A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR
We meet again for round two. Did you actually think you had heard the last from us? We hope you all enjoyed the first edition of our What’s On? Magazine. Since launching we have been busy dropping copies in to venues throughout the city centre, and in all your favourite hotspots across Perthshire.
This summer special is jam-packed. From an interview with Colin McCredie talking all things SJFC & Theatre, commentary on live music and wellbeing events, a 6 month what’s on guide, mini festival guide, interview with creatives and young people as well as a beautiful poetry addition and a fairly tricky Perth puzzle.
You’re not going to be stuck for things to do in Perth this summer. Me? I’m most looking forward to Solas Festival, which is right on my doorstep in Errol. As well as this years’ skate jam and spending as much time as possible experiencing Perthshire and all the outdoor activities we have to offer.
I’m really excited to bring you this next edition. We’ve been working hard trying to develop new content ideas, designs and ways to keep you informed and connected in to our fair city.
We’ve listened to your feedback, we’ve taken on board your comments and we’re back, better than ever. Again, it’s been a privilege to pull this magazine together for you, to be able to collaborate with so many amazing people to bring these 20 pages to our streets.
This magazine is my love letter to Perth. For each issue we will collect more ideas, involve more of our community, ask tough questions, speak to the coolest of people and also provide you with a resource that you can use to live your best life in our beautiful city.
Thank you to everyone who has stepped up and been involved once again. Seeing a dream I have had for many years formulate in to this wonderful piece of work is so incredible. The wild ideas for this magazine will keep on coming and I really do hope that you keep on reading!
@hollie / @hollieskateagram
It has been a long 2 years of rescheduled festivals and gig cancellations, but this summer promises to be loud - and Perth will be at the heart of some of the most exciting events in Scotland. Although some festivities have been postponed further into next year, there are still plenty of events, both old and new, to fill our boots with this summer season.
Solas festival is a personal favourite of mine, family friendly but still rowdy enough to serve up a big slice of escapism for a few days. It’s taking place for the third year now at Errol park, 17th - 19th of June. Solas has a fantastic lineup of music alongside plenty of workshops to get involved in. One of the most interactive festivals I’ve attended and taking place midsummer weekend, the weather has never let me down yet.
Another old trusty, Southern Fried Festival returns to the city centre after three years, taking place July 30th for just
OLIVIA WATSON ON LIVE MUSIC
one day. A full day of blues and country all across the town - vibrant, eccentric and friendly. Nothing compares to a day of sunshine at The Concert Hall Plaza during Southern Fried.
Brand spanking new festival Otherlands, due to take place at Scone Palace 19th - 21st of August is one of the most exciting lineups for a new festival we’ve ever seen. With the likes of Jamie XX, Bicep and Vlure, there’s something for everyone, and just at a stone throw over the river. I can really see Otherlands becoming a staple every year for diaries in Perth, with the lineups getting bigger and better. Definitely not one to miss!
Even without leaving the city centre, Perths pubs are scheduling plenty to keep our evenings busy. With guaranteed music most days of the week, The Twa Tams never fails to be a hotspot for some fantastic jams on any given night. Hosting musicians from all across the country,
this pub also showcases some of the greatest up and coming local artists the town has to offer. The Sunday Social each week is a hub for all musicians to meet up and play together. Although it may be great to attend all year round as a performer or spectator, there’s something about the summer months that boosts the weekly sessions.
The Tavern, Dutch and Pablos, Muckys and Greyfriars also never fail to provide great acts each weekend. We have a city full of brilliant music venues to keep us busy over the next few months.
I can trust our ears are well looked after this summer!
I can trust our ears are well looked after this summer!
Olivia Watson performing at Dutch & Pablos open mic night.
Photography Credit: Marcus Tyler
You can catch Olivia Watson hosting the weekly open mic at Dutch & Pablo’s with trusted companion Mark McRae
ALAN CARBERRY
On Solas Festival, The Freakshow Nightmares & Perth’s Music Scene
While Alan Carberry may still be cooling down from his recent EP launch and tour, his feet aren’t up just yet. The indie-folk songwriter is preparing for a Solas set alongside his band The Freakshow Nightmares. We caught up with him for a wee chat.
Hello Alan! Let’s get stuck in, what’s your current thoughts on Perth’s music scene?
I think Perth’s got a really good music scene, there’s a lot of young, original bands which is great. I think if you compare it to other cities of the same size it’s awesome. Where I’m from in Stirling, you get a lot of pub gigs, people doing covers - whereas in Perth you’ve got a lot of original bands. Loads of good open mics, too.
You’ve recently formed a band, can you tell us a bit about how this came together?
We’ve been pals for years. Me and Cory (the drummer), we’ve known each other for ages. He was in a band in high school with Josh and Darren who are the guitarists. We’ve been jamming together for like seven or eight years, but just for fun. When Real Life Entertainment split up, I wanted to do some solo stuff. It felt like it was missing a little something, and I couldn’t think of anyone else that I’d rather work with. Then we’ve got Kieran, from Bohemian Monk Machine - he’s just the cherry on top.
We loved your latest EP Sitting Pretty. Can you tell us a bit about the creative process behind this?
This is something that I wrote a long
time ago, it just took me ages to put out. They’re all quite old songs, most of them written on an acoustic guitar. I got Cory, Darren and Josh together to try get some instrumental parts down.
The EP was recorded live at Teapot. We went out there and had a great weekend, got really drunk and played some songs. I wanted it to be a live recording because the stuff I’d done before was all layered, and I didn’t like the way it turned out. I wanted to capture the same sound we had in the practise rooms, because I knew it sounded good.
So when you’re writing do you just jam it and see where it goes or do you know what you want before you write the song?
Usually I have an idea of how I want it to sound. For the new stuff, I already recorded most of the parts - I had set guitar parts and basslines for some of them. But then at some point I’d also be like ‘can you just do a guitar solo’ or ‘give us something on bass’. Darren’s really good at all the atmospheric noises and stuff. So the guys come up with their own stuff as well.
We’re looking forward to seeing you at Solas festival this year! As a regular attendee, what is your favourite memory?
I suppose… we played it (Solas) with Real Life Entertainment and I’d played at the theater during the day for something, I can’t remember what. I just got on stage, put the guitar on and dropped it. I snapped every single string. Six strings! My girlfriend (Liv) was really drunk running about asking all the other bands if I could borrow a guitar. Haha, everyone was like ‘no, why would I give him a guitar’. Just playing that was really fun, a guy gave me a wee tool to put the strings back on real quick.
Are there any acts that you’re looking forward to see play live at Solas this summer?
DOPESICKFLY and Ruby Gaines for sure. I also really like Kris Drever, it’ll be cool to see him. I always enjoy finding new artists at Solas, so I guess you could say I’m looking forward to the ones I haven’t heard, too.
Check out Alan’s latest EP Sitting Pretty available on all major streaming platforms now.
Read our EP launch review at: perthlifescot.co.uk
ELLIOT MILN
Of bottomdrawerfinds on starting a small business online
It’s fair to say that Elliot’s new side hustle bottomdrawerfinds has taken Perth by storm. BDF is an online shop, which predominantly sells through Instagram and via pop up shops around Scotland. Offering preloved vintage, street & skatewear - and what a collection he has. We caught up with the local skater, musician and aspiring teacher to chat all about his clothing brand and what’s in store next…
Hello, Elliot! So tell us a little bit about bottomdrawerfinds?
Hiya! bottomdrawerfinds is a small clothing business I created last year, specialising in selling preloved streetwear, vintage and skatewear. I hand pick every item I sell from charity shops or online marketplaces, which is a positive move against fast fashion and gives every item a second home. I do monthly online “drops” and independently organise my own pop up shops as well…
What inspired you to start up the brand?
I first began bottomdrawerfinds back in September 2021. I always used selling apps such as eBay, Vinted and Depop but I found it difficult to grow my pages and gain followers. I created the brand account on Instagram with no real plans for it, I just posted the same listings as I did on any other platform.
Surprisingly, I managed to move a lot of my listings promptly. This motivated me to sell more and create a structure to the page. Over the past couple months I’ve been highly motivated to buy and sell brands that my followers want. I always love interacting with everyone on my page. It steers me in the right direction for what the people want to see from me.
What else do you get up to when you are not running BDF?
When I’m not running BDF I am working weekdays in a local school as a support assistant. Working within primary education has always been something I’ve aspired to do, it’s such a rewarding job and I feel like I’m making a positive impact. All the staff have been very supportive of bottomdrawerfinds and have even gone on to sell some of their own clothes on my page!
Other than working I am also a keen skateboarder. I’ve always had a huge interest in the culture of skateboarding - specifically clothing - which is why almost all of my stock is skatewear.
Naturally a lot of my buyers have been from the skatepark so it’s always such a crazy feeling seeing other skaters wear the items I’ve sold to them.
What events do you have coming up?
I have a lot planned for the rest of the year! I am currently in conversation with a skate shop in Glasgow to set up a stall in their premises. If you told me six months ago that would be happening I definitely wouldn’t have believed you!
“Perth skatepark is my second home and it is always full of friendly faces that push you to succeed.”
Elliot’s next pop up shop will be on 2nd July 2022 at Perth Skatepark
Alongside that, I am currently in the middle of organising a pop up shop down at Perth skatepark on July 2nd. Ever since I’ve started the page many of the skaters have encouraged me to have an event down at the park. I also plan to showcase other small businesses such as Atomic Skateboards, MFBROOM, and Cosmic Records. There are so many amazing small businesses that need more praise in Perth so I hope my pop up shop can shine some light on them!
What has the reception in Perth been like to bottomdrawerfinds?
My first pop up shop was actually in Perth and I was blown away with the reception I got from it.
It’s such a weird feeling when someone new comes up to me and says “hey you’re that bottomdrawerfinds guy”. For a city that is fairly limited in terms of clothing stores it’s amazing seeing so many locals taking interest in the brand.
Where do you see the brand going over the next few years?
It’s really hard to say! I’m very focused on my own career of becoming a primary school teacher however I would love to set up my own temporary shop in Perth in the future. I have really enjoyed interacting with people who visit my pop up shops so would love to do more of that. In the near future I will definitely be doing more pop up shops around Scotland, online drops and collaborating with other small businesses from Perth.
Instagram: @bottomdrawerfinds
Fun Fact: You can also find Elliot playing in local band Knackered! (@knackeredband)
Elliot with his pop up shop at local bar Mucky’s
Article: Sophie Staniforth
Festival Guide
SOLAS | 17 - 19 JUN @ Errol Park
About: Solas is the festival of music, movement, thoughts, dreams, and expression of the soul. Held on midsummer weekend, the ‘Wee Woodstock’ is tucked into Errol Park and welcomes all - diversity being at the heart of its ethos.
This family-friendly festival has yet another fantastic lineup, bringing in world dance music, folk, R&B, and even an orchestra of brass players! Expect appearances from Don Kipper, Kris Drever, Stanley Odd, Eliza Shaddad and many more.
The creativity doesn’t stop there! With art, talks, yoga, poetry and circus skillsthis festival serves as a space to explore all elements of yourself with an open mind, find friends within strangers and challenge debates with activists from all walks of life. The kids will love it too, there’s a whole bunch of workshops and activities waiting for them. Plus, their tickets are completely free!
Dress code: Yoga pants, baggy dungarees and the funkiest shirt you own.
Munch: Caribbean food from Chilikoko Cuisine, flatbreads and paella from The Rolling Stove, pizza, pancakes and lots of coffee!
Rewind Festival | 22 - 24 JUL @ Scone Palace, Perth
About: Turn back the clocks this July, because we’re going back to the 80’s! Rewind Festival is coming back with a bang, and has some super fun acts ready to take the stage. Holly Johnson and Wet Wet Wet will be headlining the weekend, with bits from Bananarama, Billy Ocean, Queen Symphonic and many more.
While they might be a little too young to sing along, kids are welcome too! Rewind has been deemed one of the best family festivals out there, with plenty activities for your wee ones to get involved in. There’s even an exclusive children’s area. Held in the Scone Palace grounds, this annual festival is just round the corner - so close, in fact, that you can hear and feel the buzz from the city centre.
Dress code: Wigs, leg warmers and as many bright block colours as possible.
Munch: Street food, as well as gin and prosecco bars.
Otherlands Festival | 19 - 21 AUG @ Scone Palace, Perth
About: This multi-genre festival is getting ready to bring a three-day retreat of music, culture and arts right to our doorstep. With big names such as Folamour, Bicep, Tom Misch, Jamie XX and Honey Dijon - as well as sets from the likes of JAIMIE and Parliamo - there is a huge variety on the bill.
This curation of artists will be spread across six stages spanning the Palace grounds. The festival will also offer specific camping and glamping areas, which come with wellness spaces dedicated to filling your weekend with relaxation. This makes for a great breath away from the day-to-day.
Tickets for this specific add on will be coming out soon, so keep your eyes peeled!
It doesn’t just stop there - Otherlands have promised to bring immersive art to the festival, speaking of an ‘all-encompassing, multi-sensory experience’. Count us in!
Dress code: Quality over quantitywith a spot of rave wear.
Munch: Gourmet street food, more info on this coming soon.
Craigie Hill Festival | 10 SEPT @ Craigie Hill
Back for its fifth year after a hiatus due to the pandemic, this family run festival is set to storm Craigie Hill once again. Perth’s own chart-smashing Fiction Factory are returning from the 80’s to headline, on top of a whole bill of the hottest homegrown talent. There will be scenes from Mad Ferret, The Curtains, Red Pine Timber Company and many, many more!
Tickets are very limited and expected to sell out fast, so grab ‘em while you can.
Dress code: It’s September in Scotland… dress for all the seasons.
Munch: Various food and drink outlets, including Ruby the Campervan.
More Festivals for Your Diary...
LuncarT In The Park
Bay City Rollers at Food In The Park Blairgowrie Summer Gin Festival
Southern Fried Festival
MugStock Festival
Aberfeldy Multi Sports Festival
Rattary Arts Festival
Perth Festival Of Yarn
Great Perthshire Food Festival
Perth Fake Festival
Spirit of Perthshire Whisky Festival
YOUR CITY YOUR SAY : PERSPECTIVE
A YOUNG PERSON’S
PERTH LIFE has been scouring the city to talk to locals as part of our new ‘Your City Your Say’ series. This edition we are focusing on Perth’s young people. While Perth is undoubtedly a beautiful place that’s great to live in, a lot of youngsters feel that the city is lacking in terms of what it has to offer for them.
It has become apparent that Perth is missing venues dedicated to young people, safe spaces where they can hang out that isn’t the local park or fast-food places.
Another common take is that the activities and shops within our city centre just don’t appeal to younger generations. We ask the young people what steps we could take to improve life for them. Can our city be revived for the younger generation with a few considerate choices? Are young people our city centre saviours?
TENNESSEE McELLIGOT, 18: “I think Perth’s great, the past year’s been so much fun since everything has opened up again. I’ve made loads of new friends and memories here since turning 18 and going out at the weekend, but the clubs in Perth could be improved. There isn’t any diversity within the nightlife - all the clubs are too similar and there isn’t ever really a good event on unless you’re lucky.
I think the nightclubs we do have could start doing themed nights like the bigger clubs in Edinburgh and Glasgow to bring a bit more fun to going out. Also bringing back student nights and getting more DJ’s with different genres of music to play at Ice Factory. I think these would be some great ways to improve Perth nightlife for
TYLER McCAULEY, 18: “Having more safe drop in spaces for various different needs. Personally the YMCA drop in is a safe space for me and places more like it would be awesome!”
JAMES GOULD, 16: “We to offer to help young people the streets with nothing better facilities for extra curricular activities trampoline park or all weather town centre is boring and just for young people to really get
What Can We Do Perth A Better Place For Young
ALLY McCAW, 23: “Perth is a beautiful looking city, but really suffers from a real lack of amenities for younger people. More places for people to hang out later at night that don’t involve drinking would be a real boost to younger people’s social lives. More sports facilities with a larger variety of activities would be a great boost to the physical and mental health of young people in our lovely city.”
ABIGAIL JAKEMAN, 17: young person I feel really intimated groups of people that go out town, and it can make it not a sometimes. We need more spaces for various needs. I also feel like started to get really bad, loads think it would be better if there for young people.”
GOULD, 16: “We need to have more young people who are roaming nothing better to do. Also more curricular activities such as a all weather football pitches. The boring and just has shops, nothing to really get engaged with.”
MIAH JACK, 16: “I think Perth would be better for young people if there were more places for us to hang about because all we really have is McDonald’s and other fast food places, there’s not really any safe spaces designated for young people to be about after school or on the weekend.”
We Do To Make
Better Place To Live Young People ?
JAKEMAN, 17: “Personally as a feel really intimated by the large that go out drinking in parks and make it not a nice place to go need more spaces for young people I also feel like the shops have really bad, loads have closed down. I better if there was more new shops
CAITLIN TODD, 19: “I’d say more shops for young people and also more fun leisure activities. I go to the shops a lot in Dundee as I commute for college and I feel like I spend more time in the Overgate compared to Perth centre. There’s always more fun things in different cities as well like laser tag, paintball, arcades, escape rooms etc but it feels like there’s limited options in Perth.”
LIBBY POYNTER, 18: “Perth as a whole is a beautiful city, however I don’t believe young people of Perth get to understand exactly what history is on our doorstep. For example, King James the 1st was assassinated in Perth, not many people who live here would know that information, and I think there should be a lot more public access to the historical impact our city holds.
I also think more effort should be made to clean the city centre up and collect bins more regularly, not only does this improve for our benefit, but the local wildlife’s sake also. Getting rid of potentially toxic plastics and waste is crucial to having a clean and healthy environment for both people and nature to thrive in.”
TOM, ELLIOT, FINN AND LOGAN OF KNACKERED, 20-24: “After being really quiet for some time, Perth’s music scene is finally showing some great, young, up and coming artists. It’s just such a shame that there isn’t a lot of opportunity for these artists due to lack of venues and infrastructure to utilise. It would be great if the council showed more interest in the music scene. There’s so much great talent in Perth, and hopefully in the near future the scene blossoms a bit for young up and coming bands and artists to showcase their talents.”
WHAT’S ON IN PERTH?
PERTH LIFE’s comprehensive what’s on guide is back. All event listings are correct as of 15 May 2022. Keep an eye on future editions of our What’s On Guide for more events later in the year
OH WHEN THE SAINTS @ PERTH THEATRE
CELESTIAL @ THE LOVAT
GARDEN FAIR @ SCONE PALACE
SCHUBERT @ PERTH CONCERT HALL
BAY CITY ROLLERS @ FOOD IN THE PARK, BLAIR ATHOLL
CREAM @ EGO NIGHTCLUB // PAUL VAN DYKE
LUNCART IN THE PARK @ BROWNLANDS PARK, LUNCARTY
SURVIVAL DAY @ WILLOWGATE
GHOST, THE MUSICAL @ PERTH CONCERT HALL
ALAN CARR @ PERTH CONCERT HALL
THE ULTIMATE EAGLES @ PERTH CONCERT HALL
GANGSTA GRANNY @ PERTH THEATRE
SKIDS LIVE IN CONCERT @ FOOD IN THE PARK, BLAIR ATHOLL
TAYSIDE CLASSIC CAR SHOW @ ERROL
SOLAS FESTIVAL @ ERROL PARK FLUSHFEST ONLINE FESTIVAL
KINROSS FARMERS’ MARKET 2022
SUICIDE INTERVENTION & PREVENTION PROGRAM @ PERTH THEATRE
CREATIVE WRITING GROUP / LINDA KRACKNELL, OPEN BOOK @ BREADALBANE COMMUNITY LIBRARY
FAIR CITY WRESTLING LIVE! @ TULLOCH INSTITUTE CLUB
A MOTOWN MUSICAL TRIBUTE SHOW BY THE MOTOWN BROTHERS @ THE BANK
90S LADIES NIGHT @ NUMBER 10, CUPAR
SUMMER GIN FEST @ BLAIRGOWRIE
AWAKEN IN THE WILD @ RSPB LOCH LEVEN
ABERFELDY MULTI SPORTS FESTIVAL @ VARIOUS VENUES
REWIND FESTIVAL @ SCONE PALACE
THE ROLLING STONES STORY @ PERTH CONCERT HALL
IRELAND: THE SHOW @ PERTH CONCERT HALL
SOUTHERN FRIED @ PERTH CONCERT HALL
PERTH SHOW @ SOUTH INCH
MUGSTOCK FESTIVAL @ STRATHALLAN CASTLE
BGCP COMIC CON: PERTH 2022 @ DEWARS CENTRE
PERTH HIGHLAND GAMES @ SCONE PALACE
OTHERLANDS
DOG & FAMILY FUN DAY @ BLAIRGOWRIE DOG PARK
GANNOCHY SUNFLOWER COMPETITION @ GANNOCHY COMMUNITY CENTRE
RATTRAY ARTS FESTIVAL @ RATTRAY COMMUNITY HALL
04 SEP 16 SEP 10 SEP 27 SEP 10 SEP 17 SEP 15 SEP 29 SEP30 OCT
TABLETOP SCOTLAND CONVENTION @ DEWARS CENTRE
PERTH SKATE JAM @ PERTH SKATEPARK
GREAT PERTHSHIRE FOOD FESTIVAL @ VARIOUS VENUES
DANIEL SLOSS & FRIENDS @ PERTH CONCERT HALL
JANE MACDONALD - LET THE LIGHT IN @ PERTH CONCERT HALL
PERTH FESTIVAL OF YARN @ DEWARS CENTRE
CRAIGIE HILL FESTIVAL @ CRAIGIE HILL
PERTH FILM SOCIETY: GAGARINE @ PERTH THEATRE
BIG FAKE FESTIVAL @ SCONE PALACE
SPIRIT OF SCOTLAND WHISKEY FESTIVAL @ DEWARS CENTRE
THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY
ENCHANTED FOREST @ FASKALLY WOODS, PITLOCHRY
SLEEPING BEAUTY: RUSSIAN STATE BALLET AND OPERA HOUSE @ PERTH CONCERT HALL
JERRY SADOWITZ @ PERTH THEATRE
LEO SAYER @ PERTH CONCERT6 HALL
JURASSIC LIVE @ BELLS SPORTS CENTRE
PERTH FARMERS MARKET CHRIS SMALL @ BLEND COFFEE LOUNGE WORKSHOPS & IN-STORE EVENTS @ QUINCE & COOK
OhWhen The Saints starts its 16-day show run on June 2nd. A drama written by Martin McCormick based on fan stories, club history and community involvement, surrounding the events of May 17th 2014. Even if you’re not a die-hard Saints fan, it’s a day ingrained into every Perthite’s knowledge.
The drama sets out to tell the tales of what it’s like being a loyal fan of a club that isn’t always on the winning side. Directed by Lu Kemp & McCormick, starring Colin McCredie, Tom McGovern, Lorna Craig & Greer Montgomery. Propped up by a community cast of 15 - an authentic telling of Perth stories and our local club.
The production has been in development for 2 years, with Colin McCredie involved from the early stages - a play he absolutely had to be a part of. We caught up with Colin to talk all things Saints, Perth Theatre and Murray’s Pies!
What was it like growing up in Perth?
“It was great growing up in Perth, I lived up over in Gannochy. We had the tennis courts and plenty of places to play football, so I was always out and about, free to roam, pretending I was Kenny Dalglish. I grew up playing football. I actually wanted to be a footballer. Then my sister started working in Perth Theatre as an usherette, she got tickets to shows. I would go and see plays when I was a boy and I got really into it.
Later on after drama school my sister came back to work at Perth Theatre and she started working with Andy Gray, another actor from Perth.
I grew up idolising Andy and wanting to be an actor, so that was my route into the theatre.
Were you always a Saints fan from a young age?
Yeah, well we grew up in Perth, but my dad was originally from Fife. We came to Perth with his work, dropping into the city
ARTICLE: Hollie Irvine LEAD PHOTO CREDIT: Alan McCredie
Colin McCredie On Perth Theatre, Saints & Murray’s Pies
when I was about 3. Me and my brother were football daft so we kept badgering my dad to take us to a game. Luckily he took us to see St Johnstone.
“The first game we went to was in 1979 it was a midweek game against Dundee. It was a big game and Saints were trying to avoid relegation, and Dundee were trying to get promoted. There was a big crowd and this was also at the point when people still drank at games - so bottles were being thrown. There was peeing. You know, it was a bit rough and ready.”
It was a bit scary. But there was something a bit exciting about it. The flood lights came on and there was a theatricality about it and it totally hooked me in.
And have you followed the team since then?
Yeah totally! Obviously when I grew up we had the best of times, but mostly the worst. At
that point, Saints were in the second league, they went up and down a few times. We were at the very bottom for a while. Then Muirton Park went and we got McDiarmid Park. Then we got into the league cup final about 20 years ago and got into Europe. We ended up with a succession of 7 to 8 semi finals that we lost.
You just sort of felt that we would always be the bridesmaid and never the bride.
Then in 2014 we finally got to a final - and we won! After 140 years - it doesn’t make any sense, man. I didn’t believe it was going to happen. On the Sunday coming back to Perth I’m standing in Mill Street, and there were thousands of people following the bus. I just couldn’t believe I had witnessed Saints winning a trophy. 40,000 people rammed into Perth following an open top bus. This was something that happened to other teams, not to Saints.
Then we went and won a double, in the midst of a pandemic - you couldn’t have made it up.
So how do you feel then about joining the production of OWTS - obviously the team and theatre are two things that are very close to you…
When I first started acting I was in a production of Oliver at the theatre in 1984 - so that was nearly 40 years ago! So it feels as if it has come full circle. I’ve not worked at the theatre for 15 years and it means a lot for me to come back to the building, especially as the play is about the team that I love. I’ve been involved in the development of the play over the past couple of years. And even Andy Gray, he wasn’t a big football fan, but he was really keen when we were starting to discuss it that the play was about Perth, and community and not just about football.
Andy would have loved to have been in it had he not passed. I’m not sure there has ever been a play about Perth, about Perth people, about Perth stories on the stage in Perth. And although it’s hung on St Johnstone, it’s not just a play for football fans.
There’s also so much community involvement with this production.
There will be 15 community cast in every show! We probably have people in the show from about 12 to 75.
“It’s
A lot of the stories that are in the play come from the development work with the community, the team talks stuff, the stories that people have shared. Things that I didn’t know. Stories about why people are Saints fans, incidents that have happened, tied around us winning the cup in 2014.
you weren’t into Saints, and you came to the show, you would really enjoy the story.
really funny, at Youth Theatre myself and Ewan McGregor were the only boys. And now he is in Hollywood winning Golden Globes and I’m back at the Theatre doing a play about Saints. Where did it all go wrong for him?”
It is about commitment and family and following a team and never winning anything. Actually it’s about the lows as much as it is about the highs - and why people keep going back every week. There’s more to football than just winning, especially if you support a diddy team. If you support Barca or Celtic they win every week. We don’t.
So you said earlier that you kind of took a hiatus from Perth Theatre, but were you involved quite a lot when you were younger?
school. I went to the Youth Theatre, I would help put sets up and hand posters out.
In secondary school I was in the theatre every day, Ewan McGregor was a year older than me. And Ewan was doing similar things. He had left school, he was in plays and working back stage, we just wanted to be around the theatre.
It’s really funny, at Youth Theatre myself and Ewan McGregor were the only boys. And now he is in Hollywood winning Golden Globes and I’m back at the Theatre doing a play about Saints. Where did it all go wrong for him?
There’s just something so warm and wonderful about Theatre...
As a Saints fan and someone from Perth I actively pushed to be in the show. I wanted to be part of it because I wanted to make sure that it was right. And hopefully we have got it right. I feel as if I am a bit of an insider that can make changes and help make it authentic.
So do you have a most memorable Saints game that you have ever been to?
It is a proper play, it’s not a daft football play. It will have funny bits in it, chants, Saints jokes, but it also stands up as a proper piece of drama. Even if
Yeah, so I started off in plays. I was in Oliver, Peter Pan. Then I worked in the box office and Theatre. Then I started working backstage when I was still at
Either my first game against Dundee or it would have to be the cup final in 2014. Winning the Scottish Cup in front of 15,000 Saints fans and I was there with my daughter and friends. People that I had been at the football with for 25 odd years. It happened to us as a group and I was able to celebrate it with friends and family.
Aside from Saints and Perth Theatre, what else do you love about Perth?
I love going up Kinnoull Hill! I love the River Tay and walking over the railway bridge. Love a wee pint in The Old Ship Inn and I love going to Murrays the bakers - nothing better than a good pie & cake selection!
LEFT: Colin & fans have been working hard to have their stories told on the stage
SOPHIE STANIFORTH
ON WELLBEING & LEISURE EVENTS
Spring is finally upon us, the sun is showing face again, and with it comes a whole new energy. After dragging through those dark months, we are feeling motivated once more to take better care of our mind and body.
Coming out of the pandemic there’s a huge focus on mental and physical wellbeing. Over the past few years, while the world shut down, minds opened up. Many who had never really explored fitness began working out from home, people started meditating, going for regular walks and cooking their own meals.
Having so much time to ourselves really allowed us to develop a deeper understanding of what our minds and bodies really need, and how we can provide. We’ve learnt how to slow down within a fast-paced society, taking deeper breaths. We’re now returning to ‘normality’ with a fresh perspective, ensuring that we are adhering to the needs of the body and brain. Post-covid we are seeing The Great Resignation, where people are quitting their jobs because they no longer align with who they are.
This fresh perspective is transpiring all around us, with gyms becoming far more accessible. Look at Live Active, who
Having so much time to ourselves really allowed us to develop a deeper understanding of what our minds and bodies really need
have just opened up their new student memberships, offering access to all their gyms, pools, health suites and venues for about half the price of a standard membership. Local gym Allstrong is also offering small group wellbeing mentorship for unpaid carers, LGBTQ+ community members, those struggling with mental health issues and many more marginalised groups. This provides assistance within the gym, relaxation techniques, creative activities and lots of other techniques to strengthen the body and mind.
There’s an increase in demand for yoga groups - with Elevate Yoga now offering
outdoor classes each month on a Sunday morning. Julia2 is offering a variety of mindfulness and wellbeing retreats over the next couple of months which are filling up fast.
It’s really no joke that people’s focus is on their mental and physical wellbeing right now. No longer compromising ourselves for work or relationships, the world is consciously making life-choices based on what makes us happy and healthy.
We may be back to the grind, but we’ve truly come back to our mind.
Sophie Staniforth is one of our editors at Perth Life, she in fact helped pull this magazine together. Alongside this Sophie is a musician, digital marketer and works as a Personal Trainer.
You can find Sophie on Instagram : @soularstrength
Perth Poetry Corner
Perspective : Lynne Campbell
Schiehallion’s bit a mowdie hull
Biggit frae the groond
The wind roars awfy loudly
But disnae mak a soond
The planet that we’re staunin on’s
As muckle as a pea
And if oor earth is pea-sized
Ehm nae bigger than a flea
They say that aw that’s matter
Is maistly made o space
And if that’s the matter o it
Whit means the human race?
If a mowdie hull’s Schiehallion
And the Earth’s a wee green pea
Best no think much on it
An hae a cup o tea.
PUZZLE PAGE
PERTHSHIRE CROSSWORD
Across 4. DC ? Fraser, played by McCredie
5. 16th century graves
7. Perthshire’s highest point
9. Perth’s oldest pub
10. Perth Theatre and Perth Concert Hall
11. North and South Inches previously
14. Busses here
15. King murdered in Perth
16. Rewind Festival host
18. Shore Road Club
19. Local pub lent books
Across
4. DC _____ Fraser, played by McCreadie
5. 16th century graves
LOCAL ANAGRAMS
7. Perthshire’s highest point
9. Oldest pub in Perth
10. Perth Theatre and Perth Concert Hall
Unjumble the 12 phrases on the left to find the answers on the right
11. North and South Inches previously
14. Busses here
Down
1. Quince & Cook, Culloch Brewing, Underneath the Arches
2. The Lang Toun
3. UK’s longest continuous reed-bed
6. Played SJFC in the 2014 Scottish Cup Final
8. Hill from Macbeth
12. Festival from Tibbermore, now held at Errol Park
13. Fortingall Tree
17. Perth was once
Down
1. Quince & Cook, Culloch Brewing & Underneath the Arches here
2. The Lang Toun
PERTH TAKEAWAYS WORDSEARCH
3. UK’s longest continuous reed-bed
6. Played SJFC in the 2014 Scottish Cup Final
8. Hill from Macbeth
From Chicken to Chinese and Indian to ItalianCan you find 13 popular Perth takeaways?
12. Festival once at Tibbermore, now held at Errol Park
high pole lecture
15. King murdered in Perth
realigned lens mirror
carefully birth
credit scoffer
relive cities value
jade of ireland
cosier cigars
ocean places
pie merchant
no minor truth
be scotch sausages
tasty tree
perth cinema
tay street
perth college uhi
jeanfield road
north muirton
stagecoach busses
creiff rd tesco
city hall refurb
craigie cross
norrie miller gardens
live active leisure
scone palace
WE’RE HIRING in Perth!
It’s our people who make Balhousie Care Group amazing - the everyday heroes who are as committed as we are to providing innovative, award-winning, quality care based on our core company values.
Balhousie North Inch, 99 Hay Street, Perth, Perthshire, PH1 5HS
T: 01738 632233
• COMPETITIVE PAY
• EXCELLENT BENEFITS
We’re on the lookout for care and domestic staff to join our care home team. Visit our website for vacancies or drop us a line.
Here’s what you’ll get:
• Competitive salary
• Excellent benefits package
• Flexibility with shifts and school-friendly hours
• Opportunities for career progression
If you’d like to be one of our everyday heroes contact careers@balhousiecare.co.uk or visit our website. T: 01738 254254 www.balhousiecare.co.uk
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Opportunities include sponsorship of our online monthly What’s On? Guides and a range of advertising and advertorial options in our physical magazine, with growing readership and competitive pricing.
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We are now taking advertising enquiries for our August edition.
Skater: Cammy Anderson
Photo: @stirrat_photography