Trend Jan / Feb 2024 by Trend Productions Ltd.

Refresher course Skincare to revitalise & rejuvenate

HMT lyde at C & ie nn ain s to Bo Mount Ticket o the Banffal t s tiv Ticket Film Fes rclass ste m tail a ters A cockm ShapeShif fro

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22 HEALTH & BEAUTY

Yoga for health 08 Meet Yogi & Cindy, therapy wonder dogs 09 Beauty: Refresher course 10

FASHION

22 Haute & cold: Winter looks 30 Step away from the dark side 32 Men: Country classics

LIFESTYLE Creative: Meet the family behind the Fused Box 50 Charity focus: UCAN, local urinary cancer charity 57 Society: All the frocks, all the faces 60 Trend events: Book now 63 Behind the Business: Andrew Scott Dental Care 64

36 54 TRAVEL & LEISURE

A stroll through history: Best castles to visit 34 Win theatre tickets to Bonnie & Clyde at HMT 42 Win tickets to a film festival at the Music Hall 44 Kids: Hobbies for life 52 Travel: Turn up the heat 58

08 60

FOOD & DRINK

36 Carbolicious cakes & sugary bakes 38 Win a cocktail masterclass at Shapeshifters

46 Freshen up: Interiors trends for 2024 54 Gardens: Redesigning your outdoor space

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ISSUE N0. 97 | JAN / FEB 24

FROM THE

EDITOR Say hello to 2024! Normally, we start the year with a big list of all the things we’re going to give up, whether that’s eating sweets and junk food, binge watching box sets, giving up alcohol, buying yet more shoes or even smoking. Deprivation never really works. Think of the numbers of exercise bikes, treadmills and cross trainers that end up draped with discarded clothes. On average, we’ll have broken our negative resolutions by January 16th. This year, why not make positive resolutions that enhance your life rather than diminish it? Want to cut down on the Chardonnay? Why not meet friends for mocktails? Abandoning Deliveroo? Head for somewhere with a flavour-packed or Mediterranean menu, or healthier plant-based options. A meal out once a month might cost the same as four takeaways, but it’s far more convivial. Meeting up with friends and family, rather than just using What’s App, offers a host of health and wellbeing benefits. It’s all about making better choices. If you want to save money, then look for things that are free to do, like visiting the art gallery, or invest in something that brings new life skills, like cookery classes or learning a new language. We’re here to help you find new ideas and things to do. Make this the year you really start to enjoy life. Love Everyone at Trend x

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Prices are correct at time of going to press, but may be subject to change. Trend cannot be held responsible for unsolicited material. The views and opinions by contributors in the magazine may not represent the views of the publisher. Trend Productions Ltd takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers in this publication. T&Cs apply to all competitions & offers.

PUBLISHED BY TREND PRODUCTIONS LTD PO Box 11858, Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire AB39 9AN +44 (0)1224 596223 info@trendmagazine.co.uk trendmagazine.co.uk

DIRECTOR Gill Buyers gill@trendmagazine.co.uk EDITOR Alison Daniels alison@trendmagazine.co.uk ADVERTISING Clare Findlay clare@trendmagazine.co.uk DESIGN Lisa Thompson lisa@trendmagazine.co.uk ACCOUNTS Jill Walker jwalker@trendmagazine.co.uk PRINT Stephens & George Print Group

Contributors Kirsty McLean gardendesignscotland.com

On the Cover MODEL Cherry Keith of Premiere Productions PHOTOGRAPHER Donna Murray donnamurrayphotography.com THANKS to our retailers Lolo + Co, Hamishmunro, Bellino and Tigerlily Boutique.

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Get your year off to a great start with our pick of where to live your best life in January and February…

01 BALLET-HOO: CINDERS! Scottish Ballet bring their new version of the Cinderella story to HMT from 24-27th January. Sometimes, Cinders is a girl swept of her feet by her prince, while in other productions Cinders is a cha who falls for his princess. Tickets from aberdeenperformingarts.com

02 03 50 YEARS OF ART: CELEBRATING PRINTMAKING AT PEACOCK Peacock have been part of the city’s culture for 50 years, so pop along to the Art Gallery for this retrospective throughout January and February.

DARK DEEDS: GRANITE NOIR The popular crime writing festival is back with a host of fascinating talks, workshops and events from February 20th. The line-up includes David Suchet: Poirot and More and a gripping production of Twelve Angry Men at HMT. Find out more at aberdeenperformingarts.com/ granite-noir

04 05 06 BOTTOMS UP: GIN DISCOVERY TOURS Pop along to the City of Aberdeen Distillery for a tour including a talk from the lead distiller, a tasting session and a goody bag to take away. It’s educational. Tickets are £25 from cityofaberdeendistillery.co.uk

ON THE BALL: HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS AT P&J LIVE

STRIP THE WILLOW: BURNS NIGHT CEILIDHS AT THE BEACH BALLROOM

The world’s most famous basketball team bring a night of amazing skill, outrageous athleticism and a non-stop good time as they take on the dastardly Washington Generals on February 16th. Tickets from £27 from ticketmaster.com

Don your kilt or tart yourself up in tartan for these Burns Supper Ceilidhs with music from Iron Broo and a three course traditional Scottish menu for £35 a head. Tickets from thelittleboxoffice.com

8 | HEALTH

the flexible foundation of health There’s more to yoga than the downward dog as we found out when we asked local yoga teachers Gayle Sheed and Louisa Craig about their approaches…

‘Whilst yoga is becoming very popular it is often overlooked as a source of health improvement or health prevention,’ explained Gayle. ‘I’m involved in Yoga4Health. It’s a 10 week, mainly online, evidence based programme. People are referred by their GP or other health professionals. Clients can also refer themselves. Clients might have a pre-disposition to diabetes, long-term health conditions including cancer, mild to moderate mental health issues or are recovering from injury. Most clients experience multiple benefits such as reduced medication, increased mobility, better morale and overall improvement in their health.’ ‘Yoga is also increasingly recognised for the mental health benefits it brings,’ Louisa Craig continued. ‘This is particularly the case in the workplace where stress and mental health problems cost the UK around £18 billion each year.

‘I offer bespoke team building workshops incorporating breathwork, meditation, a talk and practical techniques on managing mental health, anxiety and depression, an uplifting yoga session and yoga nidra, a form of deep relaxation. I also offer regular corporate sessions in yoga, meditation, relaxation, and presentations on managing mental health. ‘Breathwork allows us to access our nervous system and change the way we are feeling. Most of us are in ‘fight or flight’ mode, which activates our parasympathetic nervous system, but if you’re feeling lethargic, depressed and unmotivated, you may actually need to activate your sympathetic nervous system to lift your spirits. The best way to access this and positively change your mindset is by controlling the breath, and it’s far simpler than you would think.’ Contact Gayle: yogawithgayle@gmail.com Yoga4Health / Yoga4NHS: yoga4health.grampian@gmail.com to request a call and referral form. Contact Louisa at: linktr.ee/LKYYogaSchool

HEALTH | 9

Animal Assisted Intervention

Meet Yogi and Cindy, two extraordinary Newfoundland dogs…

‘Yogi and Cindy provide therapeutic visits to hospitals, care homes, schools, special care facilities and a variety of support to both adults and children, which we hope to expand in the future.

Owner Norman McConnachie combines running his business, Military Fitness Training, with being a volunteer surf lifeguard and his Community Dog programme with his fully trained Animal Assist Activity/Therapy dogs Yogi and Cindy.

‘Yogi and Cindy also provide Water Rescue and safety services to events and were recently involved in helping during the flooding in Brechin and Broughty Ferry. They have so much more strength and endurance than humans and love the water. I’d really like to establish a water rescue training school in Aberdeen and have it recognised by the emergency services.

Yogi and Cindy, two huge but gentle Newfoundland dogs come from Poland and Belarus and are also trained in Water Rescue. Norman explained, ‘Yogi and Cindy’s daily activities provides an alternative type of therapy to medications, which comes under the realm of Animal Assisted Intervention. This is the term given to interventions where a specially-trained dog and professional handler work together, in conjunction with a human services professional, such as a therapist, social care practitioner, teacher or healthcare provider, to promote improvements in the physical, social, emotional and/or cognitive functioning of a person. ‘It might be helping to build self-esteem, overcome anxiety or depression, changing behaviours, teaching responsibility, accessing the community and learning to socially interact with others. We also work with companies and staff dealing with pressured work to help with mental health and wellbeing.

‘We don’t charge for our work, but donations are always welcome to help us help more people in the local community.’ Email: storm@military-fitness.info yogIcindybears yogi_cindy_bears/ yogicindybears

Renew, revitalise and rejuvenate your skin this winter with our pick of new products to give you a glow… Winter skin often becomes dull and dehydrated thanks to a combination of central heating inside and harsh weather outside, particularly in our corner of the world.

Samaya Ayurvedic Skincare Exfoliant Samaya’s refreshing skincare range comes in three variants according to your dosha type – an ancient Indian classification of your metabolism and physiognomy. Luckily, there’s a handy guide on their website to help you work it out! Ayurveda is all about finding the balance, so their all-natural exfoliants provide a gently effective way of removing dead skin cells and impurities without damaging healthy skin below. Ingredients vary depending on the dosha type chosen, but the results are always the same - instantly revitalised softer skin. Discover more at samayaayurveda.com

Katherine Daniels Multivitamin Concentrate Colder weather and temperature fluctuations mean you sometimes need to reach for the big guns. Katherine Daniels’ Multi-Vitamin Concentrate is a supercharged 3-in-1 concentrate, to brighten, plump and perfect your skin. The salon-strength formula comes packed with 10% Vitamin C, 5% Niacinamide and Hyaluronic Acid. It’s an easily absorbed gel that brightens the skin, hydrates and protects from UV, blue light and pollution induced damage. Start out using it once a day or every second day as Vitamin C can be too stimulating if you’re not used to it. In a few weeks, you’ll be looking at a complexion which is more even in tone, plump, radiant and glowing with health. There are lots of trial sizes across the range and they also off a complimentary 20 minute virtual skincare consultation to ensure you make the best choice for your skin. Explore what’s on offer at Katherinedanielscosmetics.com

VIVE CBD Skin Therapy BB Defence Cream VIVE’s gently soothing BB cream provides intense hydration and provides a healthy glow. It works with any skin tone, minimising the appearance of imperfections and protecting the skin barrier from environment stress. It even includes SPF15 protection. The CBD component combines with grape oil, aloe vera and shea butter to sooth the skin. Longer term use has been shown to reduce redness and inflammation. Find out more at vivemybeauty.com

Kalme TeQ Serum Kalme could be the answer to your skin problems if you experience redness or dry patches in winter. TeQ Serum is an exceptionally hydrating and skin repairing prebiotic serum with extracts of agave and pure squalene olive oil. Designed for maximum skin hydration and skin repair of red, dry, tight, and sensitive skin and especially useful for those with rosacea as it’s gentle and preservative-free. Just a few drops after cleansing at night and your skin looks better in the morning. Find it at skinshop.co.uk

Ishga Hydra+ Marine Cream Winter calls for extra comfort and deep hydration. Scottish beauty brand ishga’s new Hydra+ Marine Cream crowns a decade of product expertise. It’s a powerful combination of ishga’s antioxidant-rich seaweed extract and multiple molecular weights of hyaluronic acid to hydrate and nourish different skin layers, visibly rejuvenating the skin. Vegan, organic, cruelty free friendly and 99% natural, it also contains prickly pear oil, shea butter, argan oil, rose, geranium and frankincense oils as well as Lus Nan Laogh, an ancient Hebridean healing remedy. Find it at uk.ishga.com

Now’s the time to take a refresher course for glowing winter skin.

Quality cosmetic accessories based in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire • Professional Makeup Brushes • Highly Effective Beauty Sponges for a better base finish • Makeup Brush & Sponge Cleaner • Eco Friendly Reusable Cleansing Pads • Natural looking False Lashes • Private Makeup lessons for all abilities Order online at

jewelcosmetics.co.uk Connect with us on social media! Jewel Cosmetics Jewelcosmeticsltd

Care for menopausal skin

erimenopause and menopause can bring unwelcome changes to your skin. Increased sensitivity, dryness, dehydration, skin thinning, changes in colour and texture, skin breakouts, sagging or slackness, damage to the skin barrier, wrinkles and lines and increased facial hair growth are all common. At Treat Co, we have a range of proven treatments designed to tackle the underlying causes of mature skin issues, rebuilding the skin barrier, improving hydration and oil levels and boosting the production of collagen and elastin.

hitting the right note at every event JD Music’s John Duncan will hit all the right notes to help you create a truly memorable event, whether it’s a party, ladies’ day, fundraiser or a wedding. We have a variety of musical styles to fit your theme and also offer quizzes, boogie bingo, games, karaoke and ceilidhs.

It’s not a party without JD Music! T: 07979 468861 E: info@jdmusicaberdeen.co.uk

jdmusicaberdeen.co.uk

The Katherine Daniels skincare range is superb for maturing skin and we can share facial exercises for use at home. If your hair is thinning, we can offer preventative mesotherapy and Dermaheal HL serum which promotes regrowth in both women and men. Let us help you look your best. Call us on 01346 583365 or visit

treatcompany.co.uk

GOING ABROAD? Before you go, be sure to visit the travel health clinics are Charles Michies Pharmacies. We offer a comprehensive range of vaccinations, anti-malarias, travel health advice and travel accessories. Private and corporate groups welcome.

Book online now!

01224 33 33 28 michies.co.uk

We have a little bit of everything from your comfy magic pants to your glamorous fascinators. This year we are the fashion sponsor for the Musselburgh and Perth races… which means we can assure you that we will have the perfect occasion wear for all you ladies to wear to your fabulous events!

At Tiger Lily we pride ourselves on our customer service and make sure every customer leaves feeling good about themselves! We are always happy to help and we can even help you find a whole new style if that’s what your looking for.

8 Chapel Street, Aberdeen AB101SP 226 Brook Street, Broughty Ferry DD5 2AH tigerlilyboutique.co.uk

Hire Papillon Designs & Landscaping to design your dream outdoor space this winter so we can construct it next Spring! Winter is the perfect time to reimagine your garden so that it’s ready to build out early 2024. The Papillon team of designers can combine your ideas with their experience to craft the perfect vision for your outdoor space. We offer project management from concept to completion to design and build your dream garden. Head to our website or use the QR code to kick off your 2024 project with us. Tel: 01224 791569 papillonlandscape.co.uk

www.yogainhealthcarealliance.com Email: yoga4health.grampian@gmail.com

BALFOUR + MANSON | 15

Will you or won’t you? New Year's resolutions

irstly, Happy New Year to all readers. It is that time of the year when resolutions are made, or in some cases, uttered and instantly forgotten about. For many, the creation or updating of a Will sits fairly high on the list of things to do. It can also be one of those many things that you put off. As we begin 2024, it is strongly encouraged for everybody to have a Will. Often, individuals do not think they will need a Will. They may believe that in straightforward cases, everything will go to their spouse, but after certain limits this is not the case and children, siblings, and parents can end up inheriting more than they expected. In any event, a Will creates certainty and makes life significantly easier for your nearest and dearest when the time comes. In addition to Wills, we offer a full review of your circumstances, including Powers of

Attorney. Another document which is always recommended at any stage in life, the Power of Attorney allows you to nominate your most trusted family and friends to look after your affairs should you be unable to do so. A Power of Attorney is an insurance policy. It is better to have it and never need it, rather than need it and not have it. We are also more than happy to discuss all aspects of inheritance tax planning, another minefield of its very own; Trusts, both during life and on death; and provide full assistance and advice in relation to Estates, whether they are straightforward, or sizeable with complex tax issues. A Will, a Power of Attorney, Inheritance Tax Planning. They are all very important issues, and may form part of your resolutions. So the question beckons…Will you or won’t you?

6 Albyn Terrace, Aberdeen AB10 1YP Tel: 01224 498080 balfour-manson.co.uk

16 | THE TERRACE @ 21

Look and feel your best in 2024 Dr Siobhan Hewson’s aesthetics clinic is all about subtle and natural-looking enhancements designed to help you look great and feel confident. Harley Street-trained Siobhan explained, ‘We offer a free, no-obligation consultation and safe, trusted products such as anti-wrinkle injections, dermal fillers and medical and prescription grade skincare products. ‘I always take the time to really understand what my clients hope to achieve, discussing the options and providing the very best and effective treatments for results my clients love!’ Thursdays 4-7pm. 21 Rubislaw Terrace, AB10 1XE Tel: 01224 641773 theterraceaesthetics.co.uk

LOV E I S I N T H E A I R

at Lava

Whether it’s for an engagement, wedding or to mark a significant anniversary or life event, rings have long symbolised a couple’s commitment and romantic relationship. If you’re getting engaged, our design consultations offer the perfect starting point to express your love. Many couples prefer to create a ring together to suit their tastes and budget. Lava can source amazing gemstones from across the globe. Whether it’s an engagement, wedding or eternity ring, Lava’s outstanding design and craftsmanship will help you make the perfect choice. Lava can design custom wedding bands that incorporate meaningful messages, or that are shaped to sit perfectly with your engagement ring. You can even carve your own wedding bands in Lava’s workshop, before casting in your choice of precious

metal and being finished, polished and hallmarked to give a professional result. We can often work with the stones and precious metals from heirlooms to create a ring or other jewellery that combines family traditions with modern design, creating something you’ll love for years to come. Let Lava design the perfect symbol of your love.

265 North Deeside Road, Peterculter AB14 0UL Tel: 01224 735000 lavajewellery.co.uk

With almost 20 years of entertaining experience and the ability to cover all genres of music, Paul can provide the ideal soundtrack to your event.

ITALIAN CLASSES IN ABERDEEN

Ranging from intimate drinks receptions, to larger parties, Paul is available for the following...

• WEDDINGS • BIRTHDAYS • HEN PARTIES • BARS • RESTAURANTS • LADIES DAYS • CHARITY EVENTS • CORPORATE EVENTS Email: paulcblack1984@aol.com paulblackmusicaberdeen @paulblackmusic1

• Beginners to Advanced Level • Group or Individual • Online and In Person Beginners class: Tues 7:30-9pm For more information get in touch with

Enrica Cianci

enricaconti262@gmail.com Whatsapp: +44 77868 27714

FREELANCE HAIRSTYLISTS

COME JOIN OUR TEAM

Why Bloom?

• Work alongside our Bloom family dedicated to giving the best guest service • Work for an amazing brand, who are 100% loyal to the professional hairdresser • Manage your own schedule and run your own business within ours Email: Sheona@bloomlifestyle.co.uk Bloomlifestyle_boss

• Corporate Wellness • Worldwide Retreats & Workshops • YAP accredited Online & In-Person Yoga Teacher Training • Soul Purpose Readings • One-to-One Yoga, Astrology & Healing E. info@yogateachertrainer.co.uk T. 07967647220 W. linktr.ee/LKYYogaSchool

Silver Darling nets Restaurant of the Year award

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For the second time since North-east operator The McGinty’s Group took over, The Silver Darling on Pocra Quay has won Restaurant of the Year (Casual Dining) at the Scottish Licenced Trade News (SLTN) Awards. The McGinty’s Group includes The Silver Darling, No.10 Bar and Restaurant, The Esslemont, Mac’s Pizzeria, Under The Hammer, The Grill, The Stag, Ferryhill House Hotel, McGinty’s Meal An’ Ale and The Fourmile. They will also be the operator of the new Aberdeen Market Development which is expected to open in 2025. Director of The McGinty’s Group, Allan Henderson, commented, ‘It’s an incredible

achievement not just for The Silver Darling but for the city as whole. The SLTN Awards is one of the most prestigious events in Scotland and to be recognised as the best in the country is a fantastic achievement.’ For more information visit thesilverdarling.co.uk

The Club Room opens in Huntly Aberdeenshire based scotch whisky specialists, Duncan Taylor Scotch Whisky, has opened The Club Room in Gordon Street, Huntly, following a major 6-month refurbishment to the B-listed property. The bar area accommodates up to fifty guests and will be used for private hire events,

whisky tastings as well as an additional space during busier periods for diners from The Bank Café & Restaurant on The Square, which the firm also owns. The Club Room will also promote the company’s vast range of rare, aged malts and blended whiskies which are sold in 60 countries globally.

RBC BREWIN DOLPHIN | 19

New GM for Norwood Hall Hotel Norwood Hall Hotel, has welcomed Andrei Secuianu to the top job to drive continued growth across corporate and leisure bookings. He will have responsibility for day-to-day hotel operations, while further bolstering Norwood’s reputation as a high-end wedding, leisure and business destination.

ADVERTISEMENTS | 21

Winners of Trades Awards announced The construction industry in the North-east of Scotland came together at Ardoe House to honour individuals and businesses in the industry. The 350 attendees raised over £3000 for UCAN, their chosen charity.

Donald and Lauren Allan from Barratt Homes jointly won the category of Rising Star. Malcolm Allan, founder of Malcolm Allan Housebuilders, was presented with the award for Outstanding Contribution.

Gordon Gerrie of Monarch Builds, was presented with the award for Tradesperson of the Year for his unwavering focus on customer service at the incredible age of 80 years old, while Luke Benvie of Stewart Milne Homes was chosen as Apprentice of the Year. Joanne Riddoch from W M

Other winners included the Port of Aberdeen, Kyle Sutherland Joinery, Goldstar Cleaning Services, Magnox Dounreay, W M Donald, Bo Concept, Nodram Decorators Aberdeen, Brian Gibb, Malcolm Allan Housebuilders, Alan Donald Ltd, and W M Donald.

Aberdeen Sports Village offer free swimming lessons for kids Aberdeen Sports Village has provided 367 children from local primary schools with free swimming lessons. ASV is one of 38 aquatic providers delivering the Learn to Swim national framework – a partnership between Scottish Swimming and Scottish Water - with the goal of creating the next generation of safe and competent swimmers. The scheme has provided lessons for primary 5 and 6 pupils from St. Peters RC Primary, Kittybrewster, Woodside, Seaton and Cornhill Primaries and Aberdeen School for the Deaf.

For more information on the programme, visit: scottishswimming.com/learn-to-swim

LIANA’S BEAUTY COMPANY

Liana Pert is one of the city’s most skilled beauty therapists, known for her outstanding treatments, careful research and commitment to offering sustainable products and services, that don’t harm the environment. • Waxing & Sugaring • Nouveau Lashes & extensions, brows & tinting • Massages • Gel nails & pedicures • Medik8 facials & awardwinning skincare products for skin conditions such as rosacea, acne, hyperpigmentation, anti-aging & dehydration. Liana stocks heaven scent candles and diffusers. A uniquely sourced vegan, sustainable range.

Within Pink Lily 13 Carden Place, AB10 1UR lianasbeautycompany.co.uk

Cream Rosanna Coat £65 Cheetah Print Magic Pants £32 Italian Leather Bag £45 & Strap £12 Gloves £18 Hat £20 Nala boot £39 All Tiger Lily Boutique

Animal Print Coat Tinta £280 Bellino Black Magic Pants £30 Tiger Lily Boutique Boots Model’s own

Top: French Connection Flying Jacket £70 Ted Baker Bag: £150 Both Lolo + Co Tan Magic Pants £30 Gloves £18 Both Tiger Lily Boutique Bottom: Black Daphne Gilet £68 Tan Magic Pants £30 Gold phone bag £22 Gloves £18 All Tiger Lily Boutique Hat & boots model’s own

Top: Orange Coat - Part Two £234.95 Orange Crossbody Bag - SomethingForMe £45 Hat - Part Two £39.95 All Hamishmunro Bottom: Pink Bariloche Coat £230 Scarf Doris Streich £65 Bellino

GANT Cream Coat £175 Ted Scarf £55 Both Lolo + Co Black Magic Pants £30 Tiger Lily Boutique Belt model’s own

KOZAN a very exciting range designed in New York is only one of Bentleys fabulous new labels but there are plenty of funky and stylish pieces from many wonderful designers in store. The problem might be what to choose. Browse our full range online or better still visit us in store.

bentleys-banchory.co.uk

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT on-line or call us on 01330 825655

Opening hours Mon - Fri : 9-30am to 5-30pm, Sat: 9am to 5-30pm 72 High Street, Banchory AB31 5SS

ADVERTISEMENTS | 31

Lolo + Co

Tiger Lily

Lolo + Co

The next few months are dark enough without adding to the gloom with sombre shades. Make everyone’s day a little brighter with some joyful bright shades and dramatic whites. A flash of colour will bring a smile to your face, while white really stands out in a crowd. It’ll lift your mood and make you feel that bit cosier too!

Hamishmunro

Tiger Lily

Hamishmunro

32 | MENS EDIT

MENS EDIT | 33

Whisper it, but there comes a time when most men become interested in the practical qualities of their clothes rather than fast fashion, overpriced designer labels and going out at weekends without a jacket on. Look for hard-wearing natural materials, like merino wool, brushed cottons, cord and technical fabrics. Invest in well-crafted pieces that reflect your personal qualities – practical, rugged, reliable and stylish. These are brands that last a lifetime and garments that will still look good after a decade.

01. Fiallraven 02. FatFace 03. Fiallraven 04. Barbour 05. Barbour 06. Fiallraven 07. Fiallraven

One of the time of joys of this in ing a walk year is tak ng ri e tt o p ir and a sp ri c e th rk. cal landma round a lo 80 r e v o re are Luckily, the out h g u ro ad th re sp s le st a c and, ast of Scotl E h rt o N e th ice. oilt for cho so we’re sp few of our Here are a er for a wand favourites e… back in tim

For the energetic: Dunnottar Castle Dunnottar, sited on a rocky outcrop just south of Stonehaven has a starring role in Hamlet and is extremely photogenic, with its roofless buildings and ocean-defying perch. Historic highlights include everything from Picts and Vikings to saints, royalty to lions and, inevitably, Mary Queen of Scots and William Wallace.

There are several hundred steps to get down to, then up to the castle and several million on the return journey. It’s like a 1980’s step class with a bit of history thrown in. Fortunately, you can pause several times on the way back up by claiming you need to take in the panorama of the sea views and then revive your spirits at the snack bar near the car park.

For the family: Crathes Castle One of the region’s prettiest castles, which comes fully furnished and hosts a treasure house of interesting objects. It’s free to wander in the huge grounds, though there are separate entrance fees for the castle itself and the gardens,

which are rated amongst the top fifty in the world. Best to save the gardens for spring and summer though, when everything comes into bloom. There’s a café and gift shop on site as well as a playground for the kids.

To reach Findlater, you need to head to Sandend then take a mile-long farm track down to the coast. The castle sits on a cliff overlooking the Moray Firth, so you might get lucky and spot a dolphin or two during your visit. Given the castle’s shady past, it’s a suitably dramatic location. It was owned by the Ogilvy family, who would have fitted right in with any modern soap

opera. One laird of Findlater lost his inheritance following sexual shenanigans with his motherin-law and plotting to imprison his father in a cellar to deprive him of sleep and drive him insane to obtain his lands. After his father's death, his mother married a son of the Earl of Huntly, who then took possession of the castle and lands, and promptly imprisoned her.

For the drama lover: Findlater Castle

For the history lover: Huntly Castle The ruins of Huntly Castle lie north of Huntly at the confluence of the rivers Deveron and Bogie. The ancestral seat of the Gordon clan is now in the care of Historic Scotland. It’s seen over 800 years of feuding, treachery, executions, fires, poisonings, fatal football matches and the odd battle, so no wonder it’s looking a tad worse for wear. When James IV visited, he brought four Italian

minstrels and an African drummer, while Mary Queen of Scots coveted the castle and sent her half brother to arrest the Earl, but was thwarted by the Countess of Huntly. At the moment, you can’t access the top of the tower. Check the Historic Scotland Website for current opening times. Treat yourself to some of the Larder Huntly’s excellent cheesecake and a coffee before heading home.

FOOD | 37

There are times, particularly in the depths of winter, when the body cries out for a carbohydrate-rich sugar rush. From breakfast doughnuts to desserts, here’s our pick of where to find the city’s sweetest treats… s it wrong to start the day with a sugarladen doughnut still warm from the fryer? Belmont Street’s Dough & Co offer arteryblocking combinations including a lemon-iced doughnut with raspberry drizzle and The Bees Knees which combines caramel icing, chocolate chips and honeycomb. If cinnamon buns that are dripping in icing and almost as big as your head appeal, then the Vegan Bay Bakery in the Castlegate is a must visit. You’ll also find them at many of the region’s farmers markets, where they can be spotted by the lack of signage and permanent queue. Blackbird Bakery on Union Grove specialise in cupcakes and celebration cakes. We like their fresh blueberry and fresh raspberry cupcakes – oh and the chocolate orange one - because we can convince ourselves we’re getting essential vitamins and minerals. Check their Facebook for the latest designs and opening times. You’ll find Little Molly’s Cheesecake van parked on the beach esplanade from Fridays to Sundays. It’s best to go early or order online as they sell out quite often. It’s not too surprising as they make some of the best, creamiest cheesecakes around. They also have excellent eclairs, brownies and white chocolate covered brownies shaped like doughnuts. If you’re entertaining a crowd, or seriously greedy, you can order 24 beautifully decorated cheesecake shots for £64. If you like your sweet treats to be high end and beautifully decorated, then Chapel Street’s Almondine is the place for you. Sometimes the little pastries and macarons look almost too beautiful to eat, but try to force yourself, you won’t regret it!

Cookie Cult have opened their first store on St. Swithin Street, so now you can just pop in instead of pre-ordering. Their cupcakes are disturbingly moreish with interesting seasonal flavours. Gumblossom on Rosemount Place is a relatively new addition to the city’s purveyors of sugary treats. They’re known for their generously topped cupcakes, chocolaty bakes and occasion cakes, though they are closed from Sunday to Wednesday. Over the past few years, we’ve seen a proliferation of dessert parlours across the city. You’ll find the confidently named Reddy’s Marvellous Dessert Parlour on Desswood Place. You’ll find gluten free and vegan options alongside cakes, shakes, ice-cream creations and waffles. They’re open from 12.30 to 8pm every day. When it comes to cupcakes, some of the city’s finest offerings are only available to order for collection or delivery. Our favourites include Little Fox Cupcakes by Sarah Thake. Sarah probably makes the city’s prettiest cupcakes and her tiny two-bite cub cakes are a delight. If you prefer your cupcakes to be giantsized, then Hannah Bakes Cakes has a great selection of flavours and offers collection from Mannofield. The Wee Brown Mouse are delivery only and have some superbly gooey build it yourself brownie slabs. The Fat Sparrow Bakery is a small batch bakery that offers delivery within the city and has some great cupcake selection boxes and a delightful lemon meringue cupcake. Whatever you opt for, it’s probably best not to think about the calories.

38 | SHAPESHIFTERS

an extraordinary night out

hapeShifters isn’t like anywhere else in the city. Yes, they offer enticing food and great cocktails, yes, the vibe is great, the spaces dynamic and everyone’s having fun, but it’s the escape room adventures that elevate ShapeShifters to a memorable experience that you’ll talk about for months to come. It’s a superb choice for a corporate teambuilding event or just a brilliant time with friends, as co-owner Hollie explained, ‘Gilan and I have been running escape game companies across the UK for almost a decade. We have availability for corporate team building clients during weekdays with casual date nights and gatherings of friends in the weekday evenings. Over the weekends we see lots of recreational

visits with families and friends during the day and then parties in the evening. Gilan added, ‘We have two game rooms currently, with two more planned for later this year. The Resurrectionist is set in Victorian Aberdeen, where body snatching was commonplace. ‘In Cluedo: Murder of a Millionaire, teams investigate a crime, uncover clues and seek out evidence to identify the guilty party before time runs out. Our games are suitable from 8 years and up and make a wonderful family day out.’ ‘You’d be hard pressed not to have a great time.’ 15 Windmill Brae, AB11 6HU Tel 07387 476132 Email: bookings@shapeshiftersuk.com aberdeen.shapeshiftersuk.co.uk

WIN WIN A SHAPESHIFTERS COCKTAIL MASTERCLASS WORTH £280 We’ve got an incredible ShapeShifters Cocktail Masterclass up for grabs. You and seven friends can shake and stir your way to a great time. The class lasts 90 minutes and is led by one of ShapeShifter’s expert mixologists. You’ll each learn to create three cocktails. To enter, go to trendmagazine.co.uk and answer this question:

How many cocktails will you each learn to make?

Would you like to speak with a counsellor soon? Cairns Counselling is an award-winning service and we offer some appointments for a fixed fee. We can see you within a few weeks of your first contact with us, depending on your availability. Our Faster Flexible Service includes: • £45.00 per 45-minute individual counselling session • Counselling in person, by video, or by phone For more information please do not hesitate to get in touch with us: T. 01224 633131 E. info@cairnscounselling.org.uk

cairnscounselling.org.uk

40 | ABERDEIN CONSIDINE

Top tips for managing sickness absence effectively

anaging employee sickness absence can be tricky to navigate for employers. Sickness absence is inevitably going to be more prevalent in the winter months as people are more prone to pick up bugs at this time of year. However, the cold weather and dark mornings also make people more likely to “pull a sickie” for an illicit duvet day. Studies indicate that sickness absence rates in the workplace more than double in the winter compared to the summer months. Sickness absence can adversely affect productivity and be costly for businesses, therefore, it is important that employers have suitable policies and procedures in place to effectively deal with sickness absence.

ABERDEIN CONSIDINE | 41

Nicola Gray, Employment Law Partner shares our 5 key tips to ensure that employers deal with sickness absence appropriately this winter:

Have a clear sickness absence policy Having a clear absence policy is crucial to managing sickness at any time of year. A sickness absence policy should include details of the expected process that should be followed when dealing with sickness absence. For example, it should set out the notice required to inform of absence, how management should be informed of absence (such as a telephone call rather than text message), how employees should certify their absence, and details of any return-to-work meetings. This is key to making sure that no steps are missed, and a consistent approach is taken.

Hold return-to-work interviews after every absence Return-to-work interviews are a useful tool to help employers get an understanding of the reason(s) for any sickness absence and whether there is anything they can do to support the employee. Return-to-work interviews can also help discourage truancy as employees will have to report to someone about the nature of their absence. The content and structure of the meetings can be tailored to consider the length and nature of the absence it considers.

Ensure managers are trained in dealing with sickness absence It is important to ensure that all managers are trained on how to deal with sickness absence to ensure that they don’t take a different approach for one employee compared to another which could have a detrimental impact on employee relations.

Maintain communication throughout It is important to understand the nature of the absence, how long it will last etc. However, we always caution that it should be an appropriate level of communication - employers should not inundate the employee with emails for updates.

Be consistent To avoid the risk of a potential claim, it is important that employers do not take a different approach depending on the particular employee. Upon reading this Article if you would like further advice on managing sickness absence, please do not hesitate to contact us, our Employment Law solicitors would be happy to help.

Offices throughout the city and shire. Tel: 0333 044 333 Email: ask@acandco.com acandco.com

42 | ADVERTISEMENTS

WIN

WHO: 285 ladies attended the Touch of Sparkle event WHAT: The ladies gathered for an afternoon of fun, entertainment and live music provided by 5th Avenue, in support of MND Scotland and in memory of Kerry Milne, the daughter of one of the organisers, the event raised an amazing £14,000.

WIN TICKETS TO BONNIE & CLYDE AT HMT The story of two small-town kids turned bank robbers and America’s biggest folk heroes comes to HMT from April 9-13. Bonnie and Clyde won Best New Musical at the WhatsOnStage Awards 2023, and comes to the city straight from the West End. It’s an electrifying story of love, adventure and crime that captured the attention of an entire nation. We have two pairs of tickets to the opening night to give away.

WHERE: Chester Hotel, Aberdeen To enter, go to trendmagazine.co.uk and answer this question:

What award did the show win?

Find out more at: aberdeenperformingarts.com

BLINDING LIGHT SOUND & VISUAL IS SCOTLAND'S LEADING LIGHT, SOUND AND VISUAL INSTALLATION AND SALES/SERVICE PROVIDER. ESTABLISHED IN 1995, WE'RE AN AWARD-WINNING TEAM WORKING DIRECTLY WITH THE LICENCED TRADE, RETAIL AND LEISURE INDUSTRY AS WELL AS THE END USER. FROM BESPOKE PIXEL-MAPPED LIGHTING INSTALLATIONS, LARGE SCALED VIDEO WALLS FOR RETAIL, AND RIGHT THROUGH TO DJ EQUIPMENT SUPPLY, OR RECOMMENDING AND SUPPLYING THE CORRECT AUDIO CABLE OR LAMP... WE'RE HERE TO HELP

44 | COMPETITION

WIN

WIN TICKETS TO THE BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL AT THE MUSIC HALL

Fancy an evening of adrenalin-fuelled adventure? The Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour comes to the Music Hall on April 20 and we have two pairs of tickets to give away.

characters and stunning landscapes - all from the comfort of your seat. To enter, go to trendmagazine.co.uk and answer this question:

From mountain biking in North America to skiing in Kyrgyzstan, the 2024 Banff Mountain Film Festival showcases the world’s best adventure films. Witness extreme journeys, intrepid

Which country do the skiers visit? Find out more at: banff-uk.com

ADVERTISING FEATURE | 45

Worst ever poet celebrated for charity Laura Pike MLIBF DipFA: Financial Adviser for Alan Rutherford Wealth Management

PROTECT YOURSELF AND YOUR FAMILY WITH CRITICAL ILLNESS COVER Critical Illness Cover is one of those things you hope you’ll never need. In the event of a major health issue, it can make a huge difference to your life, replacing lost income and allowing you to focus on your recovery rather than worrying about paying the bills. Believe me, I know as I had a major stroke when I was a healthy, heavily pregnant 31 year old. Your entire life can change in an instant, so Critical Illness cover is essential. It’s especially important if you own your own business or have people who depend on you. Make a no-obligation appointment to discuss your situation and we’ll use our vast experience to find the right cover for you.

68B Countesswells Road Aberdeen AB15 7YE Tel: 01224 202423 Mob: 07812117734 Email: laura.pike@sjpp.co.uk alanrutherfordwealth.co.uk Alan Rutherford Wealth Management Ltd is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the group's wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the group's website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The 'St. James's Place Partnership' and the titles 'Partner' and 'Partner Practice' are marketing terms used to describe St. James's Place representatives. SJP Approved 18/12/2023

While many people celebrate Burns Night, the team at Alan Rutherford Wealth Management decided that it was time to give Scotland’s other national poet his due. The Bosie - A tribute to William McGonagall was held at Union Kirk. McGonagall was a Scottish Poet of Irish decent and was known as Scotland’s worst ever poet. The evening featured a Heston Blumenthal-type menu to signify the back to front meal of a McGonagall Night and a ceilidh with the amazing Celtic Avenue. The Aberdeen location raised funds for the St. James’s Place Charitable Foundation which will go back out to charities in the North-east and beyond.

46 | INTERIORS

he main interiors trends for 2024 are all about feeling good in your space, not too surprising when you consider how much of our entertainment is in-house and that so many of us work from home. It’s all about creating a comfortable, relaxing yet inspiring individual space and it needn’t costs a fortune. So here’s what to consider if you’re looking to freshen up your interiors… Let’s start with a lick of paint. It’s the cheapest way to breathe new life into a tired interior. Neutral tones and chalky finishes remain popular, but offset with earthier tones and throws to create a warm scheme. Think terracotta shades, ochres and chocolate brown sheepskin rugs. Pantone’s Colour of the Year for 2024 is Peach Fuzz, which would work well as the foundation of a warm interior scheme.

INTERIORS | 47

Feature walls remain in vogue, though anything grey and glittery is now on the way out. Look for calming rich greens and blues to add depth and serenity. Don’t be afraid to go a few shades darker to create a bit of drama. If you’re handy with a paintbrush, you could try an ombré wall by painting three different shades of the same colour from the lightest at the top to the darkest at the base of the wall, then blending to a gradient effect. It might take some practice and you’ll need to work fast, so hiring a painter may be a good plan. Alternatively, wallpaper is back, particularly with richly coloured designs rather than geometrics. If you’re in the market for a new sofa and chairs, current designs are curvier than before, though classic and mid-century designs will still look good a decade ahead. Some of Ligne Roset’s sofas, like the Togo, still look remarkably contemporary despite first being created

in the 1970s. Have a look at Sainsbury & Sons on Holburn Street or Bo Concept for well-made design classics and fluid modern pieces and storage ideas. If you’re using earth tones, then giant lidded wicker hampers add interest while hiding seven tons of toys and household junk from view and you may want to go with a media wall to keep your audio visual equipment from overwhelming your space. Another design feature from the Seventies that is riding high in the interiors chart is the use of houseplants to add interest. It might be a huge statement palm, dramatic foliage plant or a carefully created collection of succulents. Anything goes as long as it’s green! Rooted on Rosemount Place offer an advice service where they will visit your home to tell you were best to place your plants, while Highland Moss are great for succulents and garden centres like Ben Reid and Mains of Drum have a wide range of top

quality houseplants and are happy to advise on how to help them survive. In general, interiors have moved away from stark minimalism to more individual interiors that reflect the interests and tastes of the people who live there. For some people this involves embracing maximalism, but it can be difficult to avoid this tumbling into hoarding territory, so careful selection and arrangement is necessary. Try creating a gallery wall mixing original art, prints and mementoes, or arrangements of vases, fossils and sculptures on a table. We’d say if it doesn’t spark joy, it should be tucked away, but even Marie Kondo admits that now she’s had three kids, having a space where you feel relaxed, comfortable and can just be yourself is more important than an immaculately organised sock drawer!

ADVERTISEMENTS | 49

Danielle Burn & Lauren Porteous (Aberdein Considine)

Louise Craig (Muir), Stuart Carnie (Aberdeen Property Leasing) & Ash Sheikh (Muir)

Ash Sheikh (Muir), Louise Craig (Muir), Claire (Savills), John Muir (Muir), Cara (Savills), Robert Herd (Muir), Danny Bennett (Muir)

Muir Homes launches in baronial splendour at Blairs Family-run housebuilder, Muir Homes, has opened its beautifully designed, four-bedroom Dornoch showhome at the company’s new development in Blairs on Royal Deeside. The development offers spacious stylish three to five bedroom homes within a 20 minute drive of the city.

Cameron McLean (McLean Financial) & John Muir (Muir)

Kerry Rae (Andersons of Inverurie), Janice Murray (Laings)

To celebrate Muir’s recent 50th Anniversary, the homebuilder is offering incentives for homebuyers. Find out more at muirhomes.co.uk/ find-your-home/blairs/

John Muir & Louise Craig

50 | IN-BRIEF

Meet the family of crafters behind the Fused Box: Mum Christine, daughters Jane and Louise and daughter-inlaw Angela

CREATIVE | 51

A family affair Together they are The Fused Box and can be found exhibiting at craft fayres across the city and shire… ‘We have a love of fused glass, paper and fabric, although we will have a go at anything. Our hobbies basically took over our homes and this resulted in the Fused Box. A fusion of different crafts creating unique and individual items for the home,’ Jane explained. ‘Christine, our mum, is retired and specialises in fused glass while the rest of us are constantly playing around with different creative media and crafts. Some of us favour fabric and vinyl, others love paper and more intricate work. We’re always looking for new ways to be creative and learn new skills. Everything we do is self-taught, learning by trial and error and using different mediums to pull together the end product we envisage. ‘We’ve always been a creative family. Mum was always being creative around us with how she decorated the home or made things for us and naturally we all got involved. We used to have days when we would all get together to have a crack at something new. Glass was something which interested mum and she read and watched videos on processes, bought a kiln and now has studio in the garden. Even our dad gets involved in the process now, creating all the stands in wood for her glass work. ‘Anything might inspire us - from something we’ve spotted in a magazine

Find out more at

to the possibilities offered by a material. We make home décor which is modern and something we would want in our own homes. If we don’t like it we don’t make it! We tend to work on things individually in the mediums we favour then bring that item to the group for feedback and ideas for improvements. ‘A lot of our products are Christmas-related and that’s why we tend to focus on events in the final quarter of the year. All of us love that cosy, sparkly feeling of Christmas. We also love to ensure there are items mixed in there for all year round home décor which is where a lot of the glass art really works well. ‘People love our glass trees and Christmas cushions. Each year we like to put a twist on our items and it’s always great to see familiar faces adding to their collections. ‘We currently only go to Craft Fayres but as long as they will have us you will always see us at the Trend Christmas Market as its one of our firm favourites. We tend to post on Instagram when we have an event but definitely come out more in the festive season. ‘For us this has always been about enjoying ourselves, about having the opportunities to meet people who enjoy making things as much as us (and quite often buying items from them!) and people who like our items and want them in their homes.

TheFusedBox

Hobbies that involve some form of making are a great place to start. Look for crafts kits or classes that help your kids try something new without costing a fortune. Similarly, you only need odds and ends of yarn and fabric to get started with knitting, crochet or sewing. There are even toy sewing machines and free toy patterns available online. You could have the next Dior or McQueen on your hands before you know it. For musical hobbies, the choice of instrument is crucial, not just for reasons of cost and space. Some instruments sound much better when you’re just starting out than others do - as anyone whose child tortured a violin will testify! Drum kits should be equipped with noise-deadening practice pads, while anything that can be paired with headphones is a good call. Baking can be another great choice. Biscuits and cookies are quick and easy to make and even the less than perfect will find an appreciative audience! So many chefs took up their professions after cooking and baking as a childhood hobby. Even learning the basics will be useful when they head to university or live by themselves.

KIDS | 53

Some hobbies lead on to careers or life-long fulfilment, while others can lead to an unexpected financial windfall. Coding may not seem that much fun to you, but it can be really absorbing and set your kid up for life, especially when AI makes profound changes to the landscape of work. Collecting is another form of hobby that can spark a life-long interest. Just about anything is collectable, though fewer people collect autographs, stamps or coins these days. Early Magic the Gathering cards and Pokémon collectables can be worth a fortune, particularly if they are still in their unopened packaging. One unopened set of cards that was languishing in an understairs cupboard for thirty years sold for over £15,000.

All kinds of sporting activity, as well as dance and drama can make excellent hobbies offering a blend of physical health, mental wellbeing and social skills. Team sports and martial arts can teach discipline, strategy and result in lasting friendships. Everything from gymnastics to squash, rugby to judo is available locally. It can take a while for your child to find a hobby that suits them, but it’s worth persevering as a hobby can provide a lifetime’s pleasure.

54 | ADVERTISEMENTS

Kirsty McLean says the New Year brings a wonderful opportunity to plan your outdoor space!

fresh start For many this is a daunting task that stays at the bottom of the ‘to do’ list because it seems overwhelming, so let me help you navigate the process and understand when to reach out for help.

ADVERTISEMENTS | 55

Your first consideration is how long you plan to live in your property to work out the value of the investment you’re making. If it’s short term, it’s important to ensure the changes you make to the garden help to sell your property. A well landscaped and designed garden can add value to your home. According to ‘Local Surveyors Direct’, a well-kept, landscaped garden can be worth up to 20% of the value of your property and 70% of home buyers would pay more for a property with an outdoor green space. Size isn’t key here. Whether you have a balcony, postage stamp lawn or acres of land, the approach to making that space work for you and extracting value for money is the same. So what else should you consider? Futureproofing is an important consideration for long-term family homes. Your needs will change as children grow and leave home. You also need to factor in your lifestyle. Ask yourself how much time is available to maintain your implemented design, or whether you intend to use a gardener instead? Whatever the motivation to change your garden, the starting point is not necessarily in the garden. Understanding your own style is vital. Create a story board, not only of gardens you like but also gardens you don’t like. By reviewing your choices, look for common themes and note these. It’s not necessarily about choosing ideas for your own garden design at this stage, more about understanding what you are naturally drawn to - contemporary, informal, country gardens and then start collecting ideas toward this?

Designing your own garden requires a base drawing to scale to show all the buildings, structures, boundaries and ideally, services. Observing how the sunlight and shade affects the garden will help you make the best decisions about where to position things such as seating areas and borders. Apart from the things you would like, also think about the practical aspects such as where the clothes dryer is going and the bins stored. Now you are ready to start plotting your ideas onto the drawing. Research the materials you want to use and make sure these are compatible with local climate conditions. Consider whether you want outdoor power for heat and light. Designing a garden isn’t for everyone, by engaging a professional designer, even if it’s to simply help you create a conceptual design, can reduce, or eliminate the pain, risk and stress. A reputable, qualified garden designer brings experience, expertise, and fresh ideas to the project, helping you develop clear objectives and to understand your style. Most will supply professional CAD drawings and even 3D renders, which increase accuracy and ensure a better understanding between parties with less possibility for ambiguity or misunderstanding. This, together with their horticultural expertise, vastly reduces the risk of making costly mistakes and helps you to maximise the effective use of your space. A professional garden designer can also represent you when

working with third parties, ensuring the design is implemented as envisaged and project kept on budget. Always ask for references and to see previous work. It’s also important to understand the difference between a garden designer and a landscape company. The former will provide clear and concrete design deliverables while the later might only provide verbal ideas/prompts but no formalised concepts or drawings.

56 | IN-BRIEF

SPECTRA dates announced Aberdeen’s popular festival of light is back for 2024, running from February 8-11. The free festival will transform some of Aberdeen’s most iconic buildings and locations will be as part of the spectacular festival programme, including a return to Union Terrace Gardens, Marischal College, and Aberdeen Art Gallery, encouraging audiences of all ages to explore the city and delight in seeing it in a new light. Find out more at spectrafestival.com

Local charity Scarf expands staffing Award-winning local energy charity, Scarf, has bolstered its senior management team and completing a major recruitment drive which has seen headcount rise by 50% over the past year. Scarf has offices in Aberdeen and Dundee, delivering a wide range of energy efficiency advice and specialised

programmes focused on reducing fuel poverty, promoting energy efficiency, lowering carbon emissions, and implementing renewable technologies. Tricia Gray has been appointed HR manager. Michael Marley has joined as Home Energy Scotland centre manager and David Sims has been named Scarf’s new commercial and contracts manager.

ABERDEEN CITY & SHIRE’S

AMAZING TREE SPECIALISTS

hether you need a tree removed, or your topiary could use a trim, the experienced team at Darach Tree Care offer an efficient, ecofriendly and reliable service.

‘We also offer stump grinding, low impact forestry, clearing windblown trees and hedge work. We even recycle the wood removed into wood chippings and firewood.

Owner Matthew MacDonald explained, ‘Our team have world-wide experience in all kinds of tree work, from pruning and tree removal to working with trees under a tree preservation order. We pride ourselves in our innovative and sustainable solutions based on modern arboricultural techniques and we always clean up afterwards!

‘No matter how big or small the job, we’re happy to provide expert advice. You can see examples of our work on our socials or website. We’re based in Westhill and work all over the city and shire.’ Tel: 07391 813959 darachtreecare darachtreecare.com

UCAN | 57

the charity working to make life better for everyone affected by urological cancer in the North of Scotland

CAN was formed in June 2005 to raise awareness of the five urological cancers namely prostate, testicular, penile, bladder and kidney cancer, as well as supporting urological cancer patients and their families. We are a small charity with minimal outgoings thanks to support from NHS and Aberdeen University.

suspected urological cancer more quickly and provide quicker multiple scans or diagnostic procedures during a single hospital visit. Reducing the time to diagnosis improves treatment outcomes and reduces anxiety. The Rapid Diagnostic Centre will double the current capacity for urological services at ARI.

More than 5,000 people are referred every year to hospital in the North-east of Scotland with a suspected urological cancer. Three out of the five urological cancers affect men only and are often considered a bit of a taboo subject. UCAN are working to get rid of the stigma surrounding urological cancers.

There are lots of ways you can help realise this goal. Companies can adopt UCAN as their charity of the year, or event organisers could consider UCAN as their charity beneficiary. We’re always happy for donations on our Justgiving page, via the QR code opposite.

Over the past 20 years, the charity has established the UCAN Centre, brought the first robotic system to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, purchased a MRI Fusion scanner and continues to increase the number of specialist nurses within the urology department. We give regular awareness talks and use social media to connect to a wider audience. UCAN’s next goal is to set up a Rapid Diagnostic Centre at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. This way, we can see more patients with symptoms of a

Follow us on our social media to keep up to date with what is happening. ucanaberdeen ucan-charity Or contact Gayle Stephen by email at g.stephen@abdn.ac.uk or by phone on 01224 557950. ucanaberdeen.com

58 | TRAVEL

Costa Rica Costa Rica is a paradise for nature lovers. Head for one of the many national parks where you can spot sloths, monkeys and brightly coloured toucans and macaws. You can head into the rainforest or go whale watching. February is dry and sunny with highs of 28oC and lows of 17oC, perfect weather for just lounging on the beach, diving or surfing on the Pacific coastline. If you’re feeling energetic, then Costa Rica offers plenty of opportunities for the adventurous traveller. You can hike up a volcano, bungee jump from a bridge or zip-line through the trees. Alternatively, San Jose, the capital city has some charming museums, markets and art galleries, or head out to Guanacaste province where the Liberia Fiestas celebrate the music, dance and culture of the indigenous cultures throughout February and March.

New Orleans Head to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. It’s an overwhelming mix of colour, sound, sights and smells – from jazz and blues to way too much to eat and drink. The 2024 season runs from early January till 13th February with the streets filled with parades and revellers till the early hours. Spend the days pottering about in the French Quarter, visiting the city’s museums and specialty stores, exploring Cajun and Creole culture, and spend your evenings bar hopping in this most laid back of cities. There are tons of theme tours, from swamp boat trips to historic plantations, jazz riverboat rides to walking tours of the city’s food culture or revisit your inner Goth with a voodoo, ghosts and vampires tour that visits local cemeteries.

TRAVEL | 59

Kerala Take it easy with a stay on a houseboat in Kerala, Southern India. You can cruise up and down the rivers taking in all the sights and exploring sleepy backwaters. Temperatures peak around 32oC with lows of 23oC and a flight time around 20 hours with three stops. Kerala’s a great choice for a wellbeing break, with plenty of chances to practice yoga and meditation try an Ayurvedic retreats. It’s very green, with lots of wildlife, picturesque hill stations and some white knuckle thrills if you choose to try and drive yourself in the towns and cities. March and April brings the Padayani festivals to Keralan towns and villages in a mix of painting, music, masked dance and flames. Whenever you visit, there are ancient temples to explore and amazing places to eat, with Keralan sadya, a spread of up to forty vegetarian dishes particularly worth seeking out.

Mendoza Admittedly, you’d have to enjoy plane food and being patted down by airport security, given that you’re looking at two or three transfers, around £1200 for flights and the best part of a day’s travelling in each direction, but Argentina’s Mendoza is worth the trip. You can go horseback riding in the Andes, try the thermal baths, hike in the mountains, visit the region’s many excellent and affordable wineries by bike, try paragliding or take part in the ten-day folklore, music and fireworks festival – the Vendimia – to celebrate the grape harvest at the start of March. Mendoza itself, has everything you could want for a city break base including great restaurants and street food, pedestrian areas, shady squares and quaint neighbourhoods, shopping and nightlife. You can expect highs of around 31oC and lows of 17oC.

OOD FEATURE 60 | ADVERTISEMENTS

S OCIE T Y FOC US

Trend's Bubbles & Baubles

Natalie Strachan winner of the Finnies necklace presented by Amy Smart from Finnies.

Brenda Cox, Mandy Aitchison, Susan Mcdougall, Denise Gibson, Fiona Windle, Lynne Canale

Trend’s annual Bubbles and Baubles was another resounding success. Proudly supporting UCAN at this year’s event the guests enjoyed a Christmas lunch with fizz on arrival and were entertained with a Glamorous Fashion show from Perfect Bridal Rooms and Tiger Lily Boutique, the fabulous Paul Black singing and String Infusion an amazing Electric Violin group from Manchester. Scott Cruickshank hosted the event and the amazing decor was done by Thoughts & Crosses, a local company.

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WH E R E : The Marcliffe Hotel & Spa

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Always wanted to go to Ascot and bet on the winners?

racecourse in comfortable surroundings.

This is a unique opportunity to do just that without the hassle of expensive flights and hotels and what do you do with that hat box??

We invite you to get dressed for the races and come and join us for an afternoon of food, wine, betting, music and much more. We will be supplying our own currency to all and the biggest winner gets a prize!

Trend is bringing live racing directly to you from Ascot

For more details and to book tickets email: info@trendmagazine.co.uk

S O CI E T Y FO CU S

Alison Baxter, Monrea Watt, Kathleen Pirie, Denise Rae, Pauline Reis, Janette Ramsay

Trend's Tipples & Tunes

Trend’s Tipples and Tunes was a great afternoon of music and drink tastings. Guest enjoyed a 2 course lunch with a welcome drink and heard tunes from Sidewinder Jazz. Tipples were tasted from Twice Buried Rum, LostLoch Spirits, Arbikie and Roehill Springs.

Laura Mowatt, Laura Gauld

Chloe Forrest, Arlene Robertson, Steph Forrest

Gary Burr, Morag Burr, Diane Ogston, Jake Ogston

Stephanie Mcintosh, Rachel Davidson, Paula Mclean, Nicole Reid

Ann Robertson, Marie Mahoney, Kay Hughes, Gail Brechin

Karen Stewart, Alison Webster, Jenny Shepherd, Zoe Barber , Susan Shepherd

MEET AINSLIE AND ANDREW SCOTT OF ANDREW SCOTT DENTAL CARE…

BEHIND THE BUSINESS | 65

e first met on holiday in the Algarve when I was 11 and Andrew was 16. Our parents became good friends and kept in touch over the years. Andrew moved to Aberdeen when he was 28 and my parents invited him and his mum and dad over for dinner. It was the first time we’d seen each other in 12 years, but we had arranged to see each other again well before the dessert arrived,’ Ainslie explained. ‘Now we have two children. Kirsty is 15 and Cameron’s 11. It’s very much a family business. Kirsty works on reception over the school holidays while Cameron helps in the garden. Even Coco the dog helps out by keeping me company in the office.’ Andrew added, ‘We always planned to have our own dental practice. I’m very meticulous about my work and dislike feeling under time pressure. I wanted a calm working environment where we could offer the most technically advanced treatments and care in a relaxed atmosphere. We now have an amazing team of like-minded dentists, specialists, and support staff. Our patients say they feel calmer and more confident in the treatment that they are receiving. ‘For me, the best thing about working together is the collaboration that exists with us jointly problem solving and working for a common purpose. It is also nice to be able to celebrate workplace victories together and as a family. We also work in different roles within the practice so it is a pleasure to be able to see each other excel in our own fields.’ Ainslie continued, ‘My advice for couples who are also looking to work together in their own business is that, if it’s possible, divide the responsibilities so that each person is empowered

within their role to make decisions. It would be easy to get bogged down if you had to discuss and agree every detail. ‘We have very different roles within the practice with Andrew being the clinical director and overseeing the dental treatment of our patients. I am the practice manager and therefore responsible for the finances, marketing, staffing and general running of the practice outside of the surgeries. This does mean that when we are discussing our day at work we can both have had very different experiences despite working in the same practice. My background is as an architect which means that I have good experience in project and personnel management which has transferred well into managing the dental practice.’ Andrew commented, ‘Sometimes, we find ourselves speaking about work too much! It’s hard to switch off. The good thing is we can bounce ideas off of each other and discuss issues over a glass of wine which can allow us to come up with solutions to problems which would otherwise elude us. ‘We find it hard to separate work from family time and this was particularly true as we relocated our dental practice into our new premises at 39 Queens Road. Now that the business has settled in, we’re trying hard to set aside family time by planning trips where we can enjoy quality time with our children. ‘When we’re not at work, we spend a lot of time ferrying the kids to all their activities and try to make all the Scottish rugby matches at Murrayfield. Though being from Northern Ireland, my loyalties are divided during Ireland/ Scotland matches!’ andrewscottdental.co.uk

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