Westender Magazine Nov/Dec 2023

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Coorie in this winter with the warm and cosy Arbroath sofa collection from Tetrad.

0 1 4 1 3 0 0 74 0 0 1175 South Street, Glasgow, G14 OAL forrestfurnishing.co.uk

Find us on:

www.westendermagazine.com | 3 Cover Image By Gregor Reid Photography

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Contents Regulars 4 Editor’s Letter

Shopping 7 Christmas Gift Guide 12 Reader Offer! Tickets to Christmas Country Living Fair

Out & About

23 Restaurant Review: Santa Lucia Pasta 24 WIN! Meal For Four at The Skillet 26 Natural Wines In The West

28 West End Live 30 Govan Music Festival 34 Top Things 36 The Stand’s Jay Lafferty 38 Curling Anyone?

48 Author Interview: Lisa Gray 52 Cover To Cover 54 Poet Kevin P Gilday 58 Pocket Mountains Walk: Killearn & The Endrick

Fashion & Beauty

Westender Living

16 WIN! At Rainbow Room International 40 Christmas Fashion Shoot

63 Light Up The Dark 71 Winter Home Styling 77 Festive Entertaining

Food & Drink

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I

n the best possible way, putting this edition together has been a slog, but what a high to end a successful year on. Since coming back from covid (remember that?!) Westender has been slowly but surely progressing in the right direction and to cap off 2023 we have a bumper 84 page edition for you – the biggest ever!

None of this would have been possible without you, our dedicated readership excited to pick up your next copy. But most definitely, we would not be where we are without the continued love and support of the local West End business community.

So if I can encourage Westenders to shop local and give their hard earned cash to anyone, please let it be to our Westender advertisers – because without them I wouldn’t be able to produce the product I do and let you all know what is going on in our quirky wee patch on this earth.

Image © Gregor Reid Photography

Editor’s Letter

And if anyone can dig deep for charity this Festive season, please consider donating to Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland – Westender’s Charity Partner of 2023 (Page 60). With the rising cost of living that is hitting us all, SBH Scotland now has to find not £1 million per year to keep its services running, but £1.5 million. It’s a truly scary increase but if you’ve ever visited their Hub and seen what they provide for Scottish families you’d agree we can’t leave these kids without their friends and activities as they grow into themselves and everything it is possible for them to be.

Here’s to a better 2024 for us all and thank you.

Suzanne Martin

/westendermagazine /westendermag

To advertise call Suzanne on 07905 897238, or email suzanne@westendermagazine.com Publisher: Westender Magazine Whilst every care has been taken to ensure that the data in this publication is accurate, neither the publisher nor its editorial contributors can accept, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any party to loss or damage caused by errors or omissions resulting from negligence, accident or any other cause.

Westender Magazine does not officially endorse any advertising material included within this publication.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval system, or transmitted in any form – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise – without prior permission of the publisher.

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Christmas Gift Guide a merry west end

for youngsters

If I Had A Polar Bear £11.99, Hoos

Shark Monster Truck £9.95, Decadent Riot

Poo Bingo Game £18.99, Cassiopeia

Confetti Battery Fairy Lights £29.95, Nancy Smillie

Bashful Christmas Bunny £26, Spirito

Leather Baby Shoes £24.99, Pink Poodle

Stripe Dog Hand Puppet £25.50, Nancy Smillie

Box Of Slugs £7.99, Pink Poodle

Highland Cow Socks £3.99 Top & Leggings £14.99 each, Cassiopeia

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for her

Galaxy Scarf £46, Spirito

Glorious Goddess Mug £12, Decadent Riot

Introvert Socks £12.99, Pink Poodle

Face Shit Make-up Bag £9.95, Decadent Riot

Acer Black Crepe Gown £115, Nancy Smillie

My Universe Bracelet £139, Cassiopeia

Sunshine Outdoor Blanket £85, BluebellGray

HAY Outline Pajamas Shirt £89, Shorts £59, Hoos

Fox Hot Water Bottle £34.99, Pink Poodle

Heart Of The Family Necklace £138, Cassiopeia

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Give the Gift of Fingal this Christmas, Edinburgh’s Luxury Floating Hotel

Buy your gift vouchers at fingal.co.uk AA HOTEL OF THE YEAR - SCOTLAND

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for him

The Shin Scarf (Glyde/Forbes) £60, Finnieston Clothing

Service Works Chef Pants £59, Orzel

Bowie T-Shirt £29.99, Pink Poodle

Amber Crystal Light £45, Cassiopeia

Rains Liner Shirt Jacket £169, Hoos

The Rona Beanie (Tahiti) £40, Finnieston Clothing

Freddie Checklist Mug £12.99, Pink Poodle

Upcycled Vinyl Bottle Opener £9.50 each, Decadent Riot

Corridor New York New York Cap £45, Orzel

Scottish Fine Soaps Grooming Set £35, Spirito

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Unwrap the festive magic

Reader Offer!

C

hristmas is coming… and so is Country Living Magazine Christmas Fair, which returns to the SEC, Glasgow from 16-19th November 2023.

The four-day event, Scotland’s leading Christmas Fair, will focus on fabulous gift ideas, beautiful home decor and delicious food and drink, Visitors will find everything needed to create the perfect festive celebration, under one roof, while supporting small businesses and artisan makers.

There’s lots to learn and try at The Crafting Workshop the ideal spot for seasoned crafters as well as absolute beginners.

New for 2023 is Country Living Kitchen Table, where visitors can join informative experiences led by expert hosts who show step by step, how to create delicious cocktails and canapes and a beautiful festive table layout.

Come together with friends and loved ones, and finish off a perfect day with a Christmas tipple in the Festive Bar. Book online now to secure your special Westender Reader discount!

50% OFF TICKETS* QUOTE GLASGOW50

GLASGOW CHRISTMAS FAIR

READER OFFER! Quote GLASGOW50 when booking online at countrylivingfair.com.

SEC, GLASGOW 16-19 NOVEMBER

This offer provides 50%* discount on standard advance ticket.

T&Cs: This offer is valid on advanced standard adult tickets only. It is not valid on LUXE VIP, VIP, add-on items or workshops or in conjunction with any other offer.

Offer expires 16 November 2023

Book tickets at

COUNTRYLIVINGFAIR.COM Offer valid on standard adult tickets only, not valid on VIP and Luxe VIP tickets or add-on tickets items. Offer expires at 11.59pm on 4 December 2023 and is not valid in conjunction wth any other offer. £3.50 applies per transaction. **Refunds exclude the transaction fee and SEE Tickets Refund Protection cost. Organised and presented by Immediate Live. Details correct at time of print.

*

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for home

Pewter Keyring £17.99, Cassiopeia

Homework Wood Candle £35, Hoos

70s Glass Christmas Tree by F.M.Romeby, Sweden £65, Trove

Light Up Gold Tree £15, Spirito

Harris Tweed Whisky Barrel Stool £220 each, Cassiopeia

Loving Pavlova Framed Print £49.95, Nancy Smillie

Wooden Bowl 50cm £54.95, Nancy Smillie

Radical Tea Towel £12.95, Decadent Riot

Plant Mister £14.99, Pink Poodle

Design by Scofinn Tea Towels and Coasters £15 / £20 / £12, Trove

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with The Big Stupit Ceilidh Band Let your hair down and enjoy Hogmanay at Cottiers.

Where better to ring in the bells (literally) than at one of the west-ends best loved venues.

THREE TICKETS AVAILABLE £79.50 PER PERSON

£89.50 PER PERSON

3 course Hog Roast dinner in the theatre including an arrival glass of fizz, and tickets to our famous Hogmanay ceilidh

3 course dinner in our lovely Attic including an arrival glass of fizz, and tickets to our famours Hogmanay ceilidh

£42.50 PER PERSON Ceilidh only ticket

Visit cottiers.com to buy your ceilidh-only tickets Email hogmanay@cottiers.com for Attic and Hog Roast enquiries

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for foodies

Hip Hop Cocktails £11.95, Decadent Riot

Irn Bru Chocolate £6.99, Pink Poodle

Charles Heidsieck Brut Reserve Giftbox £59.95, The Piper Bottle Shop

Charbonnel et Walker Gingerbread Truffles £18, Spirito

Festive Beer & Nuts Tin £21, Corke & Caske

Sara Miller Tea/Coffee Cup with Saucer £28.50 each, Cassiopeia

French ‘Grand Mere’ Fondue Set £65, Trove

West End Suppliers Bluebellgray 162 Hyndland Road G12 9HZ bluebellgray.com Cassiopeia 165 Hyndland Road G12 9HT cassiopeiaonline.co.uk Corke & Caske 139 Hyndland Road G12 9JA corkeandcaske.co.uk Decadent Riot 11 Park Road G4 9JD decadentriot.co.uk Finnieston Clothing 305 Byres Road G12 8UQ finniestonclothing.com Hoos 715 Great Western Road G13 8QX hoosglasgow.co.uk Orzel 678 Dumbarton Road G11 6RA orzel.store Pink Poodle 5-21 Cresswell Lane G12 8AA pinkpoodleboutique.co.uk Spirito 317-319 Crow Road spiritogifts.com The Piper Bottle Shop 305 Crow Road G11 7BU thepipershop.com Trove 557A Dumbarton Road G11 6HU troveglasgow.co.uk

Lakrids Winter Selection Box £40, Hoos

ADVERTORIAL

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RRI by Tara Jack

F

or the busy months of November/ December we are delighted to have three of our Senior Stylists, Kylie, Summer and Ayesha, back from maternity leave ready to spoil their clients with Christmas hair.

Speaking of Christmas, if you haven’t done so already, make sure you book in for your Christmas hair colour refresh, fresh cut for the season and hair care treatments to keep your hair looking and feeling its best during the winter season, as our appointments over the next couple of months fill up fast. Be sure to also book in for any hair styling/hair up appointments for your Christmas parties!

When it comes to Christmas gifts, we have gift cards available in the salon for your loved ones who enjoy a pamper, as well as RRI Christmas Gift Packs including a premium RRI Repair Shampoo and Must Leave In Hair & Skin Conditioner. The gift packs also come with a complimentary Style Dry that can be used from the end of December to the start of February. The packs are only £29 and have a value of £67.50!

WIN! Rainbow Room International are offering one lucky reader a hair makeover in their Great Western Rd salon. For your chance to win go to westendermagazine.com and click on competitions by 31st Dec ‘23.

Rainbow Room International 607 Great Western Road G12 8HX 0141 337 3370 rainbowroominternational.com

SILENT DISCO KITS FOR HIRE FOR HOUSE PARTIE S, GLAMPING, DISCO IN THE PARK/BEACH/WOODS OR MOUNTAINS, HEN PARTIES, PARK CRAWLS, CHILDRENS BIRTHDAYS, GARDEN PARTIES, FUNCTIONS, COMMUNITY GROUPS, CHARITY WALKS ALS, WE CAN HOST EVENTS TOO FOR GALA DAYS, FESTIV PARADES, HIGHLAND GAMES, SCHOOL FETES, , DISABILITY COMMUNITY DAYS, FUNDRAISERS, CARE HOMES GROUPS, SCHOOLS ETC. BASED IN GLASGOW SINCE 2018 VISIT US ONLINE OR CALL FOR MORE INFO WWW.YADANCER.CO.UK / 07725574888 YADANCER@YAHOO.COM

Interested In Curling?

come & try with Partick Curling visit our website, Facebook or X (twitter) pages or email us for more details

partickcurling.com partickcurling@gmail.com

ADVERTORIAL Images © Gregor Reid Photography

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ESTEEM BEAUTY

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looking good @

steem Beauty is entering a new era as the specialist beauty salon has relocated from 528 Great Western Road down the street to 481. Continuing the detail, style, and imagination Kasia, the owner, brings to customers to help them look and feel their best, the business is now headed in a new direction.

Over 15 years in the market, it was time for Esteem Beauty’s brick and mortar salon to mirror the natural progression of the business and create a place where everyone is welcome to come in, have a chat, and book an appointment, no matter what look they are aiming to achieve.

Kasia’s 20 years of industry experience followed her time at Łòdź University in Poland, where she achieved a Cosmetology Master’s Degree. With an aim to look after people and provide assurance they are in safe hands, Kasia studied dermatology, chemistry, biology, biochemistry, toxicology and microbiology, which has made her an expert in her field.

The business was set up in 2009 and has been providing innovative, advanced skincare treatments ever since. With three specialist employees, Esteem Beauty provides an intimate and tranquil experience so clients can relax during their treatment.

Kasia and her staff understand the importance of customer service and promise you will leave satisfied with their service and with a new glow to your skin.

The staff commit to caring for customers after procedures with direction and after-care carefully explained.

Kasia specialises in several of the nonsurgical medical treatments with permanent make-up like eyebrow microblading and lip blush; skin rejuvenation like microneedling and dermaplaning; and skin treatments like chemical peels and methods relating to acne.

Alongside this, the salon offers manicures, pedicures, plus eye treatments like lash lifts, eyelash extensions, and eyebrow shaping.

Next time you pass by Esteem Beauty’s new location make sure to pop in, grab a leaflet, and have a chat with the staff – everyone is welcome.

Esteem Beauty 481 Great Western Road G12 8HL 0141 334 3254 / 07572 165730 esteembeauty.co.uk

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Because You’re Worth It R ecently me and hubby attended our friend’s wedding in Bristol. Super exciting as we got two nights on our own. Two nights without our boys.

Now, if like me, you don’t have family right on your doorstep for babysitting duties, you’ll understand the months of planning to secure two nights of childcare.

So, off we tootle to Bristol. A seven hour tootle. Quick bite before bed. Wedding then bed. A seven hour reverse tootle. Hi boys!

Bed. So not a great break.

Doesn’t that happen if you are having a night away? By the time you get there, to your gorgeous hotel, out for dinner, drinks, time for bed. Then home the next day. What a waste of a lovely hotel. We particularly loved the spa, having afternoon tea, going to the gorgeous bar. Oh, wait. That didn’t happen.

LET’S RECONSIDER…

I had never thought about an overnight in our own city. In Glasgow. Because why would you? We live here. Well maybe that IS, why.

No need to travel for hours, or immediately head out to see the sights. Shocker, what about actually, USING the hotel you’ve paid for, rather than it merely being a place to rest your head at midnight?

Our most recent overnight – a reframe.

Let me tell you about this city break. Not seven hours but seven minutes to our luxury four star hotel, The Hilton Glasgow.

Bags taken care of at reception, and we head down to the ethereal PURE SPA. With our refreshing multivitamin drink on arrival, the lovely Adele, my therapist, then shows us to the calm, warm changing area.

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Sumptuous, cosy bath robes on, we head to our treatment rooms. I opt for a seriously serene back massage and reflexology with the delightful PURE unwind oil. 60 glorious minutes later I can barely rouse myself.

But rouse I must, to meet hubby by the pool.

As he relaxes in the jacuzzi, I chill in my semiunconscious state on one of the super comfy spa loungers.

So what’s next on our Hilton Glasgow Staycation? Probably the best afternoon tea we’ve ever had, that’s what! Dressed and ready for some yummies we head for the stunning Tea Lounge by Dilmah. Elegantly designed in beautiful teal, mustard and gold tones, the lounge has an opulence reminiscent of Art Deco 1920s elegance.

But there’s a modern edge here. Miguel, our host is charming and knowledgeable.

He talks us through the enormous range of teas on the menu, suggesting which teas might pair well with the afternoon tea appetisers. Delicious tomato and red pepper soup in dinky cups, feta, mint and watermelon salad, haggis bon bons; they’re all delicious. Then of course, the main event: the pastries. Opting for the ginger Sri Lankan tea to pair with the appetisers, we obviously must order some bubbles to go with the puds. Well, it would be rude not to.

Opera cake and profiteroles, strawberry tarts and clotted cream scones. Need I say more? Delish.

With an extremely pleasant afternoon, relaxing, we retire to our stunning deluxe room on the 15th floor, and with the most enormous window, peruse the whole of Glasgow city. Who needs the TV?

And after just the most restful sleep, breakfast is yet another laid back, pampered affair, with absolutely no sense of rush.

And that’s the takeaway message. How often do you come back from an overnight ‘away’ utterly shattered because of the selfimposed pressure to do so much?

Here in our own city, we could just enjoy each other’s company, talk, laugh and enjoy the outstanding services and hospitality of Hilton Glasgow.

But here’s a secret. You don’t NEED to stay overnight. This perfect day is entirely available to you as a non-resident. Drop the kids at school, take a girl’s day out together. Then head to the Hilton for that spa treatment, that glorious afternoon tea, that glass of bubbles and head home glowing and chilled.

Whether with girlfriends, partners or some thoroughly well-deserved alone time, a day trip to the Hilton has everything you need to be truly spoiled under one roof.

Forget the rush of a multiple venue day out and book a day (or night) at Hilton Glasgow. Because you really are worth it.

Afternoon Tea & Treatment Unwind Package available from £150 for two.

Go to: hghealthandfitness.com, or purespauk.com.

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Fresh Fruit & Veg Box: Does what it says on the ‘tin’

T

ired of trudging through the supermarket trying to pick out the best quality fruit and vegetables? What if you could get them hand picked and delivered right to your door? That is the goal of the delivery service created by the Fresh Fruit and Veg Shop, providing seasonal, quality fruit and veg to customers across Glasgow.

Family owned and run since 1978, the team at Fresh Fruit and Veg are passionate about supporting local producers and promoting sustainable agriculture. Over the years, Steven and his team have curated lasting relationships with Glasgow Fruit Market, with a commitment to source and procure only the most delicious produce available in the market that day, so you can rest assured that your box will be full to the brim with the best.

Depending on the size of your household, your budget and your tastes, the Fresh Fruit and Veg Shop have a box for you. From small seasonal fruit boxes to their large fruit and veg or fruit and salad boxes, you can choose the right size box for you. You can order a one-off box, or set up a weekly subscription so you always have a supply of quality produce at your door.

Book online or call the friendly team quoting WESTENDER for 10% off!

Steven restocking the fresh produce at Donald Butchers Image © Gregor Reid Photography

As well as a selection of the best fruit and veg available, there are optional extras that can be added to your box, from special seasonal fruits, like blood oranges in February or ‘raspberry ripple’ English apples in late August, to other essentials like a box of eggs or, on Fridays, a loaf of sourdough from Cadzow Bakery.

Don’t want to commit to a full box just yet?

No problem – pop down to Donald Butcher’s on Hyndland Street where you’ll find a selection of vegetables from the Fresh Fruit and Veg Shop.

Want to sign up or find out more?

07584 684791 freshfruitandvegshop.com info@freshfruitandvegshop.com Follow them on Instagram @thefreshfruitshop

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Festive Menu

Lunch 12:30pm-2:30pm | Dinner 5:30pm-9pm (Monday-Saturday) FROM £44.95 per person

Festive Sunday Lunch 3 rd Decem be r | 1 0 th De c e m be r | 1 7 th D ecem ber

12:30pm-2pm | £39.95 per person

Afternoon Tea

A festive afternoon tea with a glass of Champagne

12:30pm-3:30pm | £39.95 per person

QUOTE ‘WESTENDER’ FOR A COMPLIMENTARY GLASS OF CHAMPAGNE PER PERSON, IF YOU BOOK LUNCH OR DINNER FROM 24 TH NOVEMBER-24 TH DECEMBER

events.glasgow@hotelduvin.com | 0141 378 0385 HOTELDUVIN.COM

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Westender at Santa Lucia Reviewed by Amy Glasgow /theglasgowdiet

B

y now us westenders are already pretty familiar with the name Santa Lucia, with their Byres Road deli proving popular among locals and students alike, so imagine my delight when the news broke that they would be opening a purely pasta focused restaurant just down the road.

Italian has always been my favourite cuisine – the simplicity of a few good quality ingredients tossed through freshly rolled pasta is, in my opinion, a wonder to behold, so a restaurant dedicated to doing just that is right up my street. But would it live up to my expectations?

Like its big sister in Merchant City, the interior of the restaurant is adorned with green vines and lemons, giving a whimsical, summer vibe to the whole space. The tiled floors and wide, open space add to the whole aesthetic, allowing you to feel that just for a moment, you could be on the Amalfi coast and not the rain-soaked streets of Glasgow.

The menu is, as expected, pasta heavy, with a large selection of classic and more unique dishes, alongside a selection of snacks and sides to complete the meal.

If you decide to order any snacks, it goes without saying (but I’m gonna say it) that you absolutely MUST order the lasagna fritta.

Santa Lucia’s signature dish, these deep fried lasagne bites have a perfectly crisp, crunchy batter, filled with a rich, meaty lasagne that is not to be missed.

When it comes to the main event, the choices are endless, whether you are in the mood for a simple vegetarian pasta, or if you want to add meat or seafood. I was especially intrigued by the Torino – agnolotti parcels stuffed with roasted Capocollo pork, pork sausage, veal shank, escarole, baby spinach and parmesan butter, in a sage and veal sauce. Doesn’t that sound like heaven?!

What I actually ended up ordering though was at my waitress’ recommendation, the Modena. Mafaldine pasta with a slow cooked ox tail ragout, and I’m glad I did.

The pasta was perfectly al dente, with just a little bite, and the ragout was rich and flavourful with meat that melted in the mouth.

Elsewhere around the table, with various other pasta dishes being devoured, there were murmurs and moans of enjoyment, so I think its safe to say we are onto a winner.

If after all that you still have room for dessert, I recommend sharing a Pistachio Tiramisu between two, as it is a hefty portion for one. Unlike traditional tiramisu, there’s no booze or coffee here, just milk-soaked sponge fingers with ricotta, white chocolate and pistachio and it is truly divine. A perfect way to end my little trip to Italy. I will, without a doubt, be back again soon to make my way through the menu.

Santa Lucia Pasta 4-6 Byres Road G11 5JY 0141 611 5858 santaluciapasta.com

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Festive Neighbourhood Vibes!

H

yndland. A leafy suburb of the West End with a host of bakeries, cafes, bars and restaurants. Packed with eating options it’s difficult to stand out from the crowd. It’s never a problem finding somewhere for a drink before heading off for dinner but what if you want both under the same roof? Then consider The Skillet.

On Hyndland Street, The Skillet has a relaxed vibe but the talented kitchen team ensure the food on offer is anything but.

In the capable hands of experienced restaurateur Luke Tracey, his pedigree in the industry speaks for itself, this new venture is a family affair with his partner and previous restaurant team – all of whom are as passionate about The Skillet as Luke.

Very much evoking a brasserie style eatery The Skillet creates an equally welcoming atmosphere regardless of the time of day with the menu offering a mix of favourite classic dishes with modern twists.

Open Wednesday to Sunday for brunch, lunch and dinner, there are some special menus to look out for too. A two-course lunch menu is only £18. Steak nights on Wednesdays and Thursdays are a bargain with steaks, sides, sauces, and wine at £50 per couple. The delicious Sunday Roast is served every week, until, well, it’s all run out! With vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free options available, everyone is truly welcome.

The bar is also the perfect place for Festive catch ups with friends for drinks in a cosy atmosphere with delicious signature cocktails. There’s even a stand alone Negroni menu!

And that’s what makes The Skillet a different addition to the West End dining scene. Restaurants with a great bar where you are welcome just for drinks are few and far between. It seems in most venues you either must be eating there to partake of a cocktail, or go out for drinks first before heading somewhere else for dinner. Having everything in one venue makes for a real bonus in this West End establishment.

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With a Festive menu on offer from the 29th November through to Hogmanay with stand outs such as Moroccan Mussells and Monkfish Scampi – seafood lovers are as well catered for as those looking for all the usual seasonal faves. And with multiple spaces from bar, to mezzanine, to nook, available to hire – bigger and more intimate gatherings of family, friends and colleagues are very welcome – but book quick!

But wait, we’ve saved the best till last.

Yes, there’s a kid’s menu so your little ones are catered for too. But even better this lovely cocktail bar and restaurant is dog friendly.

So, there is no need for the whole family not to be together for a lovely meal and drinks this coming Festive season.

If the dog’s happy, I’m happy and at The Skillet, we’ve found our happy place this Christmas. Good vibes!

The Skillet 70-72 Hyndland Street G11 5PT 0141 286 7886 skillethyndlandstreet.com COMPETITION TIME! The Skillet are offering one Westender reader the chance to win a Two Course Meal for Four with a bottle of Prosecco!

TO ENTER Simply follow skillethyndlandst from 23rd October 2023 and like the pinned competition post tagging who you’d take with you. Good luck! Ts&Cs apply.

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Natural Wine. Does that mean organic, without additives, low intervention? Well, Doug Webster is the Glasgow based entrepreneur who has recently launched a totally au naturale wine company and is definitely the expert to ask. Having once been a chef and restaurant manager in Paris, Doug is now…

Living La Aqua Vitae Words TRACY MUKHERJEE Image RUARIDH FRASER

I

looove wine. But I love nice wine.

That doesn’t mean pricey and pretentious.

I like what I like. And you other vino appasionati will have specific characteristics that attract you to wine; bold, unadulterated tannin rich chianti or charming, rounded, oaked white Burgundy. More recently the trend in the wine market has even included an extension to the middle ground. No longer do we only have a gentle crisp rose for lunch, there is the choice of orange wines too.

And then there’s traditionally produced or more natural. It’s a minefield, or rather a complex heady vineyard…

Fear not dear Westender. Your Christmas table shall have the best wines Glasgow has to offer! But don’t take my word for it.

Baregrape Wine is a brand-new company selling fully natural wine. The brainchild of Baregrape director Doug Webster, his previous experience having lived and worked in France sets him in good stead to know a thing or two. So what brought him to natural wines?

Doug says, ‘I have been a natural wine lover for years and having visited many small vineyards throughout France whilst living there, I knew that I wanted to bring the wideranging variety of options available in places like London and Paris to Scotland.’

So, what is natural wine? A completely different experience from the norm, no chemical interventions are allowed during the full process of wine making literally from vine to bottle.

With little or no additives during the fermentation process, the end product is quite different in flavour from the “normal” wine we are familiar with. Ethical too, natural wine production promotes biodynamic farming practices and is a strong proponent of small independent vineyards and winemakers.

Doug explains. ‘Natural wine, for me, is the only way to enjoy wine as what you have in the glass is wine in its purest form.

Untampered with fermented grape juice…

Natural wine has boomed in popularity in the past few years, and I am very excited to be showcasing some of France’s more unusual grapes.’

The grape he has chosen for his first four varieties of wine come from the Pepin Vineyard, Alsace on the French/German border. Doug says, ‘Whilst working as a chef in Paris I spent most of my time off travelling to the French wine regions to meet natural winemakers, Alsace being my favourite.

I stumbled across Pepin quite early in their project and loved their wines and philosophy – to make natural wine accessible for everyone.’

And this Doug has succeeded in doing.

His first four wines are a big hit already with the likes of the West End’s Sylvan and Crabshakk restaurants. In red, white, orange and Pét-Nat varieties, we can easily work our way through them during the festivities!

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Doug adds ‘Orange wine is simply white wine made in the same style as red wine.

So instead of pressing the grapes and taking the juice directly, as you do with white wine, the skins stay in with the juice and macerate anywhere from one day to months at a time (mine is 10 days).

‘What this does is adds tannin, texture and colour to the wines resulting in a unique more full-bodied wine.

‘Pét-Nat comes from the French term petillant naturel (naturally sparkling). It is made differently from other sparkling wines as there is only one fermentation which takes place in the bottle, leaving sediment in the bottle which helps the wine develop interesting textures and flavours. It’s one of the oldest methods of making sparkling wines and is called “method ancestral.”’

As an aficionado of vino of the bubbly variety, I can imagine this might be one to sample, for research purposes, of course…

It’s clear with his passion and enthusiasm for natural winemaking Baregrape is set to become bigger and bolder. And his love for this artisanal method is clear. ‘What you have is a true expression of the winemaker and the terroir, creating juicy, complex drinkable wines,’ says Doug. ‘The French call it “glou glou” – to describe wines so refreshing and quaffable, they spend less time in the bottle and more time poured into your glass!’

And on that note Santé!

Baregrape Wine is available from: Valhalla’s Goat at 449 Great Western Rd or, baregrape.co.uk Follow baregrape

28 | www.westendermagazine.com

LIVE November Christine Bovill Thursday 2nd November 7.30pm Òran Mór Christine Bovill's award-winning show 'Paris – From Piaf To Pop' earned her multiple 5 star reviews during it’s sold out run at the 2022 Edinburgh Fringe, establishing her as one of Europe's finest interpreters of French song. Her show offers a deliciously sexy celebration of the Golden Age of French song and how it evolved during the Swinging Sixties. Singing in both French and English she honours many stars including Edith Piaf, Jacques Brel, Serge Gainsbourg and Francoise Hardy. I’m such a Francophile, I like France, I love the French people, we holiday there most every year and this gig presents a chance to sample some choice French culture without having to join a long frustrated queue with passport in hand.

Choice Track: Christine Bovill 'Sur Mon Ile De Reve' Ondara Monday 13th November 7.30pm The Hug And Pint J.S. Ondara is a 30 something, Grammy Award nominated Kenyan singersongwriter. He is signed to the iconic record label Verve Records in the US and his releases sit comfortably alongside their impressive catalogue including Laura Nyro, John Lee Hooker, Dion and Jamie Cullum to name but a few. As a young man growing up in Kenya he gorged on the music of Radiohead, Nirvana, Jeff Buckley and most notably Bob Dylan.

Imagine Dylan’s vocal and guitar delivery on top of subtle African rhythms and you pretty much get what Ondara is up to. He’s paid his dues too, fully embracing the coffee house culture touring all over the US for the last decade, eventually settling down in the midwestern state of Minnesota (Dylan’s home state incidentally). One to watch me thinks.

Choice Track: Ondara 'Lebanon' Sammy Rae & The Friends Sunday 19th November 7.30pm Queen Margaret Union (QMU) Sammy Rae & The Friends are an eight piece funk/jazz-rock band based in New York City. The band formed in 2016 and is fronted by Samantha Bowers (performing as Sammy Rae). For as much as Sammy Rae & The Friends may be a band, this collective of artists and dreamers considers itself a family first. This is from their blurb '… The shows are like a shot in the arm of affirmation of individuality. They are safe spaces to feel overwhelmed with love and acceptance. “Friends” in the audience are encouraged to dress how they like, dance how they like, join the party and form person-to-person Friendships.'

How this “attitude” will go down on a cold, damp and dark November night in Glasgow is anyone’s guess, but they do have an irresistible aura of positivity on their side. You never know, some of it just might rub off.

Choice Track: Sammy Rae & The Friends 'Jackie Onassis'

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by Greg Kane

December Cypress Hill Tuesday 5th December 6.30pm OVO Hydro Cypress Hill are an American hip hop outfit from the US state of California.

They formed in 1988 and have sold over 20 million albums worldwide.

The group, along with their contemporaries Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog and 2Pac are considered to be one of the main forefathers of West Coast hip hop. I’ve been listening to them all week and I’d forgotten how much Latin music is a big part of what they do… it really gives them their USP amongst the hip hop fraternity. They’re out on tour in 2023 celebrating the 50 year anniversary of hip hop. 50 years?

Yes, hip hop was born on the 11th of August in 1973 in The Bronx, NY, NY. 'Fathered' by DJ Clive Campbell.

Campbell? That’s a Scottish name isn’t it? Can we claim hip hop too?

Mibbes naw.

In 2019, Cypress Hill became the first hip hop group to have a star on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame.

Choice track: Cypress Hill 'Insane In The Brain' Rianne Downey Saturday 9th December 7pm Warehouse, SWG3 Rianne Downey is a young singer/ songwriter from the outskirts of Glasgow, now based in Liverpool.

Like most young pretenders nowadays she started posting covers of songs on Youtube during lockdown.

One such cover, The Beautiful South’s 'Rotterdam' caught the attention of a certain Paul Heaton and he in turn

invited her onto his UK tour in 2023 to take on the role of female protagonist in his band, The Beautiful South!

Upon reflection, a very clever choice of cover Rianne. I watched her perform with him at The TRNSMT festival this year and she really did make it her own. She also has written songs with Dundonian bad boys The View, contributing to their recent top 10 album 'Exorcism of Youth'. She does display a confident swagger for one so young, but it will be her voice that gets her places. She really is such a great singer. Her most recent EP 'Method To My Madness' is available on all streaming services now.

Choice Track: Rianne Downey 'Paper Wings' Scottish Ensemble Wednesday 13th December 7.30pm Wellington Church rcs.ac.uk The Wellington Church on University Avenue is notable for its magnificent neoclassical portico complete with a colonnade of Corinthian columns in the style of an ancient Grecian temple. In other words, it’s quite an ostentatious place to play. But the virtuosity on show after the Scottish Ensemble rosin their bows demands suitably impressive surroundings.

The Scottish Ensemble are a pioneering collective of musicians who champion music for strings and have been in existence for over 50 years, but are constantly evolving with the best of the best players taking their place when required. The choice track picked is them in collaboration with acclaimed film composer Craig Armstrong.

This gig has all the ingredients to make it a very special occasion indeed.

Choice track: Scottish Ensemble 'Ballantyne – Movement 5 Your Shadow'

30 | www.westendermagazine.com

Paul MacAlindin on Govan Music Festival The festival’s organiser and founder of Glasgow Barons on revitalising the local area through music.

Words LOUIS CAMMELL Images CAMPBELL DAVID PARKER

E

stablished last year, Govan Music Festival began with The Glasgow Barons, an orchestra started by festival organiser Paul MacAlindin. We catch up with him ahead of the next one to learn about how he hopes the impacts of community action will ripple out and change the lives of local creatives.

but think, let’s put a concert on. And so that’s how it started with the Glasgow Barons.

It is still an orchestra to this day. Although we have loads of community music strands built into and across the whole of Govan, largely as a regeneration project now to revitalise the area through music.

Could I hear a bit about Glasgow Barons in your own words?

Back in 2016, I landed in Glasgow after coming home from Germany. I ended up in central Govan because it was a roof over my head. I had a look at the assets around the area which were things like the Pearce Institute and Govan Old Parish Church and I thought to myself, these gigantic Victorian spaces which have marvellous acoustics are just sitting there doing nothing. I couldn’t help

So from that grew the Govan Music Festival, which happened in March this year and is set to happen again in 2024.

It’s March 13 to 16th. I’ve chosen March first of all because there’s not much competition for festivals in that month [but] also because we’re coming out of winter. With the cost of living crisis, there’s a massive amount of uncertainty. None of that is helping anybody to really get through it in a way that keeps their body and soul together.

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What sets your festival apart from a lot of festivals that do appear in Glasgow is that these are local community acts and not big names with no investment in the area.

Absolutely. I mean, the Glasgow Barons is itself a professional orchestra but on top of that, we have a mass choir made up of Govan Gaelic school, two Catholic schools, several non-denominational schools, and I also include Hazelwood, which is the school for kids with complex learning needs and sensory impairments and they’re on the south side of Bellahouston Park. It’s a wee bit outside Govan but they are a marvellous school who take music very seriously.

We also have a variety show whereby loads of local Govan acts get in on the act and put their own shows together.

In particular, we have developed a very strong hip hop relationship with people in Govan.

That’s an important voice because Scottish hip hop comes from very marginalised people. But it’s a very powerful expression of the lived experience of poverty, of addiction, of the daily grind of living in an area of deep deprivation.

Hip hop is a genre that’s so moulded by the environment of the artists that create it, isn’t it? It’s actually astonishing that hip hop is often overlooked in Scotland, considering the parallels between its urban areas and those in America where the genre originated.

I mean, you’ve hit up the nail on the head.

Hip hop is now a multibillion dollar industry.

But it was derided when it wasn’t making people any money. Yet it is really impregnated with a deep social conscience and awareness of the real hard problems of the realities of life. A lot of the turning point of Scottish hip hop came from Darren McGarvey’s Poverty Safari book. Darren’s story as a rapper was the classic one whereby nobody paid attention to him when he was rapping about poverty. They only paid attention to him when he wrote a middle class book about it.

And now you’ve actually commissioned many hip hop albums as part of the festival.

We started in 2018 with two local rappers, Johnny and Jamie who are called CCTV. They’re a rap duo and I had them in the African Art Center, rock rapping over a string orchestra which was playing Renaissance dance music whilst African drummers were drumming to it. It was called Strings, Drums and Rap and it was a complete mash up that nearly fell apart, as you might expect with a project as bonkers as that [laughs].

But I just definitely wanted to see what happened when I introduced professional classical musicians in my orchestra to musicians who had never ever had any contact at all with the classical world and vice versa. And it worked from that point of view.

Then in 2021, possibly our most dangerous and risky project was commissioning 10 rappers to put together an album called Surface Pressure, which was rappers rapping about the climate crisis because we had COP 26 in Glasgow. Here in Govan, where it was held, nobody can afford a carbon footprint. So how do you message this to people who are not responsible for the climate crisis but who are on the front end of suffering the effects of it?

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I know it’s early days but what can we expect to see from the programme in 2024?

We always collaborate with Freed Up and The Scottish Recovery Consortium who are a network across the whole of Scotland of service providers helping people on the road to recovery from drug and alcohol addiction.

They organise sober events. Last March we brought in a local band called Sun Boy, whose singer is himself in recovery.

Getting artists who are in recovery to perform is a really empowering and important part of the normalising of recovery because what we have in Scotland is the normalisation of addiction. Addiction is so second nature that it’s almost as if everybody’s given up the fight.

Govan is very heritage heavy and we’re creating a new tradition. One of which I hope will extend well beyond the activities of the Glasgow Barons. It’s really just about helping people to open that one small window in their minds to say, actually there can be something else to my life beyond what I’ve got. I can utilise the resources around me to open up all the possibilities to me.

Govan Music Festival is set to take place from Wednesday March 13th till Saturday March 16th 2024. All details and tickets will be made available at glasgowbarons.com.

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34 | www.westendermagazine.com

Top Thingsin To Do the West End

by Tracy Mukherjee

As autumn gives way to winter, the West End erupts with events to cheer young and old.

Without further ado let’s rip the wrapping from the West End’s festivities.

Top for Autumn Events It has returned and it’s a beauty! Glasglow 2023, filled with ghosties and ghoulies over Halloween and Bonfire Night. But fear not. All is not lost as the Botanics is invaded by a whole host of spectres. Who ya gonna call? That’s right, this year’s Glasglow theme is Ghostbusters.

As the trailer suggests Slimer is set to burst a trail through the flower beds, but the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man better watch his step with the Kibble Palace below his feet. Whatever you do DON’T CROSS THE STREAMS! Hungry? The Gourmet Street Food Village returns, whilst wee ones will be delighted by Slimer’s Sweet Shop serving hot chocolate and sweet treats. Mr Stay Puft? Maybe not as happy to see his compatriots demise in the glorious return of Marshmallowland.

For kids young and old, these events get us through the darkest time of the year, so to book your tickets, visit: ItIsOn Presents Glasglow 27th Oct – 12th Nov Glasgow Botanic Gardens itison.com/glasglow

Top for Cosy Music I’ve noticed a trend in the last couple of years for music by candlelight, gorgeous events bringing an intimate feel to glorious music. Oran Mor this November is hosting two such concerts.

Performed by a string quartet the concerts will play The Music of Whitney Houston and The Music of Elvis.

The 60 minute concerts are billed as a multisensory experience and whilst the November wind and rain is beating down outside, orchestral music by candlelight is certainly good for the soul.

Candlelight Concerts in Glasgow The Music of Whitney Houston and Elvis 9th November Oran Mor, Top of Byres Road feverup.com/en/glasgow/candlelight

Top for Christmas Crafting Country Living Christmas Fair returns to the SEC in November, giving you time to get crafting for Christmas. Workshops this year include needle-felted baubles and reindeer bunting.

Why not book in for the Christmas Table workshop, learning to create cocktails and canapes and some pointers for tablescaping (it IS a real word). Trying to find the perfect original Christmas gift? Fear not, with an incredible wealth of artisan designers in attendance, you won’t go home empty handed.

For absolute hands-on crafting check out Sew Confident’s lengthy list of Christmas themed classes. From wreath making to quilted Christmas stockings, Christmas dress overlocking to quilted advent calendars, the team at the Great Western Road site will have Christmas all sewn up, so to speak!

Country Living Christmas Fair 16th – 19th November SEC countrylivingfair.com/glasgow Sew Confident Christmas Workshops Various Dates 195 Great Western Road sewconfident.co.uk/venue/glasgow

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Top Thingsin To Do the West End Top for Theatre Before we immerse ourselves into all things panto, let’s consider what else can entertain us in Theatreland over the next few months. A little too late for Halloween but The Addams Family take up residence in Websters Theatre this November. This production is by Call to Stage Theatre Company and tells the comical story of Gomez and Morticia as they try to navigate their beloved Wednesday’s newfound romance.

This original story is guaranteed to be both gruesome and glorious so get your tickets booked soon.

Along at the Royal Concert Hall, A Fairytale of New York is retold on 26th of November.

Direct from the (other) West End and after two sell out tours, this fabulous feel-good show is set to land in Glasgow. With all your favourite Christmas songs, this Irish-inspired show has an international cast of singers, musicians and dancers and, of course, the iconic 'Fairytale of New York'. An absolute must see.

The Addams Family 16th – 18th November Websters Theatre, Great Western Road webstersglasgow.com/whats-on/event/ the-addams-family Fairytale of New York 26th November Glasgow Royal Concert Hall glasgowlife.org.uk/event/1/fairytale-ofnew-york

Top for Panto Oh, come on, we had to cover it! Oh yes we did!

And at Websters, you SHALL go to the ball, as A Crackin Cinderella Story appears, as if by magic. Last year’s production Sleeping Senga was a smash hit at Websters, so Insideout Theatre Productions are proud to be back at Websters for their 10th year.

This family pantomime has plenty of sing along pop hits, dancing and of course, a Scottish twist on a classic fairy-tale. Our Cinders is seriously downtrodden when her two rotten stepsisters rip up her VIP invite to see her pop idol P. Charming, live in concert! What’s to be done? Can Buttons and Fairy God Mother get her there on time?

Head to Websters to find out!

A Crackin’ Cinderella Story Fri 1st Dec – Sat 6th Jan Websters Theatre, Great Western Road webstersglasgow.com/whats-on/event/ a-crackin-cinderella-story-2

Top for Hogmanay Oran Mor’s choice for Hogmanay is an absolute belter! Big Country: Hogmanay Wonderland brings one of Scotland’s most successful rock groups to the West End for New Year’s Eve. 'Wonderland' is a nod to their anthemic single and with other classic hits such as 'Big Country'.

'Fields of Fire' and 'East of Eden', what more could you want to see in the New Year?

Possibly a party? Then head along to the Hilton Glasgow, William St, the world-famous Red Hot Chilli Pipers return for a fantastic evening, with a welcome drink, three course dinner and fantastic entertainment to take you through to 2024.

Big Country: Hogmanay Wonderland Sunday 31st December Oran Mor, Top of Byres Road oran-mor.co.uk/events/big-countryhogmanay-wonderland Hogmanay Party Sunday 31st December Hilton Glasgow, William Street online.flippingbook.com/link/735183

36 | www.westendermagazine.com

Jay Lafferty on Bona Fide The critically-acclaimed comedian and regular club compere on her self-built ‘playground for professional comedians’ at The Stand.

Words LOUIS CAMMELL

S

even years ago, Jay Lafferty sensed there was something missing in Edinburgh’s comedy scene.

She observed that the circuit was made up largely of two types of night. On one end, you had pro nights. Guaranteed laughs by legends of the Scottish clubs, delivering sure-fire material. On the other, there were new material nights such as The Stand’s legendary Red Raw, a weekly open-mic style night (albeit with a six-month waiting list to perform) where newcomers – some performing for the very first time – take to the stage alongside the occasional established act either perfecting a routine or jumping on at the end to close with a bang.

But between the poles was relatively barren land. ‘When you are a professional comedian, you have less of a licence to fail,’ is how Lafferty puts it. ‘[Red Raw] is not really a space for professionals, because it’s where the newer acts are developing their stuff.

You might steal a spot for five minutes but that’s not really long enough to develop anything [you might take to The Fringe].

But at the same time, pro nights are where performers are expected to bring their A game; it’s not necessarily the right platform for risky creative choices that might not pay off.

‘I wanted to create this playground for professional comedians, where they were allowed to fail, and they were allowed to try things that they hadn’t done before. But it still had the structure of a stand up comedy night.

And obviously, because they’re professionals, it’s always a great night.

And so I came up with the idea for Bona Fide [where] I come up with a theme that the comics have to write brand-new material around. Some of it, they may have never said before and some of it, they may never say again.’

From there, its extra arms and legs have grown pretty organically. Now happening monthly at The Stand in Glasgow as well as its birthplace of The Stand Edinburgh, the demand for Bona Fide to happen in both cities came directly from the acts themselves.

‘There’ve been people who’ve come and developed their sets for Live at the Apollo at it,’ says Jay.

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Others have attributed the random theme aspect with ‘trigger[ing] an avalanche of comedy in their brain’, which has led to whole hour-long solo shows or routines they have performed on the radio. ‘So it’s now this little amazing space where you know you’re in safe hands, but you might see the inception of something and get a kind of insight into how a comedian’s brain works.’

Raymond Mearns, Scott Agnew, Susan Riddell and Des Clarke are just some of the local legends that have appeared on past line-ups. In fact, a Bona Fide night in Glasgow was Mearn’s first night back on stage after a high-profile stroke that he suffered in August of this year, forcing him to cancel his Edinburgh Fringe run. It led to an outpouring of love for the long-beloved comic that manifested itself in a kickstarter campaign and a sold-out benefit gig from The Stand, featuring the likes of legends Frankie Boyle and Susie McCabe. Lafferty jokes that after his comeback performance, they were skeptical of his ill health.

‘He had come up with all this hilarious betting material, based on the theme “What Are The Odds?” We were all like, “You’ve not had a stroke!”’ she says.

Marc Jennings is also a regular. Jennings sold out the King’s Theatre earlier this year with his one-man show and who Lafferty affectionately nicknames ‘king of the podcasts’, alluding to his recent success with Some Laugh (a podcast he hosts alongside friends Stephen Buchanan and Stuart McPherson). He and Lafferty will be sharing the stage again for The Stand’s Christmas shows mid-December. ‘I really love Christmas so I get into the Christmas spirit from, like, the first of December. I’m like yes, tree up. Let’s do this,’ says Lafferty. ‘What’s better during the season of joy than having a laugh? The stand’s lineup is always really great, it’s always packed full of local talent as well as some visitors.’

Bona Fide takes place at The Stand in Glasgow on Thursday November 23rd and Thursday December 7th. The Stand’s Christmas Specials take place Thursday Saturday, December 14th, 15th and 16th.

All details and tickets at thestand.co.uk.

38 | www.westendermagazine.com

Fancy Curling Anyone?

Curling was invented in Scotland in the Middle Ages, with the first written mention to a contest using stones on ice coming from the records of Paisley Abbey, Renfrewshire, in February 1541. Nowadays Scotland’s curling teams, both men and women, have taken home gold in the World Curling Championships, with the latest gold medal claimed in 2023 by the men’s team. Despite the country’s success in the sport, many Scots know little about how to play. Words ISLA MCGRAW

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P

artick Curling Club was formed in 1842 at Greenacres Ice Rink as a male only community group championing the team game involving players sliding granite stones on a sheet of ice toward a targeted area segmented into four circles. The club also played in an outdoor rink behind Curlers Rest pub on Byres Road in 1848 and from there it grew into the society that stands today.

Alan Rattray, the match secretary, organises fixtures and teams and is the coordinator for all the clubs’ activities.

With his interest in curling stemming from his time at Glasgow University in 1993 (he played on the University Curling Club for three years) in the years following, Alan met someone involved with Partick Curling Club who invited him along, and his passion for the sport was reignited.

Alan highlights that being part of this community ‘creates friendship and allows you to socialise with people who have a shared interest with you, while keeping you fit and active’. He continues ‘People come in and start curling and they have never curled before, but they find it’s a great way to get involved in something and they tend to like the social aspect of it as well’. The curling season begins in September and lasts until the end of March.

The community group congregate every week with matches scheduled in the daytime and evening. The league structure is constructed by Alan and is based on when members wish to play in order to fit it in around their lives. The club has 45 playing members across all levels, both men and women of all abilities.

Internal games, known as bonspiels, are held within the club as a friendly tournament encouraging all members, whether they are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced player, to participate in the league. Competitions also take place between the different curling clubs where players have the choice of playing against outside groups.

The community created on the ice also exists outside the rink, with the club hosting get togethers for members to socialise.

A BBQ kicks things off in September, and a formal dinner, which usually takes place at the West End’s Leonardo Inn Hotel, comprises of a prize giving to conclude the curling season.

The club is looking to raise awareness of the sport and sustain and grow the number of curlers from the West End of Glasgow, in areas like Partick, Kevlindale, Jordanhill, Bearsden, and the South Side. Giving people the opportunity to come along and try curling out for themselves with no added pressure is one of the main aims for Alan and the club.

Alan says, ‘This is a friendly and sociable club for all abilities, whether you’re good, bad or indifferent, nobody really cares – it’s all about enjoying yourself and having something to look forward to in your week, and you never know you might just catch the curling bug.’

In terms of the future of curling in Scotland, Alan says, ‘Curling is the hidden gem of Scottish sport because we’re actually really good at it, we’re at a highly elite level, it just needs more awareness to help us raise the bar.

‘A lot of people will see it on the telly every four years when the Olympics come around but hardly anybody will know where to go to give it a try.’

With that, the club are urging people to give the sport a go whether you’re a returning player or starting from scratch, everyone is welcome. Your first visit to the rink is free with no commitment to sign up to a club membership, it can simply be a place to socialise while keeping active.

If people discover a love for the sport, there is scope to continue whether that be through a membership or simply playing in the games you’d like to participate in.

Partick Curling Club run several come and try sessions throughout the course of the season. To find out more information, visit their website at partickcurling.com or send an email to partickcurling@gmail.com .

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Writer’s Reveal meets Lisa Gray Words TRACEY MCCALLUM Former journalist Lisa Gray lives in Glasgow writing novels fulltime. She’s listed as the Amazon, Washington Post and Wall Street Journal best-selling author of the Jessica Shaw series and was also long-listed for the McIlvanney prize in 2020. Here, Lisa talks to Westender about her glamorous new crime thriller To Die For.

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Y

ou’ve gone from soccer writer to best selling author – how did that happen?

I was probably around 11-years-old when I decided I wanted to write for a living.

I was a big reader and never out of the local libraries, but ‘author’ didn’t seem like a very realistic career choice, so I decided to be a journalist instead.

At 17, I studied journalism at Cardonald College and then struggled to find a junior reporter job after graduation. A friend of mine was writing lower division football reports for national newspapers at the time. I’d always enjoyed watching football and thought ‘I could do that too!’ So, I phoned the Daily Record one day and asked if I could cover some games for them and was shocked when they said yes! It was never my intention to write about football for a living but it’s strange the way life works out sometimes.

Even though being a football journalist would be a dream job for a lot of people, it wasn’t for me. My dream was to write novels. After going to crime writing festivals, like Bloody Scotland and Harrogate, I was inspired to write a crime novel of my own. That book became my debut, Thin Air, which sold well, especially in America. I feel really lucky to be able to do my dream job every day.

You’ve written a number of novels now, do you have one in particular that’s close to your heart?

All of my books are important to me for different reasons. Thin Air was my first book published and allowed me to write full-time, whereas Bad Memory was longlisted for the McIlvanney Prize which was a great moment, and Lonely Hearts earned me a very complimentary tweet from Ian Rankin which was another career high. If I had to pick one, I’d go for Dark Highway. It’s about three women who seemingly have no connection to each other, other than they were all last seen on the same remote highway. One of the characters, Dea Morgan, really got under my skin, and I know the book is a favourite with readers too.

How did you find going from working as part of a team to writing full-time and flying solo?

As much as I miss the banter and company of working in an office with colleagues I’m probably better suited to working on my own.

I’m a night owl and I tend to work best late at the night when everyone else is tucked up in bed! So, it works well for me to be able to set my own hours and work to my own schedule which is not a very conventional one.

What was the inspiration for To Die For and what research did you need to do to suss out the American housing marke.

It’s quite different from the UK and seems so much more glamorous?

Like millions of other people, I spent a lot of time during lockdown binge-watching TV. I watched loads of property shows, like Selling Sunset and Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles, and was amazed by the eyewatering amounts of money up for grabs in commission for selling these stunning homes. The crime writer in me started to wonder how far someone would be prepared to go for a life-changing commission – say, one million dollars – and that’s where the idea for To Die For came from.

It’s fair to say the agents in my book are far more ruthless than the real-life ones in Selling Sunset… Those reality shows did help a lot with the research for the book and I spent a lot of time online studying the luxury US housing market to get commission rates, terminology and so on right. I moved house myself at the end of last year and the whole experience was quite stressful and definitely not as glamorous as Selling Sunset!

I really enjoyed the pacing of To Die For and liked how the story was set out.

Did you plan the story that way or did it just unfold as you wrote?

Most authors tend to be plotters or pantsers (those who fly by the seat of their pants).

I’m definitely a plotter and I need to know how a book ends before I even write the first word. The thought of jumping right in with no idea of where the story is going to go terrifies me. I know some writers who use spreadsheets to plot their books but I’m much more old-school and love to get the outline down in a nice new notepad before working out chapter outlines on colour co-ordinated Post-it notes. I knew with To Die For that I wanted to conceal the identity of both the murderer AND the victim for as long as possible so that meant quite a lot of careful plotting. I just hope I pulled it off.

www.westendermagazine.com | 51

Did it cross your mind to set your novel in Glasgow?

So far, all my books have been set in the US and people often ask why I don’t set them in Glasgow. I do think I’ll write a Scottish book one day, but it would need to be the right story and the right characters to fit the setting. I felt like the plot for To Die For demanded the same kind of super-luxe, glamorous location as those US property shows that people are so familiar with.

What do you think of shows like Selling Sunset?

I love them! During those dark days of the pandemic, when we were shut away and everything felt very bleak and uncertain and scary, shows like Selling Sunset provided a much-needed escape from the real world.

I love getting a peek inside those gorgeous multi-million-dollar homes and it’s been amusing to see how the agents’ office attire has gotten more OTT and outrageous with each new season.

Have you always lived in Glasgow or have you lived in the States and what made you pick Malibu as your location?

I’ve always lived in Glasgow, and I think I always will. I have family who are based in the States, and I was in San Diego recently for a writers conference. But, as much as it’s a fun place to visit, it’s always nice to come back home to the wind and rain (seriously!).

I picked Malibu as the setting for To Die For because I needed a place where you’d find a $50million house and Malibu fit the bill perfectly. That’s why so many A-list celebs live there. I’ll let you into a secret though – I’ve never actually been. Maybe one day…

Do you have a set routine for writing?

Like I said before, I tend to write in the evenings and at night rather than during the day. It just works better for me. In the early stages of a new book, a lot of time is spend plotting and researching and there’s not a lot of writing being done. Then, when the deadline gets nearer, it’s hours and hours of writing. So it varies depending on what stage I’m at in the process.

Without giving anything away, the ending of the book made me think there might be more to come from Andi Hart. Do you have plans for a follow up?

To Die For was written as a standalone and I don’t have any plans for a sequel with Andi or anyone else from Saint Realty. But never say never! If anything, I think it’s more likely that the two detectives, Aribo and Lombardi, might pop up again in another book. I had a lot of fun writing them.

What’s next for Lisa Gray?

I’m working on the edits for my next book which is about an actress who has spent two decades trying to make it big in Hollywood before vanishing in mysterious circumstances. Like To Die For, it has glitz and glamour but also a lot of darkness going on beneath the glossy surface. I’m hoping it’ll be out next summer and will be the perfect thriller to read by the pool or on the beach.

I’ve been a huge fan of McIlvanney since reading Laidlaw in school, how did it feel to be in the running for the prestigious McIlvanney Prize?

Even though my books are set in America, I’m a big fan of Scottish crime fiction and William McIlvanney is right up there at the very top. The way he was able to marry beautiful poetic prose with the dark and gritty side of Glasgow was really quite something. His Laidlaw books have been a huge inspiration to so many authors – myself included. It was a real thrill, and an honour, to be longlisted for a prize in his name.

To Die For is available in paperback from Amazon now.

52 | www.westendermagazine.com

BY BRIAN TOAL

1

Meantime

by Frankie Boyle

WESTENDER’s COVER TO COVER Felix McAveety is a Valium addict, a heavy drinker, and a depressive Glaswegian whose best friend has just been found murdered in Kelvingrove Park.

What does he do in response? Binge on drink and drugs even more? Yes. But he’s also determined to get to the bottom of the mystery.

So begins a detective story set on the mean streets of Glasgow where McAveety battles with drug lords, dodgy police and far left independence activists. There’s also a healthy dose of Artificial Intelligence, cults, secret agents and vegans. How can you spot the vegans? They’ll be sure to let you know soon enough.

Frankie Boyle’s debut novel is just out in paperback and has received very positive reviews.

It was a Sunday Times bestseller and was shortlisted for the Bloody Scotland Scottish Crime Debut of the Year last year.

I’m a fan of his stand-up and television shows because I love the way he doesn’t hold back and says what needs to be said – what we’re probably all thinking but haven’t got the courage to say overtly – and he uses the drug-addled expedition through the streets of Glasgow in search of justice for his friend to allow McAveety to pontificate on a range of Scottish social issues and satirise the political scene following the independence referendum.

Some of the sentences and oneliners are brutal and majestic in equal measure.

The dialogue is brilliant and the banter hilarious. I liked the character of Donny, his nihilistic neighbour. I laughed out loud so often I had to apologise a couple of times, wiping the tears away before reading a bit more. I enjoyed Frank’s visit to a restaurant which seemed very like Mono, with a dude running the adjoining record shop who was in a band called The Aubergines. Hilarious.

‘I’d decided to take some acid as a kind of vision quest, to think more deeply into the questions that remained unanswered in the investigation. There were things that we really needed to know, and I had fewer ideas than an art school degree show.’

This is typical of the acerbic McAveety, and Boyle uses the central character as a vehicle for his own vitriol. No punches are pulled, as you’d expect, and no-one is safe from his tonguelashing, just as the guests on ‘New World Order’ quickly find out. ‘…middle-class people use that expression “imposter syndrome” a lot, and it means the way they feel out of their depth when they get opportunities they don’t deserve.’ Ouch. The book has been described as a Glaswegian Big Lebowski, and that’s a pretty apt description. It’s a detective novel, but the humour really ties the novel together.

www.westendermagazine.com | 53

Handle With Care & Other Stories

by Ann Maclaren

2 This is a story which spans thirty years in the life of ‘Brodie’, an old, battered copy of ‘The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie’, gifted to Violet by her aunt and inscribed with a touching message.

However, the book is filched by her brother and given to his girlfriend, Heather.

Heather loses the book to Iris, who passes it to Laurel. Rose and Daisy are the last owners of the book, or are they?

Do any of these flowers really own the book? Does the book possess them temporarily?

The stories of these six women are beautifully intertwined and what began as a simple birthday present becomes much more poignant.

Some of the women read the book, some don’t. Sometimes the book is cherished, sometimes ignored for years.

This collection of short stories – some very short indeed – cover a range of topics from relationships, loneliness, loss and love. In ‘Handle With Care’, the titular story, Rose wants a baby. Her son has left the nest, got married and become a father. The other grandmother seems to be the babysitter of choice, and Rose feels shunned.

She purchases a realistic doll online which she orders to the specifications of her granddaughter, then proceeds to decorate a nursery at home and parades the baby around in a pram. Desperately sad but also very funny.

Sammy is coping with a case of indigestion following a dodgy Mexican meal and a couple of beers. The problem is, he has to sit through a performance of classical music, some of which is very quiet.

Sometimes the book has a good view of the action and at other times, Brodie can only guess what’s going on as it’s stuck in a dark drawer or up in the loft.

I’m a big fan of Natsume Soseki’s ‘I am a cat’, trilogy, in which the feline narrator observes the frailties and idiosyncrasies of its human cohabitants. In a similar way, Shirreffs uses the book as more than just a symbol.

It’s in a relationship with these women. Indeed, her PhD thesis explored this very relationship, and here she has manifested exactly that in a very successful, enjoyable way.

The denouement is fitting and heartwarming. If books are more than books to you, you’ll love this.

The hilarious climax of the story matches the climax of the music, with loud noises all round.

Pen is good with a needle and thread and dotes on Ursula, off on her travels for most of the story. In a clever modern twist on the story of Penelope and Ulysses, MacLaren explores jealousy and longing through this tightly woven Greek tragedy.

All of the stories in the collection are well written and most of them highly entertaining. Some of them are funny, some are sad, and some are just odd. There’s something for everyone here – a selection box you’d do well to buy for a loved one this festive season.

Brodie

by Gillian Shirreffs

3

54 | www.westendermagazine.com

Kevin P. Gilday on Spam Valley The Glasgow-based poet and performer talks about bringing his previously sold-out class satire to The Stand in Glasgow.

Words LOUIS CAMMELL

T

he work of proud Glasgow resident Kevin P. Gilday perfectly captures the ambivalence we often feel towards our hometowns. How do we reckon with wanting to belong to a place that we simultaneously want to escape? A tale of class, told with wit from a working-class poet in a middle-class world.

Could you summarise your show Spam Valley for us?

It’s a one-man show about class, culture and belonging. At the centre of it is a question about who gets to claim the identity of ‘working class’ and who gets to decide.

It combines theatrical monologue, spoken word poetry and stand-up comedy to explore my journey from my working class upbringing to my current middle class career in the arts.

It’s a pretty funny and irreverent show, really accessible and perfect for those who don’t often go to see live theatre. It’s got a big message about working class life but I hope that at its core it’s also a good night out.

www.westendermagazine.com | 55

Your last performance at The Glasgow Stand sold out. What do you think resonates with Glaswegians in particular about this show?

I think people can just really relate to what I’m talking about. I’m telling my story but it’s got a real universal resonance for loads of people, especially in Glasgow. They’ll remember some of the things I discuss about growing up but also that general feeling of being disconnected from working class culture because of your path in life. Obviously it references lots of areas that people will know well too. At heart it’s a hugely Glaswegian show. It feels like the story of the city as well as my own.

Could you break down the term ‘Spam Valley’ in your own words?

So Spam Valley is a place, a neighbourhood – usually a newly built estate – that thinks it’s a cut above, where the residents think they’re a bit special, basically. The insult behind it is that these are working class people with ideas above their station who have moved to a posh new estate but are struggling to maintain their big mortgage and new lifestyle and are forced to eat Spam for their dinner.

Hence Spam Valley, a neighbourhood of working class people pretending to be middle class and suffering for it.

You stopped somewhere on your last tour that had an area the locals all called Spam Valley so they all came out as a result.

Where was that?

So it turns out that loads of areas have their own version of Spam Valley. It’s a pretty widespread phenomenon right across the central belt. The show actually sold out in Irvine because they use the term to refer to a neighbourhood there and it’s sort of become part of their DNA. It’s been really fun hearing about people’s own stories of their particular Spam Valley after the show every night.

You use a lot of dramatic techniques that people might associate more with music or stand-up. How important is it to you that your poetry be accessible?

It’s honestly at the heart of my writing and performance. I want to open a door and allow people the chance to come enjoy poetry, something that they might have completely dismissed after school.

The style of performance I use is what opens that door, they can see that this isn’t just someone reading a boring piece from the page - it’s about bringing the work to life and making it engaging. I think that the issue with poetry is often that it takes itself too seriously, that it doesn’t want to be accessible. My work is often funny, relatable and full of swearing and the day-to-day language of normal people. Poetry is an artform tailor made for sharing with large audiences, it can communicate complex ideas really succinctly – I feel strongly about taking it back from being a purely academic pursuit.

What conversations do you hope a show like Spam Valley might open up?

I’d honestly love for people to go away thinking about class in a different way.

To be aware of the traps we’re falling into as a society that are pitting us against each other and making us police each other’s behaviour.

But mostly I want people to walk out of the show with working class pride, to rediscover the joy of where they’ve come from. I think it’s something that’s missing from the narratives we’re being presented. I hope Spam Valley goes some way to restoring that pride.

As I understand it, this tour is a kind of send-off for this show in particular.

So what’s next?

I’m working on a few new things that’ll hopefully come to fruition next year that I’m really excited about. I’m collaborating with the National Theatre of Scotland to create a new show which will explore ideas of death and rebirth in relation to post-industrial communities. I’ll be releasing a new album with my musical project Kevin P. Gilday & The Glasgow Cross which I’m really buzzing to let everyone hear. Plus I’m working away writing loads of new poems and chipping away at a non-fiction book exploring some of the themes from Spam Valley in greater detail.

I’m very excited to share these projects with everyone when the time comes.

Kevin P. Gilday’s Spam Valley comes to The Stand in Glasgow on Wednesday November 22nd. All details and tickets at thestand.co.uk.

56 | www.westendermagazine.com

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www.westendermagazine.com | 57 Westender Magazine Promotion

Back Pain & Sciatica: a new way of thinking

S

o why would you throw away the ‘bracing’, the ‘form’, the postures that have kept you in a safe place all this time with your back, and start moving like when you were young? That would be crazy right?

Well maybe not. The old way of thinking was to watch your posture, brace your core, be careful with bending and lifting.

But the research is clear. This approach is not working and more people than ever have back pain and sciatica. It is currently the No.1 cause of disability in the world!

So we clearly need a different approach.

That’s where we come in. As back pain specialists with years of experience in chronic back pain, we move with the evidence and the new way of thinking.

Worryingly, most people see the back as being vulnerable once it’s been sore.

Though the back can get really painful (highly sensitised), it is a strong, robust structure! And we know that the natural reaction – with pain – is to start being careful and avoid things that hurt.

This might be useful for a day or so but can lead to overprotection if it continues.

That can feel like an ache or pressure in the spine. You can’t freely bend, lift and twist.

All these movements are vital for a healthy back. Imagine you prevented your elbow from bending after an injury, or stopped lifting? It would get stiff and sore! Same goes for backs.

The NEW way of thinking is that to recover we must start to expose our backs to all movements, and not continue to avoid, clench or protect. Get back to moving more like a child!

This can be really hard and this is where our back specialists can help. Here are our top tips.

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So if you have started sitting up straight all the time to protect it, start to experiment with softer sitting. The best posture is varied – not military!

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way you are moving? Are you tense? Holding your breath? Experiment with different ways of moving.

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clenched? Working out your trunk muscles is a great idea with exercise, but tensing a muscle doesn’t protect your back, it just adds pressure.

If you think we could help, we want to hear your story. Call 0141 370 1256, or email: hello@westend-physio.com West End Physio 510 Crow Road, G13 1NU 0141 370 1256 westend-physio.com

58 | www.westendermagazine.com

KIllearn & The Endrick Water with Pocket Mountains Books Distance 7.9 km Time 2 hours Terrain country roads and unsurfaced riverside tracks Map OS Explorer 348 Access regular buses to Killearn from Stirling and Glasgow

T

his peaceful walk leaves Killearn to trace a route through the countryside before following the Endrick Water back to the start.

The Endrick lies on a popular drove route through the Carron Valley from Drymen.

Indeed, its name is thought to derive from the Old Celtic word anderik, meaning ‘heifer’.

Beginning at Killearn Village Hall on Balfron Road, cross Station Road and head out of the village, following the footpath by the A875 for 1.5km.

Where the B818 to Fintry forks off on the right, veer downhill on the minor road to Balfron Station. After 500m or so, head along the signed public path to Boquhan, which is lined with oak and beech trees. This is Jenny Gunn’s Loan. The daughter of a veteran of the Napoleonic Wars, Janet Gunn, known as Jenny, was born in Boquhan in 1821.

She lived in her father’s home in Boquhan until her death in 1904.

Beyond the village, rejoin the A875 and follow it downhill. Just before the Endrick Water, take the wide tree-lined vehicle track that leads off along the riverbank.

www.westendermagazine.com | 59

Rising in the Fintry Hills, the Endrick Water is formed from the confluence of the Burnfoot and the Backside Burns. It flows south from the hills before veering westwards near the western dam of the Carron Valley Reservoir.

From there, it flows through Strathendrick, passing Fintry, Balfron and Drymen before entering the southeastern corner of Loch Lomond. The river is teeming with wildlife – look out for kingfisher, oystercatchers and redshanks.

Reaching a field, a narrow track continues along the riverside, quickly becoming a pleasant woodland amble.

Soon after crossing a burn, a couple of bridges come into view. After going through Drop back down to the river on the other an old metal gate beneath the modern side of the bridge, meandering along the roadbridge and the stone archway of the bank to reach a wide, deep burn. Divert older bridge, climb up to cross the old bridge. briefly upstream to cross at a small metal As part of the scheme to provide Glasgow footbridge before returning to the river. with fresh drinking water from Loch Katrine, Cross a stile, presently arriving at a wooden this bridge was built in 1864 to carry both the footbridge across the river. pipe and a road across the Endrick Water.

Cross the bridge and walk uphill away There are staircases providing access to from the water, bearing right onto Drumtian the pipe at either end. The pipe burst in the Road and following it back into Killearn.

Project6:Layout 1 3/10/22 Page 1 1990s and the bridge was replaced by14:18 the pocketmountains.com modern roadbridge next to it.

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60 | www.westendermagazine.com

This Christmas, SBH Scotland will be bringing children and families together at groups, supporting them through health and financial challenges and offering hope at the most difficult of times.

We rely on fundraising to make our lifeline support possible. Can you help us today?

p l e h r u o y d e e We n DONATE TODAY and make the season brighter for all those affected by the rare disabilities of spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus. Thank you.

DONATE online at: - sbhscotland.org.uk/donate - Scan our QR Code - Tel: 03455 211 600 Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland is a trading name of the Scottish Spina Bifida Association. Registered Scottish Charity No. SC013328.

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www.westendermagazine.com | 61

Parkinson’s Disease: Exciting News – Even more opportunity to get Neuro Active the right way with PD!

S

impson Physiotherapy have had a terrific summer in our PD Warrior exercise class and have had a great chance to welcome new people into our PD Specialist practice.

The people coming to the class are telling us how much more they get out of it compared to trying to do it themselves, or watching and following along to prerecorded videos. And they love the fact that there is a PD Specialist physio there to help them get more out of their session!

It’s been fabulous to see how well people are doing with regular support and our ‘carrot and stick’ approach to helping keep neuro active with PD. We are also live streaming our class to our motivated clients across Scotland and even further afield. But that’s not even the best bit!

We are now starting a PD Warrior Class on a Friday morning at 9.15 am in Milngavie Scout Hall. Giving people the chance to get active the right way and set them up for their weekend. Exactly the boost they need to keep doing what they value and enjoy.

Yes that’s absolutely right! Clients can now come along on a Tuesday AND a Friday, giving them a great way to keep motivated and engaged in the right exercises.

These classes are open to anyone living with Parkinson’s Disease, not just clients of the practice. If you’d like to find out more about coming along to either of our classes then please call us, or email.

Fraser Simpson MSc, Chartered Physiotherapist

Not sure if we can help? Neither are we – that’s why we offer a FREE phone consultation with our PD Specialist Neurophysiotherapists. That way we can listen to you and your story and figure out the best way to support you to get your life back and doing more of the things you value and enjoy.

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Keeping active the right way is so vitally important to your life with PD and our classes are a great way to help you do just that.

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62 | www.westendermagazine.com

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www.westendermagazine.com | 63

Homes & Interiors © Curiosa & Curiosa

light up the dark

by Lisa Trainer, Red Door Interiors

'No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn' Hal Borland

64 | www.westendermagazine.com

Homes & Interiors Punctuating the last months of the year and the natural cycle of seasons, winter brings with it not only the indulgences, luxury, and cheer of Yuletide festivities and all its celebrations but shorter days, colder nights and the anticipation of learning to go about our daily lives with diluted light, subdued colour and our inherent need for warmth and comfort.

When considering lighting in our homes in the darker months of the year, embracing winter's natural light and amplifying its beauty and characteristics is one way to adapt and to compliment the synergy of sumptuous surroundings and individual Christmas styling and decor, the same luxurious feel can be achieved when considering how to light a room. At this time of year, electrical lights are vital and used more than any other, and like all interior finishes and materials can be varied and layered to build up the desired atmosphere and mood.

As a starting point try to maximise natural light from all windows – keep blinds up and curtains tied back. Try placing mirrors and mirrored panels opposite a window to refract more light. This can make a dramatic difference and immediately a dark, gloomy corner becomes three dimensional, fluid and interesting – an alternative moving visual expression, art.

Lighting has so many approaches it is essential to consider rooms individually and the choice of overhead lighting, uplighting, lamps, wall lights, floor lamps and suspension pendants is endless…not to mention the colour, temperature, energy consumed and quality of the light output. Ambient, task, accent and decorative lighting in its most basic form replicates daylight, sunlight and the illumination we need to function. The application and interaction of these sources with other elements is fundamentally important and the outcome exciting, surprising and literally enlightening!!

Statement glass is unique, creative and authentic and the stunning designs of Curiousa & Curiousa are truly eye catching, skilful and elegant. Colourful, bold and hand blown by artisans and craftspeople who work using centuries old techniques, this collection of custom-made pendants and wall lights has a dreamy visual appeal.

www.westendermagazine.com | 65

“

Colourful, bold and hand blown by artisans and craftspeople who work using centuries old techniques

© Curiosa & Curiosa

66 | www.westendermagazine.com © Farrow & Ball

Homes & Interiors Jewel like in colour and form they can be simply individual shades or designed stacked and clustered as feature chandeliers in any interior. The allure of their captivating shine, sparkle and glisten is a joy and is one way of enveloping a space with intrigue, character and impact.

A wide selection of bulbs are suited to each fitting, even for bathrooms, so they can be versatile and practical too.

To visually compliment this palette of bold and beautiful, Farrow and Ball have recently launched the Carte Blanche capsule collection, a versatile, handcrafted palette of paint and paper bursting with statement shades, neutrals and wallpapers exquisitely fashioned to delight this season. Described as ‘elevated exuberance for your home’ this is a collaboration of minds between creative designer Christopher John Rogers and the technical team to offer as the name suggests, complete freedom to explore and experiment. © Farrow & Ball

There is literally a shade to suit every taste, space and style and to continue the trend of mono rooms and colour drenching, this is the perfect collusion of bolds, plains and patterns to consider the foundation and flourish of your favourite tone across an entire space.

The wallpapers offer a play on this and can be hung in a variety of ways for a playful twist.

The names are wonderfully evocative and nurturing too from Roasted Macadamia to Cardamom and Liquorice, all beautifully rich, warm and decadent.

As winter deepens with the lure of being indoors more, embrace the subtleties of this new muted, toned-down light and inject a little shimmer, warmth and colour to lift the energy. The flicker and fascination of a candle dancing around the room is often just enough to add that twinkle. The science behind this simple light source and timeless wonder is tangible and only enhances peace and goodwill casting a subtle ever-changing light into the long dark midwinter nights.

Pure magic... reddoorinteriors.co.uk

www.westendermagazine.com | 67

68 | www.westendermagazine.com

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www.westendermagazine.com | 69 Westender Magazine Promotion

Legal Matters Festive Fun Facts? @

rea

lly

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ats

ite

Some (not so fun!) facts about the Festive Period, courtesy of a recent survey by the National Accident Helpline (12 hazards of Christmas | National Accident Helpline (national-accident-helpline.co.uk).

If the above makes it sound as though Christmas is simply not worth the risk, here’s some survival tips too:

U

nfortunately, you are far more likely during this period to:

• suffer a gas leak or gas emergency in the home; • have a fire in the home; • fall off a stool or ladder; • suffer burns (chestnuts roasting on an open fire?!); • be injured whilst shopping; or • be injured whilst driving (the Highway Code states you must keep all your windows and lights clear of ice and snow and your number plates must be clearly visible and legible).

And, more bad news…

• 27% of people feel more stressed than usual during the festive period; • 13% of women and 6% of men feel the pressure when cooking and hosting; • nearly half of those preparing Christmas food have suffered an accident; • 2.7% have suffered an electric shock from Christmas lights (between 1997 and 2010, 26 people died in the UK from watering their Christmas tree with the lights on); • 2.1% have fallen out of the loft while getting decorations down; • every year about 1,000 people nationwide are injured by their Christmas tree, usually while fixing decorations to the higher branches; • according to the NHS, more than 80,000 people a year nationwide need hospital treatment for injuries during the festive period; and • 26% of online scams happen over the Christmas period.

P don’t try to do it all; P manage your own and other’s expectations; P rehydrate; P sleep; P get/stay active; P plan ahead; P if going away, leave some heating on to prevent the pipes freezing;

P don’t leave lights and/or candles unattended; and

P don’t overreach (that one works on several levels).

This material is for information purposes only and does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us.

You should not rely upon it in making any decisions or taking or refraining from taking any action.

If you would like us to advise you on any matter covered in this material, please contact Paul Neilly: paul@mitchells-roberton.co.uk

Mitchells Roberton Solicitors George House, 36 North Hanover Street 0141 552 3422 mitchells-roberton.co.uk

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Homes & Interiors

Style Your Home For Winter (not just for Christmas)

© Timorous Beasties

by Anne Marie Hillan

So it’s November and the nights are dark. We, and our homes, totally deserve attention! But November and early December usually go by with little of that it’s all Christmas prep and then we 'Deck the halls’ ready for the big day. Then when it’s over we take down the decorations and our homes feel bare. This year, let's decorate and style for the whole winter season and not just for Christmas.

Now before any of you shoot me down I do love Christmas decorations and all things festive! How could I not – I am an actual Christmas Day baby. This is my time of year! But instead of Christmas décor – let’s think cosy winter styling that starts now and stays with us past Christmas and New

Year and has us feeling comfy, warm and glowing right through the darkest months.

In December you can add Christmas wreaths, sparkly lights, ornaments and a fully decorated tree but let’s also leave you with some décor ideas to take your winter interior right through to sping 2024.

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Now any of you that follow me on Instagram will know I love deep dark moody colours.

But whether your home has a bright, dark or neutral colour scheme you can easily accessorise with deep rich tones that will look fabulous all winter, even all year round, but which will be the perfect back drop to your Christmas decorations For rich and luscious décor ideas Timorous Beasties on Great Western Road is a great place to start. If the budget is healthy then their fabrics for curtains and upholstery, and rugs, are to die for! Look at the vibrant colours in their Berkley Blooms range (previous page).

But we can all give our sofas an opulent vibe with their amazing cushions. The Berkley Blooms cushions start from £90 but they have cushions in so many fabrics and styles that I guarantee there is one to suit your décor.

And at the other end of the price range they have the most amazing tea towels in their wonderful design ranges. They would make a fantastic gift. But I confess to having framed one as wall art in my home – and they're only £14!

Next stop is Galletly Tubbs at Kelvinbridge.

Another amazing shop full of furniture, lamps, cushions, throws and all manner of ornaments and accessories. It’s their faux fur throws that I think could be the making of your cosy décor this winter. There is one word for them – lush!

© Galletly Tubbs

Use them to adorn your sofa, or dress a bed for your Christmas visitors, but in January and February just wrap yourself up to keep warm.

Next on my West End shopping crawl – is the Nancy Smillie Shop – a West End institution.

It too has prints, mirrors, furniture and amazing Christmas decorations as well as clothes, jewellery and gifts – but remember the brief. We are making our home a relaxing, indulgent paradise! So in Nancy Smillie I suggest you head straight to the Shearer Candles display. Shearer Candles have been making candles in Glasgow since 1897. Their candles look beautiful and smell amazing.

Then if Christmas visitors need occasional seating what about an accent chair? Look at this beautiful green 'June' chair (Page 74).

Perfect for visitors now but in January, when your New Year resolution is to read more books, then sit this chair in a corner and you have a chilled reading nook.

Nancy Smillie also have the most amazing lampshades in beautiful greens and moody blues by Edinburgh based Rosella and Lime (Page 77). Have a look at your table lamps and see if one of them would benefit from a mini makeover all of their own. Treat that base lamp to a whole new look.

And about your Christmas Table?

Well tablescaping is an all year round pursuit these days but few of us can afford tableware for every season. Bluebellgray in Hyndland has a solution for this. I love their 'Hot Pottery' range with their Lace Taper Candlesticks (see both on Page 77). Perfect for Christmas entertaining but also with the addition of different napkins, flowers and accessories they will adorn your table all year around!

And while you are there you could transform your guest bedroom with some amazing bedding that can also be dressed for every season with different throws and cushions.

www.westendermagazine.com | 73

“

transform your guest bedroom with some amazing bedding that can also be dressed for every season with different throws and cushions

© Bluebellgray

74 | www.westendermagazine.com

So for Christmas your lounge is lush, your bedroom welcoming, your home smells amazing and you are ready for your guests to arrive. The finishing touch is from Time and Tide. We are blessed, and I do mean blessed, to have two Time and Tide stores in the West End. One on Byres Road and one at St George’s Cross. Visit them both – they are fabulous!

For Christmas and all year round entertaining pick up one of their bar carts (Page 77) – get your sparkly, gin and whisky out and you are ready to celebrate!

Finally nip to the lovely Casseopia on Hyndland Road. Cassiopeia have the most amazing shot glasses (Page 77). Made in Scotland these stag decorated glasses are great as a gift or for Christmas entertaining but usable all year round. Perfect for a traditional dram but if you want a Tequila Rose shot that would work too!

So when thinking Christmas decor – firstly think West End and shop local this Christmas.

Not only will you be supporting small businesses that are the heart of our community but you will also be treating yourself to some absolutely glorious and fabulous pieces.

Both images courtesy of Nancy Smillie

© Time & Tide

But think past the holiday season. With all of this as the backdrop to your festive décor all you need add is your decorated tree, your scented candles, fairy lights galore and your home is all set. And when the tree and the Festive decorations come down there will be no post Christmas blues – keep those candles lit, cuddle up with your cushions and throws and enjoy not just a Merry Christmas but a Happy and very comfy and cosy New Year!

Follow Anne Marie on Instagram at @lock.downhouse where you will find her on Christmas Day eating turkey with all the trimmings – and birthday cake!

www.westendermagazine.com | 75

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www.westendermagazine.com | 77

Homes & Interiors

Festive Entertaining With A Flourish Whatever your style of Festive entertaining – our West End shops have it all.

Dress sofas with an opulent cushion or two and let your guests relax in comfort, or just coorie in to watch a good Christmas film. Light your rooms in moody relaxing hues with fabulous and distinctive lamp shades. Or treat your Christmas table to crockery and candlesticks in the safe knowledge that your table will be spectacular all year round. And for the New Year set up your party on a fabulous bar cart and make those Festive toasts with some amazing shot glasses. Slainte!

Stag Shot Glasses, £56, Cassiopeia

Hot Pottery Tableware, from £18 side plate, £25 dinner plate, Glass Candlestick £29, Bluebellgray

Dragonfly Cushions, from £105 each, Timorous Beasties

Golden Deco Circular Bar Trolley, £225, Time & Tide

Lampshades in Various Sizes, from £59.95, Nancy Smillie

Bluebellgray, 162 Hyndland Road, 0141 221 0724, bluebellgray.com Cassiopeia, 165 Hyndland Road, 0141 357 7374, cassiopeiaonline.co.uk The Nancy Smillie Shop, 53 Cresswell Lane, 0141 334 4240, thenancysmillieshop.com Time & Tide, 6 St. George's Place & 398 Byres Road, 0141 357 4548, timeandtidestores.co.uk Timorous Beasties, 384 Great Western Road, 0141 337 2622, timorousbeasties.com

The Wee Kitchen Shop The TheWee WeeKitchen KitchenShop Shop The Wee Kitchen Shop 54 | www.westendermagazine.com 54 | www.westendermagazine.com 54| |www.westendermagazine.com www.westendermagazine.com 78

Beautiful Kitchen Interiors 54 | www.westendermagazine.com

created for cooking and living

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What is Pension Tax Relief?

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How Much Tax Relief Can You Get? Tax relief is available on your payments up to your Pension Annual Allowance, which for the 2023/24 tax year is £60,000 or your total salary (whichever is lower). Exceeding this amount could lead to a tax charge.

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Pension tax relief isn’t automatically applied for higher-rate and additional rate taxpayers; it varies by pension plan. As many are unaware of the process, seek expert advice.

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Letting Matters

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The Cost & Benefit Of Values

H

olding true to one’s values can be expensive and painful in the short run but brings benefits over time.

At Western Lettings we promise to compensate any client who suffers financial loss due to an error on our part.

We recently faced a situation where we had to do so. A client had asked us to ensure the gutters on their rental property were cleared at regular intervals to prevent a buildup of debris. After a time, we failed to ensure one of the regular clearances had been completed, resulting in a blocked downpipe.

During a period of heavy rain, the downpipe backed up, the roof area flooded, and water poured into the property, causing significant damage to the ceiling.

After investigating, we unearthed the series of events which led to the incident.

The tenant had persistently refused access to the contractor, who hadn’t kept us abreast of the difficulties they were having getting onto the roof. Nevertheless, we honoured our pledge to the landlord and agreed to settle the cost of the repairs.

The point is not so much that we kept our promise. It is more that, by taking responsibility for our failure, we have been incentivised to learn from our mistake.

We now have a more robust process for recognising when critical planned maintenance events have been delayed.

The chance of a similar series of events catching us out has been significantly reduced.

This is an example of how we continuously improve our operation. Our team is open and honest with each other and with our clients.

Nobody tried to cover their tracks or hide what they had done. We take ownership of our responsibilities and avoid blaming others.

This culture of continuous learning and improvement is firmly entrenched. It is clear to everyone we work with.

After 15 years of learning from our mistakes, they are thankfully very rare.

Clients know that things are unlikely to go wrong but if something does, we’ll make it right.

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Property Matters with Walker Wylie Estate Agents

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A

Reflecting on 2023

s we approach the end of 2023, we wanted to take the opportunity to look back and reflect on what has been an unpredictable and changeable time in the property market. We also want to take the time to say thank you to all our clients and supporters, we are so honoured to be a part of your home moving journey and appreciate each one of you who trust us to deliver.

Across the year there have been many high points. In our community we had a fantastic time at the Walker Wylie West End Tennis Tournament in October, this annual event gets better every year, and we love supporting an event that brings the West End together.

We’ve had excellent sales for clients throughout the year and built up some really strong relationships. One recent sale that stands out is that of a client whose buyer fell through at the last minute: I cannot recommend Walker Wylie enough.

They were so helpful in the recent sale of my flat. The buyer (no fault of Walker Wylie) didn’t pay up on the agreed date of entry.

After it was clear they were not going to buy the property, Allan and his colleagues sprang into action. they contacted all other buyers and secured the sale for us. I can’t imagine

any other estate agents doing such a fine job and being so damn friendly and helpful. They arranged viewings efficiently and were always easy to work with. 100% recommend. Please don’t use anyone else to sell your home.

Mr Cheskin This year has seen lots of uncertainty as the Bank of England Base Rate rose and mortgage interest rates followed. A positive was the fall in inflation rates seen across the year. A changeable economic climate can influence buyer confidence, but as we have reported throughout this year, the West End is a robust market and has weathered any challenges well. We took each sale on a case-by-case basis, and consistently saw our clients achieve sales above asking price.

As the year draws towards its end, we would like to wish our clients, friends, and colleagues a happy and peaceful end to 2023. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch for more information on how we can help you.

Barry, Stuart & Team Walker Wylie Estate Agents 148 Woodlands Road G3 6LF 0141 404 1333 / 07855 952298 walkerwylie.co.uk

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