INSIGHT Magazine Issue 5

ISSUE 5 

FREE 

FASHION 

FOOD 

FAMILY 

TRAVEL 

FEATURES 

REVIEWS 

INSIGHT 

A lifestyle magazine for 

Renfrewshire and Inverclyde 

DELIVERED TO: 

KILMACOLM 

BROOKFIELD 

BRIDGE OF WEIR 

QUARRIER’S VILLAGE 

HOUSTON 

KILBARCHAN 

BISHOPTON 

DARGAVEL 

MORE AVAILABLE FOR PICK UP IN SELECTED VENUES

2 | INSIGHT

Christmas 

at Ingliston 

Country Club & 

Hotel 

Celebrate the magic of a traditional Christmas at 

Ingliston Country Club & Hotel. Share the joy of 

the Christmas season with your family and friends 

by joining them in a variety of planned events 

throughout the festive season. This includes: 

Christmas Light Switch On - Wednesday 13th 

November 2019 

The Spirit Of Christmas Festive Market - Sunday 

15th December 2019 

Santa’s Grotto - 7th & 8th, 14th & 15th, 21st & 22nd 

December 2019 

The fabulous festive menu in Palomino’s restaurant is available from 1st until 24th 

December and will really tempt your Christmas taste buds! Come along between 12noon 

- 9pm to enjoy a delicious festive meal in a heart-warming setting, and for larger parties 

their VIP area can cater for up to 30 guests. Once the shopping is done and the stockings 

are hung, get into the festive spirit and enjoy Christmas Eve at Palomino’s. Unwind with 

fantastic food and live music from their resident musician Alan Cranney. 

Christmas Day at Ingliston Country Club & Hotel will be a real treat, with Christmas Dinner 

sittings starting at 12.30pm, 4.30pm and 5pm dinner, Palomino’s will be open until late to let 

you celebrate this special time of year with your loved ones. Feel the magic of Christmas 

as they open the doors to their Winter Wonderland for one day only. Located within their 

internal marquee and open to residents and diners, it is the perfect place to relax and 

unwind before or after Christmas dinner. It will include festive fun for the whole family - 

meet Santa and his elves, watch festive films and join in the fun at our activity stations for 

all ages. 

The fun doesn’t stop there, Celebrate the New Year in style at our “Roaring into the ‘20s” 

celebration, it’s the perfect way to say a fond farewell to 2019. Start your evening with 

sparkling champagne and enjoy a delicious meal followed by dancing through the decades 

with the fantastic Sahara, one of Scotland’s most talented, young, dynamic and versatile 

bands. As the countdown to the New Year begins stand alongside their piper and toast to 

2020. Finish the evening by dancing the night away to resident DJs - The 2 Fat DJs. 

Why not enhance your Christmas experience by staying with Ingliston Country Club & 

Hotel this Christmas. Choose from their stunning boutique hotel or luxury lodges - they 

have accommodation to suit everyone. 

To book call 01505 864333 (ext3) or email events@ingliston.com 

INSIGHT | 

3

INSIGHT 

Sister Magazine to the Gryffe Advertizer 

Family + Outdoors 

6 Walk: Wood Sprite Trail 

8 The Power of Play 

Food + Drink 

10 Seasonal Foodie Favs 

12 Review: Afternoon Tea at 

Gleddoch 

p16 

p20 

Travel + Entertainment 

18 4 Christmas Markets 

19 Bang + Olufsen - Gifts 

Fashion 

20 All Wrapped Up 

p10 

Features 

16 Janey Godley Interview 

26 Megan Briggs Interview 

29 Power of Attorney 

Health + Beauty 

22 Botox + Fillers 

24 Men’s Mental Health 

p24 

Contact Us 

t 01505 613340 

e info@advertizer.co.uk 

w www.advertizer.co.uk/insight 

1st Floor, Neva Place, Bridge of Weir PA11 3PN 

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission 

is strictly prohibited. Insight Magazine cannot be held responsible for unsolicited 

materials. The views and opinions by contributors in this magazine may not represent 

the views of the publishers. Insight Magazine takes no responsibility for claims made by 

advertisements in this publication. 

Cover Image is the fabulous Janey Godley, our interviewee this issue. 



5

Family + 

Outdoors 

Walk: Sheilhill Glen 

Wood Sprite Trail 

Distance: 1.6 miles 

Time: 1 hour or so. 

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate (there are steps) 

Parking: Greenock Cut Visitor Centre - your start for this walk. 

Points of Interest: Wood Sprites, Waterfalls, Bridges for Pooh Sticks 

Refreshments: The Cut Visitor Centre does some basic but decent grub. 

The Nature Trail here is very well made and really quirky. Kids will love 

exploring and hunting for the lovely wooden carved sprites. There are 

also some lovely boardwalks, a waterfall and a series of criss crossing 

footbridges over a gurgling burn, which provide interest. 

From the Visitor Centre return to the car park entrance and turn right 

onto the minor road. At the crossroads take the footpath directly in 

front of you signposted for The Greenock Cut. Go through the gate and 

downhill passing the site of the 2nd World War Light Emplacement – this 

is now an attractive picnic site with lovely views over the Clyde. Follow 

the trail downhill through the native trees along the Kip Water. The trail 

meanders through some lovely woodland with various footbridges across 

the burn. Look out for the Wood Sprites along the way! The path turns to 

boardwalk and you will emerge out onto an open hillside. Here the walk 

heads uphill to join up with the Kelly Cut. Turn left here and follow this 

track back to the Visitor Centre. 

Map and text courtesy of Gillian’s Walks - gillianswalks.com 

Shielhill Glen and Kelly Cut - Facts 

• The Glen is a Site of Special Scientific Interest 

because of the variety of deciduous trees such 

as Silver Birch, Oak, Ash and Rowan. 

• 150 years ago there was a sandstone quarry 

lower down the Glen that was used to build 

many of the houses in the West End of 

Greenock. 

6 | INSIGHT 

• The Kelly Cut is a non-navigable canal which 

was built in 1845 to supply Loch Thom with 

more water.


7

The Power of Play 

Ali Duncan, Headteacher of St Columba’s 

Junior School, enters the discussion.... 

“The Power of Play” – these current buzz words in primary education 

are informing curriculum and staffing decisions head teachers are 

making across Scotland. There is no disputing the vast body of 

research; young learners given the freedom to “play” out-perform their 

counterparts who are put in an environment where “play” is restricted. 

Perhaps my use of inverted commas gives you some clue as to my 

chief concern as a primary sector head teacher. What do we mean by 

the term “play”? Well, the policy makers in Scottish education have 

hung their hat on the idea that play is “what children…do when they 

follow their own ideas and interests in their own way and for their own 

reasons.” 

As a result many preschools, early years and (alarmingly) primary 

classes have abandoned any kind of structure to the day and in some 

cases have done away with pupil desks. Staff in nurseries and early 

years are not required to be qualified teachers and staff to pupil ratios 

are not prioritised. After all, if it is just about letting children have 

complete freedom to “follow their own ideas”, how important is the 

teacher? 

Please don’t misunderstand me, I believe whole-heartedly, that 

young learners should be given every opportunity to explore new 

environments and ideas, afforded the freedom to invent, to create and 

to collaborate. I believe we have a responsibility as educationalists 

to provide environments in which this kind of exploration or “play” 

is possible. Which is why at St Columba’s School we see our “Wild 

Woods”, and carefully designed outdoor spaces as an extension of 

our classrooms. Trees can be climbed and dens dug; stones become 

fortress walls and sticks, magic wands. 

However, for me, more important than the environment that these 

young learners inhabit, are the adults we employ to “facilitate learning” 

or….dare I say it….teach. Teachers - well, good ones - understand that 

“play” is not an unstructured, anything-goes approach to primary 

education. It is as Miller and Almon point out, in their more nuanced 

understanding of the research, “a balance of child-initiated play in the 

presence of engaged teachers.” 

In order for meaningful progress to be made, children’s learning and 

development must be regularly assessed in order to plan, implement, 

and create a structured program of “child-initiated” and adult-guided 

play, that meets the very individual needs of each child. 

At St Columba’s School we pride ourselves on our highly qualified 

team of teachers and educationalists. We prioritise training and 

professional development. And why? Because this is where the 

“power” in “play” really lies 

* 1. DCMS (2004) Getting Serious about Play Department of Culture Media and Sport, 

London, quoted in https://www.playscotland.org/wp-content/uploads/assets/Power-of- 

Play.pdf 2. Miller and Almon in The Kindergarten Crisis (2009) 



9

Seasonal 

Foodie Favs 

Food + 

Drink 

Apple and Cinnamon Muffi ns 

250g plain fl our- 

2 eggs 

150g soft brown sugar 

2 tsp baking powder 

1 tsp cinnamon 

1 tblsp runny honey 

2 apples peeled cored and chopped small 

125ml vegetable oil 

100ml milk 

Dollop of plain yogurt 

1. Whizz up all the wet ingredients in a 

jug including the eggs. 

2. Mix the dry ingredients in a bowl. 

3. Add the wet to the dry and give a 

good stir. 

4. Lastly, mix in the chopped apples. 

5. Divide the mixture between 12 muffi n 

cases and bake in oven at 180 degrees 

for 20 mins. 

6. Sprinkle with icing sugar to serve. 


Beef and Red Wine Stew 

300g stewing steak 

3 onions roughly chopped 

2 cloves of garlic 

I tbsp tomato puree 

1 carrot chopped 

125g waxy potatoes in large chunks 

A hand full of mushrooms 

2-3 glasses of red wine 

400ml good beef stock 

Parsley to serve 

1. Sweat onions and garlic in olive oil 

until soft. 

2. Set onions aside and sear the stewing 

steak until wee crispy bits appear. 

3. Add onions back in, add chopped 

carrots, tomato puree and potatoes. 

4. Add wine and stock and season well. 

5. Cook for 2 hours at 150 degrees, add 

mushrooms then cook for another hour. 

6. Take out oven when meat is falling 

apart. Sprinkle with parsley. 

7. Serve with crusty bread or rice. 

Shimla Homemade Spicy Daal 

1 tsp garlic paste 

3 tablespoons vegetable oil 

1 cup split red lentils 

1 onion fi nely chopped 

1 tsp salt 

1 tsp red chilli 

1 tsp tumeric 

1/2 tsp garam masala 

1/2 tsp cumin 

Corriander to serve 

Heart warming lentil curry - perfect for a 

winters day. Proper home cooking the way 

Tabby and Anjum’s mum makes it. 

1. Wash lentils thoroughly. 

2. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan; add 

onion, salt, chilli tumeric, garam masala and 

cumin. Stir on a low heat till golden brown. 

3. Add 3 cups water and the lentils. 

4. Simmer on a low heat for 45 mins, 

stirring regularly until texture is smooth. 

Add corriander to garnish and serve with 

naan bread.


11

Review: 

Camellia 

Afternoon Tea 

by Anna McGeachie and Fiona Kerr 

It’s not every day one is treated to a delightful afternoon tea at the 

prestigious and very beautiful Gleddoch Hotel and Spa. But this is 

indeed what Fiona and I from Advertizer & Insight HQ were invited to 

sample one relaxing Sunday afternoon. And my goodness me did we 

enjoy it! 

The approach towards Gleddoch sets the tone; the sweeping 

driveway running alongside the immaculately kept golf course with 

spectacular views over the Clyde. Upon entering the hotel we are 

led into the stunningly quirky Camellia room with its vibrant mustard 

wingback chairs, matching mustard antlers on the wall and beautiful 

flock wallpaper. 

Fiona and I are greeted warmly. Our waiter takes our coats, introduces 

himself and advises us that he will be looking after our every whim 

that afternoon... we are to be indulged! The Camellia Room is a retreat 

from life – quiet and relaxing – no sense of urgency here, which is a 

wonderful way to take a break from ‘normality’. 

Once seated, we are promptly brought a glass of bubbles before being 

served our exquisite Camellia Afternoon Tea. First we are asked which 

tea we would like from the extensive menu. I choose the Celestial 

Jasmine, which the waiter brings for me to smell; and what a delicately 

floral scent. Fiona plumps for Scottish Brew, which she politely 

declines to take a whiff of. As for the food, the presentation is just as 

one would imagine afternoon tea in such prestigious surroundings 

should be – beautifully dainty and delectable, with finely presented 

savouries garnished with edible flowers (yes we did try them – I made 

Fiona go first). The savouries are served first – Fi and I have saved 

ourselves for this and we are very ready for them! The Ayrshire 

pork and pommery mustard filled sausage rolls are just enough for 

a mouthful – a posh sausage roll! The pastrami and horseradish on 

home baked soda bread is divine, as is the caramelised ragstone and 

beetroot tart with candied walnuts. 

There is no sense of being hurried when one takes afternoon tea at 

Gleddoch, which is refreshing. We are allowed to rest and let our food 

settle for as long as we so desire. And while we do, we are served some 

Angel Water - an alkaline water with naturally occurring electrolytes – so 

while taking our afternoon tea, we are in fact improving our health...bonus! 

When we are ready, we are served ‘dessert’. Laid out in an old fashioned 

canary cage, the choice is fantastic. From lemon posset topped with a 

perfectly bitter sweet blackberry compote, which is actually like heaven, 

to chocolate coated strawberries, butterscotch tart, strawberry and black 

pepper fudge, followed by freshly baked granary scones, with sumptuous 

clotted cream (amazing) and sweet preserve to accompany. In fact it looks 

almost too good to eat. But eat it we do. And then we roll ourselves out 

the door to return home for a lie down on the sofa...stuffed! 


INSIGHT | 13

What’s 

On 

INSIGHT Magazine gets 

the goss from awardwinning 

independent 

filmmaker and former 

Paisley Grammar pupil, 

Gary Hewitt. 

1. Why did you decide to put on this film festival? 

As a filmmaker and touring the UK’s film festivals with my own projects I realised there’s 

not much happening locally for filmmakers in Scotland. At the same time there isn’t 

much film related content in Paisley for its community so, after speaking to some local 

organisations such as creative Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire Leisure, I decided to try 

and bridge that gap by giving the local community some interesting films from all around 

the world and give a spotlight to indie filmmaking. 

2. What is the aim of your film festival? 

The HB Film Festival wants to bring to Paisley, Scotland, a quality selection of both local 

and international shorts and feature movies coming from all over the world, and aims to 

become a cultural gathering for film lovers and professionals. 

3. You have received lots of positive endorsements for your festival already from 

filmmakers and actors alike. How exciting is that? 

Yeah it’s great! We are showing support for filmmakers both online and at the festival. By 

showcasing work but also promoting filmmakers through our social media channels etc 

has resulted in some extremely positive and supportive comments about what we are 

trying to do. 

We also have local singers and comedians playing at the festival, which is great, giving 

them a platform to be creative and supporting other artists. 

4. What are your top picks for the festival? 

We want to support local talent so you should check out the Best of Scotland Program. 

The film festival committee has a list of films to see that aren’t created by local filmmakers 

and they deserve just as much support. Films include: 

“A lot of festivals could take notes 

from you on how to run an event - 

huge kudos.” 

Taryn Hough -Filmmaker / Actor 

We Can Do It, Nora Ephron, At Dawn He Died, Guardians , Once Bitten, Killer Date, 

Beautified, Incidentally, Miklat. We also have a surprise screening during the awards. 

5. Will this be an annual event? 

Yes. We are hoping our inaugural year will be a huge success and we will be bringing The 

HB Film Festival back to Paisley every year. 



Interview 

Next to Godley 

In response to a recent tweet asking “What have you 

ever done?” Janey Godley replied: 

“Jailed a paedo, wrote a book, bought a house, 

survived rape, won a comedy award, gave birth, owned 

a pub, made soup, had a fight with Trump, got banned 

from America, survived my mum’s killer stalking me at 

age 22, knitted a doll, wrote a play.” 

To call comedian Janey Godley a force of nature is not 

a cliché. 

By Rona Simpson 

It is no secret that Janey survived sexual abuse from age 6 at the hands 

of her uncle (and then had him convicted and sent to prison.) It is also 

no secret that her mother was murdered or that she was married to 

the Glasgow mob. But Janey has turned horrific events into comedy 

gold. Her pitch black stand up routine has earned her a string of five 

star reviews over many years – with endorsements from Billy Connolly, 

Jennifer Saunders and others – yet, it has been her satirical political 

voiceovers (which she posts online) over recent months which have 

brought her a huge new audience, and it is this format that she brought 

to the Fringe this year. 

You’ve just been to the Edinburgh Festival. How was it? 

It was absolutely fabulous. It was a really successful festival. Just the 

whole vibe was great. The show I took there – the’ voiceover’ show – has 

never been done before. It was a one of its kind at the festival and went 

really, really well! 

What was the funniest thing that happened during the festival? 

I suppose falling doon a flight of stairs. I’ve been playing a lawyer in a 

TV drama and the lawyer didnae have a limp – so that was quite funny – 

having to fake not having a limp. 

The TV Drama in question is an adaptation of a Val McDermid book, 

soon to hit our screens, but it is not Janey’s only foray into acting. She 

has also recently played the part of a barmaid in the film Wild Rose. An 

apt casting as Janey used to run a pub in the east end of Glasgow, and 

a satisfying riposte to a bitter relative, who once told her she’d never be 

anything more than a barmaid. 

It was in this pub in the east end of Glasgow where Janey’s training 

ground for stand up began. The Calton - in an area cited lowest life 

expectancy for men in the whole of the UK – and a place Janey jokes 

they’d “shoot you for the price of a box of eggs”. I tell her that my dad 

used to run a bar and that he once told me that, “It’s all just theatre!” 


“He’s right. The lights are behind the bar. The bar separates you and them. 

You’re already on stage. It’s your show.” 

If you want to watch a master class in how to control a rowdy audience 

google “Janey Godley Takes On One of Edinburgh’s Drunkest Audiences.” 

There can be no doubt that it’s HER show! 

Janey’s daughter Ashely Storrie is also a comedian. They shared a flat 

during the festival where both put on different shows and received rave 

reviews. I am fascinated by the dynamic. You have to have pretty thick 

skin to be in the public eye and get up on stage. And no matter how 

many people think you’re great, there will be others who want to knock 

you down. Janey’s background in the pub trade in one of Glasgow’s 

roughest areas stands her in good stead when confronted with hecklers. 

I wonder if Ashley is able to bounce back as readily and whether Janey 

worries about her daughter in this regard. Asked by the Herald in a 2018 

interview if Janey was like a “mother hen coaxing her offspring?” Ashley 

replied, “She’s a mother raptor!” 

What was your reaction when she wanted to get into the business? Have 

you always encouraged her? 

Well, Ashley was 13 when she took her own show at the Edinburgh 

Festival – the youngest person ever to have a show there. But she didn’t 

want to do comedy for years and I encouraged her not to do it if she 

didnae want to do it. If she wanted to be a florist or a baker or whatever, 

I’d encourage her to do that as well. But now she’s back doing it and she’s 

brilliant! 

“ 

In these very f@ckin frightening times, 

we aw need a soup pot! 

” 

Has there ever been any rivalry between you and Ashley? 

I say in my show that Ashley became a comedian because... ruining my 

body wisnae enough for her. [both laugh a lot] But it’s a joke. We love 

each other deeply. No, there’s no rivalry. She’s my daughter and I’m very 

proud of her. She’s incredibly talented. We have the typical mother and 

daughter snarks at each other as everybody does. We take the p!ss out of 

each other – in a gentle manner. 

You’re very open about your childhood growing up in Shettleston in 

Glasgow and about the abuse you suffered at the hands of your uncle 

and also about your mum’s tragic murder... How do you stop these events 

from overwhelming you? 

Well, because I won’t let the man who abused me rule my life. And I won’t 

let the man who murdered my mammy ruin my life. Why should I let the 

men who tried to stop us from having a life, why should I let them win? 

I’m a comedian because a lot 

of people told me not to be 

one. But I have that kind of 

personality that the more I’m 

told that I can’t do something, 

the more I do it. 

Working in the pub is hard, 

hard, writing a book is hard, 

acting on stage is hard, 

working in a fish factory is 

hard, cleaning rooms is hard... 

but comedy is easy. 

Last year her uncle was found 

dead at his home. And after 

rattling through the horror 

of her abuse and her mum’s 

murder Janey pauses for a 

while before delivering the black as coal punchline... 

Isn’t it funny most of the men that f@ck me aboot, die alone, so ye know... 

Karma’s always there! 

In areas such as Shettleston in the 60s and 70s, where there was intense 

poverty, there was also a strong sense of community; fierce groups of 

women sticking up for each other and helping each other out – sharing 

the soup pot. Characters such as “Big Jannette”, “Isa MacNamee” and 

“Aww the Sandras” have found their way into Janey’s voice overs – often 

fresh from the Zumba and ready to storm Westminster. I ask her why she 

thinks these themes and characters travel so well? 

It’s very easy to explain, people are ex pats. We are travellers of the 

world. Nobody is just Australian or American or whatever. And they all 

have an auld granny or aunty... and if they don’t know what a Pippa Dee 

party is they ask me. People remember the soup pot. The soup pot is 

a universal symbol of community love and sharing. At a wedding, at a 

funeral, at a tragedy... where people come together to heal or celebrate 

they put on the soup pot. It’s nourishing… and in these very f@ckin 

frightening times, we aw need a soup pot. 

A recent Janey Godley voice over video of Boris Johnson trying to usher 

Nicola Sturgeon into Bute House lasted only a few seconds but has been 

viewed hundreds of thousands of times, where she has Sturgeon saying, 

“Put yer arm down, ya @rsehole. Get in!” 

The FM was asked during the Edinburgh Festival how she felt when Boris 

Johnson tried to guide her into the building. She said:”If you want to 

know EXACTLY what I was thinking, and I mean EXACTLY, watch Janey 

Godley’s Voice Over!” High praise indeed. 

Janey Godley appears at The Beacon Arts Centre on 23rd October and Paisley Arts 

Centre on the 31st of October - janeygodley.com for full tour dates. 


17

Travel+ 

Entertainment 

With Christmas only a few 

months away, why not get into 

the spirit and discover the magic 

of a Christmas European Market. 

From gingerbread and mulled wine 

to quaint market stalls, it is the 

perfect way to start your Christmas 

shopping. 

There are countless markets around 

Europe to choose from with direct 

flights from Glasgow, Prestwick and 

Edinburgh Airports. 

Images: Top to Bottom - Krakow, Berlin, Amsterdam and Berlin again 

4 Christmas Markets 


KRAKOW 

If you are looking to incorporate history, 

culture and tradition – Krakow in Poland 

has it all. We’ve seen this city increase in 

tourists this year with the exchange rate 

being very favourable. Stroll around the 

glistening central square, Rynek Glowny. 

Notably the old-fashioned hand-painted 

colourful glass baubles remain a Polish 

specialty. 

AMSTERDAM 

Amsterdam is a city with many canals 

that twinkle with fairy lights. And there 

is nothing quite like their Winter Parade. 

Here you are invited to join a 120-metre 

set table decked out with sparkling place 

settings and candles. You will enjoy a 

tip-top feast of local food and wine whilst 

being entertained by traditional dancers 

and singers. 

More than 35 installations and artworks 

make up the brightly-coloured Amsterdam 

Light Festival. You’ll find various pieces 

dotted around, so take a wander to check 

out the best bits. 

PRAGUE 

Step into the snow globe of Prague. A 

magical place steeped in history, with at least 

six markets around the city from which to 

choose. From the spire-studded skyline to 

the sound of a choir, the sizzling street food 

stalls, to the tree that twinkles high in the sky, 

The Old Town Square Market is dreamy by 

day and enchanting by night. 

BERLIN 

There are about 80 Christmas markets 

spread out all over the city. A few of the 

markets are close to Alexanderplatz. Enjoy a 

ride on the massive ferris wheel, soak up the 

atmosphere whilst eating sweet waffles and 

enjoying classic mulled wine while listening 

to the choir. One of the most popular 

markets is Potsdamer Platz. The market 

transforms into a winter wonderland of light. 

Having fun is the name of the game here 

with live DJ’s kicking off some entertainment, 

or take a slide down the toboggan run. 

By Julie Batchelor at Brilliant Travel - 

JBbrillianttravel.co.uk || 07944542640

Sound Design 

Bang 

+ Olufsen 

No matter who the lucky recipient is, these 

stunning gift ideas are hand-picked for their 

ability to bring unforgettable experiences to 

you and your loved ones. 

BEOPLAY H9 

Close your eyes and slip into 

a truly luxurious soundscape 

with Beoplay H9. The overear 

headphones deliver Bang 

& Olufsen Signature Sound 

with advanced active noise 

cancellation, integrated voice 

assistant and intuitive touch 

controls. 

— size: 19,5 x 20 x 5,2 cm. 

£450 

BEOSOUNDSTAGE 

The new Beosound Stage is a 

beautifully crafted soundbar that 

brings rich and authentic Bang 

& Olufsen sound to your TV 

experience. It even works as a full 

music system with easy streaming 

via Chromecast built-in, Apple 

AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth. — size: 

17,4 x 110,4 x 7,7 cm. 

£1250 

BEOPLAY E8 MOTION 

Nothing will weigh you down 

or tangle you up with Beoplay 

E8 Motion. These truly 

wireless earphones deliver a 

powerful sound performance 

and stay securely in place 

thanks to the enclosed ear 

fins. The leather-clad charging 

case holds three extra charges, 

bringing the total playtime to 

16 hours. — size; earbuds: 2,3 

x 2 x 2,5 - case: 6,9 x 4,6 x 3,4 

cm. £300 

BEOPLAY A1 

With 24 hours of battery life, Beoplay A1 

will play along for even the longest journey 

home. The Bluetooth speaker features vibrant 

True360 sound in a compact aluminium body 

that will develop a beautiful patina from 

everyday use. — size: 4,8 x 13,3 cm. £230 


19

Fashion 

All Wrapped Up 

By Fashion Editor, Nikki Oji 

Autumn is a time of great change. Foodstuffs are harvested and 

stored for the barren months ahead. Leaves morph, chameleonlike, 

from verdant greens to every shade of gold, shedding a carpet 

of crunchiness on our pavements and pathways. And nights draw 

longer and darker, heralding the end of summer. 

Initially, we cling to summer, beg her for mercy and a return to warm, 

jacket-free days and hot, quilt-free nights. But alas, she’s gone… The 

inevitability of chilly months in cosy coverups beckons. 

With this acceptance comes the digging out of long-ago stashed 

stores of firm autumn favourites. And, just as the arctic fox replaces 

brown fur for white in winter, so too will we display our new 

plumage. 

I refer here, of course, to that big investment purchase of the 

season, or perhaps even, the year - The New Coat! It’s the one piece 

that’s got to work harder than a snow plough in January - seeing 

us through every occasion over the coming months in style - so it’s 

never too early to start your search. 

Work It! 

I’ve selected this beautiful, 

wool reversible wrap coat 

from Massimo Dutti to 

showcase its versatility and 

hard-working credentials. 

Here are 3 ways to style it. 

While not everyone goes to 

work in a suit, the trouser suit 

trend has been around for a 

while and, if anything, is only 

gaining strength. So channel 

your inner Girl Boss and layer 

your smart coat on top of 

your tailoring. Tying the fabric 

belt towards the back creates 

slimming vertical lines and a 

sharp silhouette. 

Suit, blouse, briefcase and shoes: all 

stylist’s own 


Party On… 

There’s no denying that once October 

rolls around, our thoughts unavoidably 

turn to Christmas. Whether that 

makes you yearn for a whirlwind 

of sparkling parties, or a haven for 

hibernation, the chances are you’ll 

have to show your face at least once 

at a seasonal event - and it’ll probably 

be the office party. 

There’s no reason to freeze your way 

though it; this clever coat can be worn 

grey-sided to work, then magically 

reversed and worn black-side-out, 

over your party dress. Minimal 

additional styling required - simply 

add heels, tassel earrings and a clutch 

and you’re office-party ready in a flash! 

Dress, shoes, earrings and clutch: 

all stylist’s own 

Out of Office 

Autumn is a wonderful time to get 

out into nature and breathe in the 

fresh air. Whether it’s seaside-salty, or 

country-crisp, a long weekend walk 

can do wonders for the overworked 

and the hunched-over (or indeed 

the hung-over)! So grab your wellies, 

trainers or hiking boots, throw 

on a chunky knit and jeans under 

your coat, and make for the great 

outdoors in style. 

Just be sure to have a hot toddy 

awaiting your return to the fireside. 

Top Tips For Selecting A 

Winter Coat 

1. Colour: Although bold, bright, 

statement coats are fun, if you’re only 

making one purchase, then your coat 

ought to complement your wardrobe’s 

predominant colour palette. That’s to 

say, if you mainly wear cool tones - like 

blues, greys, pinks and purples - then 

you should think about a coat in a 

dark grey or black that’ll work with 

these colours. If, however, you favour 

reds, browns and greens, a chocolate 

brown or classic camel may suit your 

wardrobe better. 

2. Fabric: Wool, wool, wool! I’m a huge 

fan of this sustainable, natural fibre. 

Not only is it the cosiest option, but if 

you select a coat with a high enough 

wool content, it will last and last. Wool 

may not be the best choice for a snow 

storm or for horizontal rain, but for 

those cold days, when the wind would 

cut you in two, wool is what you really 

want. 

3. Cut: If you don’t really feel the cold 

too much, a narrow-fitting, tailored 

option may do the trick for you. Throw 

a polo neck underneath and you’re 

good to go. If, like me however, you 

tend to feel the cold, enjoy layering 

and want the option of wearing 

chunky knits beneath your coat, then 

opt for a generously cut, button-free 

wrap coat that can be tied at the back 

for sleeker lines or cinched at the 

waist like a pretty Christmas cracker… 

Jeans, sweater, trainers and bag: all 

stylist’s own. Handmade Reversible 

Herringbone Wool Coat (featured 

throughout), £249, Massimo Dutti 

Nikki Oji is a Personal Stylist and 

Blogger at nikkiojiwears.com 

Follow her Instagram: @nikkiojiwears 


21

The 

Lowdown: 

Fillers & 

Botox 

Barry Lemon, 

Principal Dentist at 

Bluewater Dental 

FILLERS 

What are fillers? The most commonly used fillers are made 

of hyaluronic acid, which is naturally found in the skin. Thanks to its 

ability to store moisture, hyaluronic acid will plump skin and restore 

facial volume. 

What should fillers look and feel like? Subtle and 

natural. Fillers should not only be almost invisible to the eye but done 

correctly, you should not feel filler in the skin. The hyaluronic acid will 

integrate with the skin and simply feel like your own skin, but plumper. 

How long do fillers last? Fillers can last between 6 – 18 

months. 

How much do fillers cost? Fillers can cost anything from 

£250 to several hundred more depending on the amount of filler used 

and the complexity of the area. 

BOTOX 

What is Botox? Botox is actually a trade name for Botulinum 

Toxin. It relaxes the muscle when injected, causing the overlaying skin 

to appear smoother. Most commonly, Botox is requested to reduce 

wrinkles around the forehead, crows feet and frown lines. 

What should Botox look and feel like? The dosage 

of Botox will vary between patients. You can always top up your 

dosage but initially, we believe ‘less is more’ and having a discussion 

with your practitioner beforehand is advised. 

Initially, you may feel a little stinginess or tightness, but this should not 

last very long. 

How long does it last? 4 - 6 months 

What does Botox cost? Clinics will vary but between £250 

- £300 for three areas is standard. 

Who should be carrying out Botox and fillers? 

Botox or filler injections sound simple, but choosing a quality Botox or filler (we use Juvéderm) and injecting the correct amount is paramount 

to achieving a good result. Experience and judgement are key. Therefore, we recommend you see a medical practitioner and check credentials. 

Furthermore, make sure that all procedures take place in a clinical setting to avoid infection. 

For a free facial aesthetics consultation, contact Bluewater Dental on 01505 843 105 or visit www.bluewaterdentist.co.uk for further 

information and contact details. 



Pure Mental 

“You’re a nutter”. Possibly not 

the best turn of phrase to say to 

someone who is, among many other 

massively traumatic life experiences, 

a survivor of The Clutha Disaster, 

and subsequently had a breakdown 

taking him to the brink of suicide... 

By Anna McGeachie 

Before any aspersions are cast, it was used as a term of endearment 

because he kept going and kept going with life, getting up every 

day (he went to work the Monday after The Clutha Disaster – that’s 

tough), functioning but not actually living, trying to hold it together. 

Until eventually he just couldn’t anymore. 

Michael Byrne, founder of LETs, is thankfully still very much alive and 

making the most of every day since being diagnosed with Complex 

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and overcoming a mental breakdown. 

There are, however, many other contributing factors which led 

Michael to breakdown in 2017; abused as a child both physically and 

mentally, watching his parents abuse each other, his father brutally 

murdered, the loss of twins to a miscarriage, and a car crash resulting 

in a head injury which lead to a suspected stroke. It was this car 

crash which generated flashbacks to The Clutha disaster – the 

devastation, the scenes he witnessed, the people he helped pull out 

the rubble, the bloodied bodies and the loss of life. This in turn took 

Michael back to identifying his father’s body after a horrifically brutal 

attack; the only parts of his body not bruised were the soles of his 

feet. 

What followed was a systematic deconstruction of Michael’s private 

and professional life. At the time he was a company director; a 

professional, a family man. He had people around him, friends who 

thought they knew him and a wife and boy who loved and cared for 

him dearly. 

With a manager trying to force Michael out by any means possible, 

rather than helping him and offering his and the company’s support, 

meant that work became yet another trauma to handle on a daily 

basis. Due to Michael’s actions as a result of his illness, and a lack of 

support at work, Michael was eventually suspended. 

To the outsider, Michael’s life had looked ‘normal’, no one would have 

known any better. People avoid speaking about mental health issues 

for fear of embarrassing the sufferer, and the sufferer doesn’t want to 

ask for help for fear of being seen as not coping - and so the cycle goes 

on. This is often intensified for men due to societal pressures about how 

they ‘should’ behave which have been handed down through generations. 

To be ‘the man of the house’, the breadwinner, the protector, the sorter 

outer and fixer of things, not the one who needs fixed, are common 

tropes that in the west of Scotland still hold strong. 

This is where Michael found himself. Luckily he did speak to someone, 

eventually, but only after struggling on for years. This is where his road to 

recovery began. 

Michael has turned his experience into a positive, and is using what he 

has struggled with to help others. He now facilitates a men’s mental health 

support group in Glasgow - ‘Blether With A Brother’. 

In addition he has set up LETs – a company providing a unique and 

bespoke service to improve the mental health of people within the 

workplace. (Thus maximising staff wellbeing , productivity and the return 

on company’s investments.) He has now worked with many companies 

including RBS, Barclays and Zurich Insurance. 

With one in four adults experiencing mental illness at some point in their 

lives, it is not something we should be hiding from or ignoring. It’s time to 

talk and to listen. Especially you menfolk. #LETsTALK 

To find out more: www.facebook.com/livedexperiencetraumasupport 



Forget the Fear 

Megan Briggs talks to INSIGHT Magazine 

on her recent experience captaining the 

Scottish Girls Under 18 golf team. 

Before the legal world was even on the horizon, my passion was 

for that sport with a white ball and metal stick. Often known as 

a good walk spoiled, my experiences of competing and playing 

for Scotland at golf have shaped my personality and, in fact, the 

way I interact with my colleagues and practice law. 

I was fortunate enough to play in some amazing Scottish teams 

and under some fantastic captains, amassing Home International 

wins, a European Team bronze medal and individually becoming 

Scottish Ladies Champion. Today, I no longer compete at that 

level, but keep a handicap of +1 and firmly believe that having 

those experiences has helped me progress, tackle University 

and the working world (I don’t just mean being invited to golf 

matches with clients, although that is a perk!). 

I have recently had cause to reflect on my sporting past, when 

I was honoured to Captain the Scottish Girls Under 18 Team in 

the Home International Matches at Downfield Golf Club near 

Dundee. This was, amongst other things, a stark realisation, 

given that I had just turned 30 and one of my team members 

was 12, that I am no longer one of the young ones! 

Research has shown that one of the main factors holding 

women/girls back from participating in sports is fear. Whether 

this be fear of not being very good, fear of looking out of place, 

or fear of choosing to be active rather than spending time with 

family. 

Fear is no doubt something we can all relate to, whether that be 

at work, in sport or family life. Whilst I had a successful amateur 

sporting career, fear is certainly something I encountered and 

perhaps never fully won the battle with. From the daunting and 

self-conscious prospect of being the only girl at my golf club’s 

junior team matches, to throwing up before junior competitions 

due to the fear of underperforming. I harboured the fear of not 

meeting my full potential throughout my amateur career, and, 

whilst I had great days on the course, travelled to some fantastic 

places and made memories that will last forever, it was certainly 

an obstacle. Ironically, it wasn’t until I started my legal career 

and not able to play and compete as much, that the fear started 

to drift. Perspective perhaps making a welcome appearance. 

Megan Briggs is the current Ladies’ Champion at Kilmacolm Golf Club and is a 

Senior Solicitor (Contentious IP and Technology team) at Burness Paull LLP, Glasgow 

In times when fear was present, it would have been easy to let it take 

over and revert back to my safety zone. Fear can be a great thing if 

you harness it and use it to your advantage, and even better when you 

overcome it. The idea of not worrying or being afraid of something before 

it’s actually happened is a phrase my Dad would consistently remind me 

of, and one I tried to instill in the Under 18 Scotland team. 

So whether it’s taking up a new sport or activity, going for a new job, 

starting a new career or taking on a new challenge, fear is par for the 

course, but it is also an emotion we create ourselves. 

I hope I managed to inspire the girls team and pass on some of the 

knowledge I gained in encountering the fear and trying to overcome it. 

Whether they were disappointed with their result or finished triumphant, 

the girls will draw upon their week in future tournaments, studies or jobs, 

and the fact that they met fear and waved it goodbye. 

Personally, I learnt so much from my time as Captain, not least that we 

can’t let perspective come too late and that Snapchat really is the way all 

under 18s communicate! 

It’s time to get out there and forget the fear! 


All in The Mind... 

By Anna McGeachie 

I have felt for years now, that sometimes life has somehow got the better of 

me. To the point where pretty much everything has become a chore. And 

I have also spent years thinking this is not normal, and berating myself for 

feeling this way. 

To admit you are struggling with your mental health in our insta-perfect 

world takes courage. But there is help to be had. For me it has come in the 

form of hypnotherapy sessions with the brilliant Mo Ferrington. 

Now, I’m pretty sceptical with regards to ‘alternative’ therapies. But these 

sessions have been life changing. Mo listens in the first half of each session, 

to whatever your issue is, why you feel you are that way; she listens quietly 

and without judgement. You feel secure, protected somehow, and at ease 

within the practice walls. 

The second half of the session is dedicated to Mo speaking to your 

subconscious, which is the part that I really thought I would struggle with. 

I’ve come to relish this part. It’s not the kind of hypnosis you see on stage 

where you are made to act like a chicken or something random like that. 

Hypnotherapy isn’t a magic trick. It’s an altered state of consciousness that 

hypnotists induce through the power of suggestion. Hypnotists like Mo use 

relaxation techniques such as key words and guided imagery to help clients 

relax. Then, while in this altered state, the hypnotist will make suggestions 

about changes in behaviour. 

It’s a strange and lovely thing... I am aware of Mo speaking all the time, I 

know exactly what is being said to me, yet afterwards I am not be able to 

recount any one part of it. I feel relaxed and energized all at once. Any 

aches and pains have vanished. It is just a really incredible feeling. 

These days I am able to cope with what life throws at me with a smile on my 

face and calm in my tummy for what feels like the first time in a very, very 

long time. I would urge anyone who is feeling lost, overwhelmed or those 

needing to make positive lifestyle changes to go and speak to Mo. Thank 

you Mo Ferrington from the bottom of my heart. 

For more info: advertizer.wix.com/ferringtons-hypno 


Down to Earth 

Sharon Erskine of Autumn Willow and Studio 8 

Interior Designs, Lochwinnoch gives insight into 

this season’s interior styles. 

In the world of interiors, we bask in the glow of autumn, and we’re in for 

a real treat this AW19. There is a flood of warm, luxurious fabrics, a real 

depth of paint colours, wallpapers and materials from Mother Nature’s own 

doorstep to choose from. Here at Studio 8 we take a holistic approach 

to our design practice and embrace the warmth of this season’s colours. 

Earthy muted tones are increasingly used in our designs. Out with the bling 

and in with calm natural selections from the fabric houses we love and with 

whom we are familiar. The dark hue of Zoffany’s “Huntsman Green” paint 

(below) calms the mind and soothes the soul. 

Nature’s presence in the home is a movement that recurs again and again. 

This autumn, it is not only the colours that are inspired by Mother Nature, 

but the form of the latest furniture and home accessories too. 

Liquid, organic shapes and diverse textures will take focus, providing 

schemes with subtle harmony. Parquet and herringbone have tiptoed 

their way off the floor and have established a very comfortable position 

on to dining and coffee tables, and even wall displays. Dark wood furniture 

perfectly balances the present natural and botanical trends. 

Nude shades give off 

a calming and cosy 

aesthetic, and work 

well particularly in 

living areas. Add a 

woollen throw in a 

neutral tone to your 

sofa or invest in a 

washed cotton duvet 

set to easily achieve 

the trend. 

We, as interior 

designers, are ready 

to embrace this 

season in all her 

natural beauty… 

are you? 


Operating Power 

of Attorney 

Over the past years we’ve helped many clients draw up 

Continuing Powers of Attorney. Along with your will, these are a 

basic building block in helping to manage your affairs. Powers of 

Attorney (PoA) are simply a “must have” and a “first ask” for your 

GP, hospital or hospice if you become unwell. 

At a time when emotions are running high and there’s a lot going 

on in the family, if you have agreed to be Attorney for someone, it’s 

worth taking 5 minutes to help understand what’s involved. 

Once a Power of Attorney has been registered with the Office of 

the Public Guardian – either online or by post - either an online 

or hard copy will be sent out to whoever has registered it, usually 

your solicitor. Certified copies can then be provided to the 

Granter and the Attorney as required to allow the Attorney to 

operate under the deed. 

What does that mean in practice? 

Authority to act under a PoA can be given on registration or be 

triggered by an event such as the Granters incapacity. First off we 

recommend you give a copy of your PoA to your GP for reference. 

That means they will know who has authority to make decisions for 

you if you are unwell. 

If as Attorney you need to operate a bank account or deal with 

insurance you will need to provide a certified copy of the PoA to 

the Bank or other institution. They will want sufficient identification 

to verify who you are and your authority to act for the Granter. 

This takes time to organise and can be frustrating when you have 

to help in a hurry. 

Acting as Attorney means you have obligations to account for 

financial and other actions you may take. You are a specialised 

form of trustee with fiduciary duties to the Granter which means 

you should deal with their affairs and assets in an appropriate way. 

We offer a free consultation to guide you through the do’s and 

don’ts of operating under a Power of Attorney. 

Decide about your 

care and welfare 

Deal with your 

pension 

Manage your 

investments 

Manage your 

business assets 

Manage your bank 

accounts 

WITH A CONTINUING 

AND WELFARE POWER OF 

ATTORNEY YOUR 

ATTORNEY CAN 

Buy and sell property 

on your behalf 

If you would like more information about Powers of Attorney, 

Wills or any of our other services please call us in Kilmacolm on 

01505-874114 or Bridge of Weir 01505-690799 

Email us on mail@kingsleywood.co.uk 

Or visit our website www.kingsleywood.co.uk 

Pay for care 

Pay your bills 

Pay your rent or 

mortgage 

Make tax returns 


E-Waste 

An Evolving Problem 

Our technological growth has surged in the last decade. A more digital 

and connected world accelerates us towards the United Nations 

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and has created a world of 

opportunity, giving us advances in all fields of study and widening 

possibilities. But with this growth has come a sudden rise in e-waste. 

Electronic waste, also known as e-waste, includes computers, laptops, 

monitors, keyboards, copiers, VCRs, fax machines, mobile phones, 

printers, hard drives, stereo equipment, cables and cords, microwaves, 

and more. 

The World Economic Forum reports that we produce around 50 million 

tonnes of e-waste annually around the globe, and the UK ranks in the 

top ten of e-waste producers, along with the USA, France and much 

of Scandinavia. This is a staggering amount of waste. To put it into 

perspective, it’s equivalent to the weight of all of the commercial aircraft 

we have ever built throughout history, or 4,500 Eiffel Towers, enough to 

cover an area the size of Manhattan – and that’s just one year’s worth 

of e-waste. If left unchecked this could more than double to 120 million 

tonnes by 2050. 

Repairability 

Part of the problem is that most of our tech can’t be easily mended, 

which has helped attribute to the throwaway society we find ourselves 

in. Tech companies discourage you from taking gadgets apart to try and 

repair them, for example most phones are almost impossible to pry 

open nowadays. 

Increasing the possibility of repairability wouldn’t be popular with 

manufacturers, especially with EU legislators getting involved to tackle 

the issue and see that key components in tech can be easily repaired 

with standard tools. Production lines might take a hit but manufacturers 

could find new/more business in the repairing and recycling of their 

products. 

Recycling 

Only 20% of global e-waste is formally recycled. That means that the 

remaining 80% is either dumped in landfill sites or incinerated. Urban 

mining also attributes to this. Many thousands of tonnes of e-waste 

around the world are pulled apart by hand or burned by the world’s 

poorest workers. This has a big impact on the worker’s wellbeing and 

creates untold pollution. 


WRAP, the sustainability not-for-profit organisation that focuses on 

recycling and creating a circular economy, reports that the electronics 

industry could prevent 1 million tonnes of waste and save 14 million 

tonnes of CO2 emissions by using resources more effectively. 

Steps for the future 

Conversations have already begun worldwide to tackle this rising 

problem, and the solutions are clear. Better e-waste management 

strategies and green standards are part of this. By coming together 

on a global scale, we can create a sustainable industry that generates 

less waste and focuses on ensuring that our devices are re-used and 

recycled. This would create new forms of employment, economic activity, 

education and trade. 

Already 67 countries have enacted legislation to deal with the e-waste 

they generate. Apple, Google, Samsung and many other brands have set 

ambitious targets for recycling and for the use of recycled and renewable 

materials. Recycle Now has more information about how to recycle 

electronic waste in your area. 

The final part of the equation is to become more aware of our own buying 

habits. It would help if there was a general shift towards making products 

that will last longer than a year or two, rather than leaving us all chasing 

the latest upgrade. 

Changes in the way we use technology are already helping with this but 

action is needed now. The precious minerals and metals used in the 

production of our technology can’t become the new plastic. E-waste is 

not pollution, nor is it waste - it’s a vital resource we are only just starting 

to value in full.

INSIGHT Magazine Issue 5

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