bring many environmental, social and economic benefits to the country in which they are situated.

However, many of these benefits can be delivered in other ways and by other bodies, so the obvious question is what can National Park designation deliver better than any of the other options? We feel the key issues are that National Parks generate a high profile, support the active management of an area, not just its protection, encourage integrated planning, management by all public bodies, and invest additional national resources to help Harris both residents and visitors make the most of the landscape whilst conserving it for future generations. National Parks mostly supplement and add value to existing designations rather than duplicate or replace them. Another crucial issue is the inherent permanence of National Park designation: other arrangements may come and go, but National Parks are rarely abolished.

In 1947 the Ramsay Report recommended five areas of Scotland as National Parks; in 1990 the former Countryside Commission for Scotland recommended four areas. After lengthy pressure from non-government organisations, Scotland eventually joined Wester Ross

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Glen Coe the National Park family in 2000 when the Scottish Parliament passed the National Parks (Scotland) Act. Scotland was therefore one of the last countries on earth to have National Parks; the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, and the Cairngorms National Park were designated in 200203. In recognition of our superlative marine environment, Scottish Natural Heritage and the Scottish Executive put in a great deal of work during 2005-06 towards preparing for Scotland’s first coastal and marine National Park. However this was shelved after the 2007 election in favour of work on the Marine (Scotland) Act, eventually passed in 2010.

We are now campaigning for the Scottish Government to implement our proposals.

We would welcome support for our proposals from other organisations or individuals. Please contact me on scnp-aprs@btconnect.com or 0131 225 7012 if you would like a copy of Unfinished Business, or if you wish to support our efforts; the best way to do so is by joining SCNP or APRS, which you can do at www.scnp.org.uk or www.ruralscotland.btck.co.uk

SCNP promotes the protection, enhancement, and enjoyment of National Parks, potential National Parks and other nationally outstanding areas worthy of special protection. SCNP is a registered Scottish charity, No: SC031008.

APRS promotes the care of all of Scotland’s rural landscapes. APRS is a registered Scottish charity, No: SC016139.

(Photos courtesy SNH)

OUT & ABOUT Alistair Lawson of ScotWays joins a

Coronation Procession

No, the above title does not refer to June 1953, nor even to associated celebrations in June 2013. However, on 28 June this year, a 20-strong party organised by Perth & Kinross Heritage Trust (www.pkht.org.uk) walked part of the ‘Coronation Road’ from Falkland Palace as far as Abernethy. The onward route, though, continues to Scone Palace, where Scottish monarchs were crowned up until the time of Charles II. The walk was a part of Perth & Kinross’s ‘Archaeology Month’, and was organised

by Wendy MacPhedran of Kinross Museum, www.kinrossmuseum.co.uk The day dawned wet and decidedly unpromising, but our first guide Falkland and host, Ninian Crichton Stuart, the Hereditary Keeper of Falkland Palace, commanded the group’s attention despite the elements and gave though there are 18th century references to ‘The Kingis Highway’ from us an insight, not only into the place and the persons associated with it Kinghorn to Perth via Falkland and Strathmiglo. Owen Silver, resident over many centuries, but into his unmistakable feeling for and empathy of St Andrews and an authority on the old roads of Fife, inclines to the with the Estate land, and for the imaginative work being done by the view that it was so used. Whatever the status of the route in Fife, Perth Centre for Stewardship, www.centreforstewardship.org.uk & Kinross Council have it signposted as the ‘Coronation Road’ on the In 1160, the lands of Falkland, Strathmiglo, and Abernethy were final stretch north of the Tay, from Kinfauns to Scone. The implication of granted by Malcolm IV to Duncan, Earl of Fife, and, by the 15th century, that is that travellers approaching Scone from Fife, via Abernethy, would Falkland Castle had become the chief stronghold of the Earls of Fife. have crossed the Earn at Carpow and the Tay In 1425, the then Earl was implicated in the at Elcho. murder of James I’s brother, as a result of The moral of the story is that, while David is as much a geographer as a which Falkland was forfeited to the Crown. this was in essence a hike, it also historian and the countryside from Falkland From the time of James II through to James VI, became a painless learning process to Strathmiglo, up to the head of Glen Tarkie the town was granted burgh status, the palace and down Abernethy Glen (all on public rights was developed as a royal hunting retreat and of way), was interpreted for us through his geographer’s eyes. The rain the building was transformed into a sophisticated Renaissance palace. clouds of Falkland had by now dispersed, and open, sunny views meant Once the Court moved to London, subsequent monarchs lost interest in that we could see the distant features that David was talking about.

Falkland and it passed through various hands and ultimately, in 1887, Pausing for breath in Strathmiglo, he invited us to ponder the meaning into those of the Crichton Stuart family, who in turn gifted it to the National of that name: if Stratheden is the valley of the River Eden, why is it that Trust for Scotland in 1952, www.nts.org.uk/property/Falkland no maps show the mysterious River Miglo? Answer: ‘miglo’ to the Picts Our guide for the next part of the journey, David Munro, took care meant ‘a burn flowing through a boggy loch’, which may well describe to explain to us that there is no conclusive evidence that the route from how central Fife was before later drainage and agricultural improvements.

Palace to Palace was actually used on the occasion of Coronations, Likewise, he invited us to ponder why the settlement of ‘Ecclesmartin’ does not appear on our Ordnance Survey maps. Answer: this was the former name of Strathmiglo, signifying ‘the church of St Martin (of Tours)’.

The ‘Eccles’ element is the same which causes confusion with the name ‘Gleneagles’ (the Glen of the church, not the Glen of the eagles).

On arrival in Abernethy and after welcome refreshments at the Culdees Tea Room, www.culdees.co.uk Abernethy’s splendid local café (chocolate cake and man-sized coffee cups much to be recommended), we met our third host of the day, Angus McIntyre, who showed us the famous 9th-10th century Round Tower, then, in the sunny confines of the Museum garden, told us of all the other, less obvious aspects of Abernethy’s history, www.museumofabernethy.co.uk The moral of the story is that, while this was in essence a hike, it also became a painless learning process. Readers of this magazine, using the website references in the text above, may care to put together their own expedition, follow the same route for themselves and perhaps even indulge in a little research to try and establish whether we really were walking in the footsteps of kings. Tell us what you discover!

Abernethy

(Photos courtesy Alistair Lawson)

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OUT & ABOUT Cameron Rae, Trustee

New Harbour gates swing into position Installation work started on 26 June on the new gates at St Andrews Harbour; those swept from their hinges during a period of severe weather in the autumn of 2012 having been damaged beyond repair. The gates were commissioned by the St Andrews Harbour Trust, the charitable organisation now responsible for the running and development of St Andrews Harbour. They were manufactured by Walter Macfarlane & Co (Glasgow), who undertook their installation.

As a result of the loss of the previous gates, harbour operations were hampered by the accumulation of silt within the basins, as well as the entrance channel; the silt unable to be flushed out through the scouring action of ‘running the gates’ – the release of water periodically stored behind the closed gates at high tide. “Although recently kept under control by the use of mechanical excavation equipment, this was far from a practical longterm solution”, reported Colin Brown, Harbour Master and Trustee, “while the gates also provide a quieter lie for vessels in the Inner Harbour during periods of heavy weather and in particular strong Easterly winds”; something that appears to have become more prevalent in recent years.

It is unknown when the first gates were installed in St Andrews Harbour, the first known mention of them being in a book of Historical Remarks on the City of St Andrews

by William Douglass in 1728; however, they have been replaced on a number of occasions between then and now. It is believed the gates recently lost were transferred from a site on the Caledonian Canal; made of Douglas fir, their age was unknown. The design of the new gates is very similar to those damaged, having a similar overall structure, but on this occasion made from Greenheart timber. “Greenheart has extraordinary resistance to wet rot, and is unaffected by sun and salt-water. It is one of the very few timbers that can be used without treatment in harbours, and the Trust expect the new gates to last for many decades to come”, noted Trustee Mark Conway.

The replacement gates have only been made possible through a successful campaign to raise the necessary funds, in excess of £100k, with generous donations from individuals, local charitable trusts and a

Government grant. During their manufacture, where possible, existing fittings from the original gates had been reused to reduce cost, carry forward a historical perspective and appear visually appealing in the setting of the historic harbour. An unobtrusive, but more user friendly approach has also been taken in both the gate leaves and sluices now being hydraulically operated, a welcome addition for all, in particular less physically-able users of the harbour. While the bright and impressive new timbers will darken in a short time, it would be hard to deny even now that the gates appear suitably at home and in keeping on their hinges in the harbour.

Investment in the new gates will undoubtedly be a major boon to visitors, the local fishing fleet and pleasure craft berthed in St Andrews.

The Trust is also delighted to report that this year’s Harbour Gala is going to take place, but just a little later in the year than usual on Saturday, 14th September. We look forward to a day of the usual fun and excitement with the East Bents hosting a mixture of traditional and modern attractions, including: side-stalls with games to test your skills and selling a variety of bric-a-brac; displays; children’s rides; human table-football; and refreshments.

The day coincides with the culmination of the University’s year of 600th anniversary celebrations and their grand finale fireworks display taking place from the pier on the same evening. The Trust plans to follow the fireworks

The 1st gate leaf in position

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with live music played by local bands to roundoff what promises to be a truly exciting day for the harbour and one which we hope you can join in.

(Photos courtesy the Harbour Trust)

The 2nd gate leaf being lowered into position, with Mr Shane Wilbraham (Trustee, standing left) overseeing operations on behalf of the Harbour Trust

The hydraulically operated sluices

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

OUT & ABOUT Tony Hardie’s

Nature Notes Having been unable to write some notes for the last issue of St Andrews in Focus I had to consider how I might meet the editor’s wishes for this issue; I turned to the garden, just a garden in St Andrews, and the birds that are the inhabitants. In doing so I also turned to a most wonderful book, so easy to read, by name The Charm of Birds by Viscount Grey of Fallodon. It was published

by Hodder and Stoughton in 1927, the lovely woodcuts by Robert Gibbings. He and C P Tunnicliffe flourished at the same time, the latter illustrated Tarka the Otter; as artists in that medium they have never been surpassed. Their woodcuts show so well their feelings for our countryside and our birds.

They were shown the way by Thomas Bewick in Northumberland long ago. No wonder the secondhand bookshop is such a treasury for

Coal Tit

the ornithologist! But I must return to the birds of our garden.

Let’s start with the smallest: the wren.

Though they are so welcome in the garden they are the most ubiquitous of all our native birds. One comes across them by the burn’s side in the Highlands, where I am sure they nest. There is probably truth in the fable that the wren flew higher than the eagle by sheltering within the plumage of its host. The Wren song of the wren is irascible, so loud for its size. Indeed on hearing its song one asks: young fledglings, who call endlessly in a how is it so? They are to be seen in gardens demanding way from the cover on the edge throughout the year. In my youth the upturned of the garden. That beautiful and musical tree with a great spread of root was an song is usually uttered by the cock bird from a irresistible nesting site. In the garden an ivyprominent perch. clad wall has its attractions.

I have written previously of the song In this garden the wren doesn’t join thrushes that nest nearby. They have been those whose food I supplement in the winter, back, largely unseen, to devour some of the notably the blackbird, chaffinch, robin, and remaining snails. They have hedge sparrow. For the latter, such a proud demeanour, seed is spread upon the All this and more in the and their colouring goes grass, but they have recently garden, perhaps mundane with this pride. led a chaotic life because but enchanting!

The tits, great, two cocks have ended up blue, and coal, take full here and one hen, never advantage of the nut feeder. The blue tit, that a happy combination. But that high-pitched great hunter of aphids in the rambling rose song throughout the day from the hedge nested once again in the Abbey Wall. They is inescapable. It seems to start afresh, almost dance when taking the right angle for throughout the day, when I appear. Last year these aphids, hovering before the attack! All they built their nest in the climbing rose, now this and more in the garden, perhaps mundane just coming into bloom, a thousand flowers to but enchanting! come!

The blackbirds have been spoilt; they try (Photo by kind permission of John Anderson to maintain a pecking order wasting energy (www.pbase.com/crail_birder)) by fighting amongst themselves. They are wonderful parents, bossed in tum by their

East Sands Monster Roy Cammack saw it first!! Back in June….

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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) Fountains & Wells There was a time when St Andrews did not have the water supply we now take for granted. A previous article described bringing the first water supply to the town in 1781. Prior to that date the inhabitants relied on wells to provide water, which had to be manually pumped and carried into houses. Old maps of the town show the locations of some of the wells. They fell into disuse in the 19th century and most were filled in. In the past, Bridge Street was called Water Wynd, and later Well Wynd, because of the wells located there. At one time, it is said, there were no fewer than 40 wells between Dean’s Court and Double Dykes Road.

The provision of a piped water supply gave the opportunity to erect fountains, and there are a number of ornate examples. Another source of water for inhabitants from a piped supply was via water spouts, several of which still survive.

Holy Well, Eastern Cemetery (Photos courtesy Arlen Pardoe)

Wells

St Andrews Cathedral and grounds with three surviving wells

Greyfriars Garden Water Spouts

University Library

St Andrews Castle

Dean’s Court

Market Street

Eastern Cemetery

Kinburn Park

Outside R & A

Lade Braes

Jubilee Course

Fountains

North Street

Abbey Cottage

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