Westender magazine for th west end of Glasgow
ESTENDER
www.westendermagazine.com | 1
jul/aug
FREE
Sunglasses
2 | www.westendermagazine.com
when you buy any glasses
or contact lens subscription
Find us on Byres Road (opposite Waitrose)
or visit visionexpress.com
Selected sunglasses only from our £29 range. Conditions apply. See in-store for details.
www.westendermagazine.com | 3
Contents
Regulars
4 Editor’s Letter
47 Mum’s Notebook
48 Community Pages:
Cancer Support Scotland
Going out
16 West End Live
with Greg Kane
21 WIN! Tickets to
The Glee Club
23 Top Things
Fashion, beauty & health
8 Flower Power Fashion
25 WIN! At Rainbow
Room International
50 Health Matters
Art & culture
18 Musicians Interview:
Hue & Cry
38 Author Interview:
Helen Taylor
42 Cover to Cover
Lifestyle
26 Living a Paleo Life
Food & drink
33 Restaurant Review:
Horn Please
35 Bar Review: 1051 GWR
36 Sweet Liberty
Westender living
52 Al Fresco Living
59 Floral Features
61 Outside In
4 | www.westendermagazine.com
Editor’s
Letter
I’ve completed my first ever Parkrun at
Victoria Park, so I just had to shout about it.
I’m trying to run 5K several times a week
as a healthy way to de-stress (step away
from the wine bottle!) after successfully
completing the Couch to 5K App with the
help of audio mentor, none other than the
West End’s own Sanjeev Kohli.
After numerous years of sofa induced
inertia this was an ‘easier’ route back into
exercise, but I’ll be honest here, it was
probably attempt three. It made it all the
sweeter.
Just over a year ago I started playing
badminton with three friends to ‘get me out
the house’. The laughter this has brought
into my life, whilst exercising too, is not to be
underestimated. A mental health boon, I can’t
recommend this sport highly enough, and the
facilities available in the West End make it an
easy and cheap option too.
Why am I sharing all this? Because
summer is here! There’s no time like now
to go out for a walk (the canal, Botanics,
Kelvingrove), get on your bike (we love the flat
route to Balloch), or start a team sport and
combine socialising with exercise (can’t beat
Glasgow Life leisure centres). The days are
long so let’s fill them with fun days that build
memories to console us through the darker
autumn days ahead.
If you’re looking for other entertainment
options then remember to check out Greg
Kane’s gig pages (Pages 16/17), and then
read the interview with Greg, and brother
Pat Kane, as they look forward to performing
again at the Kelvingrove Bandstand and at
the upcoming 80s Invasion Tour on Page 18.
Our top picks of Westendy things to
do this July and August start on Page 23.
There’s outside cinemas, Shakespeare in the
Botanics and Oor Wullie’s Big Bucket Trail to
look forward to, fantastic.
Or why not check out living a paleo
lifestyle as an alternative option (Page 26)?
Glasgow Uni are chatting about their Animal
Flow classes and show us some of their
moves. It’s an interesting look at our paleo
past and how we can support atavistic
aspects of ourselves through movement,
food and sound.
Whatever you get up to this summer –
enjoy your Westender!
Suzanne Martin
www.westendermagazine.com | 5
ADVERTISE YOUR BUSINESS IN WESTENDER
Book space in the Sep/Oct 2019 Westender
by Friday 2nd August.
OUT IN WEST END LOCATIONS FROM MONDAY 26TH AUGUST.
// 10 Years in the West End
// Glasgow’s brilliant FREE bi-monthly magazine
// Great editorial features: fashion, dining out, health & beauty,
what’s on, local authors & artists, interiors & more
// Massive potential business audience
// 10,000 copies per edition
// Handy handbag size
// FREE to pick up around the West End
// Online presence with digital magazine
westendermagazine.com
For more info or to advertise
email: suzanne@westendermagazine.com
for a media flyer, or call: 07905 897238
6 | www.westendermagazine.com
EDITOR
SUZANNE MARTIN
PHOTOGRAPHER
GREGOR REID
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
EMILY DONOHO, MIKE FINDLAY
AMY GLASGOW,
MICHELE GORDON,
GREG KANE, PAMELA LEGGATE,
NICOLA MAULE,
TRACY MUKHERJEE,
PAMELA PALONGUE,
LORAINE PATRICK,
SUSAN ROBERTSON, BRIAN TOAL,
LIBERTY VITTERT
HAIR & MUA
TERRI CRAIG
STYLIST
JACKI CLARK
WESTENDERMAGAZINE.COM
INFO@WESTENDERMAGAZINE.COM
07905 897238
WESTENDER MAGAZINE IS ON
FACEBOOK, TWITTER
& INSTAGRAM
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.
GLASGOW
www.westendermagazine.com | 7
48 | www.westendermagazine.com
FLOWER
POWER
photography GREGOR REID
stylist jacki clark
mua terri craig
www.westendermagazine.com | 95
kimono, monsoon. necklace, shop of interest. cuffs, nancy smiLlie. bag, monsoon
10 6 | | www.westendermagazine.com
dress, monsoon. shoes, office. Necklace, Nancy smilLie
opposite page - dress, topshop
www.westendermagazine.com | 11 7
12 8 | | www.westendermagazine.com
dress, monsoon. socks, inferno. shoes, office
dress, pink poodle. jewellery, nancy smillie. shoes office
www.westendermagazine.com | 13 9
14 10 | www.westendermagazine.com
photography gregor reid, gregorreidphotography.com
stylist jacki clark, jackiclark-stylist.co.uk
MUA terri craig, terricraig.co.uk
model anna reeves
model courtesy of
coloursagency.com
shot on location at victoria park
top & shorts, topshop. shoes, office. socks, inferno. bangles & necklace, top shop
earrings, monsoon. glasses, fatface
www.westendermagazine.com | | 15 11
16 | www.westendermagazine.com
LIVE
July
The Eagles
Thursday 4th July 7pm
SSE Hydro, thessehydro.com
Really! The most quintessential of All
American bands playing Glasgow on
the 4th of July, US Independence Day?
You really can’t miss this then.
In my line of work I’m somewhat privy
to the 'goings on' when it comes to
bringing the bigger bands to Glasgow.
THE EAGLES arrive in multiple
private jets, require at least five
penthouse suites – in different hotels,
separate transport to and from the
gig, a logistical nightmare! But it
gets done, why? Because they’re the
friggin’ EAGLES!
But my personal relationship with
them is purely sonic. Their recordings
are the yardstick to reference all
mixes by, have been for years and
will continue to be so. I could bore
you with the technicalities, but take
it from me someone in their camp is
really taking care of business when
it comes to making great sounding
records. The pressure to replicate
this forces the Eagles live experience
to be sonically, second to none. Get
your audiophile heads on and go see
them.
HiFi Americana at an eye-watering
£150 a head!
Choice Tracks:
The Eagles 'Hotel California'
Gossip
Friday 19th July 7pm
Galvanisers Yard, swg3.tv
Gossip was formed in 1999 in Olympia,
Washington by college room mates
Beth Ditto, vocals, Kathy Mendonça
on drums and guitarist Brace Paine.
It took them until 2007 to break
through internationally though with
their album 'Standing In The Way Of
Control'. I remember seeing them on
The Jonathan Ross Show that same
year. It was a landmark moment for
the band in the UK but also acted as
a springboard for their dominance
of the Euro charts. Especially in
Germany where they achieved 'the most
successful internationally produced
single of all time' in 2011 with the
song 'Heavy Cross' spending an
amazing 82 consecutive weeks on the
German Top 100!
They have reformed this year after
breaking up in 2016 to celebrate the
10th anniversary of their Rick Ruben
produced hit album 'Music For Men'.
Choice tracks: Gossip
‘Standing In The Way Of Control'
Ghum
Tuesday 16th July 7pm
Hug and Pint, thehugandpint.com
Ghum are a four piece all-girl band
from London fronted by the beautiful
Laura Guerrero Lora on vocals. They
were brought together in 2016 by a
mutual love of The Cure, PJ Harvey and
Warpaint and those bands pretty much
give you an accurate picture of what
Ghum sound like. Special mention
goes to guitarist Jojo Khor for deftly
setting up her Chorus, Flanger and
Delay pedals to achieve the most
convincing Cure guitar sound I’ve
heard in a while. It’s all a bit rough
round the edges but that kind of suits
this style of music. Really enjoyed
listening to their '5 most popular' on
Spotify.
Choice track: Ghum ‘TV’
www.westendermagazine.com | 17
by Greg Kane
August
Mo Kenney
Sunday 4th August 7pm
Hug and Pint, thehugandpint.com
Mo Kenney is a 29 year old Canadian
singer/songwriter based in Dartmouth,
Nova Scotia. Over the last seven years
she has released three albums with
the most recent, 'The Details' winning
the coveted Nova Scotia Music Award
in 2017.
She has such an alluring voice, kept
me listening to her for over an hour
it did. She sites Elliot Smith as a
big influence on her music and has
also enjoyed the support of renowned
songwriter Ron Sexsmith. That should
give you a better idea on where she’s
coming from.
Classy, indie, folk, pop.
Choice track: Mo Kenney 'Telephones'
Michale Graves
Thursday 8th August 7pm
SWG3, swg3.tv
Michale Graves is a 44 year old
American singer/songwriter. He’s been
the frontman for neurotic punk band
The MisFits, fronted punk icon Marky
Ramone’s band Blitzkrieg, served in
the US Marines and is a much lauded
and celebrated Horror Rock/US punk
artist.
But on his latest album 'Keys' he just
croons his heartfelt, slightly EMO
songs over a simple acoustic piano
accompaniment. It really works,
probably because he’s actually a very
good singer.
Kinda imagine if Joe Strummer had
ever recorded a rock opera! That’s
what he sounds like here. Whit? Yes I
just wrote that. Sorry Clash fans.
A night of balladeering punk.
Choice Track: Michale Graves
'Dig Up Her Bones'
Edwyn Collins
Wednesday 28th August 7pm
QMU, qmunion.org.uk
The Queen Margaret Union is one of
two student unions at Glasgow Uni
and is a historic live music venue in
Glasgow’s West End. It is experiencing
a bit of a renaissance right now due
to the fact that the poor old 02 ABC
on Sauchiehall Street was destroyed
in the 2nd Art School fire in June last
year and both venues hold roughly the
same amount of people. It’s good to see
it back at the forefront of Glasgow’s
live music scene once again.
Scottish music icon, Edwin Collins
has had a bit of a rollercoaster ride
over the past 20 years. He had the
worldwide smash hit 'Girl Like You'
in 1995, after which he setup the
much loved West Heath Yard recording
studio in London and then he found
himself hospitalised following two
cerebral haemorrhages in 2005. He
has since moved back to Scotland
and has made a remarkable recovery
evidence of which can be seen in the
very moving BBC documentary 'Edwyn
Collins: Home Again'. He is out on tour
promoting his new album 'Badbea'.
Yes, it is good to have you home Edwyn.
Choice track: Edwyn Collins
'Girl Like You'
18 | www.westendermagazine.com
Singing to
Mother Glasgow
It’s great to see you lined up to play the
last date in the Summer Nights series of
concerts at Kelvingrove Bandstand in
August. This will also be the 6th year of the
festival – is this the first time playing at this
venue and what can people expect from the
show?
PK: Not the first time we played the
bandstand – I used to do protest gigs there
as a young man, and Greg I think played
with a soft rock outfit called ‘Fast Licks’...
the 80s, eh? This time, we’ll be bringing 35
years of songs – all our hits, beloved classics,
irresistible covers and (decreed by law)
‘Mother Glasgow’.
Late Autumn, you then join the UK ‘80s
Invasion’ tour with bands such as Sister
Sledge, and Five Star. It will be the second
time this year appearing in a line-up with
other acts, who’s songs made a mark during
that decade – in August you play alongside
ABC, Go West and Midge Ure at ‘DunDee
80s’. Is audience expectation different for
these ‘collective’ shows?
GK: The 80s were a golden age for Scottish
bands. There were at least a dozen of us that
WORDS NICOLA MAULE
Glasgow’s beloved Hue and Cry journeyed into the UK music charts and the
lofty heights of 80s pop with classic records such as, ‘Labour of Love’ and
albums ‘Seduced and Abandoned’ and ‘Remote’. Yet, the enduring talents of
brothers Greg and Pat Kane have weaved their way well beyond that seminal
decade to the present day, where they continue to release hugely applauded
albums and perform live shows up and down the country. In amongst, what is
a busy year of touring, Nicola Maule, chatted a little with Pat and Greg about
those early days, their love of performing and what plans are in the mix for
the not too distant future.
were enjoying hit singles, selling hundreds of
thousands of albums and playing in arenas all
round the UK. But for me the stand out artists
in the 80s were Prince, Terence Trent D’arby,
Miles Davis, Paul Simon, Ian Dury and The
Blockheads, Joe Jackson and Talking Heads.
They all made iconic albums that decade
which are still my favourited on my Spotify
playlists.
The album, ‘Sign O’ The Times’ by Prince
is just so good, a pretty high bar for us 80s
guys. I really enjoy playing these multi-band
lineups celebrating the 80s too. Give us
bands the chance to play our songs in front
of tens of thousands of people once again.
They have stood the test of time well, very
gratifying, makes me happy.
There is and has been for some years now
a real nod to the 1980s whether that’s in
fashion – bright colours, big patterns and
even shoulder pads have apparently been
making a comeback – and in TV series
such as Stranger Things, Black Mirror and
Deutschland 83. You released your first
single, ‘Here Comes Everybody’ on the
independent label Stampede Records in the
heart of the decade – 1986. What did it feel
like to make a record at that time and was
www.westendermagazine.com | 19
there anything that influenced your music /
song-writing as the decade progressed?
PK: We loved that record! A big groove
extravaganza on the a-side, a plaintive piano
vocal ballad on the b-side, along with a
bonus track ‘The Successes of Monetarism’
(three minutes of silence!). All of our future
career was there really – a love of R’n’B, jazz,
funk and soul at one end, and just the two
of us singing sensitive songs into the void,
on the other. We were post ‘post-punks’ –
not only liberated by post-punk to do, say
and play anything we wanted, but also with
ambitions to write pop classics. A great era,
which we enjoyed to the max!
You perform a fantastic cover of Don Henley’s
‘Boys of Summer,’ which is shared on
your YouTube channel (HueandCryMusic)
– do you find social media sites such as
this a helpful way to connect with fans,
old and new?
GK: We reach out to fans for input quite often
via our social sites and the suggestion to
cover ‘Boys of Summer’ was from a fan. That
song was off Pat and I’s radar, but I think it’s
one of the best versions I’ve heard. If it hadn’t
been for that fan it wouldn’t have happened.
So the communication we have with the
people who like our music is so important to
Pat and I and we pay as much attention as we
20 | www.westendermagazine.com
can to what fans want and expect from us.
We can’t always play all the songs everyone
wants, but we try.
It’s nearly 2 years since your last record,
‘Pocketful of Stones’ was released, which
was the first album of new material since
2012s ‘Hot Wire’. It’s quite a beautiful and
poetic journey of storytelling – lots to connect
with. Can you share a little of the backstory to
the album?
PK: Thank you so much! It’s definitely a
50-something record – about fatherhood,
political illusion (and disillusion), what it’s like
to be an older man and how you never really
settle your early traumas. There’s a moment
of joy there when I sing with my daughter Ellie
on a song called Let Her Go – but even that’s
about realising that your child’s autonomy is
what you’ve grown her up for, and that you
have to ‘let her go’ somewhat (while NEVER
doing so, of course!). It’s also the result of
a coin-toss – a few years ago Greg wanted
to do a New Orleans funk record, I wanted a
sensitive ballad record... he won the toss for
the last record. So this was my turn!
With your touring schedule as busy as
it is this year, what is 2020 looking like –
will there be another studio album to look
forward to?
GK: Our touring schedule is very busy this
year. In fact it’s gotten busier every year for
the last decade and long may it continue.
But it takes its toll. It’s much harder to multitask
nowadays, I seem to spend what free
time I have resting in order to have the energy
to go out on the road each time. But we have
just lavished a lot of time and money on our
personal studio in Glasgow and loaded it with
iconic Roland drum machines, Moog synths,
all sorts of weird and wonderful analogue
musical gadgetry. So we’ll be step time
sequencing very soon and hopefully you’ll
hear the fruits of our endeavours next year.
It’s going to be quite exciting going down this
route of music making for the first time.
Hue and Cry are playing at the Kelvingrove
Bandstand on 10th August – SOLD OUT
and at the 80s Invasion Tour at the SSE
Hydro on 6th November.
For other upcoming concert dates, news
and all things Hue and Cry visit:
hueandcry.co.uk
www.westendermagazine.com | 21
Win Tickets to see a stellar comedy line-up at
The Glee Club Glasgow
Glasgow’s hottest new comedy club,
The Glee Club, is offering five lucky
readers the chance to win a pair
of tickets to one of their hilarious weekend
shows this summer.
Launched earlier this year, The Glee Club
plays host to some of the nation’s much loved
and up and coming comics every weekend
in their 400-seat venue. Situated in the
heart of Glasgow’s city centre, it boasts a
striking interior, state of the art staging and
comfortable theatre style seating.
An extensive menu of delicious freshly
made food and a quality drinks offering,
enable guests to enjoy both an evening of
entertainment and great dining experience
under one roof.
Don’t miss the chance to win a fantastic
night out in one of Glasgow’s funniest new
venues… enter now!
WIN! A pair of tickets to The Glee
Club Glasgow. Enter online by 1pm
Friday 26th July 2019. Go to
westendermagazine.com and click
on Competitions. Good luck!
T&Cs: One pairs of tickets is available for five
winners. The promoter reserves the right to
allocate the prize to the winners. The prize
includes free entry to The Glee Club Glasgow’s
Friday or Saturday night shows. The prizes are
valid for redemption by 30th September 2019
and subject to availability. The competition is
open to over 18s only.
22 | www.westendermagazine.com
Boutique Gallery and Gift Shop
Original Art • Prints • Unique Gifts
and Homeware
Hub – Fashion Illustration Classes
& Maker’s Workshops
Opening Times:
Tuesday – Saturday: 10AM – 5PM
Sunday: 12 noon – 4PM
Closed Mondays
1058 Argyle Street, Finnieston, Glasgow, G3 8LY
Tel: 07899 001 130 / 0141 221 7316
hello@theshopofinterest.co.uk
www.theshopofinterest.co.uk
www.westendermagazine.com | 23
Top Things To Do
in the West End
by Tracy Mukherjee
It’s summer in the city and with so much to see
and do in July and August let’s crack on with this
edition of Top Things.
Top for Summer Theatre
Scotland’s biggest Shakespeare festival Bard
in the Botanics now has over 50 productions
under its codpiece and can claim audience
figures of over 70,000. This year the Botanics
will be set alight when the annual Shakespeare
festival brings us The Muse of Fire as the theme.
Four flaming hot productions will run throughout
July until the 3rd of August.
First to tread the boards is As You Like It.
With our heroine Rosalind transported from
the Forest of Arden to the Botanic's lawns and
gardens, this romantic comedy has no truer a
quote 'All the world’s a stage...' even Glasgow on
a dreich summer night!
And so to a polar opposite production: Henry V.
A seated event within the Kibble Palace,
who knew Agincourt had so many palm trees?
Heroism and sacrifice, glorification of war or
comment on its futility, Shakespeare certainly
gets the discussion flowing with this one.
And then there is the rousing St Crispin’s Day
Speech – I dare you not to hurra and huzzah!!!
From a king to a prince; Hamlet of Denmark
might be transported to Dowanhill, but
this production is no less thrilling for it.
It’s Shakespeare’s longest play so you’ll certainly
get your money’s worth from this tragedy as
Hamlet plots revenge among the rhododendrons.
An outside production, to be drenched or not to
be drenched, that is the question. Better pack a
cagoule just in case.
The final production of the year is the fabulously
grotesque Richard III. Inside the Kibble our
amoral, power hungry anti-hero will rise to the
throne by all means necessary. Although deemed
a tragedy as Richard is indeed a tragic character,
it’s dotted with some dark comedy throughout.
So iconic, it’s a fitting production to conclude
this year’s festival.
Bard In The Botanics, Glasgow Botanic
Gardens, 26th June – 3rd August
For full details and ticket information visit:
bardinthebotanics.co.uk
Top for Cinema
Andre Rieu has truly become a worldwide
phenomenon, bringing classical music to the
masses. The Dutch conductor and violinist
seems to be on a never ending worldwide tour.
But if you haven’t managed to catch Andre and
his 60 piece Johann Strauss Orchestra live as
yet, fear not. Now, without having to leave the
comfort of the West End, there is the opportunity
to 'attend' his iconic annual hometown concert.
For two nights only, join Andre Rieu in the
medieval town square of Maastricht, courtesy
of the Grosvenor Cinema. The conductor’s
charming mix of classical, pop, folk and musical
theatre will, this time around, celebrate dance.
The Shall We Dance concert is being shown
nationwide at cinemas, but remember it’s only
two nights so get tickets for the Grosvenor
booked soon!
If being inside at this time of year seems a waste
of the heady 12 degree temperature and minor
drizzle outside, why not consider an open air
cinema opportunity? Luna Kids Cinema is the
first open air cinema specifically for kids. In mid
July, Victoria Park will be the venue for five days
of classic children’s films. With several films
per day such as How To Train Your Dragon: The
Hidden World, Mary Poppins Returns, Peppa Pig:
Festival Of Fun and Julia Donaldson classics The
Gruffalo, Zog and The Highway Rat, Luna have
covered all age groups. The event isn’t seated,
but back rests and blankets can be purchased.
There will also be plenty of food options, healthy
or not so healthy, with on-site catering. If the
weather is on our side, this could be a fabulous
way to entertain the kids during the holidays.
24 | www.westendermagazine.com
Top Things To Do
in the West End
by Tracy Mukherjee
Andre Rieu and his Johann Strauss
Orchestra Shall we Dance, Grosvenor
Cinema, Ashton Lane G12 8SJ
27th and 28th July. For more information:
intl.andreincinemas.com
Luna Kids Cinema, Victoria Park
Wed 17th – Sun 21st Jul
lunakidscinema.com/Victoria-Park
Top for Summer Camps
For a whole host of reasons, summer activity
camps for kids are becoming ever more popular.
There are a whole range of camps available
nearby this summer, focusing on a variety of
activities. West End Adventure is running School
Holiday Adventures for outdoorsy kiddies.
Getting muddy, wet, building dens and getting
active will all be in a day’s work on this camp.
Under the guidance of instructors, no two days
will be the same. There are also age appropriate
adventure groups: Junior Adventure for 6 and
7 year olds, Primary Adventure for 8 years –
P7 and Senior Adventure for 1st Year pupils
onwards.
If the great outdoors isn’t the scene for your
child, why not consider a summer camp in
computer game development, robotics or
engineering? These are week long classes
run by the British Youth IT College in Firhill.
Choosing from game development, core concepts
of robotic coding and Lego engineering classes,
this is summer camp for the next generation.
The classes fall into 2 age groups: 6 – 9 years or
9 – 14 years. It is a great opportunity for children
who have a keen interest in technology.
School Holiday Adventures, West End
Adventure, Knightswood, G13 2HE
westendadventure.co.uk
Kids Summer Camps, British Youth
IT College, Firhill, G20 7BA. For full
details of the courses and schedule visit
byitc.org
Top for Art
The work of Linda McCartney will go on
show at Kelvingrove from July onwards. This
retrospective of the photographer’s life and
work is curated by the McCartney family.
It features iconic moments of 1960s music with
later intimate images captured by the renowned
photographer. Also included in the exhibition
is one of McCartney’s diaries and her cameras
from that era, the first time they have ever been
on public exhibition. As well as reportage style
images of Hendrix, The Beatles and The Rolling
Stones, photographs of Linda and Paul’s beloved
Mull of Kintyre will also be included. Given this
is such a special event, there is an admission
charge.
Staying with our love of Scotland, look out
for Oor Wullie’s Big Bucket Trail this summer.
In Scottish cities throughout the land, life size,
individually decorated sculptures of Wullie will
be appearing. This will be the first nationwide
public art trail and will raise funds for Scottish
children’s hospital charities. With over 200
sculptures creatively painted by artists,
a summer wander around the town will have an
extra special incentive. You’ll remember 'Oor
Wullie, your Wullie, a’body’s Wullie', and that
famous cover quote never was so poignant.
Running in conjunction with the trail will be
an education programme focusing on our
communities and citizenship. This is a delightful
way to come together, enjoy the nostalgia and
help a fantastic cause to boot; see if you can
raise more than Wee Eck, Fat Boab and Soapy
Souter...
Linda McCartney: A Retrospective,
Kelvingrove Museum and Art
Galleries 5th Jul till 12th Jan
glasgowlife.org.uk and follow the links
Oor Wullie’s Big Bucket Trail Glasgow,
17th June – 30th August.
oorwullie.com.
Oor Wullie’s Big Bucket Trail, to learn
more about the event.
Westender www.westendermagazine.com Magazine Competitions | 25
SUMMER GIFTS
AT
RRI
R
by John Parker
ecently, Directors from all twelve
of the salons had a mystery trip
arranged by Rainbow Room
International owners, Alan and Linda
Stewart, to the stunning Archerfield House
to celebrate our 40th anniversary. We all had
an incredible time gathering for a lovely meal
and raising a glass to the incredible journey
our salon group has been on.
We also were the stylists backstage at
this years TRNSMT Festival. It was another
fantastic year, with artists visiting us to have
their hair styled before heading on stage.
Taking part in these events is great for stylists
from our salons to attend and take advantage
of the different opportunities that our brand
provides.
Summer from our salon also took part
in her first Art Team photo shoot in London
recently, a great opportunity for her to get
more experience and be really creative.
We’ve also received beautiful new
Schwarzkopf colours in the salon – True
Beautiful Honest. The shades respect and
illuminate the hair’s natural highs and lows,
providing natural-looking results with up to
100% multi-dimensional coverage.
317-319 CROW ROAD G11 7BU
0141 337 3307
SPIRITOGIFTS.COM
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 the 31st Aug ‘19.
Rainbow Room International
607 Great Western Road G12 8HX
0141 337 3370
rainbowroominternational.com
26 | www.westendermagazine.com
Living a
paleo life
WORDS PAMELA PALONGUE
www.westendermagazine.com | 27
Everything old seems to be new again, as millions of people have started to
embrace the diet, exercise and habits of our ancient Cro-Magnon ancestors.
Perhaps all the technology we have and the onset of artificial intelligence are
just a bit scary, and we’re retreating into our Neolithic corner.
Whatever the case, there is a great deal of evidence that a diet without
processed foods is healthier. And hunter gatherers who spent very little time
sitting, probably had much lower cholesterol levels than their present day
counterparts.
If you’re wondering how you can explore the possible benefits of a
primitive lifestyle in the West End of Glasgow, there actually may be more
opportunities than you realise…
Kerry Murdoch, an Active Lifestyle
instructor, teaches a new class at The
University of Glasgow called ‘Animal
Flow’. It’s probably unlike any exercise class
you have ever seen!
The participants perform quadrupedal
movements using the hands and feet for
balance.
The weight of your own body provides the
resistance as you perform moves with names
like ‘beast’, ‘ape’ and ‘crab’.
In contemporary times, our hands rarely
touch the ground. But in Animal Flow, the
hands are used for almost every movement,
giving the upper body an excellent workout.
If you’re imagining an ape scampering across
the floor however, think again. It’s more of a
meditative movement, with slow, deliberate
moves which are almost balletic. It can be
beautiful to watch as the body morphs from
one position into another.
Though it’s physically demanding (which
might be the whole point of a workout in the
first place) the movements themselves can be
simplified to allow beginners to develop their
strength and flexibility.
Though Animal Flow has been compared
to yoga, it’s actually quite different. Instead of
static poses, the body is in almost constant
motion. And the participants do not use
mats, since the sequence of choreographed
movements can run in all different directions
with the entire floor being used!
The Animal Flow classes just launched
at The Stevenson Building on campus. They
are one-hour sessions which run in 5-week
blocks.
To learn more about the classes, visit the
University of Glasgow website at:
gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/sport/whatson/
learn2/animal
Another ancient activity that’s becoming
increasingly popular is tribal drumming.
The drum certainly has to be one of
the oldest instruments on Earth, and in
indigenous cultures it has been used for
welcoming visitors, celebrations at harvest
time, and even as a means to reach higher
states of consciousness in shamanic
ceremonies.
But it’s not just for the ancients.
Contemporary doctors and researchers have
conducted studies which show that there are
health benefits to drumming, as well as social
connectedness.
Dr. Barry Quinn, Ph.D. and clinical
psychologist, states that drumming sessions
can dramatically reduce stress, and may also
lower blood pressure.
The Glasgow Drum Circle meets every
Wednesday night in the heart of the West End
at Wellington Church. This welcoming group
is a non-profit organisation run by volunteers
who believe in the many positive benefits of
drumming.
Emma, one of the trustees of Glasgow
Drum Circle, and a drummer herself, says
that it’s almost like a meditative state when
focussing on the patterns of the rhythm.
And fellow trustee Shae, notes the
connectedness and community that the drum
circle provides when several people are all
coming together in rhythm and sound.
28 | www.westendermagazine.com
They teach rhythm patterns based on
West African drum beats, starting with
the basics, and novices are able to start
drumming almost immediately.
In the class I attended, there were
two drummers taking their first class,
who were quickly pounding away like pros.
The participants range from beginner
to advanced. Everyone is provided with
authentic African drums such as djembe and
dunun drums, along with mallets.
Classes are offered on a six months,
six weeks or a weekly, pay-as-you-go basis.
The modest fee helps cover the operating
costs of the class.
If you haven’t tried this yet, give it a go.
It’s interesting – and fun! Visit here for more
info: glasgowdrumcircle.org/classes.
One of the most important ways we can be
healthier, is through the food which we eat.
For Gabriela Nicol of Paleo Lifestyle,
food was very much the medicine which
solved her digestive problems.
Suffering with Irritable Bowel Syndrome
(IBS) Gabriela, decided to make a conscious
change to not only eat healthy, but to
embrace a diet derived from sustainable
sources, and good quality ingredients.
Her background in science and
understanding of digestive enzymes,
led her to adopt the paleo diet. Gabriela
found that her IBS disappeared, and she’s
been symptom-free for four years. She also
discovered she had more energy, and even
looked younger. Colds and frequent viral
infections have also vanished since she has
gone paleo.
Gabriela believes in the benefits of
good nutrition so strongly, that she formed
her business, Paleo Lifestyle to share her
expertise – and her food with others.
Based in Maryhill, she bakes dairy and
gluten-free, sugar-free and low carb, using
organic ingredients from sustainable sources.
Instead of milk, Gabriela uses coconut
milk, and nut milks such as cashew and
almond milk.
Gabriela has created desserts that are
not just healthy, but also delicious. Some of
the most popular desserts and treats are her
vegan cheesecake, vegan snickers, bounty
bars and carrot cake. She uses stevia or
natural maple syrup for sweetening.
www.westendermagazine.com | 29
Her desserts can be ordered from her
Facebook page, and she will deliver them
to anywhere in the greater Glasgow area,
or they can be collected free of charge at her
Maryhill location.
She currently holds cooking classes where
an entire three-course meal is prepared.
The classes take place about once a month,
and last for approximately two hours. At the
end, participants dine on the meal they’ve
created, and they receive a free recipe book
for cooking at home.
Gabriela, who is a certified Paleo
Nutritionist, is taking on clients to help with
nutritional advice. This can be especially
helpful to individuals suffering from food
intolerances, allergies, hormonal and
metabolic issues.
Gabriela has plans to open a coffee shop
later this year, where all of her cakes and
treats will be available.
For more information on Paleo Lifestyle,
visit her Facebook page at:
facebook.com/paleolifestyleuk
If you’re looking for a healthier lifestyle in
your future, the answer may actually lie in the
past.
30 | www.westendermagazine.com
ADVERTISE WITH US
// Glasgow’s best FREE bi-monthly mag
// Great editorial features: fashion, dining out,
health & beauty, what’s on, local authors
& artists, interiors & more
// Massive potential business audience
// 10,000 copies per edition
For more info or to advertise
call: suzanne@westendermagazine.com
for a media flyer, or call 07905 897238
westendermagazine.com
Westender www.westendermagazine.com Magazine Promotion | 31
Main Image I Gregor Reid
Otago Street Speciality Coffee Shop
coffee bar, authentic noodle stop, brunch menu
First impressions are of a bright and airy
space when you enter Perch & Rest in
what was a picturesque wee cottage
back in the day.
Joe and Yao’s year long labour of love to
find, refit and open their cafe has resulted
in a hybrid speciality coffee shop, with over
half a dozen coffees, plus guest coffee,
to try; noodle bowls famous all over China
from Yao’s home region; and a more
traditional brunch menu curated by a Savoy
trained chef (and luckily, a family member!).
Says Joe, ‘In the last five years I have
observed the speciality coffee scene slowly
grow in Glasgow. We have made significant
expenditures on coffee equipment which
are at the cutting edge of the industry
– we resemble more of an Australian style
coffee bar. We have a changing single
origin coffee for those who love espresso.
We have regularly changing filter coffees
which showcase the best the industry has at
the moment. And we also prepare our own
cold brew drip coffee and iced tea in store.’
Joe continues, ‘Yao’s hometown noodles
are famous all around China. And there is
currently a gap in the market for these type
of noodles, which in China are a snack food
– that is, there are very many noodle bars of
this kind where individuals will go from early
morning to late evening to grab a reasonably
priced bowl of noodles in between their
normal meals. When we found our current
location we decided to incorporate my
coffee experience and my family’s extensive
hospitality experience to offer a varied and
unique experience. Now we have a hybrid
cafe that offers stunning coffee, mouth
watering soup noodles, and also a more
traditional brunch menu.’
This entrepreneurial young couple have
achieved so much already, but have a keen
eye on possible future expansion to offer
community and event space, as well as a
takeaway offering – watch this space!
SPECIAL OFFER:
One free espresso based drink
per customer per voucher. Please
redeem in-store by 31st August ‘19.
Perch and Rest Cafe
39 Otago Street G12 8JJ
07562 977250
#
#
32 | www.westendermagazine.com
CARAVAN / MOTOR HOME TO PARK?
NEED SECURE STORAGE IN WEST END?
Titan Storage have space within the famous
Barclay Curle Complex on South Street in Scotstoun
– beside the Yellow Crane!
Suitable for cars, caravans, motor homes – from £50 pcm
Also 20 foot steel containers – from £100 pcm
24 hour access
Part of busy enclosed complex
Minimum 3 months licence
We also have workshops and studios to let within
Barclay Curle Complex – details on application.
Contact
Andrew – 07812 150 070 – Email andrew@suthbrown.co.uk
Wheatley – 07748 358 600 – Email wheatleyharris@aol.com
www.westendermagazine.com | 33
@
Horn
Images I Gregor Reid
Please
Reviewed by Amy Glasgow @theglasgowdiet
We love a curry in Glasgow and Indian
cuisine has certainly come a long
way over the years, whether that is
through ‘fusion’ (which more often than not
simply means the addition of haggis pakora
to the menu) or by adopting the growing trend
of ‘small plates’. Thankfully, Horn Please falls
into the latter category, offering a unique spin
on traditional Indian dishes in a sharing-style
setting.
Having previously been located in a
rather dimly lit basement on Berkeley Street,
Horn Please now resides in the ever-popular
Finnieston area and it has provided the
restaurant with a much-needed new lease of
life. It’s previous location provided very little
foot traffic, whereas now, sat on Sauchiehall
Street, I was pleased to see it bustling with
customers on a dreary Wednesday evening
because this little restaurant has so much to
offer.
The new space may be smaller but it is
filled with all the charm of the old location,
from the tuk tuk protruding from the wall to
the list of ‘house rules’, which includes ‘no
sleeping on the toilet’ – dare I ask?
Where the décor is tongue-in-cheek,
the menu is serious, filled with small plates
of what is described as contemporary Indian
cuisine. This is the unique selling point of
this restaurant; taking elements of the old
and creating something new and exciting,
so don’t expect to see lamb bhuna on
the menu.
Think filo pastry filled with spring onion
and green peas served with an onion, green
chilli and mint jam, masala spiced baby
aubergines on an aubergine curry base or,
very simply, bread pakora with meat and fish
fillings. Annoyingly moreish, imagine a ham or
salmon sandwich dipped in gram flour batter
and deep-fried.
Re-invention is the name of the game
here, with the humble chicken tikka breast
served on a cream and fenugreek sauce with
crispy Serrano ham. Somehow, the spiced,
charred chicken breast is perfectly balanced
by the richness of the cream sauce and the
crisp, saltiness of the ham.
Their crowing jewel for me though is their
grilled duck with butter sauce; soft, gamey
meat paired with a buttery curry sauce – just
make sure you mop every last ounce of it up
with some of their deliciously flaky paratha,
w h i c h m i g h t b e t h e b e s t I h a ve e ve r t a s t e d .
In fact, the last time I visited I must have
eaten about three of them, they are that
good.
Dishes range from between £3.50 to
£7, so depending on how much you order,
it can suit any budget. If you’re anything
like me though, you’ll want to order one of
everything.
Horn Please
914-916 Sauchiehall Street G3 7TF
0141 573 3021
hornpleaseglasgow.co.uk
34 | www.westendermagazine.com
CRAFT BEERS & ALES
WINE & CHAMPAGNE
SHERRY, MADEIRA & PORT
FINE WINE
WHISKY, BOURBON, GIN
VODKA, RUM, TEQUILA
CIGARS & BRANDY
21 Clarence Drive, Glasgow G12 9QN
0141 334 4312
thegoodspiritscoclarencedrive
@GoodSpiritsCoCD
goodspiritsclarencedrive
clarencedrive@thegoodspiritsco.com
www.thegoodspiritsco.com
Hyndland
Train Station
@
1051 GWR
www.westendermagazine.com | 35
Images I Gregor Reid
Reviewed by
Emily Donoho
You can’t miss 1051 GWR when driving
along Great Western Road with its
grand formal design. A former railway
station in the Beaux Art style it was designed
by Glasgow architect JJ Burnet whose other
works include the Clydeport Building on
Roberton Street and the Glasgow Savings
bank on Ingram Street. Once a railway line
connected Maryhill to the city centre, but
the line closed during the Second World
War, never to be reopened. In 1995, a fire
devastated the building. It lay derelict for
a number of years, until the mid-2000s,
when it was transformed into a restaurant.
It opened as 1051 GWR in 2015, after further
refurbishment.
Apparently, it wasn’t easy as old buildings
are often challenging to refurbish, and this
one sits over a railway tunnel. If you look
out the back, you can see the old platforms.
The owners, according to their blog, stripped
back some of the façade to reveal more of
its original character, wanting to show the
elegance and craftsmanship of the Victorian
builders.
The interior is reminiscent of the
glamour and class associated with
Victorian railway stations, with columns,
high ceilings, chandeliers, and 1920s-era
posters advertising places one might travel
to by train, often the French Alps. So far,
the restaurant only occupies the ground floor,
but according to their website they plan on
refurbishing the upper levels and providing
an outdoor seating area on the rooftop patio.
In the meantime, you can enjoy the spacious
dining area and bar.
GWR feels like more of a restaurant than
a bar in terms of its interior design. However,
it is still an excellent place for a drink. In the
back of the large room a long bar has twenty
taps for craft ales and they offer a rotating
selection. I’m not going to list them all here,
but the breweries they regularly stock include
Williams Brothers, Belhaven, their own
house lager and pilsner, and various guest
breweries. If beer isn’t your thing, they have
two craft ciders, a selection of wines, and
plenty of single malts.
Like many places, they’ve jumped onto
the gin boat, offering an array of craft gins
and G-and-Ts that go beyond a shot of gin
thrown into some tonic water. These include
one called ‘Death’s Door – Fentiman’s and
Apple,’ which is infused with juniper berries,
coriander, and fennel, or another called
‘Makar Gin, Fever Tree, and Chilli’, which
does what it says on the tin. Yes, it really
does have chillis floating in the glass and
it’s surprisingly good. I tried the ‘Death’s
Door’ as well and found that fennel and
coriander bring out something special in the
humble G-and-T. There’s a menu with nine
infused G-and-Ts on it, so it’s worth a bit
of experimenting. They also have cocktails,
which are fairly affordable as far as cocktails
go – at £6.50 each.
Some bars are cocktail bars, others are
purveyors of craft beers or whiskies, but 1051
GWR does everything. And they do it well.
So, if you and your mates can’t agree on what
sort of drinks you’re after, it should make
everyone happy.
1051 GWR
1051 Great Western Road G12 0XP
0141 339 5575
1051gwr.co.uk
36 | www.westendermagazine.com
Guilty Pleasures
from Westender’s
American in Glasgow
Images I Gregor Reid
Guilty Pleasures from Westender’s American in Glasgow
y Liberty Vittert
www.westendermagazine.com | 37
Summer's
semi-freddo
While we are in the midst of summer the thought
of firing up my oven is seriously stressful. When I
first moved to Glasgow and was looking at flats to
rent, I remember asking my letting agent where
the air conditioning was… he opened the window.
Ovens heat up a kitchen like none other, so I
needed a go-to summer dessert that did not require
any baking. And in comes the semi-freddo – easy
as pie to make (get the pun?!), but has zero oven
requirements. Serve the traditional way as a loaf
pan or go crazy finding any fun individual serving
dishes (think wine, champagne, martini glass) for
a new twist on an old favorite.
K
Shopping List
300g blueberries
+ 100g blueberries
100g strawberries
100g raspberries
100g blackberries
180g caster sugar
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbs lemon juice
1.5 tsp vanilla bean
500g (1 pint) vanilla
ice- cream
260ml whipping cream
extra berries for decoration
L
Method
1. Combine berries (except the extra
100g blueberries), sugar, lemon zest,
lemon juice, and vanilla in a large sauce
pan using a smasher (or the back of a
spoon to break up the berries). Bring to
the boil and then reduce to a simmer for
about 25 minutes.
2. Strain the mixture into a bowl
pressing hard on the solids. Discard the
solids and stir in the reserved 100g of
blueberries. Let cool.
3. Let the vanilla ice-cream sit out for
about 20 minutes and then stir in the
cooled berry mixture until slightly
combined.
4. Whip the whipping cream into soft
peaks. Gently fold the whipping cream
into the ice-cream mixture.
5. Pour the mixture into a 23 x 13 cm
loaf pan or into wine glasses or any
other type of individual serving dish.
Cover with cling film and freeze for at
least 8 hours or overnight.
6. When you're ready to eat, let it sit out
for 5 minutes before serving.
PAPYRUS
SPECIAL
OFFER
Half
Price!
Set of 4 Mikasa
Crystal Dishes
RRP £45
NOW £22.50
in Papyrus
Cookshop
*Exclusive offer for
WESTENDER readers
at Papyrus,
374 Byres Road
38 | www.westendermagazine.com
Writer’s Reveal
meets Helen Taylor
WORDS LORAINE PATRICK
Here’s a thought for you Westenders…
what would the streets of Partick be
like if there was an infamous master
painter from 17th century Italy on the loose?
That’s the premise of Helen Taylor’s
debut novel The Backstreets of Purgatory,
where she brings Caravaggio – the bad boy
of post-renaissance art, who brawled his
way through his short life at the same time as
producing some extraordinary works of art,
back to life in present day Glasgow to help
struggling artist Finn McGarvie.
Under the veneer of Glasgow’s black
humour and Caravaggio’s fine art, the story
tackles issues of mental health, addiction and
abuse and is the first published work for the
former doctor and research scientist. Helen
has a diploma from the Open University
and an MA from Lancaster University in
creative writing and the book has been well
received with one critic saying they cannot
recommend it highly enough. Helen now lives
in France, but we caught up with her by email
to find out more.
Congratulations on the book Helen,
how did the tale come about?
The idea for the novel came after I read
Andrew Graham-Dixon’s biography of
Caravaggio. The real Caravaggio was a
violent, troubled man and a convicted
murderer. With a penchant for brawling
and a taste for wielding a sword he
clearly considered himself a hard man.
My immediate thought on finishing the book
was to wonder how he would survive on
a night out in Glasgow. That was the root.
The rest grew from there.
www.westendermagazine.com | 39
Caravaggio is not the only troubled
character in the book, tell us about the
rest of the cast.
At the centre of the story is Finn, a troubled
art student with artist’s block and an
unhealthy obsession with the maverick
painter. Finn spends his time messing
around in a makeshift studio in a church
hall in Partick, chain-smoking roll-ups and
failing to do any work that he is satisfied
with. Misunderstood by his friends (or so he
believes), he obsesses over Caravaggio while
his self-confidence veers between an overinflated
sense of his own artistic genius and a
crushing, crippling level of insecurity.
From Finn’s point of view, he is
surrounded by people who misunderstand
him or generally let him down. Lizzi,
his girlfriend, treats him like one of her
psychology patients; he has a disconcerting
professional rivalry with his best mate Rob
who is a tattoo artist; his alcoholic, decrepit
next-door neighbour Maurice is feckless and
Finn can’t count on him for support; Tuesday
McLaughlin, a recovering heroin addict,
gives him constant grief for his attitude;
and Kassia, a stroppy au-pair, doesn’t laugh
at his jokes and refuses to let him paint her.
Of all the painters around, infamous
or influential, why choose to bring
Caravaggio back to life?
He has all the qualities of an ideal character
for a work of fiction. His life and his character
are full of contrasts and contradictions.
Under the patronage of bishops and
noblemen, his career flourished, but at the
same time he lived in the squalid artists’
quarter of Rome. He sought acceptance
by the church for his deeply religious
masterpieces, and yet used his impoverished
neighbours and prostitutes as models even
though he knew this would be interpreted
as blasphemous. Jailed several times for
carrying illegal weapons, for brawling and
assault, and finally convicted of murder, this
violent man was the same person who was
capable of producing works of incredible
sensitivity and beauty.
Do readers need to be familiar with his
work to understand the book?
There’s a lot of Caravaggio’s art in the novel
but it isn’t necessary to be familiar with it
to understand the story. The chapter titles
(named after his paintings) refer either to a
painting that appears in the chapter, or to
the main theme of the chapter. Finn leads the
reader through the most important works and
explains the critical parts of Caravaggio’s life
story.
Why base the novel in the West End of
Glasgow?
I lived here for many years so I know it well.
Although it is part of a big city, in many
ways the West End has a small town feel
to it because of the close links between its
inhabitants. Even now, having lived away for
several years, whenever I come back I always
bump into someone I know.
Glasgow also has a character all of its
own. And like any big city, it is a city of
contrasts. It has a reputation as a tough,
hard city but it is also the friendliest place
I have ever lived. It overflows with art,
culture, education and there are pockets of
great prosperity and yet a large percentage
of its population live in poverty with limited
access to these privileges. And speaking
personally, it is the place where I have
spent the happiest days of my life, but also
the most terrible. These extremes – these
contrasts – suit the themes of Caravaggio’s
art and life exactly.
You mention your worst days here –
you have experienced both depression
and post-traumatic stress disorder. Is any
of this reflected in the book?
When I was writing the novel, I wasn’t
particularly thinking about my own
experiences although I deliberately
shied away from making my first novel
autobiographical, perhaps in the end it
reflects a subconscious preoccupation.
What it did allow me to do is explore
ideas about where the line between ‘normal’
mental health and mental illness is crossed,
particularly because for many conditions
there is a spectrum of disease. I wanted
to explore how much the person who is ill
remains themselves even when they are so
changed that others believe they have lost
the person they knew, and to what extent
their actions are governed by free will versus
the effect of the illness on their thinking and
behaviour. Having experience of both being a
clinician and of being a patient helped in that
respect, I think.
40 | www.westendermagazine.com
There is a definite increase in awareness
of mental health these days. Does this
help in talking about it?
Without doubt. Modern life is hard. Levels
of poor mental health are compounded
by the awful difficulties many people face:
poverty, stress, bullying, homelessness,
addiction, prison. And there are massive
levels of anxiety in our kids. The more we talk
about these issues, the more we can exert
political pressure to try to eliminate some of
these factors, and make sure there is good
provision of social and mental health services
for everyone. And the more we talk about
it, the more the stigma surrounding mental
illness lessens, and that can only be good
as far as prevention, early intervention and
treatment are concerned.
Your publisher, Unbound, has an unusual
way of raising money to publish new
authors. Tell us about their crowdfunding
platform.
It’s essentially the old-fashioned model of
subscription funding that Charles Dickens
and Samuel Johnson used to publish their
work, but up-dated for the technological age.
The writer pitches an idea to the publisher
and if Unbound think it will fly, a funding
page is set up with a short video and the
opportunity for readers to pledge for a copy
of the book.
Unbound have all the facilities of a
traditional publisher (editors, layout, cover
design, etc). Supporters receive special
editions and their names are listed in the
back of all editions. A successfully funded
book will also have a trade print run and
distribution.
What are the advantages of this
approach?
Because the publisher takes less financial
risk, they are very open to original ideas
that don’t necessarily follow current
trends. Readers decide which books get
published and I think readers are much
more adventurous than many marketing
departments would have us believe.
As a writer, I was very involved in the
publication process. I blogged regularly on
Unbound’s site and had a close link with my
supporters which was brilliant. I also had a
big input into the cover design.
On publication day, because I had nearly
400 pre-orders, it meant I already had a
solid readership which was great. And it was
fantastic to know that the book was being
distributed to bookshops and libraries up and
down the country.
Of course, the crowdfunding was difficult.
Trying to persuade people to buy a book that
didn’t exist yet was tricky. In the end though,
the process was surprisingly uplifting.
My supporters were enthusiastic and patient.
And, especially because all the contributors
are listed in the back, there is such a lovely
feeling of warmth and generosity surrounding
the finished book.
The finished book features the Timorous
Beastie print ‘Glasgow Toile’ on the cover.
It looks like a work of art itself. Why
choose it?
I love the idea that the print is not what it
seems at first sight. At first glance, it looks
Competition!
We have two copies
of The Backstreets of
Purgatory to give away. Visit
westendermagazine.com
and click on competitions
by the 31st of August 2019.
The
Backstreets
of Purgatory
£3
OFF
*
RRP £18.99
*Exclusive offer for WESTENDER readers
at Waterstones 351-355 Byres Road
branch only, by 31st August 2019.
www.westendermagazine.com | 41
like a very traditional, old-fashioned print,
scattered with Glasgow landmarks (the
Armadillo, the Necropolis) but look in detail
and you see scenes of the seedier side of
the city. I couldn’t believe it when Timorous
Beasties gave us permission to use it. I was
thrilled.
What impact do you hope this book has?
Most of all, I want my writing to touch
someone emotionally in the way that other
books have touched me. But for all my
ambition, whether or not I am successful,
none of it is relevant until someone reads
the novel. Until then – until it comes alive in
the reader’s imagination – the book is just
a pile of paper and ink. Quite a large pile
of paper and ink though, so it would make
a decent doorstop. If nothing else it has a
practical use!
Are you doing any book events?
I have a few book club appearances
lined up, and a couple of workshops and
talks at schools and universities. If any of
your readers are interested, I’m happy to
participate in face-to-face or online book
groups. I can be contacted via my web page.
One book reviewer says it’s a Scottish
novel of significance and can’t be
recommended enough – are there more
reasons why Westenders should pick up
a copy?
If you are looking for a novel that will make
you laugh, cry and think, a novel that is
full of terrible jokes and unorthodox and
generally uncalled for profanity, a novel set
on your own (slightly fictionalised) doorstep
featuring a cross section of the brilliant
m i x o f f o l k yo u fi n d a r o u n d t h e We s t E n d ,
then The Backstreets of Purgatory might
be the one for you. Personally, I think it is
worth it for the laugh of hearing Caravaggio’s
nickname alone. Is it wrong to laugh at your
own jokes? It is, isn’t it…!
You can find Helen at helentaylor.com, or
on twitter as @TaylorHelen_M
Complementary Medicine Centre
Est. 1986
Ruth Chappell Brian Fleming
ACUPUNCTURE HOMEOPATHY
HYPNOTHERAPY
PSYCHOTHERAPY REFLEXOLOGY
Complementary Medicine Centre
11a Park Circus, Glasgow G3 6AX
Call 0141 332 4924 Mobile 07801536530
www.complementarymedicinecentre.com
www.hypnotherapist-glasgow.co.uk
42 | www.westendermagazine.com
1
The Backstreets
of Purgatory
by Helen Taylor
BY BRIAN TOAL
WESTENDER’s
COVER TO COVER
This is a novel best enjoyed with a glass of dark, red,
Italian wine. It’s a romp of a novel set in the West
End of Glasgow but not the boutiques and eateries
advertised in our beloved magazine.
The setting, as the title suggests,
is the seedier underbelly which
many of us are aware of but often
ignore.
Finn Garvie is a struggling
artist of Italian stock, obsessed
with Caravaggio, wasting his
life and his talent by taking
drugs, squandering any hope
of a successful relationship and
generally ostracising himself from
any functioning adult who might
be in a position to help him. So far,
as a character he fits the mould of
many a struggling artist. However,
the plot twists when Caravaggio
himself makes an appearance,
apparently sent back from
Purgatory to help the struggling
artist fulfil his potential.
There are many enjoyable
capers through the West End
as Finn, his mate Maurice and
Caravaggio traipse from place to
place, stumbling from watering
hole to watering hole, stealing
props from various places to use in
their paintings.
You’ll chuckle when you hear
them shout his nickname across
the street, as ‘Caravaggio!’
would be too conspicuous,
whereas the alternative is
something we hear much more
regularly in Glasgow. You may
also enjoy the punning and
allusions to parts of the anatomy.
Certainly, as an avid reader of ‘Viz’,
I was chortling away on several
occasions.
However, it’s not all fun and games. Underneath the humour
and the mad capers lies another narrative – a much darker,
realistic narrative which explores the harsh realities of life in
Glasgow and the train wrecks that people often mistake for real
life. Tuesday is a character once read never forgotten. She’s the
victim of neglect, a teenager made pregnant by her teacher,
forced to give away her baby, with a body ruined by drugs and
malnutrition. Maurice is a character who is beaten up by his wife
on a regular basis but insists that she does it ‘out of love’. Even
the professionals, like Esme the psychiatrist, lead lives which are
chaotic and filled with regrets and dissatisfaction.
The denouement is satisfying and the twists and turns of the
plot enjoyable, if not always entirely surprising. The amount of
times paths cross becomes borderline unbelievable, although
anyone who walks up Byres Road regularly will know that several
worlds can collide all the time, so Taylor can be forgiven for
putting the same characters in the same space a little too often.
The Backstreets of Purgatory is fun and enjoyable, whilst at the
same time will open your eyes to aspects of the West End which
can make us uncomfortable.
www.westendermagazine.com | 43
Odd Girl Out
by Laura James
2
Laura James struggled
throughout her childhood to
adapt to a world which was
confusing and overwhelming.
It was only in her forties
that she was diagnosed
with autism and, while this
diagnosis helped her to
understand why she was
the way she was, it was the
beginning of a journey rather
than the end. James provides
a raw, unexpurgated account
of her failed first marriage,
losing her two girls, spending
time in hospital, struggling to
cope with being adopted, and
finally, her relationship with
Tim. It’s this relationship which
sustains her and the honesty
and candour with which she
conveys this relationship is
admirable.
She only really begins to
find peace with herself when
she realises, through speaking
to an online network of fellow
travellers, that her struggles
come from trying to fit into
a neurotypical mould, rather
than trying to live life as an
autistic person. She says that
she is flawed, but not by her
autism; rather, she is flawed by
her insistence on fighting it and
the stresses this places on her.
She compares herself
to Kintsugi pottery – the
Japanese art of mending
broken pottery with precious
metals. She comes to see that
the breakages and repairs
are part of the history of any
object, or person, rather than
something to hide.
This book is humbling to
read. It gives a brutally honest
insight into the life of an adult
with autism and should be
educative for neurotypicals
too.
Sue Black is a professor
of anatomy and forensic
anthropology at Dundee
University and so deals with
death every day.
She analyses corpses in
her lab, assists the police with
murder investigations and has
also been one of the leading
British investigators of mass
fatalities such as in Kosovo,
the London bombings and the
Boxing Day tsunami.
This fascinating book allows
the reader an insight into her
key cases, as well as providing
the author the opportunity to
reflect on life, dying and death.
She has learned a lot in her
illustrious career and shares
her knowledge generously
with the readers, employing
a writing style which is lucid
and straightforward without
being patronising. The book
has some funny moments in it
too, which were unexpected
given the subject matter, and
it was a book I found hard to
put down.
All That Remains won the
Saltire book of the year last
year, and rightly deserved
to do so. She begins her
account by detailing her
first experiences of death in
her family, then moves on to
her increasing interest and
specialism in anatomy and the
dead. Each chapter focuses
on a different case, where
we learn of the state of the
deceased when discovered,
the challenges facing the
authorities and the investing
forensic team, as well as
reflecting on lessons learnt.
The subtitle of the book is
A Life in Death. There’s nothing
like a book about death to
make you reflect on life.
All That Remains
by Sue Black
3
44 | Westender www.westendermagazine.com
Magazine Promotion
Image I Gregor Reid
Accountancy
Matters
by Bruce Wilson & Simon Murrison
MTD – the bigger picture
As you know the digital revolution is
happening all around us – how we
shop, bank and do business. Now
HMRC is rapidly progressing its digital
transformation.
As of 1st April 2019, VAT registered
businesses (with £85k threshold turnover) are
keeping VAT records digitally, automatically
submitting quarterly VAT returns to HMRC
via online software. Soon all businesses will
need to be MTD ready.
Should I go digital now?
It is not mandatory, for your business to go
digital – yet. However, the 2020 deadline is
fast approaching.
To survive in business it’s better to stay
ahead of the curve. Now is the time to break
old habits.
Cash flow is easier than ever to manage.
From your mobile you store receipts
electronically, send and track invoices
anytime so you get paid quicker.
We understand every business is unique.
We offer two HMRC approved online
accounting software packages: Kashflow
and Quickbooks with different levels of
functionality, scalability and tiered pricing.
Murrison & Wilson, CA is a full service
accountancy firm specialising in
business and tax planning. Get in
touch for a free consultation plus
fixed and competitive fees.
Advantages of going digital today?
Going digital brings a wealth of advantages.
You spend less time on admin and more time
running your business.
Plus real time financial data is at your
fingertips. You and your accountant can
make informed decisions, identify problems
and opportunities early. You can put checks
in place to monitor turnover and flag up if you
are approaching the £85k VAT threshold.
You will know how much your next tax
bill is, have the money in the bank and never
miss a submission deadline.
Murrison & Wilson Chartered Accountants
10 Newton Terrace G3 7PJ
0141 290 0262
info@muwca.co.uk
muwca.co.uk
Westender www.westendermagazine.com Magazine Promotion | 45
Legal Matters
Being An Attorney
Words from Laura Burns Associate at Mitchells Roberton:
It is very important to have a Power of Attorney in place but being an
Attorney has its responsibilities. Read on to find out more.
We often hear of the importance of
having a Power of Attorney in place
but not so much about the duties
involved in being someone’s Attorney. It may
be flattering to be asked to be an Attorney
but there are responsibilities attached to
such a role.
Who can be an attorney?
Attorneys in Scotland must be aged 16 or
over and in the case of a Continuing Power of
Attorney they also cannot be bankrupt.
How many types of attorneys are
there?
There are two types of Attorney in Scotland:
√ A Continuing Attorney who has authority
to manage the granter’s financial and /or
property affairs
√ A Welfare Attorney who has authority
to manage matters relating to the granter’s
personal welfare
You could be appointed as a sole or a joint
Attorney. As a joint Attorney you could be
required to make decisions along with other
attorneys. You could also be appointed as a
substitute Attorney and will only be able to
act if a sole Attorney is no longer able to do
so or if they have resigned their appointment.
What are the duties of an Attorney?
√ You must ensure that every measure is
taken to support the granter of the Power of
Attorney (PoA) to make their own decision
on any matter or otherwise to allow them to
exercise their legal capacity.
√ You must ensure that any decision made
on behalf of the granter respects their rights
and takes account of any known wishes and
feelings, past or present.
√ You must maintain communication with
relevant parties and take account of their
views.
√ You will act within the scope of the
powers granted to you.
√ You must keep records of how you use
your powers. Continuing Attorneys must also
keep the granter’s financial affairs separate
from their own.
√ You must also notify the Public Guardian
about certain events, such as changes
of address, the death of the granter or
bankruptcy.
√ Beyond such principles, your rights
and responsibilities will depend on the PoA
document itself.
If Laura Burns can help please
call her on 0141 552 3422, or email
lcb@mitchells-roberton.co.uk
Mitchells Roberton Solicitors
& Estate Agents
George House
36 North Hanover Street G1 2AD
0141 552 3422
www.mitchells-roberton.co.uk
46 | www.westendermagazine.com
'Learning Through Play'
Places available.
To book your visit call Maureen on 0141 357 0231
www.derbystreetnursery.co.uk
maureen@derbystreetnursery.co.uk
1 Parkgrove Terrace, Glasgow G3 7SD
Join our
Great Scottish Run Team
www.cancersupportscotland.org/events
Visit Us
DON’T MISS
YOUR CHANCE
TO SIGN UP
TODAY!
Registered Charity
No SC012867
ADVERTISE
FOR AS LITTLE AS
£80
email: suzanne@westendermagazine.com
for a media flyer, or call: 07905 897238
westendermagazine.com
www.westendermagazine.com | 47
Endmum’s
West
notebook
by Michele Gordon thelanguagehub.co.uk
The weather may not be suggesting it but
the summer holidays will be here pretty
soon. For many it is a time to look
forward to as most will take time off work,
go on a well-deserved holiday and hopefully
enjoy sunnier days and higher temperatures.
However, I know just as many who dread the
summer holidays!
Yes, for those with children, especially for
families with working parents, it can be a very
stressful time. School summer holidays are
longer than anyone’s annual leave. So, what
do you do? Child care and activities to keep
everyone amused is in high demand and very
often comes at a high cost.
I usually take Ruby and Leon with me to
The Hub if they can’t be with someone else.
But this is a luxury which very few parents
have. Some take unpaid leave, while others
divide up annual leave between family
members and many, of course, make use of
various kids camps which offer not just child
care but also fun activities to keep children
entertained throughout the day.
Although I can take my children to
work, I usually book them into a camp for
a few weeks so they spend time with peers
rather than just with me. This year will be
no different: Scotstoun kids club, here we
come! There is a variety of camps to choose
from, anything from drama to dance or
football. Outdoors, indoors, you name it,
you are certain to find something interesting.
If you don’t want to spend much, check
out Glasgow Life’s leisure centre camps.
There are various sports activities on offer,
just be quick, they tend to fill up quickly
(glasgowlife.org.uk/sport/glasgow-sportholiday-activity-programme).
A l s o, i f yo u h ave m o r e t h a n o n e c h i l d ,
it can be difficult to book something for
both at the same time. I would really have
liked Ruby and Leon to do some sessions
with Fearless Theatre School but sadly
the logistics are against us this summer.
But check out their holiday sessions, they
sound great (fearlesstheatreschool.com).
If your child is interested in acrobatics
then you also need to take a look at the
summer camp run by Aerial Edge based at
the Kelvinhall. During all of July, kids aged 7+
can learn skills on Flying Trapeze and Silks
as well as Unicycling, Parkour or Juggling
(aerialedge.co.uk/youth-holiday-schools).
It is one of the more costly activities but it
sounds amazing. Another popular summer
camp is Camp Indy (campindy.co.uk) based
at Kelvinside Academy which is open to
ages 5-14.
One of my new discoveries is based in
Maryhill: Computer Games Development
Boot Camp run by The British Youth IT
College (byitc.org). Kids between 6 and 14
are taught IT skills in different areas such as
Software, Hardware, Games Development,
Web Development and Graphic Design.
It sounds absolutely fabulous although it will
probably stretch most people’s budget to the
limit.
If you have set yourself a smaller budget
and are just looking for the occasional activity
then look up Glasgow Life’s website again,
where you will find anything from Bounce
& Rhyme to story book sessions, arts and
crafts to sports activities in various parks, all
of which are free.
Or alternatively, check out one of the
sessions at The Hub. We will be running
weekday language activities for children and
adults, make sure to book in advance. At our
Café Hub you can start each day with a free
drop in activity for the under twos. All sorted
now? I hope this has given you some ideas
anyway. Einen schönen Sommer Euch allen
und bis bald!
48 | www.westendermagazine.com
It’s Good To Talk
How a cancer charity is tackling the emotional
needs of cancer sufferers head-on
WORDS Mike Findlay
We all know someone affected by
cancer. The stats speak for
themselves: in 2018 alone, 16,300
women and 15,800 men were diagnosed
with cancer in Scotland. There are numerous
cancer charities out there and, unless you’ve
been hiding in a bunker, you will have noticed
large national campaigns supporting the
latest medical breakthrough in tackling the
‘biggest killer’.
While this work is clearly critical,
I’ve often wondered beyond medicine, what
other support is available to deal with the
complex needs of cancer patients? Emotional
support, mental health and wellbeing are all
so important – we are constantly reminded of
the need to consider our mental health as an
equal partner to our physical health. So, what
can be done about it?
And the answer to these questions are,
literally, right on my own doorstep. I recently
found out about the brilliant work of the
charity Cancer Support Scotland, who are
based at Gartnavel Hospital Campus which
I walk through every day on the way to
Hyndland Station.
Cancer Support Scotland is a charity
dedicated to supporting cancer patients and
their families through their difficult journey of
diagnosis and ill health. They were founded
in 1980 by Professor Kenneth Calman,
a leading light in cancer research and
previous Chief Medical Officer of Scotland.
He’s also father to the comedian Susan
Calman, who happens to be an ambassador
for the charity. Professor Calman’s vision was
to have emotional support readily available
to cancer patients in a way that matches
professional standards of clinical service.
The Calman Cancer Support Centre,
where the charity is based, is set within the
old Gartnavel Royal Hospital Chapel. The
chapel was renovated and reopened its doors
in 2012 after an extensive refurbishment
which has seen it redesigned in an
appropriately sympathetic way. The building
includes therapy suites, counselling rooms,
an information centre with internet access
www.westendermagazine.com | 49
and library facility, hairdressing and wig
fitting salon, offices and a peaceful sensory
garden.
It’s not just here in Glasgow where
the good work happens however, Cancer
Support Scotland has Outreach centres
throughout the central belt of the country for
those that cannot travel to Gartnavel.
Next year marks the 40th anniversary of
‘Tak Tent’ (taken from the old Scot’s phrase
‘take care’) the predecessor to Cancer
Support Scotland, which set out to meet the
needs of patients and their families within an
informal setting.
Cancer Support Scotland’s mission
remains simple yet ambitious: to support
the wellbeing of people who have suffered
the emotional, physical and mental strains
of cancer. Tailored emotional and practical
support comes from trained counsellors
and qualified therapists specialising in
oncology. For example, cancer patients are
offered counselling sessions, complementary
therapies, podiatry, bereavement and stress
management. And it’s all completely free.
‘Emotional support and counselling
services are essential to help people
through the cancer journey,’ explains Rob
Murray, CEO of Cancer Support Scotland.
‘Our services are proven to improve the
wellbeing of people who have suffered the
emotional, physical and mental strains of
cancer. Our feedback surveys confirm that
people sleep better, anxiety is reduced
and physical pain and discomfort from
chemotherapy and radiotherapy is eased.’
The work of Cancer Support Scotland
is clearly needed. In 2017/18, 6,500
appointments were made by people wanting
access to their services, which was a 20%
increase on the year before. One serviceuser
comments, ‘This is a real haven, very
supportive staff, great therapists, lovely
surroundings and I no longer feel alone.’
A recent Scottish Government Cancer
Patient survey highlighted that just over
half of respondents (55%) felt they were
completely supported emotionally /
psychologically by healthcare professionals
during their treatment, showing an increasing
demand for such support.
Rob Murray continues, ‘Our services make
life easier for people affected by cancer and
our services are free. This helps people using
our services avoid the additional burden of
financial stress. We do not receive any public
funding and rely solely on the generosity of
others to ensure our services are accessible
for all.’
Cancer Support Scotland is calling out
for members of the public to get involved in
their fundraising efforts. If, like me, you’ve
been inspired by what you’ve learnt about
Cancer Support Scotland, you may want to
consider the numerous ways you can help,
such as volunteering as a counsellor, raising
funds as you run this year’s Great Scottish
Run, or signing up for the Ladies Lunch at the
Radisson Blu on 6th of October.
Rob Murray concludes, ‘Often people
visit Cancer Support Scotland because they
simply want a quiet space to sit or have
the time to talk over coffee with one of our
volunteers, that’s why our kettle is always on.’
Visit: cancersupportscotland.org,
call 0141 337 8199, or email lucy.kirkland@
cancersupportscotland.org about
volunteering opportunities.
50 | www.westendermagazine.com
Health Matters
GP Dr. Pamela Leggate, of Glasgow West Medical Practice,
discusses the use of medical cannabis to alleviate chronic
pain and treat some conditions. Here she lays out the pros
and cons of what can still be a controversial topic.
‘M
“ other arrested at airport importing
cannabis to save her child’. ‘Epileptic
boy seizure free after using
cannabis oil’. ‘Daily use of high potency
Marijuana linked to psychosis’. ‘Pot smoking
in adolescence linked to depression in
adulthood’.
So what is the truth behind the headlines?
Is cannabis a good or a bad thing? Can’t my
GP prescribe it now?
Well, as usual with all things medical,
there isn’t a straightforward answer.
In November 2018 the UK government
changed the legal status of cannabis and
cannabis based products for medicinal use
in the UK. This followed a spate of highly
publicised cases where children with certain
types of epilepsy were treated abroad with
cannabis products.
There is a rare and severe type of epilepsy
(Dravet Syndrome) which is difficult to treat
with standard medicines and it has been
shown that some (around 40%) children with
this form of epilepsy will benefit. Seizures
usually continue but are less frequent and
shorter lasting. Prior to November last year
the only way parents could obtain supplies of
the medication was to travel abroad and bring
them into the country illegally. The change
means that in certain rare circumstances
www.westendermagazine.com | 51
cannabis based products will be prescribed
by the NHS.
Only specialists will be allowed to
prescribe the products (so no point asking
your GP) and only to patients who cannot be
treated by other more standard medications.
Currently the only licensed cannabis
based product is Sativex which is used to
treat spasticity (muscle stiffness) in people
with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Another product
is going through the licensing process and
may soon be available for use in Europe
(Epidiolex), but again it will only be used when
other drugs have failed and only in a small
proportion of people.
The reluctance to prescribe is for two main
reasons. First of all there is concern about
risks. Studies have shown that people who
use cannabis have a higher risk of mental
health problems from mild depression
to psychotic illnesses like schizophrenia.
Secondly, medical cannabis has not been
tried and tested enough for us to be sure of
its safety in other ways and there remains
concern about the unknown long term effects
on the developing brain in children.
Even the purest forms of medical cannabis
can cause side effects including diarrhoea,
nausea, weakness, mood changes, dizziness,
hallucinations and suicidal thoughts.
Cannabis has two main ingredients:
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) – this is the
chemical in cannabis which makes you feel
high – and Cannabidiol (CBD) which is the
part which has been shown to have some
medical benefits. Generally, the higher the
concentration of THC, the higher the risks.
Cannabis products bought online may not
be of good quality and might contain varying
amounts of THC and CBD. THC containing
products remain illegal to possess in the UK.
A lot of the CBD oils available online and in
health food shops will either be contaminated
with THC, or contain such low amounts of
CBD that they will be of dubious benefit.
Cannabis bought on the street has the
highest risk of all.
This all sounds very gloomy I know
but there is hope that in time the good
bits of the cannabis plant can be isolated,
tested properly and may be available to
treat even more conditions. Many people
with chronic pain use cannabis with some
reported benefit. It has been used for those
undergoing chemotherapy who suffer from
vomiting.
After all Aspirin was originally derived
from willow bark (used by herbalists for fever
since the Middle Ages). Now we know the
multiple benefits it can bring (prevention of
heart attacks, reduced risk of bowel cancer)
but we also know the downsides (death from
gastrointestinal haemorrhage). It’s all about
weighing up the pros and cons!
52 | www.westendermagazine.com
Homes & Interiors
by Susan
Robertson
North Hill Gardens
Al Fresco
Living
This is the time of year where we have the
biggest chance of an al fresco edge to our lives.
Susan Robertson speaks to some West End experts
about how to make the most of our outside spaces.
www.westendermagazine.com | 53
Us Westenders are blessed to live in a leafy part
of a beautiful city, with a wealth of parks and
green spaces on our doorsteps to choose from.
But, if you also have some outside space of
your own, whether it’s a window box or shared
patio, or a huge private garden, there are many
great ways to make whatever you have work
beautifully for you.
I spoke to two local professionals to get
some advice about what you should consider
to maximise your outside space. Michael
Dumanski of North Hill Gardens gave me
some great guidance. He explained, 'Garden
design is not only about planting but also hard
landscaping, which adds texture, character
and structure, leading the eye through the
landscape. First, take into account your
plot. Look at the size and shape and take
into consideration the direction if faces, the
style of your house it will be framing and the
surrounding area. Achieving balance is a strong
aspect of good garden design.'
Michael continued, 'Then, think about what
you need your garden to do for you. Do you wish
you had somewhere to sit, relax, entertain or
let the children play? Maybe you are just a little
bored and want a garden design that is more
colourful, varied or maintenance-friendly.
Craft an attractive space to give you a beautiful
environment and design a practical layout that
allows you to use your garden how you want.'
Sometimes the hardest part of any process
of change, or development, is where on earth
to start. There is plenty of inspiration around
the West End and Michael suggests, 'Think
about your taste. Take inspiration from visiting
garden centres, public gardens, annual garden
shows, even other people’s homes. Take a look
at magazines or Pinterest which are filled with
ideas for traditional gardens, modern gardens,
family gardens and innovative ideas for gardens
big or small.'
Any type of new design will benefit from a
mood board, take your time to collate pictures
and ideas to think about what environment
really makes you happy. Account for elements
such as scent and sound, do you want to hear
water for example, would you like highly
perfumed flowers, do you need to insulate
from traffic sounds? And think of other
practical considerations such as, what level of
maintenance are you willing to do, do you want
to encourage or discourage wildlife, how often
do you want to see the colours in the garden
change?
Our urban landscape brings some particular
considerations, for example shared spaces
are common, so ownership needs checked
and consensus reached before any changes
are made. We also often have limited outside
space to work with. I asked Michael about the
best approach here, he said, 'Small gardens
can often end up looking messy – the most
Homes & Interiors
54 | www.westendermagazine.com
common mistake when decorating them is
that we buy too many ill-fitting accessories and
plants that give the impression of chaos. In the
city garden moderation and consistency do
matter. When choosing plants, accessories or
garden furniture, try to combine elements that
have the same style, so that they form a single,
harmonious whole. Colour consistency is very
important – especially in small gardens where
the accumulation of many colours is risky,
this solution can overwhelm us, and certainly
also hinders our leisure. We can also use such
optical tricks as mirrors – placed on the wall or
surrounding the garden. The mirror creates
the illusion of enlarging the space, giving the
impression of depth. In this sense, even a small
water reservoir will work - the garden that
surrounds it will optically expand our space.
Furniture in a small urban garden must be
functional and refer to the surroundings that
we create.'
Michael summarises that 'the main factor
is surroundings – the architectural style of the
building, materials and colours already used.
And it’s also a matter of taste – some people
love striking, lively colours, some prefer plain,
elegant whites and pastels. We also use different
shapes for different garden styles – more formal
in modern gardens and informal in naturalistic
ones. Having a good garden design in place
doesn’t mean you need to build the garden
straight away. You can base your work on the
design and divide it into stages to transform
your garden over the years.'
If you’re looking to enhance your flower beds
or window boxes, there are also some great
suppliers in the local area, one of these being the
new West End Garden Centre. Its owner, Martin
McCarron tells us that they offer a wide range
of plants, compost, and increasingly – garden
pottery, but plants are their speciality and they
can offer some expert advice in this area.
When considering planting in the West
End Martin advises to 'always plan properly
before you plant, particularly if you have a
smaller space, so that you can maximise what’s
available. Stick to locally-grown shrubs (the
garden centre has a full Ayrshire range), this
makes sure that they’re tough enough for our
Scottish winters. Consider the position of your
garden too, so that they receive the best sunlight
and conditions to thrive.'
So we have everything that we need to create
a beautiful outside space, here’s hoping that the
weather will support us as we enjoy our alfresco
elements.
With thanks to:
Northhill Gardens 0141 332 5533
northhillgardens.co.uk
West End Garden Centre 07964 672211
40-44 Peel Street G11 5LU
West End Garden Centre
Image By Gregor Reid
www.westendermagazine.com | 55
ADVERTISE WITH US
// Glasgow’s best FREE bi-monthly mag
// Great editorial features: fashion, dining out,
health & beauty, what’s on, local authors
& artists, interiors & more
// Massive potential business audience
// 10,000 copies per edition
For more info or to advertise
email: suzanne@westendermagazine.com
for a media flyer, or call: 07905 897238
westendermagazine.com
56 | www.westendermagazine.com
Highly insulated Garden Rooms designed and built to order in
Glasgow that can be tailored to your space or budget!
Garden office, guest bedroom, studio or rooms, perfect for year round use.
teenage space, just a sample of the uses Call 0141 370 6102 to arrange a free
for our highly-insulated and fully-finished quote and site visit.
www.outsideingardenrooms.co.uk
North Hill Gardens
Beautifying Scottish gardens for more than 10 years
garden design
& maintenance
Westender www.westendermagazine.com Magazine Promotion | 57
Images I Gregor Reid
Blooming Marvellous!
new garden centre opens in the heart of the west end
Meet Martin McCarron, owner of the
West End Garden Centre sited at the
historic West of Scotland Cricket
Ground in Partick. Whether you are lucky
enough to have a small patch of earth to call
your own, or garden out of a window box –
Martin is your new best friend.
‘I have worked in horticulture since I was
17-years-old,’ explains Martin. ‘I learned all
about retail in my previous job as plant buyer
for a large chain of garden centres. From
there I worked as part of a landscaping firm
giving me great experience of plant after-care
in real gardens. I missed the face-to-face of
retail though and had been looking around
the West End for ages. When this opportunity
came up – I jumped at the chance!
‘We stock a full range of Ayrshire grown
shrubs, Kincardine grown roses, Perthshire
grown bedding plants, alpine plants, trees:
most plants you would find in a garden centre
really. We also take specific orders and do
our upmost to source unusual plants.
‘For anyone without outside space we also
carry plants great for small tubs on a balcony
or troughs for a windowsill. There are loads of
options. Bedding plants are always a winner
however a selection of alpine plants means
they come back year after year and you can
get loads of different textures and flower
colour combinations this way.’
Being in the heart of the West End means
customers can walk or cycle home with their
herbs and tomato plants, further boosting
their green credentials, though there is onstreet
parking just outside should heavier
tubs and compost be on your shopping list.
It’s a great way to reintroduce yourself to
this historic corner of Partick too, where in
1872 the world’s first international football
match, between Scotland and England, took
place. Looks to me like Martin’s the bookies
favourite for success in 2019!
SPECIAL OFFER: 10% OFF
all purchases made by 31st August 2019.
Simply hand in this coupon!
Name:___________________________
Email Address: ____________________
This signs you up to Martin’s special offer
newsletter. You can unsubscribe at any time.
West End Garden Centre
40-44 Peel Street G11 5LU
07964 672211
#
#
58 | www.westendermagazine.com
The Store Interiors, 26 Munro Place, Anniesland, Glasgow, G13 2UP
0141 950 1333 | www.thestoreinteriors.co.uk
Email: sales@thestoreinteriors.co.uk
TheStore - HIS - Emma.indd 2 07/12/2017 09:48
Homes & Interiors
Floral Features
www.westendermagazine.com | 59
Throughout this issue, we can find inspiration on how we can connect
with the colours and benefits of nature and reflect its influence
throughout our homes and our outside spaces. Sometimes, we may just
want to bring a few fresh touches into our environments, or to give a
new look to a room, and there are some fabulous ranges available from
our wonderful West End boutiques and retailers. Here are a few ideas.
Stoneglow, Heavenly Orris
Root & Matcha Tea Diffuser,
£24, Spirito
House Doctor Vase,
£18, Hoos
Gillian Arnold Lampshade,
£45, Cassiopeia
Mini Plant Pot Range
by Louise Madzia,
£22 each, CoLab Store
Ceramic Crackled Green Vase, £35,
The Store Interiors
Cassiopeia, 165B Hyndland Road, 0141 357 7374, cassiopeiaonline.co.uk
CoLab Store, 11-13 Dowanhill Street, 0141 570 1766, colabstore.co.uk
Hoos, 715 Great Western Road, 07788 480421, hoosglasgow.co.uk
Spirito, 317-319 Crow Road, 0141 337 3307, spiritogifts.com
The Store Interiors, 26 Munro Place, 0141 950 1333, thestoreinteriors.co.uk
60 | www.westendermagazine.com
raising standards in property preservation
ASSOCIATION
Have you noticed damp,
woodworm or rot in your
property?
Rated ‘Excellent’ with
over 1000 reviews
We can provide advice and specialist solutions for:
Rising & Penetrating Damp
Dry & Wet Rot
Basement & Structural Waterproofing
Rising Damp
Woodworm
Wall Tie Repair & Replacement
Structural Repairs
Energy Saving Treatments
Woodworm
Wall Tie Failure
0141 319 4974 www.petercox.com
Condensation & Mould
Call now for a
NO OBLIGATION
survey and get these
problems sorted
today!
www.reproplaster.co.uk l Tel: 0141 7761112
Visit our showroom at Period House, 5 Campsie Rd, Kirkintilloch, G66 1SL
Use discount code: code: “Homes “Westender & Interiors 10%”
Scotland’s leading manufacturer and installer of cornice and ornamental plasterwork.
Experts in the repair of all ornamental plasterwork | Comprehensive product range available
www.westendermagazine.com | 61
Homes & Interiors
Hyacinth House Floristry
by Susan
Robertson
Breathing
the outside in
There’s a fresh floral feel in the air in this edition
and so much to be enjoyed in the great outdoors,
but when we head back inside and shut the door
behind us, how can we bring a note of nature back
inside with us?
Very few of us would deny that some fresh blooms
can brighten any room, but we rarely make it a
priority when looking after our homes. In our busy
lives, it can sometimes seem like too much of a
hassle to look after flowers and indoor plants, and
the cheaper flower bunches are often limp before
you’ve left the shop.
62 | www.westendermagazine.com
However, if you give it some thought and get it right
for you, it can make such a difference to our homes,
and even to our health.
I asked Gary of Hyacinth House Floristry for some
tips about bringing the outside into our homes.
He suggested, 'Use the look of what you have in
your garden, for example if you have hydrangeas or
dahlias in your garden, if you create a floral bouquet
then it can work well to incorporate those in it to
tie everything together across your internal and
external spaces. If you are choosing houseplants
as well, then also look at what’s around you to
cohesively reflect things like leaf shape or colour,
especially if the plants are close to the windows.'
Not only do plants look great, add depth,
colour and texture to a room, but they are good
for your health too. They naturally cleanse the
air, and they’re also believed to actually improve
concentration, reduce stress and boost mood levels
so they’re a great addition to any home.
Have a think about the plants you choose for each
room. Be careful to ensure that they are positioned
for the right amount of sun, and bear in mind that,
at night time they can have a different effect on the
air when the photosynthesis stops, so keep them to
your daytime rooms for the most part.
If you’re not green-fingered, there are plenty of
options to get the benefits of some leafiness without
too much hassle. Start with a simple ivy or a low
maintenance spider plant for some quick green
splashes that are pretty good value, grow quickly,
and are very low maintenance too. Think about
investing in a bright statement plant pot and a big
waxy plant to get you going and make an impact in
your home, then build on from there as and when
you can.
I asked Lesley of Tulipané for some tips. She said,
'Cactus plants are very "in" at the moment and so
easy to look after – they only need watered once every
1-2 weeks. There are a wide variety of plants which
are especially beneficial for cleansing the air in an
apartment – taking in carbon dioxide and giving
out oxygen to cleanse the air, for example Aloe Vera,
Peace Lily, and Spider Plants to name a few.'
Lesley told me, 'I have found that in the
Thornwood area, where Tulipané is situated, there
are many young couples buying their first flat. One of
the things they enjoy doing together for their home is
buying plants. Even giving them names and we have
a laugh chatting about how it is comparable with
having a pet. They will come back in to the cafe and
talk about how "Bert" is doing and ask advice about
caring for them.'
There are clearly a wealth of benefits to finding a
few fresh flowers and potted plant pets to enhance
your home, and your health. And the expertise we
need and options for what we can buy are available
right on our West End doorsteps.
With thanks to:
Tulipané Coffee House, 682 Dumbarton Road G11 6RB
tulipane.co.uk
Hyacinth House Floristry, 950A Crow Road G13 1JD
hyacinthhousefloristry.com
Tulipané Coffee House
www.westendermagazine.com | 63
64 | www.westendermagazine.com
Westender Magazine
Interiors & All Trades
Keeping your home working for
you. Whatever you need whenever
you need it – find reliable local
tradespeople here.
Painter & Decorator » Plaster Skimming
Ames Taping & Coving » Period Windows
Hand-painted Kitchens
Call Frank – 07906 395341 / 0141 945 3975
francisscullion@yahoo.co.uk
Professional, Reliant
and Efficient Rubbish
Clearing Service
Full House Clearances
Garage Clearances
Office Clearances
Loft Clearances
WE CAN DO IT ALL!
No job too big or too small
- single items taken.
90% of what we collect is recycled.
Same day service available for your
rubbish removal.
CALL US NOW: 07850 881 623
joejunk.co.uk
Garage Door, Electric Gates
& Security Door Entry Systems
repair and install
Call: 07985 371 405
www.rendor.co.uk | info@rendor.co.uk
www.westendermagazine.com | 65
TRADITIONAL SASH
WINDOW REPAIR &
RESTORATION
We’re your local experts in all
aspects of painting and decorating,
interior, exterior and specialists in
hanging designer wallpapers.
over 20 years experience
in Glasgow’s West End
draught proofing & noise
reduction
from a single cord to a
full restoration
for a Free No Obligation Quote
call Kevin on 07984 880199
or Derek on 07525 202102
or email us at
info@bespokedecorglasgow.co.uk
T: 0141 389 3287
bespokedecorglasgow.co.uk
Contact us for advice or free survey on:
0141 390 9441 | 07980 648 089
info@wesglasgow.co.uk
www.wesglasgow.co.uk
West End Services is a trading name of WES Glasgow Ltd Registered in Scotland SC468249
66 | Westender www.westendermagazine.com
Magazine Promotion
The Wee Kitchen Shop
Specialising In Beautiful Shaker Kitchens
Susan and Ewen, knew exactly what
kitchen they wanted when they bought
a plot of land in Gartness to build their
dream house – A Wee Kitchen Shop kitchen.
Having seen the bespoke cabinetry in an
earlier edition of Westender Magazine, they
grabbed the opportunity to create the kind
of space that would be custom-built to their
specifications.
Says Susan, ‘Right from the start Greg
took on board all our requests for the
kitchen and was great at suggesting ideas
and details that we hadn’t thought of. Greg
brought a personal touch to the project often
lacking in mainstream companies and is
genuinely enthusiastic about what he does.
His wealth of knowledge was a deciding
factor in booking him for the job. He always
answered our questions promptly and kept
us up-to-date with developments.’
Featuring made-to-measure solid wood
framed Shaker cabinetry – custom painted
in traditional soft grey and dark blue – Susan
and Ewen are delighted with their new space,
‘The quality of the kitchen is superb and it
looks even better than I hoped. The layout
works perfectly for the way I use my kitchen,’
Susan continues.
A major feature is the custom-made larder
with internal drawer storage, SILESTONE task
area, storage shelves, and door mounted
oak shelving for spices and jars. Each
detail designed to be practical, whilst also
looking beautiful. This theme of beauty and
practicality is carried across to items such as
the Villeroy & Boch Farmhouse Belfast sink
fitted with a Quooker 3-in-1 Fusion Tap.
Susan concludes, ‘I wouldn’t hesitate
to recommend The Wee Kitchen Shop to
anyone considering a similar project. Greg
gives you expertise, enthusiasm and a good
chat into the bargain.’
Please call ahead for a FREE
consultation appointment at
The Wee Kitchen Shop.
The WEE Kitchen Shop
304 Crow Road, Broomhill G11 7HS
0141 334 4747
www.theweekitchenshop.co.uk
info@theweekitchenshop.co.uk
www.westendermagazine.com | 67
Reseal Service | Professional Tile Installation | Waterproof Bathrooms
The no.1 Tile Installation and Restoration
Specialist in Central Scotland
We are a fully insured, reliable family run business with over
40 years combined experience. We use the best and most up to date
products and materials and pride ourselves on our attention to detail
and excellent customer reviews.
BEFORE AFTER BEFORE AFTER
Our Reseal Service can restore your tiles by carefully
removing all of your existing grout and sealant using
non-abrasive chemicals and high precision diamond
technology. Specialist chemicals are used to wash
your tiles to remove soap scum, body fat, mould and
mildew. Antimicrobial grouts and sealants are then
professionally applied
Our Reseal service includes;
// Sealant Applications
// Bonded Bath & Shower Seals
// Chemical Sealants
// Re-grouting
// Two-part Sealants
// Waterproof Tanking Systems
FROM ONLY
£150
SUPPLIED
& FITTED
Bonded Bath and Shower
Seals – Our unique and
most popular product.
T / 0141 611 9534 M / 0781 782 8681
E / info@resealscotland.co.uk W / www.resealscotland.co.uk
68 | www.westendermagazine.com
Change language