University of Stirling Stirling Minds For Alumni, Staff and Friends 2020/2021

1 Letter from the Director Contents

has adapted at speed despite recognised in the New Year 4 Campus news the knowledge that, like for Honours, becoming the first 8 many businesses, there would Principal at Stirling to be 8 Faculty of Social Sciences be a funding gap. Stirling has knighted whilst in office. The 12 Interview with alumni generations an important role to play in accolade recognised in part providing the solutions to make the positive economic impact 14 Stirling Management School a successful and sustainable the University has had on the recovery and throughout this region over the last decade. 17 Faculty of Arts and Humanities edition there are inspirational These achievements, in such stories of how staff, students an unusual and difficult 22 International focus 17 and alumni have responded to year, are testimony to our 24 Upskilling for the future the pandemic and post-Covid commitment to deliver a world- economic recovery plans – you class education and student 28 Spotlight on research will see there are many reasons experience. to be proud of your association If you have any feedback on 30 Meet the academic with the University. Dear alumni and friends: Stirling Minds or any aspect of 32 Faculty of Natural Sciences In other news, the University the University please contact Welcome to the latest edition 28 moved up 57 places to be me at [email protected]. of Stirling Minds, and a special 36 Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport ranked 18th in the UK National welcome to the most recent Wherever you are in the world, Student Survey and moved up 40 You said: we did cohorts, whose Graduation stay safe, to 28th place in The Guardian ceremonies were postponed. University Guide. The Sports 41 Class notes This year marks my tenth year Centre opened and Campus 47 Tribute to a benefactor at the University and it has Central (an extension to the 47 been a difficult one – socially, atrium) will be completed at 48 Alumni events emotionally and financially. the end of this year. Professor Kerry Bryson Every part of the institution Sir Gerry McCormac was Director for Global Advancement 50 Advancement update

Produced by Advancement: Kerry Bryson; Jennifer Forman (Managing Editor); Fiona McMillan. Keeping in touch Design: Arken Creative Photography: Jenny Beckett; Paul Stuart; Whyler Photos; Ede and Ravenscroft; John McIntyre; Elaine Livingstone; Remember to let us know when you change address! You can do this by completing the form at http://stir.ac.uk/21d Amy Beattie; Alan Peebles; Vikki McCall; Jeff Holmes; David Halliday; Ewan Rawcliffe; Christopher Jackson; Julie MacDonald; Melanie Mitchell and Aaron R Zipp. or by emailing [email protected]. This publication can be made available in different formats. Contact [email protected]. University of Stirling, Stirling, FK9 4LA is recognised as a Scottish Charity with number SC011159.

2 3 Campus news Campus news

Queen’s Anniversary Prize Principal and Vice-Chancellor awarded a second time honoured by knighthood In February 2020 the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall bestowed the UK’s highest academic honour – the Queen’s Anniversary Prize upon the University’s Institute Reflecting on his inclusion in the New Year Honours list, Professor Sir Gerry of Aquaculture, at a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace. The prize was McCormac said he felt very honoured to receive this recognition and is awarded in recognition of the Institute’s pioneering work in one of the world’s indebted to the staff and students whose hard work and dedication have fastest-growing food production sectors in a bid to tackle global hunger. made the University what it is today.

He said: “Stirling is an community. I would like to international presence, and international university with a express my gratitude to all of has led the regeneration of the Congratulations! pioneering spirit and a global those who have supported University estate – including We are delighted to congratulate the following alumni who were reputation for high-quality – and continue to support – new student accommodation, recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours and the New Year’s Honours: teaching and research. Most the University.” the redevelopment of the Professor Muffy Calder OBE, BSc (Hons) Computing Science 1980, importantly, it is a place where world-class sport facilities, and The accolade recognised the Vice-Principal & Head of College of Science & Engineering at University of Glasgow ability – not background – is the ongoing Campus Central contribution the University DBE for services to research and education valued. Our successes are makes to the local and regional development. In addition, he testament to the tireless work Sophie Dunnett, PGCE Tertiary Education 2001, Athletics Coach economy. Today, the University has led the transformation of of our wonderful campus BEM for services to amateur athletics in Scotland generates around £380 million the student experience, with community – our passionate John Loughton, DipHE Politics 2009, CEO Scran Academy per annum for the economy the University ranked top 20 and dedicated staff, our BEM for his services to the community during Covid-19 which was an increase of 90% in the UK in the latest National talented students and our Andrew Miller, BA History 1988, Arts Consultant and Broadcaster on an impact review carried out Student Survey. inspirational alumni. The MBE for services to disability awareness in the cultural industry in 2011. enormous challenges posed He has served as the University’s Eve Muirhead, DUniv 2018, Scottish curler by coronavirus over the past Over the last decade, Professor Principal and Vice-Chancellor MBE for services to curling year have shone a light on the McCormac has overseen since May 2010 and was Patricia Ritchie, BA (Hons) English 1981, CEO of Newcastle City Council togetherness, resilience and a significant improvement elected Convener of Universities CBE for services to local government and to public service reform unwavering support of our in Stirling’s research and Scotland in August 2020.

4 5 Campus news Campus news Research news The University’s reputation for research that makes a difference has positioned us Doors open to £20m on the frontline of the UK’s response to the Covid-19 sports facilities pandemic, and we were awarded over £3.6m across a The new facilities welcomed Members will benefit from “After more than four years number of research projects. their first users at the end enhanced changing facilities in the making, this project of 2020 briefly before the and communal spaces. The has delivered a stunning new The research considered the effects of the country went into another existing 50m swimming pool, complex that will transform virus on society, using our expertise to period of lockdown. six-court indoor tennis courts sport, health and wellbeing at search for answers with impact. Projects and eight-court sports hall the University. The new building includes a include an exploration into the impact of have been integrated into the “The past year has been an the pandemic on vulnerable children and purpose-built studio space, an new building. It’s been kitted incredibly challenging time young people; the nature and number innovative fitness suite with out with top-of-the-range for everyone and we hope, of ambulance call-outs; the impact add-on multi-use studio, a equipment from world-leading when fully operational, the of loneliness and other mental health three-court sports hall, strength brands such as Technogym, new facilities will offer a challenges; and research into the possible and conditioning area, as BLK BOX, Eleiko and Outrace. hugely positive experience for City Region spread of Covid-19 through sewage. well as a new state-of-the- Stirling’s Executive Director of our students, staff and local Latest research shows that the change art high performance suite. Sport, Cathy Gallagher, said: community.” in UK regulation of the AstraZeneca Deal vaccine – recommending an alternative for those under 30 – has had no effect Do Better The University is a central partner of on the general public’s intention to get vaccinated. Stirling economists have Following the death of George Floyd and the emergence of the Black the Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Lives Matter movement, the University’s Art Collection participated warned that fiscal frameworks of UK Region Deal, and is leading on three City in the Scotland-wide Black Lives Matter mural trail created by Wezi devolved governments must be made Deal projects: The National Aquaculture Mhura. more robust in future crises. Technology and Innovation Hub, Alloa-based artist, Suzanne Williams was commissioned and created a As well as rising to the immediate Scotland’s International Environment sculptural piece Do Better, which is designed to highlight those who have challenges presented by Covid-19, we experienced and strived against injustices. Centre and the groundbreaking continue our work to fight against Intergenerational Living Innovation Hub Art Curator Jane Cameron said: “Do Better is designed to make us think tobacco-related harm, feed communities about our thoughts and actions. It is sited at the end of the loch bridge in and Village in Clackmannanshire. These through sustainable aquaculture research the heart of the University campus where it will be passed on a daily basis developments will ensure the University and improve the lives of people with by current students. We hope that the installation will have an impact and continues to be a renowned international dementia. All our research is conducted inspire positive action.” to the highest standards of quality and centre for world-class research. The installation is supported by the University of Stirling, UCU, Students’ integrity, allowing us to support and Union, the Macrobert Arts Centre and a number of individual donors. Read more at http://stir.ac.uk/5xc. improve life across the world. For more information visit http://stir.ac.uk/5xf or to donate please contact [email protected] or [email protected]. 6 7 Faculty of Social Sciences

The project has been awarded £1.6m through the UK Research A new home for Designing homes & Innovation’s healthy ageing challenge, part of the Social, mentorship for healthy Behavioural and Design No part of the University was unaffected by the Research Programme. The consequences of Covid-19, and the impact of lockdown project will feed directly into an was felt particularly keenly by students with mandatory cognitive ageing Intergenerational Living project placement requirements, including our Housing students. To and the City Region Deal for address this, course coordinator Dr Vikki McCall introduced The old saying ‘time waits for no one’ is Stirling and Clackmannanshire, an elegant solution – professional mentorship. providing groundwork for local certainly true with one in 12 people in Housing programme – a housing developments. The testament to the calibre of the UK now over the age of 75. By 2040, challenge is to innovate and Stirling graduates in the field. it will be one in seven. Predictions are scale up products and services that one third of children born today that will help people as they Dr McCall said: “The will reach their 100th birthday and get older, and this project is postgraduate internship that half of everyone aged 65 will vital if we are to future-proof placements are a key element of building student experience housing to meet the needs of live the rest of their lives with a and knowledge with employers. the world’s ageing population. disability. Making the personal and CIPFA, RICS Scotland, the informal links into the housing We need to find sustainable therefore a longer healthy, Housing LIN, Mediva (a medical Institution of Civil Engineers sector and having those ‘water- solutions on how we can remain independent life in one’s own consultancy in Japan), the UK- Scotland and other professional active, productive, independent home. Our partners include Japan international network cooler’ conversations is an bodies will use the research and socially connected for as Robertson Group, Construction on Designing for Ageing extra challenge for students at findings to develop CPD long as possible. Professor Scotland Innovation Centre, and Dementia, Stirling and the moment due to Covid-19, programmes for their members. Alison Bowes is leading a team Faithful and Gould, Holmes Clackmannanshire Councils, so linking our graduating and of experts at the University on Miller Architects, Inch BoKlok/IKEA and Silviahemmet, If you are 50+ and would like current placement students to to find out more contact key professionals in the sector a major new research project to Architecture, Space Group, a foundation established by the Twenty four mentors joined [email protected]. helps career development and design and build virtual and real Kingdom Housing Association, Queen of Sweden. the programme to share demonstrator houses as test- building those important informal invaluable knowledge gained beds for innovations to support networks. The housing sector from their work in the is incredibly supportive of the healthy cognitive ageing. sector. The students benefit University and our students, and The designs will be evaluated from real world experience, the enthusiasm and motivation of by older people – using virtual upholding the commitment mentors has been amazing.” reality developed by Stone to professionalism which is In another triumph for the Paper Scissors – in collaboration embedded in the course. Housing programme, the with builders, architects and Students discuss a range University’s graduate trainee housing providers to identify of contemporary issues programme in partnership with practical, realistic and affordable and challenges with skilled Kingdom Housing Association designs that can support practitioners during the was shortlisted for a Chartered healthy cognitive ageing, and mentorship programme, and Institute of Housing Scotland most of these mentors are award for “Excellence in Pictured from left to right: alumni of the University’s working in partnership”. Volunteer Ro Pengelly, Professor Alison Bowes, volunteer Jean Contact [email protected] about becoming a Gibson and Dr Grant Gibson housing mentor.

8 9 Faculty of Social Sciences Faculty of Social Sciences

receptionists, cleaners in schools, supporting them with their unintended consequence. the people doing maintenance self-discovery, aspiration and Our goal was to drop off the for housing associations and local ambition. boxes, but we started so many authorities to have an awareness conversations and connections of trauma. How they interact and The Crafty Kids initiative with people who were isolated. communicate with the people has been a lifeline to local Also, we could plug them into using their services changes families struggling to other services like foodbanks based on trauma awareness – keep kids entertained, and financial support. We’ve being trauma-informed changes motivated and creative delivered 3,300 boxes so far. how you see things. If someone this year – can you tell us The growth of Crafty Kids has presents at reception shouting about the impact? also meant that people who and swearing, we don’t think As the pandemic hit, we were involved in our projects what’s wrong with them, but could see organisations pre-Covid could also get paid what happened to them? This supporting people with for their time, and very quickly Shumela Ahmed simple shift removes so much food, and we wanted to do we started giving four people Access Course 2013, BA (Hons) Journalism Studies and Politics 2017 and judgement. something similar with crafting part time work. Organisations PGDip Tertiary Education with TQFE 2018 materials for children. We have started coming to us asking RLP are introducing the for boxes for young people in Co-Founder, Resilience Learning Partnership (RLP) spoke to Clackmannanshire TIER programme this year Third Sector Interface, and their area, which is helping us – what’s involved in that? the Chief Executive, Anthea keep people in employment and What brought you to this is our second purpose – our their experiences, and don’t Trauma Informed Education Coulter, supported us with makes it a sustainable model – Stirling? facilitators, educators and project have to be defined by them. and Recruitment (TIER) is a start-up funding. From there, we give away a box for every six month programme that’s I’d moved to Dunblane from leads all have lived experience as Lived experience is being used it snowballed! We gained one we sell. one full day a week and is Glasgow a couple of years well as the relevant academic or in more meaningful ways. coverage on completely co-produced by me previously, and my best friend professional skills needed to fulfil Take the Care Review – I sat social media, and eight other facilitators – said “you’ve got a uni just up their roles. Where people might on that, and it was a really local and seven of whom are third year the road, you really should try not be at the stage of holding different way of undertaking national media, Stirling students! These are an access course.” I was taught those qualifications yet, we’ve a review. There were 140 care and pulled in students with lived experience, by amazing academics, such as found new, innovative ways of experienced people involved, more funding. and we’ve co-produced this Kevin Brosnan, so there was no working directly with them to 14 working groups, each co- based on our own experiences We have a nice other option for me other than develop their skills. chaired by someone with lived of being adult returners, big space in our more study! The education and experience and a professional, A growing area of work for us is and the barriers we faced base, letting us the campus community meant and sometimes by a professional trauma-informed policy design along the way. Our goal is for socially distance that for the first time in my with lived experience. This consultation. We co-authored participants to have a place at and assemble life, I felt a sense of belonging, movement is growing and the National Trauma Training Forth Valley College, the Stirling the boxes. We something I had never felt is so much more than just Plan with NHS Education for access course, or be in further had an army anywhere else before. participation and consultation – Scotland and we work with training leading to meaningful of volunteers we’re way beyond that. This is Can you tell us about your organisations to implement employment, and we’re working on furlough true co-production. organisation, RLP? those recommendations and with these institutions and who helped I always describe us as an requirements. It’s a huge piece Why are you so passionate Clackmannanshire Council to with delivery organisation with a dual of work which will take years about trauma-informed do this. We’ll have 12 people – and we purpose: first to provide learning, to be fully realised, but it’s so services? in each cohort and we’re found another development and training significant to be starting this Trauma-informed services bring journey. services for professionals across down barriers of engagement. YouTube channel http://stir.ac.uk/5xi. For more information http://stir.ac.uk/5x3. health, criminal justice, social We show that people with It’s so important to have people Visit our blog for our full interview http://stir.ac.uk/5x6. care and education. How we do lived experience are more than like dental receptionists, doctors’

10 11 Interview with alumni generations Interview with alumni generations Alumni families

Stirling may be a youngster on the UK higher education scene, but we’re growing up fast, and delighted to see younger generations following in their parents’ footsteps.

Pictured from left to right: Jordan, Scott and Blair Scott at the Sports Union Ball in 1980

graduation I carefully selected over the years. To this day, I still Meet the my graduate placement – I’ve get that same ‘buzz’ when I Haldanes been with the firm ever since. attend meetings on campus as I did the very first time I came Scott BA (Hons) Best memory? to Stirling. Accountancy 1981 Scott: Trying to throw the late, Blair: I have returned three Blair BSc (Hons) great John Martyn out from the times to do a guest lecture Alice and Pat Pat on her graduation day Environmental Geography/ refectory thinking he was trying spot for the Education Professional Education 2008 to sneak in, only to be told he programme to hopefully inspire solvent, though I can remember – sharing a bathroom and was actually the headline act Jordan BAcc (Hons) teachers in training for life in Meet the buying clothes and albums kitchen with 18 other people. that night. Or roadying for Accountancy 2010 the profession. Best advice I when I got my grant cheque I remember travelling to the Simple Minds and Siouxsie and Ritchies got was “do a job you love and (including my first Bruce University, frightened of the the Banshees – and I got paid to Pat BA (Hons) English 1981 Why Stirling? you’ll never work a day in your Springsteen bootleg in pink unknown, but as soon as I met do it. Excellent! And playing for Alice BA (Hons) Professional Scott: I remember the day life.” vinyl!). I was part of the first the other people in my halls, the University first 11 football Education (Primary) with vividly. It rained when I visited intake to Geddes Hall and I including my boyfriend, I felt team. Younger alums: will a specialism in Early Years Glasgow and Strathclyde and thought it was luxurious. I’d a huge sense of relief – I knew there be a 3rd generation 2017 it was a glorious day when I Favourite student meal? never had my own room, it I would be okay. My favourite coming to Stirling? came to Stirling. As I walked Scott: Anything from a Vesta was warm and I didn’t have to spot was a picnic by the loch – Alice: Never say never! Why Stirling? across the bridge towards the cardboard box. fight my siblings for hot water. I wish I could go back and visit Pat: I was the first in my residencies, I knew I belonged. Blair: With two kids now, Greatest privilege was to be more. Blair: Chicken kievs and chips family to go to university I certainly hope so. The taught by Norman MacCraig Blair: I chose Stirling as my dad with brown sauce. and was offered a place at never tired of telling me how decision will be theirs but I – I still have my essays with his Favourite student meal? Jordan: Chilli – easy to whip up Edinburgh and Stirling. I wanted brilliant it was. Also the campus will recommend Stirling and handwritten comments. I was Pat: My Auntie Norma’s cheese and plenty left over for lunch somewhere different and life and the football – two will fill their heads with as a panellist at an Innovation & and onion bridies. She would the next day. Stirling was modern and edgy – things I was looking for in my many positive stories as I can! Excellence event on Housing send me off at the beginning of and when I visited the campus I University experience! Jordan: Absolutely! My wife during the 50th birthday every semester with a big box How are you involved was hooked. The best decision went to Stirling too and loved celebrations – being in Pathfoot of them, I was very popular at Jordan: Stirling had a great with the University today? I’ve ever made. I made the best it. If my daughters ask me again brought back memories the start of term. reputation for accountancy and Scott: I’ve been a member of friends of my life and six of us, for advice I know where to of Echo and the Bunnymen, finance, and I found the subject University Court since 2012 and all women, are still in touch. Alice: Macaroni cheese and recommend. Simple Minds and the ‘All to be wide and varied. After have really enjoyed ‘giving back’ curly fries from the Students’ Nighter’. Hardships or memories? Union – cheap and delicious. Read the full interviews at http://stir.ac.uk/5x6. Pat: I was lucky to get a full Alice: My first year in Murray A close second was an egg and We’d love to hear from other generations so contact us at [email protected]. grant and was reasonably Hall was a shock to the system tattie scone roll.

12 13 Stirling Management School

Introducing the Inaugural University of Stirling National recognition, Management School Entrepreneur-in-residence local recovery Stirling Minds caught up with Honorary Professor Scott Brady to ask him about this new role.

Throughout the pandemic, Stirling Management School (SMS) has worked in partnership But in practice, it’s been much Entrepreneurship, Employability with Strathclyde Business School and The Hunter Foundation on ways to help Scottish SMEs more than that: the creation and Personal Finance) has to survive and thrive beyond Covid-19. Professor Kevin Grant and his team have extended of the role has been a call to a community platform to action for aspiring student nurture the skills and talents the Scottish scale-up project and supported our local business community through popular and alumni entrepreneurs to of future leaders. I support applied consultancy projects, their business sanctuary approach and with the support of our engage with the University’s and encourage seminars and entrepreneur-in-residence. Innovation and Enterprise frequent interactions wholly programmes that are focussed on developing our already well established and students. I and other guest Calling all local SMEs delivering tangible results. I speakers share our journeys UK Government’s flagship “SMEs are the backbone of our often signpost individuals to and knowledge to the society business recovery programme. economy and the last year has the Enterprise Programme members. The essence of a which supports those seeking successful story of past success Announced by Chancellor Rishi been really tough for them. business start-up and skills- will foster future successes. LEEP Sunak, the programme is part This is a valuable opportunity development. My role is to creates that future for Stirling.” of a £520 million initiative for small firms who want nurture these pathways. which will support 130,000 to re-evaluate the way they Scott Brady is a successful SMEs and boost productivity by operate, expand, upskill and “I came to Stirling because businessman with extensive international experience. He is providing access to one-to-one help strengthen the local I had identified keen researchers, committed Managing Director of ecos and support and training from the economy. Through a mix of leaders, innovative SB Global HR and Legal LLP. He UK’s top business schools. online teaching, masterclasses programmes and strong also sits on the SMS Business and interactive sessions, this SMS is one of only two “The brief is to use my values of delivering the Advisory Board. training programme will help business schools in Scotland experience to support and best range of programmes For more information or to business leaders to develop to have the Small Business counsel staff, students and I’ve seen in Scotland. For be a guest speaker contact leadership and management Charter – accreditation needed doctoral researchers with an example, the student Fiona McMillan via skills and provide them with to lead the programme. The interest in entrepreneurship. society LEEP (Leadership, [email protected]. training is 90% funded by the the knowledge, tools and UK Government reducing the confidence to implement cost per participant to £750. change and adopt new and Star Marketing Student of the SMS will offer a 12-week improved business practices.” Professor Kevin Grant, Dean programme, designed to allow Open to SMEs who have been Year 2020 of SMS, speaking at an alumni participants to complete it in operation for at least a year Holly Millward (BA Hons Business Studies and Marketing 2020), won event in China in 2019 alongside full time work, which and employing between five the award at the prestigious Marketing Society Awards – the third will help senior management and 250 staff members, the Stirling student to triumph in the competition in recent years. The University is supporting boost their business’ programme represents Stirling’s As part of her prize, Holly entered into a three-month paid internship at small and medium sized performance, resilience, and commitment to supporting Edrington-Beam Suntory UK (E-BS), and then secured a role as their Marketing enterprises in the Forth Valley long-term growth. local recovery. Graduate in the Insights & Reporting Team. Holly told us that she was very region through a management Acknowledging the need for The courses will start in June grateful for the Marketing Society’s Star Award and the support of E-BS and training programme as targeted recovery support, 2021. To book your place, visit the University – “entering the world of work as a graduate is challenging at the best of times and was (especially so) with the added difficulties presented by part of Help to Grow, the Professor Kevin Grant said: http://stir.ac.uk/5xl. Covid-19, and the impact it has had on the job market.”

14 15 Stirling Management School Faculty of Arts and Humanities Dan Brown, BA (Hons) Retail Marketing 2014 Position: President, Scottish Grocers’ Federation (SGF)

always been easy! You have to What’s next for you, Dan? make sure you have the right At Lothian Stores the goal is to people around you and not redefine convenience retailing. be afraid to ask your team or We’re hoping to create a model extended network for help. From an early age Dan Brown that allows us to do so and then worked alongside his father in How did your studies at hopefully get a few more stores various different convenience Stirling prepare you for a under our belt using the same stores. After graduating, he career in retail? model. Within my role at the completed his store manager ‘Learning to learn’ was a phrase SGF, I hope to ensure that the training at Scotmid Co- that my lecturers used and at opportunities are there for every operative. In 2018 he became the time I found the phrase retailer to be able to do the same. Managing Director for Lothian somewhat annoying! However, How do you like to unwind Stores Ltd, who operate Nisa this was actually one of the Pinkie Farm Convenience Store most useful things I learned – when you’re not working? Unwinding is an incredibly in Musselburgh. He has the you have to be able to question important part of life and I’ve distinction of being the youngest something, have the ability to only just discovered this in the President of SGF. research it and then confidently make fact-based decisions, last year or so – and in finding Congratulations on all whilst trying to hit tight the time to spend on other winning the Scottish deadlines and budgets. interests, I’ve found myself Grocer Innovation Award. 10x more productive when I How did you achieve this? How have you coped in the last year? am at work. Being involved in Pandemics: then and now We improved the customer busy shops and offices all day The main challenge has been experience at Nisa Pinkie makes it difficult to clear your adapting to a more digital Across the world Covid-19 has created unprecedented social and Farm Convenience Store by head and take time to reflect. world and overcoming various incorporating a kitchen in-house economic challenges. To the historian, however, the challenges of different technical issues. Exploring the silence of the – our chef makes meals for contagion, curfews and travel restrictions are all too familiar. Covid-19 has had an impact outdoors allows me to relax and customers using products that on networking as so many keep a steady head. we sell in the store. We also use helpful conversations come local suppliers, customers like Do you have any advice Professor Richard Oram, empowering local authorities ‘lockdown’, with restrictions put from physically being out and to know the origin of their food for Stirling students? Dean of the Faculty, has to take all necessary steps in place across Scotland during integrating with others. and how it’s been prepared. Make the most of it! The real- been highlighting many of to ‘staunch’ the epidemics times of plague, dating back to Finally, we constantly seek Who do you most admire world hits you hard and fast. I the comparisons through his – years before Henry VIII’s earlier government acts passed ways to improve: how can we and why? rushed through my four years excellent contributions to the government did the same in in Edinburgh in 1499. These tell the story through digital My father – always. He taught and if I could do them again, I James I: King of Scotland blog. England. limited the movement of people Richard positions Scotland and goods and called for the platforms and how can we me from an early age to face would definitely involve myself Dogs, pigs and children make the shopping experience everything with a can-do attitude in more of the extra-curricular as one of the most advanced closure of spaces where people By examining burgh council faster. We’ve won quite a few and has provided me with the opportunities and fully northern European states gathered – including schools. records, Richard has found other awards too. It’s been a lot encouragement and support to do interrogate the knowledge and by passing basic legislation He notes: “along with school- extensive evidence of of hard work – I can’t say it’s so no matter how big the challenge. experience of my lecturers. between 1456 and 1462 closures came the instruction 16 17 Faculty of Arts and Humanities Faculty of Arts and Humanities that all children under the age of 15 were to remain indoors, along with dogs and pigs, revealing the three main groups believed to be the most likely vectors of disease transmission through their common attraction to filth!” Hefty fines and death penalties for breaking the rules Edinburgh was a community dependent on trade, but the fear of contagion was so severe that the councillors, Then: image of graveyard in Edinburgh Now: city streets during lockdown who were all leading merchants themselves, from Leith, Kirkcaldy, Dysart was devoted to religious group festivities and general restrictions have slowed the For more insights to the life and effectively stopped the flow and Burntisland. Glaswegians arrangements. One of the excess of celebrations. spread of Covid-19. A historian times of King James 1 including of goods to and from towns were prohibited to travel might argue that it is simply acts extended the King’s Our collective experiences a link to the blog and a plan to and districts, even where under pain of death to those protection to clergy who the enforcement of centuries- over the last year would show old policies that were known discover the lost tomb of King James infection was just ‘suspected’. places. They believed that breached quarantine rules to that social distancing and to work. visit http://stir.ac.uk/5xo. In a step which echoes recent Edinburgh itself was largely conduct services in the hopes restrictions on commerce, plague free, so Glaswegians that divine intervention would they suspended Edinburgh’s could travel to there if they staunch the spread of plague. markets and halted all trading had secured a testimonial from Like all diseases, plague was within the burgh. Again, when the council that they were believed to be a scourge sent Expert governance for Scotland’s environmental future we think of the identified risks ‘clean’ of disease. On their by God to punish humanity for of transmission of Covid-19 return, they were required to its sins, a spiritual malaise that Leading environmental law enforcement gaps following from one infected person present another statement manifested itself externally in expert Dr Annalisa Savaresi the UK’s departure from the within a larger group, in from the bailies of Edinburgh the corruption of the victim’s has been appointed to serve European Union. crowded or confined spaces, to the council in Glasgow body. Prayers and devotions as a member of the board of When fully established as these steps are now very to prove that they were still were believed to be a more Scotland’s new environmental a statutory body, ESS will familiar in the modern world. ‘clean’. Reciprocally, no-one certain cure than prophylactics body – Environmental monitor and investigate public Standards Scotland (ESS). A century later, Glasgow’s from Edinburgh was to be or any medical treatment. authorities’ compliance with 1574 enactments are a received into Glasgow without Religious practice remained Dr Savaresi is a renowned environmental law and will be chilling record of a very a testimonial; those who tried a feature of plague control expert in climate change vested with powers to secure local response to epidemic faced a hefty £10 fine (which measures in Scotland to the law and the interplay public authorities’ compliance. within a community that felt equates to c. £4,300 in 2020 mid-seventeenth century, with between human rights and Dr Savaresi said: “I am delighted beleaguered and fearful of currency)! every epidemic outbreak being environmental law, with to have been selected to serve ‘what was happening out Places of worship were accompanied by instructions extensive experience working in one of the most important there’. Glasgow’s councillors included in the most recent from the King’s council for a with international and non- public bodies set up in Scotland identified ‘suspect places’ lockdown rules and this was re-application of the 1456 act governmental organisations. since the devolution settlement. where they knew plague was also a concern in the past. A and the enforcement of a strict Launched in January 2021, I look forward to working already raging and barred considerable amount of detail regime of prayer, fasting and ESS is tasked to ensure the with the ESS Board to support entry to Glasgow for all folk in the 1456 act of parliament abstinence from sexual activity, effectiveness of environmental Scotland’s environmental law in Scotland and prevent ambitions.”

18 19 Faculty of Arts and Humanities Faculty of Arts and Humanities

Reinterpreting through radar – Michael Hines the secrets of Dunfermline Abbey BA (Hons) Film & Media 1989 Michael Hines (centre) with Ford Kiernan (left) and Greg Hemphill

Led by University historian Dr Michael Penman, an innovative three-year project Position: Television and film director with the Abbey Church of Dunfermline, Fife Council and Historic Environment What made you choose Are you missing Jack a cubicle and all the noise of the Scotland used ground-penetrating radar to study Dunfermline Abbey. The Stirling? and Victor? instruments etc. It’s hysterical. It was the only university that Ha! I miss the banter and the results allowed the team to create a speculative plan of the lost medieval choir – I note that you’re also a an area left ruinous following the Protestant Reformation in 1560. offered me a place to do English great fun we had filming but and Education at the time. I’d not standing outside in Maryhill celebrant! That sounds so rewarding – tell us more? This allows visitors to re- Bruce’s remains. However, century ‘anthropomorphic’ lead foolishly applied elsewhere to in the rain waiting for a couple I’ve been a humanist celebrant envisage the medieval church combining our radar evidence shroud in quite a shallow, crude do Computing Science – a very of neds to stop shouting “Ya couple of fannies” at us. for a few years, it’s such a lovely as a whole, with many elite with measurements taken grave slot. daft move! by local historian Ebenezer privilege to be able to marry tombs and a symmetrical “Through this study, we also What was it like doing the Henderson in 1854, raises the Who was your favourite couples. I don’t do many but it’s pilgrimage ambulatory arranged found potential evidence of stage show? likelihood that the position of lecturer? a lovely thing to do. in veneration of a northern Lady the existence of double tombs, Terrifying at first! On TV you can this original gravesite was too I took music in the first semester Chapel and the east-end shrine and it could also have been the do another take if something close to the screened high altar and there was this bonkers What have you read over of Scottish queen, St Margaret case that Bruce was originally messes up, but here you have for it to have been the original brilliant Music lecturer called the last year that you’d (d.1093). The combination of buried within the northern to trust the cast to fly with it. I’d burial site. Otto Karolyi who made a real recommend to us? cutting-edge radar technology central presbytery of the choir, not really directed stage before, “One possibility is that this site impact on me. I’ve not chosen A Stirling alumna, Sara Evans, and archival evidence also together with his Queen, so to be directing a 10,000 was a ‘rescue’ burial by monks any single Film and Media has written a wonderful book raised questions about the true Elizabeth de Burgh.” seater arena and the seven lecturer as that would be unfair! about lions called When The who reportedly stayed on at cameras for the big screens gravesite of Bruce, Robert I King Dunfermline was founded Dunfermline until around 1580, simultaneously was a big task, Last Lion Roars. It’s melancholy of Scots (1306-29). as a priory before becoming Congratulations on the in defiance of the Reformation, but I loved it and each of the but deep-felt. Dr Penman said: “In 1818, an abbey under David I, and BAFTA for Outstanding and who perhaps saved these three shows we did stuff you’d architect William Burn ultimately a royal mausoleum Contribution! What was it remains after a box tomb was never be able to do on TV. What do you have uncovered a grave and a lead- destroyed. That would explain – some of Scotland’s most like to receive such an planned for the future? encased skeleton, which was why this skeleton was found famous monarchs have been accolade? Which was your favourite I’ve just signed a deal for a very generally accepted as being covered in a late 16th- or 17th- laid to rest in the grounds. Enormously proud – BAFTA Chewin’ the Fat sketch? exciting project that will take awards are for excellence in the The one that makes me laugh me six months of next year so industry, and to be recognised by every time is where the One- I’m looking forward to that. Learn more about the project at http://stir.ac.uk/5xr. your peers for the body of work Man Band tries to go to the I’ll let you know more about it (Still Game in this case) was lovely. toilet. Greg Hemphill backs into when I can! 20 21 International focus International focus

awaiting transfer to the Department for International Cooperation, went to Zambia and worked on STI and AIDS prevention programmes, says: “There is enormous satisfaction in helping poor people live better lives.” Mimosa Hedberg (pictured far left) was selected, out of several hundred applicants, for an and ethical dilemmas, to say Mathilde Ligneau (pictured internship with United Nations what we would actually do when above) went from Stirling Office for Project Services in disaster strikes.” to UNHCR (the UN Refugee Myanmar, working on health The Rt Hon Sir George Agency) in Geneva and then to projects, mainly anti-malaria Reid is a former MP, MSP Jordan, working for the Syria and work against tuberculosis. and Presiding Officer of the mission. Now running a $14m She now is based in Nepal with Scottish Parliament. Between programme for displaced people Finnish development cooperation Westminster and Holyrood, he in the Democratic Republic of organisation Felm. She says: “The worked for 12 years in wars and Spotlight on humanitarian careers Congo, she says: “The MSc Stirling module was crucial in disasters worldwide. Since his programme gave me a complete launching my career. Sir George retirement from politics, he has overview of humanitarian action.” didn’t just teach theory. He engaged in conflict resolution in Where can a Stirling degree take you? Worldwide into conflict and disasters. Tanaka Musakambeva (pictured challenged students, in actual Bangsamoro, the Caucasus and Ten Stirling graduates are working for victims of war and disaster in some of right), now a UK civil servant case studies impacted by politics Moldova/Transnistria. the most difficult places on earth. They are caring for traumatised the MSc International Conflict routes into a career in New Global Management programme launched in China refugees from the conflict and Cooperation programme. humanitarian work,” says Sir The Stirling Management School in Syria; managing projects George. “Managing relief “Humanitarian action is not and University of Chinese for displaced people in the for the faint hearted,” he said. and rehabilitation projects, Academy of Social Sciences Democratic Republic of Congo; “The module is all about testing healthcare, conflict resolution, (UCASS) have launched a new working on malaria prevention theory against actual case human rights, advocacy, global Doctor of Management (DMan) programmes in Myanmar; studies. It’s about how to care warming, communication and programme in Beijing. bringing clean water to the for the most vulnerable people governance. The programme aims to develop people of the Punjab; building on earth. And accepting that “No matter how good you are top level managerial talent for UCASS Programme Management and Academic Teams resilience in earthquake zones; you may have to eat goat meat academically, however, you a global economy whilst also and advocating safe sex in for ten days in a row, while need people-to-people skills. approved by the Chinese expected to conduct research on being in tune with local needs, Uganda and Zimbabwe. scratching heat rash and finding One student – teetering on Ministry of Education in many a novel aspect of management conditions and perspectives, Professorial Fellow Sir George sand in the most unlikely parts the border of a re-sit – simply years, indicating a high regard and to make an original and will be delivered by leading Reid – former Director of Public of your body.” got on a plane, knocked doors for University of Stirling awards contribution to knowledge in academics from both institutions. Affairs of the International Red The module offers one-to- and volunteered. But he could in this overseas market. their field of professional practice. Cross/Red Crescent in Geneva – one coaching on placements fix a broken water pipeline The DMan is the first of its kind It can be completed part- Alumni in China interested in the has taught the UK’s first module in the United Nations and or rundown radio system. to be delivered in partnership in time over three to five years programme should contact Miya in Humanitarian Action for six international aid agencies. He went on to run a relief China and the first professional depending on the participants’ Wang on 13810619620 or register years at the University as part of “There are many different programme in Gaza.” doctoral programme to be pace of learning. Students will be via http://stir.ac.uk/5xu.

22 23 Upskilling for the future Upskilling for the future

Pam Crawford the problems unique to each (MBA 2012) pictured with organisation. Thomas Tierney (BA Hons Programme Director Dr Mario Business Studies 2017) Kolberg (pictured) said: “We are delighted at the response to the launch of our BSc Graduate Apprenticeship in Data Science, and we welcome those students who have joined us. The launch is timely and will upskill and develop apprentices in the workplace, ready to make a positive impact in their company and the Scottish economy.” This first cohort includes employability experience to apprentices from the Student students, and they also make a Loan Company, Abellio, hugely positive impact on the Developing and several local authorities organisation. However, with amongst others. Apprentice Covid restrictions bringing new James McKenna from Scottish challenges to employers and careers Fire and Rescue said: “As a preventing students accessing full-time employee whose last workplaces, the University experience of further education quickly had to introduce virtual was over 12 years ago, this GA alternatives. programme has been a fantastic Pam Crawford, Head of the opportunity. I applied to further Careers and Employability my knowledge, skills and Service said: “University staff, confidence as a Data Analyst. students and our contacts in The programme’s flexible and business have responded in The need for the University to play its part in the economic recovery, address fees covered by Scottish collaborative approach to such a positive, innovative and the skills gaps in industry, and ensure we have employer-ready graduates, has Government funding, this learning, along with the support agile manner to the introduction never been more important. new programme provides an of my employer, has allowed me of virtual placements, projects attractive and cost-effective to study and attend classes with and internships. Home working route for organisations to minimal impact on my day-to-day actually opened up opportunities Microcredentials – in critical areas, improving New BSc Graduate upskill their existing workforce job. I have also enjoyed being for students and businesses go further faster workplace competencies Apprenticeship in or recruit motivated new welcomed as a full member of to work more flexibly without and supporting career the University of Stirling.” This year the University Data Science talent. Spending 80% of their location or geography being a advancement. Hundreds barrier. We aim to offer virtual launched a series of free The Faculty of Natural Sciences time in the workplace and of places were available to Virtual placements, real opportunities as an alternative online short courses to meet has welcomed the first students 20% engaged in study, our individuals living in Scotland to experience to traditional placements and the needs of people wanting to its flagship Graduate apprentices learn to collect, undertake courses in project hope to engage more businesses to develop their careers and Apprenticeship (GA) programme. manage and analyse big, fast- Industry placements and work- management, data analytics, employers looking to upskill moving data, while solving based projects provide valuable globally to work with us.” and leadership in the age of GAs are an innovative new their workforce. AI. The upskilling project was learning model designed in Microcredentials are short supported by the Scottish collaboration with industry to For a discussion about the benefits of GAs, hosting a student internship or placement or engaging courses which deliver specialist Funding Council’s Upskilling blend academic and work- a student in a consultancy project, email Fiona McMillan on [email protected]. knowledge and develop skills Fund. based education. With tuition

24 25 Spotlight on research Spotlight on research

benefits to policy, business and environment will be at the heart circular and blue economies Black Sea communities. of decision making. The approach and marine-based solutions Real change can only be will facilitate and encourage and technologies. brought about by the close buy-in from external investors and The DOORS legacy will be to €9m Horizon funded project to cooperation between science, stimulate enterprise to support ensure the Black Sea is highly policy and industry. DOORS the Green Recovery and Blue valued by creating a culture will engage stakeholders from Growth opportunities. The aims of opportunity between clean up the Black Sea inception, share knowledge are growth and job creation in environment, inclusion and and best-practice and work on the marine and maritime sector in economic growth. Stirling’s Can the planet’s most resources. It is supplied by major consortium, involving the co-developing and co-creating the Black Sea region, prioritising research and impact continue polluted sea be saved? rivers including the Danube, collaboration of 37 partners innovation action across the the sustainable development of to ensure our planet is solutions and those companies Fish stocks and species diversity Dnieper and the watersheds of – including the University key actors. Challenges will be better tomorrow than it was oriented towards zero-polluting, in the Black Sea are under severe many countries drain into the of Stirling – will combine its turned into opportunities and the yesterday. regional knowledge with stress as a result of decades of sea beyond the six that share Pictured on page 26, DOORS bid team from left to right: Carlos Loureiro, Kerry Bryson, Armando state-of-the-art capability in: human-induced pressures from its coast. In order to address Marino, Professor Andrew Tyler, Peter Hunter and Evangelos Spyrakos (not pictured but very much marine science and observation; pollution and eutrophication, and reverse the environmental part of the team). The bid was led by Professor Adrian Stanica, Director of GeoEcoMar in Romania and modelling; social and economic the impacts from which have impacts, there needs to be a Honorary Professor at Stirling. It was also supported by BT and members of the alumni family including studies; Blue Growth and been compounded further by common understanding across Chancellor Lord Jack McConnell, wildlife presenter Gordon Buchanan, creative director Michael Rea and entrepreneurship; societal climate change. countries of the problems and BAFTA award-winning cameraman Doug Allan. engagement and environmental The water quality deteriorated then a framework to effect real stewardship. The €9m project, to such an extent that many behavioural change across the entitled Developing Optimal wondered whether the Black Black Sea’s complex geo-political and Open Research Support Sea might become the first and governance landscape. (DOORS) for the Black Sea, has major sea devoid of life. Despite An international research secured funding from Horizon the fragility of its ecosystem, if team from 17 countries, led 2020. It will bring together managed effectively the Black by Romania, with detailed existing fragmented monitoring Sea can recover and present knowledge of the whole Black efforts, deliver state-of-the important regional Blue Growth Sea Region and its needs is art observation capability, opportunities for the economies embarking on a new project engage individuals through of the Black Sea countries. to develop an optimised open citizen science and provide a The Black Sea is bordered by research support system for harmonized ‘fit for purpose’ Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, the Black Sea and create a information system and capacity Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine framework to overcome the building framework. The aim with a rich cultural heritage, barriers to advancing the is to ensure it is valued by the biodiversity and natural Blue Growth agenda. The users because it maximises

26 27 Spotlight on research Spotlight on research

Helping elephants tackle climate change

In 1980, Caroline Tutin, also meticulously documented and she predicted some In 2020, Stirling and Gabonese body condition drops. Current students working on all of these a University researcher month by month the forest’s significant effects of global partners published a paper in research is concentrating on issues, to support the Gabonese behaviour and the production warming. the leading journal Science, understanding these impacts. government’s aim to find who completed her of leaves, fruit and flowers of The research team in the showing that fruit production Although a tragic story, it is effective management solutions doctoral studies over 1,000 individual trees. Faculty of Natural Sciences, has crashed across the Lopé an important one. Today the as rapidly as possible. under venerated She noted the temperature, together with colleagues from forest, with climatic drivers national Elephant Protection This case study is testimony behavioural scientist humidity and rainfall every day the Gabon National Parks being the most likely cause of Strategy is changing to include to Stirling’s engagement Dr Jane Goodall, went without fail. At the time no Agency, have continued to the change. Elephants now focus on assessing the impacts in Gabon. The long term one else was engaging with have to search five times harder to Africa to carry out collect the data. The resulting of disease and nutrition, and on approach and our attention nature in this way but these datasets held at The Station for fruiting trees and find less ensuring landscape connectivity, to excellence in natural a pioneering census small actions have had major d’Etudes des Gorilles et fruit when they get there. so that elephants can search history ensure that we ask the on how gorillas and significance in creating the Chimpanzes at Lopé are now Elephants are generally thinner for their food. Crop raiding right questions and use our chimpanzees interact in data for understanding and recognised as a precious global than they were 20 years ago, mitigation measures include quantitative science to answer the wild. predicting climate change. asset, as the only unbroken which is likely to result in habitat enrichment rather than robustly, using our outstanding In 1993, Caroline published record of 40 years of local fewer pregnancies, higher relying on elephant barriers. datasets. Our research has Gabon was the natural location her analysis showing that weather and concomitant infant mortality and lower Anti-poaching strategies must produced relevant evidence to study ape ecology and how temperature was controlling ecological change in the whole longevity. Disease, parasites identify and protect key feeding that is informing proactive they search for food. Caroline flowering in several species, African tropics. and stress all also increase as grounds. Stirling now has PhD policies on the ground.

28 29 Meet the academic Meet the academic

Hobbies Platform, where we are scaling It is only by collectively co- Andrew Tyler, Music – piano, cooking, down our satellite Earth developing solutions that we will cycling, running (although observation capability to the unlock the climate challenge so I’m slower than my wife), catchment scale of the Firth of our work with industry, statutory Professor of hillwalking, gardening and Forth. The technology coupled agencies and communities is family time. with sensors, modelling and really important. On a larger Environmental AI is enabling us, for the first scale, we are now the key Favourite book? time, to deliver near real time partner on a new EU Horizon Cold Comfort Farm by Stella now-casting and forecasting 2020 project working with 37 Science FRSE Gibbons. I think this is the of water quality and quantity partners around the world on book that made me genuinely thereby bringing environmental a project to clean up the Black laugh out loud! intelligence into the heart of Sea, and ensure the ‘once most If you had a superpower, decision making. This new polluted ocean in the world’ what would it be? knowledge is driving solutions is valued and can drive Blue to climate resilience, innovation Growth opportunities. This The power of laughter! It opportunities for net zero, too will deliver real innovation brings people together, builds promoting biodiversity and opportunities for Scotland and bonds and benefits our health driving the Green Recovery. the UK. and wellbeing.

Who is your hero? Andrew Tyler is the academic Andrew with Matthew Blake There is no other, Sir David (BSc Hons Environmental Science 2014) lead for the new £22m Scottish Attenborough. International Environment Centre. Proudest moment? Getting married of course and the birth of my two sons. Andrew leads the Earth and Dundee, and his PhD is from pathogens and microplastic How about ‘career Planetary Observation Research the University of Glasgow, pollution and the development highlight’ to date? Group, pioneering the use of developing helicopter-based of pioneering methods Receiving the Order of Cultural Earth observation technologies gamma spectrometry capability exploiting satellite-based Earth Merit from the President for quantifying water quality and in the wake of the Chernobyl observation for assessment of Romania for leadership water quantity at local and global accident. and change detection in forest in building the DANUBIUS- scales. He also leads the ISO biomass and water quality. RI pan-European Research What motivates you 17025 accredited Environmental We monitor over 50% of Infrastructure on River-Sea Radioactivity Laboratory, which every morning? the world’s freshwater lakes Systems. supports the activities of SEPA Working with my phenomenal to understand how these and other UK Environment colleagues on research and environments are responding Your passion to tackle Regulators. He was recently innovation projects including to climate changes. Our biodiversity and zero appointed to the Scottish Water carbon-related research from teams and partners tackle carbon challenges is clear. Hydronation Chair. the mountains of tropical Asia global challenges on a What are you working on Andrew joined Stirling in to Arctic tundra and projects daily basis, and knowing right now? 1994. He studied Geological on forest restoration and that we are making a real We have a number of European, Sciences at Aston University, climate change impacts in difference in communities, ESA and UK funded projects completed his MSc in Remote Latin America, West Africa and the environment, policy and that drive our science and its Sensing & Digital Image Europe. We are world-leading industry is truly motivational impact. One exciting project is Processing at the University of in research into water quality, and inspiring. Scotland’s first Green Recovery

30 31 Faculty of Natural Sciences Faculty of Natural Sciences New research into resilience Remembering an of Scots pine inspirational lady Kate Howie was a much loved teacher and respected colleague As extreme droughts are expected to become more frequent and bring greater consequences, it who sadly died in January 2020. During lockdown a fund was is vital that we understand how trees respond to and recover from such events. PhD researcher established to create the Kate Howie Memorial Prize for the Tom Ovenden has explored the impact of drought on Scots pine in the British Ecological Society’s best performance in a statistics module in Mathematics, and Journal of Ecology. congratulations go to the first recipient, Annie Sinclair BSc 2020. Kate joined the University all, Kate will be remembered Tom’s research used dynamic This compensatory growth was occurs post-recovery, increases in in 1993 and had 27 years’ with affection by her regression to capture each sufficient to reduce estimates drought frequency and severity service. Her teaching covered family, her friends and the tree’s relationship between of drought-induced losses of could overwhelm any benefits.” the theoretical and practical generations of students she climate and growth before radial growth, meaning that the application of statistics. As a taught. drought. This relationship total impact of drought was less statistician she contributed was then combined with after nine years than after four The University received a gift to, and provided evidence for, Anyone who would like to post-drought climate data to years – the most commonly from her Will which has been many interdisciplinary research contribute to the fund, or be forecast tree growth annually considered post-drought used to purchase additional publications. She was a former invited to the tree planting for the drought year and nine period. Tom cautioned defibrillators and the Faculty member of Academic Council ceremony should contact subsequent years, representing that there was a need to will plant a tree in the Garden of and University Court. Above [email protected]. a scenario where no drought establish if compensatory Time later this year. had occurred. This allowed the growth mechanisms team to compare observed are more widespread annual growth with forecasted in other species, A clearer picture of facial blindness growth to calculate tree- regions and conditions level recovery times, quantify before drawing wider Researchers at the University have launched a three-year study into a little-known phenomenon drought impact on tree growth conclusions as to which prevents people from recognising members of their immediate family or sometimes even their and understand the implications their importance in own reflection. Judith Lowes, supported by colleagues Professor Peter Hancock and Dr Anna Bobak, for the wider forest over time. mitigating drought is leading the study into developmental prosopagnosia – sometimes referred to as ‘face blindness’. Tom said: “Crucially, we impact, warning that self-reported face recognition have severe, lifelong problems documented a pattern of “even if found to be difficulties, the team are also recognising familiar faces. In compensatory growth in the more widespread, seeking children with no some cases, people cannot latter stages of the nine- as compensatory recognition problems. recognise their immediate family, year post-drought period we growth Ms Lowes said: “We know that or even their own reflection; it considered, after the trees had necessarily face recognition abilities vary can cause difficulties in making already recovered. As a result, widely between individuals – friends; and could pose a risk some trees actually grew faster some are ‘super recognisers’, to children, if they mistake a during this post-recovery period who rarely forget a face, and at stranger for someone they than would have been expected the other end of the spectrum, know. Our research will be if drought had never occurred They are seeking children, aged between two and four children the largest published study to – meaning that the wider forest between seven and 17, to take in every hundred have real explore the rehabilitation of also recovered some of its lost part in the online study – and trouble with face recognition. children with developmental biomass.” prosopagnosia.” are appealing to parents, “‘Face blindness’ affects an teachers and educational estimated 300,000 children Find out more about the study at Enjoy Tom’s findings here: psychologists to get in touch in the UK. It is unrelated to http://stir.ac.uk/5y0 and if http://stir.ac.uk/5xx. with potential participants. As vision, intelligence and memory interested in participating contact well as testing children with – but those affected by it can [email protected].

32 33 Faculty of Natural Sciences Faculty of Natural Sciences Suzanne Ruby BA (Hons) Psychology 2014 Operations Manager at Paws for Progress When did you first get with the organisation which involved with Paws? eventually led to me stepping In my final year my studies took up into the role of Operations a particular focus on animal Manager at Paws for Progress. behaviour and welfare, with Six years on, here we are! my dissertation focusing on the capuchin monkeys at Edinburgh Can you tell us a little Zoo. My dissertation supervisor, about what Paws for the incredible Dr Hannah Progress does? Buchanan-Smith, also happened It’s a pioneering organisation to be one of the supervisors of dedicated to improving the lives Suzanne with her dog Phoebe Rebecca Leonardi’s PhD. of both people and dogs. We Ambassadog Maddie Ambassadog Paisley In partnership with the Scottish achieve this through providing Prison Service at HMP & YOI educational, therapeutic, What brought you rescue dogs involved, and What makes a good who originated as rescue Polmont, Rebecca had developed and interactive dog-assisted specialise in working with dogs before being adopted to Stirling? the UK’s first prison-based services for people most in Ambassadog? I moved to Montrose from the young people who are involved into their families. They are rescue dog training programme need of support, in prison A good Ambassadog thrives South of England when I was pet dogs first and foremost and was evaluating the impact and community settings. in the criminal justice system, or on meeting new people, loves 17, spending my last year of who live with our staff and that the programme had for We are providers of the UK’s at risk of offending behaviour. interacting with them, and is school in Scotland. Although volunteers. The one exception both the rescue dogs and the first prison-based rescue dog Our mission is to improve the confident going into different I was devastated to leave my places and settings. All our is Bravehound Paisley, who is young people taking part. To training programme, which lives and futures of vulnerable friends behind, in retrospect Ambassadogs have their own an assistance dog in training – ensure that this incredible work is mutually beneficial for the people and dogs in Scotland. I wouldn’t change a thing as find out more about her here was sustained beyond the unique personalities and I have completely fallen in Our beneficiaries experience PhD period, Paws for Progress strengths, and we tailor the http://stir.ac.uk/5y3. love with Scotland, plus the a host of positive outcomes had recently registered as a sessions that they take part in move led me to apply to the through engaging with our Community Interest Company. to suit them. How can people get University, leading me to Paws services; we particularly When Hannah mentioned that The most important thing for us involved in supporting for Progress! focus on building resilience, Paws for Progress were looking at Paws for Progress is that the your work? I had a particular interest in improving mental health, dogs actively enjoy taking part We could not do our great mental health and enjoyed my for a research assistant to work developing employability work without the support of Psychology class at school, so on the dog data that had been in the sessions and activities skills, engaging in education our volunteers, who support I decided to study Psychology collected through the PhD I that they are involved in – it’s to achieve qualifications, and us in areas such as finance, at university. When I came jumped at the chance! This was not good enough for us if the building positive relationships community fundraising, to an open day at Stirling I the perfect combination of my dogs are merely tolerating with peers, staff, and family. All quickly knew it was the place interest in Psychology and my taking part, we want them to communications, HR and these outcomes are achieved for me. I loved the way you passion for animal welfare. be actually benefiting too. impact measurement. were surrounded by nature on Having worked as a Research through working with our team If you are interested in more campus, and as an animal lover Assistant for Paws for Progress of dogs whilst learning about How many Ambassadogs information contact Suzanne at seeing all the swans, rabbits for a few months after dog training and care, building do you work with? [email protected] and squirrels around the loch graduating, I was then successful empathy, and improving animal We have six wonderful or via social media Ambassadog Mojo really sold me! in securing an internship welfare more widely. Ambassadogs at the moment, @PawsforProgress.

34 35 Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport

Students’ Liam Middleton Nicola Phillips vital role to help fight the

pandemic are just student nurses, going beyond our stage, but we rose will be able to combat what the on placement, stressing over up and put ourselves forward. world throws at us. Covid-19: essays, and dreaming of the We fought with our peers you came along 12 months ago Four hundred of our nursing students stepped up and joined the NHS day we graduate. Then without and we mustered every bit and you changed our world as frontline to put their healthcare skills to use during Covid-19. Professor Jayne warning we are dropped into of strength we had to nurse we know it, but you never took Donaldson, Dean of the Faculty, said that the students could take confidence a worldwide health pandemic! beside our qualified colleagues our love of nursing: you only from the training they received during their time at Stirling. It put all health professions and complete our duties as enhanced it. This will be one of and nurses in the forefront students at the same time. We the reasons we will not forget of the fight. We felt fear and overcame, we adapted and you when you are gone.” To The University is very proud of proud to be a student nurse their physical health, and helplessness, we cried, and we now we are still students but read more, visit Nicola’s blog all the students, and we asked and is appreciative of both the weighing up the risks of each.” cared. We faced challenges about to become nurses who http://stir.ac.uk/5y6. three of them – Andrew, Liam University staff who enabled His current placement is in an and Nicola – to share their the placements and the FVRH acute 65+ mental health ward experiences: staff who have very much made in FVRH. him feel like part of the team. Andrew Hilson (above) spent “These were some of the Elite athlete turns entrepreneur over five years as a performer Liam Middleton is a third toughest times I’ve experienced at the Edinburgh Dungeons year student on the BSc in my training however the Jack Oswald BA (Hons) 2020 who was awarded a sports scholarship, was a competitive before enrolling as a BSc (Hons) Nursing Mental amazing resilience and support tennis player, whilst also completing a degree in French and Spanish. (Hons) Adult Nursing student. Health programme. Liam’s of my colleagues has kept Now back studying an MBA, Development (SEED) accelerator Now in his third year he has first placement was in the me going. I have learned so he has founded a new cohort, and is supported in The gained placement experience community and whilst not much in the last year including company Cancha (Spanish Hive, the institution’s campus- in community nursing, elderly working directly with Covid-19 clinical skills, therapeutic skills for court), and developed an based student/graduate start- inpatient wards, dermatology positive patients, he says: and my confidence has grown innovative tennis/sporting up business incubator. He has clinic, surgical inpatient wards “The effects of isolation and immensely. Knowing that I have bag. The company launched been selected as Stirling’s 2021 and in the theatre department lockdown on peoples’ mental worked through this pandemic in December 2020 and representative for the Santander at Forth Valley Royal Hospital health was clear to see. We and been able to put my skills already has seen a promising Universities’ Entrepreneurship (FVRH). His acting skills have had to contact people over and knowledge to good use is a start to trading. Jack has Awards, a national student/ not gone to waste as he says: “I the phone rather than seeing huge confidence boost and I am benefited from the University’s young graduate start-up put on a cheery, happy, flowery them in person which makes ready to qualify later this year.” Enterprise Programme which competition. The final round persona and I can make anyone it more difficult to assess helps new-business start- takes place in Autumn 2021 and laugh. I found that useful on someone’s mental health. Keen blogger, Nicola Phillips, ups and entrepreneurs. He the successful entrepreneurs the elderly wards. It’s not Throughout the year it has has featured regularly in the is a member of the current will benefit from a prize pot of about the illness. It’s about the definitely been a balancing act media during the pandemic. Student Enterprise Enhanced £75,000. patients themselves – patient- of caring for people’s mental She shared an extract from centred care.” Andrew is very wellbeing, taking into account her blog: “One minute we For information on the Enterprise Programme, contact Sasha at [email protected].

36 37 Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport

How did #BeConnected health and wellbeing. It was services and departments to come about, and what was a monumental effort from ensure our staff and students it like to be involved in? everyone involved to move had opportunities to connect Catherine: Just before the first to an online world. As we via a programme of online lockdown in March, the fitness designed our virtual offering events during the initial team and I were thinking of we were approached by lockdown. It was great to ways in which we could help Student Support Services to assist our fitness team with any the University community stay contribute to the #BeConnected support that was needed, to engaged in physical activity. programme, which focuses ensure that we could provide With the prevalence of a global on the five ways to wellbeing an opportunity for our staff, pandemic, it was apparent that including Get Active. students and community Catherine Kerr Amy Beattie it was even more important Amy: #BeConnected was a to stay active during such a BSc (Hons) Sport and Exercise Science 2014 BA (Hons) Sports Studies 2012 for people to look after their collective effort across university difficult time.

Senior Fitness Officer Student Sport Experience Officer For the full version of this, visit http://stir.ac.uk/5x6. Find out more about #BeConnected at http://stir.ac.uk/40e. We talk to two sports graduates who have been instrumental in the University’s #BeConnected programme of events, activities and resources for staff and the community throughout the pandemic.

What brought you to work in this role and as a Amy: After working within an Stirling? Receptionist until I graduated. American Summer Camp as a Go with the flow – menstrual health in sport Catherine: I’m originally from I was considering doing a Watersports Leader, I secured Scotland is a global leader in the emerging ‘menstruation movement’, passing bills to fund Leicestershire, so the thought Masters, so I volunteered to a job as Sports Staff on board menstrual products for all in public spaces. However, policies and research on how menstruation of going on an adventure help collect data in the sports Royal Caribbean International impacts engagement in sport and physical activity is still scarce. At Stirling, Dr Sarah Zipp and her and living away from home labs. I was soon seconded into Cruise Ships which I fulfilled students have become a leading voice in the movement, shining a light on menstrual health in sport. is what drew me to Stirling. an administrative role which I for three years. I was also given That, coupled with Stirling’s did alongside studying for my the opportunity to be one of In 2020, Sarah hosted the UK’s Sarah and her students reputation for sport and the Gym Instructor and Personal the first staff to be trained as first workshop on menstruation seek to shatter the stigma campus environment, made it a Trainer qualifications. an Indoor Skydiving Instructor. in sport, funded by the of menstruation in sport. firm decision for me. An opportunity for a part With these skills, I later took a Wellcome Trust. Coaches, She has contributed work to Amy: As Stirling was and still position with Indoor Skydiving time Fitness Officer came up researchers, entrepreneurs and Celtic Football Club’s ‘On the is the place to be for studying Australia, moving to the Gold whilst I was completing an MSc students gathered to discuss Ball’ campaign for menstrual and getting involved with Coast for a year. how menstrual health impacts degree, but unfortunately I was products in football stadiums sport, it was always my number performance, participation unsuccessful. My resilience and After a great experience and an innovative campaign one choice. After visiting the and coaching. Leaders from patience paid off later down living in Australia, I made a by an Indian Premier League campus, I was blown away with all four UK sport institutes and the line and I was successful move back to cruise ships, how beautiful it was and knew several national governing cricket club to tackle the when I applied for the position before deciding to return to that was where I wanted to be bodies of sport contributed. taboo of menstruation. of full-time Fitness Officer. Not Scotland. I made this decision for my university experience. Presenters shared their ground She has also published her long after, I was promoted to as a back injury was hindering breaking work on sport and research on menstrual health What was it like to go Senior Fitness Officer and have my enjoyment and ability to menstruation in the UK, across in sport for development in since played a key role in the carry on instructing. I also had from studying at Stirling Europe, India, Japan, Nepal and low income countries. Sarah development of the University’s the desire to seek a career in to working here? Zambia. was named the 2020 Early Catherine: My working life fitness offering, and designed sport where I could make a In collaboration with Career Scholar of the Year started during my 2nd year; I the brand new fitness suite and real difference to others and numerous sport organisations, by the Journal of Sport for applied for a part time Sports strength & conditioning area wanted to rekindle my passion including Scottish Swimming, Development for her work. Assistant and I continued to that has recently opened. for student sport.

38 39 You said: we did Class notes Where are they now?

Nadia Nur, MSc Jacqueline Boland, BA International Conflict and (Hons) Journalism Studies Cooperation 2018 2017 and Joe Munro, BSc (Hons) Mathematics and its Applications 2017

Currently I am serving as a Researcher at the Center for Thank you for writing your class Genocide Studies, University of notes. If you have news to share, Dhaka, Bangladesh. I am also please contact Jennifer Forman, working as a National Expert in several EU Monitoring Missions in Alumni Relations Manager, at Bangladesh. [email protected] What do you think of our communication, volunteering, fundraising, business engagement and event v BA (Hons) Human We met at a flat party in third year, got together two weeks later, programmes? Graduates from all over the world – from 83 countries to be exact – answered the call. The Resource Management graduated together in 2017, moved feedback is already shaping our advancement calendar ensuring we meet the needs of our alumni family. 2010s and to Dundee into full time jobs, and Law 2017 have been happy there ever since. 83% plan to attend an event Chau H V Nguyen, We got engaged at Arbroath or reunion next yearPLAN TO ATTEND MSc Media and Cliffs and we’re getting married in October 2022! whilst AN EVENT OR Communications Management 2019 47% requested more REUNION virtual NEXT events. YEAR Dr Christopher Minty, PhD WHILST VALUE OUR ALUMNI SERVICES 70%83% said your university experience has 70%SAID YOUR American History 2015 ESPECIALLY CAREERS SUPPORT, helped your career UNIVERSITY REQUESTED MORE MENTORING, NETWORKING AND EXPERIENCE HAS VIRTUAL EVENTS FIND-A-FRIEND 47% HELPED YOUR CAREER INTERESTED IN A VOLUNTEERING Over 1,000 OPPORTUNITY ARE CONSIDERING Organising events, social media brand ambassador, 600+A DONATION TO THE STUDENT giving masterclasses, mentoring, providing case EXPERIENCE, INVESTING IN A PRIORITY Three months after my graduation, I studies and testimonials – so the number of alumni PROJECT, OR LEAVING A LEGACY GIFT. secured a job as a media producer in ambassadors could soon double! Ton Duc Thang University in Vietnam. After graduating with a Distinction Then Covid-19 came. I was so lucky to from a full-time MSc degree Your feedback shaped this edition: culture and heritage, ageing and dementia, climate change, alumni have my time at Stirling to understand in HRM at the University of profiles and class notes were the most popular requests. Thank you to everyone who responded. We media foundation and learn how to Strathclyde and working as a adapt to this situation. I’m assisting loved reading the wonderful memories of your time as a student, and the people who inspired you. Our part-time HR Co-ordinator at the to change the way people, especially University of Stirling, I have a I became Managing Editor of The word-cloud is dedicated to all staff, past and present. The anecdotes will be captured on the alumni blog the youth, consume media here new job as HR Officer at Mercy John Dickinson Writings Project at – covering camaraderie of student clubs and societies, enduring friendships, stories from various drinking and applying technology to help a Corps, an international, non-profit the Center for Digital Editing at the establishments, the Braveheart film premiere, Japan Week – and many more. developing country like ours. organisation, in Edinburgh. University of Virginia in March 2020.

40 41 Class notes Class notes

Essam Al Lawati, MSc Dr Brian Christopher Dr Robert Robertson, Graham Mannerings, BSc Stan Shires, BA (Hons) Bela Evers (née Kapoor), Marketing 2014 Jones, PhD Law 2012 PhD Management & (Hons) Psychology 1995 Marketing 1994 MBA 1990 Organisation 2000

I became Head of the Business I was appointed Lecturer in Law Studies Department at the University at the University of Sheffield in of Technology and Applied Sciences – January 2020. I recently had my first Nizwa and now I am doing my PhD at monograph published: Constitutional More than 30 years after graduating Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. Idolatry and Democracy: Challenging After 10 years living in the Cotswolds from Stirling, having organised a the Infatuation with Writtenness. I started Lime Entertainments in we sold our home and moved to few reunions and having worked Shuai Wang, MSc The book was published by Edward 2018, promoting my own live music a lovely village called Weston in in several international companies, International Business Elgar Publishing, and is available and DJ nights. I founded Tribus Northamptonshire. My wife’s job has I’m now up for my next challenge (Finance) 2014 via Amazon, Google Play, or via the Woda Digital record label in 2020 led to the move and with Covid-19, in life. In January, I rowed across publisher: http://stir.ac.uk/5yf. using my professional names John Jaguar Land Rover are encouraging us the Atlantic Ocean with three other Lime and The Lords of Misrule. New to all work from home. My dogs love it ladies from Holland for two causes album ‘Aphrodite’s Wish’ released as they have constant companionship. – Plastic Soup Foundation and ALS I have been reappointed to a second 13 November 2020 on all streaming When this is all over there will definitely Neuromuscular Disease. Catch up 2000s term as President of the Bahamas services. be one hell of a Stirling Reunion! Technical and Vocational Institute with our adventure or help with a donation via http://stir.ac.uk/5yi. Dr Charles Xuereb, MSc in Nassau. I was recently awarded a Dr Naomi Birdthistle, Tracy Sheard (née Smith), Media Management 2005 Graduate Diploma in International BA (Hons) Business BSc (Hons) Psychology Development by the London School

Charles Xuereb’s interest in the Maltese collective memory of Perceptions, Perspectives, Malta in British Identities after Bonaparte the French period goes back decades, to his teaching days of the France Memory Collective in the Maltese Studies 1995 1991 After graduating, I went to Japan to French language. Following an M.Sc. in Media Management from the University of Stirling, he graduated Ph.D. at the of Economics and Political Science. University of Malta (Institute of Maltese Studies) with a thesis on Maltese identity, taking Bonaparte’s tumultuous interlude on the Island (1798-1800) as a social science test case. His educational pursue a PhD. Thanks to my learning broadcasting and journalistic 45-year career proved pivotal in this exhaustive and challenging research as the media, education 1980s and text were the principal influential instruments used to shape the nation’s memory over the past two centuries with perpetuated distortions and manipulated perceptions under the experience at Stirling, my PhD aegis of British colonial rulers and the Catholic Church. Born in 1948, Xuereb is a product of the post-war waning colonial empire that gave birth to Malta’s independence in 1964. In 2011, he received the prestigious Napoleonic title of Chevalier de la Légion d’Honneur from the French Republic for his continuous Francein the efforts to promote French culture in Malta with a nostalgic John Law, BSc (Hons) application was well received by my feeling of its presence on the Island during the three-hundred- year epoch of the Knights. Dr Xuereb is a part-time lecturer at the University of Malta. Maltese Japanese supervisor who encouraged Charles Xuereb collective MeMory 1990s Environmental Science 1988 Perceptions, Perspectives, Identities after Bonaparte in British Malta me to produce my thesis in English. ISBN 978-99909-45-81-2

9 789990 945812 Charles Xuereb Malta University Press Vassiliki Mandelou, MSc Nicolas Mendoza, MSc MUP Malta University Press Banking and Finance 1998 Sustainable Aquaculture I graduated with a PhD in 2014 Philosophy from the University of Malta in 2013. My dissertation was published in two successive editions by the University of Malta Since leaving Stirling I completed in the space of six weeks in 2014 my Masters at the University of and hopefully the third edition Limerick and I proceeded to do I have had a fascinating and varied will be coming sometime soon as my PhD there. I am an Associate career in environmental work spanning it has long been out of print. I’m Professor in Entrepreneurship research, regulation, consultancy My journey to create a better seafood semi-retired although still lecture at and Business Innovation, having and policy advice. I’m just about to system started at Stirling: the University of Malta and chair the lectured in Ireland, Finland embark on a new chapter having http://stir.ac.uk/5y9. University radio editorial board. and now at Griffith University, I’m currently taking a small break accepted a post as Climate Change I’ve recently Co-Founded a group Australia. My niece, Daisy Davie from working (most recently as HR and Environmental Project Officer intended to further focus efforts on is studying French and English at Director for the Energy Business at Ryedale District Council in North changing the seafood industry for the Stirling as part of the 2020 intake. within Lloyds Register) in Aberdeen. Yorkshire. I have three wonderful better called http://stir.ac.uk/5yc. In the year of lockdown I took up children and a wonderful partner and The education and global network I open water swimming – you might two springer spaniels. My time at Stirling I am currently accepted by the developed at the University of Stirling remember me from my days in the remains precious to me. I made some Open University in Greece as a Institute of Aquaculture has been swimming pool? I’m keen to get great friends and had a really wonderful PhD student in Mentoring in Greek pivotal in this journey! a reunion organised in the next four years which helped set me up for a Universities. This is a dream since couple of years, so anyone who rewarding and fulfilling career doing I was a postgraduate student, 22 remembers me is welcome! my bit to take care of our world. years ago that will come true.

42 43 Class notes Class notes

Heather Savage, Colin Campbell, BA (Hons) Neale Jennings, BA Rajesh Hiremath, Diploma Dr Leslie Smith, BA (Hons) BA General 1987 Sociology 1985 Religious Studies 1983 1970s Industrial Economics 1975 Chemistry 1973 David Lloyd, BA (Hons) English 1978

Amongst other things, I was a drummer on cruise ships. I developed my own dance method. I went to the USA for PhD. Post Visit me at http://stir.ac.uk/5yl. Doc in Geneva then fragrance/ cosmetic industry in Belgium, I’ve retired from my roles as a Billy Wilson, BA (Hons) Switzerland, USA and France. vocational trainer in community Retired in Switzerland and now back Economics 1981 I completed my Masters in services and counselling, Community in beautiful Princeton, NJ with my Agricultural Mechanisation at the Coordinator Youth Mental in Since I graduated, after a year as After a long career in public wife Leslie. Recently started work National College of Agricultural Western Sydney. I now live in Sports Union President, I spent relations, I retired to Devon five again as Chief Scientific Officer with Engineering at Silsoe. I live in Galicia, Spain, where I’m restoring over a decade in various parts of years ago. I took a late MA at the a start-up fragrance company. Keeps Edinburgh and voluntarily teach an old farmhouse and teaching America, where I got a degree in University of Exeter and am now a bit of the dust off my brain. robotics and computer programming English part-time while I complete Civil Engineering and travelled or writing a novel and a short story to children from ages six to 12. three literary projects. lived and worked in over 40 States. I collection. John Short (aka Sean), BA have also lived and worked in Nepal, (Hons) Economics 1971 Donald Stewart, the Philippines and Singapore. After Dr Janet Lee, BA (Hons) Very Rev Colin Sinclair, BA BA Film & Media Studies a year in California, I ended up in (Hons) Economics 1974 I’m currently enjoying the fruits of Sociology 1976 and Philosophy 1986 Australia where my kids have grown up and I’m contentedly retired. my labour after almost 40 years of toil with Wood Mackenzie, Bankers Jonas Berwick, Trust and HSBC. Living in Bathgate, BA English 1984 still looking back at a great period of my life – ‘The Grange’, Pathfoot discos, Two Tone Tours and Cottrell Building occupations.

Hamish Steedman, I was the Founding President After 30 years in retail management, BA Economics 1980 of the Sports Union. I spent the and working in a clerical role for a first lockdown writing Applied major banking group I finally got a job Economics: Public Financial in the heritage sector. I am a steward, Management and Development and it is a job I love. I get to engage based on my work in 60 countries. people with my enthusiasm for history, I’m a professor of Women, Gender, I just completed a year as Moderator Now seeking a publisher! Regarding heritage, environment and wildlife. and Sexuality Studies at Oregon State of the General Assembly of the University, where I teach courses on Church of Scotland. For my last two sport, I was inducted into the gender and feminism. My research months in office after my diary was Newcastle Rugby Hall of Fame focuses on early 20th century social wiped out in March last year, Ruth in April 2017. Here I am with my I came to Atlanta, GA in 1985. I and literary histories. I would love to and I found ourselves presenting daughter Juliet. started my own Private Detective connect with fellow classmates from a daily reflection to an average of agency, Delve Information, and have the 1970s! Contact me on: over 10,000 views – a different since retired. I have three great boys [email protected] and congregation! I thought you might like this photo and I live a nice simple life, with a http://stir.ac.uk/5yo. nice home, and a nicer dog. I am in for class notes. Richie Ramsay regular contact with friends from (professional golfer and class Stirling, and all of us who are about of 2007) and I met up at the to turn sixty cannot believe that it Sportsman’s Charity Fundraising has been that long. Dinner in Edinburgh before the Six Nations Rugby in February last year.

44 45 Tribute to a benefactor Condolences University pays tribute to The University regrets to announce the following deaths: His Royal Highness The Prince Wee Beng Yan, MBA Retailing & Linda Quinn, BA Sociology 1974 Dame Diana Rigg: 1938-2020 Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, Founding Wholesaling 2000 Professor John Bowers, Stirling benefactor to the University’s Foundation Dr Petra Susan Kidd, PhD Biology Management School Fund Appeal in 1966 1999 Helen Beale, retired member of staff Thomas (Scott) Morrison, BA (Hons) Dr Hamish MacInnes, DUniv 1997 from Department of Languages (French) We were deeply saddened in September with the death of our former Politics 2019 John Deuchars, BA (Hons) German David Eccles, former football coach and Chancellor, Dame Diana Rigg. She is remembered as a significant figure in our Antonio Tchivela, MSc Sustainable 1996 player at the University in the late 1980s history due to her unwavering support and commitment during her tenure as Aquaculture 2019 Bhaskar Dandona, BA (Hons) Film & Kate Howie, Teaching Fellow in Tony Mcdowall, BA (Hons) Business Media Studies 1995 Computing Science and Mathematics Chancellor. Studies 2013 Alan Watson, MSc Technology Division Dame Diana was a Tony, Emmy Jolene Shortt, BSc Nursing 2013 Management 1994 Mrs Marjory McLachlan, former Norman Whelan, MSc Dementia Professor Sena de Silva, DSc Lord-Lieutenant of Stirling and Falkirk and BAFTA award-winning Studies 2012 Aquaculture 1989 and member of University Conference actress of stage and screen, Dr Graham Stewart, DUniv 2010 Sterling Dlamini, BA Economics 1984 Gordon Peacock, former University becoming a household name Adam Pattinson, BA (Hons) Sports Dr Arfah Salleh, BA Accountancy Librarian who worked at Stirling from in the 1960s as karate-kicking Studies 2009 1983 1966 to 1988 Emma Peel in The Avengers. Dr James Bexley, PhD Philosophy 2006 Alastair Sime, BA (Hons) English/ Dr Winston Pertaub, retired member She went on to play the Maureen Blair, BA General 2003 Philosophy 1982 of staff and former Head of Spanish only woman who became Bob Korol, MBA Public Service Graeme Robertson, BA Business Department Management 2002 Studies 1981 Dame Diana Rigg, former University Mrs James Bond in the 1969 Dr Nikos Steiropoulos, MSc Aquatic John Hein, class of 1979 Chancellor from 1998 to 2008 filmOn Her Majesty’s Secret Veterinary Studies 2001 Dr Rachel Filinson, MSc Psychology Jim Struthers, retired Superintendent Service. More recently, she William Clark, MA 2001 1979 of Gardens and Grounds reached new generations of fans starring as Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones, and playing Mrs Pumphrey in the Contacting friends 2020 adaption of All Creatures Great and Small. She also Geri Fitzgerald, Visiting Student 1974 would like to get in touch with her fellow AKD housemates starred alongside her daughter, including Kate Wilde, Emma Fletcher and Margaret Cooper who were all first year students in 1973 and actress Rachael Stirling, in graduated in 1976. the Doctor Who episode The Kevin Mulvey, BA English 1976 – looking for William MacLean, BA History 1976 and Deirdre Bruce (née Crimson Horror and again in the Hill), BA DipEd Biology/Education 1976. William is from Aberdeenshire and relocated to Texas for work, and Detectorists series. perhaps retired in Scotland. Deirdre is from Dunbartonshire and spent some time in Northern Ireland and The actress moved to the Aberdeen. Stirling area in the 1980s and Barbara Caras, exchange student 1987, is looking to reconnect with David Jackson, BSc (Hons) was an active member of the Computing Science 1987, and her former flatmates Judy and Morag who graduated in 1988. local community; serving as Chieftain of the Bridge of Allan Keeping in touch Highland Games and holding campaign before officially University’s fourth Chancellor opening the refurbished Centre in October 1998. Over the You can catch up with olf friends via social media. Follow the links from www.stir.ac.uk/alumni and update your contact preferences the roles of patron of the You can catch up with old friends via social media. Follow the links from www.stir.ac.uk/alumni in 2002. next decade she conferred at http://stir.ac.uk/21d or email [email protected] Twitter @stirAlumni Facebook Stirling University Alumni LinkedIn University of Stirling and District Association and update your contact preferences at http://stir.ac.uk/21d or email [email protected]. degrees on over 23,000 alumni Stirling Alumni - Official Group Instagram Stiralumni of Mental Health, and Chair Dame Diana received an of the Macrobert Arts Centre Honorary Doctorate from the who remember her charisma committee. She spearheaded University in November 1988 and charm at their graduation Macrobert’s fundraising before being installed as the ceremonies.

46 47 Alumni events Alumni events

Colin Fleming, Catherine Cameron and Billy Gilmour, Harry Adam and Mark Hagen A Royal reward celebration Mark Wells at the House of Lords

The University’s Chancellor, Lord Jack McConnell of Glenscorrodale, hosted a splendid reception on 20 February 2020 to celebrate the University’s Institute of Aquaculture being awarded the Queen’s Anniversary Prize. It was a wonderful occasion with many reminders of reasons to be proud of the University. There was a lot of goodwill in the room to help the University with its vision for the next 10 years through direct support, networking and influence to ensure we fulfil our ambitious plans for the future. Little did we know this was our last physical reception before the pandemic affected us all! Eric Forward, Anna Marekwica and Sir Michael Hirst, Kerry Bryson and George Martin Robert Kilgour

Principal and Vice-Chancellor Gerry Alan McDonald, Jen Forman and Aquaculture group McCormac and Professor Selina Stead Dougie Watt

48 49 Advancement update Advancement update

Your Stirling: our £500k raised for Zooming around thank you Bridge: a Our alumni help us every day In a year like no other, all alumni events, reunions and even Graduation ceremonies were MindSport for all with their time, treasure and cancelled. As the world went online we realised that you don’t have to meet in person to stay talent raising over £2 million last close. 2020 was the year that we acquired new digital skills and hosted a series of inaugural year. This year we held a virtual virtual career and networking events. thank you celebration event to Graduating in tough times how his role as a student Hons Politics 2017) from update and thank our donors and supporters using our new Alumni from the Class of 2008/9 ambassador helped kickstart his The Grail, Scott Morrison Stirling Alumni YouTube Channel. led new webinars. Carolyn career; Ally talked about how he (BA Hons Business Studies (note: we really did have to Bishop (BA Hons Film & Media got his first job as a BBC Radio and Marketing 2019) from learn new skills, and proper lighting and a steady hand really are and Marketing 2009), Ryan 1 DJ; and Aleksandra discussed Budweiser and Cat Parnell EVERYTHING!). You can view the thank you messages from staff The Sociology of MindSport Duncan (BA Hons Business continuing with postgraduate (BA Hons Politics 2008) who and students around the University at http://stir.ac.uk/5yu. is an emerging academic field study. The session provided hope, Studies and Marketing 2009), owns The House of Mouse which considers wellbeing, inspiration and advice for the Ally McCrae (BA Hons Film & entertained an audience healthy ageing and social Media 2009) and Dr Aleksandra Class of 2020. Santander marks a Stirling from USA, Canada, Nigeria, connection as experienced Webb (MSc Management 2008 Germany and France, and Sport achievement through bridge. The and PhD 2015) all entered the Shaken or stirred? those closer to campus. Topics To mark The Times and Sunday Times Good intergenerational approach labour market in the aftermath The Christmas Cocktail Hour ranged from favourite recipes, University Guide’s Sports University of the is already inspiring a new of the financial crisis. Carolyn was a lively chat with alumni whether or not to shake a Year, Santander supported 22 scholarships generation of players to covered graduate schemes experts from the drinks martini, recommendations which were awarded to worthy recipients in engage with this stimulating and her role at Skyscanner; industry perfectly paired with for non-alcoholic tipples, Ryan, Head of International our cheese specialist. Luke football, swimming, golf, triathlon and karate. mindsport. If you want to find Recruitment and Marketing Fenton (BA Hons International and advice on storing your The Santander scholarships were linked to out more or make a donation for The Liverpool Institute for Politics 2014) of Kinrara cheeses. Find our webinars on the widening access programme, and covered please contact Professor Sam Performing Arts and discussed Distillery, Rachel Grant (BA http://stir.ac.uk/5zc. sporting competition expenses and living costs. Punch [email protected]. Calling all golfers A gift for tomorrow Leaving a legacy to the Launch of the Brig Digital Archive University, regardless of the amount, could fund Funded by the Stirling Fund and the generosity of founding editor Paul research into climate Martin (BA Hons 1973), this new resource is a unique student-focused change, ageing and history of campus life through the decades as seen through the pages of dementia or global Brig, the student newspaper. food security. A legacy A team of student volunteers worked with University Archivist, Karl Magee, could support student 2021 marks the 40th anniversary of Stirling’s to digitise and catalogue the first 25 years of the newspaper, beginning hardship, scholarships, Golf Scholarship Programme. To celebrate with the first issue published in October 1969. During summer 2020 the or contribute to a our Golf AmAm, a 4-ball competition (3 #BrigInColour campaign shared highlights from the archive as part of the players + 1 Golf Scholar), will take place on capital project that improves the student University’s wider #BeConnected programme. Visit the digital archive at 17 September 2021 at, and supported by, experience. Leaving a legacy to the University is the http://stir.ac.uk/5yr. Gleneagles. It will be hosted by Ryder Cup highest honour the institution will receive. For those A huge thank you to all our alumni and friends who have donated to the Stirling Fund. Fourteen Captain and European Tour Player Dr Bernard that have done so, it was their way of thanking Stirling projects which enhance the student experience were supported in the last round. Gallacher, OBE DUniv 2017. All proceeds will for creating opportunities. Your gift would create be directed to the Golf Scholarships. Book opportunities too. Contact [email protected] to your space with Alex on [email protected]. request a copy of the legacy brochure.

50 51 You shop – Amazon gives The University of Stirling is now a designated charity with Smile Amazon, and Amazon will donate 0.5% of the net purchase price of your purchases (excluding VAT, returns, shipping fees) to the University, at no cost to you. It’s the same Amazon products, prices and services but by shopping via https://smile.amazon.co.uk/ch/SC011159 you can opt to support a charity, including the University of Stirling. The Advancement office will direct all proceeds from Amazon to the University’s Student Hardship Fund. If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

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