St Andrews in Focus Issue 89 Jul Aug 2018 by Mike Collins

St Andrews in focus ISSN 2514-409X

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

July/August 2018 Issue 89, £2.00

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

Mhairi Lafferty is delighted to have won this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Art Club competition

A Summertime Celebration I chose the pastel medium for my painting, as it possesses many special properties that I particularly like when working the various elements present in this still life. I find that pastels offer such a wide choice of colours, ranging from the highly vibrant to the softest of shades. They can be gently blended to give a velvety effect, or carefully veiled over each other for further interesting hues and textures. The grainy nature of pastel reflects light, which also enhances the striking appearance of the strawberries. My choice of a strawberry celebratory theme hopefully reflects a summery sensation, while the use of the vibrant pastels for the Scottish strawberries allows them to further capture the essence of summertime. Thank you for choosing my painting for the cover.

St Andrews in focus

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

From the Editor

Pulling up dandelions in the garden set me thinking about choice – why this flower and not that one? Looked at dispassionately, dandelion flowers are really beautiful. By the roadside they add colour in the springtime, just like all the other wild flowers. Ah, say I to myself, I know what you’re thinking! If I leave them alone they’ll soon colonise the entire garden, shoving out other plants I value. Now I wonder, isn’t that the way people are also often regarded? Let this lot in and before you know it they’ll have taken over. Do you call that prejudice, or the outcome of experience? Which comes first? Maybe six of one, half dozen of the other? I really don’t know, but that’s the thing about gardening, it gives one ideas, along with the exercise! Flora Selwyn

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

JULY / AUGUST 2018 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., Suite 160, 15 Bell Street, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9UR. 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., Suite 160, 15 Bell Street, St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9UR. £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

Contents FEATURES •

Community Council

•

‘In Omnia Parata’

•

Reflections on the Lammas

•

Canine research

•

Paul Bartlett

• Reviews:

– J & G Innes recommends

– History of the Step Rock Club

TOWN & GOWN 10

•

Sir James Cameron

•

Heleen Plasier

•

Role model

ORGANISATIONS • STACS

•

Craigtoun’s café

•

Mums on the Run

CENTRE SPREAD SPECIAL FEATURE •

Holy Trinity Church origins

14-15

SHOPS & SERVICES •

Listed Property Owners’ Club

•

BID St Andrews

•

Are we listening?

•

Timely advice

•

Inheritance Tax updated

•

Roving Reporter

19 20-21

EVENTS •

Bandstand concerts

•

Crail Festival

•

St Andrews Coastal Rowing Club

•

Advanced Notice

•

Visit of The Foreign Affairs Committee

•

Selected Events

OUT & ABOUT •

Tim Hardie’s Nature Notes

•

St Andrews, Rights of Way

•

Hidden Gems

NEXT ISSUE – Sep/Oct 2018 COPY DEADLINE: STRICTLY 28 JULY

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

Cover: A Summertime Celebration, by Mhairi Lafferty – winner of the 2018 Art Club competition

FEATURES Callum McLeod, from the Provost’s Chair

The Community Council Our Planning Committee continues to meet building. By 1561 it had been abandoned and fallen into ruin, with twice a month to consider planning applications many of the stones taken away to build walls and houses in the town that are relevant to the town. Of the 60 or so – the citizens of St Andrews are no strangers to recycling! applications submitted to Fife Council each Many interesting characters from history are buried in the week, perhaps 6 or 7 relate to St Andrews – a grounds – prominent clergymen, such as Bishops Lamberton and large proportion – so our Burgh can fairly be Fraser; golfers, such as Old Tom and Young Tom Morris; Andra said to keep a goodly number of architects, Kirkaldy, all immortalised in our modern street names. There are designers, builders, and planning officials in business. other lesser knowns buried there too – Col Robert Aitken VC; With so many large-scale developments being proposed for the Warington Baden-Powell (brother of the founder of the Scouts); Burgh, we often reflect on how the impact of construction traffic can the splendidly-named Admiral Dashwood Fowler Moir; and, I was be managed to minimise noise and disruption. I wonder, then, how delighted to discover, a kinsman of mine, Norman MacLeod, Chief we would have fared some 850 years ago when a proposal was of the Clan MacLeod (known, somewhat embarrassingly, as “The successfully brought forward resulting in 150 years of construction Wicked Man”). traffic rolling along North Street and up the brae from My community challenge to you then is: take the harbour. a stroll through those magnificent ruins and try to The Cathedral was one I refer, of course, to the great Cathedral and get a sense of what that mighty building must have of the largest buildings Shrine of St Andrews, begun in 1158, completed in been like in its heyday. There are also lectures, in medieval Europe 1318. Normal delivery schedules permitting, you exhibitions, and services marking this momentous will be reading these words on, or around, 5 July milestone. 2018, the 700th anniversary of the consecration of the Cathedral Fittingly, the tools of the modern age allow us to see the in the presence of King Robert I who, according to legend, rode up Cathedral as no medieval monk would have done. I commend the aisle on his horse to assert his power over the Church (pace all to you a video on YouTube called “St Andrews from above”, serious historians, let’s just enjoy a good story!). drone footage with music by Sir James MacMillan performed by The Cathedral was one of the largest buildings in medieval St Salvator’s Chapel Choir, so stirring that I defy you not to be Europe, with a massive central tower and six turrets, only some of moved when you see it. Additionally, a fascinating reconstruction which remain as the familiar ruins we all know and love today. It of how the Cathedral would have looked in 1318 has been made enjoyed a chequered history, tied in with the story of our Burgh and by researchers at St Andrews University – this can be found at: our nation. The west end was blown down in a storm and rebuilt; a https://vimeo.com/77928887 fire took its toll in 1378; it took so long to build that changing fashions As always, I welcome hearing from you on any matter at can be seen in the shape of the windows. In 1559 a mob, incited by callummac@aol.com or 01334 478 584. the preaching of John Knox in Holy Trinity Church, ransacked the dum spiro spero

FEATURES Anne Tynte-Irvine hosted Flora Selwyn

‘In Omnia Parata’ On a beautiful, but cold spring day, Anne welcomed me to her remarkable home in the garden of her family house. Entranced, I listened to her story. Born in St Andrews in July 1938, Anne was christened in Richmond, Yorkshire, where her father, who was in the army, was based. Shortly after, the family sailed to India, the army “moving them about quite a lot.” In 1942, Anne’s father was killed in Burma. “My mother and I were stuck in India. It was very difficult, because once the man you were attached to was killed, you ceased really to be of any interest to the army. It was very difficult to get money too.” Luckily, Anne’s mother, herself the daughter of a military father in India, knew how to manage. A bungalow in Wellington in the Nilgiri Hills became their home. A regiment had left not long before, so Anne’s mother was able to “pick out some furniture”. There was a sitting tenant however, an “elderly colonel, who had got left behind, had been there for years and needed someone to look after him.” He occupied one end of the bungalow, while Anne’s mother, Anne, and the nanny had the rest. It seemed to work well, like having a grandfather! Anne’s mother knew the Governor of Bombay very well, John Colville (later to become the First Baron Clydesmuir). The family took the train to Bombay, where they were transferred by lorry to an army camp that

As Mary Ann Baxter of Balgavies in this year’s KK Procession

was filthy, because it had just been vacated. Anne, at 5½ years of age was given the only mosquito net for her safety; “I know exactly what it’s like to be a refugee!” A phone call to the Governor’s House resulted in the arrival, within half an hour, of a Daimler to transport the family to the House. “We had a very nice time there for about a fortnight” before joining the ship that was to take them back to Britain. Sailing past the Toe of Italy, they saw Vesuvius erupting, “the most amazing sight by night.” The children on board had to attend school deep in the bowels of the ship. Deceptively tall for her age, Anne seemed older. She regularly forgot to take her lifebelt with her back up to the top deck, as required. Mother delegated a young Cameronian soldier to escort Anne + lifebelt up from school In Craigtoun with grandson Patrick each day at noon. The ship was part of only the second convoy to pass through the Suez Timothy took over the family business in Canal before the end of the war. Buzzed by Londonderry. He and Anne relocated to enemy planes, the children were dispatched County Donegal, “a lovely quiet place”. below decks for their safety, so couldn’t see Anne was involved with Save the Children, any planes shot down. helping to run two playgroups for children In November 1944 almost three weeks who otherwise would have had no outlet. later, the ship docked at Glasgow. It was a She also supported the Londonderry Peace bitterly cold winter with snow, new to Anne. Women. Sadly, because of IRA attacks the The train took them to St Andrews, where business was closed. The family moved to Grandmother met them. London before returning Told to say ‘hello’ to to St Andrews. Granny, Anne quizzed The family history is her mother, “I thought rich in anecdote. Anne Back in London as a you said Granny was me the apocryphal Cordon Bleu cook, Anne told black?” It transpired story of the first Tynte, that Anne had been met her husband-to-be, who supposedly went told her Grandmother to Palestine with the Timothy Irvin was wearing black, 3rd Crusade. A white in mourning for her surcoat covered the Grandfather. armour he wore. The family suffered from the cold. After the last battle, this ancestor, who had Bedrooms had only a very small single bar distinguished himself, was covered in blood. electric fire in them. Going along South Street King Richard the Lionheart knighted him with her Grandmother, Anne encountered for his valour, giving him the motto, Tynctus boys at Madras College, who had made a Cruore Saraceno, dyed in the blood of the slide. Grandmother asked the boys to show Saracens. A later ancestor accompanied Sir Anne how to slide. “I’ve never forgotten the Walter Raleigh to Ireland as a soldier during embarrassment of being taught how to slide the late 1500s acquiring property at Youghal, by these boys.” County Cork, the family becoming prominent Anne had her first cooking lesson. Eggs members of the Anglo-Irish Ascendancy. In at that time were still rationed to one a week her twenties Anne inherited, then had to sell each. Grandmother saved hers for three the Tynte Park estate in County Wicklow. weeks so they could enjoy scrambled eggs. When they married, Timothy agreed to add Anne stood on a box by the gas hob, learning ‘Tynte’ to their name in order to keep the how to stir the eggs. memory alive. Sadly he died in 2000. Sent to boarding school in England at On her mother’s side Anne’s Great-Great13 Anne said, “We had great fun really”, Grandfather, David Burn, “after losing his with regular visits to London, to the theatre, money in a Glasgow bank crash”, came to concerts, exhibitions. Anne didn’t go to St Andrews to educate his sons at Madras university, instead she attended a finishing College, just designed by his brother, the school near Windsor, where she learned to celebrated architect William Burn. David sew, and cook properly, staying on to cook for was a founder of the Ladies Putting Club, the Principal, Constance Spry. “because his daughters were not allowed to Then she went to Denmark, as play the long game.” His son, William, was a companion to the Royal Princesses. After all founder, and later chairman, of the first Rules these years they still keep in touch. of Golf Committee. Back in London as a Cordon Bleu cook, Anne was gifted the family house in Anne met her husband-to-be, Timothy Irvine. St Andrews by her mother. Now events have Anne and Timothy’s fathers were both Irish, come full circle, for she has gifted the house both their mothers Scottish. A chartered to her son James and his wife Claire. accountant, Timothy had retired from the army. They married in St Andrews in 1963. (Photos courtesy James Tynte-Irvine) When his cousin, Senator Jack Barnhill, was murdered by the IRA in Northern Ireland,

FEATURES Alan Sturrock, AJS Videos, looks forward to

The Lammas

It’s that time of the year again for the tradition or December and January if they go to the that doesn’t have golf or university in its name. Irn-Bru Carnival in the SEC Glasgow over Standing on its own, it blooms only once a year Christmas and New Year. They disassociate for five days and nights. It’s billed as Scotland’s themselves from the Gypsies and Irish oldest medieval street fair, dating back to 1153. travellers, as they own their own houses, while It’s called the St Andrews Lammas Market their children go to school. When they arrive at (Market in name and Fair in nature). the Lammas, they pay rent to have their stalls Born at Craigtoun Hospital and brought and rides in our famous streets. Freedom of up in St Andrews, the Lammas is in my DNA. Information requests show operating costs Every year I would go up to watch Market on Security, Police, First Aid, Advertising, and Street getting built up, then on the Sunday Labour costs (street cleaning and removal/ watch all the trucks and caravans park in replacement of benches) to allow the fair to Lamond Drive and Langlands Road. Monday operate, being deducted before the surplus mornings I would watch the auction of the is transferred to the St Andrews Common ground on South Street. The Lammas was Good Fund. The Common Good Fund Act our ‘night club’ for the summer holidays, the was passed in 1491, the income coming from flashing lights and loud music, various levies to be used for good times. As I have grown the Common Good of the The show people love up the Lammas has changed town. Any organisation or coming to St Andrews, with the times, rides that would individual can apply for funds but it’s one of the most come out of the back of a truck for projects that will benefit the expensive fairs in their are now in the 21st century people of St Andrews. on trailers – at the push of a One place where I sell my yearly calendar button they fold out. DVDs of fairs and transport is I am a filmmaker, filming the Lammas for at fairground model shows, just like train model the past 27 years. It started as a historical shows, but these are fairground enthusiasts record for myself, but ended up turning into who makes models of rides and trucks, then a business. I sell the DVDs I produce to show them to the public. These shows are fairground enthusiasts and show people. I have organised by enthusiasts all over the country; gradually got to know and make friends with in April it was Kirkcaldy for the Links Market the show people, meeting them throughout the show; in May it was all the way down the A1 to year at other fairs and events. The majority of Boston in Lincolnshire. Boston May Fair has a Scottish show people come from the east end history like our Lammas, the event traced back of Glasgow, with yards where they can store to around 1125, and expanded over the years. and repair their rides. It traces its origins back to the trading markets The show people love coming to of medieval times, just like the Lammas. St Andrews, but it’s one of the most expensive Nowadays all the fairs in the country represent fairs in their yearly calendar. The travelling markets of old. Having a look round Boston season starts around February, to November, Fair with friends this year, we stopped to have

White’s Waltzer (Photo courtesy Alan Sturrock) a look at a Waltzer. They said it had previously belonged to a Scottish showman and asked me to guess. After a few wrong guesses, my jaw hit the floor when they told me, the Waltzer was a legend in its own right. It was White’s, the one I wrote about in Issue 17 of St Andrews in Focus, July/August 2006. For 4 decades from the 70s right through to 2004, this Waltzer came to the Lammas, and sat on our famous cobbles next to the fountain in Market Street. The White family was a big name in the fairground world, owners of around 13 rides and employing several staff. The history of the Waltzer is a bit like muddy water; as far as we know the manufacturer was Orton and Spooner, who made a lot of Arks, Speedways, and Waltzers in their time. The Waltzer started life as a Speedway called ‘Transatlantic Swoop’ in Joe White’s name in 1935. Several conversions later, White’s transport of 2 grey and white ERF lorries have gone and towing the pay box is no more, as Austin has put the pay box and most of the ride on a trailer, the modern way. The base of the ride is still wood and painted green and orange, the colours that Billy had. Enjoy the Lammas everyone!

Margaret Squires did some

Canine Research When my granddaughter got a new puppy, a cross between a cockerpoo and a bichon frise, in my ignorance, I assumed it was a mongrel, and therefore came cheap. “He did NOT come cheap, Granny, he’s a designer dog!” A designer dog? This was a trend I had overlooked. I became obsessed with getting some idea of what the puppy would look like when grown up. I have stopped dog owners to cross-question them, got them to pose their dogs for photos and carefully written down breeds. My

husband has become embarrassed at my habit of running after dogs to take a surreptitious photo, but it really isn’t necessary. People adore their dogs and are only too happy to discuss why they have chosen that particular sort. Anything with ‘poodle’ in it tends to shed hair less, mixed breeds tend to live longer, and who doesn’t want their own particular dog to be a show stopper? Having so many extensive dog-walks, St Andrews was the ideal place to do my researches, but I have met some of these dogs further afield in Fife. Jackahuahua is a cross between a Jack Russell Terrier and a Chihuahua. Cavachon is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Bichon Frise. Labradoodle is a cross between a Labrador and a Poodle: note, the two I met are quite different, so you can never be sure what you are getting. Cavapoo is a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a poodle. The Dachsuahua is the only dog that doesn’t count as a designer dog, since its parents took it upon themselves to do the designing! Finally, my apologies to the owner of the Bedlington Terrier I mistook for a designer dog. He was a pure breed, not a ‘Somethingpoo’, as I had thought. (Photos courtesy Margaret Squires)

FEATURES Paul Bartlett showed Flora Selwyn round his studio

Of Creative Art Only exceptional, innovative creativity can exhibition space. Ten days of the annual allow a satisfactory living to be made from Pittenweem Festival provides Paul with art alone. Paul Bartlett is the exemplar! His “about half my wages for the year.” special development of montage wildlife art, Eventually, with three children, a larger and papier maché pictures are the proof. house was needed. The property found in For as long as he can remember Paul has Tayport included a stable block, which turned drawn and painted. His paternal grandfather into the ideal studio space with storage, was an amateur painter, also his maternal separate from, but still connected to the aunt, so “bits of the genes trickled through.” couple’s new house. During the recent Open Paul is ever passionate about picturing Studios event, some 30 people a day visited. wildlife, “it’s something I’ve always done, Someone asked if the studio was, in fact, a a natural thing for me to do.” As a boy, he gallery because it was so clean! Paul now collected and watched over and over again as leaves a mess in one corner to prove it is a many recorded natural history programmes as working space! he could, though he can’t really explain why it Tearing paper from material related to is that wildlife attracts him so much. the subject of a picture forms its collage Paul’s mother is French. The family background, Paul’s distinctive hallmark. moved to France when Paul was 4 years Spending a year in France, in 2010, Paul old, then they returned to live in Camberley, found a use for the local magazines – turning Surrey, Paul now fluent in them into papier maché French. he realised he could pick Although it was clear that colours out to make a picture For as long as he can without the need for paint. art would predominate in his life, Paul decided he needed At first he experimented with remember Paul has credentials to fall back on. He seascapes. The apparent drawn and painted earned a degree in Zoology motion of the waves from Liverpool University, then encouraged the portrayal of came to St Andrews for a PhD horses moving, inspired by in animal behaviour; Professor of Natural watching his daughter riding. The stunning History Peter Slater was his supervisor. results have proved extremely successful. Academia proved a little disappointing, Paul likes making vertical pictures, seeing however, as it was the analytical “number how long he can make them, “It’s as if you’re crunching that sort of put me off.” Paul says peering through a crack.” These appeal to he would love to have been a Victorian people who don’t have much wall space! naturalist, “travelling, recording, sketching, Over the years Paul has exhibited & just making notes on things that people throughout Britain, as well as in France, had never seen before.” For two years he Poland, and America. He has contributed travelled the world, exploring places he had regularly to exhibitions in the Mall Galleries in seen in the nature films he had watched. Asked if he had actually seen the snow leopard he recently painted, he said no, but he did see the tracks of one in Nepal. The picture itself was of a zoo animal. For a while Paul lived on the West Coast of Scotland. Wildlife there proved great for inspiration, but galleries in which to exhibit work are few and far between. In 2002 he returned to Fife, then struggled for six moths to establish himself. Edinburgh Zoo gave him the break he needed. He was contracted to produce 50 paintings within 4 months. But Paul had to ask his father to help pay for the frames, he was so broke by then! Paul first exhibited in the Pittenweem Festival in 2003. At that time he was living in a small house in Scooniehill Road with his partner Sascha Hooker, Lecturer in Marine Biology at St Andrews University’s Scottish Oceans Institute. A friend in Pittenweem had lent him the use of his front room. When the friend moved a couple of years later, Paul bought the flat to use as his studio and

In his studio (Courtesy Paul Bartlett) London. He was an elected member of The Society of Wildlife Artists (SWLA), winning ‘Artist of the Year’ in 2006, and the Langford Press award in 2012 at their annual exhibition in London. Twice he has been runner-up in the David Shepherd ‘Wildlife Artist of the Year’ competition, as well as being a category winner in 2018. In 2009 he also won the ‘British Birds’ category in the ‘BBC Wildlife Artist of the Year’ awards. His work has featured in many art publications, as well as several books. Paul likes to exhibit in places where he can make the most of his stay, whether walking or skiing in mountains, canoeing or surfing. No wonder most of his time is in Scotland, where he can best combine business with pleasure! He defines himself as a self-taught artist who feels immensely fortunate.

Barn owl

FEATURES

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

Chinese & Cantonese Restaurant Sit in or takeaway Opening Times: Monday and Wednesday – Saturday 12.00pm – 2.30pm & 4.30pm – 11.00pm Sunday 4.30pm – late Tuesday – Closed

11-13 Crails Lane St Andrews, Fife Tel: 01334 467822

FEATURES: REVIEWS

Children’s Activity Books Recommended by J & G Innes For those parents wishing to venture beyond the most well-known children’s titles into equally enjoyable territory: Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see?

The Greedy Goat By Petr Horacek Age: 3+

By Eric Carle Age: 1+

Corduroy

By Don Freeman Age: 2+

Frog and Toad Together

The Further Adventures of the Owl and the Pussy-cat

By Arnold Lobel Age: 6+

By Julia Donaldson Age: 3+

Jean Lee reviews

90 Years in the Water The History of Step Rock ASC 1928-2018

Designed by David Barber, printed by Robertson Printers, Forfar, 2018, price £10. Warmth and affection for St Andrews’ Step Rock Amateurs Swimming Club shine through on every page of this history. Since its foundation in 1928, the Club has succeeded in overcoming any setbacks that might have felled less dedicated souls. Since an unlikely 90th wedding anniversary might have the equally unlikely title ‘Granite’ attached to it, Step Rock adopts it for its own anniversary. It’s appropriate, too, because the founders of the Club needed granite constitutions to swim in that icy water off the Step Rock! “Of all the swimming club names in Scotland, Step Rock’s is perhaps the one which says more about the social history of its hometown than any other. It’s a history linked to the town’s relationship with the sea, to early twentieth-century attitudes to health and fitness as well as to the segregation of the sexes.”

The names of the founders still resonate today with native St Andreans: A B Paterson (also founder of the Byre Theatre), Frederick Liddell, Willie Mason, Earl Gillespie, Fred Mackenzie, Jim Mackie, Ernie Sanderson, Alex Campbell, Tony Gordon, Robert Condie. Affectionately known as The Steppie, the Club taught countless St Andrews children and citizens how to swim, how to life-save, above all, how to compete in galas, with discipline and grace. The Steppie was also a social club, with premises acquired in 1937 in Westburn Lane. Here, until the University reclaimed it, balls were held, often in fancy dress, also all kinds of fundraising events, and meetings. The book tells many anecdotes: there’s Bennett, the son of the founder of Jannetta’s Gelateria in South Street, who rescued two young women in danger of being swept out to

sea: the story of the unexplained disappearance of a lady treasurer & social secretary along with a sizeable amount of money, £199 10s 1d (around £6,500 today); some personality clashes that led to a rival club being formed, which didn’t last too long; with many more intriguing tales, all adding to the fascination of the Club’s history. In addition, the superb photographs on every page, enhance the whole book. This is an outstanding read, I couldn’t put it down! It ends with several pages of lists of people, awards, and acknowledgements. St Andreans today will surely find many familiar names among them.

TOWN & GOWN Alastair Cameron, St Andrews graduate and founder of campaign group Scotland in Union, describes his grandfather’s life and medical career.

Sir James Cameron CBE TD MB ChB (StAnd) FRCGP (Hon)

– from a St Andrews degree to BMA Chair When I was speaking at an After resuming his event in St Andrews recently, I General Practice in 1945, wore my graduate tie. This tie my grandfather became was actually my grandfather’s, active in local and national so perhaps (to paraphrase a medical politics, and in 1956 watch advertisement) ‘you never he became a member of the actually own a St Andrews General Medical Services graduate tie; you merely look Committee (GMSC). He after it for the next generation’. was elected Chairman of The occasion, and wearing the GMSC (1964 to 1974). the tie, set me thinking about As he was someone who how attending the University epitomised the value of of St Andrews opens the door patients having a personal to opportunities across the doctor, he proved to be the United Kingdom, and beyond. right advocate for Britain’s My grandfather, James family doctors. He was an Cameron, born in Bridge of inspirational leader and a Earn in 1905, was the son skilful negotiator, notably while of Malcolm Cameron, the leading the negotiation of a Gaelic-speaking village police new contract for GPs, which officer. After Breadalbane greatly improved their lot. and Perth academies, James His achievements in medical studied medicine at St Andrews politics were recognised by University. His involvement in the Claire Wand award, a the University’s representative gold medal from the BMA; a body, and in its Officers’ Training CBE; and then a knighthood Corps, both influenced his in 1979. future. On qualifying, he worked Recalling a ministerial in Arbroath Hospital, originally chance remark concerning intending to become a surgeon, £800,000 (taken out of GPs’ but later choosing General remuneration) left over from Practice. a scheme to help finance Looking for a suitable GP practice expenses, in 1970 he practice, in 1931 my grandfather persuaded the government to moved to London, to a practice transfer that sum to establish in Croydon that was run by a a new charitable trust for group of doctors, who had also the support of GPs and their Sir James Cameron qualified via the University of dependants in need. GPs St Andrews. He proved to be a popular doctor, soon opening a second honoured my grandfather by naming the new charity The Cameron surgery in his home in Wallington. As a member of the Territorial Army, Fund; it thrives to this day and continues to grow. he was posted as Medical Officer to the 1st Battalion, the Rifle Brigade When he retired from the chair after ten years, the GMSC made on the outbreak of the Second World War. him its only life member. My grandfather was later elected Chairman of In 1940, James’ unit was deployed to join Council of the British Medical Association. He the garrison defending Calais, to slow the served for three years (1976 – 1979) at a time advancing Germans, and give time for the when Scots dominated the BMA with Dr Jack British Expeditionary Force to complete its Miller of Glasgow as treasurer and Dr Alistair I am, of course, proud of evacuation from nearby Dunkirk. His gallantry Clark from Clydebank, as chairman of the my grandfather’s career in this fierce battle, during which, under fire, he BMA’s representative body. He died in London amputated a wounded soldier’s arm with a rusty in 1991. His ashes were interred in the family and of his contribution to hacksaw, earned him a Mention in Dispatches. grave in Aberfeldy, Perthshire. the renaissance of general Churchill and Eden took the difficult decision I am, of course, proud of my grandfather’s that those allied defensive forces in Calais were career and of his contribution to the practice in the 1960s not to be rescued. James was captured by the renaissance of general practice in the 1960s. Germans, spending the rest of the war in camps I like to reflect that it was his University of in Germany and in Poland. As well as caring for St Andrews that opened the door to his later many nationalities in the camp hospitals, he worked hard to maintain achievements. He moved seamlessly to London, a crucial milestone prisoners’ morale, organising camp shows, taking church services, in his career, and I think this helps to demonstrate the benefits of free learning German, negotiating on the prisoners’ behalf with camp movement across the UK. Later in life, he had his portrait painted; the authorities. His final camp, to the East of Berlin, was captured by the picture now hangs in my parents’ house. Sir James Cameron smiles Soviet Army, after which James led his fellow prisoners on a gruelling down, wearing the same St Andrews graduate tie that I take from overland trek to Odessa to get a ship back to the UK. Much influenced my wardrobe to wear on special occasions. When I wear the tie, I by his wartime experiences, he was an abiding support to the post-war remember him affectionately and with pride. Red Cross. In 1958 he was awarded the Red Cross’ badge of honour and was made a life member. (Photo courtesy Alastair Cameron)

TOWN & GOWN Walter Hill, Rotary St Andrews, introduces

The work of Heleen Plaisier The herbarium at St Andrews Botanic Garden attracts interest from botanists and artists from around the world. Its honorary curator is Heleen Plaisier for whom caring for the collections is a labour of love. This raises two questions. What is the herbarium, and what is its significance? Who is Heleen Plaisier, and why is she so passionate about this obscure work? By getting to know Heleen, we can see the project through her eyes, gaining an insight into its purpose, history, future. A native of the Dutch province of Noord-Brabant, Heleen moved at Heleen Plaisier twelve years old to Rotterdam, where she was at high school. On leaving school she was interested in many things, finding it difficult to choose one subject to study. However, after two years at the University of Utrecht, exploration. This developed into a lifelong passion. Later, she became on a general Liberal Arts course, she made a decision which set her off involved with work on this subject, done by the Royal Botanical Gardens on an exciting road. She decided to study Mandarin and linguistics at the at Kew and Edinburgh. University of Leiden. In addition to teaching modern languages, Leiden When her partner began working in St Andrews, Heleen chose to also specialises in the study of endangered languages. move to Scotland. She saw this change as a new career opportunity. She In 1994, Heleen earned a place on a was soon taking short courses of various types research group from the University, to work in In addition to being of scientific at St Andrews Botanic Garden, and elsewhere. the Himalayas, to document the endangered This led to her decision to take a masters interest, herbarium specimens degree at the University of Edinburgh, in the Lepcha language in Darjeeling and Sikkim. Like Mandarin, Lepcha has its own writing system. Biodiversity and Taxonomy of Plants. The many tell a story of history, people, During her time there, Heleen worked with local parallels between taxonomy and linguistics and landscape people to describe the Lepcha language. She strengthened Heleen’s decision to bring all her wrote a book on Lepcha grammar, also working skills together in a botanical career. on translating and digitising Lepcha manuscripts. Whilst at the St Andrews Botanic Garden, Heleen became aware During her study of Lepcha, Heleen became fascinated by the of the neglected herbarium. She felt strongly that somebody should be flora of Sikkim, and by the role the Lepcha people played in botanical doing something about its restoration and preservation. With the new skills learned during her MSc course, she realised that the ‘somebody’ was her! She started this mammoth task in 2012. In 2015 the Trust officially appointed her Honorary Curator of the Herbarium. So, what is a herbarium, what is it for, why restore it and preserve it? A herbarium is a reference collection of pressed plants. Like botanical fieldwork and laboratory research, a herbarium provides an opportunity to describe and investigate plants, and relationships between plants. The herbarium at the St Andrews Botanic Garden, originally a university teaching facility, was opened in 1888. The herbarium received a number of important collections donated by individuals and organisations, some of which were collected as early as the 1830s. However, by the 1990s botany was no longer a major subject at the University, so when the curator, Andrew Angus, retired, it was decided that he should not be replaced. As a result the herbarium gradually fell into the state that greeted Heleen, when, six years ago, she set out on her labour of love. She was fortunate to spend time with Andrew Angus, who was most generous in sharing his considerable knowledge and experience. He told her of the background to the collection, important donations, and the systems of classification applied at the time. In addition to being of scientific interest, herbarium specimens tell a story of history, people, and landscape. Heleen describes herself as a “botanical detective”, uncovering the hidden clues and stories told by the specimens, that relate not just to plants, but to the lives and interests of the collectors, also the places they visited. The specimens are now arranged using the latest botanical classification, which makes the collection readily accessible to scientists throughout the world. To date, Heleen has co-authored two research papers on the collection. The herbarium is a resource for science and education, recently also visited by artists, who find inspiration there. In addition, a group of enthusiastic volunteers continue to help Heleen with the curation of the collections. To keep up-to-date with news from Heleen and the herbarium, you can follow them on Twitter @STA_herbarium Heleen is one of the many people who have given most interesting talks at the lunchtime meetings of the Rotary Club of St Andrews. In February 2018, she focused on her special interest in the fascinating diversity of seaweeds from around the world. To read a report on this, and other recent talks, please visit: standrewsrotary.net Detail of herbarium specimen, by kind permission of the St Andrews Botanic Garden Trust

(Photos courtesy Heleen Plaisier)

TOWN & GOWN John Cameron’s column

Role Model active galactic nuclei. Over the years she has On Sunday, 13 May 2018 a large congregation used such iconic observatories as the Hubble in St Salvator’s Chapel heard a superb sermon Space Telescope and the Spitzer Space from one of our University’s most distinguished Telescope, as well as many other space-based female science graduates. Her subject was and ground-based facilities. the synergism of Christianity and Science, an What become clear as she moved from apt subject at a time when people wonder if one major post to another was that she was Stephen Hawking’s final paper strengthened also a fine administrator and an excellent the case for God. director of large scientific groups. This isn’t Belinda Wilkes was a Shropshire lass, as easy as it sounds – controlling scientists who came up from Wolverhampton Girls’ High (especially male scientists) has been compared School in the 1970s becoming a leading light to herding cats, but Dr Wilkes manages the in the Renaissance Singers and the Christian task with humour and Union, before graduating aplomb. with an outstanding First in Marriage and children have One of the major Physics and Astronomy. far too often drawn brilliant obstacles women After completing her female careers to a close researchers face is PhD in Astronomy at the that science is a “bigUniversity of Cambridge, hours” endeavour. Marriage and children she won a NATO postdoctoral fellowship to have far too often drawn brilliant female the University of Arizona’s Observatory in careers to a close. Dr Wilkes has shown that 1982. Her ability as a research scientist was it is possible to overcome this hurdle; she recognised while she was still in Cambridge, has two adult children, but no-one should the Americans becoming very keen to bring her underestimate the difficulties involved, with the over and keep her once she got there. need for institutional flexibility as well as an Her primary science interests are X-ray understanding, supportive spouse. and multi-wavelength studies of quasars Four years ago she was appointed the first (galaxies containing massive black holes at female director of the Chandra X-ray Centre, their centres) along with lower luminosity-

the most important of NASA’s four great space observatories. The project has a proud history of appointing women in key roles. When Chandra was launched into orbit, the Space Shuttle Columbia was flown by the first female shuttle commander, Eileen Collins, and the mission specialist who released the telescope from the payload bay was Cady Coleman. St Andrews University is also proud of its record in women’s education. When I came up in 1960, around half the undergraduates were girls, when the ratio in Oxbridge was 7 to 1 in favour of boys. We now have our second woman principal in a row, before almost any other ancient European university has managed to appoint even one. I hope high-profile female scientists such as Belinda Wilkes will encourage more schoolgirls to seriously consider the fields of science, technology, engineering, and maths, known by the acronym STEM. There are now role models aplenty – so go for it!

ORGANISATIONS Angela Levy, Coordinator STACS

Mandy Honeyman has an update on

Is looking for volunteers

The Craigtoun Café

STACS [St Andrews Car Service] is an organisation, that has been operating in St Andrews for many years. It is much valued. Part of the community It consists of a group of volunteers, who organise transport to hospital appointments for people with mobility problems, when family or friends are not available. The ‘telephone volunteers’ answer a request for transport to a hospital appointment. They take details to find a driver, who will then take a patient to their appointment, and wait to bring them home again afterwards. A small charge is made for petrol. We are always looking for new drivers, and ‘telephone volunteers’. Usually required for about one day a fortnight, from your own home. If you feel that you could help with this good work, either as a driver (as little, or as often, as you are able), or as a ‘telephone volunteer’, please get in touch with Angela Levy, STACS Coordinator, 01334 472 814.

Nestled in the greenery in the centre of Craigtoun Country Park stands the Craigtoun Café. This 80-seater establishment, which is now under the governance of the Friends of Craigtoun, has undergone subtle, yet impacting, upgrades over the past 2 years both out front and behind the scenes. Open daily, the Craigtoun Café has a selection of hot and cold food on offer including freshly-made salads and sandwiches, hot filled rolls, and baked potatoes. Daily specials are available throughout the season. Our chips are made from locally grown potatoes. Like any family-friendly venue worth its salt, we are proud to offer a great value kids’ menu, lunch boxes, and a wide selection of scooping ice cream and ice-lollies. To cater for everyone’s needs we also have allergen-free items available. The Craigtoun Café can cater for pre-arranged groups by request. It is also available for exclusive use during the off-season. For more information, please contact us on 01334 472 013 or e-mail us at: enquiries@friendsofcraigtoun.org.uk (Photo courtesy Craigtoun)

Ruth McMenemy is an enthusiastic

Mum on The Run Mums on the Run celebrated its first birthday in May, and what a terrific year it has been! Mums, dads, grandparents, and carers are all welcome to bring their babies and toddlers in their buggies to this weekly group for exercise, fresh air, and good chat. Every Wednesday at 10.30am the group meets at Craigtoun Country Park, near St Andrews, led by volunteer jog leader Henry Paul, and his team of running enthusiasts. In August, I started bringing my two-month-old baby, James, along and these weekly runs have been a highlight of my maternity leave. On day one I was warmly welcomed by the team of jog leaders and the other parents. I couldn’t believe what a beautiful park Craigtoun is and how lucky we are in Fife to have it on our doorstep. The group splits into keen runners, strollers, and those in between. After initially walking with my buggy (mainly because I struggle to chat when I’m out of breath), I improved in fitness and confidence, and boom! a buggy-running mum was born! Most weeks I use my own pram, but there are a number of running buggies available to borrow if needed. I’ve seen the group grow in numbers, and we’ve been out in all weathers. Only the Beast from the East at its peak managed to keep this group indoors! Ally Tulleth, a local fitness instructor, ends each session with a core workout, then it’s off to the café where everyone has a drink and, sometimes, a cheeky slice

Craigtoun front gate of cake! There is a play area. High chairs are available. It makes for a warm and comfortable café where you can feed and entertain babies and toddlers, while enjoying adult company. Massive thanks to the volunteers who run this group – I’d recommend it to anyone who is keen to get fit outdoors with their baby/toddler and meet like-minded people. James and I have made new friends. We

continue to love visiting Craigtoun Country Park (while picking up some parenting tips along the way). It’s free to join, so spread the word to expecting, new, and veteran parents. Keep this awesome group running for years to come! (Photos courtesy Mums On The Run)

SPECIAL FEATURE

SPECIAL FEATURE From Jurek Pütter

The first and oldest Church of the Holy Trinity Standing in the middle of the ancient City of St Andrews, Faith, in order to win ‘hearts and minds’. Botanically, the the 15th century Parish Church of the Holy Trinity is an timing of the arrival of Christianity was well nigh perfect, for impressive architectural, cultural, and spiritual vestige of The Sacred Groves were not just old, but ancient, in many the accomplishments of the pre-Reformation era. It was instances dying. It was a situation Christianity exploited to built for the spiritual needs of the townsfolk in 1412, by the the hilt. The dying Trees of Life were carefully and lovingly venerable Prior James Bissett, Prior of the Augustinian dismantled, their recoverable timbers incorporated into the chapter of the Cathedral Church. It is a survivor of that roof beams of the new churches built directly on the site Reformation, whose leaders initiated a deliberate policy of of the Sacred Tree. They reminded that Christ died for the destruction of great icons of Scottish identity. salvation of souls upon a tree, the Cross. By 1600, forty years after the collapse of Catholic Thus a subtle Christian respect for some of the Scotland, amidst a wasteland of ever-crumbling ruins often spiritual icons of the previous faiths earned the respect used as convenient quarries, two of the newly converted. All this new generations of Scots emerged took place in the 5th and 6th with little idea of the considerable centuries. Christianity continued to Holy Trinity has a heritage far accomplishments of their Medieval consolidate; the old sacred sites forefathers. The greatest of the older than the structure of the 15th became ecclesiastical centres Scottish Cathedrals, the ‘Glorious and administrative strongholds, century, and the one that stands House of Saint Andrew’ stood finally places of pilgrimage and proudly today, lovingly cared for roofless and decaying, while the the chosen residences of Kings. City itself, once the ecclesiastical Thus, in AD732, Bishop Acca of capital of the Nation, the ‘Pilgrim Hexham, forced to flee his Holy and Principal City’, was struggling to survive. Only its See in Northumberland by boat, chose as a place of University, the first in Scotland, commanded and demanded temporary exile, the renowned ecclesiastical settlement the reluctant attention of the new regime. of Righmonaidth. With him he brought the ‘Morbrac’, that That new regime realized it required a parish church; ‘Bright and bejewelled’ reliquary, containing the accredited Holy Trinity was its choice. Thus, stripped of its colourful corporeal remains of Christ’s first chosen Apostle, Saint interior furnishings and frescoes, Holy Trinity entered the Andrew. Acca was well received by Ungust, King of the Fife cold climate of cultural austerity. Both the City and Holy Picts, remaining for eight years. The Morbrac remained in Trinity survived decay and decrepitude into the era of Righmonaidth, which rapidly became a renowned place optimistic urban revival and change. of pilgrimage, changing its name to St Andrews. The A new late Victorian and Edwardian appreciation of the Church of the Holy Trinity became spiritually graced and Middle Ages saw the Church being magnificently restored immeasurably enhanced by the permanent presence of the to something of its medieval grandeur, taking considerable Morbrac. civic courage, for it represented something of an unwritten Prestige and pilgrims bring wealth, attracting layers of apology, a sense of loss and regret for the behaviour of the cultural sophistication, so much so that the first Cathedral regime of 1559. Holy Trinity has a heritage far older than Church (St Riaghll’s / St Rules) was built close by. Bishop the structure of the 15th century, and the one that stands Roger’s monumental edict of AD1144 Coloniae ad proudly today, lovingly cared for; its heritage reaches far Civitatem, ‘Settlement to City’, decreed a second enormous back to the foundations of Christianity. Cathedral Church, simultaneously building a new City with Built on the even older pagan sacred site of the Grove ‘Processional Streets of Boulevard proportions, capable of Oak Trees dominating the headland overlooking the of accommodating ever-increasing numbers of the Pilgrim eastern beach and bay, a three-mile-long straight avenue Faithful’. of some eight hundred standing stones descended due Dwarfed by the two enormous Cathedral Churches, east from Kemback Hill, terminating at the sacred Tree of and the growing population, the original Holy Trinity was Life, an impressive physical feature virtually unique in that deemed ‘unfit for purpose’. A new Holy Trinity rose out of land. A settlement, called Righmonaidth, seat of a local six tenements of land and buildings on South Street, Vicus Warlord King, bordered the Sacred Grove of Trees. It was Australis, via Prior James Bissett’s Golden Charter of this prestigious place that the first waves of zealous and AD1412. persistent Irish Christian Missionaries targeted as their Apart from its late 19th century rebuilding, it has enjoyed ultimate goal. continuous use ever since. As to its real age, heritage and Theirs was a very hard-won victory, with many setbacks, legacy, look back almost 1600 years into the hearts, minds and few triumphs. To win over the principal Pagan High and expectations of the people of Righmonaidth in the 6th Priest, who would influence and persuade his King to century. In 1827 the foundations of the site were discovered consider even a token conversion, became the favoured together with the magnificent, unique great Carved device, but allowing no guarantee of success. It was the Sarcophagus, truly a national treasure. The Sacred Oak Irish Missionary Riaghll, friend and follower of the renowned lives on in the heraldic coat of arms of the City. Ancient, Saint Columba, who finally effected the enduring conversion original Holy Trinity still exists, its considerable masonry of the High Priest and King of Muckross, the promontory incorporated into the upper courses of Prior James Bissett’s of the Pigs. The device of gentle persuasion, instigated by surviving Priory wall. Pope Gregory The Great, was to incorporate as many of the iconic features of the ‘Old faiths’ into the one new True

SHOPS & SERVICES Chloe Fosbraey, Marketing & PR

The Listed Property Owners’ Club Meet The Listed Property Owners’ Club – Scotland’s first and only Category B – Buildings of regional, or more than local importance. membership organisation providing support, help, advice, and Or this could be major examples of some particular period, style or guidance on all aspects of ownership to listed building owners. building type, which may have been altered. Around 50% of Scottish Many of us dream about owning a home full of period features, or listed buildings are Category B. rustic charm. More often than not these types of homes are listed; what Category C – Buildings of local importance; lesser examples of any does that mean, and how does it affect those living in these beautiful period, style or building type, as originally constructed or moderately properties? On discovering that the Club was heading north from altered; and simple, traditional buildings that group well with other listed its roots in Kent (the area fondly known as the Garden of England), buildings. Approximately 43% of Scottish Listed Buildings are Category C. specifically to expand its team in Scotland, St Andrews in Focus was keen to find out more! Which works need Listed Building Consent? For 25 years, The Listed Property Owners’ Club has built up Below is a list of works that will generally need consent. The list is not fantastic knowledge of the many challenges and complexities faced exhaustive so please check with your local council before you apply: by listed homeowners on a day-to-day basis. Whether buying, • Covering exposed brick/stone work with paint or plaster/harling conserving, renovating, or insuring a listed home, there aren’t many • Replacing windows and doors questions The Listed Property Owners’ Club experts have not dealt • Fitting roof-lights or dormer windows with before. • Installing satellite dishes, aerials and burglar alarms that are The Club was started by Peter Anslow, a listed building owner physically attached to the building himself, who found that many problems he encountered were, without • Creating new doorways exception, due to lack of knowledge. After fruitless searches for help • Removing or altering fireplaces, panelling or staircases he realised that there was nowhere to turn for impartial help and • Removing external surfaces advice on how to care for these historic protected buildings, or how to • Altering the roofing materials currently used deal with legislation. • Moving/removing internal walls With approximately 47,000 listed buildings in Scotland, the presence of the Club’s team of experts means that those living in and Do I need special insurance? maintaining these historic houses, who are looking for support and For some, home insurance is something to be bought as quickly and guidance, will find a wealth of experience and empathy at the end of cheaply as possible without giving much thought to the realities of the the phone. The Club is well aware how little independent support is cover, or to what happens if you need to make a claim. Most mainstream available to guide owners on matters of planning, or maintenance, or insurance policies are designed around a broad, “one size fits all” to advise them about law and insurance issues. It therefore provides approach, which provides cover for buildings of ‘standard’ construction a wealth of practical, independent help to assist owners with all the – from the outset this means that such insurance can be unsuitable for decisions they have to take at every stage of ownership. The aim listed buildings as few fall into this category. of the Club is simple; to save owners time, Insurance of listed buildings is very money and stress, so they are free to enjoy their The aim of the Club is simple; specialised and has to incorporate cherished home. considerations way beyond the requirements Scottish listed building owners can now to save owners time, money an “ordinary” home. Unauthorised work take advantage of the Club’s Scotland-based and stress, so they are free to of by previous owners, the demands of your independent Conservation Advisor, Craig Wilson, conservation officer, specialist planning needs and visit the inaugural, The Scottish Listed enjoy their cherished home – they all figure in the selection of a suitable Property Show, this October. Here, St Andrews policy. The Club has a specialist insurance team who can provide a in Focus challenges Craig with some of the most frequently asked particularly personal service, specialist advice and access to dedicated questions by listed property owners: cover for listed buildings including those undergoing renovation or conversion. How will owning a listed property affect me? Owning a listed property can be wonderful, and there is no doubt you Is double glazing acceptable in a listed property? will want to take great pride in conserving a part of Scottish heritage. It is unusual to be able to introduce double glazing into the narrow Having a listing on your home means there will be extra regulations glazing bars of period windows and for this reason double glazing is surrounding the alterations that can be made to the building’s exterior difficult. However, there would be no restriction on using secondary and interior. Therefore, if you wish to make changes that affect the glazing and this is the method normally recommended. The use of very special architectural or historic interest of the building, you will need to slim double-glazing units set within the original glazing bars may be apply for Listed Building Consent. acceptable although some Conservation Officers reject them due to Buildings in Scotland are put into one of three listing categories the unsightly reflection. Listed building consent will be required if, for according to their relative importance. example, the windows are to be replaced with a new style of window, or Category A – Buildings of national or international importance. This you wish to repaint existing windows a different colour to the existing. could be either architectural or historic; or fine, little-altered examples Members of the Club have the additional benefit of accessing the of some particular period, style or building type. Category A makes up Supplier Directory, which is a collection of nationwide specialists for the approximately 7% of total Scottish listed buildings. care, repair, restoration, and conservation of listed buildings.

SHOPS & SERVICES Jane Kennedy, Manager

BID St Andrews It was a busy start to the year for BID projects that will enhance the local area, St Andrews with a changing of the guard in delivering increased footfall, boosting the terms of staffing. I started my role as BID local economy, particularly at times of the Manager back in March, while Stephanie year when visitor numbers are traditionally began a couple of weeks later, quickly lower. The St Andrews Photography Festival, finding her feet as Events Coordinator. What The Winter Lights, The St Andrew’s Day we have found so far is Festival are all events that no two days are the run by BID to help deliver same here for us at the those increased visitor Plans for the 2018 BID St Andrews office. We numbers and, of course, could be having meetings Winter Programme are deliver great events for about the gulls one day, the local community. well underway delivering training seminars Plans for the 2018 on countering terrorism the Winter Programme are next, which is what make well underway. We look our jobs so interesting. forward to sharing these with you over the For those of you who don’t know, a next few months, we’re not just about putting BID is a Business Improvement District. on these great events, however; whilst we Here in St Andrews local businesses invest don’t go around branding all of our projects collectively in local improvements in addition with the big purple BID logo, many of our to those already provided by the Local projects are very visual. You may well have Authority and Police. We are not a substitute noticed the “Big Belly” and new gull-proof for central or local government investment, bins across the town this last year, also the but an additional investment to boost and amazing Clean & Green team always out and drive the local economy. Our aim is to deliver about on the streets working to enhance our

local environment, but did you know they are BID initiatives? The Clean and Green Team are called out to a huge array of jobs from clearing up after student festivities, to retrieving junk from the Kinness Burn, to tackling the graffiti on the Castle walls. 43kgs of rubbish was collected by the team following the May Day Bank Holiday alone! As I write this on another sunny Bank Holiday weekend, I wonder what statistics the team will send me this week! This has been a little snapshot of what goes on at BID St Andrews. Over the next few months, I want to shine a light on our key projects, updating you all on some of the events we will be working on for the business and community. We hope you’ll all get involved in some way, either as a business partner or as a spectator.

Peter Waggott, Sales Coach, asks

Are we listening to understand? issue. This tends to be in the form of jargon, little understanding of Organisations seem to have got customers’ needs and, “why don’t you understand?” attitude. This into a habit of asking questions but, makes customers uncomfortable and a bit uneasy, as they don’t feel unfortunately, not listening to the listened to. answers. They tend to hear what they A listener, a professional sales person, while no technical expert, want to hear, while the customer’s will moderate the conversation to allow customers to feel comfortable, opinion is not fully taken on board. give them space to articulate their needs/or issues, walk with them Don’t get me wrong, asking through the process and ultimately come to a conclusion. questions is great – however, we Listening is fundamental when working in B2B Sales, we need to need to listen to the answers. If all we do is ask questions, then the be communicating with our colleagues (internal customers) and our feeling from customers is being interrogated, rather than having a external customers. In order to listen effectively, we need to meet with conversation or discussion. our external customers at their place of business. In doing this, we can This is something I come across on a regular basis, most immediately get a sense of what the business is about, with a better commonly when working within organisations that have a highly, understanding of what we can offer to support the business. technically-focused sales team. These sales teams live in an This understanding offers the chance to environment that puts its faith in knowledge-based re-phrase our questions, and with regular processes. How many of us who have experience on-site meetings, gain important insight into of IT, or manufacturing, know the sometimes Hearing is a courtesy, the business. This is fundamental in creating endless cycle of meetings? The joke is, “we have and developing a level of trust between your meetings to decide our next meeting”. Listening is a compliment customers and you. Hearing is a courtesy, Listening is a Having worked in many technical disciplines, compliment. This simple takeaway, if implemented, I have always had the need to listen to and be would help organisations begin to understand their supported by, technical departments. Similarly, technical departments, customers. have approached me with customer issues needing to be resolved. Let me explain: A knowledge-based environment has a hierarchy Together we have been successful. Surely this fundamental, but with a process all its own. In order to accomplish a task, or resolve simple, approach to B2B sales can be adopted by businesses. an issue, we need to talk about it. This discussion will most likely be conducted in a language certain individuals understand, and at a Let’s listen more and hear less. knowledge level for a certain few. This then transfers across to the field and interaction with (Photo courtesy Peter Waggott) customers. These customers don’t speak the language, also they might be at a very much lower knowledge level. So here’s where the disconnect happens. In my experience, experts, while valuable, can be more of a roadblock, as they try to talk their way to a sale, or out of an

SHOPS & SERVICES Simon Davidson has some

Timely advice As spring is here, it isn’t just our houses that need a ‘degunge’. Your computer, or mobile device, should be given a quick once over, mainly for security purposes. An untidy computer can be more problematic than just finding it difficult to locate files and pictures that you want. The chances are that if you haven’t paid attention to the filing system, you haven’t paid attention to the security either. As Social Media and the Internet have expanded, new problems and social responsibility have grown with it: 1. Updates – are required by your Operating System to keep things running smoothly and securely. They usually consist of updates for software to stop programmes or apps clashing with each other. More crucially they provide security patches that protect against known threats from financial hackers or state-sponsored hackers, often from countries such as Russia, North Korea, Iran, and other communist / terrorist states. Often found in settings and updates – keep these on automatic download and installation. 2. Anti-Virus & Firewall – Hackers and others use viruses and malware to disrupt, or gain control, of computers or devices. Most operating systems now come with an Anti-Virus of some sort, or a trial-free version. Windows, for example, has ‘Defender’, which does a reasonable job for free. A Firewall acts as a wall against incoming threats. It protects your computer by hiding it or deflecting those threats. Make sure the Anti-Virus and Firewall software is on and updated.

or email organisation and explain the problem, or use the help tools provided. While those accounts are compromised you are sharing your friends’ data with that compromised account. Keep passwords complicated and long. Know what to do in case an account gets compromised. 5. Encryption – There are ways to defeat more sophisticated attackers. Endto-End (e2e) encryption can be used in instant messaging apps, such as Viber Messenger. These instant messaging apps are a fantastic way to keep in touch with family and friends, so why not use a secure one? The messages are by default encrypted between users and with the one-time mutual press of a lock, or shield symbol, on the screen during a call – will encrypt the voice and video conversation also. Using a paid VPN, such as Express VPN, will also encrypt all traffic to and from a device to the Internet Service Provider (ISP). These have the added benefit of being able to access internet sites in other parts of the world that may be geographically restricted, and often reduces throttling. (Throttling is sometimes used by an ISP to restrict speeds when they know you are downloading a film or music, for example).

3. Security Settings – Personal privacy has come very much into the media spotlight lately. Understanding apps like Facebook, and other social media, is crucial to maintaining your privacy. Use the help and privacy tools provided to make it simpler to choose the settings that suit you.

6. Do not click on links in suspect emails. Hovering your mouse, or highlighting the To/From sender at the top of the email, will show the actual email address. If it doesn’t look like a legitimate email address from the company that it claims to be – do not open it. If you know the company’s spoof email reporting address then send it onwards to them to investigate, but otherwise delete or put it in your spam box.

4. Social Responsibility – Your friends are sharing data with you – you are sharing data with your friends. That means you are partly responsible for their online safety also. If your accounts do get compromised, or your social media page or emails get hacked, get hold of the social media

Finally – give those devices a wipe with an anti-bacterial wipe. There can be 10-times more germs on a keyboard or phone than the average toilet seat...! (Photo courtesy Simon Davidson)

Print & Design

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

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

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SHOPS & SERVICES Chris Gardiner, a Private Client Solicitor based in St Andrews who specialises in all matters relating to Wills, Powers of Attorney, Trusts & Tax.

Inheritance Tax and the Increased Residence Nil Rate Band – updated from the last Nov/Dec article

The beginning of the new tax year on 6 April 2018 saw an increase in the Residence Nil Rate Band, which originally came into force in April 2017. The increase is the first of three increases that occur every April, ending in 2020. Here are the most important things you need to know about this allowance: How much is the new increased allowance? The allowance was introduced (with effect from 6 April 2017) at a rate of £100,000. This increased on 6 April 2018 by £25,000 to £125,000. It will continue to rise by £25,000 every April until it reaches £175,000 in 2020. It will then only rise in line with inflation; this will be measured by the Consumer Price Index. In a similar way in which the ordinary Nil Rate Band operates (currently £325,000), if your estate passes to your spouse on first death, when your spouse dies they will have their own residential nil rate band, and will be entitled to use your transferable residential nil rate band as well. How can you qualify for the relief? You can only qualify for the relief if your property is passing to “direct descendants” on death. Direct descendants are set out in the legislation as children, grandchildren, step-children, adopted children, or fostered children. Your property must be passing to one of these groups on death, or on second death, if you are a married couple. Nieces and nephews do not qualify. What are the main restrictions? 1. The most notable is that the relief is only available on estates under £2 million. Once an estate is over this amount, the relief tapers by £1 for every £2. This means that by 2020, if your estate is worth over £2,350,000, it will not qualify for any relief (there will be no transferable nil rate band relief to pass to a surviving spouse/civil partner). 2. The level of allowance available to you is directly linked to the value of your property. If your property is only worth £100,000 on death, the relief will be capped at £100,000. Any house worth over £350,000 after 2020, will still only get £350,000 of allowance. 3. Property that passes into a Discretionary Trust on death for the benefit of direct descendants will not qualify. This is because the property has to be becoming part of the direct descendant’s estate. However, this does mean that property held in Liferent Trusts for the ultimate benefit of direct descendants will still qualify for the relief.

Do you miss out if you downsize, or sell your house, and move into residential care? As long as this was done after 8 July 2015 then the answer is no. If you downsize your property the relief will still be available on the value of your previous property as long as the new property and/or the remaining funds are passing to direct descendants. Good record keeping is essential in these circumstances. It may be sensible to ring fence the capital which was not reinvested in the new property, so that it is easily identifiable to HMRC on your death. Can I use the RNRB on more than one property? No. If you own more than one property, you do not get a separate relief for each property and you cannot carry over any unused relief to use as relief on a second property. Only one residential property will qualify. The executors of your Will must nominate which property it will be applied to. You must have lived in the property for a period before your death, although you need not have lived there permanently. In some circumstances, a holiday home could therefore be the nominated property, if it is worth more than the family home. What issues should I be thinking about now? Firstly, you should review your Will. Many Wills make use of Discretionary Trusts and although these types of Trust provide many benefits, they may prevent you from qualifying for up to £350,000 of taxfree allowance after 2020. If your estate is just over £2 million, you may want to speak to a professional advisor about how you can reduce your estate to below this figure to ensure that you qualify for this allowance on death. As with all tax planning, keep your Will under review and keep good records. If you plan to downsize, make sure that any funds that are not reinvested in your new property are identifiable as funds still passing to direct descendants on death. Nil Rate Bands often appear to be straightforward as a concept, but can give rise to complex issues. This article offers an oversight to this new tax relief and how it operates generally. If you need more information or specific advice, please contact a solicitor who specialises in this area of law.

SHOPS & SERVICES

Roving Reporter

has more, as promised last time! 1. Celebrating 20 years in business in St Andrews, Zulfi, is a very happy man. He wants, above all, to give a hearty vote of thanks to his many customers for their help in making his Jahangir Restaurant in South Street (01334 470 300) such a success. Zulfi came to St Andrews in 1998, bringing his brother Wali as chef. Over the next three years, he consolidated his reputation. Today, many of his loyal customers have become valued friends. Zulfi has many awards: 2 Medallions from VisitScotland for Good Food & Service; Masterchef UK Top 200 from the Association of High Class Food Establishments; Masterchef (UK) Ltd Gold Award with 4 stars; TripAdvisor, 4 or 5 stars for 6 years in a row; finalist in the Scottish Curry Awards; Best Loved Restaurant 2018 by Scottish Curry Awards. Zulfi is also a Member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen. Apart from a very comprehensive Takeaway menu, Zulfi offers a really wide-ranging à la carte Balti and Tandoori choice, including a new range of Jahangir Special Tikka Curries. Those not quite sure about Indian cuisine can choose European options. The Restaurant is redecorated in warm, welcoming tones, the iconic fish under the bridge upgraded! Reporter wishes Zulfi and Wali well, and raises a glass to their next 20 years of success! (Photo courtesy Zulfi) 2.

* * * * *Reporter heard from Paul

Rawlings-Jackson (PJ) who has opened a shop, Fife Cycles, Meadow Road, Leuchars, KY16 0EX, tel: 07588 328 315. Paul was a manager of Sports Coaching at Dundee & Angus College, now retired for 4 years. His passion for outdoor sports, enjoying the beautiful scenery and historic sites around Scotland, has led him to setting up a small business for others to exercise in and enjoy the environment at a leisurely pace. He says, “We have high-tech electric bikes for hire with all safety gear included; helmets, repair kit, lights, padlocks, reflective bibs, cycle rucksacks and touch-screen gloves. The Cube bikes are suitable for forest tracks as well as roads. Maps are available for trips through Tentsmuir Forest, around St Andrews, and NE Fife. This allows cyclists to cycle and exercise, also to climb steep hills, go into headwinds, long journeys, in an economical way. Costs are from a half day (£30) to reduced costs for longer periods, such as two weeks (£200). Bikes can by booked at any convenient time by phoning 07588328, or by email: paulrjackson77@msn.com ” No excuses, mumbles Reporter – Get On that Bike! (Photo courtesy Paul Jackson)

***** 3. Reporter is pleased that there is a new florist in town,

Chincherinchee, 213 South Street (01334 209 761). The name, owner Jane Coleman explained, refers to a flower endemic to South Africa. Its Latin name is Ornithogalum thyrsoides, also known as Wonder Flower (it lasts a long time in water) and Star of Bethlehem, its colours exactly what Jane has copied for her shop. Jane and hubby Tim thank “everyone who has made us feel so welcome as the town’s local florist.” Jane has over 30 years’ experience within the flower trade, starting with her mother opening a small flower shop on the Perth Road in Dundee, The Rosebud, where her sister still trades today. “Having taken a few years out to have a family,

I am so excited to be back in my favourite town doing something I love to do!” enthuses Jane. Flowers come direct from the Dutch markets. If given a few days’ notice, Jane “could potentially get any type of flower at any time of the year.” Traditionally trained, Jane is able to offer every kind of floral display, for any occasion. She looks forward to seeing people “in our wee shop, even if it is just to pop in and smell the flowers!”

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4. Reporter was invited to the launch of Seasons, the newly upgraded restaurant at Rufflets Country House Hotel, by St Andrews. Family owned since 1952, the Hotel has the reputation of being one of the highest-quality hotels in Scotland. Famed for growing much of the produce for the restaurant in the extensive grounds, Seasons has been redesigned with fabrics and textures to reflect its connection with the garden. Stephen Owen, General Manager explains, “We have always been passionate about wanting to deliver an experience that would guarantee seasonality, and freshness of ingredients. Rufflets’ own kitchen garden delivers a great supply of fresh vegetables, herbs, and fruits. Continuing to expand the garden, we can become more and more self-sufficient.” Head chef David Kinnes was asked to create a menu that would showcase freshly-picked produce alongside some of the finest local ingredients. Few regions deliver the amazing array of produce that Fife has in abundance. Seasons has an à la carte menu for lunch and dinner. Sunday has a traditional Sunday lunch menu. A grateful Reporter enjoyed the launch enormously! For reservations call: 01334 472 594. Email: reservations@rufflets.co.uk

(Photo courtesy Rufflets)

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5. Nichola Martin (01334 828 803) contacted Reporter. An awardwinning artist, graduate of Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, 2007, Nichola was recently awarded Artist in Residence for StAnza 2019, for her depiction of books. Nichola works from her studio in Ceres in both charcoal and oils, and is highly sought after for paintings requiring high levels of technical detail. She has recently completed ‘Char with Charcoal,’ an online charcoal drawing course specifically designed as an introduction to charcoal. Students will learn about composition, tonal values, measuring, tricks of the trade, much more. Each student will have full access to online video tutorials completed by Nichola, step-by-step diagrams along with an online ‘private support forum’ where students can receive feedback

SHOPS & SERVICES

on the work they have completed. ‘Char with Charcoal’ course is available and convenient for you to do in the comfort of your own home, no matter where you are in the world. With these drawing tutorials, nicholamartinfineart.com brings out the artist in everyone! For more information about the course please visit: www.nicholamartinfineart.com (Photo courtesy Nichola Martin)

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6. Reporter welcomes back another returning native St Andrean! Alana Peden has opened a new studio, East Nook Studio in the heart of St Andrews, in the Malt Barn, South Street. With a firstclass degree in Jewellery Design from Duncan of Jordanstone, Alana regularly hosts classes with all the tools, equipment, and reference materials to hand for people to experiment, learn, and grow. She also leads community and outreach workshops, teaching people of all ages and abilities. Future classes, she tells Reporter, will see Ceramics, Enamelling, Printing, Mixed Media, and Floristry amongst others; “I look forward to expanding the programme to offer a variety of contemporary craft classes, welcoming other artists to teach here too.” To get in touch please visit: www.eastnook.com Reporter wishes Alana well. (Photo courtesy Alana Peden)

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7. Tania Gillespie contacted Reporter to tell him that, “Scotland’s largest independent Funeral Director, William Purves, is set to open its first Fife-based branch in St Andrews.” It will be managed by native St Andrean, Syd Stevenson. The premises at 95 Tom Morris Drive have been completely refurbished to provide a state-of-the-art funeral home “complete with a service room for up to 60 guests, as well as high-quality arrangement and viewing rooms, with ample car parking.” The team of 4 operatives is able to offer a full 24-hour, 365day service covering St Andrews and the surrounding East Neuk, also North Fife villages and towns. Tania emphasised that William Purves Funeral Directors is one of the oldest family businesses now in its fifth generation with Chairman, Tim Purves, at the helm. She quotes Tim, “Our business is based on four core values: compassion, respect, integrity, and dedication.” The Firm can be reached on its 24-hour support line: 01334 303 606. Further information is at: www.williampurves.co.uk Reporter welcomes this much-needed development.

Syd Stevenson (Photo of courtesy William Purves)

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8. To celebrate his 80th birthday, St Andrews-based American artist George Finley has been invited by the Würth Museum in Künzelsau, Germany, for an exhibition of his current New Line paintings. Until 7 October, the museum will feature George’s art, combined with a retrospective of his existing work in the Würth collection. There are touches of Scotland throughout, not only due to several Scottish-themed paintings on display, but also because of samplings of shortbread with a Scottish piper during the opening ceremony welcoming the more than 200 guests! The retrospective shows the broad spectrum of George’s artistic development, up to his New Line style, invented after the terrible shock of 9/11. Deeply moved by this horrific event, he decided to use his art to emphasise the need for a more peaceful world. He focused on the importance of friendly relationships, linking his characters together with a raised, white glue line, generated with a two-component glue applicator, rather than a paintbrush, helping him portray togetherness in harmonious relationships – “good relationships are essential for a peaceful world”. The show’s motto and title-picture is, Build Bridges Not Walls. Reporter congratulates George, also wishing him a Happy Birthday! (Photo, courtesy George Finley)

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9. Reporter heard from Iain Landsburgh, Partner in the local property developer Eastacre. Iain explained, “we have a new project, a newbuild development of six, two-bedroom apartments at Westview.” Eastacre prides itself on delivering a high-quality product, with equally high-quality customer service. Using local trades and suppliers, where possible, over the years their success has come from giving clients what they want, learning how to shape projects to what clients look for. St Nicholas house was the first St Andrews development in 2011. Iain says, “We converted the old school dorm house into 14 luxury apartments. In West Burn Lane, we built a 14-property development, which won numerous awards and accolades. Our most recent project was a wonderful conversion of the Craigmount nursing home on the Scores, to form 6 luxury apartments.”

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10. Catterella, a regular advertiser in this magazine, sent this to Reporter: “I am in my twentieth year of cat sitting in and around St Andrews. Before then, going anywhere with family involved cajoling friends to look after three sets of cats. Mine had four pages of instructions! As my day job involved peering at a computer for hours on end, the idea of being a Catterella was born. Get out, make friends, all this could fit nicely around perching in front of a computer. Lots of positives. Well… several charges have given me grey hairs. I was chomped by a four-toothed old lady who didn’t want her meds, leaving me one-handed for a few weeks. A three-cat family went walkabout – returning just hours before the owners! 30 tomato plants fainted on me, one hot day. Being Catterella has not always been easy, and is a huge responsibility. But mostly it has been great fun. I have met all sorts of characters, have felt honoured so many times by feline friendship – especially if it has been hard won. All I can say is that Catterella was definitely one of my better ideas.” Reporter is charmed! Find her on: elizabeth@catterella.co.uk, www.catterella.co.uk, www.facebook.com/CatterellaCatCare/ (Photo with Jokia courtesy Catterella)

SHOPS & SERVICES

EVENTS

Community Council Summer Bandstand Concerts From 2.00pm to 4.00pm at the Bandstand, Bruce Embankment, Free Sunday, 1 July – Buckhaven and Methil Miners Brass Band. Sunday, 8 July – Tayport Instrumental Band. Saturday, 14 July – Blechmontage Brass Band, touring from Germany. Sunday, 15 July – Clackmannan Brass Band. Sunday, 22 July – Tullis Russell Intermediate Mills Band. Tuesday, 31 July – Luxembourg Youth Wind Band. Sunday, 5 August – Lochgelly Brass Band. Sunday, 12 August – Dysart Colliery Silver Brass Band. Sunday, 19 August – Arbroath Instrumental Brass Band. Sunday, 26 August – Tullis Russell Intermediate Mills Band.

Crail Festival In its 34th year, Crail Festival takes place in a variety of venues in Crail, in the heart of the East Neuk of Fife, from 18-28 July 2018. The Art Exhibition, Street Market, Putting Green, and the Festival Quiz are very popular hardy annuals. Children’s activities are a priority, the range on offer unsurpassed anywhere in Scotland – everything from a Movie to Workshops, Archery, Falconry, a Fossil Hunt, Rock Pool Guddle, Story Telling, and so much more. Music is always at the heart of a Crail Festival. This year is no exception, with Opera, folk, Gypsy Jazz, Blues, and rock/pop. Comedy will feature prominently with Vladimir McTavish’s ‘5 Star Comedy Evening’. Liz Lochhead, truly one of Scotland’s treasures, will be participating in a session of May Island Disks, before enthralling everyone in the evening with some of her famed monologues, poetry, writings, and musings. There is truly something for everyone! The programme and arrangements for online ticket sales, are posted on: www.crailfestival.com

St Andrews Coastal Rowing Club On 21 July, as in previous years, the St Andrews Coastal Rowing Club is holding its annual duck race, as part of the St Andrews harbour Gala Day. This will be its 3rd event. Ducks will be available to buy at £1 for one, or £5 for six. You can follow the local schools’ P1 and P2 ducks; they have complimentary participation. The duck race is at 3.30pm. There are cash prizes for the winners! The harbour gates will be shut. Along with St Andrews, boats from Crail, Anstruther, Pittenweem, Elie, and Wormit are participating in a mini pursuit regatta within the harbour. This will be exciting to watch. The rowing races take place from 10.00am. “Buy a duck” – you might be lucky and win a prize; no real ducks will come to any harm! If you want to know more, please see: www.stacrc.org.uk

Duck poster

Advance Notice The inaugural Scottish Listed Property Show, organised by The Listed Property Owners’ Club, will take place at the Assembly Rooms, Edinburgh on Saturday, 27 October 2018. Visitors to the show can meet with the biggest collection of listed building suppliers and experts across one weekend under one roof. Whether you are buying, renovating, or conserving a listed building, the Show will have everything you need. You can find out more in one weekend than you can through months of personal research! Tickets for the show cost £10 in advance, or £15 on the door. LPOC members will receive 2 free tickets. St Andrews in Focus readers have been given a special discount code. Quote STANDREWS8 to claim your show tickets for £8! If looking to purchase advance tickets, LPOC are also offering a discounted annual membership fee of £48 (usually £60). This means you will not only receive two free tickets to the show, but have immediate access to the rest of the membership benefits! Visit: www.lpoc.scot or call 0131 357 3300 to book your tickets.

EVENTS Stephen Gethins MP

Foreign Affairs Committee impressed by visit to St Andrews The Committee welcomes the views of local school pupils, businesses and individuals; I was delighted to welcome pupils from Madras College and St Leonards School, as well as representatives of local businesses and organisations, to the Foreign Affairs Committee’s public information-gathering session in the University’s Parliament Hall on 10 May. I asked the Committee to visit St Andrews as part of our roadshow programme and was very pleased that they took the opportunity to hear the views of people from this area, as well as taking time to learn more about the town and the University, which hosted us. This was the first time that the Committee has met in Scotland. The St Andrews school pupils, accompanied by teachers, were joined by pupils and staff from Waid Academy and Bell Baxter High School. They were given the opportunity to contribute to the discussion on a ‘Global Britain’ theme. The sessions are part of a rolling inquiry, during which the Committee is gathering the views of the public, key figures and ministers, in order to glean an understanding and interpretation of what Global Britain will mean for the UK’s foreign policy strategy. The session, which was full, involved each member of the Committee – Chair Tom Tugendhat MP, Priti Patel MP, Ian Murray MP and myself – sitting at tables with members of the public to hear views on a range of matters including Brexit and UK foreign policy, as well as discussion on trade, aid and defence, also UK policy priorities and how we think the rest of the world views us. “It was very interesting and I was delighted that so many people could attend. I know all my colleagues on the Committee who were there were impressed by the standard of discussion; many views gave them food for thought.” I am very grateful to the University for hosting the day and for organising student ambassadors to give an insightful tour of the town. Thanks are also due to Jannetta’s Gelateria for being able to rustle up some of their famous ice cream in a matter of minutes – giving Committee members a taste of the town’s excellent hospitality! (Photos courtesy Stephen Gethins)

EVENTS

Selected Events July to Wednesday, 31 October – 10.00am to 4.00pm daily. Holy Trinity Church, South Street. Exhibition of St Andrews Photographers. Entry Free. Contact: emilyn007@btinternet.com Monday, 2 July – 6.15pm. Booth Lecture Theatre, Medical Sciences Building, North Haugh. Counting on Conservation. Public lecture about conservation issues on land/at sea, and the role of statistics. Entry Free – no registration required. Contact: dh17@st-andrews.ac.uk Saturday, 7 July – 9.00am-1.00pm Argyle Street Car Park. Farmers’ Market. – 10.00am-3.00pm. Victory Memorial Hall, St Mary’s Place. St Andrews Fife Craft Association Sale. – 12 noon-4.00pm. St Andrews Castle, The Scores. Renaissance Fashion – costumes, textiles, jewellery in 16th century Scotland. Sunday, 8 July – 12noon-4.00pm. St Andrews Castle, The Scores. Renaissance Fashion – costumes, textiles, jewellery in 16th century Scotland. Thursday, 12 July – 7.00pm. Rooftop Café, British Golf Museum, Bruce Embankment. Hunters of Blackness & Their Lost Golf Course – a talk by Brian Matheson. Entry Free. Saturday, 14 July – 10.00am to 5.00pm. The Art Club, 14c Argyle Street, St Andrews. Summer Exhibition. Over 100 paintings for sale. Entry Free. Contact: pam.robertson2011@yahoo.com Sunday, 15 July – 7.30pm. Holy Trinity Church, South Street. Concert by the Chamber Philharmonia Cologne. Music by Vivaldi, Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Paganini. Tickets from VisitScotland Information Centre, Market Street, or at the door. Wednesday, 18 July – 7.00pm. New Picture House, St Andrews. Romeo & Juliet. Live from the Royal Shakespeare Company. For further information & booking contact: nph.nphcinema.co.uk Saturday, 21 July – 11.00am to 5.00pm. St Andrews Harbour, Gala. Food/drink, stalls, fun. Free. Thursday, 26 July – 7.00pm. Rooftop Café, British Golf Museum, Bruce Embankment. Henry Cotton’s War: The Fundraising Efforts of a British Golfer. Talk by Luke Harris. Entry Free.

Saturday, 28 July – 12noon-4.00pm. St Andrews Castle, The Scores. From Fatigues to Battledress Weapons, armour, fashion at the time of King James. – 7.00pm. New Picture House, St Andrews. Trafalgar, Andre Rieu – ‘My tribute to Love’. For further information & booking contact: nph.nphcinema.co.uk Sunday, 29 July – 3.00pm. New Picture House, St Andrews. Trafalgar, Andre Rieu – ‘My tribute to Love’. For further information & booking contact: nph.nphcinema.co.uk Sunday, 29 July to Friday, 30 November – Junor Gallery, South Street. Exhibiting Scotland’s Voices, a prestigious painting by Fifer, Alexander Moffat OBE RSA, as part of Landmarks, featuring also Ruth Nicol & Alan Riach. Information at: www.junorgallery.scot

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Saturday, 4 August to Sunday, 12 August – 10.00am-5.00pm. Pittenweem Arts Festival, St Andrews Photographers on show. Preview evening, Friday, 3 August from 6.00pm. See: www.pittenweemartsfestival.co.uk Also: www.standrewsphotographers.com Saturday, 4 August – 9.00am-1.00pm. Argyle Street Car Park. Farmers’ Market. Friday, 10 to Tuesday, 14 August – Lammas Fair & Market. Friday, 17 August – 10.00am to 5.00pm. The Art Club, 14c Argyle Street, St Andrews. 4 Artists exhibit, Pam, Liz, Jean, Carole. Affordable prices. Entry Free – enjoy a cup of tea! Contact: pam.robertson2011@yahoo.com Sunday, 18 August – 9.30am to 5.00pm. St John’s House, South Street. Academic workshop; Future Directions for Research into the History of St Andrews. Organised by the School of History, University of St Andrews, in collaboration with Historic Environment Scotland. Sunday, 26 August – 10.00am to 5.00pm. Craigtoun Country Park. Craigtoun Charity Day. Entry Free. Full details: www.friendsofcraigtoun.org.uk

GARAGE St Andrews 01334 472882 MOT TESTING SERVICE & REPAIRS ACCIDENT REPAIR VALETING CAR SALES 24 HR RECOVERY Used cars and 4x4’s sourced to your requirements. Finance available on request. www.brownhillsgarage.co.uk

OUT & ABOUT Tim Hardie’s

Nature Notes Our late spring has certainly made up for the misery of early spring when we were engulfed in snow and suffered freezing temperatures, the last few weeks have been nothing short of spectacular. My song thrush continues to pipe his lovely songs and quite right too, he and his partner have already raised a brood and are in the process of having another family. The blackbirds too have done well and only last week there were several batches of youngsters with their lovely speckled chests calling for Mum and Dad to bring them a beakfull of goodies. It is no coincidence that these garden birds are flourishing this year, the warm dry weather allows the fledglings to thrive and therefore fly their the nests in the shortest time possible, so reducing the risk of Jay being eaten by cats and corvids. There is, as well, a much larger stock of insect life on the go to feed chicks. Talking of corvids I did see a pair of very handsome fellows working The vegetable garden continues to be a labour of love, the digging a fence line the other day. The colourful jay is the artful dodger of the season was interrupted by a heavy cold that frankly knocked the wind bird world, a serial thief who specialises in birds’ out of my sails to the extent I could barely get the fork eggs at this time of year. I am sure that, should a jay in the ground without retiring to the sitting room. That The vegetable garden ever appear on Mastermind, his specialist subject said, there are twenty-five kilos of Sharpes Express would be pheasant eggs, and there would be tatties planted; they are a treat fit for a King! continues to be a nothing he didn’t know! Our summer visitors, the indomitable swallows, labour of love There is a lovely Snaffles print that depicts arrived a bit late this year, but they too are making hay Reynard the fox looking back at a jay who is joyfully while the sun shines with chicks hatching shortly. The calling out his location to the following pack of hounds, the title of the house martins have built two new nests, are busily erecting a third, print being That blue wing’d Judas. while the swifts arrived at Rait two or three weeks ago. It is especially (Photo courtesy John Anderson good to see them, as they are apparently declining in numbers quite (Crail Birder: www.pbase.com/crail_birder )) dramatically.

Craig Gilbert

St Andrews Rights of Way Did you know Fife has over 1,300 recorded public Rights of Way? It’s a large number, making Fife a very concentrated area of routes. St Andrews is well served by Rights of Way: 30 or so of these recorded routes are within St Andrews alone. Of course we have some main routes, the walks beside the coastal path, for example, but do you know of the small vennels and lanes in the town? Each will have its own enduring history. Some have rather interesting names too, such as ‘Butts Wynd’, historically attributed to archery in the 17th century; or ‘Gillespie Wynd’, named after Thomas Gillespie, a

Lade Braes

Professor of Humanity around 1835. It is intriguing to visit and walk some of these routes, following in the footsteps of those who have walked there before. There are also some newly-labelled routes, such as the ‘Fife Pilgrim’s Way’, which ends at St Andrews Cathedral, reaffirming the centuries of people visiting the town, the (then) headquarters of the Scottish Church. Some of the routes in and around St Andrews have been recorded and identified in a St Andrews Walks Leaflet, created by St Andrews & NE Fife Ramblers Group, recently updated. There’s a link to this leaflet on the ScotWays’ website; it includes routes such as the ‘Lade Braes walk’, and walks to ‘Craigtoun Park’. For further information you can visit: www.standrewsnefiferamblers.com

Abbey Street

By continuing to walk such routes; in particular the Rights of Way, you’re safeguarding them for years to come, making them part of the on-going history of the town. Rights of Way in towns are notoriously unrecorded in Scotland, so it’s with certainty that I can say there will be far more than 1,300 routes in Fife. ScotWays is always interested to hear of routes that might not be in their catalogue, for possible inclusion. For a route to be a Right of Way, certain criteria need to be clarified first : it has to join two public places; been used openly and peaceably as a matter of right; been in use for at least 20 years without substantial interruption; and follows a more-or-less defined route. Direct any query or possibility to: info@scotways.com (Photos by Flora Selwyn)

OUT & ABOUT Arlen Pardoe

Hidden Gems in St Andrews Focussing on features that are in plain sight, though often overlooked Finials A finial can be described as an ornament at the top, end, or corner of an object. Those illustrated here are mainly on gates and fences around properties in St Andrews. They are

made of metal. They are usually painted black. A wide range of shapes and styles can be seen, ranging from simple spikes to quite ornate castings. (Photos courtesy Arlen Pardoe)

The Links

Golf Place

South Street

Alexandra Place

North Street

St Salvators

Ardgowan Hotel

Pilmour Place

Melbourne Place

The Scores

St Katharines

Cathedral

Market Street

Hamilton Grand

Lade Braes

Queen’s Terrace

Howard Place

University Park