St Andrews in Focus Issue 83 Jul Aug 2017 by Mike Collins

St Andrews in focus ISSN 2514-409X

• shopping • eating • events • town/gown • people and more

July/August 2017 Issue 83, £2.00

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

From Alastair Macqueen, winner of this year’s

Art Club Competition

I have lived in Fife for some 35 years and have always loved St Andrews. I initially came to Fife to work as head gardener at Hill of Tarvit, Cupar; after cutting my teeth at Crathes Castle and Culzean Castle – all properties of The National Trust for Scotland. I started teaching horticulture at Dundee and Angus College, then moved to St Andrews, where I live with my partner and lurcher dog, our two daughters having long flown the nest. I particularly enjoy the craft of gardening, love the beauty of plants and designing and building gardens. I appreciate both the planned, organised qualities of gardens, as well as the more unpredictable natural countryside of Fife. I feel lucky to live here, to be able to walk and cycle through Fife’s varied landscapes. The landscapes of Fife are often the inspirations for my paintings – from the bluebell woods at Balmerino, to the colourful St Andrews harbour, and the pantile roofs of the East Neuk fishing villages. I painted in oils in my teens, taking up painting again some 10 years ago. I mainly work in acrylics and have a passion for painting outdoors, also from life when I can, to appreciate the immediacy of the scene and vivid nature of the colours. Although painting from life can be a challenge, the rewards are well worth it. I admire the skill and panache of The Scottish Colourists; I have benefitted greatly from Joe McIntyre’s art class in Dundee.

St Andrews in focus

• shopping • eating • events • town/gown • people and more

From the Editor

I’ve been adopted by a cat – don’t ask! It seems it isn’t unusual, as people living near me will attest, having been adopted similarly by a cat that follows them everywhere, even into town if it can. It would help matters if I could understand what the cat is trying to tell me. Alas, although I can meow, sort of, I have no idea what I’m talking about, and neither does the cat. It started a couple of weeks ago when I became aware of a black and white moggy curled up under my bluebells. It seemed to be there day after day without moving, eating or drinking, rain or shine. I thought it looked sick so I called the SSPCA. Within half an hour one of their number arrived, to be treated by the sight of a fluffy black tail disappearing over the wall. The cat, it seems, wasn’t dying. So I fed it. Now it can’t get enough of being stroked, sitting on my lap, following me around the house. With luck I’ll find it a nice, but different, home. All the same, why me? I confess – I am flattered! 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) JULY / AUGUST 2017 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 (stephen@wintersimpson.co.uk) DISTRIBUTER Drop 2 Door (billy@drop2door.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. Subscriptions for 6 issues are: £14 in the UK (post & packing included). Please send cheques to: Local Publishing (Fife) Ltd., PO Box 29210, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9YZ. £25 overseas (post and packing included). Please send remittance by International MoneyGram. See website at: http://global.moneygram.com/in/en/money-transfers REGISTERED IN SCOTLAND: 255564 THE PAPER USED IS 100% RECYCLED POST-CONSUMER WASTE

Cover: An original painting by Alastair Macqueen.

Contents FEATURES • Community Council • Weather-Watcher Extraordinaire • Thomas Chalmers • The Curator’s column • Reviews: – J & G Innes recommends – Sandy Bay Surprise – Mountain Berries – Hidden Gems – Murder in the Fourth Round – Cross Purpose

4 5 6 6 7 8 8 9 9 9

SHOPS & SERVICES • History of Cashmere • West Port Print & Design • Osteopathy – Interview • Kazoku • Sales skills • Seafood Ristorante • Roving Reporter

10 10 11 13 14 15 16

EVENTS • • • • • • • •

Harbour Gala Kelpie Maquettes Summer of Art Help for Heroes Poetry competition Anne Dunlop Crail Festival Selected Events

18 18 19 20 20 20 21 21

ORGANISATIONS • • • •

St Andrews Music Club Liam Sinclair Defeat of Polio Lammas rides

22 23 24 25

TOWN & GOWN • •

Rome’s ghost Finn Anderson & Friends

26 27

OUT & ABOUT • Walking with Pilgrims • Erratum • Tim Hardie’s Nature Notes • Wemyss Skiff is turned • Hidden Gems

28 28 29 30 31

NEXT ISSUE – Sep/Oct 2017 COPY DEADLINE: STRICTLY 28 JULY

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

FEATURES Callum McLeod, Chairman of the Community Council

From the Provost’s Chair The deadline for St Andrews in Focus is some four to five weeks before publication, so I was sitting down to write these words at the end of May. I must confess that I was fumbling for a theme, when suddenly President Obama swept into town on one of the most glorious days of the year to play a round on the Old Course, another pilgrim paying homage at the Home of Golf. Word spread like wildfire and huge crowds gathered at the Links, many of them American citizens astounded that they were able to stand so close to their former president and even shake his hand, ironically thousands of miles from home. As our own General Election campaign lurched along rather fitfully, many, whatever their politics, must have looked with admiration and even envy on his easy charm, decent modesty and quiet authority. The inauguration of his successor earlier this year put me in something of a quandary: former community council chairman Keith McCartney inaugurated the custom of writing to the incoming president with our congratulations and a reminder of the close links between the United States, Scotland, and, in particular, our ancient burgh. These are many and perhaps not well known – there are many hundreds of American students at our university, of course (Tesco even has a section featuring products to remind them of home), but the connection goes back to the very foundation of that nation – James Wilson, one of the signatories of the Declaration of Independence, a major force in the drafting of the US Constitution, and one of the first Justices appointed to the US Supreme Court by George Washington, was born near here and attended the University before eventually crossing the Atlantic.

However, on this occasion, the controversial nature of the incoming commander-in-chief made me hesitate; after taking soundings from colleagues, I decided not to proceed. This decision was made doubly difficult for me as President Trump is, of course, half Scottish and, through his mother being a MacLeod from the Isles, probably a distant kinsman of mine. Filial association means, indeed, that another community councillor has the same claim to fame, if that is the right expression, though, in a neat twist of fate taking us right back to James Wilson, Jamie is perhaps keener on the fact that his sister-in-law is the granddaughter of a current Justice of the US Supreme Court… Talking of democracy, our own local elections have come and gone. At our April meeting I paid tribute to our retiring Fife Councillors, particularly Frances Melville, who quietly yet diligently served the people of St Andrews for many years and was also a highly-respected Provost of Fife. At our meeting in May, we welcomed back Cllr Brian Thomson and, after a period of absence, Cllr Jane Ann Liston. They were joined by Cllrs Dominic Nolan and Ann Verner – we look forward to working closely with all four of them on matters of mutual interest. As part of our mission to encourage participation in the democratic process, we held good old-fashioned hustings both for the council election and the general election. There was an encouraging turnout for both, the latter held in the week of that appalling act of violence in Manchester, affecting communities the length of Britain, a sober reminder to us all of how vigilant we must be in protecting and honouring our democratic freedoms, whether it be at local, national, or international level. As always, I welcome hearing from you on any matter at: callummac@aol.com or 01334 478 584. Dum spiro spero.

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FEATURES Margaret Squires –

Weather-Watcher Extraordinaire I have been providing “Weather Watcher” picture of the British Heart Foundation’s charity pictures for the BBC Weather Watcher shop. scheme for over a year now, under the name In April I decided that if I were not to keep ‘Squiz’. All of them, except for the British repeating myself I should draw up a list of Heart Foundation’s charity shop one, have types of building, so I worked systematically appeared either on a forecast, or on social through schools, University residences, media run by the ‘beeb’ (mostly forecasts.) For Museums, pubs, statues, and churches. Now historical context I could add that my interest I come to look back at them, the weather was in the weather came from my mother keeping merely secondary in some of the photos. One a weather diary until the age of 98, but my or two had appeared on the TV by then: the own obsession with the weather stems from narrow end of Market Street on a dreich day needing to know what it will be like when I and a puddle outside the house on a day that go hill-walking; so nobody else had it seemed a natural ventured out. I have been providing progression to get Then the scheme “Weather Watcher” pictures involved when the BBC introduced a new asked for volunteers whereby a for the BBC Weather Watcher feature to send in weather rosette appeared on scheme for over a year now, pictures. Anyone can your photo, “Editor’s do it… Pick”. It saved hoping under the name ‘Squiz’ The BBC Weather to catch your photo Watching scheme on a weather forecast, started in November 2015. People from all over or getting feedback from friends that it had the UK were invited to send in their weather appeared. In June, I suffered the ignominy of pictures, which with luck, might appear on the having one of my photos taken off the site. It forecast, or, as I later learned, on the Weather had apparently broken the rules because it had Watcher’s Twitter feed, or anywhere the identifiable people in it. forecasters needed an illustration. I decided it Then, in July I got an Editor’s Pick for one would give me something to do in the winter of my most photographed scenes, the Castle. when I was less often out and about in the hills. The very next day, they were renovating The first day it was raining, so I sent in St Salvator’s clock. At the end of the month, a photo of rain drops on some late-surviving the sun shone on the harbour. I was off! In nasturtiums. Then I set about taking random August, the Lammas Fair came into town, photos of obvious landmarks, though the and it was time to go to the West Sands, then recycling centre did creep in one day. I was in September, the East Sands. The Weather miffed when they didn’t pick my Valentine’s Day Watchers now let you change your location,

Harbour

Castle

so Guardbridge got its share, but although pictures from Kinlochbervie, Harris, Sedbergh, and Wales have been chosen, St Andrews provides a small but constant supply of Editor’s Picks, thus I hope in a small way to increase the already huge stream of tourists that keep its guesthouses and shops busy. My latest speciality is sunsets, three in a row with Picks, How lucky I am to live in St Andrews, where the photos just about take themselves, and the only weather scenes that we lack are snowy mountains! (Photos courtesy Margaret Squires)

Lade Braes

FEATURES John Cameron remembers the importance of

Thomas Chalmers When in 1847, Thomas Chalmers, the leading Scottish churchman and polymath, died, his funeral procession was the largest seen in Edinburgh until that of Field Marshall Douglas Haig some 80 years later. At that time, and for the next century, Chalmers was considered one of St Andrews University’s greatest graduates and professors, but today, one-hundred-andseventy years later, he is almost forgotten. Though some people disappear from history because they didn’t leave enough literature, this is hardly true of Chalmers – in fact some of his critics complained he never had an unpublished thought! His main claim to fame was as an outstanding preacher in an era of great evangelists. William Wilberforce wrote after hearing him, “all the world is wild about Dr Chalmers.” Having ploughed through books of his sermons, however, I have to admit that unlike those of Charles Spurgeon, Alexander MacLaren, or George Whitefield, they don’t read well. He went up to St Andrews at 12 years of age to read – and later teach – mathematics. He is, though, better known for his work in

(including both Knox and Melville). Tom Allan, economics, moral philosophy, and social the Kirk’s leading 20th century evangelist, reform. He was a Malthusian economist, admitted that he learned later that every new just as committed to highlighting the moral idea or programme he initiated had already aspects of population growth through a lack been thought of by Chalmers. of self-control as the gloomy Anglican cleric. What I believe led to his airbrushing As the modern green movement, driven by from history was the event for which he books such as Paul Ehrlich’s “The Population was most praised at Bomb”, is also Malthusian, the time: the 1843 one might have expected Disruption, which split Chalmers’ standing to be the Church of Scotland higher. His main claim to fame in two. Beginning as a The fact is, his was as an outstanding minor ecclesiological rhetoric in the face of the feud, it ended in the catastrophic poverty of preacher in an era of stupendous effort the industrial revolution great evangelists needed to establish permanently damaged an entirely new his reputation. Even at national Presbyterian the time, he was strongly church. Undermining opposed by William mission at home and abroad, it lost the Alison, the founder of Scotland’s public emerging proletariat, littering Scotland with health. There can be little doubt that Alison unnecessary ecclesiastical buildings it took was on the right side of history; his rigorous, the whole of the 20th century and beyond to statistically-based, evidence to the reforming rationalize. 1844 Royal Commission rightly won the day. The tragedy is that the project couldn’t Chalmers’ name is also linked to the idea have got off the ground without Chalmers. of the “deserving poor”, but to be fair he He knew at the time it was a mistake but, old was trying to counter the belief of his fellow and tired, he was outmaneuvered; four years Calvinists that all poverty is “God’s will”. later he was dead. As a churchman, especially as a religious organizer and promoter, he was without equal in the history of the Kirk

Nicola Moss, The Preservation Trust Museum’s Curator explains

How Andrew Bell developed the ‘Madras System’ Educational reformer and philanthropist, Andrew Bell, was the creator of the ‘monitorial’ system of education and the founder of Madras College, St Andrews. Born in St Andrews in 1753, he studied at the University of St Andrews, then worked as a private tutor in Virginia, where he engaged in the commercial transactions which would become the basis for his later wealth. He was ordained by the Church of England in 1785. In 1787 he left for India, where he became chaplain, for a handsome remuneration, to several regiments stationed in Madras. Dr Bell was invited to take over the directorship of a boarding school – the Madras Military Orphanage Asylum, but became increasingly discouraged by the lack of dedication shown by his teaching assistants. While out riding, he came across a school held in the open with children copying letters onto wet sand. Inspired, Bell returned to his school and instructed one of his older students to teach a younger boy using this method of copy and repetition. The idea of having one boy teaching another quickly spread throughout the school. In 1801, he became Rector of Swanage, in Dorset. Thirteen day schools and three Sunday Schools in the parish took up his teaching. The so-called ‘Madras System’ began to spread throughout England. Bell had an unfaltering belief in his system as the only means of providing education for children, often touring ‘his’ schools, roundly criticising any deviation. His dearest wish was to see a school based on the Madras System established in his native city. Unfortunately, Andrew Bell died less than three months before the foundation stone of Madras College was laid. However, by this time 8,000 schools around the globe had adopted his system. Photograph by 19th century St Andrews photographer Thomas Buist of an original painting.

FEATURES: REVIEWS

Children’s Book Recommendations J & G Innes Ltd. now provides a regularly updated list of highly recommended books for children. This list considers both the latest titles and books that we feel have been undeservedly forgotten. A short review will accompany each recommendation and we hope that this will prove helpful to those who seek to explore the wealth of children’s literature available today. The Island And The Bear By Louise Greig Published: 16-3-17. Age 4+.

Based on a true story and subtly rhyming, Vanya Nastanlieva’s dreamy illustrations evoke the magic of a Hebridean Island.

You Can’t Play Here!

By Angus Corby Published: 22-4-10. Age 3+. Well illustrated and funny with its Scottish flourishes and message: Dinae wheesht the wean!

The Unexpected Visitor By Jessica Courtney-Tickle Published: 9-2-17. Age 5+.

Beatrix Potter & The Unfortunate Tale Of A Borrowed Guinea Pig By Deborah Hopkinson Published: 7-7-16. Age 3+.

An exquisitely illustrated and beautifully told story based on Beatrix Potter’s own diary entries. This book will tickle adults and children alike.

The Crow’s Tale

By Naomi Howarth Published: 25-2-16. Age 4+. Howarth’s exciting first book was inspired by a Pennsylvania Lenni Lenape Indian legend. Stunning illustrations and rhyme make this tale about the importance of courage and kindness memorable.

A beautifully illustrated tale in which a Fisherman befriends a whale, who teaches him a thing or two about sustainable fishing!

FEATURES: REVIEWS Alison Caldwell previews her new children’s picture book series

Rory & Ruby Adventures Alison Caldwell, illustrated by Anne Kenmure Available from local booksellers and Amazon, price £6.99. The famous beaches and beautiful scenery of St Andrews are the inspiration for the new series of children’s picture books that I have developed with illustrator, Anne Kenmure. It all began when Anne and I decided to breathe new life into a popular picture book character I had previously published. Rory was the star of The Rory Stories, which launched in 1999, becoming one of Scotland’s most successful early years series, with fans ranging from pre-school children to early readers. After the original series went out of print a few years ago, I had always hoped that Rory would return at some point. Working with Anne to develop Rory, and introduce new characters, has taken the series in a new direction without losing its unique magical elements. This time round, Rory’s a little bit older and wiser; he has a new friend, Ruby. Together with Rory’s loyal dog Scruff McDuff, they are set for lots of new adventures. Illustrated in full colour, the new series echoes the blend of fantasy, fun, with the joy of being at the seaside, that proved so popular first time around. Anne and I have enjoyed the challenge of taking an existing children’s book character, bringing something fresh to the way he looks,

and the things he enjoys doing. But we were clear from the start that we wanted to hold on to his iconic stripy t-shirt, tartan shorts, and red hair. Rory just wouldn’t be the same without those instantly-recognisable features; of course, Scruff McDuff is still as delightfully scruffy! Friendship is the theme of the launch book in the series, Sandy Bay Surprise. The adventurous trio are playing at a beach not a million miles from West Sands, when they make a surprising discovery. For Enchanted Castle, our second book available from the end of June, the famous local landmark of St Andrews Castle provided the inspiration for our story about sharing. With more Rory & Ruby Adventures in the pipeline over the coming years, Anne and I are keeping our fingers crossed that St Andrews will continue to work its magic as a source of inspiration.

Fiona Richmond reviews

Mountain Berries & Desert Spice: Sweet Inspiration from the Hunza Valley to the Arabian Sea by Sumayya Usnami Published by Frances Lincoln, 2017: price £20.

It would be hard to find a more evocative, beautifully written and photographed book on the shelves right now than Mountain Berries & Desert Spice, the second offering from the exceptionally talented Sumayya Usnami. Glasgow-based Summaya took us on a culinary journey through her homeland of Pakistan in 2016 with the publication of her début, enticingly-named, Summers Under the Tamarind Tree, which did more than just provide wonderful recipes, but started a new conversation about the riches and delights of the very country itself. Mountain Berries quickly followed, such was the appetite for more food stories, memories, and recipes, from this lawyer turned food writer and teacher, this time focusing on desserts and their role in the traditional Pakistani culture. Growing up with a rich food heritage, inspired by the innate skill and wisdom of her mother and grandmother, Sumayya learned the enviable ‘andaza’ technique (estimation and sensory cooking), which has enabled her to recreate even those dishes that she wasn’t directly taught to cook. She describes a fascinating childhood spent at sea, due to her father’s role as a merchant navy captain, and the talent of her mother to produce delicious home cooking using only very basic equipment in a tiny galley kitchen, as well as the deep-rooted Pakistani way of preparing and eating food. Theirs is a culture of respect for tradition and eating seasonally, all family members taking an active role in the preparation of food, of convivial feasts, and extending

hospitality to unexpected guests and strangers. Sumayya opens a world that is largely unfamiliar, describing the variety of abundant produce, cookery styles and cultural diversity. Over a very long period, Pakistan has been influenced by a wide range of peoples, from countries such as Afghanistan, Iran and Central Asia, all leaving their mark on food heritage and recipes, making for an intoxicating blend of dishes, using distinctly regional produce from pomegranates and pistachios in the north, to milk and honey in the rugged mountainous areas, and saffron and cardamom in the south. She lyrically explains that by understanding desserts one gets to know the very essence of the country and its people, however diverse: “Pakistan’s bounty is captivating, plentiful and exotic, and in the way in which different people and communities cook both savoury and sweet food in the country is greatly dependent on the produce available to them across the changing and vast landscape. But there is one unifying adoration that reigns supreme across the country, and that is the people’s love for desserts, confection, fruit and nuts – no Pakistani table is ever without this celebration of sweetness” This tradition of ‘sweetening the mouth’ is evident from spiced breakfasts, such as buckwheat porridge with pink salt, cardamom

and stewed Hunza apricots (the best apricots you will ever eat, native to the country); milky loveliness in the form of ground rice pudding with saffron; fresh curd with walnuts, apricots, figs and honey; apple halva with cardamom and pomegranate, typical in the rustic north where fruits and nuts are abundant; in the form of celebratory sweetmeats such as spiced and floral truffles and milk fudge filo samosas; baked saffron yogurt and spiced sweet potato pudding, evoking the flavours of Lahore and the Mughal Empire; Sumayya’s homecoming comfort desserts in the shape of her mother’s semolina granola, a rich, spiced milk and rosewater drink, and chappatis rubbed with homemade butter and raw sugar. Sumayya invites the reader to dip a toe in the water, discover the tastes and flavours of this captivating country and view the desserts as a fundamental part of the country’s food culture, to be savoured, enjoyed, appreciated. In doing so, it would be impossible not to fall in love with Pakistan, have one’s curiosity piqued about the place, people, produce, and culture. So much more than just a recipe book, it’s a welcome portrayal of a country that has so much to show and offer the world. If you buy only one book this year, make it Mountain Berries & Dessert Spice.

FEATURES: REVIEWS By popular appeal Arlen Pardoe has been persuaded to make a compendium of his regular articles, the

Hidden Gems of St Andrews This book is a pictorial celebration of St Andrews, its history and its buildings. St Andrews, variously described as a town, a Royal Burgh, a city, is a fascinating place. It has a wealth of features that visitors and residents probably pass every day without a second glance. Some may be of historic interest, others of architectural significance, while many are simply irrelevant to our daily lives. Nevertheless, they help make it the town it is, they give it a character and a charm unrivalled in most towns which have much less to offer. There is a combination of old and not so old that can be very pleasing to the eye, and yet often goes unnoticed. The contents of this book appeared in the St Andrews in Focus bimonthly magazine between issue 52 (May/June 2012) and issue 81 (March/April 2017). Some extra photographs have been added to enhance each article.

The articles aimed to draw attention to some of the features that are in plain sight, but often overlooked; they give an alternative view of the town. To help identify the locations of the photographs, a set of maps is provided. There are 60 pages of photographs, and 30 maps showing where the pictures were taken. The book will be available from local booksellers and museums in St Andrews at a cost of £7.99, or by mail order online at: www.saint-andrews.info For further information, please email: hiddengems@saint-andrews.info

David Dixon reviews

Murder in the Fourth Round By Ian Simpson Published by Matador, 2017. Available at all good bookshops price £7.99.

This is Ian Simpson’s fourth book involving DI Flick Fortune and her team of detectives solving murders in St Andrews. His narratives have been strong, his characters real and St Andrews described in all its jewelled, atmospheric glory. Ian takes his writing to new heights. Tony Spencer is murdered by an innocuous scratch with a golf tee as he watches Ballesteros in the fourth

round of the Open in 1984. Peter Waldron, convicted of his murder, is released into the care of his daughter Amy Smith, with the threat he may “do a Megrahi”. There’s a modest protest at his homecoming. One of the protesters is found dead : his mother a near neighbour of Sheriff and Mrs Arbuthnot, the parents of Advocate Melanie whose partner is Detective Sergeant Bagawath “Baggo” Chandavarkar. “Inspector No”, Flick’s former boss from the Met, is slovenly, retired and

hired to help Amy to clear her father’s name. Spencer was a local solicitor, a member of the “Jolly Boys” network of solicitors, who are as tight as a drum. With deft wit (the pathologist and PF are familiar) the author leads us through a well drawn, layered story of a close community as old crimes and ways are uncovered. Holidays loom. Treat yourself and pick up a copy: then step back in time with the Sheriff Hector Drummond books.

Sheila Reid (editor & Doric translator) reviews

Cross Purpose By Claire MacLeary Published by Saraband, 2017. Available at all good bookshops price £8.99. Cross Purpose begins with a death – a body in the morgue, and the drama and desperation of sudden loss – compellingly written by début author Claire MacLeary. Maggie Laird is confronted by responsibilities borne solely by her late husband, which threaten to overwhelm her. Jolted out of her safe suburban life, she finds resources in herself that she never would have recognised. In this, she is aided by the unlikely friendship of Wilma, her neighbour. Big Wilma Harcus brings her street cred, and other useful baggage to the twosome, as together they

uncover the murky low life Maggie’s husband had been dealing with, get involved in a murder and in the lucrative drug-dealing trade of Aberdeen, North East Scotland’s major city, oil capital of Europe. Claire MacLeary tells their story with pace, humour, and a clear-eyed look at the dark side of life. Harcus and Laird are a duo that we won’t hear the last of.

SHOPS & SERVICES Flora Selwyn delved into history to find

The Story of Cashmere As there are now six shops in our town selling a large variety of items with a broad range of prices made from cashmere, I thought it would be of interest to have a look at the story of cashmere. Naturally Wikipedia came to my aid! Hair, or wool? Cashmere proper requires the removal of hair. It is, in fact, primarily undercoat fibre from the cashmere goat (Capra hircus laniger). These goats have a double fleece that protects them in areas where the winter temperature reaches -40ºC; that is, a fine, soft undercoat with a coarser outer one. Once a year, in spring, the goats moult, when a comb can be pulled through the fleece to detach the fibres. The coarse hairs are often turned into brushes, while the soft ones become the sort-after cashmere in our shops. Today, apparently, China produces the most raw cashmere, followed in second place by Mongolia, then Afghanistan, Iran,

Turkey, Kyrgyzstan, and other Central France under Napoleon became an Asian countries. Market leaders in fabric important part of the story too, producing and garment manufacture nowadays are ‘India shawls’ using Spanish merino sheep. Scotland, Italy, and Japan, with some However, in order to acquire authenticity, the products made in America. French, in 1818, mounted an expedition to For thousands of years Mongolia, Nepal, Persia to import cashmere goats. By 1830 and Kashmir made shawls ‘of Kashmir’. The Scotland was weaving cashmere shawls fibre was called pashm, using yarn produced in meaning ‘wool’ in Persian. France. The rest, you From about the 3rd century might say, is history! BC mention was made of So now if you For thousands of years this product in various texts, visit one, or all, of the Mongolia, Nepal, and but no-one is quite sure St Andrews shops who was first responsible selling cashmere, think Kashmir made shawls for propagating the trade. of the romantic story ‘of Kashmir’ Stories abide, yet in 2014 that provides their UNESCO reported that family owners with their 14th Century AD Mir Ali business. I won’t name Hamadani took some 700 craftsmen to them here, but the town is small enough for Kashmir, bringing a gift of cashmere socks a walkabout to find them; none of them can to the-then Sultan Kutabdin. This could have be missed! been the start of the entire industry.

Terry Scanlon recounts the

History Of West Port Print & Design Ltd People often ask me how I got into the Print Business; it was not my in March 1983 and opened my print shop, calling it Quick Print. The first choice of employment. My father, after whom I was named, had his concept was very simple; you came in, ordered your print, then picked it own potato business in Largoward. I was groomed for the tattie trade up in a few days, not a few weeks as was the norm in those days. from a young age; weekends and holidays were spent doing most of It was just me and Alison Perry at the start. Alison used the IBM Golf the jobs associated with the trade, planting, picking, dressing, pitting, Ball Type Writer to set all the jobs. We had one plate maker and one even Rogueing Potatoes. Most folk won’t know what rogueing is – you Ryobi Printing press and off we went into the great unknown. Catherine, had a canvas bag tied over your shoulder and the my lady wife, would help out on a Saturday. job was to walk up and down all the dreels pulling The company grew at a very alarming rate as out any shaws that were diseased. The fields were the quick turn round and service brought in many Today the company inspected and graded by the tattie trade appointee; new customers. My daughter Claire joined us the higher the grade the more you could sell the straight from school in 1990 and went to work in employs 13 staff, with tatties for. our Design studio. I got many customers from the an extensive client base In September 1964 our family had a major University, who knew me from my time there, and disaster when my father, who was 42, died covering Fife and beyond the students came in to get party invitations etc. suddenly with Pancreatic Cancer. My mum, who In 1997 Quick Print had outgrown the original was 36, was left with six children, the oldest 16 and office, so we knocked through to the building next the youngest 5. My oldest brother Mike had not long door, creating a much larger factory floor and started his apprenticeship with Bob Wilson the joiner, while I was still at also a spacious reception. Also at this time my now son-in-law Stephen the Burgh School. I left in December 1964 and went looking for any job Simpson joined the company in a sales capacity. The Quick Print name I could get to help out with the family finances. Dad’s business was sold was also changed to the name we know now, West Port Print & Design. off for peanuts; we were broke. It was felt that Quick Print sounded more like a franchise, which did not The very first interview I got was at St Andrews University, who were represent the family business service and ethics of the company. looking for an apprentice printer for their Printing Department. I got the Probably the single biggest investment made during this time was job!! I started on 1st February 1965. I was looking for any trade, painter, the purchase of the Ryobi 4 colour press. Prior to this purchase only plumber, joiner, electrician etc. and I became a printer!! 2-colour Lithographic work could be done in-house, while any full colour I was sent over to Dundee to Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art work had to be outsourced. Being able to print full colour expanded the on day release one day a week as part of my apprenticeship, as they business further, requiring more staff to handle the increased workload. had a printing department in those days. I would bike down from the Today the company employs 13 staff, with an extensive client base family home at Lathones on my BSA Bantam 125 cc motor bike, then covering Fife and beyond. The growth of the digital market has meant get the train from St Andrews over to Dundee. I travelled back and forth large investment into the latest digital technology; large-format print for four years and got my City and Guilds Qualification at the end. (Banners, Display boards etc ) has been a huge growth area, our most The only other Printer in St Andrews in those days was Henderson’s recent purchase being a Ricoh Digital Press, required to service the on the corner of Church Street, where my very good friend James ever-growing on-demand print service. It allows customers to have very Keracher worked as a compositor before joining his dad in the fish quick turn round at reasonable prices. business. By 1983 I was running the University Print Department and In 2011 we bought a company called Formlink Ltd. Originally based decided I wanted to start my own business. There were premises on the in Dalgety Bay, we relocated them to St Andrews, and they now occupy market up the lane at 14a Argyle Street, the building at one time owned our top floor. They specialise in labels, cheques, computer stationery, by Forgan’s Golf Company, where they made their clubs. Evidence of pressure-seal forms etc. They provide a nice mix to our services and soot given off by three big forges can still be seen in our roof space. have been a great addition to our group. Then David Englington owned the building to distribute his Newspapers through his Good News Shops. I bought the building from Gerry Boulier

SHOPS & SERVICES Heather Lang interviews Rob Johnston

Osteopathy Apologies for my absence in the last edition of St Andrews in Focus, I was overseas attending a symposium at the Canadian Academy of Osteopathy (CAO). For the week following, I visited the School and was honoured to spend a bit of time with the founder and principle, Rob Johnston. As we have both practised osteopathy in our own countries, each other’s countries, and across the globe, comparisons were made and critiques passed as to how osteopathy has diversified since the days of Andrew Taylor Still, the physician and surgeon who laid down the principles of osteopathy back in 1892. As we chewed the schnitzel, as it were, I found Rob’s insight profound, at times poetic. He kindly agreed to a formal interview, from which I’d like to share some extracts. Tell me about the CAO. “The CAO is a small school located in Hamilton, Ontario. We have around 400 students and I’m very proud of what we are doing because we’re trying to take osteopathy back to its roots. I think very oftentimes in today’s society, when we’re trying to prove ourselves and be validated by every external source, we don’t spend much time validating internally. I think the further you depart from Dr Still’s understanding, the further you get away from what is truly osteopathy”. So what is Osteopathy? “Osteopathy is for folks to get better, to self-heal, to self-correct. It’s a manual, noninvasive, non-drug, method of improving one’s health, with the notion of removing obstructions. When Dr Still said to remove obstruction, that’s exactly what he meant – we are trying to put the body in a position of selfhealing and self-regulating by dealing with the four rivers of life: nerve, artery, vein, lymphatic. Osteopathy doesn’t treat conditions necessarily; the body has the capacity and the infinite wisdom to do that. What we try to do is respect that infinite wisdom, remove obstruction to the best of our ability, create a better balance between structure and function, and let Mother Nature do what she is able to do”. At what point is osteopathy most effective? “Certainly in the early stages, because to respect osteopathy, you have to respect the power of nature. We like to get involved with our patients early on and not over-treat or under treat, but treat them when they require

treatment, also to be a part of their overall understanding of healthcare. If we do that, they can live a nice, long strong life, enjoy their family, their friends, their children, their loved ones”. There’s so much information on the internet about health. Is that a good thing? “I think information doesn’t necessarily mean knowledge; and boy, we’re inundated – certainly this side of the ocean – we’re inundated with what to think, how to think, who to think with, who not to think with. I’m just asking for people to find some quiet time to do some of their own thinking, which would be interesting”.

Rob Johnston (Photo courtesy Adriana Sauve,Vice-Principal, Canadian Academy of Osteopathy)

How have the demands of healthcare changed over the years? “I come from a city that in 1980 had 40,000 people working on the bay front in the steel industry; the types of lesions and the types of physical problems people had when they worked physically with their bodies was very different from the types of people we see living in the city in Hamilton now who work in Toronto downtown Bay Street, in the finance areas, the bankers, so on and so forth. Different physical discretions are based on some of their nowadays mental/ emotional

strain. The earlier types of patients we saw in this city had physical discord, but emotionally, they were quite well. Now we see more emotional discord manifesting in the physical body. That’s going to be a challenge for us osteopaths. Different types of lesions, different layers of lesioning, different lesioning patterns, all based in and around a thought process. Or the inability, perhaps to deal with this explosiveness we live in, with so much information, as I spoke to you about earlier. People are living a different type of life and it’s manifesting differently in the body”.

How would you like to be remembered? “I worked hard, I tried my best, and I was a good Dad. That’s about it”. Heather Lang is a registered osteopath and ergonomic consultant. She is happy to answer any questions, and can be contacted on: hlosteo@hotmail.com or Tel: 07501 113 480. NB – the full interview can be viewed on my Facebook page: Heather Lang Osteopathy.

SHOPS & SERVICES

LITTLE ITALY Cucina Italiana: a family-owned business since 2011 run by Beno, wife Caroline, sons Leon and Darrius.

SHOPS & SERVICES Sandy Mitchell chatted to Flora Selwyn

‘Kazoku – hajimemashite’ It’s always a joy to talk to a happy man! “I’m loving it!” Sandy enthuses as he relates the story of his latest venture – his Japanese-style restaurant, Kazoku, in Greyfriars’ Garden. The name means ‘family’ in Japanese. Sandy’s restaurant is run by three generations of his own family: his mother Sue (officially the Boss!), Sandy (officially working for his mother), and Tiger, Sandy’s elder son, who develops the desserts. Of course, Sandy also encourages families to come and eat. Since launching in May, Sandy has been seeing his dream come true – full house every evening when he opens, even queues waiting outside. The secret? Dedication, carefully chosen staff, treated like family too, “People really seem to enjoy working with us,” and sheer hard work, with attention to detail. The menu was actually honed over many years at Sandy’s previous restaurant, so there are no surprises over what constitutes popularity. Nevertheless, there is no complacency; innovation, new ideas will always feature. Attention focuses on fresh, locally-sourced food presented with panache, attending to artistry, making sure the colours are right too. The plates are Japanese, as are the chopsticks. A well-stocked bar specializes in cocktails, great wines, Japanese beers, and Sake. Because the preparation of Japanese food is critical, Sandy has decided to avoid opening for lunch, preferring early evening around 5.30. There will not ever be a takeaway service, since there is not really enough room either in the kitchen or in the 56-seat restaurant itself. However, a gleam in Sandy’s eye suggests the possibility, eventually, of having a separate Japanese takeaway outlet elsewhere in the town. Where does all this entrepreneurial zeal come from I asked? “I’ve got a really diverse background. My parents were in the armed forces, so I was born near the Air Force base down south – my Dad’s from Aberdeen.” Every three years the family moved, Germany, Scotland, England, Cyprus. At age 11 Sandy was sent to boarding school in England when his parents were stationed abroad. “That’s where I both got my independence and also my wanderlust.” After school came training as a chef in the officers’ mess of the Air Force. Sandy decided that was really not for him – too hierarchical. So he went to Art College in Lincoln and Taunton studying fine art and graphic design. He then started his own agency in London. “At the age of 25 I decided I wanted to see the world a bit more.” The next three years were spent travelling. First to India. In Nepal Sandy spent some two months “in a booze bar, serving drinks & food. Not paid, but got bed & board and as much as I could drink and eat.” Then followed South-East Asia. After that Sandy spent the best part of a year in Australia “cooking around the country.”

California Roll

Back in Britain, Sandy set up a design agency within one of “the biggest PR companies in the world.” Clients came from 16 out of the 20 top brands in the world – Glaxo, Disney, Nike, Coca Cola, Colgate etc, Sandy being responsible for brand development, corporate, and brochure design. Since that coincided with the start of the Internet, web design also featured. Sandy at that time, in his own words, was “a bit of a hippy with long hair and a beard.” He met Bee, who was in hairdressing. Soon married, the prospect of raising a family in London didn’t appeal, so St Andrews, “where I spent time as a boy,” became the obvious place to relocate. For a time Sandy commuted to London Monday to Friday to keep his agency running. In 2002 he was approached by Chelsea Football Club to redesign its badge, corporate identity, in fact everything to do with the Club. Following its completion, he and Bee opened the Nahm Jim restaurant in St Andrews. Effectively at that point Sandy was ‘retired’, having appointed a thoroughly reliable restaurant manager. Therefore, having “got my handicap down to a scratch handicap” Sandy played professional golf in Asia! In 2007 the Nahm Jim won Gordon Ramsey’s Best Thai Restaurant in the UK title. It proved a two-edged sword leading, without going into details, to the restaurant’s closure, a really low point in Sandy’s life. Now 10 years on, Sandy has Kazoku, with an entirely Scottish team: two chefs in the kitchen, a mixologist at the bar, and the front of house staff. It reminds him of eating Japanese in London at the Japan Centre, in Leicester Square. Recently, Sandy took his two sons to Japan, “The one word which really sums up the entire country is the word, Respect – for country, each other, the culture, and the elderly.” As a result of the visit, Tiger is going to develop for dessert Mochi of various kinds. Don’t know what that is? Well, you can always reserve a table in Kazoku to find out! (Photos courtesy Sandy Mitchell)

SHOPS & SERVICES Peter Waggott, Sales Coach

Why sales skills are important As someone who left school and joined the banking world, I never had the experience of going to University. It was not something that “floated my boat” at the time. Fast forward 30 years; I’m surprised and excited to be involved within a University environment, supporting students and graduates to help them begin to understand Sales. Over the last 18 months or so, I’ve had the privilege of working with students from all over the world, and to listen to their stories. One thing that has struck me, is the need to communicate at a deeper level with the students. When I meet with a group for the first time, generally, there is lack of confidence, eye contact is minimal, I get the feeling they are here because they’ve been told to attend! Over the course of a couple of sessions, the dynamics will have changed significantly; their minds open, the ideas flow and the energy within the room is electric. What has changed? The level of communication with which we engage is much deeper, we listen (not to answer), converse, discuss, chat, challenge, but in a

conversational way. This small alteration has a huge impact. When we communicate effectively, we are genuinely interested to learn about the other person; facts that may be boring to them, are fascinating to us, making us want to learn more. Recently, I’ve been working with graduates from the University of Aberdeen. This is a chance for them to work with business, to get an opportunity to experience, question and understand the environment they will be moving into shortly. The main focus of the first day is to put together their personal “elevator pitch”. This is a chance for them to begin to understand the question, “Who am I?” Over the course of the next few hours we explore many areas and topics, there are discussions, questions, reflection; however, there is a reluctance to begin with. We lack confidence when we talk about ourselves; this is something we all need to conquer, especially if we are to be looking for employment soon. By the end of the session we have some wonderful, colourful stories, all centred on their passion, “Why do they do what they do?” The next step in the process is to begin to understand customers, again the ‘why’ question. Giving them a case study, the challenge is to build a strategy offering

a premium quality product to meet their customers’ needs. Again, we discuss, challenge, confer, ultimately develop a plan. The plan has had many faces to it, finally morphing into a strategy to deliver a sales proposal. The idea of this session is to get everyone thinking from the customer’s standpoint, not the sales person’s. If, as sales people, we understand who our customers are, how their business operates, then we have a much better chance of addressing their needs. The final step is to deliver their “elevator pitch”, in a role-play situation, as if being interviewed for a job. They have a short time to deliver their pitch to a recruiter, to answer some questions on their suitability for the role – the recruiter being a real recruitment professional! These skills should not just be for good sales people, we all should be using them. If we know who we are, we become more aware of ourselves and our surroundings. If we learn to understand someone else’s perspective, then we begin to open our minds to other options. This is why I firmly believe sales skills are important. Can’t wait for my next learning experience! (Photo courtesy Peter Waggott)

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

SHOPS & SERVICES Flora Selwyn went along to meet Adriano Pieraccini

‘Benvenuto, Stefano!’ You cannot find a more iconic restaurant! On Susan has brought her design skills to the Scores, St Andrews, virtually a glass box bear, completely transforming the interior of beside the rolling waves of the sea, is The the Restaurant. All the furniture has come Seafood Restaurant. It has now been renamed from Italy. Seating has been increased from the Seafood Ristorante, by its new Italian 44 to 80 places. The bar has been moved to owner, Stefano Pieraccini. create a better space, and the whole interior Born into a family devoted to the restaurant has become more friendly, more inviting, much world, Stefano has from the age of 14, like his warmer. father before him, honed his restaurant skills Cooking is in the charge of Chef Davie ‘on the job’. Born in Inverness, Stefano helped Aspin, who, along with several other staff, out in the 5-star Rocpool Hotel and Restaurant is a long-time associate and friend of the that was owned by his parents, Adriano and Pieraccini family. Seafood, all sourced locally, Susan Pieraccini. will still remain at the forefront, but cooked with Stefano’s first school Italian flair. For instance, was in Dubai, where the you might like a Ligurian family relocated, but when Fish Stew with handYou cannot find a more rolled saffron linguine; they came to St Andrews to run the Rocca Restaurant, or Anstruther Lobster iconic restaurant! he attended St Leonards Pappardelle, pasta with School. Now a graduate roasted buttered lobster from Newcastle in and shellfish sauce. Those commercial management in the hospitality with a sweet tooth might relish for dessert for industry, Stefano, at the ripe ‘old age’ of 22 example, Tiramisu, or Almallfi Lemon Tart with is more than ready to face the challenges poached Rhubarb. A full vegetarian menu is of owning his own restaurant. He will be available, as well as a 2-course lunch menu. monitored by his father (mothered by Susan!) The wine list is comprehensive, with a choice so he will enjoy the family’s full support. In fact, by the glass as well. it is Adriano who bought the restaurant, “very Opening times are Monday – Saturday, much for my son... It’s something that we enjoy 12 noon to 10.00pm; Sundays, 12.30 to as a family.” 10.00pm. Reservation is advised, by person, or

telephone, 01334 479 475, or email: dine@theseafoodristorante.com If you fancy meeting someone for coffee for a chat, or simply for a cup of tea, you will be just as welcome! One of the joys of living in St Andrews, Adriano says, is being stopped in the street by people telling him that they’re glad to see him back in the town after his recent absence. St Andreans can rejoice in the Seafood Ristorante, thanks to Adriano, Susan, and their gifted son Stefano. (Photo courtesy the Seafood Ristorante)

SHOPS & SERVICES

Roving Reporter – still feeling cheerful! 1.

Reporter had the pleasure of meeting another new business owner, Helen Bechelli, who commented, “As I approach my first year in business, I reflect upon the progress I have made, and how I have adapted to my new surroundings in St Andrews.” Described as a Destination Management Company, Helen explained her undertaking as “a business that would enhance visitors’ experiences to the town, whilst supporting the local community and local businesses in harmony.” She told Reporter that she had undertaken extensive research before opening her company, Platinum Scene, www.platinumscene.com (Mobile: +44 (0)7399 598 254). “Being a former Executive PA in the Oil industry, I was used to working in a very fast-paced and structured environment, and never envisaged that my career would take such a dramatic side step. An unexpected redundancy meant that I would question how I wanted to develop my future career path, and how to find a perfect life/work balance. After much deliberation, I decided to take a leap of faith, and move to my husband’s hometown, St Andrews, and set up my own business.” Helen is extremely grateful for the support she has received “from people in the local business community…. who seem to share the same passion in promoting this wonderful town and their related businesses.” Reporter wishes Helen well. She can be contacted at: hbec@platinumscene.com (Photo courtesy Helen Bechelli)

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Reporter heard from Ewen Sparks about two long-established firms of surveyors that have each been in the town for over 30 years being, “part of a national merger earlier this year. J & E Shepherd and Hardies Property & Construction Consultants merged. In February Shepherd moved into the larger Hardies office in Swilken House, Largo Road to combine their resources under one roof… Hardies Partner Gary Ovenstone manages the property construction side of the business, which includes Quantity Surveying and Building Surveying. He is already seeing the opportunities available due to the synergies each firm can offer by working together. Both Ewen Sparks, Partner, and Gary, and their team look forward to offering a whole property service under one roof – from Home Reports to Project Design and Management, and even a dispute resolution service, which sounds like fun!” Reporter sends his best wishes.

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4. When a shop in St Andrews actually expands, then it’s time to celebrate, says Reporter! Kirpal and Ekwant Singh have been successfully trading at The Scottish Shop, 145 South Street, since 2000. Their first shop was in Pitlochry in 1999, which expanded next door when the premises became available. History has repeated itself in St Andrews, and the Scottish Shop has now expanded next door under the name of Amor, Cashmere and Tweed, 147 South Street. The Scottish Shop specializes in Scottish souvenirs, from fluffy toys to complete kilt outfits. Amor concentrates on luxury items in cashmere and Harris Tweed; ladies, gents, and children’s clothing, including handmade shoes (from Loake, Cheaney, Barker in Northampton). Up the stairs is a room full of soft furnishings; cushions, blinds, curtains, also picture frames and glassware. The theme throughout is Scottish – Scottish in style and as much as possible, in manufacture. Worth a detour, as Michelin Guides used to say! Contact: Tel: 01334 470 163 Email: info@amorcashmereandtweed.co.uk and on the web: www.amorcashmereandtweed.co.uk

Saturday, 6 May saw the opening of Boutique No 1, 207 South Street, at the Westport end. Reporter chatted to Audrey Kenn and Mary Mclelland to learn more. This is a fashion shop catering for ladies of all ages, (sizes 6 to 22), with many delightful accessories to team up with the clothes: pretty scarves, handbags, jewellery of all kinds. Pricewise “we’re kind of in the middle,” with scarves from £9.99, to top of the range around £50 (slightly more when the winter stock comes in). This inviting new shop is open Monday to Friday 10.00am-5.30pm; Sunday 12 noon-4.00pm. Audrey and Mary hope you will like them on Facebook! Reporter is happy to welcome another newcomer to St Andrews.

***** We have pleasure in offering: • a mobile hairdresser • cutting/colouring services • party/wedding hair styling 07445 764 289

hannahmilner893@hotmail.co.uk

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Print & Design

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

St Katharine’s West 16 The Scores, St Andrews Fife KY16 9AX

SHOPS & SERVICES

5. Karen Wilkieson and Sue Rabjohns, both keen gardeners with 40 years of experience between them, told Reporter that they have set up a small plant nursery in Colinsburgh, Fife. Karen and Sue sell approximately 200 varieties of hardy herbaceous perennial plants, grown from locally-produced stock, selected to thrive in the Scottish climate – the nursery is actually based in Karen’s back garden! You can find the pair, with their plants, at the St Andrews Farmers Market, as well as at a number of Scotland’s Gardens plant sales throughout the year. The nursery is open by appointment. Said Sue, “As well as our hardy plants we also offer a bespoke border design and garden consultancy service. We are passionate about lots of things, but we really love helping people make their gardens beautiful. Our plan for the future is to grow the business, eventually supplying plants further afield to individuals and businesses beyond Fife and the East Neuk. Engaging with customers at the nursery and at plant sales, helping them choose the right plants for their gardens, is the thing we enjoy most about running the business – it’s what gets us out of bed in the morning.” They can be contacted through the web: www.eastneukperennials.co.uk and on Facebook. Reporter wishes them well.

(both sweet and savoury), coffees, cakes, soups, paninis, as well as wine and cheese-and-meat sharing platters, with emphasis on local and organic ingredients. Contact: info@oldcheeseshop.co.uk

(Photo courtesy the Old Cheese Shop Café)

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(Photo courtesy Karen & Sue)

7. Alba St Andrews, Residential Property Services has moved from Market Street to 195 South Street (01334 470 028) web: www.albastandrews.co.uk . Managing Director Paul Dickens explained to Reporter that the business had well and truly outgrown its premises. Harriet Miller, Office Manager, agreed heartily! A chartered surveyor, Paul started the business in 2009 with no properties on his books. His friends and relations were convinced it wouldn’t work. However, it was what Paul wanted to do and he persevered, as all those with vision tend to do. With customer care at the top of the list, Alba now manages a sizeable portfolio of properties in and around St Andrews, from Dundee to Falkland. Not tied just to the student market, Alba is thriving; “we really enjoy it”, say Paul and Harriet with conviction, Paul adding that he likes a challenge. Reporter is truly happy to spread more good news!

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6. Reporter is well pleased to share this information: The Old Cheese Shop Café in Burghers Close, 141 South Street, (01334 477 355), is celebrating a re-launch as a fully-licensed café and gallery, in newly-redesigned premises. It has been transformed from an excellent specialist business into a welcoming and inviting space – a real asset to the town, attracting visitors and townspeople of discernment to the South Street premises. In the very centre of the town, this new café and gallery offers a haven for anyone looking for a place to eat good food in comfortable surroundings together with an opportunity to enjoy art works. Families will enjoy the safety of a delightful courtyard, well arranged for sunshine and shade. It gives a rare historical glimpse of the old St Andrews, with the surrounding original buildings and cobblestones typical of the town. The Old Cheese Shop Café menu ranges from delicious homemade crêpes

EVENTS Marion Mason

St Andrews Harbour Gala Our annual Harbour Gala will be held on Saturday, 15 July, from 11.00am to 5.00pm at the harbour. Like last year, we are hoping for glorious weather and a huge turnout! There will be the usual inflatable castles and slides, rides for children, face painting, various stalls, including raffle, books, brica-brac, a bottle stall. There will also be individual craft-type stalls. We are extremely grateful to the many local businesses, which donate prizes to the raffle, to be drawn on the day. Raffle tickets are available to purchase in some of the local businesses, listed on our Facebook page: St Andrews Harbour.

We are hoping to have a visit from the local emergency services to demonstrate fire appliances, discuss police procedures, and explain the work of the local coastguard. Last year, a lovely sight was the City of St Andrews Pipe Band marching through the gala playing all the favourite tunes. With the view of the sea on one side, the Square Tower and skyline of the town on the other side, and the beautiful weather conditions, it was just perfection! We are delighted to announce the band will be with us again this year. Our licensed bar will be run again by Heidi Orr of The New Inn; our usual catering of burgers, strawberry tarts, scones, home baking, tea, coffee, and ice cream will be

situated right next to the bar. We are very grateful to the local businesses, which donate many of the above listed provisions. All monies raised will be invested in the general maintenance and upkeep of the harbour and surrounding area. If you would like to rent a stall, help with building the marquees, man a stall, or serve the burgers, tea/coffee, or simply make a donation, please contact Marion on 07580 137 116 or email: marionmasons@hotmail.com or message our Facebook page: St Andrews Harbour. We look forward to seeing everyone on the day, hoping you have as much fun as we do! (Photos courtesy the harbour)

Jim Carruth

Kelpies Mighty twins of Carnera, unbridled in this kingdom between canal and firth, surface to take the strain. Clydesdales of the Carron, rare wild-maned kelpies come to harness the river carry each weary traveller. Celebrate their strength Never forget a debt owed Echo the great beasts that work among us Bow down your strong heads to taste the water Stretch up your long necks to face the sun This is the poem that inspired Andy Scott to make the amazing Kelpie sculptures that are attracting visitors in their thousands to the Helix, between Falkirk and Grangemouth. Standing at 100 feet high, these very visible features express homage to the Scottish working horses that once pulled the barges on the canals, and worked the fields, equivalent in their day to today’s many engines. In July/August St Andrews will be hosting the Kelpie Maquettes, the smaller version of the sculptures, which have been touring the world showcasing Scotland. There is great excitement over their coming here,

on the Bruce Embankment, beside the Golf Museum. The launch on 29 July will feature a parade attended by both Andy Scott and Jim Carruth. Other events are planned in conjunction with this prestigious happening. For all information look out in the press, and in: www.standrewslive.com Debbie MacCallum, of Tourism St Andrews, the organisers of the Kelpie Maquettes’ coming, is ecstatic. Along with the town’s retailers she expresses her optimism for success in putting St Andrews on the map as much more than a golfing destination. (Poem and photo with permission)

EVENTS From Pamela Robertson

Summer Exhibitions in the Art Club This year there will be 6 weeks of Art Exhibitions in the St Andrews Art Club. Five separate and unique exhibitions stretching from mid-July to early September.

Summer Exhibition: Friday, 14 July – Sunday, 30 July Over 50 local artists will show their work in the Club’s rooms in Argyle Street near the West Port. Each artist may have up to 5 works on display. The paintings are framed ready for hanging. They can be taken away immediately on purchase. Over the last few years, artists have been expanding their skills; moving into abstract, mixed media, as well as crafts, such as embroidery, weaving and felting, along with the traditional oils, acrylics, inks, watercolours, and pastels. All works are for sale and entry is free. Many of our members are professionally-trained artists, who also exhibit in the North Fife Open Studios in early May, as well as the summer exhibitions in Pittenweem and the East Neuk. Others have learned their skills after joining the Club and attending the many classes and workshops that run throughout the year. To be a member of the Art Club, you don’t need to be able to draw or paint – you just need to want to! Membership details are on our website. www.standrewsartclub.co.uk After the main exhibition, members can book the Club’s rooms for their own exhibitions. This allows artists to hang much larger works of art and gives the chance to see many more examples of their work. This year eleven local artists will exhibit throughout August and early September showing different paintings each week – a ‘Summer of Art’ indeed!

Linda Paton

Linda Paton: Friday, 4 – Thursday, 10 August (10.00am - 5.00pm) Linda is once again holding her solo art exhibition in the St Andrews Art Club premises. She paints a variety of different subjects from local St Andrews seascapes, iconic Scottish landmarks, to Highland Cows, and Proud Stags.

Five Friends: Friday, 18 August – Saturday, 24 August (10.00am - 4.30 pm) Maggie, Sylvia, Lesley, Sheila, and Elizabeth first met some years ago in Liz Yule’s classes. They are now all enthusiastic members of the St Andrews Art Club, continuing to meet regularly as a group. This exhibition shows how they have all developed their own individual styles working in different media.

4 Artists: Friday, 25 – Thursday, 31 August (10.00am - 4.30pm)

Sylvia Robertson

Pam Robertson, Carole Tricker, Liz Craig, Jean le Maitre had their first exhibition in the Club rooms last year. They are keen to repeat the experience. All have several paintings, embroideries, and weavings in private collections. Their varied styles enhance and complement each other: 1. Pam works in inks, mixed media, and printing techniques, as well as detailed botanical illustration. As a biologist, her work usually includes animals and plants. Both framed and mounted work will be on display as well as cards and giclée prints. 2. Carole has produced many lino cuts. She is now working with textiles, weaving fine wools into small abstract landscapes taking the Scottish mountains and seas as her inspiration. 3. Liz works mostly in pastel, acrylics, and mixed media. She draws inspiration from the Fife and Cornish coastlines and countryside for her landscapes, also painting cityscapes, influenced by visits to Barcelona and Venice. Original work and prints will be available. 4. Jean hand-sews detailed samplers made with silk, cotton, and linen. Commissions welcome.

Chris Carter: Friday, 31 August – Thursday, 7 September (10.00am - 4.30pm) Chris is exhibiting his father’s paintings, including his beautiful A-Z flower alphabet. This is something that Chris has been planning to do for a long time and he’s delighted to be able to have the opportunity this year. Come along to see paintings that haven’t been on view for many years – an opportunity not to be missed.

Jean le Maitre

(Images courtesy the Club)

EVENTS Zilla Davies, National Campaigns Project Co-Ordinator, Help for Heroes (H4H)

BBQ for Heroes – 15 to 30 July 2017 If the weather permits, and you are planning a BBQ this summer, please consider turning it into “an opportunity to fundraise for our wounded, injured, and sick service personnel, veterans, and their families”. You don’t have to keep strictly within the above time parameters. Whenever you find a convenient time for your BBQ, feel free to join the campaign. To register, or for more information visit: www.bbqforheroes.org.uk or call 01980 846 459.

Everyone who takes part will be entered into “a prize draw to win a Napoleon charcoal barbecue, which has kindly been donated by H4H brand partner, Alf Turner.” A free fundraising pack will be sent to everyone who registers a BBQ for Heroes event, to help make each event a success. The packs include collection boxes, bunting, balloons, a BBQ for Heroes banner, plus additional items. Share your pictures on Twitter by using the hashtag #BBQforHeroes

BBQ for Heroes Five Facts •

More than £200,000 has been raised since BBQ for Heroes was launched. The aim is to break through the £250,000 this year.

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Around 300,000 burgers have been flipped.

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Around 1000 jars of gherkins have been opened.

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Help for Heroes supports those with injuries and illnesses sustained while serving in the British Armed Forces. No matter when someone served, we give them the support they need to lead active, independent and fulfilling lives.

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How we do it: Our specialist teams focus on the five key areas of an individual’s life: medical, mind, body, spirit, and family. We provide support to the whole family to help them all cope with the challenges they face. Long-term recovery is more than repairing damaged bodies and minds; it’s about rebuilding lives. For more information about Help for Heroes, please visit www.helpforheroes.org.uk (Image courtesy H4H)

Lynda Samuel announces

An Open Poetry Competition on the theme of Autumn Organised by the Scottish Fellowship of Christian Writers, the competition’s closing date is Saturday, 30 September. • • •

Open to anyone over the age of 16, the poem(s) should be original and unpublished, no longer than 40 lines. There is an entry fee of £5 per poem (or 3 for £12) for nonmembers of the Fellowship; £3 per poem (or 3 for £7.50) for members. Three prizes are offered: £50 for 1st – £25 for 2nd – £15 for 3rd. For more detailed information, please consult the web: www.sfcw.info

Anne Dunlop is

Exhibiting Anne, who lives in Elie, is a member of St Andrews Art Club. Over the Summer months she will be Exhibiting her Art In Broughty Ferry, and Elie. Anne paints mainly in Oils and Acrylics, Seascapes, Landscapes, and some Abstracts. She is exhibiting her work during Broughty Ferry Gala week at the Open Church, St James Church, 5 Fort St, Broughty Ferry (beside the Lifeboat Shed) from Monday, 3 to Friday, 7 July 2017. The Church will be open from 12.00noon to 4.00pm daily. Anne will also be Exhibiting at her home: “Roseville”, Links Place, Elie, Fife, from Saturday, 29 July to Sunday, 13 August 2017. This Exhibition will be open from 10.00am to 5.00pm. Anne hopes to see you at one of these events, when you will get a warm welcome. Entry to both is free. (Photo courtesy Anne Dunlop)

EVENTS

Selected Events Saturday, 1 July to Sunday, 2 July – Craigtoun Country Park, Fayre. Saturday, 1 July – 9.00am-1.00pm. Argyle Street car park. Farmers’ Market. – 10.00am. Supper room, Town Hall, Queen’s Gardens. RNLI St Andrews Fundraising Branch Coffee Morning. Support the Lifeboats! Entry, £2. Contact: ali.e.malcolm@btinternet.com – 1.00pm-4.00pm. All Saints Church Hall, North Castle Street. Charcoal and Tone. Taster workshop for Eden Art. Contact: 07890 716 543, email: eden.art@hotmail.com Saturday, 8 July – 10.00am-3.00pm. Victory Memorial Hall, St Mary’s Place. Craft Fair. Fife Craft Association handmade crafts. Friday, 14 to Sunday, 30 July – 10.00am-5.00pm daily. Art Club Rooms, 14c Argyle Street. Summer Exhibition. Contact: pam.robertson2011@yahoo.com See page 19. Saturday, 15 July – 11.00am-5.00pm. At the harbour. The annual Harbour Gala. See page 18. Tuesday, 18 July – 1.00pm. St Andrews Episcopal Church, Queen’s Terrace. Lunchtime Recital. Angela Stevenson, cello: Graeme Stevenson, piano. The Heisenberg Ensemble. Music by Ginastera, da Falla, Piazzola. Admission Free (retiring collection for the Heisenberg Ensemble). Contact: jill@hawkhill.myzen.co.uk – 5.00pm-9.00pm. Balgove Larder, Strathtyrum. Night Market. Contact: info@balgove.com Tel: 01334 898145.

From Ronald Sandford

Crail Festival 2017 Crail Festival 2017 will take place Wednesday,19 to Saturday, 29 July in a variety of venues in Crail. This year’s very varied programme should have popular appeal. Perennial favourites include: the Street Market (already, virtually fully booked by eager stallholders); Art Exhibition; Festival Quiz; Putting – the Putting Green will be open 24 June - 20 August. Given good weather we should beat the amazing total of 4200 putting rounds in 2015! The exciting range of children’s activities will be unsurpassed in Scotland. Fun, education, creativity, imagination, teamwork, curiosity, friendship, will be found indoors or out for all who participate in such events as: Afternoon at the Movies – ‘BFG’ (Big Friendly Giant): Zoolab: Fossil Hunt: Crabbing: Sandcastle Competition: Story Telling: Putting Competition: Rock Pool Guddle: Bake-Off Competition: Workshops – Art; Ceramics; Krafty Kids; Fused Glass; Junior Golf Skills. Adults, too, have much to anticipate: Red Wine Productions, with their take on Alan Bennett: Folk Club, 30th Anniversary Concert: Outrageous comedy with Vladimir McTavish: hugely popular Horse McDonald: very talented Edwina Hayes: the raucous, entertaining Bevvy Sisters: the refined accomplishments of Trio Ecossaise – and much more! Follow the build-up on the Festival website: www.crailfestival.com For those of you who have discovered the joys of Social Media please look at: Facebook.com/Crail Festival, Pinterest.com/Crail Festival, Twitter.com/Crail Festival. There is certainly something for everyone!

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St Andrews Photographers will be at the Pittenweem Arts Festival from Saturday 5 August to Sunday, 13 August, 10.00am to 5.00pm daily. Preview Evening Friday, 4 August, 6.00pm. www.standrewsphotographers.com Saturday, 5 August – 9.00am-1.00pm. Argyle Street car park. Farmers’ Market. – 10.00am-5.30pm. St Andrews Town Hall, Queen’s Gardens. Model Railway Exhibition. – 1.00pm-4.00pm. All Saints Church Hall, North Castle Street. Painting Outdoors (taster workshop). Contact: eden.art@hotmail.com Sunday, 6 August – 10.30am-4.30pm. Students’ Union, St Mary’s Place. Craft Fair – Fife Craft Association. – 10.30am-5.00pm. St Andrews Town Hall, Queen’s Gardens. Model Railway Exhibition. Thursday, 10 August to Tuesday, 15 August – Lammas Market 2017. Tuesday, 22 August – 5.00pm to 9.00pm. Balgove Larder, Strathtyrum. Night Market. Contact: info@balgove.com Tel: 01334 898145. Saturday, 26 August – 10.00am-5.00pm. St Andrews Town Hall, Queen’s Gardens. Antique Collectors’ & Vintage Fair. Entry £1, seniors & students 75p, accompanied kids Free. Contact: rob1walker@btinternet.com Tel: 01334 838 217. Saturday, 27 August – Craigtoun Country Park Charity Day.

ORGANISATIONS Alison Baillie highlights the

St Andrews Music Club – Celebrating its 65th Season From the beginning, the Club has combined “star attractions” in the Since its first concert in October 1953, the St Andrews Music Club form of well-established musicians, with potential stars of the future. has been providing local people with the chance to brighten their The Club has also aimed to produce a varied winter evenings by attending quality chamber music concerts programme, perhaps illustrated by the inclusion in St Andrews. During its first three in the second season of both Kenneth McKellar decades, audiences of around 1,000 and the Végh Quartet from Hungary. The Végh frequently filled the Younger Hall to hear Quartet was disbanded in 1980, but throughout internationally-renowned musicians. its forty-year history it was regarded as one Although the Club attracts smaller of the foremost string quartets in Europe. The audiences today, this has allowed the 1950s and 1960s saw concerts by Julian use of more intimate venues such as the Bream, John Ogdon, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Byre Theatre and St Salvator’s Chapel, the King’s Singers, Jacqueline du Pré, Janet although the Younger Hall is still used for Baker, and the Amadeus String Quartet. some concerts. Since 2013 the Music Club For the 21st birthday of the Club in 1974, has been working in partnership with the Yehudi Menuhin performed in the Younger University of St Andrews Music Centre, Hall. The President’s Report to the May which has enabled the Club to continue 1974 Annual General Meeting of the Club to engage national and international reported that “Unaccompanied sonatas by performers of the highest standard. Bach were played in his own inimitable style Currently six concerts are held each year; by Yehudi Menuhin to a packed Younger the 2017/2018 programme will feature Hall audience. Afterwards, the Committee string quartets, a solo piano recital, even a had the delight of meeting Mr Menuhin saxophone quartet! Concerts are open to all at a buffet supper to celebrate this 21st – just turn up on the night and buy a ticket for Birthday Concert of the Music Club.” that concert, or buy a season ticket for all six Perhaps the icing on the cake for the Club concerts. was that Mr Menuhin did not accept a fee Readers may be interested to know a little for this recital! about the history of the St Andrews Music Club In more recent years, the programme and what led to its formation. The Music Club has continued to include some of the was formed following the decision to wind up UK’s, and indeed Europe’s, most the St Andrews Chamber Music Society in 1952. highly-regarded musicians, including Formed in 1920 it was essentially a membership the London Bridge Ensemble in 2013, club with little or no public advertising of Chloë Hanslip in 2015, both the Brodsky concerts. Initially successful, it had ceased to Quartet, and Ronald Brautigam in 2016. be financially viable. However, its demise led to The Fitzwilliam String Quartet have a number of letters to the Citizen bemoaning the become regular performers each April loss of music in St Andrews. A group comprising, as part of their participation in the University’s among others, Professor Cedric Thorpe Davie, Strings in Spring event. Professor J F Allen, and Jean MacPherson, was For the 21st birthday of the In the heady days of 1973 the President formed with the aim of creating an organization Club in 1974, Yehudi Menuhin reported that the Club had “the embarrassing that would continue to bring professional music to St Andrews, while remaining financially viable. performed in the Younger Hall task of refusing membership to many people who wished to join” because the Buchanan They proposed that the new Club would differ Theatre could hold only 440. This led to the from the Music Society by avoiding its perceived decision to hold all future concerts in the Younger Hall. However, by exclusiveness and ensuring that its concerts were seen as open to all 1984 a fall in membership prompted a move to Lower College Hall members of the public. In addition, rather than bringing performers to as attendances could no longer justify the use of the Younger Hall. St Andrews from London specifically for a concert, the new Club wanted Inevitably perhaps, with the invention of CDs, and the formation of the to collaborate with other Scottish music clubs by choosing artists who Scottish Chamber Orchestra, who now visit regularly, Club membership were touring these clubs, thus sharing the travel costs. At a public continued to reduce over the years in line with the experience of other meeting in May 1953 the proposed Music Club was approved, with work music clubs throughout the country. In 2013 it was decided to enter into starting immediately on arrangements for the first season’s concerts. a partnership with the University Music Centre to hold the St Andrews Concert Series. This has been a very successful move resulting in a steady increase in attendances at concerts. The Club is indebted to the University Music Centre for its work in putting together a varied, highquality programme since this partnership began. The programme for the 2017/2018 season continues this very high standard, while work has already started on the 2018/2019 season. The 65th season of the Music Club begins on Thursday, 21 September with the Avison Ensemble in St Salvator’s Chapel exploring the Italian influence on 18th century English music. Tickets for all concerts are available from the Byre Theatre, or at the door. For information on all the concerts in the 2017/2018 season, see the Club’s website: www.saint-andrews.co.uk/smc/ The Club is run by local volunteers. If you would like to help with the work of the Club, and thus have the opportunity to meet with some of our distinguished performers, please contact our Committee Secretary via our website. Fitzwilliam Quartet

(Photo & early programme courtesy the Music Club)

ORGANISATIONS Liam Sinclair, welcome new Artistic Director of the Byre Theatre

Reporting Success At the time of writing it has been almost eight months since I took up the post as Artistic Director of the Byre Theatre, and what a wonderful eight months it has been. I arrived into post at the start of October, straight from a hectic month in my role as Executive Producer for Scottish Dance Theatre, where I had been working closely with the team to celebrate our 30th birthday, and which included a three-week tour to Brazil, and two events at the company’s home venue, Dundee Rep. Reaching St Andrews it was straight into another busy period. Over the past few months some of the highlights have been: • •

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Staging our most successful panto to date, Aladdin, which played to nearly 10,000 people and capacities of 97%; Launching Byre in the Botanics 2017 with strong advance ticket sales building on the success of the 2016 event ( www.bitb17.com ); Supporting countless visiting companies to bring high-quality professional touring productions to audiences in St Andrews and the surrounding area; Collaborating with the vibrant local amateur theatre scene to stage their productions that reach thousands of people each year; Partnered with STANZA to help deliver their 20th edition, being hailed by many as the most successful to date.

It has been a whirlwind; I have loved being part of such a vibrant and exciting mix of arts activity, delivered by a hard-working, dedicated team, for appreciative audiences. At the same time I have been leading a process to create the longer-term strategy and business plan for the theatre. We started with a review of the successes of the past 30 months, since the University commenced

operating the theatre. As the above would suggest it’s been busy! In the 30-month period of October 2014 to March 2017: 1. 3,814 events have been staged in total; of which – 2. 3,272 were public events; 3. 1,380 were live performances; 4. 297 were film screenings; 5. 334 were academic teaching, keynote address, lecture or seminar related; 6. 25 exhibitions were staged (an average of 1 per month); 7. In excess of 155,000 people have attended the theatre (an average of over 5,000 per month); 8. In excess of 113,000 tickets have been sold (an average of 3,766 per month); 9. 12,931 people have attended productions created by the local community; 10. Over 10,000 people, including many not associated with the University, have attended productions created by students.

possibilities for artists, who, like academics, are hungry for knowledge and discovery through innovation and creativity. Over the coming years we will be developing a range of programmes to support academics and artists working together in order to generate exciting creative content that is intended to be of real interest to you, our audiences. As That’s a fantastic achievement in anybody’s they say… watch this space! book! And one on which we wish to build If the last eight months are anything to going forward, ensuring the Byre Theatre go by, the months and years I have ahead as remains a vibrant Artistic Director will be community and arts hub for very, very rewarding. I St Andrews and beyond. can’t wait! We also want to what a wonderful eight Finally for those capitalise on the significant readers I have not had months it has been opportunities that are the chance to meet represented by being yet I very much look part of a world leading forward to doing so at a University. As you will undoubtedly know performance or event very soon. See you at the University has some of the brightest Byre in the Botanics if not before… and most innovative minds on the planet, that are continually making discoveries and (Photo courtesy Liam Sinclair) developments that have positive and lasting impacts for the world in which we live. This creates an exciting array of collaborative

ORGANISATIONS Walter Hill, Rotary, reports on

The Defeat of Polio programmes. Collectively, Rotarians in our In 1985 there were a total of 350,000 reported District donate £150,000 to Rotary Foundation cases of poliomyelitis (polio) in 125 countries each year. Half of this goes towards the rich and poor throughout the world. In that eradication of polio. The rest provides a pool year Rotary Foundation set about eradicating of resources for other programmes. this crippling, debilitating and life-shortening The Rotary Club of St Andrews has disease. Since then 2.5 billion children have benefited from this pool on a project in been immunized with an estimated 16 million Cameroon. As Rotarian Hamish Tait, whom saved from the scourge of polio. Now, in 2017, many will know as a former local GP, explains, after more than thirty years, $1.5 billion and “ the lack of clean water in many countries countless voluntary man hours, only five cases contributes to the spread of disease and have been reported; 3 in Afghanistan and 2 increased incidence of child mortality. So in Pakistan. The last case was in February. when we were asked to assist in the provision This is the longest polio-free period and is a of boreholes and pumping for fresh water at remarkable achievement. Gamboura in the far north of Cameroon in St Andrews has had a direct local interest West Africa, we decided to help.” in this important initiative. A team of volunteers The initial St Andrews Rotary investment from the Rotary Club of St Andrews spent of £6000, supplemented by contributions time in a village in rural India providing from other local clubs, finally reached immunization to local children. However, £50,000 through a Global Grant from Rotary St Andrews Rotarian, Arthur Griffiths, who Foundation. This was enough to fund the has taken a strong interest in polio, counsels entire project. The financial arrangements and caution. “According to the World Health supervision in Cameroon were handled by the Organization, (WHO), failure to eradicate the Rotary Club of Maroua. disease could result in 200,000 cases per Hamish recently received news that, year in ten years time. To stop now would be after two years, the system remains well catastrophic.” maintained and operative whilst the health of In addition to the more than one million the local population continues to improve. As Rotarians who have devoted time and Hamish points out, “This is a great example personal resources to end polio, Rotary of Rotary at work; the Foundation works with Rotary Foundation WHO, UNICEF and creating facilities for national governments. The last case was in clubs in two quite It has also received countries donations in excess of February. This is the longest diverse to collaborate in $550 million from the polio-free period and is a a significant local Bill and Melinda Gates humanitarian Foundation. remarkable achievement enterprise with both Rotary’s Polio Plus money and voluntary programme has been involvement.” described as the finest The Rotary Club of St Andrews Kilrymont humanitarian project, by a non-governmental is constantly involved in the work of the Rotary organization, the world has ever known. The Foundation. Initiatives to raise awareness Foundation has been nominated for the Nobel of its work have included Purple Pinky, and Peace Prize for this work. Purple Crocus days with a presence on the Rotary Foundation is Rotary’s own, and streets of St Andrews during World Polio Day. only, charity and its funds come, primarily, At the Rotary Club of St Andrews, the from the members of 350,000 Rotary clubs Foundation Committee incorporates the around the world. Its objective is to achieve International Committee because of the close world peace and understanding through links between the work of both. humanitarian, educational and cultural

At times of international disasters, practical aid such as Shelter and Aqua Boxes are sent. St Andrews Rotary has also worked with clubs in Canada and Germany to provide playground equipment to a deprived area in Ukraine. Another venture involving cooperation with a Rotary Club abroad is currently being planned. The problem of abandoned girls in India is constant and growing. The president of the Rotary Club of Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, whose granddaughter is currently taking a course at the University of St Andrews, is working to alleviate the distress. He has initiated an education programme in a nearby rural area and is seeking support in supplying books and funding a teacher. St Andrews Rotary Club is looking for ways to help. Christmas can be a lonely time for foreign students who are unable to go home. So, when everybody else is away, the Rotary Club of St Andrews invites these young people to join in a Christmas lunch with balloons, crackers, and vigorous singing. It isn’t just the guests who enjoy the fun! So, whilst the Vocational Committee engages with the local community, the Foundation and International Committee looks out to the wider world. The ultimate objective is the same; to give help to those who need it, when they need it, whenever we can. To learn more about Rotary, please visit standrewsrotary.net (Photo courtesy Rotarian Alan Constable)

ORGANISATIONS Alan Sturrock immerses himself in the

Rides of the Lammas It’s that time of year again for the Lammas to roll into our town; a tradition that has been happening since 1153. It was established by a Royal Charter given us as the oldest market in Scotland. Born and brought up in St Andrews, my love affair with the Lammas started when I was very young and my granny would walk me along Lamond Drive and Langlands Road to see the lorries and caravans parked there before they headed up to the town centre. Having grown up with the Lammas I have seen it change over the years. The rides then would come out of the back of a lorry and built up. Nowadays most of the big rides are on trailers, folded out by the press of a button. Last year in the July/August, Issue 77, I took you down memory lane looking at some of the older rides and where they are now. This time we are going to look at some of the novelty rides that hit our streets. Market Street, the Waltzer This is a variety of Noah’s Ark and Speedway rides. The Waltzer became strongly associated with the Scottish firm Maxwell and Son’s of Musselburgh, who made the rides, or converted the Ark’s and Speedway’s. In the July/August 2006, issue 17, my story was about William White’s Waltzer (a Legend of a Waltzer) sitting in front of the fountain from

the late ‘70s to when he sold it in December 2004. Justin Codona’s waltzer replaced White’s at the Lammas in August 2005. It stands in front of the fountain today, made by a company called Orton & Spooner in April 1931. It has 9 cars, as it was converted from a Speedway. The Miami Ride This ride has its beginnings in Holland, dating back to 1978. Miami Rides debuted at Manchester and SECC Glasgow in 1990. Scottish Showman Irvin Stringfellow used to bring his Miami Ride into Market Street. It was called Experience, made by Nottingham UK. Another Miami Ride to grace the Lammas was Scottish Showman John Wheatley’s Limbo Dancer, built in 1991 by Sluijs Smalcor and still traveling round the fairgrounds today. Nowadays in Market Street Warren & Kyle Taylor bring their Miami called Mega Motion, a Eurofab ride made in 1994. South Street has seen Miami Rides as well; Thomas Stringfellow’s ride used to sit at the corner of South Street and Abbey Street. Made in 1993, it was called Gladiator, themed on the hit TV show. It was sold in 1999 to another Scottish Showman, Thomas Wilmot, who themed it Hulk. It still tours the fairs today. Nowadays Horne’s Pleasure Fairs Miami is in South St.

Mattie & Douglas Taylor (M&D’s) have always been in the forefront of the ever-changing fairground technology. We look at some of the novelty rides they have presented at the Lammas: The Orbiter It has a number of articulated arms radiating from a central rotating vertical axis. Each arm supports a cluster of cars which are lifted through 90° into the horizontal position. Taylor’s Orbiter was a Norson Power-built ride made in April 1981, and named Invader, themed on the Space Invader. Taylor’s sold it in 1995. Nowadays, English Showman Robert Bentley has it. Another success for M&D Taylor at the Lammas was their Breakdance ride called Street Dancer. A Breakdance ride consists of a platform with a diameter of 20m upon which are mounted four hubs each bearing four twoperson cars with the arms lifting and rotating through 360º. Fabbri was the manufacturer of the Taylor’s ride, made in June 1991. It was then exported to the Czech Republic. I hope you have all enjoyed another trip down the years; hopefully we will do it again next year. Have a great time at the Lammas! (Photo courtesy Alan Sturrock)

TOWN & GOWN Konstantin Wertelecki is an American PhD student at the University of St Andrews currently spending 6 months in Italy for his research. He has promised to stay in touch!

Rome’s Ghost “You’re not on the right street,” she said, pointing behind me. “You’ll want to go in that direction.” With a sigh, nod, and quick, ‘grazie mille’, I thanked the waitress, occupied with a tray of stacked, dirty coffee cups, and I turned around. I was hot, frustrated, and lost. I crossed the street to a shelter of tall trees, where I found a coolly shaded bench; I sat for some minutes while I refreshed myself with a bottle of acqua frizzante. I was no longer in Florence, a city that I had grown to traverse so well that I no longer carried a map. Rather, sprawling before me, with its wide, treelined streets, enormous stone buildings, and innumerable baroque churches, was Rome, cuore of the Italian nation. As I sat, mending my navigational ego, I began to muse over the differences between Florence and Rome that I had noted. For a start, the accent was clearer, if not less ‘luxurious’. No longer did I hear the hushed pronunciation of hard ‘c’s, and the elegantly softened ‘che-’ sounds, but a strong, clear, almost bullet-like tone, so famously heard in ‘standard’ Italian. Secondly, I was almost overwhelmed by the expanse of space that the city had to offer. Coming from Florence, where it takes only about half-an-hour to walk across the city centre, and the crossing of a street is sometimes a matter of just hopping from one pavement to the other, the crossing of a Roman street, multi-laned with various pieces of transport, felt to be an odyssey in itself. I was, however, refreshed by the greenness of Rome; trees and gardens are everywhere, on roofs, hanging from walls, giving the city a bit of a fantastical aura. What I was most curious to discover, however, was what the Romans thought of themselves. “In Italy”, I was told by the taxi driver who met me upon my arrival at Rome’s Termini railway station, “we say that Rome possesses history, but Florence possesses culture.” “But, Florence has a strong history of the Renaissance,” I said, as we pulled away from the station. “Yes, but people don’t go to Florence to learn about the history,” he replied, “they go to see the art. In Rome, people come to see the history; antiquities are everywhere.” We began to curve around the Piazza della Reppublica and I turned to look out of the windows to see on my left, a set of majestic, monumental, Baroque buildings with high arches, whilst to my right, the former Baths of Diocletian, almost intimidating in its stature and weight, yet stripped of its former imperial glory to a humble exterior of ochre brick. “Do you think Romans are very different from Florentines?” I asked, turning back to the driver. “It’s funny for you, as a foreigner, to ask that.” he said, “While we think all British are all the same, most tourists think we’re all the same. But, Florentines know how to enjoy life, because Florence is a city of culture. It has art everywhere! We’re more a city of workers.”

former pride, whereas Florence possessed “What do you mean by a city of culture?” a strong, omnipresent culture and identity. I asked, as we stopped in front of a crossing Furthermore, his comments made me wonder, and watched shopping-bag-laden pedestrians what is it to be a scurrying wearily across, Roman? in the hot sun. A couple of days “What Florence gave It is not buildings, histories, later, I found myself, one us,” he gestured to me, evening after my work at “still exists today: writers, or economy that makes the archives, strolling by artists, Dante, Boccaccio, a city, but the voices, Augustus’ Mausoleum, Brunelleschi, eh? The Italian we speak today personalities, and life, that which was roped off for renovation. Skimming originates in Florence! flows through its streets the placards, which Rome changes. Although explained in utterly the buildings are still boring detail the exact here, the Roman Empire technical process of restoration, I overheard, is gone.” next to me, a seemingly knowledgeable tourist To me, there was something a little sad talking very loudly and excitedly to his Englishabout my driver’s comments. It was as if, to speaking friends about the restoration. him, Rome was today, nothing, washed of its

TOWN & GOWN “What the Fascists did was terrible,” he said, emphatically, “They ‘restored’ the Mausoleum by making it into a concert hall, but they did a lot of damage in the process! Hopefully, this time, they’ll get it right.” After listening to this, I began to think, again, about the taxi driver’s words, ‘Rome is a city of history.’ In some ways, one could think that this restoration project was a representation just of that: the city was restoring all that it had, the past. Adjacent to the mausoleum, was an enormous Fascistera building, with neo-Roman mosaics and inscriptions. While this, too, was also a symbol of Rome’s heritage, as a historian, I was struck by the dark lessons this building demonstrated in attempts to ‘repeat’ former history.

For dinner, that night, I ate outside at a local pizzeria near the Castle Sant’Angelo and fell into conversation with one of the waitresses. “Florence is so beautiful!” she said, “Every time I go there, I think people must feel they’re on holiday all the time!” “Rome is so beautiful too, though!” I replied. “Yes, but sometimes,” she said, glancing downwards, “it feels as if we can never get away from work. Always there’s politics here, and most people come here to find a job. If people go to Florence, they’re going on holiday, or to study, or retire.” She then quickly excused herself, as she had to go back to the kitchen to collect an order. I, rather surprised by her comments, sat

back to consider how dully she had portrayed modern Rome and with what excitement she had painted Florence. If Rome is truly a ghost, as suggested, a shell of the past, then what is needed to make it alive? Whilst I could not think of an answer, I did consider what, to me, does make Rome alive: the people. Around me, sat families and friends in boisterous chatter about their day. Passing by me on the pavement were couples, businessmen, or tired labourers, returning from long hours of work. It is not buildings, histories, or economy that makes a city, but the voices, personalities, and life, that flows through its streets. Maybe the glory of the empire will be a ghost in Rome, but, never, I hope, the Romans. (Photo courtesy Konstantin Wertelecki)

Lindsay Matheson and Colin Mackay enjoyed

“Finn Anderson and Friends” at The Byre, 25 April 2017 One joy that all the stresses in modern teaching have not yet taken Just how far this can go was so well illustrated by the music of Finn away is to witness former pupils developing their own bright and Anderson himself, whose writing and performance have gone from constructive careers. So it was when Finn Anderson and Friends pulled strength to strength over recent years. It has been a delight to witness together – and pulled off – this remarkable, entertaining musical show the development of Finn’s musical skills from Madras College, through in the Byre, following two brief afternoons of rehearsing the many riffs, appearances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and other major events, to accompaniments and harmonies for over 20 performers. Finn, now his more recent EPs and accompanying videos. well into carving out his own singer/songwriter career, was the leader, In this evening’s performance we heard the variety of Finn’s ably supported by his versatile musical team of David Macfarlane and beautifully-crafted songs and haunting melodies, including from James Ford. Fellow Madras pupil of the last decade, Amy Rayner, “Uncharted Lands” and his latest EP “Oceanic”. His songs are rich in herself a singer/songwriter with a growing imagery, strong in narrative and reflective reputation, was a delightful foil to Finn. They in style. This was so ably illustrated took into the show the contrived animosity in all his performances, but notably in of villain and heroine from their leads in “Hitchcock”, “Uncharted Lands” and one of Finn’s early entries into playwriting – “An American”, where his honeyed tone “Rowan’s Quest” – produced and directed draws the listener easily into the lyrics. by him in the Byre in his third year at His piano playing is much more than an Madras College a decade ago. accompaniment to his songs: it plays an Amy Rayner continues to be a very integral part in capturing the mood. Finn’s talented singer/songwriter with an engaging stage presence is excellent, putting the stage presence. She now leads the youth audience at their ease and in tune with choir of the Byre Theatre; these young his performance. He has a gentle, selfperformers are benefiting greatly from her deprecating humour, with a gift for including encouragement and tutelage, as was borne occasional anecdotes adding to our out by their enthusiastic renditions of “Touch understanding and enjoyment of his work. the Sky”, and “Higher and Higher”. This was He is also a very generous performer, a very promising début public performance freely acknowledging the role played by for the group of youngsters drawn from others past and present in his music. several local schools. Finn wears his musical heart on his Further local talent was showcased sleeve; he is a strong lyricist, bringing through a group of current Madras pupils, to a wider audience the universality of who brought their own reminder that a the themes of love and separation. The tradition of creativity, once generated, sensitive interplay of Finn and Amy really develops its own momentum almost showed the understanding that has grown impossible to snuff out. Twins, Isobel and between them over many years, which Katie Grieve, entertained the appreciative It was a joy for all present to witness helped the audience to appreciate and audience with their mature and gifted with these masterful songs. the depth of musical acumen, which connect performance; Arin Beaver captivated the The abiding memory that will long listeners with a stylish and note-perfect remain with the near full-house that continues to be developed and display of his singer/songwriting talents. night in the Byre was of youthful vitality, nurtured locally Several other pupils joined in the two items skill, confidence, joy in each other’s given by the ensemble. contributions and engagement between It was a joy for all present to witness performers and audience at every the depth of musical acumen, which opportunity. It is a format that could be continues to be developed and nurtured locally. Much credit for this repeated to good effect at some point in the future should Finn be willing encouragement of budding talent down the years must go to Mrs once again to weave his magic with his friends, when not fully occupied Janice Nisbet, of the Music Department. Her unfailing support and with his hectic schedule of performances in this country and far beyond. enthusiasm, not to mention much time “out of hours” given to the many If you missed this concert be sure to book next time! performers of traditional and modern musical “genres” deserves the highest commendation. (Photo by permission of Finn Anderson)

OUT & ABOUT Craig Gilbert has tried

Walking with pilgrims Fife’s Pilgrim’s Way is a project that has now I had the pleasure of walking part of the received heritage lottery funding, through the route known as the Waterless Road, a section Fife Coast & Countryside Trust, to improve from Ceres towards Struthers. The route is so and create links for this long-distance route named as it didn’t seem to have any wells or of over 70 miles. The route begins from streams nearby, as one main feature of many Culross Abbey, or North old roads was the inclusion Queensferry, and connects of such water sources. The route of the Waterless at Dunfermline Abbey, There is history behind Road today begins (or ends) before heading across the route further north at Ceres folk museum Fife’s landscape, visiting towards St Andrews, in a various pilgrim sites along route called the Bishop’s the way, like Markinch church, and various old Road (just south of Strathkinness – not actually heritage paths, many of them rights of way, part of the Pilgrim’s Way), that denotes where before culminating at St Andrews Cathedral. Archbishop Sharp of St Andrews was murdered ScotWays had been involved at the beginning, by Covenanters in 1679. Archbishop Sharp offering help with mapping of the route and would have travelled along the Waterless Road costings. on that very day.

The route of the Waterless Road today begins (or ends) at Ceres folk museum, heading opposite the car park up between houses, onto a grassy track. From there I could notice stones embedded in the ground at various intervals, old remnants, perhaps, of the old route. Fantastic views abound, of the Hill of Tarvit on one side, and rolling green fields interspersed with the yellow vibrancy of gorse bushes on the other side. Lambs bleated for their mothers as the track proceeded downward towards Denhead Farm. There is a sense of solitude on this route. Roads seem cunningly hidden, nestled within the hills and greenery. That feeling of being alone, surrounded by gorgeous scenery, really becomes alluring. My mind wandered to those who have used this route before; there’s a weight of history with every footstep. I could only imagine some of the journeys people used to take, and how the landscape had been for them. Certainly the farms and roads encountered would not have been there, or in a completely different form. It would have offered an even more contemplative view of nature with all its offerings. The brutality of the time of the covenanters in the 17th century was not lost to me as I walked. Years of violence, all related, in part, to religious undertakings. It is, however, easy to calm the mind in such an area of outstanding beauty. What history there was, had now been transformed into a very accessible countryside retreat. It’s fitting, I think, that this is the current state of the route. I welcome Fife Pilgrim’s Way, and the interest this will bring for the heritage of such routes, also the delight to be had from walking across Fife’s beautiful land. The Waterless Road is part of the ScotWays Heritage Path project. For more information visit: www.heritagepaths.co.uk for maps and descriptions of historical routes, Scotland wide. More info on Fife’s Pilgrim’s Way can be found at: www.fifecoastandcountrysidetrust.co.uk (Photo and logo courtesy Craig Gilbert)

Erratum The photo of the Golden-bloomed grey longhorn (Agapanthia villosoviridescens), which appeared in the last issue, May/June, was wrongly attributed. It should have been credited to Steven Falk. Apologies to Fife Nature Records, who requested the correct attribution. [Ed.]

OUT & ABOUT Tim Hardie’s

Nature Notes I was lucky enough to have a day salmon said than done. That said I do think weather is fishing on the Tweed in late May. Although the crucial factor for the successful raising of the river was at summer low and the sun wildlife; so far this year has been kind. was shining, the time spent on the riverbank Talking of youngsters, the River Tweed with good company and a picnic lunch was was full of smolts heading down to the sea memorable. from their nursery grounds in the upper Tweed. There were some salmon sploshing in the These lovely silvery half-pounders have spent pools, but the highlight was the many families their first two or three years developing river of wild duck making their way up the far bank craft, but now have to migrate down the length feasting on the huge hatches of flies that were of the river and pour out into the North Sea surfacing from the bottom of the river. It was at Berwick upon Tweed. Imagine leaving the hugely encouraging that the humble mallard relative safety of your home river, then making was enjoying a good breeding season. They your way to the North Sea and North Atlantic, have had a particularly tough time over recent but that’s what they must do as they will not years with cold springs and flooding; they grow strong and muscular staying at home. obviously have benefitted from our dry, mild They must take their chance in a world that is spring. even more fraught with danger. There is little doubt that Scotland’s These lovely silver fellows will not return four major salmon rivers, the Dee, Spey, to their home river for at least fourteen Tay, Tweed provide important habitat for months. Sometimes they will spend five years breeding wild duck. This is at sea before returning. probably partly due to the Incidentally they are not I was lucky enough to have ongoing management and silver growing up, but turn a day salmon fishing on the maintenance of the river this colour as the sea Tweed in late May banks, while the coming and beckons, giving them the going of fishermen deters camouflage they require. vermin having it all their own way. The ducks On returning home and entering fresh water certainly seemed unconcerned by me aimlessly they stop eating, to allow the nursery fish from casting my fly back and forth across the river. previous generations the food supply. As far as vermin are concerned it is imperative I am afraid the Atlantic salmon is not doing that mink are not tolerated. I imagine there is well; although it is encouraging to see the large some controlling of mink etc, always easier run of smolts. The autumn run on the Tweed of

adult fish, for which it is famous, has collapsed in the past two years. It is even worse on the rivers Annan and Nith in the South West of Scotland, where runs have been reduced to a fraction of their previous numbers. The mighty Tay, the most famous of our salmon rivers, is holding its own and with the hard work of interested parties has a bright future. For all of us that drive up the A9, it won’t be long before we have company, with the river Garry being reinstated. To explain: the Garry has been dry for many years due to water abstraction, but the river is now getting its water back. This means salmon will be able to run the river into the hinterland, which will offer many miles of spawning and nursery grounds. Our noble friends will not let us down I am sure. (Photo by John Anderson (Crail Birder: www.pbase.com/crail_birder ))

OUT & ABOUT Stephen Spackman reports on

St Andrews Coastal Rowing Club’s Wemyss Skiff ‘Turn’ On the bright, if cold, evening of Monday, 8 May, members and friends Whereas the St Ayles class rules are quite strict, there is nothing of the St Andrews Coastal Rowing Club gathered in the Market Street similar for the Wemyss. It will be eligible to race in the Scottish Coastal garage generously made available to the Club by David De Angelis, to Rowing Association’s “Picnic” class, but the really important thing about “turn” their latest boat. it from the Club’s point of view, is its flexibility. It can be rigged either The turn marks a significant moment in the build, when the hull as a pair oar, or as a double scull (with or without a cox). As a pair, it planking (laid bottom up on the ribs) is complete, and it has come to look can be used in its own right, as it were; but it will also be very useful like a boat, rather than simply a construction puzzle! for the Club to have a smaller boat available for Now it is the right side up, the fitting out has to be those occasions when, for one reason or another, done (seats, gunwales, oarlocks etc.), but all looks the Club’s outings fall one or two members short. to be on course for an autumn launch. Furthermore, it will also take the special seat all looks to be on course Club captain Bev Whittome welcomed for adaptive rowing. As for sculling, this is an for an autumn launch everyone present, with a special mention of experience which the Club has not been able to particular gratitude to Arthur Griffiths, Chairman of offer before. Olympic spectators will know how fast the St Andrews Community Trust, for supporting and smooth sculls are on the water. On the coast, the build; also to Isla Ashcroft, representing the although the Wemyss will need calmer seas and Pilgrim Foundation, which provided funds for the road trailers and lighter winds than the St Ayles, the exhilaration of sculling looks likely to launch trolleys. In both cases these were second awards to the Club become a significant attraction. (now entering its fourth season with over sixty members), which, as Bev Very few Wemyss skiffs have been built so far in comparison with pointed out, endorses its progress and recognises its position within the the St Ayles (of which there will be getting on towards two hundred community. registered craft by the time you read this). That, of course, is because The new boat is a Wemyss skiff, rather than a St Ayles one, like the the whole Scottish coastal rowing project, with its spread of clubs two already built by the Club. From the hand of the same designer, Ian and network of regattas, has developed with the St Ayles as the Oughtred, it has similar Nordic lines, but is approximately two-thirds of commissioned design. What the Wemyss brings to the project is the the size and weight of the larger skiff; it is intended for a rowing crew of smile on the face of everybody who steps out of one! two, rather than four. A consequence is that, in spite of additional interior fittings, such as buoyancy tanks, it is noticeably roomier for the crew and (Photos by Flora Selwyn) surprisingly comfortable to row.

OUT & ABOUT Arlen Pardoe

Hidden Gems in St Andrews Focussing on features that are in plain sight, though often overlooked House Names The map of St Andrews by John Wood, dated 1820, has the streets we are familiar with today, but lists the houses by the names of the owner. Title deeds of town houses from this period did not use house numbers to describe their location; instead the property was described by the names of the owners of surrounding properties, their previous owners, and might also refer to markers known as March Stones (The name. ‘March Stones’ derives from the 16th century meaning of ‘march’ as a boundary – from the Internet, Ed.). By the end of the 19th century houses were commonly referred to by name. The 1893 map of St Andrews shows many of the larger houses

(Photos courtesy Arlen Pardoe)

in the Scores and western expansion of the town with their house names. A modern largescale map shows house numbers; along with a postcode these identify a property, while strictly speaking that is all that is needed, though to physically find it we still need a street and town name. Outside urban areas names are still used; for example, for farms. Although they are no longer needed, it is still quite common for houses to be named. As interesting as the names are, in each case there is a history behind the choice made by the owner to give it that name.